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Margin of Error
From Rachel Lacey, author of Learning Curves, comes a tender, hopeful romance about how fate is what you’re given but love is what you choose, and how small sparks can change everything.
Two years after an accident in Manhattan almost claimed her life, Marin is determined to take advantage of her second chance. She’s left her husband, her job, even her home to pursue the life she’s always wanted. Now she’s teaching statistics at Northshire University and preparing to do something she’s spent decades dreaming date a woman. But the last woman she expects to encounter on her journey is the one she’s been fantasizing about since their chance encounter the morning Marin nearly died.
Charlotte has made big changes in her life since that fateful day too. Most importantly, she’s moved back to her Vermont hometown, determined to finally solve the thirty-year-old mystery of her mother’s disappearance. An unexpected—and unexpectedly intense—friendship? That wasn’t in the plan. Neither was questioning her sexuality, but the more time Charlotte spends with Marin, the more she realizes her feelings run deeper than friendship.
Surely this would be a disaster, both of them being each other’s first, except the chemistry between them feels too strong to deny. But as they get to the heart of the mystery—and the heart of who they are—what brought them together just might tear them apart.
Two years after an accident in Manhattan almost claimed her life, Marin is determined to take advantage of her second chance. She’s left her husband, her job, even her home to pursue the life she’s always wanted. Now she’s teaching statistics at Northshire University and preparing to do something she’s spent decades dreaming date a woman. But the last woman she expects to encounter on her journey is the one she’s been fantasizing about since their chance encounter the morning Marin nearly died.
Charlotte has made big changes in her life since that fateful day too. Most importantly, she’s moved back to her Vermont hometown, determined to finally solve the thirty-year-old mystery of her mother’s disappearance. An unexpected—and unexpectedly intense—friendship? That wasn’t in the plan. Neither was questioning her sexuality, but the more time Charlotte spends with Marin, the more she realizes her feelings run deeper than friendship.
Surely this would be a disaster, both of them being each other’s first, except the chemistry between them feels too strong to deny. But as they get to the heart of the mystery—and the heart of who they are—what brought them together just might tear them apart.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
201 people are currently reading
11548 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lacey
37 books2,429 followersRachel Lacey is an award-winning contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in the mountains of Vermont with her family and a variety of rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 4, 2026
The cure to my reading slump? It’s been a little while since I was this locked in to a book this hard. I pretty much knew from page one that this was going to be my next 5-star read.
I mean, finishing this was literally the first thing on my mind when I woke up in the morning.
I was a little but nervous to pick this up, because I have read a few short stories from Rachel Lacey in the past- and I did think they were good! But they didn’t “speak to me” I guess.
But let me tell you, I should NOT have been hesitant with this book. Because it absolutey ate on every single level, and with every single aspect.
I freaking loved this story, and I loved these characters even more.
It is somewhat rare that I feel a connection to both of the main characters in a romance novel, but here, I liked them both equally.
Both Charlotte and Marin both have incredible stories separately, and together!
I think Charlotte’s situation was really a great addition to this. It brought in some unexpected mystery, and some emotionality that took this to a new level for me.
Marin’s situation is so endearing. Reading about her plans and her goals of finally becoming the person she was meant to be after so much time pretending was beautiful.
The slow burn of this, did in fact burn me.
These two were actually perfect for each other, so the fact that it took so long for things to heat up? That is actually criminal! I was waiting like I have never waited before.
The end result was so worth it though.
My last note will be how awesome it is to read a story about these two finding themselves a little bit later in life (ish. Later compared to a lot of other romance novels)
They are 40 and 47 (if I remember correctly), and are still discovering who they are, what they like, and sort of “restarting life”.
I think this is pretty awesome, and a nice deviation from the idea that everyone has picture-perfect, “figured out” life by then.
Kudos to them, and to everyone else with new beginnings!
Thank you to Netgalley, Montlake, and author Rachel Lacey, for providing me with the eARC of “Margin of Error” in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: February 03, 2026
I mean, finishing this was literally the first thing on my mind when I woke up in the morning.
I was a little but nervous to pick this up, because I have read a few short stories from Rachel Lacey in the past- and I did think they were good! But they didn’t “speak to me” I guess.
But let me tell you, I should NOT have been hesitant with this book. Because it absolutey ate on every single level, and with every single aspect.
I freaking loved this story, and I loved these characters even more.
It is somewhat rare that I feel a connection to both of the main characters in a romance novel, but here, I liked them both equally.
Both Charlotte and Marin both have incredible stories separately, and together!
I think Charlotte’s situation was really a great addition to this. It brought in some unexpected mystery, and some emotionality that took this to a new level for me.
Marin’s situation is so endearing. Reading about her plans and her goals of finally becoming the person she was meant to be after so much time pretending was beautiful.
The slow burn of this, did in fact burn me.
These two were actually perfect for each other, so the fact that it took so long for things to heat up? That is actually criminal! I was waiting like I have never waited before.
The end result was so worth it though.
My last note will be how awesome it is to read a story about these two finding themselves a little bit later in life (ish. Later compared to a lot of other romance novels)
They are 40 and 47 (if I remember correctly), and are still discovering who they are, what they like, and sort of “restarting life”.
I think this is pretty awesome, and a nice deviation from the idea that everyone has picture-perfect, “figured out” life by then.
Kudos to them, and to everyone else with new beginnings!
Thank you to Netgalley, Montlake, and author Rachel Lacey, for providing me with the eARC of “Margin of Error” in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: February 03, 2026
October 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am convinced that Rachel Lacey only writes masterpieces.
Firstly, I loved how characters from her other books were briefly mentioned. It makes me feel like I'm diving into a little world that I never want to leave!
As I said, Rachel Lacey is my absolute favorite author, and with this book she has shown me once again why. No other author can make me feel the same emotions as her books do!
I really liked the plot of the story. Novels where older women discover their sexuality are so desperately needed, and I think Rachel Lacey has done an excellent job of representing this! The book had a perfect balance of action and sweet moments.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rachel Lacey for providing me with an arc! <3 I left this review voluntarily.
I am convinced that Rachel Lacey only writes masterpieces.
Firstly, I loved how characters from her other books were briefly mentioned. It makes me feel like I'm diving into a little world that I never want to leave!
As I said, Rachel Lacey is my absolute favorite author, and with this book she has shown me once again why. No other author can make me feel the same emotions as her books do!
I really liked the plot of the story. Novels where older women discover their sexuality are so desperately needed, and I think Rachel Lacey has done an excellent job of representing this! The book had a perfect balance of action and sweet moments.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rachel Lacey for providing me with an arc! <3 I left this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
the highs were high but the lows were abysmally low…this author is so beloved but i haven’t found a hit yet 😅
thank you to netgalley and montlake for the arc
thank you to netgalley and montlake for the arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the prologue scene, without knowing it, Charlotte and Marin are linked for life in a scary and strong scene. The fate factor played a strong part in their story, to put them on the same path again. I like when authors don’t torture me for chapters for the characters to interact with each other. The friendship they develop was really sweet to read and I love how Charlotte cames to terms with her, the jealousy, the self talk. Marin is really likeable too, and I know a lot of women coming out late in life will recognize themselves in her. I really felt the nerves and the exiliration to finally live her truth. The story around Charlotte’s mother added some mystery, but I expected something deeper. I wasn’t a fan of the fight in the end that felt a bit unecessary to me. Lacey’s book are always plaisant and easy to read.
February 3, 2026
🎊🎊🎊Happy Publication Day! 2/3/26 🎊🎊🎊
7/10: 3.5⭐️’s rounded up to 4⭐️’s
Do you believe in fate?
Charlotte: Always searching, always drifting (aka running?)
Marin: Always go with the flow and do what’s expected of her.
They meet on a bus and strike up a short, but meaningful conversation to the both of them. Marin gets off the bus and is hit by a car. Charlotte rushes to her and holds her hand as she lay on the cold snowy ground dying while waiting for the ambulance. She sees the paramedic shake their head as the ambulance doors close.
Skip ahead two years and much to Charlottes surprise, her new real estate client is non other than the woman who hand she held as she died. Except that she apparently didn’t die! That moment 2 years ago had such a profound effect on Charlottes life. She is thrilled to find out that this woman, whom she felt immediately drawn to that day on the bus is alive.
Marin, is also surprised and happy to see that Charlotte is her realtor. She has thought about the kind woman who held her hand that awful day that altered the course of her life.
The two form a quick friendship. The connection they both felt on the bus is still very much there. But is there more to it than just friendship? Is there a growing attraction between the two women?
