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Something in Return
ASIN B00HYL933I moved to the most recent edition here
Nineteen-year-old Taylor has life under control, content with a routine of work and casual encounters, until the day a prospective roommate shows up at her apartment and challenges Taylor to share more than just the spare bedroom.
Taylor Silva abides by her own set of rules. She is careful to avoid intimacy and does not allow anyone to get close to her. Taylor has convinced herself, against the wishes of her friends, that being unattached will save her from inevitable heartache. However, this all changes when Zoey, a representation of everything that Taylor is not, moves in with her.
The more Zoey accepts Taylor for who she really is, the more Taylor worries that Zoey could fulfill her secret desire for true human connection. Now, a frightened Taylor must decide whether she is willing to reevaluate her sense of happiness and redefine it with Zoey, even if it means running the risk of being broken in the end.
Something in Return is a story about learning to let people into our lives, as oftentimes getting to know the stranger among us requires getting to know the stranger within us. It is a tale of self-preservation and self-definition. It is about breaking down the confines in which we live that we typically have built ourselves, because it is only then that we are free and able to love truly.
Nineteen-year-old Taylor has life under control, content with a routine of work and casual encounters, until the day a prospective roommate shows up at her apartment and challenges Taylor to share more than just the spare bedroom.
Taylor Silva abides by her own set of rules. She is careful to avoid intimacy and does not allow anyone to get close to her. Taylor has convinced herself, against the wishes of her friends, that being unattached will save her from inevitable heartache. However, this all changes when Zoey, a representation of everything that Taylor is not, moves in with her.
The more Zoey accepts Taylor for who she really is, the more Taylor worries that Zoey could fulfill her secret desire for true human connection. Now, a frightened Taylor must decide whether she is willing to reevaluate her sense of happiness and redefine it with Zoey, even if it means running the risk of being broken in the end.
Something in Return is a story about learning to let people into our lives, as oftentimes getting to know the stranger among us requires getting to know the stranger within us. It is a tale of self-preservation and self-definition. It is about breaking down the confines in which we live that we typically have built ourselves, because it is only then that we are free and able to love truly.
204 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2014
72 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
16 books227 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 21, 2018
My apologies to the author but I did not care for this story.
She succeeds in creating such an unlikeable character that when more agreeable aspects of the character's personality are shown in bits and pieces as the story moves on I felt it was too late for me. I didn't like the character. She falls for her roomate which was based on what? They had no compelling connection or chemistry between them and then the realization hit that I had no connection to the story. All of the people in it were irritating in a way, all swirling around a woman who wanted to just F the town after getting hurt in a previous relationship.
She succeeds in creating such an unlikeable character that when more agreeable aspects of the character's personality are shown in bits and pieces as the story moves on I felt it was too late for me. I didn't like the character. She falls for her roomate which was based on what? They had no compelling connection or chemistry between them and then the realization hit that I had no connection to the story. All of the people in it were irritating in a way, all swirling around a woman who wanted to just F the town after getting hurt in a previous relationship.
November 12, 2017
No chemistry between the leading characters, no build up in their relationship, lots of telling and barely any showing. Talks about insufferable sexual frustration just days after the girl got laid, do people really get sexually frustrated that fast? Some big words turn up out of nowhere in an otherwise amateurishly written book. It's like the author sits with thesaurus open and grabs a word to make the book look smarter than it is.
August 24, 2018
Sweet story.
I loved watching Taylor growing into the woman she became. This book was very fulfilling because we got to see the romance bloom and you cheered for their happily ever after.
I loved watching Taylor growing into the woman she became. This book was very fulfilling because we got to see the romance bloom and you cheered for their happily ever after.
December 6, 2020
2nd book in a day - Clare Ashton was class, the deep, expensive red wine, to be savoured. This the frothy lite drink to have on a long hot day after a bike ride. Such pretentious nonsense would not be in this book - It's simple, honest and a total delight. Love it for all the opposite reasons that I loved Clare's, and is why I just love reading!
July 12, 2020
Very Cute and Lovely Story!
I really enjoyed this book. Taylor and Zoey had great chemistry. With both dealing with extreme hurts in their lives, they needed to figure out who they are especially with each other. The life that Taylor was leading was eventually going to come back to her and Zoey being the one to save her was very poetic. The story was written well and had a nice flow. I am a fan of Michele L Rivera and this story did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this book. Taylor and Zoey had great chemistry. With both dealing with extreme hurts in their lives, they needed to figure out who they are especially with each other. The life that Taylor was leading was eventually going to come back to her and Zoey being the one to save her was very poetic. The story was written well and had a nice flow. I am a fan of Michele L Rivera and this story did not disappoint.
July 20, 2014
Loved it
I read this in one sitting with a smile on my face from beginning to end. I loved the how Taylor and Zoey characters developed and Dana and Ben were great as well.
