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The Roundabout
Megan Phenix and her sister Nancy own a popular bar and grill in gay-friendly Eureka Springs. Following two failed relationships, Megan has sworn off women, but that seems to have only increased her appeal to single lesbians in town. Labeled as “playing hard to get”, she finds that some will go to any lengths to snag a date with her. Megan soon finds she’s the source of amusement for everyone, including her sister, as a partial photo of her appears on Facebook. The town’s resident nympho threatens to reveal the nude photo—piece by piece—unless Megan agrees to a date. If only she were seeing someone…maybe the women would leave her in peace.
Leah Rollins thought fifty was too young to retire, so instead, she plans to open a store in the touristy shopping district of Eureka Springs. Leah quickly learns that sisters Nancy and Megan Phenix are polar opposites…one pleasant and friendly and one decidedly on the grumpy side as she and Megan spar over parking spaces and anything else they can find to argue about. When Leah catches the attention of the multitude of single lesbians in town, including Nancy, she searches for a way out. Could the grumpy grill owner next door be the answer to her problems?
Megan and Leah strike an unlikely alliance and conspire to rid themselves of the unwanted attention by fake dating. Can they pull it off?
As they pretend to date and convince everyone in town that they really are a couple, the pretense becomes harder to hold on to. But there’s just one problem…they don’t really like each other.
Or do they?
Leah Rollins thought fifty was too young to retire, so instead, she plans to open a store in the touristy shopping district of Eureka Springs. Leah quickly learns that sisters Nancy and Megan Phenix are polar opposites…one pleasant and friendly and one decidedly on the grumpy side as she and Megan spar over parking spaces and anything else they can find to argue about. When Leah catches the attention of the multitude of single lesbians in town, including Nancy, she searches for a way out. Could the grumpy grill owner next door be the answer to her problems?
Megan and Leah strike an unlikely alliance and conspire to rid themselves of the unwanted attention by fake dating. Can they pull it off?
As they pretend to date and convince everyone in town that they really are a couple, the pretense becomes harder to hold on to. But there’s just one problem…they don’t really like each other.
Or do they?
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2016
50 people are currently reading
317 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 78 reviews
February 18, 2017
I’ve been waiting for Jae’s “Something in the Wine” to come out on Audiobook for awhile now, and I was intrigued at the very similar plot of Gerri Hill’s “The Roundabout”. Two people fake dating to get others off their back…what could go wrong? Or right?
As usual, Gerri Hill’s writing style and dialogue is enjoyable. The MCs aren’t particularly amazing or memorable, but I like them well enough. The narrator did a fine job. All in all, I would normally flesh out this review a bit and probably give the book 4*.
But. There’s a BIG BUT.
Virtually the entire book revolves around one of the MC being tormented by another woman in town. Megan drank too much at her 39th birthday party, and was left by her sister and friends at MaryBeth’s place. Marybeth stripped the unconscious Megan naked, took nude photos of her, and throughout the book systematically posts more and more revealing photos on Facebook in an effort to get Megan to date her. Oh yes, she also stole her bra and wore it to further torment Megan. Naturally, Megan’s sister and the ENTIRE TOWN thinks this is hilarious and follow the ongoing cyberattacks as if…oh, hell, I don’t know how to compare this crime to anything.
Megan’s sister, and even her love interest Leah, actually blame Megan for this situation. After all, they say, it’s HER FAULT FOR HAVING DRUNK TOO MUCH! Yup…blame the victim. Had she left the apartment in a short skirt and been raped, perhaps that too would have been her fault! Oh, by the way…Megan’s sister ends up falling in love with the miscreant and tells Megan about enjoying sex (with toys!) with the loser!
If this book had been written by a man, there would be protests in the streets. I really cannot understand what Gerri Hill was thinking. If we as women are to expect equality FOR women, we must expect equality FROM women. “Blame the victim” culture is NOT ACCEPTABLE. No matter how well written or narrated this book is…I hate the message. I cannot and will not accept a book that glorifies rape or victimhood just because everyone in the story agrees it’s “all in fun”. Hell, didn’t people think lynchings of blacks was “all in fun” decades ago?
The more I reflect on this book, and I hate reflecting on this abhorrent message, the more I dislike the book. What should have been a sweet story is really a mean spirited hateful story. I’m giving this book 1* and returning it to Audible. Gerri Hill owes all women…hell….all men and women….an abject apology.
As usual, Gerri Hill’s writing style and dialogue is enjoyable. The MCs aren’t particularly amazing or memorable, but I like them well enough. The narrator did a fine job. All in all, I would normally flesh out this review a bit and probably give the book 4*.
But. There’s a BIG BUT.
Virtually the entire book revolves around one of the MC being tormented by another woman in town. Megan drank too much at her 39th birthday party, and was left by her sister and friends at MaryBeth’s place. Marybeth stripped the unconscious Megan naked, took nude photos of her, and throughout the book systematically posts more and more revealing photos on Facebook in an effort to get Megan to date her. Oh yes, she also stole her bra and wore it to further torment Megan. Naturally, Megan’s sister and the ENTIRE TOWN thinks this is hilarious and follow the ongoing cyberattacks as if…oh, hell, I don’t know how to compare this crime to anything.
Megan’s sister, and even her love interest Leah, actually blame Megan for this situation. After all, they say, it’s HER FAULT FOR HAVING DRUNK TOO MUCH! Yup…blame the victim. Had she left the apartment in a short skirt and been raped, perhaps that too would have been her fault! Oh, by the way…Megan’s sister ends up falling in love with the miscreant and tells Megan about enjoying sex (with toys!) with the loser!
If this book had been written by a man, there would be protests in the streets. I really cannot understand what Gerri Hill was thinking. If we as women are to expect equality FOR women, we must expect equality FROM women. “Blame the victim” culture is NOT ACCEPTABLE. No matter how well written or narrated this book is…I hate the message. I cannot and will not accept a book that glorifies rape or victimhood just because everyone in the story agrees it’s “all in fun”. Hell, didn’t people think lynchings of blacks was “all in fun” decades ago?
The more I reflect on this book, and I hate reflecting on this abhorrent message, the more I dislike the book. What should have been a sweet story is really a mean spirited hateful story. I’m giving this book 1* and returning it to Audible. Gerri Hill owes all women…hell….all men and women….an abject apology.
July 14, 2018
This is such a cute book :) it was funny (actually very funny which was interesting because it’s not necessarily Geri Hill’s style), romantic and most importantly made me smile throughout the whole time I was reading it!
February 25, 2020
Since Megan Phenix, owner of ‘The Phenix Grill’, broke up with her girlfriend, she is tired of being invited on dates by all the eligible lesbians in the small town of Eureka Springs. When Leah Rollins opens a shop next to the grill and starts receiving unwanted attention, she agrees with Megan to fake-date so they can keep lesbians at bay. Can they pull it off? There’s only one minor issue, they don’t like each other. Or do they?
‘The Roundabout’ is Gerri Hill’s take on the fake relationship trope plus age-gap and small-town romance. Nothing wrong with that, it has been done by different authors many times and very well. My problem with this book is that the reason why the characters agree to fake-date seems too far-fetched and unrealistic. I accept that this trope normally asks for a suspension of disbelief but, in this case, I just couldn’t go along with it. Unlike with many other of Ms. Hill’s books, the chemistry between the main characters is quite mild.
The association between Gerri Hill and Nicol Zanzarella has proven to be successful with titles like ‘The Neighbor’, ‘After the Summer Rain’ and ‘Chasing a Brighter Blue’. I’ve particularly loved the last one. Ms. Zanzarella is an accomplished narrator, she’s got a playful tone that matches the story and her different characters’ voices are distinctive and natural. She does a great job with this book and makes the listening experience much better than the reading but if you are new to them, there are better audiobooks to start.
3.5 stars for the story, 4.5 stars for the narration. Overall, an ok lesbian fake relationship audiobook. 4 stars.
Duration: 6 hours, 36 minutes.
‘The Roundabout’ is Gerri Hill’s take on the fake relationship trope plus age-gap and small-town romance. Nothing wrong with that, it has been done by different authors many times and very well. My problem with this book is that the reason why the characters agree to fake-date seems too far-fetched and unrealistic. I accept that this trope normally asks for a suspension of disbelief but, in this case, I just couldn’t go along with it. Unlike with many other of Ms. Hill’s books, the chemistry between the main characters is quite mild.
The association between Gerri Hill and Nicol Zanzarella has proven to be successful with titles like ‘The Neighbor’, ‘After the Summer Rain’ and ‘Chasing a Brighter Blue’. I’ve particularly loved the last one. Ms. Zanzarella is an accomplished narrator, she’s got a playful tone that matches the story and her different characters’ voices are distinctive and natural. She does a great job with this book and makes the listening experience much better than the reading but if you are new to them, there are better audiobooks to start.
3.5 stars for the story, 4.5 stars for the narration. Overall, an ok lesbian fake relationship audiobook. 4 stars.
Duration: 6 hours, 36 minutes.
March 7, 2017
The Roundabout by Gerri Hill is what I would call a sweet romance. There really isn’t a lot of heat/ I want to ravish your body moments, and there isn’t any angst to dial up the tension. No, it’s just a cute story with some aww moments along the way.
Megan Phenix is thirty-nine and has sworn off dating forever. After two monumental strikeouts in the love department, she has decided that relationships are not worth the hassle and heartbreak. To make matters worse, Megan is the hottest commodity in her little town. This bachelorette is asked out by every woman in her little town and they just won’t take no for an answer. After too much tequila one night Megan passes out and her “friend” Mary Anne takes some R-rated pictures of her and uses them as leverage to get a date. This blackmail by humiliation on Facebook drives Megan to take drastic measures.
At fifty, Leah Rollins decides to retire from the tech industry, and thanks to a windfall from her late aunt, Leah is able to make her dream come true. She moves to Eureka Springs to open up a t-shirt shop in the sleepy little tourist town. What she also gets is a grouchy, sassy business neighbor, Megan. These two spar over parking spots on a daily basis. Their war over parking leads them to face off a few times before they decide they can help each other out. To stay out of the shallow dating pool, Leah offers to be Megan’s fake girlfriend, until she just doesn’t want to fake it anymore.
The Mary Anne picture blackmail is offensive. I found it hard to believe that an entire community of conscientious grownups would think blackmail by almost nude photos is funny. Especially when they know for a fact that person was drunk and passed out, when the photographer (Mary Anne) was POSING her for the photos. That’s not cool at all and only a sicko would do that! Then factor in that one of the really amused is Megan’s older sister. Nope, no sister would do that! I think this part of the storyline was taken too far and I was surprised that Hill kept that storyline thread going as long as she did.
In terms of romance other than a few silly spats over parking, there really aren’t any true love/hate moments. They quickly become allies fighting off the single ladies who want dates. I know a terrible dilemma to be in, right. Of course, over time their attraction becomes the forefront of the story. Overall the story is nice and sugary sweet, but it doesn’t have anything truly special about it. The characters are totally likable but also unmemorable.
Megan Phenix is thirty-nine and has sworn off dating forever. After two monumental strikeouts in the love department, she has decided that relationships are not worth the hassle and heartbreak. To make matters worse, Megan is the hottest commodity in her little town. This bachelorette is asked out by every woman in her little town and they just won’t take no for an answer. After too much tequila one night Megan passes out and her “friend” Mary Anne takes some R-rated pictures of her and uses them as leverage to get a date. This blackmail by humiliation on Facebook drives Megan to take drastic measures.
At fifty, Leah Rollins decides to retire from the tech industry, and thanks to a windfall from her late aunt, Leah is able to make her dream come true. She moves to Eureka Springs to open up a t-shirt shop in the sleepy little tourist town. What she also gets is a grouchy, sassy business neighbor, Megan. These two spar over parking spots on a daily basis. Their war over parking leads them to face off a few times before they decide they can help each other out. To stay out of the shallow dating pool, Leah offers to be Megan’s fake girlfriend, until she just doesn’t want to fake it anymore.
The Mary Anne picture blackmail is offensive. I found it hard to believe that an entire community of conscientious grownups would think blackmail by almost nude photos is funny. Especially when they know for a fact that person was drunk and passed out, when the photographer (Mary Anne) was POSING her for the photos. That’s not cool at all and only a sicko would do that! Then factor in that one of the really amused is Megan’s older sister. Nope, no sister would do that! I think this part of the storyline was taken too far and I was surprised that Hill kept that storyline thread going as long as she did.
In terms of romance other than a few silly spats over parking, there really aren’t any true love/hate moments. They quickly become allies fighting off the single ladies who want dates. I know a terrible dilemma to be in, right. Of course, over time their attraction becomes the forefront of the story. Overall the story is nice and sugary sweet, but it doesn’t have anything truly special about it. The characters are totally likable but also unmemorable.
August 16, 2022
Another typical Gerri Hill book with a fake dating theme this time. Both MCs were nice and normal. My only complaint was the “fake” dating lasted too long.
October 30, 2018
The writing is brilliant as it kept me reading from beginning to end and kept me intrigued. However the storyline was awful. I'm sorry but how can it be okay to blackmail someone with naked photos. Not only that strip them naked when drunk and vulnerable and take the photos without permission. It disgusted me. I failed to see the funny side. I disliked Nancy so so much that I wouldn't have minded her being written out. She is the worst sister ever. The reason I gave 3 stars and not 2 is for the writing alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2018
This is a nice, easy, feel-good romance. Eureka Springs is a small town with a large gay population. Megan feels hunted. It's been a year since her public break-up and Mary Beth leads the pack of women trying to date her. When Leah moves to town she starts feeling the pressure too.
Megan is grumpy and temperamental and I really liked her as a character, probably because her bad temper is circumstantial rather than a trait. Leah is the opposite. She's even-tempered and quick to smile. She's also completely unfazed by Megan's moods. Agreeing to fake-date to get everyone off their backs, Megan and Leah tentatively feel their way into a friendship that really didn't start off well all.
Humour is not something I think of as synonymous with a novel by Hill but it worked. I loved the portrayal of the incestuous circle of desperate dykes. Mary Beth's Facebook game managed to stay just this side of psycho-stalker behaviour and still be quite funny. The fake-relationship trope often comes with ton of tension created by the deception so it was nice to read one where it was pretty harmless.
Wonderful, light book to read after something heavy or emotionally draining.
Megan is grumpy and temperamental and I really liked her as a character, probably because her bad temper is circumstantial rather than a trait. Leah is the opposite. She's even-tempered and quick to smile. She's also completely unfazed by Megan's moods. Agreeing to fake-date to get everyone off their backs, Megan and Leah tentatively feel their way into a friendship that really didn't start off well all.
Humour is not something I think of as synonymous with a novel by Hill but it worked. I loved the portrayal of the incestuous circle of desperate dykes. Mary Beth's Facebook game managed to stay just this side of psycho-stalker behaviour and still be quite funny. The fake-relationship trope often comes with ton of tension created by the deception so it was nice to read one where it was pretty harmless.
Wonderful, light book to read after something heavy or emotionally draining.
March 28, 2020
This one's a quick read at just 231 pages. Gerri knows how to write a romance. She's never done the fake relationship trope, though, so that was an interesting turn for her! The only drawback to this story for me is there's a secondary character who does something VERY disturbing and everyone in this small town seems to think it's some kind of harmless prank. It's not. So that character prevented this from being a 5 star read for me, but the romance between the two MCs was satisfying. I especially loved Leah. I own almost every one of Gerri's books and have never regretted buying a one. Though some have worked better than others, Gerri is without a doubt one of the greats.
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November 2, 2019This is one of the most toxic things I have ever read... spoilers
Megan Phenix wakes up naked in bed with a woman whom she does not remember sleeping with, later we find out that she had gotten blackout drunk after receiving a message from an ex, and instead of taking her home, her sister decides to place her in Mary’s bed, fully clothed. (woman who Megan wakes up with)
Soon after, we find out that the woman had gotten her naked and taken pictures of her while she was blackout drunk and passed out and is now slowly exposing her on Facebook, demanding that Megan go on a date with her to get her to stop.
She is, as anyone would be, distressed and disgusted, and afraid but here is the most shocking, awful part about all of this. NO ONE GIVES A DAMN… the entire town including her sister and mother are laughing about it and gaslighting her about her experience, and blaming her for the fact that this monster is stalking, harassing and releasing photos of her.
Even her love interest and our other MC, says that she is partly to blame for getting blackout drunk on her birthday after being reminded of her piece of shit ex..
She decides to fake date our other MC, hoping that will stop this monster from harassing her but that doesn’t work out because she guesses that it is a fake relationship, and now wants proof that its real and if she is lying she is ready to release another nude photo she took when SHE WAS PAST OUT.
Once again NO ONE gives a damn about this poor woman, her sister’s reaction after finding out this sociopath actually has a fully naked photo of her… laughter, again calling her a drama queen.
I have never wanted to massacre a community more.
What a toxic group of people.
Oh I forgot …and in the end, the extortionist, blackmailing garbage person loses interest after falling madly in love with her victim’s sister and her heart grows three sizes, awwwww…. barf.
I have read the entire Gerri Hill catalogue now lol, can not believe this was my final read haha
Megan Phenix wakes up naked in bed with a woman whom she does not remember sleeping with, later we find out that she had gotten blackout drunk after receiving a message from an ex, and instead of taking her home, her sister decides to place her in Mary’s bed, fully clothed. (woman who Megan wakes up with)
Soon after, we find out that the woman had gotten her naked and taken pictures of her while she was blackout drunk and passed out and is now slowly exposing her on Facebook, demanding that Megan go on a date with her to get her to stop.
She is, as anyone would be, distressed and disgusted, and afraid but here is the most shocking, awful part about all of this. NO ONE GIVES A DAMN… the entire town including her sister and mother are laughing about it and gaslighting her about her experience, and blaming her for the fact that this monster is stalking, harassing and releasing photos of her.
Even her love interest and our other MC, says that she is partly to blame for getting blackout drunk on her birthday after being reminded of her piece of shit ex..
She decides to fake date our other MC, hoping that will stop this monster from harassing her but that doesn’t work out because she guesses that it is a fake relationship, and now wants proof that its real and if she is lying she is ready to release another nude photo she took when SHE WAS PAST OUT.
Once again NO ONE gives a damn about this poor woman, her sister’s reaction after finding out this sociopath actually has a fully naked photo of her… laughter, again calling her a drama queen.
I have never wanted to massacre a community more.
What a toxic group of people.
Oh I forgot …and in the end, the extortionist, blackmailing garbage person loses interest after falling madly in love with her victim’s sister and her heart grows three sizes, awwwww…. barf.
I have read the entire Gerri Hill catalogue now lol, can not believe this was my final read haha
March 9, 2017
Like all Gerri Hill stand alone romances, I went into The Roundabout with mid-range hopes. Her books are never really stellar but they're almost always enjoyable in a light, easy read with moderately engaging characters who I want to see succeed and be happy.
Unfortunately, this one didn't meet my expectations. The book was shortish but still felt bloated with lots of repeated words and basic information. It could have been tightened up quite a bit to make it move along at a better pace but, as it was, not much really happened until nearly the end of the book.
Definitely not one I'd read again.
The copy I read was a review copy sent by the publisher.
Unfortunately, this one didn't meet my expectations. The book was shortish but still felt bloated with lots of repeated words and basic information. It could have been tightened up quite a bit to make it move along at a better pace but, as it was, not much really happened until nearly the end of the book.
Definitely not one I'd read again.
The copy I read was a review copy sent by the publisher.
December 8, 2016
This was such a fun story with a cast of hilarious women and funny antics. Megan and Leah were perfect together and all the crazy goings on on Facebook kept me smiling. So if you're looking for a good laugh and a sweet crazy romance than this would be just the story to read.
May 6, 2020
The pacing and length of the book was perfect, I have no complaints there.
This book had me laughing out loud at different stages of this story, I don’t remember Gerri Hill’s novels ever being that funny.
I rather enjoyed how Leah and Megan’s relationship progressed throughout the story.
The only thing that bothered me was the posting of Megan’s pictures on Facebook and that almost everyone just allowed it to happen.
If you’re looking for a quick fun read, then this is the book for you.
This book had me laughing out loud at different stages of this story, I don’t remember Gerri Hill’s novels ever being that funny.
I rather enjoyed how Leah and Megan’s relationship progressed throughout the story.
The only thing that bothered me was the posting of Megan’s pictures on Facebook and that almost everyone just allowed it to happen.
If you’re looking for a quick fun read, then this is the book for you.
August 22, 2021
4 stars
I actually really liked both MCs, the storyline was promising, Gerri Hill´s writing is good...
All in all it would have been five stars.
BUT
The stalker/blackmail storyline? Hell no. In no way, shape or form is such behaviour ok and the fact that everyone treated it as a joke and as if Megan was overreacting made me furious as hell. So I dock points for that.
I actually really liked both MCs, the storyline was promising, Gerri Hill´s writing is good...
All in all it would have been five stars.
BUT
The stalker/blackmail storyline? Hell no. In no way, shape or form is such behaviour ok and the fact that everyone treated it as a joke and as if Megan was overreacting made me furious as hell. So I dock points for that.
October 24, 2024
This was really a nice read!! I loved Leah so much!! And then Megan too. Mary B was so annoying if I was Megan, I would have sued her!! Leah is my favourite character from this book. I hope I be like when I grow up (still enjoying life)
March 7, 2017
3.5 stars
I read this in just a few hours while I was on a plane. It was cute enough, and certainly provided enough entertainment to break up the mind numbing monotony of flying through the air in a metal tube, but I found myself a little disappointed at the end. There wasn't a whole lot of substance to this. It's a fake dating plot! There are so many opportunities for shenanigans! Sadly, most of those opportunities slipped by.
There were also a few problematic points, in my mind. The scenario that brings about the fake dating situation is straight up harassment (from a third party), and I don't feel the person was sufficiently chastised. There's also some biphobic comments that are completely unnecessary. What they bring to the plot could be done without making it seem like lesbians should only date lesbians.
I read this in just a few hours while I was on a plane. It was cute enough, and certainly provided enough entertainment to break up the mind numbing monotony of flying through the air in a metal tube, but I found myself a little disappointed at the end. There wasn't a whole lot of substance to this. It's a fake dating plot! There are so many opportunities for shenanigans! Sadly, most of those opportunities slipped by.
There were also a few problematic points, in my mind. The scenario that brings about the fake dating situation is straight up harassment (from a third party), and I don't feel the person was sufficiently chastised. There's also some biphobic comments that are completely unnecessary. What they bring to the plot could be done without making it seem like lesbians should only date lesbians.
February 7, 2018
This book is wrong. The facebook escapade was beyond disgusting. The only sane person is the MC. Even her fake girlfriend laugh about something that should be outrageous. At the end everything goes all peace&love, when the right course of events should have been with someone in jail or with a restraining order. And don’t get me started with the sister... Thank god I’m an only child
January 2, 2017
This isn’t my normal type of review – and there’s a spoiler about the storyline, so be warned.
On the one hand this is a lighthearted enjoyable read about slightly older women in a small town searching for love. Its starts with a bunch of single friends and through a series of sometimes funny and sometime poignant happenings we get to the expected happy ever after. It's full of humour and the main relationship is delightful to watch.
As with all Gerri Hill’s books its well written and crafted, well edited. I liked the main characters, particularly Leah who I thought was a particularly gentle and genuine woman. At times I was slightly frustrated by the amount of emphasis on “I am too old to fall in love” or “They cant possibly get together they are too old”.. I don’t know how old Gerri Hill is but at 52 I certainly hope to fall in love again.
On the one hand this is a lighthearted enjoyable read about slightly older women in a small town searching for love. Its starts with a bunch of single friends and through a series of sometimes funny and sometime poignant happenings we get to the expected happy ever after. It's full of humour and the main relationship is delightful to watch.
As with all Gerri Hill’s books its well written and crafted, well edited. I liked the main characters, particularly Leah who I thought was a particularly gentle and genuine woman. At times I was slightly frustrated by the amount of emphasis on “I am too old to fall in love” or “They cant possibly get together they are too old”.. I don’t know how old Gerri Hill is but at 52 I certainly hope to fall in love again.
September 18, 2020
This is an excellent fake to real romance.
When Leah and Megan met they didn’t get along. They form a truce and a deal to ‘fake’ date in order to help each other avoid unwanted attention from the local singles. But as they pretend to date, they get to know one another and realize they real enjoy spending time together. They’re feeling deepen the more they are together and when they kiss its eye opening for both of them. Leah makes Megan feel things no one else ever has, and Megan makes Leah realize she wants to date, she wants that with someone, she wants that with Megan.
As Leah and Megan are figuring things out between themselves, Nancy, Megan’s older sister, and Mary Beth also release they feel something for one another.
I love them.
When Leah and Megan met they didn’t get along. They form a truce and a deal to ‘fake’ date in order to help each other avoid unwanted attention from the local singles. But as they pretend to date, they get to know one another and realize they real enjoy spending time together. They’re feeling deepen the more they are together and when they kiss its eye opening for both of them. Leah makes Megan feel things no one else ever has, and Megan makes Leah realize she wants to date, she wants that with someone, she wants that with Megan.
As Leah and Megan are figuring things out between themselves, Nancy, Megan’s older sister, and Mary Beth also release they feel something for one another.
I love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
0/10
Dnf @ 22%
Fuck no.
Making it seem like the MC is the crazy one when she’s being blackmailed and cyber bullied. EVERYONE is ok with it and telling her to loosen up - all the people in the town, her sister, her soon to be gf and even her mother.
Like what the fuck?
Hard pass.
Dnf @ 22%
Fuck no.
Making it seem like the MC is the crazy one when she’s being blackmailed and cyber bullied. EVERYONE is ok with it and telling her to loosen up - all the people in the town, her sister, her soon to be gf and even her mother.
Like what the fuck?
Hard pass.
February 26, 2017
Got the audio version of this book. Fun book. Great dialog, the bickering and banter had me laughing out loud. The love story was a slow build and worth it. The narrator was really good.
April 11, 2017
This book had me laughing out loud! The banter back and forth made for an easy fun read! Great book!
October 23, 2024
I found this little gem on my TBR shelves! I really enjoyed this fake romance,age gap, opposites attract slow burn love story! Megan is a no nonsense woman, who finds herself the brunt of a personal, public "joke" that's very embarrassing. She meets Leah her businesses neighbor, when they argue over a parking space. When Leah is inundated with date offers by the many single lesbians in town, she comes up with an idea. She and Megan will fake date.
This is a cute story, that is entertaining, hence 5 stars!
This is a cute story, that is entertaining, hence 5 stars!
June 12, 2017
>:(
I am so mad. This book would have been so good! I love the fake-dating and enemies-to-lovers tropes, and there was even a romantic scene at the end that took place during a power outage! I love this stuff!
HOWEVER
I can't get past the awful conflict that drives the story forward.
Main character Megan, at her birthday party, gets blackout drunk after receiving a voicemail from a nasty ex. After Megan passes out, her sister and friends abandon her, leaving her alone with the woman hosting the party, Mary Beth, who strips off Megan's clothes and takes compromising photos of her. WHILE MEGAN IS UNCONSCIOUS. Mary Beth proceeds to torment Megan with these photos, sharing some on facebook, flaunting to Megan that she has them and using them as blackmail, etc.
Do the town members think Mary Beth's behaviour is sick, violating, and predatory, like rational people would? Of course not! To them it's hilarious, juicy gossip. It's all just a bit of fun!
Both Megan's sister and love interest even go so far as to blame Megan for getting drunk and allowing it to happen.
AND THEN Megan's sister ends up dating Mary Beth, so.
>:(
I hate it so much, and the more I think about it the angrier I get. That plotline tainted all the cute fluffy romance for me. I expected a sweet and funny lesbian love story, instead I got a wet fish slap to the face.
I am so mad. This book would have been so good! I love the fake-dating and enemies-to-lovers tropes, and there was even a romantic scene at the end that took place during a power outage! I love this stuff!
HOWEVER
I can't get past the awful conflict that drives the story forward.
Main character Megan, at her birthday party, gets blackout drunk after receiving a voicemail from a nasty ex. After Megan passes out, her sister and friends abandon her, leaving her alone with the woman hosting the party, Mary Beth, who strips off Megan's clothes and takes compromising photos of her. WHILE MEGAN IS UNCONSCIOUS. Mary Beth proceeds to torment Megan with these photos, sharing some on facebook, flaunting to Megan that she has them and using them as blackmail, etc.
Do the town members think Mary Beth's behaviour is sick, violating, and predatory, like rational people would? Of course not! To them it's hilarious, juicy gossip. It's all just a bit of fun!
Both Megan's sister and love interest even go so far as to blame Megan for getting drunk and allowing it to happen.
AND THEN Megan's sister ends up dating Mary Beth, so.
>:(
I hate it so much, and the more I think about it the angrier I get. That plotline tainted all the cute fluffy romance for me. I expected a sweet and funny lesbian love story, instead I got a wet fish slap to the face.
May 3, 2023
I always enjoy revisiting the story of Megan and Leah in 'The Roundabout.' I thought it's a well-written age-gap, fake-relationship romance set in a small colorful town called Eureka Springs. Some parts of it might raise a few eye brows (like the blackmailing stuff), but for some reason, they work for me. And if asked for a light and fun Gerri Hill read, I'd definitely recommend this book off the bat.
March 31, 2021
I absolutely hated that Mary Beth was able to behave the way she did and not one person took her to task for it. She should have been charged with sexual assault and blackmail, at the very least. Why would anyone thing the behavior was funny or harmless.
I did like the interactions between Leah and Megan.
I did like the interactions between Leah and Megan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2021
This is a nice, feel-good romance. I didn't actually find THAT funny, but I enjoyed the dialogues.
As many readers pointed out before, it was kind of odd that everyone treated the photo upload on Facebook as a harmless prank. I would have liked a little more compassion from Leah's side, because I get it that in a small town, other rules apply but that doesn't make it okay.
As many readers pointed out before, it was kind of odd that everyone treated the photo upload on Facebook as a harmless prank. I would have liked a little more compassion from Leah's side, because I get it that in a small town, other rules apply but that doesn't make it okay.
April 13, 2018
It would've been a funny, sweet romance if it wasn't for the absolutely terrible idea of showing sexual harassment in a lighthearted way. Other reviewers have talked about it at length, so I'm going to save my words here.
December 6, 2022
The romance could have been so cute. The potential was there, even if the characters acted a little immature for supposedly being middle-aged. But the whole thing with Mary Beth - I'm sorry, what the fuck? She's straight up sexually harassing and blackmailing Megan, and the whole town's just like, haha, isn't this a great joke? And why was the explanation for not suing or pressing charges "oh, well it's such a small town, people will take sides" - um, no. How about, this bitch has to answer for her actions, and otherwise she's being enabled in her malicious behavior, and ALL OF YOU ARE COMPLICIT. And her getting together with Megan's sister at the end didn't give me the warm and fuzzies. SHE WAS A PREDATOR. SHE WAS ABUSIVE. Some measly little apology about being upset (and MAJOR red flag of not being able to take no for an answer...) and acting stupid does not cut it at all. Seriously, wtf?? If the story had focused more on Megan and Leah and less on the Facebook BS (to call it cyberbullying would be too kind), it could have been such a precious, wholesome middle-aged lesbian enemies-to-fake-dating-to-lovers romance. Of course I'll be reading more Gerri Hill, but the whole premise for this one was messed up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
Gerri Hill has written some fantastic books but sadly this was not one of them. I persevered until the end but it left me feeling very uneasy. A minor character took advantage of Megan, one of the main characters, when she was in an inebriated state, stripping her naked and posting incrementally revealing photographs on Facebook, in an effort to get Megan to go on a date.
This episode was supposed to provide light humour, and the whole town were laughing at one of the main characters expense, even her sister. Exchange the gender of the 'doer' of this deed from female to male and I'm sure there would be quite the outcry. This is not funny, it's deeply creepy, and what is even worse is that this minor character gets redemption and her own HEA which I found hard to stomach.
This is a very misjudged element of the book which left me feeling deeply uneasy. I genuinely don't know how this book has garnered almost 4 stars. Maybe it's just me.
This episode was supposed to provide light humour, and the whole town were laughing at one of the main characters expense, even her sister. Exchange the gender of the 'doer' of this deed from female to male and I'm sure there would be quite the outcry. This is not funny, it's deeply creepy, and what is even worse is that this minor character gets redemption and her own HEA which I found hard to stomach.
This is a very misjudged element of the book which left me feeling deeply uneasy. I genuinely don't know how this book has garnered almost 4 stars. Maybe it's just me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2018
Author of thirty novels, Gerri Hill is an accomplished writer who always delivers a fun tale. THE ROUNDABOUT, set in a small town (Eureka Springs) in the Ozarks, provides a lesbian romance about two women business owners, Megan, 39, and Leah, 51. Megan owns with her sister, Nancy, a restaurant that is established, and Leah is a transplanted California who is new to town. The two clash over parking spaces in front of their adjoining businesses--causing them to begin a relationship as adversaries. But this is a lesbian romance, so inevitably Leah and Megan will find reasons to spend time together and will gradually grow on each other. The details of how this happens give the story charm. Not heavy, rather predictable, yet an enjoyable read with delightful characters!
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