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Can't Let Her Go
Friends to lovers? There’s a lot to consider, a lot to hope for, and a lot at risk in a steamy and emotional romance by the bestselling author of
Can’t Resist Her
.
Peaches Monroe and Jamie Hunt are core members of their Texas friend squad and have so much in common. They’re successful at their careers in personal care. They take Austin’s “Keep It Weird” vibe to heart, each leaning into their own unique talents and sense of style. And they’re both ready to go on to even bigger things. Is pushing past the boundaries of friendship into something deeper one of them? The red-hot fantasy is there…but so is real life.
Jamie’s college dreams will take her far from her hometown. She’s already road-tripping to possibilities from San Antonio to Houston. And Peaches has obligations of her own. Not only is she planning to expand her business, but she’s taking care of her family after her mother’s passing, leaving her overwhelmed and under pressure.
No matter how perfect Jamie and Peaches are for each other, is this the right time for romance? Finding their true selves comes first. Only then can they hope to pursue a future of lasting love—together.
Peaches Monroe and Jamie Hunt are core members of their Texas friend squad and have so much in common. They’re successful at their careers in personal care. They take Austin’s “Keep It Weird” vibe to heart, each leaning into their own unique talents and sense of style. And they’re both ready to go on to even bigger things. Is pushing past the boundaries of friendship into something deeper one of them? The red-hot fantasy is there…but so is real life.
Jamie’s college dreams will take her far from her hometown. She’s already road-tripping to possibilities from San Antonio to Houston. And Peaches has obligations of her own. Not only is she planning to expand her business, but she’s taking care of her family after her mother’s passing, leaving her overwhelmed and under pressure.
No matter how perfect Jamie and Peaches are for each other, is this the right time for romance? Finding their true selves comes first. Only then can they hope to pursue a future of lasting love—together.
Audible Audio
First published June 20, 2023
231 people are currently reading
6433 people want to read
About the author
Kianna Alexander
107 books549 followersI've always loved the written word. For as long as I can remember, I read as much as I could, as often as I could. Cereal boxes, newspapers, product packaging. Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine. Billboards. I loved it all. I read the entire Fear Street series, as well as the Sweet Valley Books, from Twins and Friends through Sweet Valley High. Each week I'd bring 15 or 20 books home from the library, and read them all before the due date.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
May 26, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This story was cute! The side characters in this story were so fun and would love to read more about them! It was so refreshing that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunication in this story too.
- It seemed that a lot of the reason that peaches and jamie got together was more out of lust than deeper feelings. Would have loved to see them build a deeper connection.
- This book did such a great job on talking about tough family dynamics. The found family aspect really made the story so special because of that!
- This story was cute! The side characters in this story were so fun and would love to read more about them! It was so refreshing that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunication in this story too.
- It seemed that a lot of the reason that peaches and jamie got together was more out of lust than deeper feelings. Would have loved to see them build a deeper connection.
- This book did such a great job on talking about tough family dynamics. The found family aspect really made the story so special because of that!
June 26, 2023
Read this if you like
✅ Friends to Lovers
✅Strong female protagonists
✅A strong friend group that is like family= with memorable secondary characters
✅Chapters that provide the p.o.v of both romantic leads
✅ Characters that follow through on their plans.
Kianna Alexander presents two strong BIPOC characters- Jamie and Peaches. They're both successful women who have complications with immediate family members but have a really strong friend group. Peaches runs her own barbershop and Jamie is an esthetician at a salon. Both are actually looking for other opportunities but both seem a little taken aback by their growing attraction to each other. Peaches is the more rational of the pair, burned by her last relationship, she wants to make sure Jamie is sincere. Admittedly, Jamie hasn't had a lot of dating experience and feels impatient over Peach's hesitation. Together, they will find their way to each other.
I really liked these two protagonists. It was easy to see early on that each felt a lot of duty to their immediate families but neither really had their family's understanding of their lives. I have to agree with a few other reviewers that I don't see Peaches and Jamie as the end game BUT I have a feeling that they do remain friends throughout their lives.
I would certainly read other Kianna Alexander titles.
#CantLetHerGo #NetGalley.
Publication Date 20/06/23
Goodreads Review 25/06/23
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own*
✅ Friends to Lovers
✅Strong female protagonists
✅A strong friend group that is like family= with memorable secondary characters
✅Chapters that provide the p.o.v of both romantic leads
✅ Characters that follow through on their plans.
Kianna Alexander presents two strong BIPOC characters- Jamie and Peaches. They're both successful women who have complications with immediate family members but have a really strong friend group. Peaches runs her own barbershop and Jamie is an esthetician at a salon. Both are actually looking for other opportunities but both seem a little taken aback by their growing attraction to each other. Peaches is the more rational of the pair, burned by her last relationship, she wants to make sure Jamie is sincere. Admittedly, Jamie hasn't had a lot of dating experience and feels impatient over Peach's hesitation. Together, they will find their way to each other.
I really liked these two protagonists. It was easy to see early on that each felt a lot of duty to their immediate families but neither really had their family's understanding of their lives. I have to agree with a few other reviewers that I don't see Peaches and Jamie as the end game BUT I have a feeling that they do remain friends throughout their lives.
I would certainly read other Kianna Alexander titles.
#CantLetHerGo #NetGalley.
Publication Date 20/06/23
Goodreads Review 25/06/23
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own*
January 31, 2023
2.5 stars
i was sooo excited to read this book and it got me even more hyped when i realized it was a sapphic story but at the end this book just wasn't for me.
i found the characters unrealistic and the dialogues they had were obviously written and not something a real person would say or how a real person would react to different things. so it made it really hard for me to connect with these characters and, for me, character development is the basic thing i need to enjoy a book.
it was funny at times and i love that we have a stud lesbian which i haven't seen in another book so far (i'm open to recommendations ✨) but besides that, the story in general was unbelievable.
i was sooo excited to read this book and it got me even more hyped when i realized it was a sapphic story but at the end this book just wasn't for me.
i found the characters unrealistic and the dialogues they had were obviously written and not something a real person would say or how a real person would react to different things. so it made it really hard for me to connect with these characters and, for me, character development is the basic thing i need to enjoy a book.
it was funny at times and i love that we have a stud lesbian which i haven't seen in another book so far (i'm open to recommendations ✨) but besides that, the story in general was unbelievable.
June 27, 2025
This was a fast paced queer romance, i liked that its friends to lovers and opposites attracts. I think the plot around one the fmc's friend group, family dynamics and career path was interesting and added depth to the characters. The fmc's are instantly attracted to each other and it starts off with one of them being drunk and asking if they can get together. There is some push and pull between them as they don't want to ruin the friend group. There is steam, and relationship drama and i wish the romance could have had more depth but overall it was a cute read.
August 14, 2023
When Peaches Monroe is surprised by nail technician and future returning college student Jamie Hunt at her popular barber shop, she can't back down from the challenge Jamie lays down, explore the sparks that have been flying between them since their friend groups squad-ed up.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
December 1, 2024
This started so so promising, i was giggling and kicking my feet, loving the humor and the chemistry and then around the halfway point it just… went south.
I am not one to ick anyone‘s yum but the whole unironic daddy thing is not for me, happy for anyone who‘s into it though. What I will most definitely yuck though is the overly flowery descriptions and imagery that happen on and off during the sex scenes. I would be having a grand ol time then that would happen and the mixture of whiplash and cringe that I felt made for a very unpleasant experience. That and the fact that the narrator of the audiobook thought it was a good idea to narrate those scenes in crescendo, building momentum like in them murder scenes of thriller audiobook, like… WHY am I suddenly anxious listening to smut? Excuse me?
I am not one to ick anyone‘s yum but the whole unironic daddy thing is not for me, happy for anyone who‘s into it though. What I will most definitely yuck though is the overly flowery descriptions and imagery that happen on and off during the sex scenes. I would be having a grand ol time then that would happen and the mixture of whiplash and cringe that I felt made for a very unpleasant experience. That and the fact that the narrator of the audiobook thought it was a good idea to narrate those scenes in crescendo, building momentum like in them murder scenes of thriller audiobook, like… WHY am I suddenly anxious listening to smut? Excuse me?
July 30, 2023
“Shawty, if you keep tempting me like this, there will be trouble.”
“Sometimes I like trouble,” she teased. “What kind are you offering?”
3.5 stars. 3.25? While this did underwhelm me in a few ways, it was still such a very very cute black romance. I didn't love the first book in this series, but it had a lot of promise, so I'm glad I came back for more, because Peaches and Jamie were endearing to me in a lot of ways. Short stud/tall femme rights! It's a friends to lovers romance between a barbershop owner looking to expand her business and a nail technician who aspires to go back to school so she can do more in the nail business. They're never been the closest in their friend group, but Jamie makes a move on Peaches after harbouring a crush for some time, and when they go on a road trip to look at prospective schools, things start to heat up. I do like the author's simple, down to earth writing style. It's a little tighter than it was in the first book (thought I still had my quibbles) and all the characters just felt like real people. The dialogue was on point, especially in the dynamics between the friends, and all the flirting and courtship in the main couple. I found myself smiling and swooning so much. Peaches... call me. But on the other hand, I did find that the dialogue could swing the other way sometimes, and feel really manufactured and stilted. Like, there's a bit where they have a little exchange about the phrase 'gold star lesbian', and how it's a useless designation and just used to create divisiveness in the community. I really loved and agreed with everything that was said there, but the WAY the characters talked about it just sounded like it was lifted from a pamphlet or textbook. Really stilted. So that happened a couple times. And the conflict did feel a little awkward; not something that arose naturally, but something that was written in just because the book needed to have a conflict. But I can't lie, the cuteness of the couple and everything about how hot they were together... that did make up for it. 🔥 Whew.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Tamara Austin and looooooved it. She did such a great job with all the dialogue, and making the characters sound distinct without ever making anyone sound caricaturish. Even all the side characters and kids had great distinct voices. Definitely recommend listening to this one. And I'll keep an eye out an this author, because every time I read from her, it's better and better.
July 1, 2023
Peaches Monroe and Jamie Hunt; THEY NEED A LOT OF THERAPY. I am glad Kianna wrote that in. Especially Jamie, because she was such a fucking red flag. I still don't like her or their relationship. I do 100% believe Peaches deserved someone else, maybe Claudia.
I do understand Jamie's issues and all but her reactions to situations was really annoying. And I am on my period so I was not having it. My poor Peaches. I like her well enough to want to stab anyone who hurts her gentle soul. Though her butch "doings" sometimes were getting on my nerves. I liked her anyways.
I do understand Jamie's issues and all but her reactions to situations was really annoying. And I am on my period so I was not having it. My poor Peaches. I like her well enough to want to stab anyone who hurts her gentle soul. Though her butch "doings" sometimes were getting on my nerves. I liked her anyways.
June 25, 2025
I really wanted to like this!! The writing really hurt it with how it just told told told rather than showed anything happen between the heroines. So much just talking at the reader to explain every little thing and thought from each lead.
The third act conflict essentially started at the halfway mark and was one lead trying to have healthy mature discussions while the other was super immature, rude, and hurtful for no reason. Peaches deserves better!
The third act conflict essentially started at the halfway mark and was one lead trying to have healthy mature discussions while the other was super immature, rude, and hurtful for no reason. Peaches deserves better!
May 20, 2025
This was my “blind date with a book” purchase at a romance bookstore. As someone who believes we need more romance novels about Black queer people, and as a Texan, I was excited to read it!
Unfortunately, the writing is not very good and feels forced throughout. I was editing sentences in my head, and I hate when that happens to me with a book. I also feel like this storyline had a lot of untapped potential. It should have leaned into the friends to lovers trope it tries but fails to play off of. What if instead of Jamie and Peaches being friends in the group that never talked to each other, we got to learn more about their life as friends over the years that drew them to one another?
Despite opening up about their families I was never convinced about a deeper connection between Jamie and Peaches, and I feel like there’s so much they never established which made it hard to root for anyone. Also, fwiw, I hated Jamie’s character and cringed every time I got to a chapter from her perspective. I’ve seen other reviewers say Jamie & Peaches are not end game and based on this book, I agree!
Unfortunately, the writing is not very good and feels forced throughout. I was editing sentences in my head, and I hate when that happens to me with a book. I also feel like this storyline had a lot of untapped potential. It should have leaned into the friends to lovers trope it tries but fails to play off of. What if instead of Jamie and Peaches being friends in the group that never talked to each other, we got to learn more about their life as friends over the years that drew them to one another?
Despite opening up about their families I was never convinced about a deeper connection between Jamie and Peaches, and I feel like there’s so much they never established which made it hard to root for anyone. Also, fwiw, I hated Jamie’s character and cringed every time I got to a chapter from her perspective. I’ve seen other reviewers say Jamie & Peaches are not end game and based on this book, I agree!
September 2, 2023
3.5 stars (rounded up)!
I thoroughly enjoyed "Can't Let Her Go" by Kianna Alexander for the first 3/4ths of the book. This is a spicy friends-to-lovers sapphic BIPOC partial road trip romance that features two wonderful but flawed protagonists, though their flaws are massive red flags in the last portion of the story. Jamie and Peaches are both strong, terrific characters that have tremendous, sultry chemistry with one another in a relationship that leans more into "lust" than "love" (though that is not necessairly a bad thing). I really dug their connection at first and think it started out sexy as hell, but fizzles out towards the end of the book. Unfortunately, the longer their relationship progresses, the more red flags start popping out between them, which made me wary of their relationship lasting. I got the sense that Peaches and Jamie would definitely not stay together much long after the story ends, but their explosive sex life might be good for them in the short term. The arguments they have with one another, particularly in the last half of the book, feel forced and petty. I love how both Peaches and Jamie shut down homophobia and transphobia as soon as it happens, even with friends and family. At its core, this story has a lot more elements of friendship than romance. Jamie and Peaches' found family friend group is great. I also liked the plot points involving both of their families and think that these aspects add just the right amount of drama to coalesce the story into becoming something compelling. All in all, this is a good book if you can overlook some of the squabbles!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kianna Alexander for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Can't Let Her Go" by Kianna Alexander for the first 3/4ths of the book. This is a spicy friends-to-lovers sapphic BIPOC partial road trip romance that features two wonderful but flawed protagonists, though their flaws are massive red flags in the last portion of the story. Jamie and Peaches are both strong, terrific characters that have tremendous, sultry chemistry with one another in a relationship that leans more into "lust" than "love" (though that is not necessairly a bad thing). I really dug their connection at first and think it started out sexy as hell, but fizzles out towards the end of the book. Unfortunately, the longer their relationship progresses, the more red flags start popping out between them, which made me wary of their relationship lasting. I got the sense that Peaches and Jamie would definitely not stay together much long after the story ends, but their explosive sex life might be good for them in the short term. The arguments they have with one another, particularly in the last half of the book, feel forced and petty. I love how both Peaches and Jamie shut down homophobia and transphobia as soon as it happens, even with friends and family. At its core, this story has a lot more elements of friendship than romance. Jamie and Peaches' found family friend group is great. I also liked the plot points involving both of their families and think that these aspects add just the right amount of drama to coalesce the story into becoming something compelling. All in all, this is a good book if you can overlook some of the squabbles!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kianna Alexander for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
September 16, 2023
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Your body is solid, but your heart is soft. I see. What a marvelous combination."
* I want to say thankyou to netgalley for this ARC!
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't know how it was gonna go since the reviews are a little all over the place, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You got:
• FF relationship
• Found family
• Friends to lovers
• Successful & badass MCs
• Mental health representation
• Healthy communication
Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the two female MCs. I found them both very refreshing. I loved that they bonded very quickly over similar interests as well as family life. There was a small amount of miscommunication, but it was turned around so quickly and in such a healthy way. The mental health representation was spot on and really brought more understanding to one of the female leads. The friend group was an amazing mix of people that all brought their own life experiences to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and I think you should pick it up!
"Fine. I'll lower my tone, but I won't lower my standards. Now, get yourself in the shower and get dressed. And for the sake of all that's right and holy, please do something with that wig."
"Your body is solid, but your heart is soft. I see. What a marvelous combination."
* I want to say thankyou to netgalley for this ARC!
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't know how it was gonna go since the reviews are a little all over the place, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You got:
• FF relationship
• Found family
• Friends to lovers
• Successful & badass MCs
• Mental health representation
• Healthy communication
Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the two female MCs. I found them both very refreshing. I loved that they bonded very quickly over similar interests as well as family life. There was a small amount of miscommunication, but it was turned around so quickly and in such a healthy way. The mental health representation was spot on and really brought more understanding to one of the female leads. The friend group was an amazing mix of people that all brought their own life experiences to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and I think you should pick it up!
"Fine. I'll lower my tone, but I won't lower my standards. Now, get yourself in the shower and get dressed. And for the sake of all that's right and holy, please do something with that wig."
May 6, 2023
It's a great book. I loved reading it. Hoping to get a full review in more depth up soon!
Both characters are amazing and the story is *chefs kiss*
Peaches is what I want to grow up and be.
I apologise, I'm ill right now that involves meds that are quite strong. I don't think I can do true justice for Peaches and Jamie.
Kianna is an amazing author and will be recommending her to all my reading friends
Both characters are amazing and the story is *chefs kiss*
Peaches is what I want to grow up and be.
I apologise, I'm ill right now that involves meds that are quite strong. I don't think I can do true justice for Peaches and Jamie.
Kianna is an amazing author and will be recommending her to all my reading friends
July 2, 2023
the way I loved this book!
It wanted more! Very cute romance about two wonderful ladies who have to work through some issues to make their relationship work. 10 out of 10, will recommend
It wanted more! Very cute romance about two wonderful ladies who have to work through some issues to make their relationship work. 10 out of 10, will recommend
July 14, 2025
i think the writing hurt this because the story is intriguing and yay Black lesbians!! but it needed more work on the writing and dialogue.
June 13, 2023
This heartfelt and steamy romance explores the complexities of transitioning from friends to lovers. The strong bond between Peaches and Jamie, along with their shared ambitions and individual challenges, adds depth to the story. The author skillfully portrays the tension between their growing feelings and the realities they face. It's a captivating tale of self-discovery, timing, and the pursuit of lasting love.
November 25, 2023
Overall: 3.75/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: Friends to lovers
I liked it but I didn't love it. I found it a little odd that Peaches and Jamie were part of a friend group of queer women who had been friends for years but had never hung out solo or were just now seeing an attraction to each other.
I also felt like parts of the plot were rushed. I saw the chemistry, but it sometimes felt forced, although the spice scenes were definitely spicy.
I did appreciate their willingness to seek therapy and to distance themselves from toxic family to be their own people and make new adventures together. They had some great character development.
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: Friends to lovers
I liked it but I didn't love it. I found it a little odd that Peaches and Jamie were part of a friend group of queer women who had been friends for years but had never hung out solo or were just now seeing an attraction to each other.
I also felt like parts of the plot were rushed. I saw the chemistry, but it sometimes felt forced, although the spice scenes were definitely spicy.
I did appreciate their willingness to seek therapy and to distance themselves from toxic family to be their own people and make new adventures together. They had some great character development.
January 11, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my completely honest opinion
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It's a decent read for a romance book, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Whilst the style was very readable, and balanced, I found there was a distinct lack of interesting events within the first third of the book that struggles to gain the reader's attention. I couldn't get into it.
Weirdly enough, I thought the side characters felt a bit more real than the main characters. For example Alonzo and Taylor struck me as way more compelling. It doesn't do well for Peaches and Jamie to be both tame in personality, whereas side characters like the ones I mentioned seemed more outspoken and bold, and altogether had their own thoughts and feelings. I really appreciated how diverse the characters were, though, with Taylor being (I'm assuming) nonbinary, and there also being bisexual and pansexual representation found in Jamie's brother and friend respectively.
I would very willingly read a book about some of the side characters rather than the main characters.
Another thing I noted was that the characters' jobs were interesting, portrayed in a boring way. I wanted to hear more of the business aspect behind Peaches' and Jamie's workplaces, and I wanted to hear more about Jamie's plan to combat the person who had stolen her ideas. It's great to have these things at the beginning of a novel to hook in the reader. Instead, we get an almost immediate declaration of feelings that seemed disengenuine because of the pacing of the novel, and lack of interest shown beforehand.
I'm probably reading way too much into the way this book was created, but it was still an okay read.
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It's a decent read for a romance book, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Whilst the style was very readable, and balanced, I found there was a distinct lack of interesting events within the first third of the book that struggles to gain the reader's attention. I couldn't get into it.
Weirdly enough, I thought the side characters felt a bit more real than the main characters. For example Alonzo and Taylor struck me as way more compelling. It doesn't do well for Peaches and Jamie to be both tame in personality, whereas side characters like the ones I mentioned seemed more outspoken and bold, and altogether had their own thoughts and feelings. I really appreciated how diverse the characters were, though, with Taylor being (I'm assuming) nonbinary, and there also being bisexual and pansexual representation found in Jamie's brother and friend respectively.
I would very willingly read a book about some of the side characters rather than the main characters.
Another thing I noted was that the characters' jobs were interesting, portrayed in a boring way. I wanted to hear more of the business aspect behind Peaches' and Jamie's workplaces, and I wanted to hear more about Jamie's plan to combat the person who had stolen her ideas. It's great to have these things at the beginning of a novel to hook in the reader. Instead, we get an almost immediate declaration of feelings that seemed disengenuine because of the pacing of the novel, and lack of interest shown beforehand.
I'm probably reading way too much into the way this book was created, but it was still an okay read.
April 24, 2023
A TRIP OF BUDDING ROMANCE
rating: ★★★
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC! MINIMAL SPOILERS AHEAD!
In Kianna Alexander's LGBTQ+ romance, Patricia Monroe-or often goes by the nickname Peaches-works as a barber, and has growing eyes for Jamie Hunt. Jamie, who also has her mind set on Peaches constantly, has hopes of getting closer to her. Jamie finds an opportunity to take Peaches with her while on a road trip for the college of her dreams, where the two learn to let their emotions carry themselves further. Each of their lives hold their own problems, ranging from family issues to finding out what they truly want to do. But there's one problem Peaches and Jamie have in common: should they really be doing this? Are we right for each other? Yet the two cannot let themselves go from each other in any way.
When I was skimming through NetGalley and laid eyes on this book, the characters and summary immediately captivated me. I love to hear and read LGBTQ+ romances, especially when they're between people of color. The representation with every character were good touches. The characters of Peaches and Jamie intrigued me as I continued to read on and learn their stories, and I like how the two took some time to get to know each other first. I don't typically like romances where they soon start diving into each other, but I felt like this plot line made it suitable. I do have some mixed feelings about the plot though, as I wish we got to see some more information and development regarding Peaches and Jamie's family issues. The plot did go a bit slow for me, but it was easy to keep up with. There could have been more development included for Peaches and Jamie to go through with their growing romance, but the plot made it easy for them to slip up. I don't know if it's just me, but the spice was the main thing carrying this romance, and I prefer romances that have more conversation, and I feel like Peaches and Jamie needed just that.
Can't Let Her Go releases June 20, 2023!
rating: ★★★
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC! MINIMAL SPOILERS AHEAD!
In Kianna Alexander's LGBTQ+ romance, Patricia Monroe-or often goes by the nickname Peaches-works as a barber, and has growing eyes for Jamie Hunt. Jamie, who also has her mind set on Peaches constantly, has hopes of getting closer to her. Jamie finds an opportunity to take Peaches with her while on a road trip for the college of her dreams, where the two learn to let their emotions carry themselves further. Each of their lives hold their own problems, ranging from family issues to finding out what they truly want to do. But there's one problem Peaches and Jamie have in common: should they really be doing this? Are we right for each other? Yet the two cannot let themselves go from each other in any way.
When I was skimming through NetGalley and laid eyes on this book, the characters and summary immediately captivated me. I love to hear and read LGBTQ+ romances, especially when they're between people of color. The representation with every character were good touches. The characters of Peaches and Jamie intrigued me as I continued to read on and learn their stories, and I like how the two took some time to get to know each other first. I don't typically like romances where they soon start diving into each other, but I felt like this plot line made it suitable. I do have some mixed feelings about the plot though, as I wish we got to see some more information and development regarding Peaches and Jamie's family issues. The plot did go a bit slow for me, but it was easy to keep up with. There could have been more development included for Peaches and Jamie to go through with their growing romance, but the plot made it easy for them to slip up. I don't know if it's just me, but the spice was the main thing carrying this romance, and I prefer romances that have more conversation, and I feel like Peaches and Jamie needed just that.
Can't Let Her Go releases June 20, 2023!
October 20, 2024
“Can't Let Her Go” by Kianna Alexander is a charming romance that dives into the classic theme of friends becoming lovers. While I found the story enjoyable, I did have some mixed feelings about it.
Peaches and Jamie's relationship felt rushed, as they transitioned from friends to serious partners in just a few weeks. This quick shift left their emotional connection feeling somewhat shallow, and I was hoping for more growth from both characters and the plot as the story unfolded. It would have been nice to see how their friendship developed into a deeper bond over time.
The family dynamics often took center stage and were, at times, more interesting than the romance itself. The narrative delves into Peaches' responsibilities at home and Jamie's struggles to fit in with her family, which added valuable depth to the story. However, I wished for a better balance between these family issues and the romantic elements.
Additionally, some unresolved plot points and unnecessary details occasionally slowed the pacing, making it challenging to stay fully engaged. There were enjoyable moments sprinkled throughout the book, but I found myself craving more excitement and depth to truly connect with the characters and their journey.
Overall, “Can't Let Her Go” was a decent read. With a bit more focus on character development and plot clarity, it could have been an even more engaging and memorable experience. If you enjoy lighthearted romances with a touch of family drama, this book might still be worth a look!
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
Peaches and Jamie's relationship felt rushed, as they transitioned from friends to serious partners in just a few weeks. This quick shift left their emotional connection feeling somewhat shallow, and I was hoping for more growth from both characters and the plot as the story unfolded. It would have been nice to see how their friendship developed into a deeper bond over time.
The family dynamics often took center stage and were, at times, more interesting than the romance itself. The narrative delves into Peaches' responsibilities at home and Jamie's struggles to fit in with her family, which added valuable depth to the story. However, I wished for a better balance between these family issues and the romantic elements.
Additionally, some unresolved plot points and unnecessary details occasionally slowed the pacing, making it challenging to stay fully engaged. There were enjoyable moments sprinkled throughout the book, but I found myself craving more excitement and depth to truly connect with the characters and their journey.
Overall, “Can't Let Her Go” was a decent read. With a bit more focus on character development and plot clarity, it could have been an even more engaging and memorable experience. If you enjoy lighthearted romances with a touch of family drama, this book might still be worth a look!
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
May 26, 2024
I was so excited to read a sapphic BIPOC book, but this book did not hit. The characters were often boring and their actions towards others were ALWAYS due to a lack of communication and/or understanding. Had the characters listened to each other this book would have been 100 pages or less.
I was also not a fan of the random details of clothing and places. I felt that describing exactly what every character was wearing was there to fill a nonexistent word count and didn’t add to the overall story.
The “falling in love” of the characters was up and down but overall seemed rushed to start and forced to finish. I almost wish that they didn’t get together and instead worked on themselves as individuals. At least that way it would have seemed more healthy and they could have remained in the same friend group. Their “love” just felt so forced at the end.
I was also not a fan of the random details of clothing and places. I felt that describing exactly what every character was wearing was there to fill a nonexistent word count and didn’t add to the overall story.
The “falling in love” of the characters was up and down but overall seemed rushed to start and forced to finish. I almost wish that they didn’t get together and instead worked on themselves as individuals. At least that way it would have seemed more healthy and they could have remained in the same friend group. Their “love” just felt so forced at the end.
July 31, 2023
Solid 3.5 ⭐️ for me. Entertaining, relatable, and exciting read. Friends to lovers arc. Good ol’ sapphic SPICE that I personally loved.
I just found holes in the plot. The idea of the girls calling themselves best friends within the squad, but there was so much basic things Peaches and Jamie didn’t know about eachother and the awkwardness projected when they started to attempt to hang out on their own. That didn’t really make sense to me.
Additionally I wish the story would have given us some of the outcome of Jaimie’s product project endeavors. Maybe the epilogue could have taken place a bit later to reflect what she was able to achieve post grad school.
I just found holes in the plot. The idea of the girls calling themselves best friends within the squad, but there was so much basic things Peaches and Jamie didn’t know about eachother and the awkwardness projected when they started to attempt to hang out on their own. That didn’t really make sense to me.
Additionally I wish the story would have given us some of the outcome of Jaimie’s product project endeavors. Maybe the epilogue could have taken place a bit later to reflect what she was able to achieve post grad school.
August 22, 2024
Can't Let Her Go
Wow! New-to-me author and I just wanna 👏👏👏👏
Got this book on a whim because I liked the cover (yes, I do judge books that way) and was more than pleasantly surprised!! The story was so good - a funny, heartwarming, witty romcom. The writing was fantastic! Peaches and Jamie are fiery together...I mean 🔥🔥🔥
And let me talk about the MCs for a minute. They're both smart, driven, strong, and caring women. Actually, their whole friend group is all of those things. Wonderful characters - from amazing friends to difficult family members. It was a well-rounded, truly enjoyable story!
Wow! New-to-me author and I just wanna 👏👏👏👏
Got this book on a whim because I liked the cover (yes, I do judge books that way) and was more than pleasantly surprised!! The story was so good - a funny, heartwarming, witty romcom. The writing was fantastic! Peaches and Jamie are fiery together...I mean 🔥🔥🔥
And let me talk about the MCs for a minute. They're both smart, driven, strong, and caring women. Actually, their whole friend group is all of those things. Wonderful characters - from amazing friends to difficult family members. It was a well-rounded, truly enjoyable story!
October 11, 2025
Friendship Sparks Romance
Peaches and Jamie had me smiling, swooning, and nodding along all at once. Their chemistry is electric, and the romance is the real headliner—spicy in all the right, natural ways. I loved the pacing; it kept the story moving without feeling rushed. The found-family dynamic added so much heart, and their conversations felt genuine and relatable. Both are ambitious and grounded, and watching their friendship evolve into something deeper had me invested the whole way. Timing, love, and personal growth weave seamlessly into this story. It’s messy, heartfelt, steamy, and impossible to put down.
Peaches and Jamie had me smiling, swooning, and nodding along all at once. Their chemistry is electric, and the romance is the real headliner—spicy in all the right, natural ways. I loved the pacing; it kept the story moving without feeling rushed. The found-family dynamic added so much heart, and their conversations felt genuine and relatable. Both are ambitious and grounded, and watching their friendship evolve into something deeper had me invested the whole way. Timing, love, and personal growth weave seamlessly into this story. It’s messy, heartfelt, steamy, and impossible to put down.
January 6, 2023
An inclusive and straightforward story about true love, happiness, reality, and society's commands as well. The sweetness expresses throughout its pages is as real as real love is. Never ever hesitate to give in love, no matter what always follow your heart and soul.
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Montlake in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Montlake in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 14, 2023
I was enjoying it but then a lot of immature things went down towards the 3rd act that really threw me off. I feel like Peaches did not deserve the shitty treatment she received from the love interest. That scene about her being upset about Peaches' nieces was awful. These women did not belong with each other, they needed to work on their lives seperately and simply remain friends....
January 13, 2025
My first sapphic book of 2025! I really liked the evolution of the characters and Jamie was ticking me off at one point. I prefer romance books with a dual perspective written in first person (I feel like it’s easier for me to follow along) but this third person perspective was also engaging! Looking forward to adding more of Kianna’s books on my TBR this year.
June 21, 2023
This was a fun friends to lovers, dual POV, STEAMY butch/femme lesbian romance between Jamie and Peaches, two strong BIPOC characters figuring out life and love in Texas. A quick read that I devoured in one sitting, this is perfect for fans of authors like Adriana Herrara or Anna P.
January 7, 2024
Ihan symppis tarina, jossa oli hyvää LGBT-representaatiota ja hotteja kohtauksia, mutten ihan vibaillu tän kirjoitustyylin kanssa. Jotenkin dialogi ja tapahtumien kuvailu oli tönkköä, enkä ihan uskonu päähenkilöiden kokevan mitään fyysistä syvempää toisiaan kohti. 2,5/5 mut pyöristin ylöspäin.
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