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Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream
A small-town bartender juggles motherhood and a sexual awakening in this heartwarming queer friends-to-lovers romance from the author of Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review.
Cash Delgado has a good life in the quaint town of Ridley Falls. She has Joyce’s Bar, where she manages a familiar group of regulars and emcees the ever-popular Karaoke Thursday. She has her six-year-old daughter, Parker, whose spunky attitude always keeps life interesting. And she has her best friend, Inez O’Conner, who improves Cash’s sometimes overly responsible outlook with one full of joy and potential.
But change is on the horizon when Chase Stanton, the former bar manager at Joyce’s (not to mention Cash’s last hookup), returns to town with business prospects that could threaten the local institution and all of Cash’s plans to someday bring new life to the place. And if that isn’t enough, Cash starts having very intimate dreams of Inez. Dreams that could threaten the foundation of her well-ordered life.
As Cash embarks on a reluctant journey of self-discovery, she’s forced to confront all the ways she’s been hiding in her own life. But will she choose to remain the same, or will the desire for love (even a love that looks different than she ever imagined) prove worth the risk?
Cash Delgado has a good life in the quaint town of Ridley Falls. She has Joyce’s Bar, where she manages a familiar group of regulars and emcees the ever-popular Karaoke Thursday. She has her six-year-old daughter, Parker, whose spunky attitude always keeps life interesting. And she has her best friend, Inez O’Conner, who improves Cash’s sometimes overly responsible outlook with one full of joy and potential.
But change is on the horizon when Chase Stanton, the former bar manager at Joyce’s (not to mention Cash’s last hookup), returns to town with business prospects that could threaten the local institution and all of Cash’s plans to someday bring new life to the place. And if that isn’t enough, Cash starts having very intimate dreams of Inez. Dreams that could threaten the foundation of her well-ordered life.
As Cash embarks on a reluctant journey of self-discovery, she’s forced to confront all the ways she’s been hiding in her own life. But will she choose to remain the same, or will the desire for love (even a love that looks different than she ever imagined) prove worth the risk?
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2024
18 people are currently reading
7632 people want to read
About the author
Tehlor Kay Mejia
21 books1,182 followersTEHLOR KAY MEJIA (he/him) is a bestselling and award winning author of books for all ages.
His debut young adult novel, WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE, received six starred reviews, as well as the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction. It has been featured on Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine’s best books lists, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal.
Tehlor’s debut middle grade novel, PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS, was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. It received four starred reviews, and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range.
Tehlor strives to create stories which showcase the importance of community, radical inclusion, and abolitionist values. He lives with his child, wife, and two dogs in his home state of Oregon, and is active on Instagram @tehlorkay.
His debut young adult novel, WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE, received six starred reviews, as well as the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction. It has been featured on Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine’s best books lists, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal.
Tehlor’s debut middle grade novel, PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS, was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. It received four starred reviews, and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range.
Tehlor strives to create stories which showcase the importance of community, radical inclusion, and abolitionist values. He lives with his child, wife, and two dogs in his home state of Oregon, and is active on Instagram @tehlorkay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
September 8, 2025
Not the same vibes at all, but I loved Tehlor's LUCHA OF THE NIGHT FOREST. And like everything else I've read recently, I sort of read this out of order with its companion piece, SAMMY ESPINOZA'S LAST REVIEW.
I guess I didn't realize this was sapphic friends-to-lovers, which is one of my favorite genres within the queer scope. Cash is living the straightest existence known to humankind in Ridley Falls. She manages Joyce's Bar and her six-year-old daughter, Parker. Her best friend, Inez, is a lesbian. You know where this is going.
I loved nearly every minute of this. While both books by Tehlor that I read span different genres, they are easily becoming a must-buy author. After I finish my disordered reading order, I will look for more from them.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Dell
I guess I didn't realize this was sapphic friends-to-lovers, which is one of my favorite genres within the queer scope. Cash is living the straightest existence known to humankind in Ridley Falls. She manages Joyce's Bar and her six-year-old daughter, Parker. Her best friend, Inez, is a lesbian. You know where this is going.
I loved nearly every minute of this. While both books by Tehlor that I read span different genres, they are easily becoming a must-buy author. After I finish my disordered reading order, I will look for more from them.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Dell
August 17, 2024
It's never too late to discover who you are--that's the message behind Tehlor Kay Mejia's latest. Cash Delgado has made a predictable life for herself in Ridley Falls, running Joyce's Bar, devoting herself to her six-year-old daughter, Parker, and hanging out with her best friend, Inez. Her busy schedule leaves her little time for herself, including dating or thinking about her dreams of expanding Joyce's.
When Joyce's Bar is threatened by a chain, Cash has to consider what she really wants. Especially when she starts having romantic dreams about Inez. Tehlor Kay Mejia creates a lovely and moving story about learning who you are and growing to be okay with that realization. As they do, they introduce us to Cash, who starts to question her sexuality after some racy dreams. Not only does Cash start to wonder about whom she loves, but she has to grapple with the idea that she's living life solely for Parker, instead of herself--and is that, in fact, the message she wants to send to her daughter?