I read this in one sitting with a smile on my face from beginning to end. I loved the how Taylor and Zoey characters developed and Dana and Ben were great as well.
April 13, 2018
Loved it
I read this immediately after I read and enjoyed NOT MY TYPE, my first book by Michele Rivera. Now I'm not sure which book I like more; I may be leaning slightly toward this one. I am definitely a fan of this author now and will seek out her other works. I you haven't yet read these stories, do yourself a favor and purchase them now. I checked these out on Kindle Unlimited but then decided to purchase and keep them afterward because they are that good. Rivera tells stories with real, believable emotion and dialogue as well as likeable characters. I couldn't put these stories down.
I read this immediately after I read and enjoyed NOT MY TYPE, my first book by Michele Rivera. Now I'm not sure which book I like more; I may be leaning slightly toward this one. I am definitely a fan of this author now and will seek out her other works. I you haven't yet read these stories, do yourself a favor and purchase them now. I checked these out on Kindle Unlimited but then decided to purchase and keep them afterward because they are that good. Rivera tells stories with real, believable emotion and dialogue as well as likeable characters. I couldn't put these stories down.
January 14, 2018
Sweet
This a sweet, romantic story. Zoey and Taylor are so good together, from roommates to friends, and from friends to lovers. The characters are charming and shows how you can heal, and make your dreams real with the right, true love by your side, when you surrender your fears and let love in.
This a sweet, romantic story. Zoey and Taylor are so good together, from roommates to friends, and from friends to lovers. The characters are charming and shows how you can heal, and make your dreams real with the right, true love by your side, when you surrender your fears and let love in.
April 5, 2014
Michele Rivera nailed it again. As a follow up to Rivera’s first book, “Taking the Lead”, her second book “Something in Return” is another great book about love. “Something in Return” is an easy read that will make you laugh and provide hope in love, relationships and life. Even though this is a fiction book, there are many real life lessons that can be learned and incorporated into our own lives. Love is a central concept in this book, which is so refreshing given that true love can be hard to experience and sometimes hard to believe in. People need love, but not everyone knows how to show or receive it. Rivera’s old soul and generous heart shine in this book, and she teaches all of us how to be considerate, generous and romantic. She teaches us how to show and receive genuine love, which is one of the greatest lessons in life. Rivera gently teaches us about true consent, both emotionally and sexually. When a relationship is truly consensual, everything is better. Conversations are better. Intimacy is better. Sex is better. Everything is better.
True love requires reciprocity. “Something in Return” shows what reciprocity can do and how we can give and receive it.
Rivera has proven to write two beautiful books touching on different life issues, both ultimately about love. I cannot wait to read whatever Rivera comes out with next.
True love requires reciprocity. “Something in Return” shows what reciprocity can do and how we can give and receive it.
Rivera has proven to write two beautiful books touching on different life issues, both ultimately about love. I cannot wait to read whatever Rivera comes out with next.
January 21, 2014
Fantastic follow up to Taking the Lead! Something in Return has a whole new set of characters, but the author's talent still shines through. Something in Return is a really cute story about some girls falling in love. I love how Michele normalizes the idea of same-sex relationships in this book. The dialogue is well-crafted and flows very well. You feel like you're watching a movie unfold, and you really get connected to the characters. I couldn't put this book down once I started. Highly recommend!
December 21, 2014
Loved this book. I had read "With a Purpose" before starting this and I must admit I found the large amounts of dialogue difficult to get used too.
But not with "Something in Return"
It was funny, sweet, thought provoking...
Taylor's life is shaken up when Zoey moves into her apartment...is a bit of a shake up always bad? You'll have to read to find out.
I haven't given a book 5 stars in a while but I had to with this one. Everything about this book made me love it.
But not with "Something in Return"
It was funny, sweet, thought provoking...
Taylor's life is shaken up when Zoey moves into her apartment...is a bit of a shake up always bad? You'll have to read to find out.
I haven't given a book 5 stars in a while but I had to with this one. Everything about this book made me love it.
February 10, 2014
If taking the lead was good, this book was awesome! I related so much to zoey that i couldnt help picture myself getting my own similar happy ending as well... This novel is well written, has good descriptions and the story is captivating and inviting.
June 2, 2014
Great character dialogue between the two main characters and even the secondary BFFs. Couldn't put it down.
September 7, 2014
Great story! I love that the characters go through so many of life's different emotions.
October 10, 2014
If that wasn't the cutest read
March 9, 2015
Cute and fun
A few times I thought it was going to get too serious, but even anything stayed at a very cute and fun level. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A few times I thought it was going to get too serious, but even anything stayed at a very cute and fun level. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 1, 2020
Taming A Lady Killer . . .
This book was good having roommates go from causal dislike to girlfriends. It’s the in between time that’s infuriatingly good. The main character, Taylor, is a self proclaimed sex enthusiast, sleeping with any woman she can to help forget the pain of a past hurt. Once Taylor realized who was right in front of her and experienced real happiness instead of momentary fun, that’s when Zoey and Taylor finally had a real chance at love. I also just loved Zoey’s pushiness and patience to get Taylor to open up, and really doesn’t everyone need someone in their life like that.
This book was good having roommates go from causal dislike to girlfriends. It’s the in between time that’s infuriatingly good. The main character, Taylor, is a self proclaimed sex enthusiast, sleeping with any woman she can to help forget the pain of a past hurt. Once Taylor realized who was right in front of her and experienced real happiness instead of momentary fun, that’s when Zoey and Taylor finally had a real chance at love. I also just loved Zoey’s pushiness and patience to get Taylor to open up, and really doesn’t everyone need someone in their life like that.
November 19, 2020
Life’s challenges
I find it fascinating what we go through to arrive at our “happy beginnings “. Parker and Zoe found each other and with determination and strength of character, love blossomed. They, along with the secondary characters, created a beautiful story. The characters and plot were well developed and relatable. This author’s technique and how she puts her heart and soul into her writings is a gift to us. Her poetry is also a strength of hers and a blessing for her readers. I truly appreciate her works and enthusiastically recommend all of them. They are very good reads. Her books have been time well invested. Thank you Peace
I find it fascinating what we go through to arrive at our “happy beginnings “. Parker and Zoe found each other and with determination and strength of character, love blossomed. They, along with the secondary characters, created a beautiful story. The characters and plot were well developed and relatable. This author’s technique and how she puts her heart and soul into her writings is a gift to us. Her poetry is also a strength of hers and a blessing for her readers. I truly appreciate her works and enthusiastically recommend all of them. They are very good reads. Her books have been time well invested. Thank you Peace
December 3, 2017
Nice Love story
This is a nice love story about finding that person who compliments you as a individual. Taylor and Zoey provided that for each other for the long haul. The book started off a little slowly for me, but as the characters grew closer the storyline picked up pace. A wonderful ending to their love story.
This is a nice love story about finding that person who compliments you as a individual. Taylor and Zoey provided that for each other for the long haul. The book started off a little slowly for me, but as the characters grew closer the storyline picked up pace. A wonderful ending to their love story.
March 25, 2022
Good book
A story about trying to learn about opening up and letting your heart feel loved. To take a chance on someone after you have been dumped. A nicely written story showing how Zoey took the time to change Taylor's attitude and way of life around to make open up and not be so mean. A good story
A story about trying to learn about opening up and letting your heart feel loved. To take a chance on someone after you have been dumped. A nicely written story showing how Zoey took the time to change Taylor's attitude and way of life around to make open up and not be so mean. A good story
January 21, 2018
would make a very dramatic and ott film adaptation.
October 26, 2018
Great
This is a very nice love story. The main characters are very entertaining and so much in love. I love all of this author ‘s books. Hope she will return to writing again soon.
This is a very nice love story. The main characters are very entertaining and so much in love. I love all of this author ‘s books. Hope she will return to writing again soon.
December 18, 2019
I really wanted to like this book as it came highly recommended, but I just couldn’t get into it. I wasn’t a fan of the characters or the plot line.
May 30, 2021
I couldn't keep reading this after trying to make playing with guns a fun and romantic thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed Something in Return. I liked the story and the characters. I enjoyed the playfulness between Taylor and Zoey.
I really enjoyed Something in Return. I liked the story and the characters. I enjoyed the playfulness between Taylor and Zoey.
April 19, 2015
Loved it
I really loved this book I really enjoyed reading this book I loved the tension and teasing the girls were doing and when zoey comes out with her gun and saves the day I thought was cute they had that balance I like in couples the ying and yang to each other
I really loved this book I really enjoyed reading this book I loved the tension and teasing the girls were doing and when zoey comes out with her gun and saves the day I thought was cute they had that balance I like in couples the ying and yang to each other
April 10, 2017
I really wanted to like this more. It felt like two authors. One was an exceptional writer, the other too young, immature, inexperienced in life, and naive, but really giving it their all! Ultimately that didn't work for me. Perhaps I'm getting too old to read about characters under 22, yet at the same time, I've enjoyed quite a few books geared younger recently. Idk.
A bug pet peeve with this book was the concept of time. Things that were 30 minutes or less in duration would magically cause hours to pass, and vice versa. Drove me crazy.
A bug pet peeve with this book was the concept of time. Things that were 30 minutes or less in duration would magically cause hours to pass, and vice versa. Drove me crazy.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews