Two years ago, Jordan Davids’ first love Riley walked out on her with no explanation. She's been trying to move on, and luckily Amber, a local bartender, is more than willing to help Jordan get over her ex-girlfriend.
On the verge of pursuing a romance with Amber, a tragedy brings Jordan’s long-lost lover back into town. Only Riley does not arrive alone—she comes bearing secrets.
The problem with secrets, though, is eventually they get revealed.
As truths begin to surface, nothing is what Jordan thought it was. What impact will Jordan’s newfound knowledge have on her life? Her decisions? Her heart?
Michele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
One of the things that makes this story an engaging read was the banter between the characters. It was hilarious and sarcastic at the same time. But not everything was funny. There were sad moments and moments of frustration. A story written with depth and intensity. The author describes the emotions, the feelings, the unspoken assumptions so true to life that you really cared about the characters. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It was a captivating story with not-stereotypical characters.
This was a quick and easy read. For me it read more like a YA book and normally I don't read them because I don't feel a connection to them. Overall I thought this was good and will give it 3.5 stars.
Relationships are messy sometimes. I’m glad Jordan and Amber were adult enough to know what they both wanted. Past loves and promises of a new one is probably in all of our lives some more dramatic than others. Communication is key. I’m glad it worked out in the end. Yet another sweet ending to another enjoyable read. Now to go wipe my tears lol
With a Purpose is phenomenal. Again the author conveys the story using a lot of dialogue. Her knack for getting into characters' heads and sharing their histories with their words is very well done.
The book is about Jordan, her ex-girlfriend (Riley), and the woman she's dating (Amber). I noticed it addressed quite a few themes, including the concept that everything happens for a reason, that we are all on a journey somewhere and paths are constantly crossing and intersecting, that sometimes you have to step back to see what's right there in front of us, and of course that true love conquers all.
So many parts of the book made me laugh out loud. There were also a couple of scenes that made me tear up and one scene that caused me to really cry. I'm always seeking books that can move me emotionally (who isn't?) and I was impressed with how effective this book was.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for some great characters and a moving story-line.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I knew i was in for a good love story, but it turned out to be so much more. Not only did i feel my heart swell as the story developed, i also felt heartache, happiness, longing and even arousal. When i finished reading i was in tears, in need of a hug, and wondering about my fate. There's different topics i could relate to all over, so even if you've never had an actual experience regarding on of them, you will be able to relate at one point or another.
I've read 3 books by the author and they're all amazing, so if you're planning on reading "with a purpose" do it, and the if you like it (i'm sure you will) make sure you read both "something in return" and "taking the lead".
First time reading anything from this author and will read more from this author. The only thing is I couldn't follow who was talking and who was not. Then is skipped around not knowing why the person was dead in the first place.
Of course the story of the two women is cute, loving and just...yeah. But its the dialogue that got to me. Its funny, witty, clever, fast, smart, intelligent and all those things. You see where I'm going with this right, so just read it.
As with Michele’s writing, this story gets you so engrossed until the final words “The End”. The inner turmoil that Jordan was going through with Trish’s death and Riley by her side, sets the stage to what happened with Riley and Jordan. As they reminisce about their past, Jordan is stuck between feeling responsible for Trish’s death and wondering why Riley left her without a word. As they both make some damaging remarks and both a little surprised at what was said, you can tell something wasn’t followed through and they both were lost in what the ultimate decisions ending up being. Enter Amber and her sweet self trying to win over Jordan, and Riley who’s relationship with Drew has caused some major concern with Jordan. Jordan and Riley love each other but they are so far apart in heart. Riley believes that Jordan knows why things happen the way they did and Jordan thinks that Riley is so over her that she doesn’t want to talk or reflect about their past and what happened. This story just sucks you in and you are so rooting for Riley and Jordan. Excellent story and well written. It is a must read to see how it all unfolds….
Another beautifully written novel of loss, trying to find oneself, love and blessedly with a happily ever after. I am fascinated by the support characters in all of this author’s works. Their ability to see the whole picture and assist the people in their lives with their journeys is awe inspiring. I’m not able to speak highly enough about the collection of works of this author. All have been powerful with well developed characters and plots. Very good reads. I Absotively recommend this and all her other works. Thank you Peace
This is the second to last novel I’ve read by her and I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do when I finish all of them. (Probably go back and reread them;)) this story is probably one of my favorites by her (Holding Space is still prob my #1 though). It had the perfect amount of romance, humor and drama all sprinkled in nicely throughout the book. Her characters are always fantastic and super relatable. Great job. I’m looking forward to the next one!!
It was a good story that could have been great. The story was strong and the characters were likeable but at times, the dialog was long winded and pretentious. It was too lovey dovey and far fetched for me. I'm as romantic as the next person but it was a bit much. I mean what are the odds that Drew and Amber would find each other again. Becca doesn't want children but she allows her husband impregnate her sister. I dont buy it.
I felt this story started a little slow. At times, I was so angry at Jordan . In the end, I couldn’t get enough of Jordan and Riley together. They were so in love that I read there being together over and over. This author is amazing. Well written story with a great ending.
Jordan had to reevaluate her life after the love of her life left without a reason, then the Trish kills herself she is having a hard time with relationships. She gets to have a relationship with Amber but she is in love with someone else. When Riley returns Jordan is so torn of what to do. A good book about making decisions
A well written love story with charming and witty characters. There was a lot going on, including miscommunication, but it blended well, and had a wonderful ending.
It definitely is a slow burn as described, but once it took off, it was an awesome story. Once Jordan truely listened to her heart, she had her answers.