Cash can be a bit frustrating at times, but I'll grant that she's going through a lot--single parenthood, identity issues, job stress. I did wish she would communicate more, especially with Iris. So many of the problems could have been worked through with a little more honesty. The story stutters a bit when Cash goes too much into self-actualization mode; it's far better when it focuses on action and the supporting cast. Inez, an out lesbian, is an excellent character, along with a cast of friends and family who live with her on her farm. It makes for a wonderful and diverse story.
Tehlor Kay Mejia does a strong job of building up longing and tension through Cash and Inez's friendship, using dreams and fantasies to create tension before any sort of romance ever happens. Inez and Cash's budding relationship takes place against the backdrop of Joyce's Bar, where they both work--a local institution the two must join together to save. This gives the story more depth and allows for the entrance of a variety of small town characters.
Overall this is a really cute romance with a diverse cast and an engaging plot.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dell in return for an unbiased review.
When Joyce's Bar is threatened by a chain, Cash has to consider what she really wants. Especially when she starts having romantic dreams about Inez. Tehlor Kay Mejia creates a lovely and moving story about learning who you are and growing to be okay with that realization. As they do, they introduce us to Cash, who starts to question her sexuality after some racy dreams. Not only does Cash start to wonder about whom she loves, but she has to grapple with the idea that she's living life solely for Parker, instead of herself--and is that, in fact, the message she wants to send to her daughter?
Cash can be a bit frustrating at times, but I'll grant that she's going through a lot--single parenthood, identity issues, job stress. I did wish she would communicate more, especially with Iris. So many of the problems could have been worked through with a little more honesty. The story stutters a bit when Cash goes too much into self-actualization mode; it's far better when it focuses on action and the supporting cast. Inez, an out lesbian, is an excellent character, along with a cast of friends and family who live with her on her farm. It makes for a wonderful and diverse story.
Tehlor Kay Mejia does a strong job of building up longing and tension through Cash and Inez's friendship, using dreams and fantasies to create tension before any sort of romance ever happens. Inez and Cash's budding relationship takes place against the backdrop of Joyce's Bar, where they both work--a local institution the two must join together to save. This gives the story more depth and allows for the entrance of a variety of small town characters.
Overall this is a really cute romance with a diverse cast and an engaging plot.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dell in return for an unbiased review.
Read
June 29, 2024Your enjoyment of Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream will depend heavily on how you feel about reading hundreds of pages of a truly oblivious queer main character. The kind of character who googles, “Can you be straight and have a sex dream about your female best friend?” “Can you be straight and have sex dreams about a woman every night?” “Can you be straight and want to kiss a woman?” Personally, I had a lot of sympathy for Cash’s heteronormativity-poisoned brain, so I had a great time listening to the audiobook narrated by E. A. Castillo.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
April 24, 2024
Thank you Penguin Random House for giving me an early copy of Cash Delgado is Living the Dream!
This was a cute, easy read. Cash’s daughter was adorable and I loved every scene she was in. What a cutie pie. And we love lesbians finding love, of course.
The one thing that brought the rating down for me personally was that I didn’t feel much chemistry between Cash and Inez. It takes a while for Cash to figure out what she wants, so their romantic connection doesn’t have much room to develop early on.
On a completely different note, I hate singing scenes on principle, and as this is a karaoke bar, there’s definitely some of that. But that’s a personal grudge! 😂 Goddamn you, Wonderwall.
Cash Delgado is Living the Dream is out July 2nd!
This was a cute, easy read. Cash’s daughter was adorable and I loved every scene she was in. What a cutie pie. And we love lesbians finding love, of course.
The one thing that brought the rating down for me personally was that I didn’t feel much chemistry between Cash and Inez. It takes a while for Cash to figure out what she wants, so their romantic connection doesn’t have much room to develop early on.
On a completely different note, I hate singing scenes on principle, and as this is a karaoke bar, there’s definitely some of that. But that’s a personal grudge! 😂 Goddamn you, Wonderwall.
Cash Delgado is Living the Dream is out July 2nd!
May 5, 2025
I love stories about people who have a sexual awakening later in their lives and this was no different.
Being in Cash's head was equal parts funny and frustrating because I had to watch her go back and forth struggling to understand if she was actually attracted to Inez or if she was just fetishist and it was the realest thing ever!! I loved her so much and the author did amazing with making Cash's relief and freedom feel real once she'd realized she was a lesbian.
The small town, Inez and Parker the little cutie were all parts of the story that made me smile so hard. E.A. Castillo also did amazing with the narration, literally breathed so much life into the story.
Being in Cash's head was equal parts funny and frustrating because I had to watch her go back and forth struggling to understand if she was actually attracted to Inez or if she was just fetishist and it was the realest thing ever!! I loved her so much and the author did amazing with making Cash's relief and freedom feel real once she'd realized she was a lesbian.
