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The Residency
For the first time in years, Zara Nova is staying put.
Ten months in Vegas for her residency means no tours, no running from city to city. It also means time—time to finally stop running from herself.
Zara’s built a career singing about love while ignoring her attraction to women since college. When a friend offers to set her up with someone discreet, she says yes. For once, she has the chance to explore this part of herself without the world watching.
Diane Washington, the daughter of a conservative senator and director of her family's political foundation, is deeply closeted and has spent years fundraising for people who would reject her if they knew the truth. When she walks into her blind date, she freezes. Sitting at the table, waiting for her, is one of the world's biggest pop stars.
The attraction is immediate. Their circumstances impossible.
Between the stage and the boardroom, they've both mastered the art of performance. Until one song changes everything, and the only choice left is which life to lose.
The Residency is a companion novel to Hedonism that can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
Ten months in Vegas for her residency means no tours, no running from city to city. It also means time—time to finally stop running from herself.
Zara’s built a career singing about love while ignoring her attraction to women since college. When a friend offers to set her up with someone discreet, she says yes. For once, she has the chance to explore this part of herself without the world watching.
Diane Washington, the daughter of a conservative senator and director of her family's political foundation, is deeply closeted and has spent years fundraising for people who would reject her if they knew the truth. When she walks into her blind date, she freezes. Sitting at the table, waiting for her, is one of the world's biggest pop stars.
The attraction is immediate. Their circumstances impossible.
Between the stage and the boardroom, they've both mastered the art of performance. Until one song changes everything, and the only choice left is which life to lose.
The Residency is a companion novel to Hedonism that can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
113 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
51 books689 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 2, 2025
The closeted daughter of a conservative senator agrees to meet a woman on a blind date only to find out that the woman in question is Zara Nova, the famous pop star. Oh, this should be good. I’m a fan of Lise Gold, and I wasn’t sure what to expect because I don’t normally read celebrity tropes, but this book did not disappoint. I will say that the pace was a bit fast in the beginning, but the two clicked so it didn't bother me much. Zara and Diane had plenty of sweet moments together and some spicy ones too. Bossy in the bedroom? My god. I was glad that they communicated like adults, and it was refreshing to not be stuck in a miscommunication loop. Gold depicted the fear and stress of coming out in a realistic way and I empathized with them. A sapphic romance, but it was more than that, and it touched on topics I think queer people can relate to. Overall, it was sweet, spicy, and it might hit home for some.
“I love her in ways that make everything before feel like practice.”
“I love her in ways that make everything before feel like practice.”
December 21, 2025
Clichéd story of society dictating how woman should behave to the deterrent of their mental health, spiced up with lots of sex. Pat ending pulls it all together.
November 19, 2025
If you liked Hedonism, the previous Madeleine Taylor novel, you'll definitely like this one too. And maybe even more so if, like me, you're a fan of the celebrity trope. This book takes place in the same world as Hedonism. We also see Athena and Ruby briefly return.
It's sweet, but also hot. There's not an excessive amount of sex, which, like with Hedonism, makes me wonder why this book is written with the pen name Madeleine Taylor. Probably because the sex is a bit more kinky than in the Lise Gold books. Although I certainly didn't find it overly kinky.
But who cares what name is on the book? It was simply very good and enjoyable to read. 4.5⭐️
It's sweet, but also hot. There's not an excessive amount of sex, which, like with Hedonism, makes me wonder why this book is written with the pen name Madeleine Taylor. Probably because the sex is a bit more kinky than in the Lise Gold books. Although I certainly didn't find it overly kinky.
But who cares what name is on the book? It was simply very good and enjoyable to read. 4.5⭐️
November 14, 2025
Hedonism with the MCs Athena and Ruby was wonderful to read so of course The Residency that is connected is a must read. This book is about two very closeted women, Zara and Diane, finding each other thanks to Athena’s special magic, setting them up for a blind date since she sees that they might be perfect for each other and of course she is so right. How they find their way to each other and a way to finally live openly like they have dreamed about is so great to read about. They are perfect for each other and even if a bit insta love in the beginning I am all in after seeing how they grow together and communicate since this is not a book with a stupid 3rd act breakup and miscommunication.
December 17, 2025
It was ok. Heavier than the previous with a conservative who is closeted but overall lack the connection between the mains. I understood it intellectuality but didn't feel it.
November 12, 2025
Loved it! Especially the second half. I’m a sucker for when the rock star writes a song for her person and then sings it to her, and oh my God Lise nailed that! And then it was like we got the follow-on novella right there as part of the book 😁
But maybe I should back up a sec.
Zara and Diane are great characters, each with issues that on paper, should mean nothing works. With a little help from Athena (from Hedonism), they’re introduced, and the story kicks off from there. I wasn’t completely sold on them right from the start — I found it a bit hard to tell what’s real and what’s just taking advantage of the space Athena created for them. But the farther their story went, the more convincing it got, until I had tears streaming down my face when Zara breaks out the song.
The thing is, that came earlier than expected in the book. Meaning, rather than call it a wrap “and they lived happily ever after…,” we actually got to go on and explore the implications and outcome in detail, which was wonderful and very satisfying. And, best of all, Lise manages to keep tension all through the story without a freaking breakup! That might be my second-favorite thing, after the song :)
So yeah. The setup, eh, it is what it is. The relationship playing out? Wonderful. To its public climax? Spectacular! And then the extended aftermath? Fantastic. Plus, it was fun to see Athena and Ruby again. Oh and, Lucas FTW! (Jess, you can come too.)
I mean, I guess I said it at the start, but I loved it.
But maybe I should back up a sec.
Zara and Diane are great characters, each with issues that on paper, should mean nothing works. With a little help from Athena (from Hedonism), they’re introduced, and the story kicks off from there. I wasn’t completely sold on them right from the start — I found it a bit hard to tell what’s real and what’s just taking advantage of the space Athena created for them. But the farther their story went, the more convincing it got, until I had tears streaming down my face when Zara breaks out the song.
The thing is, that came earlier than expected in the book. Meaning, rather than call it a wrap “and they lived happily ever after…,” we actually got to go on and explore the implications and outcome in detail, which was wonderful and very satisfying. And, best of all, Lise manages to keep tension all through the story without a freaking breakup! That might be my second-favorite thing, after the song :)
So yeah. The setup, eh, it is what it is. The relationship playing out? Wonderful. To its public climax? Spectacular! And then the extended aftermath? Fantastic. Plus, it was fun to see Athena and Ruby again. Oh and, Lucas FTW! (Jess, you can come too.)
I mean, I guess I said it at the start, but I loved it.
November 26, 2025
Zara is a music superstar. She’s also a closeted bisexual woman.
Diane is the only child of a hyper conservative right wing anti-LGBTQ senator. She runs the family’s philanthropic foundation. She’s a closeted lesbian.
Both are terrified of coming out. Both are terrified of how the greater public might react. And both want “something casual”, so they can at least feel that part of themselves once in a while.
When Athena, who runs The Olympus Casino and Hotel, and who also runs a very discrete dating service for wealthy privacy minded Sapphic women, puts Zara and Diane together on a blind date, the last thing anyone expects is instant chemistry, both sexually and romantically. But there it is.
As Zara and Diane try to quietly navigate their public worlds against their private desires, what happens if the world eventually finds out?
The Residency is their story, of the pressures on each woman, of meeting for the first time, of growing love, and ultimately, having to choose between the quiet safety of the closet and the explosive consequences of going public.
This was a lovely book and I recommend it.
Diane is the only child of a hyper conservative right wing anti-LGBTQ senator. She runs the family’s philanthropic foundation. She’s a closeted lesbian.
Both are terrified of coming out. Both are terrified of how the greater public might react. And both want “something casual”, so they can at least feel that part of themselves once in a while.
When Athena, who runs The Olympus Casino and Hotel, and who also runs a very discrete dating service for wealthy privacy minded Sapphic women, puts Zara and Diane together on a blind date, the last thing anyone expects is instant chemistry, both sexually and romantically. But there it is.
As Zara and Diane try to quietly navigate their public worlds against their private desires, what happens if the world eventually finds out?
The Residency is their story, of the pressures on each woman, of meeting for the first time, of growing love, and ultimately, having to choose between the quiet safety of the closet and the explosive consequences of going public.
This was a lovely book and I recommend it.
November 13, 2025
The story and ending you will crave
I have read both Hedonism and now The Residency. Though both can be read as stand alone, I definitely recommend reading them in order.
Zara and Diane's story speaks. I personally, relate to Diane more. Conservative growing up, strict parents with expectations. I think what strikes me in these characters is how real they seem. There's a depth of character with some phenomenal balance of enough reveal that you feel the characters without an overwhelm or sense of them being developed. They feel organic. Believable. I always struggle w the love at first sight and fast pace of those types of stories, but not here. Not in these books. Don't try to put them down or read them without an uninterrupted chunk of time bc you will want and crave the whole story. I am also thrilled to get pieces of Athena and Ruby still. Love that tie in.
Well done, again! Thank you.
I have read both Hedonism and now The Residency. Though both can be read as stand alone, I definitely recommend reading them in order.
Zara and Diane's story speaks. I personally, relate to Diane more. Conservative growing up, strict parents with expectations. I think what strikes me in these characters is how real they seem. There's a depth of character with some phenomenal balance of enough reveal that you feel the characters without an overwhelm or sense of them being developed. They feel organic. Believable. I always struggle w the love at first sight and fast pace of those types of stories, but not here. Not in these books. Don't try to put them down or read them without an uninterrupted chunk of time bc you will want and crave the whole story. I am also thrilled to get pieces of Athena and Ruby still. Love that tie in.
Well done, again! Thank you.
November 14, 2025
Singer Zara Nova is coming to the Olympus for a ten month show, headlining the new theater. And staying in one place for the first time in years. She meets Athena who realizes she's queer, and after they flirted a bit she offers to introduce her to discrete women.
Diane Washington is not out to her family, whom are powerful in politics, and they're pressuring her to marry. The only time she feels she can be herself is at Athena's private club in Vegas. She's surprised when Athena suggests a blind date.
(Why can't Zara going the club? I mean, other than being a terrified almost virgin. OK, Athena does say she thinks Zara is too famous for them to slip her in. Huh.)
When a new love song from Zara outs them, Diane needs to decide what to do about her Republican family and job.
I also liked that the story continues after they get together and deals with the fallout.
4 out of 5 stars
Diane Washington is not out to her family, whom are powerful in politics, and they're pressuring her to marry. The only time she feels she can be herself is at Athena's private club in Vegas. She's surprised when Athena suggests a blind date.
(Why can't Zara going the club? I mean, other than being a terrified almost virgin. OK, Athena does say she thinks Zara is too famous for them to slip her in. Huh.)
When a new love song from Zara outs them, Diane needs to decide what to do about her Republican family and job.
I also liked that the story continues after they get together and deals with the fallout.
4 out of 5 stars
November 16, 2025
4.5 stars. Wow, what a book. This book was everything I hope for and more. But, I wished there were more moments, even though, there were still a good amount with Ruby and Athena. This book truly lived up to the title of Hedonism and BDSM in general! I wanted to see at least one of the couples have kids, but that’s a personal grip of mine that I would love to see in each and every book I read. Not only was this book well written, but the glimpse into conservative politicians, their donors, and how they traverse the world was mind-boggling. It was a joy to read, genuine parental love, although their child went beyond what is socially acceptable in their circles. As well as reading, genuine friendship! Immaculate book, I hope there’s another book in this series because they’re all so well written and it would be a delight to glimpse more into the lives of the characters. Anyway, an immensely magnificent book. Bravo, Ms. Gold!!!!
November 13, 2025
I really loved this one. At first, the relationship felt a little rushed for two people who were both so scared to live outside the closet, but the chemistry showed itself pretty quickly to make it believable. Zara and Diane are so so different on paper, but somehow just blend together perfectly. I loved that we were still able to see Ruby and Athena throughout the story, and I really enjoyed the other side characters as well, especially Jess, Lucas, and Jamie. I was happily surprised that we got so much more story after their declarations of love and I also appreciate that we were able to have a big conflict/climax without a breakup. The family dynamics and found family themes were a big part of this story as well as the social climate. I love books that incorporate issues beyond the couple into the story because it adds so much more authenticity to the book.
November 24, 2025
A beautiful written story
What a beautiful written story. The MC are two women that are very much hidden from the people they love. A famous singer Zara hides her true feeling of wanting to have a somewhat normal life with a woman that she can love. Diane is the daughter of conservative Senator and works with him. She hides her true self but wants to have the life she deserves with a woman. We see how they are set on a blind date and they talk for hours the chemistry is there, even though opposite attracts. With a new song that is written to show the love Zara feels toward Diane. The love they have for each other that is strong and can survive anything together. A beautiful written story and love to MS Gold for writing a song and singing it to the world.
What a beautiful written story. The MC are two women that are very much hidden from the people they love. A famous singer Zara hides her true feeling of wanting to have a somewhat normal life with a woman that she can love. Diane is the daughter of conservative Senator and works with him. She hides her true self but wants to have the life she deserves with a woman. We see how they are set on a blind date and they talk for hours the chemistry is there, even though opposite attracts. With a new song that is written to show the love Zara feels toward Diane. The love they have for each other that is strong and can survive anything together. A beautiful written story and love to MS Gold for writing a song and singing it to the world.
November 17, 2025
Lise Gold never disappoints!!
“Looking forward to” or “Excited for the next book” doesn’t do justice for Lise Gold and her writing. I’ve loved every book Lise has written and The Residency is now another one of my favorites!
I fell in love with Athena and Ruby’s story and I often go back to re-read. Zara and Diane’s story will be the same! Plenty of spice, drama, angst, and lots of love fill these pages! I certainly hope for a book 3, I’m not ready to let any of these characters go, and would love for followups on all of their adventures!
“Looking forward to” or “Excited for the next book” doesn’t do justice for Lise Gold and her writing. I’ve loved every book Lise has written and The Residency is now another one of my favorites!
I fell in love with Athena and Ruby’s story and I often go back to re-read. Zara and Diane’s story will be the same! Plenty of spice, drama, angst, and lots of love fill these pages! I certainly hope for a book 3, I’m not ready to let any of these characters go, and would love for followups on all of their adventures!
November 19, 2025
Another great book
If you enjoyed Hedonism, you will love The Residency! I loved the cameos of Ruby and Athena. It’s so refreshing to have true sapphic romances where there isn’t a third act break up because there is a genuine connection between the two MC’s. They aren’t perfect characters, they have their issues but admit them upfront and work through them together. I’ll read anything she writes.
If you enjoyed Hedonism, you will love The Residency! I loved the cameos of Ruby and Athena. It’s so refreshing to have true sapphic romances where there isn’t a third act break up because there is a genuine connection between the two MC’s. They aren’t perfect characters, they have their issues but admit them upfront and work through them together. I’ll read anything she writes.
January 14, 2026
love it
Such a great read.
If you loved the previous book you are going to love this one too. It’s loosely tied to hedonism, but I’d say you don’t have to have read it…you should though.
Great characters and story telling as you’d expect. Both main characters growth is sweet, becoming the person you always wanted to be but too scared to admit the truth.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Roll on the next one.
Such a great read.
If you loved the previous book you are going to love this one too. It’s loosely tied to hedonism, but I’d say you don’t have to have read it…you should though.
Great characters and story telling as you’d expect. Both main characters growth is sweet, becoming the person you always wanted to be but too scared to admit the truth.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Roll on the next one.
January 15, 2026
Amazing book! I couldn't put it down!
Another great book and I must say its the best one by Lise so far, where your emotions are all over the places! You cry and laugh throughout the book! It touches me so deeply the issue of coming out and it shows how many people are still out there struggling with the homophobic world and its so sad how hard it is for people to understand that love is love and it's not a choice who you fall for!
Another great book and I must say its the best one by Lise so far, where your emotions are all over the places! You cry and laugh throughout the book! It touches me so deeply the issue of coming out and it shows how many people are still out there struggling with the homophobic world and its so sad how hard it is for people to understand that love is love and it's not a choice who you fall for!
November 19, 2025
Awesome
I am a big fan of Lise Gold, and so it was only a cuestión of time to start the new book.
It was a realy good journey acompañar a Zara and Diane. Y también reconectar con Athena y Ruby.
Knowing lise I know that it was only, a matter of time for a happy ending.
The afterword was great. I finished with tears running down
I am a big fan of Lise Gold, and so it was only a cuestión of time to start the new book.
It was a realy good journey acompañar a Zara and Diane. Y también reconectar con Athena y Ruby.
Knowing lise I know that it was only, a matter of time for a happy ending.
The afterword was great. I finished with tears running down
November 29, 2025
HOLY CRAP!!! I loved book 1 but this has just blown me away!!! I was excited to learn we would get Zara’s book and I was not disappointed!! The smut was top tier and the relationship these two women built together made my little heart sing!! Even though I’m not a famous singer or the daughter of a conservative senator. I still felt like I could relate to these characters. Being in the closet, the worry of being disowned and not accepted by your family and friends can be very, very difficult. I really like how the author approached that subject.
December 6, 2025
Definitely enjoyed this one. It was nice to see Athena and Ruby again. I thought the relationship came together too fast at first but it ended up working and I definitely enjoyed that there was no stupid miscommunication trope…just two adults figuring their shit out. The spice was spicing and the sweet moments were really great. I’ll probably be reading these again for sure.
December 6, 2025
Lise Gold has definitely mastered her craft in this one: the story rolls flawlessly from start to finish, and it’s a real pleasure to follow along.
The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars is that, paradoxically, it feels too polished, too controlled. The conflicts lack the stakes that make you tremble.
Still, I read it almost in one sitting.
The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars is that, paradoxically, it feels too polished, too controlled. The conflicts lack the stakes that make you tremble.
Still, I read it almost in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
5 ⭐️ Lise Gold is becoming one of my automatic read authors. I loved this one about as much as Hedonism. This was an excellent written romance without the aggravating miscommunication or 3rd act break-up. Really well done.
November 19, 2025
Lovely book
I thoroughly enjoyed this read as I always do with this author, this is following on from hedonism but with two different mc's I definitely recommend reading this and previous book
I thoroughly enjoyed this read as I always do with this author, this is following on from hedonism but with two different mc's I definitely recommend reading this and previous book
November 24, 2025
Beautiful
Written with strength and courage to live authentically. Coming out from years of pretending, is the terrifying. But once you do, the journey is paved with unconditional experiences that make your life fulfilling.
Written with strength and courage to live authentically. Coming out from years of pretending, is the terrifying. But once you do, the journey is paved with unconditional experiences that make your life fulfilling.
December 4, 2025
storyline of bravery and truth
This really was such a sweet love story. The truth in hard situations and being yourself- how many people struggle with that daily— even if it’s not life changing. The storyline was so good and just the characters evolving. Great read!
This really was such a sweet love story. The truth in hard situations and being yourself- how many people struggle with that daily— even if it’s not life changing. The storyline was so good and just the characters evolving. Great read!
December 29, 2025
This book takes place in the same world as Hedonism (sort of). A story I really loved. 'The Residency' did not really reach that 5 star point for me until the part where Zara performs the song she has written for Diana and their world changes forever. Love the re connection with Athena and Ruby.
November 28, 2025
Great book
Couldn't put this down. Read it in two days. Great follow on from Hedonism which I also loved.
Great MC
Couldn't put this down. Read it in two days. Great follow on from Hedonism which I also loved.
Great MC
December 3, 2025
Fabulous Book
I love Lise Gold’s books, but I super-loved this book and the 2 Main Characters. I hate that I finished it!! I wish she’d write a sequel!! Please consider it!
I love Lise Gold’s books, but I super-loved this book and the 2 Main Characters. I hate that I finished it!! I wish she’d write a sequel!! Please consider it!
December 10, 2025
simply put: this book was lackluster to me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews