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Breaking from Frame
A slow-burn vintage lesbian romance about desire, freedom, and daring to embrace your truth.
In the spring of 1969, Mrs. Claire Davis struggles through a discontented life to play the perfect homemaker. When beautiful, unmarried Jackie Callas moves in next door, the mysterious and thoroughly modern photographer upends everything Claire thought was normal.
Embracing Jackie’s friendship while trying to avoid the judgment of gossipy Acacia Circle, Claire finds herself swept down a path of longing and self-discovery that shatters her suburban bubble.
But when her secret dreams threaten to become real, will Claire have the strength to choose love over safety?
In the spring of 1969, Mrs. Claire Davis struggles through a discontented life to play the perfect homemaker. When beautiful, unmarried Jackie Callas moves in next door, the mysterious and thoroughly modern photographer upends everything Claire thought was normal.
Embracing Jackie’s friendship while trying to avoid the judgment of gossipy Acacia Circle, Claire finds herself swept down a path of longing and self-discovery that shatters her suburban bubble.
But when her secret dreams threaten to become real, will Claire have the strength to choose love over safety?
272 pages, ebook
Published November 26, 2025
35 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Jazz Forrester
4 books223 followersJazz Forrester spends her days getting lost in research rabbit holes over insignificant details. Growing up in rural Ontario, she spent her life constantly reading and creating stories in her head without ever thinking to write them down. Once she started putting pen to paper in 2018, she never looked back. When she’s not writing, she spends her time with fandom nonsense, gaming, playing D&D, and trying out new recipes on her partner.
Jazz currently lives in Niagara, Ontario, and enjoys her day job talking to people about history.
Jazz currently lives in Niagara, Ontario, and enjoys her day job talking to people about history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 3, 2026
What a great book to kick off the new year. It’s such a slow burn but the angst, tension and character development was spectacularly written. Oh and once the burn ended, that steam was just wow.
December 21, 2025
Hello 1969. Claire is married to Pete. Plain and simple. A homemaker and nothing else. Pete's world revolves around him alone; Claire is just there to serve him. Jackie moves in next door. She's a free spirit, single woman living a life that Claire can't even imagine. She drives her own car, owns her own home and makes her own money. This is the story of how Claire breaks her chains and frees her spirit. It's a very long slow burn as Claire's eyes open to what she could truly be. The book is well written with side characters you love and love to hate. Jazz Forrester, I hand you my heart on a platter and recommend this book to anyone who's struggled knowing themselves. Heck, I recommend it to everyone!
March 2, 2026
What a fantastic slowburn!
I wanted to go back in time and tell one thing or two to all those Boomers men...
At the beginning I felt like reading the life of my mother. Not allowed to go to university. Not allowed to work... because the "man" could provide money ans so she could stay at home, raise kids, cook, clean, garden and end up alone and sad when the kids lefr the house.
Thanks to all the queer people who paved the way and to all who fought for equal rights.
I absolutely adored the story of Claire and how her world ia turned upside down when a new and quirky neighbor, Jackie Callas, buys the house next to hers. After years of a sterile marriage where she is just a silent doll to her husband Pete, Claire has a true awakening of the senses, and it is so intense to experience it through her eyes.
Takes courage to stand out from the background.
If you suddenly feel love, when you have never experienced it, you have no idea what is happening to you, until...
I wanted to go back in time and tell one thing or two to all those Boomers men...
At the beginning I felt like reading the life of my mother. Not allowed to go to university. Not allowed to work... because the "man" could provide money ans so she could stay at home, raise kids, cook, clean, garden and end up alone and sad when the kids lefr the house.
Thanks to all the queer people who paved the way and to all who fought for equal rights.
I absolutely adored the story of Claire and how her world ia turned upside down when a new and quirky neighbor, Jackie Callas, buys the house next to hers. After years of a sterile marriage where she is just a silent doll to her husband Pete, Claire has a true awakening of the senses, and it is so intense to experience it through her eyes.
Takes courage to stand out from the background.
If you suddenly feel love, when you have never experienced it, you have no idea what is happening to you, until...
November 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Historical romance is one of my favorite genres. I was so excited when I read about this book and then realized who the author was. While this is the first work of hers that I’ve read, I’ve heard good things about her other book, Shifting Gears.
I love historical fiction. I love Breaking From Frame. Most of the time, historical fiction stories are accurate with the times they take place. Sometimes, they aren’t. I like when the fiction is accurate to the time period. Even though it is hard to read the blatant racism,sexism and homophobia..it’s reality. I appreciate when authors can accurately portray the struggles of a sapphic woman.
Jazz does that. She accurately portrays what it would be like to be a housewife in 1969. She portrays what it would be like to be a lesbian that owns her own house in 1969. Claire and Jacqueline’s story is beautiful but it is not without trials and tribulations. Claire is very repressed. It is easy for me as a queer woman in 2025 to scream at how naive she was with everything. Of course, it’s easy for me to know that Jacqueline was never talking about a married man. Of course, it was easy for me to know that Jacqueline was pushing Claire away to not “corrupt” her. I appreciate the journey that Claire had to take. While it was frustrating, it was realistic. Poor girl didn’t even know what a cl*t was.
Beautiful is the word of the day. I can’t think of another word to describe this story. I loved every second of it. Like all books that I love, I had to force myself to stop reading so it woudn’t be over so soon. I easily could’ve finished this in a day. I am so happy that there is a happy ending. You don’t always get that with sapphic historical romance. Jazz has created such wonderful characters that come alive off the page. I found myself thinking how old Jacqueline, Theo and Claire would be when the world started to change for the better for the queer community. As if they were real people, as if I wanted to make sure they were alive to see the world change.
Any book I love, I get get the physical copy of it. Preordering Breaking From Frame now!
I love historical fiction. I love Breaking From Frame. Most of the time, historical fiction stories are accurate with the times they take place. Sometimes, they aren’t. I like when the fiction is accurate to the time period. Even though it is hard to read the blatant racism,sexism and homophobia..it’s reality. I appreciate when authors can accurately portray the struggles of a sapphic woman.
Jazz does that. She accurately portrays what it would be like to be a housewife in 1969. She portrays what it would be like to be a lesbian that owns her own house in 1969. Claire and Jacqueline’s story is beautiful but it is not without trials and tribulations. Claire is very repressed. It is easy for me as a queer woman in 2025 to scream at how naive she was with everything. Of course, it’s easy for me to know that Jacqueline was never talking about a married man. Of course, it was easy for me to know that Jacqueline was pushing Claire away to not “corrupt” her. I appreciate the journey that Claire had to take. While it was frustrating, it was realistic. Poor girl didn’t even know what a cl*t was.
Beautiful is the word of the day. I can’t think of another word to describe this story. I loved every second of it. Like all books that I love, I had to force myself to stop reading so it woudn’t be over so soon. I easily could’ve finished this in a day. I am so happy that there is a happy ending. You don’t always get that with sapphic historical romance. Jazz has created such wonderful characters that come alive off the page. I found myself thinking how old Jacqueline, Theo and Claire would be when the world started to change for the better for the queer community. As if they were real people, as if I wanted to make sure they were alive to see the world change.
Any book I love, I get get the physical copy of it. Preordering Breaking From Frame now!
January 17, 2026
This was sooooo good!!! I loved it from the start and all the way through. All of the characters were so well written.
January 5, 2026
Jazz Forester describes so well how women are raised and expected to serve their husband and child. I could feel the claustrophobia Claire felt in her life. Then Jackie pops in her life, and while the whole neighborhood ostracized her, Claire finds solace in her company and she get stronger everyday. What I absolutely loved is Claire starting to feel things she was unable to identify as she was raised with bliders from day one. Her journey to freedom had to be earned and seeing her blooming put tears in my eyes. She is incredibly endearing. Jackie's POV can't can't be read but guessed and I really liked her too. After finishing the book, I ended up with that delicious feelikg of a heart fullfilled and that feeling lingers. It mean I really loved it.
February 25, 2026
Just, wow. I absolutely loved this 🥰
December 11, 2025
I was unsure whether I would like this or not because anything set in the past has the potential homophobic element to it. But I loved it. I particularly like Claire as a character. She has this wonderful unfolding of who she is. Beautifully paced. The only thing that bothered me was the occasional phrase that seemed anachronistic. Other than that, an absorbing read.
March 6, 2026
Fantastic.and beautifully written historical romance.
A lot of character growth in a 1969 American suburban close where Mrs Claire Davis develops feelings for her new neighbour Jackie.
What deters from more stars for me is the focus around Claire and her husband for a lot of the book and the ending when the two MCs get together felt rushed. I would have liked more here, maybe a second book?
A lot of character growth in a 1969 American suburban close where Mrs Claire Davis develops feelings for her new neighbour Jackie.
What deters from more stars for me is the focus around Claire and her husband for a lot of the book and the ending when the two MCs get together felt rushed. I would have liked more here, maybe a second book?
January 13, 2026
Best way to start the year IMO
January 14, 2026
Like a nostalgic hug and empowering!
It’s 1969 and Claire, a homemaker is discovering something is changing in life when she meets Jackie, who is unmarried and moves in next door. Everything about Jackie is exciting and empowering in a way that has Claire questioning whether her life can continue as it is. When she gets swept up in friendship with Jackie that sets the gossipy circle she lives in judging her, Claire is making difficult life decisions.
The second I started reading this I knew I was going to love it. There was a familiarity with the characters and the setting that is like one of my favourite TV shows, so I got completely enveloped in this story and really felt a connection to everything. I could empathise with Claire and her situation. The second she met Jackie you knew her life was going to change in ways that Claire was in no way prepared for, but it surprised me even more when Claire started opening up to Jackie about how she really felt and confided in her about everything she’d ever felt about not fitting into her lifestyle. Claire had really suppressed her true self due to other factors, something I could personally relate to and I willed her on to rediscover herself, while also drawing on her strength to remind myself I should continue doing the same. She was really inspiring!
Jackie was that woman I think we all admire, confident and put together on the outside but as always they have a vulnerable side that they have also learned to bury and keep hidden. So in a way I could do the same with her as I had with Claire, but I was so in awe of her. That independence and free spirit attitude. She and her friends brought vibrancy and life to this picturesque stuck in time place where Claire found herself and together they all liberated her. While there, Jackie also learned a lot about herself and in being vulnerable with Claire she allowed her to help her realise she was not the problem, the world was!
I couldn’t put this down and wished it was never going to end! I loved its empowering message and the sense of embracing freedom to be true to yourself. I highly recommend this!
It’s 1969 and Claire, a homemaker is discovering something is changing in life when she meets Jackie, who is unmarried and moves in next door. Everything about Jackie is exciting and empowering in a way that has Claire questioning whether her life can continue as it is. When she gets swept up in friendship with Jackie that sets the gossipy circle she lives in judging her, Claire is making difficult life decisions.