The small town, Inez and Parker the little cutie were all parts of the story that made me smile so hard. E.A. Castillo also did amazing with the narration, literally breathed so much life into the story.
August 6, 2024
i thought this was a really sweet self discovery book! it shows that you can discover parts of yourself at any age and you don’t have to explain it to anyone. i loved it
June 21, 2025
#️⃣3️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 ⛈️⚡🚨
Date : 📢 Saturday, June 21, 2025 🍙⚔️
Word Count📃: 78k Words 🏕️
──★ ˙💥🪨💣🪨💥 ̟ ⋆✮˚.*⋆
ദ്ദി ≽^⎚˕⎚^≼ .ᐟ My 39th read in "Explosive Impactful Reads June"
1️⃣🌟, GROW A GARDEN SUMMER UPDATEE!!!!!!!, I WAS THEREEEEEEE, JUST RIGHT NOWWWWW🌞 21 MILLION ACTIVE PLAYERS WORLD RECORDDD❗❕❕❕❗❕‼️
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Oh wait you're looking for the book review?
No thanks 😁😁😁 this author just did an all time low when it comes to their writing quality. Four books into this author's discography (i know that's not really the correct term for books written by the author, that's more reserved for music albums and ep's but bear with me here) in this book is where he was one of the weakest characters ever in his career.
I have also now noticed a particular very prominent characteristic similarities in all the books I've read by this author (which i am forced to read all books by this author because of a reading challenge) that SHE ABSOLUTELY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO WRITE A STORY.
because girl......where is it~~~literally explain to me what the overarching story is other than all of our characters just go in on cafe's and restaurants and bars and shit 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ i've noticed that on three (maybe all 4) books I've read already.
My favorite characters are Mo and Charlie because both of them know how to be a nothingburger character, 🙄🙄🙄 because all of our main characters clearly don't know how to be an absolute bland, basic ahh sterotypical queer people. 😒😒😒 Add to that the stereotypical 6-year-old, and the stereotypical bully that got karma in the end. (There is also another thing that i've noticed, why is bullying such a repeating theme in these, can't he write about another topic other than this?).
@TEHLOR KAY MEJIA please don't write romance books ever again, you suck at making memorable characters that fail to escape the inevitable basicness and their stereotypes, there is also the god awful nonexistent chemistry between them, making all of the characters interact just that with each other doesn't mean that is automatically good chemistry.
Date : 📢 Saturday, June 21, 2025 🍙⚔️
Word Count📃: 78k Words 🏕️
──★ ˙💥🪨💣🪨💥 ̟ ⋆✮˚.*⋆
ദ്ദി ≽^⎚˕⎚^≼ .ᐟ My 39th read in "Explosive Impactful Reads June"
1️⃣🌟, GROW A GARDEN SUMMER UPDATEE!!!!!!!, I WAS THEREEEEEEE, JUST RIGHT NOWWWWW🌞 21 MILLION ACTIVE PLAYERS WORLD RECORDDD❗❕❕❕❗❕‼️
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Oh wait you're looking for the book review?
No thanks 😁😁😁 this author just did an all time low when it comes to their writing quality. Four books into this author's discography (i know that's not really the correct term for books written by the author, that's more reserved for music albums and ep's but bear with me here) in this book is where he was one of the weakest characters ever in his career.
I have also now noticed a particular very prominent characteristic similarities in all the books I've read by this author (which i am forced to read all books by this author because of a reading challenge) that SHE ABSOLUTELY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO WRITE A STORY.
because girl......where is it~~~literally explain to me what the overarching story is other than all of our characters just go in on cafe's and restaurants and bars and shit 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ i've noticed that on three (maybe all 4) books I've read already.
My favorite characters are Mo and Charlie because both of them know how to be a nothingburger character, 🙄🙄🙄 because all of our main characters clearly don't know how to be an absolute bland, basic ahh sterotypical queer people. 😒😒😒 Add to that the stereotypical 6-year-old, and the stereotypical bully that got karma in the end. (There is also another thing that i've noticed, why is bullying such a repeating theme in these, can't he write about another topic other than this?).
@TEHLOR KAY MEJIA please don't write romance books ever again, you suck at making memorable characters that fail to escape the inevitable basicness and their stereotypes, there is also the god awful nonexistent chemistry between them, making all of the characters interact just that with each other doesn't mean that is automatically good chemistry.
March 20, 2024
Pub date: July 2, 2024
Spice: 🌶️
Read if you like:
-PNW setting
-strong single moms
-best friends to lovers
-small town romance
-rom-coms
-second chances
-found family
-dirty dreams 😉
-live music/karaoke + bar vibes
-parents who allow their kids full freedom of expression
Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream is a sapphic romance about hope, second chances, and the importance of community. A small-town bar owner and single mom, Cash, is juggling motherhood and a new romance. She’s independent, hardworking, and doing the best she can. She is trying to build a future for her daughter, Parker. And her queer bestie, Inez, is along for the ride with her. Then, Chase, an old “fling” comes back to town with plans to open another bar, which would mean major competition for Joyce’s, Cash’s bar. Cash decides that she wants to do reservations and save the bar! And it’s definitely worth checking out! You will love these characters! I promise!
This was funny, hot, and incredibly sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed the small-town setting, Ridley Falls in the PNW. I seriously want to live there and be friends with all of the locals. The friendship between Cash and Inez is incomparable. We all NEED an Inez. She cracked me up the entire time.
The chapters were short with just the right amount of detail to keep me hooked. This was such a quick read because I was so intrigued to see which the direction the story was going to go. Tehlor’s writing made me fall in love with these characters and wish more than anything that they were real.
Rep:
-lesbian
-bisexual
-non-binary
-half Mexican FMC
-anxiety
-two dads/two moms as parents
Trigger warnings: homophobia, bigotry
Final thoughts: I’m obsessed with these characters and this story. I have absolutely no complaints. It was perfect to me. AND I need a producer to pick this up and make it a movie ASAP! The ending made me tear up. It was so sweet! I will 100% be reading Tehlor’s other books.
If you’re looking for a queer sworn-worthy romance, please consider adding this to your TBR!
Thank you to Tehlor Kay Mejia, Random House, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest voluntary review!
Spice: 🌶️
Read if you like:
-PNW setting
-strong single moms
-best friends to lovers
-small town romance
-rom-coms
-second chances
-found family
-dirty dreams 😉
-live music/karaoke + bar vibes
-parents who allow their kids full freedom of expression
Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream is a sapphic romance about hope, second chances, and the importance of community. A small-town bar owner and single mom, Cash, is juggling motherhood and a new romance. She’s independent, hardworking, and doing the best she can. She is trying to build a future for her daughter, Parker. And her queer bestie, Inez, is along for the ride with her. Then, Chase, an old “fling” comes back to town with plans to open another bar, which would mean major competition for Joyce’s, Cash’s bar. Cash decides that she wants to do reservations and save the bar! And it’s definitely worth checking out! You will love these characters! I promise!
This was funny, hot, and incredibly sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed the small-town setting, Ridley Falls in the PNW. I seriously want to live there and be friends with all of the locals. The friendship between Cash and Inez is incomparable. We all NEED an Inez. She cracked me up the entire time.
The chapters were short with just the right amount of detail to keep me hooked. This was such a quick read because I was so intrigued to see which the direction the story was going to go. Tehlor’s writing made me fall in love with these characters and wish more than anything that they were real.
Rep:
-lesbian
-bisexual
-non-binary
-half Mexican FMC
-anxiety
-two dads/two moms as parents
Trigger warnings: homophobia, bigotry
Final thoughts: I’m obsessed with these characters and this story. I have absolutely no complaints. It was perfect to me. AND I need a producer to pick this up and make it a movie ASAP! The ending made me tear up. It was so sweet! I will 100% be reading Tehlor’s other books.
If you’re looking for a queer sworn-worthy romance, please consider adding this to your TBR!
Thank you to Tehlor Kay Mejia, Random House, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest voluntary review!
March 5, 2025
I'm always here for the lesbians finding love hehe
I looooved Cash and was rooting for her. I did love her and Inez together, but the chemistry was lacking a liiiittle. The theme of this book was great because it truly never is too late to find yourself 🥹
I looooved Cash and was rooting for her. I did love her and Inez together, but the chemistry was lacking a liiiittle. The theme of this book was great because it truly never is too late to find yourself 🥹
August 8, 2024
When I read Sammy Espinoza's Last Review, I really enjoyed the story, but I wasn't convinced by the romance. Luckily I did enjoy it enough to want to read the author's next adult romance, because I definitely enjoyed this one more! It's so much about figuring yourself out at a later age, and that always really resonates with me. I'm also a huge fan of friends to lovers, and I loved how Izzie was so supportive throughout Cash's process of figuring out she's actually a lesbian. Izzie was already an amazing friend, so I was convinced the romance would be amazing, but she also gave Cash so much room to figure things out on her own while being supportive in the background. I'm also not always a fan of kids in books, but who couldn't love Parker? It was so touching how she already considered Izzie to be family.
September 17, 2024
This was a cute and easy read. Overall, it was okay for me. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two main characters as strongly as I would have liked. It could be because Cash spent a lot of time pining after Inez. I can definitely see a lot of people being able to relate to this and really enjoying it, especially those looking for a queer sexual awakening story.
Thank you Netgalley, Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dell for the eARC.
Thank you Netgalley, Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dell for the eARC.
January 8, 2025
Dell eARC
Well, this book got pushed to my NetGalley backlist, but I am so glad I gave it another shot. I tried it around pub day and not right now-ed it. I finally got my hands on the audio, and it was perfection. I just loved Cash, and her determination. She was continually fierce in fighting for her future. I liked how this played well with her questioning other parts of her identity. The author always captures how complex humans are, and these characters are no exception. They had great depth and felt so real. I also fell so quick for Parker and Inez. I just adored this story, and I will definitely always be reading this author from here on out.
