Open Spaces

by Barbara Winkes

A chance encounter and instant attraction: For one night, it doesn’t matter that Lauren and Summer lead different lives, with different obligations and dreams. The morning after and the following weeks leave them with many questions.
Could there be a chance for something beyond the obvious connection and chemistry, and how much compromise is involved? Lauren and Summer must find the answers together, as they navigate this new relationship.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Adult, Lesbian

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2017

About the author

Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.

Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.

Reviews

[Avid Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light, feel good novella. The kind you want to read when you are having a bad day, just for the feel good effect you get when finished.

Lauren has it all, a great job, great apartment, great everything, but no one to share it with.
Summer has no time for romance. Between school, work and her mother, the thought of trying to find the time for dating is unrealistic, and so not going to happen.

One is willing to give up anything for a chance at love, the other doesn’t think she is worth it.

A chance meeting and instant attraction between Lauren and Summer could change both of their lives, if only…

I give this 3.5 stars, good book and fun light read.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a long short story and not a novel.

Summer has been occupied with her PhD program and caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's and is living in a nursing home. She hasn't been romantically or sexually involved in 2 years. At her friend's urging, she attends the opening of a new art gallery and there she meets Lauren, the gallery's architect. The two have an immediate attraction and end up back at Lauren's place for what Summer thinks is a one-night stand. But instead, it's the beginning of something neither one expected.

The story is a typical lesbian love story of a new and special relationship. The tension comes in the last third when Lauren must make a big decision about her career and her new relationship.

While this is advertised as an erotic romance and there is sex, I wouldn't call the sex especially well described or anything out of the ordinary contemporary lesfic romance genre.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer is a teaching assistant working on her PhD and taking care of her mother who has Alzheimer's. Her friend convinces her to attend an art gallery opening where she meets Lauren, the architect of the gallery. There's an immediate attraction, but they each have their own responsibilities. Lauren is offered a job opportunity of a lifetime, but it's in another state. She would like Summer to go with her, but how could she leave her mother? It's a well written story that rings true for so many young couples starting out. Family commitments vs job opportunities. And will promotion in your job truly bring you happiness? Will these questions ever be answered? Nice, interesting story, Barbara!

[Cathy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

Barbara Winkes never disappoints. I usually read the thrillers, so this sweet story is quite a departure for me. But “Open Spaces” got me saying, “Why doesn’t that happen for me?” Seriously, the characters are all terrific - especially Lauren and Summer, going through their own adult issues and life decisions. The friends, meddlesome though they are, round out the cast nicely. This was a nice, easy and enjoyable afternoon read.

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this delightful short love story!

Barbara Winkes is a talented writer who easily has shared one of the sweetest love stories I have read. The passion leaped off the pages burrowing into my heart to take up residence there. The heat generated from these two women was spectacular and easily envisioned in my mind. A thirst was quenched with their joining. Oh, yes this is an easy recommendation to read!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this only to realize I'd read it before! It's a well written novel about Summer and Lauren who both are searching to find that someone. When they click they ignite fire, hope, and passion in one another. The dilemma? Can Summer accept that Lauren is in for the long haul? And can Lauren convince her that a new job position is less important then their relationship.

[Ngoni Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of Summer and Lauren who met and clicked instantly, its a beautiful journey seeing them battle their daily challenges towards their happily ever after.
It's It's simple and straightforward story and easy to read as well.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story of a chance encounter in a restroom that leads to a lot more, but also of learning from mistakes and taking what it is that you are really after. The story is written well, decently paced with nice sex scenes, and a bit of angst.

[Heather Henkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I enjoyed this short story. It was a really quick read but it packed a lot of emotions into the story.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This was really sweet but it's not my favorite thing I've read from Winkes. The characters were fine but I never got attached to them the way that I wanted.