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Just Kiss Her
What If You Fall For Your Best Friend’s Mum?
When Brooke’s best friend Noah asks her to pose as his girlfriend for his sister’s resort wedding, she can’t refuse. Sure, she’s a lesbian, but it’s a free holiday. How hard can it be to fake it for a few days?
Harder than Brooke imagined when she meets Noah’s mum, Jen. Sophisticated, confident, and utterly gorgeous, Jen is everything Brooke wants. With each sizzling glance, casual touch, and chance encounter, an irresistible attraction pulls Brooke towards the one woman she can’t have.
As their holiday in paradise unfolds, this scorching love triangle is about to reach its breaking point under the hot Mexican sun. Jen is strictly off-limits, but Brooke’s heart doesn’t care for rules. Can she keep her feelings buried, or will she just kiss her?
Clare Lydon’s latest is a deliciously tempting age-gap romance where a fake girlfriend falls for the mother she can’t have. It’s sexy, seductive, and utterly unputdownable.
When Brooke’s best friend Noah asks her to pose as his girlfriend for his sister’s resort wedding, she can’t refuse. Sure, she’s a lesbian, but it’s a free holiday. How hard can it be to fake it for a few days?
Harder than Brooke imagined when she meets Noah’s mum, Jen. Sophisticated, confident, and utterly gorgeous, Jen is everything Brooke wants. With each sizzling glance, casual touch, and chance encounter, an irresistible attraction pulls Brooke towards the one woman she can’t have.
As their holiday in paradise unfolds, this scorching love triangle is about to reach its breaking point under the hot Mexican sun. Jen is strictly off-limits, but Brooke’s heart doesn’t care for rules. Can she keep her feelings buried, or will she just kiss her?
Clare Lydon’s latest is a deliciously tempting age-gap romance where a fake girlfriend falls for the mother she can’t have. It’s sexy, seductive, and utterly unputdownable.
Unknown Binding
Published May 23, 2024
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About the author
Clare Lydon
43 books1,580 followersClare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She's a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe with five full-length novels to her name, as well as writing the All I Want series, set to continue throughout 2016. If you love romantic comedies, prepare to fall head over heels in love.
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 3, 2024
2.5
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I loved the premise, but the execution didn’t hit the mark. I’m usually all for an age-gap lesfic, but with the book’s shorter length, the characters came across as one-dimensional and most of them were unlikable. The romance between Brooke and Jen didn’t feel developed; there’s a lot of talk about an instant connection and how they can’t stop thinking about each other, but in reality, it’s been just a week and a few conversations. That said, it was a quick, sweet-ish romance with some well-written steamy scenes, so it has its charms. It’s just not one that will stay with me.
My biggest issue with this book (and one that nearly made me stop reading) is that I really wish authors would move past the stereotype that coming out as bi is just a temporary stop on the way to ‘fully’ coming out as gay. In this book, Noah—Brooke’s gay best friend (who by the way is a awful, narcissistic and childish man who needs a smack)—comes out to his mum as bi, thinking it’s “good enough” for now, like a test run before revealing he’s actually gay. It’s framed as if being bi is just a safer placeholder, a way to test his parents’ reactions before fully ‘rocking the boat.’ Frankly, it’s disappointing to see Clare Lyndon give credence to this prejudice.
As a bisexual woman, I see this pattern all too often in sapphic romance, and it stings every time. Authors, if you’ve used this approach in your work, please consider how it might feel for your bi readers. Being bi is not a ‘trial run’ for being gay, and treating it that way can feel really dismissive to those of us who live and love proudly as bisexuals.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I loved the premise, but the execution didn’t hit the mark. I’m usually all for an age-gap lesfic, but with the book’s shorter length, the characters came across as one-dimensional and most of them were unlikable. The romance between Brooke and Jen didn’t feel developed; there’s a lot of talk about an instant connection and how they can’t stop thinking about each other, but in reality, it’s been just a week and a few conversations. That said, it was a quick, sweet-ish romance with some well-written steamy scenes, so it has its charms. It’s just not one that will stay with me.
My biggest issue with this book (and one that nearly made me stop reading) is that I really wish authors would move past the stereotype that coming out as bi is just a temporary stop on the way to ‘fully’ coming out as gay. In this book, Noah—Brooke’s gay best friend (who by the way is a awful, narcissistic and childish man who needs a smack)—comes out to his mum as bi, thinking it’s “good enough” for now, like a test run before revealing he’s actually gay. It’s framed as if being bi is just a safer placeholder, a way to test his parents’ reactions before fully ‘rocking the boat.’ Frankly, it’s disappointing to see Clare Lyndon give credence to this prejudice.
As a bisexual woman, I see this pattern all too often in sapphic romance, and it stings every time. Authors, if you’ve used this approach in your work, please consider how it might feel for your bi readers. Being bi is not a ‘trial run’ for being gay, and treating it that way can feel really dismissive to those of us who live and love proudly as bisexuals.
May 25, 2024
Another winner from Clare Lydon. This book has a trope for everyone - fake dating (with her gay bff), forbidden love, age-gap, vacation romance. Loved the storyline and really felt the chemistry between Brooke and Jen, the sparks were flying. Now I’m itching to go on a vacation.