Well, this book got pushed to my NetGalley backlist, but I am so glad I gave it another shot. I tried it around pub day and not right now-ed it. I finally got my hands on the audio, and it was perfection. I just loved Cash, and her determination. She was continually fierce in fighting for her future. I liked how this played well with her questioning other parts of her identity. The author always captures how complex humans are, and these characters are no exception. They had great depth and felt so real. I also fell so quick for Parker and Inez. I just adored this story, and I will definitely always be reading this author from here on out.
July 4, 2024
ARC review
This was a very sweet later-in-life coming out story. Cash was a dedicated single mom that had some tendencies to overprotect her daughter, which I think is a common experience for those who had less than awesome parents. Cash’s daughter occasionally strayed into the Hallmarky vibe of “wise beyond her years” but was still mostly portrayed as a child that worried about normal kid things.
Cash stumbled and flailed a bit while grappling with a major shift in identity, which is pretty relatable for those of us who’ve had to adjust our self perception that way. Inez was sweet, but I wish we had more time on page to get to know her. So much of the book was focused on Cash’s internal monologue about her sexuality and how much she cherished Inez as a friend. We get to see moments where Inez is there for Cash, which is great, but I wanted more depth.
Overall the book was pretty solid.
Spice: a couple of scenes, but low of details
Triggers: homophobia - including slurs, mention bad parent-child relationship with subsequent no contact, mention of parents kicking out gay child
This was a very sweet later-in-life coming out story. Cash was a dedicated single mom that had some tendencies to overprotect her daughter, which I think is a common experience for those who had less than awesome parents. Cash’s daughter occasionally strayed into the Hallmarky vibe of “wise beyond her years” but was still mostly portrayed as a child that worried about normal kid things.
Cash stumbled and flailed a bit while grappling with a major shift in identity, which is pretty relatable for those of us who’ve had to adjust our self perception that way. Inez was sweet, but I wish we had more time on page to get to know her. So much of the book was focused on Cash’s internal monologue about her sexuality and how much she cherished Inez as a friend. We get to see moments where Inez is there for Cash, which is great, but I wanted more depth.
Overall the book was pretty solid.
Spice: a couple of scenes, but low of details
Triggers: homophobia - including slurs, mention bad parent-child relationship with subsequent no contact, mention of parents kicking out gay child
April 30, 2024
It's safe to say that Mejia's contemporary romances are just going to do it for me, and not only because they take place in a delightful small town that I would want to live in if it were real. Cash is a character to root for from the beginning, with her burgeoning feelings for her bestie and coworker Inez slowly creeping up on her until she realizes she's well on her way to an even bigger journey of self-realization as far as her identity is concerned. While I would've liked a little more from Cash and Inez's romance post-revelation, the overall story is really rewarding to follow along with. Plus, an incredibly adorable kid in Cash's six-year-old daughter Parker!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
This book is for all the lesbians who came out later in life, because truly I have never felt more seen! Obviously everyone should read this, because I truly believe everyone could learn a LOT about being a lesbian and coming out later in life from this book, but if you’re a lesbian you MUST read this. Cash’s journey to coming to terms with being gay and unpacking comphet is just so….REAL. It was very similar to how my own journey to accepting that I was a lesbian. Overall, a phenomenal book that deserves way more hype!!
July 27, 2025
come to write a review bc i read this all in one night last week and i still haven’t been able to sleep before 5am so it completely ruined my sleep schedule and i’m not happy about that actually
August 5, 2024
I loved this so much!
April 14, 2025
Such a amazing story with excellent narration! Full review to come!
February 5, 2025
Only read this if you think it’s fun when people don’t communicate honestly for a whole book and then somehow end up together in the end
May 19, 2024
THANK YOUU PENGUIN (&netgalley) this was fun easy to read and didn’t bore me to hell while reading it CASH IS insane inez insane
granny o’connor jazz parker
everyone INSANE (affectionate)
loved this so much i think this might be my first ever mejia read but definitely won’t be the last
granny o’connor jazz parker
everyone INSANE (affectionate)
loved this so much i think this might be my first ever mejia read but definitely won’t be the last
June 14, 2024
This book is such a heartwarming queer romance. "Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream" by Tehlor Kay Mejia invites readers into the charming small town of Ridley Falls, where Cash, a dedicated bartender, juggles motherhood and a blossoming new romance. Set against the backdrop of a karaoke bar, this heartwarming queer romance explores second chances, found family, and the complexities of love.
Cash Delgado, a single mother, is content with her life in Ridley Falls. She pours drinks at the local bar, raises her adorable daughter, and navigates the challenges of parenting. But when Inez, an intriguing stranger, walks into the bar, Cash's world tilts on its axis. Sparks fly, and Cash finds herself torn between her responsibilities and the possibility of a new love.
I adored the authentic characters. Cash is relatable and endearing. Her struggles as a mother and her vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist. Inez, too, has depth and complexity, and their chemistry is palpable.
