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Zero Visibility
At eighteen, Emerson Rosberg was poised to become an Olympic skiing sensation. Growing up in the Adirondack ski town of Lake Henry with a world-renowned ski champion for a father gave her an edge over the competition…until the day she let her ego get the better of her and made a devastating mistake that would cost her any future in the sport. Deciding the only way to heal her shattered dreams was to run as far away from Lake Henry as possible, she settled in Los Angeles, leaving all memories of her previous life far behind.When her mother dies suddenly, Emerson is forced back to Lake Henry to take care of things, including the sale of The Lakeshore Inn. Her plan to get in and get out of that miserable town as quickly as possible is brought to a screeching halt when Cassie Prescott, the bubbly, friendly owner of a local sporting goods store, gets in the way. Cassie’s still cleaning up the debris from her last relationship, but she’s instantly drawn to Emerson, despite warnings from friends and family alike.As the cold weather closes in and Emerson and Cassie’s relationship heats up, one question keeps popping up for can you really go home again?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2015
51 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,504 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 30, 2015
A sweet romance with the requisite adorable dog. Just once I want a dog owned by a lesbian to be a junkyard dog with no redeeming qualities. Gordie was even sweeter than Cassie if that was possible. Good thing Emmerson had the whole tragic past and present thing going on to temper the sugar. It made for a nice balance.
I also thought Georgia gave us one of the better bisexual character portrayals I have read even if Vanessa was just a vehicle to give Cassie a backstory. Their scenes on page were powerful.
I also thought Georgia gave us one of the better bisexual character portrayals I have read even if Vanessa was just a vehicle to give Cassie a backstory. Their scenes on page were powerful.
October 8, 2018
Call me nuts but I would have loved this story more if the romance is between Cassie and Vanessa. Their romance was forbidden, angsty, heartache worthy, and caused some tingling in my heart and errr another body part 😊. Alas, the story was about Cassie and Emerson, loads of hurdles but they both ended up on the podium with gold medals on their necks. Maybe I should write a fanfic about Cassie and Vanessa..
This book is unavailable on KU / Scribd.
Kindle price USD8.99
This book is unavailable on KU / Scribd.
Kindle price USD8.99
September 6, 2019
There are a whole lotta "hey's" in this book. Hey in the kitchen, hey on the pathway around the lake, hey in the sports store.......so I couldn't help but think of good ol' college drama Felicity (team Noel, by the way): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j8_O...
Points for Brittany Pressley's narration, she was very good, is now in my top 5 narrators, and I enjoyed her voices for MC Cassie, the do-gooder and MC Emerson, the overdone ice queen. She's an ex-Olympic hopeful skiier who had a bad accident, all of which was ego driven, and Cassie owns the sports store in town. There are a lot of descriptions about "sexy sports wear"....I have seen precisely zero hikers and fleece hoodies that can be described as sexy. Practical? Sure! Comfy? Absolutely. Gets me "in the moooood?" Hell no. An interesting twist is that we readers get a few chapters from others' POV, Cassie's mom, Cassie's ex Vanessa, and creepy slimy business shithead, Arnold. I could have done without the latter, but the other two gave more depth to Cassie. Emerson just stayed cold the whole time.
The story fell flat unfortunately, I just couldn't get behind it. I rooted for Emerson very much for over half the book, maybe for longer than I should have. She lost her mom, prompting her return to Lake Henry to deal with her inn and other business. Emerson reminded me of peopleI deal with daily who are emotionally stunted because they have lost the ability to empathize, or never learned it in the first place. So I kept hoping for a big, believable and intense reveal from Emerson, but when things started to click for her, it was a little too late and I had lost any interest in her, and she just came across as narcissistic. I actually wanted her and Cassie to not get together. Wouldn't that have been a twist.
Why was Cassie so drawn to Emerson? Emerson truly treats everyone like dirt. We find out from Cassie's family that she seemed to idolize her growing up, but Cassie seems totally shocked by this revelation at the dinner table. Why did Emerson have such a distant relationship with her devoted, loving mom? It isn't teased out well and because of this, it made me dislike Emerson even more. Her reasons for hating Lake Henry made me shake my head and go "huh??" I needed more depth than that. Why the fuck did Emerson not apologize for the horrendously hurtful jabs she threw at Cassie, nor Cassie demand one?? Sure, Cassie said a hurtful thing back, but we never find out WHAT IT WAS that Emerson's mom was right about! ARRRGG.
Yet none of this seemed to matter before they jumped into bed. I think this was the first lesfic in which I didn't want the romance because I just did not connect with this couple. My ears glazed over the sex, which never happens, people. I kind of wanted Cassie and Vanessa to figure things out, there was real emotion and drama b/w those two. I wanted Emerson to just forgive her past, smile more, market her blueberry muffins and go the hell back to LA.
Not Ms. Beers best work, I'm afraid, so I leave it at a 2.5/5..... it wasn't horrible, the flow was good though could have done without a few chapters, and I have a soft spot for Ms. Beers. Bonus that I now want to re-watch Felicity, and have a new narrator fave. Not all is lost.
Points for Brittany Pressley's narration, she was very good, is now in my top 5 narrators, and I enjoyed her voices for MC Cassie, the do-gooder and MC Emerson, the overdone ice queen. She's an ex-Olympic hopeful skiier who had a bad accident, all of which was ego driven, and Cassie owns the sports store in town. There are a lot of descriptions about "sexy sports wear"....I have seen precisely zero hikers and fleece hoodies that can be described as sexy. Practical? Sure! Comfy? Absolutely. Gets me "in the moooood?" Hell no. An interesting twist is that we readers get a few chapters from others' POV, Cassie's mom, Cassie's ex Vanessa, and creepy slimy business shithead, Arnold. I could have done without the latter, but the other two gave more depth to Cassie. Emerson just stayed cold the whole time.
The story fell flat unfortunately, I just couldn't get behind it. I rooted for Emerson very much for over half the book, maybe for longer than I should have. She lost her mom, prompting her return to Lake Henry to deal with her inn and other business. Emerson reminded me of peopleI deal with daily who are emotionally stunted because they have lost the ability to empathize, or never learned it in the first place. So I kept hoping for a big, believable and intense reveal from Emerson, but when things started to click for her, it was a little too late and I had lost any interest in her, and she just came across as narcissistic. I actually wanted her and Cassie to not get together. Wouldn't that have been a twist.
