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Kissing At Work #1
Wolf Shirt & High Heels
Flirting at work has never felt this intense—or this real.
The last thing Ramona St. Germaine needed was public humiliation on her wedding day. Yet, the universe had different plans, leaving her jilted and questioning everything—friendships, loyalty, and her own judgment. She soon learns the culprit behind her unique engagement falling Quinn Archer. After some internet sleuthing, Ramona finds Quinn. She could face her and move on—easy. Well, easy if she ignores their mutual attraction.
Quinn Archer thrives in the grey, predictable landscape of her corporate job. So, imagine her shock when she grabs the same coffee as the most intriguing woman she’s ever met. Despite Quinn's less-than-stellar social skills, their chemistry draws her in and that predictability takes a backseat.
Wolf Shirt & High Heels is a fun, intimate third-person dual-POV contemporary lesbian romance brimming with banter, slow-burn tension, office nonsense, heartfelt kisses, and healing.
The last thing Ramona St. Germaine needed was public humiliation on her wedding day. Yet, the universe had different plans, leaving her jilted and questioning everything—friendships, loyalty, and her own judgment. She soon learns the culprit behind her unique engagement falling Quinn Archer. After some internet sleuthing, Ramona finds Quinn. She could face her and move on—easy. Well, easy if she ignores their mutual attraction.
Quinn Archer thrives in the grey, predictable landscape of her corporate job. So, imagine her shock when she grabs the same coffee as the most intriguing woman she’s ever met. Despite Quinn's less-than-stellar social skills, their chemistry draws her in and that predictability takes a backseat.
Wolf Shirt & High Heels is a fun, intimate third-person dual-POV contemporary lesbian romance brimming with banter, slow-burn tension, office nonsense, heartfelt kisses, and healing.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
110 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Evie Marque
2 books48 followersA lesbian romance writer with so many fictional women on the brain, only books can contain them.
If you want to read sapphic swooning, steam, and banter-y flirting follow me!
IG: @eviewritesbooks
If you want to read sapphic swooning, steam, and banter-y flirting follow me!
IG: @eviewritesbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 28, 2025
**'Don't use avoidance if there are problems with your storytelling. Deal with them..'
Okay read!
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Okay read!
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November 15, 2024
This is a slow burn full of longing and yearning but when they finally get together is so steamy 🔥 that you'll need a cold shower every chapter. There's an amazing healing journey form both part. They complement each other so well and don't get me started on the chemistry, it's just chef kiss.
you're gonna like this book if you like:
✨ multiracial couple
✨ opposite attraction
✨ slow burn
✨ lot of cuddle 🤗
✨ instant attraction
Overall i highly recommend it ♥️
you're gonna like this book if you like:
✨ multiracial couple
✨ opposite attraction
✨ slow burn
✨ lot of cuddle 🤗
✨ instant attraction
Overall i highly recommend it ♥️
February 1, 2025
The whole premise in the beginning was not my cup of tea but, about 15% in, I started really enjoying the story. And I hope book 2 is NOT about Holly because I would not be interested in reading her story :/.
November 16, 2025
This novel is so beautiful, I absolutely loved it!
Sure, could it have been a little shorter? Yes. But did I still fall in love with it anyway? Also yes.
What really stood out to me were the interpersonal relationships and how the character’s past traumas were integrated into their love story. Actually, to put it better, it's a story about two people who didn’t think they were capable of love, but when they found it in each other, everything just made sense.
There’s a fair amount of angst throughout the novel, the spice was present in just the right amount. The writing itself is solid, although I do feel like a bit of tighter editing could’ve taken it up a notch. Still, that wouldn’t stop me from giving it a solid 5 stars just for how much I adored the characters.
It’s the kinda cozy read where you can curl up, relax, and get completely immersed in their story. It’s funny in parts, and the nerdy quirks of the characters come through in the sweetest ways, esp in how they express their love.
I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Loved every bit of it! Also, I can’t wait to see who the second book in the series will be about. I’m guessing Celine or Holly? idk
Sure, could it have been a little shorter? Yes. But did I still fall in love with it anyway? Also yes.
What really stood out to me were the interpersonal relationships and how the character’s past traumas were integrated into their love story. Actually, to put it better, it's a story about two people who didn’t think they were capable of love, but when they found it in each other, everything just made sense.
There’s a fair amount of angst throughout the novel, the spice was present in just the right amount. The writing itself is solid, although I do feel like a bit of tighter editing could’ve taken it up a notch. Still, that wouldn’t stop me from giving it a solid 5 stars just for how much I adored the characters.
It’s the kinda cozy read where you can curl up, relax, and get completely immersed in their story. It’s funny in parts, and the nerdy quirks of the characters come through in the sweetest ways, esp in how they express their love.
I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Loved every bit of it! Also, I can’t wait to see who the second book in the series will be about. I’m guessing Celine or Holly? idk
December 30, 2024
The first chapter was amazing. So well written and a fantastic introduction to Ramona. Ramona is jilted at the altar by Holly, her best friend and former girlfriend. I say former, because they were heading into a platonic marriage. Quinn is introduced as being the object of Holly’s affection. An interesting and unique plot to start out this debut novel from Evie Marque.
The romance that follows is cute and quirky and Marque can write some dang spice! Be warned, however, it’s a long haul. It’s a slow burn, but the communication between Quinn and Ramona is fantastic. Funny and honest and so incredibly sweet are the words that best come to mind when describing these two characters.
Solid four stars. This could have been five stars if it had been edited down to speed up the pacing and if the epilogue were a bit more satisfying. Don’t let that deter you from reading this book, it is refreshing and adorable.
The romance that follows is cute and quirky and Marque can write some dang spice! Be warned, however, it’s a long haul. It’s a slow burn, but the communication between Quinn and Ramona is fantastic. Funny and honest and so incredibly sweet are the words that best come to mind when describing these two characters.
Solid four stars. This could have been five stars if it had been edited down to speed up the pacing and if the epilogue were a bit more satisfying. Don’t let that deter you from reading this book, it is refreshing and adorable.
July 6, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️✨
I loved the blurb for Wolf Shirt & High Heels—it completely drew me in, and the story definitely delivered on that initial promise in many ways!
Ramona and Quinn were absolute standouts. Their characters felt so vivid and real—every interaction between them had this crackly tension, and their relationship was so beautifully crafted. I was totally hooked on the slow burn; the longing in this book?? Painfully good.
The payoff was very worth it too—like the steam level was turned way up when it counted.
That said, I did feel the book ran a little long overall. Some parts dragged a bit, and I think a tighter edit could’ve made the pacing stronger. Still, even when it felt a touch too drawn out, the chemistry between the leads kept me invested.
I loved the blurb for Wolf Shirt & High Heels—it completely drew me in, and the story definitely delivered on that initial promise in many ways!
Ramona and Quinn were absolute standouts. Their characters felt so vivid and real—every interaction between them had this crackly tension, and their relationship was so beautifully crafted. I was totally hooked on the slow burn; the longing in this book?? Painfully good.
The payoff was very worth it too—like the steam level was turned way up when it counted.
That said, I did feel the book ran a little long overall. Some parts dragged a bit, and I think a tighter edit could’ve made the pacing stronger. Still, even when it felt a touch too drawn out, the chemistry between the leads kept me invested.
November 12, 2024
wolf shirt & high heels by evie marque is the kind of lesbian romance that hits all the right notes—charming, witty, and totally relatable. if you're someone who knows the struggle of being a 30-something, navigating work, love, and everything in between, this book will speak to you. it’s got workplace shenanigans, unexpected chemistry, and a slow-burn romance that will have you rooting for these characters every step of the way.
meet ramona st. germaine: a woman who had it all planned out—until her wedding day took a nosedive into public humiliation. after being jilted at the altar, ramona finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about love, friendships, and, well, her ex-fiancé. but then, she stumbles upon quinn archer, the woman behind the mess. determined to confront quinn, ramona’s ready for closure. that is, until she meets quinn in person—and suddenly, moving on becomes way more complicated than she thought.
quinn, a corporate professional who thrives on routine, is just as shocked by the connection she feels toward ramona. she’s more the “keep it professional” type, but there's something about ramona that makes her want to break all the rules. their chemistry is undeniable, but both women will have to face their pasts, their fears, and a whole lot of awkward moments before they can figure out if love can truly blossom in the corporate grind.
okay, let’s talk characters. ramona is a vibe. she’s relatable in all the best ways—vulnerable, sharp-witted, and a little bit of a hot mess, but in the best possible way. after being jilted in such a public way, she’s definitely not in the best place emotionally, but watching her take back control of her life is such a satisfying journey. she’s witty and tough on the outside, but you can tell she’s working through some deep emotional stuff, and that makes her feel real and human.
quinn, though—she’s the type of character who starts off a little prickly but is just so lovable once you get to know her. she’s the professional, the one who sticks to the rules. but when she meets ramona, she starts questioning everything, and it’s *delightful* to watch her grow. she’s socially awkward at times, which makes her even more endearing, and watching her open up to ramona—both emotionally and, let’s be real, in the “taking risks in love” department—is a total joy.
their chemistry is off-the-charts, and not just in a “hot attraction” way (though, yes, there’s that too). it’s the quiet moments—the stolen glances, the awkward one-on-one meetings, the honest q&a sessions—that really make their connection feel solid and believable.
at its core, wolf shirt & high heels is a story about healing, second chances, and the messiness of life. ramona’s journey of picking up the pieces after her very public heartbreak is relatable to anyone who’s ever had to deal with a major life curveball. and quinn’s struggle with letting go of her “safe” life for something a little more spontaneous and real is equally compelling.
this isn’t your typical romance with tons of unnecessary drama—it's more about personal growth, figuring out what you want, and learning how to let someone else into your world. the workplace romance angle adds a fun twist, especially as both women are trying to balance their feelings with their professional lives, which leads to some adorably awkward moments.
and honestly, it’s the little things that make this book great—the spontaneous at-home dates, the joy of sharing one's interest, and the sense that these characters are real people trying to figure things out, just like the rest of us.
now, here’s where wolf shirt & high heels really shines: the writing. evie marque has a knack for blending humor, heart, and just the right amount of sass. as a 33-year-old millennial, i totally vibed with the writing style—it felt fresh, witty, and right on point for someone in the “adulting” phase of life. the dialogue? so sharp. the humor? hilarious. the pacing? well, it's a bit of a longer book, but the pacing makes sense and is spot on.
this is one of those books that feels like it gets you—like the author was sitting with you at brunch, telling you about this awesome romance. it’s fun, relatable, and definitely pulls you in with every chapter. there’s just something about the banter between ramona and quinn that feels real—like, i’ve totally had those conversations with my friends. so if you’re into witty, millennial-friendly humor with some serious heart, you’ll love this.
if you’re looking for a romance that’s fun, emotionally rewarding, and filled with witty banter (and maybe a few awkward yet adorable workplace moments), wolf shirt & high heels by evie marque is exactly what you need. the writing is witty, fresh, and perfect for anyone who's been in the trenches of adulthood and is looking for a little romance to escape into.
thank you, @eviewritesbooks, for the e-arc. it's been an absolute pleasure to read and review your debut novel. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
meet ramona st. germaine: a woman who had it all planned out—until her wedding day took a nosedive into public humiliation. after being jilted at the altar, ramona finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about love, friendships, and, well, her ex-fiancé. but then, she stumbles upon quinn archer, the woman behind the mess. determined to confront quinn, ramona’s ready for closure. that is, until she meets quinn in person—and suddenly, moving on becomes way more complicated than she thought.
quinn, a corporate professional who thrives on routine, is just as shocked by the connection she feels toward ramona. she’s more the “keep it professional” type, but there's something about ramona that makes her want to break all the rules. their chemistry is undeniable, but both women will have to face their pasts, their fears, and a whole lot of awkward moments before they can figure out if love can truly blossom in the corporate grind.
okay, let’s talk characters. ramona is a vibe. she’s relatable in all the best ways—vulnerable, sharp-witted, and a little bit of a hot mess, but in the best possible way. after being jilted in such a public way, she’s definitely not in the best place emotionally, but watching her take back control of her life is such a satisfying journey. she’s witty and tough on the outside, but you can tell she’s working through some deep emotional stuff, and that makes her feel real and human.
quinn, though—she’s the type of character who starts off a little prickly but is just so lovable once you get to know her. she’s the professional, the one who sticks to the rules. but when she meets ramona, she starts questioning everything, and it’s *delightful* to watch her grow. she’s socially awkward at times, which makes her even more endearing, and watching her open up to ramona—both emotionally and, let’s be real, in the “taking risks in love” department—is a total joy.
their chemistry is off-the-charts, and not just in a “hot attraction” way (though, yes, there’s that too). it’s the quiet moments—the stolen glances, the awkward one-on-one meetings, the honest q&a sessions—that really make their connection feel solid and believable.
at its core, wolf shirt & high heels is a story about healing, second chances, and the messiness of life. ramona’s journey of picking up the pieces after her very public heartbreak is relatable to anyone who’s ever had to deal with a major life curveball. and quinn’s struggle with letting go of her “safe” life for something a little more spontaneous and real is equally compelling.
this isn’t your typical romance with tons of unnecessary drama—it's more about personal growth, figuring out what you want, and learning how to let someone else into your world. the workplace romance angle adds a fun twist, especially as both women are trying to balance their feelings with their professional lives, which leads to some adorably awkward moments.
and honestly, it’s the little things that make this book great—the spontaneous at-home dates, the joy of sharing one's interest, and the sense that these characters are real people trying to figure things out, just like the rest of us.
now, here’s where wolf shirt & high heels really shines: the writing. evie marque has a knack for blending humor, heart, and just the right amount of sass. as a 33-year-old millennial, i totally vibed with the writing style—it felt fresh, witty, and right on point for someone in the “adulting” phase of life. the dialogue? so sharp. the humor? hilarious. the pacing? well, it's a bit of a longer book, but the pacing makes sense and is spot on.
this is one of those books that feels like it gets you—like the author was sitting with you at brunch, telling you about this awesome romance. it’s fun, relatable, and definitely pulls you in with every chapter. there’s just something about the banter between ramona and quinn that feels real—like, i’ve totally had those conversations with my friends. so if you’re into witty, millennial-friendly humor with some serious heart, you’ll love this.
if you’re looking for a romance that’s fun, emotionally rewarding, and filled with witty banter (and maybe a few awkward yet adorable workplace moments), wolf shirt & high heels by evie marque is exactly what you need. the writing is witty, fresh, and perfect for anyone who's been in the trenches of adulthood and is looking for a little romance to escape into.
thank you, @eviewritesbooks, for the e-arc. it's been an absolute pleasure to read and review your debut novel. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 6, 2025
“You give me the full feeling, Ramona.”
