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Fair Oaks #1
Perfect Rhythm
Pop star Leontyne Blake might sing about love, but she stopped believing in it a long time ago. What women want is her image, not the real her. When her father has a stroke, she flees the spotlight and returns to her tiny Missouri hometown.
In her childhood home, she meets small-town nurse Holly Drummond, who isn’t impressed by Leo’s fame at all. That isn’t the only thing that makes Holly different from other women. She’s also asexual. For her, dating is a minefield of expectations that she has decided to avoid.
Can the tentative friendship between a burned-out pop star and a woman not interested in sex develop into something more despite their diverse expectations?
A lesbian romance about seeking the perfect rhythm between two very different people—and finding happiness where they least expect it.
Word Count: 107,000 words
In her childhood home, she meets small-town nurse Holly Drummond, who isn’t impressed by Leo’s fame at all. That isn’t the only thing that makes Holly different from other women. She’s also asexual. For her, dating is a minefield of expectations that she has decided to avoid.
Can the tentative friendship between a burned-out pop star and a woman not interested in sex develop into something more despite their diverse expectations?
A lesbian romance about seeking the perfect rhythm between two very different people—and finding happiness where they least expect it.
Word Count: 107,000 words
322 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2017
157 people are currently reading
2735 people want to read
About the author
Jae
126 books3,802 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
May 22, 2022
'Ylva-Publishing ARC provided in exchange for my honest review'
2.5 stars! After reading this book,I realized my knowledge on someone's sexual status or preference is zero because in society there are so many different names now for example 'this-sexual' or 'that-sexual' and so on-which is really getting exhausting because a few years ago one was either gay or straight,lesbian or bisexual..now the list of sexuality names is so long one has to google just to find out each meaning and please i'm not trying to be some kind of stereotypical critic but it's painful and tiring to hear everytime another name added. Today's culture of sexual etiquette is permeated with false beliefs based on the doctrine of moral relativism. The storyline was okay only to a point but when the author tried giving the meaning of what an ace/asexual is during the whole book,it was only then that this story lost me..was confuse by the topic..one of the leading character had this issue with her sexuality and it took up a greater part of the book plus the synopsis did layout what the other lead did in this story(a musician/singer)..the details was many,the pacing just drags,the romance and chemistry was a none factor because of the topic which was mention ever so often..nice family side story and good supporting cast. The book alternates between is she or isn't she,will she or won't she? very frustrating writing and reading...
2.5 stars! After reading this book,I realized my knowledge on someone's sexual status or preference is zero because in society there are so many different names now for example 'this-sexual' or 'that-sexual' and so on-which is really getting exhausting because a few years ago one was either gay or straight,lesbian or bisexual..now the list of sexuality names is so long one has to google just to find out each meaning and please i'm not trying to be some kind of stereotypical critic but it's painful and tiring to hear everytime another name added. Today's culture of sexual etiquette is permeated with false beliefs based on the doctrine of moral relativism. The storyline was okay only to a point but when the author tried giving the meaning of what an ace/asexual is during the whole book,it was only then that this story lost me..was confuse by the topic..one of the leading character had this issue with her sexuality and it took up a greater part of the book plus the synopsis did layout what the other lead did in this story(a musician/singer)..the details was many,the pacing just drags,the romance and chemistry was a none factor because of the topic which was mention ever so often..nice family side story and good supporting cast. The book alternates between is she or isn't she,will she or won't she? very frustrating writing and reading...
September 11, 2017
A well written, enjoyable romance. I just realized this is my 500th review on Goodreads. I'm happy to have it be from one of my favorite authors period. For me, Jae never disappoints, and this book was no exception.
There has been a lot of new terms for sexuality and gender, that has come out in the past few years. As a lesbian, I want to support other minorities, but I honestly felt old, not knowing all these new terms. Sort of like when I used to explain how to use new technology to my parents, and their eyes would glaze over a little. I didn't want that to be me. I read a book by Rachel Gold, (she writes about characters that are gender fluid, lesbians, intersex, transgender, etc.) I felt like I learned quite a bit after reading one of her books. I also did a little research on the internet, but I'm still learning. I knew what asexual meant before reading this book, but I did not realize there was a spectrum to asexuality. I just thought asexual meant you were romantically involved but didn't want to have sex. But now I know there is a spectrum, from people that are repulsed by sex, to people who are willing to have sex for their non-asexual partners. I'm always happy to learn, so I appreciate Jae really explaining the topic of asexuality to me. She also explained it well. She was not preachy and didn't shove it down your throat, it is just informative.
Jae writes romance really well, and this book was on par of her others. While this book didn't have that sexual attraction heat, the characters absolutely had chemistry together. I was impressed how Jae stayed true to the characters, but was able to keep the chemistry up. There is a sex scene, that can be skipped if you want. I thought the sex scene fit perfect with the book. While it was not steamy, it was very intimate.
Jae is also great at writing characters, both Leo and Holly were great. I would not mind if they make an appearance in a future book. But besides the romance and great characters, this is a story about family, and healing hurts a family can cause. I have to say I cried once and choked up once. This is a feel good story overall, but there is some emotional parts.
My only complaint for the whole book, a few times I thought things slowed down too much. I think the book could have been tightened up a tad, and loose a few pages. Other than that, no complaints or issues.
If you are a fan of Jae, chances are you will enjoy this. I think people who are asexual, will really appreciate this book. I still remember the first time I read a happy ending lesfic book. It was by Radclyffe. It really made me feel good, and was important to me. I think this book will have the same felling for someone who is asexual. But this is still a story for all romance fans, and I definitely enjoyed it.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
There has been a lot of new terms for sexuality and gender, that has come out in the past few years. As a lesbian, I want to support other minorities, but I honestly felt old, not knowing all these new terms. Sort of like when I used to explain how to use new technology to my parents, and their eyes would glaze over a little. I didn't want that to be me. I read a book by Rachel Gold, (she writes about characters that are gender fluid, lesbians, intersex, transgender, etc.) I felt like I learned quite a bit after reading one of her books. I also did a little research on the internet, but I'm still learning. I knew what asexual meant before reading this book, but I did not realize there was a spectrum to asexuality. I just thought asexual meant you were romantically involved but didn't want to have sex. But now I know there is a spectrum, from people that are repulsed by sex, to people who are willing to have sex for their non-asexual partners. I'm always happy to learn, so I appreciate Jae really explaining the topic of asexuality to me. She also explained it well. She was not preachy and didn't shove it down your throat, it is just informative.
Jae writes romance really well, and this book was on par of her others. While this book didn't have that sexual attraction heat, the characters absolutely had chemistry together. I was impressed how Jae stayed true to the characters, but was able to keep the chemistry up. There is a sex scene, that can be skipped if you want. I thought the sex scene fit perfect with the book. While it was not steamy, it was very intimate.
Jae is also great at writing characters, both Leo and Holly were great. I would not mind if they make an appearance in a future book. But besides the romance and great characters, this is a story about family, and healing hurts a family can cause. I have to say I cried once and choked up once. This is a feel good story overall, but there is some emotional parts.
My only complaint for the whole book, a few times I thought things slowed down too much. I think the book could have been tightened up a tad, and loose a few pages. Other than that, no complaints or issues.
If you are a fan of Jae, chances are you will enjoy this. I think people who are asexual, will really appreciate this book. I still remember the first time I read a happy ending lesfic book. It was by Radclyffe. It really made me feel good, and was important to me. I think this book will have the same felling for someone who is asexual. But this is still a story for all romance fans, and I definitely enjoyed it.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
September 3, 2017
I have taken a step back from reading for a bit, there is a lot going on and at times I find myself reading current events more than being able to zone out with a book. It hasn't helped that the last couple of months nothing really sounds interesting to read. When I got a chance to read Jae's newest book, it sat on my Kindle for a few days before I opened it. Can I just say, I am so glad that I did. Perfect Rhythm has that quintessential Jae style. It's focused, romantic, detailed and has that amazing quality where you come out on the other side smarter than you went in.
Leontyne Blake is a pop star. She has made it big, a household name with millions of fans and millions in her bank account. She is also just going through the motions of life, she's burnt out, tired and needs a break from the constant travel of pop star life. She's lost in a sea of fans and adoration. When her mother calls and tells her to come home, her dad is very ill, Leo finally has a break from music but has to face her demons of coming back to her childhood home.
Holly Drummond is Leo's father's home health nurse. Her job is her passion, so going above and beyond the call of duty is nothing new to her. She is a godsend to Leo's mother. Holly is happy with small town life, loves seeing her friends and family regularly and she can't begin to understand how Leo left her hometown and her parents behind.
These two start off on the wrong foot, they spar a bit before breaking down and communicating their misconceptions about the other. Jae keeps the tension high and then takes it from "enemies", friends and then to romance. She does it wonderfully, the emotions that pour out in this book are amazing. I found myself hanging on every word, devouring their dialogue and loving every moment. It is a very well written romance!
While the two characters move from friends to the development of romantic feelings, Holly holds back from Leo. Holly is an asexual lesbian. Coming from poor relationships in the past, Holly is not willing to take that risk with the world famous pop star, no matter how down to earth she is. Leo is everything she wants in a partner, but the uncertainty of their future is too great to chance it. You can say angst, and it's my favorite when done right. Let me tell you, it's done masterfully!
Never does the book feel like a human sexuality book or preachy soapbox, this is a romance novel. The love story is front and center, Holly lets Leo know how she feels, her experiences, how she's different but it never overshadows the heart of the book. You don't want to miss this one, it's a fabulously written romance that pulls at your heart strings. Thank you, Jae, for a book that renewed my faith in taking time out for a damn good book.
Leontyne Blake is a pop star. She has made it big, a household name with millions of fans and millions in her bank account. She is also just going through the motions of life, she's burnt out, tired and needs a break from the constant travel of pop star life. She's lost in a sea of fans and adoration. When her mother calls and tells her to come home, her dad is very ill, Leo finally has a break from music but has to face her demons of coming back to her childhood home.
Holly Drummond is Leo's father's home health nurse. Her job is her passion, so going above and beyond the call of duty is nothing new to her. She is a godsend to Leo's mother. Holly is happy with small town life, loves seeing her friends and family regularly and she can't begin to understand how Leo left her hometown and her parents behind.
These two start off on the wrong foot, they spar a bit before breaking down and communicating their misconceptions about the other. Jae keeps the tension high and then takes it from "enemies", friends and then to romance. She does it wonderfully, the emotions that pour out in this book are amazing. I found myself hanging on every word, devouring their dialogue and loving every moment. It is a very well written romance!
While the two characters move from friends to the development of romantic feelings, Holly holds back from Leo. Holly is an asexual lesbian. Coming from poor relationships in the past, Holly is not willing to take that risk with the world famous pop star, no matter how down to earth she is. Leo is everything she wants in a partner, but the uncertainty of their future is too great to chance it. You can say angst, and it's my favorite when done right. Let me tell you, it's done masterfully!
Never does the book feel like a human sexuality book or preachy soapbox, this is a romance novel. The love story is front and center, Holly lets Leo know how she feels, her experiences, how she's different but it never overshadows the heart of the book. You don't want to miss this one, it's a fabulously written romance that pulls at your heart strings. Thank you, Jae, for a book that renewed my faith in taking time out for a damn good book.
January 29, 2023
Update: After the fifth listen, my thoughts are, "This is absolute perfection." And I don't want to leave that world just yet, so on to Not The Marrying Kind I go!
Every time I listen to this I'm reminded why it's one of my all-time favorite audiobooks and stories by Jae.
Before Perfect Rhythm I'd never read lesfic that had an asexual character. Certainly not as a main. Because passionate love scenes are ones that I have always enjoyed in lesbian romances, I wondered if I would even be able to like the book.
I'd never really understood when I'd see people post in lesfic reading groups that they would skip over love scenes. I couldn't imagine it. And then I experienced this book. Wow. So rare it is to actually learn something new in lesbian fiction - but I certainly did here. I realize these are fictional characters, but their journey was so enlightening and incredibly moving. I especially loved how comfortable Holly was in her sexuality and how accepting Leo was of it. Their communication was key and who couldn't benefit from that in any loving relationship?
I was so impressed when - just before chapter 22 - there was a notification a love scene was coming, giving the listener the option to bypass it. And how beautifully done it was! I realized what I love most about these scenes is the intimacy behind it. The eye contact. The soft touches. The build. Expressing the feelings behind the act. Not necessarily or just the climax itself.
This is truly one of the most romantic stories I've ever read (or listened to on audiobook narrated by the Legendary Angela Dawe) and I absolutely love it. And more than that, I'm grateful to have been enlightened by it - especially learning more about how sexuality is on a spectrum. I'll never again question why some people bypass the love scenes in books because not only do I get it now, I respect it.
If you think you may not be able to get into it because of the asexuality aspect, consider giving it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised, as I was. I can't recommend this enough!
Every time I listen to this I'm reminded why it's one of my all-time favorite audiobooks and stories by Jae.
Before Perfect Rhythm I'd never read lesfic that had an asexual character. Certainly not as a main. Because passionate love scenes are ones that I have always enjoyed in lesbian romances, I wondered if I would even be able to like the book.
I'd never really understood when I'd see people post in lesfic reading groups that they would skip over love scenes. I couldn't imagine it. And then I experienced this book. Wow. So rare it is to actually learn something new in lesbian fiction - but I certainly did here. I realize these are fictional characters, but their journey was so enlightening and incredibly moving. I especially loved how comfortable Holly was in her sexuality and how accepting Leo was of it. Their communication was key and who couldn't benefit from that in any loving relationship?
I was so impressed when - just before chapter 22 - there was a notification a love scene was coming, giving the listener the option to bypass it. And how beautifully done it was! I realized what I love most about these scenes is the intimacy behind it. The eye contact. The soft touches. The build. Expressing the feelings behind the act. Not necessarily or just the climax itself.
This is truly one of the most romantic stories I've ever read (or listened to on audiobook narrated by the Legendary Angela Dawe) and I absolutely love it. And more than that, I'm grateful to have been enlightened by it - especially learning more about how sexuality is on a spectrum. I'll never again question why some people bypass the love scenes in books because not only do I get it now, I respect it.
If you think you may not be able to get into it because of the asexuality aspect, consider giving it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised, as I was. I can't recommend this enough!
September 1, 2017
Well, that was different! I didn’t read the blurb for this book before I selected it because I have enjoyed all of Jae’s books, so I was confident I’d like this one, too. I expected a lesbian romance, and that’s what this is – but it’s not like any I’ve ever read before. That’s because Holly – one of the main characters – is asexual.
Of course, I’ve heard about asexuality before. Asexual people are not interested in sex, right? It never seemed like a big deal or anything, but it isn’t something I’ve ever given much thought to, up until now. I’ve never known anyone who has identified as asexual – or, if I have, they’ve never told me.
I am, therefore, part of the target audience for this book. Jae’s two-fold aim in writing it is “to make non-asexual readers more aware of this sexual orientation and to help make ace-spectrum readers feel a little less alone.” If that gives the impression that the book is preachy or teachy in tone, then don’t worry because it’s neither. Jae weaves information naturally into the book’s narrative.
The reader discovers information about asexuality as Leo’s awareness of Holly’s sexual orientation develops. Leo is the other main character, a more familiar kind of lesbian heroine. Perfect Rhythm is an extraordinary achievement. It is a compelling love story with a standard romance scenario. International pop star, jaded by fame, comes home to the small town she left fourteen years earlier – when she was rejected by her parents for her music and her sexuality – because her father has had a stroke. Here she meets Holly, her father’s nurse, and love blossoms.
Obviously, though, the story turns out to be not-so-standard after all. Like most sexual orientations, asexuality cannot be easily or tritely defined. There is a spectrum of asexuality and Jae does not attempt to make Holly represent the whole spectrum. Holly is just one type of asexual person (ace) and it’s her story and struggles that are depicted. Other aspects of asexuality are alluded to and represented by Holly’s ace friend, Meg.
The most interesting part of the novel for me was to think about what we mean by intimacy in a relationship. Would I be happy to be in an intimate relationship that didn’t include sex? To be honest, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be. If I were to fall in love with an asexual person and that feeling were returned, is there any room for negotiation? Would sex even be satisfying if the other person wasn’t into it? Jae explores the issues with a light touch and amazing sensitivity, recognising that any new couple has to explore and resolve a multitude of differences to make their relationship work.
I loved that we get to experience both characters’ POV in Perfect Rhythm because it really helped in understanding how each one feels. Holly’s POV is unique and as I read further into the story I came to understand and accept her feelings. Prior to reading this book, my reactions and thoughts would have been much more like those of the Dana and Ash characters. It’s rare that I can say that a lesbian romance novel has changed my perspective and awareness but this one did. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has (like me) given little thought to asexuality issues, and to anyone who likes a charming and well-written lesbian love story.
Of course, I’ve heard about asexuality before. Asexual people are not interested in sex, right? It never seemed like a big deal or anything, but it isn’t something I’ve ever given much thought to, up until now. I’ve never known anyone who has identified as asexual – or, if I have, they’ve never told me.
I am, therefore, part of the target audience for this book. Jae’s two-fold aim in writing it is “to make non-asexual readers more aware of this sexual orientation and to help make ace-spectrum readers feel a little less alone.” If that gives the impression that the book is preachy or teachy in tone, then don’t worry because it’s neither. Jae weaves information naturally into the book’s narrative.
The reader discovers information about asexuality as Leo’s awareness of Holly’s sexual orientation develops. Leo is the other main character, a more familiar kind of lesbian heroine. Perfect Rhythm is an extraordinary achievement. It is a compelling love story with a standard romance scenario. International pop star, jaded by fame, comes home to the small town she left fourteen years earlier – when she was rejected by her parents for her music and her sexuality – because her father has had a stroke. Here she meets Holly, her father’s nurse, and love blossoms.
Obviously, though, the story turns out to be not-so-standard after all. Like most sexual orientations, asexuality cannot be easily or tritely defined. There is a spectrum of asexuality and Jae does not attempt to make Holly represent the whole spectrum. Holly is just one type of asexual person (ace) and it’s her story and struggles that are depicted. Other aspects of asexuality are alluded to and represented by Holly’s ace friend, Meg.
The most interesting part of the novel for me was to think about what we mean by intimacy in a relationship. Would I be happy to be in an intimate relationship that didn’t include sex? To be honest, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be. If I were to fall in love with an asexual person and that feeling were returned, is there any room for negotiation? Would sex even be satisfying if the other person wasn’t into it? Jae explores the issues with a light touch and amazing sensitivity, recognising that any new couple has to explore and resolve a multitude of differences to make their relationship work.
I loved that we get to experience both characters’ POV in Perfect Rhythm because it really helped in understanding how each one feels. Holly’s POV is unique and as I read further into the story I came to understand and accept her feelings. Prior to reading this book, my reactions and thoughts would have been much more like those of the Dana and Ash characters. It’s rare that I can say that a lesbian romance novel has changed my perspective and awareness but this one did. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has (like me) given little thought to asexuality issues, and to anyone who likes a charming and well-written lesbian love story.
September 18, 2017
This is Jae at her best. Backwards to Oregon is still my favorite by her (and probably will be forever), but Perfect Rhythm is not too far behind.
5 stars
Sep 18, 2017
5 stars
Sep 18, 2017
September 8, 2017
This novel floored me. I’ve got nothing but admiration for Jae’s novels but after reading this my acclaim has doubled. It takes a lot of courage to write a lesbian fiction romance about an allosexual Lesbian and a asexual Lesbian. I have researched the sub genre to find no other Asexual Lesbian Fiction novels around and I must applaud Jae for taking this subject and rocking it.
When popstar sensation Leo goes back to her hometown in Missouri to see her ailing father, she doesn’t expect to meet her father’s home-care worker, the alluring yet exasperating Holly. Holly seems to have a better relationship with Leo’s family than she does but the more she gets to know her the more she discovers how much she see’s Leo for Leo and not for rich and famous star. Their relationship is fraught with a minefield of emotions and expectations. The biggest issue being that Holly is Asexual but it seems to be more Holly’s hold up than Leo’s.
Perfect Rhythm is a love story from start to finish. I was worried that chemistry would be lost due to one of the main characters being Asexual however if anything it added to it and hiked up the intimacy more. What I learned reading this novel is that Asexuality has many ranges and other terms associated with it, some that I will list at the end. I just expected that with Asexuality there would be no sex however I was wrong. The only sex scene in the novel comes with a disclaimer that you can jump to the next chapter which I think some readers will appreciate.
I really hope other authors take the courage to step over the line and write about other sexualities in the LGBTQIA community.
Well Done Jae. Fantastic novel.
5 Stars
There are some terminologies in this book I knew and others I had to look up thanks to Google for their stellar definitions. I thought I would share:
Asexuality: the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity.
Allosexuality: One who experiences sexual attraction.
Ace: is popular nickname for a person who is asexual.
Queerplatonic: A queerplatonic relationship is a relationship that is not romantic but involves a close emotional connection (platonic) beyond what most people consider friendship.
Aromantic: a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others.
Demisexual: a person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.
Pansexuality: is the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity
When popstar sensation Leo goes back to her hometown in Missouri to see her ailing father, she doesn’t expect to meet her father’s home-care worker, the alluring yet exasperating Holly. Holly seems to have a better relationship with Leo’s family than she does but the more she gets to know her the more she discovers how much she see’s Leo for Leo and not for rich and famous star. Their relationship is fraught with a minefield of emotions and expectations. The biggest issue being that Holly is Asexual but it seems to be more Holly’s hold up than Leo’s.
Perfect Rhythm is a love story from start to finish. I was worried that chemistry would be lost due to one of the main characters being Asexual however if anything it added to it and hiked up the intimacy more. What I learned reading this novel is that Asexuality has many ranges and other terms associated with it, some that I will list at the end. I just expected that with Asexuality there would be no sex however I was wrong. The only sex scene in the novel comes with a disclaimer that you can jump to the next chapter which I think some readers will appreciate.
I really hope other authors take the courage to step over the line and write about other sexualities in the LGBTQIA community.
Well Done Jae. Fantastic novel.
5 Stars
There are some terminologies in this book I knew and others I had to look up thanks to Google for their stellar definitions. I thought I would share:
Asexuality: the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity.
Allosexuality: One who experiences sexual attraction.
Ace: is popular nickname for a person who is asexual.
Queerplatonic: A queerplatonic relationship is a relationship that is not romantic but involves a close emotional connection (platonic) beyond what most people consider friendship.
Aromantic: a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others.
Demisexual: a person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.
Pansexuality: is the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity
October 8, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This book stars two women (and yes you see both of their point of views) who have at least two specific things in common that are important to the story: 1) both are from the same small town in Missouri; 2) both are romantically interested in women. There’s also one very important difference, though, that is important to the storyline: one of the women, Holly, is not sexually interested in anyone – she has a separation between her sexual desires (no one) and her romantic desires (women). As opposed to the other lead character, Leontyne, who does not have this separation between sex and romance.
But, with that mentioned up front, let’s dive into the story.
Leontyne Blake, 32 or 33, is a famous musician, a ‘pop star’ as the description puts it. For the past, oh, 14 years she has worked hard at being at the top or near the top of the music scene (in her genre) and has found fame, fortune, and Grammys. As the book opens, Leo, who goes by Jenna Blake professionally, is performing at the last city on her current year long music tour. She barely made it to the end, and really needs a break, a vacation, something. Her manager, though, wants her to immediately start on a new album, become a judge on a music reality show, and then, thereafter, go back on tour. They bicker. It’s kind of a common trope in music related books that the manager is a controlling dick who basically treats his/her ‘talent’ like children. To be fair, there are famous examples in real life of controlling managers (see: Elvis), but it seems to be the only version seen in fiction (at least that I’ve read). Well, as they bicker, and before they come to some conclusion, Leo/Jenna gets a phone call. From her mother. Who she hasn’t seen in five years. The mother informs Leo, tentatively, that Leo needs to come home because her father had a stroke. And so – Leo returns home to a small town in Missouri.
Holly Drummond, 29, is an in-home nurse. Her current patient is a man named Gil, and she has become quite close with him and his wife. Gil is also known, or I should say has been mostly referred to by others during his life, as Dr. Gilbert Blake, or Dr. Blake. Not Gil. Certainly Gil's daughter, Leo, never called him Gil. Yeah, I’m kind of dragging that out – Holly and Leo meet because Leo returns home, and finds Holly in her childhood home, being the nurse.
Holly and Leo meet badly, so to speak, due to a misunderstanding on the part of Holly. In any other book I’d say ‘then they became friends, then they became lovers’, but that’s more complicated here – see . . . oh, I didn’t use the word yet, well the asexual nature of Holly. (Is there sex? Is that a spoiler? I’m not even sure if the inclusion or lack of sex is a spoiler so, to keep things spoiler less as possible ->
So, that’s the book – two women meet, both have the same type of romantic desires (towards women), both have even dated the same woman (‘dating’ isn’t exactly the right word). Both have even had sex before this book started. One, though, does not have sexual desires, while the other does. So, it is, in theory, a standard celebrity-‘commoner’ romance – with the added twist of one of the characters being asexual.
What else is there to say? Well: I enjoyed the book. Not my favorite book by Jae, but up there.
In terms of ‘words’. Oddly, there were more words, mostly medical in nature, which I didn’t recognize, than there were words related to sexual orientations and ‘stuff of that nature’ that I didn’t recognize. Hmm. Poorly created sentence. There were terms in the book I had to look up, 99% of them were medical words. One was sexual/romance/’stuff’ related: I did not previously know the word ‘queerplatonic’, though I’m fairly certain I’ve seen several books that had that type of relationship in them.
What else, what else . . . yep, that’s what I wanted to say. *nods*
Rating: 4.92
September 6 2017
This book stars two women (and yes you see both of their point of views) who have at least two specific things in common that are important to the story: 1) both are from the same small town in Missouri; 2) both are romantically interested in women. There’s also one very important difference, though, that is important to the storyline: one of the women, Holly, is not sexually interested in anyone – she has a separation between her sexual desires (no one) and her romantic desires (women). As opposed to the other lead character, Leontyne, who does not have this separation between sex and romance.
But, with that mentioned up front, let’s dive into the story.
Leontyne Blake, 32 or 33, is a famous musician, a ‘pop star’ as the description puts it. For the past, oh, 14 years she has worked hard at being at the top or near the top of the music scene (in her genre) and has found fame, fortune, and Grammys. As the book opens, Leo, who goes by Jenna Blake professionally, is performing at the last city on her current year long music tour. She barely made it to the end, and really needs a break, a vacation, something. Her manager, though, wants her to immediately start on a new album, become a judge on a music reality show, and then, thereafter, go back on tour. They bicker. It’s kind of a common trope in music related books that the manager is a controlling dick who basically treats his/her ‘talent’ like children. To be fair, there are famous examples in real life of controlling managers (see: Elvis), but it seems to be the only version seen in fiction (at least that I’ve read). Well, as they bicker, and before they come to some conclusion, Leo/Jenna gets a phone call. From her mother. Who she hasn’t seen in five years. The mother informs Leo, tentatively, that Leo needs to come home because her father had a stroke. And so – Leo returns home to a small town in Missouri.
Holly Drummond, 29, is an in-home nurse. Her current patient is a man named Gil, and she has become quite close with him and his wife. Gil is also known, or I should say has been mostly referred to by others during his life, as Dr. Gilbert Blake, or Dr. Blake. Not Gil. Certainly Gil's daughter, Leo, never called him Gil. Yeah, I’m kind of dragging that out – Holly and Leo meet because Leo returns home, and finds Holly in her childhood home, being the nurse.
Holly and Leo meet badly, so to speak, due to a misunderstanding on the part of Holly. In any other book I’d say ‘then they became friends, then they became lovers’, but that’s more complicated here – see . . . oh, I didn’t use the word yet, well the asexual nature of Holly. (Is there sex? Is that a spoiler? I’m not even sure if the inclusion or lack of sex is a spoiler so, to keep things spoiler less as possible ->
So, that’s the book – two women meet, both have the same type of romantic desires (towards women), both have even dated the same woman (‘dating’ isn’t exactly the right word). Both have even had sex before this book started. One, though, does not have sexual desires, while the other does. So, it is, in theory, a standard celebrity-‘commoner’ romance – with the added twist of one of the characters being asexual.
What else is there to say? Well: I enjoyed the book. Not my favorite book by Jae, but up there.
In terms of ‘words’. Oddly, there were more words, mostly medical in nature, which I didn’t recognize, than there were words related to sexual orientations and ‘stuff of that nature’ that I didn’t recognize. Hmm. Poorly created sentence. There were terms in the book I had to look up, 99% of them were medical words. One was sexual/romance/’stuff’ related: I did not previously know the word ‘queerplatonic’, though I’m fairly certain I’ve seen several books that had that type of relationship in them.
What else, what else . . . yep, that’s what I wanted to say. *nods*
Rating: 4.92
September 6 2017
October 10, 2017
I definitely have some mixed feelings on this read and I'm frustrated that I do because I wanted to enjoy this book so much more than I did.
I'll start off with what I liked:
A lead character in the story, that plays a love interest, is an asexual lesbian. This is an orientation that needs to be included more often and I appreciate the asylum this book offers to asexual people as well as those in a mixed orientation relationship.
Overall, I found the read educational because asexuality was represented as a spectrum rather than in black and white. The author did a good job of packaging this education through a good blend of dialogue, inner thoughts, and having a few asexual characters. For all of the info imparted it didn't feel like an info dump (mostly).
Jae usually takes time to bring characters together and that was no different here. Chemistry was developed and there was emphasis put on more subtle and sensual touches which elevated the intimacy. It was also interesting to see how Jae navigated bringing together a sexual person with a non-sexual person in a way both people could be satisfied and she did so in a believable way.
There is a sex scene that was preceded by a warning that it would happen in the chapter. I thought this showed great sensitivity towards asexual readers that are turned off by or repulsed by sex. Shoot, there's a good amount of sexual lesbian readers that don't even like to read sex scenes so this would be a good fit for them, as well. And, how that scene was ultimately written was just really well done.
Also, I think this is one of my favorite book covers, ever. It's really beautiful, eye-catching, and fits the narrative.
So what didn't I like?
Well, it took me until almost 40% of the book to start feeling engaged. I was just sort of bored and not all that interested in either of the main characters. I'm trying to put my finger on why and the best I can come up with is that the book felt almost robotic. It's like I could see what the author wanted me to think and feel i.e. insert character A with these traits here to this scene there to establish A, B, and C, kind of thing.
When the pretense of the lead characters not liking each other dropped, the story got interesting because the nonsexual/sexual conflict was big enough already and how in the heck these two would make it work was more intriguing than anything prior.
I felt like the whole parent and child dynamic plot line was a missed opportunity and just sorely neglected. Leo is going home, really going home for the first time in fourteen years under unstable circumstances...that anxiety, resentment, grief, and anger towards her parents should've jumped off the page on every page. Most of the anti-hometown energy was directed just as much towards the town and inhabitants of it than towards her parents...and the parents was where the story should've been. Leo's attitude became almost removed and blasé; she was above everyone and the town and couldn't wait to get out.
What I wanted to see? Leo either shaking with constrained fury or getting paralyzed every time she was in her father's presence. How many times did she stop outside of her dad or mother's door without going in? Her heart beat raising, anxiety spiking, saying meaningless things or being spiteful, the guilt but anger Leo felt staying in her room. Should she go down the stairs or should she hide?...just more interactions and much more intense...whole days were skipped in the narrative. Nooo. That's where these things could've happened. It's agonizing to spend time in a house with people you love but don't like or you KNOW are disappointed in you and you have nothing to do BUT be there. Show me that. Really show me that.
I did see the author making Leo uncomfortable around her parents and a little angry here and there but that, to me, is about as far as it went...and it really needed to be more.
Ugh, I'm just so frustrated because the book could've been so much better while at the same time it still had plenty of good in it.
I'm going with 3.6 stars which rounds up to 4.
I'll start off with what I liked:
A lead character in the story, that plays a love interest, is an asexual lesbian. This is an orientation that needs to be included more often and I appreciate the asylum this book offers to asexual people as well as those in a mixed orientation relationship.
Overall, I found the read educational because asexuality was represented as a spectrum rather than in black and white. The author did a good job of packaging this education through a good blend of dialogue, inner thoughts, and having a few asexual characters. For all of the info imparted it didn't feel like an info dump (mostly).
Jae usually takes time to bring characters together and that was no different here. Chemistry was developed and there was emphasis put on more subtle and sensual touches which elevated the intimacy. It was also interesting to see how Jae navigated bringing together a sexual person with a non-sexual person in a way both people could be satisfied and she did so in a believable way.
There is a sex scene that was preceded by a warning that it would happen in the chapter. I thought this showed great sensitivity towards asexual readers that are turned off by or repulsed by sex. Shoot, there's a good amount of sexual lesbian readers that don't even like to read sex scenes so this would be a good fit for them, as well. And, how that scene was ultimately written was just really well done.
Also, I think this is one of my favorite book covers, ever. It's really beautiful, eye-catching, and fits the narrative.
So what didn't I like?
Well, it took me until almost 40% of the book to start feeling engaged. I was just sort of bored and not all that interested in either of the main characters. I'm trying to put my finger on why and the best I can come up with is that the book felt almost robotic. It's like I could see what the author wanted me to think and feel i.e. insert character A with these traits here to this scene there to establish A, B, and C, kind of thing.
When the pretense of the lead characters not liking each other dropped, the story got interesting because the nonsexual/sexual conflict was big enough already and how in the heck these two would make it work was more intriguing than anything prior.
I felt like the whole parent and child dynamic plot line was a missed opportunity and just sorely neglected. Leo is going home, really going home for the first time in fourteen years under unstable circumstances...that anxiety, resentment, grief, and anger towards her parents should've jumped off the page on every page. Most of the anti-hometown energy was directed just as much towards the town and inhabitants of it than towards her parents...and the parents was where the story should've been. Leo's attitude became almost removed and blasé; she was above everyone and the town and couldn't wait to get out.
What I wanted to see? Leo either shaking with constrained fury or getting paralyzed every time she was in her father's presence. How many times did she stop outside of her dad or mother's door without going in? Her heart beat raising, anxiety spiking, saying meaningless things or being spiteful, the guilt but anger Leo felt staying in her room. Should she go down the stairs or should she hide?...just more interactions and much more intense...whole days were skipped in the narrative. Nooo. That's where these things could've happened. It's agonizing to spend time in a house with people you love but don't like or you KNOW are disappointed in you and you have nothing to do BUT be there. Show me that. Really show me that.
I did see the author making Leo uncomfortable around her parents and a little angry here and there but that, to me, is about as far as it went...and it really needed to be more.
Ugh, I'm just so frustrated because the book could've been so much better while at the same time it still had plenty of good in it.
I'm going with 3.6 stars which rounds up to 4.
January 30, 2025
Re-read as now 1st in "Fair Oaks" series - & thought I'd reacquaint myself with the place - just love this book - should have a "This will make you late for work" warning on the cover! Once picked up, why put down! Superb.
April 5, 2019
I just reread this beautiful novel by Jae and loved it again. I won’t say anything more about it, just that I highly recommend this book. There are better reviews of this book than I could write.
October 31, 2017
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars.
As I have come to expect, a well written book by Jae. This time around a romance with unique MC’s. Mega Pop star Leontyne Jenna Blake returns to her hometown when her Father suffers a stroke. She eventually discovers that here in Fair Oaks she is not Jenna Blake pop star, but She’s just Leo Blake. “She is still the daughter of Gilbert & Sharon, you know? The little girl who got a rock stuck up her nose when she was three.” Holly’s Mother, keeping it real.
Leo meets her Father’s full-time caregiver nurse, Holly and both have insta-dislike for each other. But as they spend time together they eventually become friends. Holly is reluctant for their relationship to become more serious because she is asexual. This is where Jae’s masterful writing explains asexuality without it sounding like it’s a google definition or information dump. Before reading this book, I had heard the term but didn’t really understand what it meant. I wasn’t wrong but what I didn’t realize the wide spectrum of asexuality, that Holly/Jae explains to Leo.
Although Holly’s asexuality is an important part of the book, it is by no means the only issue Leo has to deal with - her estrangement with her Father, his illness, her career and her music and just maybe she comes to like the small town and its inhabitants. And lest we forget, it is a romance.
My only quibble is I thought closeted Ashley deserved a tiny bit of understanding. Leo ran away, but Ashley stayed in the small, southern town, never acknowledging that she was a lesbian. She was afraid and didn’t have many if any other lesbians other than Holly for support which she lost.
As I have come to expect, a well written book by Jae. This time around a romance with unique MC’s. Mega Pop star Leontyne Jenna Blake returns to her hometown when her Father suffers a stroke. She eventually discovers that here in Fair Oaks she is not Jenna Blake pop star, but She’s just Leo Blake. “She is still the daughter of Gilbert & Sharon, you know? The little girl who got a rock stuck up her nose when she was three.” Holly’s Mother, keeping it real.
Leo meets her Father’s full-time caregiver nurse, Holly and both have insta-dislike for each other. But as they spend time together they eventually become friends. Holly is reluctant for their relationship to become more serious because she is asexual. This is where Jae’s masterful writing explains asexuality without it sounding like it’s a google definition or information dump. Before reading this book, I had heard the term but didn’t really understand what it meant. I wasn’t wrong but what I didn’t realize the wide spectrum of asexuality, that Holly/Jae explains to Leo.
Although Holly’s asexuality is an important part of the book, it is by no means the only issue Leo has to deal with - her estrangement with her Father, his illness, her career and her music and just maybe she comes to like the small town and its inhabitants. And lest we forget, it is a romance.
My only quibble is I thought closeted Ashley deserved a tiny bit of understanding. Leo ran away, but Ashley stayed in the small, southern town, never acknowledging that she was a lesbian. She was afraid and didn’t have many if any other lesbians other than Holly for support which she lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
So I love Jae! Who really dosent ? She’s an amazing writer and from the first page I’m always hooked up with her stories. The amazing thing about Jae is how you get hooked up as well with her characters as she really goes the extra mile in bringing them to life (in your head obviously).
The only reason I gave this a 3 stars, is because I really didn’t like Holly, one of the main characters! For me, she was shellfish, boring, and very judgmental!
But overall the book is so nice so I was so upset giving it a 3! It’s amazing how a character can really ruin a book for you :)
The only reason I gave this a 3 stars, is because I really didn’t like Holly, one of the main characters! For me, she was shellfish, boring, and very judgmental!
But overall the book is so nice so I was so upset giving it a 3! It’s amazing how a character can really ruin a book for you :)
May 22, 2023
A sus 32 anos y en la cima de su popularidad, la cantante por Jenna Blake (Leotyne) esta cansada quiere unas vacaciones, quiere repensar su vida, pero su Manager Saul tiene otras ideas. Sin embargo, cuando su madre la llama y le dice que su padre sufrio un infarto, ella decide regresar al pueblo, del que huyo por sentirse atrapada, e intentar tener unos ultimos momentos con el. Asi que cuando llega al pueblo se da cuenta que quizas esta es su oportunidad de descansar, reconectar con su familia. Pero no es todo es lo que parece, y cuando conoce a la enfermera de su padre, Holly, una mujer que es todo lo contrario a ella, sabe que tiene que darle una oportunidad a una relacion con ella, y aunque las cosas son mucho mas dificiles de lo que se imaginaba, quizas sea posible que pueda tener todo lo que desea.
La novela es romantica, dulce, bastante lenta, un slow-burn que no llega nunca a burn, el autor nos muestra en este libro todos los cliches de una novela romantica pero enfocada en una pareja lesbiana. Si no es por el tema de que una de las protas es asexual, y toda la explicacion de lo que significa para ella y todo lo que ha sufrido por eso, este libro podria pasar por una novela rosa romantica.
Sin embargo, el libro me parecio demasiado largo, con mucho contenido repetitivo, asi que la mitad del libro es todo el drama que siente Holly siendo asexual y la otra mitad es el drama de Leo por su infancia-adolescencia en el pueblo. Y aunque me gusto la forma lenta en que se enamoraron (nada de instan-love) me parecio demasiado lenta.
En fin, es un bonito libro para leer, facil, sin complicaciones para cuando uno no quiere pensar mucho. Quizas lea algun otro libro de este autor mas adelante.
La novela es romantica, dulce, bastante lenta, un slow-burn que no llega nunca a burn, el autor nos muestra en este libro todos los cliches de una novela romantica pero enfocada en una pareja lesbiana. Si no es por el tema de que una de las protas es asexual, y toda la explicacion de lo que significa para ella y todo lo que ha sufrido por eso, este libro podria pasar por una novela rosa romantica.
Sin embargo, el libro me parecio demasiado largo, con mucho contenido repetitivo, asi que la mitad del libro es todo el drama que siente Holly siendo asexual y la otra mitad es el drama de Leo por su infancia-adolescencia en el pueblo. Y aunque me gusto la forma lenta en que se enamoraron (nada de instan-love) me parecio demasiado lenta.
En fin, es un bonito libro para leer, facil, sin complicaciones para cuando uno no quiere pensar mucho. Quizas lea algun otro libro de este autor mas adelante.
June 1, 2019
Alright, this one was a very good read.
Leo is a famous singer just finishing a world tour when she receives a call from her estranged mother. Her father has suffered a stroke and her presence is needed at home. Home is the small town in Missouri where she grew up, but quickly left in order to pursue her singing career. It was also the place she never fit in and where her father was clearly disappointed on her choice of career as well as her sexual orientation. Leo meets Holly when she makes it home and discovers her father’s condition has left him in need of a full time nurse. As Leo confronts her past, she strikes a friendship with hope for more with Holly. Only, she must make amends and gain Holly’s trust in the process.
This novel was the first one I’ve read that has had an asexual character. Kudos to Jae for tackling this topic in such a wonderful way. I do not consider myself savvy in terms of, well, many things, but especially sexuality and labels. I was fascinated as the story unraveled and could not wait to see how these two characters would navigate a relationship. Holly’s desire to have a partner is like any allosexual person. However, her experiences have left her hopeless to find someone to have a relationship with. Leo on the other hand, has had all sorts of women throw themselves at her because of sex, money and fame, so she finds Holly refreshing as the connection is made on an emotional rather than physical level. And it was a great connection. I anxiously waited for this fabulous chemistry to manifest into some sort of arrangement that would satisfy both characters.
There are other good topics in the book that will make the reader think about family and friends, forgiveness and the leaps that one must take at times to pursue happiness. The main characters were very likable and sweet, and the secondary ones were well done as everyone has come to expect from this author. Parents are flawed and some more understanding and redeemable than others, but all of them felt real nonetheless.
I listened to this audiobook and it simply made me look for creative ways to find time for it. Sitting alone in the parking lot at work is perfectly normal. Waiting to open the garage door when you get home after a 12 hour shift is what everyone does. It is not rude to put ear buds on while one waits at the doctor office! My AirPods actually died, which has never happened to me before. Angela Dawe narrated this one and she has quickly become a favorite of mine. She did another excellent job and I will not hesitate to look for her other audiobooks.
An interesting read that will encourage the reader to ponder about sexuality and relationships with great characters and chemistry between the mains. 5 stars
Leo is a famous singer just finishing a world tour when she receives a call from her estranged mother. Her father has suffered a stroke and her presence is needed at home. Home is the small town in Missouri where she grew up, but quickly left in order to pursue her singing career. It was also the place she never fit in and where her father was clearly disappointed on her choice of career as well as her sexual orientation. Leo meets Holly when she makes it home and discovers her father’s condition has left him in need of a full time nurse. As Leo confronts her past, she strikes a friendship with hope for more with Holly. Only, she must make amends and gain Holly’s trust in the process.
This novel was the first one I’ve read that has had an asexual character. Kudos to Jae for tackling this topic in such a wonderful way. I do not consider myself savvy in terms of, well, many things, but especially sexuality and labels. I was fascinated as the story unraveled and could not wait to see how these two characters would navigate a relationship. Holly’s desire to have a partner is like any allosexual person. However, her experiences have left her hopeless to find someone to have a relationship with. Leo on the other hand, has had all sorts of women throw themselves at her because of sex, money and fame, so she finds Holly refreshing as the connection is made on an emotional rather than physical level. And it was a great connection. I anxiously waited for this fabulous chemistry to manifest into some sort of arrangement that would satisfy both characters.
There are other good topics in the book that will make the reader think about family and friends, forgiveness and the leaps that one must take at times to pursue happiness. The main characters were very likable and sweet, and the secondary ones were well done as everyone has come to expect from this author. Parents are flawed and some more understanding and redeemable than others, but all of them felt real nonetheless.
I listened to this audiobook and it simply made me look for creative ways to find time for it. Sitting alone in the parking lot at work is perfectly normal. Waiting to open the garage door when you get home after a 12 hour shift is what everyone does. It is not rude to put ear buds on while one waits at the doctor office! My AirPods actually died, which has never happened to me before. Angela Dawe narrated this one and she has quickly become a favorite of mine. She did another excellent job and I will not hesitate to look for her other audiobooks.
An interesting read that will encourage the reader to ponder about sexuality and relationships with great characters and chemistry between the mains. 5 stars
September 19, 2017
I always enjoy reading a book which enlightens while it entertains. I was impressed with the effortless writing which allowed me to begin to understand the spectrum of asexuality while delivering a beautiful slow burn romance. I admit to not being one of Jae’s biggest fans as I’ve little interest in Hollywood, shape shifters or the old west. I enjoyed reading Heart Trouble last year and am now beginning to understand why Jae is a favourite lesfic author for many readers.
Perfect Rhythm caught my interest from the opening scenes when burned-out pop singer Leo returns to her Missouri hometown following the news of her father’s stroke. Clashes between homecare nurse Holly and Leo set the stage for an enemies to friends connection between two women who shared a unique understanding of rejection in its many forms. Kudos to the author for the conversations necessary to give Leo and the reader time to understand those who identify as ace. Giving readers an option to skip the chapter containing a sex scene if they felt uncomfortable was a nice touch and added to the inclusive nature of this novel.
My lasting feelings surrounding this book were happiness and comfort. The life of a pop star is not an easy one. People make assumptions about who you are and how you live your life. I think Leo’s life and loneliness made her more receptive to and most accepting of Holly, a woman who had dealt with misunderstandings her whole adult life.
A sweet read and a necessary one if we are to understand and embrace everyone in the LGBTQIA family.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.
Perfect Rhythm caught my interest from the opening scenes when burned-out pop singer Leo returns to her Missouri hometown following the news of her father’s stroke. Clashes between homecare nurse Holly and Leo set the stage for an enemies to friends connection between two women who shared a unique understanding of rejection in its many forms. Kudos to the author for the conversations necessary to give Leo and the reader time to understand those who identify as ace. Giving readers an option to skip the chapter containing a sex scene if they felt uncomfortable was a nice touch and added to the inclusive nature of this novel.
My lasting feelings surrounding this book were happiness and comfort. The life of a pop star is not an easy one. People make assumptions about who you are and how you live your life. I think Leo’s life and loneliness made her more receptive to and most accepting of Holly, a woman who had dealt with misunderstandings her whole adult life.
A sweet read and a necessary one if we are to understand and embrace everyone in the LGBTQIA family.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.
October 3, 2017
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
Rating 2.5 stars. (I'm really unsure abt how to rate this, but somewhere between "it was ok" and "I liked it" seems most fitting).
*A copy of this was provided by the publisher
I was super excited to start this because there are not enough ace f/f stories. There's not enough ace rep, period. But I find it easier to find ace characters in contemporary m/m. I requested a copy at the publisher and was stoked when I got a copy. But I have mixed feelings about the book.
I really liked Holly and could relate to her on so many levels. She's easy to like, down to earth and just a nice person to be around. I'd love to hang out with her. And her representation as ace character was in my opinion mostly good. What really, really bothered me though was the casual acephobic comments (and thoughts) from Leo. Particularly in the first half of the book. She later goes and defends Holly, which is great, but I really thought about not finishing this book because it was hard to read those casual hurtful remarks and thoughts by Leo.
It's little things that in the end all add up. Leo's reaction to Holly coming out made me uncomfortable at best. And it's not just the comparison Holly uses to explain asexuality. Best way is to add the quote here:
Saying asexuality is like liking a certain kind of chocolate or not liking it, is just plain wrong. Asexuality is NOT defined by what you like or dislike but the lack of sexual *attraction*.
Then there are things like when Leo brought Holly home after the coming out she has this train of thought about how "She hadn't said any of that ignorant stuff, had she? Well, admittedly, asking Holly if she'd been abused had probably fallen into the stupid-questions category, but she cut herself some slack. This was still new and confusing to her" and just, NO she does not get to cut herself some slack. I thought that maybe Leo would apologize for the insensitive way she reacted, but there's nothing. It happens and is never talked about again. If she realised that what she said was hurtful, why would she not try to make it right? I understand that you can - unintentionally - react in a hurtful way when you're just learning about something, but once you realise your mistake, I think you should apologize. And Leo just shrugged it off like nothing happened.
When they have their first date Leo gets aroused and she thinks something about whether she should feel sad that Holly doesn't feel [the sexual attraction] or envy her. But the most hurtful and offensive thing was: "Was she really doing this? Dating an asexual women?" Things like that fucking hurt. Uncontested thoughts like this perpetuate the notion that asexual people are somehow "undateable". It didn't read like it was about them not being sexually compatible, but that Leo couldn't possibly date someone who is ace - that is not okay. Again it's a thought, and I know that thoughts can't be called out (except if you're a mind reader, which I find rare in contemp romance...) - but I really wished Holly would have called her out more on the stuff Leo did say.
Because of that I can't say that I was particularly rooting for them to get their HEA. Holly could do better than the Leo from the first 60% of the book. The other 40% were actually good, then again there's not so much talk about Holly's asexuality as there is in the first bit.
In the end those little things just add up and even Holly being relatable, or the other stuff surrounding Holly's and Leo's relationship just weren't enough. Which is really sad because otherwise the book is well-written and good. If you leave out the whole asexuality aspect, I could have easily loved this story. I liked how Leo grew throughout the story and ultimately realised what she wanted to do with regards to her career. Perfect Rhythm is with over 100.000 words a rather long novel, but I never felt like it was too long. It really needed the length to portray the growing relationship between Holly and Leo, the relationship between Leo and her parents, and also the way Holly learns to trust someone again after being hurt more than once for being ace.
I don't know how to rate this. There were bits I liked and others I really struggled to get through. And as an ace reader I can't recommend this to other readers on the ace spectrum.
Plus points though for the content warning regarding the sex scene for readers who don't wish to read those!
Rating 2.5 stars. (I'm really unsure abt how to rate this, but somewhere between "it was ok" and "I liked it" seems most fitting).
*A copy of this was provided by the publisher
I was super excited to start this because there are not enough ace f/f stories. There's not enough ace rep, period. But I find it easier to find ace characters in contemporary m/m. I requested a copy at the publisher and was stoked when I got a copy. But I have mixed feelings about the book.
I really liked Holly and could relate to her on so many levels. She's easy to like, down to earth and just a nice person to be around. I'd love to hang out with her. And her representation as ace character was in my opinion mostly good. What really, really bothered me though was the casual acephobic comments (and thoughts) from Leo. Particularly in the first half of the book. She later goes and defends Holly, which is great, but I really thought about not finishing this book because it was hard to read those casual hurtful remarks and thoughts by Leo.
It's little things that in the end all add up. Leo's reaction to Holly coming out made me uncomfortable at best. And it's not just the comparison Holly uses to explain asexuality. Best way is to add the quote here:
"It's a little like chocolate," Holly said.
[...]
"Bear with me. So, some people like dark chocolate. Some like milk chocolate. And some like white chocolate."
[...]
"There are also some people who like all kinds of chocolate."
[...]
"And last but not least, there are a couple of people who don't like any type of chocolate."
Saying asexuality is like liking a certain kind of chocolate or not liking it, is just plain wrong. Asexuality is NOT defined by what you like or dislike but the lack of sexual *attraction*.
Then there are things like when Leo brought Holly home after the coming out she has this train of thought about how "She hadn't said any of that ignorant stuff, had she? Well, admittedly, asking Holly if she'd been abused had probably fallen into the stupid-questions category, but she cut herself some slack. This was still new and confusing to her" and just, NO she does not get to cut herself some slack. I thought that maybe Leo would apologize for the insensitive way she reacted, but there's nothing. It happens and is never talked about again. If she realised that what she said was hurtful, why would she not try to make it right? I understand that you can - unintentionally - react in a hurtful way when you're just learning about something, but once you realise your mistake, I think you should apologize. And Leo just shrugged it off like nothing happened.
When they have their first date Leo gets aroused and she thinks something about whether she should feel sad that Holly doesn't feel [the sexual attraction] or envy her. But the most hurtful and offensive thing was: "Was she really doing this? Dating an asexual women?" Things like that fucking hurt. Uncontested thoughts like this perpetuate the notion that asexual people are somehow "undateable". It didn't read like it was about them not being sexually compatible, but that Leo couldn't possibly date someone who is ace - that is not okay. Again it's a thought, and I know that thoughts can't be called out (except if you're a mind reader, which I find rare in contemp romance...) - but I really wished Holly would have called her out more on the stuff Leo did say.
Because of that I can't say that I was particularly rooting for them to get their HEA. Holly could do better than the Leo from the first 60% of the book. The other 40% were actually good, then again there's not so much talk about Holly's asexuality as there is in the first bit.
In the end those little things just add up and even Holly being relatable, or the other stuff surrounding Holly's and Leo's relationship just weren't enough. Which is really sad because otherwise the book is well-written and good. If you leave out the whole asexuality aspect, I could have easily loved this story. I liked how Leo grew throughout the story and ultimately realised what she wanted to do with regards to her career. Perfect Rhythm is with over 100.000 words a rather long novel, but I never felt like it was too long. It really needed the length to portray the growing relationship between Holly and Leo, the relationship between Leo and her parents, and also the way Holly learns to trust someone again after being hurt more than once for being ace.
I don't know how to rate this. There were bits I liked and others I really struggled to get through. And as an ace reader I can't recommend this to other readers on the ace spectrum.
Plus points though for the content warning regarding the sex scene for readers who don't wish to read those!
September 10, 2017
What a fantastic book. Thank you Jae, you're awesome.
This isn’t the average romance, as this one has a special topic, asexuality. Yes, I heard of asexuality before, but I’ve never thought much about it. This book brings this theme up in a perfect way. And I learned a lot during reading.
This is the wonderful love story of Leontyne and Holly.
There is the famous pop singer Jenna (Leontyne) Blake, who travels the world for her concerts, her success and her fame. Thousands of crazy fans permanently on her heels, and everybody wants something from Jenna, especially her influence or her money. When Jenna reluctantly returns to her small hometown, because of her father's illness, she has the chance to rediscover herself and to just be Leo again. It was the right moment for her, she was on a point in her life, where she had to ask herself, what she want’s to do next. The current lifestyle is exhausting, and she’s on the brink of a burnout. But is her hometown the right place for this to found out? And what about her parents, who didn’t approve her sexuality or her music?
And there's Holly, the caring nurse of Leo’s father. She has left her hometown only for four years and she loves the life in this small town. And she can’t understand that her patient’s daughter wasn’t coming home earlier, not until after he suffered the second stroke. But maybe that is like this, when you are a famous pop singer and you didn’t have the time for your parents. For that she wasn’t looking forward to meet the daughter of the house. But bit by bit she learns that not always everything is black and white.
During their forced time together, they get to know each other better and better. And they develop feelings for each other. But there is one big secret Holly is hiding. She is an asexual person. So is there any chance of building a relationship between the two of them. Holly doubt, that Leo is the person who can’t be without sex, or is she?
It is just great to accompany the two women on their way. Jae has a wonderful lively way to describe everything, the feelings, the doubt, the anger. I nearly couldn’t put down the book. It isn’t a fast paced story, but it’s flowing steadily.
I highly recommend this book to everybody, who want’s to read a extraordinary romance.
My rating 5 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for a honest review
This isn’t the average romance, as this one has a special topic, asexuality. Yes, I heard of asexuality before, but I’ve never thought much about it. This book brings this theme up in a perfect way. And I learned a lot during reading.
This is the wonderful love story of Leontyne and Holly.
There is the famous pop singer Jenna (Leontyne) Blake, who travels the world for her concerts, her success and her fame. Thousands of crazy fans permanently on her heels, and everybody wants something from Jenna, especially her influence or her money. When Jenna reluctantly returns to her small hometown, because of her father's illness, she has the chance to rediscover herself and to just be Leo again. It was the right moment for her, she was on a point in her life, where she had to ask herself, what she want’s to do next. The current lifestyle is exhausting, and she’s on the brink of a burnout. But is her hometown the right place for this to found out? And what about her parents, who didn’t approve her sexuality or her music?
And there's Holly, the caring nurse of Leo’s father. She has left her hometown only for four years and she loves the life in this small town. And she can’t understand that her patient’s daughter wasn’t coming home earlier, not until after he suffered the second stroke. But maybe that is like this, when you are a famous pop singer and you didn’t have the time for your parents. For that she wasn’t looking forward to meet the daughter of the house. But bit by bit she learns that not always everything is black and white.
During their forced time together, they get to know each other better and better. And they develop feelings for each other. But there is one big secret Holly is hiding. She is an asexual person. So is there any chance of building a relationship between the two of them. Holly doubt, that Leo is the person who can’t be without sex, or is she?
It is just great to accompany the two women on their way. Jae has a wonderful lively way to describe everything, the feelings, the doubt, the anger. I nearly couldn’t put down the book. It isn’t a fast paced story, but it’s flowing steadily.
I highly recommend this book to everybody, who want’s to read a extraordinary romance.
My rating 5 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for a honest review
August 24, 2017
I've missed reading several of Jae's newer books but jumped at the opportunity to read this one. More visibility and inclusion of the BT and A aspects of LGBTQA spectrum are needed and I think Perfect Rhythm is a great addition.
I knew the bare bones about asexuality so it was nice to get to know Holly and get a better understanding of some of the relationship hurdles she and other ace folks deal with. Besides the issues dealing specifically with asexuality, this is a pretty standard lesfic romance. Not too much angst but lots of relationship building and outside things going on that help to move our leading ladies toward finding love with each other.
I thought the dialogue and flow of the story were very good. If you're a fan of any of Jae's previous books, I have no doubt that you'll like this one, too.
I knew the bare bones about asexuality so it was nice to get to know Holly and get a better understanding of some of the relationship hurdles she and other ace folks deal with. Besides the issues dealing specifically with asexuality, this is a pretty standard lesfic romance. Not too much angst but lots of relationship building and outside things going on that help to move our leading ladies toward finding love with each other.
I thought the dialogue and flow of the story were very good. If you're a fan of any of Jae's previous books, I have no doubt that you'll like this one, too.
July 7, 2023
#1 perfect rhythm ★☆☆☆☆
#2 not the marrying kind ★☆☆☆☆
rep; leo (mc) is a lesbian. holly (li) is homoromantic and asexual.
two big things ruined this book for me.
1. the ableism.
there are, unsurprisingly, ableist slurs like stupid, dumb, insane, lame, crazy, and idiot. disabilities like blindness and deafness are used as metaphors. the main character compares paparazzi taking photos her of at her father’s funeral, to becoming disabled after having a stroke. yeah, i don’t get it either. the phrase “wheelchair-bound” is used, which wheelchair users are adamant about not using. they aren’t bound to, or limited by, their wheelchair. their wheelchair gives them freedom. if anything, they are limited by ableism and inaccessibility. taking care of the main character’s disabled father is quite literally referred to as a burden in the text. the main character’s father is also looked at with pity and sadness for being “helpless.” but the main thing that really, really gets me is the fact that the main character’s father being disabled is used as a plot device. as well as his death. him becoming disabled (his second stroke leaves him with paralysis on one side of his body and aphasia) is what brings the main character home, and sets up the story. it’s what makes the ship of the book meet; seeing as the love interest is the main character’s father’s home nurse and spends more time there than at her own home, there is ample room for a romance to develop. and it does. but then they fight and break up, and guess what brings them back together. if you guessed the main character’s disabled father’s death, you are right.
the only things we know about him are that he loves music, was a controlling emotionless father, and a homophobe. (the main character also muses that being disabled “humanized” her cold, controlling father. so, add that to the ableism tally.) the minute we see him showing some personality, joking around with the main character when they begin to mend their relationship, he dies. and it’s only after his death that we find out that he was proud of the main character, and not only followed her entire career, but kept a book of article/interview/photoshoot/review clippings. his death is then used as a “life’s too short, tell the people you care about that you care about them, say what you want to say” inspirational bullshit, that makes the main character heal her relationship with her mother and give the townspeople a chance. it’s just...not good. writing a disabled character solely for their disability and eventual death to be a device in the story/character development? awful.
2. the asexual representation.
how asexuality is represented is actually not what i have an issue with. accurate definitions are used, the spectrum is mentioned, romantic and sexual attraction being different things is addressed, how every ace person is different and wants different things is explained, and aromanticism and queerplatonic relationships are mentioned and represented in minor characters.
but. whenever the asexual character came out or talked about their asexuality, it was met with ignorant questions. they weren’t always coming from a malicious place, sometimes genuine confusion and curiosity, and the character didn’t seem to always mind them. it just read as very unnatural. it read as if the author had looked up what the most common reactions to coming out as asexual are and what the most common misconceptions are and portrayed every single one within like three conversations. it’s a lot at once, to have question after question after question, especially very ignorant ones.
it’s also a little infantilizing for the main character to treat the asexual character like she doesn’t know when something is an innuendo and is surprised when she does, or like she isn’t aware when the main character is getting turned on when they’re kissing. just because she doesn’t experience sexual attraction, doesn’t mean she isn’t aware of the signs of it in other people or doesn’t know anything about sex. it falls in line with the assumption people have that asexual people are virgins, and with thinking of them as virgins, they think of them as naive or innocent.
i also don’t care for how the main character made every single touch, even casual or platonic ones, sexual. i don’t know if it’s to show how she’s allosexual, especially considering how each time it’s pointed out how the asexual character didn’t notice or wasn’t affected by the touch, but it’s...weird. being allosexual doesn’t mean you find every touch to be sexual, even if it’s from someone you’re sexually attracted to.
and lastly, my biggest issue with this representation is that the asexual character starts the book off not wanting sex. she doesn’t desire it, she doesn’t think about it, she doesn’t need or want it. she remains firm in that for the most part of the book. but as always with asexual rep, she changes her mind. i think it’s around 80% that she suddenly wants to have sex. and listen, some asexual people like/have sex. that’s fine. but i cannot stand when asexual characters are written as not wanting sex at all, only to do a sudden turnaround and have sex by the end of the book. it doesn’t send a nice message. it sends the message that asexual people who don’t want/aren’t interested in sex will eventually find someone who changes that or that you can’t really know if you don’t want sex, at all or with a specific person, until you try it. the love interest literally goes from thinking "if she can’t be with me without sex then she can’t be with me" to “hey maybe sex will be different with her.” it sends the message that asexual people have to change or compromise on what they want or are comfortable with for their allosexual partner.
the author put in an author’s note stuff about how the ace community is diverse and needs a variety of rep, but like...another alloromantic asexual character who initially doesn’t want sex, but changes their mind for their allosexual partner? where are the aromantic main characters? where are the aroace main characters? where are the sex repulsed asexual main characters? where are the asexual main characters who aren’t interested in sex and stay that way from start to finish? where are the asexual main characters who don’t like kissing? where are the asexual main characters in relationships with other asexual characters? where are the asexual main characters who don’t have to teach everyone about asexuality? where are the asexual main characters who don’t date? where are the asexual main characters who like/have sex from the beginning? where are the asexual main characters who are sure and decided in their identity and boundaries and wants from the beginning and don’t change their minds after meeting their love interest? don’t talk about how you can’t represent all asexual people in one character only to justify writing the same exact alloromantic asexual character that has been done to death.
other things that i don’t like: the term “lesbian couple” is used, a character says “horizontal mambo” like it’s so cringe when adults won’t just say “sex,” the phrase “more than friends” is used, the idea that if you have both of parents and don’t have a relationship with them that you’re being ungrateful because some people don’t have their parents is expressed, the main character is so self involved that she assumes the love interest is a straight bigot because she didn’t check out the main character and then glared at her, the main character also assumes the love interest is out for her money because she’s an annoying jaded little popstar, the love interest struggles to understand how her friends meg and jo (who are queer platonic partners) can be so happy and affectionate with each other but “insist” they aren’t in love, when the love interest break up with the main character the latter throws a wine bottle into a creek and storms away like how childishly diva of you, and the main character starts to wonder if she can live without sex after committing to the love interest and reassuring her that she can (this scene is followed by the asexual character deciding she wants sex after all).
the rep (lesbian main character, homoromantic asexual love interest, and aroace minor character in a queerplatonic relationship) doesn’t save this book. even though i jump to read books with aspec characters, and have been wanting to see some queerplatonic rep, this is just a big nope nope nope.
#2 not the marrying kind ★☆☆☆☆
rep; leo (mc) is a lesbian. holly (li) is homoromantic and asexual.
two big things ruined this book for me.
1. the ableism.
there are, unsurprisingly, ableist slurs like stupid, dumb, insane, lame, crazy, and idiot. disabilities like blindness and deafness are used as metaphors. the main character compares paparazzi taking photos her of at her father’s funeral, to becoming disabled after having a stroke. yeah, i don’t get it either. the phrase “wheelchair-bound” is used, which wheelchair users are adamant about not using. they aren’t bound to, or limited by, their wheelchair. their wheelchair gives them freedom. if anything, they are limited by ableism and inaccessibility. taking care of the main character’s disabled father is quite literally referred to as a burden in the text. the main character’s father is also looked at with pity and sadness for being “helpless.” but the main thing that really, really gets me is the fact that the main character’s father being disabled is used as a plot device. as well as his death. him becoming disabled (his second stroke leaves him with paralysis on one side of his body and aphasia) is what brings the main character home, and sets up the story. it’s what makes the ship of the book meet; seeing as the love interest is the main character’s father’s home nurse and spends more time there than at her own home, there is ample room for a romance to develop. and it does. but then they fight and break up, and guess what brings them back together. if you guessed the main character’s disabled father’s death, you are right.
the only things we know about him are that he loves music, was a controlling emotionless father, and a homophobe. (the main character also muses that being disabled “humanized” her cold, controlling father. so, add that to the ableism tally.) the minute we see him showing some personality, joking around with the main character when they begin to mend their relationship, he dies. and it’s only after his death that we find out that he was proud of the main character, and not only followed her entire career, but kept a book of article/interview/photoshoot/review clippings. his death is then used as a “life’s too short, tell the people you care about that you care about them, say what you want to say” inspirational bullshit, that makes the main character heal her relationship with her mother and give the townspeople a chance. it’s just...not good. writing a disabled character solely for their disability and eventual death to be a device in the story/character development? awful.
2. the asexual representation.
how asexuality is represented is actually not what i have an issue with. accurate definitions are used, the spectrum is mentioned, romantic and sexual attraction being different things is addressed, how every ace person is different and wants different things is explained, and aromanticism and queerplatonic relationships are mentioned and represented in minor characters.
but. whenever the asexual character came out or talked about their asexuality, it was met with ignorant questions. they weren’t always coming from a malicious place, sometimes genuine confusion and curiosity, and the character didn’t seem to always mind them. it just read as very unnatural. it read as if the author had looked up what the most common reactions to coming out as asexual are and what the most common misconceptions are and portrayed every single one within like three conversations. it’s a lot at once, to have question after question after question, especially very ignorant ones.
it’s also a little infantilizing for the main character to treat the asexual character like she doesn’t know when something is an innuendo and is surprised when she does, or like she isn’t aware when the main character is getting turned on when they’re kissing. just because she doesn’t experience sexual attraction, doesn’t mean she isn’t aware of the signs of it in other people or doesn’t know anything about sex. it falls in line with the assumption people have that asexual people are virgins, and with thinking of them as virgins, they think of them as naive or innocent.
i also don’t care for how the main character made every single touch, even casual or platonic ones, sexual. i don’t know if it’s to show how she’s allosexual, especially considering how each time it’s pointed out how the asexual character didn’t notice or wasn’t affected by the touch, but it’s...weird. being allosexual doesn’t mean you find every touch to be sexual, even if it’s from someone you’re sexually attracted to.
and lastly, my biggest issue with this representation is that the asexual character starts the book off not wanting sex. she doesn’t desire it, she doesn’t think about it, she doesn’t need or want it. she remains firm in that for the most part of the book. but as always with asexual rep, she changes her mind. i think it’s around 80% that she suddenly wants to have sex. and listen, some asexual people like/have sex. that’s fine. but i cannot stand when asexual characters are written as not wanting sex at all, only to do a sudden turnaround and have sex by the end of the book. it doesn’t send a nice message. it sends the message that asexual people who don’t want/aren’t interested in sex will eventually find someone who changes that or that you can’t really know if you don’t want sex, at all or with a specific person, until you try it. the love interest literally goes from thinking "if she can’t be with me without sex then she can’t be with me" to “hey maybe sex will be different with her.” it sends the message that asexual people have to change or compromise on what they want or are comfortable with for their allosexual partner.
the author put in an author’s note stuff about how the ace community is diverse and needs a variety of rep, but like...another alloromantic asexual character who initially doesn’t want sex, but changes their mind for their allosexual partner? where are the aromantic main characters? where are the aroace main characters? where are the sex repulsed asexual main characters? where are the asexual main characters who aren’t interested in sex and stay that way from start to finish? where are the asexual main characters who don’t like kissing? where are the asexual main characters in relationships with other asexual characters? where are the asexual main characters who don’t have to teach everyone about asexuality? where are the asexual main characters who don’t date? where are the asexual main characters who like/have sex from the beginning? where are the asexual main characters who are sure and decided in their identity and boundaries and wants from the beginning and don’t change their minds after meeting their love interest? don’t talk about how you can’t represent all asexual people in one character only to justify writing the same exact alloromantic asexual character that has been done to death.
other things that i don’t like: the term “lesbian couple” is used, a character says “horizontal mambo” like it’s so cringe when adults won’t just say “sex,” the phrase “more than friends” is used, the idea that if you have both of parents and don’t have a relationship with them that you’re being ungrateful because some people don’t have their parents is expressed, the main character is so self involved that she assumes the love interest is a straight bigot because she didn’t check out the main character and then glared at her, the main character also assumes the love interest is out for her money because she’s an annoying jaded little popstar, the love interest struggles to understand how her friends meg and jo (who are queer platonic partners) can be so happy and affectionate with each other but “insist” they aren’t in love, when the love interest break up with the main character the latter throws a wine bottle into a creek and storms away like how childishly diva of you, and the main character starts to wonder if she can live without sex after committing to the love interest and reassuring her that she can (this scene is followed by the asexual character deciding she wants sex after all).
the rep (lesbian main character, homoromantic asexual love interest, and aroace minor character in a queerplatonic relationship) doesn’t save this book. even though i jump to read books with aspec characters, and have been wanting to see some queerplatonic rep, this is just a big nope nope nope.
June 15, 2021
A warm embrace to soothe the heart and the soul
I have to be honest, I rarely shed tears when reading. The only times I’ve done it, it was because I was reading books dealing with the Holocaust theme, but this book managed to do that. It crawled under my skin and slowly started pushing all the buttons that triggered my emotions, and I’m thankful for it.
Maybe it’s because I saw a bit of myself in it, in the struggle with the father figure, in recognizing how hard it is sometimes to say the words you want to say and how scary it is to ask the words that you have always wanted to ask since you were born. No matter how much success you have in life, you still crave for recognition and appreciation from your parents, and most of all the acceptance of who you are, of your sexual or asexual orientation.
I had the same experience as Leo, I recognize all the internal conflicts of seeing your father turning from this austere figure into a baby that needs to be taken care of, as if the roles parent-child were reverted. I also felt what it is to fear to speak the words that you never wanted to ask, but I also took the courage to do it before it was too late and it’s indeed like a weight is lifted from you. It might not go perfectly well from there, but it’s always a start, as the book says too.
I don’t know how JAE does it, but she always manages to make me feel as if her words were already known to me, as if what she writes is something I could have also written in my secret diary. I came to the conclusion that it is because this woman has a gift, she just knows what to say at the right moment. She has the ability to create such well-rounded characters, that every thought, every action, every re-action they have feels so natural, never forced, and this makes them the most human characters you’ll ever encounter in a book. How can you know humans so well JAE? How? Why I feel every word you write so much? Why when you write:
“Don’t make the same mistake. Don’t leave too much unsaid. Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you before they’re gone”
It pierced my heart, because I too was about to make the same mistake, when my father was almost dying a couple of years ago, and it was like all the words that were trapped in me suddenly all emerged, and I couldn’t stop them anymore. I had to say them, to ask them.
And I too, had the support of a wonderful woman next to me, who encouraged me in letting them out and who taught me that it’s okay to be weak, to show emotions. I can cry too, I don’t have to keep it all inside.
This book goes beyond what it is to feel, to experience love, to fulfill each other’s desires. It’s about learning from each other, about seeing the real you reflected in the eyes of someone else.
Sleeping next to someone or sharing a kiss has never seemed so full of meaning, like a connection that just goes beyond anything you know.
I didn’t know anything about asexuality, so I started doing what I do best, and that’s Googling, and there’s indeed a whole world out there of spectrums that I had never heard of and my respect goes out of all the people who have the courage to come out and proudly say who they really are, that they feel or not feel. It also makes me realize that the love has so many facets, that sometimes you forget how simply sharing your true thoughts, insecurities, weaknesses, longings and listening to your half do the same, can be the most satisfying feeling in the world. Sharing your “secret place” with someone, like Leo shared the spot on the roof with Holly, it was so romantic, so warm, so satisfying and beautifully written. The cuddling scenes, the playing the piano together, being there for someone during difficult times. They make me sigh at the mere thought of them.
And the scenery is so wonderfully written, the whole trip from New York to Missouri, the countryside, the small-town inhabitants. Each element depicted is just so perfectly detailed.
I don’t know where to start and where to end to say how much I enjoyed reading this book, it filled my heart, it literally did with music, laughter, sadness and hope. It’s being a journey of self-discovery and learning new things about how amazing people can be, about daring to take you chance in this world, the chance to be truly happy.
Loved it, simply loved it and now I can’t shake the feeling that I crave for a warm embrace, cuddling all day to feel protected and without a single care in this world, singing maybe “Scone woman”.
I have to be honest, I rarely shed tears when reading. The only times I’ve done it, it was because I was reading books dealing with the Holocaust theme, but this book managed to do that. It crawled under my skin and slowly started pushing all the buttons that triggered my emotions, and I’m thankful for it.
Maybe it’s because I saw a bit of myself in it, in the struggle with the father figure, in recognizing how hard it is sometimes to say the words you want to say and how scary it is to ask the words that you have always wanted to ask since you were born. No matter how much success you have in life, you still crave for recognition and appreciation from your parents, and most of all the acceptance of who you are, of your sexual or asexual orientation.
I had the same experience as Leo, I recognize all the internal conflicts of seeing your father turning from this austere figure into a baby that needs to be taken care of, as if the roles parent-child were reverted. I also felt what it is to fear to speak the words that you never wanted to ask, but I also took the courage to do it before it was too late and it’s indeed like a weight is lifted from you. It might not go perfectly well from there, but it’s always a start, as the book says too.
I don’t know how JAE does it, but she always manages to make me feel as if her words were already known to me, as if what she writes is something I could have also written in my secret diary. I came to the conclusion that it is because this woman has a gift, she just knows what to say at the right moment. She has the ability to create such well-rounded characters, that every thought, every action, every re-action they have feels so natural, never forced, and this makes them the most human characters you’ll ever encounter in a book. How can you know humans so well JAE? How? Why I feel every word you write so much? Why when you write:
“Don’t make the same mistake. Don’t leave too much unsaid. Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you before they’re gone”
It pierced my heart, because I too was about to make the same mistake, when my father was almost dying a couple of years ago, and it was like all the words that were trapped in me suddenly all emerged, and I couldn’t stop them anymore. I had to say them, to ask them.
And I too, had the support of a wonderful woman next to me, who encouraged me in letting them out and who taught me that it’s okay to be weak, to show emotions. I can cry too, I don’t have to keep it all inside.
This book goes beyond what it is to feel, to experience love, to fulfill each other’s desires. It’s about learning from each other, about seeing the real you reflected in the eyes of someone else.
Sleeping next to someone or sharing a kiss has never seemed so full of meaning, like a connection that just goes beyond anything you know.
I didn’t know anything about asexuality, so I started doing what I do best, and that’s Googling, and there’s indeed a whole world out there of spectrums that I had never heard of and my respect goes out of all the people who have the courage to come out and proudly say who they really are, that they feel or not feel. It also makes me realize that the love has so many facets, that sometimes you forget how simply sharing your true thoughts, insecurities, weaknesses, longings and listening to your half do the same, can be the most satisfying feeling in the world. Sharing your “secret place” with someone, like Leo shared the spot on the roof with Holly, it was so romantic, so warm, so satisfying and beautifully written. The cuddling scenes, the playing the piano together, being there for someone during difficult times. They make me sigh at the mere thought of them.
And the scenery is so wonderfully written, the whole trip from New York to Missouri, the countryside, the small-town inhabitants. Each element depicted is just so perfectly detailed.
I don’t know where to start and where to end to say how much I enjoyed reading this book, it filled my heart, it literally did with music, laughter, sadness and hope. It’s being a journey of self-discovery and learning new things about how amazing people can be, about daring to take you chance in this world, the chance to be truly happy.
Loved it, simply loved it and now I can’t shake the feeling that I crave for a warm embrace, cuddling all day to feel protected and without a single care in this world, singing maybe “Scone woman”.
September 21, 2017
I have to recognise what got my attention about this book was the subject of asexuality. I realize how ignorant I was because I didn’t have any idea about asexuals (how they feel about sex). I also recognize that I had my doubts about how the author could build a romance between asexual and allosexual people. However I must say that Jae create a beautiful and intense romance, and the most important thing: a believable story.
September 20, 2017
After reading this again I've a little knowledge about Ace.
I haven't met anyone that's why I'm really interested to read more about them. Good thing Jae explained it well.
Jenna Blake or Leontyne Blake is a well known grammy winner pop-star. She left her home town to escape her strict and unsupportive father. Now that her father is sick she has to go back to the town that she despised. She's reached her dreams but still she's not happy.
Holly Hollis is a nurse, she's also an Ace. I haven't really read an Ace character before or maybe I just missed it?
She's feisty yet very lovable. She's also very protective when it comes to her loved ones. That's why she's pissed on Leo because she thought that Leo neglected her family, especially her sick father. She's also the private nurse of Leo's father.
Enemies to friends to lovers plot. This is also more on a family thing. I like the slow burn considering the situation. It's not rushed, I also understand the "running circles" between Leo and Holly.
Holly's got a lot of insecurities and she's just careful to whom she'll give her heart. I also like how patient Leo is to Holly.
But my favorite part was between Leo and her Father. I can't stop the tears. I was really touched. It's simple yet powerful.
4.5
Hmm, is Ash next or Sasha? :))
I haven't met anyone that's why I'm really interested to read more about them. Good thing Jae explained it well.
Jenna Blake or Leontyne Blake is a well known grammy winner pop-star. She left her home town to escape her strict and unsupportive father. Now that her father is sick she has to go back to the town that she despised. She's reached her dreams but still she's not happy.
Holly Hollis is a nurse, she's also an Ace. I haven't really read an Ace character before or maybe I just missed it?
She's feisty yet very lovable. She's also very protective when it comes to her loved ones. That's why she's pissed on Leo because she thought that Leo neglected her family, especially her sick father. She's also the private nurse of Leo's father.
Enemies to friends to lovers plot. This is also more on a family thing. I like the slow burn considering the situation. It's not rushed, I also understand the "running circles" between Leo and Holly.
Holly's got a lot of insecurities and she's just careful to whom she'll give her heart. I also like how patient Leo is to Holly.
But my favorite part was between Leo and her Father. I can't stop the tears. I was really touched. It's simple yet powerful.
4.5
Hmm, is Ash next or Sasha? :))
April 13, 2019
This was a pretty good read actually, the content was different than other lesfics. Plus it's always a bonus when I learn stuff! Asexual orientation is something I was not familiar with, and I think Jae handled this subject delicately and maturely. The two MCs had a genuine bond built on a strong emotional/affectionate foundation. What I did like is that even though Holly's orientation is the biggest hurdle, Leo's sexuality was not back-burnered....Holly made sure they had equal footing and open communication, and Leo didn't have to hide or deny her own desires either. Good balance. The story was somewhat weak though, the pace slow, but overall a decent read!
September 17, 2017
I'm giving this book 5 stars. I decided to round up from 4.5 because Jae has created such a wonderful, layered and interesting romance with Leo and Holly.
First of all, I am disappointed to see a few negative comments in regards to how many letters we have added to LGBT. The more the merrier, I say. When Holly described herself as always feeling broken, I nearly cried. Not simply because it made me feel for Holly (which it did), but I can wholly relate to that feeling.
I went to high school in the 90's. Not that long ago, really. When my friends started talking non-stop about boys, I remember feeling so confused. I didn't get what the big deal was. The sense of everyone else being normal and it was me who was broken was very real for me. We never spoke about different sexual orientations in school or at home. There were no books that I found (in a catholic girls school!) to help me figure out why I wasn't interested or what might interest me instead. Don't get me wrong, I didn't in any way have a bad adolescence, but perhaps some of the books I enjoy now might have made things clearer. Now into my 30's, the label isn't an issue for me, but back then it definitely would have been.
My point to this wee anecdote is: if there is a letter or a definition that helps someone, especially our most at-risk youths, have an ah-ha moment and finally realise what they might be all about, then I'm all for it. How wonderful that we have reached this stage where it's perfectly acceptable to have these conversations.
In my opinion, books like this are so important. I'm not asexual, but I really enjoyed reading about this relationship. Take sexuality out of it, and it's simply a good, sweet romance between two likable characters. Jae did a great job in making Holly easy to relate to and I definitely feel like I have a better understanding of the asexual spectrum now.
Highly recommend.
First of all, I am disappointed to see a few negative comments in regards to how many letters we have added to LGBT. The more the merrier, I say. When Holly described herself as always feeling broken, I nearly cried. Not simply because it made me feel for Holly (which it did), but I can wholly relate to that feeling.
I went to high school in the 90's. Not that long ago, really. When my friends started talking non-stop about boys, I remember feeling so confused. I didn't get what the big deal was. The sense of everyone else being normal and it was me who was broken was very real for me. We never spoke about different sexual orientations in school or at home. There were no books that I found (in a catholic girls school!) to help me figure out why I wasn't interested or what might interest me instead. Don't get me wrong, I didn't in any way have a bad adolescence, but perhaps some of the books I enjoy now might have made things clearer. Now into my 30's, the label isn't an issue for me, but back then it definitely would have been.
My point to this wee anecdote is: if there is a letter or a definition that helps someone, especially our most at-risk youths, have an ah-ha moment and finally realise what they might be all about, then I'm all for it. How wonderful that we have reached this stage where it's perfectly acceptable to have these conversations.
In my opinion, books like this are so important. I'm not asexual, but I really enjoyed reading about this relationship. Take sexuality out of it, and it's simply a good, sweet romance between two likable characters. Jae did a great job in making Holly easy to relate to and I definitely feel like I have a better understanding of the asexual spectrum now.
Highly recommend.
January 3, 2024
4,5 stars
Very good story. I like good ace characters. And well executed romances. Well written too. I don't have a reason to complain.
Very good story. I like good ace characters. And well executed romances. Well written too. I don't have a reason to complain.
December 20, 2017
I feel rather betrayed by A Perfect Rhythm...and yet I know this must sound so over-the-top and the wrong reaction to an overall beautiful book, with just one scene I am having a hard time forgiving, if that makes sense. I do not want to spoil anything and there are so many terrific, deeply sincere and emotionally moving aspects here in this novel. Somehow, though (and maybe I am being overly sensitive and am not taking away what I am meant to) it feels as though one of the main characters is very much betraying her beliefs and giving up who she is and that a very important message (so often unheard in any kind of fiction) is being taken away and replaced with a horrible compromise or, worse, the exact opposite of what she wants. I am just left rather sad after reading this...I just have to wonder if we still to have a long way to go before asexuality is truly understood.
July 15, 2018
All year I've been reading rave reviews of this book, and now I understand why. I loved it. The narration of the audiobook was delightful. Kudos to Jae, Angela Dawe and everyone involved in the production of this fabulous book.
September 18, 2017
ARC provided by YLVA Publishing in return for an honest review.
I'm pretty sure I've read everything Jae's published and I've enjoyed all of her stories, though some more than others. She's an author that writes very well and you can tell she researches her stories thoroughly.
This book was different in some ways from the 'norm' for her, in that one of her characters, Holly, is asexual, and that's not something I think I've ever seen in a lesfic (not sure that the accurate term for this book, but as both characters also identified as lesbians, I'm using it) before.
As with books that feature any sort of 'outside the norm' characters (POC, mental health disorders, disabilities, different sexualities) I give Jae (and other authors) kudos for providing an avenue for anyone who feels marginalised to see themselves represented, and also for readers to be able to learn something new.
Jae goes to great lengths to educate the reader (through Leo and Holly's mother) about asexuals, and while I felt it may have bordered on providing too much info, I still found it very interesting. I did have to Google a couple of the other terms (honestly, there are so many now that it's getting overwhelming, thank god for Google!), but learning something new never hurts.
I was a little taken by surprise when one of the chapters came with a warning, which is also something I've not seen in lesfic before, and I must admit, did jolt me out of the story, though I understand the inclusion.
As for the story itself, Holly and Leo are also great characters, individually and together. I believed that they fell for each other, loved how the talked to each other (not at or around each other as often happens in lesfic) and that there were no overwrought misunderstandings or stupid contrivances in the story.
The supporting characters don't have a lot to do in this one, with the exception of Leo's mother, who became more fleshed out towards the end of the story. The character of Ash was intriguing, mostly because I couldn't understand her motivation for staying in the closet, Holly was out, as was Leo, no one in town cared. It just seemed weird. I also thought Leo was a bit cruel in their last interaction, I get that she was defending Holly but the personal attack on Ash seemed too 'tit for tat' to me.
That said, while Jae's stories rarely disappoint, I can see why this wouldn't be for everyone. I'd recommend this to those who like slow burn romances, and reading something that's a bit different, I enjoyed both of those aspects.
I'm pretty sure I've read everything Jae's published and I've enjoyed all of her stories, though some more than others. She's an author that writes very well and you can tell she researches her stories thoroughly.
This book was different in some ways from the 'norm' for her, in that one of her characters, Holly, is asexual, and that's not something I think I've ever seen in a lesfic (not sure that the accurate term for this book, but as both characters also identified as lesbians, I'm using it) before.
As with books that feature any sort of 'outside the norm' characters (POC, mental health disorders, disabilities, different sexualities) I give Jae (and other authors) kudos for providing an avenue for anyone who feels marginalised to see themselves represented, and also for readers to be able to learn something new.
Jae goes to great lengths to educate the reader (through Leo and Holly's mother) about asexuals, and while I felt it may have bordered on providing too much info, I still found it very interesting. I did have to Google a couple of the other terms (honestly, there are so many now that it's getting overwhelming, thank god for Google!), but learning something new never hurts.
I was a little taken by surprise when one of the chapters came with a warning, which is also something I've not seen in lesfic before, and I must admit, did jolt me out of the story, though I understand the inclusion.
As for the story itself, Holly and Leo are also great characters, individually and together. I believed that they fell for each other, loved how the talked to each other (not at or around each other as often happens in lesfic) and that there were no overwrought misunderstandings or stupid contrivances in the story.
The supporting characters don't have a lot to do in this one, with the exception of Leo's mother, who became more fleshed out towards the end of the story. The character of Ash was intriguing, mostly because I couldn't understand her motivation for staying in the closet, Holly was out, as was Leo, no one in town cared. It just seemed weird. I also thought Leo was a bit cruel in their last interaction, I get that she was defending Holly but the personal attack on Ash seemed too 'tit for tat' to me.
That said, while Jae's stories rarely disappoint, I can see why this wouldn't be for everyone. I'd recommend this to those who like slow burn romances, and reading something that's a bit different, I enjoyed both of those aspects.
July 22, 2025
Jae on top slowburn, deep payoff form. Sublime. And Angela Dawe performs the story exquisitely :).
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