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Logan Luna has made a lot of mistakes in her life stemming from a gambling addiction. She’s been sublimating in other ways recently but doesn’t want to do that any longer. When she gets a job at a new bar in the city, she hopes it’s the start of something big, something that might help take her mind off of everything wrong with her life.
Rory Winter helps her friend with her new bar whenever she can, which is probably more often than she should because she has a full-time job and is also in grad school. She’s doing that because she doesn’t like to let people down, but there’s another reason why she spends all of her free time at the a new, older, and very attractive bartender works there.
Rory doesn’t think Logan will ever look her way because Logan is out, gorgeous, and can have any woman she wants, while Rory is shy, studious, and isn’t out to everyone in her life yet.
Logan feels like she can be herself with Rory in a way she’s never felt before, and she can’t seem to stop talking to the younger woman whenever she stops by the bar.
They both have some things to work through, but for the first time, Rory can see herself falling in love and being more fully herself, and Logan begins to think about how good her life could be for the first time in a long time.
Rory Winter helps her friend with her new bar whenever she can, which is probably more often than she should because she has a full-time job and is also in grad school. She’s doing that because she doesn’t like to let people down, but there’s another reason why she spends all of her free time at the a new, older, and very attractive bartender works there.
Rory doesn’t think Logan will ever look her way because Logan is out, gorgeous, and can have any woman she wants, while Rory is shy, studious, and isn’t out to everyone in her life yet.
Logan feels like she can be herself with Rory in a way she’s never felt before, and she can’t seem to stop talking to the younger woman whenever she stops by the bar.
They both have some things to work through, but for the first time, Rory can see herself falling in love and being more fully herself, and Logan begins to think about how good her life could be for the first time in a long time.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2025
131 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
79 books820 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 24, 2025
What a great addition to this series! This one starts out hot (think not quite as hot as Voyeur) but it’s a little sad and dark. Logan is absolutely a lost little soul. She’s trying to deal with addiction and shame and regret all on her own. She tries to keep her mind busy and stop her addictive thoughts by having random sex with any woman who is willing to hook up with her. But, damn, she is sad.
Rory is in graduate school for social work. She works a bunch of jobs, is out to only one person and has never had sex with a woman. But she wants a relationship. She’s not a one and done type. She and Logan have an instant connection. Logan is compelled to not keep secrets from Rory and Rory is a great listener and never judges Logan. Best of all, she’s got boundaries.
The last 2/3 of this book flies by and you can’t not root for these two. Jill still has nobody and just keeps on looking.
Rory is in graduate school for social work. She works a bunch of jobs, is out to only one person and has never had sex with a woman. But she wants a relationship. She’s not a one and done type. She and Logan have an instant connection. Logan is compelled to not keep secrets from Rory and Rory is a great listener and never judges Logan. Best of all, she’s got boundaries.
The last 2/3 of this book flies by and you can’t not root for these two. Jill still has nobody and just keeps on looking.
May 4, 2025
Another One
I love this series and will definitely continue to read it. But I really want to read about Jill finding her forever love also.
I love this series and will definitely continue to read it. But I really want to read about Jill finding her forever love also.
April 28, 2025
This one took a bit longer to get into but I absolutely binged the 2/3 of this book! Like couldn’t stop reading until I finished it.
Logan is not herself…she hasn’t been for some time. She’s just spiralling (whether she’ll admit it or not) and it’s not until she lands a job at Rory’s best friend’s new bar that she realizes what’s happening to her life. Rory is a young grad student who recently came out and is just trying to find her footing in this new world.
Their attraction is immediate but Rory’s perception of Logan and the life she leads isn’t what she’s looking for. Logan knows she’s not herself but with Rory she just wants to be honest, her absolute true self. The question is, will Rory let her in?
Logan is not herself…she hasn’t been for some time. She’s just spiralling (whether she’ll admit it or not) and it’s not until she lands a job at Rory’s best friend’s new bar that she realizes what’s happening to her life. Rory is a young grad student who recently came out and is just trying to find her footing in this new world.
Their attraction is immediate but Rory’s perception of Logan and the life she leads isn’t what she’s looking for. Logan knows she’s not herself but with Rory she just wants to be honest, her absolute true self. The question is, will Rory let her in?
May 3, 2025
May is a wonderful addition to the New Orleans series. It was a cute slow burn novel. Similar to January, the plot follows some heavy topics only this time we're dealing with addiction and recovery. I think Nicole Pyland did a very admirable job of describing the challenges, thoughts, experiences, etc of someone who has struggled with addiction and is fighting to get their life back together which is what we see in Logan's character. She is so hard on herself for nearly the entire story and the depths of her regrets are so painfully clear that you just want to wrap her up in a warm hug and tell her that everything is going to be okay and that, just because she did some bad things, it doesn't make her a bad person. She deserves love and happiness just like everyone else. That's why I think pairing her up with such a kind, gentle, and virtuous soul like Rory was the best decision to help her overcome the way she viewed herself. Rory was so understanding,non judgemental, and willing to be there for Logan as she started down her path to self forgiveness, care, and love. Their relationship unfolded slowly but I think that was necessary and complimented the plot very well. 10/10.
May 6, 2025
May
This 5th book in Nicole Pyland’s New Orleans series deals with a heavier topic with one of the main characters, Logan, having a gambling addiction. While Logan has been in recovery for a while now, she is supplementing with hookups to take her mind off of gambling. Then you have Rory, a young grad student who works 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 jobs while also concentrating on her studies and helping her best friend with the new bar she has just opened up.
While these two characters couldn’t be more
different, their personalities complement each other, and they help each other to grow. Logan can be herself and bare her truth to Rory without feeling judged, while at the same time Rory is learning not to take herself so seriously and that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while.
This book is definitely a slow burn, filled with growth, healing, starting over, and learning to forgive oneself for past mistakes. I honestly would have loved this book to be even longer than it is so that I could read more of these two and see more of their story. I’m looking forward to seeing little updates about them in future books in this series.
This 5th book in Nicole Pyland’s New Orleans series deals with a heavier topic with one of the main characters, Logan, having a gambling addiction. While Logan has been in recovery for a while now, she is supplementing with hookups to take her mind off of gambling. Then you have Rory, a young grad student who works 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 jobs while also concentrating on her studies and helping her best friend with the new bar she has just opened up.
While these two characters couldn’t be more
different, their personalities complement each other, and they help each other to grow. Logan can be herself and bare her truth to Rory without feeling judged, while at the same time Rory is learning not to take herself so seriously and that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while.
This book is definitely a slow burn, filled with growth, healing, starting over, and learning to forgive oneself for past mistakes. I honestly would have loved this book to be even longer than it is so that I could read more of these two and see more of their story. I’m looking forward to seeing little updates about them in future books in this series.
April 20, 2025
"May," the fifth book in Nicole Pyland's New Orleans series, centres around Logan Luna and Rory Winter. This one does come with a trigger warning for addiction.
Rory has recently become part of the New Orleans circle of friends. Besides juggling multiple jobs, she's studying social work and helps out at her friend's bar when needed. Logan is the new bartender, older than Rory, and to say she’s a hit with the ladies is an understatement!
Whilst Rory and Logan are polar opposites, there is an undeniable instant attraction between them, but despite this, both have battles to overcome. I felt the story and personal journeys of both characters flowed well; Logan struggles with addiction, whilst Rory has low self-esteem. I thoroughly enjoy learning something new. In this book's case, it was the complexities of addiction which I thought was covered in a sensitive and thoughtful way. This is a great new addition to the series.
I received an arc for my honest review.
Rory has recently become part of the New Orleans circle of friends. Besides juggling multiple jobs, she's studying social work and helps out at her friend's bar when needed. Logan is the new bartender, older than Rory, and to say she’s a hit with the ladies is an understatement!
Whilst Rory and Logan are polar opposites, there is an undeniable instant attraction between them, but despite this, both have battles to overcome. I felt the story and personal journeys of both characters flowed well; Logan struggles with addiction, whilst Rory has low self-esteem. I thoroughly enjoy learning something new. In this book's case, it was the complexities of addiction which I thought was covered in a sensitive and thoughtful way. This is a great new addition to the series.
I received an arc for my honest review.
May 4, 2025
Best thus far!
I don’t know what it was but I fell in love in this book. Definitely the best to me of the series thus far, I tried to forgo sleep to finish but somehow an hour and a half was stolen from me by those damn closed eyelids.
Rory: sweet, innocent, deer in headlights, bleeding heart!
Logan: numb, lost, atoning sinner and deliverer of orgasms.
They’re both on a discovery quest; Rory to find love and acceptance, Logan to find herself and reprieve from past transgressions. They both have this misconception about themselves only to enlighten each other to the truths of their value. A complete match made in book heaven!
Is it June yet?? 🥺😔 (I’ll say I don’t really care about Enids story but I’m sure once I read it I’ll be all in as Nicole just does that time and again). But seriously can we get Jills book lol.
I don’t know what it was but I fell in love in this book. Definitely the best to me of the series thus far, I tried to forgo sleep to finish but somehow an hour and a half was stolen from me by those damn closed eyelids.
Rory: sweet, innocent, deer in headlights, bleeding heart!
Logan: numb, lost, atoning sinner and deliverer of orgasms.
They’re both on a discovery quest; Rory to find love and acceptance, Logan to find herself and reprieve from past transgressions. They both have this misconception about themselves only to enlighten each other to the truths of their value. A complete match made in book heaven!
Is it June yet?? 🥺😔 (I’ll say I don’t really care about Enids story but I’m sure once I read it I’ll be all in as Nicole just does that time and again). But seriously can we get Jills book lol.
May 4, 2025
The 5th book in the New Orleans Series is a pretty dynamic and enjoyable read. Rory is sweet & innocent, and Logan is the opposite but has a hidden soft side. They start with a cute first conversation and their connection is instant. Starting as friends as they both deal with personal challenges they need to face before their budding relationship can begin. They continue to get to know each other with flirtatious banter and the courage they show is heartwarming. And we can’t forget all the friends from the previous books were there to be helpful and supportive along the way. So if you like slow burns and lovably flawed characters that win your heart, I definitely recommend giving this book a chance.
April 25, 2025
I can't believe we are already getting into 'May' . Logan and Rorys story was nothing but real, intense, sad at times, and then spicy at others, overall it was just a true love story with all kinds of emotions wrapped up in it. I truly liked how Logan overcame what was dragging her down and started working on herself for the better. It was great to see her come back up from such a dark place to land somewhere really good. Rory is definitely a good match for her. Logan helps her not take things so seriously and getting to read about them falling in love and living that happily ever after is a great feeling. I throughly enjoy reading 'May'!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
#5 in the NOLA series and I it was a great one! While all the books in this series have been great so far, I like that this story went for a more deeper topic by diving into one of the MC’s that deals with addiction.Seeing the way the story unfolded was nicely done because you get to see the journey that some people go through when trying to live your life day by day all while batting addiction. The struggles,trust, growth and a support system.You get it all here with these two.
Logan and Rory were a fun couple to see come together. The interactions with them had me smiling so many times through out the book. This friends to lovers and a small but still age gap is worth reading!
Logan and Rory were a fun couple to see come together. The interactions with them had me smiling so many times through out the book. This friends to lovers and a small but still age gap is worth reading!
May 6, 2025
I am still smiling! The world could benefit from so much more from Nicole Poland!
Nicole Poland has managed to create a space in New Orleans that has the most interesting characters and stories. I just love how this group of women keeps growing more interesting book by book. This one brings the reality of addiction, gambling specifically, into focus and handles it with care and dignity. The harshness that can cause such ruin in many lives, is explored with sensitivity and how the power of love and forgiveness can overpower the darkness is just beautiful. I can’t wait for June!
Nicole Poland has managed to create a space in New Orleans that has the most interesting characters and stories. I just love how this group of women keeps growing more interesting book by book. This one brings the reality of addiction, gambling specifically, into focus and handles it with care and dignity. The harshness that can cause such ruin in many lives, is explored with sensitivity and how the power of love and forgiveness can overpower the darkness is just beautiful. I can’t wait for June!
May 8, 2025
These very diverse characters really grab onto you and don’t let go. Reading Landon and Rory’s story was very enjoyable. I was invested from the blurb and then didn’t want to put it down! I loved the little moments with Landon and Rory getting to know each other and the awesome friendship that develops. Such a rapport helps while hanging out at the bar and sometimes working together.
My favorite line out of the whole book; “Calm down there, pleather bada**. She helped me pick out something to wear for our date.” There is absolutely more wittiness and humor I adored that Ms Pyland wrote on the pages for us to devour and enjoy!
My favorite line out of the whole book; “Calm down there, pleather bada**. She helped me pick out something to wear for our date.” There is absolutely more wittiness and humor I adored that Ms Pyland wrote on the pages for us to devour and enjoy!
April 25, 2025
One of my favorite things about Nicole Pyland’s books is that she writes about characters that you don’t get to read about too often. I rarely come across books that has a MC having an addiction, so I was immediately interested.
I found the relationship between Logan and Rory to be adorable. It was so cute reading their feelings for each other grow and I also loved the slow burn between them.
This book managed to combine adorableness, spiciness, cuteness, and serious topics all at the same time. Definitely enjoyed this read and recommend it to anyone.
I found the relationship between Logan and Rory to be adorable. It was so cute reading their feelings for each other grow and I also loved the slow burn between them.
This book managed to combine adorableness, spiciness, cuteness, and serious topics all at the same time. Definitely enjoyed this read and recommend it to anyone.
May 3, 2025
I wasn’t sure about this book at first. It took me a while to get into it but it was definitely worth the wait. This is kind of an opposites attract at first sight book. The two main characters couldn’t be more different but their connection/attraction is undeniable. My favorite thing might be that it was so refreshing to see a main character who wasn’t perfect. Logan had serious flaws but was inspired to work hard at addressing them. I really enjoyed her journey to become a better person for herself and for others.
I also enjoyed the glimpses of the main characters from prior books, a peak at someone from the next one and the wisdom of the tarot card reader. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
I also enjoyed the glimpses of the main characters from prior books, a peak at someone from the next one and the wisdom of the tarot card reader. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
May 2, 2025
This story embarks on a journey of forgiveness and finding love. Logan has a gambling addiction and is struggling to make amends and to be okay with who she is. Rory is just coming out and upon seeing Logan is immediately attracted and struggling on how to deal with that. Logan has been around the block and Rory thinks they should just be friends. The attraction between the two is strong as is their connection. A beautiful story about forgiving yourself for your past transgression and moving forward.
May 11, 2025
A slow burn that followed some heavy topics. The beginning was much different than others in series to me, but this one of the top three of the series so far. I would love to see more of Logan and Rory's story and see if Logan goes back to career roots. I'm definitely glad there was not any issues at the bar for Logan, I was wondering if that could have been a mini plot but glad it was not. Still holding out for Jill to find someone at this point I think that is probably the December book. I can definitely understand how she feels. Looking forward to the next book.
June 30, 2025
Good book
A good story about how an addiction can ruin your life. Logan is trying to turn her life around. She has all the meetings place in her phone when she feels like she needs to go. Rory is a workaholic because she is trying to pay for her schooling. With her best friend now owning a bar she is there to help. When Cadence hires Logan, Rory is head over heels with her. Rory is young a very shy and inexperienced in dating with only one boyfriend. They learn together how to deal with the things come their way.
A good story about how an addiction can ruin your life. Logan is trying to turn her life around. She has all the meetings place in her phone when she feels like she needs to go. Rory is a workaholic because she is trying to pay for her schooling. With her best friend now owning a bar she is there to help. When Cadence hires Logan, Rory is head over heels with her. Rory is young a very shy and inexperienced in dating with only one boyfriend. They learn together how to deal with the things come their way.
May 1, 2025
A beautiful, heartfelt story about second chances, healing, and unexpected love. Logan and Rory are both navigating complicated lives, but their connection feels real and deeply moving. The chemistry between them builds slowly and sweetly, making every shared moment at the bar feel meaningful. Watching Logan try to leave her past behind and Rory grow more confident in herself is both emotional and inspiring. This story is tender, honest, and full of hope—an easy five stars.
May 12, 2025
Rory is helping her friend renovate her bar when handsome butch Logan walks in looking for a bartender job. Rory is intrigued by the woman, but Logan is friendly but guarded.
Logan is rebuilding her life after her gambling addiction destroyed it. However, it appears she's sublimating it into sex... which her friend Ava calls her out on.
Logan and Rory start clumsily seeing each other, but Rory is very virginal and scared Logan just wants casual.
VERY slow burn, but a good read.
Logan is rebuilding her life after her gambling addiction destroyed it. However, it appears she's sublimating it into sex... which her friend Ava calls her out on.
Logan and Rory start clumsily seeing each other, but Rory is very virginal and scared Logan just wants casual.
VERY slow burn, but a good read.
May 4, 2025
Not Every Love Story is Easy
Another great addition to the New Orleans Series by Nicole Pyland. This story has some more adult themes such as addiction, betraying those you love and just trying to keep your head above water.
Of course it also includes a sweet love story, opening a new bar and our favorite Krewe of helpful lesbians. I wish I could roll with a Krewe like theirs.
Another great addition to the New Orleans Series by Nicole Pyland. This story has some more adult themes such as addiction, betraying those you love and just trying to keep your head above water.
Of course it also includes a sweet love story, opening a new bar and our favorite Krewe of helpful lesbians. I wish I could roll with a Krewe like theirs.
May 5, 2025
Jobs for days
I so loved Logan and Rory’s story. I laughed a lot especially as they would joke about how many jobs Rory had and the number always increased. It’s fun getting little updates on past characters from the series, also great to watch both Logan and Rory grow as people and find each other in the process.
I so loved Logan and Rory’s story. I laughed a lot especially as they would joke about how many jobs Rory had and the number always increased. It’s fun getting little updates on past characters from the series, also great to watch both Logan and Rory grow as people and find each other in the process.
May 6, 2025
May is the fifth installment in Pyland’s NOLA series. It’s about Rory and Logan’s love story, and what a beautiful love story it was. It’s a lovely, well-paced, slow burn that will give you all the feels. I will warn you, though, that it’s tough to put down once you start this book. I truly loved every second of this story and can’t wait for the next one.
July 8, 2025
VERY GOOD
Hated the beginning, loved the middle and end of story. The beginning seemed as though it would be erotic, down and dirty. I almost put the book aside to start another. However, I remembered that it was written by Nicole Pyland and decided to stick with it. Glad I did. Discovering the reason for one MC behaving the way she did was eye opening.
Hated the beginning, loved the middle and end of story. The beginning seemed as though it would be erotic, down and dirty. I almost put the book aside to start another. However, I remembered that it was written by Nicole Pyland and decided to stick with it. Glad I did. Discovering the reason for one MC behaving the way she did was eye opening.
April 29, 2025
Wow what an epic storyline I loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully the main problem is an addiction that was written in so much depth making you feel her pain it's an incredible emotional story definitely must read congratulations
May 7, 2025
My Favorite-so far!
I love this story-Logan is in such a deep dark place but she meets Rory and she has something worth living for! Nicole writes her characters so well-you can’t help rooting for the happily ever after! Can’t wait for June!!
I love this story-Logan is in such a deep dark place but she meets Rory and she has something worth living for! Nicole writes her characters so well-you can’t help rooting for the happily ever after! Can’t wait for June!!
May 25, 2025
Of this series, which is by far Pyland’s best since the Fire Universe, this is by far the best.
Logan is sweet and adorable and just needs a hug. And god Rory is perfect for her.
It’s slow burn but doesn’t feel that way.
Logan is sweet and adorable and just needs a hug. And god Rory is perfect for her.
It’s slow burn but doesn’t feel that way.
May 20, 2025
This one was loads better than March. Almost like another author had written it - the MCs were far more nuanced and interesting. More like this one, please!
May 24, 2025
70% DNF I'm not looking forward to the backstory anymore
December 27, 2025
Rory and Logan have a chance meeting at exactly the wrong time in their busy lives, or was it? Rory has a clear plan and future. Logan is dealing with her own demons. Sometimes destiny has other thoughts and everything falls into place as it should… and the work to make it so doesn’t feel as heavy as it did before. Spring, May, is about rebirth and starting again, and Rory and Logan’s story exemplifies that analogy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews