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Under My Skin #3
Solve for i
Maths wiz Gemma Rowe has found the one problem her maths can’t solve: she’s fallen for her female & very heterosexual best friend.
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Gemma Rowe is a shy maths nerd from Sydney who, despite having an affinity for probability and logic, only just worked out at 28 that she's not actually straight. Not only is she not straight, but she’s developed feelings for her best friend Sarah.
Sarah and Gemma go way back—since they met at university, they've been completely inseparable. They've travelled together, got jobs at the same company, and shared each other's triumphs and sorrows. There was even that one memorable time when Sarah, completely drunk, told Gemma she couldn't live without her. A relationship seems like the perfect solution.
There's just one teensy little problem with this whole equation: Sarah is straight.
Gemma knows the logical thing to do is to get over Sarah. She wants to be in her own happy relationship and not caught up on her straight best friend. But how is she supposed to get over Sarah when, despite all those advanced problem-solving skills, she can’t even work out who she’s attracted to anymore?
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Gemma Rowe is a shy maths nerd from Sydney who, despite having an affinity for probability and logic, only just worked out at 28 that she's not actually straight. Not only is she not straight, but she’s developed feelings for her best friend Sarah.
Sarah and Gemma go way back—since they met at university, they've been completely inseparable. They've travelled together, got jobs at the same company, and shared each other's triumphs and sorrows. There was even that one memorable time when Sarah, completely drunk, told Gemma she couldn't live without her. A relationship seems like the perfect solution.
There's just one teensy little problem with this whole equation: Sarah is straight.
Gemma knows the logical thing to do is to get over Sarah. She wants to be in her own happy relationship and not caught up on her straight best friend. But how is she supposed to get over Sarah when, despite all those advanced problem-solving skills, she can’t even work out who she’s attracted to anymore?
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2017
94 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Dooland
4 books111 followersAE Dooland is an Aussie who is 100% certified queer. By day she's a counsellor, by night she's a writer and a gamer. She's married to a wonderful and very grumpy woman, and they have a couple of far-too-cheerful children.
You can get access to free short stories, news and updates on upcoming web serials at aedooland.com.
You can get access to free short stories, news and updates on upcoming web serials at aedooland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 4, 2018
“Solve for i” has moments of terrific humor, is narrated wonderfully, but the main characters annoyed me for most of the book.
MC math geek Gemma is nearly 30yo, and is trying to come to terms with realizing she is seriously crushing on her long-term bf Sarah. MC Sarah is straight and pregnant. Despite allowances for behavior resulting from pregnancy hormones, Sarah is so seriously self-centered and controlling of Gemma that I found it very difficult to like her, or to understand Gemma’s adoration of her.
Realizing she might be gay, Gemma researches statistics on lesbians on the internet to determine what the odds are that she might be. Desperate to not let Sarah realize she’s crushing on her, she is afraid to tell Sarah she likes girls, so Gemma decides she’s got to find a guy to bang ASAP, and Sarah is only too determined to help.
As Gemma comes to accept that she really does like girls, she finds a truly terrific one (Mikey) and screws up the evening by texting Sarah just after she and Mikey have begun undressing each other. Other episodes of Gemma doing the wrong thing are occasionally funny, but very often are just completely unbelievable that anyone could actually have that little of a backbone.
Many of the secondary characters are more likable and interesting than either Sarah or Gemma. Head of HR, Henry, is delightful, as is his ex-gf Minh who decided she is transsexual and now dates Brie. Natalie the sexy union lawyer is a terrific seductress, and I enjoyed her time with….well, no spoilers, but you’ll enjoy it too!
The ending was just a little too perfect after all the drama in Gemma’s love life and with work. Overall, I rate “Solve for i” 3.5* and will round up to 4* but this is another time that I wish goodreads allowed half-star ratings.
MC math geek Gemma is nearly 30yo, and is trying to come to terms with realizing she is seriously crushing on her long-term bf Sarah. MC Sarah is straight and pregnant. Despite allowances for behavior resulting from pregnancy hormones, Sarah is so seriously self-centered and controlling of Gemma that I found it very difficult to like her, or to understand Gemma’s adoration of her.
Realizing she might be gay, Gemma researches statistics on lesbians on the internet to determine what the odds are that she might be. Desperate to not let Sarah realize she’s crushing on her, she is afraid to tell Sarah she likes girls, so Gemma decides she’s got to find a guy to bang ASAP, and Sarah is only too determined to help.
As Gemma comes to accept that she really does like girls, she finds a truly terrific one (Mikey) and screws up the evening by texting Sarah just after she and Mikey have begun undressing each other. Other episodes of Gemma doing the wrong thing are occasionally funny, but very often are just completely unbelievable that anyone could actually have that little of a backbone.
Many of the secondary characters are more likable and interesting than either Sarah or Gemma. Head of HR, Henry, is delightful, as is his ex-gf Minh who decided she is transsexual and now dates Brie. Natalie the sexy union lawyer is a terrific seductress, and I enjoyed her time with….well, no spoilers, but you’ll enjoy it too!
The ending was just a little too perfect after all the drama in Gemma’s love life and with work. Overall, I rate “Solve for i” 3.5* and will round up to 4* but this is another time that I wish goodreads allowed half-star ratings.
February 17, 2017
3.5 stars...maybe
So the plot of the book, though told several times, is always a good one...best friends for like ever and one discovers she's into women and the other is straight and in a healthy relationship. The story started out a bit slow and didn't pick up until Gemma decided to go on Tinder (thats right Tinder made it in the book and thats honestly awesome). Anyway, the only reason I rated thr book so low in sense is because Gemma annoyed the @$#! out of me. I have never met a person or character that was so frustrating and honestly spineless as her. She just infurated me so often i had to stop reading and even at times skim because she mad me angry. I do wish Mikey played a bigger role in all of it but the book was really about Gemma's discovery. I don't regret buying this book and do recommend...kind of
So the plot of the book, though told several times, is always a good one...best friends for like ever and one discovers she's into women and the other is straight and in a healthy relationship. The story started out a bit slow and didn't pick up until Gemma decided to go on Tinder (thats right Tinder made it in the book and thats honestly awesome). Anyway, the only reason I rated thr book so low in sense is because Gemma annoyed the @$#! out of me. I have never met a person or character that was so frustrating and honestly spineless as her. She just infurated me so often i had to stop reading and even at times skim because she mad me angry. I do wish Mikey played a bigger role in all of it but the book was really about Gemma's discovery. I don't regret buying this book and do recommend...kind of
February 26, 2017
Wow, this book was amazing! The story was fun, nice, interesting... and so on. Did I say fun?
May 8, 2019
Sorry - just bored me.
February 19, 2017
Never read the stories this was spun off from, but this is a great little story. I'd say in some ways this is a "coming-of-age" book, just told about someone whose 28 rather than 15. Gemma discovers a lot more about herself than her sexuality, including how to finally take charge of her life and face up to problems she's avoided.
Slight ending spoilers:
Slight ending spoilers:
September 30, 2017
I really liked this story, well, parts of it anyway. The romantic sections with Gemma's love interest were by far my favorites. Their first meeting at the restaurant left me gushy and smiling.
For the rest of it there was a lot going on. The urge to skim was there. Characters and past stories didn't interest me. Much of the back story was just taxing. But what do you expect when I am just there for the romance of that first meeting which was wonderfully written.
For the rest of it there was a lot going on. The urge to skim was there. Characters and past stories didn't interest me. Much of the back story was just taxing. But what do you expect when I am just there for the romance of that first meeting which was wonderfully written.
June 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It's basically an extremely awkward introvert inside a kettle on slow boil, gradually realizing she's being cooked alive by her sexuality. Panic ensues. The story is good and Gemma is adorable, it is all about her discovery and progress through a miserable point in her life where she realizes the world; her world, her Sarah, may be leaving her behind once and for all.
It has a small cast of distinct characters I got a genuine feel for, I've never read the prequel Under My Skin and didn't feel I needed the backstory. The book started superb, took another direction than I'd liked somewhere in the middle, then it caught up again and was better than I had ever imagined towards the end. The author did a surprisingly good job portraying sexuality and easing it into the story. To some it's important to note that Gemma is hopeless, - spineless even, and the story relays on a bit of miscommunication, so if you are easily irked by passivity, you probably won't like this. On the other hand, it does make it exciting. The book is well written and its hard not to sympathize with the generally wretched protagonist. Gemma is truly a unique person and it's an intriguing ride to finally take charge of her life. It hit a bit home and the story felt reassuring. Also got it pretty cheap.
It has a small cast of distinct characters I got a genuine feel for, I've never read the prequel Under My Skin and didn't feel I needed the backstory. The book started superb, took another direction than I'd liked somewhere in the middle, then it caught up again and was better than I had ever imagined towards the end. The author did a surprisingly good job portraying sexuality and easing it into the story. To some it's important to note that Gemma is hopeless, - spineless even, and the story relays on a bit of miscommunication, so if you are easily irked by passivity, you probably won't like this. On the other hand, it does make it exciting. The book is well written and its hard not to sympathize with the generally wretched protagonist. Gemma is truly a unique person and it's an intriguing ride to finally take charge of her life. It hit a bit home and the story felt reassuring. Also got it pretty cheap.
July 29, 2018
While I love angst, this story took the angst to a level that even I had some difficulty with. I wanted to shake Jemma. However, it was the perfect audible book for me this week. The narration was wonderful, making my commutes this week fly by. I enjoyed it so much I even listened for several hours one evening when my brain was too fried to expend the energy to read.
February 17, 2017
This one is a sort of spin off from Under my Skin trilogy that focus on a secondary character, Gemma, and her journey to discover her sexuality. I really enjoyed being in Gemma's head because I'm pretty fond of this cute character and I wanted to de-stress from Min's intense stressful life but... oh god, not happening! It was so frustrating because she is just hopeless... Come on Gemma, don't run away from everything! I'm so glad how she develops through the novel (although, I noticed the events in all UmS tend to happen in super short periods of time? I would enjoy not reading about an stressful roller coaster do or die kind of decisions. Honestly, these characters are put under so much pressure when they have to take important decisions, Asy please, let them think about life in a relaxing way? xD).
I read it during the web series publication and it always interesting to re read it at once and see how different sensations it gives. I agree with people that thinks there is so little of Mikey... I would love to read more about these two! I'm sure we will get some one shoots, please?
Fun fact: Reading Gemma struggling and using Tinder encouraged me to do the same and well, ironies of life, I've been dating a girl called Gemma for 4 months now :D
I read it during the web series publication and it always interesting to re read it at once and see how different sensations it gives. I agree with people that thinks there is so little of Mikey... I would love to read more about these two! I'm sure we will get some one shoots, please?
Fun fact: Reading Gemma struggling and using Tinder encouraged me to do the same and well, ironies of life, I've been dating a girl called Gemma for 4 months now :D
March 12, 2017
This was super cute. I liked it a lot. It did rely quite a bit on miscommunication, and if you're a person who is bothered by second hand embarrassment feelings, Gemma is not the character for you. But I really loved her statistician brain and how she tries so hard to fit her life into these numbers she thinks are supposed to be true because I catch myself living my life that way sometimes too. I related a lot to parts of her.
July 9, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book and finally decided to listen to the audiobook as I always wanted to know more about Gemma ever since the first book of the Under My Skin series. I can't wait to read the last of its series which A. E. Dooland is currently working on.
I did find it to be repetitive at some points when Gemma was in denial but found myself laughing out loud at other parts which more than made up for it.
Gemma's character progression was noticeable, especially at three-quarters of the book.
The narrator, Cat Gould did a pretty good job with the reading.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Mz
I did find it to be repetitive at some points when Gemma was in denial but found myself laughing out loud at other parts which more than made up for it.
Gemma's character progression was noticeable, especially at three-quarters of the book.
The narrator, Cat Gould did a pretty good job with the reading.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Mz
December 25, 2020
Actually 3.5 stars.
I thought this was going to be one of those best friends fall each other type of story, but it's much more like the movie Life Partners. I enjoyed being in Gemma's head, but like all the other reviewers on here, I found her utterly hopeless. For her to be that hopeless and have such an instant change is unbelievable. The events of the book pretty much take place within a 2-3 week period, including the unexpected change at the end.
With all that aside, I enjoyed the book. Gemma is cute and dorky, which I completely identify with. Some of her mannerisms are the same as mine, though I speak up much more for myself. I love how supportive her friends were and how well they all knew Gemma. They pretty much accepted her how she was and then was supportive again when she grew.
This book is about Gemma, statistical math wiz that starts to realize that she's gay only because she starts to have romantic feelings for her very pregnant best friend. It follows Gemma as she comes to terms with this and tries to move on from her feelings about her BFF. It's a great story about love and friendship.
Over all: Easy read. Very enjoyable. Found myself putting my hands up and yelling "come on Gemma" several times, but still entertaining.
I thought this was going to be one of those best friends fall each other type of story, but it's much more like the movie Life Partners. I enjoyed being in Gemma's head, but like all the other reviewers on here, I found her utterly hopeless. For her to be that hopeless and have such an instant change is unbelievable. The events of the book pretty much take place within a 2-3 week period, including the unexpected change at the end.
With all that aside, I enjoyed the book. Gemma is cute and dorky, which I completely identify with. Some of her mannerisms are the same as mine, though I speak up much more for myself. I love how supportive her friends were and how well they all knew Gemma. They pretty much accepted her how she was and then was supportive again when she grew.
This book is about Gemma, statistical math wiz that starts to realize that she's gay only because she starts to have romantic feelings for her very pregnant best friend. It follows Gemma as she comes to terms with this and tries to move on from her feelings about her BFF. It's a great story about love and friendship.
Over all: Easy read. Very enjoyable. Found myself putting my hands up and yelling "come on Gemma" several times, but still entertaining.
June 6, 2018
When I started the book it wasn’t anything special, actually it was quite bleh, but I kept reading because some of the nerdy adorable things one of the MCs did.
Later, one of the main characters desperated me so much, and for so long, that I felt like throwing my phone against the wall because of the frustration I felt. And the other one was so self centered and needy, nope, it wasn’t working for me, I was convinced that this book would be two stars, and I was feeling generous, but in spite of my stress I wanted to know how it ended.
Then, after all my complaints, finally, we clicked, I started to make sense of everything that bothered me about the book, in fact some of the autogenerated problems of nerdy Gemma sounded familiar to me and they started to have if not sense, reason for be, I could relate, and that’s when my perception of the book changed for me.
So in my opinion it's worth reading.
Later, one of the main characters desperated me so much, and for so long, that I felt like throwing my phone against the wall because of the frustration I felt. And the other one was so self centered and needy, nope, it wasn’t working for me, I was convinced that this book would be two stars, and I was feeling generous, but in spite of my stress I wanted to know how it ended.
Then, after all my complaints, finally, we clicked, I started to make sense of everything that bothered me about the book, in fact some of the autogenerated problems of nerdy Gemma sounded familiar to me and they started to have if not sense, reason for be, I could relate, and that’s when my perception of the book changed for me.
So in my opinion it's worth reading.
May 20, 2018
Solve for i – Review
Gemma is a math whiz who falls for her very straight and very pregnant best friend, Sarah. And we all know how well that can end.
Gemma is also very shy and trying to figure out her sexuality. She really thought she knew until her feeling for Sarah changed.
The story follows Gemma as she stumbles through life, with herself as her own worst enemy. She has a major talent of making a small mistake into a colossal calamity of errors. How can she keep her feeling hidden and still stay best friends with Sarah?
This book was well written, but it had a very slow start, and a few times I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish it. At first Gemma’s shyness was cute, but after a bit, it got tiring and too repetitive. Some of the characters really stood out and made you take notice of them. Also some of the characters were from previous novels in the series, but the back story on them was just enough so none of the references to them left me wondering like so often happens in series.
If I could give this a solid 3.5 stars I would, 3 seems a bit low, and 4 a bit too high.
Gemma is a math whiz who falls for her very straight and very pregnant best friend, Sarah. And we all know how well that can end.
Gemma is also very shy and trying to figure out her sexuality. She really thought she knew until her feeling for Sarah changed.
The story follows Gemma as she stumbles through life, with herself as her own worst enemy. She has a major talent of making a small mistake into a colossal calamity of errors. How can she keep her feeling hidden and still stay best friends with Sarah?
This book was well written, but it had a very slow start, and a few times I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish it. At first Gemma’s shyness was cute, but after a bit, it got tiring and too repetitive. Some of the characters really stood out and made you take notice of them. Also some of the characters were from previous novels in the series, but the back story on them was just enough so none of the references to them left me wondering like so often happens in series.
If I could give this a solid 3.5 stars I would, 3 seems a bit low, and 4 a bit too high.
May 22, 2021
A genius statistician solving her complex equation of emotions involving friendship and her sexuality as two delicate variables...the end result is simply amazing.
July 3, 2018
I guess this book is not YA because the characters, Gemma and Sarah are over 20 and there is a sex scene. Really it could be YA though because Gemma is like any anxious teenage nerd I know and the sex scene is nothing that isn't in a few other YA books I read. This book is also not a romance. I don't know category it is really.
I did like the writing style in this book. I thought is was nice and the conversations were real and interesting and sometimes funny. I also like the character Gemma because she was cute in her confusion and anxiety but also smart.
I don't recommend this book though because it was SO VERY FRUSTRATING. Like, three quarters of this book is Gemma being anxious and making a big mess of her life because of her anxiety about being gay and about being into her best friend. I understand for some ppl accepting you are gay can be hard and coming out can be hard but really it was SO VERY FRUSTRATING when that just went on an on and on in a circle. I had to start skimming just to get through it.
I also hate when books make it seem like when your confused if you like girls you should have sex with guys to see if that 'fixes' you. That is so wrong to suggest that it makes me so mad.
Also the whole portrayal of the friendship between Sarah and Gemma was also so weird. Their like supposed to be platonic friends but their totally not. If you and your best friend crawl into each others beds any time your together there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. Like if it was a boy and girl, or boy and boy it would totally be something else but because it's girls it's not? And if your best friend is in tears if you don't text her for a day or two there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. And if you take down some pictures of you and your friend, from a wall above your bed, and she is really upset about that there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. And if you tell your friend 'I am gay and I am into you' and she says 'Oh ok. I am tired, let's crawl into bed' then there is def something else. But this book totally ignores that and the best friend is totally not a love interest and instead Gemma turns to Tinder. So sad and so lame.
I did like the writing style in this book. I thought is was nice and the conversations were real and interesting and sometimes funny. I also like the character Gemma because she was cute in her confusion and anxiety but also smart.
I don't recommend this book though because it was SO VERY FRUSTRATING. Like, three quarters of this book is Gemma being anxious and making a big mess of her life because of her anxiety about being gay and about being into her best friend. I understand for some ppl accepting you are gay can be hard and coming out can be hard but really it was SO VERY FRUSTRATING when that just went on an on and on in a circle. I had to start skimming just to get through it.
I also hate when books make it seem like when your confused if you like girls you should have sex with guys to see if that 'fixes' you. That is so wrong to suggest that it makes me so mad.
Also the whole portrayal of the friendship between Sarah and Gemma was also so weird. Their like supposed to be platonic friends but their totally not. If you and your best friend crawl into each others beds any time your together there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. Like if it was a boy and girl, or boy and boy it would totally be something else but because it's girls it's not? And if your best friend is in tears if you don't text her for a day or two there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. And if you take down some pictures of you and your friend, from a wall above your bed, and she is really upset about that there is probably 'something else' not just friendship. And if you tell your friend 'I am gay and I am into you' and she says 'Oh ok. I am tired, let's crawl into bed' then there is def something else. But this book totally ignores that and the best friend is totally not a love interest and instead Gemma turns to Tinder. So sad and so lame.
February 24, 2017
Amazing book
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love how nerdy and shy Gemma was, I know several folks like her. Even us math nerd lesbians need love!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love how nerdy and shy Gemma was, I know several folks like her. Even us math nerd lesbians need love!
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters, especially Gemma, i could relate to her. I loved this entire story. It was so cute and sweet.
May 25, 2017
3.5/5
Rating this one was harder than I thought it would. On the one hand, I thought it was an enjoyable book and was well written with a diverse cast of characters. On the other hand, I thought the story kind of faltered after the halfway point, stumbling until near the end.
It's also a rating based on personal tastes, and not so much on the quality of the story itself. I have a feeling most people that want to read this one will end up liking it more than I did, simply because a lot of what happens just weren't things that I could relate to or wasn't a huge fan of.
Gemma is very shy and introverted, and is a maths nerd working on spreadsheets for a big company because it lets her be closer to her best friend, Sarah, who works in another department. She knows that she's a statistical outlier in many regards of where others are at the same stage of her life, and that was one of the more relatable aspects of her character. I've definitely felt like that at times, and I've had my share of experiences with feeling extraordinarily out of my depth in social situations.
There were times, however, where it felt like a bit much. The novel reads a lot like a romcom, and in that sense, many of the situations are exaggerated to their highest degree for the sake of humor/drama. Most of the time it made for some funny situations, but at other times, it was social awkwardness to the point where I felt as though it was hard to believe that Gemma had gotten to that point in her life without some kind of therapy.
She has a diverse crew of friends around her. Min was my favorite, though she kind of vanished a bit after the halfway point, which I felt was a shame. I liked her insights into Gemma's character. Unlike many of the other characters, she seemed able to help Gemma without seeming so forceful about it. She also offered some of the most important insights to Gemma that helped Gemma realize who she is, and to have her character kind of brushed aside after that felt like a bit of a disservice. Min's girlfriend Bree was kind of fun, but there wasn't really enough of her.
There's Sarah, who is Gemma's best friend and a rather forceful personality. I liked her, and liked her energy that was put towards all aspects of her life. I think having a friend that involved would drive me a bit nuts, but it made for a fun character, and their friendship over the course of the book was a lot of fun to read about.
Henry was interesting, but also kind of frustrating. The situation that he ends up getting involved in with Gemma felt fairly self-induced. Given the rumors and the situation that was about to unfold at work, he really should have known better than to do anything like he did at that point.
Gemma is both fun and frustrating. I've been very socially awkward in my life, and I've known some very socially awkward people. Gemma is on a whole other level. And that kind of caused a few problems for me.
I'll go into some spoilers below, tagged of course, but I'll wrap this up for anyone that might be interested. It's a quirky romcom with a fun cast of characters and a lot of wacky situations. It's a sweet story overall, and I thought it had a good conclusion. If this book catches your eye and it's a genre you like, you'll most likely enjoy it.
Spoilers below!
Natalie:
Mikey:
A fun story overall, but bogged down a bit by overexaggerated scenarios and an ending that feels a little too neatly wrapped up. A generally easy read, but a frustrating one for me. Gemma was messed up enough at times that it took me out of the story a bit, wondering how on Earth she was able to function at all.
Rating this one was harder than I thought it would. On the one hand, I thought it was an enjoyable book and was well written with a diverse cast of characters. On the other hand, I thought the story kind of faltered after the halfway point, stumbling until near the end.
It's also a rating based on personal tastes, and not so much on the quality of the story itself. I have a feeling most people that want to read this one will end up liking it more than I did, simply because a lot of what happens just weren't things that I could relate to or wasn't a huge fan of.
Gemma is very shy and introverted, and is a maths nerd working on spreadsheets for a big company because it lets her be closer to her best friend, Sarah, who works in another department. She knows that she's a statistical outlier in many regards of where others are at the same stage of her life, and that was one of the more relatable aspects of her character. I've definitely felt like that at times, and I've had my share of experiences with feeling extraordinarily out of my depth in social situations.
There were times, however, where it felt like a bit much. The novel reads a lot like a romcom, and in that sense, many of the situations are exaggerated to their highest degree for the sake of humor/drama. Most of the time it made for some funny situations, but at other times, it was social awkwardness to the point where I felt as though it was hard to believe that Gemma had gotten to that point in her life without some kind of therapy.
She has a diverse crew of friends around her. Min was my favorite, though she kind of vanished a bit after the halfway point, which I felt was a shame. I liked her insights into Gemma's character. Unlike many of the other characters, she seemed able to help Gemma without seeming so forceful about it. She also offered some of the most important insights to Gemma that helped Gemma realize who she is, and to have her character kind of brushed aside after that felt like a bit of a disservice. Min's girlfriend Bree was kind of fun, but there wasn't really enough of her.
There's Sarah, who is Gemma's best friend and a rather forceful personality. I liked her, and liked her energy that was put towards all aspects of her life. I think having a friend that involved would drive me a bit nuts, but it made for a fun character, and their friendship over the course of the book was a lot of fun to read about.
Henry was interesting, but also kind of frustrating. The situation that he ends up getting involved in with Gemma felt fairly self-induced. Given the rumors and the situation that was about to unfold at work, he really should have known better than to do anything like he did at that point.
Gemma is both fun and frustrating. I've been very socially awkward in my life, and I've known some very socially awkward people. Gemma is on a whole other level. And that kind of caused a few problems for me.
I'll go into some spoilers below, tagged of course, but I'll wrap this up for anyone that might be interested. It's a quirky romcom with a fun cast of characters and a lot of wacky situations. It's a sweet story overall, and I thought it had a good conclusion. If this book catches your eye and it's a genre you like, you'll most likely enjoy it.
Spoilers below!
Natalie:
Mikey:
A fun story overall, but bogged down a bit by overexaggerated scenarios and an ending that feels a little too neatly wrapped up. A generally easy read, but a frustrating one for me. Gemma was messed up enough at times that it took me out of the story a bit, wondering how on Earth she was able to function at all.
April 6, 2019
I have no idea how I came to buy this ebook, but it had been on my Kindle a while before I decided to read it. I’ve been trying to read more LGBT+ fiction, especially f/f relationships since they’re so underrepresented compared to m/m ones. Solve for i is an adult contemporary novel that revolves around Gemma, a 28-year-old woman who is coming to terms with the fact that she might not be straight after all.
Gemma has been in love with her best friend, Sarah, for years but has always blown it off as the love of a best friend or a girl crush. However, she’s been struggling with being just friends with Sarah more and more, and her painful shyness does not help her case at all. What is she supposed to do? She can’t tell Sarah, because Sarah is not only heterosexual, but also in a loving relationship and pregnant. But how do you get over someone you spend all your time with? That’s the dilemma Gemma is currently facing.
I have to admit that I struggled a bit with the first half of this book. Gemma is 28 years old, but I constantly felt like I was reading from the perspective of a woman who is definitely younger than I am – I’m 24, by the way. I guess that���s because I’m not incredibly shy, and while I am afraid to speak up at work sometimes, I don’t let it hinder me as much as she does.
What I had most trouble with at the start is how the friendship between Gemma and Sarah was way too dependent. It’s like they couldn’t function without each other! They were angry when the other didn’t immediately answer a call or respond to a text or were worried when they didn’t want to spend an evening together or had other plans. That seems so utterly ridiculous to me, at 28! People live busy lives, and can’t always respond to a text or answer a call. And maybe they’re busy and can’t spend a day with you. That’s not the end of the world! It just seemed so ridiculous to me, that these two adult women could have a friendship that didn’t allow room for much else in their lives.
That’s especially notable in where Gemma works. She only started working at that company because Sarah works there, and even requests a transfer into Sarah’ team – marketing – even though she has no interest in it whatsoever. That’s so messed up to me!
However, the author made up for that in the second half. We watch Gemma accept herself, and admit to herself that she’s gay. We watch her go on dates, and become more involved in the other friendships in her life. She learns to let go of Sarah somewhat, and become more of her own person. Their relationship becomes much healthier, and I couldn’t be happier to see that.
I have to admit that I flew through the second half of the book. I suddenly cared so much about Gemma, and her new date (won’t say who though). I fell in love with the side characters, especially Min, and wanted to read more about them too. The second part of the book was basically the feel-good f/f romance I was expecting to read from the beginning.
I will definitely read more works by A.E. Dooland! I discovered that there are two books that focus on Min, who was by far my favorite character in this novel. I can’t wait to check those out!
Overall, I would recommend this if you’re searching for more LGBT+ contemporary with f/f relationships. It was fun, cute, and made me root for the characters by the end. Just be warned that it starts out with a not-so-healthy friendship (in my opinion). I think there is 1 more explicit scene, but if you don’t like to read about sex, you could easily skip that part. It’s not very relevant to the plot at all. If you are into that, there you go! From what I remember, there’s only one though.
Gemma has been in love with her best friend, Sarah, for years but has always blown it off as the love of a best friend or a girl crush. However, she’s been struggling with being just friends with Sarah more and more, and her painful shyness does not help her case at all. What is she supposed to do? She can’t tell Sarah, because Sarah is not only heterosexual, but also in a loving relationship and pregnant. But how do you get over someone you spend all your time with? That’s the dilemma Gemma is currently facing.
I have to admit that I struggled a bit with the first half of this book. Gemma is 28 years old, but I constantly felt like I was reading from the perspective of a woman who is definitely younger than I am – I’m 24, by the way. I guess that���s because I’m not incredibly shy, and while I am afraid to speak up at work sometimes, I don’t let it hinder me as much as she does.
What I had most trouble with at the start is how the friendship between Gemma and Sarah was way too dependent. It’s like they couldn’t function without each other! They were angry when the other didn’t immediately answer a call or respond to a text or were worried when they didn’t want to spend an evening together or had other plans. That seems so utterly ridiculous to me, at 28! People live busy lives, and can’t always respond to a text or answer a call. And maybe they’re busy and can’t spend a day with you. That’s not the end of the world! It just seemed so ridiculous to me, that these two adult women could have a friendship that didn’t allow room for much else in their lives.
That’s especially notable in where Gemma works. She only started working at that company because Sarah works there, and even requests a transfer into Sarah’ team – marketing – even though she has no interest in it whatsoever. That’s so messed up to me!
However, the author made up for that in the second half. We watch Gemma accept herself, and admit to herself that she’s gay. We watch her go on dates, and become more involved in the other friendships in her life. She learns to let go of Sarah somewhat, and become more of her own person. Their relationship becomes much healthier, and I couldn’t be happier to see that.
I have to admit that I flew through the second half of the book. I suddenly cared so much about Gemma, and her new date (won’t say who though). I fell in love with the side characters, especially Min, and wanted to read more about them too. The second part of the book was basically the feel-good f/f romance I was expecting to read from the beginning.
I will definitely read more works by A.E. Dooland! I discovered that there are two books that focus on Min, who was by far my favorite character in this novel. I can’t wait to check those out!
Overall, I would recommend this if you’re searching for more LGBT+ contemporary with f/f relationships. It was fun, cute, and made me root for the characters by the end. Just be warned that it starts out with a not-so-healthy friendship (in my opinion). I think there is 1 more explicit scene, but if you don’t like to read about sex, you could easily skip that part. It’s not very relevant to the plot at all. If you are into that, there you go! From what I remember, there’s only one though.
February 27, 2017
Solve for i marks the third of AE Dooland's self-published original works. It's a character-driven, heartwarming read that focuses on friendship, romance, figuring out who you are (and who you're into), and finding happiness.
Through funding on Kickstarter, this book was released on a per-chapter basis culminating in an eBook and paperback. I read the final chapter today and I just... URGH. Dooland is such an amazing writer. I love the journey she takes us on with Gemma Rowe as she realizes she likes women and is actually in love with her best friend. I know, I know, maybe it sounds like an old cliché on the outside, but good stories are about characters and presentation, and no one writes like Dooland! You'll find this to be fresh and relatable, regardless of who you are, because its themes are universal.
You'll fall in love with the mess of a person Gemma is, facepalm, groan, want to pull your hair out, squeal with delight, laugh yourself silly, and cheer wholeheartedly as she bumbles her way through the messes she finds herself in (that she often puts herself in). She's a quirky, socially awkward, well-meaning lead who you can't help but want to protect and give a good-natured kick in the bum to.
For those of you who've read Under My Skin and Flesh and Blood, you'll get to see all the old gang again. Gemma is every bit the engaging and sympathetic lead that Min is from the first two books, but she's very much her own unique person.
Anyone familiar with Dooland's work knows they're in for a great ride, with her trademark sophisticated storytelling, distinct characters, ability to squeeze a wide range of emotions out of you, and flawless editing. For those of you who are new to her work, ohoho-boy are you in for a treat!
I can't praise this work highly enough. It's worth reading multiple times (and that's coming from someone who doesn't re-read much).
Through funding on Kickstarter, this book was released on a per-chapter basis culminating in an eBook and paperback. I read the final chapter today and I just... URGH. Dooland is such an amazing writer. I love the journey she takes us on with Gemma Rowe as she realizes she likes women and is actually in love with her best friend. I know, I know, maybe it sounds like an old cliché on the outside, but good stories are about characters and presentation, and no one writes like Dooland! You'll find this to be fresh and relatable, regardless of who you are, because its themes are universal.
You'll fall in love with the mess of a person Gemma is, facepalm, groan, want to pull your hair out, squeal with delight, laugh yourself silly, and cheer wholeheartedly as she bumbles her way through the messes she finds herself in (that she often puts herself in). She's a quirky, socially awkward, well-meaning lead who you can't help but want to protect and give a good-natured kick in the bum to.
For those of you who've read Under My Skin and Flesh and Blood, you'll get to see all the old gang again. Gemma is every bit the engaging and sympathetic lead that Min is from the first two books, but she's very much her own unique person.
Anyone familiar with Dooland's work knows they're in for a great ride, with her trademark sophisticated storytelling, distinct characters, ability to squeeze a wide range of emotions out of you, and flawless editing. For those of you who are new to her work, ohoho-boy are you in for a treat!
I can't praise this work highly enough. It's worth reading multiple times (and that's coming from someone who doesn't re-read much).
September 15, 2022
One of my favorite books.
I really love this story, Gemma is very relatable for me, even though I'm a man, her struggles to fit are almost the same I faced once upon a time. I also love how I started wishing Gemma and Sarah would end up together, but half way into the book I wasn't certain about that anymore and then Boom, Mikey's in the picture and I was shipping them from that moment on. Amazing.
I really love this story, Gemma is very relatable for me, even though I'm a man, her struggles to fit are almost the same I faced once upon a time. I also love how I started wishing Gemma and Sarah would end up together, but half way into the book I wasn't certain about that anymore and then Boom, Mikey's in the picture and I was shipping them from that moment on. Amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
Pleases with this purchase.
Once you get over the lead making horrible decisions, and being a little annoying...the book is good. I a. Pleased with the purchase i made.
Once you get over the lead making horrible decisions, and being a little annoying...the book is good. I a. Pleased with the purchase i made.
May 5, 2018
3.5 stars
I was attracted to reading this because (a) it's about a late 20something woman coming out (I was a 20something when I realised I was gay) and (b) because she's a maths whiz. I love me some good nerd stories. However, Gemma felt younger than the 28 she is supposed to be and she is incredibly shy and basically only exists next to her BFF. I found that a bit grating for a while until Gemma becomes more confident in herself and learns to stand up for herself.
Also, the story was highly foreseeable but at the same time, after having read half of it, I just had to finish it and it was a fun read. Not the most eloquent and surprising story but it was decent even if Gemma's constant blushing got a bit on my nerves.
One thing that bothered me was the way Gemma kept misgendering Min. They came out as n-b and trans but Gemma keeps referring to them as "her" saying "Min doesn't care what pronouns one uses" but when Henry makes a big deal out of using "he" pronouns, it felt very odd and I wish Min had said something about it themselves.
I was attracted to reading this because (a) it's about a late 20something woman coming out (I was a 20something when I realised I was gay) and (b) because she's a maths whiz. I love me some good nerd stories. However, Gemma felt younger than the 28 she is supposed to be and she is incredibly shy and basically only exists next to her BFF. I found that a bit grating for a while until Gemma becomes more confident in herself and learns to stand up for herself.
Also, the story was highly foreseeable but at the same time, after having read half of it, I just had to finish it and it was a fun read. Not the most eloquent and surprising story but it was decent even if Gemma's constant blushing got a bit on my nerves.
One thing that bothered me was the way Gemma kept misgendering Min. They came out as n-b and trans but Gemma keeps referring to them as "her" saying "Min doesn't care what pronouns one uses" but when Henry makes a big deal out of using "he" pronouns, it felt very odd and I wish Min had said something about it themselves.
July 16, 2024
It was okay? A lot of unnecessary miscommunication and general panicking.
March 5, 2017
Omg! Perfect!
This is an amazing story. I was so very hooked. The suspense. I love not being able to predict the ending. My favorite.
This is an amazing story. I was so very hooked. The suspense. I love not being able to predict the ending. My favorite.
March 6, 2017
Wonderful
Just, wonderful. I liked everything about this book. Each character was unique and the story was incredibly catchy. Loved it.
Just, wonderful. I liked everything about this book. Each character was unique and the story was incredibly catchy. Loved it.
August 9, 2017
Listening on audible. I was drawn to read this because I've kind of lived the premise. I agree with the reviewers on the rom-com feel and how that contributes to Gemma acting not just shy and awkward, but "rom-com heroine alien touching down on earth for the first time" level clueless (see Mindy Kaling's "Flick Chicks" http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/201...).
Having read spoilers, I'm somewhat disappointed in where the story is going to go, but reading the date scene with Mikey is adorable, and I'm listening with a Gemma style grin on my face. The elation of finally discovering and tapping into your feelings after a lifetime of burying them is spot on, even if much of Gemma's character is not. Also reminded of this: http://www.wnyc.org/story/katie-heane...
----update-----
I would say though that one thing very irritating about this book is that it seems to lack a cultural context in that there's no mention of how homophobia obviously influenced Gemma not being able to recognize, interpret, and act on her attraction to women. That the only WHY to the "why I don't want to be gay/why haven't I realized I'm gay?" is because it would ruin her co-dependent BFFship with Sarah. This is a straw man reason, and kind of insulting.
Having read spoilers, I'm somewhat disappointed in where the story is going to go, but reading the date scene with Mikey is adorable, and I'm listening with a Gemma style grin on my face. The elation of finally discovering and tapping into your feelings after a lifetime of burying them is spot on, even if much of Gemma's character is not. Also reminded of this: http://www.wnyc.org/story/katie-heane...
----update-----
I would say though that one thing very irritating about this book is that it seems to lack a cultural context in that there's no mention of how homophobia obviously influenced Gemma not being able to recognize, interpret, and act on her attraction to women. That the only WHY to the "why I don't want to be gay/why haven't I realized I'm gay?" is because it would ruin her co-dependent BFFship with Sarah. This is a straw man reason, and kind of insulting.
July 1, 2017
This book made me want to join Tinder and take Ubers. It also reminded me how pregnancy ruins everything. Didn't really buy Gemma's interest in Mikey, or maybe I wasn't interested in Mikey, ahahaha :-/ but that scene in Natalie's office: hawt!
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