The Other Family: A slow-burn sapphic romance

by Cheyenne Blue

Two single mothers. One shared betrayal. Can they see past the hurt to a future they’d never imagined?

Danika Evershed is still reeling from the tragic accident that stole her husband Chris. But when she opens the door to a stranger, she learns the man she loved was living a lie. Chris also had a de facto partner and another daughter the same age as Danika’s.

Kim Varga needs the truth. Yet she’s not prepared for her quest for closure to lead to a real connection with the woman who shares her heartache. As their two daughters discover their sisterly bond, Danika and Kim embark on an emotional journey that could either transform their view of family and love forever…or shatter their hearts all over again.

The Other Family is a poignant, hope-fuelled slow-burn sapphic romance and family drama about love that appears in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Femme Femme, Lesbian Romance, Contemporary, LGBT

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Cheyenne Blue is a sapphic author from southeast Queensland. Her short stories appeared in over 90 anthologies before her stories got longer and more romantic, so she went with the flow and switched to writing romance novels.

She now has a bunch of big-hearted sapphic romance novels mainly set in Australia, and has won both IPPY and Golden Crown Literary Society awards.

She lives in southeast Queensland, Australia in a small house with a big view—perfect for morning coffee, evening wine, and anytime writing. Find her at www.cheyenneblue.com on Facebook, or Instagram.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Off the top, I really enjoyed this book, and if sapphic romance is your genre of choice, then yes, give this book a shot.

However…

The premise for the romance, a shared betrayal of a man with two families, is interesting but a big craft challenge which Blue doesn’t completely deliver. I understand the trauma bonding and the shared parenting of just-discovered-I have-a-sister daughters, and those arcs are handled well. But how and why would the two FMCs, Danika and Kim, fall for each other? I bought that they came to a mutual understanding and acceptance which could lead to friendship, but a romance? Blue does not provide the reader enough dots to connect. Or as @Angie brilliantly stated in the comments, the romance never felt earned.

Not being fully invested in Danika and Kim falling in love, the bulk of the story then becomes a boring Contemporary Romance that relies on the spice to carry the plot, which never works.

Again, I enjoyed this book and you can too, but it doesn’t deliver on the specialness I was expecting from the creative premise.

[Pin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally good read. This is so far my favorite book by the author.

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐

I was really intrigued by this book because of its unique premise; one I hadn’t come across before. The idea of two women who had built a life and a family with the same man for years eventually falling in love with each other felt complicated and almost surreal. I wasn’t sure how everything would come together, but surprisingly most of it did work out. The romance between them, though, didn’t quite land for me.

I understood the trauma bonding and how their daughters being half-sisters helped bring Danika and Kim closer. Even though their relationship was written as a slow burn, I kept picturing them more as friends than lovers. Their bond shifting into something romantic just didn’t feel right to me. It wasn’t exactly rushed, but it still didn’t feel believable. There was simply too much left unresolved for their connection to evolve naturally into romance, so when they crossed that line, I couldn’t fully connect with them as a couple.

Despite the romance not working for me, I still had a fun time reading it. It wasn’t nearly as angsty as I had imagined, which was a pleasant surprise. This is my third book by Blue, and so far it’s my favorite, even if it wasn’t anything outstanding, it was still an enjoyable read overall.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Family by Cheyenne Blue is a contemporary sapphic romance between mature women, both of whom have young daughters and are dealing with a unique and complicated situation. I know I read the blurb when I picked up this novel, but by the time I started it, I had completely forgotten the premise—so I basically went in blind. That worked out wonderfully, as I got to experience the surprising information Kim delivers to Danica right along with her.
I really enjoyed this slow-burn story, which builds to a lovely and satisfying payoff. I’ve never read a book with this particular trope before, and it’s one that needed to be handled carefully to feel believable, engaging, and ultimately rewarding. I’m happy to say that Cheyenne Blue found that delicate balance and created something touching, unusual, and genuinely heartfelt.
Danica and Kim are intelligent, strong-willed, and likable characters who are fiercely protective of their daughters. Bella and Cami are adorable and endearing. It was also nice to see both adult women supported by loving parents. They each have best friends to lean on through their challenges, which adds another layer of warmth to the story.
Both Danica and Kim are navigating their own trauma while trying to protect and guide their children. As they do, something fragile begins to grow between them. The relationship develops organically over time, with tender moments, longing, tension, and a gentle, sensual, and steamy payoff. I especially appreciated the focus on body positivity, communication, and consent.
What I liked most about this story is that, despite its complicated premise, it’s ultimately about two ordinary soccer moms doing their best for their kids while living everyday lives and striving for happiness.

"...if you love someone, you want them for however long you have.”

I enjoyed this author’s writing style—it’s easy to follow, with lovely imagery. The pacing is slow and steady without ever feeling bogged down.
I love the cover art!
#Melbourne #Australia #firsttimewithawoman #consent #communication #NOthirdactbreakup #toasteroven #gayforyou #panrep #cutekids #cutedog #comingoutlaterinlife #bodypositivity #gentlespice #soccermoms #vegetarian #camping #beach #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sam]

You know what’s complicated? Falling for a woman while you’ve always thought you were straight. You know what’s even more complicated? Falling for the woman who was your dead husband’s partner for 9 years. And just when you think that’s all, there is more. Kids, money, families. This book might as well be titled “It’s Complicated”.

If it weren’t for Blue’s excellent writing style I would probably not have finished this book. The story itself just doesn’t work for me. I don’t mind things being complicated but something about this story just didn’t resonate for me.

The book is alright, as said, the writing is great, the story just not for me.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Described as a slow burn, which it is. However it doesn't feel a slow book...the first 30% is setting the scene and the interest is not the romance but the lives of the mains imploding and not healing. The romance moves, sort of. There is an unusual premise to this book and just as things are slowly moving an unusual plot bomb is introduced. It is actually introducing a bit of missing tension to my reading.
The second half, with the tension meant I considered rounding up from 3.5, but once that was dealt with it settled again to 3, so I am not rounding up but it is a comfortable 3.5. I enjoyed the book.

[zagzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last night and read it in one sitting so it's very good but also I'm very sleep-deprived

Danika is getting by after the death of her husband, only for Kim to show up at her door one day and reveal her husband was also Kim's de facto partner, and then things happen. this book is unfairly targeted towards me specifically. Danika and Kim are complicated and have complicated feelings, they take things slowly because of how complicated their feelings are, they are mature and communicative but still have trouble because of how complicated things are. and I don't know if you can tell I got less than three hours of sleep by how I don't have any synonyms for complicated

it's a very tender book. the romantic aspect is almost lowkey because while there's little doubt between Danika and Kim that they like each other and would like to be more, they're also grappling with so much outside noise. between prioritising their grieving children and managing their feelings of incredible betrayal, it really feels like these lovely people never get the runway to just be together until the end (in a good way it builds tension)

and they're just so incredibly decent. even when it comes to the dead husband/partner's estate, it comes down to Danika and Kim in a lawyer's office adamantly arguing against their own interests because they don't want to take money away from each other's kids. I love a book that's not about the big gestures but showing up and prioritising your partner

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danika was happy in her life, with her husband Chris and their young daughter Cami. Until he is killed in a car crash. As a new widow, Danika is coping with life; Chris had life insurance, and they owned their house in Melbourne, which allows her to continue to take Cami to soccer and everything else they want. Until one day there is a knock at the door, and she unexpectedly meets Kim.
Kim was happy with her life with her partner Chris and their young daughter Bella. She could cope with his work schedule, being away for two weeks at a time. Until one day Chris leaves, and never returns. She doesn’t know what to do. The police say he doesn’t exist, but Bella is always waiting for daddy to come home. Eventually Kim hires a private investigator, and finds out about Danika, and Chris’s double life. So she goes to Danika’s house to talk with her.
This is a very deep, thoughtful and emotional story. Chris obviously loved both of his families, but left them both with problems. He was a loving father, but under that was manipulative and selfish. I loved the way that Kim and Danika slowly become friends, and eventually more. The romance between them is very slow burn, but it feels right. And Bella and Cami are so alike in looks and mannerisms, it’s obvious they are related.
An expertly written book, with lots of thinking and lots of love. One of my favourite books this year.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danika and Kim share more than just a few similarities in life, eg a partner called Chris, kids roughly the same age. But they don’t realise what they are really sharing until Kim joins some dots, realises the truth and decides to tell Danika.
The complexities of the grief, anger, resentment and bewilderment are beautifully written by the author. How? Why? These questions are never answered but gradually they begin to lose their importance as a new reality becomes grounded.
The romance is nurtured and grows despite the hurdles and the guilt that surround the joy like a ring of thorns until it beats the elements and flourishes.
Despite the initial subject this story is a wlw romance at heart and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Joanna]

Dnf @ 50%

Lowk maybe i hate contemporary slow burn?

Loved all the Matildas references tho

[Lisabet Sarai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danika Evershed opens her door to a stranger, and her world falls apart.

For the past year, she has been struggling to accept the sudden death of her husband Chris. Her responsibilities to her eight year old daughter Camille keep her grounded, just barely, but grief and insomnia have taken a heavy toll. Then a woman close to her own age appears, claiming that Chris had been her partner for the past nine years, including fathering a daughter a few months older than Cami.

Danika doesn’t want to believe Kim Varga’s story. She can scarcely imagine that her beloved husband would have orchestrated such a massive betrayal. The evidence is overwhelming, though. For nine years Chris led a double life, spending two weeks each month with each woman and child.

How can the two widows possibly adjust to such an impossible scenario? Each would like to pretend the other does not exist, but that’s not really an option, especially as Cami and Bella bond and it becomes abundantly clear that they truly are sisters. Cautiously Kim and Danika move from co-existence to friendship and then beyond, as they begin to recognize their mutual attraction.

The premise for The Other Family is perhaps far-fetched, but once the reader accepts the literal duplicity of Chris Evershed, the rest of the book feels inevitable. As usual, Cheyenne Blue portrays the gradual development of Danika’s and Kim’s relationship with delicacy and insight. The sub-title, “A slow burn Sapphic romance”, is extremely apt. I felt that the pace fit the characters and their situation. For one thing, both Kim and Danika are devoted to their daughters, and they’re always aware of the girls’ proximity—as well as concerned about how Cami and Bella might feel about their mothers becoming romantically involved.

I write explicit erotic romance, and like reading it too, but I still found The Other Family arousing and satisfying. Ms. Blue can pack more passion into a kiss than many authors offer in a full-out love scene.

Many aspects of the book delighted me: the complex and subtle play of emotions; the women’s warm and supportive relationships with their parents and their female friends; the lively and realistic portrayal of the two daughters; the snapshots of the Australian countryside when the families go off on holiday together; the total acceptance of queer partnerships and non-traditional families. I particularly liked the fact that Ms. Blue did not make a huge issue out of the fact that Danika had no previous lesbian experience. Love has to do with individuals, not genders. When you’re deeply connected to another person, expressing that physically becomes natural. Danika is brave, allowing herself to express her attraction to another woman, but this is not one of those horrific “straight to gay” tropes.

My one complaint about The Other Family is that Danika and Kim were not as different from one another as I would have liked. The chapters of the novel alternate between the two, but I found that they didn’t have really distinctive voices. Sometimes I needed to go back to the start of a chapter to remind myself who was the current POV character.

Of course, this might be somewhat deliberate. This is not an “opposites attract” story. In some sense, we can believe that Chris would have chosen women who had significant similarities for his two partners.