The second I started reading this I knew I was going to love it. There was a familiarity with the characters and the setting that is like one of my favourite TV shows, so I got completely enveloped in this story and really felt a connection to everything. I could empathise with Claire and her situation. The second she met Jackie you knew her life was going to change in ways that Claire was in no way prepared for, but it surprised me even more when Claire started opening up to Jackie about how she really felt and confided in her about everything she’d ever felt about not fitting into her lifestyle. Claire had really suppressed her true self due to other factors, something I could personally relate to and I willed her on to rediscover herself, while also drawing on her strength to remind myself I should continue doing the same. She was really inspiring!
Jackie was that woman I think we all admire, confident and put together on the outside but as always they have a vulnerable side that they have also learned to bury and keep hidden. So in a way I could do the same with her as I had with Claire, but I was so in awe of her. That independence and free spirit attitude. She and her friends brought vibrancy and life to this picturesque stuck in time place where Claire found herself and together they all liberated her. While there, Jackie also learned a lot about herself and in being vulnerable with Claire she allowed her to help her realise she was not the problem, the world was!
I couldn’t put this down and wished it was never going to end! I loved its empowering message and the sense of embracing freedom to be true to yourself. I highly recommend this!
November 4, 2025
Hey so I cried reading this and it’s such a beautiful book and I think everyone should read it!
The premise is gutting at times, but not so heavy that the book is too traumatic to read. Jazz does an excellent job of acknowledging and addressing the deeply problematic and terrifying moments of the 60’s while delivering a story of love.
I truly adored this book and will absolutely be buying a copy for my shelves!
*Huge thanks and forehead kisses to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
The premise is gutting at times, but not so heavy that the book is too traumatic to read. Jazz does an excellent job of acknowledging and addressing the deeply problematic and terrifying moments of the 60’s while delivering a story of love.
I truly adored this book and will absolutely be buying a copy for my shelves!
*Huge thanks and forehead kisses to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
January 12, 2026
A solid 4.5 stars. The book was almost a perfect 5 ⭐️ for me. It’s one of those stories that stays with you even after you finish reading, and one you don’t want to end. That said, I had one small issue with the ending—it wraps up very soon after the main characters reach an important turning point in their relationship. I would have loved to see more of their life together and how they build it, rather than the story ending so quickly.
A great read and one I’d highly recommend.
A great read and one I’d highly recommend.
November 23, 2025
Wonderfully written with great emotions. Im amazed at how well this author captured the restrictive behavior of women in the late 1960's and the beginnings of the movement to set them free.
Homosexuality and birth control is also discussed. Just the right mix of topics to convey the times. It made me think "Stepford Wives"
I really liked this story and all the characters....except the husbands.
The evolution of Claire, the unhappy housewife, is realistic and well paced.
The dialog is excellent and conveys all the emotions, happiness, sadness, and loneliness she endured.
Young women reading this story will learn what women endured and where we NEVER want to return.
I really liked this story and the ending.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Homosexuality and birth control is also discussed. Just the right mix of topics to convey the times. It made me think "Stepford Wives"
I really liked this story and all the characters....except the husbands.
The evolution of Claire, the unhappy housewife, is realistic and well paced.
The dialog is excellent and conveys all the emotions, happiness, sadness, and loneliness she endured.
Young women reading this story will learn what women endured and where we NEVER want to return.
I really liked this story and the ending.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is wonderful. I finished it several days ago, and am still thinking about it so often it is ocasionally impeding my current reading!
The romance was amazing, and I loved the development between Jackie and Claire. It was such a believeable build up, and an excellent slow burn. As others have said, it really does take a long time for their relationship to develop, but it is worth it!
Jackie is such a great character, and in many ways, she is Claire's opposite. She is very "loud", uncaring what anyone thinks about her lifestyle, and is very involved in the queer community. Her presence in many ways upends the entire neighborhood, but of course Claire's household most of all.
I absolutely loved the transformation that Claire went through. In the beginning, she is very overshadowed by the people and expectations around her, but by the end, you can see her as she was meant to be. She is an intelligent yet naive woman, stuck in the life she has chosen, trying to shove herself into a mold that will never fit. She feels different, and she thinks she's broken.
Breaking from Frame is more than a romance, it's really Claire's story. You see her slowly break free from the life she and so many other women of the time are caught in. No matter how terrifying it is for her to upend her life, she still chooses to do something different. I can't help but think that if I were born in the same time as Claire, how I would lead such a similar life, yet may be too afraid to ever change things. It's a scary thought.
I would reccomend this to anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances, and of course, for fans of sapphic romance. If you've read Forrester's other book, Shifting Gears, this one is just as excellent, albeit in a different way. 5/5 stars!
This book is wonderful. I finished it several days ago, and am still thinking about it so often it is ocasionally impeding my current reading!
The romance was amazing, and I loved the development between Jackie and Claire. It was such a believeable build up, and an excellent slow burn. As others have said, it really does take a long time for their relationship to develop, but it is worth it!
Jackie is such a great character, and in many ways, she is Claire's opposite. She is very "loud", uncaring what anyone thinks about her lifestyle, and is very involved in the queer community. Her presence in many ways upends the entire neighborhood, but of course Claire's household most of all.
I absolutely loved the transformation that Claire went through. In the beginning, she is very overshadowed by the people and expectations around her, but by the end, you can see her as she was meant to be. She is an intelligent yet naive woman, stuck in the life she has chosen, trying to shove herself into a mold that will never fit. She feels different, and she thinks she's broken.
Breaking from Frame is more than a romance, it's really Claire's story. You see her slowly break free from the life she and so many other women of the time are caught in. No matter how terrifying it is for her to upend her life, she still chooses to do something different. I can't help but think that if I were born in the same time as Claire, how I would lead such a similar life, yet may be too afraid to ever change things. It's a scary thought.
I would reccomend this to anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances, and of course, for fans of sapphic romance. If you've read Forrester's other book, Shifting Gears, this one is just as excellent, albeit in a different way. 5/5 stars!
November 15, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
ohh man this one is based in the late 60s when life for women was very different.... they were stay at home moms or if they were married they were there to look after the home whilst the hubby went to work and brought home the bacon
women needed permission to do anything stifling times but one that nobody knew how to change.... least of all the men because why would they....
claire has been married to her husband for 10 years she knows her place ...none of her clothes are store bought her mother in law makes them for her its to save money and she never forgets her wifely duties
so when jackie moves in to the house next door from them claire is thrilled ... a new friend but its also very clear that jackie is so very different from the surrounding area.....
so against petes wishes claire meets jackie secretly....
and a friendship blooms.....
what isnt expected is how everything will pan out
its an interesting read seeing how far women have come since the 60s how more in control and the decision making that now takes place instead of only have two rooms in a house that women were meant to occupy and even then it was against their wishes.... wifely duties were taken seriously... man how i hate that concept....
good read though and i cant wait to read more from this author
ohh man this one is based in the late 60s when life for women was very different.... they were stay at home moms or if they were married they were there to look after the home whilst the hubby went to work and brought home the bacon
women needed permission to do anything stifling times but one that nobody knew how to change.... least of all the men because why would they....
claire has been married to her husband for 10 years she knows her place ...none of her clothes are store bought her mother in law makes them for her its to save money and she never forgets her wifely duties
so when jackie moves in to the house next door from them claire is thrilled ... a new friend but its also very clear that jackie is so very different from the surrounding area.....
so against petes wishes claire meets jackie secretly....
and a friendship blooms.....
what isnt expected is how everything will pan out
its an interesting read seeing how far women have come since the 60s how more in control and the decision making that now takes place instead of only have two rooms in a house that women were meant to occupy and even then it was against their wishes.... wifely duties were taken seriously... man how i hate that concept....
good read though and i cant wait to read more from this author
March 27, 2026
My absolute favorite book, not only last year, but overall is "Shifting Gears" by Jazz Forrester. The joy i felt when i saw and heard from Ms. Forrester firsthand that she released a new book got me extremely hype. I saw this one is a historical fiction book, set in 1969 and given that i want to go through every trope (Friends to lovers, Enemies to lovers, ice queen, etc.) to see which ones i like best and venture out, historical fiction sounded extremely interesting and nothing like her first book at all.
Will this be my favorite book of 2026, yet another Jazz Forrester book? Let's see...
* Personal Opinion *
Yes. I can just end the review here.
Honestly, Jazz Forrester. She only wrote 2 books so far, but DAMN are these amazing books. Shifting Gears was just perfection, everything in that book felt alive, it had purpose, it wasn't just mindless spice scenes strung together, the entire world was alive, u could visibly depict it, the 2 main characters were so damn adorable, the connection that became closer and closer, the side-characters, everything worked so good in unison.
And then we have this one and Jazz Forrester outdid herself. Set in 1969, i always knew women had a really shitty live, but to this extent? Really?
I need to know how much of this was fiction, because the way not only Claire, but the entirety of society was depicted in a small suburban city in america sounds like women were essential slaves. if everything here is rooted in fiction, then i appreciate every single women in history that fought for their freedom. No doubt, nothing but pure respect for these brave people back then.
And that's just what the book taught me about life in general. In the book, we have a women, clearly a baby butch who doesn't even know about the possiblity of a relationship between 2 women slowly realizing that she is actually a lesbian.
Throughout the entire book u get to see the people that Claire has in her life don't care about her at all. Women are supposed to grin and bear with it, while men do whatever they want. Women take care of the house, chores, get no money and no say. The entire relationship not only that of Claire and her stupid manchild of man, Pete, is so shallow and rooted in routine and borders more on acquaintances and on convenience for Pete, with the total disregard of Claire, her feelings and her needs.
Jackie is the perfect women to break claire out of her frame from not only the suburban neighborhood she never belonged into, but also to show her who she really is. Who gives her what she rightfully deserves and vice-versa.
In Shifting Gears Jazz Forrester had a great way of detailing the landscape, here, in Breaking From Frame, it's not so much the landscape but the inner turmoil. Claire, as mentioned in a quite, suburban neighborhood having never fathomed the concept of lesbianism, slowly having these feelings and this "need" for Jackie, not being able to pin-point what she's feeling and jackie wanting to point Claire in the direction is so damn good.
I had a hell of a time and really took my time with this book to understand and let everything sink in. There is a lot going on, some amazing side-characters, (Theo is a menace in the best way possible) the "third act break-up" (not really, trying not to spoiler) part was so damn crushing and showed, even more, the complete disregard of Claire's husband.
Honestly, so far, this was probably the most i ever wanted to strangle a character in all of the books i've read so far. Topping the complete lack of emotions and social cues and just being a legit man-child is gonna be tough.
There is only one spice scene, with some day dreams strewn into the book as Claire grows closer to Jackie, but that final spice scene in the walk-in closet (nice little wordplay from Jazz by the way, as at the end of the book they both literally "come out of the closet" together) has so much meaning behind it. A lot of conversation, Claire, who never was intimate in the true sense, being guided by Jackie, just a tremendous scene. The entire book is longing, finding yourself, literally breaking out of the frame, it's extremely rewarding and carries a heavy meaning.