What first drew me to this book was that the word mystery was in the description and house hunting. I don’t read many (okay it’s been years) romance centered books anymore and have been wanting to slowly dip a toe back into the genre. I remembered liking books by this author years ago and decided to give this book a try.
It was a cute story two women’s journey in finding themselves. Finding their authentic self. I am often envious of small children because they seem so purely authentic. When does that change? And why is it so hard to be our true selves? I suppose for some people, they don’t know their true selves so it does become a journey to find that. For others, they may know, but are afraid to let others know. As for the rest, I am fresh out of ideas! It could be so many things that factor in. Lucky are those who are their true authentic selves.
Both women are experiencing changes in their lives when they meet again. Charlotte has decided to dig into search for her mom who went missing 30 years ago and work on getting to know her dad again.
Marin is newly divorced, recovering from her injuries and deciding that she needs to finally live for herself. She begins a new career and adopts an ADORABLE puppy, Ember. Bless that puppy’s heart. I think I need a dog friend. Is that weird? Is that a thing? Can I just borrow a friends dog for bits of time. Kind of rude to ask the friend to stay at home though, I suppose! 😂. I don’t know that I would be a good pet owner, that seems like a lot of pressure and work, but a dog friend to keep me company sometimes? I might like that. Of course it has to be a dog that I am not scared of! (Side note: I never had pets growing up due to a sister with severe animal fur allergies. And I also recently learned of an event that happened with a dog when I was apparently too young to remember it. I always had a specific incident in mind as to why I am afraid of most dogs, not all, but most, but there was an incident well before that too.) Anyways, back to Marin; She has also decided to ‘come out’ to her siblings.
I enjoyed this book. I have never read a f/f romance novel. I liked the day to day of their lives unfolding in front of me. How their friendship and connection evolved. And for those of you who like a steamy, tension filled, build up to romance…..there is definitely some of that in here!! Had I been reading this while other people were around, I would have maybe needed to stop for fear of possible blushing😂. It’s been a long time since I read a book with so much sexual tension in it!
I also need to mention that I loved how the main characters were 40 and 47. When I used to read romance books the mc’s were usually much younger. And now that I am in my early 40’s I really appreciate having a romance feature people closer to my own age. It was refreshing in a way.
Fate brought them back together. But can it keep them together?
I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending. I don’t think it was necessary to throw some of that back in, I think it took away from an earlier moment that would have maybe been more impactful without that extra bit. But that could just be me.
Overall a good book to get back into the romance genre!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for this early digital arc of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date February 3, 2026.
Rating and review and slight dog rambling posted: 10/4/25
Posted to Goodreads: 1/17/26, still a few days earlier than the publishers requested two weeks before publication, but i am thinking of it now soooo.....
Reposted for publication day: 2/3/26
7/10: 3.5⭐️’s rounded up to 4⭐️’s
Do you believe in fate?
Charlotte: Always searching, always drifting (aka running?)
Marin: Always go with the flow and do what’s expected of her.
They meet on a bus and strike up a short, but meaningful conversation to the both of them. Marin gets off the bus and is hit by a car. Charlotte rushes to her and holds her hand as she lay on the cold snowy ground dying while waiting for the ambulance. She sees the paramedic shake their head as the ambulance doors close.
Skip ahead two years and much to Charlottes surprise, her new real estate client is non other than the woman who hand she held as she died. Except that she apparently didn’t die! That moment 2 years ago had such a profound effect on Charlottes life. She is thrilled to find out that this woman, whom she felt immediately drawn to that day on the bus is alive.
Marin, is also surprised and happy to see that Charlotte is her realtor. She has thought about the kind woman who held her hand that awful day that altered the course of her life.
The two form a quick friendship. The connection they both felt on the bus is still very much there. But is there more to it than just friendship? Is there a growing attraction between the two women?
What first drew me to this book was that the word mystery was in the description and house hunting. I don’t read many (okay it’s been years) romance centered books anymore and have been wanting to slowly dip a toe back into the genre. I remembered liking books by this author years ago and decided to give this book a try.
It was a cute story two women’s journey in finding themselves. Finding their authentic self. I am often envious of small children because they seem so purely authentic. When does that change? And why is it so hard to be our true selves? I suppose for some people, they don’t know their true selves so it does become a journey to find that. For others, they may know, but are afraid to let others know. As for the rest, I am fresh out of ideas! It could be so many things that factor in. Lucky are those who are their true authentic selves.
Both women are experiencing changes in their lives when they meet again. Charlotte has decided to dig into search for her mom who went missing 30 years ago and work on getting to know her dad again.
Marin is newly divorced, recovering from her injuries and deciding that she needs to finally live for herself. She begins a new career and adopts an ADORABLE puppy, Ember. Bless that puppy’s heart. I think I need a dog friend. Is that weird? Is that a thing? Can I just borrow a friends dog for bits of time. Kind of rude to ask the friend to stay at home though, I suppose! 😂. I don’t know that I would be a good pet owner, that seems like a lot of pressure and work, but a dog friend to keep me company sometimes? I might like that. Of course it has to be a dog that I am not scared of! (Side note: I never had pets growing up due to a sister with severe animal fur allergies. And I also recently learned of an event that happened with a dog when I was apparently too young to remember it. I always had a specific incident in mind as to why I am afraid of most dogs, not all, but most, but there was an incident well before that too.) Anyways, back to Marin; She has also decided to ‘come out’ to her siblings.
I enjoyed this book. I have never read a f/f romance novel. I liked the day to day of their lives unfolding in front of me. How their friendship and connection evolved. And for those of you who like a steamy, tension filled, build up to romance…..there is definitely some of that in here!! Had I been reading this while other people were around, I would have maybe needed to stop for fear of possible blushing😂. It’s been a long time since I read a book with so much sexual tension in it!
I also need to mention that I loved how the main characters were 40 and 47. When I used to read romance books the mc’s were usually much younger. And now that I am in my early 40’s I really appreciate having a romance feature people closer to my own age. It was refreshing in a way.
Fate brought them back together. But can it keep them together?
I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending. I don’t think it was necessary to throw some of that back in, I think it took away from an earlier moment that would have maybe been more impactful without that extra bit. But that could just be me.
Overall a good book to get back into the romance genre!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for this early digital arc of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date February 3, 2026.
Rating and review and slight dog rambling posted: 10/4/25
Posted to Goodreads: 1/17/26, still a few days earlier than the publishers requested two weeks before publication, but i am thinking of it now soooo.....
Reposted for publication day: 2/3/26
February 4, 2026
2.25 ⭐
I went into this one super excited; the premise sounded so promising, and that first meeting had me hooked! But after the FMCs' second encounter... things just slowed way down for me. The mystery subplot tried its best, but it wasn't enough to pull me back in, so I stayed pretty underwhelmed overall. Still appreciate the vibes though!
I went into this one super excited; the premise sounded so promising, and that first meeting had me hooked! But after the FMCs' second encounter... things just slowed way down for me. The mystery subplot tried its best, but it wasn't enough to pull me back in, so I stayed pretty underwhelmed overall. Still appreciate the vibes though!
February 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5 rounded up
🏳️🌈Rep: Sapphic, 40+ Lesbian FMC w/Chronic Pain, 40+ Pan FMC, Sapphic Side Couple
📝Tropes/Themes: Starting Over, Later in Life Coming Out, Second Chances, Adorable Dog, Only One Bed, Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Slow Burn
Did I love this book? You better believe it! So much so that I signed up for an ALC when I wasn’t even halfway through the ARC and immediately started listening after I finished the book! I have absolutely no regrets! 😁
This story had all the vibes I usually fall in love with in Rachel’s books - a sweet tender romance that warms your heart, pining and spice that will have you fanning yourself, wonderful characters that feel like family, and queer joy galore. But this book also explored some different themes that we need more of in sapphic romance! Both Charlotte and Marin come out later in life and they both have incredibly unique journeys. I honestly don’t know if I’ve read another sapphic story where BOTH the MCs were older and coming out and experiencing their first time being with a woman. That part of the story was honestly one of my favorite things…watching them navigate this together was heartwarming and endearing and a joy to witness.
And I haven’t even talked about that prologue! OMG! My heart broke even though I knew everything wasn’t as it seemed in that moment. You’ve got Charlotte, avid horoscope reader, and Marin, the skeptic. There’s connection and you just know something is sparking between them, but then there’s an accident. TWO YEARS go by with Charlotte thinking Marin (whose name she doesn’t even know) is dead only to open the door to her new client and see her standing there, alive and well. 🤯 For two years both women could not get the other out of their heads, but fate decides to give them another chance. Except Marin is attracted to Charlotte and Charlotte is straight…right?
Marin is newly divorced, newly out as a lesbian, and looking to start fresh in basically every facet of her life - job, location, everything. Charlotte, also fresh off a breakup and trying to find her way in life, returned home to try to find out what actually happened to her mom when she disappeared during Charlotte’s childhood. They both have a lot going on in their lives and forge an immediate friendship that feels anything but new. Their chemistry is undeniable, even when they are both trying to deny it lol. You can see how much they care for each other - and ugh! The way Charlotte shows up for Marin with her chronic pain struggles and helping with the puppy and everything - to be cared for like that! 😭 But Marin’s speech at the end…just as powerful! Had me in tears.
And EMBER!! Oh my gosh I love that little dog. Truly a spotlight stealer in all the best ways. But the impact Ember has on Marin is absolutely beautiful. And I love that her favorite toy is the purple dragon! 🥹
I loved getting to see more of Audrey and Michelle from Learning Curves, too! The books are both standalones but set in the same world/university town in Vermont, and it made my heart happy to see the two of them still in love and thriving! Plus, I can’t not mention the Stars Collide easter eggs! Edanna Forever!!
And the narration! QUINN RILEY IS UTTERLY FANTASTIC!! If you have not listened to an audiobook narrated by Quinn yet you are missing out! Listening to this right after reading it made her narration that much more powerful. The way she captures all these incredibly emotional moments - the pain, the anguish, the longing, the fear, the desire. Sheer perfection. I have no words. I felt pulled into the story even more deeply than I did while reading. Between Rachel’s writing and Quinn’s narrating, I could feel every emotion as though it were my own. Quinn doesn’t narrate stories, she elevates them, brings them life, makes them tangible. Truly one of the greats! And these two make quite the dynamic duo!
I could go on, but I’ll leave it there for now. Beautiful romance. Intriguing storyline. Captivating characters. Incredible narration.
I received an ARC and ALC through the author, NetGalley, Montlake, and Brilliance Audio. This is my honest and voluntary review.
⚠️TW/CW:
car accident (on page), blood, injury, mention of death, mention of parental death, mention of cancer, grief and loss, parental abandonment/disappearance, minor PTSD, minor homophobia
🏳️🌈Rep: Sapphic, 40+ Lesbian FMC w/Chronic Pain, 40+ Pan FMC, Sapphic Side Couple
📝Tropes/Themes: Starting Over, Later in Life Coming Out, Second Chances, Adorable Dog, Only One Bed, Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Slow Burn
Did I love this book? You better believe it! So much so that I signed up for an ALC when I wasn’t even halfway through the ARC and immediately started listening after I finished the book! I have absolutely no regrets! 😁
This story had all the vibes I usually fall in love with in Rachel’s books - a sweet tender romance that warms your heart, pining and spice that will have you fanning yourself, wonderful characters that feel like family, and queer joy galore. But this book also explored some different themes that we need more of in sapphic romance! Both Charlotte and Marin come out later in life and they both have incredibly unique journeys. I honestly don’t know if I’ve read another sapphic story where BOTH the MCs were older and coming out and experiencing their first time being with a woman. That part of the story was honestly one of my favorite things…watching them navigate this together was heartwarming and endearing and a joy to witness.
And I haven’t even talked about that prologue! OMG! My heart broke even though I knew everything wasn’t as it seemed in that moment. You’ve got Charlotte, avid horoscope reader, and Marin, the skeptic. There’s connection and you just know something is sparking between them, but then there’s an accident. TWO YEARS go by with Charlotte thinking Marin (whose name she doesn’t even know) is dead only to open the door to her new client and see her standing there, alive and well. 🤯 For two years both women could not get the other out of their heads, but fate decides to give them another chance. Except Marin is attracted to Charlotte and Charlotte is straight…right?
Marin is newly divorced, newly out as a lesbian, and looking to start fresh in basically every facet of her life - job, location, everything. Charlotte, also fresh off a breakup and trying to find her way in life, returned home to try to find out what actually happened to her mom when she disappeared during Charlotte’s childhood. They both have a lot going on in their lives and forge an immediate friendship that feels anything but new. Their chemistry is undeniable, even when they are both trying to deny it lol. You can see how much they care for each other - and ugh! The way Charlotte shows up for Marin with her chronic pain struggles and helping with the puppy and everything - to be cared for like that! 😭 But Marin’s speech at the end…just as powerful! Had me in tears.
And EMBER!! Oh my gosh I love that little dog. Truly a spotlight stealer in all the best ways. But the impact Ember has on Marin is absolutely beautiful. And I love that her favorite toy is the purple dragon! 🥹
I loved getting to see more of Audrey and Michelle from Learning Curves, too! The books are both standalones but set in the same world/university town in Vermont, and it made my heart happy to see the two of them still in love and thriving! Plus, I can’t not mention the Stars Collide easter eggs! Edanna Forever!!
And the narration! QUINN RILEY IS UTTERLY FANTASTIC!! If you have not listened to an audiobook narrated by Quinn yet you are missing out! Listening to this right after reading it made her narration that much more powerful. The way she captures all these incredibly emotional moments - the pain, the anguish, the longing, the fear, the desire. Sheer perfection. I have no words. I felt pulled into the story even more deeply than I did while reading. Between Rachel’s writing and Quinn’s narrating, I could feel every emotion as though it were my own. Quinn doesn’t narrate stories, she elevates them, brings them life, makes them tangible. Truly one of the greats! And these two make quite the dynamic duo!
I could go on, but I’ll leave it there for now. Beautiful romance. Intriguing storyline. Captivating characters. Incredible narration.
I received an ARC and ALC through the author, NetGalley, Montlake, and Brilliance Audio. This is my honest and voluntary review.
⚠️TW/CW:
car accident (on page), blood, injury, mention of death, mention of parental death, mention of cancer, grief and loss, parental abandonment/disappearance, minor PTSD, minor homophobia
October 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️Thank you Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for the ARC! I am not sure why I am surprised that I loved this from the very beginning. I remember looking down at how far I was into the book and I was only 9% through when I literally said out loud, “This is so good.” I loved that Michelle and Audrey made appearances and I loved that Eden Sands was mentioned from Rachel’s other books!
Both MCs are over 40(40 and 47). I thought I might have an issue with relating to them due to this, but that wasn’t an issue at all. The way that Rachel writes her characters makes it so easy to relate to. They are always complex, dimensional characters and Margin of Error is no exception. Exploring the complexities of coming out later in life was realistic and I believe will help a lot of people. The fears, hopes, emotions of these two women were so visceral and well written, that you could feel it coming off the page
I can’t really say the way they met was a meet cute, seeing that Marin almost died right after, but it was unique the way they met and it tied up nicely with the plot and the ending. I was so interested in the missing mom portion of the story. Once again, a unique storyline that kept my attention. Yeah, this is a love story, but it’s so much more!
Both MCs are over 40(40 and 47). I thought I might have an issue with relating to them due to this, but that wasn’t an issue at all. The way that Rachel writes her characters makes it so easy to relate to. They are always complex, dimensional characters and Margin of Error is no exception. Exploring the complexities of coming out later in life was realistic and I believe will help a lot of people. The fears, hopes, emotions of these two women were so visceral and well written, that you could feel it coming off the page
I can’t really say the way they met was a meet cute, seeing that Marin almost died right after, but it was unique the way they met and it tied up nicely with the plot and the ending. I was so interested in the missing mom portion of the story. Once again, a unique storyline that kept my attention. Yeah, this is a love story, but it’s so much more!
December 26, 2025
➥ 4 stars ⋆˚࿔
I can’t believe the academia duology is over now🥲🥲 I loved every single second of it and I’ll miss Marin, Charlotte, Audrey, and Michelle a whole lot. Rtc!
Thank you to Rachel Lacey, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
I can’t believe the academia duology is over now🥲🥲 I loved every single second of it and I’ll miss Marin, Charlotte, Audrey, and Michelle a whole lot. Rtc!
Thank you to Rachel Lacey, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
December 18, 2025
Rachel Lacey is doing some kind of sorcery because I absolutely fly through her books. I don’t want to say too much before this one is out but the plot is rich beyond the romance storyline and I absolutely loved the two MCs discovering things together—I haven’t seen that done before (not that it hasn’t , just not in a book I’ve read). Also, hooray for older heroines!
December 31, 2025
Love me a story with adult sapphics!! Both MCs are in their 40s and busy with their grown up lives and I enjoy that!
The start of this is so good, I was really hooked on this seemingly fated connection between Marin and Charlotte and really hyped to see their story unfold.
I like them and I liked the writing, but I don’t like the finding charlottes mom plot very much, especially in the middle part of the book where I felt like we should’ve been focusing on charlottes journey with her identity and Marins coming out and dating process.. it was just an unwelcome distraction tbh😅😅
Other than that I really enjoyed reading it and give it a solid 3.5✨
I’ve received an ARC through NetGalley but all opinions are my own!
The start of this is so good, I was really hooked on this seemingly fated connection between Marin and Charlotte and really hyped to see their story unfold.
I like them and I liked the writing, but I don’t like the finding charlottes mom plot very much, especially in the middle part of the book where I felt like we should’ve been focusing on charlottes journey with her identity and Marins coming out and dating process.. it was just an unwelcome distraction tbh😅😅
Other than that I really enjoyed reading it and give it a solid 3.5✨
I’ve received an ARC through NetGalley but all opinions are my own!
October 24, 2025
Just finished reading *Margin of Error* by Rachel Lacey (huge thanks to Rachel and NetGalley for the ARC!). The story follows both Charlotte and Marin as they discover their sexuality, which felt really authentic and made me think of my own coming-out journey. The nervousness, curiosity, and tenderness they experience came across as real and relatable.
Alongside that, there’s a gripping mystery about Charlotte trying to uncover what happened to her mom. Both storylines are emotional and well-written, with a satisfying ending to the mystery.
The writing is very detailed, which I usually enjoy, but here it sometimes slowed the pace and interrupted the flow. The style isn’t my absolute favorite but definitely enjoyable.
The start felt a little slow, but once the “gay panic” moments kicked in, things got way more interesting. I liked the couple, but their chemistry didn’t totally sweep me off my feet. Their love story was still sweet and cute enough to keep me hooked.
All in all, *Margin of Error* is an emotional, heartfelt story about self-discovery and family secrets.
Alongside that, there’s a gripping mystery about Charlotte trying to uncover what happened to her mom. Both storylines are emotional and well-written, with a satisfying ending to the mystery.
The writing is very detailed, which I usually enjoy, but here it sometimes slowed the pace and interrupted the flow. The style isn’t my absolute favorite but definitely enjoyable.
The start felt a little slow, but once the “gay panic” moments kicked in, things got way more interesting. I liked the couple, but their chemistry didn’t totally sweep me off my feet. Their love story was still sweet and cute enough to keep me hooked.
All in all, *Margin of Error* is an emotional, heartfelt story about self-discovery and family secrets.
February 3, 2026
4.25 stars
Rachel Lacey had me at Chapter One with this story! A very clever way to pull the reader in and invest in this romance about fate and finding love where you least expect it.
Marin is a statistician in her mid-40s living a unfulfilling life in New York. She meets Charlotte, a realtor also commuting by bus to Manhattan from Queens, when she casually compliments her scarf. They strike up a conversation, and their brief interaction sparks a connection that surprises them both. That momentous meeting will profoundly change the course of their lives forever.
Margin is primarily set in the same idyllic universe as Learning Curve, Middleton Vermont. I hope this isn’t the last of them!
Fans of Lacey’s work will enjoy the Easter eggs sprinkled throughout.
I enjoyed the book very much and am anxious to hear narrator Quinn Riley’s performance of it! The release date for both the book and audiobook is February 3.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel Lacey had me at Chapter One with this story! A very clever way to pull the reader in and invest in this romance about fate and finding love where you least expect it.
Marin is a statistician in her mid-40s living a unfulfilling life in New York. She meets Charlotte, a realtor also commuting by bus to Manhattan from Queens, when she casually compliments her scarf. They strike up a conversation, and their brief interaction sparks a connection that surprises them both. That momentous meeting will profoundly change the course of their lives forever.
Margin is primarily set in the same idyllic universe as Learning Curve, Middleton Vermont. I hope this isn’t the last of them!
Fans of Lacey’s work will enjoy the Easter eggs sprinkled throughout.
I enjoyed the book very much and am anxious to hear narrator Quinn Riley’s performance of it! The release date for both the book and audiobook is February 3.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The narrative follows the dual perspectives of Marin and Charlotte as they both find themselves falling for a woman for the first time ✨️
After a bad accident, Marin is embracing a second chance at life. With a new job teaching statistics at a university and a new home in Vermont, she’s ready for a fresh start — including exploring her sexuality. I loved this narrative: Marin, at 47, joyfully embracing life and wanting a girlfriend for the first time. Her excitement is infectious. Watching her join a dating app and put herself out there is light, fun, and genuinely heart-warming.
Charlotte has also recently moved and is drawn into a mystery involving her mother. Her growing friendship with Marin leads her to question her own sexuality, and their dynamic is warm, fun, and wonderfully developed. I loved the steady way the author shows Charlotte’s realisation that she’s interested in Marin — and when she starts finding statistics hot, you know she’s got it baaaaad 🫠
The slow build suits where both characters are emotionally, making the romance feel earned. The chemistry and spice are ⚡️ and sensual, before the story picks up pace. There’s some major drama towards the end that I didn’t see coming. I also really appreciated the inclusion of chronic pain representation, and it was a joy catching up with Audrey and Michelle from 'Learning Curves' 😍
Thinking back to Marin and her love of statistics, the odds of this romance ever happening felt low — neither woman ever imagined it. That’s what makes this such a lovely story about taking a chance ❤️
After a bad accident, Marin is embracing a second chance at life. With a new job teaching statistics at a university and a new home in Vermont, she’s ready for a fresh start — including exploring her sexuality. I loved this narrative: Marin, at 47, joyfully embracing life and wanting a girlfriend for the first time. Her excitement is infectious. Watching her join a dating app and put herself out there is light, fun, and genuinely heart-warming.
Charlotte has also recently moved and is drawn into a mystery involving her mother. Her growing friendship with Marin leads her to question her own sexuality, and their dynamic is warm, fun, and wonderfully developed. I loved the steady way the author shows Charlotte’s realisation that she’s interested in Marin — and when she starts finding statistics hot, you know she’s got it baaaaad 🫠
The slow build suits where both characters are emotionally, making the romance feel earned. The chemistry and spice are ⚡️ and sensual, before the story picks up pace. There’s some major drama towards the end that I didn’t see coming. I also really appreciated the inclusion of chronic pain representation, and it was a joy catching up with Audrey and Michelle from 'Learning Curves' 😍
Thinking back to Marin and her love of statistics, the odds of this romance ever happening felt low — neither woman ever imagined it. That’s what makes this such a lovely story about taking a chance ❤️
December 2, 2025
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Margin of Error releases February 3, 2026
“Not everything can be explained by statistical models, even when you account for the margin of error. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and believe in the unbelievable.”
Two years ago, Charlotte’s life was altered when she stepped onto a bus and shared her daily horoscope with the woman sitting next to her, only to end up holding her hand as the woman laid dying on a sidewalk from a car crash.
Desperate for a sense of purpose, Charlotte has returned to her hometown in Vermont in search of answers as to why her mother vanished thirty years ago, but is caught off guard when her newest client as a realtor just so happens to be the woman from the bus whom she thought died.
Let’s start with the things I loved about this book. Marin’s character arc stole the show; I admired her strength in going out of her comfort zone, coming out later in life, and finding a second chance. Her chronic pain was also portrayed really well.
As for the romance, it definitely wasn’t the strongest considering the fact that Charlotte identified as straight for most of the story. At times, the bond between Charlotte and Marin felt more like transference due to the traumatic event they shared, rather than genuine attraction.
I would’ve loved if the reparation between Charlotte and her father had played a larger role in the story to balance out all of the scenes with the puppy.
Margin of Error is a companion novel to Learning Curves. While they can both be read as standalones, you’ll definitely appreciate the cameos of Audrey and Michelle more if you start with Learning Curves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Margin of Error releases February 3, 2026
“Not everything can be explained by statistical models, even when you account for the margin of error. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and believe in the unbelievable.”
Two years ago, Charlotte’s life was altered when she stepped onto a bus and shared her daily horoscope with the woman sitting next to her, only to end up holding her hand as the woman laid dying on a sidewalk from a car crash.
Desperate for a sense of purpose, Charlotte has returned to her hometown in Vermont in search of answers as to why her mother vanished thirty years ago, but is caught off guard when her newest client as a realtor just so happens to be the woman from the bus whom she thought died.
Let’s start with the things I loved about this book. Marin’s character arc stole the show; I admired her strength in going out of her comfort zone, coming out later in life, and finding a second chance. Her chronic pain was also portrayed really well.
As for the romance, it definitely wasn’t the strongest considering the fact that Charlotte identified as straight for most of the story. At times, the bond between Charlotte and Marin felt more like transference due to the traumatic event they shared, rather than genuine attraction.
I would’ve loved if the reparation between Charlotte and her father had played a larger role in the story to balance out all of the scenes with the puppy.
Margin of Error is a companion novel to Learning Curves. While they can both be read as standalones, you’ll definitely appreciate the cameos of Audrey and Michelle more if you start with Learning Curves.
February 2, 2026
Margin of Error is the epitome of “never judge a book by its cover” or by its author, for that matter! While Rachel Lacey never disappoints when it comes to warm and cute Vermont vibes, this book definitely kicks it up a notch and isn’t like anything she’s ever written before!
Right from the start you’re sucked into the story with suspense and drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. All I can say is buckle up, it’s an emotional roller coaster. This is the first wlw book I’ve read with not just one, but TWO characters that have sapphic awakenings later in life- which was incredibly endearing and outrageously hot! Marin and Charlotte have such a delicate yet fierce love story that I’ll never get over, nor do I want to. And the puppy fever?? Little Ember stole my heart and used it as a chew toy!
Lacey never ceases to make me want to drop everything in my life, relocate to Vermont, and take on the fun hobbies her characters are up to. Lastly, the cameos from Learning Curves were carefully crafted and so important to the story, I cherished every minute. It made me want to reread LC again, however, I fear Margin of Error is now my new favorite by Rachel Lacey. It’s truly a book that is “1 in 8 billion”! Thank you so much Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for the ALC!
Right from the start you’re sucked into the story with suspense and drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. All I can say is buckle up, it’s an emotional roller coaster. This is the first wlw book I’ve read with not just one, but TWO characters that have sapphic awakenings later in life- which was incredibly endearing and outrageously hot! Marin and Charlotte have such a delicate yet fierce love story that I’ll never get over, nor do I want to. And the puppy fever?? Little Ember stole my heart and used it as a chew toy!
Lacey never ceases to make me want to drop everything in my life, relocate to Vermont, and take on the fun hobbies her characters are up to. Lastly, the cameos from Learning Curves were carefully crafted and so important to the story, I cherished every minute. It made me want to reread LC again, however, I fear Margin of Error is now my new favorite by Rachel Lacey. It’s truly a book that is “1 in 8 billion”! Thank you so much Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for the ALC!
February 3, 2026
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and Netgalley for this Advance listener copy of Margin of Error by Rachel Lacey, narrated by Quinn Riley.
Please note I have commented on narration initially, with discussion about the writing and plot later in the review (spoiler warning is labeled). I had high hopes for this one but the book itself was a bit of a miss for me– and I even have the physical copy pre-ordered for my book club.
I really enjoyed the narration of this book by Quinn Riley and founds there was a great cohesiveness between the voices and the characters throughout. The character narration for Marin’s voice specifically really led me to see her as a woman in her 40s – I would like to note that in another book narrated by Quinn Riley she does the same type of narration for the “older” character. It is an area she excels in for sapphic novels featuring different aged characters and I think it’s phenomenal!
The story flowed quite well and I think the emotions of each specific moment was well captured with the narration. I was easily able to tell how the characters were feeling based on the dialogue throughout. The one concern I found was it was difficult to distinguish when the POV would switch between characters and this may have been partially due to single narration, but I think it was also due to the writing and personalities of both characters being quite similar.
Apart from the narration, this was unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. I found the character development was lacking and it became quite repetitive. The “coming out” narrative really took over a lot of elements in this story that had the potential to be quite interesting. I think it really overshadowed any other personality trait of Marin so I felt like I didn’t know her at all. For Charlotte I wish we dove more into the missing mom as it felt more like filler and never really ended up with much substance behind it – it could have been removed from the story without consequence.
**Some spoilers in next section **
From a personal perspective on the characters I also found it difficult to root for them. Unfortunately I felt that a lot of their chemistry could have been easily a result of trauma after the accident and this was never really discussed apart from brief mention and quickly moved on from. They both went through something terrible and had a version of each other in their heads for years, then suddenly meet again and “start” developing feelings. I was really hoping that eventually they would realize they weren’t good together and ended up discussing this and even moving on. In addition to them not being good together, I found Charlotte to be generally unlikeable. It felt awful reading about how she treated Marin after their kiss and how she was “struggling” with wanting Marin but also not wanting Marin to go back into the closet when all she wanted was an open queer life… but still went for it anyway. I do wonder if she would have ever come out if she didn’t accidentally slip up with her dad and then if he didn’t accept the fact that she was queer.
I never really found out if Charlotte would choose Marin even when it got hard. So as a queer woman it didn’t end feeling like the “happy ending” that was intended.
All this to say that I think the book highlighted a common relationship we see in queer spaces, but not a great one. It felt like a young/early one, and that is ok! But I feel that if the ending shifted from “let’s get married” to “I am glad we had this and each other, but I think there is more out there for us” I would have really enjoyed this book.
I think Marin and Charlotte needed their relationship and their moment. But I think finishing it as a happily ever after did them a disservice.
Please note I have commented on narration initially, with discussion about the writing and plot later in the review (spoiler warning is labeled). I had high hopes for this one but the book itself was a bit of a miss for me– and I even have the physical copy pre-ordered for my book club.
I really enjoyed the narration of this book by Quinn Riley and founds there was a great cohesiveness between the voices and the characters throughout. The character narration for Marin’s voice specifically really led me to see her as a woman in her 40s – I would like to note that in another book narrated by Quinn Riley she does the same type of narration for the “older” character. It is an area she excels in for sapphic novels featuring different aged characters and I think it’s phenomenal!
The story flowed quite well and I think the emotions of each specific moment was well captured with the narration. I was easily able to tell how the characters were feeling based on the dialogue throughout. The one concern I found was it was difficult to distinguish when the POV would switch between characters and this may have been partially due to single narration, but I think it was also due to the writing and personalities of both characters being quite similar.
Apart from the narration, this was unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. I found the character development was lacking and it became quite repetitive. The “coming out” narrative really took over a lot of elements in this story that had the potential to be quite interesting. I think it really overshadowed any other personality trait of Marin so I felt like I didn’t know her at all. For Charlotte I wish we dove more into the missing mom as it felt more like filler and never really ended up with much substance behind it – it could have been removed from the story without consequence.
**Some spoilers in next section **
From a personal perspective on the characters I also found it difficult to root for them. Unfortunately I felt that a lot of their chemistry could have been easily a result of trauma after the accident and this was never really discussed apart from brief mention and quickly moved on from. They both went through something terrible and had a version of each other in their heads for years, then suddenly meet again and “start” developing feelings. I was really hoping that eventually they would realize they weren’t good together and ended up discussing this and even moving on. In addition to them not being good together, I found Charlotte to be generally unlikeable. It felt awful reading about how she treated Marin after their kiss and how she was “struggling” with wanting Marin but also not wanting Marin to go back into the closet when all she wanted was an open queer life… but still went for it anyway. I do wonder if she would have ever come out if she didn’t accidentally slip up with her dad and then if he didn’t accept the fact that she was queer.
I never really found out if Charlotte would choose Marin even when it got hard. So as a queer woman it didn’t end feeling like the “happy ending” that was intended.
All this to say that I think the book highlighted a common relationship we see in queer spaces, but not a great one. It felt like a young/early one, and that is ok! But I feel that if the ending shifted from “let’s get married” to “I am glad we had this and each other, but I think there is more out there for us” I would have really enjoyed this book.
I think Marin and Charlotte needed their relationship and their moment. But I think finishing it as a happily ever after did them a disservice.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but, as it went on, I got less interested until the emotional whiplash like the one that started this book.
Ember is perfect. I also recently got a black lab pup, and Ember was exactly like my dog.
I loved Marin's arc and related to her in a lot of ways. The chronic pain and PTSD rep felt really well done. In contrast, Charlotte annoyed me. She barely seemed to be looking into her mom's disappearance despite moving back for that purpose.
I liked seeing Audrey and Michelle from Learning Curves, though what they went through was rough to read.
This book is part lighthearted, part traumatic, and total gay discovery. Pay attention to Content Warnings!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but, as it went on, I got less interested until the emotional whiplash like the one that started this book.
Ember is perfect. I also recently got a black lab pup, and Ember was exactly like my dog.
I loved Marin's arc and related to her in a lot of ways. The chronic pain and PTSD rep felt really well done. In contrast, Charlotte annoyed me. She barely seemed to be looking into her mom's disappearance despite moving back for that purpose.
I liked seeing Audrey and Michelle from Learning Curves, though what they went through was rough to read.
This book is part lighthearted, part traumatic, and total gay discovery. Pay attention to Content Warnings!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
October 11, 2025
NetGalley provided this book to me as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. My first ARC!!!
This book was pretty cute, but there was a lot going on in it. I loved the characters and their growth, and their love story was very sweet. Charlotte and Marin each had their side stories going on as well, which were interesting and unique. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
That being said, this book was surprisingly intense. There were a couple of scenes that were intentionally shocking, but were much more in depth than I would have expected, given other aspects of the writing style. I wish I could say more about that, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Margin of Error was also pretty repetitive. By the end of the novel, I found myself starting to speed read because I often felt like I already knew the gist of what some of the paragraphs were going to say. Some of the repetition felt intentional, perhaps to drive certain points/characteristics home, but some other repetition felt more like the author hasn’t been sure where to put a section and therefore put it in multiple places.
Another thing that bugged me was the level of detail. With events and settings, the details were vivid and often beautiful, but then the dialogue had a distinct lack of detail. In fact, the dialogue felt pretty stiff to me in ways that didn’t feel like they fit the characters.
I’m ultimately glad I read this book as my first ARC. It was a quick, cute, and easy read. 3.75 stars, rounded up
This book was pretty cute, but there was a lot going on in it. I loved the characters and their growth, and their love story was very sweet. Charlotte and Marin each had their side stories going on as well, which were interesting and unique. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
That being said, this book was surprisingly intense. There were a couple of scenes that were intentionally shocking, but were much more in depth than I would have expected, given other aspects of the writing style. I wish I could say more about that, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Margin of Error was also pretty repetitive. By the end of the novel, I found myself starting to speed read because I often felt like I already knew the gist of what some of the paragraphs were going to say. Some of the repetition felt intentional, perhaps to drive certain points/characteristics home, but some other repetition felt more like the author hasn’t been sure where to put a section and therefore put it in multiple places.
Another thing that bugged me was the level of detail. With events and settings, the details were vivid and often beautiful, but then the dialogue had a distinct lack of detail. In fact, the dialogue felt pretty stiff to me in ways that didn’t feel like they fit the characters.
I’m ultimately glad I read this book as my first ARC. It was a quick, cute, and easy read. 3.75 stars, rounded up
December 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW !!!
4.5 STARS ⭐️
“You’re right that I’ve been running… hiding. I’m a total mess, but I want to be better.” “You can stop running now.”
❄️🐾🧣🚑☁️🏙️☕️🚨🏔️🪬📦🔑📊💼
I am so thankful that I received an ARC copy of Margin of Error and I am super grateful for Rachel Lacey for sending it my way!
Hopping into Marin & Charlotte’s story was really sweet. I must admit that this book was different from what I was expecting after reading Learning Curves. I wasn’t as invested in this love story as Learning Curves but it was still sweet. I love a good friends to lovers troupe and these two ladies are most certainly fated, written in the stars, destined to end up together. Reading Charlotte’s POV in the prologue had me so invested and I knew that we were in for a crazy ride.
“They smiled at each other, and that felt like a sign too. Of what, Charlotte wasn’t sure. But…Something.”
Trigger warning that should be addressed in Margin of Error - near death experience, PTSD, homophobia, internalized homophobia, traumatic accidents, and death/talk of death
In Margin of Error you have Charlotte Danton who just recently moved back to her hometown to solve the 30 year long mystery of her missing mother, reconnect with her father, and maybe find herself along the way. She is swearing off romance and partners after her last relationship with her boyfriend went up in flames. All of this came into place after watching someone die just 2 years ago and it changed her life… for the worse. Being back in Middleton she is remembering all of her bad memories and she just wants to keep them buried deep down but as she meets a new best friend, reconnects with people from her past, and is faced with some surprising truths she has to open MANY can of worms.
“New year, new Charlotte? The problem was, she’d tried out a “new Charlotte” so many times, she almost didn’t know who she was anymore.”
Marin Easterly is recently divorced, recently out as a lesbian, and recently employed at NU in Middleton she is starting over. She is finally living a life for herself at 47. She has waited over 20 years to be her true, authentic self. After a near death experience 2 years ago and a random blonde hair woman on the bus she chose to switch up her life and make a change. She is desperate for love, passion, and a life partner…with a woman. She wants to be open with who she is and stop letting her accident define her. She wants to adopt a puppy and find a wife and she is willing to do anything to make her dreams come true. But, she isn’t expecting to see the blonde haired woman in Middleton 2 years after this accident. She has to figure out how to keep those feelings quiet, just like she did for 20 years of her life.
“No more hiding. That's the promise I made myself when I left Andrew. I won’t apologize for who I am…”
Troupes - femme/femme, hurt/comfort, over 40’s, small town, new beginnings, coming out later in life, mystery, rescue puppy rep, one bed, friends to lovers
“If I’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s this: Not everything can be explained by statistical models, even when you account for the margin of error. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and believe in the unbelievable.”
4.5 STARS ⭐️
“You’re right that I’ve been running… hiding. I’m a total mess, but I want to be better.” “You can stop running now.”
❄️🐾🧣🚑☁️🏙️☕️🚨🏔️🪬📦🔑📊💼
I am so thankful that I received an ARC copy of Margin of Error and I am super grateful for Rachel Lacey for sending it my way!
Hopping into Marin & Charlotte’s story was really sweet. I must admit that this book was different from what I was expecting after reading Learning Curves. I wasn’t as invested in this love story as Learning Curves but it was still sweet. I love a good friends to lovers troupe and these two ladies are most certainly fated, written in the stars, destined to end up together. Reading Charlotte’s POV in the prologue had me so invested and I knew that we were in for a crazy ride.
“They smiled at each other, and that felt like a sign too. Of what, Charlotte wasn’t sure. But…Something.”
Trigger warning that should be addressed in Margin of Error - near death experience, PTSD, homophobia, internalized homophobia, traumatic accidents, and death/talk of death
In Margin of Error you have Charlotte Danton who just recently moved back to her hometown to solve the 30 year long mystery of her missing mother, reconnect with her father, and maybe find herself along the way. She is swearing off romance and partners after her last relationship with her boyfriend went up in flames. All of this came into place after watching someone die just 2 years ago and it changed her life… for the worse. Being back in Middleton she is remembering all of her bad memories and she just wants to keep them buried deep down but as she meets a new best friend, reconnects with people from her past, and is faced with some surprising truths she has to open MANY can of worms.
“New year, new Charlotte? The problem was, she’d tried out a “new Charlotte” so many times, she almost didn’t know who she was anymore.”
Marin Easterly is recently divorced, recently out as a lesbian, and recently employed at NU in Middleton she is starting over. She is finally living a life for herself at 47. She has waited over 20 years to be her true, authentic self. After a near death experience 2 years ago and a random blonde hair woman on the bus she chose to switch up her life and make a change. She is desperate for love, passion, and a life partner…with a woman. She wants to be open with who she is and stop letting her accident define her. She wants to adopt a puppy and find a wife and she is willing to do anything to make her dreams come true. But, she isn’t expecting to see the blonde haired woman in Middleton 2 years after this accident. She has to figure out how to keep those feelings quiet, just like she did for 20 years of her life.
“No more hiding. That's the promise I made myself when I left Andrew. I won’t apologize for who I am…”
Troupes - femme/femme, hurt/comfort, over 40’s, small town, new beginnings, coming out later in life, mystery, rescue puppy rep, one bed, friends to lovers
“If I’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s this: Not everything can be explained by statistical models, even when you account for the margin of error. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and believe in the unbelievable.”
November 23, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. It was like the warmest winter hug, but still had moments of mystery, intrigue, and angst. Rachel Lacey’s writing is top tier. You can just feel all the emotions on every page.
Charlotte and Marin both had so much character development throughout this story and it was a beautiful story to watch unfold. Now this was a sloooow burn. Even slower than Learning Curves, so it was a bit of torture, but it was SO worth it. The yearning, the restraint, the tension.. it was perfect.
And Ember! The most adorable little side character ever! I love how a pet can add so much emotion and happiness to a story! The emotional stability and support that Ember provided for Marin was so heartwarming and I just fell in love with that puppy right along with them.
This was a late in life coming out mixed with a bi/pan awakening and these two characters shared so many firsts together, but Rachel wrote it all in the best way with so much care and understanding between them. I devoured this book in 24 hours. I finished it at 2 AM and I have no regrets.
Charlotte and Marin both had so much character development throughout this story and it was a beautiful story to watch unfold. Now this was a sloooow burn. Even slower than Learning Curves, so it was a bit of torture, but it was SO worth it. The yearning, the restraint, the tension.. it was perfect.
And Ember! The most adorable little side character ever! I love how a pet can add so much emotion and happiness to a story! The emotional stability and support that Ember provided for Marin was so heartwarming and I just fell in love with that puppy right along with them.
This was a late in life coming out mixed with a bi/pan awakening and these two characters shared so many firsts together, but Rachel wrote it all in the best way with so much care and understanding between them. I devoured this book in 24 hours. I finished it at 2 AM and I have no regrets.
January 6, 2026
When I saw that this ARC was available on Netgalley as a Read Now book, I immediately had to grab it, even though I hadn’t read Learning Curves yet! I have to say that I don’t regret it at all, because I loved this book.
One aspect of the book that I appreciated a lot, is that both Marin and Charlotte realize that they are not straight later in life (in their 40s).. Throughout the book we get to see Marin’s firsts - her first date with a woman, her first kiss with one, as well as all the emotions that come with it. At the same time, we get to see Charlotte come to the realization that she has feelings for Marin. I can see how this book would really appeal to queer individuals who came out later in life, or are still closeted..
I loved how Charlotte and Marin met - it is one of the most unique meet-cutes that I have read in a book. Yet, while them meeting again does feel like fate, they do not fall instantly in love. Instead they develop a beautiful, yet intense friendship. One thing that I appreciated about their friendship is how Charlotte is so supportive of Marin as she deals with her chronic pain.
The final character that I cannot forget to mention is Ember! I grew up owning labradors, so when I saw that one of the MC’s adopts a labrador puppy, I was so excited. He’s so cute, and his antics bring a lot of levity to this story.
The reason why I removed .75 stars from my review is in relationship to the plotline of Charlotte’s mother’s disappearance. While we get to see Charlotte’s interaction’s with characters from her mother’s life, this plotline felt flat to me. This also contributed to the ending feeling a little rushed.
One aspect of the book that I appreciated a lot, is that both Marin and Charlotte realize that they are not straight later in life (in their 40s).. Throughout the book we get to see Marin’s firsts - her first date with a woman, her first kiss with one, as well as all the emotions that come with it. At the same time, we get to see Charlotte come to the realization that she has feelings for Marin. I can see how this book would really appeal to queer individuals who came out later in life, or are still closeted..
I loved how Charlotte and Marin met - it is one of the most unique meet-cutes that I have read in a book. Yet, while them meeting again does feel like fate, they do not fall instantly in love. Instead they develop a beautiful, yet intense friendship. One thing that I appreciated about their friendship is how Charlotte is so supportive of Marin as she deals with her chronic pain.
The final character that I cannot forget to mention is Ember! I grew up owning labradors, so when I saw that one of the MC’s adopts a labrador puppy, I was so excited. He’s so cute, and his antics bring a lot of levity to this story.
The reason why I removed .75 stars from my review is in relationship to the plotline of Charlotte’s mother’s disappearance. While we get to see Charlotte’s interaction’s with characters from her mother’s life, this plotline felt flat to me. This also contributed to the ending feeling a little rushed.
December 1, 2025
I want to start off by thanking Rachel Lacey and Netgalley for the eARC!
This is a good example of a book you should read when you want something that's short, easy, sweet and cute but still touch some heavier topics.
It's not one of my favourite books by Rachel Lacey but it was enjoyable. To me it felt like it tried to be a little too many things at the same time and a bit too fast paced for my taste.
What I did love about it though is that the characters are 40+ and both come out late in life which I think we need more representation of!
I looooove the appearances of Michelle and Audrey, they're my babies!!!
Overall I recommend this book if you want a short and cute fast paced story with two "older" sapphics.
This is a good example of a book you should read when you want something that's short, easy, sweet and cute but still touch some heavier topics.
It's not one of my favourite books by Rachel Lacey but it was enjoyable. To me it felt like it tried to be a little too many things at the same time and a bit too fast paced for my taste.
What I did love about it though is that the characters are 40+ and both come out late in life which I think we need more representation of!
I looooove the appearances of Michelle and Audrey, they're my babies!!!
Overall I recommend this book if you want a short and cute fast paced story with two "older" sapphics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I want to thank Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this book! I also gotta say that Quinn Riley did an incredible job bringing Marin and Charlotte to life!
From the prologue, this book had my full attention and pulled at all my heartstrings. I’m not gonna lie- I hadn’t really fully read the blurb, so what happened was kind of a shock to me, but in the absolutely best way (I would do it again 😂). These two had no clue that fateful day would lead them both to a town in Vermont where they unexpectedly reunited. UGH I love these two so much!
Marin coming out late in life after getting divorced and becoming comfortable being loud and proud about her s€xuality. She has waited oh so long to date women. To watch her take charge of her life, not only in her career pursuits, but also with how intentional she was about putting herself out in the dating field was 🤌🏻���️
Charlotte moved back to her hometown hoping to find answers about her mom and repair her relationship with her dad. What she didn’t expect was to run into the woman from a day that completely changed her life, and for that woman to flip her life upside down for a completely different reason.
I haven’t read many books with MCs in their 40s- Marin and Charlotte are two people who have already experienced so many things. They are both learning what it means to do what they want and let who they want into their lives simply because they want to, not because someone or society has told them too do so.
And OH MY GOD wittle Ember, the runt of the litter that claimed Marin from the first time they met. She literally was exactly what Marin needed and is deserves the best puppy of the year award.
This was by far my most favorite Rachel Lacey book to date!
From the prologue, this book had my full attention and pulled at all my heartstrings. I’m not gonna lie- I hadn’t really fully read the blurb, so what happened was kind of a shock to me, but in the absolutely best way (I would do it again 😂). These two had no clue that fateful day would lead them both to a town in Vermont where they unexpectedly reunited. UGH I love these two so much!
Marin coming out late in life after getting divorced and becoming comfortable being loud and proud about her s€xuality. She has waited oh so long to date women. To watch her take charge of her life, not only in her career pursuits, but also with how intentional she was about putting herself out in the dating field was 🤌🏻���️
Charlotte moved back to her hometown hoping to find answers about her mom and repair her relationship with her dad. What she didn’t expect was to run into the woman from a day that completely changed her life, and for that woman to flip her life upside down for a completely different reason.
I haven’t read many books with MCs in their 40s- Marin and Charlotte are two people who have already experienced so many things. They are both learning what it means to do what they want and let who they want into their lives simply because they want to, not because someone or society has told them too do so.
And OH MY GOD wittle Ember, the runt of the litter that claimed Marin from the first time they met. She literally was exactly what Marin needed and is deserves the best puppy of the year award.
This was by far my most favorite Rachel Lacey book to date!
November 2, 2025
Probably, because of my age and personal preferences (I definitely lean toward lighthearted, funny romcoms and I’m not a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope), I’m not exactly the ideal reader for "Margin of Error". Still, I really enjoyed the atmosphere: the wintry setting, the cozy vibes, and the tender romantic tone of the love story!
The plot focuses strongly on the theme of coming out, and at times it reaches some very emotional and even dramatic moments. It’s not a topic that personally resonates with me, but I truly appreciated how sensitively and respectfully the author handled it, especially in showing how complex and deeply felt family dynamics can become during such a vulnerable time.
I liked both main characters: they have wonderful chemistry, and I think many readers over forty will especially relate to their quiet moments of mutual support and gentle understanding. The subplot about Charlotte’s missing mother doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the main storyline, but it does help keep the pacing lively in parts where the narrative otherwise feels a bit too slow. (Because cozy vibes are great, but we probably don’t need to know every detail about Marin’s puppy’s bathroom schedule or Charlotte’s daily breakfast, right?)
That said, the first meeting between the two MCs is absolutely thrilling: fast-paced, full of energy, and genuinely memorable. I also loved the ending; it felt emotionally satisfying and left me with a smile!
If you enjoy sapphic romances by authors like Melissa Brayden, Alexandria Bellefleur, or Clare Lydon, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The plot focuses strongly on the theme of coming out, and at times it reaches some very emotional and even dramatic moments. It’s not a topic that personally resonates with me, but I truly appreciated how sensitively and respectfully the author handled it, especially in showing how complex and deeply felt family dynamics can become during such a vulnerable time.
I liked both main characters: they have wonderful chemistry, and I think many readers over forty will especially relate to their quiet moments of mutual support and gentle understanding. The subplot about Charlotte’s missing mother doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the main storyline, but it does help keep the pacing lively in parts where the narrative otherwise feels a bit too slow. (Because cozy vibes are great, but we probably don’t need to know every detail about Marin’s puppy’s bathroom schedule or Charlotte’s daily breakfast, right?)
That said, the first meeting between the two MCs is absolutely thrilling: fast-paced, full of energy, and genuinely memorable. I also loved the ending; it felt emotionally satisfying and left me with a smile!
If you enjoy sapphic romances by authors like Melissa Brayden, Alexandria Bellefleur, or Clare Lydon, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
December 7, 2025
Sapphic romances with mature leads are often a pleasure to read. For someone who is still young, reading about women who start over or discover themself despite being considered too old to do so (according to old society beliefs) is a source of joy and reassurance. Margin of Error perfectly reflects these experiences.
I found Marin and Charlotte’s first meeting memorable, and I enjoyed Charlotte’s approach to astrology. To follow Marin in her journey was such a pleasure; I found myself rooting for her each time she reached a new milestone.
Charlotte’s quest for answers was a hard one, and I liked how it conflicted with her discovering the nature of her feelings for Marin. I have to admit that I got a bit mad at her.
Ember made me swoon so much. She seemed so cute and sweet. The way she helped Marin warmed my heart.
It’s always cool to see characters from previous books, so I was happy to get some news from Audrey and Michelle, even if… well. You will have to read it to know.
Rachel Lacey keeps making me want to go to Vermont. The descriptions make me want to travel there without all the complications that come with going to the U.S.
Margin of Error is a great winter read if you’re looking for a story about starting over and finding love at an older age.
I found Marin and Charlotte’s first meeting memorable, and I enjoyed Charlotte’s approach to astrology. To follow Marin in her journey was such a pleasure; I found myself rooting for her each time she reached a new milestone.
Charlotte’s quest for answers was a hard one, and I liked how it conflicted with her discovering the nature of her feelings for Marin. I have to admit that I got a bit mad at her.
Ember made me swoon so much. She seemed so cute and sweet. The way she helped Marin warmed my heart.
It’s always cool to see characters from previous books, so I was happy to get some news from Audrey and Michelle, even if… well. You will have to read it to know.
Rachel Lacey keeps making me want to go to Vermont. The descriptions make me want to travel there without all the complications that come with going to the U.S.
Margin of Error is a great winter read if you’re looking for a story about starting over and finding love at an older age.
January 20, 2026
• ARC/ALC REVIEW •
Margin of Error x Rachel Lacey
Out: 2/3/26
Spice Level: 🔥🔥
Version: 📖/🎧
Listen, I am no stranger to Rachel Lacey’s books — but I am always blown away by her writing! Her blend of sapphic yearning, drama, and character development has me constantly in awe! I was not only lucky enough to receive a physical ARC of MoE but also an ALC — narrated by the incredibly talented Quinn Riley and goodness do I feel spoiled!
I am an avid “hybrid” reader, so switching back and forth between listening and reading was such a treat. I got to hear the characters brought to life beautifully, so I would absolutely recommend either version if you prefer listening via audio to reading with your eyeballs!
My jaw was on the floor for the prologue and first couple of chapters — I immediately told my wife about it and she was sitting on the edge of her seat! Her first comment was “omg that needs to be a movie, I would absolutely watch that— let me know what happens!” The mystery aspect was such a nice touch, it kept me guessing the different outcomes until I reached the ending!
It was great to revisit the MCs from Learning Curves and the added aspect of the puppy! It’s clear to me that Rachel Lacey never misses; if she writes it — I’m reading it! A beautiful romance, filled with drama, mystery, and steam! Don’t miss this one!
Margin of Error x Rachel Lacey
Out: 2/3/26
Spice Level: 🔥🔥
Version: 📖/🎧
Listen, I am no stranger to Rachel Lacey’s books — but I am always blown away by her writing! Her blend of sapphic yearning, drama, and character development has me constantly in awe! I was not only lucky enough to receive a physical ARC of MoE but also an ALC — narrated by the incredibly talented Quinn Riley and goodness do I feel spoiled!
I am an avid “hybrid” reader, so switching back and forth between listening and reading was such a treat. I got to hear the characters brought to life beautifully, so I would absolutely recommend either version if you prefer listening via audio to reading with your eyeballs!
My jaw was on the floor for the prologue and first couple of chapters — I immediately told my wife about it and she was sitting on the edge of her seat! Her first comment was “omg that needs to be a movie, I would absolutely watch that— let me know what happens!” The mystery aspect was such a nice touch, it kept me guessing the different outcomes until I reached the ending!
It was great to revisit the MCs from Learning Curves and the added aspect of the puppy! It’s clear to me that Rachel Lacey never misses; if she writes it — I’m reading it! A beautiful romance, filled with drama, mystery, and steam! Don’t miss this one!
November 2, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 How many times in your life have you muttered the phrase, “What are the chances?” While you most likely do not know the probability, Marin is a statistic girl through and through but a near death experience has her risking it all for a second chance at her authentic life. Two years after an accident in Manhattan, she revamps her entire life in rural Vermont and starts afresh as a lesbian college professor.
What are the chances she comes face to face with the woman whose face was the last one she saw before nearly crossing over for good? For book stats, we’ll just say very unlikely. As Marin and Charlotte bond over their shared experience and get to know each other, their connection grows in an unexpected way that surprises both of them in the most beautiful fashion. Margin of Error is the cutest, not-at-all nerdy sapphic romance imaginable!
📖 Book Review 📖 How many times in your life have you muttered the phrase, “What are the chances?” While you most likely do not know the probability, Marin is a statistic girl through and through but a near death experience has her risking it all for a second chance at her authentic life. Two years after an accident in Manhattan, she revamps her entire life in rural Vermont and starts afresh as a lesbian college professor.
What are the chances she comes face to face with the woman whose face was the last one she saw before nearly crossing over for good? For book stats, we’ll just say very unlikely. As Marin and Charlotte bond over their shared experience and get to know each other, their connection grows in an unexpected way that surprises both of them in the most beautiful fashion. Margin of Error is the cutest, not-at-all nerdy sapphic romance imaginable!
February 5, 2026
I’m a fan of Rachel Lacey’s stories and Margin of Error is no different. I really enjoyed the fate/invisible string romance plot and I also enjoyed that it’s a bit later in life women discovering and exploring their queerness.
The prologue was shocking for me. I thought we had been tricked by presenting a different person as an initial love interest and immediately losing them and how that can affect someone who only knows loss. I liked the disappearance subplot and the resolution broke my heart.
My only hang up was that, when they got together everything moved quite quickly but also with some hesitance as to how public they were ready to be. It felt a bit confusing and I wasn’t sure if they were compatible in regard to being ready for a relationship.
Thank you to Rachel Lacey, Montlake and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
Rated 4.5 stars
The prologue was shocking for me. I thought we had been tricked by presenting a different person as an initial love interest and immediately losing them and how that can affect someone who only knows loss. I liked the disappearance subplot and the resolution broke my heart.
My only hang up was that, when they got together everything moved quite quickly but also with some hesitance as to how public they were ready to be. It felt a bit confusing and I wasn’t sure if they were compatible in regard to being ready for a relationship.
Thank you to Rachel Lacey, Montlake and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
Rated 4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this story. We have Marin and Charlotte who are both in their 4os which I absolutely loved about characters who are a bit older than I typically see in romance novels. They are both starting over after a traumatic event that happened to Marin causes them to reexamin their lives. It was very beautiful to watch Marin be able to be out for the first time and be so happy. She was making decisions for herself and I loved seeing that. It was also cool to see Charlotte and Marin's friendship grow authentically and become something more over time.
I did feel like their were moments were the story felt a bit disjointed with the mystery aspect involving Charlotte's mom.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I think you will too especially if you like sapphic love stories and cute puppies!
I did feel like their were moments were the story felt a bit disjointed with the mystery aspect involving Charlotte's mom.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I think you will too especially if you like sapphic love stories and cute puppies!
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