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The Practitioner
Johnnie Hamilton has conquered a lot in life. An anxiety disorder, loss of her business, and homelessness have been difficult to overcome. But Johnnie has come through the other side to find success as an artist. Now, however, she’s lost her creative drive and she’s struggling to produce.
Elaine Taylor has an interesting job. She’s a “creative practitioner,” known to awaken her client’s creative side by using many different approaches, including a sensual or sexual approach. Most of her clients are male and she likes it that way. Women are the last thing she wants in her life, having lost the most important woman she’s ever known, her wife.
Fearing she’ll lose all she’s worked so hard for, Johnnie takes her friend’s advice and calls a lone number on a business card, steps into Elaine’s office, and shakes up both their worlds forever.
Elaine Taylor has an interesting job. She’s a “creative practitioner,” known to awaken her client’s creative side by using many different approaches, including a sensual or sexual approach. Most of her clients are male and she likes it that way. Women are the last thing she wants in her life, having lost the most important woman she’s ever known, her wife.
Fearing she’ll lose all she’s worked so hard for, Johnnie takes her friend’s advice and calls a lone number on a business card, steps into Elaine’s office, and shakes up both their worlds forever.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2017
About the author
Ronica Black
43 books145 followersRonica Black is an award-winning author and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. Her books range from romance and erotica to mystery and intrigue, and she enjoys trying her hand at all. Ronica also enjoys drawing, painting, and sculpting. She lives in Glendale, Arizona, with her partner, where she relishes a rich family life and raising a menagerie of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 8, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
A complicated story of there is no 'happily ever after' and a 'tortured soul.' Ronica Black presents a powerful story of profound loss and second chances where she has crafted a fast-paced,impossibly steamy storyline that will immerse readers in a taboo world and also where love,pain,pleasure,flaws and perfection intersect as a matter of course. One of the main character's problems/fears and issues were believably motivated and even her dialogue were honest and compelling because having her mental illness written into this storyline was a bonus for readers. It is also well written and has a well rounded diverse cast of supporting characters in addition the book is a red-hot witty page turner that i predict will keep most readers up all night with all its emotionally engaging and authentic words. Ms.Black definitely delivers the heat in this new book and i do encourage everyone to read this wonderful book!
A complicated story of there is no 'happily ever after' and a 'tortured soul.' Ronica Black presents a powerful story of profound loss and second chances where she has crafted a fast-paced,impossibly steamy storyline that will immerse readers in a taboo world and also where love,pain,pleasure,flaws and perfection intersect as a matter of course. One of the main character's problems/fears and issues were believably motivated and even her dialogue were honest and compelling because having her mental illness written into this storyline was a bonus for readers. It is also well written and has a well rounded diverse cast of supporting characters in addition the book is a red-hot witty page turner that i predict will keep most readers up all night with all its emotionally engaging and authentic words. Ms.Black definitely delivers the heat in this new book and i do encourage everyone to read this wonderful book!
June 1, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I always keep an eye out for books, that Black writes. Out of all of her books I have read so far, I have liked all of them, and this was not an exception. This is not a run of the mill romance. I would consider this a drama-romance, heavy on the drama, a bit lighter on the actually romance. It is one of the things I like about Black, she writes books that are different.
The story is about Johnnie, an artist, with a lot of emotional baggage. She also is what I would consider an Empath, as she can feel the energies and emotions, coming off of people. This causes her to avoid crowds, and rather stay home or at her studio, where it is safe. Johnnie's art has stalled. She has not created in a while and is drinking too much. Her best friend is worried, and suggested she goes and sees a practitioner. A practitioner is a type of therapist, that helps people with all sorts of stuff, including sex. But they are not prostitutes, they don't touch clients. Johnnie has not had sex, or really been touched in four years. When she meet her practitioner Elaine, sparks fly. However, Elaine has baggage of her own. Her wife died five years ago, and she is still grieving and missing her constantly. Elaine, turns to one night stands, not wanting the guilt of falling in love again. Can Johnnie and Elaine, have a chance together, or will people and the past, keep them apart?
This is not a light fluffy read at all. In fact, I even teared up on a few occasions. Both characters are dealing with a ton of emotional baggage. This book has a lot of drama, and angst. I almost started to wonder if it had too much angst for me, but I'm happy with how the book ended.
Both characters are likeable, but at times Johnnie could drive me a little nuts. She always wants to please and help people, so she became a bit of a doormat. I just wanted to scream at her to tell people to leave her the hell alone, especially the ex. Ex girlfriends in lesfic, are almost always the worst.
This book also has some spirituality in it. Johnnie is friends with a medicine man, and I liked the sweat lodge scenes. My one real issue with this book, is I think after all the angst and things keeping them apart... when they did come together, it was a little too easily. I liked the ending, I just wish there was a little bit more.
If you are looking for a drama-romance, with a good amount of angst, than this book is for you. I like books that are a little bit different, and this fits that bill. I like Black as an author, and will keep reading her books.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The story is about Johnnie, an artist, with a lot of emotional baggage. She also is what I would consider an Empath, as she can feel the energies and emotions, coming off of people. This causes her to avoid crowds, and rather stay home or at her studio, where it is safe. Johnnie's art has stalled. She has not created in a while and is drinking too much. Her best friend is worried, and suggested she goes and sees a practitioner. A practitioner is a type of therapist, that helps people with all sorts of stuff, including sex. But they are not prostitutes, they don't touch clients. Johnnie has not had sex, or really been touched in four years. When she meet her practitioner Elaine, sparks fly. However, Elaine has baggage of her own. Her wife died five years ago, and she is still grieving and missing her constantly. Elaine, turns to one night stands, not wanting the guilt of falling in love again. Can Johnnie and Elaine, have a chance together, or will people and the past, keep them apart?
This is not a light fluffy read at all. In fact, I even teared up on a few occasions. Both characters are dealing with a ton of emotional baggage. This book has a lot of drama, and angst. I almost started to wonder if it had too much angst for me, but I'm happy with how the book ended.
Both characters are likeable, but at times Johnnie could drive me a little nuts. She always wants to please and help people, so she became a bit of a doormat. I just wanted to scream at her to tell people to leave her the hell alone, especially the ex. Ex girlfriends in lesfic, are almost always the worst.
This book also has some spirituality in it. Johnnie is friends with a medicine man, and I liked the sweat lodge scenes. My one real issue with this book, is I think after all the angst and things keeping them apart... when they did come together, it was a little too easily. I liked the ending, I just wish there was a little bit more.
If you are looking for a drama-romance, with a good amount of angst, than this book is for you. I like books that are a little bit different, and this fits that bill. I like Black as an author, and will keep reading her books.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
July 9, 2017
I really struggled to get in to this book. I have read Black before and found her an excellent story teller and I really liked her writing style. It wasn't the style that I found hard I guess it was the story. The story was really deep. Now don't get me wrong I'm not shallow but this was deeper than the deep end.
The story is about a young artist named Johnnie. She has lost her feeling for art and is emotionally stunted at the moment. She needs to feel to draw basically. She is very tuned in to other people and rarely go's out or socialise. Elaine is what is called a practitioner who helps people reconnect with their feelings. But I would say she needed help as well as she is still coming to terms with the loss of her wife. A practitioner is a therapist of sorts. They help people with a multitude of problems including sex. But they never touch the client. It is all done through suggestion.
It is a complicated story but although I struggled with it I did not regret reading it. I gave it 3 stars mainly because at the beginning I was very confused what the practitioners role actually was. This sorts itself out eventually. Yes I would recommend this book but please be aware it is a deep read and very intense.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The story is about a young artist named Johnnie. She has lost her feeling for art and is emotionally stunted at the moment. She needs to feel to draw basically. She is very tuned in to other people and rarely go's out or socialise. Elaine is what is called a practitioner who helps people reconnect with their feelings. But I would say she needed help as well as she is still coming to terms with the loss of her wife. A practitioner is a therapist of sorts. They help people with a multitude of problems including sex. But they never touch the client. It is all done through suggestion.
It is a complicated story but although I struggled with it I did not regret reading it. I gave it 3 stars mainly because at the beginning I was very confused what the practitioners role actually was. This sorts itself out eventually. Yes I would recommend this book but please be aware it is a deep read and very intense.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 16, 2017
Ay yi yi, this book. It started so good. Great buildup of tension, angst, and sexy as hell without even having a sex scene. Before you can blink Ronica Black pulls you into the story and you find yourself caring about and intrigued by both leads. Their chemistry is seriously tangible.
Picture yourself in a restaurant being served your most favorite dessert. You take three mouthwatering bites and you find yourself on the verge of a mouthgasm when some dimwit comes along and dumps an ashtray on your plate. Sadly, that's kind of what happens here. So much potential. Then the meandering and wandering starts. 2 seemingly smart, but troubled adults start acting like juveniles who have no clue about processing emotions or the difference between love and lust.
Way too many misunderstandings and mixed signals muddied the waters and took every bit of empathy and concern the beginning generated and left me seriously contemplating putting this in my DNF stack. It's a shame. When I started the book I was recommending it to a friend and praising it left and right. Halfway through I started rethinking the praise, but continued to hope for a strong ending that would make up for the lagging middle. But as I kept reading it just continued to deteriorate. Each character kept making continuous bad choices about bed mates and life in general.
Ronica Black is a very good writer. I especially love her crime stories, but I recently read one of her romances and found it to be pretty good. I'm not giving up on her. I'd definitely try another book by her, but this one just got lost in itself. Two and a half stars rounded to three because the awesome beginning gave it an extra credit star.
Netgalley ARC received for an honest review.
Picture yourself in a restaurant being served your most favorite dessert. You take three mouthwatering bites and you find yourself on the verge of a mouthgasm when some dimwit comes along and dumps an ashtray on your plate. Sadly, that's kind of what happens here. So much potential. Then the meandering and wandering starts. 2 seemingly smart, but troubled adults start acting like juveniles who have no clue about processing emotions or the difference between love and lust.
Way too many misunderstandings and mixed signals muddied the waters and took every bit of empathy and concern the beginning generated and left me seriously contemplating putting this in my DNF stack. It's a shame. When I started the book I was recommending it to a friend and praising it left and right. Halfway through I started rethinking the praise, but continued to hope for a strong ending that would make up for the lagging middle. But as I kept reading it just continued to deteriorate. Each character kept making continuous bad choices about bed mates and life in general.
Ronica Black is a very good writer. I especially love her crime stories, but I recently read one of her romances and found it to be pretty good. I'm not giving up on her. I'd definitely try another book by her, but this one just got lost in itself. Two and a half stars rounded to three because the awesome beginning gave it an extra credit star.
Netgalley ARC received for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This book was wonderful! The beginning easily drew me in and made me curious and wanting for more. As the book progressed the pain and problems both the main characters faced came to a head, and the need to heal was overwhelming. The characters could not get together because of their pasts and the pain that they kept inside for way too long. This was a great read and helped see the depression and healing process between the two characters.
October 8, 2024
Johnnie is a loner. Following the closure of her business, she was homeless for a time before discovering new skills and a new direction as an artist. Lately, she has been experiencing a lack of inspiration.
Elaine is a “creative practitioner." More or less a professional muse, she encourages creativity in clients through various approaches, sometimes sexual in nature.
When Johnnie is referred to Elaine for a consultation, a powerful attraction immediately ignites between them. However, both feel constrained from acting on this feeling. Johnnie's severe anxiety holds her back, and she believes Elaine is simply doing her job. Meanwhile, Elaine is still mourning the tragic loss of her wife, who passed away five years earlier, and Johnnie is, after all, a client.
Both women have issues in their past to overcome, and each has a messy relationship or two to disentangle themselves from. Their journey is slow, with considerable angst and longing on both sides before they eventually find their way to one another.
Readers should know that both women share intimate moments with other partners during this story. There is no infidelity, though misunderstandings do occur, fuelling the general theme of angst and frustration.
I found this to be a compelling read with elements I haven't encountered previously in romance fiction.
Elaine is a “creative practitioner." More or less a professional muse, she encourages creativity in clients through various approaches, sometimes sexual in nature.
When Johnnie is referred to Elaine for a consultation, a powerful attraction immediately ignites between them. However, both feel constrained from acting on this feeling. Johnnie's severe anxiety holds her back, and she believes Elaine is simply doing her job. Meanwhile, Elaine is still mourning the tragic loss of her wife, who passed away five years earlier, and Johnnie is, after all, a client.
Both women have issues in their past to overcome, and each has a messy relationship or two to disentangle themselves from. Their journey is slow, with considerable angst and longing on both sides before they eventually find their way to one another.
Readers should know that both women share intimate moments with other partners during this story. There is no infidelity, though misunderstandings do occur, fuelling the general theme of angst and frustration.
I found this to be a compelling read with elements I haven't encountered previously in romance fiction.
May 19, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book. It's hot and angsty and i could feel it. The second 1/3 of the book just took the angst overboard with a lot of kinda stupid misunderstandings. The last 1/3 you had to be able to suspend belief...which I usually have no problem with. However, it was just a sudden and overly dramatic conclusion that left me very unsatisfied.
2.5 stars that I rounded to 3 because the first 1/3 was REALLY hot.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars that I rounded to 3 because the first 1/3 was REALLY hot.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis necessary. Main characters Johnnie (artist) and Elaine (the practitioner) interact in this angst filled romance. The premise was both intriguing and unusual so I started reading without expectations. There were points when I re-read sections to better grasp the situation then continued on, so hooked emotionally that I read this book in one session. Ms. Black's books are never boring and once again she hit the mark for me.
August 17, 2018
I dig slow burn but this really gives me the heartburn. The back and forth scenes are beyond limits and too many OW dramas. Both have personal issues, then they feel strong enough to overcome those issues and pursue the relationship but something/someone just have to emerge to screw things up and the process begins again. Heartburn and a headache.
May 19, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
I was actually amazed with the first 2/3 of the book! I loved it so much that it almost seemed unreal how good it was written style-wise... The sentences were formed amazingly, the feelings were almost palpable, there is an overwhelming sadness that envelops you while reading about the feelings of Johnnie and Elaine. It's so deep and it makes you grieve for those two souls...
However, I'm giving it 3 stars because in my humble opinion, there should've been a bit more romance in it... It's too much angst, to much dealing with the past reminiscence, a too little focus on the present feelings.
I was actually amazed with the first 2/3 of the book! I loved it so much that it almost seemed unreal how good it was written style-wise... The sentences were formed amazingly, the feelings were almost palpable, there is an overwhelming sadness that envelops you while reading about the feelings of Johnnie and Elaine. It's so deep and it makes you grieve for those two souls...
However, I'm giving it 3 stars because in my humble opinion, there should've been a bit more romance in it... It's too much angst, to much dealing with the past reminiscence, a too little focus on the present feelings.
June 3, 2017
As a long time fan of the works of Ronica Black, with In Too Deep and Deeper being particular favourites I was very happy to see this title appear. However, despite avoiding many of the usual cliches and having some very interesting characters this book just doesn't work. It starts off really well, Johnnie is a fascinating artist with a string sense of empathy who is in need of inspiration and finds it in Elaine. Unsurprisingly, they fall for each other and quite surprisingly for lesbian fiction they manage not to fall into bed together until they're each worked out their issues with former partners.
All sounds good, right? Unfortunately Ms Black has seen fit to add in far too many twists for my liking. Elaine and Johnnie were on and off so many times that I went from initially being hooked to just not caring any more. I think the problem might have been that the main characters in this book were both good people, the best characters in Ronica Black's novels tend to be the more malevolent ones. Bring back Elizabeth Adams!
All sounds good, right? Unfortunately Ms Black has seen fit to add in far too many twists for my liking. Elaine and Johnnie were on and off so many times that I went from initially being hooked to just not caring any more. I think the problem might have been that the main characters in this book were both good people, the best characters in Ronica Black's novels tend to be the more malevolent ones. Bring back Elizabeth Adams!
June 3, 2017
I liked the book because everything about it was not your run-of-the-mill lesbian romance. The main character is a Sensitive while the other character helps her clients find their gifts through an unique methodology. When the two of them meet, their chemistry opens doors for both of them that have been closed too long. The story opens in Phoenix and closes in Sedona.
The writing is outstanding, the book is tightly edited, the characters well drawn, and, yes, there are even a few missteps. Kudos to Bold Strokes for publishing this book
The writing is outstanding, the book is tightly edited, the characters well drawn, and, yes, there are even a few missteps. Kudos to Bold Strokes for publishing this book
June 2, 2019
This was a pretty cool read. I love how some writers are able to express intense feelings that's often hard to describe and to me, Ronica Black's one of those writers. Johnnie's such a strong character and her and Elaine together was just perfect.
June 3, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
This book left me with mixed feelings... At first I thought it was an erotic novel, in the way it started but it ended up not being one - it also wasn't really a romantic novel. I'm not quite sure in what genre it would be considered as but that is not necessarily a problem.
A problem i had with the book was that I didn't really think that the two main characters had any chemistry or worked together. It was also strange that seemingly every woman Johnnie knew, wanted to date her. That seemed kind of unrealistic to me and her whole character didn't really work me. Elena's character was more realistic in her grieving process but her attraction to Johnnie was kind of strange. They stated that they were attracted to each other but slept with everybody but with each other.
The story made me keep reading it but in the end it left me more underwhelmed.
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
This book left me with mixed feelings... At first I thought it was an erotic novel, in the way it started but it ended up not being one - it also wasn't really a romantic novel. I'm not quite sure in what genre it would be considered as but that is not necessarily a problem.
A problem i had with the book was that I didn't really think that the two main characters had any chemistry or worked together. It was also strange that seemingly every woman Johnnie knew, wanted to date her. That seemed kind of unrealistic to me and her whole character didn't really work me. Elena's character was more realistic in her grieving process but her attraction to Johnnie was kind of strange. They stated that they were attracted to each other but slept with everybody but with each other.
The story made me keep reading it but in the end it left me more underwhelmed.
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
June 20, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
I have always loved Ronica Black's books. All of her books have interesting characters and the least expected storylines and this book was no different.
I did feel like the storyline may have been a bit too deep and out there but I still loved Johnnie and Elaine's romance and how it developed.
Johnnie starts off as a recluse who has a high emotional awareness and tends to let people push her around and Elaine is emotionally switched off and uses meaningless sex to stop chasing after a dead memory.
The author has written a story of growth, both individual and relationship growth between Elaine and Johnnie.
I found myself getting angry with both characters more than once but the ending makes up for for their frustrating behaviour.
*3.5 stars
I have always loved Ronica Black's books. All of her books have interesting characters and the least expected storylines and this book was no different.
I did feel like the storyline may have been a bit too deep and out there but I still loved Johnnie and Elaine's romance and how it developed.
Johnnie starts off as a recluse who has a high emotional awareness and tends to let people push her around and Elaine is emotionally switched off and uses meaningless sex to stop chasing after a dead memory.
The author has written a story of growth, both individual and relationship growth between Elaine and Johnnie.
I found myself getting angry with both characters more than once but the ending makes up for for their frustrating behaviour.
*3.5 stars
July 11, 2017
I have read Ronica Black before and she is an excellent craftswoman and storyteller, but in this case this book wasn't for me. I did not warm to the main characters and at times found them irritating. That is a problem for me as I need to find some universal trait that allows me to identify with one of the protagonists but neither Johnny nor Elaine felt "real" to me. It isn't a fault of the writing per se as they are well drawn, it was just that nothing seemed to connect somehow. I will look out for the next book by Ms Black as this isn't a misfire as such, it just isn't for me.
I was given a copy of the book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I was given a copy of the book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Read
July 6, 2017DNF @ 30%
This was all over the place.
This was all over the place.
May 18, 2019
I really liked this one. It had plenty of push and pull, which in general I like. This one was a bit different though. It included more emotions and how life can be complicated or can complicate future.
May 27, 2019
Well written and a good story. A lot of self introspection, which was very well done, but also challenging to follow. Not your everyday romance and both characters had a lot of growth and self discovery.
October 11, 2017
Artist meet grieving woman. Sparks between them, danger to spice it all, ok love story.
Why do lesbian characters often have guy-like-names ??
Why do lesbian characters often have guy-like-names ??
April 17, 2023
I don't even know what to say. There is a lot, just too much. I thought it was going to be simple. Characters were allover the place.
July 7, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Johnnie is an artist and right now she's really struggling. Somewhere between dealing with anxiety and her traumatic past, her creative energy has disappeared and she hasn't finished something in ages. Depending on the money she gets from selling her pictures, she finally takes the advice of a good friend of hers and makes an appointment with a creative practitioner, who helps clients awaken or re-discover their creative sides, sometimes using a sensual or sexual approach to it.
This book gives us two perspectives, switching between Johnnie and Elaine so we get a good look into their lives, thoughts, and feelings. Both of them have pretty tragic pasts and a hard time trusting someone new, so reading them navigate that was fascinating.
I adored the beginning, how they met, the attraction they felt for each other while dealing with what had happened in past relationships. There was quite a lot Will-They, Wont-They and many, many flashbacks that helped make the characters feel more real.
Sadly this was ruined for me a bit further down the road as they finally talked and then BAM drama. And not just a little bit, no, lots and lots of drama. A toxic ex that keeps coming back, a good friend that really wants to make out with you, even though you don't want then too, a dead wife and guilt over besmirching her memory and a troubled past.
While I really liked Johnnie, sometimes it was really hard to read her chapters. She wants to please everybody and hates making people angry and this was abused quite a lot, mostly by her ex-girlfriend, who caused a lot of drama. And there is a lot of drama going on. Sometimes it feels like too much.
I did like that homelessness was talked about, and about how traumatizing living on the street and always having to be aware of your surroundings can be. I really enjoyed that there were Native American side characters, they were awesome. And I absolutely adored the ending, it was so nice and great.
If you like your romance really, really, really drama heavy, then this is the book for you. If you aren't a fan of over the top drama (like me) then it is still a nice book, but sometimes gets quite hard to keep reading. All in all, the story was definitely interesting and had a nice premise, as well as great characters, but I could have done with a bit less drama.
Johnnie is an artist and right now she's really struggling. Somewhere between dealing with anxiety and her traumatic past, her creative energy has disappeared and she hasn't finished something in ages. Depending on the money she gets from selling her pictures, she finally takes the advice of a good friend of hers and makes an appointment with a creative practitioner, who helps clients awaken or re-discover their creative sides, sometimes using a sensual or sexual approach to it.
This book gives us two perspectives, switching between Johnnie and Elaine so we get a good look into their lives, thoughts, and feelings. Both of them have pretty tragic pasts and a hard time trusting someone new, so reading them navigate that was fascinating.
I adored the beginning, how they met, the attraction they felt for each other while dealing with what had happened in past relationships. There was quite a lot Will-They, Wont-They and many, many flashbacks that helped make the characters feel more real.
Sadly this was ruined for me a bit further down the road as they finally talked and then BAM drama. And not just a little bit, no, lots and lots of drama. A toxic ex that keeps coming back, a good friend that really wants to make out with you, even though you don't want then too, a dead wife and guilt over besmirching her memory and a troubled past.
While I really liked Johnnie, sometimes it was really hard to read her chapters. She wants to please everybody and hates making people angry and this was abused quite a lot, mostly by her ex-girlfriend, who caused a lot of drama. And there is a lot of drama going on. Sometimes it feels like too much.
I did like that homelessness was talked about, and about how traumatizing living on the street and always having to be aware of your surroundings can be. I really enjoyed that there were Native American side characters, they were awesome. And I absolutely adored the ending, it was so nice and great.
If you like your romance really, really, really drama heavy, then this is the book for you. If you aren't a fan of over the top drama (like me) then it is still a nice book, but sometimes gets quite hard to keep reading. All in all, the story was definitely interesting and had a nice premise, as well as great characters, but I could have done with a bit less drama.
August 14, 2017
I haven’t read a lot of Black’s novels. This is my third novel by the author. I really enjoyed this one though. I think it will motivate me to pick up some of her other books. This is a book that will stick with you a while after you read it. The book isn’t the fluffy romance you read on the weekend. It is a romance, and a good one at that, but it has depth which is not always included in the genre. If you enjoy a well written lesbian romance with a lot of angst this could be the perfect read for you. It did bother me the ex girlfriend just wouldn’t go away. Why? Is this type of ex real? I do not have one of these, but the crazy exes show up in lesbian romance novels more than I would like. Most of the book is really good, and I may pick it up again someday.
January 24, 2025
A very good read that I haven’t had in a while. Plot, characters, writing, etc. almost perfect. I do think that some writing and dialogue felt a bit odd than the rest of the book, the characters were so simple and complex at the same time and I loved following between both of their thoughts and fighting their own separate demons. The omniscient narration usually is not something I go for but it worked fairly well with the plot and characters. I also obsessed with their dynamic.
December 26, 2025
At first the story was intriguing and I wanted to see more of E & J. As the tale went on, the author seemed to fall into “A SQUIRREL!” Syndrome. It was almost as if they saw this squirrel run over here and took chase, then another squirrel went by in a different direction and off they went… over and over.
I lost motivation to read and skimmed the last half, at least; grieving for J & E who I never got to know past their oft repeated refrains of “my past” and “my dead wife.”
Lizzy
I lost motivation to read and skimmed the last half, at least; grieving for J & E who I never got to know past their oft repeated refrains of “my past” and “my dead wife.”
Lizzy
April 11, 2026
2.75 The secondary characters and the created art held me more than the main characters.
June 11, 2017
The beginning of this novel captured my attention from the rather luscious description of a pint of Guinness. I cannot tell a lie, I almost immediately wanted to be drinking it. It was Johnnie's struggle as an artist which drew me in next. Bored, and depressed I suppose you could say something in her called out to me because haven't most people experienced some kind of slump at some point in their lives?
The first scene with the practitioner also pulled me in, making me sit up and pay attention to what was happening on the digital page. The relationship was like a low simmering fire, frequently doused by either Johnnie's personal angst, or Elaine's.
The loss Elaine felt was palatable, and the edge of frustration that every other character seemed to exhibit in my mind, in reference to her loss made me slightly protective of her because people deal with loss in their own time.
I only wish that some scenes had not been so over the top, when it came to the Johnnie, Monica, Elaine, and Gail. Not to mention Kyle who I expected, from the way she was written to become slightly unhinged at any moment.
Either way this book was an overall enjoyable read and one which I would recommend to people wanting characters who practically breathe off the page.
The first scene with the practitioner also pulled me in, making me sit up and pay attention to what was happening on the digital page. The relationship was like a low simmering fire, frequently doused by either Johnnie's personal angst, or Elaine's.
The loss Elaine felt was palatable, and the edge of frustration that every other character seemed to exhibit in my mind, in reference to her loss made me slightly protective of her because people deal with loss in their own time.
I only wish that some scenes had not been so over the top, when it came to the Johnnie, Monica, Elaine, and Gail. Not to mention Kyle who I expected, from the way she was written to become slightly unhinged at any moment.
Either way this book was an overall enjoyable read and one which I would recommend to people wanting characters who practically breathe off the page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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