The novel beautifully portrays the bonds formed within the tight-knit community of Ridley Falls. From quirky regulars at the bar to Cash's supportive friends, the sense of belonging is heartwarming. The karaoke scenes add a delightful touch. Whether you love or hate singing scenes, they play a significant role in the characters' growth.
Mejia celebrates queer love with authenticity. The slow burn between Cash and Inez feels genuine, and their journey resonates with readers. Mejia's novel is a delightful addition to the world of queer romance. It's a tale of love, self-discovery, and the magic that happens when dreams come true.
While the chemistry between Cash and Inez is evident, their romantic connection takes time to develop. Some readers may wish for more early sparks, but patience pays off as their relationship deepens.
"Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream" is a sexy, funny, and sweet story about love, second chances, and the power of found family. Mejia's writing captures the essence of Ridley Falls, making readers fall in love with both the characters and the town. If you're looking for a heartwarming queer romance, this book is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell, and Random House Publishing Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Cash Delgado, a single mother, is content with her life in Ridley Falls. She pours drinks at the local bar, raises her adorable daughter, and navigates the challenges of parenting. But when Inez, an intriguing stranger, walks into the bar, Cash's world tilts on its axis. Sparks fly, and Cash finds herself torn between her responsibilities and the possibility of a new love.
I adored the authentic characters. Cash is relatable and endearing. Her struggles as a mother and her vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist. Inez, too, has depth and complexity, and their chemistry is palpable.
The novel beautifully portrays the bonds formed within the tight-knit community of Ridley Falls. From quirky regulars at the bar to Cash's supportive friends, the sense of belonging is heartwarming. The karaoke scenes add a delightful touch. Whether you love or hate singing scenes, they play a significant role in the characters' growth.
Mejia celebrates queer love with authenticity. The slow burn between Cash and Inez feels genuine, and their journey resonates with readers. Mejia's novel is a delightful addition to the world of queer romance. It's a tale of love, self-discovery, and the magic that happens when dreams come true.
While the chemistry between Cash and Inez is evident, their romantic connection takes time to develop. Some readers may wish for more early sparks, but patience pays off as their relationship deepens.
"Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream" is a sexy, funny, and sweet story about love, second chances, and the power of found family. Mejia's writing captures the essence of Ridley Falls, making readers fall in love with both the characters and the town. If you're looking for a heartwarming queer romance, this book is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell, and Random House Publishing Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2024
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I was a little hesitant to pick this book up after I couldn’t get into Sammy Espinoza, but I’m so glad I gave this a shot after all! Even though this takes place in the same town and there’s several Sammy cameos, this absolutely stands on its own with its focus on Cash and wanting to save Joyce’s, a local dive bar. This is also a book where “everything is political” really keeps coming to mind in the way it challenges gentrification and is so focused on community care. Cash is determined to save the bar that has felt like home since moving to Ridley Falls, and when the Kings franchise is considering moving into Ridley Falls it is the community that supports Cash towards renovations, and also wanting to keep franchises out of Ridley Falls. I also really loved the way Cash realizing she’s a lesbian and pushing back against internalized compulsory heterosexuality was handled. In a way, Cash Delgado feels like a book in conversation with the “gay for you” trope and the different ways realizing you’re queer as an adult can go, especially as we also have glimpses of other characters’ queer awakenings and self understanding. Yes, Cash’s attraction is focused on Inez, but she’s also realizing other elements of attraction and the ways her dynamics with men were always a convenience where they pursued her, rather than actual interest in them. Which comes back to how much this is a book of community and community care, the ways Inez’s chosen family is just as much a part of Cash’s journey as the larger community is for the bar. I also adored Parker, Cash’s six-year-old daughter, and how confident she is in herself and the many conversations between Parker and Cash where we see the ways children are often wiser than we give them credit for. All around this was a really good book that I really enjoyed, and this was a journey I loved going along the ride for.
I was a little hesitant to pick this book up after I couldn’t get into Sammy Espinoza, but I’m so glad I gave this a shot after all! Even though this takes place in the same town and there’s several Sammy cameos, this absolutely stands on its own with its focus on Cash and wanting to save Joyce’s, a local dive bar. This is also a book where “everything is political” really keeps coming to mind in the way it challenges gentrification and is so focused on community care. Cash is determined to save the bar that has felt like home since moving to Ridley Falls, and when the Kings franchise is considering moving into Ridley Falls it is the community that supports Cash towards renovations, and also wanting to keep franchises out of Ridley Falls. I also really loved the way Cash realizing she’s a lesbian and pushing back against internalized compulsory heterosexuality was handled. In a way, Cash Delgado feels like a book in conversation with the “gay for you” trope and the different ways realizing you’re queer as an adult can go, especially as we also have glimpses of other characters’ queer awakenings and self understanding. Yes, Cash’s attraction is focused on Inez, but she’s also realizing other elements of attraction and the ways her dynamics with men were always a convenience where they pursued her, rather than actual interest in them. Which comes back to how much this is a book of community and community care, the ways Inez’s chosen family is just as much a part of Cash’s journey as the larger community is for the bar. I also adored Parker, Cash’s six-year-old daughter, and how confident she is in herself and the many conversations between Parker and Cash where we see the ways children are often wiser than we give them credit for. All around this was a really good book that I really enjoyed, and this was a journey I loved going along the ride for.