In any case, this issue did not significantly detract from my overall satisfaction with The Other Family. If you enjoy lesbian romance—and if you have a bit of patience—I think you’ll enjoy it.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

when kim knocked on danikas door that day neither knowing the importance of that day or what the future held in store for them.....

kim had knowledge that danika didnt have.... and vice versa only danika was in the dark about it all and kim was about to upend danikas life

kim had been in a relationship with chris and had a daughter by him.... when chris hadnt appeared she went looking and couldnt find him... she rang his work she rang everywhere and even when she went to put a missing report in on him the police came back and said he never existed....

so the private detective she then hired found him.... and she was devasted by it all

now she was about to upend danikas life

danika was trying to get her life back on an even keel with her daughter ...her husband had been killed in a car crash and she was trying to come to terms with it all.... after all she had a daughter to bring up on her own... she had been married to chris for over 13 years

danika opened the door to answer the knock at the door and her world as she knew ended but she needed to protect her daughter at this imposters news....

but finding out her husband had another family was shocking but how could she hope to cope with it and then tell her daughter but also finding out her husband had another daughter with someone else and that daughter was several months older than her own daughter shocked her to the core

but though she could shut kim out life has other plans for them and both have soccer mad daughters and they were signed up for the summer to play together

and so began the journey of truth lies and healing for kim and danika who had to make their discoveries easier for their daughters to live with

omg what a storyline... this has to be every womans nightmare but the journey of kim and danika was enlightening to behold... how they dealt with each issues and how they put their daughters before anything else and how they also dealt with the lies that their partner told to each of them and then watching each woman how they became aware of the attraction that was happening between them and what it meant for their daughters and also how their daughters struggled with the news that they werent their fathers only daughter and family

what a mind twist for them all but man what a ride this story is and i have to say how unrealistic as i felt it and at times i loved it.... because i would want to rant and scream and shout out how men can be.... but also knowing that i would protect my daughter with all my might... and this story showed how two woman did just that and came together as a family .... great storyline and what a ride...

would like to thank the author who in exchange for an early arc only asked for an honest review .... thank you

[M the avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epitome of an 'It's complicated' relationship that brings ALL the feels
I was both skeptical and curious when I read the story synopsis for The Other Family.  I normally don't read the synopsis ahead of time but the book title was unusual for a lesfic romance so I peeked.  Then I wondered how author Cheyenne Blue was going to turn this difficult situation for the entire cast of characters (but particularly mains Danika and Kim) into a relationship that makes sense and is believable considering how their first meeting goes.  'It's complicated' epitomizes how Danika and Kim interact all the way thru the book as bombshells of information and connections are made between their lives thanks to a spouse who is more dislikable than not.  There's no shortage of grief and grieving, drama and angst but also sexual awakening, an adorable dog, a bunch of humor and some sweet kids packed into the pages.  If you like the 'one step forward two steps' back type of progress when characters are trying to get together this fits the bill; if bed sharing is your jam this has a cool twist on that trope and the body positivity is always appreciated.  Secondary characters are distinct with plenty of supportive, loving, level headed friends and family members to help Danika and Kim navigate the minefield of their emotions while putting their kids' needs first; it's fascinating to read the characters cycle thru their feelings after the death of a family member with no one at the same place at the same time emotionally.  I rooted for the romance once the seeds of that possibility appeared on the page; that and some other scenes are tear inducing so have a hankie or box of tissues nearby just in case.
The book is set in Melbourne Australia and, as is the case in other Cheyenne Blue stories, highlights some great places in the city and surrounding area; plus some Aussie slang shows up, much of it new to me (and I've read all her books).  It may inspire some readers to book a trip Down Under.  I started reading the book with the intention of only reading one chapter before getting to other tasks that day, and ended up reading a third of the book in one sitting, then read the rest of it the following day; it kept me engaged and turning pages curious to see how things would turn out for all the characters.  It deals with some heavy subject matter but is overall a smile and cheer/do a fist bump inducing, heart string tugging romance that showcases so much love of so many kinds between characters even in the wake of some serious loss and betrayal.  Read The Other Family and all of the author's other books for some excellent storytelling.  I look forward to seeing and reading whatever she publishes next.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
“The Other Family” is the story of two families connected in an unorthodox way, and only one person knows it.

Danika and Cami are devastated after their husband and father, Chris, dies in an accident. They are still trying to get back on their feet and find their way in their new lives. But when Kim shows up at the door one day, the lives of everyone involved are thrown even further into disarray. Kim and her daughter, Bella, also lost their husband and father, Chris, in that accident. A nightmare scenario for the two women who fell for the same man, who had been playing a double game.

The emotional rollercoaster the two women experience is unlike any other. Neither knew about the other’s family. The way their feelings of grief and loss turn to anger, and how, after their initial mutual rejection, a rapprochement begins to take shape—one that might even develop into a kind of friendship, or even more—is told with great sensitivity. Told alternately from Kim’s and Danika’s perspectives, we experience their respective thoughts and emotional states firsthand. How does one navigate such a complicated situation? When and how do you explain it to your nine-year-old daughters? And then there’s the matter of the inheritance, where the wife got everything, and the mistress got nothing.

My heart broke for both women, whose worlds collide in an impossible way, and I love them both for their respectful treatment of one another—despite the pain and anger—and their inexhaustible love for their girls, who always come first for them. And I admire Kim and Danika for daring to build a tentative friendship and then even giving a new, unexpected love a chance—against all odds.
What I also really liked is the second story included, about Cami and Bella, soccer-crazy girls who meet at a soccer camp and hit it off right away, only to find out that they’re sisters. I also loved how they react differently to this news and how they have to find a way to reconnect.

Cheyenne Blue does an excellent job of turning this impossible and complicated situation into a heartwarming love and family story in a subtle way, with great sensitivity, feeling, and emotion. This story has it all: heartbreak, grief, anger, friendship, fun, and love with amiable mc’s, adorable girls, supportive secondary characters, soccer, hobby horses, and a cute dog.

Highly recommended to all romance fans.
My new favorite by this author.

Many thanks to Cheyenne Blue for receiving an ARC.

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book activated horrifying emotions in me, just imagining the scenario to be unfolded in the pages to come. Danika Evershed enjoyed a happily married life with Chris and their daughter Cami. They owned their home and life was good. One day Danika opened her front door to Kim Varga and suddenly her life changed with the unsettling news when Kim told her that they had shared the same man, a man who worked for two weeks at a time in another part of Australia and two weeks at home.

As the facts unfolded we learned that Kim and Chris Henshall had lived for nine years in a de facto relationship and had a daughter, Bella, who was the same age as Cami. Kim provided Danika with all the facts about Chris’ death in an auto accident two months earlier. Danika didn’t believe her and shut the door, telling her not to show up again, but it would be a long, long time before she would find peace.

The chapters were divided into POV’s, which was good, as it allowed the readers the chance to hear both ladies’ stories and feelings. Since Chris’ death Danika had time to grieve, have a funeral for him, settle his affairs and collect his life insurance and superannuation payouts.
Kim was left with nothing. She hadn’t even known about his accident. She thought he was just missing until she hired a private investigator.

The ladies found themselves drawn together, as their daughters happened to be in the same soccer camp. The girls became fast friends just as Kim and Danika also became more friendly.

As mothers, they wanted what was best for their daughters and realized the importance and need of also being friends, themselves. They dealt with things such as when and how to tell the truth to the girls. The girls’ individual reactions were realistic and it also took some time for them to accept the reality and to heal.

As the story unfolded, Kim and Danika’s relationship became closer. Kim was a bisexual and Danika had thought she was heterosexual. It was fun watching them become closer and seeing the relationship develop into something more steamy.

I really enjoyed this very thought-provoking and interesting book. Cheyenne Blue is such a great storyteller. I don’t think I’ve ever read any book that’s touched on this topic and I thank the author for the arc to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I just want to say this was an amazing and complex story that I loved to read from the very first page to the last one. The premise of the story is so special, I was intrigued when I saw the blurb and I hoped for so much and I was so happy that the story was just as good as I had hoped for. This is a must read if you like to read about a complex relationship handled in a mature and loving way and their special chemistry is there from the very beginning.

Imagine having a husband for many years, having a young daughter with him, you lose him and in the middle of the grief period a woman knocks on your door, tells you that he had two families that he handled in parallel. That is quite the shocker for Danica to find out about from her husband’s other partner Kim. Of course, Danica is full on in denial to begin with, but when she slowly gets to know Kim via their soccer loving daughters, Cami and Bella, things slowly change.

It all evolves into a long journey for Danica and Kim to move on from their cheating ex Chris, the man they both loved, but he played them the whole time They deal with all this in such an amazing way, and their daughters are always first priority no matter what. I loved the dual POV that gave the best insight to how they go from strangers to friends, a friendship that does not revolve around Chris. They have quite a few things to process to make it all work smoothly for them and their daughters, but at that camping trip something changes, they slowly start looking at each other in a new way, perhaps something way better than they ever had with Chris is obtainable. I was rooting so hard for them during the whole book, they felt so real in their pain and then when they slowly fall for each other, I was full on swooning.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danika is about to run her daughter to soccer when Kim arrives, revealing a shocking secret: her husband had also been married to her under a assumed name. He had been splitting his time between the two cities for his work. Danica refuses to believe it.

A dispirited Kim leaves, feeling guilty she confronted the woman. It was bad enough she was grieving her husband, but being told he had another life too? Besides, her daughter Bella is waiting.

Then Bella and Cami end up playing soccer together, and to the Moms it's obvious they're related. Danika talks to Kim, gets the background and realizes she believes her. Kim provides photos too. Cami and Bella hit it off, too, which complicates things more.

After talking it out, the Moms resolve to tell the kids. Cami handles it, mostly, but Bella is really upset and angry at Cami and Danika. Both families break off.

Six months later, Bella is playing netball, not soccer and kind of sucks at it. She agrees to return to soccer, but still isn't willing to see Cami. Kim finds herself thinking a lot about Danika.

Cami wrangles a gift from their favorite soccer team for Bella, who had been thinking of her anyway.

Camping! And flirting. Dates, and other stuff...

Money comes up, as Chris didn't write a will and Kim and Bella were left out. Danika decides they should share the estate, and tells Kim.

Wrap up...

Long slow burn, but it makes sense with the characters. Love Danika and Kim, the kids are adorable AND read like kids. Also, haaaate Chris. What a asshat.

4.5 stars out of 5

[Mari Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emotional and Beautifully Layered Story

This book completely pulled me in from the very first page. It’s one of those stories that instantly grabs your attention and keeps you fully invested as everything slowly unfolds. Every chapter revealed something new, and that's why I just wanted to keep reading and didn’t stop until the end.

The emotional depth in this story was incredible. It’s definitely heavy on feelings, but it never feels overwhelming; instead, it makes you want to keep reading and stay with the characters even longer. The writing flows so naturally that you don’t even realize how emotionally attached you’ve become until the story completely owns your heart.

The characters were one of my favorite parts. They felt so layered, flawed, real, and beautifully developed. Watching them grow, struggle, and connect made the entire story feel even more immersive. Cheyenne’s writing skill truly shines here, especially in the way she balances emotion, character development, and intrigue so effortlessly.

This is the kind of book that stays in your mind even after you finish it. The emotions and the characters linger, and you keep thinking about certain moments long after the last page.

And honestly, when I really love a story, I get greedy with epilogues 😁 I genuinely wish it had been longer because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.

I would absolutely recommend this to readers who love emotional, character-driven stories that completely pull you in and refuse to let go.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheyenne Blue’s latest release puts a spin on a few of our favourite sapphic tropes. Found family, enemies to lovers, coming out later in life, and quite possibly a few I missed. The Other Family will have you gaping with surprise, sighing with longing, and smiling at the sweetness of new found tween sisters.

Kim and Danika meet through the coming out of a life-altering secret. One delivered by Kim in the hopes of ensuring her daughter gets to know the sister she never knew she had.

Danika is heartbroken and furious when she finds out her husband was living a double life before he died. Coming to terms with the fact that he was cheating on her is harder since there is a child involved. Choosing to make sure her own daughter comes first, she slowly gets to know the ‘other woman,’ Kim.

Through shared moments with their children, Kim and Danika learn that the connection they are developing runs deeper than their trauma and choose a path that will make them all a family.

Blue’s writing is as gorgeous as ever. Taking a subject that could be quite angsty, she keeps it a touch lighter, ensuring a pleasant read. Feeling the connection between the two MCs build was my favourite part of this story and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The Other Family is a light family drama, perfect for readers who like a little angst, but great communication and a happy ending.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily a 5-star read. And also likely my favorite of Blue's work that I've read.

I'm a big fan of unconventional pairings and slow burn romances. As such, some of my favorite authors are Harper Bliss, Jae, and Susan X. Meagher. Bliss has a knack for picking protagonists who have no business finding each other, let alone falling in love. Jae and Meagher are queens of slow-burn, long books that allow me to live in them and experience all the wonder of falling in love. The Other Family, and Cheyenne Blue as an author, belong in this group.

Right off the bat, I was pulled into the story. Blue does an amazing job of capturing the disbelief and grief and pain, but also the strength, love, and chemistry, that are all over the story. I felt so much for these two families.

Was the book perfect? No. The wrapping up of things was a little quick for me after all of the wonderful slow growth. I didn't always think the choices were the best, but that's life. But all of the good was never tarnished by issues.

This is definitely a reread for me - and I'll be buying the audiobook if one is produced. If this is what an independently published Cheyenne Blue book looks like, I hope she stays indie. But no matter where or how she publishes her next book, I'll be waiting.

A HUGE thanks to the author for letting me be a part of her ARC team!

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and heartwarming, but also heartbreaking. It's complicated.

Actually, "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe it, because where do you even start? Although the beginning is immediately captivating and unbelievable.

How would I feel if something like this happened to me? Suddenly, a complete stranger is standing at my door, telling me things about my recently deceased partner/husband that simply can't be true. Impossible! Unbelievable!

And yet, that's exactly what happens to Danika. After a knock at her door, she meets Kim and gasps as she hears Kim's story. She's devastated by what she hears—about her late husband, Chris—because Kim has proof. This stranger knows things she can't ignore, and she has a daughter with her husband! That's not all. There's much more to come.
That's the story, and that was just the beginning.
Both women have a long road ahead of them, a true emotional rollercoaster!
Then there are the two girls who instantly click while playing soccer, and fate leads them to become best friends. Before they find out that they are far more than that!
This forces their mothers to confront a painful truth and learn to cope with it.
I found it a wonderful, unusual, yet moving and romantic book.
Definitely a book that unfolds slowly and focuses on family and trust. Beautiful.
Thanks so much to Cheyenne Blue for the copy!
This is my honest review.

[tinysparkreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the blurb of this book and was immediately interested as it wasn’t something I had seen done before. I thought the book was written well and I liked all the main characters.

- I enjoyed the respectful way that Danika and Kim communicated with each other.
- The way the daughters, Bella and Camille, connected even before realising they were sisters, was sweet to read, and added to the depth of their connection as sisters once they did find out.
- Super loved all the Matildas mentions. I played football(soccer) for one season as a kid, so it was fun to relive that experience with some pre-teen girls who loved football too.
- Always happy to read a book by an Australian set in Australia.
- I really appreciated he way that Kim and Danika’s emotional progress was written. It wasn’t linear, they made progress and then backtracked a little, it took time and maturity but I liked where they ended up and how they approached their relationship from the beginning.

Thank you to Cheyenne Blue for providing me with an ARC of The Other Family.

[Meredith Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

While at first look this story line seems unbelievable, the Author (Cheyenne Blue) spins the story in such a way that they made it so believable and so very beautiful. I really enjoyed this arc of The Other Family and am so glad I have read it.
What starts as a massive act of deception turns into a slow burn romance against all odds.
The two main characters (Danika and Kim) are not perfect but are so relatable. The angst between them is also believable and is not just the common miscommunication that is often present in other books.
The supporting characters, especially their girls (Cami and Bella) play an important part and add depth to the story.
The complex emotions involved in the relationships in this book hooked me from the start through to finish. I was captivated by the three-dimensional, well developed characters. All of this packed into a story that flows easily and a plot that makes sense as it evolves.
A definite recommend.

[Fleppy85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

This is the story of Kim and Danika who both have been living for years with the same man, Chris, without knowing about each other. They did not know that each have a daughter with Chris. When Chris disappears, Kim hires an PI to find out where he is. She learns Chris died in a car accident and was married to another woman, Danika, with whom he has a daughter. After months, she gathers the courage to confront Danika.

Danika's world falls apart when she learns her husband had another family. She doesn't want to believe Kim, but Kim knows too many things and has too many photos of her family. Danika asks Kim to leave; they meet again at a soccer camp where their daughters become friends and the women start talking about the past.

I was skeptical about the topic first but the relationship between the two women changes so gently and perfectly that the story is believable. Thanks for this wonderful read.

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warmhearted f/f slow-burn set in Australia
This romance was a delight to read: an impossible situation turns into a slow-burn love story with all the right, heart-warming ingredients that makes you melt on the spot.

Kim and Danica are both good people and after the initial shock of finding out that their husband/partner had another family they set out to do the „right thing“ esp. for their daughters who now suddenly have a sister.

I loved both main characters, the two girls were soccer crazy (loved the nod to the Matildas!) and lovable. I enjoyed the camping trips of both families and of course there is a doggo added to the mix. And above all the slow burn: the attraction was well done with great chemistry. Added bonus: set in Australia.

So if you‘re looking for a well-written slow-burn with soccer, camping, great friends, a dog and all the feels give this a whirl and enjoy.

I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly beautiful, complex love story!

This has to be my favorite book from this author ever and I've loved many of her books before. I felt so many emotions and tried to put myself in both of Danica's and Kim's lives as they uncovered the truth about Chris and the separate lives he had lived full of love, yet deception.

Their daughters, Cami and Bella, added so much joy, childlike wonder and personality to the story. Then toss in Hugo, the dog, and I was a goner!

I don't know how Ms. Blue crafted this story of grief, anger, loss, forgiveness and love so beautifully. It's about trust and chosen family. It's truly written with heart and so much care. Brava, Cheyenne! It's just brilliant!!!

[Maria Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book with this particular trope before, Cheyenne Blue found a delicate balance and created something touching, unusual, and genuinely heartfelt.
Most of the book is about the two Mums coming to terms with the husband/de facto's secret life.
How it was orchestrated, why did he keep it a secret. It slowly dawns on them it's all about sick power games.
The two MC's are more thrown together through their daughters soccer playing and wanting to spend time together - them having an instant attraction before knowing they are related.
The very slow attraction between the Mums is delicately handled.
I like the way Cheyenne writes, love that it has the normal Aussie slang and that her story is situated in and around Melbourne.

[Stephanie Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about Love, Belonging, and Chosen Family

The Other Family by Cheyenne Blue is a heartfelt, emotionally rich read that really lingers after the final page. The characters feel deeply real, and the story explores love, family, and belonging with so much care and nuance. I especially appreciated how gently the emotional tension unfolded—nothing felt rushed or shallow.

Cheyenne Blue has a gift for quiet moments that say everything, and the emotional payoff here is incredibly satisfying. This is a warm, thoughtful romance that balances tenderness with depth, and it’s perfect for readers who love character-driven stories with genuine emotional weight.

Highly recommended.