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Can We Skip to the Good Part?
Ella Baker is tired of being an afterthought in her own life. First, her fiancé dumps her six days before the wedding. Then her family jets off on a world tour—without her. And just when she thinks it can’t get worse, her longtime employer forgets to lay her off...That is, until now. It’s time for a reinvention, starting with something totally out of joining a book club. Thank God for her best friend, Rachel, who’s always there with popcorn and wine. But when a kiss from a smart, gorgeous, and maddeningly irresistible book club member leaves Ella breathless, she’s stunned to learn the woman who just turned her world upside down is the very ex who broke Rachel’s heart.
Max Wyler doesn’t believe in forever. As a divorce mediator, she’s built a career on helping people walk away amicably. The book club is just an escape—until new member Ella Baker arrives, all sunshine and sass, making Max question everything she thought she knew about love. There’s just one Ella’s best friend is Max’s worst mistake. Which means those pretty blue eyes? Completely off-limits.
Or at least, they should be.
Max Wyler doesn’t believe in forever. As a divorce mediator, she’s built a career on helping people walk away amicably. The book club is just an escape—until new member Ella Baker arrives, all sunshine and sass, making Max question everything she thought she knew about love. There’s just one Ella’s best friend is Max’s worst mistake. Which means those pretty blue eyes? Completely off-limits.
Or at least, they should be.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
587 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,744 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 16, 2025
Ohhh, I enjoyed this book! Two strong, independent women, a queer book club, incredible chemistry, and a touch of the forbidden... I mean, hello??? What a great combination! I have to admit, this was my first book by Melissa Brayden, and after reading it, I really wonder how that could have happened.
The two main characters, Ella and Max, were simply wonderful. I liked that both women had baggage and didn't have it easy with their families. Max, in particular, had some great character development. Since it was initially a forbidden romance, as Max was the ex of Ella's best friend, I was a little biased as a reader at first. But after a few chapters, I couldn't help but like Max. Ella was a hopeful romantic who fights for love and has unfortunately been through so much crap. The two couldn't be more different, but that's usually what works well, right? In this book, it definitely led to a great attraction and the two women couldn't keep their hands off each other. Towards the end, the plot lost me a little. I found the third act breakup a bit far-fetched after Max and Ella had already been through so much. That was a bit of a shame, as I liked the plot so much.
I had a bit of trouble with Ella's best friend, Rachel. I couldn't quite figure out her character. On the one hand, she was so supportive of Ella, and on the other hand, she was so overly hostile toward Max.
My absolute highlight in this book was definitely the queer book club. I'm jealous, and I want one too! This community was just wholesome and beautiful. It wasn't just about discussing a different book every week, it was about so much more. I always looked forward to Tuesday when Ella and Max visited the book club.
Oh, and I loved the mention of “The L Word” and the characters from the series that I know so well. That was great and made me laugh.
A great book with surprises and minor flaws, but I still enjoyed it and can definitely recommend it.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for ARC.
The two main characters, Ella and Max, were simply wonderful. I liked that both women had baggage and didn't have it easy with their families. Max, in particular, had some great character development. Since it was initially a forbidden romance, as Max was the ex of Ella's best friend, I was a little biased as a reader at first. But after a few chapters, I couldn't help but like Max. Ella was a hopeful romantic who fights for love and has unfortunately been through so much crap. The two couldn't be more different, but that's usually what works well, right? In this book, it definitely led to a great attraction and the two women couldn't keep their hands off each other. Towards the end, the plot lost me a little. I found the third act breakup a bit far-fetched after Max and Ella had already been through so much. That was a bit of a shame, as I liked the plot so much.
I had a bit of trouble with Ella's best friend, Rachel. I couldn't quite figure out her character. On the one hand, she was so supportive of Ella, and on the other hand, she was so overly hostile toward Max.
My absolute highlight in this book was definitely the queer book club. I'm jealous, and I want one too! This community was just wholesome and beautiful. It wasn't just about discussing a different book every week, it was about so much more. I always looked forward to Tuesday when Ella and Max visited the book club.
Oh, and I loved the mention of “The L Word” and the characters from the series that I know so well. That was great and made me laugh.
A great book with surprises and minor flaws, but I still enjoyed it and can definitely recommend it.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for ARC.
September 29, 2025
Loved it. Melissa Brayden seems to have a range of quality in their novels (in my opinion) and this one was in the upper end of the range, to my delight. It isn’t taking my top spot, but it gets 5-stars. This had everything I like in a Brayden novel; big emotions, multiple layers of plot and character that made the novel feel real and full, a storyline that continues after the easy endpoint. Great novel!
Rating: A / 5-Stars
Highlights:
-This book didn’t linger or drag anything out longer than needed. I was SO happy that they didn’t delay the reveal that the love interest was the best friends ex, but instead got it out of the way and allowed the plot to move forward. This is a signature move I have noticed in all my favorite Brayden novels.
-This novel went in unexpected directions a few times which I always greatly appreciate. It didn’t follow the clear path that I expected. For example, the relationship between Rachel and Max wasn’t what I expected (honestly most things about Rachel!).
-Grapes. Soooooo sweet. Simple yet effective.
-The chemistry and banter between the protagonists. I felt the chemistry, and loved it. Too many novels miss this element; this was show and not tell.
-Doug! I love that man.
-This novel featured one of my favorite fundraisers.
-Some truly heartwarming moments in this novel. Not just romantic, but the friendship vibes hit just perfectly.
-The book didn’t end when the protagonists got together. THANK YOU! The first kiss is NOT the end of a love story.
-The timeline was solid; long enough that I can truly believe the feelings that developed. It felt organic and not forced.
-Some surprisingly great mother-daughter scenes/moments/feelings/developments. As I said; this is a very “full” novel and I love it for that.
-The side romance! Ahhhhhh. Love it. Unexpected and delightful.
Complaints (minor veiled spoilers):
-Some very minor continuity errors (so minor I’m not sure that they were even mistakes and that I wasn’t the one wrong).
-The drama, when it showed up, was kind of annoying and underwhelming. Not terrible, but…. eh…
-A few missed opportunities where scenes could have been more fun. The reveal that she was interested in her friends Ex for example could have been a lot more juicy and fun. Not a big deal but there were a few little disappointments like that for me.
-How did we not get any resolution with “certain family members” (I’m clumsy at avoiding spoilers, so sue me)? It was definitely relevant to the plot and to the associated protagonist’s character, yet this plotline just fizzled out without any kind of resolution. I wanted and expected either something warm and fuzzy or bad and dramatic!
-In the first few pages the protagonist is fired and it’s revealed their manager didn’t realize how important and productive she was. This set us up for some sort of satisfying karma later on; hearing news that the company is struggling or regretting it, maybe they ask her to come back and she says no, or something else. We never got this moment! This is fine, it’s a minor detail, but I was waiting for it and felt like it was missing; setup with no payoff.
-Overall (the above two points included) I felt like the “she is overlooked and forgotten” aspect never went anywhere. It was brought up many times, was the starting point of the novel, and was in the blurb(!!), but it never got a resolution or went anywhere I found satisfying. This was a weak point in their character development (like WHY did the fiancée dump her?).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Rating: A / 5-Stars
Highlights:
-This book didn’t linger or drag anything out longer than needed. I was SO happy that they didn’t delay the reveal that the love interest was the best friends ex, but instead got it out of the way and allowed the plot to move forward. This is a signature move I have noticed in all my favorite Brayden novels.
-This novel went in unexpected directions a few times which I always greatly appreciate. It didn’t follow the clear path that I expected. For example, the relationship between Rachel and Max wasn’t what I expected (honestly most things about Rachel!).
-Grapes. Soooooo sweet. Simple yet effective.
-The chemistry and banter between the protagonists. I felt the chemistry, and loved it. Too many novels miss this element; this was show and not tell.
-Doug! I love that man.
-This novel featured one of my favorite fundraisers.
-Some truly heartwarming moments in this novel. Not just romantic, but the friendship vibes hit just perfectly.
-The book didn’t end when the protagonists got together. THANK YOU! The first kiss is NOT the end of a love story.
-The timeline was solid; long enough that I can truly believe the feelings that developed. It felt organic and not forced.
-Some surprisingly great mother-daughter scenes/moments/feelings/developments. As I said; this is a very “full” novel and I love it for that.
-The side romance! Ahhhhhh. Love it. Unexpected and delightful.
Complaints (minor veiled spoilers):
-Some very minor continuity errors (so minor I’m not sure that they were even mistakes and that I wasn’t the one wrong).
-The drama, when it showed up, was kind of annoying and underwhelming. Not terrible, but…. eh…
-A few missed opportunities where scenes could have been more fun. The reveal that she was interested in her friends Ex for example could have been a lot more juicy and fun. Not a big deal but there were a few little disappointments like that for me.
-How did we not get any resolution with “certain family members” (I’m clumsy at avoiding spoilers, so sue me)? It was definitely relevant to the plot and to the associated protagonist’s character, yet this plotline just fizzled out without any kind of resolution. I wanted and expected either something warm and fuzzy or bad and dramatic!
-In the first few pages the protagonist is fired and it’s revealed their manager didn’t realize how important and productive she was. This set us up for some sort of satisfying karma later on; hearing news that the company is struggling or regretting it, maybe they ask her to come back and she says no, or something else. We never got this moment! This is fine, it’s a minor detail, but I was waiting for it and felt like it was missing; setup with no payoff.
-Overall (the above two points included) I felt like the “she is overlooked and forgotten” aspect never went anywhere. It was brought up many times, was the starting point of the novel, and was in the blurb(!!), but it never got a resolution or went anywhere I found satisfying. This was a weak point in their character development (like WHY did the fiancée dump her?).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
4.5 Stars⭐️ Rounded Up
When I saw Melissa Brayden’s name, and without even reading synopsis, I knew I needed the ARC. I’ve read a few of her books before and have never been disappointed, this one kept up with the expectations and then some.
The story starts with Ella losing her job and makes a quick and big decision to move to Virginia where her best friend lives. Although unemployed, she tries to look at the positives of moving to a new town and ends up finding a cute little book club to join (it makes me want a book club with friends so bad😭)
I loved that every book they read in the book club kind of applied to what was actually going on in the book at the time.
At the book club she meets Max, and an instant connection erupts. But there’s one problem, this same Max Ella feels instantly connected to is none other than her best friend’s ex.
Throughout the story I could see both sides, Rachel’s and Ella’s, and I kept having a hard time picking sides because it was such a complicated situation with wanting Ella to be with Max but also understanding where Rachel was coming from, so I told myself to stay neutral like Switzerland.
There were so many side characters that I want to have their own love story in a book, because I adored everyone.
There were enough issues to arise throughout the book that kept my attention but not to the point where I felt like something was going wrong every chapter. There were so many wholesome moments, especially with Max’s mom realizing her mistakes and having a heart to heart with Max, it was so heartfelt.
When I got to the last pages I didn’t want to finish, and even told my wife that I just wanted it to keep going. But the ending is LITERALLY what I needed and more. It was a perfect ending and made my heart want to pound out of my chest because I felt the love radiating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Brayden for the ARC!
When I saw Melissa Brayden’s name, and without even reading synopsis, I knew I needed the ARC. I’ve read a few of her books before and have never been disappointed, this one kept up with the expectations and then some.
The story starts with Ella losing her job and makes a quick and big decision to move to Virginia where her best friend lives. Although unemployed, she tries to look at the positives of moving to a new town and ends up finding a cute little book club to join (it makes me want a book club with friends so bad😭)
I loved that every book they read in the book club kind of applied to what was actually going on in the book at the time.
At the book club she meets Max, and an instant connection erupts. But there’s one problem, this same Max Ella feels instantly connected to is none other than her best friend’s ex.
Throughout the story I could see both sides, Rachel’s and Ella’s, and I kept having a hard time picking sides because it was such a complicated situation with wanting Ella to be with Max but also understanding where Rachel was coming from, so I told myself to stay neutral like Switzerland.
There were so many side characters that I want to have their own love story in a book, because I adored everyone.
There were enough issues to arise throughout the book that kept my attention but not to the point where I felt like something was going wrong every chapter. There were so many wholesome moments, especially with Max’s mom realizing her mistakes and having a heart to heart with Max, it was so heartfelt.
When I got to the last pages I didn’t want to finish, and even told my wife that I just wanted it to keep going. But the ending is LITERALLY what I needed and more. It was a perfect ending and made my heart want to pound out of my chest because I felt the love radiating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Brayden for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Can We Skip to the Good Part is Melissa Brayden’s first self-published romance, and she knocked it out of the park. It felt freer somehow. Reading Ella and Max’s story was a delight.
The sex scenes were long and unhurried and some of the better ones I’ve ever read, and I say this as both an author and avid reader of sapphic romance for years.
I loved how steadfast Max was, as well as how realistic the conflict was. Nothing seemed forced or added for tension. The feeling Ella had that she wasn’t important to the people in her life stemmed from real experiences, and Max’s own issues were completely understandable.
I loved how they communicated and weren’t petty.
And Doug's bookstore and the community feel were perfect. The meta commentary on the romances read in the Weepers book club was a great compliment to the unfolding love story of Max and Ella.
Truly, such a great book.
The sex scenes were long and unhurried and some of the better ones I’ve ever read, and I say this as both an author and avid reader of sapphic romance for years.
I loved how steadfast Max was, as well as how realistic the conflict was. Nothing seemed forced or added for tension. The feeling Ella had that she wasn’t important to the people in her life stemmed from real experiences, and Max’s own issues were completely understandable.
I loved how they communicated and weren’t petty.
And Doug's bookstore and the community feel were perfect. The meta commentary on the romances read in the Weepers book club was a great compliment to the unfolding love story of Max and Ella.
Truly, such a great book.
September 15, 2025
Ah! Okay, calm down. I was excited to get my hands on this book after reading the blurb and also because Brayden is one of my favorites. I’ve read romances where the POV was told by the character who was betrayed by the best friend, but never one where the POV was told by the ex and the best friend. Normally, I wouldn’t touch a book that even hints towards betrayal with a ten-foot pole, but it’s a Brayden book, and so I gave in. I had reservations about how I was going to find the protagonists likable, let alone root for them as a couple, but I didn’t have to worry about it for long.
The pace in the beginning was a bit faster than I would’ve liked. One of my favorite parts of romances happened quickly, and it felt anticlimactic to me, but that's a me thing. After that, all of my favorite things happened, so it wasn’t so bad! As the story progressed, I fell a bit in love with Max and Ella. When it came to romance, Max was a cynic and her job as a divorce mediator didn't exactly help her views on that front. Ella had insecurities and self-doubts in her personal as well as professional life. Where Ella was insecure, Max was confident and always there to remind Ella how awesome she was. I loved that Ella had a support system in her found family and not just in Max. The members of the club had endless banter and such love for each other that it made me so happy. I had mixed feelings about Rachel (the best friend) but I was pleased with her growth. The way my jaw dropped at a certain relationship reveal…
Overall, the book touched on many topics that could never be talked about enough. From insecurities, found families, complicated relationships, and stressful family dynamics to finding love in the person you least expect. There’s no skipping to the good part in this book because calling it good would be an understatement. I recommend giving this one a read!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
The pace in the beginning was a bit faster than I would’ve liked. One of my favorite parts of romances happened quickly, and it felt anticlimactic to me, but that's a me thing. After that, all of my favorite things happened, so it wasn’t so bad! As the story progressed, I fell a bit in love with Max and Ella. When it came to romance, Max was a cynic and her job as a divorce mediator didn't exactly help her views on that front. Ella had insecurities and self-doubts in her personal as well as professional life. Where Ella was insecure, Max was confident and always there to remind Ella how awesome she was. I loved that Ella had a support system in her found family and not just in Max. The members of the club had endless banter and such love for each other that it made me so happy. I had mixed feelings about Rachel (the best friend) but I was pleased with her growth. The way my jaw dropped at a certain relationship reveal…
Overall, the book touched on many topics that could never be talked about enough. From insecurities, found families, complicated relationships, and stressful family dynamics to finding love in the person you least expect. There’s no skipping to the good part in this book because calling it good would be an understatement. I recommend giving this one a read!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
October 31, 2025
ADORABLE!! This is definitely one of my favorite Melissa Brayden reads. I related a lot to Ella’s feelings of unworthiness, and what can I say…Max is quite literally my dream woman ❤️🔥! Max and Ella’s love is sickeningly tender and sweet and I absolutely ate it UP. I adored the sapphic book club: I want to join so badly and I need another book featuring some of the members…👀. ALSO, as a line dancing/country music lover, I greatly appreciated the line dancing scene. I want to go to that silly gay safari/country bar every week (and dance with Max)!!!
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been reading a few chapters every night before bed for the last few weeks and lets just say: it was definitely my favourite part of the day!
I loved every single character in this novel. What I loved most was that each character had some kind of development in their own story. They were never just empty characters. I was able to understand the main characters well, build a connection with them, and understand their thoughts.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc! <3 I left this review voluntarily.
I have been reading a few chapters every night before bed for the last few weeks and lets just say: it was definitely my favourite part of the day!
I loved every single character in this novel. What I loved most was that each character had some kind of development in their own story. They were never just empty characters. I was able to understand the main characters well, build a connection with them, and understand their thoughts.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc! <3 I left this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2025
I’ve had a difficult relationship with Melissa Brayden’s books. I liked her earlier stuff but her most recent outings have not been good to me. A bunch of DNFs because I just did not like the characters. This one was great. I’m gonna go with 4.5 stars for this.
The chemistry between Max and Ella was just perfect. I’m taking a half star away because I didn’t feel like Ella got to have her character arc completed fully. There were people she needed to stand up to besides Max. It was super creative how the book club books followed the characters in the story. I’ve give my left kidney to find a book club like the Weepers. The found family in this was wonderful. Rachel didn’t grow on me, but I feel like this is gonna end up being a series, so maybe we’ll get to see her side of things later. I dunno, I’m just guessing.
Max was amazing. Her grumpy to Ella’s sunshine was the right balance that made them a great couple. Her character arc was just *mwah*. She owned her shit and grew from her mistakes. I love it when that happens.
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of spice in this one. I definitely was pleased the amount of spicy times, even if Melissa’s stuff isn’t as explicit as other authors. It was sweet and sexy and a great variety that totally fit the characters. I’ll definitely read this one again and I know Quinn Riley is narrating this one and I’ll definitely be listening.
The chemistry between Max and Ella was just perfect. I’m taking a half star away because I didn’t feel like Ella got to have her character arc completed fully. There were people she needed to stand up to besides Max. It was super creative how the book club books followed the characters in the story. I’ve give my left kidney to find a book club like the Weepers. The found family in this was wonderful. Rachel didn’t grow on me, but I feel like this is gonna end up being a series, so maybe we’ll get to see her side of things later. I dunno, I’m just guessing.
Max was amazing. Her grumpy to Ella’s sunshine was the right balance that made them a great couple. Her character arc was just *mwah*. She owned her shit and grew from her mistakes. I love it when that happens.
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of spice in this one. I definitely was pleased the amount of spicy times, even if Melissa’s stuff isn’t as explicit as other authors. It was sweet and sexy and a great variety that totally fit the characters. I’ll definitely read this one again and I know Quinn Riley is narrating this one and I’ll definitely be listening.
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this one. Both MCs were very likable.Max’s ex was a total pain. What a trouble maker, super needy and self centered.
September 18, 2025
4.25 stars 2.5🌶
Falling for best friends, ex, usually that goes against the loyalty code. So what you do when you're falling for them and find out their identity at a later date. Ella's connection with Max is so well written that you can't help but root for them even if it will hurt Rachel. Although should you let another person's perception skew yours? the trick to this triangle is the genuine feelings between the main characters. Ella's current upheaval of getting fired and moving across the country to get a new start in Virginia with her best friend Rachel.
Hats off to the author for crafting such a well-done story. the side characters in here are also top-notch. They enhance and unfurl into their own evolution. that will have you laughing and crying, possibly at the same time. You'll be in search of your own Weepers book club afterward.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
Falling for best friends, ex, usually that goes against the loyalty code. So what you do when you're falling for them and find out their identity at a later date. Ella's connection with Max is so well written that you can't help but root for them even if it will hurt Rachel. Although should you let another person's perception skew yours? the trick to this triangle is the genuine feelings between the main characters. Ella's current upheaval of getting fired and moving across the country to get a new start in Virginia with her best friend Rachel.
Hats off to the author for crafting such a well-done story. the side characters in here are also top-notch. They enhance and unfurl into their own evolution. that will have you laughing and crying, possibly at the same time. You'll be in search of your own Weepers book club afterward.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Can We Skip to The Good Part is witty and millennial humor gold! Five stars, hands down. I found myself identifying with Ella a lot in terms of not feeling like enough. I loved both MCs and loved all the side characters, who honestly could all get their own little spinoff and I’d read it. I even warmed up to Rachel and to Max’s mom. The character arc for both of them was realistic and wonderful. I’ll keep it at that because I don’t want to spoil anything.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book due to the trope of “dating the best friend’s ex”. I’m a girls’ girl and believe in girl code. However, Melissa did a great job navigating the trope. It didnt make me feel too icky about the situation and I appreciate. It helped that I didn’t particularly like Rachel in the beginning, but like I said, her character arc was realistic and worth it in the end.
The chemistry between Max and Ella was cute and I loved the back and forth they could engage in, not only at the book club but in real life scenarios as well. I know the author classifies the novel as a slow burn or at least one of her insta posts does, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as that. They get together toward the end of the beginning of the book if that makes sense.
I was so surprised at another couple that came together due to the book club, but I absolutely loved their pairing. Like I said earlier, any of the side characters could get a story of their own and I’d read it. Even one with Doug, who I assume to be straight and I don’t read straight romance, so that’s saying a lot.
The way the author portrayed the complicated family dynamics of both the MCs was stellar. It was cool to see the difference between their relationships with their immediate families but also seeing how it affected both of them. While both MCs had families that obviously loved them, the dynamics were well written and realistic. I could feel each of their frustrations and sadness because I found myself being frustrated and sad for them.
There were so many good quotes that I want to share, but can’t right now due to it being the ARC. It’s definitely going to be a reread and I’ll definitely have to get the physical copy as well as the kindle version so I can share all the quotes.
It was also clever and cute the way the author used the book club and aspects of romance books throughout to contrast or compare what was going on in Can We Skip to the Good Part. I love when authors do this.
I don’t know how I went so long without reading a Melissa Brayden book, but it definitely won’t be my last!
I’ll leave you with the words of a character in the book named Ariana, “Five stars! A definite reread!”
Can We Skip to The Good Part is witty and millennial humor gold! Five stars, hands down. I found myself identifying with Ella a lot in terms of not feeling like enough. I loved both MCs and loved all the side characters, who honestly could all get their own little spinoff and I’d read it. I even warmed up to Rachel and to Max’s mom. The character arc for both of them was realistic and wonderful. I’ll keep it at that because I don’t want to spoil anything.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book due to the trope of “dating the best friend’s ex”. I’m a girls’ girl and believe in girl code. However, Melissa did a great job navigating the trope. It didnt make me feel too icky about the situation and I appreciate. It helped that I didn’t particularly like Rachel in the beginning, but like I said, her character arc was realistic and worth it in the end.
The chemistry between Max and Ella was cute and I loved the back and forth they could engage in, not only at the book club but in real life scenarios as well. I know the author classifies the novel as a slow burn or at least one of her insta posts does, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as that. They get together toward the end of the beginning of the book if that makes sense.
I was so surprised at another couple that came together due to the book club, but I absolutely loved their pairing. Like I said earlier, any of the side characters could get a story of their own and I’d read it. Even one with Doug, who I assume to be straight and I don’t read straight romance, so that’s saying a lot.
The way the author portrayed the complicated family dynamics of both the MCs was stellar. It was cool to see the difference between their relationships with their immediate families but also seeing how it affected both of them. While both MCs had families that obviously loved them, the dynamics were well written and realistic. I could feel each of their frustrations and sadness because I found myself being frustrated and sad for them.
There were so many good quotes that I want to share, but can’t right now due to it being the ARC. It’s definitely going to be a reread and I’ll definitely have to get the physical copy as well as the kindle version so I can share all the quotes.
It was also clever and cute the way the author used the book club and aspects of romance books throughout to contrast or compare what was going on in Can We Skip to the Good Part. I love when authors do this.
I don’t know how I went so long without reading a Melissa Brayden book, but it definitely won’t be my last!
I’ll leave you with the words of a character in the book named Ariana, “Five stars! A definite reread!”
October 1, 2025
I loved the setup of Can We Skip to the Good Part? Best friend Rachel’s ex is the girl, Max, that Ella falls for. And all as Ella has to upend her life and make wholesale changes, including moving in with Rachel. I immediately liked Ella a lot. And Max too, although she is far more reticent and a bit of skeptic at times. But her calm demeanor made for a super dynamic between the girls. Melissa Brayden has done an excellent job here giving her MCs traits that are in some aspects opposite but their values that very much align. And the chemistry that sparkles and crackles as the story progresses!
I’m in two minds as to how much I enjoyed the obvious allegory played out regarding real life and romance novels. Tropes are discussed, fine, but then I found myself waiting to see if the author was going to use—and if so, how—or avoid said trope. Which took me out of the narrative somewhat at times. Clever, yes; engaging, not always—although the excellent exception is the climax.
Other readers might love this though. And they’ll certainly enjoy the cleverness at the end after what was actually a well-constructed 3rd act reversal. The difficulties between Rachel and Ella start well, but then much of it is left off-page. There is a reason for that, I suspect: I’m betting Ms. Brayden’s next book features Rachel as lead. Much is hinted here, and some apparently presented, but what happens off page in this story is likely because it’ll be covered in the next one. If that’s the case, we’ll get a neat two-sided coin.
This might be a little long. But if you find it slows a smidge around 40-60%, hang in there because when it picks up it races off to a brilliant, truly heartwarming conclusion :).
Thank you to the author and the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to skip happily through this arc.
I’m in two minds as to how much I enjoyed the obvious allegory played out regarding real life and romance novels. Tropes are discussed, fine, but then I found myself waiting to see if the author was going to use—and if so, how—or avoid said trope. Which took me out of the narrative somewhat at times. Clever, yes; engaging, not always—although the excellent exception is the climax.
Other readers might love this though. And they’ll certainly enjoy the cleverness at the end after what was actually a well-constructed 3rd act reversal. The difficulties between Rachel and Ella start well, but then much of it is left off-page. There is a reason for that, I suspect: I’m betting Ms. Brayden’s next book features Rachel as lead. Much is hinted here, and some apparently presented, but what happens off page in this story is likely because it’ll be covered in the next one. If that’s the case, we’ll get a neat two-sided coin.
This might be a little long. But if you find it slows a smidge around 40-60%, hang in there because when it picks up it races off to a brilliant, truly heartwarming conclusion :).
Thank you to the author and the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to skip happily through this arc.
November 11, 2025
If someone had given me this book with the author name hidden, I never would have guessed it was written by Melissa Brayden.
I’ve always enjoyed Brayden’s books for their lighter fare. Desserts, I would call them. Feel-good stories, lots of witty banter… flirty friend-filled beach reads.
But this, her first indie release, (and I hope this is the first of many!) shows more of her range. The read was deeper, richer, fuller, (much) sexier… and wonderfully romantic. Brayden unleashed, if you will. And I am absolutely here for it!
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Quinn Riley and while Quinn initially seemed to struggle a bit to find Max’s voice, as she got to know the character better she captured her and especially Ella beautifully. Riley excels at emotion and intimacy and she did a wonderful job here.
Both leads are relatable in that while they’ve got it together in most ways, they also have some internal family struggles. I appreciate that Brayden took the time to let them work through those things together and apart.
The supporting characters were great. They made me want to be in an in-person book club in addition to my online international one!
I’m thrilled to finally be able to buy an audiobook by Brayden after having long been disappointed by previous narrators that didn’t appeal to me. But if we get more stories like this with narrators of Riley’s quality, I’m in, in, in!
I’m thrilled that Brayden took this leap and vote that she goes indie from now on! You GO, Melissa! The move certainly paid off.
I’ve always enjoyed Brayden’s books for their lighter fare. Desserts, I would call them. Feel-good stories, lots of witty banter… flirty friend-filled beach reads.
But this, her first indie release, (and I hope this is the first of many!) shows more of her range. The read was deeper, richer, fuller, (much) sexier… and wonderfully romantic. Brayden unleashed, if you will. And I am absolutely here for it!
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Quinn Riley and while Quinn initially seemed to struggle a bit to find Max’s voice, as she got to know the character better she captured her and especially Ella beautifully. Riley excels at emotion and intimacy and she did a wonderful job here.
Both leads are relatable in that while they’ve got it together in most ways, they also have some internal family struggles. I appreciate that Brayden took the time to let them work through those things together and apart.
The supporting characters were great. They made me want to be in an in-person book club in addition to my online international one!
I’m thrilled to finally be able to buy an audiobook by Brayden after having long been disappointed by previous narrators that didn’t appeal to me. But if we get more stories like this with narrators of Riley’s quality, I’m in, in, in!
I’m thrilled that Brayden took this leap and vote that she goes indie from now on! You GO, Melissa! The move certainly paid off.
September 26, 2025
This book was absolutely phenomenal!! The chemistry between Max and Ella was so palpable I felt the chemistry too! Max is a romance cynic but turns out to be such a sweetheart, romantic anyway because Ella brings it out in her! Ella, sweet sweet Ella, she is absolutely adorable and kind and has such a big heart willing to help everyone! This book kept me entranced from start to finish and the spice? Extremely hot and always bothered because the sexual chemistry and tension between Max and Ella was mouthwatering🌶️🌶️🥵🥵 I highly highly recommend reading this book and a huge thank you to Melissa Brayden for letting me be a part of her ARC team!!
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October 1, 2025Melissa Brayden, I’ve read many a book by this author published by one of the big queer publishers, this one is self published and it seems to read a bit differently. Is this due to Brayden developing as an author, as a human, or getting away from the publisher’s restraints? Only she could tell us.
Brayden has a hit or miss history with me, this one falls a bit in between. There are parts I definitely love, parts I like, and parts I could do without. Initially falling in lust and then love with your best friend’s ex isn’t the best thing to happen in the world, but it happens. The best friend? I could do without her. I feel like that storyline/ character is under developed and unnecessary. Maybe I just don’t like her.
The book club, new career, mew friends, the book store (and its owners), those are very welcome. The family drama? Underdeveloped and unresolved - could do without. Maybe Brayden wanted to do too much. Hold your horses and just focus is wash at I would say.
Overall it isn’t a bad one, would not become my favourite, but I would encourage everyone who likes these type of stories to give it a shot.
Brayden has a hit or miss history with me, this one falls a bit in between. There are parts I definitely love, parts I like, and parts I could do without. Initially falling in lust and then love with your best friend’s ex isn’t the best thing to happen in the world, but it happens. The best friend? I could do without her. I feel like that storyline/ character is under developed and unnecessary. Maybe I just don’t like her.
The book club, new career, mew friends, the book store (and its owners), those are very welcome. The family drama? Underdeveloped and unresolved - could do without. Maybe Brayden wanted to do too much. Hold your horses and just focus is wash at I would say.
Overall it isn’t a bad one, would not become my favourite, but I would encourage everyone who likes these type of stories to give it a shot.
September 25, 2025
I loved this book! Another wonderful read from Melissa as usual.
Ella is not having the best time with work, family, and her love life. When things take a huge turn for her, she decides to go with the flow and being with her best friend, the person who gets her the best. Max grew up with a different upbringing like a strict mother who raised her with some tough love making her strive for success at the expense of other things in her life. The things these two ladies have in common? They love books, they are seriously into one another, and they know the same woman who happens to be Ella’s best friend and Max’s ex.
I was rooting for Ella and Max from the very beginning obvi, those are our leading ladies. I thought the writing was thoughtful as it usually is with a Melissa Brayden book, she’s perfected the art of storytelling in a way that’s compelling and honest. It gives me all the feels. Both Ella and Max I found to be enjoyable characters to read and follow while bestie Rachel was def a little more than self centered and attention seeking, but fear not, that was the intention. The story moved at a great pace and I never once felt bored. I thought the spice was pretty good, I was satisfied and there were just the right amount of those scenes. I give this 🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the scale.
Overall, this was another winner for me. I really did enjoy reading this (I already knew I would). Thank you to the team for letting me read this and providing a free ARC for my honest feedback.
Ella is not having the best time with work, family, and her love life. When things take a huge turn for her, she decides to go with the flow and being with her best friend, the person who gets her the best. Max grew up with a different upbringing like a strict mother who raised her with some tough love making her strive for success at the expense of other things in her life. The things these two ladies have in common? They love books, they are seriously into one another, and they know the same woman who happens to be Ella’s best friend and Max’s ex.
I was rooting for Ella and Max from the very beginning obvi, those are our leading ladies. I thought the writing was thoughtful as it usually is with a Melissa Brayden book, she’s perfected the art of storytelling in a way that’s compelling and honest. It gives me all the feels. Both Ella and Max I found to be enjoyable characters to read and follow while bestie Rachel was def a little more than self centered and attention seeking, but fear not, that was the intention. The story moved at a great pace and I never once felt bored. I thought the spice was pretty good, I was satisfied and there were just the right amount of those scenes. I give this 🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the scale.
Overall, this was another winner for me. I really did enjoy reading this (I already knew I would). Thank you to the team for letting me read this and providing a free ARC for my honest feedback.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
2.5 / 3 stars (I'm still hesitating.)
-Sapphic romance
-Secretly dating her bestfriend's ex
-Moving to a small town for a new life
-Lesbian book club
This book sounded like it would be perfect, but it wasn’t delivered the way I would have liked.
I loved the setting and Ella’s character at first. Her relationship with her best friend felt genuinely sweet and strong, loyal, and the kind of “I’ll do anything for you”friendship. Of course, Ella being a bookworm and finding a book club filled mainly with lesbian characters, reading and talking about sapphic romances, was a huge bonus! It was a lot of fun at first, and I loved all the secondary characters. She was immediately welcomed like she had always belonged, and it was very heartwarming, especially considering she had just moved to a small town with only one friend to support her and had recently lost her job.
However, the book club aspect quickly became a bit boring for me, and I’m not sure if it was just the execution or the author’s writing style as a whole. Those scenes felt too long after a while, and the last few book club meetings made me roll my eyes and skip those parts because I was bored out of my mind.
At first, the chemistry between the main characters was explosive and undeniable, but then it got a bit... meh. I became bored and didn’t really get attached to either of them.
The biggest and worst thing about this book, for me, was the main trope: dating her best friend’s ex. It wasn’t executed well. I expected much more tension and guilt from both of them, or at least from Ella, but… nope. Rachel was also depicted in a way that made me believe she would react much more strongly once she found out, but I think the author didn’t spend enough time building her character, so it fell flat. Instead of those never-ending book club meetings, we should have had more information and character development for Rachel, with more glimpses into her past with Max or her friendship with Ella. She felt like an empty shell, just there so the trope would work. I didn’t like that, and I lost interest. What’s the point of writing a story where someone is “betraying” their best friend if we barely know anything about that friend? It would have been better if the author had written Rachel differently; maybe my expectations for her reaction would have been different too.
-Sapphic romance
-Secretly dating her bestfriend's ex
-Moving to a small town for a new life
-Lesbian book club
This book sounded like it would be perfect, but it wasn’t delivered the way I would have liked.
I loved the setting and Ella’s character at first. Her relationship with her best friend felt genuinely sweet and strong, loyal, and the kind of “I’ll do anything for you”friendship. Of course, Ella being a bookworm and finding a book club filled mainly with lesbian characters, reading and talking about sapphic romances, was a huge bonus! It was a lot of fun at first, and I loved all the secondary characters. She was immediately welcomed like she had always belonged, and it was very heartwarming, especially considering she had just moved to a small town with only one friend to support her and had recently lost her job.
However, the book club aspect quickly became a bit boring for me, and I’m not sure if it was just the execution or the author’s writing style as a whole. Those scenes felt too long after a while, and the last few book club meetings made me roll my eyes and skip those parts because I was bored out of my mind.
At first, the chemistry between the main characters was explosive and undeniable, but then it got a bit... meh. I became bored and didn’t really get attached to either of them.
The biggest and worst thing about this book, for me, was the main trope: dating her best friend’s ex. It wasn’t executed well. I expected much more tension and guilt from both of them, or at least from Ella, but… nope. Rachel was also depicted in a way that made me believe she would react much more strongly once she found out, but I think the author didn’t spend enough time building her character, so it fell flat. Instead of those never-ending book club meetings, we should have had more information and character development for Rachel, with more glimpses into her past with Max or her friendship with Ella. She felt like an empty shell, just there so the trope would work. I didn’t like that, and I lost interest. What’s the point of writing a story where someone is “betraying” their best friend if we barely know anything about that friend? It would have been better if the author had written Rachel differently; maybe my expectations for her reaction would have been different too.
October 29, 2025
5 stars another amazing book.
I love Goodreads recos, I'm finding great authors I did not know existed.
There was so much clever dialogue and staging in this. The 'Book club', was a delight and early on them describing what a 'meet cute' and 'HEA' is to the newbie aka adorable Ella. Doug's bookstore another great anchor for the story.
So many great developed characters. Rachel not so keen on. Max was my favourite so confident and self assured. The flirty banter between Max and Ella was so good. The sexual tension and then when they finally got intimate..phew! The frustrations as they tried to get their relationship back on track was heartfelt.
Loved it! Read it!
I love Goodreads recos, I'm finding great authors I did not know existed.
There was so much clever dialogue and staging in this. The 'Book club', was a delight and early on them describing what a 'meet cute' and 'HEA' is to the newbie aka adorable Ella. Doug's bookstore another great anchor for the story.
So many great developed characters. Rachel not so keen on. Max was my favourite so confident and self assured. The flirty banter between Max and Ella was so good. The sexual tension and then when they finally got intimate..phew! The frustrations as they tried to get their relationship back on track was heartfelt.
Loved it! Read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
Okay... Why did this story have to go and be all cute and stuff?! This was my first Best Friends Ex romance and OMG You guys the DRAAAAMMMMAAA of it all! I was living for the firey slow burn watching Ella and Max figure things out. And now I absolutely wish I had a local group of women to read our smut books together and drink wine with because that sounds amazing!
This book definitely feels like a love letter to all things romance and hit all the marks for me. As one of the characters put it herself:
“Five stars!” Ariana yelled. “A definite reread.”
Ella was an instant love, I definitely felt a connection with her unfortunate underdog character, always thought of second in life and was excited to follow along as she rebuilt herself. Max was a character that definitely stood out and made me want to just give her a huge hug, especially when it came to her mom, and their relationship brought some familiar tears to my eyes.
All that just to admit that the star of the book for me was absolutely without a doubt Doug. He gave Old man Luke vibes and was a great comedian back ground character. Honestly though, all the side characters stood out in their own way from Stevie the Bookclub leader, to Amanda the Gym friend of Max and their constant back and forth. There just wasn't one part of this book that didn't bring a smile to my face.
Favorite Quotes:
The right drink and the right person made all the difference.
Maybe romance was only problematic when you’d ordered the wrong drink for yourself.
The jumble of feelings, emotions, and primal impulses assaulted her senses, overwhelming. She knew one thing with certainty.There had never been a more gorgeous woman than
Maxine Wyler.
This book definitely feels like a love letter to all things romance and hit all the marks for me. As one of the characters put it herself:
“Five stars!” Ariana yelled. “A definite reread.”
Ella was an instant love, I definitely felt a connection with her unfortunate underdog character, always thought of second in life and was excited to follow along as she rebuilt herself. Max was a character that definitely stood out and made me want to just give her a huge hug, especially when it came to her mom, and their relationship brought some familiar tears to my eyes.
All that just to admit that the star of the book for me was absolutely without a doubt Doug. He gave Old man Luke vibes and was a great comedian back ground character. Honestly though, all the side characters stood out in their own way from Stevie the Bookclub leader, to Amanda the Gym friend of Max and their constant back and forth. There just wasn't one part of this book that didn't bring a smile to my face.
Favorite Quotes:
The right drink and the right person made all the difference.
Maybe romance was only problematic when you’d ordered the wrong drink for yourself.
The jumble of feelings, emotions, and primal impulses assaulted her senses, overwhelming. She knew one thing with certainty.There had never been a more gorgeous woman than
Maxine Wyler.
September 24, 2025
Ella, a self described wall flower who feels like a secondary character in her own life, loses both her fiance and her job and moves across the country to start over in the small town where her best friend lives. There she meets bookstore owner Doug who gets her connected with a local book club where she finds instant community - and instant attraction. Unfortunately the person she's attracted to just so happens to be her best friend's ex. Incredible chemistry and banter between the main characters and a good amount of reflection and character development all around. I will say that some of the development, especially with Rachel, seemed to happen extremely quickly and felt a little less believable. The relationship dynamics all felt very realistic - especially between Max and her mother. Forbidden love, found family, and a happy ever after - what more could you ask for?
e-arc provided by NetGalley ❤️
e-arc provided by NetGalley ❤️
September 25, 2025
This was sweet, with MCs I really liked. There was just enough angst to keep things interesting, and more 🔥 than usual for a Melissa Brayden book. No complaints there. Somewhere around 4-5 ⭐️ so rounded up.
September 15, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
when ella loses her job it was just another thing to add to her list where she wasnt important enough to people in her life.... they had left her a week after everyone who was let go saying oh we forgot you....
so when her friend rachel offered her a place to stay at least she knew she was wanted so off she went to restart her life in a new town and new state....
and so when she moved she starts looking around for a new job and getting to know this new town she had moved to.... and she found what was to become her favourite place a book store and not any other book store but one she was to grow to love....
max loved book club it was a way to let off steam..... though they mainly read sapphic books it was the friendships and the camaraderie that it bought to her life but when ella walked in max knew her life would never be the same again.....
what a read..... loved the dynamics of max and ella.... the realisation of max relationship with rachel to ella being best friends with rachel all added to the drama but man that ending had me in tears....
cant wait for the next book by this author.... man can she write ...
when ella loses her job it was just another thing to add to her list where she wasnt important enough to people in her life.... they had left her a week after everyone who was let go saying oh we forgot you....
so when her friend rachel offered her a place to stay at least she knew she was wanted so off she went to restart her life in a new town and new state....
and so when she moved she starts looking around for a new job and getting to know this new town she had moved to.... and she found what was to become her favourite place a book store and not any other book store but one she was to grow to love....
max loved book club it was a way to let off steam..... though they mainly read sapphic books it was the friendships and the camaraderie that it bought to her life but when ella walked in max knew her life would never be the same again.....
what a read..... loved the dynamics of max and ella.... the realisation of max relationship with rachel to ella being best friends with rachel all added to the drama but man that ending had me in tears....
cant wait for the next book by this author.... man can she write ...
October 8, 2025
First, you can't go wrong with a Melissa Brayden book! She really delivered with this one. Ella lost her fiance's 6 days before her wedding and then was an after thought firing at work. Her best friend Rachel talks her into coming to live with her and get her feet back in the ground. She goes to a sapphic book club and meets Em. Instant attraction for both women. They share a kiss and numbers. Then Ella finds out Em is Maxine or Max, Rachel's ex. The book club calls her M, short for Max.
We find the two falling hard for each other but with the hurdle of Rachel and Max's relationship with her mother.
What a great, HOT love story! A FAVORITE!! 5 stars!
We find the two falling hard for each other but with the hurdle of Rachel and Max's relationship with her mother.
What a great, HOT love story! A FAVORITE!! 5 stars!
October 31, 2025
This book made me feel good. I am usually into really angsty books and this one despite the blurb that indicated some forbidden romance and angst when Ella falls for her best friend Rachel’s ex Max is not that at all. It is a book about finally finding your true self, a wonderful love story and top that with the awesome sapphic book club, the beyond great side characters, the book weirdos, and the quotes and bantering in the book. My favourite quote of course the one from Max’s assistant Sonya that absolutely nailed why we deep down continue reading all these amazing smutty books: “Smut is good for the soul. And the cooch.”.
I loved the fact that the author handled the whole potential Rachel situation in a very mature way. It made it possible to focus on the real story, the growing love between Ella and Max. It was great to see how both Ella and Max grow as persons, Ella finally finding a career path she loves, and Max realizing she may be good enough as she is, can be loved. Ella is the born romantic and Max quite the cynic, thinking emotions make you weak. They both need to deal with their problematic family situations, but together that may be possible. The spark between the two is on another level so as a reader you just will them to finally realize this is their chance for a HEA.
I received an ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
I loved the fact that the author handled the whole potential Rachel situation in a very mature way. It made it possible to focus on the real story, the growing love between Ella and Max. It was great to see how both Ella and Max grow as persons, Ella finally finding a career path she loves, and Max realizing she may be good enough as she is, can be loved. Ella is the born romantic and Max quite the cynic, thinking emotions make you weak. They both need to deal with their problematic family situations, but together that may be possible. The spark between the two is on another level so as a reader you just will them to finally realize this is their chance for a HEA.
I received an ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)
I always enjoy Melissa Brayden's books, but this is probably my favourite in a while. While it's really fun and clever to have a book club that reads a lot of sapphic romances and critiques them (and alludes to certain plot points coming up and how the characters feel about these tropes, I particularly enjoyed that this book has conflict but realistic ones. Nobody is a shitty person, people just have strong feelings and attitudes that they need to work through.
Ella is used to being an afterthought at her job and with her constantly travelling parents and when she relies on her one true friend, Rachel, to crash with for a while and get her life in order, it makes a lot of sense that she's conflicted about hearing two different versions of the relationship story from Rachel and Max. Max is driven, keeps her emotions close to the chest, and is always trying to step around her family's expectations, so it makes a lot of sense that she doesn't quite know what to do with having actual feelings for someone and prioritising her the way she should. The supporting characters are also interesting and have their own stuff going on (Doug, Max's mom, and the book club women are particularly fun to read about).
I enjoyed the low angst but very organic conflict in this book and how the characters behave mostly maturely in working through their issues to find a HEA. Great stuff!
I always enjoy Melissa Brayden's books, but this is probably my favourite in a while. While it's really fun and clever to have a book club that reads a lot of sapphic romances and critiques them (and alludes to certain plot points coming up and how the characters feel about these tropes, I particularly enjoyed that this book has conflict but realistic ones. Nobody is a shitty person, people just have strong feelings and attitudes that they need to work through.
Ella is used to being an afterthought at her job and with her constantly travelling parents and when she relies on her one true friend, Rachel, to crash with for a while and get her life in order, it makes a lot of sense that she's conflicted about hearing two different versions of the relationship story from Rachel and Max. Max is driven, keeps her emotions close to the chest, and is always trying to step around her family's expectations, so it makes a lot of sense that she doesn't quite know what to do with having actual feelings for someone and prioritising her the way she should. The supporting characters are also interesting and have their own stuff going on (Doug, Max's mom, and the book club women are particularly fun to read about).
I enjoyed the low angst but very organic conflict in this book and how the characters behave mostly maturely in working through their issues to find a HEA. Great stuff!
September 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
I really enjoyed this book. It felt well written, structured, and carefully thought out.
Ella and Max are two strong women, and the chemistry between them was clear right from the start. Making Max the ex of Ella’s best friend Rachel gave the story an extra layer of tension that worked well and made the romance even more compelling (I’m such a sucker for forbidden romance). I appreciated that both characters carried their own baggage. Things weren’t always smooth, and that made the relationship feel more real.
The queer book club was such a highlight. I would love to have something like that in my own life. It added warmth and community to the story. The side plot with Max and her mother, who is dealing with cancer, added depth too. It gave their mother-daughter relationship a lot of weight and emotion that I appreciated immensely.
I also loved the little touches, like the Stevie Nicks reference and the nods to “The L-Word.” They made me smile while reading. And I obviously can’t forget the spice! It was written in a way that was both steamy and engaging, definitely a strong point of the book.
Overall, it was a really nice read that balanced romance, humor, and depth. 4 stars ✩
I really enjoyed this book. It felt well written, structured, and carefully thought out.
Ella and Max are two strong women, and the chemistry between them was clear right from the start. Making Max the ex of Ella’s best friend Rachel gave the story an extra layer of tension that worked well and made the romance even more compelling (I’m such a sucker for forbidden romance). I appreciated that both characters carried their own baggage. Things weren’t always smooth, and that made the relationship feel more real.
The queer book club was such a highlight. I would love to have something like that in my own life. It added warmth and community to the story. The side plot with Max and her mother, who is dealing with cancer, added depth too. It gave their mother-daughter relationship a lot of weight and emotion that I appreciated immensely.
I also loved the little touches, like the Stevie Nicks reference and the nods to “The L-Word.” They made me smile while reading. And I obviously can’t forget the spice! It was written in a way that was both steamy and engaging, definitely a strong point of the book.
Overall, it was a really nice read that balanced romance, humor, and depth. 4 stars ✩
November 19, 2025
I listened to the audio with Quinn Riley doing her masterful narration.
I enjoyed the play between trying to honor girlfriend code versus trying to dissuade your body from feeling something towards another person so intensely that you cannot imagine stopping.
After getting caught, drama ensued.
I took a minute, but things worked out quite well in the end. The epilogue was just the right ending to bring all the pieces together.
I enjoyed the play between trying to honor girlfriend code versus trying to dissuade your body from feeling something towards another person so intensely that you cannot imagine stopping.
After getting caught, drama ensued.
I took a minute, but things worked out quite well in the end. The epilogue was just the right ending to bring all the pieces together.
September 27, 2025
A New Fan
This was my first time reading a Melissa Brayden book and it was the perfect first book! A book about a couple meeting at a romance only book club-what could be more perfect? Well Max and Ella are definitely more perfect for each other-there are a lot of ups and downs but true love always wins out in a romance novel! I will be reading more of Melissa’s books for sure! 5 stars!!!
This was my first time reading a Melissa Brayden book and it was the perfect first book! A book about a couple meeting at a romance only book club-what could be more perfect? Well Max and Ella are definitely more perfect for each other-there are a lot of ups and downs but true love always wins out in a romance novel! I will be reading more of Melissa’s books for sure! 5 stars!!!
November 5, 2025
DNF @ 70%...I tried my best but couldn't finish........actually, maybe this is exactly what the book needed to give a it a little excitement, or drama. Flat and definitely not one of my favorites by the author
September 28, 2025
3.5
This is one of Brayden’s better novels, and I’m glad to say that because I had started to lose faith after a few years of lukewarm releases.
At its core, this book is all about chemistry—romantic, sizzling, and deliciously fun. The sparks fly off the page in a way that feels more intense than her usual work, with a bit more spice than I’ve come to expect from Brayden. The formula is absolutely there—it’s rom-com, it’s predictable, and it’s classic Brayden. But honestly, that’s what we pick her books up for.
It’s a feel-good story through and through, with her signature banter (toned down slightly, though still a bit too present to feel entirely realalistic) and two endearing main characters along with the usual fun secondary ones. Ella especially stole the show for me—she fits Brayden’s tried-and-true archetype of the sweet, kind, but fiery heroine, and she does it well.
Where the book falters is in the angst. It’s pretty lukewarm, and while it serves its purpose, it often feels undercooked. The “don’t date your friend’s ex” rule was drawn out way too long and came across as silly for women in their mid-thirties. The additional bump in the road around the 80% mark felt like a box-ticking exercise—manufactured conflict that’s resolved so quickly you barely get a chance to feel the heartbreak.
By the time I hit 70%, I wasn’t sure what more there was to say, and I’ll admit the last 30% dragged. But my biggest issue came at the ending. The over-the-top, cheese-laden conclusion was just not for me. The grand gestures leaned into Love Actually territory, and if my partner ever pulled something like that, I’d be running for the hills. That said, this is likely just a personal preference—if big, cinematic HEAs are your thing, you’ll probably love it.
In conclusion, it is a solid Brayden novel. It’s fun, romantic, smutty enough to give you the feels, and the kind of book that can brighten a rainy day. If you’re a Brayden fan, you’ll enjoy this one thoroughly—even if, like me, you roll your eyes a bit at the final chapters.
This is one of Brayden’s better novels, and I’m glad to say that because I had started to lose faith after a few years of lukewarm releases.
At its core, this book is all about chemistry—romantic, sizzling, and deliciously fun. The sparks fly off the page in a way that feels more intense than her usual work, with a bit more spice than I’ve come to expect from Brayden. The formula is absolutely there—it’s rom-com, it’s predictable, and it’s classic Brayden. But honestly, that’s what we pick her books up for.
It’s a feel-good story through and through, with her signature banter (toned down slightly, though still a bit too present to feel entirely realalistic) and two endearing main characters along with the usual fun secondary ones. Ella especially stole the show for me—she fits Brayden’s tried-and-true archetype of the sweet, kind, but fiery heroine, and she does it well.
Where the book falters is in the angst. It’s pretty lukewarm, and while it serves its purpose, it often feels undercooked. The “don’t date your friend’s ex” rule was drawn out way too long and came across as silly for women in their mid-thirties. The additional bump in the road around the 80% mark felt like a box-ticking exercise—manufactured conflict that’s resolved so quickly you barely get a chance to feel the heartbreak.
By the time I hit 70%, I wasn’t sure what more there was to say, and I’ll admit the last 30% dragged. But my biggest issue came at the ending. The over-the-top, cheese-laden conclusion was just not for me. The grand gestures leaned into Love Actually territory, and if my partner ever pulled something like that, I’d be running for the hills. That said, this is likely just a personal preference—if big, cinematic HEAs are your thing, you’ll probably love it.
In conclusion, it is a solid Brayden novel. It’s fun, romantic, smutty enough to give you the feels, and the kind of book that can brighten a rainy day. If you’re a Brayden fan, you’ll enjoy this one thoroughly—even if, like me, you roll your eyes a bit at the final chapters.
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