And also, when Claire finally speaks up and seperates herself from her husband - it's so cathartic, it made me cheer her on the whole way. GO GIRL!
If u haven't read it and u want to edjucate yourself what it means to be a lesbian in a suburban city, how women were essential slaves to their husbands, if u want to know the meaning of longing between two women, read this one. Honestly, Jazz Forrester can do no wrong, both books that she released so far are absolute goat material. I've only read 3 books so far this year, but i'm pretty sure that this one will come out on the pole position, it was just so educational, meaningful, sweet and super engaging. Read it!
Story: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Amount of Spice: 2/5 (The amount of Spice)
Spice Scenes: 5/5
Re-readability: 4/5
End Rating: 5/5
I had about 80 highlights on my kindle for this one, i'll try to narrow it down to a few, which will be hard, but here are some of my favorite quotes for this book. Again: Make sure to read it
"Her heart soars when Jacqueline laughs again. Can one translate a laugh onto paper? Is there some visual medium that can capture the way Jacqueline’s makes her feel?"
“Have any of you even spoken to her?” “Why would I want to speak to a woman like that?” Martha says. “I said hello when she moved in, and that was enough to know she’s bad news.”
"Claire wonders, as the skirt glides over her skin, what it might feel like to be that scrap of silk. Light and flowing, pressed so intimately to Jackie for as long as she chooses to wear it. A silk negligée doesn’t have to go home to its husband after every visit. "
"“Why Pete’s mother’s dress? Why not your own mother’s? Or a dress you chose?” “Rita wanted me to wear it,” Claire says simply. “All my sisters-in-law did before me.” [...] “I wore ballet flats. And stooped a bit. Pete and Rita didn’t want him to look short for the pictures.” [...] “Did you have a nice honeymoon, at least?” “Pete doesn’t like to travel,”"
"“Why should Pete get to control every single thing I do?” [...] “It isn’t fair.” “He is your husband.” “But—” “This is how it works, Claire,” Miriam says."
"“Why is it that he doesn’t notice your suffering at all? That he gets to just keep on living his life happily, while you break your back to make up for everything he doesn’t do? How is that fair?”"
"Having a man by her side made all of those shortcomings ease, back then. She blended in. But if this life is what it means, does she want to blend in? What was it that Jackie said, when they first met? Don’t bother with the background. "
"She could find a job somewhere, make her own money and support herself. She could come home after a hard day not to a husband demanding dinner and drinks, but to someone like Jackie, who makes her feel more at ease than anyone she’s ever known."
"Finally, after months of confusion, there’s an explanation. She’s not losing her marbles. She’s just like Jackie. She’s gay. She’s a queer. What she doesn’t know is how on earth she’s supposed to decide what to do about it."
"She hangs the walls with art. She has Anita over for a simple Christmas dinner—split pea soup, and some bread from the shop downstairs. Anita gives her a toaster oven,"
"Claire agonized over it for months, but now that she’s here, the choice seems easy. She feels more just from standing close to Jackie than she ever did for her husband. He’s harsh where Jackie is soft, thoughtless where Jackie is kind. He’s a pair of shackles, and Jackie is a car on the open highway."
"“I’ve spent my whole life obeying,” Claire says. She takes Jackie by the wrists, moving her hands up until they rest on her ribs. “This is the first time I’ve ever wanted.”"
"She doesn’t know what she’s doing. Sexual relations are a foreign language to her—with Pete it was always easiest to think about something else until it was over. With Jackie, the last thing she wants to do is disengage. Claire wants to be aware of every single second.
“I want—I want this, but I don’t know how.” “I’ll show you,” Jackie whispers. She’s sinking to her knees for reasons Claire can’t fathom, trailing a hot line of kisses as she goes. “Please, let me show you.”"
"She’s never felt the need to kiss Pete outside of the necessary times—a peck on the cheek in the morning, a kiss or two before or after lovemaking. Quick and to the point. Tongue was never a factor. This kiss is exploratory. Claire follows every whim,"
Will this be my favorite book of 2026, yet another Jazz Forrester book? Let's see...
* Personal Opinion *
Yes. I can just end the review here.
Honestly, Jazz Forrester. She only wrote 2 books so far, but DAMN are these amazing books. Shifting Gears was just perfection, everything in that book felt alive, it had purpose, it wasn't just mindless spice scenes strung together, the entire world was alive, u could visibly depict it, the 2 main characters were so damn adorable, the connection that became closer and closer, the side-characters, everything worked so good in unison.
And then we have this one and Jazz Forrester outdid herself. Set in 1969, i always knew women had a really shitty live, but to this extent? Really?
I need to know how much of this was fiction, because the way not only Claire, but the entirety of society was depicted in a small suburban city in america sounds like women were essential slaves. if everything here is rooted in fiction, then i appreciate every single women in history that fought for their freedom. No doubt, nothing but pure respect for these brave people back then.
And that's just what the book taught me about life in general. In the book, we have a women, clearly a baby butch who doesn't even know about the possiblity of a relationship between 2 women slowly realizing that she is actually a lesbian.
Throughout the entire book u get to see the people that Claire has in her life don't care about her at all. Women are supposed to grin and bear with it, while men do whatever they want. Women take care of the house, chores, get no money and no say. The entire relationship not only that of Claire and her stupid manchild of man, Pete, is so shallow and rooted in routine and borders more on acquaintances and on convenience for Pete, with the total disregard of Claire, her feelings and her needs.
Jackie is the perfect women to break claire out of her frame from not only the suburban neighborhood she never belonged into, but also to show her who she really is. Who gives her what she rightfully deserves and vice-versa.
In Shifting Gears Jazz Forrester had a great way of detailing the landscape, here, in Breaking From Frame, it's not so much the landscape but the inner turmoil. Claire, as mentioned in a quite, suburban neighborhood having never fathomed the concept of lesbianism, slowly having these feelings and this "need" for Jackie, not being able to pin-point what she's feeling and jackie wanting to point Claire in the direction is so damn good.
I had a hell of a time and really took my time with this book to understand and let everything sink in. There is a lot going on, some amazing side-characters, (Theo is a menace in the best way possible) the "third act break-up" (not really, trying not to spoiler) part was so damn crushing and showed, even more, the complete disregard of Claire's husband.
Honestly, so far, this was probably the most i ever wanted to strangle a character in all of the books i've read so far. Topping the complete lack of emotions and social cues and just being a legit man-child is gonna be tough.
There is only one spice scene, with some day dreams strewn into the book as Claire grows closer to Jackie, but that final spice scene in the walk-in closet (nice little wordplay from Jazz by the way, as at the end of the book they both literally "come out of the closet" together) has so much meaning behind it. A lot of conversation, Claire, who never was intimate in the true sense, being guided by Jackie, just a tremendous scene. The entire book is longing, finding yourself, literally breaking out of the frame, it's extremely rewarding and carries a heavy meaning.
And also, when Claire finally speaks up and seperates herself from her husband - it's so cathartic, it made me cheer her on the whole way. GO GIRL!
If u haven't read it and u want to edjucate yourself what it means to be a lesbian in a suburban city, how women were essential slaves to their husbands, if u want to know the meaning of longing between two women, read this one. Honestly, Jazz Forrester can do no wrong, both books that she released so far are absolute goat material. I've only read 3 books so far this year, but i'm pretty sure that this one will come out on the pole position, it was just so educational, meaningful, sweet and super engaging. Read it!
Story: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Amount of Spice: 2/5 (The amount of Spice)
Spice Scenes: 5/5
Re-readability: 4/5
End Rating: 5/5
I had about 80 highlights on my kindle for this one, i'll try to narrow it down to a few, which will be hard, but here are some of my favorite quotes for this book. Again: Make sure to read it
"Her heart soars when Jacqueline laughs again. Can one translate a laugh onto paper? Is there some visual medium that can capture the way Jacqueline’s makes her feel?"
“Have any of you even spoken to her?” “Why would I want to speak to a woman like that?” Martha says. “I said hello when she moved in, and that was enough to know she’s bad news.”
"Claire wonders, as the skirt glides over her skin, what it might feel like to be that scrap of silk. Light and flowing, pressed so intimately to Jackie for as long as she chooses to wear it. A silk negligée doesn’t have to go home to its husband after every visit. "
"“Why Pete’s mother’s dress? Why not your own mother’s? Or a dress you chose?” “Rita wanted me to wear it,” Claire says simply. “All my sisters-in-law did before me.” [...] “I wore ballet flats. And stooped a bit. Pete and Rita didn’t want him to look short for the pictures.” [...] “Did you have a nice honeymoon, at least?” “Pete doesn’t like to travel,”"
"“Why should Pete get to control every single thing I do?” [...] “It isn’t fair.” “He is your husband.” “But—” “This is how it works, Claire,” Miriam says."
"“Why is it that he doesn’t notice your suffering at all? That he gets to just keep on living his life happily, while you break your back to make up for everything he doesn’t do? How is that fair?”"
"Having a man by her side made all of those shortcomings ease, back then. She blended in. But if this life is what it means, does she want to blend in? What was it that Jackie said, when they first met? Don’t bother with the background. "
"She could find a job somewhere, make her own money and support herself. She could come home after a hard day not to a husband demanding dinner and drinks, but to someone like Jackie, who makes her feel more at ease than anyone she’s ever known."
"Finally, after months of confusion, there’s an explanation. She’s not losing her marbles. She’s just like Jackie. She’s gay. She’s a queer. What she doesn’t know is how on earth she’s supposed to decide what to do about it."
"She hangs the walls with art. She has Anita over for a simple Christmas dinner—split pea soup, and some bread from the shop downstairs. Anita gives her a toaster oven,"
"Claire agonized over it for months, but now that she’s here, the choice seems easy. She feels more just from standing close to Jackie than she ever did for her husband. He’s harsh where Jackie is soft, thoughtless where Jackie is kind. He’s a pair of shackles, and Jackie is a car on the open highway."
"“I’ve spent my whole life obeying,” Claire says. She takes Jackie by the wrists, moving her hands up until they rest on her ribs. “This is the first time I’ve ever wanted.”"
"She doesn’t know what she’s doing. Sexual relations are a foreign language to her—with Pete it was always easiest to think about something else until it was over. With Jackie, the last thing she wants to do is disengage. Claire wants to be aware of every single second.
“I want—I want this, but I don’t know how.” “I’ll show you,” Jackie whispers. She’s sinking to her knees for reasons Claire can’t fathom, trailing a hot line of kisses as she goes. “Please, let me show you.”"
