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A Different Kind Of Pride: A Slow-Burn Ice-Queen Sapphic Romance
Victoria Berry is known in the Cornish village of Miltree for being cold. As headteacher of the local primary school, she conducts her career with the same iron fist with which she controls the rest of her life. She’s perfectly content how she single, stony and intimidating. But what she doesn’t realise is that this can’t last forever.
Anastasia Savchenko is not known in the village of Miltree at all. She’s only been there for a year, having left her nursing career post-burnout in order to take over the village florist. Her head full of the business of flowers, she hasn’t even had time to make friends. And even if she had, the least likely person would be her next-door-neighbour, Scary Miss Berry.
A catastrophic car accident forces Anastasia and Victoria together, and before they know it, their relationship goes from complete strangers to carer and charge. But what they don’t realise is that as Victoria recovers, their relationship may run deeper than either of them bargained for…
Content discussion of car accidents and medical/surgical procedures.
This book is set in the same location as The Summer We've Had and Love You However, running parallel with the latter. However, all three books can be read as standalones. If you'd like to check in with the characters you know and love, here is your chance! Praise for A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRIDE 'A beautifully written story of vulnerability and love defrosting the ice queen.' ~ CHLOE KETO, author of CARETAKING LOVE
Praise for KATHERINE BLAKEMAN 'Katherine Blakeman sensitively portrays the relationship between two strong, endearing characters who love each other dearly, but are tested by everyday life and deteriorating circumstances.' ~ SAPPHIC BOOKS KITCHEN on LOVE YOU HOWEVER
'Katherine is a powerhouse of an author, who isn’t afraid to touch on the subjects most of us run from.' ~ S-JAY HART, author of OH MY STARS, on THE SUMMER WE'VE HAD
Anastasia Savchenko is not known in the village of Miltree at all. She’s only been there for a year, having left her nursing career post-burnout in order to take over the village florist. Her head full of the business of flowers, she hasn’t even had time to make friends. And even if she had, the least likely person would be her next-door-neighbour, Scary Miss Berry.
A catastrophic car accident forces Anastasia and Victoria together, and before they know it, their relationship goes from complete strangers to carer and charge. But what they don’t realise is that as Victoria recovers, their relationship may run deeper than either of them bargained for…
Content discussion of car accidents and medical/surgical procedures.
This book is set in the same location as The Summer We've Had and Love You However, running parallel with the latter. However, all three books can be read as standalones. If you'd like to check in with the characters you know and love, here is your chance! Praise for A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRIDE 'A beautifully written story of vulnerability and love defrosting the ice queen.' ~ CHLOE KETO, author of CARETAKING LOVE
Praise for KATHERINE BLAKEMAN 'Katherine Blakeman sensitively portrays the relationship between two strong, endearing characters who love each other dearly, but are tested by everyday life and deteriorating circumstances.' ~ SAPPHIC BOOKS KITCHEN on LOVE YOU HOWEVER
'Katherine is a powerhouse of an author, who isn’t afraid to touch on the subjects most of us run from.' ~ S-JAY HART, author of OH MY STARS, on THE SUMMER WE'VE HAD
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2024
11 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Blakeman
7 books22 followersWelcome to my page! I am the author of the Bound By The Rainbow series (Cornwall-based Sapphic novels consisting of The Summer We've Had, Love You However and A Different Kind Of Pride) and The Rainbow Lens, a second-chance Sapphic romance set in rural Italy.
My Instagram is @katherineblakemanwriter, my Twitter is @kblakemanwriter and I also use Facebook. My website is www.katherineblakeman.com, where you can find my blog, and I also have a Kofi page, ko-fi.com/katherineblakeman (which you'll have to copy and paste because apparently the link doesn't want to format correctly...).
Happy reading, everybody!
My Instagram is @katherineblakemanwriter, my Twitter is @kblakemanwriter and I also use Facebook. My website is www.katherineblakeman.com, where you can find my blog, and I also have a Kofi page, ko-fi.com/katherineblakeman (which you'll have to copy and paste because apparently the link doesn't want to format correctly...).
Happy reading, everybody!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 6, 2025
3.8 stars
Sweet slow burn story, no angst, simple and straightforward, but keeping my attention. Liked it
Sweet slow burn story, no angst, simple and straightforward, but keeping my attention. Liked it
August 12, 2024
I love reading! And I especially love reading well written books about complex women. And that's exactly what this book is.
The MCs in this book are complex and interesting and are each struggling in different ways. I was cheering for them all the way, though what the end of their journey might look like was never a certainty. In some ways this is book is a "grumpy/sunshine" trope. But "grumpy" isn't quite right since Victoria has many reasons to be upset and sad and withdrawn. She has just been in a car wreck that nearly took her life. And her upbringing was very repressed. And even though Anastasia is a ray of sunshine, that light hides her previous traumas.
The book was written with alternating Victoria/Anastasia POV sections so we learn more about their inner thoughts and feelings than would be otherwise possible. I thought the author made this structure work well with the story.
In summary, read this if you enjoy stories about strong, complex women facing challenges and moving forward, then backward and forward again, in a journey toward friendship and intimacy.
Oh, and there's a lovely easter egg at the end for those who have read previous Blakeman books in this series.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The MCs in this book are complex and interesting and are each struggling in different ways. I was cheering for them all the way, though what the end of their journey might look like was never a certainty. In some ways this is book is a "grumpy/sunshine" trope. But "grumpy" isn't quite right since Victoria has many reasons to be upset and sad and withdrawn. She has just been in a car wreck that nearly took her life. And her upbringing was very repressed. And even though Anastasia is a ray of sunshine, that light hides her previous traumas.
The book was written with alternating Victoria/Anastasia POV sections so we learn more about their inner thoughts and feelings than would be otherwise possible. I thought the author made this structure work well with the story.
In summary, read this if you enjoy stories about strong, complex women facing challenges and moving forward, then backward and forward again, in a journey toward friendship and intimacy.
Oh, and there's a lovely easter egg at the end for those who have read previous Blakeman books in this series.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2024
A sweet slow burn romance
Victoria becomes closely acquainted with her neighbour Anastasia after an accident robs her of her independence. With a nursing background, Anastasia is adamant she wants to help Victoria recover, and even be friends, but with her feelings for Victoria growing and Victoria’s ice queen status, things are a bit more complicated than either of them hoped.
This was an interesting story, covering lots of emotions and complexities following a traumatic accident. It was a slow burn because of Victoria’s ice queen nature and Anastasia's respect of wanting to help Victoria and just be friends more than pushing her own agenda. Given the situation the characters were in, the settings and scenarios for them spending time together were limited, so rather than focusing on events, it is very focused on Victoria’s recovery and the emotions both she and Anastasia have based around that. Their natures really suited one another. Anastasia was the perfect blend of calm and enthusiastic, but authoritative enough to match Victoria’s stubbornness and pride, and get things done when Victoria’s care wasn’t up to standard.
Because of who Victoria was and how closed she’d become, this was more than just recovery. She was on a journey to find herself and welcome others into her world. I admired all her efforts, even when there were setbacks and completely empthaised with where she was coming from in those moments. She was going through so much, big life changes for her that impacted everything. All the detail and descriptions of Victoria’s recovery were explored with a lot of thought and sensitivity into how someone in her situation might genuinely respond. There were also great additional characters who had always been in Victoria’s life but she’d kept at distance, who hopefully now can have a bigger part to play and perhaps pop up in future stories.
A good story, enjoyable, and a bit different from a typical slow burn romance.
Victoria becomes closely acquainted with her neighbour Anastasia after an accident robs her of her independence. With a nursing background, Anastasia is adamant she wants to help Victoria recover, and even be friends, but with her feelings for Victoria growing and Victoria’s ice queen status, things are a bit more complicated than either of them hoped.
This was an interesting story, covering lots of emotions and complexities following a traumatic accident. It was a slow burn because of Victoria’s ice queen nature and Anastasia's respect of wanting to help Victoria and just be friends more than pushing her own agenda. Given the situation the characters were in, the settings and scenarios for them spending time together were limited, so rather than focusing on events, it is very focused on Victoria’s recovery and the emotions both she and Anastasia have based around that. Their natures really suited one another. Anastasia was the perfect blend of calm and enthusiastic, but authoritative enough to match Victoria’s stubbornness and pride, and get things done when Victoria’s care wasn’t up to standard.
Because of who Victoria was and how closed she’d become, this was more than just recovery. She was on a journey to find herself and welcome others into her world. I admired all her efforts, even when there were setbacks and completely empthaised with where she was coming from in those moments. She was going through so much, big life changes for her that impacted everything. All the detail and descriptions of Victoria’s recovery were explored with a lot of thought and sensitivity into how someone in her situation might genuinely respond. There were also great additional characters who had always been in Victoria’s life but she’d kept at distance, who hopefully now can have a bigger part to play and perhaps pop up in future stories.
A good story, enjoyable, and a bit different from a typical slow burn romance.
September 14, 2024
the book i didn't know i needed for my own healing journey when it comes to depression and anxiety. there was a lot i could take with me and remind myself of. that i am not a burden when i ask for help. that people who love and care for me don't mind how broken i am. i love victoria's and anastasia's story and how they connected. often all we need is just one good friend who sticks to our side. i loved it. it's not a typical romance book. more of two people finding their true selves, acceptance and love.💜🙏🏻
August 28, 2024
Beautifully Done!
Another emotionally intense work by this author. I appreciate the way she describes her characters and their backstories, in a way that I can picture them. I admire the lengths she goes to research the characters to bring them to life with sensitivity. As I was getting to the last chapters, I would take breaks, because I just wasn’t ready for it to end!
Another emotionally intense work by this author. I appreciate the way she describes her characters and their backstories, in a way that I can picture them. I admire the lengths she goes to research the characters to bring them to life with sensitivity. As I was getting to the last chapters, I would take breaks, because I just wasn’t ready for it to end!
June 17, 2025
A gorgeous slow burn story about a Ice Queen head teacher, Victoria. Who has had a bad car accident. Her neighbor Anastasia notices she's not home overnight, and hears about a bad car accident, so she goes to the hospital to find her.
Victoria and Anastasia work out that Anastasia will help her for Victoria's friendship as payment.
This is a beautiful story about two complex women finding each other. I LOVE this book! A FAVORITE! Deserves more than 5 stars!
Victoria and Anastasia work out that Anastasia will help her for Victoria's friendship as payment.
This is a beautiful story about two complex women finding each other. I LOVE this book! A FAVORITE! Deserves more than 5 stars!
August 1, 2024
This book is another absolutely beautiful read by Blakeman. By now you know to expect this author to hit you with topics most others won’t touch. This book is no exception and tackles a serious accident and major surgery, as well as the recovery involved. It also has a HEA. So, let’s get to it, hopefully without giving anything away.
The main characters are Victoria aka scary Miss Berry, headteacher at the local school and Anastasia, a recent transplant to the picturesque Cornish village and owner of Beachy Blooms, the local florist.
If Victoria sounds familiar that’s because we briefly met her in a previous book. The Ice-Queen of Miltree is a very private person. Choosing to keep herself to herself, never show emotion and never let anyone behind the walls that have been built.
Anastasia on the other hand is full of joy, she may have moved south to escape a few demons but that doesn’t show on the outside. Being a former nurse she has a caring nature and feels deeply.
You wouldn’t think these two would get along, and you’d be right. They may be neighbours but that’s about it, until one fateful night changes everything.
What follows is an unbelievable story of healing, both physically and emotionally. It’s a journey that is very well written and shows the true rollercoaster ride this recovery involves. The fear of being a burden to others and asking for help often hurts more than anything else. As much as Victoria wants to hold on to her independence she soon realises that maybe having Anastasia around isn’t so bad after all.
We also catch up with previous characters, if you haven’t read those stories I highly recommend them.
Once again Katherine Blakeman has handled this topic in such a way that both keeps you turning the pages and gives you insight into a subject you hopefully never have to go through.
I’ve personally been through a similar situation and I can say the things written are spot on. Blakeman even managed to put into words feelings I struggled to voice. So Thank You, for a truly amazing book.
I received a ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters are Victoria aka scary Miss Berry, headteacher at the local school and Anastasia, a recent transplant to the picturesque Cornish village and owner of Beachy Blooms, the local florist.
If Victoria sounds familiar that’s because we briefly met her in a previous book. The Ice-Queen of Miltree is a very private person. Choosing to keep herself to herself, never show emotion and never let anyone behind the walls that have been built.
Anastasia on the other hand is full of joy, she may have moved south to escape a few demons but that doesn’t show on the outside. Being a former nurse she has a caring nature and feels deeply.
You wouldn’t think these two would get along, and you’d be right. They may be neighbours but that’s about it, until one fateful night changes everything.
What follows is an unbelievable story of healing, both physically and emotionally. It’s a journey that is very well written and shows the true rollercoaster ride this recovery involves. The fear of being a burden to others and asking for help often hurts more than anything else. As much as Victoria wants to hold on to her independence she soon realises that maybe having Anastasia around isn’t so bad after all.
We also catch up with previous characters, if you haven’t read those stories I highly recommend them.
Once again Katherine Blakeman has handled this topic in such a way that both keeps you turning the pages and gives you insight into a subject you hopefully never have to go through.
I’ve personally been through a similar situation and I can say the things written are spot on. Blakeman even managed to put into words feelings I struggled to voice. So Thank You, for a truly amazing book.
I received a ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2024
You wouldn’t think that with a MC in hospital it would be engaging and captivating- but you would be wrong!
Victoria is the iciest headmistress going!
The story development is wonderfully written and keeps you engaged, Victorias journey and self- discovery is a joy to read.
Anastasia is as patient as a saint with her.
I really enjoyed the story and the fact that you can read it as a stand alone or having read the other books is an added bonus.
Really loved the storytelling, well written and believable characters.
Victoria is the iciest headmistress going!
The story development is wonderfully written and keeps you engaged, Victorias journey and self- discovery is a joy to read.
Anastasia is as patient as a saint with her.
I really enjoyed the story and the fact that you can read it as a stand alone or having read the other books is an added bonus.
Really loved the storytelling, well written and believable characters.
September 3, 2024
This is the latest in this series of books set in Cornwall. I would recommend that you read the others first because that way you have a better understanding of the people featured in the wings of this one. But it works as a standalone too.
This one is centred on the headteacher of the local village primary school. As anyone who has read the previous books knows she was involved in a serious car accident. This book deals with the accident and the aftermath for her. She leads a very solitary life and has no one to provide the care she will need for recovery when she needs it, so her neighbour steps up.
The story follows her recovery and the relationship built with the next door neighbour.
A lot of this story takes place in hospital - and who doesn't like hospital drama. Luckily her neighbour is a nurse.
There are many things in this story that made me laugh. I shall list just a few.
The idea that a head teacher would have phonetic alphabet posters in their home office!
The explanation of 'javelin arse'.
The head describing herself as a Garibaldi.
Things I would have complained about if physio and OT had actually done some of the stuff in this book - quite a few! [And that is not a complaint about accuracy as I have seen most of these things done in real life]
Leaving a patient to do an activity beyond their physical limits
Sending them home with a bag of equipment
Sending them home without a home visit to assess for equipment needed
The lack of provision of a raised toilet seat
All of which are bad practice and deserve a complaint but the story would suffer without them.
There is of course an epilogue.
This takes place a few weeks after the main story. I find it amusing when the characters talk and suggest they should write a series of books about us.
This book does not feature what you might consider to be conventional relationships.
Katherine Blakeman likes to tell the stories of the often forgotten and overlooked members of the LGBTQIA+ community. And she does it well. I would consider that her books are enjoyable and a little bit educational if I am honest. She also incorporates people who are not exactly on the elderly list but are beyond their youth. And I am in no way saying that 39 and 45 makes them old. I think this is impressive for someone who is so young herself - showing such insight and maturity.
I suggest you read the whole series.
This one is centred on the headteacher of the local village primary school. As anyone who has read the previous books knows she was involved in a serious car accident. This book deals with the accident and the aftermath for her. She leads a very solitary life and has no one to provide the care she will need for recovery when she needs it, so her neighbour steps up.
The story follows her recovery and the relationship built with the next door neighbour.
A lot of this story takes place in hospital - and who doesn't like hospital drama. Luckily her neighbour is a nurse.
There are many things in this story that made me laugh. I shall list just a few.
The idea that a head teacher would have phonetic alphabet posters in their home office!
The explanation of 'javelin arse'.
The head describing herself as a Garibaldi.
Things I would have complained about if physio and OT had actually done some of the stuff in this book - quite a few! [And that is not a complaint about accuracy as I have seen most of these things done in real life]
Leaving a patient to do an activity beyond their physical limits
Sending them home with a bag of equipment
Sending them home without a home visit to assess for equipment needed
The lack of provision of a raised toilet seat
All of which are bad practice and deserve a complaint but the story would suffer without them.
There is of course an epilogue.
This takes place a few weeks after the main story. I find it amusing when the characters talk and suggest they should write a series of books about us.
This book does not feature what you might consider to be conventional relationships.
Katherine Blakeman likes to tell the stories of the often forgotten and overlooked members of the LGBTQIA+ community. And she does it well. I would consider that her books are enjoyable and a little bit educational if I am honest. She also incorporates people who are not exactly on the elderly list but are beyond their youth. And I am in no way saying that 39 and 45 makes them old. I think this is impressive for someone who is so young herself - showing such insight and maturity.
I suggest you read the whole series.
October 2, 2024
Finding Hope
Petra is headteacher and has no friends and barely knows her neighbor. Anastasia is her neighbor and owns the flower shop I town. When Petra has a terrible auto accident Anastasia intervenes to take care of her after her spinal fusion surgery. As a former nurse she has the skills and she cares. A slow burn romance and exploration of friendship and love.
Petra is headteacher and has no friends and barely knows her neighbor. Anastasia is her neighbor and owns the flower shop I town. When Petra has a terrible auto accident Anastasia intervenes to take care of her after her spinal fusion surgery. As a former nurse she has the skills and she cares. A slow burn romance and exploration of friendship and love.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews