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Bay West Social #1
Totally Worth It
Welcome to the world of Bay West Social.
Twenty-something Meg McTiernan is all about her career when her house hunt unexpectedly lands her at Bay West—a lesbian mecca tucked away in the suburbs of NYC—and her social life is given a turbo boost. There’s a pool, a softball league, even a nightclub practically in her backyard. In this loaded environment, finding the right girl just got a lot more interesting.
Case in point: law student Lexi Russo grew up at Bay West and is about to start an internship at the law firm of another local, self-assured, sexy Jesse Ducane. Lexi’s had a crush on Jesse forever, but Jesse’s the one Bay West woman she can’t possibly have. And not just because she’s her boss.
Together, new friends Meg and Lexi navigate romances, fun flirtations, juicy gossip, tons of drama, and maybe just the right amount of true love.
Twenty-something Meg McTiernan is all about her career when her house hunt unexpectedly lands her at Bay West—a lesbian mecca tucked away in the suburbs of NYC—and her social life is given a turbo boost. There’s a pool, a softball league, even a nightclub practically in her backyard. In this loaded environment, finding the right girl just got a lot more interesting.
Case in point: law student Lexi Russo grew up at Bay West and is about to start an internship at the law firm of another local, self-assured, sexy Jesse Ducane. Lexi’s had a crush on Jesse forever, but Jesse’s the one Bay West woman she can’t possibly have. And not just because she’s her boss.
Together, new friends Meg and Lexi navigate romances, fun flirtations, juicy gossip, tons of drama, and maybe just the right amount of true love.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
19 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Cummings
10 books149 followersMaggie Cummings lives in Staten Island, New York, with her wife and their two children. She has degrees in English, theater, and criminal justice. She works in law enforcement in the NYC metropolitan area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 8, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review'
Great read!
This 1st installment was: nicely researched,fun,romantic,good dialogue,no over-played section,nice supporting cast and the chemistry was just right. It also had a well written story/series that really needs to have a continuation. Nice ending which ultimately leads into the next series/book#2. Highly recommended series to everyone!
Great read!
This 1st installment was: nicely researched,fun,romantic,good dialogue,no over-played section,nice supporting cast and the chemistry was just right. It also had a well written story/series that really needs to have a continuation. Nice ending which ultimately leads into the next series/book#2. Highly recommended series to everyone!
April 21, 2020
4.5 – Some books, like some people, are sunny. That’s what I thought when I read Brooklyn Summer, my first Maggie Cummings book, in January, and it’s the feeling I am again left with after Totally Worth It, her debut novel and book 1 in the Bay West Social series.
While there is some romance happening – and some not happening –, Totally Worth It is literally about more than two people meeting. It’s about Meg moving to lesbian-exclusive development Bay West on Staten Island and becoming the adult she can be; it’s about Lexi and her huge crush on Jesse, her neighbour/boss/parents’ ex-best friend. It’s about said Jesse trying not to screw up. It’s also about Lexi’s mothers, Jesse’s friends, Meg’s elusive colleague…
Totally Worth It made me think of a lesbian version of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City (minus the outrageousness) or of ensemble cast films like Garry Marshall´s Valentine’s Day, for example. It’s a fantastic start to the series, and when I closed it, all I wanted to do was to immediately begin the second book, Serious Potential. Not because this one was too short, or left some issues up in the air, but because I didn’t want to leave this universe and its inhabitants. I like it there.
While there is some romance happening – and some not happening –, Totally Worth It is literally about more than two people meeting. It’s about Meg moving to lesbian-exclusive development Bay West on Staten Island and becoming the adult she can be; it’s about Lexi and her huge crush on Jesse, her neighbour/boss/parents’ ex-best friend. It’s about said Jesse trying not to screw up. It’s also about Lexi’s mothers, Jesse’s friends, Meg’s elusive colleague…
Totally Worth It made me think of a lesbian version of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City (minus the outrageousness) or of ensemble cast films like Garry Marshall´s Valentine’s Day, for example. It’s a fantastic start to the series, and when I closed it, all I wanted to do was to immediately begin the second book, Serious Potential. Not because this one was too short, or left some issues up in the air, but because I didn’t want to leave this universe and its inhabitants. I like it there.
December 17, 2015
WOW! What a fantastic debut novel by Maggie Cummings.
Totally Worth It is filled with friendships, family, happiness, tears, discoveries, insecurities, fun, drama and a splash of love.
Set in Bay West, a lesbian community, the reader is taken on a journey of the day to day aspects of Meg and Lexi’s lives, whether it be attending work, going to social gatherings, heading off on a multi-mile run or falling head over heels in love. The friendship between the two main characters is something special and it’s easy to see why they fast become BFFs.
As for the romance – yes, there’s some of that too, although not between our leading ladies. The secondary characters in the book are well written and I look forward to exploring their lives as the series continues.
I totally loved Totally Worth It and couldn’t put it down. It certainly had me turning the pages as quickly as I could read them and I was a little bleary-eyed the next day after staying up wayyyyyyy too late reading this remarkable book. It was totally worth it though ;-)
Well done, Ms Cummings on a wonderful debut novel. I can't wait for the next book in the ‘Bay West Social’ series…
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Totally Worth It is filled with friendships, family, happiness, tears, discoveries, insecurities, fun, drama and a splash of love.
Set in Bay West, a lesbian community, the reader is taken on a journey of the day to day aspects of Meg and Lexi’s lives, whether it be attending work, going to social gatherings, heading off on a multi-mile run or falling head over heels in love. The friendship between the two main characters is something special and it’s easy to see why they fast become BFFs.
As for the romance – yes, there’s some of that too, although not between our leading ladies. The secondary characters in the book are well written and I look forward to exploring their lives as the series continues.
I totally loved Totally Worth It and couldn’t put it down. It certainly had me turning the pages as quickly as I could read them and I was a little bleary-eyed the next day after staying up wayyyyyyy too late reading this remarkable book. It was totally worth it though ;-)
Well done, Ms Cummings on a wonderful debut novel. I can't wait for the next book in the ‘Bay West Social’ series…
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
March 3, 2017
Oh, what a GREAT book! I feel like I just binge watched the first season of a terrific television series on Netflix, and I have to wait for season 2 even though it’s on broadcast TV. Oh, I hate the delay between print and audiobooks!
This is really a terrific feel-good book. Through Meg, we are introduced to a fantastic community of lesbians, and we begin to get to know many of the other characters as they live their daily lives. There’s more dating than HEA romances, and while there are a few very nice steamy scenes, there’s more kissing and understated “and then the next morning” descriptions than there are overt sex scenes, surprising given the many opportunities. The day-in-a-life approach really works, though!
Meg is likable, shy, aggressive and annoyingly insecure socially even as she ROCKS at her job. At times I wanted to meet her, but mostly I really wanted to meet her neighbor Lexi. Now SHE’S the girl-next-door we all dream of!!!!!
The narrator was wonderful! I’m tempted to have robo-chick read the sequel to me via VoiceDream, but I can’t imagine robo-chick will do 1/10th as well keeping up with the terrific banter throughout the book.
The only minor story glitch involved Lucy and her dilemma. But, it’s minor and not worth a spoiler. Easily a 5* read-again book.
This is really a terrific feel-good book. Through Meg, we are introduced to a fantastic community of lesbians, and we begin to get to know many of the other characters as they live their daily lives. There’s more dating than HEA romances, and while there are a few very nice steamy scenes, there’s more kissing and understated “and then the next morning” descriptions than there are overt sex scenes, surprising given the many opportunities. The day-in-a-life approach really works, though!
Meg is likable, shy, aggressive and annoyingly insecure socially even as she ROCKS at her job. At times I wanted to meet her, but mostly I really wanted to meet her neighbor Lexi. Now SHE’S the girl-next-door we all dream of!!!!!
The narrator was wonderful! I’m tempted to have robo-chick read the sequel to me via VoiceDream, but I can’t imagine robo-chick will do 1/10th as well keeping up with the terrific banter throughout the book.
The only minor story glitch involved Lucy and her dilemma. But, it’s minor and not worth a spoiler. Easily a 5* read-again book.
October 6, 2016
This was a fun, quick read that had a lesfic soap-opera type feel. I really enjoyed Radclyffe's P-Town series, and this kind of reminded me of it, minus the crime part. Writing books with multiple character POV's can be tough and I thought Cummings did a good job.
I found the three main characters to be very likeable, Jesse and Lex and of course Meg. I think I connected to Meg the most, but what was with her romantic choices? They were really poor. In fact I didn't care for many of the secondary characters at all. And considering this books basically takes place in a lesbian mecca, I thought there would be numerous secondary characters with potential. I'm hopeful book 2 will introduce some better new characters.
The other thing I think this book could have used was a little more angst or excitement. Nothing that spectacular happened. I liked the writing and the characters enough so it didn't bother me, but hopefully the next book will take it up a notch.
One other small complaint, the love scenes could have used a little more heat. For a book all about relationships and the hope of romance, the sex scenes were lacking just a bit.
Even with my complaints, I still enjoyed this and am looking forward to book 2.
I found the three main characters to be very likeable, Jesse and Lex and of course Meg. I think I connected to Meg the most, but what was with her romantic choices? They were really poor. In fact I didn't care for many of the secondary characters at all. And considering this books basically takes place in a lesbian mecca, I thought there would be numerous secondary characters with potential. I'm hopeful book 2 will introduce some better new characters.
The other thing I think this book could have used was a little more angst or excitement. Nothing that spectacular happened. I liked the writing and the characters enough so it didn't bother me, but hopefully the next book will take it up a notch.
One other small complaint, the love scenes could have used a little more heat. For a book all about relationships and the hope of romance, the sex scenes were lacking just a bit.
Even with my complaints, I still enjoyed this and am looking forward to book 2.
January 2, 2017
I agree with others that this is more lesbian chick lit than romance. Since I'm primarily a fan of romance novels, I wish this aspect had been given more attention. Nevertheless, the author told an interesting story with a lot of different characters and details of life in a very special neighborhood. It is very clear that this is only the first book in the series since a lot remains open. I'm not quite thrilled with such types of endings, but the book is good enough and the characters interesting enough for me to want to continue with the series.
The fact that I will certainly read the next book is enough to recommend it.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The fact that I will certainly read the next book is enough to recommend it.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
February 7, 2017
First things first, I got this from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I'll be in the minority on this one, because I didn't think it was worth it. It's well written, but it didn't have much else going for it.
I dislike stories where everyone is gay, (or series where everyone turns out to be gay), but this one was beyond the pale on that issue. There also aren't any compelling characters. Meg was the main character from my perspective but her storyline was so banal that I was beyond caring well before the 50% mark. I know this is set to be a series, but there was nothing about Meg's situation that made me long for more.
Lexi and Jesse's relationship was full of tropes. Boss/intern, older/younger, dating someone else, family angst, none of which grabbed me in this particular instance.
This may be the start of the Bay West social series, but I think I'm one and done.
I'll be in the minority on this one, because I didn't think it was worth it. It's well written, but it didn't have much else going for it.
I dislike stories where everyone is gay, (or series where everyone turns out to be gay), but this one was beyond the pale on that issue. There also aren't any compelling characters. Meg was the main character from my perspective but her storyline was so banal that I was beyond caring well before the 50% mark. I know this is set to be a series, but there was nothing about Meg's situation that made me long for more.
Lexi and Jesse's relationship was full of tropes. Boss/intern, older/younger, dating someone else, family angst, none of which grabbed me in this particular instance.
This may be the start of the Bay West social series, but I think I'm one and done.
May 17, 2020
This is book one of the ‘Bay West Social’ series by this author and her debut work which follows a group of friends living in a lesbian property development in Staten Island, NY. When Meg McTiernan moves in the neighbourhood she realises that her almost non-existent social life is about to change. Her new friend Lexi Russo is a law student doing an internship in the firm of her sexy neighbour Jesse Ducane. Together, Meg and Lexi will have new adventures and maybe find true love.
I really enjoyed this novel by Maggie Cummings, especially because it doesn’t have the usual shortcomings of a debut book. I like the fact that the author chooses to tell the story through Meg and keeps the arc of her romantic interests through the series. In this book, it’s the turn of her new friend Lexi to navigate the hardships of falling in love with her boss who incidentally is 12 years older.
The author does a great job of building different relationships, not only between the main couple but also between family and friends. Ms. Cummings takes her time to build a varied network of relationships with attention to detail to every character. There’s even space for a very interesting legal subplot. Regarding the main leads, their age-gap, workplace romance chemistry is well done and the sex scenes very hot. I know that Ms. Cummings is now an established author but I’m surprised by the quality of her debut.
This is the first time I’ve listened to AJ Ferraro, which is surprising as she has narrated quite a few lesfic audiobooks, especially from Bold Strokes Books. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by her different voices, her performance of emotions, and her excellent pace. I’ll definitely try another audiobook narrated by her. Unfortunately, the other two books in the series aren’t available on audio yet but apparently book 2 is in the making. This lesbian neighbors romance audiobook is totally worth it. Overall, 4.5 stars.
Duration: 7 hours, 55 minutes
I really enjoyed this novel by Maggie Cummings, especially because it doesn’t have the usual shortcomings of a debut book. I like the fact that the author chooses to tell the story through Meg and keeps the arc of her romantic interests through the series. In this book, it’s the turn of her new friend Lexi to navigate the hardships of falling in love with her boss who incidentally is 12 years older.
The author does a great job of building different relationships, not only between the main couple but also between family and friends. Ms. Cummings takes her time to build a varied network of relationships with attention to detail to every character. There’s even space for a very interesting legal subplot. Regarding the main leads, their age-gap, workplace romance chemistry is well done and the sex scenes very hot. I know that Ms. Cummings is now an established author but I’m surprised by the quality of her debut.
This is the first time I’ve listened to AJ Ferraro, which is surprising as she has narrated quite a few lesfic audiobooks, especially from Bold Strokes Books. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by her different voices, her performance of emotions, and her excellent pace. I’ll definitely try another audiobook narrated by her. Unfortunately, the other two books in the series aren’t available on audio yet but apparently book 2 is in the making. This lesbian neighbors romance audiobook is totally worth it. Overall, 4.5 stars.
Duration: 7 hours, 55 minutes
September 14, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair review.*
This is the first book I've read by this author.
The last review I did I said something I have to say this time as well, ironically, or not, for the opposite reason. Fair warning, but I appear to be an outlier with this book. What with how I ended up, rating wise, at least, compared to everyone else who has read this book.
Characters
There are two main points of view plus moments when a third point of view pops up sparingly every once in a while.
Meg McTiernan worked for a specific company for a number of years as an administrative assistant while attending night classes to get a college degree. She then went off and got an MBA at Wharton business school. Paid for by her company. To which she returned as a business consultant.
The book opens with her moving into a special kind of community on Staten Island, in New York. Bay West, a lesbian community. At the same time she's relatively nervous about starting her new position at her old company. Also, she just broke up with her longish term girlfriend of several years (2? 3? I know there were 2 years that involved Meg knowing Becca wasn't really into her, but I forget if there were more years before that).
She's smart, hard charging, and eager to develop new friends, and explore relationship possibilities. Her old friends, baring one who lives far away (California), were actually Becca's friends, so naturally they are no longer hers. So she needs a new group. Especially since she's found that lesbian bars/meeting places are not like the movies. Go there by yourself/single, and there isn't a woman who will instantly pounce on you. Instead, you are something of a reject.
While moving in, that day and the next that is, Meg runs into two people of the Bay West Community. First is Lexi Russo, her next door neighbor. Lexi helps Meg figure out what keys are while Meg just kind of stares at her door. It's her first new home, that she owns, doesn't rent. She's in a kind of shock state. Lexi's nudge allows her to actually enter her place. Second, I believe the next day, is a meeting with Jesse Ducane. They have a friendly little meeting. Though for the life of me I can't exactly recall what all occurred during the meeting. Just that it was as super quick as her meeting with Lexi, and that afterwards Meg feels like a loser because her second opportunity to make a friend in Bay West ended with her missing her chance.
Lexi Russo lives in the townhouse next door to Meg McTiernan, and across the street from Jesse Ducane. Two things to note immediately - Lexi has drooled, maybe literally, maybe not, over Jesse for years. She's just absolutely fascinated with her. So much so that Lexi's best friend, Sam, makes a joke at some point about how Lexi directed her career just so she could get a job at Jesse's work place. Which is the second thing to note, in a week or so, law student Lexi will be interning at Jesse's law office.
Hi, my name is Lexxi, I have a law degree. I live in New York. In the area the people in this book seem to go to for a good time, instead of staying in this magical land of lesbians, i.e., they go to Brooklyn. I say all this so I can next say that I kind of don't like Lexi. The Lexi Russo of this book. Who lives on Staten Island.
Why do I feel this way? Many reasons. I'll just note that Lexi is a sweet good natured woman who lusts over a much older woman. No, that's not my problem. My problem is the combination of that plus her kind of causally accepting the advances of a woman who lusts over her. There's this Julie, see, who is a renter (there's a section of Bay West where the 'renters' live, literally, they rent, hence 'renters'; they tend to be closer to Lexi and Sam's age, so they tend to try to wander near them to get them to notice the two of them so they can join their parties). Sam and Lexi (and Meg, she's along too), meet up with a gaggle of renters (a gaggle is a thing, right?) at a bar in Brooklyn. You live in a lesbian mecca, but you go to Brooklyn to party. hmms. By the way, I've been to every bloody borough of NY except one. Staten Island. Because it's so bloody difficult to get to and from there. You basically have to do what the people in this book do - drive. It's one thing to decide to live in the most suburban of the boroughs, but to then drive into Brooklyn? Or Manhattan? Bypassing the massive subway and bus system . . . okay, I got all annoyed there, sorry.
Obviously I got annoyed. Let me back track. Lexi is a sweet young woman of 24 (I believe) who lusts over a woman of 36 (at one point there is a comment that Lexi is 24, another that Meg is 26, another that Lexi is 12 years younger than Jesse, and yet another that Meg and Jesse are "exactly" 9 years apart; my math skills cannot make this work). While lusting over this woman, Lexi joins that woman's law firm. Just to be closer to her (you know, closer than living across the street). At the same time there's this renter named Julie who gushes to Sam about how much she just lusts over that runner (I'm wording this wrong, I'm sure, point being Julie lusts after Lexi). Lexi is happy to get into a relationship with Julie. She's kind of a bitch about it though, by accident. Because she keeps fucking up their dates. Again I'm wording this badly, because it gives the wrong impression. Julie and Lexi date for a really long time. It's not one or two failed dates messed up by Lexi getting distracted by her lust over Jesse. It's . . .. Well, let me just stop and just say that there are moments I don't really like Lexi.
Jesse Ducane is a high powered lawyer with her own law firm. She's 36 years old. She lives across the street from both Lexi and Meg. There is at least two passages where her point of view comes to the forefront in this book.
Plot
Meg moves into her very first home that she owns herself. She initially meets two women in Bay West but so briefly that she isn't able to immediately make them her friends. She then spends the next, oh, many weeks very very busy at work, so much so that her townhouse is filled with boxes. She just doesn't have the time to unpack. Meanwhile she flirts with people.
Lexi dates Julie. Works, indirectly, then directly, for Jesse. Lusts after Jesse.
Lots of action at bars. And community parties. And . . . stuff. I'm being kind of rambling because I really don't know what to put here. It's a slice of life type plot inserted into a romance novel that has more than one point of view.
Romance
I spent the majority of this book thinking two things: (1) who the bloody hell is the couple in this book; (2) please don't let it be Lexi and Meg, please don't let it be Lexi and Meg.
The romance consisted of randomish hook-ups (deeper connections than that implies, but close enough for me to use that phrase) mixed with deep layers of miscommunciations.
Overall
On one level I enjoyed reading about a lesbian community in the same city I happen to live in. On another level I was somewhat frustrated trying to figure out where the romance was that I was supposed to be on the look-out for.
Despite some of the things I say along the way, I actually did like most of the people, at least those who had enough substance for me to get a handle on them. Even Lexi is likable. Just very immature.
In the end I'd give this book a rating of, say, exactly 3.65 out of 5.0 stars.
January 19 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author.
The last review I did I said something I have to say this time as well, ironically, or not, for the opposite reason. Fair warning, but I appear to be an outlier with this book. What with how I ended up, rating wise, at least, compared to everyone else who has read this book.
Characters
There are two main points of view plus moments when a third point of view pops up sparingly every once in a while.
Meg McTiernan worked for a specific company for a number of years as an administrative assistant while attending night classes to get a college degree. She then went off and got an MBA at Wharton business school. Paid for by her company. To which she returned as a business consultant.
The book opens with her moving into a special kind of community on Staten Island, in New York. Bay West, a lesbian community. At the same time she's relatively nervous about starting her new position at her old company. Also, she just broke up with her longish term girlfriend of several years (2? 3? I know there were 2 years that involved Meg knowing Becca wasn't really into her, but I forget if there were more years before that).
She's smart, hard charging, and eager to develop new friends, and explore relationship possibilities. Her old friends, baring one who lives far away (California), were actually Becca's friends, so naturally they are no longer hers. So she needs a new group. Especially since she's found that lesbian bars/meeting places are not like the movies. Go there by yourself/single, and there isn't a woman who will instantly pounce on you. Instead, you are something of a reject.
While moving in, that day and the next that is, Meg runs into two people of the Bay West Community. First is Lexi Russo, her next door neighbor. Lexi helps Meg figure out what keys are while Meg just kind of stares at her door. It's her first new home, that she owns, doesn't rent. She's in a kind of shock state. Lexi's nudge allows her to actually enter her place. Second, I believe the next day, is a meeting with Jesse Ducane. They have a friendly little meeting. Though for the life of me I can't exactly recall what all occurred during the meeting. Just that it was as super quick as her meeting with Lexi, and that afterwards Meg feels like a loser because her second opportunity to make a friend in Bay West ended with her missing her chance.
Lexi Russo lives in the townhouse next door to Meg McTiernan, and across the street from Jesse Ducane. Two things to note immediately - Lexi has drooled, maybe literally, maybe not, over Jesse for years. She's just absolutely fascinated with her. So much so that Lexi's best friend, Sam, makes a joke at some point about how Lexi directed her career just so she could get a job at Jesse's work place. Which is the second thing to note, in a week or so, law student Lexi will be interning at Jesse's law office.
Hi, my name is Lexxi, I have a law degree. I live in New York. In the area the people in this book seem to go to for a good time, instead of staying in this magical land of lesbians, i.e., they go to Brooklyn. I say all this so I can next say that I kind of don't like Lexi. The Lexi Russo of this book. Who lives on Staten Island.
Why do I feel this way? Many reasons. I'll just note that Lexi is a sweet good natured woman who lusts over a much older woman. No, that's not my problem. My problem is the combination of that plus her kind of causally accepting the advances of a woman who lusts over her. There's this Julie, see, who is a renter (there's a section of Bay West where the 'renters' live, literally, they rent, hence 'renters'; they tend to be closer to Lexi and Sam's age, so they tend to try to wander near them to get them to notice the two of them so they can join their parties). Sam and Lexi (and Meg, she's along too), meet up with a gaggle of renters (a gaggle is a thing, right?) at a bar in Brooklyn. You live in a lesbian mecca, but you go to Brooklyn to party. hmms. By the way, I've been to every bloody borough of NY except one. Staten Island. Because it's so bloody difficult to get to and from there. You basically have to do what the people in this book do - drive. It's one thing to decide to live in the most suburban of the boroughs, but to then drive into Brooklyn? Or Manhattan? Bypassing the massive subway and bus system . . . okay, I got all annoyed there, sorry.
Obviously I got annoyed. Let me back track. Lexi is a sweet young woman of 24 (I believe) who lusts over a woman of 36 (at one point there is a comment that Lexi is 24, another that Meg is 26, another that Lexi is 12 years younger than Jesse, and yet another that Meg and Jesse are "exactly" 9 years apart; my math skills cannot make this work). While lusting over this woman, Lexi joins that woman's law firm. Just to be closer to her (you know, closer than living across the street). At the same time there's this renter named Julie who gushes to Sam about how much she just lusts over that runner (I'm wording this wrong, I'm sure, point being Julie lusts after Lexi). Lexi is happy to get into a relationship with Julie. She's kind of a bitch about it though, by accident. Because she keeps fucking up their dates. Again I'm wording this badly, because it gives the wrong impression. Julie and Lexi date for a really long time. It's not one or two failed dates messed up by Lexi getting distracted by her lust over Jesse. It's . . .. Well, let me just stop and just say that there are moments I don't really like Lexi.
Jesse Ducane is a high powered lawyer with her own law firm. She's 36 years old. She lives across the street from both Lexi and Meg. There is at least two passages where her point of view comes to the forefront in this book.
Plot
Meg moves into her very first home that she owns herself. She initially meets two women in Bay West but so briefly that she isn't able to immediately make them her friends. She then spends the next, oh, many weeks very very busy at work, so much so that her townhouse is filled with boxes. She just doesn't have the time to unpack. Meanwhile she flirts with people.
Lexi dates Julie. Works, indirectly, then directly, for Jesse. Lusts after Jesse.
Lots of action at bars. And community parties. And . . . stuff. I'm being kind of rambling because I really don't know what to put here. It's a slice of life type plot inserted into a romance novel that has more than one point of view.
Romance
I spent the majority of this book thinking two things: (1) who the bloody hell is the couple in this book; (2) please don't let it be Lexi and Meg, please don't let it be Lexi and Meg.
The romance consisted of randomish hook-ups (deeper connections than that implies, but close enough for me to use that phrase) mixed with deep layers of miscommunciations.
Overall
On one level I enjoyed reading about a lesbian community in the same city I happen to live in. On another level I was somewhat frustrated trying to figure out where the romance was that I was supposed to be on the look-out for.
Despite some of the things I say along the way, I actually did like most of the people, at least those who had enough substance for me to get a handle on them. Even Lexi is likable. Just very immature.
In the end I'd give this book a rating of, say, exactly 3.65 out of 5.0 stars.
January 19 2016
January 4, 2016
I loved this one. Couldn't put it down. It's not quite a romance, although there's definitely romance there. I think another reviewer was right when she called it lesbian chick lit.
For a first book, I was impressed. The characters were great, whether major or minor. I also liked how clearly the community was drawn and the many relationships within it.
I'll be reading this one again and I can't wait for the next book (I emailed the author to let her know how much I liked it and she said she's already working on the next one).
For a first book, I was impressed. The characters were great, whether major or minor. I also liked how clearly the community was drawn and the many relationships within it.
I'll be reading this one again and I can't wait for the next book (I emailed the author to let her know how much I liked it and she said she's already working on the next one).
January 6, 2016
I just finished Totally Worth It by Maggie Cummings. Let me say it was totally worth it (pun intended). This is a wonderful read! It was absolutely delightful and refreshing. Great book, I am absolutely astonished that this is the author's first book. Maggie Cummings, you are on my list of authors whose books are a must read from now on!
There are two main characters that this book follows. The first is Megan "Meg" McTiernan. Meg just moved in to an all female community, Bay West, after finishing her MBA. She is recently single, a little wounded, super overworked, and ready to get back in the dating pool.
The other main character is Alexis "Lexi" Russo. Lexi is Meg's new BFF and next door neighbor, who has lived in Bay West her whole life. She's finishing her third year of law school, and is actually interning at her other neighbor's law firm. This neighbor just happens to smart, sexy, young and single.
While this book is a romance, the absolute best thing is the relationship between Meg and Lexi. Their friendship is so well written, Maggie Cummings wrote their interactions like you would talk to your own bestie. You can think of a two person Sex in the City-esque friendship. Light hearted, fun and sure to put you in a good mood! Can't wait for the next one in the series. The way Maggie Cumming's writes I know it'll be fantastic.
There are two main characters that this book follows. The first is Megan "Meg" McTiernan. Meg just moved in to an all female community, Bay West, after finishing her MBA. She is recently single, a little wounded, super overworked, and ready to get back in the dating pool.
The other main character is Alexis "Lexi" Russo. Lexi is Meg's new BFF and next door neighbor, who has lived in Bay West her whole life. She's finishing her third year of law school, and is actually interning at her other neighbor's law firm. This neighbor just happens to smart, sexy, young and single.
While this book is a romance, the absolute best thing is the relationship between Meg and Lexi. Their friendship is so well written, Maggie Cummings wrote their interactions like you would talk to your own bestie. You can think of a two person Sex in the City-esque friendship. Light hearted, fun and sure to put you in a good mood! Can't wait for the next one in the series. The way Maggie Cumming's writes I know it'll be fantastic.
December 20, 2015
Great debut novel by Maggie Cummings. I don't think I would have guessed that it was her first. I enjoyed this book. From reading other reviews before I started I was afraid the lack of romance would affect how much I liked this, but it didn't.
I loved the friendship element of this book. Having recently moved country and being such a long distance from my own group of friends really made me appreciate and sympathise with Meg at the beginning of the book. It also made me become extremely jealous of the fact that she finds herself in a female led complex and becoming friends with a myriad of people.
This story has a lot of strands to it, the friendships, the life long crush, friends with benefits, being with someone who likes you more than you like them and a returning ex. I enjoyed following Meg and Lexi as the story unfolded and it was a nice read in the lead up to Christmas.
I imagine that we'll see some sort of sequel to this one and I'll definitely be reading it to see how it develops.
ARC received from NetGalley.
I loved the friendship element of this book. Having recently moved country and being such a long distance from my own group of friends really made me appreciate and sympathise with Meg at the beginning of the book. It also made me become extremely jealous of the fact that she finds herself in a female led complex and becoming friends with a myriad of people.
This story has a lot of strands to it, the friendships, the life long crush, friends with benefits, being with someone who likes you more than you like them and a returning ex. I enjoyed following Meg and Lexi as the story unfolded and it was a nice read in the lead up to Christmas.
I imagine that we'll see some sort of sequel to this one and I'll definitely be reading it to see how it develops.
ARC received from NetGalley.
October 27, 2016
Well talk about falling head over heels for book...
My Review
The novel centers on the lives of the woman living in an all-lesbian housing association called Bay West.
The main two protagonists in this book are Meg and Lexi. Meg has just moved into Bay West after an emotional break up and Bay West is just what the doctor ordered. She meets Lexi on her first day in her new home and they don’t waste time becoming friends. Lexi has lived in Bay West all her life with her lesbian mums and siblings. Together Lexi and Meg set out on an all-lesbian adventure to find love and whole lot of fun!
I am actually still coming down from the fun that is this novel. I love a good series but this is might be the start of a something truly fantastic...
So firstly I have a few questions...
Where is this lesbian community? Why didn't I know about this? And how can I convince the Bay West Board that my Wife, Son and I are destined to live there? And if this doesn't exist I'm at the front of the queue to invest!
I loved all the women in the book. This is definitely a book that screams Girl Power… Oh no! Did I just reference the Spice Girls … oh the shame!!!
Maggie Cummings has set up this first novel brilliantly. She has left the reader excited at the many romantic avenues and adventures she can take her characters on throughout the next books. I'm just glad that I am only now getting around to catching up as I've now got serious Potential (book two in the series) to start tonight before bed... and let me tell you I am extremely excited!
My favourite character was actually Jesse who wasn't really a main character but was featured well. She definitely someone I can relate to and I hope she still has an active role in the next book.
Fantastic novel and I had so much fun reading it. Great start to the Bay West Social Series!
5 Stars!
Quote of the Book:
“Look, she’s sweet and beautiful, yes.” Jesse peered into her beer hoping for one last sip. “And, well you’ve met her, she’s completely unaffected and intelligent. And adorable.” She shrugged dismissively attempting to make light of her words. Nick called her bluff. “Nice try, honey.” He spoke directly to her even as he scanned the crowd over her shoulder. “Sorry, Jess, but I’ve known you a long time. This is exactly the type of girl you try to nail all the time. Usually do, if I’m not mistaken.” “Not this girl.” She turned to see what young stud had caught his attention as she continued. “This isn’t the girl you nail. This is the girl you marry.”
My Review
The novel centers on the lives of the woman living in an all-lesbian housing association called Bay West.
The main two protagonists in this book are Meg and Lexi. Meg has just moved into Bay West after an emotional break up and Bay West is just what the doctor ordered. She meets Lexi on her first day in her new home and they don’t waste time becoming friends. Lexi has lived in Bay West all her life with her lesbian mums and siblings. Together Lexi and Meg set out on an all-lesbian adventure to find love and whole lot of fun!
I am actually still coming down from the fun that is this novel. I love a good series but this is might be the start of a something truly fantastic...
So firstly I have a few questions...
Where is this lesbian community? Why didn't I know about this? And how can I convince the Bay West Board that my Wife, Son and I are destined to live there? And if this doesn't exist I'm at the front of the queue to invest!
I loved all the women in the book. This is definitely a book that screams Girl Power… Oh no! Did I just reference the Spice Girls … oh the shame!!!
Maggie Cummings has set up this first novel brilliantly. She has left the reader excited at the many romantic avenues and adventures she can take her characters on throughout the next books. I'm just glad that I am only now getting around to catching up as I've now got serious Potential (book two in the series) to start tonight before bed... and let me tell you I am extremely excited!
My favourite character was actually Jesse who wasn't really a main character but was featured well. She definitely someone I can relate to and I hope she still has an active role in the next book.
Fantastic novel and I had so much fun reading it. Great start to the Bay West Social Series!
5 Stars!
Quote of the Book:
“Look, she’s sweet and beautiful, yes.” Jesse peered into her beer hoping for one last sip. “And, well you’ve met her, she’s completely unaffected and intelligent. And adorable.” She shrugged dismissively attempting to make light of her words. Nick called her bluff. “Nice try, honey.” He spoke directly to her even as he scanned the crowd over her shoulder. “Sorry, Jess, but I’ve known you a long time. This is exactly the type of girl you try to nail all the time. Usually do, if I’m not mistaken.” “Not this girl.” She turned to see what young stud had caught his attention as she continued. “This isn’t the girl you nail. This is the girl you marry.”
January 10, 2018
OMG...if you like women calling each other "Bro" and "Dude" this is the book for you! This book oozes testosterone. I'm so glad I borrowed this book and did not waste $10 on it.
Quite a culture shock after reading the very feminine book Turbulence by E.J. Noyes.
Quite a culture shock after reading the very feminine book Turbulence by E.J. Noyes.
December 28, 2017
This was...interesting. It's definitely different from a lot of other books in this genre in that there were a lot of characters and a lot of different romantic connections between them. While that's actually probably more true to life than most lesbian romance novels, it felt a bit disconcerting to read at times because you're not quite sure who you're supposed to be rooting for. Also, reading about a bunch of 20 something women hopping into and out of relationships just made me personally feel a bit...old. But all in all, I enjoyed reading it and will definitely continue the series. Just with a different perspective on what the experience will be.
November 14, 2015
I LOVED this book, and it's definitely five solid stars for what it is: Lesbian Chick-Lit.
I wouldn't call this one a Lesbian Romance, because the book focuses on all sorts of relationships equally: friendships, loves, exes, coworkers, clients and family. The book does not revolve around any one romance, it's much more about a circle of friends who get to live in this (mythical) lesbian community which I'm not sure would be a good or bad place to live.
Let's start with Bay West, the housing community where you have to be a lesbian to get in. Of course there are hook-ups there, and relationships, and then ex-relationships, and long standing family feuds because of past relationships... do you really want to live where several of your exes and future exes are also likely to live? As idyllic as it initially sounded, I'm not sure it's a great idea.
But whatever, it's still a great set-up for a story, and now that I'm finished I see it may be the start of a series based around Bay West. Please let it be so!! This is Maggie Cummings' first book and I want there to be more! As much as I loved the book, I kept putting it down trying to make it last, because these women had become my friends and I didn't want it to be over.
It's not literature, but neither is it fluff. None of the relationships shown are easy, and none are needlessly complicated. They are just real. Friend problems, work problems, family problems, it's all fairly realistic and familiar and you will see yourself in several of the characters at different times. There is even a legal mystery thrown in that isn't a big part of the story but is told really well and elevated the book to a higher level. I hope Cummings decides to include more of these storylines, I was completely hooked on this one though it didn't go far.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy, and I will remain on the lookout for future books by this author.
Edited to add: I hate the cover. The cover does not portray what the book is. I know it's probably too late, but I hope they change that cover.
I wouldn't call this one a Lesbian Romance, because the book focuses on all sorts of relationships equally: friendships, loves, exes, coworkers, clients and family. The book does not revolve around any one romance, it's much more about a circle of friends who get to live in this (mythical) lesbian community which I'm not sure would be a good or bad place to live.
Let's start with Bay West, the housing community where you have to be a lesbian to get in. Of course there are hook-ups there, and relationships, and then ex-relationships, and long standing family feuds because of past relationships... do you really want to live where several of your exes and future exes are also likely to live? As idyllic as it initially sounded, I'm not sure it's a great idea.
But whatever, it's still a great set-up for a story, and now that I'm finished I see it may be the start of a series based around Bay West. Please let it be so!! This is Maggie Cummings' first book and I want there to be more! As much as I loved the book, I kept putting it down trying to make it last, because these women had become my friends and I didn't want it to be over.
It's not literature, but neither is it fluff. None of the relationships shown are easy, and none are needlessly complicated. They are just real. Friend problems, work problems, family problems, it's all fairly realistic and familiar and you will see yourself in several of the characters at different times. There is even a legal mystery thrown in that isn't a big part of the story but is told really well and elevated the book to a higher level. I hope Cummings decides to include more of these storylines, I was completely hooked on this one though it didn't go far.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy, and I will remain on the lookout for future books by this author.
Edited to add: I hate the cover. The cover does not portray what the book is. I know it's probably too late, but I hope they change that cover.
January 23, 2017
I listened to the audible version of this book. I also read these out of sequence...not realizing it was a series. They can easily be read as stand alone books. I enjoyed this. It's a nice story with well-developed characters.
March 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I picked of the series on sale. The reviews were pretty much spot on. Can wait to read the next two. 4 stars
December 2, 2015
Detailed score: 3.5
It took me a while to decide if I was going to round this one up or down but, ultimately, went for the round up as I gave bonus encouragement points. The world Cummings has created in the Bay West community is just ripe for rich friendships, romances, and favourite couple cameos to last a long time. The Bay West community and the plethora of lesbian bars and meet up points surrounding it was a little too good to be true - and I imagine the lack of realism in this regard will irritate some. But, ultimately, because it created a world where, I can see, characters will gain depth because we get to know them over several books, means I can forgive a little creative licence.
As others have said, while there is romance in Totally Worth It, it's not the focus of the book. I'm sure others will disagree but, for me, I actually would have liked the main romance to get a little more attention - I wasn't as invested in it as I would have liked to be. In fact, this is probably my main criticism of the book -- there are just a few key scenes that I thought needed a little time / attention / detail / depth . Having said that, I feel like I've seen similar first novel rookie 'errors' (for want of a better word) and feel very confident that future novels (which I really hope come sooner rather than later!) will be much improved in this regard. Gut feel.
On the flip side, it was a really nice change to read a book about engaging characters living their lives - and being quite happy in that process. A far cry from the 'there was always something missing and then I saw [love interest]' plot throughout many lesroms. I liked that Meg worked hard at her job - because she's a smart, hard working woman and her career was important to her - rather than to distract her from the lack of love in her life (which there isn't).
Overall, even though it's a bit clunky in parts, I really enjoyed my introduction to the Bay West community and I can't wait to see where the author takes Meg, Lexi and the other Bay Westers next. An engaging debut.
It took me a while to decide if I was going to round this one up or down but, ultimately, went for the round up as I gave bonus encouragement points. The world Cummings has created in the Bay West community is just ripe for rich friendships, romances, and favourite couple cameos to last a long time. The Bay West community and the plethora of lesbian bars and meet up points surrounding it was a little too good to be true - and I imagine the lack of realism in this regard will irritate some. But, ultimately, because it created a world where, I can see, characters will gain depth because we get to know them over several books, means I can forgive a little creative licence.
As others have said, while there is romance in Totally Worth It, it's not the focus of the book. I'm sure others will disagree but, for me, I actually would have liked the main romance to get a little more attention - I wasn't as invested in it as I would have liked to be. In fact, this is probably my main criticism of the book -- there are just a few key scenes that I thought needed a little time / attention / detail / depth . Having said that, I feel like I've seen similar first novel rookie 'errors' (for want of a better word) and feel very confident that future novels (which I really hope come sooner rather than later!) will be much improved in this regard. Gut feel.
On the flip side, it was a really nice change to read a book about engaging characters living their lives - and being quite happy in that process. A far cry from the 'there was always something missing and then I saw [love interest]' plot throughout many lesroms. I liked that Meg worked hard at her job - because she's a smart, hard working woman and her career was important to her - rather than to distract her from the lack of love in her life (which there isn't).
Overall, even though it's a bit clunky in parts, I really enjoyed my introduction to the Bay West community and I can't wait to see where the author takes Meg, Lexi and the other Bay Westers next. An engaging debut.
September 9, 2016
Apparently the first one in a series, this novel is not your typical romance with the typical formula. There are many different characters, most of which seemed interesting to me. It's funny, it's warm, the characters are great and there is real chemistry between them. The sweetness of the story reminded me authors like Georgia Beers and Melissa Brayden.
This is a great debut novel. I hope the author publishes the next one in the series soon.
This is a great debut novel. I hope the author publishes the next one in the series soon.
July 20, 2016
I really enjoyed Lexi and Jesse in this book. I thought they were a very cute couple and they dealt with the pressure well at the end, considering the past that had been following them during the whole relationship time...
I'm eagerly expecting Bay West Social #2 to see what happens with Meg, but I have to say - it'll be tough to surpass the chemistry built between Jesse and Lexi.
I'm eagerly expecting Bay West Social #2 to see what happens with Meg, but I have to say - it'll be tough to surpass the chemistry built between Jesse and Lexi.
December 11, 2015
Also posted on my blog here.
I was hooked on Maggie Cummings’ Totally Worth It from the synopsis, the novel promising a lesbian housing community where “new friends Meg and Lexi navigate romances, fun flirtations, juicy gossip, tons of drama, and maybe just the right amount of true love.” I was sold, wanting to know more about this community and everything that came with it.
Truthfully, it’s been a while since I’ve polished off a book in just a handful of hours, especially with plenty of responsibilities keeping my busy, but Cummings’ debut novel kept me intrigued and eager to read more about the adventures of Lexi and Meg. Ones of its biggest selling points to me as a reader was the fact that the main characters were actually my age. Most books I encounter feature protagonists that are either teenagers or women in their thirties or forties. That’s totally fine with me and I typically enjoy those books as well, but it was still really nice reading about people going through the same transitory period in their lives that I, and many other twenty-somethings, also are.
While the book is classified as a lesbian romance, it read very differently to me than some of the others I’ve read. Romance wasn’t necessarily the main focus of the book. Yes, romantic love was there, along with pouting ex-girlfriends, crushes, and a friends with benefits situation, but it wasn’t the end all, be all like in many more traditional romance books. Much of book focused on the friendships between Meg and Lexi and them and the other interesting players in the story. This reminded me of why I love Melissa Brayden’s Soho Loft series so much.
Familial love played a decent part in it as well, along with Lexi and Meg’s careers, and different problems people experience in daily life. Meg’s awkwardness and self-doubt made her very relatable to me, and Lexi’s problems with her parents were very sincere. The characters were flawed, and I think that I was their very real flaws that made me root for them.
The ending wasn’t tied up neatly like some books in the genre, and I liked it. Not everyone got their happy ending after finally getting with the woman of their dreams. It was optimistic.
By the end of the book, I was a little jealous that I didn’t live in Bay West like the characters. Needless to say, I was pretty pleased when I found out that this was going to be a series because Bay West has so much potential given the setting and the diverse cast of characters already in play. After a very solid first novel, I can’t wait to see where Cummings takes us next.
I received a copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked on Maggie Cummings’ Totally Worth It from the synopsis, the novel promising a lesbian housing community where “new friends Meg and Lexi navigate romances, fun flirtations, juicy gossip, tons of drama, and maybe just the right amount of true love.” I was sold, wanting to know more about this community and everything that came with it.
Truthfully, it’s been a while since I’ve polished off a book in just a handful of hours, especially with plenty of responsibilities keeping my busy, but Cummings’ debut novel kept me intrigued and eager to read more about the adventures of Lexi and Meg. Ones of its biggest selling points to me as a reader was the fact that the main characters were actually my age. Most books I encounter feature protagonists that are either teenagers or women in their thirties or forties. That’s totally fine with me and I typically enjoy those books as well, but it was still really nice reading about people going through the same transitory period in their lives that I, and many other twenty-somethings, also are.
While the book is classified as a lesbian romance, it read very differently to me than some of the others I’ve read. Romance wasn’t necessarily the main focus of the book. Yes, romantic love was there, along with pouting ex-girlfriends, crushes, and a friends with benefits situation, but it wasn’t the end all, be all like in many more traditional romance books. Much of book focused on the friendships between Meg and Lexi and them and the other interesting players in the story. This reminded me of why I love Melissa Brayden’s Soho Loft series so much.
Familial love played a decent part in it as well, along with Lexi and Meg’s careers, and different problems people experience in daily life. Meg’s awkwardness and self-doubt made her very relatable to me, and Lexi’s problems with her parents were very sincere. The characters were flawed, and I think that I was their very real flaws that made me root for them.
The ending wasn’t tied up neatly like some books in the genre, and I liked it. Not everyone got their happy ending after finally getting with the woman of their dreams. It was optimistic.
By the end of the book, I was a little jealous that I didn’t live in Bay West like the characters. Needless to say, I was pretty pleased when I found out that this was going to be a series because Bay West has so much potential given the setting and the diverse cast of characters already in play. After a very solid first novel, I can’t wait to see where Cummings takes us next.
I received a copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2015
Meg McTiernan is a Staten Island native. Persuaded to buy a house in the lesbian mecca of Bay West, Meg is quietly inducted into the neighbourhood lesbian networks. Work is a priority, and Meg is bouncing from NYC to London while she builds her experience and reputation at work. Anchoring her to the neighbourhood is Lexi Russo, a law student who lives next door.
Cummings builds two wonderful characters and through them we get to see the Bay West community and all that offers two single, mid-twenties lesbians. We follow Meg and Lexi through their various entanglements, and watch them grow in their work and their play.
This book is focused on the two women who are friends, and as such works a little differently to most romances. Cummings has created such good characters that I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both of them, even though they feel like they are at quite different stages in their lives. There is enough detail in the conversations and the other characters to give the main characters depth, without bogging the story down with unnecessary detail.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to others by Cummings.
Cummings builds two wonderful characters and through them we get to see the Bay West community and all that offers two single, mid-twenties lesbians. We follow Meg and Lexi through their various entanglements, and watch them grow in their work and their play.
This book is focused on the two women who are friends, and as such works a little differently to most romances. Cummings has created such good characters that I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both of them, even though they feel like they are at quite different stages in their lives. There is enough detail in the conversations and the other characters to give the main characters depth, without bogging the story down with unnecessary detail.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to others by Cummings.
December 15, 2016
Oh what a fun community! And what fun characters! What a fun read! I raced through this lovely novel, well written and very entertaining.
Following a break up and a job change, Meg moves into an all lesbian housing community. She makes fast friends with her neighbours, there are social events galore and bad-girl Mia has her sights set on her. Her new life is busy and fun and we're along for the ride.
Lexie, a law student, gets a coveted internship at a law firm where her neighbour Jesse and looooong time crush is a partner. They find themselves working on a case together and things heat up between them.
This was a bit of a different read in the sense that, instead of having two main characters in a relationship with each other, we have two main characters who are close friends but each have their own love lives. Sometimes it meant that I wanted to know more about one story or the other, more details or more emotions. I'm greedy, what can I say! Thankfully, there is a second book in the series and I can't wait to read it!
Following a break up and a job change, Meg moves into an all lesbian housing community. She makes fast friends with her neighbours, there are social events galore and bad-girl Mia has her sights set on her. Her new life is busy and fun and we're along for the ride.
Lexie, a law student, gets a coveted internship at a law firm where her neighbour Jesse and looooong time crush is a partner. They find themselves working on a case together and things heat up between them.
This was a bit of a different read in the sense that, instead of having two main characters in a relationship with each other, we have two main characters who are close friends but each have their own love lives. Sometimes it meant that I wanted to know more about one story or the other, more details or more emotions. I'm greedy, what can I say! Thankfully, there is a second book in the series and I can't wait to read it!
December 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! The characters and storyline pulled me into the story so much I had to keep reminding myself where I was in the real world.
In this book there are a few storylines that you are following which I think helps the pace of the book move quickly. The downside to this is that you are only able to graze the surface of each storyline. And as a person who loves romance novels this is where I felt the book was lacking. I loved the characters and storyline of the romance in this book but I did find I wanted more and had a lot of questions, especially once they were together. I hope we get more detail in the next book.
The characters stayed with me well past the end of finishing the book where I found it difficult to move on. I think that is the most telling sign of a good book! I can’t wait for the next book!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
In this book there are a few storylines that you are following which I think helps the pace of the book move quickly. The downside to this is that you are only able to graze the surface of each storyline. And as a person who loves romance novels this is where I felt the book was lacking. I loved the characters and storyline of the romance in this book but I did find I wanted more and had a lot of questions, especially once they were together. I hope we get more detail in the next book.
The characters stayed with me well past the end of finishing the book where I found it difficult to move on. I think that is the most telling sign of a good book! I can’t wait for the next book!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
January 25, 2016
3.5 stars
I really liked the premise of the book. But given that, I think it should have been a lot better in terms of the story. The beginning til the middle was fun and exciting and the characters were really easy to love. But the plot started downhill towards the end. I have pictured a number of different scenarios the plot could have headed to.. But no. Anyway, that's just my opinion. The latter part and ending could be totally good in another persons's opinion.
I really liked the premise of the book. But given that, I think it should have been a lot better in terms of the story. The beginning til the middle was fun and exciting and the characters were really easy to love. But the plot started downhill towards the end. I have pictured a number of different scenarios the plot could have headed to.. But no. Anyway, that's just my opinion. The latter part and ending could be totally good in another persons's opinion.
May 14, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Nice cast of characters and plenty of time spent introducing you to the people and area. God it would be fantastic to live in this area. Still can you imagine the drama!
Well, that's what you get with this book. Nice touches, reasonable romance but for me it was slightly lacking in narrative drive and the plot arcs didn't seem to gel.
Still, I will read the next in the series.
Nice cast of characters and plenty of time spent introducing you to the people and area. God it would be fantastic to live in this area. Still can you imagine the drama!
Well, that's what you get with this book. Nice touches, reasonable romance but for me it was slightly lacking in narrative drive and the plot arcs didn't seem to gel.
Still, I will read the next in the series.
March 4, 2016
Great first book... Looks like it's going to be a series. The ladies of bay west are a very interesting group! Hope we get more of Meg's story in the next book. I really liked the characters, Alexis and Jesse want to get more of their story too. Also hope to learn about the two Moms find out their story. So many things to follow up on, glad this will be a series.
August 25, 2016
Really enjoyed this book! The author found a super fun way for readers to get to know, experience and have brief affairs with a lot of different women without getting an STD or a bad rep on a bathroom wall. Highly recommend it! #bringonSasha :)
February 18, 2016
Totally worth the read!!! A fun start to what I hope will be a cool series. Could make for a great movie or tv show.
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