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Finding True North: A sex shop meet-cute lesbian romance
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2026
About the author
Emma Weimann
8 books49 followersEmma Weimann knew at an early age that she wanted to make a living as a writer. She knew exactly how and where she wanted to write the books that would pay for her house at the beach and the desk with a view of the ocean.
Even though she has had those dreams for over thirty years now, neither the house nor the desk exist. Not yet. But she’s making a living producing books, not just as a writer but also as a publisher, establishing Ylva Verlag and its international pendant, Ylva Publishing, in 2011 and 2012.
As a writer, she has published short stories and one novel so far. She is looking forward to seeing her novel Crossing Bridges published in 2015.
Even though she has had those dreams for over thirty years now, neither the house nor the desk exist. Not yet. But she’s making a living producing books, not just as a writer but also as a publisher, establishing Ylva Verlag and its international pendant, Ylva Publishing, in 2011 and 2012.
As a writer, she has published short stories and one novel so far. She is looking forward to seeing her novel Crossing Bridges published in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 25, 2026The story has a cozy feel, which I like, but I'm not connecting with the chemistry between the leads. Honestly, at the halfway mark I'm still as uninterested as I was at the start. I could push through, but forcing myself to finish something I'm not enjoying doesn't seem worthwhile. It's a pity, as this was my introduction to the author. Here's hoping her other books suit me better!
May 18, 2026
This is a cute story about finding love; both within yourself and others.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
May 18, 2026
A Story Full of Heart, Growth, Fun, and Impossible Not to Love
I was so excited for the return of Emma Weimann, and she absolutely delivered with another fantastic book. From the very beginning, I was hooked and having such a great time reading. The opening instantly pulled me in, and from there, the story only kept getting better and deeper with every chapter.
What I loved most was how naturally the story evolved. It starts fun and engaging, but as the book progresses, it becomes more emotional, meaningful, and layered in such a beautiful way. The development of both the plot and the characters was excellent, and I found myself completely invested in everything that was happening until the very last page.
The characters were incredibly well written and easy to love right away. They felt layered, authentic, and so easy to root for throughout the story. I especially loved the chemistry between them; it felt natural, heartfelt, and genuine. Watching them grow together and become exactly what the other needed was one of the best parts of the book for me.
The ending was absolutely beautiful. I’ll always love a hopeful, inspiring, happy ending, and this one left me smiling long after I finished reading.
There were honestly so many elements of this story that I loved, including my secondary character. Ms. Petrov completely stole my attention, and now I’m dying to know her story someday too 😉 gentle hint to the author 😁.
This book was emotional, fun, heartfelt, completely engrossing, and emotionally satisfying from beginning to end. I genuinely loved every minute of it and would absolutely recommend it to readers who love character-driven stories with depth, chemistry, growth, and lots of heart. And I can happily say that Emma Weimann’s comeback was absolutely worth the wait 😃🙌🏻👏🏻.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I was so excited for the return of Emma Weimann, and she absolutely delivered with another fantastic book. From the very beginning, I was hooked and having such a great time reading. The opening instantly pulled me in, and from there, the story only kept getting better and deeper with every chapter.
What I loved most was how naturally the story evolved. It starts fun and engaging, but as the book progresses, it becomes more emotional, meaningful, and layered in such a beautiful way. The development of both the plot and the characters was excellent, and I found myself completely invested in everything that was happening until the very last page.
The characters were incredibly well written and easy to love right away. They felt layered, authentic, and so easy to root for throughout the story. I especially loved the chemistry between them; it felt natural, heartfelt, and genuine. Watching them grow together and become exactly what the other needed was one of the best parts of the book for me.
The ending was absolutely beautiful. I’ll always love a hopeful, inspiring, happy ending, and this one left me smiling long after I finished reading.
There were honestly so many elements of this story that I loved, including my secondary character. Ms. Petrov completely stole my attention, and now I’m dying to know her story someday too 😉 gentle hint to the author 😁.
This book was emotional, fun, heartfelt, completely engrossing, and emotionally satisfying from beginning to end. I genuinely loved every minute of it and would absolutely recommend it to readers who love character-driven stories with depth, chemistry, growth, and lots of heart. And I can happily say that Emma Weimann’s comeback was absolutely worth the wait 😃🙌🏻👏🏻.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beautiful love story best savored over time rather than binge read
There's a lot of story packed tight into this novella with several plots threads on the go. Finding True North is a standalone story even though it's set in the same city (Springfield) as Weimann's other book, Heart's Surrender. Main characters Emily and Tanit are so easy to cheer for in their individual growth in the course of the story. Their romance is a delicious slow burn, intimate, steamy, loving, and feeling inevitable early on. Their sensual encounters are erotic and creative, their conversations heartfelt, vulnerable and honest. I caught myself frequently cheering them on (under my breath) while reading, with Attagirl's and other encouragements when they'd take sometimes tentative steps individually and together in relatable actions. In addition to the romance plotline there are office politics, family drama and shenanigans, and an unexpected AI conversation thread to keep the characters and readers on their toes. Secondary characters are distinct and mostly supportive even comedic presences in the mains' lives with a few adding to the drama and tension. Heads up for some characters being verbally abused and disrespected.
I binge read the story over a couple of days but on reflection a better approach would have been reading it in smaller doses over a longer period of time in order to really savor the growth of the characters, and so any repetition of phrases goes unnoticed. I wanted all good things to come to and happen to the mains and for comeuppance to hit the nasty characters who mistreated them. It's stated several times in the story that Emily is 44 but no mention that I can recall of Tanit's age, which of them is older, or if there is an age gap between them; an unusual oversight.
There's a character pairing floated near the end that could be a potential book three in the Springfield series. If that pairing gets their own story in book three I'd happily read it. I liked this much more than Heart's Surrender and recommend this for readers who crave a grown up romance with easy to root for characters, one of whom owns a sex shop and is very sex positive.
There's a lot of story packed tight into this novella with several plots threads on the go. Finding True North is a standalone story even though it's set in the same city (Springfield) as Weimann's other book, Heart's Surrender. Main characters Emily and Tanit are so easy to cheer for in their individual growth in the course of the story. Their romance is a delicious slow burn, intimate, steamy, loving, and feeling inevitable early on. Their sensual encounters are erotic and creative, their conversations heartfelt, vulnerable and honest. I caught myself frequently cheering them on (under my breath) while reading, with Attagirl's and other encouragements when they'd take sometimes tentative steps individually and together in relatable actions. In addition to the romance plotline there are office politics, family drama and shenanigans, and an unexpected AI conversation thread to keep the characters and readers on their toes. Secondary characters are distinct and mostly supportive even comedic presences in the mains' lives with a few adding to the drama and tension. Heads up for some characters being verbally abused and disrespected.
I binge read the story over a couple of days but on reflection a better approach would have been reading it in smaller doses over a longer period of time in order to really savor the growth of the characters, and so any repetition of phrases goes unnoticed. I wanted all good things to come to and happen to the mains and for comeuppance to hit the nasty characters who mistreated them. It's stated several times in the story that Emily is 44 but no mention that I can recall of Tanit's age, which of them is older, or if there is an age gap between them; an unusual oversight.
There's a character pairing floated near the end that could be a potential book three in the Springfield series. If that pairing gets their own story in book three I'd happily read it. I liked this much more than Heart's Surrender and recommend this for readers who crave a grown up romance with easy to root for characters, one of whom owns a sex shop and is very sex positive.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The book starts of in a hilarious way when inhibited Emily visits the sex shop The Shag (fantastic name) with her best friend Linda. Emily looks at things with wide eyes and this comment on what she sees is gold:
“Lifelike Huge Dildo.” Lifelike? In what dimension? And bright blue? Unless you were into colossal Smurfs, that thing wasn’t fooling anyone.”
Emily has not had the best luck in love and Linda knows this sex toy visit to get some goodies is exactly what she needs. When Linda leaves so Emily can look around on her own, she starts talking to the mysterious and beautiful shop owner Tanit. Tanit with this perfect advice:
“Sex is supposed to be fun. There are no rules, no do’s and don’ts.”
Emily that really suffers at her shitty new job with a boss from hell the sex toy and accessories she purchased quite the palate cleanser, and she goes back for more and to meets Tanit again. Tanit also so interested and thanks to her very special cousin Mia she is pushed to ask Emily out and a beautiful relationship starts. Right from the start they communicate and clarify that it is a connection they want and not just a casual thing. The question is whether they are both ready for this. They both have a lot to deal with, Emily so much office drama and Tanit quite the family drama after she left everything to start a sex shop.
I would have liked to deep down a bit more in the MCs backstories to really understand them, but overall, a nice and tender read.
I received a free ARC from Ylva Publishing and leave an honest review voluntarily.
“Lifelike Huge Dildo.” Lifelike? In what dimension? And bright blue? Unless you were into colossal Smurfs, that thing wasn’t fooling anyone.”
Emily has not had the best luck in love and Linda knows this sex toy visit to get some goodies is exactly what she needs. When Linda leaves so Emily can look around on her own, she starts talking to the mysterious and beautiful shop owner Tanit. Tanit with this perfect advice:
“Sex is supposed to be fun. There are no rules, no do’s and don’ts.”
Emily that really suffers at her shitty new job with a boss from hell the sex toy and accessories she purchased quite the palate cleanser, and she goes back for more and to meets Tanit again. Tanit also so interested and thanks to her very special cousin Mia she is pushed to ask Emily out and a beautiful relationship starts. Right from the start they communicate and clarify that it is a connection they want and not just a casual thing. The question is whether they are both ready for this. They both have a lot to deal with, Emily so much office drama and Tanit quite the family drama after she left everything to start a sex shop.
I would have liked to deep down a bit more in the MCs backstories to really understand them, but overall, a nice and tender read.
I received a free ARC from Ylva Publishing and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25⭐️
"Finding True North" isn't just about finding true love, but also about family—both blood relatives and those you choose.
The story starts hilariously. Shy Emily is dragged into a boutique sex shop by her best friend Linda. She looks at the displays with great amazement and wonders, and among other things, "why on earth would anyone need glow-in-the-dark condoms?" When Tanit, the shop owner, advises Emily, they both sense from the very first moment that this is a special encounter. So special that Emily comes back to the store all by herself.
The story of Emily and Tanit is a heartwarming, slow-burning love story. A tentative friendship slowly develops before anything more blossoms. Both communicate clearly and honestly, and so the relationship deepens more and more. Mia, Tanit’s younger cousin, provides help that isn’t always welcome but is ultimately successful.
Meanwhile, Emily struggles for recognition at work, which she never gets from her idiot of a boss. But sometimes help and justice come from unexpected places, and that’s especially fun.
Tanit also has her own demons to fight, and what’s particularly unfortunate is that they come from within her own family.
Mia also has her own story in this book, and it’s lovely how the storylines are intertwined.
Beyond the romance, the bond, love, and respect among Tanit, Emily, and Mia are among the most beautiful aspects of the book.
This story is more than just a wonderful love story.
ARC provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review
"Finding True North" isn't just about finding true love, but also about family—both blood relatives and those you choose.
The story starts hilariously. Shy Emily is dragged into a boutique sex shop by her best friend Linda. She looks at the displays with great amazement and wonders, and among other things, "why on earth would anyone need glow-in-the-dark condoms?" When Tanit, the shop owner, advises Emily, they both sense from the very first moment that this is a special encounter. So special that Emily comes back to the store all by herself.
The story of Emily and Tanit is a heartwarming, slow-burning love story. A tentative friendship slowly develops before anything more blossoms. Both communicate clearly and honestly, and so the relationship deepens more and more. Mia, Tanit’s younger cousin, provides help that isn’t always welcome but is ultimately successful.
