Barging In

by Emily Banting

The best-selling and award-winning author of The South Downs Romance Series and The Nunswick Abbey Series brings you a charming standalone sapphic romance set along a picturesque waterway in rural England.
Clem Wentworth, cake baker and marketing extraordinaire, moors her beloved orange narrowboat, Florence, outside her late Great Aunt Maud’s house to keep an eye on its renovation for her parents. With a canal-side trading spot secured nearby to run her new business, Clem’s Coffee & Cakes, she’s looking forward to a fresh start free from the corporate rat race.
Victoria Hargreaves is less than impressed when a bright orange boat disrupts the picturesque view of the canal from her home. She’s even less pleased to find that its owner has set up shop outside Otterford Wharf, the struggling heritage centre she manages, complete with its own café. The boat isn’t just ruining her view — its owner and her mouthwatering cakes could destroy her livelihood.
A disastrous first meeting leads to a very public, and very soggy altercation that neither of them can easily forget. Then, one evening, Clem witnesses something unsettling at Victoria’s home and realises she can’t ignore it. When she tries to warn her new adversary, she’s met with a frosty reception and further retaliation.
With trust running low and tensions rising, the last thing either of them needs is a spark of attraction — and yet, denying it might be harder than they think. As the wharf’s future hangs in the balance, Victoria realises that Clem might just be the person to help, but with her own challenges to consider, will she be willing?
Can the pair navigate their growing feelings and work together to achieve their goals, or will fear and uncertainty sink them both?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Enemies To Lovers, Lesbian Fiction

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Emily Banting is an award-winning and bestselling author of contemporary sapphic romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters and plenty of British humour. History obsessed, she throws her sapphic leading ladies into historic buildings and environments at every opportunity, and believes strongly in representing women over forty in literature.

Broken Beyond Repair received the following awards:

GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

And a 2023 GCLS Goldie finalist in
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL

The second book in the South Downs Romance Series was a 2024 GCLS Goldie finalist in CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL 2024

Join her Readers’ Club and receive a free sapphic novella www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook

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Find her here:

WEBSITE - emilybanting.co.uk

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Reviews

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars, rounded up)

I adored this book. It came to me at the perfect time, when I needed a break from reality, and I’m so glad it was this gem.

Clem and Victoria’s story was gorgeous, sweet, and so emotional. Their rocky beginning was such a joy to read - who doesn’t love an enemies-to-lovers moment that starts with accidentally falling into a canal?
Watching that initial dislike shift into attraction and love was deeply satisfying. Also I want to add a special mention to Clem calling Victoria “Lemon Drizzle” at the beginning, it made me laugh out loud.

I also loved the detail around the café and museum. Clem setting up her café on the boat, Vic running hers, and the restored museum brought an extra layer to their connection. It felt grounded and gave them something real to bond over.
Speaking of Victoria, she quite literally stole my heart. From her icy queen persona to her vulnerable, emotional side, her development was so deserved. I wanted to wrap her in a blanket during so many moments, especially when Clem gave her flowers and she teared up (god my heart 🥹).
The secondary characters added warmth and humor too. Max and Jasper were standouts, making the whole world feel alive and full.

The writing and pacing were excellent, as I’ve come to expect from Emily Banting. This book was tender, funny, and heartfelt.

4.5 stars, and absolutely worth the read.

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Emily Banting, you really know how to deliver on age gap romances!

Her first release after one of my favorite trilogies - her South Downs series - gives us a beautiful new setting, memorable characters and a moving, believable story.

Banting writes terrific melters, and Clem doesn’t disappoint. Like the author’s other melter characters she is strong, wise and patient, encouraging the older object of her affection Victoria to choose a path to happiness. Victoria has significant challenges ahead, and needs to determine if she’s willing to sacrifice all that she’s built for a real chance at it.

I also really enjoyed secondary characters Max and Jasper, who were both entertaining and served as conduits to get to know Clem and Victoria better, as were the parents of both. Banting takes the time to develop her characters, which allows the reader time to truly invest in their story and crave their happily ever after.

