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To Love Violets for Their Thorns
What if the love you lost walked back into your life-on a sapphic reality dating show?
Elly Straus thought she was ready for love again. One year after her fiancée walked out, she's finally putting herself out there—on a sapphic reality dating show. Eager to spend weeks swooning in a Spanish villa, Elly's hoping for flirtation, fireworks, and maybe even a second chance at happiness. She doesn't expect a surprise twist that brings in new contestants—including her ex-fiancée.
Sonia Comstock has spent the last year healing from losing her dad. When her friends sign her up for a sapphic dating show filmed during Madrid's Pride festival, she says yes—her dad would want her to be happy. But nothing prepares her for the gut punch of seeing Elly again.
Forced to face the heartbreak they never quite got over, Elly and Sonia must decide: breathe fresh life into an old love or try again with someone new?
Elly Straus thought she was ready for love again. One year after her fiancée walked out, she's finally putting herself out there—on a sapphic reality dating show. Eager to spend weeks swooning in a Spanish villa, Elly's hoping for flirtation, fireworks, and maybe even a second chance at happiness. She doesn't expect a surprise twist that brings in new contestants—including her ex-fiancée.
Sonia Comstock has spent the last year healing from losing her dad. When her friends sign her up for a sapphic dating show filmed during Madrid's Pride festival, she says yes—her dad would want her to be happy. But nothing prepares her for the gut punch of seeing Elly again.
Forced to face the heartbreak they never quite got over, Elly and Sonia must decide: breathe fresh life into an old love or try again with someone new?
218 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
Rachel Sullivan
10 books4 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 10, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
a dating show.... with a difference ....
once selected the participants go on one to one dates with the main person but what they all dont know ... some of their exes are there... so its a case of are you over your past love or can it be rekindled..... time will tell
its a great concept but i felt it was so descriptive it pulled away from the actually storyline of the show.... and i found myself skipping large chunks as i wanted to get to the actual storyline
a dating show.... with a difference ....
once selected the participants go on one to one dates with the main person but what they all dont know ... some of their exes are there... so its a case of are you over your past love or can it be rekindled..... time will tell
its a great concept but i felt it was so descriptive it pulled away from the actually storyline of the show.... and i found myself skipping large chunks as i wanted to get to the actual storyline
February 11, 2026
Wow! Interesting premise, characters and back story. I don’t have a clear idea of what happened and look forward to finding out about the past as well as seeing what happens in the present!
There are some lyrical sentences as well as thought provoking ones. This is much more than a romance, it’s a map for life….. however at 30%, the mains have yet to speak to each other in the present.
40% and they have had a conversation. At first, a couple of paragraphs in to their scene I thought it was going to be a dream sequence. I was irritated. It wasn’t. There was an explanation why it was out of character. My only slight issue thus far, is that while appreciate some of the poetic imagery used, some times it gets in the way of things moving forward quickly enough for me. On one hand that shows I am very interested in finding out what happens next. On the other there are some phrases that literary make me stop reading to enable me to take them in, and highlight them.
Miscommunication irks me!
Sudden resolution of issues apparently also irks me. I went from thinking for goodness sake, talk! To a few paragraphs later thinking….. What? how did that happen?
Oooof. Torn. So many really smart bits in this book, but also so many bits that just weren’t quite tight enough, and a few bits that were too tight. Parts were 4, parts were 3 and if I’m honest some bits a wee bit less. Overall 3, nearly 4.
There are some lyrical sentences as well as thought provoking ones. This is much more than a romance, it’s a map for life….. however at 30%, the mains have yet to speak to each other in the present.
40% and they have had a conversation. At first, a couple of paragraphs in to their scene I thought it was going to be a dream sequence. I was irritated. It wasn’t. There was an explanation why it was out of character. My only slight issue thus far, is that while appreciate some of the poetic imagery used, some times it gets in the way of things moving forward quickly enough for me. On one hand that shows I am very interested in finding out what happens next. On the other there are some phrases that literary make me stop reading to enable me to take them in, and highlight them.
Miscommunication irks me!
Sudden resolution of issues apparently also irks me. I went from thinking for goodness sake, talk! To a few paragraphs later thinking….. What? how did that happen?
Oooof. Torn. So many really smart bits in this book, but also so many bits that just weren’t quite tight enough, and a few bits that were too tight. Parts were 4, parts were 3 and if I’m honest some bits a wee bit less. Overall 3, nearly 4.
February 14, 2026
I was given an opportunity to read this for free via NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books.
The premise looked great two ex- fiancés meeting in Madrid on a sapphic love island show neither seem to be over each other and surprised when they see each other again, now are they fighting for the love of each other or the one holding the violets.
Unfortunately it’s just a very long tale of miscommunication! The two women do not seem to have much going on, Sonia’s dad died rather than let her partner support her she dumped her via a phone call and Elly a year later still grief stricken for her relationship abruptly ending without any real understanding or closure, even worse as she seems to be some form of therapist. Honestly Elly character does even make sense at times chasing Sonia, Sonia on the other hand doesn’t really seem that remorseful of her actions!
It’s a dry, long read where they don’t see each other until over 30% of the book, then at nearly nearing the mid part of the story they actually have a semi adult conversation. Brought on by the bachelorette trying to kiss Sonia, Sonia having a realisation and suddenly there is a drunk sex scene very odd! Long story short they decide it’s all okay I love you, all is forgiven and they will work on their relationship together.
Unfortunately both characters are just vapid with very little substance but you do have some good secondary characters that bump this up a bit.
This was not for me as I found this disappointing and at times hard work.
The premise looked great two ex- fiancés meeting in Madrid on a sapphic love island show neither seem to be over each other and surprised when they see each other again, now are they fighting for the love of each other or the one holding the violets.
Unfortunately it’s just a very long tale of miscommunication! The two women do not seem to have much going on, Sonia’s dad died rather than let her partner support her she dumped her via a phone call and Elly a year later still grief stricken for her relationship abruptly ending without any real understanding or closure, even worse as she seems to be some form of therapist. Honestly Elly character does even make sense at times chasing Sonia, Sonia on the other hand doesn’t really seem that remorseful of her actions!
It’s a dry, long read where they don’t see each other until over 30% of the book, then at nearly nearing the mid part of the story they actually have a semi adult conversation. Brought on by the bachelorette trying to kiss Sonia, Sonia having a realisation and suddenly there is a drunk sex scene very odd! Long story short they decide it’s all okay I love you, all is forgiven and they will work on their relationship together.
Unfortunately both characters are just vapid with very little substance but you do have some good secondary characters that bump this up a bit.
This was not for me as I found this disappointing and at times hard work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What happens when two exes end up at the same (sapphic) dating show?
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
I started off enjoying this book and I can confidently say that I adored the writing style all the way to the end. It's poetic and riddled with metaphors.
The characters were interesting at the beginning but they lost their charm to me a little over halfway. It felt like their tension/stakes weren't as high as they were making it out to be. Additionally, I would've liked to see more of their relationship. After they see each other, they're hurt yes that's understandable, but they're also constantly referring to each other as once-in-a-lifetime-love and best-of-friends, and I guess I just didn't form that big of a connection with them that led me see that intense love. I do see why they're fighting now & greatly rooted for both of them, but I just don't see what they were trying to get back to besides just being once engaged. Maybe this is just me never having broken an engagement and run into my ex at a dating show.
Initially, I was also intrigued by the concept, but we actually got very little of the show! Which makes sense, this book is definitely focused on the characters and their relationships, but still wished there was a little more. I appreciate how they explained the concept of having exes in the show and the plethora of lavender references, although also heavy handed, but when I went it I thought I would see more gameplay and strategy than what we got.
While my main issue seems to be wanting for things to be more present and the book to just be longer, there was something I could've used less of: therapy speak. All characters, and I do mean all characters talk like they're a walking therapy session. This book is riddled with "mental health speak" which is not a bad thing itself, but it's such a short book and we got a loooot of it over and over and over.
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
I started off enjoying this book and I can confidently say that I adored the writing style all the way to the end. It's poetic and riddled with metaphors.
The characters were interesting at the beginning but they lost their charm to me a little over halfway. It felt like their tension/stakes weren't as high as they were making it out to be. Additionally, I would've liked to see more of their relationship. After they see each other, they're hurt yes that's understandable, but they're also constantly referring to each other as once-in-a-lifetime-love and best-of-friends, and I guess I just didn't form that big of a connection with them that led me see that intense love. I do see why they're fighting now & greatly rooted for both of them, but I just don't see what they were trying to get back to besides just being once engaged. Maybe this is just me never having broken an engagement and run into my ex at a dating show.
Initially, I was also intrigued by the concept, but we actually got very little of the show! Which makes sense, this book is definitely focused on the characters and their relationships, but still wished there was a little more. I appreciate how they explained the concept of having exes in the show and the plethora of lavender references, although also heavy handed, but when I went it I thought I would see more gameplay and strategy than what we got.
While my main issue seems to be wanting for things to be more present and the book to just be longer, there was something I could've used less of: therapy speak. All characters, and I do mean all characters talk like they're a walking therapy session. This book is riddled with "mental health speak" which is not a bad thing itself, but it's such a short book and we got a loooot of it over and over and over.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The whole idea that two exes that broke up a year ago, not done with each other, meet again at a dating show is an intriguing concept. Overall I liked the book, but I had hoped for even more tension, pining and angst before they are back together again. Now they see each other and even if some bad blood and misunderstandings that is quickly resolved and I think it would have been great to get even more pages describing the past relationship and break-up. Now it is handled a bit too lightly for my taste and the whole dating show setting is kind not used to its full potential.
Sonia broke up with the love of her life, Elly, one year ago. She lost her father and lost herself at the same time and then this felt like the best solution when she didn’t get the support she expected from Elly. Her friends want her to get back to dating so they have enlisted her for a reality dating show in Madrid, The Sapphic Bacheloress , a once in a lifetime chance.
Elly is still grieving the loss of the love of her life, Sonia, that just broke up out of the blue one day via a telephone call. She still wonders what is so wrong with her that made that happen and that Sonia didn’t even allowed a discussion first. She just cut all ties just like that and Elly’s dreams of a future together was shattered. To try to get over it she has applied to a reality dating show.
This dating show is very special, unique in the way that they also have invited exes to the contestants to test if they are over them and read for love with the Bacheloress Tallia. Sonia and Elly are not over each other, they desperately need to clear the air make it possible to move on with another partner in this dating show or perhaps forgive each other and try again.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Sonia broke up with the love of her life, Elly, one year ago. She lost her father and lost herself at the same time and then this felt like the best solution when she didn’t get the support she expected from Elly. Her friends want her to get back to dating so they have enlisted her for a reality dating show in Madrid, The Sapphic Bacheloress , a once in a lifetime chance.
Elly is still grieving the loss of the love of her life, Sonia, that just broke up out of the blue one day via a telephone call. She still wonders what is so wrong with her that made that happen and that Sonia didn’t even allowed a discussion first. She just cut all ties just like that and Elly’s dreams of a future together was shattered. To try to get over it she has applied to a reality dating show.
This dating show is very special, unique in the way that they also have invited exes to the contestants to test if they are over them and read for love with the Bacheloress Tallia. Sonia and Elly are not over each other, they desperately need to clear the air make it possible to move on with another partner in this dating show or perhaps forgive each other and try again.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
What would you do if your ex would be in the same dating show as you?
- I for one, would either be trying to act as if I didn’t care or hide in a bathroom and cry my eyes out.
Since I already started with this crazy question, I think it won’t be surpising to know that this exact scenario happens in this book, and let me tell you (without spoilers ofc) that it’s gonna make you swoon while also delivering the right amount of drama needed.
The main characters, Elly and Sonia, were dating each other a year prior to the show until one day Sonia suddenly broke up with Elly over the phone. Now a year later, they meet again and then at a sapphic dating show. What is pretty clear from the very beginning is that neither one of them is over the other, which made the whole story very nice to read if one is a fan of yearnig (ps. I SO am), besides, the characters generally are written so sweet, really, but also flawed in some aspects that made them seem very human to me. I also loved seeing how Rachel Sullivan wrote the second chance into this story, because it isn’t always clear if they’ll actually end up together. I also really liked the side characters, though I wish the story itself would’ve included more information to them or in that aspect more drama generally since the setting is a dating show like 'The Bachelor'.
Neverthless, it is a very nice book which is amazingly written and so very sweet too!! It certainly made me swoon a couple of times.
I would definitely recommend it if one is a fan of second chance romances with a lot of yearning and a bit of angst too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a voluntarily given and honest review.
What would you do if your ex would be in the same dating show as you?
- I for one, would either be trying to act as if I didn’t care or hide in a bathroom and cry my eyes out.
Since I already started with this crazy question, I think it won’t be surpising to know that this exact scenario happens in this book, and let me tell you (without spoilers ofc) that it’s gonna make you swoon while also delivering the right amount of drama needed.
The main characters, Elly and Sonia, were dating each other a year prior to the show until one day Sonia suddenly broke up with Elly over the phone. Now a year later, they meet again and then at a sapphic dating show. What is pretty clear from the very beginning is that neither one of them is over the other, which made the whole story very nice to read if one is a fan of yearnig (ps. I SO am), besides, the characters generally are written so sweet, really, but also flawed in some aspects that made them seem very human to me. I also loved seeing how Rachel Sullivan wrote the second chance into this story, because it isn’t always clear if they’ll actually end up together. I also really liked the side characters, though I wish the story itself would’ve included more information to them or in that aspect more drama generally since the setting is a dating show like 'The Bachelor'.
Neverthless, it is a very nice book which is amazingly written and so very sweet too!! It certainly made me swoon a couple of times.
I would definitely recommend it if one is a fan of second chance romances with a lot of yearning and a bit of angst too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a voluntarily given and honest review.
February 11, 2026
I have read this book, twice now. I loved it, both times.
I love the way the chapters are laid out. It was awesome to see some of the same scenes described from both characters point of view.
As usual, this author nailed character development for me. I always feel as though I really KNOW the characters, in this author's stories. Their core selves, style, mannerisms, etc.
I also felt as though I was actually in the villa and various places in Spain. The author describes places as though she has been there. It was super easy to get swept away.
I'm in love with the supporting characters, too!! They were so real to people I know in the lesbian community. Imagining this reality show was super fun!!
But the best part about this book, is obviously the love story. Because while the story takes place on a reality dating show, it isn't about that.
The story is about Sonia and Elly, and their never ending love for one another. Their connection. Their trials. Their way back.
There was so much vulnerability in this book. I became emotional, quite a few times. I could feel the anxiety and pain in these characters.
And also, so much love.
The sex scenes were exquisite. The raw chemistry was apparent and I am here for it!! It painted love and intimacy between two women, beautifully.
This book made me incredibly proud, as a lesbian.
Also, if you haven't checked out The Wild Women series from this author, you totally should!! I fell in love with the characters in that series, as well!!!
I can't wait to read more from this author!!!
I love the way the chapters are laid out. It was awesome to see some of the same scenes described from both characters point of view.
As usual, this author nailed character development for me. I always feel as though I really KNOW the characters, in this author's stories. Their core selves, style, mannerisms, etc.
I also felt as though I was actually in the villa and various places in Spain. The author describes places as though she has been there. It was super easy to get swept away.
I'm in love with the supporting characters, too!! They were so real to people I know in the lesbian community. Imagining this reality show was super fun!!
But the best part about this book, is obviously the love story. Because while the story takes place on a reality dating show, it isn't about that.
The story is about Sonia and Elly, and their never ending love for one another. Their connection. Their trials. Their way back.
There was so much vulnerability in this book. I became emotional, quite a few times. I could feel the anxiety and pain in these characters.
And also, so much love.
The sex scenes were exquisite. The raw chemistry was apparent and I am here for it!! It painted love and intimacy between two women, beautifully.
This book made me incredibly proud, as a lesbian.
Also, if you haven't checked out The Wild Women series from this author, you totally should!! I fell in love with the characters in that series, as well!!!
I can't wait to read more from this author!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I actually found the idea of two exes meeting on a dating show very promising. I was expecting a lot of tension and attraction, as well as a slow burn. But somehow, my expectations weren't quite met. The book was full of miscommunication, which really frustrated me after a while. I couldn't root for Sonia and Elly, except maybe for them to finally talk to each other like two adults.
But the plot also had its weaknesses. For example, it wasn't at all clear to me why this sudden breakup (over the phone) turned into ghosting each other. Both described themselves as the one for each other and mourned each other. Sonia had also lost her father and her grief overshadowed everything... but why didn't Elly just drive to Sonia's? Why did she accept the phone call? I mean, they were engaged. I would have assumed that they would fight for each other and for their relationship. And then they see each other for a second on this dating show and immediately want each other back. The pace wasn't good somehow, it all happened way too fast. So, I couldn't quite connect with this plot.
Some of the other women on this dating show were amusing, and I especially liked the budding friendship between Elly and Sapphire. I liked the tension this show brought to Elly and Sonia's relationship.
The book was okay, but it's not one I'll read again or think about over the next few days.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
But the plot also had its weaknesses. For example, it wasn't at all clear to me why this sudden breakup (over the phone) turned into ghosting each other. Both described themselves as the one for each other and mourned each other. Sonia had also lost her father and her grief overshadowed everything... but why didn't Elly just drive to Sonia's? Why did she accept the phone call? I mean, they were engaged. I would have assumed that they would fight for each other and for their relationship. And then they see each other for a second on this dating show and immediately want each other back. The pace wasn't good somehow, it all happened way too fast. So, I couldn't quite connect with this plot.
Some of the other women on this dating show were amusing, and I especially liked the budding friendship between Elly and Sapphire. I liked the tension this show brought to Elly and Sonia's relationship.
The book was okay, but it's not one I'll read again or think about over the next few days.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
February 10, 2026
Elly Straus and Sonia Comstock were engaged until last year. Feeling overwhelmed with grief over losing her dad Sonia broke up over the phone. In a fun premise, both agree to appear on a sapphic dating show being shot in Madrid. As a twist on the show a few of the contestants have ex’s in the cast. It is a test to see if they are ready to move on in love or if old love brings sparks.
I’ve read a few dating show romances and was intrigued at the twist. But the story didn’t flow like I expected. There are a few private and group dates but the show felt like a conveyance for Elly and Sonia to talk again. And once they did the show no longer felt important. And I expected a bigger reason for the break and not contacting each other while living in the same small town. The tension did not have time to increase much before old feelings were shared. The writing is descriptive with details of clothes, hair and even drinks. And I usually love good communication but the last third uses a lot of therapy speak. (Which sort of makes sense as one is a therapist.) But I wanted to understand Elly and Sonia and not have a therapy oriented explanation for their actions. I did love the few parks mentioned in Madrid as I have visited there.
The basic premise is fine. I just wanted to love it more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I’ve read a few dating show romances and was intrigued at the twist. But the story didn’t flow like I expected. There are a few private and group dates but the show felt like a conveyance for Elly and Sonia to talk again. And once they did the show no longer felt important. And I expected a bigger reason for the break and not contacting each other while living in the same small town. The tension did not have time to increase much before old feelings were shared. The writing is descriptive with details of clothes, hair and even drinks. And I usually love good communication but the last third uses a lot of therapy speak. (Which sort of makes sense as one is a therapist.) But I wanted to understand Elly and Sonia and not have a therapy oriented explanation for their actions. I did love the few parks mentioned in Madrid as I have visited there.
The basic premise is fine. I just wanted to love it more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2026
A sapphic second-chance romance set against the vibrant chaos of a reality dating show in Madrid, this book is equal parts heartache and hope. Elly and Sonia’s story is tenderly messy—the kind of love that never fully extinguished, only went quiet. Watching them reconnect under public scrutiny adds an addictive layer of tension, especially as new contestants blur the line between “moving on” and “holding on.”
The emotional weight of grief, abandonment, and healing is balanced beautifully with the glittery escapism of a Pride-filled Spanish villa. It’s not just about choosing between new love or old—it’s about whether love can survive time, pain, and televised vulnerability.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Breakup / second-chance relationship tension
* Grief (parental loss)
* Emotional distress / heartbreak
* On-page emotional confrontation
* Reality TV manipulation / public exposure of private emotions
The emotional weight of grief, abandonment, and healing is balanced beautifully with the glittery escapism of a Pride-filled Spanish villa. It’s not just about choosing between new love or old—it’s about whether love can survive time, pain, and televised vulnerability.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Breakup / second-chance relationship tension
* Grief (parental loss)
* Emotional distress / heartbreak
* On-page emotional confrontation
* Reality TV manipulation / public exposure of private emotions
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The pretext of a second chance romance at a reality dating show was intriguing, and angsty. I was hooked.
Sonia and Elly were engaged when Sonia decided to break things off. Both of them then try to recover from the aftermath of their mutual heartbreak. Only to be forced to face their past on a reality TV.
Except, that sapphic reality dating show felt rather underhanded. The first elimination was based solely on appearance and first impressions, it gave me interview level anxiety lol. Pulling all stops to bring exes into the show felt like an manipulative move 😒 but all’s fair in the name of drama and plot, i guess.
Would have love to learn more about Sapphire and even Tallia’s stories too.
To Love Violets For Their Thorns is a short, fast paced, second chance romance, to be published on 10 Feb. If you like angsty, force proximity, pick this up!
Sonia and Elly were engaged when Sonia decided to break things off. Both of them then try to recover from the aftermath of their mutual heartbreak. Only to be forced to face their past on a reality TV.
Except, that sapphic reality dating show felt rather underhanded. The first elimination was based solely on appearance and first impressions, it gave me interview level anxiety lol. Pulling all stops to bring exes into the show felt like an manipulative move 😒 but all’s fair in the name of drama and plot, i guess.
Would have love to learn more about Sapphire and even Tallia’s stories too.
To Love Violets For Their Thorns is a short, fast paced, second chance romance, to be published on 10 Feb. If you like angsty, force proximity, pick this up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Interesting concept with exes meeting again on a dating show. Not something I've read before. Sonia broke up with Elly, the love of her life after Sonia lost her father and and herself. She thought the best solution was to break up with Elly via the telephone which was a crappy way to do it.
They both join a reality dating show in Madrid, 'The Sapphic Bacheloress' a fantastic opportunity. Sonia's friends pushed her back into the dating scene and Elly applied to try and get over Sonia once and for all.
I wish there would have been more buildup, more tension, more angst. Not wham, bam back together again. It was resolved way too quickly and handled not as in depth as it could have been.
Overall, not a bad book, but could've been better.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
They both join a reality dating show in Madrid, 'The Sapphic Bacheloress' a fantastic opportunity. Sonia's friends pushed her back into the dating scene and Elly applied to try and get over Sonia once and for all.
I wish there would have been more buildup, more tension, more angst. Not wham, bam back together again. It was resolved way too quickly and handled not as in depth as it could have been.
Overall, not a bad book, but could've been better.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s something I need to say, first: I don’t need to know the colour of everyone’s slacks in any given scene. The word “slacks” has lost all meaning, and I’m British so it already had very little. I did not like the writing in this book. It was all description, very little insight.
The main characters, Sonia and Elly, are ex-fiancées who have unwittingly both joined the same sapphic dating show. I think that the concept was interesting enough, and I appreciated the references to lavender and violet in lesbian history and culture — even if this itself was slightly heavy-handed. But it was hard to really get to know either character, and their interactions were frustrating: everything seemed like a case of miscommunication.
Ultimately, not for me, but maybe it could work for others.
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley.
The main characters, Sonia and Elly, are ex-fiancées who have unwittingly both joined the same sapphic dating show. I think that the concept was interesting enough, and I appreciated the references to lavender and violet in lesbian history and culture — even if this itself was slightly heavy-handed. But it was hard to really get to know either character, and their interactions were frustrating: everything seemed like a case of miscommunication.
Ultimately, not for me, but maybe it could work for others.
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley.
February 5, 2026
I wanted to love this book so bad, the book idea was amazing, A sapphic reality tv show where ex’s end up on the same show but something was just missing for me.
It just felt unrealistic and I know it’s a book but I like reality in a book too, the way it all happened just didn’t feel right, it didn’t flow.
Saying that, I did enjoy the plot and the way this author sets a scene is incredible, you could really picture each place and person.
Overall it was a good book and I’ve no doubt for some people this book would be a 4-5 star read
* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
It just felt unrealistic and I know it’s a book but I like reality in a book too, the way it all happened just didn’t feel right, it didn’t flow.
Saying that, I did enjoy the plot and the way this author sets a scene is incredible, you could really picture each place and person.
Overall it was a good book and I’ve no doubt for some people this book would be a 4-5 star read
* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked it up for the Sapphic reality dating show concept, but it was more of a second chance romance with the show so far in the background it might as well have not existed. I was also excited to see a queer Spokane romance and wished they would have stayed there (even though I love Madrid too).
From the get-go, Elly annoyed me. What could have been a really great push-pull with Elly and Sonia just got old really quickly. I loved Sonia's journey with her grief, though. It really resonated with me.
I can see how someone would really love this book. I would try another by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
From the get-go, Elly annoyed me. What could have been a really great push-pull with Elly and Sonia just got old really quickly. I loved Sonia's journey with her grief, though. It really resonated with me.
I can see how someone would really love this book. I would try another by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
February 25, 2026
this did not hit for me unfortunately. it felt like the characters did not have much dimension and we never really find out why they broke up, the insta-reconnect feels so fast, and the constant therapy speak reminded me of the most annoying people i know. there are better sapphic love stories out there, and the setting definitely wasn't taken advantage of. this grand reality show on a villa in spain and we get more scenes of them singing karaoke indoors than we do exploring the city the show is set in. the plot felt flimsy at best.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall rating: 4/5
Format:e-arc
Tropes: second chance, sapphic, dating show, exes
Spice level: 1.5-2/5
Thoughts:
As a reality TV fan, this concept drew me in easily. I love the title and how it plays into the book aka the two FMC's finding space to forgive for the past and love each other "flaws" and all.
a cute quick read! thank you Netgalley for this ARC
Format:e-arc
Tropes: second chance, sapphic, dating show, exes
Spice level: 1.5-2/5
Thoughts:
As a reality TV fan, this concept drew me in easily. I love the title and how it plays into the book aka the two FMC's finding space to forgive for the past and love each other "flaws" and all.
a cute quick read! thank you Netgalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is BEAUTIFULLY written! I was pulled in at chapter one! The love these two characters have for each other is beautiful. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 12, 2026
Nope. Definitely not my cup of tea. I found the writing style too light and cozy for my tastes and couldn’t connect with the story. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
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