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July
Jill Solomon has watched her friends fall in love over the past year and a half, and she feels like she’s the only single lesbian left in New Orleans. When her mother runs off unexpectedly, leaving Jill to take care of her ten-year-old sister, Jill worries that her entire life is about to change, and not for the better.
Willa Mailor is a teacher at a wildly underfunded public school while also working a part-time job, trying to make ends meet, when she discovers that her favorite summer school student has a beautiful older sister, who is also kind and funny and all the other things that cause Willa to feel an instant connection with Jill.
Forced to become a parent overnight, Jill feels like she might not get to have the life she’d hoped for, and Willa is worried about not getting the job she needs to be able to pay bills. At the same time, they both feel like they’ve found something real in each other, and if only they can figure out how to handle everything else, they could have the love they’ve always dreamed of finding.
Willa Mailor is a teacher at a wildly underfunded public school while also working a part-time job, trying to make ends meet, when she discovers that her favorite summer school student has a beautiful older sister, who is also kind and funny and all the other things that cause Willa to feel an instant connection with Jill.
Forced to become a parent overnight, Jill feels like she might not get to have the life she’d hoped for, and Willa is worried about not getting the job she needs to be able to pay bills. At the same time, they both feel like they’ve found something real in each other, and if only they can figure out how to handle everything else, they could have the love they’ve always dreamed of finding.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2025
114 people are currently reading
62 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 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2025
Another great read in this series. I was kinda hoping for something a little more “magical” for Jill since I’ve waited so long for her to find her person. Willa was great, however the story was a little bit too overdramatic for what I was in the mood for Jill. Still a solid read and I will definitely keep reading the series.
July 13, 2025
3.75⭐
Sadly I didn't love this as much as I thought I would.
I was extremely excited for Jill's story and I thought the premise sounded exactly like something I'd adore.
I preferred the first half over the second.
At first I really enjoyed it and liked the characters and the plot, but in the second half I was bored and somehow Willa gave a different vibe than in the first half.
I think my opinion kinda changed when they had sex for the first time.
I'm not a fan of spice and I try to just skim it, but I have enjoyed the spice in other books by this author.
In this one however, it just made me uncomfortable and reminded me why I don't like reading spice scenes.
I did like Jill and Willa, as a couple and individually, but somehow they seemed like different people when they flirted or had sex.
I don't really know how to explain it.
I did still really like Jill, I think she deserves the world, and I can also relate to the story with her mom.
I just didn't care for Willa anymore and that made me not care for their relationship at the end.
I know this is also a me thing, but I despise pet names or nicknames.
And "babe" was used way too many times for my liking.
And Jill calling Willa "Will" made me feel like I was reading about a straight couple lol.
I did definitely still enjoy it, but I'm also extremely disappointed.
I really love Jill and I was hoping she'd have the perfect book and story, but sadly this wasn't really what I wanted.
That's why my review is more on the negative side, although I still liked it.
Sadly I didn't love this as much as I thought I would.
I was extremely excited for Jill's story and I thought the premise sounded exactly like something I'd adore.
I preferred the first half over the second.
At first I really enjoyed it and liked the characters and the plot, but in the second half I was bored and somehow Willa gave a different vibe than in the first half.
I think my opinion kinda changed when they had sex for the first time.
I'm not a fan of spice and I try to just skim it, but I have enjoyed the spice in other books by this author.
In this one however, it just made me uncomfortable and reminded me why I don't like reading spice scenes.
I did like Jill and Willa, as a couple and individually, but somehow they seemed like different people when they flirted or had sex.
I don't really know how to explain it.
I did still really like Jill, I think she deserves the world, and I can also relate to the story with her mom.
I just didn't care for Willa anymore and that made me not care for their relationship at the end.
I know this is also a me thing, but I despise pet names or nicknames.
And "babe" was used way too many times for my liking.
And Jill calling Willa "Will" made me feel like I was reading about a straight couple lol.
I did definitely still enjoy it, but I'm also extremely disappointed.
