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LA Lovers #2
Coming Out
Ellie Montgomery had a secret. Beyond being a mother, a best friend, and a baker of incredible desserts, there was something deeper in her soul that she had been forced to deny. Something she had never planned on revealing. Not even to those closest to her. Then SHE walked into Ellie's Diner and everything changed.
Dr. Hunter Vale was burnt out. A recent tragedy had her reexamining her life and career. A chance meeting at a local diner showed Hunter exactly what she was missing and she knew she would do everything she could to make her dreams a reality. The problem was, Hunter didn't know if her advances would be reciprocated. And, if they were, would her past destroy the possibility of a sweet future?
Dr. Hunter Vale was burnt out. A recent tragedy had her reexamining her life and career. A chance meeting at a local diner showed Hunter exactly what she was missing and she knew she would do everything she could to make her dreams a reality. The problem was, Hunter didn't know if her advances would be reciprocated. And, if they were, would her past destroy the possibility of a sweet future?
549 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2017
121 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Jourdyn Kelly
19 books432 followersI’ve been in Houston, Texas, writing novels and designing websites since 2009. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, because I’ve been able to live wonderfully, and write my heart out. I’ve always enjoyed the arts in one form or another. Music sets the mood, reading stimulates my brain, and writing allows me to utilize my imagination in any way I want. I’ve been writing stories since I was a teen, and figured out it was my passion when I finished my first novel, Something About Eve.
I love being captivated by books that lead me into different, exotic places, and through impossible scenarios. I love being able to become someone else for a time. Reading has always inspired me to bring my own characters out to play. My hope is that my writing will inspire others, or at the least, give them a way to escape from everyday life for a little while.
If I'm not writing or reading, I'm training for triathlons. It's a good way to challenge my body the way I challenge my brain when writing. I'm not the greatest at it, but not only do I do it for the challenge, I do it for charity. It's a good motivation. :)
I love being captivated by books that lead me into different, exotic places, and through impossible scenarios. I love being able to become someone else for a time. Reading has always inspired me to bring my own characters out to play. My hope is that my writing will inspire others, or at the least, give them a way to escape from everyday life for a little while.
If I'm not writing or reading, I'm training for triathlons. It's a good way to challenge my body the way I challenge my brain when writing. I'm not the greatest at it, but not only do I do it for the challenge, I do it for charity. It's a good motivation. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 24, 2018
Overall it was a very long eccentric filled story that had maybe or not who knows its fair share of mature dialogue toss around at times during only when the grown-ups got together. The downside to this storyline:- the switching-up and the back & forth between stories -- give and take a few omitted paragraphs it was a pleasant read in the end.
August 21, 2017
Coming Out ticks all the lesfic tropes we’ve seen before in f/f romance novels. Our two leading ladies are beautiful, career oriented and have solid friends to lean on in life and in love. Each carry some baggage from the past or in Ellie’s case, continue to carry their burdens in the present. When they meet there is immediate chemistry and honestly watching Ellie and Hunter sort out their feelings for one another was the highlight of the book for this reader. Unlike most lesfic romance novels on the market today, Coming Out is 549 pages long and reads like a Chick Lit novel for lesbians. We get to know the families and their friends. There are the usual difficulties many relationships go through and like the title implies, we get to watch Ellie come to terms with her sexuality and face the fears she has harboured for many years. Characters appear from several other novels written by the author which is a pet peeve of mine but this is the second in LA Lovers series so I won’t grumble. Backstories were filled in as needed for the recurring secondary characters.
I liked the goofy, clumsy way Hunter behaves when she first meets Ellie in the diner. Hunter is endearing throughout the novel. The confidence she exhibits as a trauma surgeon escapes her when she deals with Ellie and her growing attraction. Challenges from her past shape the person she has become leaving her unprepared to have someone care for her as much as she cares for them.
Ellie’s reasons to remain closeted are valid up to a point. Her parents play the evil alt-right role in her life which is a reality many gay kids deal with in their own lives. That she still allows her teenage daughter to visit her horrible parents reflects the hold they still have on Ellie’s life. She is the positive outlook queen, soldiering on despite all life has thrown her way. Once she comes out (and I’m not giving anything away here, it’s in the title) she never looks back.
No Hallmark movie/Chick Lit novel would be complete without the expected drama/conflict to Interrupt all the happiness. The last third of this novel is where the story went off the rails for this reader. I was laughing more than commiserating with the characters as they dealt with all the drama. Too bad because I had become attached to these characters.
If you are looking for a beach read with loveable characters and don’t mind the stereotypes, this is a fun read. There are a few sex scenes but they are PG and very brief. Won’t offend a soul.
I received an ARC of Coming Out from Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
I liked the goofy, clumsy way Hunter behaves when she first meets Ellie in the diner. Hunter is endearing throughout the novel. The confidence she exhibits as a trauma surgeon escapes her when she deals with Ellie and her growing attraction. Challenges from her past shape the person she has become leaving her unprepared to have someone care for her as much as she cares for them.
Ellie’s reasons to remain closeted are valid up to a point. Her parents play the evil alt-right role in her life which is a reality many gay kids deal with in their own lives. That she still allows her teenage daughter to visit her horrible parents reflects the hold they still have on Ellie’s life. She is the positive outlook queen, soldiering on despite all life has thrown her way. Once she comes out (and I’m not giving anything away here, it’s in the title) she never looks back.
No Hallmark movie/Chick Lit novel would be complete without the expected drama/conflict to Interrupt all the happiness. The last third of this novel is where the story went off the rails for this reader. I was laughing more than commiserating with the characters as they dealt with all the drama. Too bad because I had become attached to these characters.
If you are looking for a beach read with loveable characters and don’t mind the stereotypes, this is a fun read. There are a few sex scenes but they are PG and very brief. Won’t offend a soul.
I received an ARC of Coming Out from Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
December 12, 2017
Right. So first go at a Kelly book. This one is a bit on the longish side but there's *a lot* going on so it's understandable. The ending was a bit ... odd for me, as it had next to nothing to do with the romance arc but with closure for what happens with Ellie. Not sure if rushed is the right word, as it's more a plot twist than anything. Which isn't bad mind you, just unexpected.
Best thing for me in this book is the feels. And not just the feels with the two MC's. There's a lot more going on in secondary characters as well. She's written the secondaries in their own novels so they were more than fleshed out and represented here. Ellie's friends as well as Hunters makes up a pretty large and satisfying chunk of the novel.
Top secondaries for me has to be Dani and her GF, and of course the side humor and story with the cafe's Big Al.
It's not a big feels kind of story but there's the whole coming out (duh), the romance, the MC's seemingly at times insurmountable baggage, friendships, the job, etc. It's a complete book in every way shape or form. And personally I thought it was brilliant.
Best thing for me in this book is the feels. And not just the feels with the two MC's. There's a lot more going on in secondary characters as well. She's written the secondaries in their own novels so they were more than fleshed out and represented here. Ellie's friends as well as Hunters makes up a pretty large and satisfying chunk of the novel.
Top secondaries for me has to be Dani and her GF, and of course the side humor and story with the cafe's Big Al.
It's not a big feels kind of story but there's the whole coming out (duh), the romance, the MC's seemingly at times insurmountable baggage, friendships, the job, etc. It's a complete book in every way shape or form. And personally I thought it was brilliant.
December 2, 2017
Coming out - the title suggests an angst-ridden coming out story. Interesting though why would it? Or is it just me?
Anyways, back to my review. However, the blurb suggested a bit otherwise, so I picked this one up.
Let me introduce Ellie, the sweet beautiful baker, an optimist at heart, a young mother and to round up the stereotype not only is she sweeter than pie, she's also sort of a virgin.
The other protagonist Hunter is the confident trauma surgeon (player of sorts - even though this has an interesting twist here), who turns totally goofy when hit with the sight of sweet Ellie.
Now, we can guess it already, Ellie is the one having to come out.
After having read the book, however, I wonder if the coming out in the title is solely related to this part of the story. Because there comes out so much more: terrible pasts that affect the future of both.
Now if it were not for the exaggerated and sometimes quite stereotypical drama in the second part of the book, I'd say this was beautiful. But, you've guessed it already. In the end, it was a little too over the top for me.
I very much enjoyed the beginning - Hunter and Ellie getting to know each other, their banter in the bake shop, getting to know their friends and families ... the most memorable character of all being Big Al ... priceless.
Anyways, back to my review. However, the blurb suggested a bit otherwise, so I picked this one up.
Let me introduce Ellie, the sweet beautiful baker, an optimist at heart, a young mother and to round up the stereotype not only is she sweeter than pie, she's also sort of a virgin.
The other protagonist Hunter is the confident trauma surgeon (player of sorts - even though this has an interesting twist here), who turns totally goofy when hit with the sight of sweet Ellie.
Now, we can guess it already, Ellie is the one having to come out.
After having read the book, however, I wonder if the coming out in the title is solely related to this part of the story. Because there comes out so much more: terrible pasts that affect the future of both.
Now if it were not for the exaggerated and sometimes quite stereotypical drama in the second part of the book, I'd say this was beautiful. But, you've guessed it already. In the end, it was a little too over the top for me.
I very much enjoyed the beginning - Hunter and Ellie getting to know each other, their banter in the bake shop, getting to know their friends and families ... the most memorable character of all being Big Al ... priceless.
August 23, 2017
Trigger warnings : ‘try to cure you from your gayness’, sexual touching without consent, child pornography, murder attempt.
Sometimes you just need to read a 549 pages long f/f romance. First, because it’s not that often that you get to have such a long book, second, because everybody needs some Hunter & Ellie in their life.
The length of this book was something I was a bit worried about, because I was afraid I’d be bored . . . but clearly I had nothing to worry about because I enjoyed every second of it. Really. There was never a moment I was thinking ‘Okay, nice, but what’s next?’ No. There was always something happening that kept my attention. And if I have to be honest, I wouldn’t even have minded more pages . . . that’s how much I liked what I read.
I’m not a huge fan of insta love . . . okay let’s be honest, I hate that – that’s the demiromantic in me speaking, but somehow it worked for Ellie and Hunter. They are immediately attracted to each other, but it doesn’t feel like insta love. I didn’t mind their pretty much immediate closeness because it didn’t feel forced, just two people flirting and being attracted to each other. Something real. You could see from the start Hunter and Ellie understood each other so well, they could see beyond the appearances, see the true person behind the mask.
Their romance doesn’t feel like insta love because you get to read about both Hunter and Ellie sorting out their feelings, trying to make sense of them, talking about what they feel to their friends and family . . . you see what’s happening in their head, step by step.
I admire Ellie. I admire the woman and the mother she is. I admire her strength, her courage, her stubbornness, her kindness . . . I admire her qualities, and respect her defaults.
Ellie is the 32-year-old mother of 16-year-old Jessie, she raised her daughter on her own, without the help of her parents who let her down because she’s gay. They tried to change her, change something that’s so fundamentally part of who she is that it cannot be changed, no matter how ‘hard’ they tried to cure her from her ‘gayness.’ They made her ashamed, made her think she wasn’t worthy of their love, that being gay was a sin . . . they made her feel like she had to try ‘to cure’ herself, which led her to being pregnant and having Jessie, something she can’t possibly regret.
The relationship between Ellie and Jessie is beautiful, you can see how much they care for each other, and how easy their mother-daughter relationship is. They love each other unconditionally, and don’t feel like they have to judge the other for being true to herself.
Hunter made me cry. More than once. What this woman went through is horrible, it’s something that should never have happened to her or anyone.
And even with what she went through, she still graduated from Harvard and became a successful trauma surgeon . . . that’s what I call giving a huge middle finger to the world.
She’s trying really hard to move on from her past with the help of her friends and a therapy, trying hard to understand that none of what happened to her is her fault, that she shouldn’t blame herself and think people are going to stop loving her if they know about what her past.
I absolutely loved her relationship with her parents! If I could have them as my parents I’d be happy, they were simply amazing, caring, understanding, accepting parents and gosh they deserve the world for being this awesome!
Another thing I liked about this book was the friendships and how realistic they were. Maybe you don’t know this, but queer people aren’t on their own, we tend to attract each others and be friends, so if you read a book and there is this one gay friend . . . well it’s not really realistic because we stick together. Hunter’s friends are a bunch of amazing lesbians, reading about them was funny because they’ve known each other for so long, but also really moving because the bond between them is so deep and meaningful!
How weird would it be not to talk about the main couple of this story? Ellie and Hunter are super cute together, that’s for sure, but like I said above, there is more to them than just them being cute. They trusted each other with the darkest part of their mind, of their life, they didn’t shy away from the ugly, they decided to be honest with each other and accept the other as she is. Trust and respect are what define their relationship.
Of course they made some mistakes along the way, they misread some informations and jumped to conclusion sometimes, but in the end they cleared everything because they decided to talk to each other. Communication is a huge part of their relationship.
I’m pretty sure I missed some things, because this book contains a lot of informations and plot twists, but I think I talked about everything that mattered the most to me.
4 / 5
Thank you Buoni Amici Press for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes you just need to read a 549 pages long f/f romance. First, because it’s not that often that you get to have such a long book, second, because everybody needs some Hunter & Ellie in their life.
The length of this book was something I was a bit worried about, because I was afraid I’d be bored . . . but clearly I had nothing to worry about because I enjoyed every second of it. Really. There was never a moment I was thinking ‘Okay, nice, but what’s next?’ No. There was always something happening that kept my attention. And if I have to be honest, I wouldn’t even have minded more pages . . . that’s how much I liked what I read.
I’m not a huge fan of insta love . . . okay let’s be honest, I hate that – that’s the demiromantic in me speaking, but somehow it worked for Ellie and Hunter. They are immediately attracted to each other, but it doesn’t feel like insta love. I didn’t mind their pretty much immediate closeness because it didn’t feel forced, just two people flirting and being attracted to each other. Something real. You could see from the start Hunter and Ellie understood each other so well, they could see beyond the appearances, see the true person behind the mask.
Their romance doesn’t feel like insta love because you get to read about both Hunter and Ellie sorting out their feelings, trying to make sense of them, talking about what they feel to their friends and family . . . you see what’s happening in their head, step by step.
I admire Ellie. I admire the woman and the mother she is. I admire her strength, her courage, her stubbornness, her kindness . . . I admire her qualities, and respect her defaults.
Ellie is the 32-year-old mother of 16-year-old Jessie, she raised her daughter on her own, without the help of her parents who let her down because she’s gay. They tried to change her, change something that’s so fundamentally part of who she is that it cannot be changed, no matter how ‘hard’ they tried to cure her from her ‘gayness.’ They made her ashamed, made her think she wasn’t worthy of their love, that being gay was a sin . . . they made her feel like she had to try ‘to cure’ herself, which led her to being pregnant and having Jessie, something she can’t possibly regret.
The relationship between Ellie and Jessie is beautiful, you can see how much they care for each other, and how easy their mother-daughter relationship is. They love each other unconditionally, and don’t feel like they have to judge the other for being true to herself.
Hunter made me cry. More than once. What this woman went through is horrible, it’s something that should never have happened to her or anyone.
And even with what she went through, she still graduated from Harvard and became a successful trauma surgeon . . . that’s what I call giving a huge middle finger to the world.
She’s trying really hard to move on from her past with the help of her friends and a therapy, trying hard to understand that none of what happened to her is her fault, that she shouldn’t blame herself and think people are going to stop loving her if they know about what her past.
I absolutely loved her relationship with her parents! If I could have them as my parents I’d be happy, they were simply amazing, caring, understanding, accepting parents and gosh they deserve the world for being this awesome!
Another thing I liked about this book was the friendships and how realistic they were. Maybe you don’t know this, but queer people aren’t on their own, we tend to attract each others and be friends, so if you read a book and there is this one gay friend . . . well it’s not really realistic because we stick together. Hunter’s friends are a bunch of amazing lesbians, reading about them was funny because they’ve known each other for so long, but also really moving because the bond between them is so deep and meaningful!
How weird would it be not to talk about the main couple of this story? Ellie and Hunter are super cute together, that’s for sure, but like I said above, there is more to them than just them being cute. They trusted each other with the darkest part of their mind, of their life, they didn’t shy away from the ugly, they decided to be honest with each other and accept the other as she is. Trust and respect are what define their relationship.
Of course they made some mistakes along the way, they misread some informations and jumped to conclusion sometimes, but in the end they cleared everything because they decided to talk to each other. Communication is a huge part of their relationship.
I’m pretty sure I missed some things, because this book contains a lot of informations and plot twists, but I think I talked about everything that mattered the most to me.
4 / 5
Thank you Buoni Amici Press for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2017
This story begns in a nice fashion with two women meeting each other and going through all of the little things we all do or did meeting and dating someone who blows us away. Then the story shifts to the emotional and troubled as past traumas are brought to light and made current. A cast of characters, friends of the main characters, are introduced and the story begins to feel like, oh, wait, I know... this feels like a sequel... because it is! It's my own fault for just grabbing a feebie from Kindle Unlimited without any research.
When the Doctor meets the Cook there were so many charming moments. People speak their lines but we also see what they think in italicized statements. I really enjoyed this part. There was so much invested in when would they acknowledge their feelings for each other, when would they kiss and so on that at 70% when one character just freaks out for no adult reason it ceased to be entertaining as the troubles and trauma mounted. I had difficulty in going further. The forty year old trauma surgeon seemed likes she was twenty and the 30 year old Cook sounded like Angela Lansbury with all of the answers until she became caught up in her own surreal trauma. Just not my cup of tea.
When the Doctor meets the Cook there were so many charming moments. People speak their lines but we also see what they think in italicized statements. I really enjoyed this part. There was so much invested in when would they acknowledge their feelings for each other, when would they kiss and so on that at 70% when one character just freaks out for no adult reason it ceased to be entertaining as the troubles and trauma mounted. I had difficulty in going further. The forty year old trauma surgeon seemed likes she was twenty and the 30 year old Cook sounded like Angela Lansbury with all of the answers until she became caught up in her own surreal trauma. Just not my cup of tea.
August 28, 2017
3.5
I can't say I really liked this book but I know I liked most of it (if that makes any sense). This is the first book by the author that I have read and I can't say I won't look more into her stories. The two main characters are Ellie and Hunter and they are pretty well done The supporting characters, who many have interesting stories and their own books, help the story enough without stealing it away. I will say that the ending to me left me a bit dissatisfied as in it felt rushed. The whole book is long and detailed but when it came to the conclusion of all the problems it just sorta was solved. Also, it was weird how or even why Ellie the party responsible for her accident was responsible. There was no hint to it and it came out of nowhere...and it was an unnecessary twist. I think it kinda hurt the story honestly. I did really like Rebecca amd Cassidy and will read the little novella about them.
Overall, not a bad read. A bit wordy at times and long but the story was good. Free on kU so if you hate it, you lose nothing but time.
I can't say I really liked this book but I know I liked most of it (if that makes any sense). This is the first book by the author that I have read and I can't say I won't look more into her stories. The two main characters are Ellie and Hunter and they are pretty well done The supporting characters, who many have interesting stories and their own books, help the story enough without stealing it away. I will say that the ending to me left me a bit dissatisfied as in it felt rushed. The whole book is long and detailed but when it came to the conclusion of all the problems it just sorta was solved. Also, it was weird how or even why Ellie the party responsible for her accident was responsible. There was no hint to it and it came out of nowhere...and it was an unnecessary twist. I think it kinda hurt the story honestly. I did really like Rebecca amd Cassidy and will read the little novella about them.
Overall, not a bad read. A bit wordy at times and long but the story was good. Free on kU so if you hate it, you lose nothing but time.
August 9, 2020
I read this off the back of reading Coming To: An LA Lovers Book. The MCs in Coming Out are secondary characters in Coming To and I was interested in hearing more about their story. Reading them back to back was a little strange - as the book takes place in the same period with many of the same events - but it really helped me appreciate the storyline further and didn't detract from this book at all. As I said in my review of Coming To - I think you can read them in any order.
Whilst I loved both Hunter and Ellie, one of the things I liked the most about the storyline here is that you get a lot of time with secondary characters, all of which are written well and add something to the book, especially in getting to know the MCs. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Ellie and her daughter.
Both Hunter and Ellie have reasons to doubt each other, and whether their relationship will work, but a strength of both the characters and the storyline is how they work through these things together. Much like Coming To the topics discussed aren't always easy and the book does deal with homophobia, but it doesn't dwell on them unnecessarily.
At heart this book is a story of love and chosen families and how they face the world together and I would recommend giving it a go.
Whilst I loved both Hunter and Ellie, one of the things I liked the most about the storyline here is that you get a lot of time with secondary characters, all of which are written well and add something to the book, especially in getting to know the MCs. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Ellie and her daughter.
Both Hunter and Ellie have reasons to doubt each other, and whether their relationship will work, but a strength of both the characters and the storyline is how they work through these things together. Much like Coming To the topics discussed aren't always easy and the book does deal with homophobia, but it doesn't dwell on them unnecessarily.
At heart this book is a story of love and chosen families and how they face the world together and I would recommend giving it a go.
September 6, 2017
I received an ARC from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed the story of this book - in some parts it was a little to detail oriented for me and I could I done with less. The two main characters were very well portrait and their chemistry was there. It was a typical f/f love story with some up and downs but well written. The ending felt a bit too rushed and as if the author just wanted to end it and left me a bit dissatisfied. I would definitely recommend this book!
I really enjoyed the story of this book - in some parts it was a little to detail oriented for me and I could I done with less. The two main characters were very well portrait and their chemistry was there. It was a typical f/f love story with some up and downs but well written. The ending felt a bit too rushed and as if the author just wanted to end it and left me a bit dissatisfied. I would definitely recommend this book!
November 6, 2025
This was more brilliant and unputdownable than expected. Absolute 11 out of 5 stars.
September 4, 2017
This book started a bit slow but got better and better as I read. The two mains have some serious baggage to address and that's what makes this more than just a romance. I really loved the peripheral characters and look forward to reading more about them. This a rather long book that was free on ku. Nothing better than a good read for free!
September 13, 2017
I really liked this story. Very nice. Very sweet. My only complaint is that everything went a little overboard at the end.
February 10, 2023
Coming Out (An LA Lovers Book)
by Jourdyn Kelly Audible
I've read this series in the past. This time I went with the audiobook. There was one glitch I noticed but not horrible. I like the choice of voices and accents from the narrator. All the regular characters make an appearance and some new ones are introduced. This book's focus is on Ellie Montgomery, her daughter Jessie, and Dr. Hunter Vale. I love seeing old friends from prior books and following their history as well. Each character becomes more and more real. There are a number of twisty moments that takes us into uncharted water. I like the characters and the settings. It is just fun to read with a number of likable characters. I like how the author Jourdyn Kelly shows their brokenness and uses it for the good. It looks like life where we all walk around broken every day. Nothing is easy and this book is worth a 4-star read.
by Jourdyn Kelly Audible
I've read this series in the past. This time I went with the audiobook. There was one glitch I noticed but not horrible. I like the choice of voices and accents from the narrator. All the regular characters make an appearance and some new ones are introduced. This book's focus is on Ellie Montgomery, her daughter Jessie, and Dr. Hunter Vale. I love seeing old friends from prior books and following their history as well. Each character becomes more and more real. There are a number of twisty moments that takes us into uncharted water. I like the characters and the settings. It is just fun to read with a number of likable characters. I like how the author Jourdyn Kelly shows their brokenness and uses it for the good. It looks like life where we all walk around broken every day. Nothing is easy and this book is worth a 4-star read.
September 6, 2017
Wow
I love long books like this. The storyline was well written and the characters drew me in all of them. The ending kinda of threw me off. But I did like how everyone got their closure . I would definitely recommend this book.
I love long books like this. The storyline was well written and the characters drew me in all of them. The ending kinda of threw me off. But I did like how everyone got their closure . I would definitely recommend this book.
November 9, 2022
I love Jourdyn’s writing. I really get sucked in her story’s. The feelings, humor and chemistry always palpable for me. And she always surprises me. I expect this, but get that. Which is great. For me it could have had more sexscenes to be a solid 5 stars or more. But 4,8 nonetheless
August 30, 2017
This was a well written story. I think I suffered from not reading the 1st book, not because its necessary but because it introduces former main characters that I didnt know or have emotional attachment to.
With that being said this was a f/f book with a lot of themes. I was surprised that this wasn't your traditional 20 something coming out story, as one was a single mom with a 16 yr old.
It didnt have that angst I'm used to (I low key love reading about drama) however for a f/f story, with the negativity it gets, I let go of my desire for it because what was more important was positive rep.
The story isnt instalove, but I think anything 500+ pages wont be. Its a real slow burn, and while I like things to move fast, it worked for the story. I'm actually a little surprised that with as long as it was, the ending fell short for me.
Its at the very least a step in the right direction for f/f romantic novels. If the author writes more f/f I'd definitely read them again.
I received this book via Buono Amici Press.
With that being said this was a f/f book with a lot of themes. I was surprised that this wasn't your traditional 20 something coming out story, as one was a single mom with a 16 yr old.
It didnt have that angst I'm used to (I low key love reading about drama) however for a f/f story, with the negativity it gets, I let go of my desire for it because what was more important was positive rep.
The story isnt instalove, but I think anything 500+ pages wont be. Its a real slow burn, and while I like things to move fast, it worked for the story. I'm actually a little surprised that with as long as it was, the ending fell short for me.
Its at the very least a step in the right direction for f/f romantic novels. If the author writes more f/f I'd definitely read them again.
I received this book via Buono Amici Press.
July 2, 2025
It's funny to read in the Acknowledgements of the book that there were several Beta readers reading this to find and correct errors. There are multiple errors in this book, so the Bata readers aren't very good at editing.
March 19, 2024
I absolutely love this book and series!! Ellie owns a well loved diner and bakes scrumptious pies. She's also a closeted lesbian. With a 16 yr old daughter Jessie, who she had at 16 after one experience with a boy. Then one day in walks Dr. Hunter Vale and Ellie has a strange tingling. Hunter is so enamored that she stutters when trying to talk to Ellie.
This book has twists and turns along with a beautiful love story. There are fantastic friendships afforded both main characters. Those friends run through the whole LA Lovers series and also in the Eve Sumpter series. This is a favorite! 5 stars!
This book has twists and turns along with a beautiful love story. There are fantastic friendships afforded both main characters. Those friends run through the whole LA Lovers series and also in the Eve Sumpter series. This is a favorite! 5 stars!
January 14, 2024
what a beautiful story
What a great in depth story with romance, friendship, passion, exploitation, abuse and hatred. It’s more than just a love story, it feels like a real, rich slice of life which has you laughing and crying as the story unfolds. You can really empathise with the main couples personal struggles and complex backstories and seeing them come together is so heartwarming. The interactions between Hunter and Ellie, Jessie, Blaise and their friends are so good and realistic I’m sure it’s a story I will enjoy reading again. I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s work.
What a great in depth story with romance, friendship, passion, exploitation, abuse and hatred. It’s more than just a love story, it feels like a real, rich slice of life which has you laughing and crying as the story unfolds. You can really empathise with the main couples personal struggles and complex backstories and seeing them come together is so heartwarming. The interactions between Hunter and Ellie, Jessie, Blaise and their friends are so good and realistic I’m sure it’s a story I will enjoy reading again. I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s work.
July 22, 2020
Loved the character depth
I stayed up way too late several nights reading this book. I love how Jourdyn brings her characters to life with all their great qualities and weaknesses. She had me crying and ripped my heart out by the turn of events about 3/4 of the way through the book. Keep the books coming please
I stayed up way too late several nights reading this book. I love how Jourdyn brings her characters to life with all their great qualities and weaknesses. She had me crying and ripped my heart out by the turn of events about 3/4 of the way through the book. Keep the books coming please
October 8, 2017
I loved it. Now I'm mourning the characters.
The characters were so easy to fall in love with. I love how well the author can switch genre. Very well written and suspenseful. I can't wait for the next one.
The characters were so easy to fall in love with. I love how well the author can switch genre. Very well written and suspenseful. I can't wait for the next one.
May 30, 2019
I loved it
I loved this book I was great read like all the other u read from u I hope there is more to come from all of them soon all ur books once I started to read them I couldn't put them down u have me hooked for life.😀💙💚💛💜👍
I loved this book I was great read like all the other u read from u I hope there is more to come from all of them soon all ur books once I started to read them I couldn't put them down u have me hooked for life.😀💙💚💛💜👍
February 1, 2023
Coming Out
This was an enjoyable read by Joyrdyn Kelly, I truly devoured. It was fast paced, yet slow burn. The MCs were strong characters with flaws but had great growth. I look forward to more.
This was an enjoyable read by Joyrdyn Kelly, I truly devoured. It was fast paced, yet slow burn. The MCs were strong characters with flaws but had great growth. I look forward to more.
January 21, 2025
Great story with memorable characters. More than a few twists and turns. Enjoyed that characters from other LA Lovers series books by Joudyn Kelly appeared in this novel.
June 9, 2023
After I’ve read Becoming in the same series I was eager to get to know more about the side characters. And even though Becoming was a great story, Coming Out was even better. My to do list severely suffered because I could not put this book down!
Dr. Hunter Vale is a successful trauma surgeon. On the outside her life is perfect but she hides a traumatic past that makes you shudder. Once she walks into Ellie’s Diner, she knows life is about to change.
Ellie is a proud mom of her teenage daughter Jessie. It’s always been the two of them against the world. Even though Ellie has given up her own desires and dreams for her daughter she is content. Her successful diner, her patrons and the love and support of her best friends keep her happy. But is that enough? When Dr. Hunter Vale walks into her diner and starts cutely fumbling through their introduction, Ellie knows deep down this woman is what she’s been waiting for.
The bond that forms between Hunter and Ellie through the many trials and tribulations they face is inspiring and touching in the best way. The two women explore each other and their connection with honesty and openness. You can’t help but root for them to succeed screaming encouragements from the bleachers. You’ll keep turning the pages at record speed.
The connections and trust the women have formed with their friends are what bring an extra layer of goodness to the story. Real friendship is actually the second main thread that makes this book so compelling. It makes you want to call your besties for a girls night and hug them tight.
I know Kelly’s books are known for their high spice level. This book does have some spicy scenes but Kelly stays true to her characters and doesn’t go overboard. It wouldn’t be so believable otherwise.
I haven’t read the whole LA Lovers Series at this point but be sure I will devour them all. Jourdyn Kelly has a talent that is meant to be savored. If you’re not into series, do yourself a favor and at least read this one, you will be grateful you’ve picked it up!
Dr. Hunter Vale is a successful trauma surgeon. On the outside her life is perfect but she hides a traumatic past that makes you shudder. Once she walks into Ellie’s Diner, she knows life is about to change.
Ellie is a proud mom of her teenage daughter Jessie. It’s always been the two of them against the world. Even though Ellie has given up her own desires and dreams for her daughter she is content. Her successful diner, her patrons and the love and support of her best friends keep her happy. But is that enough? When Dr. Hunter Vale walks into her diner and starts cutely fumbling through their introduction, Ellie knows deep down this woman is what she’s been waiting for.
The bond that forms between Hunter and Ellie through the many trials and tribulations they face is inspiring and touching in the best way. The two women explore each other and their connection with honesty and openness. You can’t help but root for them to succeed screaming encouragements from the bleachers. You’ll keep turning the pages at record speed.
The connections and trust the women have formed with their friends are what bring an extra layer of goodness to the story. Real friendship is actually the second main thread that makes this book so compelling. It makes you want to call your besties for a girls night and hug them tight.
I know Kelly’s books are known for their high spice level. This book does have some spicy scenes but Kelly stays true to her characters and doesn’t go overboard. It wouldn’t be so believable otherwise.
I haven’t read the whole LA Lovers Series at this point but be sure I will devour them all. Jourdyn Kelly has a talent that is meant to be savored. If you’re not into series, do yourself a favor and at least read this one, you will be grateful you’ve picked it up!
February 15, 2024
Fantastic book.
This was great from the first to the last page. Obviously reoccurring characters.
I laughed, cried and was angry. It was definitely a surprise and unexpected ending.
Enjoy!
This was great from the first to the last page. Obviously reoccurring characters.
I laughed, cried and was angry. It was definitely a surprise and unexpected ending.
Enjoy!
September 7, 2017
I was part of the blog tour for this book, so I received an ARC in exchange for a review, and I enjoyed it.
I had a bit of a rocky start with this book. The first few pages immediately introduce us to four different characters, and we’ve clearly started at the end of a different story. Once I got accustomed to the quick banter, though, I was just fine. There were plenty of other characters to keep straight (excuse the pun), but they all had distinct and vibrant personalities, so it wasn’t difficult.
I liked Hunter and Ellie’s romantic tension and relationship. What I appreciated even more, though, were all the other female relationships in the book, those between Ellie and her daughter as well as the main characters and their close friends. A steamy romance is always fun, but I love the complexities and warmth in female friendships and mother/daughter relationships as well. It gives the reader a deeper look at the characters and rounds them out nicely.
There was a bit of awkwardly worded dialog here and there, but nothing that detracted too much from the story and overall, this was a fun read. It has enough tension and drama to keep the story moving, but enough heart to keep you invested in the characters. I didn’t know anything about the book going in, but I suspected, and found out that it is part of the LA Lovers series. I’ve had good luck in the past with groups of female characters in these types of series, and I’ll definitely be checking out the others in order to spend more time with some of the secondary characters.
It’s a bit long at 549 pages, but it moves quickly. Also, as a final (and very small) note, I appreciated the little pie to separate breaks in the plot. It was a cute, thoughtful touch. Two thumbs up.
I had a bit of a rocky start with this book. The first few pages immediately introduce us to four different characters, and we’ve clearly started at the end of a different story. Once I got accustomed to the quick banter, though, I was just fine. There were plenty of other characters to keep straight (excuse the pun), but they all had distinct and vibrant personalities, so it wasn’t difficult.
I liked Hunter and Ellie’s romantic tension and relationship. What I appreciated even more, though, were all the other female relationships in the book, those between Ellie and her daughter as well as the main characters and their close friends. A steamy romance is always fun, but I love the complexities and warmth in female friendships and mother/daughter relationships as well. It gives the reader a deeper look at the characters and rounds them out nicely.
There was a bit of awkwardly worded dialog here and there, but nothing that detracted too much from the story and overall, this was a fun read. It has enough tension and drama to keep the story moving, but enough heart to keep you invested in the characters. I didn’t know anything about the book going in, but I suspected, and found out that it is part of the LA Lovers series. I’ve had good luck in the past with groups of female characters in these types of series, and I’ll definitely be checking out the others in order to spend more time with some of the secondary characters.
It’s a bit long at 549 pages, but it moves quickly. Also, as a final (and very small) note, I appreciated the little pie to separate breaks in the plot. It was a cute, thoughtful touch. Two thumbs up.
January 14, 2019
AWESOME!!!!!
“The truth always comes out when you’re not thinking enough to censor yourself.”
“Problem was, life doesn’t stop just because you want to take a breath.”
**************************************
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS ALERT **
**************************************
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!!
Outstanding excellence in putting into words the unexplainable & the unfathomable to explain & express those who haven't been exposed to &/or experienced it themselves.
Nothing like finally finding the love you've wanted, waited & weeped for thru so many years of patience being pummeled by violent waves' punishing pain & possibilities!!
I Loved this journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified between Ellie & Hunter— all while in the midst of a redefining self-discovery of understanding & acceptance their transformed identities, which was crafted marvelously!!
I swear, this series got better every book— especially considering how high the bar was set with the first one!! But, ad usual, Jordyn Kelly delivered once again. I'm just hoping that this wasn't the last time we see them, because the characters' lives still gave so much left to explore & experience, (…& I still need… WANT SO DESPERATELY!!) as we continue learning & following about their lives, endeavors, journeys & futures of their stories.
“The truth always comes out when you’re not thinking enough to censor yourself.”
“Problem was, life doesn’t stop just because you want to take a breath.”
**************************************
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS ALERT **
**************************************
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!!
Outstanding excellence in putting into words the unexplainable & the unfathomable to explain & express those who haven't been exposed to &/or experienced it themselves.
Nothing like finally finding the love you've wanted, waited & weeped for thru so many years of patience being pummeled by violent waves' punishing pain & possibilities!!
I Loved this journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified between Ellie & Hunter— all while in the midst of a redefining self-discovery of understanding & acceptance their transformed identities, which was crafted marvelously!!
I swear, this series got better every book— especially considering how high the bar was set with the first one!! But, ad usual, Jordyn Kelly delivered once again. I'm just hoping that this wasn't the last time we see them, because the characters' lives still gave so much left to explore & experience, (…& I still need… WANT SO DESPERATELY!!) as we continue learning & following about their lives, endeavors, journeys & futures of their stories.
February 9, 2024
I m glad I came across Kelly through Melissa Tereze novels 😊 This book was beautiful!
August 23, 2017
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
I had never read any of this authors work before this book but I can confidently say that I would definitely read other books by her.
This story is not unique in its genre but it is the way that the author has created these loveable characters and written a story that flows well that makes this an enjoyable read.
The one thing that I really like about this book is that although the title is coming out, the reader doesn't have live through the usual painful experience of someone who wants to be out secretly and there is no conflict surrounding the actual coming out.
Ellie was a bit of a dark horse because she had sides to her that I did not expect but I really liked and Hunter was just a really fun character.
There are obviously some downsides since I didn't give this book 5 stars but I felt that the downs were outweighed by my enjoyment of the characters and how well written the book was bit some might find the added storylines to be a bit much.
I really hope I get to see Ellie and Hunter make an appearance in a spin-off.
4.3 stars
I had never read any of this authors work before this book but I can confidently say that I would definitely read other books by her.
This story is not unique in its genre but it is the way that the author has created these loveable characters and written a story that flows well that makes this an enjoyable read.
The one thing that I really like about this book is that although the title is coming out, the reader doesn't have live through the usual painful experience of someone who wants to be out secretly and there is no conflict surrounding the actual coming out.
Ellie was a bit of a dark horse because she had sides to her that I did not expect but I really liked and Hunter was just a really fun character.
There are obviously some downsides since I didn't give this book 5 stars but I felt that the downs were outweighed by my enjoyment of the characters and how well written the book was bit some might find the added storylines to be a bit much.
I really hope I get to see Ellie and Hunter make an appearance in a spin-off.
4.3 stars
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