Why was Cassie so drawn to Emerson? Emerson truly treats everyone like dirt. We find out from Cassie's family that she seemed to idolize her growing up, but Cassie seems totally shocked by this revelation at the dinner table. Why did Emerson have such a distant relationship with her devoted, loving mom? It isn't teased out well and because of this, it made me dislike Emerson even more. Her reasons for hating Lake Henry made me shake my head and go "huh??" I needed more depth than that. Why the fuck did Emerson not apologize for the horrendously hurtful jabs she threw at Cassie, nor Cassie demand one?? Sure, Cassie said a hurtful thing back, but we never find out WHAT IT WAS that Emerson's mom was right about! ARRRGG.
Yet none of this seemed to matter before they jumped into bed. I think this was the first lesfic in which I didn't want the romance because I just did not connect with this couple. My ears glazed over the sex, which never happens, people. I kind of wanted Cassie and Vanessa to figure things out, there was real emotion and drama b/w those two. I wanted Emerson to just forgive her past, smile more, market her blueberry muffins and go the hell back to LA.
Not Ms. Beers best work, I'm afraid, so I leave it at a 2.5/5..... it wasn't horrible, the flow was good though could have done without a few chapters, and I have a soft spot for Ms. Beers. Bonus that I now want to re-watch Felicity, and have a new narrator fave. Not all is lost.
February 10, 2017
This is a hard one to rate, it's not quite four stars, but it's better than three, I'll call it 3.75.
I enjoyed the setting, and both main characters were interesting in their own right. But given that one is mourning her mother, and coping with other major changes, and the other is fresh off a break up, I didn't buy this as more than a rebound relationship.
The leads do spend time together, and there is chemistry between them, but Emerson doesn't interact with anyone outside of Cassie and Mary really, and she spends limited time with anyone of importance to Cassie. Cassie doesn't spend any time at all with anyone Emerson knows, so their interactions are almost solely just the two of them.
The actual relationship and the ending were far too rushed, I'm not sure if there was a word limit, but it was as though the author was plodding along nicely and then realised she had to wrap it up in a few chapters, and bam, done.
It's not my favourite Georgia Beers, it's still a nice read.
I enjoyed the setting, and both main characters were interesting in their own right. But given that one is mourning her mother, and coping with other major changes, and the other is fresh off a break up, I didn't buy this as more than a rebound relationship.
The leads do spend time together, and there is chemistry between them, but Emerson doesn't interact with anyone outside of Cassie and Mary really, and she spends limited time with anyone of importance to Cassie. Cassie doesn't spend any time at all with anyone Emerson knows, so their interactions are almost solely just the two of them.
The actual relationship and the ending were far too rushed, I'm not sure if there was a word limit, but it was as though the author was plodding along nicely and then realised she had to wrap it up in a few chapters, and bam, done.
It's not my favourite Georgia Beers, it's still a nice read.
November 11, 2020
As an avid reader of Georgia Beers work over the last two decades - she very often does this thing. She makes one of the two MCs either barely likable or pretty darn close to unlikable, and then pulls back and shows their humanity before you write them off completely. Sometimes she waits too long. This was one of those times. Emerson Rosberg is a former world-class skiing star destined for the Olympics when a tragic accident wipes out her knee and dreams. Now living in Los Angeles working as a sales rep for a knee replacement hardware company, Emerson comes home to the small Adirondack town of Lake Henry after her mother unexpectedly passes away, and is faced with trying to decide what to do with her home and business, The Lakeshore Inn. She didn't count on meeting Cassie Prescott - the beautiful, likable owner of the local sporting goods store, who was like a second daughter to her mom or the ties to the community that her mother's business had. Will she be able to sell it all and go back to LA as was her plan, or will the woman and community there capture her heart?
I sympathized that Emerson was dealing with a lot of painful feelings that were conjured up being back in the place where her dreams were shattered. And she had a difficult association with both of her parents in different ways. Still - the way she treated Cassie at a crucial moment put me off her. And although Cassie had developed strong feelings for Emerson, she acted like a bit too much of a doormat - keeping all her feelings inside and standing back waiting for Emerson to decide what SHE wanted rather than putting equal value in her own needs.
This was also my first experience with narrator Brittany Pressley and although she was fine, she didn't add to the story or capture moments expressly written in the book. For instance, there was a moment where she read a line in full voice, and then the next line in the book was that she'd whispered the words. Nope. She had a nice tone, though, which I enjoyed. This wasn't one of my favorites of Georgia's books, but like most things, I'm sure it's a personal preference. 3.5 stars
I sympathized that Emerson was dealing with a lot of painful feelings that were conjured up being back in the place where her dreams were shattered. And she had a difficult association with both of her parents in different ways. Still - the way she treated Cassie at a crucial moment put me off her. And although Cassie had developed strong feelings for Emerson, she acted like a bit too much of a doormat - keeping all her feelings inside and standing back waiting for Emerson to decide what SHE wanted rather than putting equal value in her own needs.
This was also my first experience with narrator Brittany Pressley and although she was fine, she didn't add to the story or capture moments expressly written in the book. For instance, there was a moment where she read a line in full voice, and then the next line in the book was that she'd whispered the words. Nope. She had a nice tone, though, which I enjoyed. This wasn't one of my favorites of Georgia's books, but like most things, I'm sure it's a personal preference. 3.5 stars
July 26, 2019
A very lovely and enjoyable romance novel, that goes on my re-read list. Not my favorite by the author, but close enough.
4.4 stars
4.4 stars
December 4, 2021
This to me is a typical Georgia Beers book. It’s fun and light.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley. Her voice is nice and soothing to me. I think it fitted the setting of this book well.
As for the story. I might have expected a little more drama between Cassie and Vanessa, but I was happy it wasn’t there. Emerson comes off as the ice queen from the outside, that is soon gone once someone starts talking to her. I like the exuberant Cassie with the more reserved Emerson, seems like it would be a cute match.
