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Americans Abroad #1
Waltzing on the Danube
ASIN B01M7QG1W2 moved to the most recent edition
When they are the only two singles on the lesbian singles cruise, will opposites attract?
Jeanie Brooks is a small town history teacher who sometimes looks before she leaps, but when she books a last minute river cruise for lesbian singles, she knows she'll have no regrets. Two weeks of beautiful women and glorious adventure against the backdrop of Europe's most famous cities—what more could she want?
Eleanor Fielding is an actuarial accountant from Manhattan, and an expert at assessing risk from every angle. Analytical and reserved, the only thing worse than spending the summer floating around with a gaggle of desperate single women is the prospect of her sister nagging her for all eternity if she refuses to go.
But thanks to a ticketing mishap, Jeanie and Eleanor unexpectedly find themselves the only two eligible women on the Danube. What starts as an awkward alliance to salvage some enjoyment from the trip soon transforms into something more. When it comes to love, can this odd-couple learn to dance to the same rhythm?
When they are the only two singles on the lesbian singles cruise, will opposites attract?
Jeanie Brooks is a small town history teacher who sometimes looks before she leaps, but when she books a last minute river cruise for lesbian singles, she knows she'll have no regrets. Two weeks of beautiful women and glorious adventure against the backdrop of Europe's most famous cities—what more could she want?
Eleanor Fielding is an actuarial accountant from Manhattan, and an expert at assessing risk from every angle. Analytical and reserved, the only thing worse than spending the summer floating around with a gaggle of desperate single women is the prospect of her sister nagging her for all eternity if she refuses to go.
But thanks to a ticketing mishap, Jeanie and Eleanor unexpectedly find themselves the only two eligible women on the Danube. What starts as an awkward alliance to salvage some enjoyment from the trip soon transforms into something more. When it comes to love, can this odd-couple learn to dance to the same rhythm?
340 pages, ebook
First published October 15, 2016
120 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Miranda MacLeod
41 books466 followersOriginally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you'll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that's more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston. To find out about her upcoming releases, be sure to sign up for her mailing list or follow her on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 29, 2017
There is a quaintness about FF romance. This book is the first that I have read about the subject, so how do I know? Well, it's all about the vibe I got from the titles, synopsis, and covers of the books.
I also realize that MM romance is so much more high profile than FF romance. Goodreads, obviously has more female members than male ones. But the outside world too reflects this reality. So what are my impressions? Of the book.
I found the book by Miranda MacLeod (whose other books I immediately downloaded after reading this one) very proper, tasteful, and dignified. Unlike normal sex romances, the heroine does not do something utterly stupid. I bought into the premise.
The author has obviously traveled the same itinerary as her characters have. I found this poetically empathetic. The relation between the fictional couple and their author was sweet. I haven't read anything quite like this before.
I also realize that MM romance is so much more high profile than FF romance. Goodreads, obviously has more female members than male ones. But the outside world too reflects this reality. So what are my impressions? Of the book.
I found the book by Miranda MacLeod (whose other books I immediately downloaded after reading this one) very proper, tasteful, and dignified. Unlike normal sex romances, the heroine does not do something utterly stupid. I bought into the premise.
The author has obviously traveled the same itinerary as her characters have. I found this poetically empathetic. The relation between the fictional couple and their author was sweet. I haven't read anything quite like this before.
April 3, 2020
Jeanie is basically an over excited puppy and Eleanor because of her OCD and a need to control every situation comes off as a rude grump. I really like the contrast of their personalities. It led to many humorous situations and they fit well together. Their interactions especially in the beginning were quite funny but they were drowned by the long and repetitive internal monologues and descriptions.
April 5, 2021
Such a fun holiday romance!
This is the first book of the Americans Abroad series but it can be read out of sequence as it is a standalone... and oh my, what a fun one this was. I'm beginning to appreciate MacLeod's writing more and more, especially her humour. The premise itself was hilarious - Two American women boarded what they had thought was a lesbian singles cruise only to find out they were the only two eligible women around because of a ticketing mishap. And I thought it was pretty clever to have Jeanie and Eleanor as complete opposites and yet at the same time have them stuck with each other for two whole weeks with literally no other dating options.
It's lighthearted and I'm glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading this one because it was great hearing Jeanie sound so excitable about everything. And she complemented Eleanor's anxious and OCD self really well.
This is my first experience with Stephanie Murphy narrating and I got used to her pretty fast. I thought her voice suited the lightheartness of the story, though somewhere in the middle, it became a little hard to distinguish Jeanie from Eleanor.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book of the Americans Abroad series but it can be read out of sequence as it is a standalone... and oh my, what a fun one this was. I'm beginning to appreciate MacLeod's writing more and more, especially her humour. The premise itself was hilarious - Two American women boarded what they had thought was a lesbian singles cruise only to find out they were the only two eligible women around because of a ticketing mishap. And I thought it was pretty clever to have Jeanie and Eleanor as complete opposites and yet at the same time have them stuck with each other for two whole weeks with literally no other dating options.
It's lighthearted and I'm glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading this one because it was great hearing Jeanie sound so excitable about everything. And she complemented Eleanor's anxious and OCD self really well.
This is my first experience with Stephanie Murphy narrating and I got used to her pretty fast. I thought her voice suited the lightheartness of the story, though somewhere in the middle, it became a little hard to distinguish Jeanie from Eleanor.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2021
I bogged down at about the midpoint. I kind of liked both main characters. And I liked them together, even. There's a little too much stereotype in the characterizations, and they're a little flat as a result. But Eleanor's OCD is well-described and her reserve-breaking panic attacks fit well and I was glad they weren't just convenient plot drivers. And I liked Jeanie as the upbeat dreamer making the best of whatever situations she lands in.
But the coincidences are a bit much. I already had to pass off the cruise date mix-up as a part of the premise even though mixing up European vs. American dates doesn't happen when you book stuff online because everything uses calendar controls—possibly for that very reason. But the most unlikely (and often stupid) things keep happening to these characters and it's getting old. And then you have the negative motivations* dragging the plot to a crawl. And MacLeod is doing this thing where a lot of scenes play twice with a "EARLIER THAT MORNING..." that was old the first time it happens. And we've been through the "can't fall for this girl" loop a hundred times at this point. Each!
So I'm done. I'm going to pop a second star because of how much I liked the characters. I just wish the plot hadn't been fighting them so monotonously...
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
But the coincidences are a bit much. I already had to pass off the cruise date mix-up as a part of the premise even though mixing up European vs. American dates doesn't happen when you book stuff online because everything uses calendar controls—possibly for that very reason. But the most unlikely (and often stupid) things keep happening to these characters and it's getting old. And then you have the negative motivations* dragging the plot to a crawl. And MacLeod is doing this thing where a lot of scenes play twice with a "EARLIER THAT MORNING..." that was old the first time it happens. And we've been through the "can't fall for this girl" loop a hundred times at this point. Each!
So I'm done. I'm going to pop a second star because of how much I liked the characters. I just wish the plot hadn't been fighting them so monotonously...
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
August 16, 2019
I’m not an easy person to amuse. Most jokes fly over my head (like, miles over) and I have a kinda dry sense of humor mixed with childlike wonder that not too many people understand (my wife does and that’s all that really counts) so I never expect to laugh out loud when I read or listen to a book. Yet it happened repeatedly with this one, almost from the start.
Waltzing on the Danube is a perfect example of opposites attract. Eleanor, a wealthy Jewish actuarial accountant from New York, needs plans and routines and to do everything by the book, literally. She gets panic attacks when things don’t go according to plans, and she’s convinced her quirks are what cost her her relationships so far. Her sister has booked her on a lesbian singles cruise, and while she loves her sister, she hates the idea. Crowds make her anxious, as does meeting new people.
Jeanie is the exact opposite. Everything she does is on impulse, flying by the seat of her pants, she loves adventures and taking risks, and she’s sure everything will be alright in the end. Because it usually is. She’s a high school history teacher and though she’s good at it, it’s definitely not her dream job. She has studied art history and was hoping to become a museum curator but life got in the way. She comes from an ordinary family and has never been able to afford traveling outside the US, so this cruise across Europe is a very big deal to her.
When they meet and realize the cruise is not what they expected at all, both women react in very different ways. Eleanor plans to spend her time alone with books on the private balcony of her expensive suite, away from the other passengers. Jeanie takes everything in stride: even if she won’t meet the love on her life on this trip, it doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy it and make new friends anyway. They (of course) end up spending much more time together than planned, and falling for each other despite everything.
I felt like Eleanor’s anxiety was dealt with in a sensitive manner, and the fact that she was able to see the humor in some of her habits made it okay for them to be used in comical situations at times. Jeanie was unexpectedly understanding and kind, and very lovable. As I wrote at the start of this review, I’m not the guffawing type but this book took me by surprise. Stephanie Murphy’s narration was perfect for it.
This was my first book by Miranda MacLeod and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Waltzing on the Danube is a perfect example of opposites attract. Eleanor, a wealthy Jewish actuarial accountant from New York, needs plans and routines and to do everything by the book, literally. She gets panic attacks when things don’t go according to plans, and she’s convinced her quirks are what cost her her relationships so far. Her sister has booked her on a lesbian singles cruise, and while she loves her sister, she hates the idea. Crowds make her anxious, as does meeting new people.
Jeanie is the exact opposite. Everything she does is on impulse, flying by the seat of her pants, she loves adventures and taking risks, and she’s sure everything will be alright in the end. Because it usually is. She’s a high school history teacher and though she’s good at it, it’s definitely not her dream job. She has studied art history and was hoping to become a museum curator but life got in the way. She comes from an ordinary family and has never been able to afford traveling outside the US, so this cruise across Europe is a very big deal to her.
When they meet and realize the cruise is not what they expected at all, both women react in very different ways. Eleanor plans to spend her time alone with books on the private balcony of her expensive suite, away from the other passengers. Jeanie takes everything in stride: even if she won’t meet the love on her life on this trip, it doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy it and make new friends anyway. They (of course) end up spending much more time together than planned, and falling for each other despite everything.
I felt like Eleanor’s anxiety was dealt with in a sensitive manner, and the fact that she was able to see the humor in some of her habits made it okay for them to be used in comical situations at times. Jeanie was unexpectedly understanding and kind, and very lovable. As I wrote at the start of this review, I’m not the guffawing type but this book took me by surprise. Stephanie Murphy’s narration was perfect for it.
This was my first book by Miranda MacLeod and I’m looking forward to reading more.
November 25, 2020
Kindle Unlimited Read. I have already read book #3 in the 'Americans Abroad' series, not realizing it was part of series. But it doesn't really matter since each book is stand alone, just with a common theme of a lesbian American woman going abroad and finding love in weird and wonderful ways. In this case it's two women from in and around the New York area, one from a smaller town Poughkeepsie, one from Manhattan - both polar opposites in every way.
I did enjoy this one, however the start very much suffered from info dumping and a lot of "tell" not show with regards to getting to know our leading ladies and their backstories, at first.
I wished we could have got to know them far more organically within the realm of the characters own getting to know each other. That and the fact that we get caught up in each characters head monologues far too much, was a bit frustrating- but I still overall enjoyed the story and characters and this unique storyline.
Eleanor is very OCD, legitimately does things in specific order to quell her major anxiety, like putting her shoes on in a certain order, and straightening them etc. But she is also quite socially inept, too, and often her overwhelm causes her to be gruff despite her not meaning to be. She's a bit of a hard egg to crack from the outside, but you really do see those cracks, and feel for her and her squishy middle with the desire to just be accepted as she is, and to be free from those anxious overwhelming thoughts and feelings. (Boy do I relate!)
Jeanie is a polar opposite, more of a fly by the seat of her pants, optimistic, super friendly to all she meets, does things on a whim but also wants to be seen as more than the small town country girl she is, and is incredibly smart and capable in her own right.
Both end up on a cruise that they each thought was for lesbian singles. It ended up being for Senior Swingers... Swing Dancers that is!!!
As the only two ladies under 65 on the cruise for two weeks, they constantly bump into each other and find their antithesis frustrating yet intriguing. Both are also clearly attracted, but each characters own issues find them tip-toeing around the other.
I enjoyed the couple together, and only wished for more time spent with them as a couple. There is a black moment toward the end, which is typical for the genre. But it also worked since both needed to come to terms with a few things about themselves and what they wanted out of life and love, and realized each could learn a thing or two from each other, as well. So I wasn't too salty about it.
All in all a happy ending and interesting story, but did get bogged down a few times in the characters neuroses.
I did enjoy this one, however the start very much suffered from info dumping and a lot of "tell" not show with regards to getting to know our leading ladies and their backstories, at first.
I wished we could have got to know them far more organically within the realm of the characters own getting to know each other. That and the fact that we get caught up in each characters head monologues far too much, was a bit frustrating- but I still overall enjoyed the story and characters and this unique storyline.
Eleanor is very OCD, legitimately does things in specific order to quell her major anxiety, like putting her shoes on in a certain order, and straightening them etc. But she is also quite socially inept, too, and often her overwhelm causes her to be gruff despite her not meaning to be. She's a bit of a hard egg to crack from the outside, but you really do see those cracks, and feel for her and her squishy middle with the desire to just be accepted as she is, and to be free from those anxious overwhelming thoughts and feelings. (Boy do I relate!)
Jeanie is a polar opposite, more of a fly by the seat of her pants, optimistic, super friendly to all she meets, does things on a whim but also wants to be seen as more than the small town country girl she is, and is incredibly smart and capable in her own right.
Both end up on a cruise that they each thought was for lesbian singles. It ended up being for Senior Swingers... Swing Dancers that is!!!
As the only two ladies under 65 on the cruise for two weeks, they constantly bump into each other and find their antithesis frustrating yet intriguing. Both are also clearly attracted, but each characters own issues find them tip-toeing around the other.
I enjoyed the couple together, and only wished for more time spent with them as a couple. There is a black moment toward the end, which is typical for the genre. But it also worked since both needed to come to terms with a few things about themselves and what they wanted out of life and love, and realized each could learn a thing or two from each other, as well. So I wasn't too salty about it.
All in all a happy ending and interesting story, but did get bogged down a few times in the characters neuroses.
August 20, 2019
The moment I started to read about the familiar sites of Budapest and other places in Hungary I was sold. Miranda Macleod is doing a great job describing my beloved city, though I suppose it could be hard to follow for those who don't know it and have to look up everything (as I would). During my latest visit in Budapest I revisited a few places mentioned in the book.
I'd love to read more stories in a (Middle-)European setting instead of mostly US or UK or sometimes Western or Northern Europe.
I enjoyed the developing relationship too, it was a sweet story.
I'd love to read more stories in a (Middle-)European setting instead of mostly US or UK or sometimes Western or Northern Europe.
I enjoyed the developing relationship too, it was a sweet story.
October 30, 2016
Detailed score: 3.5
Sweet enough but very shallow and extremely predictable.
Sweet enough but very shallow and extremely predictable.
September 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Some reviewers said they didnt like one of the characters, but I disagree. Some people are mean. Some people cant control their tone of voice. Some people have resting bitch face. And some people change. Watching her grow and seeing her forget to make sure everything is in perfect order. And doing all of it without even realizing it. I enjoyed every second. 4 stars.
October 11, 2019
Didn't review 1st time round - re-read to stabilise the series in my head. Loved it 2nd time round - love a bit of OCD and how others cope with it. Excellent.
April 19, 2017
I can't remember if I have ever read about two more curious characters. Eleanor Fielding seems very put together on the outside, but she is extremely OCD with quite a lot of anxiety on the inside. Sometimes I wondered if Monk gave a little inspiration here.
So if you were to think of a scenario where a person like this would fall in love with someone like Jeanie Brooks: perpetually late, spontaneous, open and brash --- well I'd be out of ideas. So, put them on a cruise ship with only senior couples and voila!
Again I must say I liked the way, Miranda McLeod is able to make me like Eleanor even though I find people like her very difficult and not always likeable in real life. I'm not so sure that love or falling in love can help with OCD, but as we're dealing with romance and love is this magical thing, maybe it would.
So if you were to think of a scenario where a person like this would fall in love with someone like Jeanie Brooks: perpetually late, spontaneous, open and brash --- well I'd be out of ideas. So, put them on a cruise ship with only senior couples and voila!
Again I must say I liked the way, Miranda McLeod is able to make me like Eleanor even though I find people like her very difficult and not always likeable in real life. I'm not so sure that love or falling in love can help with OCD, but as we're dealing with romance and love is this magical thing, maybe it would.
August 2, 2019
I thought it was cute story about new possibility, career choices and the usual life challenges.
October 7, 2021
I liked the setting of a cruise on the Danube. The two opposites attract characters' relationship unfolded in a believable way for me. I thought this story was sweet and a good way to unwind for the day.
August 7, 2017
This was a nice enough romance but somewhat repetitive. I think it had potential and I did read it all the way through, albeit with some heavy skims.
*Note for myself: you've read this. Two lesbians on a lesbian singles cruise mix up the dates and end up on a seniors learn how to dance cruise. Eleanor is lucky she's loaded as she has anxiety issues as well as a snappish temper. Unsure if anything would have happened if Jeanie didn't have great legs. Jeanie was a little too perfect for me. Overly long and some concepts repeated again and again: Rules of engagement! They can pursue each other if....
*Note for myself: you've read this. Two lesbians on a lesbian singles cruise mix up the dates and end up on a seniors learn how to dance cruise. Eleanor is lucky she's loaded as she has anxiety issues as well as a snappish temper. Unsure if anything would have happened if Jeanie didn't have great legs. Jeanie was a little too perfect for me. Overly long and some concepts repeated again and again: Rules of engagement! They can pursue each other if....
November 22, 2016
Another charming funny read by this author. This story follows two women who don't quite get what they bargained for when they meet on a cruise. Uptight, anxious, planning obsessed Eleanor and carefree, risk taking free spirited Jeanie have some interesting adventures in this book.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this Americans Abroad series.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this Americans Abroad series.
October 21, 2016
Wonderful!
It's great to find two very opposite personalities find love. Everyone should find romance while cruising. The locations in the story were amazing and to know that not all areas were typical tourist attractions. Well done Miranda! Can't wait for next installment.
It's great to find two very opposite personalities find love. Everyone should find romance while cruising. The locations in the story were amazing and to know that not all areas were typical tourist attractions. Well done Miranda! Can't wait for next installment.
November 16, 2016
Sweet and funny
I loved these characters, the setting was fun, and the romance was lovely. I'll look out for more from this author.
I loved these characters, the setting was fun, and the romance was lovely. I'll look out for more from this author.
June 10, 2018
Ratings - 3.5
September 9, 2024
Sweet read, the author has definitely grown a great deal in her writing since her earlier works like this one.
July 10, 2021
3.6 star rating
Love the sites and exploration...nice imagining places with the characters. Liked that majority of the time was invested on the primary characters close interactions.
Love the sites and exploration...nice imagining places with the characters. Liked that majority of the time was invested on the primary characters close interactions.
December 9, 2021
Nope. Put this one down after 20 pages. Wayyy too predictable already: a stuck-up rich woman with mild OCD and need for control and tidyness is being forced on a gay cruise. And of course the other MC is chaotic and broke. Gah. Needless to say, both are hot and are instantly attracted. Yawn.
In only 20 pages I'd racked up a ton of questions. They're on a European cruise, why do they automatically assume the other MC is American? Could be any other nationality! A suitcase so large it doesn't fit through a door? Yes, cabin doors are narrow, but has anyone thought of, I don't know, maybe turning it sideways? No, still too big? Well, how are we supposed to believe YOU MANAGED TO HANDLE IT ALL THE WAY FROM THE US, HUH? And why is the ship deserted? That's, like, creepy. That's how horror movies begin, girl.
So no. Maybe I'm wrong and unfair in abandoning it already but I was just too bored. It's my first book by this author and given how popular she seems to be this is a disappointment.
Happy DNF.
In only 20 pages I'd racked up a ton of questions. They're on a European cruise, why do they automatically assume the other MC is American? Could be any other nationality! A suitcase so large it doesn't fit through a door? Yes, cabin doors are narrow, but has anyone thought of, I don't know, maybe turning it sideways? No, still too big? Well, how are we supposed to believe YOU MANAGED TO HANDLE IT ALL THE WAY FROM THE US, HUH? And why is the ship deserted? That's, like, creepy. That's how horror movies begin, girl.
So no. Maybe I'm wrong and unfair in abandoning it already but I was just too bored. It's my first book by this author and given how popular she seems to be this is a disappointment.
Happy DNF.
November 10, 2016
A charming, fun, and heartwarming romance
This story is a charming romance in the tradition of the madcap comedies from a long time ago, with a delightful odd-couple pair finding love amidst missteps and chance meetings, all while clearly belonging together. Two sections shone particularly brightly in my mind: The comic reaction of Eleanor to the name of the cruise they found themselves on and the more serious and gut wrenching section with the Memorial in Budapest. Two very different, yet marvelously written scenes.
This story is a charming romance in the tradition of the madcap comedies from a long time ago, with a delightful odd-couple pair finding love amidst missteps and chance meetings, all while clearly belonging together. Two sections shone particularly brightly in my mind: The comic reaction of Eleanor to the name of the cruise they found themselves on and the more serious and gut wrenching section with the Memorial in Budapest. Two very different, yet marvelously written scenes.
July 21, 2018
This book was quite disappointing. I already read #3 in this series and enjoyed it. But unfortunately I barely made it through this. The story was boring, the two main characters were interesting enough but got boring and lacked chemistry, and there really wasn't much going on.
December 30, 2019
“Waltzing on the Danube (Americans Abroad #1)” was lots of fun! I enjoyed the great narration, and I enjoyed revisiting Budapest. It’s a fun city, and I’m looking forward to seeing it again next spring!!
MCs Jeanie and Eleanor are complete opposites; one impetuous and the other an actuarial accountant. Despite their differences, there’s instaattraction, along with mutual annoyances and misunderstandings.
As the two women spend time together in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, they slowly accept growing attractions, until at the 90% level angst rears it’s literary head and bad decisions are made. While things end well for our ladies, I found the ending to be disappointingly dull. 3.6*
MCs Jeanie and Eleanor are complete opposites; one impetuous and the other an actuarial accountant. Despite their differences, there’s instaattraction, along with mutual annoyances and misunderstandings.
As the two women spend time together in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, they slowly accept growing attractions, until at the 90% level angst rears it’s literary head and bad decisions are made. While things end well for our ladies, I found the ending to be disappointingly dull. 3.6*
May 20, 2023
Waltzing on the Danube
This was a fun Americans Abroad story by Miranda MacLeod. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. I loved the banter. I look forward to the rest of the series.
This was a fun Americans Abroad story by Miranda MacLeod. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. I loved the banter. I look forward to the rest of the series.
October 21, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in audio format in exchange for an honest review.
3⭐️... base score of 2⭐️ + 1⭐️ for Equity** [feat LGBTQ protagonist].
The sum of this story in its simplest form is an LGBTQ romcom/drama with the theme of “opposites attract.” First I have to offer my support for a romantic narrative between two women. Lesbians are criminally underrepresented in literature and I will acknowledge this title’s contribution to representation. While I am a notoriously picky reader, I am a woman who loves women and because this is an LGBTQ novel, this already held an advantage over more heteronormative novels.
The following constructive criticism is offered in hopes that the quality of WLW representation is improved in future works, which I *DO* plan’ to read.
Ultimately, the book is tired. It employs cliche tropes and much of the plot revolves around miscommunication between characters, which makes for a frustrated reader. The sit-com, slap-stick vibe of the prose grated on me. Scenes in the book can be organized into two categories — PG13 lust monologues or mishaps equivalent to “slipping on a banana peel” which leads to the embarrassment of one character or both. The characters were so frequently embarrassed that I found myself growing uncomfortable by proxy and impatient for the book to be over. There was little momentum offered by interest in where the story was heading or the stakes at risk for each character. The story left me unmotivated to finish it as there was no initial intellectual chemistry between the two women and where the author tries to spark romantic tension she ends up creating uncomfortable friction with the reader. The protagonists internal monologue descriptions of surveying the body of her lover in various scenarios comes off as sleazy and colored in misogyny. Very little love exists between the two women — instead is a facade of lust and perhaps a bit of loathing beneath.
**Why the extra star? “The terms equality and equity are often used interchangeably; however, they differ in important ways. Equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. Meanwhile, equity refers to proportional representation (by race, class, gender, etc.)”
3⭐️... base score of 2⭐️ + 1⭐️ for Equity** [feat LGBTQ protagonist].
The sum of this story in its simplest form is an LGBTQ romcom/drama with the theme of “opposites attract.” First I have to offer my support for a romantic narrative between two women. Lesbians are criminally underrepresented in literature and I will acknowledge this title’s contribution to representation. While I am a notoriously picky reader, I am a woman who loves women and because this is an LGBTQ novel, this already held an advantage over more heteronormative novels.
The following constructive criticism is offered in hopes that the quality of WLW representation is improved in future works, which I *DO* plan’ to read.
Ultimately, the book is tired. It employs cliche tropes and much of the plot revolves around miscommunication between characters, which makes for a frustrated reader. The sit-com, slap-stick vibe of the prose grated on me. Scenes in the book can be organized into two categories — PG13 lust monologues or mishaps equivalent to “slipping on a banana peel” which leads to the embarrassment of one character or both. The characters were so frequently embarrassed that I found myself growing uncomfortable by proxy and impatient for the book to be over. There was little momentum offered by interest in where the story was heading or the stakes at risk for each character. The story left me unmotivated to finish it as there was no initial intellectual chemistry between the two women and where the author tries to spark romantic tension she ends up creating uncomfortable friction with the reader. The protagonists internal monologue descriptions of surveying the body of her lover in various scenarios comes off as sleazy and colored in misogyny. Very little love exists between the two women — instead is a facade of lust and perhaps a bit of loathing beneath.
**Why the extra star? “The terms equality and equity are often used interchangeably; however, they differ in important ways. Equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. Meanwhile, equity refers to proportional representation (by race, class, gender, etc.)”
November 28, 2016
SBDW
Same book different writer. Only the names and setting have changed. This book was fine. I expected a bit more based on the reviews because it was so well reviewed. Unfortunately I didn't get the appeal of it. One boring woman obsessed with percentages meets a want to be museum curator and the rest follows the same tried and true pattern. Fine. What wasn't fine, and this falls on the shoulders of the writer and editor, this "museum curator" with a degree in art history fails to recognize one of the most iconic memorials to the Holocaust. There is not a museum curator or art history major in the entire world that would fail to recognize what sits on the bank of the Danube River. This character whines in the book that she never received any of the grants she applied for and that should explain exactly why. What an oversight by the writer and editor. What are the percentages of that happening?
Same book different writer. Only the names and setting have changed. This book was fine. I expected a bit more based on the reviews because it was so well reviewed. Unfortunately I didn't get the appeal of it. One boring woman obsessed with percentages meets a want to be museum curator and the rest follows the same tried and true pattern. Fine. What wasn't fine, and this falls on the shoulders of the writer and editor, this "museum curator" with a degree in art history fails to recognize one of the most iconic memorials to the Holocaust. There is not a museum curator or art history major in the entire world that would fail to recognize what sits on the bank of the Danube River. This character whines in the book that she never received any of the grants she applied for and that should explain exactly why. What an oversight by the writer and editor. What are the percentages of that happening?
January 24, 2017
As usual
Formula, formula, formula.... This author has a formula & every novels follows that formula. I wish for once she surprise me. First 50%, the pair dance around trying ti be "just" friends. In the 50 % - 60% range they get together. At the 75% area, they have a miscommunication that breaks them up. Then in the 90% area, a friend or relative intervenes & gets them back together. That's the formula.
Formula, formula, formula.... This author has a formula & every novels follows that formula. I wish for once she surprise me. First 50%, the pair dance around trying ti be "just" friends. In the 50 % - 60% range they get together. At the 75% area, they have a miscommunication that breaks them up. Then in the 90% area, a friend or relative intervenes & gets them back together. That's the formula.
December 2, 2016
Lovely story
October 1, 2018
Nice
This is a nice love story. I get totally frustrated when the characters won’t speak of their feelings. The story is funny with nice love scenes.
This is a nice love story. I get totally frustrated when the characters won’t speak of their feelings. The story is funny with nice love scenes.
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