Loved the book, terrific cover, and I have all appendages crossed that Angela Dawe might narrate the audio version. Stay tuned!

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Emily Banting‘s books as much as I do, I am sure you will love this story as much as I did.

Once again we get a wonderfully paced and well developed story with characters you just fall in love with. As usual there are some very interesting history bits in it. I just love to learn new things and I definitely did. Once again. And last but not least we get Emily‘s humour that is woven perfectly into the story. A humour that I adore just as I adore this story.

I highly recommend this story and can’t wait for Emily‘s next one.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Rounded up. I really need goodreads to implement half stars!!!

I really liked this one. From the funny meet ugly and the development from work rivals to friends to lovers I savored every moment. It's both really funny and sweet. I can't help but like the most when characters are supposed to not like each other but do anyway. The connection between Victoria and Clem is undeniable and the development of their relationship felt realistic. The book is really focused on Victoria's journey and the way her relationship to the wharf and house is explained, I could totally understand it would take time for her to get free enough mentally and financially and engage in a relationship with Clem. Fear is something I definitely recognize myself in. As a consequence, we don't get to see them much together and it's a shame to me, because it's a bit frustrating. If you are here for the spice you might be disappointed, but if you are here for growth, the book is for you

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Emily Banting, then this is a must-read! An age-gap, rivals-to-lovers romance that immersed me from the get-go.

[BooksWithSuun · Rating 5 out of 5]

- ARC REVIEW -

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Barging In, Emily Banting’s newest release (out September 27th), and let me tell you—it’s another absolute banger. Emily is one of my favorite authors for a reason: every single time she delivers, and this book is no exception.

This novel hooked me from the very beginning. I live for a well-written sapphic slow burn, and this one was packed with delicious tension that kept me glued to the pages. The characters were outstanding—rich, layered, and so easy to root for. Even the side characters shine, with storylines that add depth and warmth to the main narrative. The trope of men disappointing women only for a lesbian to swoop in and show her what real love looks like? Perfection. And the dynamic with the hilariously caring (but also weird and annoying) mother-in-law was so relatable and such a fun addition.

What I especially love about Emily’s writing is the way she balances romance with deeper themes of healing and growth. Barging In isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about choosing yourself, taking risks, and realizing that you deserve happiness. Both main characters go on meaningful journeys of change, and their struggles were so honest and heartfelt that you can’t help but feel deeply for them along the way.

The pacing is excellent, the story flows smoothly, and the emotional payoff is everything a slow burn should be. Honestly, this might even rival Broken Beyond Repair for me as my favorite Emily Banting book so far—and that’s saying a lot.

If you’re a fan of sapphic slow burns, you need this book in your life. But be warned: this is a true slow burn, and the wait is long—but oh so worth it.

The only problem? Now I desperately need a follow-up. Will there be an adoption (kids or animals)? Marriage? And what are the future plans for the Wharf? Emily… I need answers!

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't the first book or the first Arc I've read by Emily Banting and if you've read at least one of her books you'll know why, her books are great and you're never able to put them down once you get started.

So why not 5 stars?

First of all it must be said that the story, as always, is well studied, the characters have depth – even the side ones – important and often “heavy” themes such as infertility, divorce, feminism and the position of women in society are addressed very well and the tension in the slow burn is the chef's kiss; but it is precisely for this Slow Burn that I don't feel like giving 5 full stars.

Don't get me wrong, I love this trope and even more so the little touches and caresses before the actual relationship – the scene on the boat after the birthday and the next morning 😍. The fact is that the story focuses a lot on what the MCs have to face before getting together (I understand it is important to be mentally and physically ready before a relationship) and in the end we only have two chapters (including the epilogue) in which we see them actually being girlfriend and girlfriend. It would have been nice to see a bit more of them together, that's all.

As previously stated, everything else is simply fantastic. So now let's take a look at what you'll find in the book:
- age gap
- forced proximity
- meet ugly
- rivals to lovers
- slow burn
-attraction at first sight
- starting over
- contemporary romance
-- femme x femme
- toaster oven
- bi x lesbian
- mistletoe kiss
- small town vibes
- gay side characters
- Mcs in their 40s and 50s
and it's kinda workplace romance.

Overall it's a 4⭐ and 3🔥(spiler allert there're like 1 and 1/2 scenes)

TW: loss - grief- discussion of infertility - MC being closeted with her parent - divorce - open marriage

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, well written with natural humorous dialogue delivered at an unhurried pace. The characters of Clem and Victoria were adorable, both of them trapped by their own lives but yearning for each other. The Historical restoration background setting was well researched and detailed. It was easy to consume this book quickly. Great book, highly recommended and read the authors' other works too.

[JAYNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barging In by Emily Banting is a slow-burn romance that masterfully navigates the "enemies to friends to lovers" dynamic. Set against the backdrop of canal life in the UK, the author weaves in the textures of working-class history and distinctive architecture, grounding the story in a distinct sense of place.

The main characters' age gap, pasts, and insecurities make their journey feel real. The secondary characters add depth to the story, including the well-meaning parents, bless them! I felt that every character grew, and authentic relationships formed, which turned into a supportive family.

Overall, an enjoyable low-angst read with some amusing banter between the characters. The book cover is a fantastic visual representation of the story told.

Thank you to Emily Banting for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A slow burn rivals-to-lovers romance full of charm, drama, and heart!"

What a book! The storyline was brilliant, and I especially loved the drama at the start between Clem and Victoria. Their “ugly meet” was so amusing and set the tone perfectly. Emily really knows how to write a rivals-to-lovers romance that keeps you hooked and always wanting more.

One of my favourite parts of the story was Florence, Clem’s big orange narrowboat. Florence played such an integral role in bringing all the characters together, and I loved how she became an important thread running throughout the book—it gave the story so much warmth and character.

The romance itself was a delightful slow burn. From the awkward beginnings to the beautiful ending, the buildup was captivating, full of longing glances, palpable tension, and the most satisfying payoff. Clem and Victoria’s connection was undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold was a true joy.

I also loved the addition of queer side characters Max and Jasper. Their relationship development added depth and charm, and the way they grew both together and alongside Clem and Victoria made the story even more entertaining and heartfelt.

Thank you, Emily, for the opportunity to review this wonderful book. I’m so excited to see what you bring us next!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m quite the fan of Emily Banting’s books. This story has a lot going for it, apart from being well-written (as Emily Banting’s books always are) and having great MCs who were different, but matching. Then there were the likeable and believable secondary characters. Oh, and the interesting and historical background. And the intriguing slow-burn.

Of course the icing drizzling on the cake (😀) was Florence, in all her orange glory. I always wanted to give narrowboats a go. This was the next best thing.

I received an ARC copy and am leaving a genuine review.

[Women Using Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Banting’s Barging In captures everything readers crave in a top-tier enemies-to-lovers romance: sharp tension, gradual emotional unraveling, and that delicious moment when animosity turns into something undeniable. From its very setup, Banting shows why this classic trope remains irresistible when handled with nuance and heart.

Writing a convincing enemies-to-lovers story is no easy feat. One of the greatest challenges lies in making the initial hostility feel authentic, and Banting pulls this off flawlessly. The clash between Clem Wentworth, a cake baker seeking a fresh start aboard her orange narrowboat café, and Victoria Hargreaves, the no-nonsense manager of a struggling heritage center, is rooted in more than personality differences. Their conflict is about livelihood, pride, and change. By layering both women’s backstories with empathy and purpose, Banting creates stakes that feel real and compelling. The sharp exchanges that define their early encounters crackle with tension, but humor softens the edges, revealing glimpses of vulnerability behind the barbs. Each confrontation not only raises the stakes but also peels back layers of their defenses, hinting at the undeniable chemistry waiting beneath.

As the story gradually unfolds, the tension between Clem and Victoria shifts from confrontation to collaboration, but Banting takes care to walk them through their paces before they reach anything resembling civility. From the start, sparks fly with Clem’s seemingly ordinary arrival on the canal. Her bright orange narrowboat, moored just outside Victoria’s office window, disrupts more than the view; it unsettles Victoria’s carefully ordered life and sets change in motion. The boat becomes a quiet metaphor for the obstacles and opportunities standing between her and true fulfillment. Against this backdrop, the contrast between Clem’s whimsical creativity and Victoria’s pragmatic precision ignites moments of uneasy cooperation, growing understanding, and unexpected intimacy. Banting’s deft pacing ensures that this transformation feels authentic and earned, allowing readers to root for the women not only to reconcile their differences but also to recognize the affection that has been quietly building between them.

Banting grounds Clem and Victoria’s rivalry in believable, high-stakes realism: battling businesses and customer competition. Their clash of ambition gives the story emotional bite, allowing readers to sympathize with both women as they fight for their dreams. Banting lets their transformation from rivals to lovers unfold gradually through revealing moments, exchanges that expose more than either intends. From there, she builds the romance with patience and precision, using small gestures, wary alliances, and flashes of vulnerability to turn tension into connection. Her sharp, witty prose adds rhythm and spark to the brewing attraction. Yet beneath the playful banter lies real emotional substance. Readers find a story about the fear, trust, and courage it takes not only to open up but also to fall in love. Banting layers these emotions so masterfully that when intimacy finally arrives, it feels not just right but deeply earned.

What gives the story its lasting power is its foundation in character growth. Clem’s reinvention after leaving the corporate grind mirrors Victoria’s struggle to preserve the heritage site she loves. Their opposition forces them to confront what they’re truly afraid of losing, and what they might gain if they stop fighting long enough to listen. Banting uses romance as a vehicle for transformation. However, the relationship doesn’t simply happen; it’s built through effort, humility, and shared purpose. That’s what lifts Barging In above mere attraction and turns it into a story of genuine connection.

Final remarks…

In the end, Barging In gives readers everything they want from a great enemies-to-lovers romance: real stakes, emotional tension that unfolds at just the right pace, and a payoff that feels both satisfying and hard-won. Banting takes a familiar trope and makes it feel fresh, capturing how irritation can slowly melt into understanding and then something more. By the end, readers can’t help but smile as these two strong, stubborn women discover that the truest triumph isn’t found in conquering a business deal; it’s found in love.

Strengths…

Well-written, well-constructed
Contains conflict that feels real
The enemies to lovers trope is well done
Characters have chemistry that crackles
Contains strong character growth that elevates the storytelling

[Sue Ridgeway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clementine Wentworth, a protagonist who abandons both the career she loves and excels at, and the job that is robbing her of her joie de vivre, to follow a dream she hopes will save her sanity. Clem is a woman who juggles self-doubts, but has a keen sense of self-worth, integrity, and a drive to succeed in building a life that fulfills her. An accomplished baker and marketer, she’s hopeful that her new career, running Clem’s Coffee & Cakes aboard “Florence,” her refurbished, orange narrowboat, is her path to freedom.

Victoria Hargreave is a women feeling betrayed by love itself. She lives in fear and insecurity and agonizes on the lonely life path she freely chose for the safety and financial security it provides. Vic is a talented, historical architect, but she has given up her beloved career for her dream of escaping the emotional pain and drudgery of her existence. She is living in a home that she lovingly restored, and, to her chagrin, is ineffectively managing her business, Otterford Wharf. Her business is a passion project in her otherwise passionless life. Otterford Wharf’s success is her only hope of escaping a prison she dreads returning to, it is her path to freedom.

Despite a first glance mutual attraction, or perhaps because of it, a “meet cute” is not in the cards for these two. Frisson and attraction abound; intense emotions, strong interest, and rivalry are all prominently featured. Fortunately, garish “Florence,” mouthwatering lemon drizzles, amiable and encouraging best friends, a childish tug of war and cold, noxious, canal water combine to bring a sobering realization to both women; they need each other. At the very least, for their businesses to succeed, they will need to cooperate and compromise.

A big thank you to Emily Banting for providing an ARC copy. I enjoyed “Barging In,” It is a standalone novel and different from her South Down series; there is no ice queen needing to melt. Both women are thoughtful listeners, considered and open to suggestions, and generous with their support. The author allows each woman to question herself and her motivations, to find the courage to dive deep, to steer her own way through sometimes exceedingly difficult circumstances. After their bumpy start, Clem and Vic come together as frenemies, friends, insightful confidants, and partners but Ms. Banting allows them to evolve at their own pace and always as equals.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this on preorder but was keeping it for a holiday when I would get a good run at reading it as it is a decent length book by a writer I enjoy. However having recently read a few heavier both in subject matter and/or effort to get through, I felt I needed a guaranteed winner sooner rather than later. So I started it yesterday….
This was indeed a winner. Humour, emotion, life lessons and the absolute correct time taken to tell, or rather show the story. I loved every beautifully crafted sentence!

[Emily Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourites by Banting. The sapphic slow burn in this is truly something (seriously, you’re gonna be waiting a while). Suddenly I needed a barge café.

This is a perfect read for anyone looking for something fairly low on the spice scale (is the tiniest dash) and with older characters (MCs are 40 & 50s).

I adore how calming Banting’s books are, even with a bit of drama going on in the plot. The idyllic, quiet settings and community feels always make them a cozy read.

Rep// Lesbian MC (40), sapphic MC (50s), Achillian SC. Central romance is sapphic / WLW.


TWs below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.









TW// toxic marriage.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Barging In’ follows two women — Clem Wentworth (40) and Victoria Hargreaves (50) — who are both basically hitting reset on their lives. Clem ditches her 9-to-5 to live on a narrowboat named Florence, selling coffee and cakes by the canal in Otterford, an English village. Victoria, on the other hand, leaves her high-flying architect life in London to manage a wharf with a museum and a café right across from Clem’s spot. Naturally, Clem’s cake game threatens Victoria’s business, and that’s where the tension (and eventual chemistry) begins.

First off, the setting is chef’s kiss! Even though Banting doesn’t shy away from mentioning the less glamorous parts of canal life (yes, I could smell that water through the page), the whole English village vibe - with boats mooring and locals trading along the towpath — was charming and oddly soothing. It made me want to quit everything and live on a boat… for like five minutes

I also loved how much research Banting clearly poured into this, especially about narrowboat living. The pros, the cons, even the weird logistics of showering and baking in a floating home — it all felt so real. And then, there’s this unexpectedly fascinating deep dive into corsetry. Banting uses it not just as a random side topic but as this symbolic thread about control, beauty, and womanhood through history. It didn’t exactly change my opinion about corsets (still not signing up for that rib-crushing life), but it did make me appreciate their complicated role in women’s lives.

Now, about the romance. I liked the slow build from rivals to friends to lovers. It felt earned! But I’ll admit, the pacing tested my patience a bit. The real antagonist here isn’t Victoria’s husband — but her own fear of change. She’s stuck in that midlife tug-of-war between comfort and growth, and while I get that, it did drag at times. Plus Clem’s pushiness versus Victoria’s stubbornness kind of turned into a loop of “we need to talk” moments that didn’t always go anywhere. Still, I respect how honest that dynamic felt for their age and stage in life…

In the end, what really stuck with me is the quiet reassurance of it all: that it’s NEVER too late to change your route, even when you’ve already been sailing for decades. Whether you’re forty or fifty, you can still decide to chase something that feels more you.

So yeah, I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. Gorgeous setting, thoughtful feminism, and a lovely, rare portrayal of middle-aged sapphic love. It didn’t blow me away plot-wise, but it definitely left me with that cozy, hopeful feeling that life’s detours might just be the best parts of the journey.

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Read - Release date 27th Sept

I'd forgotten how much I love Emily Banting Author books!.

I've read The Nunswick Abbey series & Broken Beyond Repair from the Celebrity Ice Queens, but I'm behind on the other two in the series 🤦🏼‍♀️....After having the pleasure of this Arc read to remind me just how wonderful Emily's writing is, I'll be heading back to "Reality In Check & Beyond Her Manner".

Emily's books are always clever, humours, slow burns, lots of longing and flirting, with a small amount of spice chucked in... They flow beautifully!

In this book we get Clem & Victoria doing all of the above.

Clementine, recently came into some money through an inheritance from her beloved Great Aunt Maud. Disillusioned with her high powered job she decides to buy a narrowboat and open it as a business.
The fun starters when she finds the perfect spot to set up her 'Clem's Coffee and & Cakes' outside a revamped corset museum, Otterford Wharf, run by the beautiful older Victoria Hargreaves.

To say Victoria isn't impressed with the BRIGHT ORANGE 🍊 barge not only outside her heritage centre & it's own cafe, but also at the end of her garden on an evening due to Clem's parents being her neighbours, is an understatement 😂

I love books like this!!. Both women are feisty and definitely attracted to each other from the get go.
With the added factor that Victoria is married, to a total....... Clem is desperate for Victoria to see how she sees her, brave, clever and worth so much more.

We get so many laughs & chuckles plus so really touching moments.

Will they be able to build a friendship and keep both their businesses going or could they possibly take the "PLUNGE" and build a life together?.

Thanks to Emily for offering me this Arc read...
Definitely another hit for her!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no denying that any book Emily writes will be an enjoyable ride. This story isn't any different.

We meet Clem trying to set up her new path in life on her narrowboat baking cakes and selling them with an enjoyable cup of coffee. Turns out it's quite the challenge which Clem knows she can meet. Only problem is her neighbour Victoria.

Victoria is trying to keep her own business afloat while there is suddenly an orange boat disrupting her view and her life.

The pacing of this story feels just right. It's like the cakes Clem makes. Every ingredient gets added at the right time to make it more enjoyable which results in a wonderful journey with Clem and Victoria while wanting more and more.

An ARC was given to me by the author in return of an honest review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Banting is one of my must read authors. Her characters are complicated and real and likable and - did I mention complicated?

One of the things I love about reading is finding myself in the story. And I found several dilemmas in this story that I've faced, which truly connected me to the story. What do you do when your work no longer fuels your passion? Do you make a change, find an all consuming hobby, or just hope that what you have is enough? What do you do when people who should be supportive disappear on you? What do you do when the rules you've set for your life are not working for you anymore?

Clementine and Victoria have pretty much the opposite of a meet cute and things chug downhill from there … until Victoria needs Clem's cakes and bakes. From there you're just going to need to read the book to find out if everything is smooth sailing. The journey is definitely worth it!

One of the things I loved about this book (besides the great characters and captivating story) was the setting. Clem lives and works on a narrowboat … pretty much a barge style houseboat with dimensions to allow it to traverse the canal network in the UK. This means it is less than 7' in width and probably 57' in length. The whole idea fascinated me and had me trawling for pix on the internet … and, yep, I kinda want to live on one now! Victoria is descended from corset makers. I found the description of the corset museum and the twin history of women's dress and women's social status very enlightening! And I'm ever so grateful to have been born in a time that didn't frown on jeans!

So, please pick this one up for the wonderful main characters and great supporting characters and for a story about figuring out who your authentic self is and learning to take chances and adapt as you change and an intriguing setting. I really enjoyed it! Highly recommended.

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read but more about coziness in a small town, personal growth and running a business and not so much focus on the romance. This was bit unfortunate since I saw a huge potential there in a great love story between Clem and Victoria once Victoria grew a spine and left her husband.

Now the story is starting with Clem leaving the corporate life and starting something new, her own business, a café with great coffee and homemade cakes, in her newly acquired orange boat Florence. She immediately pisses of Victoria that is running a business that in a wharf that also includes a café, a café that is vastly inferior in quality vs. Clem’s business. Not only is Clem stealing Victoria’s customers but also her view of the canal, all she sees is that big orange blob. They soon get on better footing though, but nothing can really happen between them if Victoria stays married to the cheating Drew for financial reasons. It is quite frustrating how long that is a stopper and Victoria just accept her situation.