3.5 stars. This was really enjoyable, but it was also the kind of romance where even though I enjoyed the story, I don't think I ever really was endeared by the characters. I had my ups and downs, and ultimately I did like this a lot, more than enough to overcome the nitpicks I had with it, but I can definitely see a universe in which the characters had a more compelling arc, and I enjoyed this more. The characters were interesting, but I didn't really, um, like them.
This has a pretty messy setup. Ramona was preparing to enter a loving but platonic marriage with her best friend, Holly, when Holly suddenly calls it off. The reason is because she wants something more, and she recently reconnected with a woman she used to have a crush on. Ramona proceeds to semi-stalk that woman, Quinn, and ends up getting a job at the same office that Quinn works at. Against all odds, Ramona and Quinn have the most electrifying chemistry, and things take off from there. It's a pretty wild thing for a main character to do, and a pretty wild way for a romance to begin, but I think the author did a pretty good job at making this fun to read. And not too stressful. There are some types of interpersonal and character mess that just stress me out, and this didn't.
This did such a good job of showing Ramona and Quinn getting to know each other and really falling for each other. I love seeing those mundane moments between characters as they feel each other out, and not all romance novels do them in a way that feels natural and actually impactful. I also really appreciated that the characters never really jumped to conclusions about each other, and that the author didn't take every single opportunity to turn something into a conflict. The secret about Ramona semi stalking Quinn didn't remain a secret for that long, and I was very grateful for that. This also had a dynamic where they each learned pretty unflattering things about each other. They kept describing each other as toxic and making jokes about being red flags. But they just sort of worked through it? Not in a way where, like, they ignored those things. Because obviously, they definitely had to be dealt with. But there were several moments where I just know in another book, the author would have made it into a huge conflict, whereas in this, I feel like the characters acted like actual people. The dialogue flowed really naturally, and they all sounded like what they were: 30-something middle-class millennials. A lot of great banter, a lot of wit, a lot of charm.
I found these characters really difficult to relate to, however. Not that that is the most important thing for me in a novel, having relatable characters. But at times they were downright unlikeable in ways that made me stop caring. Some comments and jokes felt mean-spirited. Also, like, I too hate capitalism and the weight of working a 9-to-5, but the amount of times these characters just blew off work with absolutely no consequences was baffling and irritating. It made them seem irresponsible and fickle and lucky. Or I don't know, rich enough that they didn't need to care that much. I think we were meant to believe that they worked hard otherwise, but we never saw much evidence of that. And I'm not talking about the times when they took mental health days, because that's totally valid. But I recall several times when Ramona simply didn't go into work. Which is a desire I can deeply empathise with, but the fact that nothing came of it... I don't know why it bothered me so much, but it did. There's a moment where a bunch of people in the company are getting laid off, and Ramona SOMEHOW does not get shafted. Probably because Quinn protected her. And I just felt bad for all of her other co-workers who DID lose their jobs, who, as far as I know, definitely weren't slacking off as much as Ramona did.
There's also a moment where Ramona and Quinn have sexy cheating role-play. As in, they imagine a scenario where Ramona did get married to her best friend, and she and Quinn met each other. And they sexily talk about how they would usually never cheat, but they would for each other. It feels silly, but this just really bothered me. I didn't find it hot. I guess there might be a scenario in which "I'm not a cheater, but in another universe I would cheat for you!" could be romantic, but I did not find it to be so. I really disliked it. It was probably just another way to show that these are imperfect characters. And I mean, they aren't actual cheaters. But I didn't find it fun or even particularly reflective. I also got really frustrated with Quinn. It's revealed that she left her last fiancée right out of the blue, no communication, just abandoned her. This is something that she will be sort of taken to task for, and she does eventually grapple with how much she hurt her ex-fiancée, and apologise. But the road to getting there was a little too long and frustrating. These characters were just sometimes so hard to root for. And the fact that the author makes Holly to be kind of cartoonishly toxic and irrational didn't really help the case for me. I never really enjoy when villains in books are given exaggeratedly bad character traits.
The writing style was pretty okay, and like I said, it was very readable when it came to the dialogue and the characters and their personalities. But something about it was extremely clunky at times. I would be reading along, and feel like a word was missing, or an entire sentence was missing. Maybe it was written that way deliberately, to try to be snappy and witty and fresh, but sometimes, the prose was just messy. I didn't love it. Also a lot of moments where the word choice felt a little off, or a word didn't mean exactly what the author thought it meant. Dating-adverse instead of dating-averse. Or IDK, maybe that was a typo. Bottom line, this could have definitely used another edit.
Overall, I'm still counting this as a win. I think there's a lot of good about the writing, and with some more polish it could have been great. The chemistry and romance were really well-written, and there is something to be said for showing two messy and complicated women who have some undeniable flaws still getting to find love and companionship and their perfect match. Because I'm writing this review several days after finishing, I feel like I've forgotten some reasons why this appealed to me, and why I gave it such a good rating, but I do know I enjoyed it mostly. I'm hoping I will like the author's other book even more.
March 2, 2025
2.5⭐
I believe I could have enjoyed this more if I hadn't struggled with the writing.
English isn't my first language, but usually I don't have trouble understanding the books I'm reading.
With this one however...I just couldn't get into it and I was struggling so hard because of that.
It felt like I was reading at a snails pace.
I found the whole premise with Ramona wanting to marry her best friend and then basically stalking Quinn really weird and even kinda icky.
And I couldn't really love Quinn because of how she left her ex...you just don't do it that way.
I did think the two of them were sweet together and I enjoyed a lot of their scenes together.
I didn't like the side characters and I just didn't care for them, so I did end up skimming lots of this. Cause if I'm already struggling with the writing I don't wanna read some boring shit I don't care about.
And because they're so many scenes with the side characters, this book was way too long.
Sex was also mentioned/included way too many times for my liking.
Not always in detail or very descriptive, but it felt like they were having sex every single scene they were together alone. Every conversation they had was happening before or after they had sex.
And I just find that annoying and it somehow makes me uncomfortable. Like can't they have cute or meaningful moments without fucking each other?
I believe I could have enjoyed this more if I hadn't struggled with the writing.
English isn't my first language, but usually I don't have trouble understanding the books I'm reading.
With this one however...I just couldn't get into it and I was struggling so hard because of that.
It felt like I was reading at a snails pace.
I found the whole premise with Ramona wanting to marry her best friend and then basically stalking Quinn really weird and even kinda icky.
And I couldn't really love Quinn because of how she left her ex...you just don't do it that way.
I did think the two of them were sweet together and I enjoyed a lot of their scenes together.
I didn't like the side characters and I just didn't care for them, so I did end up skimming lots of this. Cause if I'm already struggling with the writing I don't wanna read some boring shit I don't care about.
And because they're so many scenes with the side characters, this book was way too long.
Sex was also mentioned/included way too many times for my liking.
Not always in detail or very descriptive, but it felt like they were having sex every single scene they were together alone. Every conversation they had was happening before or after they had sex.
And I just find that annoying and it somehow makes me uncomfortable. Like can't they have cute or meaningful moments without fucking each other?
June 9, 2025
I did love the story but there were a couple issues that kept me from rating higher. One, while I appreciate an author who strives to use more robust vocabulary choices, there were many that were just wrong. Like literally the wrong word for what was being expressed. Many of these.
The second issue was less distracting but I found myself skimming some paragraphs because there was too much filler. The same information being expressed just too many times.
If the manuscript had been more tightly edited, could have been a 5 star from me.
The second issue was less distracting but I found myself skimming some paragraphs because there was too much filler. The same information being expressed just too many times.
If the manuscript had been more tightly edited, could have been a 5 star from me.
January 1, 2025
3.75
This was a cute story about a unique pair that had both love at first sight and unexpected falling.
I loved how both our mains are people of color, especially Ramona being half Haitian as I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that represented my Haitian side!
Our couple is both so dorky, cute, funny and sweet and it really warmed me how well of a match they are. Had my single self yearning the whole time for my own Quinn- someone who can match my humor and, I guess some would say ‘nerdiness’. Maybe I should start my own list like Ramona at my big age of twenty and see what happens lol.
Quinn had to have been my favorite, at first I was teetering a bit with her over the mention on how she did her ex-fiancé as it scared me that this would cause a big problem with Ramona who was jilted, but her ability to own up to her mistakes, express that wrong and then handling it like adults felt refreshing.
Quinn is a character who stay true to her authentic self and doesn’t waste a breath to show her love and care for people and that’s why I love her so much, just swooned me.
Now let me get to the part I couldn’t WAIT to write about and that’s Ramona’s friends!
I swear Ramona is better than me when she let them fakes hug on her at the sip and paint. In all honestly Ramona needed to leave Holly and her “friends” behind, that would’ve made sense of moving on since they cleay do not respect her and only want her forgiveness for themselves! They also have such a weird entitlement to her and her life and show no empathy to her struggles like they do with Holly.
When it comes to conflicts in this story, my favorite resolution was Quinn putting her “friends” in their place. But after that, we get no apologies (barely) and nobody working for Ramona forgiveness. She just easily goes back to relatively normality and that’s not realistic at all— to me, especially being at almost forty— well at least not in the timeline it happened. I thought the introduction of her work friends and the comparison to her long term ones would’ve been acknowledged to which she then replace the old ones with the new ones who actually stick up for her and love her, weirdness and all.
Even though I loved our couple. There was times I forget they’re almost forty, most of the side characters made me feel this way actually. It was times Ramona gave me twenty year old while Quinn gave me thirty year old. I mean the whole diary thing? Didn’t appreciate the whole normality of everyone reading Ramona’s diary, felt childish and I’m at least glad Quinn acknowledged that a bit.
When nearing the end. I will say that I was scared Quinn was going to propose, but validating that she checks off everything on Ramona prematurely made list— as did she when the relationship was fresh— was so much better and I love how both open and hopeful it left things. Maybe one day in the future author will give us something that peeks into life post marriage and kids— hopefully since we unfortunately didn’t get it in the epilogue !!
This was a cute story about a unique pair that had both love at first sight and unexpected falling.
I loved how both our mains are people of color, especially Ramona being half Haitian as I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that represented my Haitian side!
Our couple is both so dorky, cute, funny and sweet and it really warmed me how well of a match they are. Had my single self yearning the whole time for my own Quinn- someone who can match my humor and, I guess some would say ‘nerdiness’. Maybe I should start my own list like Ramona at my big age of twenty and see what happens lol.
Quinn had to have been my favorite, at first I was teetering a bit with her over the mention on how she did her ex-fiancé as it scared me that this would cause a big problem with Ramona who was jilted, but her ability to own up to her mistakes, express that wrong and then handling it like adults felt refreshing.
Quinn is a character who stay true to her authentic self and doesn’t waste a breath to show her love and care for people and that’s why I love her so much, just swooned me.
Now let me get to the part I couldn’t WAIT to write about and that’s Ramona’s friends!
I swear Ramona is better than me when she let them fakes hug on her at the sip and paint. In all honestly Ramona needed to leave Holly and her “friends” behind, that would’ve made sense of moving on since they cleay do not respect her and only want her forgiveness for themselves! They also have such a weird entitlement to her and her life and show no empathy to her struggles like they do with Holly.
When it comes to conflicts in this story, my favorite resolution was Quinn putting her “friends” in their place. But after that, we get no apologies (barely) and nobody working for Ramona forgiveness. She just easily goes back to relatively normality and that’s not realistic at all— to me, especially being at almost forty— well at least not in the timeline it happened. I thought the introduction of her work friends and the comparison to her long term ones would’ve been acknowledged to which she then replace the old ones with the new ones who actually stick up for her and love her, weirdness and all.
Even though I loved our couple. There was times I forget they’re almost forty, most of the side characters made me feel this way actually. It was times Ramona gave me twenty year old while Quinn gave me thirty year old. I mean the whole diary thing? Didn’t appreciate the whole normality of everyone reading Ramona’s diary, felt childish and I’m at least glad Quinn acknowledged that a bit.
When nearing the end. I will say that I was scared Quinn was going to propose, but validating that she checks off everything on Ramona prematurely made list— as did she when the relationship was fresh— was so much better and I love how both open and hopeful it left things. Maybe one day in the future author will give us something that peeks into life post marriage and kids— hopefully since we unfortunately didn’t get it in the epilogue !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Beyond witty and consistently so! Brilliant writing, my favourite thing was the hyperbolic language but without the obvious correction when writers are usually exaggerating for effect. The connection between Quinn and Ramona was seriously strong from their very first interaction and every one of those criteria written by 14 year old Ramona (plus a few more probably) was certainly ticked
***kind of spoiler, kind of not. General review***
I was pleasantly surprised with how the relationship was exposed to the friendship group and even Holly. I thought there was going to be way more contention regarding how Ramona found Quinn but it was really just one argument sandwiched in with 10 others.
I can understand why people have been hoping book 2 is not redemption for Holly but I MAY have some sympathy for her position despite how she was treating our main gals.
At the end of the day she saved Ramona and herself from being two divorced individuals rather than the jilted and the jilter as we know them to be.
***kind of spoiler, kind of not. General review***
I was pleasantly surprised with how the relationship was exposed to the friendship group and even Holly. I thought there was going to be way more contention regarding how Ramona found Quinn but it was really just one argument sandwiched in with 10 others.
I can understand why people have been hoping book 2 is not redemption for Holly but I MAY have some sympathy for her position despite how she was treating our main gals.
At the end of the day she saved Ramona and herself from being two divorced individuals rather than the jilted and the jilter as we know them to be.
April 24, 2025
(rounded up from 3.75)
I'll talk about the cons first and then all the things I enjoyed about this book:
1. This absolutely did not need to be five hundred pages. This book was desperately in need of a few edit passes to bring it down to 350-400 pages because the story is simply not that complicated.
2. There were odd bits of the writing that really felt jarring to me, most likely because they were not quite dramatically coherent. A line editor would have caught on to these and fixed them so that everything flows better. I've returned the book already to KU but an example of these small issues that bring my reading to a screeching halt was something along the lines of someone's father being a "decade-long actuary". An editing pass would have worked wonders here (no shade, we all need one).
3. The premise requires a bit of suspension of belief, i.e. the platonic marriage (weddings are fucking expensive! Who would do this if it was just your platonic life partner??) and then stalking the person your ex-fiance was interested in to join a company to get near them (bit weird, NGL) but most romances have a bit of suspension of disbelief required so a quibble at most.
4. There are too many side characters. That is all, just too many, I do not care about them all and sometimes it's confusing when you have a big group in one scene.
Pros:
1. I enjoyed that the two MCs are good together, spend lots of time together (and not just endless sex scenes, but actual conversations and cuddling)
2. I enjoyed that the horrible friends in this book are not just hand-waved away and actually get dealt with for their bad behavior.
3. The overall story was fun and cute. Someone finding their perfect match after losing all hope is an uplifting and sweet message.
Overall, I had a good time but I think a few editing rounds could have made this book much better. A solid read nonetheless!
I'll talk about the cons first and then all the things I enjoyed about this book:
1. This absolutely did not need to be five hundred pages. This book was desperately in need of a few edit passes to bring it down to 350-400 pages because the story is simply not that complicated.
2. There were odd bits of the writing that really felt jarring to me, most likely because they were not quite dramatically coherent. A line editor would have caught on to these and fixed them so that everything flows better. I've returned the book already to KU but an example of these small issues that bring my reading to a screeching halt was something along the lines of someone's father being a "decade-long actuary". An editing pass would have worked wonders here (no shade, we all need one).
3. The premise requires a bit of suspension of belief, i.e. the platonic marriage (weddings are fucking expensive! Who would do this if it was just your platonic life partner??) and then stalking the person your ex-fiance was interested in to join a company to get near them (bit weird, NGL) but most romances have a bit of suspension of disbelief required so a quibble at most.
4. There are too many side characters. That is all, just too many, I do not care about them all and sometimes it's confusing when you have a big group in one scene.
Pros:
1. I enjoyed that the two MCs are good together, spend lots of time together (and not just endless sex scenes, but actual conversations and cuddling)
2. I enjoyed that the horrible friends in this book are not just hand-waved away and actually get dealt with for their bad behavior.
3. The overall story was fun and cute. Someone finding their perfect match after losing all hope is an uplifting and sweet message.
Overall, I had a good time but I think a few editing rounds could have made this book much better. A solid read nonetheless!
November 21, 2024
another absolute gem of a romance that has gotten me through some hard times! thanks so much to evie marque for the privilege (dare i say honor) to read and enjoy this beautiful book. these characters, their love, their story…give me 14 of ‘em.
as a self-proclaimed slow-burn enthusiast, i was hooked from the first chapter. this was a deliciously thorough romance that gave you no choice but to love how far both ramona and quinn came by the end.
as someone who LOVES having a crush— reading these two bumble their way through this new romantic development in the workplace was sooo much fun. also i just think it’s so fun having a crush at work in your thirties. adds a bit of whimsy to the day to day.i love a good sapphic yearn.
OH but when they got right and tight… they were RIGHT and TIGHT. 🌶️ thank you.
healing is such journey to experience and so beautiful to read. i love both ramona and quinn’s journey to love but also to healing.
also fuck ramona’s friends (disrespectfully)
as a self-proclaimed slow-burn enthusiast, i was hooked from the first chapter. this was a deliciously thorough romance that gave you no choice but to love how far both ramona and quinn came by the end.
as someone who LOVES having a crush— reading these two bumble their way through this new romantic development in the workplace was sooo much fun. also i just think it’s so fun having a crush at work in your thirties. adds a bit of whimsy to the day to day.i love a good sapphic yearn.
OH but when they got right and tight… they were RIGHT and TIGHT. 🌶️ thank you.
healing is such journey to experience and so beautiful to read. i love both ramona and quinn’s journey to love but also to healing.
also fuck ramona’s friends (disrespectfully)
December 21, 2024
First important question I need answered or even like confirmed: Ramona is Haitian, right? Like, she’s working on Epis recipes her dad’s in Haiti, but it’s never like said so I’m not sure but like using context clues she’s at least half ? But if she is I don’t see a lot of books with Haitian characters, really, especially lesbian ones !!! So, uh, I love that already, but if I’m being honest, Quinn was like my favorite character. I love seeing her open up to the possibility of love, man. When I tell you the build-up to this whole story was just perfect, I stayed up all night just reading this book. I will mention, though, I don’t like Holly or Cassandra at all, and I would completely cut them out of my life. Ramona is better than me is all I can say overall, though. 4⭐️
November 20, 2024
Wow! Amazing! Wow!
-that’s my review
Just kidding, but this story is so well done!
I love these characters so much, but more than that, I love this relationship. The friendship and then relationship feel so natural, and that could be the descriptor for the entire book. The progression in the plot isn't forced, but it also isn't boring. The side characters are fun, and they add enough to the plot that they don't get lost. Every character has a purpose and a story that I want to learn more about (hoping for more books).
The spice in the book is SPICY! But it isn't spice for the sake of spice, each moment the MCs spend together is purposeful. There is just as much emotional connection in their office hugs as in their spicy scenes. I’d love more of these two, but most of all I want more of this author! I’d definitely return to this one!
-that’s my review
Just kidding, but this story is so well done!
I love these characters so much, but more than that, I love this relationship. The friendship and then relationship feel so natural, and that could be the descriptor for the entire book. The progression in the plot isn't forced, but it also isn't boring. The side characters are fun, and they add enough to the plot that they don't get lost. Every character has a purpose and a story that I want to learn more about (hoping for more books).
The spice in the book is SPICY! But it isn't spice for the sake of spice, each moment the MCs spend together is purposeful. There is just as much emotional connection in their office hugs as in their spicy scenes. I’d love more of these two, but most of all I want more of this author! I’d definitely return to this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
A great number of insane things happen in this book (light stalking, love at first sight, the concept of a “platonic marriage” being very common and normal) but by far the craziest is that there’s a character literally named “Blythe Banner” and no one ever addresses it even once.
February 3, 2025
I cannot stop thinking about Quinn and Ramona. This book is incredibly beautiful. My new favorite kind of second chance romance.
December 23, 2024
I love reading this book!
It wasn't exactly what I expected from the name, but it really surprised me all the same.
From heartbreak comes unbelievable live and happiness. The way it happened though was hilarious.
Ramona wanted closure in the sense of seeing who was "responsible" for her friend/fiance calling off the wedding and got more than she bargained for.
Some would say its a disturbing way that love was found. But I say all is fair in love and war.
Love it. Bring on more like this read. Thank you to Evie Marque for an incredible book.
It wasn't exactly what I expected from the name, but it really surprised me all the same.
From heartbreak comes unbelievable live and happiness. The way it happened though was hilarious.
Ramona wanted closure in the sense of seeing who was "responsible" for her friend/fiance calling off the wedding and got more than she bargained for.
Some would say its a disturbing way that love was found. But I say all is fair in love and war.
Love it. Bring on more like this read. Thank you to Evie Marque for an incredible book.
September 27, 2025
3.75/5 - sapphic, contemporary. Ahh, conflicting book for me. I loved the first ~80ish% and was expecting to give it 5 stars, but I just ended up really disliking the last 20ish%, knocking the rating down. I hated Holly and really all of Ramona’s “friends”. Insufferable lot and I couldn’t understand why Ramona kept them in her life at that point in the story, esp when she seemed to meet much better ppl at her job. I had so many little things I loved about the two MCs (fangs and eye tics oh my!) and their chemistry, but I was just so disappointed with where the story went in that final fifth - maybe I’ll reread this again one day, but stop 100 pages earlier…
April 27, 2025
4.5 stars. This has been sitting in my kindle unlimited queue basically since it came out, shuffled back because the blurb was not as appealing as reading new releases from authors I know. And now I’m upset I waited for so long. The premise lends itself to a mess, and some of it is uncomfortable. But it does remain within the realm of realistic. There is a good balance between the real and the funny. Characters make mistakes and are allowed to learn and grow and have conversations. The characterizations are open and honest, settled in small, subtle details to build these MCs into complete people. Ramona’s friend group was a little more lacking in those details, but overall, I felt I could know all of these characters and understand them as quirky individuals. My only other complaint is we are never gifted the knowledge of what this company does. We can make guesses, but it’s never spelled out, even though this place is central to the story. Overall, minor things. But the thing that drew me in and kept me reading is something I don’t often find in sapphic fiction, a well-developed and specific development of voice within the pages. The writing is unique, just colloquial and open in a way that further develops the characters through perspective while offering the simple pleasure of reading a few lines and thinking, “Wow. I’d never think to describe it that way, but that’s so good.” I’ll be keeping an eye out for more work from this author.
January 11, 2025
YES to this slow burn!!! More character driven than plot but i loved every second of it.
It had mature characters, communication, a lot of tension, and spicy scenes 🔥
it definitely delved into deeper topics, there was tons of introspection and growth going on.
But the best part is Ramona and Quinn together!!!Also, no unnecessary breakups or misunderstandings which i loved.
The length of this book reminded me of why i enjoyed longer books more
5 stars ++
It had mature characters, communication, a lot of tension, and spicy scenes 🔥
it definitely delved into deeper topics, there was tons of introspection and growth going on.
But the best part is Ramona and Quinn together!!!Also, no unnecessary breakups or misunderstandings which i loved.
The length of this book reminded me of why i enjoyed longer books more
5 stars ++
January 28, 2025
I loved it! I thought I was picking up a simple, cheesy rom-com and what I got was so, so much more. It’s filled with hot moments balanced by real fears and emotions. Both main characters weren’t perfect but they worked on themselves and worked through their issues - which I loved. I’m also a big fan of the healthy communication, self-reflection and character growth!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
ARC Review: Expected publication November 15, 2024
Ramona St. Germaine never imagined her wedding day would end in public humiliation. Left questioning her friendships and judgment, she discovers that Quinn Archer is behind her fiancé’s sudden decision. After tracking Quinn down, Ramona plans to confront her. Meanwhile, Quinn, who is used to her predictable corporate life, is stunned when Ramona crosses her path, challenging her routine and igniting undeniable chemistry.
This novella is in my top 3 best reads of 2024. I instantly connected with the characters and with the story. So much so that once the almost 500-page novella was over, I was left wanting more, thank goodness for the Epilogue!
The pace of the story is on point. It starts by letting the reader know who Ramona St. Germaine is, how she thinks, and why she makes the life decisions that she does, which I appreciated because the plot would have felt frivolous and badly calculated otherwise. Quinn Archer is one of the most beautifully crafted characters I've read. She is so captivating as a person...patient, trusting, sweet, caring, fearless, badass, loving, a great girlfriend.
The whole development of their relationship is written with warmth and consideration. Although their corporate job and Ramona's living arrangement with her "annoying" ex Holly play an important role in their everyday lives, the main characters' choices never deviate from their preferences and effort to be together. Just when I thought there would be drama, Quinn and Ramona's engaging dynamic saves the story.
Set in Brooklyn, the story is modern and practical with both characters being millennials in their 30s figuring out the next steps in their careers and life. Both are multiracial, Ramona being Haitian-Puerto Rican-American, and Quinn being Korean-American, and there are instances where we can lovingly witness their culture's chemistry.
Some second characters I adored, some I did not, but each had their unique role in the story. Lydia, Ramona's sister, and Tara, Quinn's best friend, are what each of them needs in a support system. Both are sassy and their banter is amusing.
The romance, closeness, and sex is FANTASTIC. All I can say is YAY for Quinn and Ramona. They both really belonged together. Top-notch spicy.
Ramona St. Germaine never imagined her wedding day would end in public humiliation. Left questioning her friendships and judgment, she discovers that Quinn Archer is behind her fiancé’s sudden decision. After tracking Quinn down, Ramona plans to confront her. Meanwhile, Quinn, who is used to her predictable corporate life, is stunned when Ramona crosses her path, challenging her routine and igniting undeniable chemistry.
This novella is in my top 3 best reads of 2024. I instantly connected with the characters and with the story. So much so that once the almost 500-page novella was over, I was left wanting more, thank goodness for the Epilogue!
The pace of the story is on point. It starts by letting the reader know who Ramona St. Germaine is, how she thinks, and why she makes the life decisions that she does, which I appreciated because the plot would have felt frivolous and badly calculated otherwise. Quinn Archer is one of the most beautifully crafted characters I've read. She is so captivating as a person...patient, trusting, sweet, caring, fearless, badass, loving, a great girlfriend.
The whole development of their relationship is written with warmth and consideration. Although their corporate job and Ramona's living arrangement with her "annoying" ex Holly play an important role in their everyday lives, the main characters' choices never deviate from their preferences and effort to be together. Just when I thought there would be drama, Quinn and Ramona's engaging dynamic saves the story.
Set in Brooklyn, the story is modern and practical with both characters being millennials in their 30s figuring out the next steps in their careers and life. Both are multiracial, Ramona being Haitian-Puerto Rican-American, and Quinn being Korean-American, and there are instances where we can lovingly witness their culture's chemistry.
Some second characters I adored, some I did not, but each had their unique role in the story. Lydia, Ramona's sister, and Tara, Quinn's best friend, are what each of them needs in a support system. Both are sassy and their banter is amusing.
The romance, closeness, and sex is FANTASTIC. All I can say is YAY for Quinn and Ramona. They both really belonged together. Top-notch spicy.
January 9, 2025
So there were parts of this I absolutely loved, but also some confounding factors. Let me try to take it chronologically:
The first chapter was really done well except the whole premise threw me. How could someone who believes they can feel love and enjoy sex commit to a “platonic marriage”? Somehow Ramona didn’t do enough to convince me that was a smart move, and therefore I thought Holly was correct from the beginning. I mean, her timing sucked, but I think she DID save them from an even bigger disaster later.
Then, the next 60% was a fantastic slow burn. Ramona and Lydia’s crazy plot? All the longing gazes and little touches and trying to avoid anything unprofessional at work (but basically fruitlessly)? Always on the verge of Holly finding out? This was hands down my favorite part of the book. Then they finally get over themselves and, wow! Honestly, at 60% I just wanted it to go to the epilogue and call it a day. Some quick scene where they tell Holly for better or worse, and then just invite all their work friends to the wedding or whatever to break the news there.
So then I struggled through the rest. It wasn’t that there weren’t enjoyable parts — the creative team totally keying into things, Quinn calling out Ramona’s friends, how Blythe figured them out, and all that. It’s that I felt like the story was largely done, yet there were still a ton of pages left, and it just didn’t feel a thrill like the first section did. Most of the stuff in there I could take it or leave it — people getting fired, unconvincing sorta-breakups, some random guy and his side gig, etc. (And it probably didn’t help that I thought Holly was essentially treated unfairly for doing the right thing.)
That said, I still did love that long slow burn section up front. I thought it was amazing to see Ramona bring Quinn around, and also realize herself that there’s more potential to life than she’d been acknowledging. Their hug in the office cubby, OMG!
Bottom line, while I can’t be unreservedly enthusiastic here, I’d definitely be interested in more from Evie Marque.
The first chapter was really done well except the whole premise threw me. How could someone who believes they can feel love and enjoy sex commit to a “platonic marriage”? Somehow Ramona didn’t do enough to convince me that was a smart move, and therefore I thought Holly was correct from the beginning. I mean, her timing sucked, but I think she DID save them from an even bigger disaster later.
Then, the next 60% was a fantastic slow burn. Ramona and Lydia’s crazy plot? All the longing gazes and little touches and trying to avoid anything unprofessional at work (but basically fruitlessly)? Always on the verge of Holly finding out? This was hands down my favorite part of the book. Then they finally get over themselves and, wow! Honestly, at 60% I just wanted it to go to the epilogue and call it a day. Some quick scene where they tell Holly for better or worse, and then just invite all their work friends to the wedding or whatever to break the news there.
So then I struggled through the rest. It wasn’t that there weren’t enjoyable parts — the creative team totally keying into things, Quinn calling out Ramona’s friends, how Blythe figured them out, and all that. It’s that I felt like the story was largely done, yet there were still a ton of pages left, and it just didn’t feel a thrill like the first section did. Most of the stuff in there I could take it or leave it — people getting fired, unconvincing sorta-breakups, some random guy and his side gig, etc. (And it probably didn’t help that I thought Holly was essentially treated unfairly for doing the right thing.)
That said, I still did love that long slow burn section up front. I thought it was amazing to see Ramona bring Quinn around, and also realize herself that there’s more potential to life than she’d been acknowledging. Their hug in the office cubby, OMG!
Bottom line, while I can’t be unreservedly enthusiastic here, I’d definitely be interested in more from Evie Marque.
June 1, 2025
So this book had me waffling quite a bit. I feel like a lot of the reviews got this wrong or mischaracterized the book. It is not a slow burn. Slow burn romance happens when the couple doesn't become a couple until the end of the book, or thereabouts. Ramona and Quinn are together by the thirty percent point. What this book is is a slow buildup. What a lot of other stories maybe gloss over or don't spend a lot of time portraying, this book does. There are also lots of people complaining about the platonic marriage being 'unrealistic.' Have y'all not heard of QPPs? Queer platonic partnerships? It's a thing that happens all the time, and making it an official marriage isn't that big of a leap. One thing I do agree with several reviews about is that it was entirely too long. Was it nice to have a genuine, authentic, real buildup of a relationship from the beginnings to a solid relationship? Yes. However, it still could have been shorter and had the same effect of feeling like an authentic relationship development.
Quinn and Ramona were great together. They were so sweet and doting and I just wanted to eat them up. I loved them and their entire everything. Best part, they friggin communicate! They talk and are honest with each other. Imagine that. I was less happy about Ramona's friends. They weren't very great friends at all, either being mean or not stopping those that were mean to Ramona. And Holly just sucks. I hope that she is not the MC for any future books in the series because I will not read it. I feel like her and Cassandra got off lightly for the things they said and did. Quinn's BFF Tara was amazing, and I'm glad Quinn had her.
There is no third act breakup. Thank goodness. The MCs communicate like adults and avoid that overused trope. There isn't really a lot of drama per say, I never felt like Ramona and Quinn were anything but solid. That might be why the book felt so long. Not a really anything at stake once Quinn and Ramona were secure with each other.
Quinn and Ramona were great together. They were so sweet and doting and I just wanted to eat them up. I loved them and their entire everything. Best part, they friggin communicate! They talk and are honest with each other. Imagine that. I was less happy about Ramona's friends. They weren't very great friends at all, either being mean or not stopping those that were mean to Ramona. And Holly just sucks. I hope that she is not the MC for any future books in the series because I will not read it. I feel like her and Cassandra got off lightly for the things they said and did. Quinn's BFF Tara was amazing, and I'm glad Quinn had her.
There is no third act breakup. Thank goodness. The MCs communicate like adults and avoid that overused trope. There isn't really a lot of drama per say, I never felt like Ramona and Quinn were anything but solid. That might be why the book felt so long. Not a really anything at stake once Quinn and Ramona were secure with each other.
November 24, 2025
This book! It beautifully illustrates why sapphic romance works so well as a series, where we get to experience the whole world and the people in it, not just the MFCs falling in love. (I have not yet read the second book, but have now read the plot and this now makes even more sense)
It starts with a chaotic wedding disaster that made me gasp (I'm in the process of helping my friend and her fiancé design their wedding dresses so it hit HARD on a personal level), then slows down into this warm slow burn that really settles once Ramona and Quinn finally connect. It took me a few chapters to find the book’s rhythm, but once I did, the story opened up beautifully.
What I loved most was how rich the world felt. This isn’t just a romance it’s a whole network of friendships, coworkers, siblings, exes, and people who genuinely matter to the main characters. There’s something really comforting about queer romance that takes place inside a community, not in isolation.
The representation is one of the strongest parts of the book. Asian and mixed-race families, coming out stories both the realistic hard truths but also some happy moments and sibling connections, lavender marriage dynamics, pan and asexual character representation, and queer people existing in both personal and professional spaces. It all felt woven in with care instead of feeling like a checklist. And Quinn’s storyline about being queer in a corporate job hit in a way that felt very real and very familiar.
The slow burn is slow, but it’s intentional. The chemistry grows in a steady, thoughtful way, and once it starts building, it’s incredibly sweet. And the side characters are fantastic!
This book felt different from my usual sapphic reads, but in a refreshing way. It’s soft, grounded, and full of heart. If you love slow burns, found family, and romances that explore identity and community just as much as falling in love, this one is worth picking up.
It starts with a chaotic wedding disaster that made me gasp (I'm in the process of helping my friend and her fiancé design their wedding dresses so it hit HARD on a personal level), then slows down into this warm slow burn that really settles once Ramona and Quinn finally connect. It took me a few chapters to find the book’s rhythm, but once I did, the story opened up beautifully.
What I loved most was how rich the world felt. This isn’t just a romance it’s a whole network of friendships, coworkers, siblings, exes, and people who genuinely matter to the main characters. There’s something really comforting about queer romance that takes place inside a community, not in isolation.
The representation is one of the strongest parts of the book. Asian and mixed-race families, coming out stories both the realistic hard truths but also some happy moments and sibling connections, lavender marriage dynamics, pan and asexual character representation, and queer people existing in both personal and professional spaces. It all felt woven in with care instead of feeling like a checklist. And Quinn’s storyline about being queer in a corporate job hit in a way that felt very real and very familiar.
The slow burn is slow, but it’s intentional. The chemistry grows in a steady, thoughtful way, and once it starts building, it’s incredibly sweet. And the side characters are fantastic!
This book felt different from my usual sapphic reads, but in a refreshing way. It’s soft, grounded, and full of heart. If you love slow burns, found family, and romances that explore identity and community just as much as falling in love, this one is worth picking up.
November 16, 2024
Firstly, I'd like to thank the author not only for writing this beautiful book, but for sending me my first ARC 😊
Wolf Shirt and High Heels introduces Ramona and Quinn, two MC's unlike any other characters I have read. These ladies have such deep, complex senses of self (if that makes sense?). I felt for Ramona, being jilted at the alter by someone she called her best friend. Her self-worth and trust in her own judgement shot to hell, I can see how her next steps were to find this "Quinn" that her ex left her for. I love Quinn and really connected with her from the moment she was introduced. I lost it when she used her research and spreadsheet skills for the relationship 😂 I feel that to my core! This is a long book, but Ramona and Quinns relationship doesn't feel drawn out nor rushed, instead the MC's follow their hearts and communicate to each other what they want! (Shocking concept 😅). Even better, the "spice" was spicy and very well written🌶️🙈
Aside from our MC's, we meet Lydia (Ramona's sister) who is just a cool supportive sister, and Tara, who is Quinns best friend. Most of Ramona's 'friends' (excluding her work friends) I could have happily thrown under a moving bus 🤷🏻♀️ Evie Marque did an excellent job of keeping unlikable characters justtttt on the side of forgivable (however I am petty and would rather die than forgive someone for leaving me at the alter). I did find Flo and Dominic's platonic marriage fascinating! I would love to see more of them and their story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this sweet, low angst book. Quinn and Ramona stand out as fascinating, lovable characters who are learning to love themselves as much as they love each other ❤️
- workplace romance
- awful parents
- non-traditional relationships
Wolf Shirt and High Heels introduces Ramona and Quinn, two MC's unlike any other characters I have read. These ladies have such deep, complex senses of self (if that makes sense?). I felt for Ramona, being jilted at the alter by someone she called her best friend. Her self-worth and trust in her own judgement shot to hell, I can see how her next steps were to find this "Quinn" that her ex left her for. I love Quinn and really connected with her from the moment she was introduced. I lost it when she used her research and spreadsheet skills for the relationship 😂 I feel that to my core! This is a long book, but Ramona and Quinns relationship doesn't feel drawn out nor rushed, instead the MC's follow their hearts and communicate to each other what they want! (Shocking concept 😅). Even better, the "spice" was spicy and very well written🌶️🙈
Aside from our MC's, we meet Lydia (Ramona's sister) who is just a cool supportive sister, and Tara, who is Quinns best friend. Most of Ramona's 'friends' (excluding her work friends) I could have happily thrown under a moving bus 🤷🏻♀️ Evie Marque did an excellent job of keeping unlikable characters justtttt on the side of forgivable (however I am petty and would rather die than forgive someone for leaving me at the alter). I did find Flo and Dominic's platonic marriage fascinating! I would love to see more of them and their story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this sweet, low angst book. Quinn and Ramona stand out as fascinating, lovable characters who are learning to love themselves as much as they love each other ❤️
- workplace romance
- awful parents
- non-traditional relationships
February 19, 2025
Sorry can't give this one more than 2 stars. Even though I DNF. Yeah yeah may not seem fair but I did read like.. 30% of it.
1- How am I supposed to like a character that was okay platonically marrying their best friend? I mean the basis of the plot is absurd, really.
2-Ramona feels/sounds like a different person when it's her POV and when it's Quinn's. Sometimes nerdy, insecure, romantic. Other times too forward and flirty. Couldn't figure her out.
3-Ramona's friends are a-hole. I hate hating secondary characters but this one takes the cake. Mocking her for how she dresses? Literally in disbelief if anyone thinks she's cool? Those are some friends...
4-Duplicate content, sometimes you'd just read sort of the same thing from the other girl's POV. Felt inefficient. Needs editing.
5-The whole convo about who's toxic and who's the the redder flag is just ridiculous. Stupid excuse to keep them apart.
6-Couldn't feel the chemistry, as much as the author reaaaally tried, by all means necessary, to relay a sexual attraction (oh yeah her eyes go to that cleavage, oh yeah she smirks in a flirting way, oh wow their knees touch, oh god they're stuck in an elevator how will they ever survive when they want to rip each other's clothes off)
7-They're like speed dating with too much talking. It's all 'what were you like when you grew up' and 'what's your favourite colour' and 'do you like chocolate ice cream' (I make this up but pretty much). It's so unromantic, so classic, so boring. This isn't really how you can to know someone. Felt like 2 13 year old pretending to know what dating was supposed to be like.
8-I kid you not they call each other girlfriends before they've even kissed.
1- How am I supposed to like a character that was okay platonically marrying their best friend? I mean the basis of the plot is absurd, really.
2-Ramona feels/sounds like a different person when it's her POV and when it's Quinn's. Sometimes nerdy, insecure, romantic. Other times too forward and flirty. Couldn't figure her out.
3-Ramona's friends are a-hole. I hate hating secondary characters but this one takes the cake. Mocking her for how she dresses? Literally in disbelief if anyone thinks she's cool? Those are some friends...
4-Duplicate content, sometimes you'd just read sort of the same thing from the other girl's POV. Felt inefficient. Needs editing.
5-The whole convo about who's toxic and who's the the redder flag is just ridiculous. Stupid excuse to keep them apart.
6-Couldn't feel the chemistry, as much as the author reaaaally tried, by all means necessary, to relay a sexual attraction (oh yeah her eyes go to that cleavage, oh yeah she smirks in a flirting way, oh wow their knees touch, oh god they're stuck in an elevator how will they ever survive when they want to rip each other's clothes off)
7-They're like speed dating with too much talking. It's all 'what were you like when you grew up' and 'what's your favourite colour' and 'do you like chocolate ice cream' (I make this up but pretty much). It's so unromantic, so classic, so boring. This isn't really how you can to know someone. Felt like 2 13 year old pretending to know what dating was supposed to be like.
8-I kid you not they call each other girlfriends before they've even kissed.
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