April 26, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
This book spoke to me in a couple of big ways. First, it is nice to see a character who is working class. Cash is not down on her luck or between jobs, she's someone who has made a life as a high school dropout, single mother, and bartender, and who sees the value in her job and her community. Second, she was a punk rocker! I can relate to that as a former suburban punk rock girl. Third, I love to see a later-in-life growth and discovery. Cash isn't old, by any means, but she is still learning things about herself, what she is capable of, and who she might like.
Cash's steamy daydreams about her best friend and coworker Inez REALLY freak her out. Where are those coming from? Why would she suddenly feel these things? She has a daughter to take care of and a best friendship to maintain, She can't explore these feelings...can she?
This one was steamy! After the first few chapters, I got a little flushed whenever these two were in the same room together.
AND, I appreciated the "small town takes on corporate intrusion" plotline that had me yearning for the direct action of my punk rock days.
Thank you Tehlor Kay Mejia for creating this amazing world, and for the direct connection to Sammy Espinoza's Last Review. This was a small town and a cast of characters I could actually relate to.
I give it 9/10 stars and recommend it for those who loved Sammy Espinoza but wished it were more queer and more political.
This book spoke to me in a couple of big ways. First, it is nice to see a character who is working class. Cash is not down on her luck or between jobs, she's someone who has made a life as a high school dropout, single mother, and bartender, and who sees the value in her job and her community. Second, she was a punk rocker! I can relate to that as a former suburban punk rock girl. Third, I love to see a later-in-life growth and discovery. Cash isn't old, by any means, but she is still learning things about herself, what she is capable of, and who she might like.
Cash's steamy daydreams about her best friend and coworker Inez REALLY freak her out. Where are those coming from? Why would she suddenly feel these things? She has a daughter to take care of and a best friendship to maintain, She can't explore these feelings...can she?
This one was steamy! After the first few chapters, I got a little flushed whenever these two were in the same room together.
AND, I appreciated the "small town takes on corporate intrusion" plotline that had me yearning for the direct action of my punk rock days.
Thank you Tehlor Kay Mejia for creating this amazing world, and for the direct connection to Sammy Espinoza's Last Review. This was a small town and a cast of characters I could actually relate to.
I give it 9/10 stars and recommend it for those who loved Sammy Espinoza but wished it were more queer and more political.
October 21, 2024
4.25⭐️ Funny, snarky, and loving little story. I really like Cash as a person and respect her journey of identity exploration. Its such a real scenario. People tend to get caught up in the labels of who they are and what they are SUPPOSED to do that they ignore what makes them happy even when its right in their face. Cash’s constant brain loop was arduous to read but also accurate and relative to the anxiety one feels when figuring themselves out so I enjoyed the book all the better because of it. I enjoyed the journey of the plot as well. I love small towns trying to save a local business. Usually I read about it being a bookshop but I enjoy a good bar-save as well. The gas daughter, Parker, was pretty great but I couldn’t tell if she was 6, 13, or 3. I think this story would have felt more full if we got Inez’s POV and if we spent a bit more time watching them be a couple. But this is still a book I’m going to buy for my personal shelf because of how seen it has the potential to make baby gays and even some of our more intermediate gays feel!
June 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Dell/Penguin Random House for the advanced copy!!
I really enjoyed this!! I loved being back in Ridley Falls. I adored Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review and this one had that same found family, small town feeling.
We follow Cash as she is trying to save the small town bar from the big corporation chain trying to take its place. The feeling of a close knit small town was really strong and it was so sweet to see them all work together. The author did a great job of making all the characters feel so human. They felt so real with all the things they had to deal with. The side characters were all so great and added so much to the story. I flew this one because I was so attached to the story and what would happen. Highly recommend this one!!!
Thank you again to Netgalley and Dell/Penguin Random House
I really enjoyed this!! I loved being back in Ridley Falls. I adored Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review and this one had that same found family, small town feeling.
We follow Cash as she is trying to save the small town bar from the big corporation chain trying to take its place. The feeling of a close knit small town was really strong and it was so sweet to see them all work together. The author did a great job of making all the characters feel so human. They felt so real with all the things they had to deal with. The side characters were all so great and added so much to the story. I flew this one because I was so attached to the story and what would happen. Highly recommend this one!!!
Thank you again to Netgalley and Dell/Penguin Random House
June 2, 2024
This is a sweet, gay awakening, friends to lovers sapphic romance. We follow Cash, a bar manager and single mom, who is trying to keep a chain bar from coming in and tanking her business. She is helped on her quest by her lesbian best friend, Inez and the two fall in love along the way.
Highlights:
The way that this book handled Cash coming to terms with her sexuality was really beautiful. I loved the way it talked about compulsory heterosexuality.
The strong emphasis on communities and small towns.
Cash’s daughter Parker!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Highlights:
The way that this book handled Cash coming to terms with her sexuality was really beautiful. I loved the way it talked about compulsory heterosexuality.
The strong emphasis on communities and small towns.
Cash’s daughter Parker!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 25, 2024
(rounded up from 4.5)
This was an enjoyable small-town romance about Cassandra (Cash), who is a single parent to a six-year-old daughter and struggling to keep the business that employs her and gives her a place to live and health insurance going when a large chain is coming to town as competition. The characters were engaging and well-fleshed-out, and the struggles of wanting to stay safe in your little box versus living authentically and bravely are well depicted here. A delightful little story about falling for your best friend and coming out later in life than you had ever thought possible.
This was an enjoyable small-town romance about Cassandra (Cash), who is a single parent to a six-year-old daughter and struggling to keep the business that employs her and gives her a place to live and health insurance going when a large chain is coming to town as competition. The characters were engaging and well-fleshed-out, and the struggles of wanting to stay safe in your little box versus living authentically and bravely are well depicted here. A delightful little story about falling for your best friend and coming out later in life than you had ever thought possible.
October 11, 2025
This was fun but ultimately not for me.
It felt very similar to the vibe that sometimes exists in young adult novels and the main character became a little much in her obliviousness towards the end.
I also just think queer awakening stories don’t really do it for me anymore.
Still, I had a good time with this and it was an easy read so if you are just looking for some chill smalltown romance this will do the trick!
In general when it comes to romance, I have noticed that single parents, and especially single mothers, in these stories never have sons. And I think this is really fucking sad. Young boys deserve to be overly quirky emotionally significant side-kicks too!!
It felt very similar to the vibe that sometimes exists in young adult novels and the main character became a little much in her obliviousness towards the end.
I also just think queer awakening stories don’t really do it for me anymore.
Still, I had a good time with this and it was an easy read so if you are just looking for some chill smalltown romance this will do the trick!
In general when it comes to romance, I have noticed that single parents, and especially single mothers, in these stories never have sons. And I think this is really fucking sad. Young boys deserve to be overly quirky emotionally significant side-kicks too!!
April 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
I loved this book, Tehlor, you've done it again. It was such a patient book with the FMC's journey and her discoveries of who she is. I really enjoyed that it wasn't rushed towards the conclusion that everyone could see coming except Cash. All the side characters are really sweet and well developed. I'd love a series about Mars and their story, and some of the other side characters as well. Such a cute small town that made me want to go to a karaoke night at Joyce's asap!
I loved this book, Tehlor, you've done it again. It was such a patient book with the FMC's journey and her discoveries of who she is. I really enjoyed that it wasn't rushed towards the conclusion that everyone could see coming except Cash. All the side characters are really sweet and well developed. I'd love a series about Mars and their story, and some of the other side characters as well. Such a cute small town that made me want to go to a karaoke night at Joyce's asap!
July 24, 2024
4 stars!
"Cash Delgado is Living the Dream" by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a wonderful "gay awakening" romance featuring great characters and quick pacing! It is obvious to the readers that the main character, Cash Delgado, is queer despite having been in straight relationships her entire life (even one that gave her her adorable child), but she's not quite sure anymore. So, when she begins having steamy dreams about her best friend, Inez, and noticing things about her she's previously never seen, she starts questioning her s3xuality and wonders if she has more of an intimate future with Inez. Cash is obviously obsessed with Inez, so it's fun to watch her flail and flop around trying to come to terms with her feelings and who she really is. She's a little bit of a mess, but who isn't?! Both Cash and Inez feel like lived-in, authentic, realistic characters. They have terrific chemistry with one another. It was a pleasure to read their story. This book is a quick, fast read you will find yourself falling head over heels for. It's endearing and lovely, and I hope we get more of this world in the future. We also got to catch up with Sammy Espinoza and Max Ryan, which I *loved!* Pick this one up ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Random House Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Cash Delgado is Living the Dream" by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a wonderful "gay awakening" romance featuring great characters and quick pacing! It is obvious to the readers that the main character, Cash Delgado, is queer despite having been in straight relationships her entire life (even one that gave her her adorable child), but she's not quite sure anymore. So, when she begins having steamy dreams about her best friend, Inez, and noticing things about her she's previously never seen, she starts questioning her s3xuality and wonders if she has more of an intimate future with Inez. Cash is obviously obsessed with Inez, so it's fun to watch her flail and flop around trying to come to terms with her feelings and who she really is. She's a little bit of a mess, but who isn't?! Both Cash and Inez feel like lived-in, authentic, realistic characters. They have terrific chemistry with one another. It was a pleasure to read their story. This book is a quick, fast read you will find yourself falling head over heels for. It's endearing and lovely, and I hope we get more of this world in the future. We also got to catch up with Sammy Espinoza and Max Ryan, which I *loved!* Pick this one up ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Random House Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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