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Puppy Love Romance #3
Dare to Stay
Welcome to Junebug Farms, a successful, well-known animal shelter in upstate New York, where every day brings something new—love, stress, heartbreak, warmth—and not just from the animals.
Since inheriting Junebug Farms from her grandmother, Jessica Barstow’s life revolves around it, and she has no time or energy for much else. Not hobbies. Not fun. Not love—certainly not love. And the new, young, and hip TV reporter who’s been sent to host the upcoming fundraising telethon isn’t going to change that—even though it seems like she wants to change everything else.
Sydney Taylor has zero desire to cover human interest stories in some Podunk, upstate New York hamlet, but that's where she's landed—for now. So she’ll make the best of it until she can get something bigger. In the meantime, she is assigned to host the annual live fundraising telethon for some local animal shelter. It’s just a job; she doesn’t have time to get attached. And it doesn’t matter that the rigid, keeps-to-herself CEO of the shelter is resistant to anything Sydney suggests. Or that she’s super attractive and sexy. That doesn’t matter at all...
The third in the Puppy Love Romances by award-winning author Georgia Beers.
Since inheriting Junebug Farms from her grandmother, Jessica Barstow’s life revolves around it, and she has no time or energy for much else. Not hobbies. Not fun. Not love—certainly not love. And the new, young, and hip TV reporter who’s been sent to host the upcoming fundraising telethon isn’t going to change that—even though it seems like she wants to change everything else.
Sydney Taylor has zero desire to cover human interest stories in some Podunk, upstate New York hamlet, but that's where she's landed—for now. So she’ll make the best of it until she can get something bigger. In the meantime, she is assigned to host the annual live fundraising telethon for some local animal shelter. It’s just a job; she doesn’t have time to get attached. And it doesn’t matter that the rigid, keeps-to-herself CEO of the shelter is resistant to anything Sydney suggests. Or that she’s super attractive and sexy. That doesn’t matter at all...
The third in the Puppy Love Romances by award-winning author Georgia Beers.
280 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2016
37 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,504 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 17, 2017
So, Georgia Beers recently published “Dare to Stay”, the third of the Puppy Love trilogy. I liked the first one very much, and REALLY loved the second one. The problem is that reviews are beginning to appear for the new book, but the audiobook won’t be out for six months or so.
But hey - this is the 21st century, and so I enthusiastically embarked on a grand adventure! I bought a well-reviewed text-to-voice IOS program (VoiceDream), and even bought the extra (better?) voices that Amazon was eliminating from their licensing program after 12/31/16. Then, I bought the Kindle version of “Dare to Stay” and shared it to VoiceDream. Okaaaayyy - electrovoice Salli isn’t going to endanger Abby Craden’s career as a narrator, but hey - I’m listening to “Dare to Stay”! For all of 100 seconds. Huh? Only a sample got transferred to VoiceDream. Okay - I don’t panic…I reach out to tech support. I learn that F***ing Amazon blocks Kindle books from being accessed outside of their stupid Kindle apps!!!!!! AAARGH.
But…and here’s the good news…that disheartening news led me to discovering yet another new superpower!!
By sitting in one spot, very still, and holding my iPhone, I could move my eyes back and forth across the screen and the words began appearing as voices in my brain! After awhile, they even started sounding a little (very little) like Abby Craden! It even worked in the jacuzzi! So now, after hours in the hot tub, I look like a prune but I’ve finished the book even before it’s released on Audible.com!!! Mind you, this took lots of work and I don’t know if I can ever sit still again for anything but another Junebug Farms romance adventure, but I’ve learned something new and exciting - not a bad way to start 2017!
The book itself is terrific! It’s a little hard for me to compare with the other books in the series because of the different formats. I really like Abby Craden’s melodious voice. Having a book read to you is just…intimate. You can’t rush ahead through passages and you can’t dawdle or overthink things. The pace and energy is determined by the author and her narrator. As I think about it, I guess it’s the one time I like ceding control. Reading “Dare to Stay”, as much as I truly enjoyed it, took more effort than listening to “Run to You”. The little % complete counter kept dragging me away from the bookworld, and made me think I was completing a task instead of luxuriating in the artificial world of Junebug Farms and the wonderful characters. I get lost in audiobooks easier - and I like that.
In “Dare to Stay”, I really liked the way Jessica’s “old soul” was explained. I always thought Abby Craden voiced Jessica as too grandmotherly sounding than the late 30ish women she is, but perhaps it fits. Sydney was very likable and believable. Their bathroom kissing scene made me laugh because I recently listened to “Hoosier Daddy”, which had several hilarious bathroom encounters! There’s a minor editing glitch introducing Emily’s role to Sydney, but most of the previous romantic leads in the series make a great supporting cast in this book. It was nice to see very little misunderstandings and angst - really just a sweet romance unfolding between two nice women. I won’t add a spoiler, but I was disappointed at how the book resolved Anna.
I can’t wait for the audiobook to finally be released…I’ll definitely still add “Dare to Stay” to my audio collection! 5*
UPDATE Feb 15th, 2017 - "Dare to Stay" arrived on Audible! As expected, Abby Craden does a MUCH better job than any of VoiceDream's robo-narrators (which, btw, I did finally get to work!). Also, I enjoyed the book more on Audible than I did reading the Kindle edition on my iPhone and iPad. But, since I'd already rated the book 5* I guess there's no ratings upgrade available! One thing I liked about the narration is that Abby voiced Jessica as younger sounding than I remember from the prior two books. Catherine, her best friend at Junebug, seems to have switched voices with Jessica, and in book 3 sounds older than I remember she did in her own book, "Run to You". While it was a bit odd having the same narrator voice characters differently, I enjoyed Jessica not sounding too old for Sydney.
Finally, several reviewers have expressed hope that a book four will give Anna her own romance. While I very much hope to see more in the Puppy Love series, I really don't want to see (or hear) any more from Anna. She's a bitch.
But hey - this is the 21st century, and so I enthusiastically embarked on a grand adventure! I bought a well-reviewed text-to-voice IOS program (VoiceDream), and even bought the extra (better?) voices that Amazon was eliminating from their licensing program after 12/31/16. Then, I bought the Kindle version of “Dare to Stay” and shared it to VoiceDream. Okaaaayyy - electrovoice Salli isn’t going to endanger Abby Craden’s career as a narrator, but hey - I’m listening to “Dare to Stay”! For all of 100 seconds. Huh? Only a sample got transferred to VoiceDream. Okay - I don’t panic…I reach out to tech support. I learn that F***ing Amazon blocks Kindle books from being accessed outside of their stupid Kindle apps!!!!!! AAARGH.
But…and here’s the good news…that disheartening news led me to discovering yet another new superpower!!
By sitting in one spot, very still, and holding my iPhone, I could move my eyes back and forth across the screen and the words began appearing as voices in my brain! After awhile, they even started sounding a little (very little) like Abby Craden! It even worked in the jacuzzi! So now, after hours in the hot tub, I look like a prune but I’ve finished the book even before it’s released on Audible.com!!! Mind you, this took lots of work and I don’t know if I can ever sit still again for anything but another Junebug Farms romance adventure, but I’ve learned something new and exciting - not a bad way to start 2017!
The book itself is terrific! It’s a little hard for me to compare with the other books in the series because of the different formats. I really like Abby Craden’s melodious voice. Having a book read to you is just…intimate. You can’t rush ahead through passages and you can’t dawdle or overthink things. The pace and energy is determined by the author and her narrator. As I think about it, I guess it’s the one time I like ceding control. Reading “Dare to Stay”, as much as I truly enjoyed it, took more effort than listening to “Run to You”. The little % complete counter kept dragging me away from the bookworld, and made me think I was completing a task instead of luxuriating in the artificial world of Junebug Farms and the wonderful characters. I get lost in audiobooks easier - and I like that.
In “Dare to Stay”, I really liked the way Jessica’s “old soul” was explained. I always thought Abby Craden voiced Jessica as too grandmotherly sounding than the late 30ish women she is, but perhaps it fits. Sydney was very likable and believable. Their bathroom kissing scene made me laugh because I recently listened to “Hoosier Daddy”, which had several hilarious bathroom encounters! There’s a minor editing glitch introducing Emily’s role to Sydney, but most of the previous romantic leads in the series make a great supporting cast in this book. It was nice to see very little misunderstandings and angst - really just a sweet romance unfolding between two nice women. I won’t add a spoiler, but I was disappointed at how the book resolved Anna.
I can’t wait for the audiobook to finally be released…I’ll definitely still add “Dare to Stay” to my audio collection! 5*
UPDATE Feb 15th, 2017 - "Dare to Stay" arrived on Audible! As expected, Abby Craden does a MUCH better job than any of VoiceDream's robo-narrators (which, btw, I did finally get to work!). Also, I enjoyed the book more on Audible than I did reading the Kindle edition on my iPhone and iPad. But, since I'd already rated the book 5* I guess there's no ratings upgrade available! One thing I liked about the narration is that Abby voiced Jessica as younger sounding than I remember from the prior two books. Catherine, her best friend at Junebug, seems to have switched voices with Jessica, and in book 3 sounds older than I remember she did in her own book, "Run to You". While it was a bit odd having the same narrator voice characters differently, I enjoyed Jessica not sounding too old for Sydney.
Finally, several reviewers have expressed hope that a book four will give Anna her own romance. While I very much hope to see more in the Puppy Love series, I really don't want to see (or hear) any more from Anna. She's a bitch.
February 7, 2017
My first lesfic review of 2017! Right now, I'm mentally blaring those reggae horns heard in a million early 2000's songs.
Okay. I'm stressed. Is this the LAST BOOK of the 'Puppy Love' Series? Because I'm preeeetttyyyyy sure Georgia Beers said that she'd write these books forever and ever (in my dreams). I can't get enough of these. And I believe in #justiceforAnna. A book about her finding love, too, please!
Even though "Run to You" is by far the reigning queen of the bunch, this was a great addition to my favorite romantic series. Freaking solid. I wasn't as in-love with Jessica and Sydney as I wanted to be, but that didn't slow me down! In fact, I'd read most of this book after I saw it was out, then reread it from the midpoint so I could post a coherent review!
Their journey and the tension (yum!) really kept this one sailing, which was a treat to follow. Jessica's genuine love for Junebug Farms is infectious. I mean, how couldn't Sydney be seduced?
I only have a couple of nitpicks:
Romantic, funny, cute, sexy. and full of animals per usual! This book met my (excited!) expectations. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST.
If it is the last, thank youuuuuu, Georgia Beers. You're one of the few writers who produces re-readable stuff for me. This series is a gem!
Okay. I'm stressed. Is this the LAST BOOK of the 'Puppy Love' Series? Because I'm preeeetttyyyyy sure Georgia Beers said that she'd write these books forever and ever (in my dreams). I can't get enough of these. And I believe in #justiceforAnna. A book about her finding love, too, please!
Even though "Run to You" is by far the reigning queen of the bunch, this was a great addition to my favorite romantic series. Freaking solid. I wasn't as in-love with Jessica and Sydney as I wanted to be, but that didn't slow me down! In fact, I'd read most of this book after I saw it was out, then reread it from the midpoint so I could post a coherent review!
Their journey and the tension (yum!) really kept this one sailing, which was a treat to follow. Jessica's genuine love for Junebug Farms is infectious. I mean, how couldn't Sydney be seduced?
I only have a couple of nitpicks:
Romantic, funny, cute, sexy. and full of animals per usual! This book met my (excited!) expectations. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST.
If it is the last, thank youuuuuu, Georgia Beers. You're one of the few writers who produces re-readable stuff for me. This series is a gem!
December 17, 2016
3.5 stars.
This is a Georgia Beers romance. Well written, fluffy romance with likable characters. Fluffy in a good way.
Strange though, usually these types of romances are right up my alley - but this time the book just didn't grab me right away. It was ho hum. I was expecting better from Beers. I think maybe a few too many times when it was mentioned that Jessica & Sydney were the most beautiful women ever. As I write this I realized the we always know exactly what each of the MCs were wearing. I didn't think it was necessary all the time. I was conflicted by Anna - ranged from annoyed, hate to sympathy - though she brought a lot her problems on herself with help of Sydney not being up front with her. I do understand why Sydney was letting it go on for so long. Or maybe because I was having a bad time at work and about the time work drama was resolved I started liking the book more? Coincidence?
Anyway, it turned out to be a nice ending to the trilogy. I recommend the book. I'll probably re-read all three at some point and this book may go to 4 stars upon re-read.
This is a Georgia Beers romance. Well written, fluffy romance with likable characters. Fluffy in a good way.
Strange though, usually these types of romances are right up my alley - but this time the book just didn't grab me right away. It was ho hum. I was expecting better from Beers. I think maybe a few too many times when it was mentioned that Jessica & Sydney were the most beautiful women ever. As I write this I realized the we always know exactly what each of the MCs were wearing. I didn't think it was necessary all the time. I was conflicted by Anna - ranged from annoyed, hate to sympathy - though she brought a lot her problems on herself with help of Sydney not being up front with her. I do understand why Sydney was letting it go on for so long. Or maybe because I was having a bad time at work and about the time work drama was resolved I started liking the book more? Coincidence?
Anyway, it turned out to be a nice ending to the trilogy. I recommend the book. I'll probably re-read all three at some point and this book may go to 4 stars upon re-read.
October 25, 2021
These two stars are for the animals and the animals only (oh, and also Dr. Vivian Greene (spelling?)). Honestly…what kind of a romance was this? I usually have a great time with Beers’ books, but aside from the adorable cats, dogs, and fish, this book was a huge letdown.
I liked Jessica in the first and second books, so I was excited for her starring role. Jessica is mostly likable in this book too, though I found her a bit ooc and nonsensical at times. Sydney, though, is a pretty weak character imo. I can’t name any personality trait of hers except maybe…driven? Early on in the book, it seems like she’s set up to be a bit of an ice queen, but that iciness disappears and then she becomes vaguely, forgettably nice. There was some potential for Sydney to become a more fleshed-out character: most notably, her panic attack at the beginning of the book that is just never addressed later. Some exploration of Sydney’s mental health would have been a much better use of page space than a certain unnecessary sub-plot (next paragraph)…
I was hoping that we’d seen the last of Anna in book 2, but no — she has a bigger role than ever in this one. She’s annoying and overbearing, which isn’t news, but she’s also the focus of some very unnecessary conflict. Sydney strings her along for so much of the book, and her claim that it was because she “didn’t want to rock the boat” is weak as heck. I didn’t like anyone’s behavior regarding the whole Anna drama and, ugh…I wish this part hadn’t been included at all.
Now, the romance. In my opinion, there is no romance. I felt no chemistry, there are no cute scenes between them, they seem to only be attracted to each other physically, and they’re not even remotely together for like, 99.9% of the book. Several times in the book (even close to the end), the leads talk about how they don’t know each other very well. My main thought was…why? Specifically, why is Jessica attracted to Sydney? Other than the fact that she’s ridiculously hot, of course, which brings me to my next point. Jessica and Sydney are both supermodel-gorgeous with perfect skin, hair, and teeth, and after a while it got so old hearing about this. I mean, whatever, I guess Sydney is in the TV business so looks are a factor, but Jessica is a normal person who inherited Junebug Farms from her grandma…whyyyyy does she have to be other-worldly-supermodel-gorgeous too?
There are a few things I found problematic. Firstly, some of Sydney’s words and attitudes seemed fatphobic to me. Secondly, Jessica thinks of Sydney as a “slave driver” at least once, which is just…no no no no no.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Abby Craden like the other two books in the series. Abby always does a great job narrating, but I had issues with her character voices here. I probably only noticed this because I listened to the second and third books of this series back-to-back, but I think she switched Catherine and Jessica’s voices. In book 2, Jessica had the clearer, slightly deeper voice, and Catherine had the softer, huskier voice, but in this book they were reversed. Also, Sydney’s voice changes dramatically halfway through the book, which was very distracting. I feel like this says a lot about Sydney’s character: she’s so forgettable that Abby just forgot what her voice sounded like! Yikes.
Now to be more positive — I loved the animals in this book! Sydney has funny interactions with her fish Marge and Homer, Jessica has three adorably clingy cats named Scooby, Fred, and Shaggy, Sydney interviews a sweet girl and her dog, and Jessica is at it again with her late-night kennel visits. It’s obvious Georgia Beers loves animals and is a big proponent of pet adoption, which is just wonderful. My only animal-related complaint is that, like with the first book, the dog on the cover is not in the book lol.
In conclusion, I’ve had great luck with Beers’ books in the past and I’ll continue to enthusiastically read them. Unfortunately, this one was a big miss for me romance-wise and plot-wise.
Semi-buddy read with Hsinju! Check out their review here!
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), fatphobic language, graphic sex, guilt, mentions of animal abuse and animal death, mention of loss of parents to car accident, mention of loss of a loved one to cancer, panic attack
I liked Jessica in the first and second books, so I was excited for her starring role. Jessica is mostly likable in this book too, though I found her a bit ooc and nonsensical at times. Sydney, though, is a pretty weak character imo. I can’t name any personality trait of hers except maybe…driven? Early on in the book, it seems like she’s set up to be a bit of an ice queen, but that iciness disappears and then she becomes vaguely, forgettably nice. There was some potential for Sydney to become a more fleshed-out character: most notably, her panic attack at the beginning of the book that is just never addressed later. Some exploration of Sydney’s mental health would have been a much better use of page space than a certain unnecessary sub-plot (next paragraph)…
I was hoping that we’d seen the last of Anna in book 2, but no — she has a bigger role than ever in this one. She’s annoying and overbearing, which isn’t news, but she’s also the focus of some very unnecessary conflict. Sydney strings her along for so much of the book, and her claim that it was because she “didn’t want to rock the boat” is weak as heck. I didn’t like anyone’s behavior regarding the whole Anna drama and, ugh…I wish this part hadn’t been included at all.
Now, the romance. In my opinion, there is no romance. I felt no chemistry, there are no cute scenes between them, they seem to only be attracted to each other physically, and they’re not even remotely together for like, 99.9% of the book. Several times in the book (even close to the end), the leads talk about how they don’t know each other very well. My main thought was…why? Specifically, why is Jessica attracted to Sydney? Other than the fact that she’s ridiculously hot, of course, which brings me to my next point. Jessica and Sydney are both supermodel-gorgeous with perfect skin, hair, and teeth, and after a while it got so old hearing about this. I mean, whatever, I guess Sydney is in the TV business so looks are a factor, but Jessica is a normal person who inherited Junebug Farms from her grandma…whyyyyy does she have to be other-worldly-supermodel-gorgeous too?
There are a few things I found problematic. Firstly, some of Sydney’s words and attitudes seemed fatphobic to me. Secondly, Jessica thinks of Sydney as a “slave driver” at least once, which is just…no no no no no.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Abby Craden like the other two books in the series. Abby always does a great job narrating, but I had issues with her character voices here. I probably only noticed this because I listened to the second and third books of this series back-to-back, but I think she switched Catherine and Jessica’s voices. In book 2, Jessica had the clearer, slightly deeper voice, and Catherine had the softer, huskier voice, but in this book they were reversed. Also, Sydney’s voice changes dramatically halfway through the book, which was very distracting. I feel like this says a lot about Sydney’s character: she’s so forgettable that Abby just forgot what her voice sounded like! Yikes.
Now to be more positive — I loved the animals in this book! Sydney has funny interactions with her fish Marge and Homer, Jessica has three adorably clingy cats named Scooby, Fred, and Shaggy, Sydney interviews a sweet girl and her dog, and Jessica is at it again with her late-night kennel visits. It’s obvious Georgia Beers loves animals and is a big proponent of pet adoption, which is just wonderful. My only animal-related complaint is that, like with the first book, the dog on the cover is not in the book lol.
In conclusion, I’ve had great luck with Beers’ books in the past and I’ll continue to enthusiastically read them. Unfortunately, this one was a big miss for me romance-wise and plot-wise.
Semi-buddy read with Hsinju! Check out their review here!
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), fatphobic language, graphic sex, guilt, mentions of animal abuse and animal death, mention of loss of parents to car accident, mention of loss of a loved one to cancer, panic attack
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
I'm not a huge fan of this author, but i did really enjoy this audiobook. it was the perfect angst free 'happy for now', and the narrator is one of my favorites.
December 17, 2016
Jessica had been running Junebug farms since inheriting it from her Grandmother, she loves her job and it comes first in her life. When she meets the news reporter that is covering the Junebug telethon she feels flustered and a little on edge. Sydney has been climbing the news-reporting ladder since she left college. She has a new job, in a new city and a telethon to cover but she never expected for sparks to fly with Jessica, the CEO of Junebug especially when Jessica clearly doesn’t like her.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Run to You however it’s still a Georgia Beers book and as usual hit all the right notes. I have never been disappointed by any of Georgia Beers’s book she simply rocks at romance.
I really enjoyed Jessica character especially her friendship with Catherine. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get more from the characters from the first two books but I am hoping this isn’t the end and all three couples with be in the fourth book… please tell there’s a fourth book! Sydney and Jessica relationship was a joy to read. They complemented each other perfectly and once again their first kiss sent sparks flying off the page.
I really hope this isn’t the end… 4.5 Stars.
https://lesreveur.com/2016/12/17/dare...
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Run to You however it’s still a Georgia Beers book and as usual hit all the right notes. I have never been disappointed by any of Georgia Beers’s book she simply rocks at romance.
I really enjoyed Jessica character especially her friendship with Catherine. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get more from the characters from the first two books but I am hoping this isn’t the end and all three couples with be in the fourth book… please tell there’s a fourth book! Sydney and Jessica relationship was a joy to read. They complemented each other perfectly and once again their first kiss sent sparks flying off the page.
I really hope this isn’t the end… 4.5 Stars.
https://lesreveur.com/2016/12/17/dare...
October 29, 2021
Cute fish and cats and doggos (Marge, Homer, Fred, Shaggy, Scooby, Millie, ella, + cameo of Mo)! Not-so-cute romance...
I’m not convinced that Jessica and Sydney have a future together, and it honestly felt really weird listening to their intimate scenes because I don’t... want to see them together? 😬 Most of the characters are pretty terrible in the book, like Jessica keeps stressing how Sydney is changing the telethon from what Janet used to do, Sydney being all “I’m not staying in this tiny city” and gets entangled in all the drama anyway, and Anna... I don’t even know. My favorite human character is Sydney’s old lady neighbor Dr. Vivian Green(e?) followed by all the secondary and minor dude characters.
I really don’t like the characters joking about being blind or having bad eyesight because someone’s beauty is through the roof and someone else didn’t notice it or something like that. It happened about once every previous book, and I thought, okay people talk like that it’s fine, but then there were maybe 4 times in this one. I also find characters avoiding thinking about their attraction (which I could not see) is somewhat annoying. Had they acknowledged their feelings, convinced themselves it’s not going to work out, and moved on with their daily lives, it would’ve felt more real.
… and there is a lot of squinting going on. Probably over 10 times and it started becoming funny.
Gabriella pointed out that Jessica’s and Catherine’s voices are different from the previous book and that Jessica is kinda OOC throughout the book. In Laura’s review, she mentioned how “perfect” the MCs’ skins are, how beautiful they are, etc. etc. and “no chance of seeing yourself reflected in a Georgia Beers book.”
Also, I have to mention: because of the telethon, Jessica was worn out from all the preparation that Sydney was making her do, she used the phrase “slave driver” to describe Sydney, which does not sit well with me...
All in all, I’m not really happy that I spent the time listening to this book, but I like the fish and cats and doggos. 2 stars.
content warnings: panic attack, loss of dog (past), animal abuse (mentioned), ableist language, depression (minor character), loss of parents & grandparent (past), HP reference
Semi-buddy listen with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I’m not convinced that Jessica and Sydney have a future together, and it honestly felt really weird listening to their intimate scenes because I don’t... want to see them together? 😬 Most of the characters are pretty terrible in the book, like Jessica keeps stressing how Sydney is changing the telethon from what Janet used to do, Sydney being all “I’m not staying in this tiny city” and gets entangled in all the drama anyway, and Anna... I don’t even know. My favorite human character is Sydney’s old lady neighbor Dr. Vivian Green(e?) followed by all the secondary and minor dude characters.
I really don’t like the characters joking about being blind or having bad eyesight because someone’s beauty is through the roof and someone else didn’t notice it or something like that. It happened about once every previous book, and I thought, okay people talk like that it’s fine, but then there were maybe 4 times in this one. I also find characters avoiding thinking about their attraction (which I could not see) is somewhat annoying. Had they acknowledged their feelings, convinced themselves it’s not going to work out, and moved on with their daily lives, it would’ve felt more real.
… and there is a lot of squinting going on. Probably over 10 times and it started becoming funny.
Gabriella pointed out that Jessica’s and Catherine’s voices are different from the previous book and that Jessica is kinda OOC throughout the book. In Laura’s review, she mentioned how “perfect” the MCs’ skins are, how beautiful they are, etc. etc. and “no chance of seeing yourself reflected in a Georgia Beers book.”
Also, I have to mention: because of the telethon, Jessica was worn out from all the preparation that Sydney was making her do, she used the phrase “slave driver” to describe Sydney, which does not sit well with me...
All in all, I’m not really happy that I spent the time listening to this book, but I like the fish and cats and doggos. 2 stars.
content warnings: panic attack, loss of dog (past), animal abuse (mentioned), ableist language, depression (minor character), loss of parents & grandparent (past), HP reference
Semi-buddy listen with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
February 5, 2017
Dare to Stay by Georgia Beers is not only the last book in her Puppy Love series, it’s also the best. It captured my heart and managed to do what I didn’t think was possible by tying Too Close to Touch as my favourite book by this author.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/dare-...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/dare-...
July 30, 2020
There are both positives and negatives to listening to a series of audiobooks one after the other. The positives are you remember everything from previous books and are already invested in the characters. A negative can also be that you remember everything from the previous books. lol Like when the narrator - especially when it's the same one - forgets which voice she used for which character and flips them. Such was the case here. Everyone knows I love me some Abby Craden, but yeah - Jessica's voice in book 3 was Catherine's in book 2 and vice versa. Woops. And both audiobooks were released just months apart. In the end it was okay once I made the adjustment because Jessica's voice in book 2 was a little too old for the character. Beyond that - and the fact that Beers suddenly appeared to learn the word "beat" to describe a pause - and used it what seemed to be no less than 30 times - I actually liked this audiobook the best of the three.
Overall, this was a good series. I love Junebug Farms - their mission, the development of the characters, the animals and even the location - an unnamed town in upstate New York.
As far as romances go, this is a sweet one. When Jessica Barstow, the owner and CEO of Junebug Farms, learns that a new to the area TV news reporter will be taking over the farm's annual fundraising telethon, she is less than pleased. The previous reporter had done it for numerous years and Jessica was comfortable with her and happy with the result. So when she meets with Sydney Taylor to discuss what she has in mind to modernize the telecast, Jessica is worried that Sydney's new way of doing things won't bode well for their most important fundraising event of the year. No matter how attractive she is. Or that both of them felt an immediate bolt of attraction the moment they met.
This series really is enjoyable and I will miss the characters. Well - not the annoying Anna. (I guess there always needs to be one character to play the foil.) I mean, who doesn't want to hang out with a bunch of gorgeous lesbians running an animal shelter, their equally stunning love interests, and a whole bevy of wonderful animals? Fuggedaboutit! 4.25 stars
Overall, this was a good series. I love Junebug Farms - their mission, the development of the characters, the animals and even the location - an unnamed town in upstate New York.
As far as romances go, this is a sweet one. When Jessica Barstow, the owner and CEO of Junebug Farms, learns that a new to the area TV news reporter will be taking over the farm's annual fundraising telethon, she is less than pleased. The previous reporter had done it for numerous years and Jessica was comfortable with her and happy with the result. So when she meets with Sydney Taylor to discuss what she has in mind to modernize the telecast, Jessica is worried that Sydney's new way of doing things won't bode well for their most important fundraising event of the year. No matter how attractive she is. Or that both of them felt an immediate bolt of attraction the moment they met.
This series really is enjoyable and I will miss the characters. Well - not the annoying Anna. (I guess there always needs to be one character to play the foil.) I mean, who doesn't want to hang out with a bunch of gorgeous lesbians running an animal shelter, their equally stunning love interests, and a whole bevy of wonderful animals? Fuggedaboutit! 4.25 stars
October 18, 2023
My new favorite sapphic trilogy.
February 8, 2017
Book 2 is still my favorite. I think no one can beat Cath and Emily. Well, more of Emily.
I don't really know what's wrong with Sydney but she's a downer especially on the first part of the book. Thank God she got a good friend (Laura) to guide her always. She's too uptight and frustrating but I'll give her credit for being like that she redeemed herself at the end.
Jessica, she's a closet softie. She's intimidating and scary but she got a good side. She's not big on changes but with Sydney there, can she say no?
I really thought Sydney will be a pain here but Anna beat her. She's is pretty annoying! From
Book 1 to book 3 she's on point!! Wow! I wanted to skip every time I read her name. From Catherine to Sydney!
I think their personalities don't match. They're both aloof and strong, unlike the first two books that one is much nicer and easier and one is cold and strong. With this book both of them are a pain to read. Lack of interaction also. I only feel the chemistry on the 2nd half of the book.
I gave this a 5 because of Emily. She's really the best!
4 stars. :)
I don't really know what's wrong with Sydney but she's a downer especially on the first part of the book. Thank God she got a good friend (Laura) to guide her always. She's too uptight and frustrating but I'll give her credit for being like that she redeemed herself at the end.
Jessica, she's a closet softie. She's intimidating and scary but she got a good side. She's not big on changes but with Sydney there, can she say no?
I really thought Sydney will be a pain here but Anna beat her. She's is pretty annoying! From
Book 1 to book 3 she's on point!! Wow! I wanted to skip every time I read her name. From Catherine to Sydney!
I think their personalities don't match. They're both aloof and strong, unlike the first two books that one is much nicer and easier and one is cold and strong. With this book both of them are a pain to read. Lack of interaction also. I only feel the chemistry on the 2nd half of the book.
I gave this a 5 because of Emily. She's really the best!
4 stars. :)
December 29, 2016
...And everything started with "Too close to touch", couple of years ago. I was instantly hooked on Georgia Beers' books. This one is no less amazing either. She, along with just a few others (Melissa Brayden, Harper Bliss...) is able to write books that are spot on to my taste. Her characters are likable, real, mature, with real-life problems. If I would have to use just one word to describe her plot, dialogues and characters, it would be effortlessness; this book, as many previous ones of Georgia, is completely devoid of strain, there's no skipping pages, no attention wavering, no lack of patience... She's certainly among those few writers who's books I just pick up and read when they are released, no synopsis previewing or asking around what's it about.
May 18, 2017
Sweet, cute and very fluffy.
Georgia Beers is an absolute gem when it comes to writing romance novels and this final book of the Puppy Love Romances series is no different. So i'm just going to keep this review short. If you're in the mood to read some serious fluff with very little angst this is the book for you.
I have to admit though I missed the angst from book two which is my favorite in the series and is the only reason this doesn't get 5*.
Georgia Beers is an absolute gem when it comes to writing romance novels and this final book of the Puppy Love Romances series is no different. So i'm just going to keep this review short. If you're in the mood to read some serious fluff with very little angst this is the book for you.
I have to admit though I missed the angst from book two which is my favorite in the series and is the only reason this doesn't get 5*.
December 25, 2021
i enjoyed this one. i think it's pretty solidly close to a 4 star, but it's not something i can see myself really wanting to re-read or come back to so i think it's kind of more in the 3.5/3.75 range. i enjoyed it much more than the first book in this little trilogy universe centered around junebug farms and the women who work there, but i didn't love it quite as much as the second book. i think i enjoyed the MCs (catherine and emily) more in that second one than i did here. that said, i did like both jessica and sydney, and watching them dodge around each other, both avoid anna, (good god that woman does not know how to take a hint and it so unprofessional, she was in book 2 and she was here as well. like i did feel bad for her in some respects but she was not at all reading the room) and slowly fall for each other was a fun journey. i think there was just a little something that didn't quite connect for me. i enjoyed it! and i think abby craden's narration was as wonderful as always, i loved both of the voices she gave the MCs, i liked getting to see more of jessica and catherine's friendship that was only touched on a bit in book 2, and it was a nice love story. it just didn't quite have that extra oomph, for me.
March 15, 2017
Dare to Stay is a pretty typical lesbian romance book about a CEO of an animal shelter who has her roots firmly planted in a town getting together with a sexy TV anchor who likes to move around. As with all of the books I've read by Beers', there are a handful of happy fluffy scenes sprinkled throughout the book that made me smile. Furthermore, there are also pleasant perspective switches that allow the reader to see what multiple characters are thinking or feeling throughout the story. If you read the previous book, I'll point out that this was definitely done in a cleaner way as I didn't struggle at all to figure out who was talking when (which I had a minor issue with in book 2). Sadly, that's the only thing I can really say was an improvement from the previous book.
The main issue with this story is that the core relationship just doesn't get built up very well. The first 2/3rds of the book has one of the woman sort of leading on another person which makes it so the only "happy" interactions you see between the two main women are them thinking about how the other one is literally the most beautiful person ever. Even when they do get together, the drama continues and you don't really get any solid relationship development. This is definitely one of those books where things wrap up very quickly and I felt myself wishing there were more happy scenes between Jessica and Sydney at the end. That being said, I find that I wish for that in most books I read so take that for what you will.
Basically, if you enjoy Beers' writing style (lots of animals, some cute fluffy scenes, interesting perspectives, etc) and you're OK with a bit less relationship development and a bit more drama, you should check this book out. If you're looking for something a bit more unique and with characters that communicate well, you should probably look elsewhere.
The main issue with this story is that the core relationship just doesn't get built up very well. The first 2/3rds of the book has one of the woman sort of leading on another person which makes it so the only "happy" interactions you see between the two main women are them thinking about how the other one is literally the most beautiful person ever. Even when they do get together, the drama continues and you don't really get any solid relationship development. This is definitely one of those books where things wrap up very quickly and I felt myself wishing there were more happy scenes between Jessica and Sydney at the end. That being said, I find that I wish for that in most books I read so take that for what you will.
Basically, if you enjoy Beers' writing style (lots of animals, some cute fluffy scenes, interesting perspectives, etc) and you're OK with a bit less relationship development and a bit more drama, you should check this book out. If you're looking for something a bit more unique and with characters that communicate well, you should probably look elsewhere.
December 26, 2016
Love this series. The ladies of Junebug Farms are very very appealing and sexy. I want to volunteer and hand out with the animals, and beautiful women of Junebug!
April 7, 2021
This is the 3rd of the series and didn’t really hit the goodness of the others. At times it was repetitive and very familiar from the other books. It was also a bit annoying that they didn’t hook up a little quicker. It was obvious the attraction and chemistry. It was still a cute book and kept me listening. Beers always writes something enjoyable even when it’s not awesome. Abby Craden is always glorious in her efforts.
February 6, 2017
Book Three in the Junebug Farms series and we finally see Jessica find love. Running the animal shelter is more than a full time job, it’s a full time life, leaving little room for anything else. Add in the stress of the annual fundraising telethon and Jessica is at capacity. What she really doesn’t need is a change to the TV anchor coming in with new ideas and new pressures.
Sydney doesn’t want to be running the Telethon any more than Jessica wants her. This isn’t where she wants to be or what she wants to be doing, but it’s another stepping stone on her way to wherever she’s going. Sure the Jessica is gorgeous, but there is no way she is getting attached.. or involved.
As always the characters are interesting, there’s enough angst to create a storyline, and a whole host of both new and familiar faces. Sydney is a bit more edgy than others we have seen, a definite incomer with an attitude. Jessica the typically overworked shelter momma with the world on her shoulders. Their journey isn’t straightforward and they both have things to learn, ways to grow.
Georgia Beers writes excellent stories and this Junebug series has been an enjoyable read. This is perhaps my favourite, slightly more angst and a little more raunchy adds a deeper sense of growth and a piquant of having to fight to get there. But in the spirit of the series this is another gentle and light romance, nothing too stressful and never a serious doubt Ms Beers would resolve the storyline into a "happy ever after" in the end. Charming way to spend some downtime with familiar characters and a favourite author.
Sydney doesn’t want to be running the Telethon any more than Jessica wants her. This isn’t where she wants to be or what she wants to be doing, but it’s another stepping stone on her way to wherever she’s going. Sure the Jessica is gorgeous, but there is no way she is getting attached.. or involved.
As always the characters are interesting, there’s enough angst to create a storyline, and a whole host of both new and familiar faces. Sydney is a bit more edgy than others we have seen, a definite incomer with an attitude. Jessica the typically overworked shelter momma with the world on her shoulders. Their journey isn’t straightforward and they both have things to learn, ways to grow.
Georgia Beers writes excellent stories and this Junebug series has been an enjoyable read. This is perhaps my favourite, slightly more angst and a little more raunchy adds a deeper sense of growth and a piquant of having to fight to get there. But in the spirit of the series this is another gentle and light romance, nothing too stressful and never a serious doubt Ms Beers would resolve the storyline into a "happy ever after" in the end. Charming way to spend some downtime with familiar characters and a favourite author.
February 7, 2017
I still think #2 is better, but I like #3 a lot. Specially because Jessica has cats! *-* And in my head Jessica and Sydney are hooooot.
But I'm very confused about Sydney's job. How can she always be at happy hours and have dinners? Isn't she the forecast girl? I mean, is not it live at night everyday? Did I miss something?
But I'm very confused about Sydney's job. How can she always be at happy hours and have dinners? Isn't she the forecast girl? I mean, is not it live at night everyday? Did I miss something?
December 31, 2016
As usual with a Georgia Beers novel I loved the characters and liked the story. We always know how these books are going to end, but it's how we get there that make them interesting.
And now we wait for her next novel. Again. :)
And now we wait for her next novel. Again. :)
October 26, 2025
*** 3.75 ***
This was cute. Another pleasant Les Romance by Ms. Beers and another adorable dog 🐕!! 😊. I liked both leading characters and enjoyed the romance. I just have one question for those who might have read the book - am I the only one who kind of felt sorry for Anna, the woman who was not at all self aware, came on too strong, and was kind of a lesbian Karen? I know, she was annoying and easy to dislike, but at the end of the day, she just wanted to find someone, and although she went about it in the totally wrong way, I kind of feel like in the two books she was in, the other women gave her a ton of mixed signals, were not open and forthright with her, yet she was set up to be despised by everyone... I only hope, somewhere off page, she goes through some serious soul searching and introspection, sees where she goes wrong, and finds someone to love her for her ... 👍
This was cute. Another pleasant Les Romance by Ms. Beers and another adorable dog 🐕!! 😊. I liked both leading characters and enjoyed the romance. I just have one question for those who might have read the book - am I the only one who kind of felt sorry for Anna, the woman who was not at all self aware, came on too strong, and was kind of a lesbian Karen? I know, she was annoying and easy to dislike, but at the end of the day, she just wanted to find someone, and although she went about it in the totally wrong way, I kind of feel like in the two books she was in, the other women gave her a ton of mixed signals, were not open and forthright with her, yet she was set up to be despised by everyone... I only hope, somewhere off page, she goes through some serious soul searching and introspection, sees where she goes wrong, and finds someone to love her for her ... 👍
February 4, 2017
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite writers and I loved this series, but with this one I thought the ending was cut a bit short.
January 13, 2017
I want more!
This is a warm story that brings two people together when they least expect it. They did not start start out well but when they must work together on an almost daily basis, things change and sparks continue to fly between them. As in the other installments, the characters are hot, sexy, strong but also adorable. I loved the way how the author shows us that pets brings light to everybody's life, how they can be healing for body and soul. I love this strong passion for pets. There are so many great aspects in this story, I can't explain it in the right words so you just have to read it. I don't want the Junebug farms stories to end. I need more. I really hope that Ms Beers gives Anna an own story. She deserves a happy ending too. This is a must read for any romance fan.
This is a warm story that brings two people together when they least expect it. They did not start start out well but when they must work together on an almost daily basis, things change and sparks continue to fly between them. As in the other installments, the characters are hot, sexy, strong but also adorable. I loved the way how the author shows us that pets brings light to everybody's life, how they can be healing for body and soul. I love this strong passion for pets. There are so many great aspects in this story, I can't explain it in the right words so you just have to read it. I don't want the Junebug farms stories to end. I need more. I really hope that Ms Beers gives Anna an own story. She deserves a happy ending too. This is a must read for any romance fan.
z-did-not-finish
July 6, 2018I like and enjoy reading previous 2 books from this series, even in " Run to You " mention Anna a little bit, I still enjoy it because I like Emily character more to keep me read it. but this one make me want to skip all Anna scene and there is no point to finish it because HER scene is too much for my liking. Too bad I dislike Sydney too... argh.... I really can't make myself to finish it. it's too annoying and ruining my mood.
May 20, 2024
3.5★s Another addition to the Junebug Farms series. I didn't like this one nearly as much as the second in the series. In this book, Jessica Barstow meets TV personality, Sydney Taylor. Sydney is all about herself and her career and doesn't have time for anyone else. I did not care for the Sydney character at all and, therefore, didn't have any buyin to the love story.
March 22, 2018
According to the author, this is the final book of a trilogy. I did not read the other two books but DARE TO STAY stands alone very well. It's a well crafted, reasonably believable romance that is smooth as silk from the first word to the last. In upstate New York, Jessica Barstow manages an animal shelter called Junebug Farms, which she inherited from her grandmother, and has one character flaw: she works herself to death and has almost no social life. Sydney Taylor, a TV reporter, is new in town and hopes soon to move on to a bigger market: she works hard to achieve and has no desire to remain in one place or to commit to anyone for a relationship, a factor that could be seen as her character flaw. Because of a telethon to raise money for the shelter, Sydney and Jessica come into each other's orbits and are both smitten. Yet both are scared and as much as they are attracted, they equally try to avoid that attraction. So they tango, forward and back. Until they finally face the truth. Junebug Farms offers a nice ground for this story, making it feel more real than some lesbian fiction. It's a charming tale, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes lesbian romances. Georgia Beers has a good reputation as a lesbian author and it is deserved; her books are nicely written, cleanly edited, and attractively published--making them a joy to read.
August 2, 2018
The third installment of the Junebug Farms series is a really charming listen, if surprisingly low-key. Jessica turns out to be a lot less assured and stand-offish than in earlier installments. And new arrival Sidney is suitably lacking in self-awareness for on-screen TV talent. There are few sharp corners or edges to this. It’s a feel-good romance and why not! There’s plenty room for cozy love, when it’s as well written as this.
February 22, 2019
Have read books 2 and 3 of this Puppy Love romance within the last 3 days. (Read book 1 some time ago.) Dogs + romance + Georgia Beers = sweet wonderful books. Must say my favourite book is #2 Run to You. But all 3 books are heart-warming and lovely reads. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2017
"Here's to it"
That might be my favourite quote from this whole series. Already used it myself!
I always love Georgia Beers' writing style, it flows from the pages, it sucks me into the book's world and I never want to leave.
I've known these characters for a while now and it was great to explore the world from Jessica's viewpoint this time. I thought she was the most balanced of them all. I loved her!
I'll definitely keep reading!
That might be my favourite quote from this whole series. Already used it myself!
I always love Georgia Beers' writing style, it flows from the pages, it sucks me into the book's world and I never want to leave.
I've known these characters for a while now and it was great to explore the world from Jessica's viewpoint this time. I thought she was the most balanced of them all. I loved her!
I'll definitely keep reading!
October 20, 2019
I liked this more than I disliked it, but idk. I find myself feeling very dissatisfied.
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