"She’s never felt the need to kiss Pete outside of the necessary times—a peck on the cheek in the morning, a kiss or two before or after lovemaking. Quick and to the point. Tongue was never a factor. This kiss is exploratory. Claire follows every whim,"
December 10, 2025
*4.5🌟
i feel like i've never been prouder of a fictional character than i did claire😭❤️❤️ it feels so rewarding to read her journey from being pete's wife to the woman she is at the end🥹🥹
the relationship between her and jackie is also so beautiful.. i love the progression of their friendship/crush that blooms into something more. the way they see and understand each other, the way claire's kindness soften jackie's edges and jackie's boldness and confidence encourages claire to be her true self.... it's #real romance to me!! the slow burn was worth but i just wished we have more of them as a couple😔 (a little epilogue would've been nice.....)
i feel like i've never been prouder of a fictional character than i did claire😭❤️❤️ it feels so rewarding to read her journey from being pete's wife to the woman she is at the end🥹🥹
the relationship between her and jackie is also so beautiful.. i love the progression of their friendship/crush that blooms into something more. the way they see and understand each other, the way claire's kindness soften jackie's edges and jackie's boldness and confidence encourages claire to be her true self.... it's #real romance to me!! the slow burn was worth but i just wished we have more of them as a couple😔 (a little epilogue would've been nice.....)
December 12, 2025
favoritadissimo!!!!!!!! LIVRO MUITO LINDO, MARAVILHOSO, PERFEITO, ESTUPENDO, FENOMENAL, INCRIVEL
December 1, 2025
Breaking from Frame is one of those quiet, aching stories. Set in 1969, it follows Claire, a housewife doing everything she was told would make her happy, and Jackie, the modern, artistic neighbor who unsettles that carefully built life just by existing nearby. The slow burn here is intentional and beautifully done. The kind of forbidden tension that builds in glances, small moments, and the heavy silence of wanting something you can’t name yet.
The themes are heavier than I expected. Suburban confinement, artistic identity, making yourself small to survive, and the unspoken rules of femininity in the late 1960s. There’s also a tenderness in how clothing, art, and private moments are used to explore desire and self-expression. As someone who loves costume and textile imagery, those scenes really pulled me in.
Overall, this is a beautifully written vintage sapphic romance that blends longing and artistic self-discovery. If you enjoy queer historical fiction, slow burns, and character-driven stories about stepping into your truth, this one is worth picking up.
Definitely check content warnings beforehand, especially for readers sensitive to era-specific taboos and heavier emotional undercurrents.
The themes are heavier than I expected. Suburban confinement, artistic identity, making yourself small to survive, and the unspoken rules of femininity in the late 1960s. There’s also a tenderness in how clothing, art, and private moments are used to explore desire and self-expression. As someone who loves costume and textile imagery, those scenes really pulled me in.
Overall, this is a beautifully written vintage sapphic romance that blends longing and artistic self-discovery. If you enjoy queer historical fiction, slow burns, and character-driven stories about stepping into your truth, this one is worth picking up.
Definitely check content warnings beforehand, especially for readers sensitive to era-specific taboos and heavier emotional undercurrents.
March 8, 2026
a spectacular, breathtaking historical sapphic romance taking place in 1969! i loved the romance, but the mc’s journey really blew me away. she went through so much genuine, interesting, delightful change and yet was also the same person she’d hidden away inside of her. really honest, terrible depiction of the way women were (are) treated within “traditional” (read, 20th century patriarchal) marriages: the way that women are basically their husband’s child to control, boss, and speak for. beautiful journey from housewife to butch, lots of really nice art stuff (including a side potter!!!), and just a genuine and gorgeous relationship blossoming between the main characters. forrester is a spectacular writer!!!!!
November 30, 2025
Breaking From Frame by Jazz Forrester has quickly become one of my top reads of the year, so much so that the second I finished the e-book I ordered a physical copy to keep on my shelf for future re-reads. I went into this novel unsure what to expect… and was instantly pulled into a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story of self-discovery and love.
The story follows Claire, a suburban homemaker in 1969, whose life is upended when Jackie, a bold and modern photographer, moves in next door. What begins as friendship slowly blossoms into desire, freedom, and a truth Claire can no longer ignore. Their relationship is slow-burn and rich with longing. The emotional weight of their journey is overwhelming, but totally worth it! I laughed, I cried, and I hurt for these characters, but through it all I felt hopeful.
This book is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go when it comes to acceptance and queer visibility. I honestly had no words when I finished, just that deep, lingering ache and awe only a truly great book can provoke.
If you’re looking for a sapphic romance that doesn’t shy away from reality, that embraces longing and self-acceptance, and delivers a love story you’ll never forget, Breaking From Frame is one I’ll recommend over and over.
The story follows Claire, a suburban homemaker in 1969, whose life is upended when Jackie, a bold and modern photographer, moves in next door. What begins as friendship slowly blossoms into desire, freedom, and a truth Claire can no longer ignore. Their relationship is slow-burn and rich with longing. The emotional weight of their journey is overwhelming, but totally worth it! I laughed, I cried, and I hurt for these characters, but through it all I felt hopeful.
This book is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go when it comes to acceptance and queer visibility. I honestly had no words when I finished, just that deep, lingering ache and awe only a truly great book can provoke.
If you’re looking for a sapphic romance that doesn’t shy away from reality, that embraces longing and self-acceptance, and delivers a love story you’ll never forget, Breaking From Frame is one I’ll recommend over and over.
November 30, 2025
Another strong novel from Jazz! I’ve been following her fics for years and love her work. Such a sweet and happy ending. I can’t overlook the irony of Claire coming out to Jackie while in a closet. Long live Claire and Jackie! Hopefully they had a fantastic honeymoon vacation because they both deserve all the happiness.
December 3, 2025
oh fuck off (this was really cute). 4.5/5 only because I have a weird thing when reading 3rd person where if the characters name is mentioned so often in the same paragraph I get annoyed, It's really a me thing. The story was delightful though.
January 30, 2026
there’s something abt historical romances that will always pull me in. maybe it’s the time travel aspect of it all, getting to glimpse lives from a different era, even through fiction. or maybe it’s the yearning. especially between two women where desire exists alongside fear, repression, and very real consequences.
breaking from frame does a lot of things right on a technical level. the writing is gentle and accessible, and claire’s journey, slowly coming to terms with who she is and what she wants, is genuinely tender to witness. you can feel the quiet sincerity in the way her awakening unfolds and i appreciated how much patience the story gives her. it understands that self-realization, especially in an era like this, doesn’t happen all at once.
that said, i struggled with the “historical” part of this historical romance. the story tells us it’s set in 1969 and we’re shown familiar issues: homosexuality being illegal, the lack of autonomy afforded to women, the suffocating expectations of domestic life. all of these matter, of course. but for me, they were the only real indicators of the era. the same struggles still exist today in so many places, which made the setting feel more like a backdrop than something fully lived in. i kept wanting more texture, more specificity, more of the world beyond the character’s immediate bubble. i never quite felt transported.
the characters themselves are.. fine. claire’s arc is the strongest part of the book. though i’ll admit i had a hard time believing it took her nearly the entire story to realize that her best friend, her favorite person in the entire world, and eventual love interest, was a lesbian. i understand why this choice was made, given the time period, but it still felt a little stretched. jackie callas, meanwhile, is introduced as this free-spirited, magnetic presence, but she never quite deepens beyond that initial impression. unfortunately, both characters ended up feeling somewhat surface-level to me, which made it difficult to fully connect or feel emotionally invested in their relationship.
i wanted to feel the weight of the era more and the yearning to ache a little deeper. there’s nothing outright wrong with this book. it’s thoughtful, restrained, and clearly written with care. but it didn’t quite hit the way i hoped it would.
breaking from frame does a lot of things right on a technical level. the writing is gentle and accessible, and claire’s journey, slowly coming to terms with who she is and what she wants, is genuinely tender to witness. you can feel the quiet sincerity in the way her awakening unfolds and i appreciated how much patience the story gives her. it understands that self-realization, especially in an era like this, doesn’t happen all at once.
that said, i struggled with the “historical” part of this historical romance. the story tells us it’s set in 1969 and we’re shown familiar issues: homosexuality being illegal, the lack of autonomy afforded to women, the suffocating expectations of domestic life. all of these matter, of course. but for me, they were the only real indicators of the era. the same struggles still exist today in so many places, which made the setting feel more like a backdrop than something fully lived in. i kept wanting more texture, more specificity, more of the world beyond the character’s immediate bubble. i never quite felt transported.
the characters themselves are.. fine. claire’s arc is the strongest part of the book. though i’ll admit i had a hard time believing it took her nearly the entire story to realize that her best friend, her favorite person in the entire world, and eventual love interest, was a lesbian. i understand why this choice was made, given the time period, but it still felt a little stretched. jackie callas, meanwhile, is introduced as this free-spirited, magnetic presence, but she never quite deepens beyond that initial impression. unfortunately, both characters ended up feeling somewhat surface-level to me, which made it difficult to fully connect or feel emotionally invested in their relationship.
i wanted to feel the weight of the era more and the yearning to ache a little deeper. there’s nothing outright wrong with this book. it’s thoughtful, restrained, and clearly written with care. but it didn’t quite hit the way i hoped it would.
February 17, 2026
Ugh, I loved this. So. Damn. Much.
December 15, 2025
I really loved this one. Set in the late 60s in a suburban town in CA where everyone has a seemingly picture perfect life. It's set in the time where women were the homemakers taking care of their husband's every need. The main character, Claire is starting to struggle keeping up with this kind of life and her whole life turns upside down when someone new moves in next door - a beautiful, independent, vibrant woman named Jackie who is escaping her past. I loved watching this story unfold and especially Claire coming into who she is in all the ways - how she wants to spend her life, her sexuality, her gender expression, and just as a person living in the time she was. Like the movie, Pleasantville & the song, Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift - this story fits the line/theme of "the rest of the world is black and white but we were in screaming color" One of my favorite reads of the year, highly recommend! Us sapphics need more books like this!
Also special shoutout to the gorgeous cover that's giving the beautiful floral dress and whole look of Taylor Swift for the 2021 Grammy's 😍
Read if you:
- yearn for a slow burn sapphic romance
- like the movie, Pleasantville but make it sapphic
- want more soft butch/high femme rep
- wish there were more lesbian books written in the mid 20th century
- like the tropes forbidden romance + friends to lovers
- are a late in life lesbian or sapphic
- liked books like Carol/The Price of Salt, Curious Wine, and Nightgale
* Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review *
Also special shoutout to the gorgeous cover that's giving the beautiful floral dress and whole look of Taylor Swift for the 2021 Grammy's 😍
Read if you:
- yearn for a slow burn sapphic romance
- like the movie, Pleasantville but make it sapphic
- want more soft butch/high femme rep
- wish there were more lesbian books written in the mid 20th century
- like the tropes forbidden romance + friends to lovers
- are a late in life lesbian or sapphic
- liked books like Carol/The Price of Salt, Curious Wine, and Nightgale
* Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review *
February 20, 2026
Ficou distinto da fic original, a protagonista tá bem diferente da personagem original, tem até alguns conflitos no mundo que não tinha antes. O romance é slow burn mesmo, só tem contato mesmo lá no fim. Porém, não senti o mesmo interesse entre as duas como antes, achei que faltou alguma coisa.
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