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Language Lessons
Grace can’t find a desperately needed roommate, so she takes a gamble and decides to host an exchange student. When the student turns out to be in college and just a few years older than her, not to mention extremely cute, Grace is flustered and withdraws. When an accident forces her to spend time with Lenka, she realizes just how much they have in common.
Lenka is so excited about her year in America. She’s going to love New York not only because she wants to work for the UN, but also because it’s where her girlfriend lives. She plans to practice her English with a large host family, so when she’s matched with a single woman living in Portland, she’s crushed. Only it turns out that she loves Portland, things with her girlfriend aren’t as they seem, and Grace’s house begins to feel like home.
Grace and Lenka never expected to fall in love. Is home really where the heart is if it means giving up your dreams?
Lenka is so excited about her year in America. She’s going to love New York not only because she wants to work for the UN, but also because it’s where her girlfriend lives. She plans to practice her English with a large host family, so when she’s matched with a single woman living in Portland, she’s crushed. Only it turns out that she loves Portland, things with her girlfriend aren’t as they seem, and Grace’s house begins to feel like home.
Grace and Lenka never expected to fall in love. Is home really where the heart is if it means giving up your dreams?
Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this new adult book. The writing style was easy and enjoyable, I liked both main characters.
Grace is a nurse and has recently inherited a house from her grandmother and needs a roommate. She finds an ad for an international student needing a home. Lenka is from the Czech Republic and needs a place to live to continue her studies. Her goal is to become an interpreter at the UN and to live in New York City. Lenka and Grace start off on the wrong foot but soon become friends. Grace is a rule follower and even though she finds herself attracted to Lenka she holds herself back because of her housing contract to not become involved with a student, in this case it's kinda dumb because Lenka is two years older than Grace.
This book has several side characters and a very naughty cat that added to the story.
This book surprised me with the easy and comfortable writing style. I really enjoyed reading it and plan to read more books by Sage Donnell.
Grace is a nurse and has recently inherited a house from her grandmother and needs a roommate. She finds an ad for an international student needing a home. Lenka is from the Czech Republic and needs a place to live to continue her studies. Her goal is to become an interpreter at the UN and to live in New York City. Lenka and Grace start off on the wrong foot but soon become friends. Grace is a rule follower and even though she finds herself attracted to Lenka she holds herself back because of her housing contract to not become involved with a student, in this case it's kinda dumb because Lenka is two years older than Grace.
This book has several side characters and a very naughty cat that added to the story.
This book surprised me with the easy and comfortable writing style. I really enjoyed reading it and plan to read more books by Sage Donnell.
October 6, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book
grace needed a flat mate one to share the burden of the bills that came with being a home owner... what she hadnt expected was the hassle she was having finding the right person to share her house with.....until she saw an ad for an exchange student
armed with a list of do and dont she went to pick her student up from the airport.... the first shock was the age of the student.... she had a mature student ... one that was a couple of years older than her and the other shock was how attractive she was.....
grace who had been expecting a teenager was embarrassed at the list she had put together for rules to live in her house and so went out of her way to avoid lenka who being a mature student should have more idea of how to explore and get on with things...
until that is lenka ended up at her emergency unit with a broken arm... all because of graces cat....
and so began all of graces troubles.....
a cute quick storyline that held my attention right to the end...
grace needed a flat mate one to share the burden of the bills that came with being a home owner... what she hadnt expected was the hassle she was having finding the right person to share her house with.....until she saw an ad for an exchange student
armed with a list of do and dont she went to pick her student up from the airport.... the first shock was the age of the student.... she had a mature student ... one that was a couple of years older than her and the other shock was how attractive she was.....
grace who had been expecting a teenager was embarrassed at the list she had put together for rules to live in her house and so went out of her way to avoid lenka who being a mature student should have more idea of how to explore and get on with things...
until that is lenka ended up at her emergency unit with a broken arm... all because of graces cat....
and so began all of graces troubles.....
a cute quick storyline that held my attention right to the end...
October 2, 2024
3+ I enjoyed the book and liked the show aspect but when the barrier didn't exist at half way I wasn't sure what would fill the rest of the book. Almost immediately, another barrier, but I'm not a fan of lack of communication! However this didn't irritate me this time. Possibly because it was consistent behaviour. There was tension from the mains that didn't really translate to me because I knew it would all work out. It did and I was happy with that. More than a 3, but not to be 4.
November 19, 2024
Grace is searching for a new roommate after her best friend Maci left to move in with her new boyfriend. However, Grace is not having a lot of luck, just getting weirdos answering her adverts. Instead, she applies for a foreign exchange student placement, expecting a teenager, but gets sent Lenka from Czechia who is a couple of years older than Grace.
This is a good story, with a lot of descriptions of how Lenka improves her English, and how she volunteers at the hospital Grace works at. Eventually these two women get together, but there is a lot of miscommunication and angst, both of which I find difficult to read.
Grace, Lenka and their friends groups are all believable characters, with a lovely sense of found family.
This is a good story, with a lot of descriptions of how Lenka improves her English, and how she volunteers at the hospital Grace works at. Eventually these two women get together, but there is a lot of miscommunication and angst, both of which I find difficult to read.
Grace, Lenka and their friends groups are all believable characters, with a lovely sense of found family.
October 16, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley & the Publisher for providing me with an E-Arc in Exchange for an honest review!
4.5 / 5 Stars
For a book I'm rating this highly, I've got surprisingly few things to say.
As a european from a slavik speaking country, I was very interested to see and find out how the book and author would translate the language barrier thing from theory to paper. I was almost dissapointed we didn't get more written language and native tongue dialoge, but then again, I think I'm only feeling this way, because that's how I've seen a lot of latin people do it in books featuring latin characters. And slavik languages are beautiful and deserve love, too. That being said, you could feel her background in everything else. Especially in the "No, I don't speak X, but I speak Y and we use similar syntax and vocab so I'm sure I'll figure it out." Because yes, I too know that experience. The author put a lot of love into the little things and it certainly made the experience even better.
Now onto the romance. It's very sweet and there's talks of consent and aceness and just a very healthy enviroment in general and I loved it. Their friendship was beautiful and their partnership felt natural and great. Very wholesome, very fluffy.
All in all, a very nice book.
4.5 / 5 Stars
For a book I'm rating this highly, I've got surprisingly few things to say.
As a european from a slavik speaking country, I was very interested to see and find out how the book and author would translate the language barrier thing from theory to paper. I was almost dissapointed we didn't get more written language and native tongue dialoge, but then again, I think I'm only feeling this way, because that's how I've seen a lot of latin people do it in books featuring latin characters. And slavik languages are beautiful and deserve love, too. That being said, you could feel her background in everything else. Especially in the "No, I don't speak X, but I speak Y and we use similar syntax and vocab so I'm sure I'll figure it out." Because yes, I too know that experience. The author put a lot of love into the little things and it certainly made the experience even better.
Now onto the romance. It's very sweet and there's talks of consent and aceness and just a very healthy enviroment in general and I loved it. Their friendship was beautiful and their partnership felt natural and great. Very wholesome, very fluffy.
All in all, a very nice book.
October 29, 2024
A sweet, slow burn romance that is inconvenient but inescapable. Competence is soooo sexy!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grace is at her wits end. She desperately needs a roommate now that her best friend is moving out to live with her boyfriend. After numerous disastrous interviews with potential housemates, Grace sees an ad about hosting an exchange student. Perfect solution! That is until said exchange student turns out not to be a teenager but a beautiful woman a few years her senior with mad language skills. Grace decides to dive into her work as an ED nurse in order to escape from this enticing and exotic European creature. Then Lenka turns up in the hospital with a broken arm and ignoring her is not an option any longer.
Lenka has a dream. As a Czech exchange student she wants to get a certificate to become a translator for the UN in New York. She speaks Czech, of course, but also fluent French and pretty good English. She plans to spend a year in America perfecting her language skills in order to pass the translator’s exam. Then Lenka hopes for a job at the UN so she can go live with her girlfriend Mackenzie in New York. Tiny problem: the exchange program sends her to the other side of the US. To make matters worse, her host mom in Portland, Oregon, although a very attractive woman, seems to dislike her. Grace is always working and it’s like she doesn’t even want Lenka to be there. Lenka doesn’t give up though. She hopes to get a chance to connect with Grace, if only to improve her English. Too bad Grace’s cat Loki had to get involved in a painful way. It worked though, Grace is finally letting Lenka in, in more ways than one.
Mad language skills are hella sexy! I’m glad Grace agrees with me on that front. Grace as a character is very endearing. She always wants to do the right thing and loves her friends fiercely. I was a little annoyed with her behavior towards Lenka at first. I didn’t get why she would distance herself from a guest that she herself invited to live with her. It took an unfortunate accident for her to get a wake up call and I for one am grateful to Loki the kamikaze cat for causing it. Grace’s efforts to ignore her growing feelings for Lenka are understandable given the fact that Lenka is supposed to leave after her year abroad. It’s a completely foolish mission though! I was happy to see them finally giving in to their attraction.
Lenka is adorable! She is smart and competent and a language expert. Her reasons for wanting to move to New York are tightly connected to her dream of working for the UN but simultaneously to her girlfriend Mackenzie. Their long distance relationship felt wrong from the start and my heart did break a little for Lenka when it ended. It didn’t last long though, because I was doing a happy dance when Lenka finally came to terms with her growing feelings for Grace.
Grace’s friend group is a good example of surrounding yourself with people that love you unconditionally. Whether it’s a found family or an actual one. There’s some fun teasing back and forth, but ultimately these people offer all the support to both Grace and Lenka. No wonder Lenka doesn’t want to leave!
The epilogue was fantastic. Even though at that point Grace and Lenka have been together for a few months, their relationship and funny banter hasn’t changed a bit. It is a good example of two people growing and encouraging each other without losing their own identity.
I really enjoyed this story! Language Lessons is a light, fun read and a very good one.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grace is at her wits end. She desperately needs a roommate now that her best friend is moving out to live with her boyfriend. After numerous disastrous interviews with potential housemates, Grace sees an ad about hosting an exchange student. Perfect solution! That is until said exchange student turns out not to be a teenager but a beautiful woman a few years her senior with mad language skills. Grace decides to dive into her work as an ED nurse in order to escape from this enticing and exotic European creature. Then Lenka turns up in the hospital with a broken arm and ignoring her is not an option any longer.
Lenka has a dream. As a Czech exchange student she wants to get a certificate to become a translator for the UN in New York. She speaks Czech, of course, but also fluent French and pretty good English. She plans to spend a year in America perfecting her language skills in order to pass the translator’s exam. Then Lenka hopes for a job at the UN so she can go live with her girlfriend Mackenzie in New York. Tiny problem: the exchange program sends her to the other side of the US. To make matters worse, her host mom in Portland, Oregon, although a very attractive woman, seems to dislike her. Grace is always working and it’s like she doesn’t even want Lenka to be there. Lenka doesn’t give up though. She hopes to get a chance to connect with Grace, if only to improve her English. Too bad Grace’s cat Loki had to get involved in a painful way. It worked though, Grace is finally letting Lenka in, in more ways than one.
Mad language skills are hella sexy! I’m glad Grace agrees with me on that front. Grace as a character is very endearing. She always wants to do the right thing and loves her friends fiercely. I was a little annoyed with her behavior towards Lenka at first. I didn’t get why she would distance herself from a guest that she herself invited to live with her. It took an unfortunate accident for her to get a wake up call and I for one am grateful to Loki the kamikaze cat for causing it. Grace’s efforts to ignore her growing feelings for Lenka are understandable given the fact that Lenka is supposed to leave after her year abroad. It’s a completely foolish mission though! I was happy to see them finally giving in to their attraction.
Lenka is adorable! She is smart and competent and a language expert. Her reasons for wanting to move to New York are tightly connected to her dream of working for the UN but simultaneously to her girlfriend Mackenzie. Their long distance relationship felt wrong from the start and my heart did break a little for Lenka when it ended. It didn’t last long though, because I was doing a happy dance when Lenka finally came to terms with her growing feelings for Grace.
Grace’s friend group is a good example of surrounding yourself with people that love you unconditionally. Whether it’s a found family or an actual one. There’s some fun teasing back and forth, but ultimately these people offer all the support to both Grace and Lenka. No wonder Lenka doesn’t want to leave!
The epilogue was fantastic. Even though at that point Grace and Lenka have been together for a few months, their relationship and funny banter hasn’t changed a bit. It is a good example of two people growing and encouraging each other without losing their own identity.
I really enjoyed this story! Language Lessons is a light, fun read and a very good one.
October 4, 2024
I did not think this book was all that great, and I am pretty disappointed because it did have some strong elements.
I loved how gay it was. The setting was awesome for this, and the supporting cast amplified all the gay too. GAY GAY GAY, excellent, no notes.
The writing was simple and pretty cringey at times (I almost put it right back down when I saw ‘eighty-bajillion’ on line 3). It actually felt very YA in theme, writing and tone, right up to the point it got super steamy and then I was like wooooah, okay, we’re definitely adult. This all made it difficult to age the characters in my head, despite being told they were in their 20s.
I liked the main characters, both individually, and together. They were pretty well fleshed out and I had a decent grasp on their personalities, which also helped me see how they could work as a couple. I liked their banter, I thought they were cute, and I loved the slice of life scenes of them doing normal stuff together the most - especially Lenka asking language questions and nerding out in her head about words.
The issue with seeing them as fully rounded people was being unable to understand their wants, desires, motivations. This was impossible because neither Grace nor Lenka knew themselves. Then when they did have their ‘lightbulb moments’, the only thing that mattered was their relationship, very quickly. They lost their personal ambitions immediately (well, Grace didn’t have any to start with, let’s be honest).
Speaking of the supporting cast though, we could’ve got more from them. There were glimpses of subplot with them, and they were there a lot, but I couldn’t tell you much about any of them as characters. I love found family in books, and this had the potential to be that, but it missed the mark.
Okay I said I had no notes on the gay but I guess it kind of ties into one note I do have and it’s a big one. Conflict. More specifically, being teased about potential conflict that just never materialises. I say the gay ties in because here was an obvious one; Grace is concerned before Lenka arrives that she might be homophobic. Lenka arrives and yeah she has to be gay otherwise the whole plot doesn’t work, but we don’t ever explore any homophobia she’s dealt with back home? There were even little things like ominous lines about ‘doubtfully’ agreeing that the cat will be okay when they go away for a weekend. I was convinced he would run away or something, but it’s just never picked up… (this isn’t me wishing ill on the cat, I just don’t like being baited).
Red herrings for potential drama are okay, as long as there’s enough actual drama, which there was not. The whole book was just a series of near misses. One would be receptive while the other pulled back slightly, then they’d switch positions, then back again. I wouldn’t even compare it to the classic third act miscommunication conflict. There was no big situation being misinterpreted. It almost felt like when you’re trying to call someone and you get voicemail, then they call back 5 minutes later, but you’ve gone to the toilet or something, then you call them and get voicemail again. Over and over, that’s the plot.
There were pacing issues too. I actually appreciated that this spanned a decent length of time, as it meant we didn’t have to believe these characters were falling in love in a matter of weeks. However, of the 8 months they had together, the first 6 were in the stupid back and forth avoiding the situation dance, so it still felt very sudden and rushed towards the end
It also felt like similar scenes were given to us back to back at times. We went from one dinner party to the next when variety would’ve been nice. Then at other times, we didn’t get to see scenes at all that could’ve been really lovely (you tell me what you’ve packed for a romantic trip, where you’re going, show me the car ride, then don’t show me a single moment from the actual trip? really?!)
I received an eARC of this book for free and am voluntarily sharing my own opinions in this review.
I loved how gay it was. The setting was awesome for this, and the supporting cast amplified all the gay too. GAY GAY GAY, excellent, no notes.
The writing was simple and pretty cringey at times (I almost put it right back down when I saw ‘eighty-bajillion’ on line 3). It actually felt very YA in theme, writing and tone, right up to the point it got super steamy and then I was like wooooah, okay, we’re definitely adult. This all made it difficult to age the characters in my head, despite being told they were in their 20s.
I liked the main characters, both individually, and together. They were pretty well fleshed out and I had a decent grasp on their personalities, which also helped me see how they could work as a couple. I liked their banter, I thought they were cute, and I loved the slice of life scenes of them doing normal stuff together the most - especially Lenka asking language questions and nerding out in her head about words.
The issue with seeing them as fully rounded people was being unable to understand their wants, desires, motivations. This was impossible because neither Grace nor Lenka knew themselves. Then when they did have their ‘lightbulb moments’, the only thing that mattered was their relationship, very quickly. They lost their personal ambitions immediately (well, Grace didn’t have any to start with, let’s be honest).
Speaking of the supporting cast though, we could’ve got more from them. There were glimpses of subplot with them, and they were there a lot, but I couldn’t tell you much about any of them as characters. I love found family in books, and this had the potential to be that, but it missed the mark.
Okay I said I had no notes on the gay but I guess it kind of ties into one note I do have and it’s a big one. Conflict. More specifically, being teased about potential conflict that just never materialises. I say the gay ties in because here was an obvious one; Grace is concerned before Lenka arrives that she might be homophobic. Lenka arrives and yeah she has to be gay otherwise the whole plot doesn’t work, but we don’t ever explore any homophobia she’s dealt with back home? There were even little things like ominous lines about ‘doubtfully’ agreeing that the cat will be okay when they go away for a weekend. I was convinced he would run away or something, but it’s just never picked up… (this isn’t me wishing ill on the cat, I just don’t like being baited).
Red herrings for potential drama are okay, as long as there’s enough actual drama, which there was not. The whole book was just a series of near misses. One would be receptive while the other pulled back slightly, then they’d switch positions, then back again. I wouldn’t even compare it to the classic third act miscommunication conflict. There was no big situation being misinterpreted. It almost felt like when you’re trying to call someone and you get voicemail, then they call back 5 minutes later, but you’ve gone to the toilet or something, then you call them and get voicemail again. Over and over, that’s the plot.
There were pacing issues too. I actually appreciated that this spanned a decent length of time, as it meant we didn’t have to believe these characters were falling in love in a matter of weeks. However, of the 8 months they had together, the first 6 were in the stupid back and forth avoiding the situation dance, so it still felt very sudden and rushed towards the end
It also felt like similar scenes were given to us back to back at times. We went from one dinner party to the next when variety would’ve been nice. Then at other times, we didn’t get to see scenes at all that could’ve been really lovely (you tell me what you’ve packed for a romantic trip, where you’re going, show me the car ride, then don’t show me a single moment from the actual trip? really?!)
I received an eARC of this book for free and am voluntarily sharing my own opinions in this review.
November 11, 2024
Such a a cute read. Lovely cast of characters all around and a nice supporting friend group. So great to read about supportive friends instead of backstabbing or jealousy. The writing flowed naturally and made for an easy read. My only complaint would be I wanted to read more about the setting at the end :)
October 16, 2024
I found it very chaotic, but in a nice and caring way.
I loved how they both loved each other but were afraid that the other wouldn't feel the same way. It was a little infuriating at times, but it was still super cute.
I loved how they both loved each other but were afraid that the other wouldn't feel the same way. It was a little infuriating at times, but it was still super cute.
September 28, 2024
May contain some spoilers:
This cute story follows Grace and Lenka as they get used to living together in Portland thanks to the study abroad/exchange program Lenka signed up for, and Grace agreeing to host a study abroad student for some extra funds. Grace expects Lenka to be a high school student, not a gorgeous woman who is two years older than her. Lenka was hoping to be paired with a big American family, preferably in New York to be close to her girlfriend, so she can have people to talk to and practice her English. Having been caught off guard, Grace decides to hide out at work to avoid Lenka and further embarrass herself. When Lenka comes home one night, she trips over Grace’s cat and ends up at the hospital that Grace works at. Now feeling bad, Grace takes Lenka under her wing and actually makes an effort to get to know her and help her while her broken arm heals. As they get to know each other more, feelings start to develop which makes things complicated for Lenka who has a girlfriend and will be deported back to the Czech Republic after her program is over. Not to mention Grace is afraid of violating the “no dating your host rule” and putting her heart out on the line, with the possibility of getting hurt.
Grace is super cute, awkward, and works hard to get what she wants. She has never been in a situation like the one she is in with Lenka so it takes her time to figure out her feelings and trust her instincts. I loved her dinner parties and how much she deeply cared about her friends and Lenka. Lenka was equally adorable, you could tell she just wanted to feel loved and make connections. I thought it was unique how passionate she was about language and the power it has to connect people and make them feel welcomed, especially in the hospital setting. I like how Grace and Lenka were friends first before exploring their romantic connection, but I wish we had more time with them together to see their chemistry and emotional connection build and blossom. Some more spice would have been nice too, along with some more dates sprinkled in, but there is no denying that they are cute together and meant to be.
Maci was my favorite of Grace’s friends because she was the perfect balance of funny, supportive, caring, and protective. Aubrey and Carissa were super funny and adorable too (especially the proposal scene), I would love another book dedicated to their story. I think Tess and Mackenzie would actually be perfect together. Sue and Carson were also very sweet and good friends for Lenka. Poor Jen drew the short end of the stick but she was very kind and definitely deserves to find her special someone. And of course Grand-mere totally wins the prize for sweetest grandma out there, the epilogue especially sealed the deal. Last but not least Loki, what sapphic romance would be complete without the typical mischievous cat?
Even though this story lacks depth, I did appreciate the unique plotline involving the exchange student program and the different languages and cultures represented. The story definitely revolves around the meaning of friendship/found family, and the true meaning of home, that home can be a feeling reflected in an actual place or a person. Again, it was very nice to see how Lenka was able to show how powerful language can be and how it makes you feel connected and gives you a sense of belonging. It can truly bring people together, especially being able to communicate effectively in the hospital. Overall, the story felt very cute, easy, and surface level, with no subplot, and too much pining and slow burn which led to not enough chemistry or time with the characters as a couple, and not enough conflict to test their relationship or keep things exciting.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance digital copy for review!
This cute story follows Grace and Lenka as they get used to living together in Portland thanks to the study abroad/exchange program Lenka signed up for, and Grace agreeing to host a study abroad student for some extra funds. Grace expects Lenka to be a high school student, not a gorgeous woman who is two years older than her. Lenka was hoping to be paired with a big American family, preferably in New York to be close to her girlfriend, so she can have people to talk to and practice her English. Having been caught off guard, Grace decides to hide out at work to avoid Lenka and further embarrass herself. When Lenka comes home one night, she trips over Grace’s cat and ends up at the hospital that Grace works at. Now feeling bad, Grace takes Lenka under her wing and actually makes an effort to get to know her and help her while her broken arm heals. As they get to know each other more, feelings start to develop which makes things complicated for Lenka who has a girlfriend and will be deported back to the Czech Republic after her program is over. Not to mention Grace is afraid of violating the “no dating your host rule” and putting her heart out on the line, with the possibility of getting hurt.
Grace is super cute, awkward, and works hard to get what she wants. She has never been in a situation like the one she is in with Lenka so it takes her time to figure out her feelings and trust her instincts. I loved her dinner parties and how much she deeply cared about her friends and Lenka. Lenka was equally adorable, you could tell she just wanted to feel loved and make connections. I thought it was unique how passionate she was about language and the power it has to connect people and make them feel welcomed, especially in the hospital setting. I like how Grace and Lenka were friends first before exploring their romantic connection, but I wish we had more time with them together to see their chemistry and emotional connection build and blossom. Some more spice would have been nice too, along with some more dates sprinkled in, but there is no denying that they are cute together and meant to be.
Maci was my favorite of Grace’s friends because she was the perfect balance of funny, supportive, caring, and protective. Aubrey and Carissa were super funny and adorable too (especially the proposal scene), I would love another book dedicated to their story. I think Tess and Mackenzie would actually be perfect together. Sue and Carson were also very sweet and good friends for Lenka. Poor Jen drew the short end of the stick but she was very kind and definitely deserves to find her special someone. And of course Grand-mere totally wins the prize for sweetest grandma out there, the epilogue especially sealed the deal. Last but not least Loki, what sapphic romance would be complete without the typical mischievous cat?
Even though this story lacks depth, I did appreciate the unique plotline involving the exchange student program and the different languages and cultures represented. The story definitely revolves around the meaning of friendship/found family, and the true meaning of home, that home can be a feeling reflected in an actual place or a person. Again, it was very nice to see how Lenka was able to show how powerful language can be and how it makes you feel connected and gives you a sense of belonging. It can truly bring people together, especially being able to communicate effectively in the hospital. Overall, the story felt very cute, easy, and surface level, with no subplot, and too much pining and slow burn which led to not enough chemistry or time with the characters as a couple, and not enough conflict to test their relationship or keep things exciting.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance digital copy for review!
October 6, 2024
The wow effect at the first meeting hits Grace like a bolt of lightning, but she simply cannot think or feel that way. She is the hosting mother in this arrangement and for a teenager not an exchange student two years older!
And yet Lenka stands in front of her and looks amused and delighted at the self-made glittery sign with her name on it.
Grace is tired and overworked and cannot stop herself from speaking and saying anything at what she considers to be an embarrassing first meeting.
She avoids her house guest and prefers to stay at work forever...but Lenka would love to spend time with her. She finds Grace really attractive, but she is not allowed to feel that way eitherbecause she still has her girlfriend in New York for whom she should reserve such thoughts, right?
It is definitely a slow-burn romance and both need time to admit to themselves how they feel about the other roommate.
They don't let it happen and it's best not to talk about it at all. But they are so sweet to each other that it warmed my heart.
A wonderful group of friends, both privately and at work, rounds off this wonderful romance.
It's not really about the physical, although that does happen quite late, but it's the connection that both feel and would be only too happy to allow.
Because it could be something very special if Lenka wasn't just in Portland for a certain period of time...
And yet Lenka stands in front of her and looks amused and delighted at the self-made glittery sign with her name on it.
Grace is tired and overworked and cannot stop herself from speaking and saying anything at what she considers to be an embarrassing first meeting.
She avoids her house guest and prefers to stay at work forever...but Lenka would love to spend time with her. She finds Grace really attractive, but she is not allowed to feel that way eitherbecause she still has her girlfriend in New York for whom she should reserve such thoughts, right?
It is definitely a slow-burn romance and both need time to admit to themselves how they feel about the other roommate.
They don't let it happen and it's best not to talk about it at all. But they are so sweet to each other that it warmed my heart.
A wonderful group of friends, both privately and at work, rounds off this wonderful romance.
It's not really about the physical, although that does happen quite late, but it's the connection that both feel and would be only too happy to allow.
Because it could be something very special if Lenka wasn't just in Portland for a certain period of time...
October 6, 2024
Grace Talcott works as a nurse and needs a roommate to help pay the mortgage on a small house she has purchased. When the candidates aren’t great she decides instead to host an exchange student, which would bring the same benefits. She isn’t expecting the person to be a returning to college student who is a couple of years older than herself. Lenka Supik is from the Czech Republic, has a grandmother in France and is coming to the USA to improve her English as she wants to be a professional translator.
The set up is good, but I didn’t connect to the characters much. It was half way through the book before I got any background on Grace and I have no idea of why she wanted to be a nurse. There is a little more information on Lenka but for most of the book she is involved with another person long distance. I wanted them to have some relationship tension. Grace could have been showing Lenka around, platonic dates or activities, instead they just live their school/work lives.
I did like Grace’s friend group. They see the attraction and are great at bringing some teasing and humor to the story. After the slow burn build up, and once obstacles were removed, it felt like the story just ended. The epilogue helps, but my feelings never invested in them as a couple. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
September 26, 2024
When Grace finds herself struggling to find a roommate to make ends meet, she answers an ad for hosting an exchange student. Is she ready to host a teenager in her 20s? Cue the gay panic when Grace realizes this student is actually no teenager at all but a college student that is actually older than her.
Lenka, a 20 something college student has a plan, a gf she’s excited to make a life with in the states after school and a dream of sharing a home with a family from the US.
As both women struggle to learn how to cohabitate in this new environment wires get crossed and they both care for each other more than they ever dreamed possible.
I couldn’t put this book down! It was such a cute and realistic read. Grace and Lenka were both very relatable characters. Often times we are so afraid to act on our feelings out of fear of rejection, Donnell captured this struggle perfectly. Learning to grow, letting people go and making life decisions is always difficult but this read shows the hope in a future full of change when you surround yourself with love and great company.
I can’t wait to see what’s next from Sage Donnell! Definitely a new author at the top of my list for LGBTQIA+ reads
Lenka, a 20 something college student has a plan, a gf she’s excited to make a life with in the states after school and a dream of sharing a home with a family from the US.
As both women struggle to learn how to cohabitate in this new environment wires get crossed and they both care for each other more than they ever dreamed possible.
I couldn’t put this book down! It was such a cute and realistic read. Grace and Lenka were both very relatable characters. Often times we are so afraid to act on our feelings out of fear of rejection, Donnell captured this struggle perfectly. Learning to grow, letting people go and making life decisions is always difficult but this read shows the hope in a future full of change when you surround yourself with love and great company.
I can’t wait to see what’s next from Sage Donnell! Definitely a new author at the top of my list for LGBTQIA+ reads
October 1, 2024
Grace is struggling to find a roommate when she sees an advert for hosting exchange students.
Lenka is waiting for confirmation of her placement year in the U.S. whilst living arrangements and a host family are being found.
Lenka had hoped to be placed in New York so she could be near both her long-distance girlfriend and the UN office, where she hoped to one day work as a translator. When she's instead placed in Portland, Oregon, she is unsure of what to expect.
After an initial misunderstanding and accident bring Grace and Lenka closer together, they quickly become friends before they each start to develop feelings for the other.
What will Lenka do about her girlfriend in New York?
What future do they have on opposite sides of the country if Lenka continues to want to work for the UN?
Or will Lenka's year complete and her visa run out, forcing her to return to the Czech Republic?
There are heart eyes, denial, more heart eyes, wonderful sounding meals being cooked, amazing found family, and Grace's cat Loki... is he truly evil, or are his cat-astrophe's just part of his plan to being Grace and Lenka together?
This is an adorably cute, slow burn comfort read with a HEA.
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
Lenka is waiting for confirmation of her placement year in the U.S. whilst living arrangements and a host family are being found.
Lenka had hoped to be placed in New York so she could be near both her long-distance girlfriend and the UN office, where she hoped to one day work as a translator. When she's instead placed in Portland, Oregon, she is unsure of what to expect.
After an initial misunderstanding and accident bring Grace and Lenka closer together, they quickly become friends before they each start to develop feelings for the other.
What will Lenka do about her girlfriend in New York?
What future do they have on opposite sides of the country if Lenka continues to want to work for the UN?
Or will Lenka's year complete and her visa run out, forcing her to return to the Czech Republic?
There are heart eyes, denial, more heart eyes, wonderful sounding meals being cooked, amazing found family, and Grace's cat Loki... is he truly evil, or are his cat-astrophe's just part of his plan to being Grace and Lenka together?
This is an adorably cute, slow burn comfort read with a HEA.
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
October 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.
This book was highly enjoyable and easy to blaze through. I liked the chemistry between Grace and Lenka, and the fact that they were in their mid to late 20s. They each have an established dating history and their own quirky personalities, so their interactions were fun to read. The fact that Lenka can speak multiple languages, and then ends up learning some English idioms/slang, was neat to have sprinkled throughout the book.
The Portland-specific setting didn't add anything to the story, as places like a coffee shop and the hospital could have been in any progressive city. I think the author could have spent a little more time with Lenka's relationship with other exchange students, as those seemed a bit out of the blue when it came to those characters providing more support/encouragement for Lenka. Grace's friends had more time, and I'd love to read more about some of them in a future book (if there is one)!
Overall the progression of the story and the characters' relationship was fun while they navigated "rules" of being a host and an exchange student. I'd read this if you want a relatively short sapphic romance book.
This book was highly enjoyable and easy to blaze through. I liked the chemistry between Grace and Lenka, and the fact that they were in their mid to late 20s. They each have an established dating history and their own quirky personalities, so their interactions were fun to read. The fact that Lenka can speak multiple languages, and then ends up learning some English idioms/slang, was neat to have sprinkled throughout the book.
The Portland-specific setting didn't add anything to the story, as places like a coffee shop and the hospital could have been in any progressive city. I think the author could have spent a little more time with Lenka's relationship with other exchange students, as those seemed a bit out of the blue when it came to those characters providing more support/encouragement for Lenka. Grace's friends had more time, and I'd love to read more about some of them in a future book (if there is one)!
Overall the progression of the story and the characters' relationship was fun while they navigated "rules" of being a host and an exchange student. I'd read this if you want a relatively short sapphic romance book.
October 20, 2024
Lenka meets this woman on a train and it works out perfectly. Said girlfriend was moving to New York to be an actress and Lenka wanted to further her education so she applied to become an exchange student. Now all she needed was her host family to be in NY but life has a way of giving you something she really didn’t need. Her host family wasn’t in NY but she will be staying in Portland, Oregon. And to top it off her ‘family’ consisted of one person but beggars can’t be chooser.
Grace has bought herself her first home looking forward to getting out of apartment living. When she made her plans she fully expected her BF Maci was going to become her roommate but Maci met and fell in love so instead of living with Grace she moved into an apartment with her boyfriend. Now she was in trouble. She counted on Maci to help pay her mortgage. This is when she decides to become a host family for an exchange student.
This is how the two women meet and now for the next year live in the same house. The question is how will that arrangement work out. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
Grace has bought herself her first home looking forward to getting out of apartment living. When she made her plans she fully expected her BF Maci was going to become her roommate but Maci met and fell in love so instead of living with Grace she moved into an apartment with her boyfriend. Now she was in trouble. She counted on Maci to help pay her mortgage. This is when she decides to become a host family for an exchange student.
This is how the two women meet and now for the next year live in the same house. The question is how will that arrangement work out. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
September 18, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very sweet book. Grace and Lenka start off a bit on the wrong foot, but eventually become great friends. There is a definite slow-burn with plenty of pining on both sides, and it's very cute to watch their romance develop. I also really enjoyed the exchange program aspect, I hadn't read a book that uses that plot line before, and I think it was very well done. My only complaint is that there are a lot of mentions of Grace and Lanka cuddling, hiking, having movie nights, etc. I would've loved to have more show and less tell in terms of their spending time together and maybe seeing a bit more of that chemistry come to life. But overall a nice fun read, 4.5/5 stars rounded up.
This is a very sweet book. Grace and Lenka start off a bit on the wrong foot, but eventually become great friends. There is a definite slow-burn with plenty of pining on both sides, and it's very cute to watch their romance develop. I also really enjoyed the exchange program aspect, I hadn't read a book that uses that plot line before, and I think it was very well done. My only complaint is that there are a lot of mentions of Grace and Lanka cuddling, hiking, having movie nights, etc. I would've loved to have more show and less tell in terms of their spending time together and maybe seeing a bit more of that chemistry come to life. But overall a nice fun read, 4.5/5 stars rounded up.
October 27, 2024
My first book by Sage Donnell had me intrigued throughout the book. I loved the premise, it was refreshing differenttrope. The chemistry between the MCs was strong and grew as they continued to get to know each other.
The found family was a good supportive system. I enjoyed getting to know them.
There really wasn't any out loud angst, mostly internalized, and wasn't portrayed in the story. It was refreshing.
It took a minute for the relationship to happen. I appreciated and understood they why of the delay. I loved how their friends dealt with their situation.
I am a new fan of the authors, and will continue to keep an eye on her work.
The found family was a good supportive system. I enjoyed getting to know them.
There really wasn't any out loud angst, mostly internalized, and wasn't portrayed in the story. It was refreshing.
It took a minute for the relationship to happen. I appreciated and understood they why of the delay. I loved how their friends dealt with their situation.
I am a new fan of the authors, and will continue to keep an eye on her work.
October 23, 2024
Great read kept me up at night I had to force myself to quit reading I just kept wanting to find out how it was going to end. Even though I kind of knew sort of where I was going I was so intrigued and just bought into the characters that I wanted to keep reading and reading. Enjoyable read I highly recommend it
November 15, 2024
Grace and Lanka were strangers when they first met; Grace, a host for international students, and Lanka, a college student. I found their story to be a touching romance. The characters were endearing, and their development throughout the narrative was engaging. I would recommend this book to all fans of romance.
June 25, 2025
This is such a fun book, slow burn saphic, with a bit of a miscomunication trope but its not between the two mc and its not in the third act, also there a michevious cat and figuring out what you want to do with your life when all the plans you thought you had change, it is a bit slow to establish but overall a great read
November 17, 2024
This book was a cute read. It took perhaps a bit top long for Grace and Lenks to admit they were into Rachel other but overall an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy via NetGalley.
I received a free copy via NetGalley.
December 26, 2024
A beautiful story
- I would like to thank Netgalley for the eARC -
Grace is desperately trying to find a roommate. Her only solution is to host an exchange student, even if living with a teenager is not the dream. But as it turns out, the student in question, Lenka, is a few years older than her and very cute, which is probably even worse for Grace, so she avoids her. Lenka is very excited about finally being in the US, not only because her girlfriend lives in New York, but also because she wants to work for the UN as a translator. Living with a woman who won't talk to her, however, is not going to help her practice her English like she'd hoped... When an unexpected accident leads them to finally talk things through, they realize they have a lot in common.
This story was super cute and fun. I expected something more childish based on the cover, but this was definitely an adult book, don't be fooled. Both women were super fun to read about. I loved their dreams and hopes, their stupid mistakes and the way they found one another when they least expected it. Their romance was very sweet, lots of right person wrong time which made for a very exciting sort of slow burn that left me yearning for more. I also really liked hos detailed their works were in the story, it made it all the more realistic, and the author really managed to make them grow in each other's lives in a very simple and normal way that drew me in. All in all, a very addictive and cute - but also hot - sapphic romance.
I recommend if you want a slow burn, fun sapphic romance.
"How could she have been in love - yes, love. The feeling of home, the jealousy, the way that even with the distraction of her friends around, Grace shined for her. It was love."
TW: sexual content, blood, hospitals
- I would like to thank Netgalley for the eARC -
Grace is desperately trying to find a roommate. Her only solution is to host an exchange student, even if living with a teenager is not the dream. But as it turns out, the student in question, Lenka, is a few years older than her and very cute, which is probably even worse for Grace, so she avoids her. Lenka is very excited about finally being in the US, not only because her girlfriend lives in New York, but also because she wants to work for the UN as a translator. Living with a woman who won't talk to her, however, is not going to help her practice her English like she'd hoped... When an unexpected accident leads them to finally talk things through, they realize they have a lot in common.
This story was super cute and fun. I expected something more childish based on the cover, but this was definitely an adult book, don't be fooled. Both women were super fun to read about. I loved their dreams and hopes, their stupid mistakes and the way they found one another when they least expected it. Their romance was very sweet, lots of right person wrong time which made for a very exciting sort of slow burn that left me yearning for more. I also really liked hos detailed their works were in the story, it made it all the more realistic, and the author really managed to make them grow in each other's lives in a very simple and normal way that drew me in. All in all, a very addictive and cute - but also hot - sapphic romance.
I recommend if you want a slow burn, fun sapphic romance.
"How could she have been in love - yes, love. The feeling of home, the jealousy, the way that even with the distraction of her friends around, Grace shined for her. It was love."
TW: sexual content, blood, hospitals
December 27, 2024
This was a very enjoyable read and a good novel. “Good” describes it very well; not incredible, but also perfectly satisfying with nothing at all wrong with it. Solid 4-stars, and honestly, I would absolutely recommend it (but maybe not at the top of my recommendation list).
My Rating: "B"
GoodReads: 4-stars
Reading this novel was like watching a (good) hallmark movie, and I mean that in a positive way as a fan of hallmark movies. The story flows very well and I enjoyed the entire reading experience. Everything was realistic and believable, and the story kept my attention the entire time. I was surprised at how fast I went through this novel. The plot was incredibly simple, although there were a lot of details throughout. There were a ton of different elements to this novel that worked together to create the whole package, although none of them particularly stood out to me.
This novel didn’t have anything “big” about it. What I mean by that is that there were no big emotions, conflicts, roller-coasters, confrontations, or anything else of the sort. While that unfortunately means that there were no significant positive elements to this novel that makes it stand out, it also means there wasn’t anything particularly stressful or anxious or otherwise negative either. This novel was simply a nice time. It was an even burn of a cute and gradual year-long love story. Sometimes this is exactly what you need (I know its true for me!) when you want a break from stressful things. I followed the characters on their journey, and then we parted ways with an overall warm and fuzzy feeling. I will absolutely read anything else I find by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. I have left a review
My Rating: "B"
GoodReads: 4-stars
Reading this novel was like watching a (good) hallmark movie, and I mean that in a positive way as a fan of hallmark movies. The story flows very well and I enjoyed the entire reading experience. Everything was realistic and believable, and the story kept my attention the entire time. I was surprised at how fast I went through this novel. The plot was incredibly simple, although there were a lot of details throughout. There were a ton of different elements to this novel that worked together to create the whole package, although none of them particularly stood out to me.
This novel didn’t have anything “big” about it. What I mean by that is that there were no big emotions, conflicts, roller-coasters, confrontations, or anything else of the sort. While that unfortunately means that there were no significant positive elements to this novel that makes it stand out, it also means there wasn’t anything particularly stressful or anxious or otherwise negative either. This novel was simply a nice time. It was an even burn of a cute and gradual year-long love story. Sometimes this is exactly what you need (I know its true for me!) when you want a break from stressful things. I followed the characters on their journey, and then we parted ways with an overall warm and fuzzy feeling. I will absolutely read anything else I find by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. I have left a review
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars
Language Lessons is a sapphic slow-burn romance about Grace, a Portland local looking for a roommate, and Lenka, a European exchange student with a complicated life. Their story explores unexpected love, cultural differences, and what "home" really means.
The characters are well-developed, and their slow-building romance feels real. However, it takes a long time for their connection to grow, and when it finally does, it feels a bit rushed. I would have liked more time to enjoy their emotional moments.
Overall, if you like slow-burn romances with deep character development, this book is a thoughtful and heartfelt choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an ARC.
Language Lessons is a sapphic slow-burn romance about Grace, a Portland local looking for a roommate, and Lenka, a European exchange student with a complicated life. Their story explores unexpected love, cultural differences, and what "home" really means.
The characters are well-developed, and their slow-building romance feels real. However, it takes a long time for their connection to grow, and when it finally does, it feels a bit rushed. I would have liked more time to enjoy their emotional moments.
Overall, if you like slow-burn romances with deep character development, this book is a thoughtful and heartfelt choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an ARC.
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