Thank you to the author for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2024
could not put it down i love milfs
Read
June 4, 2024Just Kiss Her is a lighthearted and quick read with an enjoyable age gap romance and a bit of the forbidden. Clare Lydon brings her signature romantic comedy flair to the story, making it funny and engaging. The plot centers around Noah inviting Brooke to pose as his girlfriend at his half-sister's wedding in Mexico, intending to come out to his father by the end of the vacation. However, Brooke ends up getting involved with Noah's mum, leading to some amusing and tense moments.
Noah is an interesting character, bringing a bit of selfishness that spices up the story, while Jen's complex priorities make her relatable and respectable. However, the romance between Brooke and Jen felt rushed, and the insta-love didn't quite work for me, lacking the chemistry needed for a believable romance.
The book is a super quick read, which might be why the romance felt underdeveloped. A bit more time to build their connection would have made it more authentic. The colourful cast of secondary characters added to the story but could have been explored further. Despite these flaws, it's an enjoyable read for those looking for a fun and breezy romance.
Many thanks to Clare Lydon for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Noah is an interesting character, bringing a bit of selfishness that spices up the story, while Jen's complex priorities make her relatable and respectable. However, the romance between Brooke and Jen felt rushed, and the insta-love didn't quite work for me, lacking the chemistry needed for a believable romance.
The book is a super quick read, which might be why the romance felt underdeveloped. A bit more time to build their connection would have made it more authentic. The colourful cast of secondary characters added to the story but could have been explored further. Despite these flaws, it's an enjoyable read for those looking for a fun and breezy romance.
Many thanks to Clare Lydon for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Just loved it!
November 22, 2025
2⭐️ This one didn’t grab me unfortunately. It was like watching a b-grade soap opera with a generous serve of cringe. It is clear some people loved it though - I’m starting to think this author might just not be for me.
June 26, 2024
4/10
tbh it was better than the previous one ive just read and reviewed but im not sure was it that much better to be rated 3 stars so
Like i realize this was a vacation but still my main problem was that everything was happening too fast - from start to finish
tbh it was better than the previous one ive just read and reviewed but im not sure was it that much better to be rated 3 stars so
Like i realize this was a vacation but still my main problem was that everything was happening too fast - from start to finish
May 31, 2024
Lydon does not disappoint with another fantastic read. When, though it's an age gap, Lydon does a great job.
When Brooke's best friend asks her to be his fake girlfriend for his sister's wedding, Brooke's doesn't see the harm in doing it, especially when it's an all expense paid tropical vacation. That is until she meets Jen.
Jen feels like an oddball being solo at her sons dad's daughters wedding, when her best friend has to bail. She is fully expecting to hate her sons girlfriend and isn't at all prepared for the feeling Brooke evokes.
They should not get involved for many different reasons, mainly it's her best friends' mom and the 15-year age gap, but when one kiss happens and leads to more. All bets are off.
I enjoyed this more than I expected but shouldn't have been surprised as this is a Lydon novel.
Fantastic job as usual, and you won't be disappointed if you read this.
When Brooke's best friend asks her to be his fake girlfriend for his sister's wedding, Brooke's doesn't see the harm in doing it, especially when it's an all expense paid tropical vacation. That is until she meets Jen.
Jen feels like an oddball being solo at her sons dad's daughters wedding, when her best friend has to bail. She is fully expecting to hate her sons girlfriend and isn't at all prepared for the feeling Brooke evokes.
They should not get involved for many different reasons, mainly it's her best friends' mom and the 15-year age gap, but when one kiss happens and leads to more. All bets are off.
I enjoyed this more than I expected but shouldn't have been surprised as this is a Lydon novel.
Fantastic job as usual, and you won't be disappointed if you read this.
June 11, 2024
A fun and lovely age gap/fake relationship love story. Brooke agrees to go to a destination wedding to Mexico as a fake girlfriend for Noah, her gay bestfriend.
There she meets his beautiful mother Jen. Noah will tell his father he's gay after the wedding. In the meantime spends a lot of time with him. Leaving Brooke to hang out with his mother Jen. Oh yeah, Brooke is a lesbian. She and Jen really get along well. And well, read the book...
You'll enjoy this fantastic book! 5 stars
There she meets his beautiful mother Jen. Noah will tell his father he's gay after the wedding. In the meantime spends a lot of time with him. Leaving Brooke to hang out with his mother Jen. Oh yeah, Brooke is a lesbian. She and Jen really get along well. And well, read the book...
You'll enjoy this fantastic book! 5 stars
October 7, 2024
I wish this book was called, Just Smack Him because if someone had just smacked Noah early (and perhaps often) this story would not have been necessary. What a monstrous little y'know what.
Now, here are 5 golden stars to anyone who can finish writing a novel, much less several. 5-stars for the effort. Keep them. Polish them daily if you want.
That being said, this is another 2-star in a genre that seems determined to churn out banal stories. "If I'm being honest" (a phrase taken straight from the Sapphic Fiction Handbook), this was really more of a 1-star but I recalled chuckling at one bit (I can't remember what the hell that was, but chuckles were had).
The very first line of the book has Brooke noting that Noah had broken their deal and refused to play by the rules (in this case, throwing her a birthday party). It may have seemed innocuous in the moment, but it was foreshadowing the reason for all the bad things that happen later while introducing one of the most despicable "good" supporting characters in recent memory.
The importance of Noah being a selfish tool is pushed away as Brooke complains about a Claudia. Claudia kinda feels like a girlfriend. It is not revealed for a couple of chapters that Claudia is her mom and really, you readers are stupid for not knowing this.
Then Brooke is given the character flaw--I mean trait--I mean flaw--of being a smoker. The way it is repeatedly brought up and she is chastised (and chastises herself) for it, you'd think it would build to something. It builds to her nearly but not quite stopping by the end. That's what writer's call premium character development. I mean, it could have started a fight or a fire, but yeah, no a slow fade is also exciting. Sure.
Then again going out in the alley to smoke is when Noah corners her and emotionally blackmails her into agreeing to be his fake girlfriend by almost literally saying, "I need to show my Dad that I'm strong and independent and I can't do that without you. Please please please come!" The red flags wave wherever this guy goes.
However, torture doesn't truly begin until they get to Mexico.
Right off, a "Destination Wedding" set up but making the bride irrelevant to the story is genius--or the exact opposite. Who's to say? I think her name was Meagan. Maybe?
So, Jen is Noah's mum. As far as she and the world knows, she is straight. She met Gio, Noah's father, when she was 17 and while he was married. She justifies his lie by admitting she lied about her age. This enabling will play a role later. In any case, his sisters are from at least one other mother, and Amber, the present wife is mother to none of them. So, Gio appears to be a serial philanderer with a fetish for younger women. But, we are repeatedly assured he is a good dude despite Noah's fear and anger that he'll be rejected by Gio if he finds out he's gay.
On that issue. Noah seems to be under the delusion that claiming to be bisexual is somehow more preferable to a person who may be intolerant of homosexuality. Prior to the story, it seems Noah has lied about being bi when in fact he was gay all along. What this mean is yet another story with a potentially "bi" character never doing anything bi (or even considering it) proving that anti-Bi prejudice is alive and well in the gay community.
Jen and Brooke have a meet-cute in the hotel lobby. There is some manufactured tension where they can't find Jen's reservation--as if they were sifting through a filing cabinet instead ofa computer. She smells the stench of Brooke smoking in a lobby like an idiot (see her smoking is essential to the plot, smarty!). They immediately share details of their reasons for being at the resort, but despite both being British and being there for a wedding and worrying about meeting "the mother/girlfriend", neither of them connect any dots. Not even a "Are you here for the blah-blah wedding?" Making the MCs seem like morons is a refreshing strategy. This is compounded minutes later when Brooke decides to take Jen's heaviest bag (over Jen's weak protests). Despite being unable to clear a single step, Brooke continues, while complaining about why the bag is so heavy. Jen, meanwhile, seems to think that the broken zipper is a factor in the bag's weight.
Inevitably, this abnormally heavy bag bursts open after Brooke drops it and the answer to the weight is revealed...clothes. Just clothes. Maybe a few toiletries--a freakishly large collection of tampons, even though Jen does not menstruate for the next two weeks (or ten days whatever). Underwear? That's your mortifying moment? At least have a vibrating dildo roll down the steps, turning on while doing so. Regardless of that missed comedic gold, no explanation for the excessive weight--except that Jen looks stupid for overstuffing a suitcase with a broken zipper.
A series of obnoxious wedding activities takes place that have all the fun of a forced march. While that seems to be something of the point, forcing your guests to engage in activities just so you can beat them at it is unseemly. Because of sexism functioning as tradition, the men and women often do separate activities, which forces Jen and Brooke to hang out. Of course, they grow closer and of course Noah, despite his promises to put the focus on Brooke as his fake g/f falls for the first penis to catch his eye. Noah immediately and unashamedly breaks his promise because "this penis might be the one!" He then shows he is as oblivious as his father (though no one mentions this) by gleefully shoving Brooke and Jen together for more activities, including a romantic dinner.
Jen and Brooke's first kissing session is interrupted by Noah. Does he call a cellphone? A room phone? Does he knock once and go away when no one answers? Heck no. He hammers on the door incessantly like a lunatic. A 30-year-old man reduced to a knocking version of "Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!"
Before long, Jen, despite having reconciled herself to probably being alone for the rest of her life and having just admitted to an attraction to women, is imagining getting married to Brooke. Out of the blue, she imagines Brooke in a "trouser suit". Nothing so far has suggested Brooke's fashion sense went that way--but Jen applies this masculine attribute to Brooke--and forces her into the role. I mean, sure Brooke then wears a fire engine red trouser suit to the wedding--which seems like some desperate attempt to draw attention away from the bride. Regardless, LGBTQ+ couples in these books are always aping heteronormative rituals and customs, rituals and customs that reflect the oppressive aspects of the culture. Yes, tuxedos and bridal gowns--and weddings themselves do that. It's like Stockholm Syndrome across an entire population.
So, during the wedding toasts, Gio goes on and on about Noah and his wonderful girlfriend, Brooke. Noah, the selfish little shit (SLS), despite being the one who insisted upon the lie can't handle that his dad believed it and has to make a scene and storms out. Chad (the love of his life after a day or two), Brooke and Jen follow. Gio is not far behind and Noah decides this is the time to confront his uncaring and intolerant father. Instead, Gio is immediately accepting and is happy for his son. Then Noah remembers, yeah, his father had always supported him. Huh. Weird. WTAF? Sounds like Noah might have a touch of narcissistic personality disorder, but the author is presenting it as if it was a charming quirk.
A day later, after a night of passion for Brooke and Jen, Noah is once again hammering on the door. Oblivious to his mother's relative state of undress, he charges in because Mr. Perfect Chad may be less than perfect because he's still in the process of divorcing his partner and living with him. However, seeing Brooke naked in his mom's bed sends him over the edge. He accuses them of lying to him (by omission), ignoring the fact that the entire trip was built upon a lie. He is angry because shagging a parent breaks the unwritten rules of friendship, ignoring that he repeatedly breaks expicitly stated rules. He is further outraged because his mom is straight and he doesn't want her to change from his perception of her, ignoring that his anger over his (false) belief that his father was doing that to him led to all of this in the first place.
Brooke tracks him down and points some of this out and also points out that perhaps Chad isn't independently wealthy and able to simply move when it's convenient. Noah seems to accept this. Until the next morning, when Gio's standard clueless comments about a romance between Jen and Brooke, make Noah storm off--again. He reveals he isn't okay with it at all. When Gio asks him to clarify, over Brooke and Jen's protests and warnings, Noah fully outs their relationship and also putting Brooke's potential job opportunity in jeopardy-- and declares if they want to stay together, he won't have any part of it--thereby behaving in the worst possible way he imagined his father reacting but with no sense of hypocrisy or irony.
So, instead of someone smacking him (see Just Smack Him and telling him what a SLS hypocritical entitled ass he was being and that it was time to grow the f-up, Jen just mewls about "I have to put him first" (in a What's App message to Brooke). On the plane, Noah gives Brooke a half-smile and Brooke wonders what it means. The reader is left wondering since when Jen sits with her to reiterate his message, she says she lied to Noah about where she was going--and then Noah takes an entire month to finally come around and realize what a jerk he was. Even that required browbeating by Amber and Gio. So, he (not either of the MCs) arranges for them to meet. When we see Jen, in an apparent Clare Lydon Trope, she has chopped off her hair and gotten a pixie cut as sign she has accepted the lesbian label. There was no other way. You'd think the relationship with Brooke would have done that--but no. Anyway, once Noah the SLS has given his permission, Brooke and Jen are allowed to be happy.
Far too much of this story consisted of coddling and enabling Noah. Two grown women requiring the permission of a grown man to live their lives is revolting. Reviewers that think this dynamic was sweet and delightful need to stop reading, much less reviewing, books. I'm not sure they should be allowed near power tools either. Just sayin'.
Now, here are 5 golden stars to anyone who can finish writing a novel, much less several. 5-stars for the effort. Keep them. Polish them daily if you want.
That being said, this is another 2-star in a genre that seems determined to churn out banal stories. "If I'm being honest" (a phrase taken straight from the Sapphic Fiction Handbook), this was really more of a 1-star but I recalled chuckling at one bit (I can't remember what the hell that was, but chuckles were had).
The very first line of the book has Brooke noting that Noah had broken their deal and refused to play by the rules (in this case, throwing her a birthday party). It may have seemed innocuous in the moment, but it was foreshadowing the reason for all the bad things that happen later while introducing one of the most despicable "good" supporting characters in recent memory.
The importance of Noah being a selfish tool is pushed away as Brooke complains about a Claudia. Claudia kinda feels like a girlfriend. It is not revealed for a couple of chapters that Claudia is her mom and really, you readers are stupid for not knowing this.
Then Brooke is given the character flaw--I mean trait--I mean flaw--of being a smoker. The way it is repeatedly brought up and she is chastised (and chastises herself) for it, you'd think it would build to something. It builds to her nearly but not quite stopping by the end. That's what writer's call premium character development. I mean, it could have started a fight or a fire, but yeah, no a slow fade is also exciting. Sure.
Then again going out in the alley to smoke is when Noah corners her and emotionally blackmails her into agreeing to be his fake girlfriend by almost literally saying, "I need to show my Dad that I'm strong and independent and I can't do that without you. Please please please come!" The red flags wave wherever this guy goes.
However, torture doesn't truly begin until they get to Mexico.
Right off, a "Destination Wedding" set up but making the bride irrelevant to the story is genius--or the exact opposite. Who's to say? I think her name was Meagan. Maybe?
So, Jen is Noah's mum. As far as she and the world knows, she is straight. She met Gio, Noah's father, when she was 17 and while he was married. She justifies his lie by admitting she lied about her age. This enabling will play a role later. In any case, his sisters are from at least one other mother, and Amber, the present wife is mother to none of them. So, Gio appears to be a serial philanderer with a fetish for younger women. But, we are repeatedly assured he is a good dude despite Noah's fear and anger that he'll be rejected by Gio if he finds out he's gay.
On that issue. Noah seems to be under the delusion that claiming to be bisexual is somehow more preferable to a person who may be intolerant of homosexuality. Prior to the story, it seems Noah has lied about being bi when in fact he was gay all along. What this mean is yet another story with a potentially "bi" character never doing anything bi (or even considering it) proving that anti-Bi prejudice is alive and well in the gay community.
Jen and Brooke have a meet-cute in the hotel lobby. There is some manufactured tension where they can't find Jen's reservation--as if they were sifting through a filing cabinet instead ofa computer. She smells the stench of Brooke smoking in a lobby like an idiot (see her smoking is essential to the plot, smarty!). They immediately share details of their reasons for being at the resort, but despite both being British and being there for a wedding and worrying about meeting "the mother/girlfriend", neither of them connect any dots. Not even a "Are you here for the blah-blah wedding?" Making the MCs seem like morons is a refreshing strategy. This is compounded minutes later when Brooke decides to take Jen's heaviest bag (over Jen's weak protests). Despite being unable to clear a single step, Brooke continues, while complaining about why the bag is so heavy. Jen, meanwhile, seems to think that the broken zipper is a factor in the bag's weight.
Inevitably, this abnormally heavy bag bursts open after Brooke drops it and the answer to the weight is revealed...clothes. Just clothes. Maybe a few toiletries--a freakishly large collection of tampons, even though Jen does not menstruate for the next two weeks (or ten days whatever). Underwear? That's your mortifying moment? At least have a vibrating dildo roll down the steps, turning on while doing so. Regardless of that missed comedic gold, no explanation for the excessive weight--except that Jen looks stupid for overstuffing a suitcase with a broken zipper.
A series of obnoxious wedding activities takes place that have all the fun of a forced march. While that seems to be something of the point, forcing your guests to engage in activities just so you can beat them at it is unseemly. Because of sexism functioning as tradition, the men and women often do separate activities, which forces Jen and Brooke to hang out. Of course, they grow closer and of course Noah, despite his promises to put the focus on Brooke as his fake g/f falls for the first penis to catch his eye. Noah immediately and unashamedly breaks his promise because "this penis might be the one!" He then shows he is as oblivious as his father (though no one mentions this) by gleefully shoving Brooke and Jen together for more activities, including a romantic dinner.
Jen and Brooke's first kissing session is interrupted by Noah. Does he call a cellphone? A room phone? Does he knock once and go away when no one answers? Heck no. He hammers on the door incessantly like a lunatic. A 30-year-old man reduced to a knocking version of "Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!"
Before long, Jen, despite having reconciled herself to probably being alone for the rest of her life and having just admitted to an attraction to women, is imagining getting married to Brooke. Out of the blue, she imagines Brooke in a "trouser suit". Nothing so far has suggested Brooke's fashion sense went that way--but Jen applies this masculine attribute to Brooke--and forces her into the role. I mean, sure Brooke then wears a fire engine red trouser suit to the wedding--which seems like some desperate attempt to draw attention away from the bride. Regardless, LGBTQ+ couples in these books are always aping heteronormative rituals and customs, rituals and customs that reflect the oppressive aspects of the culture. Yes, tuxedos and bridal gowns--and weddings themselves do that. It's like Stockholm Syndrome across an entire population.
So, during the wedding toasts, Gio goes on and on about Noah and his wonderful girlfriend, Brooke. Noah, the selfish little shit (SLS), despite being the one who insisted upon the lie can't handle that his dad believed it and has to make a scene and storms out. Chad (the love of his life after a day or two), Brooke and Jen follow. Gio is not far behind and Noah decides this is the time to confront his uncaring and intolerant father. Instead, Gio is immediately accepting and is happy for his son. Then Noah remembers, yeah, his father had always supported him. Huh. Weird. WTAF? Sounds like Noah might have a touch of narcissistic personality disorder, but the author is presenting it as if it was a charming quirk.
A day later, after a night of passion for Brooke and Jen, Noah is once again hammering on the door. Oblivious to his mother's relative state of undress, he charges in because Mr. Perfect Chad may be less than perfect because he's still in the process of divorcing his partner and living with him. However, seeing Brooke naked in his mom's bed sends him over the edge. He accuses them of lying to him (by omission), ignoring the fact that the entire trip was built upon a lie. He is angry because shagging a parent breaks the unwritten rules of friendship, ignoring that he repeatedly breaks expicitly stated rules. He is further outraged because his mom is straight and he doesn't want her to change from his perception of her, ignoring that his anger over his (false) belief that his father was doing that to him led to all of this in the first place.
Brooke tracks him down and points some of this out and also points out that perhaps Chad isn't independently wealthy and able to simply move when it's convenient. Noah seems to accept this. Until the next morning, when Gio's standard clueless comments about a romance between Jen and Brooke, make Noah storm off--again. He reveals he isn't okay with it at all. When Gio asks him to clarify, over Brooke and Jen's protests and warnings, Noah fully outs their relationship and also putting Brooke's potential job opportunity in jeopardy-- and declares if they want to stay together, he won't have any part of it--thereby behaving in the worst possible way he imagined his father reacting but with no sense of hypocrisy or irony.
So, instead of someone smacking him (see Just Smack Him and telling him what a SLS hypocritical entitled ass he was being and that it was time to grow the f-up, Jen just mewls about "I have to put him first" (in a What's App message to Brooke). On the plane, Noah gives Brooke a half-smile and Brooke wonders what it means. The reader is left wondering since when Jen sits with her to reiterate his message, she says she lied to Noah about where she was going--and then Noah takes an entire month to finally come around and realize what a jerk he was. Even that required browbeating by Amber and Gio. So, he (not either of the MCs) arranges for them to meet. When we see Jen, in an apparent Clare Lydon Trope, she has chopped off her hair and gotten a pixie cut as sign she has accepted the lesbian label. There was no other way. You'd think the relationship with Brooke would have done that--but no. Anyway, once Noah the SLS has given his permission, Brooke and Jen are allowed to be happy.
Far too much of this story consisted of coddling and enabling Noah. Two grown women requiring the permission of a grown man to live their lives is revolting. Reviewers that think this dynamic was sweet and delightful need to stop reading, much less reviewing, books. I'm not sure they should be allowed near power tools either. Just sayin'.
June 12, 2024
It’s another classic sapphic love story which, when you know what you’re getting into, you just can’t hate. I loved the romance, the tension, THE AGE GAP (good lord I love a queer age gap) and I adored the resort holiday setting.
My only down fall (x 2) was:
1) for some reason reading this book I really noticed the overuse of certain words and I couldn’t get this out my brain once I’d realised (‘sinew’ and ‘scorching’ and phrases like ‘the kiss to end all kisses’).. which is understandable with it being a lesbian Rom Com but blimey it felt jarring after reading very different genres!
2) whyyyyyy does Clare Lydon (I love Clare so much but why) does she nearly *always* have the lead character cut all her hair off into a pixie cut? It was great the first time but now it just feels a bit offensive??? Not all of us queers chop our hair off when we come out?! We can exist with long hair!
Overall, I really enjoyed this. And the spice? Impeccable. A brilliant and dirty rom com.
My only down fall (x 2) was:
1) for some reason reading this book I really noticed the overuse of certain words and I couldn’t get this out my brain once I’d realised (‘sinew’ and ‘scorching’ and phrases like ‘the kiss to end all kisses’).. which is understandable with it being a lesbian Rom Com but blimey it felt jarring after reading very different genres!
2) whyyyyyy does Clare Lydon (I love Clare so much but why) does she nearly *always* have the lead character cut all her hair off into a pixie cut? It was great the first time but now it just feels a bit offensive??? Not all of us queers chop our hair off when we come out?! We can exist with long hair!
Overall, I really enjoyed this. And the spice? Impeccable. A brilliant and dirty rom com.
June 22, 2024
This is a lovely romance, and we all love a good one of those, especially with a HEA. Every good romance should have one. Add in a fake romance and you’ll have a dash of humour. Set it at a resort and we can simply relax in the sunshine (with a good book!) Not forgetting the family mix. Sigh. Good one, Clare Lydon!
June 8, 2024
Laugh out loud FUNNY, WONDERFUL characters, and SEXY as hell!
Clare Lydon can write romance like nobody else. I absolutely LOVED this book. I only have one question(?) WTF is “naff?”
I’m fairly certain it is a British slang word, right? Readers, you’re gonna love this book as much as I do. Go buy it now!
Clare Lydon can write romance like nobody else. I absolutely LOVED this book. I only have one question(?) WTF is “naff?”
I’m fairly certain it is a British slang word, right? Readers, you’re gonna love this book as much as I do. Go buy it now!
May 31, 2024
A lighthearted and quick read with an age gap, a bit of the forbidden, and a complex family that just works.
Noah invites Brooke to be his plus one, posing as his girlfriend in his half-sister's wedding in Mexico. He plans to come out to his father by the end of the eleven-day vacation—he just needs Brooke there to soften the blow until then. They agree to be on their best behavior.
Naturally, they break the agreement as soon as they can, and Brooke gets it on with Noah's mom. They get off to a quite literally explosive start, but it's all uphill from there.
My favorite parts of the book have to be the scenes where someone gets close to the truth. Always gave me a nervous laugh. I particularly like Noah as a character—he's the "me me me" that always rubs me the wrong way but spices up a story. Jen's priorities make me feel for her, but I respect her for them.
I just wish the book were longer. There's a colorful cast of secondary characters and I wish they were explored a bit more.
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
Noah invites Brooke to be his plus one, posing as his girlfriend in his half-sister's wedding in Mexico. He plans to come out to his father by the end of the eleven-day vacation—he just needs Brooke there to soften the blow until then. They agree to be on their best behavior.
Naturally, they break the agreement as soon as they can, and Brooke gets it on with Noah's mom. They get off to a quite literally explosive start, but it's all uphill from there.
My favorite parts of the book have to be the scenes where someone gets close to the truth. Always gave me a nervous laugh. I particularly like Noah as a character—he's the "me me me" that always rubs me the wrong way but spices up a story. Jen's priorities make me feel for her, but I respect her for them.
I just wish the book were longer. There's a colorful cast of secondary characters and I wish they were explored a bit more.
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2025
Brooke and Noah are best friends, they have been for a number of years, but have never met the other’s family. When Noah is invited to his half-sister’s wedding in Mexico, he invites Brooke as his fake-girlfriend, because he isn’t out to his father. Brooke thinks this is a terrible idea, but goes along with it to support Noah. The only problem is when she meets Noah’s mum Jen for the first time, and has an instant crush, which eventually is reciprocated. And then Noah hooks up with a guy when he is meant to be with Brooke.
This is a very complicated situation, where Noah’s blended family of his single mum who was very young when he was born, his father’s ex wife, and his father’s current wife all get on surprisingly well. Brooke doesn’t have family except for her estranged mother Claudia. Some parts are hilarious, some stressful, but all excellently written, in the style of a classic British farce brought up to date. All the characters in this are three-dimensional, and all people I would like to meet. I was constantly trying to work out how Clare Lydon would get them out of this mess…
This is a very complicated situation, where Noah’s blended family of his single mum who was very young when he was born, his father’s ex wife, and his father’s current wife all get on surprisingly well. Brooke doesn’t have family except for her estranged mother Claudia. Some parts are hilarious, some stressful, but all excellently written, in the style of a classic British farce brought up to date. All the characters in this are three-dimensional, and all people I would like to meet. I was constantly trying to work out how Clare Lydon would get them out of this mess…
March 16, 2025
Just Kiss Her
I love a good age-gap, fake-dating, forbidden romance. This one also has a destination wedding in Mexico, the bff's whole family (who were a lot cooler than expected), and another vacation fling on the side. It sounds like a chaotic situation, but it was a lot of fun in the sun, romance on the beach, and some wedding day drama. All of it made for a very entertaining romcom. Loved it! 🥰
I love a good age-gap, fake-dating, forbidden romance. This one also has a destination wedding in Mexico, the bff's whole family (who were a lot cooler than expected), and another vacation fling on the side. It sounds like a chaotic situation, but it was a lot of fun in the sun, romance on the beach, and some wedding day drama. All of it made for a very entertaining romcom. Loved it! 🥰
June 7, 2024
Not even my favourite trope of falling for your best friends mum could save this cringe fest 🥴
dnf
August 21, 2024DNF @50%- I don’t think this author is for me
September 8, 2025
"now do you know what a milf is?" the book. me when?
- 3.5 stars.
- 3.5 stars.
July 24, 2024
A fun and drama filled romance!
Brooke is asked by her best friend Noah to pretend to be his girlfriend to attend a family wedding in Mexico because he worries about his dad’s reaction to him being gay. Brooke somewhat reluctantly agrees, and on her very first day bumps into Noah’s mum, Jen. Brooke and Jen grow close during the holiday, but it could have devastating consequences for them to pursue their feelings beyond that.
I loved every second of this, and like all Clare’s other romances it had her style that I just love, of including a touch of humour and comedy. It was so clever to have so much representation within the characters, but also by having a main story, and Noah’s woven in too. It made it so much more than just an age-gap romance. I found so much of it relatable, and got quite a few surprises too, which made me smile, even if some of them were from dramatic and heartbreaking situations.
The connection between Brooke and Jen was magical. Jen coming to terms with what she was feeling not only as a mother, but also as an older woman discovering her attraction to women, was intriguing and such interesting angles to explore. Noah reaction was completely as I expected it to be, but I loved his character and how both Brooke and Jen, at every stage in their relationship were aware of how he’d feel and always trying to justify what they could have by putting him first.
I really enjoyed this story, and hope some of the characters are going to turn up in future stories as there are exciting futures for them all.
Brooke is asked by her best friend Noah to pretend to be his girlfriend to attend a family wedding in Mexico because he worries about his dad’s reaction to him being gay. Brooke somewhat reluctantly agrees, and on her very first day bumps into Noah’s mum, Jen. Brooke and Jen grow close during the holiday, but it could have devastating consequences for them to pursue their feelings beyond that.
I loved every second of this, and like all Clare’s other romances it had her style that I just love, of including a touch of humour and comedy. It was so clever to have so much representation within the characters, but also by having a main story, and Noah’s woven in too. It made it so much more than just an age-gap romance. I found so much of it relatable, and got quite a few surprises too, which made me smile, even if some of them were from dramatic and heartbreaking situations.
The connection between Brooke and Jen was magical. Jen coming to terms with what she was feeling not only as a mother, but also as an older woman discovering her attraction to women, was intriguing and such interesting angles to explore. Noah reaction was completely as I expected it to be, but I loved his character and how both Brooke and Jen, at every stage in their relationship were aware of how he’d feel and always trying to justify what they could have by putting him first.
I really enjoyed this story, and hope some of the characters are going to turn up in future stories as there are exciting futures for them all.
March 13, 2025
4.5 rounded off to 5 stars
This is a pleasant book to read. Exactly what I needed as 'feel good' book therapy. Even though the supporting characters were too many, it was easy to keep up with them and the progress of the story.
Enjoyed reading this one. While reading I realised that I was missing Clare's sense of humour.
Would definitely recommend.
This is a pleasant book to read. Exactly what I needed as 'feel good' book therapy. Even though the supporting characters were too many, it was easy to keep up with them and the progress of the story.
Enjoyed reading this one. While reading I realised that I was missing Clare's sense of humour.
Would definitely recommend.
June 10, 2024
Romantic amazing story….What a book
I loved it so so much, isn’t just the aging gap stories that are my Kryptonite but this story has been described so perfectly. All the characters protagonists or not playing a key role. The dialogues are so well written and there are so many emotions and feelings. There is a happy ending with a meaning and some intense scenes about connection and potential future. Absolutely AMAZING!!!
I loved it so so much, isn’t just the aging gap stories that are my Kryptonite but this story has been described so perfectly. All the characters protagonists or not playing a key role. The dialogues are so well written and there are so many emotions and feelings. There is a happy ending with a meaning and some intense scenes about connection and potential future. Absolutely AMAZING!!!
May 15, 2024
Another Lydon winner, funny yet with heart. A barrier that’s sort of not a real barrier but certainly awkward!
There is also a scene, the first meeting of the mains, that is so well told that it is like watching a film. I can picture the scene but the description at no point pulls me out of the scene, yet, as I said I can see it so clearly.
I hardly raised my head from the rest of the book. 4.5 for most, I found myself a bit impatient to know how things would go when they left the holiday, while they were still on holiday, but then the tension ramped up, and I was totally focused on the book. I got emotional with a beautifully paced, very emotional plot resolution, even though not the romance, it was an important relationship. Moving me, literally and figuratively to give 5.
There is also a scene, the first meeting of the mains, that is so well told that it is like watching a film. I can picture the scene but the description at no point pulls me out of the scene, yet, as I said I can see it so clearly.
I hardly raised my head from the rest of the book. 4.5 for most, I found myself a bit impatient to know how things would go when they left the holiday, while they were still on holiday, but then the tension ramped up, and I was totally focused on the book. I got emotional with a beautifully paced, very emotional plot resolution, even though not the romance, it was an important relationship. Moving me, literally and figuratively to give 5.
September 1, 2024
When a book tells me putting your hands in your pockets is a “queer” thing, I start wondering if I made a good choice picking it to read. Or if the author has ever interacted with other humans.
(“Sticking your hand in your pocket was a very queer thing to do, and she wasn’t queer here.”)
Also, Noah was such an immature brat that I couldn’t believe his mother took him seriously. He was in his twenties, not a toddler. Why would he get any say in her dating life?
(“Sticking your hand in your pocket was a very queer thing to do, and she wasn’t queer here.”)
Also, Noah was such an immature brat that I couldn’t believe his mother took him seriously. He was in his twenties, not a toddler. Why would he get any say in her dating life?
June 4, 2024
So, how much character development can be squeezed into a two week holiday, anyway? Well, surprisingly, quite a lot when Clare Lydon writes about it. She's filled it with quirky characters, funny twists and turns and a best friend that really needs his mum to take him to task about treating his best friend - who's also his fake girlfriend - better. Or, she could step-up and treat the girlfriend to someone better - like herself, perhaps. Wait, that can't be funny, can it? Apparently, Clare can make that happen, too.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I expected to. In fact, I've added it to my list of books to re-read.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I expected to. In fact, I've added it to my list of books to re-read.
June 10, 2024
A great Summer Beach read!
Clare Lydon does it again. She uses a wacky situation (fake dating), an hilarious meet-cute, a gorgeous age gap couple, a villain whose nose I wanted to break, and of course delivers a happy ending. If beachy resort vacation romances are your vibe, then run, don’t walk, to purchase this delightful book that will make you want to head off to a Mexican Resort and lounge by the pool sipping umbrella drinks while reading this book. Enjoy!
Clare Lydon does it again. She uses a wacky situation (fake dating), an hilarious meet-cute, a gorgeous age gap couple, a villain whose nose I wanted to break, and of course delivers a happy ending. If beachy resort vacation romances are your vibe, then run, don’t walk, to purchase this delightful book that will make you want to head off to a Mexican Resort and lounge by the pool sipping umbrella drinks while reading this book. Enjoy!
August 26, 2024
Messy. Messy. Messy. I mean I get it. Falling for your best friend’s mom, while pretending to be the girlfriend to your best friend. Then getting a job to work for your best friend’s dad. All while everyone thinks you’re straight even though you’re hooking up with Noah’s mom. Oh great story. The ending I didn’t see coming but loved every second of it. Especially the mending of Brooke and her mom’s relationship. Such a good read.
June 10, 2024
I loved this book, even with a large number of characters it was easy to keep track of who was who. Besides it was a destination wedding so it makes sense.
The full on itinerary including an underwater spin class was pure hell.
I love a good fake dating, age gap happy ending and this had all three. I read this in a single sitting on a lazy long weekend Monday.
The full on itinerary including an underwater spin class was pure hell.
I love a good fake dating, age gap happy ending and this had all three. I read this in a single sitting on a lazy long weekend Monday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
Wonderful Sapphic Age Gap Romance!
Wow! I could hardly put this story down!! I loved Brooke and Jen! With some predictability, the author still managed to write an interesting story that really just hooked me in from the start. The MCs had an amazing connection and their attraction was chef’s kiss. The side characters were fun and well done! Plenty of lovely spice and lots of warm fuzzies.
Wow! I could hardly put this story down!! I loved Brooke and Jen! With some predictability, the author still managed to write an interesting story that really just hooked me in from the start. The MCs had an amazing connection and their attraction was chef’s kiss. The side characters were fun and well done! Plenty of lovely spice and lots of warm fuzzies.
October 8, 2024
Lesbians? Check.
Gays? Check.
Age Gap? Check.
Holiday Romane? Check.
Is this my new comfort book? Potentionally, yes.
This had times where I was literally wanting to know what happened in the end and couldn't put this book down. I loved every second about Jen & Brooke.
Gays? Check.
Age Gap? Check.
Holiday Romane? Check.
Is this my new comfort book? Potentionally, yes.
This had times where I was literally wanting to know what happened in the end and couldn't put this book down. I loved every second about Jen & Brooke.
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