Overal I really enjoyed listening to this book while going about my household chores.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley. Her voice is nice and soothing to me. I think it fitted the setting of this book well.
As for the story. I might have expected a little more drama between Cassie and Vanessa, but I was happy it wasn’t there. Emerson comes off as the ice queen from the outside, that is soon gone once someone starts talking to her. I like the exuberant Cassie with the more reserved Emerson, seems like it would be a cute match.
Overal I really enjoyed listening to this book while going about my household chores.
April 2, 2020
Really sweet, really lovely romance. The kind that makes you feel good after reading it. Started of a little too cold, what’s with the snow, the ice princess and the likes but with Ms Sunshine around, things got chirpier amidst the iciness..... I thought the ending was kinda rush but, hey, as usual everyone gets their HEA ... maybe except Claire
December 28, 2017
*Sigh* Well, there was no snowstorm that forces these two ladies to be trapped together and use each other for body warmth, as I had hoped from the title. FINE. There was still a reserved blonde and an effusive brunette who butt heads a little bit, but are inexplicably drawn to each other. I guess you can't have all the tropes in one book.
As with the slew of other lesbian romances I've been reading lately, this was generally cute and sweet. It's not going to force you deep into philosophical thought as you contemplate the plot and characters. It's great for what it is, and should be read when what it is is what you want.
As with the slew of other lesbian romances I've been reading lately, this was generally cute and sweet. It's not going to force you deep into philosophical thought as you contemplate the plot and characters. It's great for what it is, and should be read when what it is is what you want.
October 23, 2025
I love Georgia's work and this was another good one, although not my favorite. This was a bit too cheese even for a sap like me, but it made me feel good and I am happy with it :-) ☺️
March 14, 2019
I wish the writer wouldn't use so often emotional impulse as the way to reach HEA.
Cassie and Emerson are from Small-town.
Cassie loves it, Emerson left it years ago and didn't intend to look back.
But Emerson's mom dies. So she comes back and the towners' tongues are wraggling all over what she did, does and will do, because apparently, she was some kind a star, a quitter, and OMG she left her mom. Huh... isn't that the purpose of parenting ? To have a child becoming an adult and living on it's own terms ?
And cherry on the top, that mom owned half the town (okay, not that much but quite a lot) and Emerson decision could change the town. Forever.
Weirdly, no one really tries to TALK to HER about it. . Except Cassie of course.
Both characters are interesting, but
1) I didn't really feel the romance
2) I found the end is absurd.
3) I expect adults characters to like adults, not like children.
Emerson is a mess. Inspired, she decides to do exactly the inverse of what she's supposed to. That decision is irrationnal and emotional. At the last seconde, she bails. And that too, is emotional.
Same for Cassie, she lashes out pretty quickly and strongly, when rubbed wrong while it's business.
And I wish that those two characters, described as smart, and business-savy and all, could take their decision with their guts AND their mind, instead of being yoyo girls.
Cassie and Emerson are from Small-town.
Cassie loves it, Emerson left it years ago and didn't intend to look back.
But Emerson's mom dies. So she comes back and the towners' tongues are wraggling all over what she did, does and will do, because apparently, she was some kind a star, a quitter, and OMG she left her mom. Huh... isn't that the purpose of parenting ? To have a child becoming an adult and living on it's own terms ?
And cherry on the top, that mom owned half the town (okay, not that much but quite a lot) and Emerson decision could change the town. Forever.
Weirdly, no one really tries to TALK to HER about it. . Except Cassie of course.
Both characters are interesting, but
1) I didn't really feel the romance
2) I found the end is absurd.
3) I expect adults characters to like adults, not like children.
Emerson is a mess. Inspired, she decides to do exactly the inverse of what she's supposed to. That decision is irrationnal and emotional. At the last seconde, she bails. And that too, is emotional.
Same for Cassie, she lashes out pretty quickly and strongly, when rubbed wrong while it's business.
And I wish that those two characters, described as smart, and business-savy and all, could take their decision with their guts AND their mind, instead of being yoyo girls.
April 10, 2015
This was a lovely quick read.
Obviously, Georgia Beers is a romance queen. Her stories are usually really simple but always work to make you feel warm inside.
Zero Visibility is no exception.
I have to say, though, that the storyline really really lacks originality. That's why I much preferred 96 Hours or Snow Globe, which had much more exciting plots and settings. Somehow though, despite that, it works. Because Beers is such a good writer, and because she creates such great and attractive characters (even though the women are not incredibly original either, Cassie is the bubbly small town girl everyone loves and Em is the brooding ice queen people despise). Cassie is the sweetest. It took some time for me to warm up to Em, but she she is equally endearing. There are some really touching scenes, especially the ones in which Em opens up to Cassie and shows vulnerability.
If you don't know Georgia Beers yet and you like adventure and thrillers, skip this one. Zero Visibility is really only a romance. It goes straight to the point, it doesn't waste any time with subplots or too many supporting characters and it follows the typical feel-good romance novel pattern. Girl meets girl, girl likes girl, something is in the way of them being together, they overcome it and live happily every after. The I Love You's always come at the very end of Beers' novels. It might give you an idea of what to expect in terms of relationship build up. We don't see much of Cassie and Em together as a couple, the story starts before they meet and ends when they decide to commit for good.
Also, if you like romance, know that Zero Visibility is a very pragmatic book. It's not a story of soul mates, or of true unbreakable forever love (which I admit I usually like much better, because I'm a hopeless idealist). It's a really realistic and simple story of two women meeting, getting to know each other and falling in love. That is something that I have learned to appreciate in the author's novels in general, because she manages to create relatable characters in relatable situations.
So, it's not the most exciting story of the year, but it's still a pretty damn good lesbian romance.
Obviously, Georgia Beers is a romance queen. Her stories are usually really simple but always work to make you feel warm inside.
Zero Visibility is no exception.
I have to say, though, that the storyline really really lacks originality. That's why I much preferred 96 Hours or Snow Globe, which had much more exciting plots and settings. Somehow though, despite that, it works. Because Beers is such a good writer, and because she creates such great and attractive characters (even though the women are not incredibly original either, Cassie is the bubbly small town girl everyone loves and Em is the brooding ice queen people despise). Cassie is the sweetest. It took some time for me to warm up to Em, but she she is equally endearing. There are some really touching scenes, especially the ones in which Em opens up to Cassie and shows vulnerability.
If you don't know Georgia Beers yet and you like adventure and thrillers, skip this one. Zero Visibility is really only a romance. It goes straight to the point, it doesn't waste any time with subplots or too many supporting characters and it follows the typical feel-good romance novel pattern. Girl meets girl, girl likes girl, something is in the way of them being together, they overcome it and live happily every after. The I Love You's always come at the very end of Beers' novels. It might give you an idea of what to expect in terms of relationship build up. We don't see much of Cassie and Em together as a couple, the story starts before they meet and ends when they decide to commit for good.
Also, if you like romance, know that Zero Visibility is a very pragmatic book. It's not a story of soul mates, or of true unbreakable forever love (which I admit I usually like much better, because I'm a hopeless idealist). It's a really realistic and simple story of two women meeting, getting to know each other and falling in love. That is something that I have learned to appreciate in the author's novels in general, because she manages to create relatable characters in relatable situations.
So, it's not the most exciting story of the year, but it's still a pretty damn good lesbian romance.
March 8, 2015
Not my favorite by this author, but enjoyable enough.
Though I had a hard time warming to Emerson, I found Cassie the stronger, more compelling character. I get why Emerson was the way she was, but she came off as a bit too self absorbed for my tastes. Her grief obviously is a factor, but there was just something about her I didn't really care for. She did redeem herself to some extent, but by then I really wanted more for Cassie.
And to be honest, the story between Cassie And Vanessa had me more intrigued than Cassie/Emerson. There seemed to be more meat to that possible plotline.
So all in all not bad, as this author is obviously a good writer, but it didn't really capture me as much as I might have wanted.
-- Just realised how negative this review comes across despite the fact I gave the book 4 stars. I must have been in a bit of a grumpy mood when I wrote it. Though the book didn't blow my mind, it was in no way a bad read. It was a nice romance with a good build up. I really liked Cassie as a character, and the way she saw the world. I might have liked the book even more had more of it been from her point of view. I'll try to be less grumpy >_<
Though I had a hard time warming to Emerson, I found Cassie the stronger, more compelling character. I get why Emerson was the way she was, but she came off as a bit too self absorbed for my tastes. Her grief obviously is a factor, but there was just something about her I didn't really care for. She did redeem herself to some extent, but by then I really wanted more for Cassie.
And to be honest, the story between Cassie And Vanessa had me more intrigued than Cassie/Emerson. There seemed to be more meat to that possible plotline.
So all in all not bad, as this author is obviously a good writer, but it didn't really capture me as much as I might have wanted.
-- Just realised how negative this review comes across despite the fact I gave the book 4 stars. I must have been in a bit of a grumpy mood when I wrote it. Though the book didn't blow my mind, it was in no way a bad read. It was a nice romance with a good build up. I really liked Cassie as a character, and the way she saw the world. I might have liked the book even more had more of it been from her point of view. I'll try to be less grumpy >_<
April 30, 2016
After reading several books and not liking them i finally found this gem. Although the characters are not my usual pick i did empathize with them somehow. The story is engaging and a very fast read, Georgia Beers doesn't disappoint.
September 16, 2016
I picked this up on a chance in a sale bundle and thought I'd give it a shot. And it wasn't bad. It's a pretty straight-forward romance with lesbian lead characters and Beers does a good job making it sincerely about the characters even as she depicts aspects that are unique in a same-sex relationship. Since I don't read a lot of same-sex romances, I couldn't help straining for parallels and differences from the kinds of stories I'm used to. So I was kind of delighted to find that I'd have a difficult time translating the essential story into a heterosexual one. So yeah, feel free to ignore everything I say as a heteronormative safari into the wilds of the LGBTQ jungle if you like.
My main engagement in the story is easily Cassie. She's sweet and strong and kind and that's all kinds of engaging. I particularly liked her past relationships and how she has moved on as gracefully as she can. This was best illustrated with her ex-husband, but also with Vanessa as we come into the story at the tail end of the fallout from their breakup. I liked how outgoing Cassie continues to be even though you can see how affected she is when others don't return her enthusiasm and affection.
Emerson was way less fun. Yeah, I get the emotional (and physical) trauma thing, but I couldn't help finding her just a touch precious with her whole "they pity me" whine. She overcomes this (believably) with Cassie's help, so it's not a constant drag, but I still had a tough time with her stoic withdrawal.
And the book has other weaknesses that were a bit difficult. I really don't need so very many PoVs, for example. The main semi-bad guy had pretty clear motivations already (including the ones that made him only "semi"-bad) and scenes from his PoV were just awkward. And he's just one of maybe a dozen folks whose heads we dip into over the course of the novel. And I found it hard to buy into the business bits of the story. Which played a larger role than you'd think because of the inheritance that brings Emerson into Lake Henry in the first place. Cassie's store is deeply unlikely and the Lakeside Inn seems rather fantastic, too, and what idiot agrees to sign a contract without having her own lawyer go over it, first? (and semi-bad's lawyer skirted ethical hearings at least twice)
But there are general strengths as well. It was interesting to see such a strong male presence in the story, for example. Cassie's ex-husband was great and I found their friendship interesting, not least for the support it provides Cassie. And he's only the most obvious example of good guys surrounding the people I cared about in the story. And I liked the town and Cassie's close family. I guess you could say the side-characters are deep and well-fleshed out with a variety of clear motivations that made sense and hung together in a well-paced story.
So yeah, a solid three stars, edging higher. Frankly, if I had engaged at all with Emerson, I'd have probably tipped to four.
A note about Steamy: There's an explicit sex scene and some snuggly bits. So on the low side of my steam tolerance. Frankly, that scene seemed a touch perfunctory, really. Probably because it came at a point where there's some tension building up over their future together and I'd have rather they had discussed the relationship and avoided some obvious trouble headed their way. This is in no small part due to my attachment to Cassie and I could see she was heading for some unnecessary pain that having had that sexual intimacy would only intensify.