[Grace Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has done it again!! She has such a talent for making you so invested in all of her characters main or not. I have to admit I don’t have much knowledge on narrowboats or wharfs but by the end of this read i have a new found appreciation for them both! I really saw a lot of myself in Clem which is always so lovely to see in a read, her slightly chaotic life and wanting to escape her corporate life for her love of baking was something very realistic. I am so obsessed either way Victorias arc in this story separate from her romance with Clem. Her realisation of deserving better in every aspect of her life was written so beautifully it may have made me tear up once or twice. The love story blossoming throughout with the two women was as gorgeous as ever with Emily’s writing, them finally coming together didn’t feel too rushed or too drawn out and made my heart so warm. As always with Emily’s characters I would love to see them again but cannot wait to see what she cooks up next!!

[LezLibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** ARC REVIEW ***

Excellent book! I really enjoyed this slow burn romance between Clem and Victoria. Both characters were well developed and I enjoyed following Victoria’s journey to discover the strength she has in herself that everyone else but her can see. The romance built slowly but satisfyingly and made the ending that much sweeter. The side characters (Max and Jasper) were delightful and really added to the story. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the setting; a cute little narrowboat trawling the waterways and the novel concept of a corset museum just added to the overall enjoyment of this book. I appreciated how the author tied the history of the corset and other aspects of the story into the broader discussion of feminism and the patriarchy. Very well written, enjoyable, low angst book with a warm and fuzzy happy ever after!

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Wentworth, 50, was an architect in her husband’s firm, yet she found herself trying to be a businesswoman when she and her husband purchased a wharf with plans to convert it to luxury apartments. Part of Victoria’s plan to make money was the Museum of Corsetry and its gift shop, which was a broader exploration of women’s history and fashion. It was very important to her for this to all be successful.

However, when her beautiful view was spoiled by an awful orange eyesore, she met Clem Wentworth, age 40, the new owner of the perceived eyesore, Florence, a fifty-seven foot narrow boat with a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Docked on the Otterbank Wharf, Clem had quit her career in marketing, opened Clem’s Coffee & Cakes, with plans to sell her delicious creations to the hungry tourists.

Their first meeting turned into a messy confrontation, infuriating Victoria who was actually jealous of the new competition which had better reviews and the better, freshly baked products it offered. She wanted Clem, her business and the narrow boat gone! Now!

Clem was just as disgusted with Victoria, but the feud didn’t last, for they soon became friends after Clem enlightened Victoria with some unsettling news about her husband, and, as it sometimes happens in life, the friendship was followed by sparks.

The ten year age difference didn’t hamper this slow-burn romance. Emily Banting has a special, sensitive way of creating characters with great chemistry. It was a joy to watch Victoria and Clem’s relationship develop and to read another warm and informative story by this gifted author.

[Red Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the very first chapter.
A slow burn, age gap romance that draws you in on a journey (up and down the canal) that sees both Clem and Victoria develop their relationship, overcome obstacles and challenges in personal and professional lives.

From a less than stellar start a lively friendship blossoms which could lead to more if those obstacles and challenges are overcome!!
Both make significant changes to their lives at different times and both query the paths they have chosen but ultimately the questions is will love conquer all!!
I loved this book - not only Clem and Victoria but Max and Jasper and the supporting cast. The writing is superb! Emily Banting does it again!
This is ARC review giving my honest opinion.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has knocked it out of the park again with this fantastic book about Clem, who escapes the corporate grind for life aboard an orange canal boat selling home made cakes, and Victoria, an architect who had taken on a pet project turning the undergarment mill her great great etc etc grandfather built way back in the day and turning it into a museum and heritage centre.
The humour is sparkling. The two MC’s are brought to life with in depth knowledge and full backgrounds and that feeling that you really know them by the end. Fab-u-lous!

[Haley Bungay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this one! It had everything I love in a sapphic book. Slow burn, age-gap, bit of tension, rivals to lovers…an easy 5 star read for me!

Clem has just opened her very own business. Victoria is trying to keep hers afloat. But when the two are competing against each other tensions become even deeper! However, neither can deny they find the other attractive. And the more time they spend together the deeper the attraction.

I loved the character development in this book. Both Clem and Victoria are complicated humans…Clem is trying to find her footing now that she’s out of the corporate world…Victoria is stuck in a marriage that can hardly be called one. The way Clem sees all of Victoria and the way she makes Victoria see herself brings them even closer and turns Victoria’s life around in the most beautiful way.

Thanks to the author, Emily Banting, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The book is being released on September 27th!

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was accepted by Emily Banting to be a part of the ARC team for Barging In and below is my honest review.

I was SO excited when I got the message from Emily about this because I am a huge fan!

The Queen of sapphic slow burn/age gap romances has done it again! 😍 what a book!

Barging In is a brilliantly paced, very well written story that follows Clem and Victoria who meet when Clems bright orange narrowboat Florence comes ‘barging’ into Victorias life… see what I did there? 😂

The story is full of all the tropes I love - age gap, enemies to lovers and slow burn. It isn’t filled with spice so it keeps you waiting for it but in the best way. Emilys humour is also woven throughout which I love.

WLW and a canal setting?! Obsessed. I am obsessed 😍

I recommend this to anyone who loves a trope filled, sapphic romance!

Overall, I give this 5 stars!

Thank you Emily for allowing me to read and review!

[Minna Perälä · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free ARC provided by the author. Thank you for the opportunity to read the novel in advance.

Emily Banting is one of the masters of sapphic contemporary romance. She writes idyllic and cozy slow burn age gap stories set in England. Barging In is another mature romance to the author's catalogue. Barging In, like all Emily Banting novels I've read so far, have high quality writing, fresh setting, yearning and pining, self acceptance, interesting and fun cast.

Barging In has a bit of Broken Beyond Repair and Beyond Her Manner magic sprinkled on top. Older ice queen, disappointed in life and given up on love, gets new chance of happiness. A bit younger woman - not necessarily a traditional sunshine type - shows life isn't over while figuring her own future out. Sydney and Beatrice are still my favorite Emily Banting couple but Clem and Vic are not far behind.

If you want to read a slow burn sapphic romance with toe curling teasing scenes, heartaching pining, and dessert nicknames and metaphors, give Barging In a go. I'm rating the book 4.5 stars. It's one of my top reads of 2025.

"Mine," Victoria whispers. 🎉

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

This book is so entertaining that I finished it within a day. Wonderfully written with banter, humor, friendship, and love. This is a very slow-burning book with low spice however it still makes for a steamy read. Well done Ms. Banting on another excellent book.

[RomanceReadingJess · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review, so thank you to Emily Banting for that.

Tropes included:
Age Gap
Sapphic Romance
Forced Proximity
Rivals to Lovers
Slooooow burn
Workplace(ish)
Mature FMCs (40/50)
Fresh Start
Divorce

Emily Banting really does know her way around an Age-Gap with a simmering slow burn! Our two main characters are Clem and Victoria. Clem is a woman has decided, at 40, that she's not doing what she wants in life and takes an inheritance to start a new business selling her cakes and coffee near the local Wharf near her family's home. She's a single lesbian that is looking for more fulfillment in her life doing things she feels passionate about. Victoria is the owner of the wharf where Clem has decided to set up shop. Victoria's business at the wharf is struggling and the last thing she needs is Clem's business making it worse. I really enjoyed Victoria's character development throughout this story. Her growth felt authentic and relatable. The chemistry between the two characters was instant. Even in the beginning, when it was BAD chemistry, it was clearly still ready to boil over any time they interacted.

The pacing of the story, I thought was great. This was the definition of a slooow burn, but it never felt like the story dragged. There were enough plot points to keep the story moving while their relationship evolved. I also really enjoyed the author's ability to build the world. She used clear descriptions and set the scene. I felt like I could always easily envision scene in my mind. And I have no idea how much of the corset factory museum was authentic, but I really loved the tour scene and really made me think about corsets in a new way, lol. Very interesting.

This is my second Emily Banting story and definitely my favorite of the two. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author. I think this story would be great for anyone who enjoys more mature characters, slow burns, and found family feels. It's definitely heavy on the tension and mild in terms of spice, but it is there so don't worry. ;)