I really love Jill and I was hoping she'd have the perfect book and story, but sadly this wasn't really what I wanted.
That's why my review is more on the negative side, although I still liked it.
June 24, 2025
July by Nicole Pyland is the seventh in the New Orleans Series and one I have been waiting for – Jill’s story. The writing is excellent, and the pacing perfectly judged, making for one hell of a read. Oh, and there’s quite a bit of heat in this one!
Jill Solomon, 26, is a tour guide and part of the close and expanding circle of friends. Jill’s past, and family, has been a mystery. By chance, she spots someone who will become an important part of her life. As Jill faces the challenges thrust upon her, she discovers her own strengths and resourcefulness, truly coming into her own.
Willa Mailor, 30, works as a teacher and maintains a part-time position at a local museum.
I loved both characters' growth. To say I was rooting for their future is an understatement. I'll never view teachers the same way again!! I don’t know how Nicole is going to surpass this one! This book? Absolutely recommended.
I received an arc for my honest review.
Jill Solomon, 26, is a tour guide and part of the close and expanding circle of friends. Jill’s past, and family, has been a mystery. By chance, she spots someone who will become an important part of her life. As Jill faces the challenges thrust upon her, she discovers her own strengths and resourcefulness, truly coming into her own.
Willa Mailor, 30, works as a teacher and maintains a part-time position at a local museum.
I loved both characters' growth. To say I was rooting for their future is an understatement. I'll never view teachers the same way again!! I don’t know how Nicole is going to surpass this one! This book? Absolutely recommended.
I received an arc for my honest review.
July 2, 2025
I think this book was actually more about family love and I cried a lot. The love line, it was just ok
July 9, 2025
July
July is the 7th book in the New Orleans series and it’s Jill’s turn to finally have her chance at love. I had been patiently waiting for this story and it didn’t disappoint. While you thought you knew bits about Jill from the previous books in the New Orleans series what you come to find out is that Jill was hiding a lot of her backstory from her friends. Through Jill’s later teen years and early adulthood, she became an afterthought for her mom who had remarried and had another child. When her mom disappears, Jill is left picking up the pieces and taking care of her 10 year old sister, who she hasn’t spent much time with since she moved out.
Then you have Willa, an elementary school teacher who teaches at underfunded school, is struggling to make ends meet and has to work a second job just to get by. Willa just so happens to be Jill’s little sister’s summer school teacher.
When these two meet the sparks instantly fly between them. I loved how Willa, even though she is going through her own issues, was there to support and validate Jill’s feelings about taking care of her kid sister. I was happy to see that Jill was able to find someone who understood her, and helped her to realise she’s not an afterthought and she doesn’t have to tolerate it from her mom anymore. I also appreciated how the group of friends really stepped up and showed Jill that they don’t pity her for the way she grew up, and that she doesn’t have to do it all alone. She’s got a great support system in her friends and now with Willa.
I honestly felt an instant connection with these characters, and I love how the book had a lot of relatable aspects to it. This book has definitely become my favourite in the New Orleans series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see who we get to meet next and how the friend group grows and strengthens.
July is the 7th book in the New Orleans series and it’s Jill’s turn to finally have her chance at love. I had been patiently waiting for this story and it didn’t disappoint. While you thought you knew bits about Jill from the previous books in the New Orleans series what you come to find out is that Jill was hiding a lot of her backstory from her friends. Through Jill’s later teen years and early adulthood, she became an afterthought for her mom who had remarried and had another child. When her mom disappears, Jill is left picking up the pieces and taking care of her 10 year old sister, who she hasn’t spent much time with since she moved out.
Then you have Willa, an elementary school teacher who teaches at underfunded school, is struggling to make ends meet and has to work a second job just to get by. Willa just so happens to be Jill’s little sister’s summer school teacher.
When these two meet the sparks instantly fly between them. I loved how Willa, even though she is going through her own issues, was there to support and validate Jill’s feelings about taking care of her kid sister. I was happy to see that Jill was able to find someone who understood her, and helped her to realise she’s not an afterthought and she doesn’t have to tolerate it from her mom anymore. I also appreciated how the group of friends really stepped up and showed Jill that they don’t pity her for the way she grew up, and that she doesn’t have to do it all alone. She’s got a great support system in her friends and now with Willa.
I honestly felt an instant connection with these characters, and I love how the book had a lot of relatable aspects to it. This book has definitely become my favourite in the New Orleans series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see who we get to meet next and how the friend group grows and strengthens.
July 4, 2025
July is the next highly anticipated book in the New Orleans Series. I was so excited to read this book and didn’t want to put it down, because I kept thinking… Jill has waited long enough and I need to keep reading so that she doesn’t have to wait any longer.
Jill Solomon, who I’d like to think of as one of the original members in the group of “friends” finally gets to find her person. While she does this... her friends, along with us readers, get to find out a whole new side to Jill. She was already likable in previous books, but to see how strong of a person she is and how she steps up and takes care of problems that aren’t even hers is admirable. When you have a character in a series like this and they just grow and grow, it really is a pleasure to read.
Then you get a character like Willa. At first, I assumed she was going to be a bit of a pushover character. Boy, was I wrong. Willa turns out to be a match for Jill in every way possible, leaving you to understand why all the others didn’t work out. You’ll have to read it to find out all the ways.
July has such a good story line with so many new side characters to add to the ones we already know. If you enjoy reading books that have heart, are about family, and have strong characters that you can’t help falling in love with, then this is the book for you! This book gets all the stars and more!
Jill Solomon, who I’d like to think of as one of the original members in the group of “friends” finally gets to find her person. While she does this... her friends, along with us readers, get to find out a whole new side to Jill. She was already likable in previous books, but to see how strong of a person she is and how she steps up and takes care of problems that aren’t even hers is admirable. When you have a character in a series like this and they just grow and grow, it really is a pleasure to read.
Then you get a character like Willa. At first, I assumed she was going to be a bit of a pushover character. Boy, was I wrong. Willa turns out to be a match for Jill in every way possible, leaving you to understand why all the others didn’t work out. You’ll have to read it to find out all the ways.
July has such a good story line with so many new side characters to add to the ones we already know. If you enjoy reading books that have heart, are about family, and have strong characters that you can’t help falling in love with, then this is the book for you! This book gets all the stars and more!
July 4, 2025
This was the book from the New Orleans series that I was waiting for. Similar to how, in the Holiday series, we had one character that watched all her friends find love before her, I was starting to feel bad for Jill. Jill Solomon is first introduced in January and is immediately a likable, charming, and fun character. With each passing book, I began to feel just as desperate for her love story as Jill herself (lol). Nicole not only delivered a well told story that was worth the wait but gave Jill such an incredible backstory that I never saw coming. It brings more dept into her character, makes her feel more relatable than just another pretty face. I loved watching her grow into herself and embrace her situation. The relationship between Jill and Juni is so heartwarming and beautiful. I'm so glad everything worked out in the end - even if it wasn't in the way I'd originally thought.
The main relationship between Jill and Willa Mailor is sweet. They meet while both are going through a personal crisis but manage to provide support and encouragement to each other. Neither of them try to fix the others situation which is how love should be. I think Willa is a great choice partner for Jill and I love that she also has such a great relationship with Juni. All in all, this was a beautiful story about love and loss and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. 10/10 recommend.
The main relationship between Jill and Willa Mailor is sweet. They meet while both are going through a personal crisis but manage to provide support and encouragement to each other. Neither of them try to fix the others situation which is how love should be. I think Willa is a great choice partner for Jill and I love that she also has such a great relationship with Juni. All in all, this was a beautiful story about love and loss and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. 10/10 recommend.
June 24, 2025
7 in the NOLA series and it has become my favorite one of the series so far! Finally Jill who has been here since the first book gets a chance at love. I didn’t realize it until learning more about her that she was going to be a favorite for me. In the beginning of the series when we first meet Jill she seems nice but pretty closed off. Through out the series you see how she has a few interactions with some of the main characters but quickly realizes that it’s just friendship. Her journey to love has been a long way coming and I have to say it was super worth it. Diving into her story and learning more about her background really shows such a soft and vulnerable side to Jill that we hadn’t see yet, Then comes Willa and she is just so perfect for Jill and for this series. Honestly this book was just so great. You get all the feels and definitely some spice, The chemistry was so there and I wish we could get more of them. Excited to see who else we meet and how everyone’s relationship continues to grow. For me I think in order to really enjoy this story to the fullest, you have to read the whole series. It’ll really make you appreciate this book so much if you get to see Jill’s journey from the start.
July 2, 2025
Seriously though...I always think that I couldn't love one of Nicole's books more than the last one but every single time she proves me wrong! July's book is FINALLY Jill's time...and for the record I was pretty convinced we were going to have to wait until December for her story.
Jill has been through the wringer and that's just based on what we actually know. What we don't know is even worse. She's had a rough upbringing and has kept it to herself for a long time. When her Mom bails on Jill's ten-year-old sister, she has to step in and become an immediate parent. When that forces her to cross paths with Willa, Juni's Summer School teacher, things really take off. There's an immediate attraction...almost as if she and Jill have been together forever.
We learn so much about Jill in this story and Willa really is her perfect match. While the other books in this series made me fall in love with New Orleans...this one just made me fall in love with the characters. And I couldn't be happier that Jill has FINALLY found her one and only.
Jill has been through the wringer and that's just based on what we actually know. What we don't know is even worse. She's had a rough upbringing and has kept it to herself for a long time. When her Mom bails on Jill's ten-year-old sister, she has to step in and become an immediate parent. When that forces her to cross paths with Willa, Juni's Summer School teacher, things really take off. There's an immediate attraction...almost as if she and Jill have been together forever.
We learn so much about Jill in this story and Willa really is her perfect match. While the other books in this series made me fall in love with New Orleans...this one just made me fall in love with the characters. And I couldn't be happier that Jill has FINALLY found her one and only.
July 10, 2025
We finally get Jill’s love story and it was definitely worth the wait! This was such a sweet story filled with all kinds of support and love. Jill has been a supportive and funny friend in all of the previous books in this series. She really gets her time to shine in this one as we get to know more about her life and see her fall in love twice. She finally finds her true romantic love but also learns to love and support her younger sister. It’s a wonderful story of growth under pressure and Jill comes out dining like a diamond.
Willa is also an amazing character. She is selfless, supportive and loving in many ways. She is a special teacher who gives more to her students than she gets back from her school. She is a supportive and caring partner to Jill before they even become real friends. Her understanding and compassion in dealing with Juni and the family situation is beyond expectations.
I love this book, I love the characters and I love this growing group of truly supportive and caring friends. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Willa is also an amazing character. She is selfless, supportive and loving in many ways. She is a special teacher who gives more to her students than she gets back from her school. She is a supportive and caring partner to Jill before they even become real friends. Her understanding and compassion in dealing with Juni and the family situation is beyond expectations.
I love this book, I love the characters and I love this growing group of truly supportive and caring friends. I highly recommend this book and this series.
July 10, 2025
The best one yet, finally the long awaited book that has Jill finding her person. Willa is trying to make ends meet by working as a summer school teacher and keeping a part time job at a museum. Unbeknownst to Jill, her mother is facing a mental health crisis and asks for Jill to watch her little sister Juni while she visits her sick parents. Willa turns out to be Juni's summer school teacher and the same individual Jill saw in the square the day before she went to watch Juni. While watching Juni, Jill finds out the real reason her mom left and is now going through her own personal crisis. Willa and Jill grow closer and develop a relationship while Willa helps support Jill and Juni during their mom's disappearing act. While trying to handle everything life throws at them, they both commit to seeing the relationship through as they feel something is there. Overall a great book and my personal favorite of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Stress, Loss and Happiness
What happens when the most stressful thing is forced upon you and you meet the perfect woman at the same time? This story is a great tale, weaving those two disparate ideas together.
Jill finally gets her love story and a child to boot. Nicole Pyland does a great job weaving together the happiest situation of falling in love with the most anxious one of unexpectedly caring for a child. Both storylines are handed well and intertwined effortlessly.
I was certainly feeling the highs and lows of the story. Angry at the characters outside of New Orleans, then thrilled and worried for the ones at home. The ups and downs of the story make for a great read.
Highly recommend.
What happens when the most stressful thing is forced upon you and you meet the perfect woman at the same time? This story is a great tale, weaving those two disparate ideas together.
Jill finally gets her love story and a child to boot. Nicole Pyland does a great job weaving together the happiest situation of falling in love with the most anxious one of unexpectedly caring for a child. Both storylines are handed well and intertwined effortlessly.
I was certainly feeling the highs and lows of the story. Angry at the characters outside of New Orleans, then thrilled and worried for the ones at home. The ups and downs of the story make for a great read.
Highly recommend.
June 26, 2025
I’ve been anxiously waiting for Jill to be the MC so when I read the synopsis I was so pumped. I was not let down! July has to be one of my favorites of the entire series so far.
I felt a connection to both Jill and Willa (and Jill’s kid sister, Junie!). I loved the development of Jill and Junie becoming closer and began to be a family. The bond they formed was a really strong point in the book.
I also enjoyed being introduced to a new character, Willa. I loved how hers and Jill’s relationship bloomed and she’s one of my favorites from the NOLA series.
If you’ve liked the other books in the NOLA series, July HAS to be on your TBR list
I felt a connection to both Jill and Willa (and Jill’s kid sister, Junie!). I loved the development of Jill and Junie becoming closer and began to be a family. The bond they formed was a really strong point in the book.
I also enjoyed being introduced to a new character, Willa. I loved how hers and Jill’s relationship bloomed and she’s one of my favorites from the NOLA series.
If you’ve liked the other books in the NOLA series, July HAS to be on your TBR list
July 10, 2025
Yes! We get to come along for the ride of Jill finding her other half. Finally! It was an exciting journey learning more about who Jill, Willa and Juni are. I love how Jill realizes the first time when she saw Willa and how excited she got when she realized where she saw her for the first time. I enjoyed the journey Jill and Willa took to finding each other and how they realized they wanted forever together. This friend group keeps growing and each story is a wonderful journey cause we are able to enjoy learning about their continued life journey with each other. I’m looking forward to the next journey.
July 5, 2025
This one is epic, hot, loving and tender.
Nicole Poland has really hit the target with this emotionally charged story. Jill finally has met her one true love, her mother has had an emotional breakdown and left her much younger in Jill’s care with no end date insight and no finances to help. Willa is a strong supporting woman, teacher of young Juni, who falls head over heels for Jill. It is a delightful read, with emotions rising and falling as the love grows. Now I can’t wait until August comes out!
Nicole Poland has really hit the target with this emotionally charged story. Jill finally has met her one true love, her mother has had an emotional breakdown and left her much younger in Jill’s care with no end date insight and no finances to help. Willa is a strong supporting woman, teacher of young Juni, who falls head over heels for Jill. It is a delightful read, with emotions rising and falling as the love grows. Now I can’t wait until August comes out!
August 17, 2025
Good book
Jill finally see The One and the psychic tells her to pay attention. Jill is a complex person. She has many friends but they really don't know her back ground history, until her mom up and leaves. With her little sister left at school Jill now become and instant parent and doesn't know what to do. But the teacher is Will a (The One). Things work out for Jill and now has a better relationship with her family and friends but she is much happier because she now has a girlfriend that really gets her.
Jill finally see The One and the psychic tells her to pay attention. Jill is a complex person. She has many friends but they really don't know her back ground history, until her mom up and leaves. With her little sister left at school Jill now become and instant parent and doesn't know what to do. But the teacher is Will a (The One). Things work out for Jill and now has a better relationship with her family and friends but she is much happier because she now has a girlfriend that really gets her.
July 8, 2025
July is another home run for Pyland and her NOLA series. It’s a fun, heartfelt read that covers topics we all have dealt with at one time or another, and Pyland does a fantastic job of balancing the serious with the funny. JILLA will have you rooting for them from their very first interaction. July hit quite close to home for me, and I genuinely appreciate Pyland for writing such a beautiful love story for Jill, who might be my new fav NOLA woman.
June 24, 2025
If you’ve been reading this series, the much anticipated story for Jill was well worth the wait. Jill has been waiting for her person as she has watched all her friends pair off, it comes in a very unexpected way when she is left to care for her 10-year old sister when her mom decides to take off. As usual for one of Nicole Pyland’s books, the character development is off the charts.
July 5, 2025
Finally Jill!
I am so glad July was Jill’s story, I was definitely getting as impatient as Jill was for her to find her happily ever after! Thank you Nicole for giving us a wonderful love story-I love Willa and Jill but I also love Jill and Juni’s love story too! BTW-where can I find that psychic? 😉
5 stars 🌟
I am so glad July was Jill’s story, I was definitely getting as impatient as Jill was for her to find her happily ever after! Thank you Nicole for giving us a wonderful love story-I love Willa and Jill but I also love Jill and Juni’s love story too! BTW-where can I find that psychic? 😉
5 stars 🌟
July 10, 2025
Too many hads
I've read quite a bit by this author and I never noticed before but the word had must've been in this book at least 100 times more than it needed to be. To be honest, I would've probably stopped reading if I wasn't invested in knowing what happened to Jill from the first six books.
I've read quite a bit by this author and I never noticed before but the word had must've been in this book at least 100 times more than it needed to be. To be honest, I would've probably stopped reading if I wasn't invested in knowing what happened to Jill from the first six books.
June 27, 2025
Finally Jill’s story! I was hoping she won’t be the December story and I’m happy we didn't have to wait any longer. And what a story it was, finding love while life throws unexpected responsibility and financial pressure. Jill’s story was well worth the wait.
July 3, 2025
Wow i was so excited to read Jill's story and it didn't disappoint me it was beautifully crafted together it flowed seamlessly, I loved the main characters they were perfect for each other i couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
July 3, 2025
I’m pretty sure this is the best one of the series so far. Minimal angst between the two, very similarly to Kyle and Mel. But god Jill deserved to finally find someone and their romance is so damn cute. Willa is so patient and loving.
ALSO FINALLY WE’RE ACKNOWLEDGING THE PSYCHIC!
ALSO FINALLY WE’RE ACKNOWLEDGING THE PSYCHIC!
July 4, 2025
Jill and Will
I'm so happy Jill found love. I've read the entire series so far, and I'm so happy she found her princess. I was looking forward to her and Willa talking to the fortune teller like the previous books, but it all worked out in the end.
I'm so happy Jill found love. I've read the entire series so far, and I'm so happy she found her princess. I was looking forward to her and Willa talking to the fortune teller like the previous books, but it all worked out in the end.
July 7, 2025
I am so happy that Jill finally got her story!
July 13, 2025
Fantastic
Nicole this book was amazing. I really loved the intimate parts towards the end. Can't wait for August. Thanks for the very entertaining reading.
Nicole this book was amazing. I really loved the intimate parts towards the end. Can't wait for August. Thanks for the very entertaining reading.
July 15, 2025
JILL!!!
Such a cute story! We finally get a full glimpse into the life of Jill. No longer a bystander on the love train and insight into her on a deeper level.
Such a cute story! We finally get a full glimpse into the life of Jill. No longer a bystander on the love train and insight into her on a deeper level.
July 23, 2025
Steamy
This series has been amazing but this book has the most spice so far. I love all the books in the series.
This series has been amazing but this book has the most spice so far. I love all the books in the series.
August 3, 2025
I knew Jill's story would be with the wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews