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The 45th Parallel
Val Montague travels back to her childhood home of Hemlock, Oregon, to handle the estate of her dead mother. All she wants to do is follow her mother’s wishes, liquidate the assets, and leave town.
Cam Nelson, a high school dropout and town outcast, has struggled to establish a small business and leave behind her “good-for-nothing” reputation.
When they meet, Val’s rather unpleasant trip becomes much more bearable. Soon, however, peculiar and dangerous events begin to plague her when she begins to suspect her mother didn’t die the way everyone said she did. And soon Val realizes that in this eccentric, woodsy beach town, a chance for romance just might lead to death.
Cam Nelson, a high school dropout and town outcast, has struggled to establish a small business and leave behind her “good-for-nothing” reputation.
When they meet, Val’s rather unpleasant trip becomes much more bearable. Soon, however, peculiar and dangerous events begin to plague her when she begins to suspect her mother didn’t die the way everyone said she did. And soon Val realizes that in this eccentric, woodsy beach town, a chance for romance just might lead to death.
264 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
9 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Girolami
10 books19 followersLisa Girolami has been in the entertainment industry since 1979. She holds a BA in Fine Art and an MS in Psychology. Previous jobs included ten years as production executive in the motion picture industry and another two decades producing and designing theme parks for Disney and Universal Studios. After six years as the Director of Creative Development for a firm in Los Angeles, she has returned to Disney as a Senior Show Producer on the renovation of Disney's California Adventure theme park. She's also a counselor at a mental health facility in Garden Grove. She currently lives in Long Beach, California.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 19, 2017
'Netgalley Arc provided by the Publisher for an honest review'
2.5 stars!
There was no energy or creative juice to pull me into this storyline but i stuck with it because of the writing just wanting to know the outcome. The back and forth between both the leads,their dialogue and the storyline was way too much plus over used in every chapter. Then the twist of it was the writing turned out to be a bit confusing at times and also had too much mix messages in the story. The leading characters felt in love way to quickly(their relationship was not developed). It was like reading those typical lesbian love story but this one was much more forced (meet today and U-haul the next day) their love seemed so fake. Cannot explain the ending...
2.5 stars!
There was no energy or creative juice to pull me into this storyline but i stuck with it because of the writing just wanting to know the outcome. The back and forth between both the leads,their dialogue and the storyline was way too much plus over used in every chapter. Then the twist of it was the writing turned out to be a bit confusing at times and also had too much mix messages in the story. The leading characters felt in love way to quickly(their relationship was not developed). It was like reading those typical lesbian love story but this one was much more forced (meet today and U-haul the next day) their love seemed so fake. Cannot explain the ending...
July 16, 2016
3 1/2 Stars. I liked this. To be honest it was a bit of an odd book, but I did enjoy the mystery aspects of it. I must of read the cover blurb wrong because I thought I was getting a romance, instead I got a mystery with a little romance. The beginning was a bit slow. A lot of it was Val coming to terms with her moms death. But as strange things start happening to Val the story really picks up.
I thought the mystery elements of the book were quite good. A lot of excitement and some enjoyment in trying to put all the pieces together for myself. The book wrapped everything up well, at the end, except for the part about Val's mom.
The two main characters were great, I really enjoyed both Val and Cam.
The romance was so-so for me. Sometimes it seemed like Val and Cam had fantastic chemistry, other times, the romance seemed forced. I really liked them together, but with everything else happening in the book, the romance didn't have as much time to flourish.
I would recommend this more for mystery than romance fans. Parts of this book were good, parts odd and a little forced, but overall I liked it.
I thought the mystery elements of the book were quite good. A lot of excitement and some enjoyment in trying to put all the pieces together for myself. The book wrapped everything up well, at the end, except for the part about Val's mom.
The two main characters were great, I really enjoyed both Val and Cam.
The romance was so-so for me. Sometimes it seemed like Val and Cam had fantastic chemistry, other times, the romance seemed forced. I really liked them together, but with everything else happening in the book, the romance didn't have as much time to flourish.
I would recommend this more for mystery than romance fans. Parts of this book were good, parts odd and a little forced, but overall I liked it.
May 13, 2015
An interesting mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing for a good portion of the book. The writing suffers from an excessive use of similies and some awkwardly placed romantic moments.
*ARC received from Publisher via NetGalley for review*
*ARC received from Publisher via NetGalley for review*
July 5, 2015
Ah, do I love a good mystery? Most definitely and this one kept me on the proverbial edge of my seat till nearly its conclusion. This story is set in a jewel-like niche on the northern coast of Oregon. Hemlock's major claim to fame is being set on the 45th parallel, thereby being halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. Oh, but Hemlock has some genuinely dark and squeamishly nasty undercurrents that are amazingly hidden from the seeking eyes of a returning original resident and the supportive assistance from a much maligned local. This is a real treat and I wholeheartedly suggest that it not be missed, passed by, or ignored! Scintillatingly magnificent!
Val Montague is a bit of a tough cookie, but definitely has the stuff to be an outstandingly loyal, steadfast, and worthy friend and lover, too! She returns to her home town after being away for twenty years because of her mother's untimely demise. However, before she even sets foot within the town limits she is subjected to a rather harrowing incident on the road involving a deer and somewhat mysterious other driver. She is not aware initially how this event sets the tone and then some for the balance of her stay in Hemlock. Val is complicated, prickly on occasion, yet fairly committed to get to the bottom of the mystery which rather rapidly envelops her. I was a tad disappointed that Val seemed to lose her solid impression and feelings toward Cam even after these feelings took a while to take root. Plus they seem to be such delightfully, affectionately, and sensuously compatible lovers. The reason for that shift is somewhat hard for me to grasp, but given the threat to Val's life and limb and more importantly to an innocent little boy, I gather it is next to impossible to completely understand how terror and fear might twist one's reality and perception so quickly and thoroughly. Incredibly intense!
Cam Nelson, as an adult, appears to have risen above her tough earlier years, although she is and has been almost universally disliked and distrusted in Hemlock. Nevertheless, we meet her initially as Val pops into *the* candy shop. In fact, this confection emporium may possibly be the finest on the planet. Although I am not immune to the delights and wonders of candy it certainly seems to my less than educated eyes to be not only top of the line, but unique and phenomenal. Cam, owner of said shop, is a bit like one of her amazing creations. She has startling depth and as some treats can turn out to have one astoundingly delightful jolt after another, Cam unraveled before my and Val's eyes as being truly remarkable. However, she does and may still carry the burden and taint which was cruelly and really without solid evidence stamped on her essence. Bottom line for me, however, is that Cam is a treasure. Enigmatic radiance!
If you have even the slimmest interest in stories with fantastic intrigue, plot twists and turns, plus nearly stupefying and bedeviling reversals, you simply cannot pass up on this rather stunning book. Impressively entertaining!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Val Montague is a bit of a tough cookie, but definitely has the stuff to be an outstandingly loyal, steadfast, and worthy friend and lover, too! She returns to her home town after being away for twenty years because of her mother's untimely demise. However, before she even sets foot within the town limits she is subjected to a rather harrowing incident on the road involving a deer and somewhat mysterious other driver. She is not aware initially how this event sets the tone and then some for the balance of her stay in Hemlock. Val is complicated, prickly on occasion, yet fairly committed to get to the bottom of the mystery which rather rapidly envelops her. I was a tad disappointed that Val seemed to lose her solid impression and feelings toward Cam even after these feelings took a while to take root. Plus they seem to be such delightfully, affectionately, and sensuously compatible lovers. The reason for that shift is somewhat hard for me to grasp, but given the threat to Val's life and limb and more importantly to an innocent little boy, I gather it is next to impossible to completely understand how terror and fear might twist one's reality and perception so quickly and thoroughly. Incredibly intense!
Cam Nelson, as an adult, appears to have risen above her tough earlier years, although she is and has been almost universally disliked and distrusted in Hemlock. Nevertheless, we meet her initially as Val pops into *the* candy shop. In fact, this confection emporium may possibly be the finest on the planet. Although I am not immune to the delights and wonders of candy it certainly seems to my less than educated eyes to be not only top of the line, but unique and phenomenal. Cam, owner of said shop, is a bit like one of her amazing creations. She has startling depth and as some treats can turn out to have one astoundingly delightful jolt after another, Cam unraveled before my and Val's eyes as being truly remarkable. However, she does and may still carry the burden and taint which was cruelly and really without solid evidence stamped on her essence. Bottom line for me, however, is that Cam is a treasure. Enigmatic radiance!
If you have even the slimmest interest in stories with fantastic intrigue, plot twists and turns, plus nearly stupefying and bedeviling reversals, you simply cannot pass up on this rather stunning book. Impressively entertaining!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 8, 2021
Good premise, well written, but if the author made the pacing a bit slower and detailed, it would have been better. This way it was like a sprint. Fast-paced, but no room to actually think about the "conspiracy" part of it all
July 18, 2015
I was able to read this book courtesy of NetGalley.
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read, and it was very well edited. Nothing can ruin a book quicker than typos which confuse the author's meaning.
So why did I give the book 3 stars? As a romance, it does the job well. The character interactions work and are believable. The supporting cast does its part as well.
No, the reason I didn't rate the book higher comes from the mystery portion. There are plot holes and character motivations which just don't seem to fit as they should. And there are some unanswered questions at the end. It feels like part of the story was left out.
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read, and it was very well edited. Nothing can ruin a book quicker than typos which confuse the author's meaning.
So why did I give the book 3 stars? As a romance, it does the job well. The character interactions work and are believable. The supporting cast does its part as well.
No, the reason I didn't rate the book higher comes from the mystery portion. There are plot holes and character motivations which just don't seem to fit as they should. And there are some unanswered questions at the end. It feels like part of the story was left out.
December 10, 2018
There is a hint of familiarity with the bantering between Val and Cam, a sense of easiness. It is the justification of a get to know you relationship with no expected outcome, something that brings a smile to your face when you think back on the time together. Perfect beginning of a friendship or... more.
January 26, 2017
Nice
Well this was definitely a different type of thriller book. Through the book I kept saying go to the police. But I think that is what made the storyline. Val and Cam solved the mystery themself and fell in love.I would definitely recommend this book.
Well this was definitely a different type of thriller book. Through the book I kept saying go to the police. But I think that is what made the storyline. Val and Cam solved the mystery themself and fell in love.I would definitely recommend this book.
Read
August 20, 2021I had a lot of fun reading this. Kept me guessing, as thrillers and murder books should. But at the end, I had too many questions as to why, what. Pieces did not fit together nicely. However, I loved reading it!
May 9, 2015
Review also posted at http://kimheniadis.com and on Amazon.
I like mysteries and beach towns, and I haven’t read a lesbian novel since college, so I thought I would give this book a try. I am happy that I did.
I was a bit skeptical at first since I am not usually a fan of very descriptive writing. When I read mysteries I enjoy witty dialogue and actions sequences. If the author starts romanticizing about the scenery, I’ll find myself skipping over those passages to get back to the mystery. But Girolami’s descriptions were so visually entertaining that I did not skip ahead.
Towards the beginning of the story, Val ends up going to a church that her recently deceased mother attended. The scene with the preacher was pretty heavy with scripture, and I was concerned this book was going to keep going in such a way that made all religion/churches out to be against GLBTs.
Girolami balanced it out very nicely thought with another character, who although very religious, didn’t care about whom people loved.
There’s also that old joke, What did the lesbian bring on the first date? A moving van. Val and Cam do end up falling for each other very quickly, but this isn’t any different than most straight romance novels out there. I was expecting it, but I really didn’t want it to be overly unrealistic. Fortunately I did not get that feeling. And if you are one of those people who happens to find a wonderful partner, and you realize it right away, more power to you.
I was amused by how much of a Nancy Drew novel this felt to me, with the female characters breaking into places with flashlights, and not going to the police until they had more evidence. And what was great was that the author even made a nod to this towards the end of the book with Val having a thought about her feeling like an older Nancy Drew.
If you are looking for a book with tons of lesbian sex, this is not the book. Since Val and Cam are running around so much trying to find clues and not get killed, there is not a lot of time for sex. But the one major sex scene that takes places if very sensual, and enjoyable to read. You feel the connection between them, not only physically, but emotionally as well.
The one little problem I had with the storyline was with Cam and how she completely neglected her candy store business. As far as I could tell she is the only employee, and yet she was not at her store for a good part of the book. I believe the story happened over just a few days so maybe she just put a “Closed for Family Emergency” sign up, but it felt like the author just forgot that Cam had a business to run.
At least in cozy mysteries the main character either has other employees cover for her while she’s off solving a mystery, or she has a job that is flexible enough for her to be solving a mystery while working, like Stephanie Plum in the series by Janet Evanovich.
If you like mysteries with a bit of romance, you should definitely give this book a try. I look forward to reading future novels by Lisa Girolami.
*I was given an Advanced eBook copy by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I was not given any money or material incentives for an honest review of this book.
I like mysteries and beach towns, and I haven’t read a lesbian novel since college, so I thought I would give this book a try. I am happy that I did.
I was a bit skeptical at first since I am not usually a fan of very descriptive writing. When I read mysteries I enjoy witty dialogue and actions sequences. If the author starts romanticizing about the scenery, I’ll find myself skipping over those passages to get back to the mystery. But Girolami’s descriptions were so visually entertaining that I did not skip ahead.
Towards the beginning of the story, Val ends up going to a church that her recently deceased mother attended. The scene with the preacher was pretty heavy with scripture, and I was concerned this book was going to keep going in such a way that made all religion/churches out to be against GLBTs.
Girolami balanced it out very nicely thought with another character, who although very religious, didn’t care about whom people loved.
There’s also that old joke, What did the lesbian bring on the first date? A moving van. Val and Cam do end up falling for each other very quickly, but this isn’t any different than most straight romance novels out there. I was expecting it, but I really didn’t want it to be overly unrealistic. Fortunately I did not get that feeling. And if you are one of those people who happens to find a wonderful partner, and you realize it right away, more power to you.
I was amused by how much of a Nancy Drew novel this felt to me, with the female characters breaking into places with flashlights, and not going to the police until they had more evidence. And what was great was that the author even made a nod to this towards the end of the book with Val having a thought about her feeling like an older Nancy Drew.
If you are looking for a book with tons of lesbian sex, this is not the book. Since Val and Cam are running around so much trying to find clues and not get killed, there is not a lot of time for sex. But the one major sex scene that takes places if very sensual, and enjoyable to read. You feel the connection between them, not only physically, but emotionally as well.
The one little problem I had with the storyline was with Cam and how she completely neglected her candy store business. As far as I could tell she is the only employee, and yet she was not at her store for a good part of the book. I believe the story happened over just a few days so maybe she just put a “Closed for Family Emergency” sign up, but it felt like the author just forgot that Cam had a business to run.
At least in cozy mysteries the main character either has other employees cover for her while she’s off solving a mystery, or she has a job that is flexible enough for her to be solving a mystery while working, like Stephanie Plum in the series by Janet Evanovich.
If you like mysteries with a bit of romance, you should definitely give this book a try. I look forward to reading future novels by Lisa Girolami.
*I was given an Advanced eBook copy by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I was not given any money or material incentives for an honest review of this book.
June 1, 2015
Pacing on this thriller/mystery novel was quite a bit off. It was very, very slow to get started and just kinda "meh" in terms of resolution. Once the "mystery" really kicked off full force, there were a number of plot holes that were just ignored rather than addressed (i.e. Val never suspects her mother was murdered; why does her mother lock up a coded clue rather than a blatant confession or better yet--why does she not take her "evidence" to the police herself? worst, why doesn't Cam talk to the police after finding underage photos on her g/f's computer??). However, my real issue with this book is that the disturbing subject matter involving children doesn't exactly lend itself to a romance. In fact, I'd assume everyone involved would have been very psychologically damaged after the events of the story, so much so that sleeping together probably wouldn't be in the forefront of anyone's mind. It's just kinda weird that that's how the book ends; there's a major "ick" factor here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2015
Sweet and Sassy
Val has gone back to her childhood home, whose claim to fame is that is lies on the Forty Fifth parallel. She's gone to take of her recently deceased mother's estate. While there, she meets up with an old friend named Cam. Cam was born on the wrong side of the tracks and even though she now has a business of her own many people still think the worst of her. As they go through Val's mom's belongings strange things start happening and they find themselves involved in a deadly mystery.
I really liked this book. It is a great suspense with a good plot and flow. The characters are interesting and engaging. The drama played out well and is believable. (Just a trigger warning: There is a kiddie porn ring but there are no details of the sexual abuse and all is well at the end.)
Even though this is Val's story, I felt that Cam is the hero of this book. They play off of each other very well and I wanted to hug them both. Well done Ms. Girolami!
Val has gone back to her childhood home, whose claim to fame is that is lies on the Forty Fifth parallel. She's gone to take of her recently deceased mother's estate. While there, she meets up with an old friend named Cam. Cam was born on the wrong side of the tracks and even though she now has a business of her own many people still think the worst of her. As they go through Val's mom's belongings strange things start happening and they find themselves involved in a deadly mystery.
I really liked this book. It is a great suspense with a good plot and flow. The characters are interesting and engaging. The drama played out well and is believable. (Just a trigger warning: There is a kiddie porn ring but there are no details of the sexual abuse and all is well at the end.)
Even though this is Val's story, I felt that Cam is the hero of this book. They play off of each other very well and I wanted to hug them both. Well done Ms. Girolami!
May 5, 2015
Excellent read. Loved the characters and the plot. Well defined and highly entertaining. Way to go Lisa Girolami.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews