What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicago #1
The Best Lines
Eva Dash has her career on track. After earning her Ph. D in Literature, she became a professor at the same college she’d called home as a student. When she loses the only job she’s ever wanted, she’s forced to consider leaving the only home she’s ever really known.
Ember Elliot, the reformed player, has finally committed herself to looking for the right woman while struggling to find herself in other ways. She’s tired of being misunderstood by her family and hiding a very important part of herself from them. Being gay isn’t her secret. Wanting to be more than just a manager at her family’s restaurant is and she’s ready to take steps to get what she wants.
The two women meet when Ember does her best to keep Eva from being a notch in another woman’s bedpost. They find each other at the time when both of them have lives and careers in flux. It starts with a scribbled warning on a napkin, continues with a tree house kiss and ends with a wall covered in chalkboard paint.
Ember Elliot, the reformed player, has finally committed herself to looking for the right woman while struggling to find herself in other ways. She’s tired of being misunderstood by her family and hiding a very important part of herself from them. Being gay isn’t her secret. Wanting to be more than just a manager at her family’s restaurant is and she’s ready to take steps to get what she wants.
The two women meet when Ember does her best to keep Eva from being a notch in another woman’s bedpost. They find each other at the time when both of them have lives and careers in flux. It starts with a scribbled warning on a napkin, continues with a tree house kiss and ends with a wall covered in chalkboard paint.
368 pages, ebook
First published March 4, 2018
230 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
79 books820 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 1, 2018
After reading vacatedboat's review of Just Tell Her I decided to give the series a try and so far i'm loving it.
This first book is a fantastic read if you're looking for something that is well written and has very little to no angst in it. The story is pretty sweet with some moments of fluff thrown in but not too much as to make it unrealistic. As for Ember and Eva, they have great chemistry and there were some surprisingly hot moments between them. It's not all sunshine and rainbows however because there is some conflict between Em and her father but the author does a great job with that relationship and how it progresses.
I'm really curious as to how book 2 will turn out. I'm such a sucker for the 'in love with my best friend trope'. Fingers crossed it will be just as good if not better. This ends in a very satisfying 4,25*
This first book is a fantastic read if you're looking for something that is well written and has very little to no angst in it. The story is pretty sweet with some moments of fluff thrown in but not too much as to make it unrealistic. As for Ember and Eva, they have great chemistry and there were some surprisingly hot moments between them. It's not all sunshine and rainbows however because there is some conflict between Em and her father but the author does a great job with that relationship and how it progresses.
I'm really curious as to how book 2 will turn out. I'm such a sucker for the 'in love with my best friend trope'. Fingers crossed it will be just as good if not better. This ends in a very satisfying 4,25*
June 20, 2019
Well, this was more of a miss for me, and I realize I am the exception to most reviews. I have heard great things about this author so went for the book with the highest ratings without really paying attention to the synopsis. And while Ms. Pyland can certainly write (nary a typo to be found!), I got bored with this particular story quite fast.
Now this may be because I have an intense dislike for all things math related, and still have nightmares of high school algebra, so that may taint it. MC Ember is a genius but hides it, and this part I actually quite liked, the whole "hiding her true identity" that has nothing to do with her sexuality, like most lesfics. Points for Ms. Pyland for creativity. I could connect with this aspect and how because she had been shunned and ignored for many parts of her life, she felt it easier to tone down her genius in order to fit in. But the whole managing a restaurant and her strained relationship with her parents and constant calculations of things just wasn't new or exciting for me. It dragged.
MC Eva felt rather flat. She teaches literature, loses her job, and is jerked around so much by her past employer that her head must be spinning. She just seemed to take it and this became annoying. I couldn't get a firm handle on her personality and didn't find she stood out.The hookups b/w the MCs were pretty good, Eva at one point being described as "insatiable," which shows. Go Eva.
I also wasn't that drawn to the secondary characters, but see that this series continues on. Any thoughts from you peeps on if I should continue? Will the math stop??
Imagine though if all of us could read our beloved lesfics in the amount of time it takes Ember to read a book! Goodreads wouldn't know what hit it!
Overall about a 2.75/5 for me.
Now this may be because I have an intense dislike for all things math related, and still have nightmares of high school algebra, so that may taint it. MC Ember is a genius but hides it, and this part I actually quite liked, the whole "hiding her true identity" that has nothing to do with her sexuality, like most lesfics. Points for Ms. Pyland for creativity. I could connect with this aspect and how because she had been shunned and ignored for many parts of her life, she felt it easier to tone down her genius in order to fit in. But the whole managing a restaurant and her strained relationship with her parents and constant calculations of things just wasn't new or exciting for me. It dragged.
MC Eva felt rather flat. She teaches literature, loses her job, and is jerked around so much by her past employer that her head must be spinning. She just seemed to take it and this became annoying. I couldn't get a firm handle on her personality and didn't find she stood out.The hookups b/w the MCs were pretty good, Eva at one point being described as "insatiable," which shows. Go Eva.
I also wasn't that drawn to the secondary characters, but see that this series continues on. Any thoughts from you peeps on if I should continue? Will the math stop??
Imagine though if all of us could read our beloved lesfics in the amount of time it takes Ember to read a book! Goodreads wouldn't know what hit it!
Overall about a 2.75/5 for me.
February 23, 2020
“I wanted to go home. The first place I thought of was where I knew you’d be.”
In fiction geniuses are almost always shown as huge nerds or complete jerks with zero social skills so it was refreshing that Ember was so different and didn't fit in the usual tropes. She planned a prom for Eva, read 37 books in a day because Eva liked them, always got giddy when Eva called her babe, had 'the best lines' and so much more stuff. I am a bit in love with her to be honest. SHE IS THE MOST ROMANTIC GIRLFRIEND EVER.
Eva, the other MC was equally amazing in her own way, this confident professor turned into a nervous mess in front of her date. The whole taking up a new obsession, getting bored and taking up another one was so relatable.
“I can totally see why all the girls want you, November Celeste.”
“I don’t care about all the girls, Scout. Just you.”
See what i mean about the best lines. Ember and Eva were marvelous together. They were all fluffy and precious and so damn romantic with a little drama thrown in. The way they kept lifting each other up was so sweet.
Charlie and Hailey, Ember's best friends are the whole reason I am reading the Chicago series. Even in a few scenes their chemistry was visible, I can't wait to fall in love with them. So off to read their book, hopefully it be a long slow-burn.
In fiction geniuses are almost always shown as huge nerds or complete jerks with zero social skills so it was refreshing that Ember was so different and didn't fit in the usual tropes. She planned a prom for Eva, read 37 books in a day because Eva liked them, always got giddy when Eva called her babe, had 'the best lines' and so much more stuff. I am a bit in love with her to be honest. SHE IS THE MOST ROMANTIC GIRLFRIEND EVER.
Eva, the other MC was equally amazing in her own way, this confident professor turned into a nervous mess in front of her date. The whole taking up a new obsession, getting bored and taking up another one was so relatable.
“I can totally see why all the girls want you, November Celeste.”
“I don’t care about all the girls, Scout. Just you.”
See what i mean about the best lines. Ember and Eva were marvelous together. They were all fluffy and precious and so damn romantic with a little drama thrown in. The way they kept lifting each other up was so sweet.
Charlie and Hailey, Ember's best friends are the whole reason I am reading the Chicago series. Even in a few scenes their chemistry was visible, I can't wait to fall in love with them. So off to read their book, hopefully it be a long slow-burn.
November 26, 2018
This was a really enjoyable romance which was less about them getting together and more about dealing with the practicalities of being in a relationship.
Eva Dash has her doctorate in American Lit and she's on track to be tenured. While out on a date with colleague a woman drops a napkin into her lap on the way out of the restaurant. The date is a bust and the following morning, to add insult to injury, she loses her job. In an impulse to drown her sorrows she walks into a bar and meets November (Ember) Elliot. Ember works with her parents at the Italian restaurant that she would take over the running of when her parents retire. Ember doesn't really want to but she's not sure what she really wants to do.
I do like books with smart women, especially when they're really smart. Ember and Eva are lovely characters and for the most part, discussed and worked through their issues like adults. The secondary characters, like Eva's and Ember's friends, were interesting and created a nice lead into where I assume the second in the series goes.
There's a lot of interest in this book besides just the dynamics of Eva and Ember's relationship, like their relationships with their parents and siblings. Issues around how much they're willing to compromise when they've only just started seeing each other were also well-expressed.
On the whole, this is a good read.
Eva Dash has her doctorate in American Lit and she's on track to be tenured. While out on a date with colleague a woman drops a napkin into her lap on the way out of the restaurant. The date is a bust and the following morning, to add insult to injury, she loses her job. In an impulse to drown her sorrows she walks into a bar and meets November (Ember) Elliot. Ember works with her parents at the Italian restaurant that she would take over the running of when her parents retire. Ember doesn't really want to but she's not sure what she really wants to do.
I do like books with smart women, especially when they're really smart. Ember and Eva are lovely characters and for the most part, discussed and worked through their issues like adults. The secondary characters, like Eva's and Ember's friends, were interesting and created a nice lead into where I assume the second in the series goes.
There's a lot of interest in this book besides just the dynamics of Eva and Ember's relationship, like their relationships with their parents and siblings. Issues around how much they're willing to compromise when they've only just started seeing each other were also well-expressed.
On the whole, this is a good read.
March 4, 2021
Let's get this out of the way first: this cover is awful. It's depressing and gloomy and if I hadn't already had a good experience with the author (including one similarly awful cover), I probably wouldn't have given this a second look. Fortunately, I had that experience and picked it up anyway.
As with other stories by Pyland, there's a hefty dose of fantasy in this story, mainly around Ember. Who, in addition to having the coolest name, is a brilliant mathematician, super-fast reader, and mechanical polymath. She never went to college because her family sucks more than a little, but not in the usual way where they actively discouraged her or anything. Now I think on it, the discouragement by her family held together really well because it was that soft friction of neglect coupled with low-bar expectations that's so hard to fight. So she buries her brilliance, not so much to be normal, as because it doesn't really matter and makes no difference.
So I liked Ember. Plus, Pyland did an outstanding job portraying a smart person. Which is way harder than it looks because it's easy to blow it up and remove all the human bits so that they're just "smart". But Ember stays very human, even though the "smart" is ramped beyond anything realistic. I mean, we're talking past Good Will Hunting smart. Which is a powerful part of the plot without becoming an overwhelming part of her character.
I was less engaged with Eva. Her over-attachment to the college that doesn't care enough to keep her on staff makes her a bit pathetic, I think. Indeed, I understand that most consider it an academic weakness (though not an absolute one) if all your scholarship comes from the same institution, as hers does. She's devastated at leaving and can't imaging being anywhere else and, to me, that's almost enough in itself to hope she does go somewhere else and get some broader experience—and not least because she was clearly underappreciated there, lack of seniority or not.
Still, Eva grew on me over time as we got to know her better and see how her attachment came from a place of strength and, more importantly, caring. Even better when we got to see her with some students later on where Pyland did a great job showing that her attachment really was reciprocated, at least in some quarters.
And one of the things I like in Pyland's books is that she doesn't shrink from relationships that progress steadily and more-or-less smoothly. Not that they don't have hiccups or challenges. But she's able to show the strength of the relationship through an accumulation of smaller moments and overcoming obstacles along the way rather than saving up for a more overt dark moment near the end. This one had me worried a bit as the "I love yous" came with a good chunk of the story left. And there was some cross-communication and a setback, sure enough. But it didn't come to a full-on break and the communication issues were unearthed and dealt with in a way that I think showed how they'd progressed and why they'd make it as a couple.
So this comes in at a strong 4½ stars that I'm rounding up for how well Ember is portrayed and for an outstanding Epilogue that really knocked it out of the park. I'm a little worried about the next in the series, but I think Pyland has earned some trust from me at this point so I probably won't put it off too long.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes and they go on a bit. It's still the middle of my steam tolerance, but only just, and likely because I skimmed the last two almost completely. The first was outstanding and strongly tied to their emotional/intimate arc, but after that it was mostly just filler.
As with other stories by Pyland, there's a hefty dose of fantasy in this story, mainly around Ember. Who, in addition to having the coolest name, is a brilliant mathematician, super-fast reader, and mechanical polymath. She never went to college because her family sucks more than a little, but not in the usual way where they actively discouraged her or anything. Now I think on it, the discouragement by her family held together really well because it was that soft friction of neglect coupled with low-bar expectations that's so hard to fight. So she buries her brilliance, not so much to be normal, as because it doesn't really matter and makes no difference.
So I liked Ember. Plus, Pyland did an outstanding job portraying a smart person. Which is way harder than it looks because it's easy to blow it up and remove all the human bits so that they're just "smart". But Ember stays very human, even though the "smart" is ramped beyond anything realistic. I mean, we're talking past Good Will Hunting smart. Which is a powerful part of the plot without becoming an overwhelming part of her character.
I was less engaged with Eva. Her over-attachment to the college that doesn't care enough to keep her on staff makes her a bit pathetic, I think. Indeed, I understand that most consider it an academic weakness (though not an absolute one) if all your scholarship comes from the same institution, as hers does. She's devastated at leaving and can't imaging being anywhere else and, to me, that's almost enough in itself to hope she does go somewhere else and get some broader experience—and not least because she was clearly underappreciated there, lack of seniority or not.
Still, Eva grew on me over time as we got to know her better and see how her attachment came from a place of strength and, more importantly, caring. Even better when we got to see her with some students later on where Pyland did a great job showing that her attachment really was reciprocated, at least in some quarters.
And one of the things I like in Pyland's books is that she doesn't shrink from relationships that progress steadily and more-or-less smoothly. Not that they don't have hiccups or challenges. But she's able to show the strength of the relationship through an accumulation of smaller moments and overcoming obstacles along the way rather than saving up for a more overt dark moment near the end. This one had me worried a bit as the "I love yous" came with a good chunk of the story left. And there was some cross-communication and a setback, sure enough. But it didn't come to a full-on break and the communication issues were unearthed and dealt with in a way that I think showed how they'd progressed and why they'd make it as a couple.
So this comes in at a strong 4½ stars that I'm rounding up for how well Ember is portrayed and for an outstanding Epilogue that really knocked it out of the park. I'm a little worried about the next in the series, but I think Pyland has earned some trust from me at this point so I probably won't put it off too long.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes and they go on a bit. It's still the middle of my steam tolerance, but only just, and likely because I skimmed the last two almost completely. The first was outstanding and strongly tied to their emotional/intimate arc, but after that it was mostly just filler.
April 10, 2018
3.5 rounded up. 'The Best Lines' was more enjoyable, for me, than the author's two previous books even though I did like them both, as well. This one just seems more well developed and the storyline didn't feel disjointed at all. Nicole Pyland is finding her stride and just keeps getting better, so I really look forward to the next in this series. This is a simple and sweet romance. There is no angst and no forced break-up-to-make-up moment, which is always a plus in my world. Really enjoyed this and recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance without any unnecessary drama (between the love interests, at least. Family drama, there is a bit of that).
I only have one complaint and it's one that is all too common in the romance genre...I really wish authors would stop using the phrase "attacked her mouth" when referencing a kiss. For me, the imagery is disturbing; I've never had my mouth attacked and I don't think I'd want to.
I only have one complaint and it's one that is all too common in the romance genre...I really wish authors would stop using the phrase "attacked her mouth" when referencing a kiss. For me, the imagery is disturbing; I've never had my mouth attacked and I don't think I'd want to.
July 31, 2023
5 stars
This was great. I really liked the chemistry between the two MCs and the supporting characters complemented the story as well.
Also, as a very STEM oriented person myself, I really appreciated Ember's brain.
I also appreciated that the author didn't try to get deeper into the science details, because that's a surefire way to spoil it for those readers who work/study in those fields (you notice mistakes that the layman won't and then get annoyed).
Both Eve's and Ember's parents are in my opinion the definition of "too little too late", but it was handled well, no insta-forgineness, just mature conversation.
This was great. I really liked the chemistry between the two MCs and the supporting characters complemented the story as well.
Also, as a very STEM oriented person myself, I really appreciated Ember's brain.
I also appreciated that the author didn't try to get deeper into the science details, because that's a surefire way to spoil it for those readers who work/study in those fields (you notice mistakes that the layman won't and then get annoyed).
Both Eve's and Ember's parents are in my opinion the definition of "too little too late", but it was handled well, no insta-forgineness, just mature conversation.
April 16, 2018
I really, really liked this book. First of all, the author's last name is Pyland. And who wouldn't love to live in a land of pies. I'm not even sure that is how you pronounce her last name, but it's going to be the way I pronounce her last name forever because...well see 3rd sentence.
This is the first book I have read from this author and based on this book alone, I will definitely be reading some of her others. Her writing is excellent with well fleshed out characters who are very believable. And because the characters were so well developed, I felt the love scenes were even more sexy than the usual par for the course I see in lesfic. There was not a ton of crazy action in this book but it had great pace and top that off with 2 wonderful MC's as well as great minor characters, and you get a really sweet, satisfying read.
This is the first book I have read from this author and based on this book alone, I will definitely be reading some of her others. Her writing is excellent with well fleshed out characters who are very believable. And because the characters were so well developed, I felt the love scenes were even more sexy than the usual par for the course I see in lesfic. There was not a ton of crazy action in this book but it had great pace and top that off with 2 wonderful MC's as well as great minor characters, and you get a really sweet, satisfying read.
August 14, 2020
Dr. Eva Dash has just lost her job as a professor at her alma mater. That seems to leave her with no choice but to leave the city she considers home. When restaurant owner Ember Elliot shows up in Eva's life, Eva is fascinated by this mysterious, former player. The preamble to their connection is a napkin note that leads to more notes. As both struggle with their unknown professional futures, what will become of their relationship?
Please note that there are uses of ableist language in the book.
I still have a bit of a problem with the editing of the book, but Pyland delivers such great stories with amazing characters, I almost did not notice.
The Best Lines is a romance involving academia but not on campus. Eva has a PhD in Literature and mainly teaches at university level. Ember's highest level of education is high school, but she is secretly gifted. I love the pairing of these two incredibly smart women and that they have a decently balanced relationship. Though I did not like them dancing around important subjects later in their relationship when they have been so upfront to each other in the beginning, I find their reactions very reasonable and relatable. These bumps in their relationship are what make Eva and Ember go strong. The epilogue is sappy to a fault, and honestly, I am here for it.
Since I always love the nerd, it goes without saying I especially love Ember, but she is so much more than that. I also understand that Eva is at a more vulnerable position after a string of horrid luck, even though she is the one with a more settled future. While I cannot reach 10% of Ember's reading speed and rarely do complicated math just for fun, I relate to her endless curiosity, self-taught aspect, and spewing out random facts. I also love how even though literature is not Ember’s thing, she still makes an effort to read whatever Eva loves because that is a connection they could have. And Ember waking up in the middle of the night to go into her math frenzy mode? Love that, too. Getting to know Ember rekindled my excitement about learning random things, and that made me love her even more. The Best Lines will probably be my go-to when I suffer from academic burnout.
Though the mathematic modeling for real life events is not even close to being as difficult as other problems Ember could do in the same amount of time, it is endearing that she finds them fun. It reminded me of the time I was at a math camp in high school. A professor used math to explain how if one planned to date 10 people in their life, the 3rd or 4th one would likely be the best of all. I do not remember much about that equation, but I can picture Ember’s eyes lighting up and her immediately understanding it.
The Best Lines is another great book with strong, smart women figuring out their careers and future together. This is my second Pyland book, and I am learning that she writes wonderful stories with the best characters and great chemistry. In this book, watching Ember's best friend Charlie pining for her other best friend Hailey was a little sad to read about, and I cannot wait to read about their story in the sequel.
P.S. The title font looks like Papyrus, which is horrible, but makes sense because of the importance of blackboards in the story. I want a writing board in my room now. Scratch that. Make it plural. I want a room where I can write on all the walls.
Please note that there are uses of ableist language in the book.
I still have a bit of a problem with the editing of the book, but Pyland delivers such great stories with amazing characters, I almost did not notice.
The Best Lines is a romance involving academia but not on campus. Eva has a PhD in Literature and mainly teaches at university level. Ember's highest level of education is high school, but she is secretly gifted. I love the pairing of these two incredibly smart women and that they have a decently balanced relationship. Though I did not like them dancing around important subjects later in their relationship when they have been so upfront to each other in the beginning, I find their reactions very reasonable and relatable. These bumps in their relationship are what make Eva and Ember go strong. The epilogue is sappy to a fault, and honestly, I am here for it.
Since I always love the nerd, it goes without saying I especially love Ember, but she is so much more than that. I also understand that Eva is at a more vulnerable position after a string of horrid luck, even though she is the one with a more settled future. While I cannot reach 10% of Ember's reading speed and rarely do complicated math just for fun, I relate to her endless curiosity, self-taught aspect, and spewing out random facts. I also love how even though literature is not Ember’s thing, she still makes an effort to read whatever Eva loves because that is a connection they could have. And Ember waking up in the middle of the night to go into her math frenzy mode? Love that, too. Getting to know Ember rekindled my excitement about learning random things, and that made me love her even more. The Best Lines will probably be my go-to when I suffer from academic burnout.
Though the mathematic modeling for real life events is not even close to being as difficult as other problems Ember could do in the same amount of time, it is endearing that she finds them fun. It reminded me of the time I was at a math camp in high school. A professor used math to explain how if one planned to date 10 people in their life, the 3rd or 4th one would likely be the best of all. I do not remember much about that equation, but I can picture Ember’s eyes lighting up and her immediately understanding it.
The Best Lines is another great book with strong, smart women figuring out their careers and future together. This is my second Pyland book, and I am learning that she writes wonderful stories with the best characters and great chemistry. In this book, watching Ember's best friend Charlie pining for her other best friend Hailey was a little sad to read about, and I cannot wait to read about their story in the sequel.
P.S. The title font looks like Papyrus, which is horrible, but makes sense because of the importance of blackboards in the story. I want a writing board in my room now. Scratch that. Make it plural. I want a room where I can write on all the walls.
May 17, 2018
3.5 stars. Definitely better than the previous book I read by the same author titled Fresh Start. There's no insta love here and characters are better developed. The sappiness is also toned down which I appreciate.
This is one of those nothing much happens books where characters fall in love and go about their lives. There is some minor family drama but overall there are no major ups or downs. The book has some editing issues which is why the rating is lowered and the characters are a bit too perfect for my liking. I like 'em flawed and more human than this.
But overall an enjoyable angst-free read with a non-standard story which is always nice. Don't wanna spoil because the blurb also doesn't reveal it.
This is one of those nothing much happens books where characters fall in love and go about their lives. There is some minor family drama but overall there are no major ups or downs. The book has some editing issues which is why the rating is lowered and the characters are a bit too perfect for my liking. I like 'em flawed and more human than this.
But overall an enjoyable angst-free read with a non-standard story which is always nice. Don't wanna spoil because the blurb also doesn't reveal it.
June 4, 2018
I love it.
I blame vacatedboat for this btw, after her wonderful review of Just Tell Her, I have to read this so I could get there, ( I need to read books in order )
Anyway,It was worth it, the story was really nice, no insta-love we get to see the growing attraction of the MC, no breaking point at the 80% mark that is always a plus, so it was good read.
Now onto the next.
P.S. These are the perks of being sick on a Monday, lots of time to read.
I blame vacatedboat for this btw, after her wonderful review of Just Tell Her, I have to read this so I could get there, ( I need to read books in order )
Anyway,It was worth it, the story was really nice, no insta-love we get to see the growing attraction of the MC, no breaking point at the 80% mark that is always a plus, so it was good read.
Now onto the next.
P.S. These are the perks of being sick on a Monday, lots of time to read.
March 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this. Nice romance. Our MCs were a little annoying at times...but then aren't we all?
April 30, 2019
What will you do when life's choices is in the way of true love? Pretty much what Ember and Eva have had to do in this sweet story. Enjoyable read, instant love but it's the road to becoming a couple that makes this book a little different to the usual sweet predictable romances. Compromises and sweet talks, this book does have the best of lines that will sweeten any reader's heart.
Read
March 4, 2024Dnf 15%
The writing style was not for me. Lots of telling instead of showing. I was intrigued by Ember potentially being a woman in STEM.
Give it a try if you're interested and decide for yourself.
The writing style was not for me. Lots of telling instead of showing. I was intrigued by Ember potentially being a woman in STEM.
Give it a try if you're interested and decide for yourself.
September 10, 2018
Good to get back to a nitty - gritty Lesbian Romance. What more can you want - all this and an old fashioned and confused Dad. Bring it on! Excellent.
December 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed reading it and i loved both Ember and Eva, but it was repetitive and long for no reason
I enjoyed reading it and i loved both Ember and Eva, but it was repetitive and long for no reason
Read
November 17, 2022The Best Lines
Nicole Pyland is an amazing story teller. She pairs her MCs perfectly. The chemistry is outstanding. I love how these series are about friendships and they finding their perfect match. I look forward to more and the remains books in the series.
Nicole Pyland is an amazing story teller. She pairs her MCs perfectly. The chemistry is outstanding. I love how these series are about friendships and they finding their perfect match. I look forward to more and the remains books in the series.
September 1, 2023
I’m intrigued!! Totally keeping my eye on this series.
March 22, 2018
Good book
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the different the women were and yet how compatible they were together. It was a fun read.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the different the women were and yet how compatible they were together. It was a fun read.
March 13, 2020
Liked this first book of the series. Even though the romance was fast I still enjoyed the story. The crime aspect made it interesting. Good afternoon read.
July 27, 2018
Initially, I thought the book was off to a slow start. In retrospect, it was not, and I apologize for that assumption.
This is my favorite kind of book. Not TOO slow of a burn, that then burns, and keeps burning. Perfect amount of drama that doesn't feel contrived or included for the sake of drama, hotness between the MCs, and HEAs that you may or may not be only 90% certain will happen. LOVE IT. Oh, and LONG. I LOVE a long book, and it's getting harder and harder to find those!
Will be checking out the rest of this series, as soon as I can. Will likely read this one again as well.
This is my favorite kind of book. Not TOO slow of a burn, that then burns, and keeps burning. Perfect amount of drama that doesn't feel contrived or included for the sake of drama, hotness between the MCs, and HEAs that you may or may not be only 90% certain will happen. LOVE IT. Oh, and LONG. I LOVE a long book, and it's getting harder and harder to find those!
Will be checking out the rest of this series, as soon as I can. Will likely read this one again as well.
September 8, 2020
Enjoyed this story. Loved that Ember is a super genius and that Eva finds that sexy. Well written, easy read.
May 24, 2021
I have once again re-read this because I love them 😭
LOVED Ember and Eva.
Ember is an ex-player super-genius who warns Eva about a notorious heart-breaker while Eva was on a date one night. That's where their story starts. From there, it is sparks and chemistry flying everywhere while they get to know each other and fall for one another.
I loved Alyssa and Hannah's cameo from Fresh Start, and I loved that they were good friends with Eva, and eventually Ember. One of the things I love about Nicole's characters is that she always makes them very forward and communicative with each other so there's not a whole novel filled with trying to get together with the other person. Her books show them as an actual couple and the trials they go through which is a definite plus in the fluff/cute department.
I love how supportive and eager Eva was of Ember's intellectual abilities, especially since her parents were less than helpful in her youth and adult-hood for that matter. I cannot express enough how much I love these books and characters. Definite Must-Read!!!
LOVED Ember and Eva.
Ember is an ex-player super-genius who warns Eva about a notorious heart-breaker while Eva was on a date one night. That's where their story starts. From there, it is sparks and chemistry flying everywhere while they get to know each other and fall for one another.
I loved Alyssa and Hannah's cameo from Fresh Start, and I loved that they were good friends with Eva, and eventually Ember. One of the things I love about Nicole's characters is that she always makes them very forward and communicative with each other so there's not a whole novel filled with trying to get together with the other person. Her books show them as an actual couple and the trials they go through which is a definite plus in the fluff/cute department.
I love how supportive and eager Eva was of Ember's intellectual abilities, especially since her parents were less than helpful in her youth and adult-hood for that matter. I cannot express enough how much I love these books and characters. Definite Must-Read!!!
September 10, 2018
I really loved this book. I normally look for a few things when I am reading a Lesbian Romance - Chemistry between the two main characters, a good story line, good dialogue, and sex done right. This books had all of that for me. There have only been a few authors including Poland that hasn’t bored me at some point in the book with too much boring detail. I easily rate this a 5 star as far as romances go.
July 14, 2018
This was a very good book. I loved how Ember and Eva were depicted as individuals and then we learn how their relationship evolved and developed. I found Ember's search for something more in her life and her amazing intelligence extremely fascinating.
August 15, 2018
It’s a fun book to read.
December 1, 2023
This was just about perfect for a low-angst story for me. There are plenty of issues along the way, with hiding parts of themselves, jobs, distance, families, and so on. It’s definitely enough to keep the story alive, and not to feel like everything just came for free, but not enough to ratchet up the tension or keep the characters apart or split them up later on. Now, I’m writing this after having read the next book (Just Tell Her), and that has a bit more tension (particularly through the first half) and as a result it’s a bit more my thing. But that shouldn’t take anything away from this.
I liked that November was so unique, but I guess I ultimately thought that her abilities got a little over the top… I was actually not convinced she doesn’t have a clock in her head and I think pointing out all those wall clocks was just her way to downplay it. Because, you know, she can do everything else at such an absurd level, why not? Still, she was great all the same, I guess because her powers didn’t define her? It’s not just that she used them only under duress or only for good, but that she was a whole person outside of them.
Anyway, though I read this only to have the background before reading the next, I’m not at all unhappy that I did. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and all. Though I’m normally in the market for something a bit more angsty, I bet there’s an equation for how long it will be before I come back and read this again. :)
I liked that November was so unique, but I guess I ultimately thought that her abilities got a little over the top… I was actually not convinced she doesn’t have a clock in her head and I think pointing out all those wall clocks was just her way to downplay it. Because, you know, she can do everything else at such an absurd level, why not? Still, she was great all the same, I guess because her powers didn’t define her? It’s not just that she used them only under duress or only for good, but that she was a whole person outside of them.
Anyway, though I read this only to have the background before reading the next, I’m not at all unhappy that I did. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and all. Though I’m normally in the market for something a bit more angsty, I bet there’s an equation for how long it will be before I come back and read this again. :)
November 23, 2022
Maybe more like 3.75 - i did read the whole thing, though i started speedreading toward the end. The beginning of the relationship was the best part, the middle and ending lagged for me a bit. I have really liked some of this author's other stuff like the Boston series. I'm not currently interested in the couple that is Book #2 of Chicago at this point.
I don't understand why
I don't understand why
March 12, 2018
*Really a 4.5 I'd say*
Nicole Pyland is really coming into her own and I'm tremendously enjoying taking this journey with her. "All the Loves Songs" was okay. "Fresh Start" was better. But "The Best Lines" is hands down her best work yet. I really enjoyed Eva and Ember's story. Their struggles, fears, insecurities. Their love. It all felt real and relatable. Some of the novels I've read so far this year the characters have felt forced. Like the authors had to reach a deadline and just said f*** it, there you go, a book. But with this story it's like the author took her time. The characters weren't just thrown together but came together naturally because they were meant to be. So that was great.
In my eyes this is book 2. "Fresh Start" is not necessary to read first, however, if you want the background between Hannah and Alyssa (because they are mentioned quite frequently in this book) then you may want to start there. But again it's not a must. I'm teaching myself how not to get my hopes up when it comes to series' but I hope the next installment is just as great and focuses on Charlie and Hailey. That would be hot.
Nicole Pyland is really coming into her own and I'm tremendously enjoying taking this journey with her. "All the Loves Songs" was okay. "Fresh Start" was better. But "The Best Lines" is hands down her best work yet. I really enjoyed Eva and Ember's story. Their struggles, fears, insecurities. Their love. It all felt real and relatable. Some of the novels I've read so far this year the characters have felt forced. Like the authors had to reach a deadline and just said f*** it, there you go, a book. But with this story it's like the author took her time. The characters weren't just thrown together but came together naturally because they were meant to be. So that was great.
In my eyes this is book 2. "Fresh Start" is not necessary to read first, however, if you want the background between Hannah and Alyssa (because they are mentioned quite frequently in this book) then you may want to start there. But again it's not a must. I'm teaching myself how not to get my hopes up when it comes to series' but I hope the next installment is just as great and focuses on Charlie and Hailey. That would be hot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews