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Tangle: A Lesbian Romance
Kensi Carlton thought she was happy. She had a career, a long term girlfriend, and the hair she's been growing out since she was a young girl. But a betrayal sends her reeling into an existential crisis and, needing fast and ferocious change, she decides to cut it all out. Tess Upton is good at her job. It isn't just that she's an expert stylist. She's also a dedicated listener, experienced at hearing her client's desires and gently guiding them toward the needed shifts in their lives. She's not comfortable, however, with talking about her own needs-- and she's deathly afraid of change. When Kensi asks Tess to cut off all her hair, it isn't just a hair cut. It's a fresh start for both of them. But when their pasts keep tangling with the present, can they still hope for a future together?
220 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2017
52 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Em Stevens
11 books74 followersEm Stevens was shortlisted for most likely to succeed. She’s a best-selling author of queer fiction. When she isn’t writing she enjoys all that NC has to offer, from mountains to the sea, wine and distilleries. Em and company, including two furry friends, reside in Raleigh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 28, 2019
Nice read!
September 26, 2018
This was a really good read. Kenzie is reeling from her break-up with Leslie and turns up for her weekly hair appointment and asks to have her hair cut off. She's been growing it since 5th grade and the knee length hair is a weight she doesn't think she can bear any longer. Tess, her hairdresser, has some ideas for her to try before she chops it off.
Some really important themes are woven into this story like the divisiveness of finances, the effects of power-imbalance, the abuse of the imbalance and how easy it is to lose your identity in a relationship. This makes it sound like a really heavy book but Stevens manages to keep a sense of lightness while dealing with these topics.
I really appreciated that there was good communication between the characters. Nice to find a new author to read.
Some really important themes are woven into this story like the divisiveness of finances, the effects of power-imbalance, the abuse of the imbalance and how easy it is to lose your identity in a relationship. This makes it sound like a really heavy book but Stevens manages to keep a sense of lightness while dealing with these topics.
I really appreciated that there was good communication between the characters. Nice to find a new author to read.
July 11, 2017
An Enjoyable Read
Em Stevens has quickly become one kindleUnlimited author that I look forward to reading. Her writing is well done and well edited (not common for many of these type of publications). The characters are well thought out and defined and you feel a connection of some sort to them. This is the definitely the case with this story. Kensi and Tess are flawed, not super rich, and not with everything figured out...but together they get there...kinda. I will agree with another reviewer that not everything was "solved" or "answered," but for this part of their lives, this story, it was. Now a sequel maybe series with new leads and them in it would be welcome...maybe...possibly...please.
Anyway, a solid 4.5 in my book. Definitely looking forward to future reads.
Em Stevens has quickly become one kindleUnlimited author that I look forward to reading. Her writing is well done and well edited (not common for many of these type of publications). The characters are well thought out and defined and you feel a connection of some sort to them. This is the definitely the case with this story. Kensi and Tess are flawed, not super rich, and not with everything figured out...but together they get there...kinda. I will agree with another reviewer that not everything was "solved" or "answered," but for this part of their lives, this story, it was. Now a sequel maybe series with new leads and them in it would be welcome...maybe...possibly...please.
Anyway, a solid 4.5 in my book. Definitely looking forward to future reads.
September 22, 2018
2 MCs, Kensi and Tess, burnt by previous partners came together and learnt to trust each other. Both characters are flawed and as real as you get them.
September 15, 2017
A lovely finish
This starts with a tough lesson and a hook-up, but evolves into a sweet story about relationships that is wound around some interesting areas that are too often overlooked in lesbian relationships. Overall a really enjoyable read that makes me want to read more by this author.
This starts with a tough lesson and a hook-up, but evolves into a sweet story about relationships that is wound around some interesting areas that are too often overlooked in lesbian relationships. Overall a really enjoyable read that makes me want to read more by this author.
May 26, 2017
Author's note and Kensi's dad's article were a nice wrap up to this story. Longer than other books by Em Stevens, it was perfect. It addresses how trauma leaves scars and also talked about how domestic abuse isn't just a straight thing. Watching these characters grow was beautiful. They're both flawed and wearing scars, but they're also strong enough to move forward and find changes. So good and the relationship development was so well done, not rushed or over the top. Definitely recommend all of Em Stevens' books, but this one and Critical Hit are my favorites. Not the modern-day Rapunzel I initially expected, but honesty so much better.
August 3, 2017
Okay, so I appreciate what the author was doing here - this novella (novel?) deals with a lot of heavy subjects, and I can respect that.
But I didn't really like either of the characters, and as with the author's previous work, a lot of the conversations felt unrealistic. Guess this just wasn't for me.
But I didn't really like either of the characters, and as with the author's previous work, a lot of the conversations felt unrealistic. Guess this just wasn't for me.
November 12, 2017
Em Stevens is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed Rook Takes Queen a lot and Tangle was also a joy to read through.
It's quite refreshing to see an ex-girlfriend that did something other than cheating, glad the author didn't go for that low hanging fruit everyone always use as a reason for breakup.
It's quite refreshing to see an ex-girlfriend that did something other than cheating, glad the author didn't go for that low hanging fruit everyone always use as a reason for breakup.
September 25, 2018
First I wasn't sure, but the other reviews sounded interesting, and now it's on my favorite’s shelf. Good solid book. Angst, drama, sexy times, happy mushy stuff. Truly recommend it.
September 12, 2018
Em looks so happy in her photo I raised this from a harsh 3* to 4*. A lovely yarn and I loved the rebirth of Kensi. Standard fare but recommended.
November 17, 2017
Read "Tangled" if you love lesbian romance.
Kenzi and Tess have a standing weekly appointment. Kenzi has knee length hair and Tess works a stylist's magic on it for her. Kenzi and Leslie are life partners. Leslie has spent the last three years, of their five year long relationship, stealing Kenzi's identity. When Kenzi discovers what's been happening right in front of her, she breaks things off with her felonious girlfriend.
Cutting ties with a past that plagues her, Kenzi turns to Tess to cut her long hair very short. Kenzi sets out on a journey of self discovery with more than a little help from the free spirited Tess. Tess reaches back to take her hand and to give her a chance to vent.
The beauty of this novel is that it charts the course of one complicated and transformative relationship. It doesn't push and pull these women along until the last few pages and a predictable epilogue. The reader tags along with this romantic duo. It's a series of highlights, for sure, but the story has a cumulative impact. Everything is not just flowers and sunshine. The book covers important territory, without being heavy handed.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. Tangle manages to strike just the right note on the subject of lesbians in love.
Kenzi and Tess have a standing weekly appointment. Kenzi has knee length hair and Tess works a stylist's magic on it for her. Kenzi and Leslie are life partners. Leslie has spent the last three years, of their five year long relationship, stealing Kenzi's identity. When Kenzi discovers what's been happening right in front of her, she breaks things off with her felonious girlfriend.
Cutting ties with a past that plagues her, Kenzi turns to Tess to cut her long hair very short. Kenzi sets out on a journey of self discovery with more than a little help from the free spirited Tess. Tess reaches back to take her hand and to give her a chance to vent.
The beauty of this novel is that it charts the course of one complicated and transformative relationship. It doesn't push and pull these women along until the last few pages and a predictable epilogue. The reader tags along with this romantic duo. It's a series of highlights, for sure, but the story has a cumulative impact. Everything is not just flowers and sunshine. The book covers important territory, without being heavy handed.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. Tangle manages to strike just the right note on the subject of lesbians in love.
September 21, 2023
a good read…
I can’t say that this book swept me away. It didn’t. However, I did want to see Kenzi and Tess make it. I wasn’t so sure in the beginning. As Tess was a hard read. It took Kenzi to go against all odds to finally ask her out on a date. It turns out that he soulmate had been sitting right under her nose for five years.
This is a slow moving story. There are a few parts that are filled with angst, it I am glad that these two were very gentle with one another’s emotions and feelings. This is a story that is mostly told. There is some dialogue, but it’s light in quantity not quality.
I am glad these two found their HEA. I believe they both deserved it and are a great match.
I read this book in less than a day. There were times when I was bored and was tempted to skim/skip some parts. It could use just a little more sex scenes to show their connection and how it grew more. All in all, I would recommend this book, espero those that are new to lesbian fiction. For diehards like me, it’s too light.
I can’t say that this book swept me away. It didn’t. However, I did want to see Kenzi and Tess make it. I wasn’t so sure in the beginning. As Tess was a hard read. It took Kenzi to go against all odds to finally ask her out on a date. It turns out that he soulmate had been sitting right under her nose for five years.
This is a slow moving story. There are a few parts that are filled with angst, it I am glad that these two were very gentle with one another’s emotions and feelings. This is a story that is mostly told. There is some dialogue, but it’s light in quantity not quality.
I am glad these two found their HEA. I believe they both deserved it and are a great match.
I read this book in less than a day. There were times when I was bored and was tempted to skim/skip some parts. It could use just a little more sex scenes to show their connection and how it grew more. All in all, I would recommend this book, espero those that are new to lesbian fiction. For diehards like me, it’s too light.
July 2, 2017
Excellent
This is an excellent reading I truly enjoyed, it's sweet, down to earth and spicy. The characters are charming and captivating. Kensi is the sweetest scared little bird until her friendship with Tess, her hair stylist grew and helped her get stronger and believe in her herself, getting comfortable in her own skin after a breaking up with girlfriend of five years who was stealing her identity and her money. Tess has been in an abusive and reckless relationship too and Kensi helped her thru difficult times. It's beautiful the way they supported each other and got counseling when needed, they build with trust and love, encouraging to be better, stronger and honest. I definitely recommend this lovely and alluring story. Bravo Em Stevens!!!!
This is an excellent reading I truly enjoyed, it's sweet, down to earth and spicy. The characters are charming and captivating. Kensi is the sweetest scared little bird until her friendship with Tess, her hair stylist grew and helped her get stronger and believe in her herself, getting comfortable in her own skin after a breaking up with girlfriend of five years who was stealing her identity and her money. Tess has been in an abusive and reckless relationship too and Kensi helped her thru difficult times. It's beautiful the way they supported each other and got counseling when needed, they build with trust and love, encouraging to be better, stronger and honest. I definitely recommend this lovely and alluring story. Bravo Em Stevens!!!!
November 27, 2020
Wow! This book was a journey! It connectd to me in different ways, but also was eye-opening in the ways it diverged from me. I started, as a long-haired woman, imagining what it would be like to go in to my stylist and ask her to change the style… but there was so much more! There were two women who have been hurt… deeply hurt… by their pasts. And finding ways to connect to each other, without letting those traumatic pasts keep them from the promise of finding love together. I thought the author did a great job of showing those effects, neither exaggerating their impact as time goes on, nor minimizing it. But even as she did that, her book was fun romance and found me rooting for the couple as well as catching my heart when they found obstacles to their love.
June 22, 2017
I Liked It
But I think the story ended too soon and left a couple of things hanging.
Was the salon that Kenzie bought for Tess a success? And what about the coffee shop that Kenzie's friends are opening? Has it opened? Did Kenzie's friends follow through with their plan to get married in their new business on its grand opening? If so, did Kenzie and Tess have a role in the wedding?
Do Kenzie and Tess have or plan to have children? What about Tess's parents? Do they ever fully accept Kenzie and Tess?
The story is good. I read the book in one sitting. I get really annoyed, though, when writers and books abruptly and I think the full story isn't told.
But I think the story ended too soon and left a couple of things hanging.
Was the salon that Kenzie bought for Tess a success? And what about the coffee shop that Kenzie's friends are opening? Has it opened? Did Kenzie's friends follow through with their plan to get married in their new business on its grand opening? If so, did Kenzie and Tess have a role in the wedding?
Do Kenzie and Tess have or plan to have children? What about Tess's parents? Do they ever fully accept Kenzie and Tess?
The story is good. I read the book in one sitting. I get really annoyed, though, when writers and books abruptly and I think the full story isn't told.
December 4, 2019
What a sweet story
I enjoyed reading Tangle. It was a refreshing read on what compels someone to make drastic changes in their lives, be it from the support of someone you care about or the betrayal of someone you love and trusted. Kensi and Tess had some obstacles to work through due to past hurts but together, they were exactly what each other needed. Through patience, communication and understanding, they each were able to work last their pain and give themselves fully to one another.
I enjoyed reading Tangle. It was a refreshing read on what compels someone to make drastic changes in their lives, be it from the support of someone you care about or the betrayal of someone you love and trusted. Kensi and Tess had some obstacles to work through due to past hurts but together, they were exactly what each other needed. Through patience, communication and understanding, they each were able to work last their pain and give themselves fully to one another.
August 21, 2019
The main characters in this story are each survivors of abusive, financially exploitative relationships. Over coming the damage and learning to trust again is something each must learn to do before their relationship can fully develop.
While the problems are resolved with an unrealistically small amount of angst, the story does cast a light on some very real issues not normally found in a HEA romance.
Gregg's essay to his daughter was sweet.
While the problems are resolved with an unrealistically small amount of angst, the story does cast a light on some very real issues not normally found in a HEA romance.
Gregg's essay to his daughter was sweet.
April 15, 2020
"Tangle: A Lesbian Romance" (2017, 2018) by Em Stevens is a marvelous novel about the love between Kensi and her hairdresser, Tess. After growing her hair since she was a child, Kensi tells Tess to cut it short. Kensi reveals a painful breakup with her girlfriend, who betrayed her by stealing from her. Kensi and Tess become lovers, but Tess is hiding a secret. The characters are interesting and complicated. Madeline Grace’s narration is spot on. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2020
Really good! From a writing point of view, this is exemplary. We get the two characters who both have flaws, and their problems are things they consciously have to work out. The mains are both characters in their 30s, and they act mature. When their buttons are pressed, they come back from the hurtful or panicked first reactions to work out their problems. This is a masterclass in how full and interesting romances can be written, even as novellas.
May 30, 2017
Fun & Sexy
Let me just say that after reading her first book in only two days, it took me less than a week to read to read her other books! Yeah I'm definitely hooked. She has a terrific writing style that is so smooth and at times so intense. I recommend ALL her books and I easily rated each one 5 stars !!!
Let me just say that after reading her first book in only two days, it took me less than a week to read to read her other books! Yeah I'm definitely hooked. She has a terrific writing style that is so smooth and at times so intense. I recommend ALL her books and I easily rated each one 5 stars !!!
August 6, 2017
Fantastic
Fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic. The book is a really good book, especially the end its shows no matter what kind of relationship straight, gay, bisexual any kind that they all have the same problems that people sometimes face.
Fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic fantastic. The book is a really good book, especially the end its shows no matter what kind of relationship straight, gay, bisexual any kind that they all have the same problems that people sometimes face.
July 31, 2019
A Very Good Story!
I loved the story of Kenzie & Tess. The honesty of their failed relationships and the hurt and embarrassment that they were going through. Understanding ones self is something we all struggle with and it is so hard with extenuating circumstances.
New writer for me. Great Job!
I loved the story of Kenzie & Tess. The honesty of their failed relationships and the hurt and embarrassment that they were going through. Understanding ones self is something we all struggle with and it is so hard with extenuating circumstances.
New writer for me. Great Job!
September 18, 2019
Kensi has never cut her hair. When she breaks up with her girlfriend she decides to finally do it. Over the past few months her appointments with her hair stylist have been the most relaxing experiences she's had. Tess would wash and dry her long locks. It felt good for someone to take care of Kensi for a change.
Could this lead to something more?
Could this lead to something more?
May 20, 2020
It was interesting though not what I expected when I first picked it up. It took me a little to get into it, the writing being a little too literal and explanatory, but the characters were interesting enough. Funnily my favorite part was the police station and the couch buying - I think it probably could have ended after that with the rest as an epilogue.
August 19, 2024
NoComment of Nunawading (AU)
Triumph through adversity; at times genuinely tear-inducing and at others, laugh out loud!
A brilliant and thought-provoking storyline, great characters… altogether a five star performance by Em Stevens, now please excuse me as I need to go find my next book of Em’s to read!
Triumph through adversity; at times genuinely tear-inducing and at others, laugh out loud!
A brilliant and thought-provoking storyline, great characters… altogether a five star performance by Em Stevens, now please excuse me as I need to go find my next book of Em’s to read!
August 20, 2017
An uplifting story
This story deals with some pretty heavy issues, but does it in a way that leaves you feeling happy in the end. Kensie and Tess are a great pair of leads and the story is told with fantastic pacing, delivering new bits and pieces at just the right time.
This story deals with some pretty heavy issues, but does it in a way that leaves you feeling happy in the end. Kensie and Tess are a great pair of leads and the story is told with fantastic pacing, delivering new bits and pieces at just the right time.
December 22, 2017
This is a really sweet lesbian romance, and I really enjoyed it. It deals with important issues, like abuse, but in a way that's productive, respectful, and accessible for survivors. It also features A LOT of adorable DDR. Definitely recommended.
May 29, 2017
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book and I haven't read a book by this author that I haven't loved. Pick any or all, they are awesome.
I really enjoyed this book and I haven't read a book by this author that I haven't loved. Pick any or all, they are awesome.
June 1, 2017
Really love her work
A few books I actually remember reading and they happen to be written by Em Stevens, and i read a lot of books. Light, serious, and very good read.
A few books I actually remember reading and they happen to be written by Em Stevens, and i read a lot of books. Light, serious, and very good read.
August 29, 2019
3.75 stars
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it's well written.
The story is pretty simplistic, yet it's not. The entire plot focuses on getting over her ex.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it's well written.
The story is pretty simplistic, yet it's not. The entire plot focuses on getting over her ex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews