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Chasing a Brighter Blue
A Christmas wedding in Colorado? A two-week celebration for family and friends? Who does that?
Photojournalist Reagan Bryant is haunted by the tragedy that ended her last assignment in Afghanistan. She’s searching for some peace, something to end her guilt and chase away her trauma. Two weeks at a resort hotel, owned by her future sister-in-law’s father, seems like the perfect antidote for her blue mood.
Shelby Sutton doesn’t trust women. Her father’s money seems more on their minds than she ever is. But at her sister’s request she vows to make friends with the withdrawn Reagan, a woman whose sad and haunted eyes intrigue her. Can she help Reagan heal and ease her pain…perhaps chase away the blue?
Photojournalist Reagan Bryant is haunted by the tragedy that ended her last assignment in Afghanistan. She’s searching for some peace, something to end her guilt and chase away her trauma. Two weeks at a resort hotel, owned by her future sister-in-law’s father, seems like the perfect antidote for her blue mood.
Shelby Sutton doesn’t trust women. Her father’s money seems more on their minds than she ever is. But at her sister’s request she vows to make friends with the withdrawn Reagan, a woman whose sad and haunted eyes intrigue her. Can she help Reagan heal and ease her pain…perhaps chase away the blue?
233 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2015
44 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,539 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 11, 2019
That was a sweet refreshing read. Sometimes you just have to read the pros to remember why you love Lesfic romances.
December 28, 2020
I've listened to this audiobook as part of my 12 Lesbian Audiobooks of Christmas Challenge
I normally don’t comment on book covers but I have to say that this one, in my opinion, doesn’t convey the real tone of this book. It is true that there is a Christmas theme, and there are a couple of scenes with elks, but the design suggests a lightness that the written text lacks. I suggest reading the blurb instead which provides a proper idea of what to expect.
Photojournalist Reagan Bryant is back from Afghanistan with memories of a traumatic event that hunts her. To help her lighten her somber mood, she decides to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, a two-week-long affair. Shelby Sutton is the bride’s sister, an heiress to a hotel empire, who thinks most women are looking after her money. When Shelby’s sister asks her to bond with Reagan in order to cheer her up, she wasn’t expecting to become attracted to her. As both women get to know each other better, there is an undeniable attraction, but do they have any future together beyond that Christmas?
I read this book a couple of years ago and since then it’s part of my Christmas favourite books. ‘Chasing a brighter blue’ summarises the strongest points in Ms. Hill’s writing: intense emotions, hot chemistry, powerful romance and love of nature. Both main characters are beautifully written and very relatable. The reader can emphasise with both of them, especially Reagan, who’s such a wounded but caring soul affected by a tragic war incident. I liked that Ms. Hill did not try to simplify her PTSD for the sake of romance. The novel finds the perfect balance between struggle and hope.
This book was narrated by Nicol Zanzarella whose voice is husky and expressive. The narrator adds another layer of storytelling with her unhurried pace; thanks to her pauses and inflections, Ms. Zanzarella creates an oral subtext that allows the listener to enjoy every sentence. Her performance of the different voices is all I expect from a narrator, with distinctive characters whose voices are a reflection of their personalities, age, and gender. This book has some very emotional moments and Ms. Zanzarella interprets them outstandingly, it really brings the story to life. Highly recommended if you are looking for a Christmas romance with some substance. Unfortunately, it’s not available in either Audible Escape or Scribd but it’s worth the price. Duration: 7 hours, 38 min.
Overall, an excellent lesbian Christmas romance audiobook. 5 stars for both the story and the narration.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
I normally don’t comment on book covers but I have to say that this one, in my opinion, doesn’t convey the real tone of this book. It is true that there is a Christmas theme, and there are a couple of scenes with elks, but the design suggests a lightness that the written text lacks. I suggest reading the blurb instead which provides a proper idea of what to expect.
Photojournalist Reagan Bryant is back from Afghanistan with memories of a traumatic event that hunts her. To help her lighten her somber mood, she decides to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, a two-week-long affair. Shelby Sutton is the bride’s sister, an heiress to a hotel empire, who thinks most women are looking after her money. When Shelby’s sister asks her to bond with Reagan in order to cheer her up, she wasn’t expecting to become attracted to her. As both women get to know each other better, there is an undeniable attraction, but do they have any future together beyond that Christmas?
I read this book a couple of years ago and since then it’s part of my Christmas favourite books. ‘Chasing a brighter blue’ summarises the strongest points in Ms. Hill’s writing: intense emotions, hot chemistry, powerful romance and love of nature. Both main characters are beautifully written and very relatable. The reader can emphasise with both of them, especially Reagan, who’s such a wounded but caring soul affected by a tragic war incident. I liked that Ms. Hill did not try to simplify her PTSD for the sake of romance. The novel finds the perfect balance between struggle and hope.
This book was narrated by Nicol Zanzarella whose voice is husky and expressive. The narrator adds another layer of storytelling with her unhurried pace; thanks to her pauses and inflections, Ms. Zanzarella creates an oral subtext that allows the listener to enjoy every sentence. Her performance of the different voices is all I expect from a narrator, with distinctive characters whose voices are a reflection of their personalities, age, and gender. This book has some very emotional moments and Ms. Zanzarella interprets them outstandingly, it really brings the story to life. Highly recommended if you are looking for a Christmas romance with some substance. Unfortunately, it’s not available in either Audible Escape or Scribd but it’s worth the price. Duration: 7 hours, 38 min.
Overall, an excellent lesbian Christmas romance audiobook. 5 stars for both the story and the narration.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
June 13, 2021
I struggled with this. Shelby and Reagan are good characters and I was very interested in them as people and their connection and relationship - but it was marred by the side-characters and stupidity of the sisters wedding storyline, and the wedding party antics.
Shelby's family comes off as high-falutin rich jokers, as does a lot of the side cast. Like 'best man' Dougie who was a brown-nosed creep who wouldn't believe Shelby was gay and kept trying to go after her. (Her own mother was encouraging this, and her sister never corrects him and thinks it's amusing?) Shelby's sister, Stephanie who is getting married literally just sits pretty in her designer clothes getting a paycheck for doing nothing except going along with her mothers antics to impress and be a high-class hob-nob. Never stands up for herself or Shelby. The whole thing just made me uncomfortable. I questioned over and over again why Reagan's brother, Josh, would even want to marry Shelby's sister, Stephanie. Or be besties with a creeper like Doug. It was so effing weird.
I did find their first meeting to be far too forward for my tastes and completely unlike her overall personality, so it made me wonder WTF the point of it was?
I did enjoy their connection, but I think my overall enjoyment was ruined by the more annoying aspects, so it wasn't a favourite.
November 28, 2016
I am beginning to think that I just shouldn't read Gerri Hill's books.
The thing is, I want to like them. I live in Colorado and love the state, and so to see lesbian fiction that is set in Colorado (and is also believable, as in the author obviously has spent serious time here) should be the bee's knees for me. And yet I have yet to read a Gerri Hill book that I actually enjoyed. Granted, I've only read three (this one, plus Storms and Snow Falls), but I haven't liked any of them at all.
I guess this book might be perfect if you're looking for a tropey-as-hell, generic romance with some homophobia, consent issues, and blase treatment of PTSD thrown in for good measure. There is absolutely no diversity to be found in this book - everyone is lily white, and nearly everyone is at least non-struggling middle class. Why is it that so many lesbian romances lack diversity? I suppose one could argue that by being a lesbian romance, it's automatically diverse, but this is a niche publisher. Your book is expected to be a lesbian (or queer) romance when it's published by Bella Books. And the world is full of amazing lesbians of all colors, ethnicities, races, social classes, etc. Why can't our romance books reflect that?
Anyway, I digress.
I have a real problem with how Shelby is treated by her mother, sister, and general family. Even Shelby's sister, Stephanie, who is more "accepting" of Shelby's orientation makes comments about how Reagan looks "manly." And not only does no one help Shelby when a very overzealous best man, Doug, tries to hit on her at all times, but they find it amusing - even though he's trying to grope her and tells her quite bluntly that he will kiss her if they land under mistletoe no matter what she wants. Consent issues much? He spends much of the book dogging her, and not even Shelby really tells him to take a hike - she just rolls her eyes and goes with the flow. And Shelby's mother actually encourages Doug to act this way towards Shelby. He resembles a creepy stalker more than someone who is an okay, yet very persistent, guy. Gross. I kept waiting for someone to tell him that he was being rude and obnoxious, but no one ever did. Even when Shelby was telling him that she was indeed gay, she kind of laughed it off. The whole thing felt weird and gross to me.
Also, of course Hill had to throw in a "family member slept with another family member's girlfriend in high school" thing, because that seems to be par for the course for her books, at least the ones I have read. Super gross. I don't care if you're a lesbian and you "seduced" a family member's girlfriend - have some freaking boundaries, people. It's not healthy to go around sleeping with people who are dating people in your family! And that happened in Storms and Snow Falls too! What is it about this author and that trope?
Also, Reagan's PTSD was treated very poorly, in my view. Although she wasn't "healed" of it completely after twelve days, just talking to Shelby magically made most things all better for her in a matter of days. And I was so fucking sick reading about Reagan's tragic, haunted eyes - which magically got better, too, after a few talk sessions and a roll in the hay.
This is the third book that I've read by Gerri Hill, and I am not sure that I will read another by her, which is a shame, since some of her books do sound really interesting (including this one), but I just end up getting angry after reading them.
The thing is, I want to like them. I live in Colorado and love the state, and so to see lesbian fiction that is set in Colorado (and is also believable, as in the author obviously has spent serious time here) should be the bee's knees for me. And yet I have yet to read a Gerri Hill book that I actually enjoyed. Granted, I've only read three (this one, plus Storms and Snow Falls), but I haven't liked any of them at all.
I guess this book might be perfect if you're looking for a tropey-as-hell, generic romance with some homophobia, consent issues, and blase treatment of PTSD thrown in for good measure. There is absolutely no diversity to be found in this book - everyone is lily white, and nearly everyone is at least non-struggling middle class. Why is it that so many lesbian romances lack diversity? I suppose one could argue that by being a lesbian romance, it's automatically diverse, but this is a niche publisher. Your book is expected to be a lesbian (or queer) romance when it's published by Bella Books. And the world is full of amazing lesbians of all colors, ethnicities, races, social classes, etc. Why can't our romance books reflect that?
Anyway, I digress.
I have a real problem with how Shelby is treated by her mother, sister, and general family. Even Shelby's sister, Stephanie, who is more "accepting" of Shelby's orientation makes comments about how Reagan looks "manly." And not only does no one help Shelby when a very overzealous best man, Doug, tries to hit on her at all times, but they find it amusing - even though he's trying to grope her and tells her quite bluntly that he will kiss her if they land under mistletoe no matter what she wants. Consent issues much? He spends much of the book dogging her, and not even Shelby really tells him to take a hike - she just rolls her eyes and goes with the flow. And Shelby's mother actually encourages Doug to act this way towards Shelby. He resembles a creepy stalker more than someone who is an okay, yet very persistent, guy. Gross. I kept waiting for someone to tell him that he was being rude and obnoxious, but no one ever did. Even when Shelby was telling him that she was indeed gay, she kind of laughed it off. The whole thing felt weird and gross to me.
Also, of course Hill had to throw in a "family member slept with another family member's girlfriend in high school" thing, because that seems to be par for the course for her books, at least the ones I have read. Super gross. I don't care if you're a lesbian and you "seduced" a family member's girlfriend - have some freaking boundaries, people. It's not healthy to go around sleeping with people who are dating people in your family! And that happened in Storms and Snow Falls too! What is it about this author and that trope?
Also, Reagan's PTSD was treated very poorly, in my view. Although she wasn't "healed" of it completely after twelve days, just talking to Shelby magically made most things all better for her in a matter of days. And I was so fucking sick reading about Reagan's tragic, haunted eyes - which magically got better, too, after a few talk sessions and a roll in the hay.
This is the third book that I've read by Gerri Hill, and I am not sure that I will read another by her, which is a shame, since some of her books do sound really interesting (including this one), but I just end up getting angry after reading them.
May 9, 2023
5 stars
I'm pretty sure I've written this review before, but it apparently got swallowed by the depths of internet. So here we go again.
I had fun with this book. I liked both the MCs and the general setup of the story. Can't say it was very deep or whatever but I had fun.
Granted, some of the side characters were annoying as hell, but considering they were purposeful caricatures used for comedy effect I haven't had issues with it.
I'm pretty sure I've written this review before, but it apparently got swallowed by the depths of internet. So here we go again.
I had fun with this book. I liked both the MCs and the general setup of the story. Can't say it was very deep or whatever but I had fun.
Granted, some of the side characters were annoying as hell, but considering they were purposeful caricatures used for comedy effect I haven't had issues with it.
December 28, 2016
Before I start this review I just want to say that Gerri Hill is one of my favourite Lesbian Fiction Authors. There hasn’t been a book I’ve read as of yet that hasn’t left me wanting more from this author. I fell onto this book purely by chance, I had just finished Love Waits and wanted more from Gerri Hill… who knew I would love this just as much.
The book is based around a family wedding taking place in a resort in Colorado over the Christmas period. Reagan is home from Afghanistan where she was working as a photojournalist and is in Colorado to attend her brothers wedding. She didn’t realise that on the first night at the resort, when flirting with a woman at the bar that 1. her family own the resort she’s staying at and 2. she’s the sister of the woman her brother is about to marry. Shelby is wary of women especially ones that she’s been set up with, as she’s always worrying that they are interested in her money more than in her. When Reagan propositions Shelby when they first meet, Shelby wants to throw caution to the wind and say yes… but why is this woman any different.
I absolutely fell in love with this story, especially the characters. Normally I prefer one protagonist to the other but in this book I was drawn to both womens personalities and knew from the beginning that there had to be a happy ever after… there just had to be.
Reagan’s confidence when she first approaches Shelby in the hotel bar is incredibly sexy, that is, until she realises who Shelby is. At that moment I realised this was definitely going to be a book for me and by the way, that little scene was in chapter one.
But its Gerri Hill, of course she’s going to blow me away. It was probably one of my favourite scenes in the whole book.
Gerri hill has a way to make sex scenes more intimate and full of hope and love. When Shelby and Regan are intimate for the first time they don’t have sex, they make love… it’s almost to difficult to explain… so maybe just read it? You won’t be sorry!
This book is oozing with Christmas fun and ultimately true love… Its truely worth a read especially at this time of year.
5 stars.
The book is based around a family wedding taking place in a resort in Colorado over the Christmas period. Reagan is home from Afghanistan where she was working as a photojournalist and is in Colorado to attend her brothers wedding. She didn’t realise that on the first night at the resort, when flirting with a woman at the bar that 1. her family own the resort she’s staying at and 2. she’s the sister of the woman her brother is about to marry. Shelby is wary of women especially ones that she’s been set up with, as she’s always worrying that they are interested in her money more than in her. When Reagan propositions Shelby when they first meet, Shelby wants to throw caution to the wind and say yes… but why is this woman any different.
I absolutely fell in love with this story, especially the characters. Normally I prefer one protagonist to the other but in this book I was drawn to both womens personalities and knew from the beginning that there had to be a happy ever after… there just had to be.
Reagan’s confidence when she first approaches Shelby in the hotel bar is incredibly sexy, that is, until she realises who Shelby is. At that moment I realised this was definitely going to be a book for me and by the way, that little scene was in chapter one.
But its Gerri Hill, of course she’s going to blow me away. It was probably one of my favourite scenes in the whole book.
Gerri hill has a way to make sex scenes more intimate and full of hope and love. When Shelby and Regan are intimate for the first time they don’t have sex, they make love… it’s almost to difficult to explain… so maybe just read it? You won’t be sorry!
This book is oozing with Christmas fun and ultimately true love… Its truely worth a read especially at this time of year.
5 stars.
February 26, 2018
This was so much better than I expected from book with an elk on the cover. Shelby's sister, Stephanie, is getting married on Christmas day at one of the family's three hotels. While having a drink at the bar Shelby is hit on by a woman with sad, haunted eyes only to discover that she is Stephanie's fiance's sister, Reagan.
In the two weeks leading up to the wedding Shelby and Reagan find themselves on hop from Shelby's mother who is a wedding nazi and lesbian-daughter-denialist. It's a sweet and gentle love story with lots of interesting characters and quite a few funny moments.
In the two weeks leading up to the wedding Shelby and Reagan find themselves on hop from Shelby's mother who is a wedding nazi and lesbian-daughter-denialist. It's a sweet and gentle love story with lots of interesting characters and quite a few funny moments.
December 2, 2017
On the whole, this is a sweet story about two people learning to trust. This is not a new theme but actually a very common one. What else do we have? There is the scarred woman, carrying guilt and trauma plus there is the rich girl who thinks everybody is just after her money. The setting is a very elaborate, almost hyperbolic wedding of about two weeks on Christmas of all things.
I liked both characters alright. I liked their chemistry and I liked the narrator. However, and you might already guess it, I just liked it. I didn't really connect to either of the characters. It was good entertainment but no more.
I liked both characters alright. I liked their chemistry and I liked the narrator. However, and you might already guess it, I just liked it. I didn't really connect to either of the characters. It was good entertainment but no more.
December 21, 2021
I remember the days when I found a book & couldn't put it down... & suddenly they are upon me again. Gerri Hill is the master - she is so good I could weep... what do you mean?? I do weep. A Class act. Loved it 2nd time round - whoever voted this the number 1 Christmas book, thank you.
December 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
I liked this one well enough but I had some issues with it too. I liked the main characters, Reagan and Shelby. I liked their story. My issues were with the secondary characters with the exception of maybe two. They were all over the top ridiculous and just not great people. Shelby’s mother was an awful homophobic socialite who kept trying to push another secondary character onto her daughter with the excuse she just hadn’t met the right man yet. My main issue is that’s fine once or twice, but it kept happening and drove me nuts after a while. And the man, the douche that he was, couldn’t believe such an attractive woman could be gay and kept pursuing her even after being told she was a lesbian and not interested. It all just made me roll my eyes.
This wasn’t a lighthearted Christmas read. Christmas doesn’t really have much to do with it, which I really didn’t mind. Shelby’s sister and Reagan’s brother are getting married on Christmas and they all gather for two weeks leading up to the wedding at Shelby’s family hotel. Shelby and Reagan were great. Reagan is going through some things because of her job as a photojournalist. Shelby is busy living her life, not really interested in a relationship. They like each other and are attracted to each other pretty much from their initial meeting. They form a friendship and I really enjoyed their time together. I liked them both as people and their relationship together. Shelby really brought out Reagan’s lightness and got her to open up and talk about her issues.
I would recommend this as it’s a very well written romance. Just know going in that there are terrible secondary characters that could take out some of the enjoyment depending on your level of patience lol.
I liked this one well enough but I had some issues with it too. I liked the main characters, Reagan and Shelby. I liked their story. My issues were with the secondary characters with the exception of maybe two. They were all over the top ridiculous and just not great people. Shelby’s mother was an awful homophobic socialite who kept trying to push another secondary character onto her daughter with the excuse she just hadn’t met the right man yet. My main issue is that’s fine once or twice, but it kept happening and drove me nuts after a while. And the man, the douche that he was, couldn’t believe such an attractive woman could be gay and kept pursuing her even after being told she was a lesbian and not interested. It all just made me roll my eyes.
This wasn’t a lighthearted Christmas read. Christmas doesn’t really have much to do with it, which I really didn’t mind. Shelby’s sister and Reagan’s brother are getting married on Christmas and they all gather for two weeks leading up to the wedding at Shelby’s family hotel. Shelby and Reagan were great. Reagan is going through some things because of her job as a photojournalist. Shelby is busy living her life, not really interested in a relationship. They like each other and are attracted to each other pretty much from their initial meeting. They form a friendship and I really enjoyed their time together. I liked them both as people and their relationship together. Shelby really brought out Reagan’s lightness and got her to open up and talk about her issues.
I would recommend this as it’s a very well written romance. Just know going in that there are terrible secondary characters that could take out some of the enjoyment depending on your level of patience lol.
November 6, 2017
I have almost forgotten that Gerri Hill’s books are pretty clean cut and a delight to read.
December 20, 2019
If you are looking for a wonderful holiday romance audio book written by an exceptionally talented author, look no further than Chasing a Brighter Blue by Gerri Hill and narrated by Nicol Zanzarella.
The story takes place at a resort in Colorado two weeks before Christmas. Reagan Bryant’s brother and Shelby Sutton’s sister are getting married Christmas Day, and the Sutton family has invited all the wedding guests to a two week holiday at the resort they own. Reagan is recovering from a tragedy on her last photo journalist assignment in Afghanistan. Shelby is wary of letting anyone close to her in case they just want her because of her wealth. The two are drawn to each other both by their involvement in the wedding and also by the attraction they both come to feel for each other.
This is a story of joy, angst, family and love. It is a perfect holiday story that I know you will enjoy.
You can find the audio book here. You can find the eBook version here.
I bought this audio book and wanted to share my honest opinion with everyone.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
The story takes place at a resort in Colorado two weeks before Christmas. Reagan Bryant’s brother and Shelby Sutton’s sister are getting married Christmas Day, and the Sutton family has invited all the wedding guests to a two week holiday at the resort they own. Reagan is recovering from a tragedy on her last photo journalist assignment in Afghanistan. Shelby is wary of letting anyone close to her in case they just want her because of her wealth. The two are drawn to each other both by their involvement in the wedding and also by the attraction they both come to feel for each other.
This is a story of joy, angst, family and love. It is a perfect holiday story that I know you will enjoy.
You can find the audio book here. You can find the eBook version here.
I bought this audio book and wanted to share my honest opinion with everyone.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
December 28, 2016
3 STARS
I'm not sure if this should be classified as a holiday/Christmas story. Although it takes place during Christmas however it is the wedding of Shelby's sister to Reagan's brother that is the event.
The friendship and later romance between Shelby & Reagan over 2 weeks felt slow although the actual time was short. I don't mind slow friendship to romance stories - maybe even prefer them. This just felt slow & repetitive. Unless The author's goal was to make the reader feel that a 2 week long wedding is way too long - she succeeded.
I think the book also started on the wrong foot for me - I didn't like either main characters, in fact even the side characters aren't all that likable. I grew to like Shelby & Reagan better - Reagan as she battled her demons & Shelby's patient support. But otherwise an average book and I probably won't re-read it.
I'm not sure if this should be classified as a holiday/Christmas story. Although it takes place during Christmas however it is the wedding of Shelby's sister to Reagan's brother that is the event.
The friendship and later romance between Shelby & Reagan over 2 weeks felt slow although the actual time was short. I don't mind slow friendship to romance stories - maybe even prefer them. This just felt slow & repetitive. Unless The author's goal was to make the reader feel that a 2 week long wedding is way too long - she succeeded.
I think the book also started on the wrong foot for me - I didn't like either main characters, in fact even the side characters aren't all that likable. I grew to like Shelby & Reagan better - Reagan as she battled her demons & Shelby's patient support. But otherwise an average book and I probably won't re-read it.
December 28, 2017
I wanted a holiday story with some meat and not the fluffy cheesy holiday read. This story fit. The storys main characters are Reagan a photojournalist back from Afghanistan, and Shelby, whose family owns the resort where the wedding is to be held. These two get together at a Christmas wedding where Reagan’s brother is the groom and Shelby’s sister the bride. Reagan is haunted by events she lived through in Afghanistan. Shelby is cautious of relationships because she fears women are interested in her money and not her. Reagan has a lot to work through and must revisit the horrible events to finally start to move her life forward. I liked Reagan and Shelby and the attraction between them was believable. Some funny moments by the mother of the bride. A nice winter and holiday setting. I liked the ending.
January 1, 2018
I loved Shelby and Reagan. They’re both such lovely, interestingly developed characters, even if they’re very different people with different struggles. Reagan is at the beginning of a likely case of PTSD, and for good reason that I won’t spoil here. It’s beautiful to see her open up to Shelby, and then see what that does for her relationship with her family. Shelby, on the other hand, is very stable with her life and career, but has her own challenges in dealing with her mother, who only cares about flaunting her wealth with the perfect wedding and pushing eligible men at her openly lesbian daughter. Both women go through their journeys in a way that honours who they are as individuals and makes space for each other in their lives, making for a very satisfying romance.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/chasi...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/chasi...
January 26, 2016
Detailed score:3.25
Chasing a Brighter Blue is fine but forgettable. It is the second-to-last book I read yet I am already struggling to recall the names of the leads or key aspects to the storyline.
This is a pity as one of the leads was my favourite sort of character - strong on the outside, broken on the inside, unwilling to open up to anyone about her paiiiinnnn (yup, I like my characters to have suffered ;) ). This characteristic, though, which is often used powerfully in other (lesrom) novels to build the relationship between our leads / create a credible barrier to love etc etc. was resolved (or at least minimised) much too quickly and easily for mine. I wanted more impenetrable emotional wall.
I think I'm getting spoiled these days -- this book is fine but trope-y -- well done tropes but trope-y nonetheless. And these days, a well done but formulaic book isn't enough to satisfy me and get the 4 (or 5) stars. I want catharsis alongside my lead or to fall in love with them or to deeply feel something... and Chasing a Brighter Blue is just too shallow and easy to be truly memorable / engaging.
Having said that, sometimes we all want something predictable and safe and easy - and Chasing a Brighter Blue will definitely come through for you if that's what you're after.
Note: For those of you who are drawn to a 'magic of Christmas' type twist in their lesrom reads, this one doesn't really fall in that category. Yes, it's set around Christmas time but that's used more as a time setting to provide context for a time shift later in the book and as a couple of very minor plot devices -- definitely not a 'magic of Christmas' book.
Overall, this book was a nice, if unremarkable, way to spend a few hours.
Chasing a Brighter Blue is fine but forgettable. It is the second-to-last book I read yet I am already struggling to recall the names of the leads or key aspects to the storyline.
This is a pity as one of the leads was my favourite sort of character - strong on the outside, broken on the inside, unwilling to open up to anyone about her paiiiinnnn (yup, I like my characters to have suffered ;) ). This characteristic, though, which is often used powerfully in other (lesrom) novels to build the relationship between our leads / create a credible barrier to love etc etc. was resolved (or at least minimised) much too quickly and easily for mine. I wanted more impenetrable emotional wall.
I think I'm getting spoiled these days -- this book is fine but trope-y -- well done tropes but trope-y nonetheless. And these days, a well done but formulaic book isn't enough to satisfy me and get the 4 (or 5) stars. I want catharsis alongside my lead or to fall in love with them or to deeply feel something... and Chasing a Brighter Blue is just too shallow and easy to be truly memorable / engaging.
Having said that, sometimes we all want something predictable and safe and easy - and Chasing a Brighter Blue will definitely come through for you if that's what you're after.
Note: For those of you who are drawn to a 'magic of Christmas' type twist in their lesrom reads, this one doesn't really fall in that category. Yes, it's set around Christmas time but that's used more as a time setting to provide context for a time shift later in the book and as a couple of very minor plot devices -- definitely not a 'magic of Christmas' book.
Overall, this book was a nice, if unremarkable, way to spend a few hours.
December 19, 2020
This book involves a woman who made a career as a photojournalist, but who can't touch a camera now because of stuff that occurred on her last assignment. And a woman who has a sister about to have a wedding. The two meet at a bar.
To fill things in more: Shelby Sutton comes from a rich family that runs and owns hotels. She works and lives in one of them. Headquarters, not important, is in Denver though (only important in that father is the hotel chain head, and spends a lot of time in Denver than being near his wife/Shelby's mother). Shelby's sister wanted a quick little wedding, if I recall correctly (and I might not recall correctly), but their mother turns things into a two-week celebration in Colorado that's a combo wedding/Christmas celebration. The mother married into money - having a two week celebration, and inviting the family members from her side of the family to show off her money . . . and stuff, is kind of the mother's driving force in life. The sister is an heterosexual who just wants to get married, and doesn't want to stand up to mother.
Sister asks Shelby to . . . I forget the exact words used. Reagan Bryant's family is concerned about Reagan, and so the sister asks Shelby to be nice to her and dig into stuff. Or something like that.
The two meet without either immediately realizing who the other is and stuff. Shelby is in a bar, Reagan sits next to her, and hits on her with super sad eyes. Stuff flows from there. Shelby helps Reagan. Reagan tries to find herself. The End (not really, but eh).
And yes, the book reminds me of Lee Winter's Hotel Queens in a tiny way. And I gave that one 5 stars.
Rating: 4.25
December 19 2020 (reminder to self: don't wait a month plus to write a review)
To fill things in more: Shelby Sutton comes from a rich family that runs and owns hotels. She works and lives in one of them. Headquarters, not important, is in Denver though (only important in that father is the hotel chain head, and spends a lot of time in Denver than being near his wife/Shelby's mother). Shelby's sister wanted a quick little wedding, if I recall correctly (and I might not recall correctly), but their mother turns things into a two-week celebration in Colorado that's a combo wedding/Christmas celebration. The mother married into money - having a two week celebration, and inviting the family members from her side of the family to show off her money . . . and stuff, is kind of the mother's driving force in life. The sister is an heterosexual who just wants to get married, and doesn't want to stand up to mother.
Sister asks Shelby to . . . I forget the exact words used. Reagan Bryant's family is concerned about Reagan, and so the sister asks Shelby to be nice to her and dig into stuff. Or something like that.
The two meet without either immediately realizing who the other is and stuff. Shelby is in a bar, Reagan sits next to her, and hits on her with super sad eyes. Stuff flows from there. Shelby helps Reagan. Reagan tries to find herself. The End (not really, but eh).
And yes, the book reminds me of Lee Winter's Hotel Queens in a tiny way. And I gave that one 5 stars.
Rating: 4.25
December 19 2020 (reminder to self: don't wait a month plus to write a review)
December 24, 2024
I have a great love of Gerri Hill's novels, and this is just another to add to the ever-growing list!
Chasing a Brighter Blue is now one of my new favourite holiday romances. Reagan and Shelby are both fantastic characters that have a lot of depth, and I loved spending time with them both. I felt for Shelby with her family dynamics, as it felt pretty crazy at times. Reagan was an absolute sweetheart and it was lovely seeing her develop during the story.
One of my favourite things about Gerri Hill's writing is her setting choices. They are often in nature or in beautiful settings and this was no exception. It has made me add Colorado to my never-ending travel wishlist, especially during winter.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nicol Zanzarella, who did an exceptional job at narrating this audiobook.
It's a great sapphic novel that's set in the holidays. If you, like me, are keen to read holiday romances in December, I highly recommend Chasing a Brighter Blue via audiobook.
*re-read via audiobook in Dec 2024. I loooooove this book and def one of my favourite sapphic holiday romances!*
Chasing a Brighter Blue is now one of my new favourite holiday romances. Reagan and Shelby are both fantastic characters that have a lot of depth, and I loved spending time with them both. I felt for Shelby with her family dynamics, as it felt pretty crazy at times. Reagan was an absolute sweetheart and it was lovely seeing her develop during the story.
One of my favourite things about Gerri Hill's writing is her setting choices. They are often in nature or in beautiful settings and this was no exception. It has made me add Colorado to my never-ending travel wishlist, especially during winter.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nicol Zanzarella, who did an exceptional job at narrating this audiobook.
It's a great sapphic novel that's set in the holidays. If you, like me, are keen to read holiday romances in December, I highly recommend Chasing a Brighter Blue via audiobook.
*re-read via audiobook in Dec 2024. I loooooove this book and def one of my favourite sapphic holiday romances!*
August 4, 2018
First time reader of a Gerri Hill Book. I was almost determined to not like Chasing a Brighter Blue before I even read a word because so many people are fanatical over her works and I’m often at odds with the crowd. Little did I know that this skillful, seasoned author would effortlessly weave this quiet story of two women simply falling in love and I would be all in after only one chapter. And furthermore that I would become so enthralled by this story that I downloaded the Kindle app on my iPhone so I could read the book nonstop until the final page. There’s really no angst, just a lot of genuine feelings about family, the need for intimacy, dealing with loss and giving yourself the freedom to be happy. It felt like a very grown up book and I really fell under its spell. The two main characters of Shelby and Reagan are smart, funny, and gorgeous. They are the siblings of a couple who are getting married at Christmas in Colorado. It’s all very festive and between the richness of the hotel and the beauty of the natural setting outdoors, you just see this as a romantic holiday movie. There were also some steamy scenes that were heated but not overdone and the best ones were filled with humor and charm. I loved their first slow dance together and I will forever picture in my mind, Reagan in her dashing tuxedo and Shelby in her backless strapless dress, both feeling the power of falling in love. So now, I guess, I’m a fan of Gerri Hill, too.
December 20, 2015
Gerri Hill never disappoints, cute story (despite the Reagan's demons and Shelby's relatives ;) Can't wait for her next book
September 3, 2019
I'm on a Gerri Hill kick and the woman rarely puts a foot wrong.
December 18, 2021
This is the third time I've read this novel, so I figured I should review it since I keep coming back to it.
Here's your brief summary: Shelby is trying to survive her sister's two-week wedding celebration. At the urging of her sister, Stephanie, she's asked to become friends with the groom's sister, Reagan, who's recently returned from Afghanistan where she was working as a photo journalist because Reagan's family is worried about her. Something is wrong and she's not talking about it.
I think what I like about this novel is that Shelby and Reagan really do get to know each other and become genuine friends. Yes, there's a physical and sexual attraction between them, but that really takes a back seat to them getting to know each other, since, as sisters of the bride and groom respectively, they have no intention to act on any attraction they may feel. And neither is really looking for a relationship anyway. Instead, they spend their time bonding and talking and really opening up about their traumas and insecurities and fears. But then that attraction is always simmering in the background, too, and it just works. It's just two weeks, but Gerri Hill writes their relationship in such a way that it feels like it's more than enough time for this romance to work--to feel like Shelby and Reagan can have a happily ever after.
There are some uncomfortable moments in this novel. There's some homophobia about how butch Reagan presents herself. And there's a lot of drama about Reagan's refusal to wear a bridesmaid dress and Shelby's mother's unwillingness to entertain the idea that Reagan will willingly wear a tuxedo. And there's Shelby's mother's refusal to believe that Shelby is a lesbian, going so far as lying to the best man that "she just hasn't found the right man." The bride and groom's unwillingness to correct the mother is equally offensive. Like, it may have been funny the first time they don't say anything--both to irk Shelby and punk Doug, but the fact that they allow it to continue is not funny. It's quite gross, actually.
If you're here for a Christmas story, this isn't it. It's mostly set in the two weeks leading to Christmas, and while it's there in the background, it doesn't feel Christmasy. It does feel seasonal, though. I've read it twice in December and it doesn't feel out of place.
Here's your brief summary: Shelby is trying to survive her sister's two-week wedding celebration. At the urging of her sister, Stephanie, she's asked to become friends with the groom's sister, Reagan, who's recently returned from Afghanistan where she was working as a photo journalist because Reagan's family is worried about her. Something is wrong and she's not talking about it.
I think what I like about this novel is that Shelby and Reagan really do get to know each other and become genuine friends. Yes, there's a physical and sexual attraction between them, but that really takes a back seat to them getting to know each other, since, as sisters of the bride and groom respectively, they have no intention to act on any attraction they may feel. And neither is really looking for a relationship anyway. Instead, they spend their time bonding and talking and really opening up about their traumas and insecurities and fears. But then that attraction is always simmering in the background, too, and it just works. It's just two weeks, but Gerri Hill writes their relationship in such a way that it feels like it's more than enough time for this romance to work--to feel like Shelby and Reagan can have a happily ever after.
There are some uncomfortable moments in this novel. There's some homophobia about how butch Reagan presents herself. And there's a lot of drama about Reagan's refusal to wear a bridesmaid dress and Shelby's mother's unwillingness to entertain the idea that Reagan will willingly wear a tuxedo. And there's Shelby's mother's refusal to believe that Shelby is a lesbian, going so far as lying to the best man that "she just hasn't found the right man." The bride and groom's unwillingness to correct the mother is equally offensive. Like, it may have been funny the first time they don't say anything--both to irk Shelby and punk Doug, but the fact that they allow it to continue is not funny. It's quite gross, actually.
If you're here for a Christmas story, this isn't it. It's mostly set in the two weeks leading to Christmas, and while it's there in the background, it doesn't feel Christmasy. It does feel seasonal, though. I've read it twice in December and it doesn't feel out of place.
June 28, 2017
Very typical Hill stand alone romance with some of the same themes/plot devices as some other books. It mostly reminded me of Snow Falls but I didn't connect with this one nearly as much.
I really don't like the overly aggressive potential suitor characters that were in this book or, to a much larger degree, in The Roundabout. Particularly since the actions of those characters are played off as humorous or harmless.
But I did like the protagonists and the way they got to know each other and their journey, even if I'd seen it before. When I read a Hill book, I usually know what I'm getting and have gone there because that's what I'm looking for at the moment. This one did exactly what I expected so I'm fine with what I got.
I'd go 2.5 if I could but rounding up.
I really don't like the overly aggressive potential suitor characters that were in this book or, to a much larger degree, in The Roundabout. Particularly since the actions of those characters are played off as humorous or harmless.
But I did like the protagonists and the way they got to know each other and their journey, even if I'd seen it before. When I read a Hill book, I usually know what I'm getting and have gone there because that's what I'm looking for at the moment. This one did exactly what I expected so I'm fine with what I got.
I'd go 2.5 if I could but rounding up.
August 8, 2023
I think narrator-Zanzarella’s pace did book a disservice. Made it sound choppy, even when increased speed more than I usually do.
November 12, 2020
4.5 stars. This was everything a good holiday romance should be. A meet cute, likeable main characters with great chemistry (and even some character development), great secondary characters (I loved the relationship with Shelby's sister even though she's so different, and I liked how Shelby's father came to his conclusion) as well as a super romantic story.
I would consider this a classic Gerri Hill story and I really loved it.
If I had to comment on one negative thing, it's the fact how sexual harassment, heteronormativity, and male dominance is dealt with in the story. Shelby is clearly not comfortable with Doug's advances, yet she is being told to be nice to him instead of he being told to be respectful of HER. Even worse, he is encouraged to force himself onto her. For my liking Shelby should have made her point more clear to her mother that she should stop assuming she will ever like boys and that her mother (or anyone really!!) should tell Doug to leave her the hell alone instead of encouraging him.
I liked Reagan's attitude of "I will not wear a dress" (and willingness to compromise on anything else) and that's all she has to say about Shelby's mother's expectations.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
I would consider this a classic Gerri Hill story and I really loved it.
If I had to comment on one negative thing, it's the fact how sexual harassment, heteronormativity, and male dominance is dealt with in the story. Shelby is clearly not comfortable with Doug's advances, yet she is being told to be nice to him instead of he being told to be respectful of HER. Even worse, he is encouraged to force himself onto her. For my liking Shelby should have made her point more clear to her mother that she should stop assuming she will ever like boys and that her mother (or anyone really!!) should tell Doug to leave her the hell alone instead of encouraging him.
I liked Reagan's attitude of "I will not wear a dress" (and willingness to compromise on anything else) and that's all she has to say about Shelby's mother's expectations.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
December 23, 2020
A delightful Christmas romance. Reagan is scared and traumatized after a friend is killed by a suicide bomber. She is unable to pick up her camera. Something that use to bring her so much enjoyment. When her brother and his fiancé decide on a Christmas Wedding, Reagan had no idea she was going to find the one woman to help her move forward and work past those hurts. Shelby loves her sister but isn’t looking forward to the two week long wedding celebration, and she definitely doesn’t want to babysit her soon to be brother-in-laws sister. When Reagan walks in to the bar, flirts, and propositions her, Shelby can’t help but to be intrigued. She sees the shadows in Reagan’s eyes, and even though Reagan isn’t her type she can’t help but notice how attractive she is. I really enjoyed Reagan and Shelby’s story, all the wedding activities were fun, and the momzilla moments crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2015
This is well-written as all Gerri Hill's books are, but I think it lacked a certain chemistry and spark between the two lead characters. It's still a pleasant read but it's not as gripping or compelling as some of her stronger and older titles. If you have not read Pelican's Landing (her other release this year), check it out first.
February 17, 2016
Nothing stands out as special, but I still really enjoyed the story. The character interactions with each other were great. Family drama and budding romance both played out and kept me reading. Descriptions of the area, the trails and the different events leading to the wedding were so clear I could see them in my mind. Another winner from a go to author!
December 19, 2018
I’ve had this in my TBR pile for awhile but I saved it since I thought it was a holiday story, since it’s set at Xmas. It’s not really a holiday story though.
Reagan and Shelby are both attending the Christmas wedding festivities of their respective siblings (Reagan’s brother Josh and Shelby’s sister Stephanie). Since Shelby’s family is loaded, these festivities involve two weeks of celebrations at a high end hotel. I have to say I thought Reagan would be a completely different kind of character when the book started, just by how she and Shelby met, but she’s a sweetie who’s recovering from a trauma. Shelby is also lovely and helps Reagan come back to herself. Even though the bulk of their time together takes place over the two weeks of the wedding celebrations, they spend a lot of time together and actually talk to each other, so the relationship builds on solid foundations.
The secondary characters are all nicely drawn too (although Shelby’s mother is the definition of mother-of-the-bridzilla). There’s also no stupid dramatic breakup, and I liked that Reagan took the time to find what she needed on her own. This is a nice, sweet romance with a Christmas backdrop. Perfect for this time of year. 4 stars.
Reagan and Shelby are both attending the Christmas wedding festivities of their respective siblings (Reagan’s brother Josh and Shelby’s sister Stephanie). Since Shelby’s family is loaded, these festivities involve two weeks of celebrations at a high end hotel. I have to say I thought Reagan would be a completely different kind of character when the book started, just by how she and Shelby met, but she’s a sweetie who’s recovering from a trauma. Shelby is also lovely and helps Reagan come back to herself. Even though the bulk of their time together takes place over the two weeks of the wedding celebrations, they spend a lot of time together and actually talk to each other, so the relationship builds on solid foundations.
The secondary characters are all nicely drawn too (although Shelby’s mother is the definition of mother-of-the-bridzilla). There’s also no stupid dramatic breakup, and I liked that Reagan took the time to find what she needed on her own. This is a nice, sweet romance with a Christmas backdrop. Perfect for this time of year. 4 stars.
July 24, 2018
A cute well written romance that made sense in an accelerated timeline. With the backdrop of a wedding, it had a ship in a bottle feel of enforced closeness driving them together. Shelby and Reagan are fully fleshed out characters who you want to root for. Shelby seems a little too good to be true but since it flips between her POV to Reagan's, you get a good sense of her inner thoughts that gives the sense of a real person. the secondary characters are well formed also, from the supportive parents to the lecherous cousins. Though the things keeping them apart were for the most part realistic, there were no real problems for these two people, yet it didn't feel forced. a nice quite overall feel good read
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