My main engagement in the story is easily Cassie. She's sweet and strong and kind and that's all kinds of engaging. I particularly liked her past relationships and how she has moved on as gracefully as she can. This was best illustrated with her ex-husband, but also with Vanessa as we come into the story at the tail end of the fallout from their breakup. I liked how outgoing Cassie continues to be even though you can see how affected she is when others don't return her enthusiasm and affection.
Emerson was way less fun. Yeah, I get the emotional (and physical) trauma thing, but I couldn't help finding her just a touch precious with her whole "they pity me" whine. She overcomes this (believably) with Cassie's help, so it's not a constant drag, but I still had a tough time with her stoic withdrawal.
And the book has other weaknesses that were a bit difficult. I really don't need so very many PoVs, for example. The main semi-bad guy had pretty clear motivations already (including the ones that made him only "semi"-bad) and scenes from his PoV were just awkward. And he's just one of maybe a dozen folks whose heads we dip into over the course of the novel. And I found it hard to buy into the business bits of the story. Which played a larger role than you'd think because of the inheritance that brings Emerson into Lake Henry in the first place. Cassie's store is deeply unlikely and the Lakeside Inn seems rather fantastic, too, and what idiot agrees to sign a contract without having her own lawyer go over it, first? (and semi-bad's lawyer skirted ethical hearings at least twice)
But there are general strengths as well. It was interesting to see such a strong male presence in the story, for example. Cassie's ex-husband was great and I found their friendship interesting, not least for the support it provides Cassie. And he's only the most obvious example of good guys surrounding the people I cared about in the story. And I liked the town and Cassie's close family. I guess you could say the side-characters are deep and well-fleshed out with a variety of clear motivations that made sense and hung together in a well-paced story.
So yeah, a solid three stars, edging higher. Frankly, if I had engaged at all with Emerson, I'd have probably tipped to four.
A note about Steamy: There's an explicit sex scene and some snuggly bits. So on the low side of my steam tolerance. Frankly, that scene seemed a touch perfunctory, really. Probably because it came at a point where there's some tension building up over their future together and I'd have rather they had discussed the relationship and avoided some obvious trouble headed their way. This is in no small part due to my attachment to Cassie and I could see she was heading for some unnecessary pain that having had that sexual intimacy would only intensify.
February 6, 2017
Just some quick thoughts - I loved the interaction of Emerson & Cassie . . up to the 23% mark when suddenly they got thrust aside for brand new point of view (Vanessa). And all the crap she brought to the story. I was horrified when she appeared, and feared the worst. I never grew to like her, care about her, or want to have anything with her story, but I got past my horror. As the story still mostly revolved around Emerson and Cassie.
Then some evil troll business man got a point of view. Then Mary, Etc. I, obviously personally, did not feel that their bits of story needed to be told from their point of view, and, to a certain extent, told at all. At least the parts told directly from their point of view. But still, story remained mostly focused on Emerson and Cassie.
I rather liked both of the main characters, and most of the side characters (with exceptions here and there – that Jonathan guy annoyed the hell out of me).
As I mentioned, I just had some quick thoughts I wanted to drop here in this box thingie. I liked the story. I liked most of the characters. There was a certain amount of angst and hair-pulling moments (and one moment wherein I had a ‘oh god, two single lesbians and suddenly there are kids thrust into the story-line?’ thought, though the kids, despite their initial gasp of horror from me, didn’t subtract from the enjoyment of the books (and added something)).
Right, as I said, just a few thoughts leaking from my mind.
May 13 2016
Then some evil troll business man got a point of view. Then Mary, Etc. I, obviously personally, did not feel that their bits of story needed to be told from their point of view, and, to a certain extent, told at all. At least the parts told directly from their point of view. But still, story remained mostly focused on Emerson and Cassie.
I rather liked both of the main characters, and most of the side characters (with exceptions here and there – that Jonathan guy annoyed the hell out of me).
As I mentioned, I just had some quick thoughts I wanted to drop here in this box thingie. I liked the story. I liked most of the characters. There was a certain amount of angst and hair-pulling moments (and one moment wherein I had a ‘oh god, two single lesbians and suddenly there are kids thrust into the story-line?’ thought, though the kids, despite their initial gasp of horror from me, didn’t subtract from the enjoyment of the books (and added something)).
Right, as I said, just a few thoughts leaking from my mind.
May 13 2016
November 24, 2016
One of my favorite books of this author. For whatever reason, I always like these books that happen n the mountains. Is that a lesbian thing? Not sure but if it describes the setting as mountainous and snowy I can almost guarantee I'm going to read it. Good job GB.
January 19, 2015
The really wonderful thing about Lesbian Fiction is that it has really become pretty diverse in terms of genre.Yes, I think we still have a ways to go, but there are more options to choose from today than there were in, say, 2000. Heck, in the last 10 years alone, the Golden Crown Literary Society has gone from giving out awards in 3 categories to giving out awards in 13 categories. (And I have no doubt that we'll be adding categories in future years.) Like a good mystery/thriller? Not a problem. Enjoy sinking your teeth into a good vampire story? Yep, lots of those, too. How about ghost stories? Sweet, because there are some really good ones out there.
Seriously. If there's a genre you like, you'll probably be able to find it in Lesbian Fiction.
While I do love all of the choices (and I read from many, many different genres), when all is said and done, I still cannot resist a solid romance. You know...that girl-meets-girl story with it's great characters and relationship obstacles, all culminating in a great "Happily Ever After" ending. If the universe commanded that I only be allowed to read romance novels for the rest of my life, I'd be okay with that. It's probably the perpetual single girl in me that enjoys reading about others finding their Happily Ever After. I like living vicariously through these fictional characters that, in some ways, are very much like me...and yet, not like me at all. In short, romance novels make me happy.
Zero Visibility (Brisk Press) is Georgia Beers' newest offering. It's a romance. Because that's what Beers does - she writes romances. She does so proudly. (Listen to her Keynote Address at the 2013 GCLS Conference and see her presentation of A Day in the Life of a Romance Writer.) Thank goodness for readers, she does it well.
I always enjoy the characters that Beers creates in her novels. Beers offers us characters who make mistakes; they're characters who have issues. They're not perfect. They're fallible. I can relate to them. Emerson Rosberg and Cassie Prescott are two such characters. Both women are dealing with mistakes they've made in the past and they each have their own ways of dealing with those mistakes. For Cassie, it's a bit easier. Lake Henry is her home. She has her family and friends to help her through and be her support. Emerson doesn't have that safety net. No siblings. Her mother has just died. Her father is not there for her. She really doesn't have friends to speak of. She just has herself. Until Cassie enters her life. And that causes a whole new set of issues that Emerson doesn't feel equipped to handle. It's a wonderful balance and Beers does a nice job of laying things out and really delving into minds of these two characters. Beers gives them depth. She brings a realism to Emerson and Cassie that had me relating with each woman on different levels. It's very satisfying.
The supporting characters in Zero Visibility are more than just filler. Each one serves a particular purpose throughout the novel. Periodically, Beers showed us the perspective of some of these supporting characters. I'll admit that I was thrown by this the first time it happened. It took me out of the story for a minute. ("Whoa! Why did we just switch to that perspective?") But I settled down and kept reading. Half-way through the section, I wasn't wondering anymore. And the next time it happened, I wasn't pulled out of the story at all. It made sense and just added more layers to Emerson's and Cassie's characters. I love Beers' knack for giving each a very distinctive voice. With each new perspective, there were very subtle changes in language use and sentence structure. Whether this was Beers' plan or not, I don't know, but I sure thought it was effective.
Beers doesn't skimp on the details. She takes the time to really paint the picture for her readers. Never been to the Adirondacks? No worries. Beers has you covered. From the description of The Lakeshore Inn to the layout of Cassie's sporting good store to the walkways and trails of Lake Henry, Beers provided the details and visual cues I needed to picture everything clearly. Sometimes I actually felt like I was breathing the crisp mountain air. Her descriptions of characters are clear and, in some cases, recall iconic figures. You'll love her description of Arnold Cross.
One of the things I've always enjoyed about Beers' romances is the slow build. Even though I can "see" what the characters can't as their relationship forms, I don't have an urge to yell, "Oh, c'mon already!" Yes, I can see things happening. Yes, I want them to see what I see. But I don't want to rush it. Part of the joy is watching Emerson and Cassie figure it out. It's great when the supporting characters see what I see and start nudging Emerson and Cassie in different directions. It's like I'm sharing a secret with them. And, yet, I still don't want things to move too quickly. I still want the slow build. Sexual tension? Yes, please. Internal struggles over the way their feelings are changing? Most definitely. Hop into bed at the earliest opportunity. Put on the brakes, Buster! I've come to care too much about the characters to have them rush things for a tumble in the sheets. I want the Happily Ever After to be believable. I want it to be for good. Beers' talent for assuring a solid HEA is off the charts.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat mystery, or a nail-biting adventure, or vampires and demons, I've got some suggestions for you that will not include Zero Visibility. Because if that's what you want, you won't get it from this novel. But if you're looking for a solid romance with great characters and a complex, fulfilling love story, then Zero Visibility should definitely be on your list.
Seriously. If there's a genre you like, you'll probably be able to find it in Lesbian Fiction.
While I do love all of the choices (and I read from many, many different genres), when all is said and done, I still cannot resist a solid romance. You know...that girl-meets-girl story with it's great characters and relationship obstacles, all culminating in a great "Happily Ever After" ending. If the universe commanded that I only be allowed to read romance novels for the rest of my life, I'd be okay with that. It's probably the perpetual single girl in me that enjoys reading about others finding their Happily Ever After. I like living vicariously through these fictional characters that, in some ways, are very much like me...and yet, not like me at all. In short, romance novels make me happy.
At eighteen, Emerson Rosberg was poised to become an Olympic skiing sensation. Growing up in the Adirondack ski town of Lake Henry with a world-renowned ski champion for a father gave her an edge over the competition…until the day she let her ego get the better of her and made a devastating mistake that would cost her any future in the sport. Deciding the only way to heal her shattered dreams was to run as far away from Lake Henry as possible, she settled in Los Angeles, leaving all memories of her previous life far behind. When her mother dies suddenly, Emerson is forced back to Lake Henry to take care of things, including the sale of The Lakeshore Inn. Her plan to get in and get out of that miserable town as quickly as possible is brought to a screeching halt when Cassie Prescott, the bubbly, friendly owner of a local sporting goods store, gets in the way. Cassie’s still cleaning up the debris from her last relationship, but she’s instantly drawn to Emerson, despite warnings from friends and family alike. As the cold weather closes in and Emerson and Cassie’s relationship heats up, one question keeps popping up for Emerson: can you really go home again?
Zero Visibility (Brisk Press) is Georgia Beers' newest offering. It's a romance. Because that's what Beers does - she writes romances. She does so proudly. (Listen to her Keynote Address at the 2013 GCLS Conference and see her presentation of A Day in the Life of a Romance Writer.) Thank goodness for readers, she does it well.
I always enjoy the characters that Beers creates in her novels. Beers offers us characters who make mistakes; they're characters who have issues. They're not perfect. They're fallible. I can relate to them. Emerson Rosberg and Cassie Prescott are two such characters. Both women are dealing with mistakes they've made in the past and they each have their own ways of dealing with those mistakes. For Cassie, it's a bit easier. Lake Henry is her home. She has her family and friends to help her through and be her support. Emerson doesn't have that safety net. No siblings. Her mother has just died. Her father is not there for her. She really doesn't have friends to speak of. She just has herself. Until Cassie enters her life. And that causes a whole new set of issues that Emerson doesn't feel equipped to handle. It's a wonderful balance and Beers does a nice job of laying things out and really delving into minds of these two characters. Beers gives them depth. She brings a realism to Emerson and Cassie that had me relating with each woman on different levels. It's very satisfying.
The supporting characters in Zero Visibility are more than just filler. Each one serves a particular purpose throughout the novel. Periodically, Beers showed us the perspective of some of these supporting characters. I'll admit that I was thrown by this the first time it happened. It took me out of the story for a minute. ("Whoa! Why did we just switch to that perspective?") But I settled down and kept reading. Half-way through the section, I wasn't wondering anymore. And the next time it happened, I wasn't pulled out of the story at all. It made sense and just added more layers to Emerson's and Cassie's characters. I love Beers' knack for giving each a very distinctive voice. With each new perspective, there were very subtle changes in language use and sentence structure. Whether this was Beers' plan or not, I don't know, but I sure thought it was effective.
Beers doesn't skimp on the details. She takes the time to really paint the picture for her readers. Never been to the Adirondacks? No worries. Beers has you covered. From the description of The Lakeshore Inn to the layout of Cassie's sporting good store to the walkways and trails of Lake Henry, Beers provided the details and visual cues I needed to picture everything clearly. Sometimes I actually felt like I was breathing the crisp mountain air. Her descriptions of characters are clear and, in some cases, recall iconic figures. You'll love her description of Arnold Cross.
One of the things I've always enjoyed about Beers' romances is the slow build. Even though I can "see" what the characters can't as their relationship forms, I don't have an urge to yell, "Oh, c'mon already!" Yes, I can see things happening. Yes, I want them to see what I see. But I don't want to rush it. Part of the joy is watching Emerson and Cassie figure it out. It's great when the supporting characters see what I see and start nudging Emerson and Cassie in different directions. It's like I'm sharing a secret with them. And, yet, I still don't want things to move too quickly. I still want the slow build. Sexual tension? Yes, please. Internal struggles over the way their feelings are changing? Most definitely. Hop into bed at the earliest opportunity. Put on the brakes, Buster! I've come to care too much about the characters to have them rush things for a tumble in the sheets. I want the Happily Ever After to be believable. I want it to be for good. Beers' talent for assuring a solid HEA is off the charts.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat mystery, or a nail-biting adventure, or vampires and demons, I've got some suggestions for you that will not include Zero Visibility. Because if that's what you want, you won't get it from this novel. But if you're looking for a solid romance with great characters and a complex, fulfilling love story, then Zero Visibility should definitely be on your list.
Read
January 29, 2022Almost halfway through this, I've made my decision to abandon this book.
I said this, many times if I don't like one of the protagonists then the book won't work for me regardless of how good the plot is or how well-written the book is...
You have one of the leads Cassie, who's good charismatic, lovely witty with all the emotions of normal human beings (she also has a beautiful lovely dog that adds to her character)
Then there's Emmerson who is the embodiment of narcissistic, selfish, cold and completely horrible to everyone around her.
When she showed up to her mother's funeral like a woman who is planning a vacation all complaining about how bad the road is blah blah
And I thought maybe she didn't feel anything for her dead Mother because her mom was horrible to her, turned out her mom was a nice old lady who everyone is sad to see gone!
Then people started calling her "ice Princess" so I thought just give her a chance maybe she's one of does people who absorbs everything and break down later when no one expects it and I continue until I couldn't go any further
In trying to write an Ice character Georgia forgets Emerson, needs to care and have some emotions for A relationship to work between Cassie and her. So their relationship seemed flat even their friendship seemed forced.
I had to check out the reviews and I'm glad I did because turns out I dodge the bullet.
Not every author can write a good ice protagonist and Georgia beers is one of those who completely missed the point in all of her attempt to write one.
I said this, many times if I don't like one of the protagonists then the book won't work for me regardless of how good the plot is or how well-written the book is...
You have one of the leads Cassie, who's good charismatic, lovely witty with all the emotions of normal human beings (she also has a beautiful lovely dog that adds to her character)
Then there's Emmerson who is the embodiment of narcissistic, selfish, cold and completely horrible to everyone around her.
When she showed up to her mother's funeral like a woman who is planning a vacation all complaining about how bad the road is blah blah
And I thought maybe she didn't feel anything for her dead Mother because her mom was horrible to her, turned out her mom was a nice old lady who everyone is sad to see gone!
Then people started calling her "ice Princess" so I thought just give her a chance maybe she's one of does people who absorbs everything and break down later when no one expects it and I continue until I couldn't go any further
In trying to write an Ice character Georgia forgets Emerson, needs to care and have some emotions for A relationship to work between Cassie and her. So their relationship seemed flat even their friendship seemed forced.
I had to check out the reviews and I'm glad I did because turns out I dodge the bullet.
Not every author can write a good ice protagonist and Georgia beers is one of those who completely missed the point in all of her attempt to write one.
July 8, 2022
4/5 ⭐️
Aaawwweee this was so cute!
Aaawwweee this was so cute!
March 14, 2016
The book captured my interest from the start and I could not put it down. Well, I did, but only 'cause I needed sleep and had to work.
I loved Cassie and Emerson. And when Cassie let loose on Em -- whoa Nellie! The Burgermeister Meisterburger was an excellent foil.
Isn't it interesting how visibility improves when you open your eyes to possibilities...
I loved Cassie and Emerson. And when Cassie let loose on Em -- whoa Nellie! The Burgermeister Meisterburger was an excellent foil.
Isn't it interesting how visibility improves when you open your eyes to possibilities...
March 29, 2015
Another great book by Georgia Beers. 4.5 stars
January 29, 2015
Wonderful story that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Great work, as usual, by Georgia Beers.
May 24, 2021
There were a lot of things I really liked about this book, but a few things that kind of bothered me. First off, why all the Emerson hate? Everyone acted like she was the villain for leaving the place where her dreams, her life, her entire identity was shattered by her injury. For seeming cold and distant when her mother had just died suddenly. For moving away when she grew up. It just kind of struck me wrong. I actually really liked her character, and felt she was a more complete, realistic person than Cassie, who seemed sweet, but not a full, complex person. I also felt that the last few chapters of the book should have included more. The ending felt a bit rushed to me.
That said, I did like this book. Like I said, I related to Emerson a bit too much. And Cassie (and her dog) were sweet. The tourist mountain town is also something I have a soft spot for.
Overall, this was a decent book for what it is, but I have read better takes on both the "injured athlete" and the "big city girl returns to small town" tropes.
That said, I did like this book. Like I said, I related to Emerson a bit too much. And Cassie (and her dog) were sweet. The tourist mountain town is also something I have a soft spot for.
Overall, this was a decent book for what it is, but I have read better takes on both the "injured athlete" and the "big city girl returns to small town" tropes.
May 13, 2019
4.5 of 5 stars
July 12, 2018
This was a nice reading, but not much more.
I felt as it was somehow too fast. Characters not really definite.
I didn't understand Emerson's behaviour. She's smart and compassionate, why doesn't she think of others until the last minute?
Ok, she has issues, she must be resurrected by love, but I didn't find good reasons for these issues.
Also, the love story seems frail. Cassie and Emerson are not really into each other. Emerson thinks she can do without her and Cassie doesn't really trsut Emerson.
I asked myself "Is this love really above all else? Is this really love?"
I felt as it was somehow too fast. Characters not really definite.
I didn't understand Emerson's behaviour. She's smart and compassionate, why doesn't she think of others until the last minute?
Ok, she has issues, she must be resurrected by love, but I didn't find good reasons for these issues.
Also, the love story seems frail. Cassie and Emerson are not really into each other. Emerson thinks she can do without her and Cassie doesn't really trsut Emerson.
I asked myself "Is this love really above all else? Is this really love?"
August 29, 2015
I really like Georgia beers and this story was still pretty good. But there was something dissatisfying about it. The epiphany, their transition to dating, the party at then end -- the last 20% weren't as satisfying as the first 80%. The build up was really nice but once they got together, I wasn't as into it. Also if my girlfriend secretly moved without telling me and I was worried about our relationship for over a month, I wouldn't find it romantic, I would be pissed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
A nice romance set in a small town. Emerson is forced to come back home after her mother died unexpectedly. Cassie is a small business owner who has a seemingly always sunny disposition and a cute dog. I like that each of the characters gave their own issues to contend with. Emerson has to work through her grief and her history with her hometown. Cassie has a history of choosing wrong people to love. They have to each work on themselves before able to acknowledge their mutual attraction.
January 13, 2023
I picked this book on audible plus. I saw the combination of Georgia Beers and one of my favourite narrators, Brittany Pressley. I need more fluff in my life. The story started great with their dog Gordy, who likes affection and is a certified therapy dog. But i was bothered by some (ok, a lot) of the drama.
Dunno if trigger warning is the right word, but be aware of the cheating in the story (which was not mentioned in the publisher's summary):
1) cassie is cheating on her husband with vanessa
2) vanessa is cheating on her husband with cassie
3) emerson is cheating on her girlfriend with cassie
I didn't like how everyone is so casual about it. Paraphrasing here, but the only reason anyone cares about the cheating is to say "I don't want you to get hurt when vanessa doesn't break up with her husband for you." Seriously, that's the only problem you see with that?
The author even references the film Imagine Me & You, which admittedly is one of my favourite romance movies. (Not only is Lena Headey in it, but did you know Giles acted in something other than BTVS?). Another similarity between this novel and the film is that all the husbands are good people, not nasty/abusive people.
The big conflict at the end was a bit annoying to me. It revolves around a secret nobody knew. I don't think it's that realistic that nobody would know it.
The main drama: Everyone lives in a small ski town in New York. Caroline owns a hotel where she and her best friend mary work at. When caroline passes away, her daughter Emerson inherits everything. Emerson currently lives in california, so she flies in to take care of the estate. Everyone knows Emerson is most likely going to sell everything then go back to California.
the big reveal / conflict at the end spoiler:
While the story primarily revolves around cassie and emerson's perspectives, there are a few random perspectives that show up 1-2 times each. Arthur Cross the business owner who wants to buy property; mary who works at the inn; vanessa one of the love interests. Personally, I would have cut these perspectives out.
I liked the story around cassie and emerson, but the book would have been greatly improved by cutting some of these negative points out.
March 31, 2021
This is an okay story with some interesting twists, one being that both women are effectively in relationships at the start of the novel. One is half-hearted and distant, together only for the sex, and the other is an affair that is ended but the protagonist is still in love (and the married affair partner doesn't want the affair to be over). While this is an interesting conflict throughout the narrative, it gives the romance a rebound feel which isn't addressed.
Emerson's "ice queen" status is explained, but not really her warming, and she seems to be seen in two different modes simultaneously: ice queen and home town hero, which doesn't entirely work. Cassandra is hard-working and a friend to all; a little too good to be true. The conflicts are believable and impactful.
The writer is mostly very focused in a single point of view, which makes her digressions jarring. Some of these are slipping into another head, while some are out-of-PoV descriptions of the current PoV character. Both have the effect of reducing the emotional focus.
Georgia Beers seems to like blue eyes. This is the third book of hers that I've read. When I noticed in "96 hours" that both protagonists had blue eyes, I recalled it being a factor before; so, though I would need to re-read it to be sure, I believe that at least one of the protags of "Rescued Heart" had blue eyes, and that this had been emphasized.
This time, only one of the protagonists has blue eyes. But in a surprising twist, the blue-eyed woman (Emerson)'s girlfriend also has blue eyes. Nor really a problem, but becoming noticeable enough to be slightly jarring.
I would give this four stars except for the unresolved "rebound" status, the not-quite believable perspective on Emerson the ice queen, and a later part of the story that's spoilerific.
I will probably re-read this at some point, but it will never be my favorite Georgia Beers book.
Emerson's "ice queen" status is explained, but not really her warming, and she seems to be seen in two different modes simultaneously: ice queen and home town hero, which doesn't entirely work. Cassandra is hard-working and a friend to all; a little too good to be true. The conflicts are believable and impactful.
The writer is mostly very focused in a single point of view, which makes her digressions jarring. Some of these are slipping into another head, while some are out-of-PoV descriptions of the current PoV character. Both have the effect of reducing the emotional focus.
Georgia Beers seems to like blue eyes. This is the third book of hers that I've read. When I noticed in "96 hours" that both protagonists had blue eyes, I recalled it being a factor before; so, though I would need to re-read it to be sure, I believe that at least one of the protags of "Rescued Heart" had blue eyes, and that this had been emphasized.
This time, only one of the protagonists has blue eyes. But in a surprising twist, the blue-eyed woman (Emerson)'s girlfriend also has blue eyes. Nor really a problem, but becoming noticeable enough to be slightly jarring.
I would give this four stars except for the unresolved "rebound" status, the not-quite believable perspective on Emerson the ice queen, and a later part of the story that's spoilerific.
I will probably re-read this at some point, but it will never be my favorite Georgia Beers book.
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