Meanwhile, Emily struggles for recognition at work, which she never gets from her idiot of a boss. But sometimes help and justice come from unexpected places, and that’s especially fun.
Tanit also has her own demons to fight, and what’s particularly unfortunate is that they come from within her own family.
Mia also has her own story in this book, and it’s lovely how the storylines are intertwined.
Beyond the romance, the bond, love, and respect among Tanit, Emily, and Mia are among the most beautiful aspects of the book.
This story is more than just a wonderful love story.
ARC provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review
May 18, 2026
Emily Oldman has just turned 44, and her bestie Linda is dragging her into a sex shop. There she meets Tanit, the redheaded shop owner.
(Ten months ago she caught her ex, Patricia, cheating on her. She hadn't been with anyone since. Also, Pat was MARRIED.)
Emily browses, then talks to Tanit, who gently guides her to a nice vibrator, bath oil and relaxation CDs. Once she leaves Tanit admits to her cousin Mia that she finds Emily very attractive.
A few days later Emily comes again and meets Mia, who has no filter whatsoever. (Autistic?) It's pretty funny. Then Tanit rushes out of her office to save her.
Tanit sees that Emily signed up for their newsletter, and sends her a easily inviting her to coffee. They then do lesbian trivia night later, Emily meets Tanit's friends, and they kiss.
Emily hears there might be cuts at work, and talks to Tanit Tanit points out her skills and reassures her. They go out yo dinner, twice, then sleep together.
Ms Petrov, a senior at the company, is (apparently?) leaving and offers her a position. She also dresses down Emily's boss in front of her for blaming her for his own error.
Tanit and Mia's mother's come to rescue ger from Tanit's 'bad' influence. Both girls tell them off, and Mia asserts herself as a adult finally.
Turns out the rumors on Petrov leaving were fake, she's taken over. She meets Emily for lunch, offers her a promotion and raise. Emily accepts.
And... wrap up.
4.5 stars out of five. Good writing, good characters, good story.
(Ten months ago she caught her ex, Patricia, cheating on her. She hadn't been with anyone since. Also, Pat was MARRIED.)
Emily browses, then talks to Tanit, who gently guides her to a nice vibrator, bath oil and relaxation CDs. Once she leaves Tanit admits to her cousin Mia that she finds Emily very attractive.
A few days later Emily comes again and meets Mia, who has no filter whatsoever. (Autistic?) It's pretty funny. Then Tanit rushes out of her office to save her.
Tanit sees that Emily signed up for their newsletter, and sends her a easily inviting her to coffee. They then do lesbian trivia night later, Emily meets Tanit's friends, and they kiss.
Emily hears there might be cuts at work, and talks to Tanit Tanit points out her skills and reassures her. They go out yo dinner, twice, then sleep together.
Ms Petrov, a senior at the company, is (apparently?) leaving and offers her a position. She also dresses down Emily's boss in front of her for blaming her for his own error.
Tanit and Mia's mother's come to rescue ger from Tanit's 'bad' influence. Both girls tell them off, and Mia asserts herself as a adult finally.
Turns out the rumors on Petrov leaving were fake, she's taken over. She meets Emily for lunch, offers her a promotion and raise. Emily accepts.
And... wrap up.
4.5 stars out of five. Good writing, good characters, good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gentle, slow-burn journey to True North and true love
I was in the mood for a great romance and Weimann totally delivered! For both characters it‘s quite a journey. It starts when Emily‘s BFF makes her visit - reluctantly - a boutique sex-shop „The Shag“ (LOL). Among quite a few hilarious observations she meets Tanit, the owner, and gentle sparks can be seen illuminating the shop.
I loved how Weimann sets a gentle pace for this tender romance and lets it evolve slowly. Just what my heart needed!
Both characters have their own history and issues which raise their ugly heads - it was lovely to see how Emily and Tanit, both good people, support each other. The addition of a Devil-wears-Prada vibe to Emily‘s work situation and its resolution kept me cheering all along. Yes! Same with Tanit and her family.
I loved Weimann‘s debut Heart‘s Surrender which won a Goldie for Erotica. Finding True North shows the versatility of Weimann in giving us a gentle romance of two women looking for their True North. The mix of hilarious remarks and scenes with serious topics was well done.
Now I need to know more about Casey and of course Mia - I am sure Springfield has more romance to offer.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
I was in the mood for a great romance and Weimann totally delivered! For both characters it‘s quite a journey. It starts when Emily‘s BFF makes her visit - reluctantly - a boutique sex-shop „The Shag“ (LOL). Among quite a few hilarious observations she meets Tanit, the owner, and gentle sparks can be seen illuminating the shop.
I loved how Weimann sets a gentle pace for this tender romance and lets it evolve slowly. Just what my heart needed!
Both characters have their own history and issues which raise their ugly heads - it was lovely to see how Emily and Tanit, both good people, support each other. The addition of a Devil-wears-Prada vibe to Emily‘s work situation and its resolution kept me cheering all along. Yes! Same with Tanit and her family.
I loved Weimann‘s debut Heart‘s Surrender which won a Goldie for Erotica. Finding True North shows the versatility of Weimann in giving us a gentle romance of two women looking for their True North. The mix of hilarious remarks and scenes with serious topics was well done.
Now I need to know more about Casey and of course Mia - I am sure Springfield has more romance to offer.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
the 2014 novel had slutshaming and Harry Potter, the 2026 sequel had AI integration in the workplace. I think I preferred 2014
it is a lot like Heart's Surrender, a gentle romance with low drama (at least within the couple). Emily and Tanit meet, have an instant connection, slowly explore it while supporting each other with their individual problems - Emily has an abusive boss and her firm is possibly bringing in AI to replace large swathes of workers, Tanit is trying to shield her neurodivergent cousin from their shitty family - and then everything works out. chuck in a fair amount of spice and a sequel hook in the epilogue and it's a lovely time
sex positivity is a big thing in the book, Tanit owns a sex shop after all. there's also a throughline of people flourishing in the right environment and surrounded by the right people, and having the strength to take the leap. also crossover with Heart's Surrender, Sam and Gillian appear and maybe Linda? it's unclear whether it's the same Linda
here's looking forward to the third book in 2038
it is a lot like Heart's Surrender, a gentle romance with low drama (at least within the couple). Emily and Tanit meet, have an instant connection, slowly explore it while supporting each other with their individual problems - Emily has an abusive boss and her firm is possibly bringing in AI to replace large swathes of workers, Tanit is trying to shield her neurodivergent cousin from their shitty family - and then everything works out. chuck in a fair amount of spice and a sequel hook in the epilogue and it's a lovely time
sex positivity is a big thing in the book, Tanit owns a sex shop after all. there's also a throughline of people flourishing in the right environment and surrounded by the right people, and having the strength to take the leap. also crossover with Heart's Surrender, Sam and Gillian appear and maybe Linda? it's unclear whether it's the same Linda
here's looking forward to the third book in 2038
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A meet-cute romance, where for the first time, I was on the edge of my angst seat for the non-romantic secondary stories - the family issues and toxic work environment. And all of it works. Emily’s best friend convinces her to go to a sex toy shop with a birthday gift certificate that she has to spend and meets shop owner Tanit. They have the instant connection, but what’s wonderful is how the slow-burn is done with appetizers of dates/kisses instead of just holding out with starvation of interaction and then an intimacy explosion. And that doesn’t take away from when there is hot action, rawr! Plus, it’s more believable that they have real connections *because* of the slow development of their relationship, like grown-ups who talk, share, have their insecure moments, etc. And kudos for having neurodiversity with a side character, they are treated with respect. Extra kudos for sex positivity emphasis via not only toys, but self-care.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews