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Never the Same
ASIN B00TMI287O moved to the most recent edition
Entering junior year of college, lesbian blogger Paige Galner is known around campus as the voice of wisdom about all gay girl issues, publicly expressing her opinions about everything from lesbian politics to tips on navigating the dating scene in a predominantly heterosexual setting. She advises readers to avoid bisexual women at all costs—that is, until she meets Lennox.
At first, Paige tries to deny her attraction to the captivating, openly bisexual woman for fear that her followers will think she is a hypocrite, but the more Paige gets to know Lennox, the more she begins to question her beliefs. Maybe the labels given to ourselves and to one another prevent the best connections. Will Lennox be the person to teach Paige that when it comes to love, the heart does not discriminate?
Entering junior year of college, lesbian blogger Paige Galner is known around campus as the voice of wisdom about all gay girl issues, publicly expressing her opinions about everything from lesbian politics to tips on navigating the dating scene in a predominantly heterosexual setting. She advises readers to avoid bisexual women at all costs—that is, until she meets Lennox.
At first, Paige tries to deny her attraction to the captivating, openly bisexual woman for fear that her followers will think she is a hypocrite, but the more Paige gets to know Lennox, the more she begins to question her beliefs. Maybe the labels given to ourselves and to one another prevent the best connections. Will Lennox be the person to teach Paige that when it comes to love, the heart does not discriminate?
247 pages, ebook
First published February 14, 2015
67 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
17 books228 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 19, 2016
I’m going to start this review doing something I hate: criticizing. That’s part of what we’re all here for, but it doesn’t mean I like to do it. This book has a lot going for it, and I want to celebrate everything it does right, but it also has a single very big issue that I’m about to spend two chunky paragraphs discussing. Here we go.
Vocabulary. The vocabulary is…off-putting. Some authors use arcane words in an attempt to prove they’re more intelligent. Some do it because they actually are more intelligent. Some do it because their characters are doing one of the above. Some do it because those SAT words provide necessary specificity that more common language lacks. Some authors just bought an expensive new thesaurus. I’m not sure which is the case for Ms. Rivera; maybe it’s a collection of them all, or maybe it’s for some other reason entirely. What I do know is that the language in this book felt unnatural and cumbersome, both in the exposition and in the dialogue. Some examples:
Characters don’t exhale at the same time. No, they “respire synchronously.” They don’t slowly approach, they “costively” walk. They don’t take something hesitantly, they “charily receive” it. They don’t get bitter emails, they receive “rancorous annotations.” They don’t reluctantly answer their phones, they pick them up with “disinclination.” They don’t stop speaking, they “terminate [their] declamations.” They don’t break out in a cold sweat; instead, “Gelid beads of sweat garner along [their] hairlines.” I could fill pages and pages with examples, but I don’t really have to because the author already did it for me. The obscure language isn’t limited to infrequent use, either. It’s a constant assault that’s impossible to ignore (or an unfluctuating incursion for which inscience remains impracticable). In short: it’s a problem, or it was for me. It might not be one for you, assuming you teach an SAT prep course.
That said, I like this book. It’s tough to stay in the story when you’re constantly looking up words that even the Kindle dictionary doesn’t always recognize, but it earns several stars just for dealing with biphobia in a responsible way. In most lesfic: This. Never. Happens. As a lesbian, I know what the bias looks like (we’ve all seen it), but I rarely get to see it from the other side. It’s important. I want to see realistic depictions of the B in LGBTQI far more often than I do. I welcome it. I want to know what my sisters out there are dealing with, and I want them to have fair media representation. I want them to have some visibility, some inclusion, and this is what that looks like. It’s too damned rare.
In other areas, the book is something of a mix. All of the characters are generally likable and have some really nice arcs that fill out the story in satisfying ways , but it does get a little difficult to distinguish between said characters because every one of them has a similar voice. Keira’s the brain (kind of), Marissa’s the wild one (sort of), Paige is…I want to say the neurotic one (totally)…and Lennox is both pragmatic and a touch romantic. But in conversation? Same person, more often than not. Even Justin has the same vocabulary and sentence structure. The banter is fast and furious, but sometimes you need to scan for a name to tell who’s talking.
This is, however, a romance, and the romance is what most people are going to be interested in. It works. The inevitable conflict that comes up is a little iffy in spots , but it’s functional and comes from a refreshingly unusual direction. The chemistry between Paige and Lennox, though? Incredible. It starts slow, builds nicely, has terrific intimacy, involves a lot of really wonderful moments and interactions, and the climax is…well, we should all have such a climax. Seriously. Sign me up.
And, in what’s going to be an incredibly awkward transition after the climax comment, Paige’s family issues were also really engaging. Her backstory tied in nicely to other plot elements, adding a satisfying symmetry to it all. I loved her relationship with her father, her mother’s history, all of it. Lennox’s background, while not as thoroughly described, was still intriguing and added to my fondness for her.
So, yeah. I realize a lot of this is criticism, but it’s still a 4-star book for me. Romance novels are all about emotion; I rate them partially by what they make me think, but mostly by what they make me feel. This story made me feel good. I felt good about the romance. I felt good about the character arcs. I felt really good about the spotlight on bisexuality. When I turned the last page, I was in a better place than I was when I started the novel, and all of those things added up to be more important than the story’s flaws.
Recommended.
Vocabulary. The vocabulary is…off-putting. Some authors use arcane words in an attempt to prove they’re more intelligent. Some do it because they actually are more intelligent. Some do it because their characters are doing one of the above. Some do it because those SAT words provide necessary specificity that more common language lacks. Some authors just bought an expensive new thesaurus. I’m not sure which is the case for Ms. Rivera; maybe it’s a collection of them all, or maybe it’s for some other reason entirely. What I do know is that the language in this book felt unnatural and cumbersome, both in the exposition and in the dialogue. Some examples:
Characters don’t exhale at the same time. No, they “respire synchronously.” They don’t slowly approach, they “costively” walk. They don’t take something hesitantly, they “charily receive” it. They don’t get bitter emails, they receive “rancorous annotations.” They don’t reluctantly answer their phones, they pick them up with “disinclination.” They don’t stop speaking, they “terminate [their] declamations.” They don’t break out in a cold sweat; instead, “Gelid beads of sweat garner along [their] hairlines.” I could fill pages and pages with examples, but I don’t really have to because the author already did it for me. The obscure language isn’t limited to infrequent use, either. It’s a constant assault that’s impossible to ignore (or an unfluctuating incursion for which inscience remains impracticable). In short: it’s a problem, or it was for me. It might not be one for you, assuming you teach an SAT prep course.
That said, I like this book. It’s tough to stay in the story when you’re constantly looking up words that even the Kindle dictionary doesn’t always recognize, but it earns several stars just for dealing with biphobia in a responsible way. In most lesfic: This. Never. Happens. As a lesbian, I know what the bias looks like (we’ve all seen it), but I rarely get to see it from the other side. It’s important. I want to see realistic depictions of the B in LGBTQI far more often than I do. I welcome it. I want to know what my sisters out there are dealing with, and I want them to have fair media representation. I want them to have some visibility, some inclusion, and this is what that looks like. It’s too damned rare.
In other areas, the book is something of a mix. All of the characters are generally likable and have some really nice arcs that fill out the story in satisfying ways , but it does get a little difficult to distinguish between said characters because every one of them has a similar voice. Keira’s the brain (kind of), Marissa’s the wild one (sort of), Paige is…I want to say the neurotic one (totally)…and Lennox is both pragmatic and a touch romantic. But in conversation? Same person, more often than not. Even Justin has the same vocabulary and sentence structure. The banter is fast and furious, but sometimes you need to scan for a name to tell who’s talking.
This is, however, a romance, and the romance is what most people are going to be interested in. It works. The inevitable conflict that comes up is a little iffy in spots , but it’s functional and comes from a refreshingly unusual direction. The chemistry between Paige and Lennox, though? Incredible. It starts slow, builds nicely, has terrific intimacy, involves a lot of really wonderful moments and interactions, and the climax is…well, we should all have such a climax. Seriously. Sign me up.
And, in what’s going to be an incredibly awkward transition after the climax comment, Paige’s family issues were also really engaging. Her backstory tied in nicely to other plot elements, adding a satisfying symmetry to it all. I loved her relationship with her father, her mother’s history, all of it. Lennox’s background, while not as thoroughly described, was still intriguing and added to my fondness for her.
So, yeah. I realize a lot of this is criticism, but it’s still a 4-star book for me. Romance novels are all about emotion; I rate them partially by what they make me think, but mostly by what they make me feel. This story made me feel good. I felt good about the romance. I felt good about the character arcs. I felt really good about the spotlight on bisexuality. When I turned the last page, I was in a better place than I was when I started the novel, and all of those things added up to be more important than the story’s flaws.
Recommended.
August 31, 2025
This excellent slow burn romance was slow to start for me. Paige writes a popular lesbian blog and writes for other school publications about an assortment of things, including an astrological one. Lennox is the new drummer in her roommate's popular band, but is a declared bi-sexual, which is a no no with Paige and her followers.
The excellent dialogue is what made me love this one. The reparté between our two main characters as well as all their assorted friends and bandmates made for a most entertaining read. 4.5 stars for me.
“Everything. Lennox, no one has ever challenged me the way you have, and no one’s ever had an impact on me the way you did. The way you do. You got inside of me somehow. Now I’m filled with you, covered in you, carrying you around everywhere I go. You are a permanent piece of me. You are why I’ll never be the same.” (p. 241).
And when it was over, Lennox pointed one of her drumsticks at Paige and smiled. Paige smiled back. It was the only thing she could remember how to do. (p. 262).
The excellent dialogue is what made me love this one. The reparté between our two main characters as well as all their assorted friends and bandmates made for a most entertaining read. 4.5 stars for me.
“Everything. Lennox, no one has ever challenged me the way you have, and no one’s ever had an impact on me the way you did. The way you do. You got inside of me somehow. Now I’m filled with you, covered in you, carrying you around everywhere I go. You are a permanent piece of me. You are why I’ll never be the same.” (p. 241).
And when it was over, Lennox pointed one of her drumsticks at Paige and smiled. Paige smiled back. It was the only thing she could remember how to do. (p. 262).
June 11, 2018
3 stars. God, the pretentiousness just oozes out from this book. No one uses language like that in real life! No one! It's like the author sat down with a thesaurus opened next to her to come up with this dialogue. Too many times it took me out of the story despite me liking the actual plot and characters.
Furthermore, the author should have wrapped up some of the secondary storylines instead of leaving them hanging in the air. I still have questions with no answers.
The actual romance is pretty nice though and it's a pretty decent read overall. I just wish the use of language wouldn't be so offputting. So instead of 4 stars, I'm leaving it with three. Might be worth your time if you can get past the pretentiousness.
Furthermore, the author should have wrapped up some of the secondary storylines instead of leaving them hanging in the air. I still have questions with no answers.
The actual romance is pretty nice though and it's a pretty decent read overall. I just wish the use of language wouldn't be so offputting. So instead of 4 stars, I'm leaving it with three. Might be worth your time if you can get past the pretentiousness.
June 10, 2016
My first book by this author.
Okay – young adult book (or is it New Adult now? They moved things around when they added New Adult). So, I restart. A woman of 20 and a woman of, I believe, 18, are the ‘main’ people of importance in this book (though there’s only one point of view until the 86% mark when the point of view switches for about three seconds). Both are in college. One is a junior, one is a freshman.
The junior is named Paige Galner. The freshman is named Lennox [last name is given but I forget what it is now]. Paige is the star of the show, so to speak, the numero uno point of view. She has a popular lesbian blog, writes for the student newspaper, is a student at college, and begins the book moping over a breakup with a woman named Hanna. She’s friends with a college band, the one and only lesbian rock group on campus – the um . . American Posers I think they are called. That kind of sounds vaguely wrong ‘friends with a college band’. I meant that she is friends with members of the band.
Keira is her current roommate, and apparently, the person who has always been her roommate at school. There’s a lot of late night interaction, not that kind, in their room, but I do not really have a firm handle on what makes up Keira. At a certain point we learn that the band has been together for at least 2 years and ten days, as of a particular conversation. Keira, I think, um . . . well, she’s in the band. She’s not the drummer and she’s not the keyboardist, nor the lead singer, so I assume she’s the guitarist. Marissa is the lead singer, & lead guitarist, and spent a freshman semester humping Paige (and is an Art History student). But Marissa was too wild and adventurous, and Paige was not, so they split up. Callie rounds out the current band members as the book opens. She’s the keyboardist and Marissa’s girlfriend (long term I believe).
As mentioned, the book opens with Paige moping (broke up with Hanna six months ago). If I recall correctly, it’s Marissa who begs and drags her out for ‘an hour or two’. I am uncertain because Marissa and Keira kind of play similar roles in Paige’s life, though they have distinctive, separate, personalities and Paige only humped Marissa. I got distracted. Somehow I meant this paragraph to lead from ‘Paige gets dragged out for an hour or two’ to ‘because the band will be meeting a potential new drummer’.
While at this hangout/bar? Paige and Justin (who I hadn’t mentioned yet since he isn’t a member of the band but something of a groupie; is best friends with Paige since when both were like ten years old; and is something of an honorary lesbian – at least I think they said that at some point) are tossing words at each other. Somewhat weird words, but I’ll get to that later. While bantering, Paige spots someone entering the hangout. She literally sits there with her mouth hanging open, to the point Justin has to push her jaw up. A woman named Lennox enters. Lennox and Justin introduce themselves to each other, but before Paige and Lennox can be introduced, the band members stumble into the bar (they had been delayed by traffic). Some comment or another, ‘oh, so you meet my best buds Justin and Paige’, causes Lennox to give Paige the cold shoulder and shortly thereafter leave. Mostly based on how Paige, the famous lesbian blogger, had relatively recently, posted a rather hateful bigoted blog post about bisexuals. Turns out Lennox is one.
Everyone’s kind of flustered, Lennox leaves first, the group kind of attack Paige for her bigoted ways and so she leaves and . . . well stuff happens. Lennox and Paige then proceed to circle each other throughout the rest of the book. With Justin’s role/reason for being in a lesbian book/etc. becoming realized when he ‘goes after’ the hot bisexual Lennox. You know, so the reader can really partake of the idea that she’s a bisexual and stuff. Okay, I’m wording that quite badly, but mmph.
Right, so, somewhere up there (points) I said something about odd word choices. Everyone, and it does seem to be everyone, seems to have odd word choices and speak as if they are attempting to impress and or appear hip. So, either an attempt to appear smarter, or an attempt to appear cooler. Depending. One (Lennox), I think, is moving in and out of mocking the other, Paige, instead of naturally and normally talking like that, though it is unclear. The others I’m not so sure about. Paige and the Lesbian Union (or whatever they called themselves) naturally talk weirdly, I know. Not sure about the others. That kind of talking/word choice either grew on me, or lessoned as the book progressed. I say that because it either stopped jarring me out of the story, and or causing me to blink rapidly in confusion, and just flowed past me, except for a few dips into that weirdness here and there.
I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. At 2% mark: ‘Excuse me but I’m markedly organized’. Markedly organized? Markedly? Let me make sure I recall what that word means ‘having a visible mark’ (no, not that one); ‘clearly noticeable, evident’ (ah this one). Shrugs, so, it’s me. Yeah, it’s probably just me. I do not know anything specifically wrong with ‘Okay. I will refrain from discussing our sexual trysts.’ Just sounds awkward/robotic to me. 21% - ‘That was insulant. I'm sorry. Am I pardoned?’
Right, moving on . . . (first I’ll note that the dad, Paige’s dad, is worse).
Okay then. I liked the book/story-line/characters/bit of music, etc. This is one of those books that I fear to read. Because the main characters are so many decades younger than me. It’s been so many years since I was in college, or, shesh, 18. I could have a kid who is 18. Heck, I could have a kid who is, hmm, 26. Stretching things. Technically. So, yeah, a book that takes place in college with people . . . well, one’s still in her teens. Basically what I’m rambling about in this paragraph is that 1) this is a book that I would not normally necessarily read because of the age of the participants; 2) and I liked it.
Why did I read it? Because one of the major characters was supposed to be (and was) bisexual. And there’s turmoil in the lesbian world about this, or the nature of bisexuals, in a ‘oh my god, they’ll not really real, they’re just using people, they’re just not picking a side; they need to pick a side!’ way.
I’d be curious to see this couple later in their life. Like in prime ‘chick-lit’ years (26-33), and later. If they happened to make it that far. It’s possible I’ll read the other books by Rivera, at some point, though they are more ‘really young lesbians’ stories. Without the bisexual hook that made this one interesting to check out.
ETA:
Two things I was going to note but forgot to do so:
1) There's a poem between the book cover and the table of contents. I didn't initially know it was there because the book opened on chapter 1 (as Kindle books do now-a-days; vague recollection they used to open on the cover). If I hadn't gone back to look at the cover for some reason, I'd have overlooked the poem. I liked the poem.
2) re: word choices - I probably should have stressed, if I hadn't, that these word choices showed up in the conversation, in the dialogue, as in it's the characters words. There are roughly three reasons why the word choices work, but are still initially 'jarring' to me: 1) college students play with words somewhat naturally; 2) most of the people playing with the words are in one way or another 'artistic', one writes a blog and for a newspaper, the others are musicians; 3) generational gap between me and the characters may play a part in what words are popular or not.
Okay – young adult book (or is it New Adult now? They moved things around when they added New Adult). So, I restart. A woman of 20 and a woman of, I believe, 18, are the ‘main’ people of importance in this book (though there’s only one point of view until the 86% mark when the point of view switches for about three seconds). Both are in college. One is a junior, one is a freshman.
The junior is named Paige Galner. The freshman is named Lennox [last name is given but I forget what it is now]. Paige is the star of the show, so to speak, the numero uno point of view. She has a popular lesbian blog, writes for the student newspaper, is a student at college, and begins the book moping over a breakup with a woman named Hanna. She’s friends with a college band, the one and only lesbian rock group on campus – the um . . American Posers I think they are called. That kind of sounds vaguely wrong ‘friends with a college band’. I meant that she is friends with members of the band.
Keira is her current roommate, and apparently, the person who has always been her roommate at school. There’s a lot of late night interaction, not that kind, in their room, but I do not really have a firm handle on what makes up Keira. At a certain point we learn that the band has been together for at least 2 years and ten days, as of a particular conversation. Keira, I think, um . . . well, she’s in the band. She’s not the drummer and she’s not the keyboardist, nor the lead singer, so I assume she’s the guitarist. Marissa is the lead singer, & lead guitarist, and spent a freshman semester humping Paige (and is an Art History student). But Marissa was too wild and adventurous, and Paige was not, so they split up. Callie rounds out the current band members as the book opens. She’s the keyboardist and Marissa’s girlfriend (long term I believe).
As mentioned, the book opens with Paige moping (broke up with Hanna six months ago). If I recall correctly, it’s Marissa who begs and drags her out for ‘an hour or two’. I am uncertain because Marissa and Keira kind of play similar roles in Paige’s life, though they have distinctive, separate, personalities and Paige only humped Marissa. I got distracted. Somehow I meant this paragraph to lead from ‘Paige gets dragged out for an hour or two’ to ‘because the band will be meeting a potential new drummer’.
While at this hangout/bar? Paige and Justin (who I hadn’t mentioned yet since he isn’t a member of the band but something of a groupie; is best friends with Paige since when both were like ten years old; and is something of an honorary lesbian – at least I think they said that at some point) are tossing words at each other. Somewhat weird words, but I’ll get to that later. While bantering, Paige spots someone entering the hangout. She literally sits there with her mouth hanging open, to the point Justin has to push her jaw up. A woman named Lennox enters. Lennox and Justin introduce themselves to each other, but before Paige and Lennox can be introduced, the band members stumble into the bar (they had been delayed by traffic). Some comment or another, ‘oh, so you meet my best buds Justin and Paige’, causes Lennox to give Paige the cold shoulder and shortly thereafter leave. Mostly based on how Paige, the famous lesbian blogger, had relatively recently, posted a rather hateful bigoted blog post about bisexuals. Turns out Lennox is one.
Everyone’s kind of flustered, Lennox leaves first, the group kind of attack Paige for her bigoted ways and so she leaves and . . . well stuff happens. Lennox and Paige then proceed to circle each other throughout the rest of the book. With Justin’s role/reason for being in a lesbian book/etc. becoming realized when he ‘goes after’ the hot bisexual Lennox. You know, so the reader can really partake of the idea that she’s a bisexual and stuff. Okay, I’m wording that quite badly, but mmph.
Right, so, somewhere up there (points) I said something about odd word choices. Everyone, and it does seem to be everyone, seems to have odd word choices and speak as if they are attempting to impress and or appear hip. So, either an attempt to appear smarter, or an attempt to appear cooler. Depending. One (Lennox), I think, is moving in and out of mocking the other, Paige, instead of naturally and normally talking like that, though it is unclear. The others I’m not so sure about. Paige and the Lesbian Union (or whatever they called themselves) naturally talk weirdly, I know. Not sure about the others. That kind of talking/word choice either grew on me, or lessoned as the book progressed. I say that because it either stopped jarring me out of the story, and or causing me to blink rapidly in confusion, and just flowed past me, except for a few dips into that weirdness here and there.
I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. At 2% mark: ‘Excuse me but I’m markedly organized’. Markedly organized? Markedly? Let me make sure I recall what that word means ‘having a visible mark’ (no, not that one); ‘clearly noticeable, evident’ (ah this one). Shrugs, so, it’s me. Yeah, it’s probably just me. I do not know anything specifically wrong with ‘Okay. I will refrain from discussing our sexual trysts.’ Just sounds awkward/robotic to me. 21% - ‘That was insulant. I'm sorry. Am I pardoned?’
Right, moving on . . . (first I’ll note that the dad, Paige’s dad, is worse).
Okay then. I liked the book/story-line/characters/bit of music, etc. This is one of those books that I fear to read. Because the main characters are so many decades younger than me. It’s been so many years since I was in college, or, shesh, 18. I could have a kid who is 18. Heck, I could have a kid who is, hmm, 26. Stretching things. Technically. So, yeah, a book that takes place in college with people . . . well, one’s still in her teens. Basically what I’m rambling about in this paragraph is that 1) this is a book that I would not normally necessarily read because of the age of the participants; 2) and I liked it.
Why did I read it? Because one of the major characters was supposed to be (and was) bisexual. And there’s turmoil in the lesbian world about this, or the nature of bisexuals, in a ‘oh my god, they’ll not really real, they’re just using people, they’re just not picking a side; they need to pick a side!’ way.
I’d be curious to see this couple later in their life. Like in prime ‘chick-lit’ years (26-33), and later. If they happened to make it that far. It’s possible I’ll read the other books by Rivera, at some point, though they are more ‘really young lesbians’ stories. Without the bisexual hook that made this one interesting to check out.
ETA:
Two things I was going to note but forgot to do so:
1) There's a poem between the book cover and the table of contents. I didn't initially know it was there because the book opened on chapter 1 (as Kindle books do now-a-days; vague recollection they used to open on the cover). If I hadn't gone back to look at the cover for some reason, I'd have overlooked the poem. I liked the poem.
2) re: word choices - I probably should have stressed, if I hadn't, that these word choices showed up in the conversation, in the dialogue, as in it's the characters words. There are roughly three reasons why the word choices work, but are still initially 'jarring' to me: 1) college students play with words somewhat naturally; 2) most of the people playing with the words are in one way or another 'artistic', one writes a blog and for a newspaper, the others are musicians; 3) generational gap between me and the characters may play a part in what words are popular or not.
May 20, 2015
Very enjoyable read. All the characters were interesting and well written. The dialogue was fun to read, the banter between all the friends was great. The chemistry between Lennox and Paige is very sweet. To top it all off is an important message about overcoming bias that any sexuality should embrace. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
January 10, 2020
2 75 stars, this book is written in what the author deems to be a cutesy manner but actually comes off as pretentious.
The main characters engage in an immediate arguement upon their initial meeting, because one is blatantly bi-phobic yet a lesbian while the other is bisexual. Yet, they fantastically are supposed to fraternize with each other because of a shared social circle. All the while trying to convince the one she's being extremely prejudicial.
This isn't a believable premise or love story
The main characters engage in an immediate arguement upon their initial meeting, because one is blatantly bi-phobic yet a lesbian while the other is bisexual. Yet, they fantastically are supposed to fraternize with each other because of a shared social circle. All the while trying to convince the one she's being extremely prejudicial.
This isn't a believable premise or love story
February 15, 2015
Wow!! So to cut to the chase, if nothing else, read this book for an amazing sex scene.
Ok, now that that's out of the way, on to some more details. First of all, one of the major themes of this story is overcoming biases against bisexuality, which I agree is a great message that is definitely not tackled enough. The author handles it well and it's pretty much resolved as a non-issue by the end of the book (impressive in and of itself).
The dialogue is really great. You basically feel like you're watching a movie. I loved the interactions between the two main characters as well as among the group of friends. Each character is developed pretty three-dimensionally so you can actually tell them apart. They come to life in a way that you know who is talking just based off what they are saying. Rivera represents different personality types, too, so it's not like each person is a carbon-copy of another. After reading all of this author's works, I'd say this is where she shines best as author. This translates into a very raw connection to the story and actual emoting when you're reading. Obviously this is a huge win :)
Storywise, the book leaves you all warm and fuzzy throughout. It's a romance definitely, but it also goes into friendship, trust, and hope, too. You get to watch the main character grow and evolve, and you genuinely feel proud and happy for her by the end.
I loved this book and I'm glad I got to read it. Highly recommend!
Ok, now that that's out of the way, on to some more details. First of all, one of the major themes of this story is overcoming biases against bisexuality, which I agree is a great message that is definitely not tackled enough. The author handles it well and it's pretty much resolved as a non-issue by the end of the book (impressive in and of itself).
The dialogue is really great. You basically feel like you're watching a movie. I loved the interactions between the two main characters as well as among the group of friends. Each character is developed pretty three-dimensionally so you can actually tell them apart. They come to life in a way that you know who is talking just based off what they are saying. Rivera represents different personality types, too, so it's not like each person is a carbon-copy of another. After reading all of this author's works, I'd say this is where she shines best as author. This translates into a very raw connection to the story and actual emoting when you're reading. Obviously this is a huge win :)
Storywise, the book leaves you all warm and fuzzy throughout. It's a romance definitely, but it also goes into friendship, trust, and hope, too. You get to watch the main character grow and evolve, and you genuinely feel proud and happy for her by the end.
I loved this book and I'm glad I got to read it. Highly recommend!
March 1, 2015
I didn't write this review right away because I wanted to have my thoughts in order. I remember when LGBTQI didn't consist of so many letters yet our community has grown throughout the years to embrace more of our brothers and sisters. Bisexuals have always been a topic of debate as is now Transgenderism. Many are of the belief that these individuals are not sure of what or who they are, on the contrary it shows the strength in these individuals for choosing who they are and that is UNIQUE. Michele's book was a great read and should remind us that YES we are a community and we need to be there for one another, we are persecuted enough by the straight community and should not be made to feel hurt or uncomfortable in our own.
Great job to Michele.
Great job to Michele.
April 6, 2015
So… i actually had to dwell with this one's rating. There are many things i had to take into account and finally that's what made me decide against a 5 star review. But i have to say it was a great book. I started reading it and couldn't put it down, it took me about 4 hours to finish the book and was left with some feelings and thoughts i have to share. First i'd like to say that, as other reviewers pointed out, it does have a wicked ;) sex scene! actually, the book is really sexy and i like how it takes you through those scenes without giving away too much so you can imagine the rest. The story itself is very entertaining, and the settings are great; i could picture every place without trouble. Here's the thing, and these are the things that troubled me. I had no empathy at all with the main character, actually i didn't like her very much, i don't know why, but if i pictured her as a real life person i thought she'd be someone i don't like, and thats all i could see throughout the book, Lennox however, i did like, and thought she was really well written. The other thing that kind of bothered me was the language used by the author. I'm not american, English in not my first language, so i got stuck on some words while reading and thats annoying. I spent some time in the USA both studying and traveling and none of my conversations ever used some of those words. and i'm 24 so I'm close to the characters' age group, and it didn't feel like they were my age.
All this said there's still a topic i have to address, bisexuality. And yes, i think the book tackled the topic in a good way. I'm one of those lesbians that does believe in bisexuality, and i've always been supportive of any kind of sexuality, so i like that by reading this book more and more people will understand that love is love, it's as simple as that.
All this said there's still a topic i have to address, bisexuality. And yes, i think the book tackled the topic in a good way. I'm one of those lesbians that does believe in bisexuality, and i've always been supportive of any kind of sexuality, so i like that by reading this book more and more people will understand that love is love, it's as simple as that.
March 7, 2015
I really enjoy Rivera's style of writing, specifically her use of dialogue. The conversations her main characters have are ones I could imagine I would have with my friends. I love how she writes the teasing and witty banter between the characters.
We see this book tackling the fact that individuals who identify as bisexual can often be treated as outsiders within the LGBQT community. That's where we see Lennox attempting to enlighten Paige...and enlighten she does. Their story is sweet, funny and the spark is definitely evident.
I loved the college setting of the book and the fact that there isn't someone suddenly realising they're gay, which I often enjoy but a change is good too.
The only thing I would say about the book is that I wouldn't have minded an epilogue, solely because there is a few elements of the story I would have liked to hear more about. I won't go into details here in case I spoil the story but there's a possible budding relationship and a family issue that I would have liked to see more of. Unless there is another book coming...That isn't a criticism or negative, I just couldn't get enough of the characters within this book...
We see this book tackling the fact that individuals who identify as bisexual can often be treated as outsiders within the LGBQT community. That's where we see Lennox attempting to enlighten Paige...and enlighten she does. Their story is sweet, funny and the spark is definitely evident.
I loved the college setting of the book and the fact that there isn't someone suddenly realising they're gay, which I often enjoy but a change is good too.
The only thing I would say about the book is that I wouldn't have minded an epilogue, solely because there is a few elements of the story I would have liked to hear more about. I won't go into details here in case I spoil the story but there's a possible budding relationship and a family issue that I would have liked to see more of. Unless there is another book coming...That isn't a criticism or negative, I just couldn't get enough of the characters within this book...
May 13, 2017
The story is about Paige, a 20-year-old girl who has very strong opinions about bisexuality. Very strong. Every stereotype there is about it she believes and repeats on her blog. There comes Lennox, a 18-year-old who has just begun studying at her college and is also auditioning for Paige's friends' band. Paige initially thinks she's gorgeous, but oh, Lennox identifies as bisexual (and that's of course a deal breaker for Paige) and has also read Paige's posts about bisexuality, so her first impression about Paige it not that good.
Overall it was very entertaining and fun to read, and the leading ladies had good chemistry. I really liked the characters, including Paige's friends, and I enjoyed their banter, although I do have to say to me they seemed too similar, for their sense of humour and the way they talked. And I liked the way her friends and Lennox helped Paige learn and move past the stereotypes.
Overall it was very entertaining and fun to read, and the leading ladies had good chemistry. I really liked the characters, including Paige's friends, and I enjoyed their banter, although I do have to say to me they seemed too similar, for their sense of humour and the way they talked. And I liked the way her friends and Lennox helped Paige learn and move past the stereotypes.
May 26, 2015
To be honest my thoughts kind of ran along the same lines as Paige when it came to bisexuality. But this book let's you understand it in a different way. It's frustrating at first, the amount of time it takes Paige to realize that none of that should matter but I get why. You have to read it to get it. I loved it and recommend it to all. Especially to people who started off with a similar mindset of my own.
February 16, 2015
Awesome little love story! Cute and easy read which made it hard to put down. Loved the story line and the characters! I would of loved to see it go longer, but still was a great read!
November 11, 2020
I didn't really get this book. I don't understand this whole bisexual saga and this whole friend code thing between Paige and Justin. In fact, I think Marissa and Keira would have been a more interesting read.
June 17, 2020
Loved It!
I am a fan of Michele Rivera and love her story ideas. I was a little uncertain of this story as we were looking at a much younger set. However, this story had it all, Chemistry, Lust, Honesty and Love. I loved the connection between Lennox and Paige and ultimately their relationship. The story with Paige’s past and her idea of bisexual and Lennox’s attempts to teach , made this story so much more for me. You are never to old to learn and coming from the younger generation, I did learn from this book. Great job!
I am a fan of Michele Rivera and love her story ideas. I was a little uncertain of this story as we were looking at a much younger set. However, this story had it all, Chemistry, Lust, Honesty and Love. I loved the connection between Lennox and Paige and ultimately their relationship. The story with Paige’s past and her idea of bisexual and Lennox’s attempts to teach , made this story so much more for me. You are never to old to learn and coming from the younger generation, I did learn from this book. Great job!
April 23, 2018
Super cute
I've recently discovered Rivera's books, and I think this is one of her better ones. The dialogue between friends in the beginning drew me in and kept me reading without putting it down. The developing relationship between the main characters was hot. A good job on this one!
I've recently discovered Rivera's books, and I think this is one of her better ones. The dialogue between friends in the beginning drew me in and kept me reading without putting it down. The developing relationship between the main characters was hot. A good job on this one!
March 15, 2018
I debated for a little bit on whether or not I should read this book because I was a little wary that it was gonna have a bit of a biphobic ending, despite the summary. As a lesbian, I have many close friends who are bisexual and I didn't want it to be an injustice for them. But I am so very happy that I decided to read it because — OOOOH BOY DID I LOVE IT!
It was very well written and the author did very well in addressing the biphobia that is very much within the LGBTQ+ community, not just with straight people. Paige's character development with her views and beliefs were so good and I loved every moment of it. The dialogue was excellent and I was able to distinguished between the characters even without the tag-lines. I loved the characters' interactions and they were greatly established. Their personalities shone brightly and didn't blend within each other. The romance was fantastic and I enjoyed the journey tremendously. The slow burn was amazing and definitely worth the wait.
I wish that I can write more but I am still very much in the daze of how much I enjoyed reading this book. Perhaps I shall revisit this review at a future date.
I would have liked a more of a peak into Lennox's side of things and her backstory and but those are the only gripes I have with the story. Not enough to lose a star. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone.
It was very well written and the author did very well in addressing the biphobia that is very much within the LGBTQ+ community, not just with straight people. Paige's character development with her views and beliefs were so good and I loved every moment of it. The dialogue was excellent and I was able to distinguished between the characters even without the tag-lines. I loved the characters' interactions and they were greatly established. Their personalities shone brightly and didn't blend within each other. The romance was fantastic and I enjoyed the journey tremendously. The slow burn was amazing and definitely worth the wait.
I wish that I can write more but I am still very much in the daze of how much I enjoyed reading this book. Perhaps I shall revisit this review at a future date.
I would have liked a more of a peak into Lennox's side of things and her backstory and but those are the only gripes I have with the story. Not enough to lose a star. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone.
February 16, 2015
I have read all of Ms Rivera's previous published works, and of them this is definitely the best!
The chemistry between Lennox and Paige is so authentic and sweet it is a real shame the book had to end.
caveat: If I had a set of friends as scheming and well-intentioned but still manipulative as Paige has, I would be contemplating murder every 5 minutes or so. LOL
This has some of the cutest and still hottest scenes ever. The Drum sex, the date almost seduction, wow...
This book does bring to the forefront a very serious issue. I must confess that Paige's issues with bisexuality mirror my own, try as I might to move beyond them there remains a core of distrust and prejudice. Many I know seem to feel similar from the poor, and often disgusting treatment given in the works of other authors.
It is about time I read a book that actually left me feeling good about a bisexual character, and not embarrassed by them. And this book is it!
The chemistry between Lennox and Paige is so authentic and sweet it is a real shame the book had to end.
caveat: If I had a set of friends as scheming and well-intentioned but still manipulative as Paige has, I would be contemplating murder every 5 minutes or so. LOL
This has some of the cutest and still hottest scenes ever. The Drum sex, the date almost seduction, wow...
This book does bring to the forefront a very serious issue. I must confess that Paige's issues with bisexuality mirror my own, try as I might to move beyond them there remains a core of distrust and prejudice. Many I know seem to feel similar from the poor, and often disgusting treatment given in the works of other authors.
It is about time I read a book that actually left me feeling good about a bisexual character, and not embarrassed by them. And this book is it!
June 26, 2016
The story of the novel is simple and endearing. There is constant banter, which keeps the humour alive throughout the narration. The chemistry between the protagonists and among the other characters has also been developed well.
The biggest grouse I have is with the language. Each character sounds the same and doesn't use a single syllable word when they can use a five syllable one instead. I've never been to the US, but I doubt if people talk like that there, even those who study in fancy universities. This kind of language only sounds pretentious and doesn't really help with giving characters any depth. Instead of using big words, if the author had focussed on getting the grammar right (e.g., 'advantageous to' not 'advantageous of' and 'disapprove of' not 'disapprove with'), it might've served the story well.
If it wasn't for this, it would've got a 4+ star rating from me.
The biggest grouse I have is with the language. Each character sounds the same and doesn't use a single syllable word when they can use a five syllable one instead. I've never been to the US, but I doubt if people talk like that there, even those who study in fancy universities. This kind of language only sounds pretentious and doesn't really help with giving characters any depth. Instead of using big words, if the author had focussed on getting the grammar right (e.g., 'advantageous to' not 'advantageous of' and 'disapprove of' not 'disapprove with'), it might've served the story well.
If it wasn't for this, it would've got a 4+ star rating from me.
February 29, 2016
This book seems to tackle some very important issues in LGBT community like bisexuality and bigotry, which it did marvelously in the first half with spot on arguments and very funny, typical teenage conversations. When Page and Lenox finally get together, it starts going downhill, just like many romance I've read. And in the end everyone (yes, everyone) seems to find their other half, a too perfect ending that it's implausible. Another problem is the overuse of SAT words - what normal person would use these words in a real life conversation exactly? I forgot all of it as soon as I left the test room many years ago, and lucky me I've got myself a kindle version with a working dictionary.
May 1, 2016
I seriously didn't like Paige (the main char) at the start of this book. I think it takes guts to write a protagonist with an obvious and unflattering righteous pretentiousness, especially one with a bigoted view while in a minority group herself.
Paige worked to redeem herself to not only Lennox, but also the reader. I enjoyed the journey. It was a quick read, but the love story was very sweet.
The dialogue was a bit much at times, though I found it funny in that 'oh cute, they're being all adulty' kind of way. Ahh, I remember those days.
Paige worked to redeem herself to not only Lennox, but also the reader. I enjoyed the journey. It was a quick read, but the love story was very sweet.
The dialogue was a bit much at times, though I found it funny in that 'oh cute, they're being all adulty' kind of way. Ahh, I remember those days.
January 18, 2019
Nice
This is a nice and entertaining story. I normally like the main characters to be a little older and more mature. The story is well written with nice love scenes and a nice ending.
This is a nice and entertaining story. I normally like the main characters to be a little older and more mature. The story is well written with nice love scenes and a nice ending.
May 20, 2018
Lennox and Paige are perfect, both of them broke the shelves of the other one.
June 23, 2020
Slow burning
Slow burning beautiful my written tender love story by a gifted author. Must read. Will probably even read again and again.
Slow burning beautiful my written tender love story by a gifted author. Must read. Will probably even read again and again.
November 20, 2020
Another winner
Before I begin my review, I need to apologize for the name debacle when I reviewed Something In Return. Taylor was the name of Zoe’s love, not Parker. Parker was a wonderful character in a different novel by the same author.
Regarding Never The Same:
I loved the politics and deep seeded belief systems in this novel. Paige had to “unlearn” with the help of Lennox. Her beliefs stemmed from the betrayal of her mother. Paige and Lennox’s love was strong and resilient. The secondary characters were crucial to the success of Paige’s growth. This author’s way of telling a story is fascinating. There is intelligent banter and witty conversations that are thoroughly enjoyable. Her works include well developed characters and plots. I heartily recommend all of her works. She is bright, witty, and passionate about her novels and her characters. Thank you Peace
Before I begin my review, I need to apologize for the name debacle when I reviewed Something In Return. Taylor was the name of Zoe’s love, not Parker. Parker was a wonderful character in a different novel by the same author.
Regarding Never The Same:
I loved the politics and deep seeded belief systems in this novel. Paige had to “unlearn” with the help of Lennox. Her beliefs stemmed from the betrayal of her mother. Paige and Lennox’s love was strong and resilient. The secondary characters were crucial to the success of Paige’s growth. This author’s way of telling a story is fascinating. There is intelligent banter and witty conversations that are thoroughly enjoyable. Her works include well developed characters and plots. I heartily recommend all of her works. She is bright, witty, and passionate about her novels and her characters. Thank you Peace
September 26, 2024
This is my fave of Michele's books that I've read so far.
The characters are chatty and clever, giving the story and the interactions quite a nice, bouncy feel to them. This helps keeps things moving along. It's fun and doesn't stray into some of the tropes of the genre for long - communication as a whole gets figured out and worked through.
Thoroughly enjoyed the pacing. It's a slow burn, but it works. I kept getting pulled back in because I wanted more. Once this book had its claws in me, there was no going to bed until it was finished.
The characters are chatty and clever, giving the story and the interactions quite a nice, bouncy feel to them. This helps keeps things moving along. It's fun and doesn't stray into some of the tropes of the genre for long - communication as a whole gets figured out and worked through.
Thoroughly enjoyed the pacing. It's a slow burn, but it works. I kept getting pulled back in because I wanted more. Once this book had its claws in me, there was no going to bed until it was finished.
February 16, 2021
Interesting and inviting romance
There's always been a tension between bisexuals and lesbians , the fact that they can have heterosexual privilege when they are with the other sex partner but lesbians never could. Alo parents who were less tolerant could hope they go their way and gave an easier life. I think the whole quiltbag needs to unite to be stronger. Oh this was a very fun romantic read.
There's always been a tension between bisexuals and lesbians , the fact that they can have heterosexual privilege when they are with the other sex partner but lesbians never could. Alo parents who were less tolerant could hope they go their way and gave an easier life. I think the whole quiltbag needs to unite to be stronger. Oh this was a very fun romantic read.
June 3, 2023
Good story, likeable characters, solid political/social stance
I very much liked this book's stand on acceptance and unity in the LGBTQIA+ community. I also liked the characters, and, in general, the storytelling style.
However, I felt that near the end, there was too much time spent on sex and lovemaking, and the style of writing didn't keep me engaged.
Still, I enjoyed this book and feel it's well worth reading.
I very much liked this book's stand on acceptance and unity in the LGBTQIA+ community. I also liked the characters, and, in general, the storytelling style.
However, I felt that near the end, there was too much time spent on sex and lovemaking, and the style of writing didn't keep me engaged.
Still, I enjoyed this book and feel it's well worth reading.
February 6, 2020
This is yet another great read by Michele Rivera.
Well written as usual with endearing characters and a great storyline centering on Paige, a lesbian who falls for Lennox who is bisexual.
Interesting dialogue throughout the book and looking at biphobia.
As always with this author’s books there is super chemistry and banter between Paige and Lennox.
Loved it.
Well written as usual with endearing characters and a great storyline centering on Paige, a lesbian who falls for Lennox who is bisexual.
Interesting dialogue throughout the book and looking at biphobia.
As always with this author’s books there is super chemistry and banter between Paige and Lennox.
Loved it.
April 10, 2020
💗DREAMY💗
I love 💘happy ending sapphic love stories ! And this was pretty much blanketed in it .I was greatly impressed with the way you nurtured the relationship with both key characters . I liked the way you gracefully revealed paige's other interest in lennox . And later when lennox risk it all to reveal that she's been in love with Paige since she was in high school . Bold and Daring .
I love 💘happy ending sapphic love stories ! And this was pretty much blanketed in it .I was greatly impressed with the way you nurtured the relationship with both key characters . I liked the way you gracefully revealed paige's other interest in lennox . And later when lennox risk it all to reveal that she's been in love with Paige since she was in high school . Bold and Daring .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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