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By Any Other Name
The Whittakers and the Goodwins have been at each throats forever, tearing the small town of Bishop’s Crook right down the centre with their endless fights. But when Lane Whittaker and Casey Goodwin, the eldest daughters of the feuding families, meet for the first time, hate is the last thing on either of their minds. Because Lane and Casey find themselves madly attracted to one another. And even though they know all hell is about to break loose, they’re prepared to risk everything for a love that can’t be stopped; not by small town gossip, not by eccentric relatives, and certainly not by their last names.
A hilarious new romantic comedy from the author of ‘The Plus One’ and ‘Waiting for the Punchline’.
A hilarious new romantic comedy from the author of ‘The Plus One’ and ‘Waiting for the Punchline’.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2018
235 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 12, 2019
what if 👀we were both the eldest children in our families, who are constantly at war with each other 🔪. then, we met under strange circumstances and i asked you on a date and we kissed 👩❤️💋👩before realising our families are in a vicious, centuries-long feud. then, what if we started dating secretly and fell in love ❤️(and we're both girls) 😳 .... hahahaha just kidding 😏 ..... unless? 👀👀👀👀👀
(p.s. it's not hate/enemies to lovers like the synopsis suggests)
(p.s. it's not hate/enemies to lovers like the synopsis suggests)
rep: lesbian mc's, f/f romance
tropes: forbidden romance
April 19, 2018
I was looking for something with minimal angst and with character writing that I could trust not to create crazy people I would loathe. I’ve read only a few of Natasha West’s books, but they’ve been solid 3*, simple romances. I enjoyed the last book of hers that I read (‘Chase Me’) more than I had her earlier work, so figured she was a good place to try and I was right.
‘By Any Other Name,’ as the synopsis and title implies, is a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ but far less tragic. This seems to be another popular theme these days, as I’ve read a few other books with the same type of storyline recently. I enjoyed this modern, ff take on a classic. It was lighthearted and had some humor to it.
Nothing life altering happens in this book, but this is a sweet story that I’d recommend if you just want something quick and easy with minimal drama. There’s a bit at the end, but it’s all easily resolved within a few pages so there’s no lingering angst.
This isn’t quite a full 4* for me, but it deserves more than 3*, so I’m rounding up. All in all, this is a cute story that is well written with only a few minor grammatical errors. A good read when you need something feel-good.
‘By Any Other Name,’ as the synopsis and title implies, is a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ but far less tragic. This seems to be another popular theme these days, as I’ve read a few other books with the same type of storyline recently. I enjoyed this modern, ff take on a classic. It was lighthearted and had some humor to it.
Nothing life altering happens in this book, but this is a sweet story that I’d recommend if you just want something quick and easy with minimal drama. There’s a bit at the end, but it’s all easily resolved within a few pages so there’s no lingering angst.
This isn’t quite a full 4* for me, but it deserves more than 3*, so I’m rounding up. All in all, this is a cute story that is well written with only a few minor grammatical errors. A good read when you need something feel-good.
March 7, 2019
4 stars
I am quickly becoming a fan of Natasha West. This is my second read of hers and I throughly enjoyed it. The two leading ladies come from feuding families, a modern take on Romeo and Juliette, except the romance centers on two women.
I only had one qualm with this story. When an author introduces many characters in a short amount of time, things can quickly become confusing. West squeezed the introduction of two different families within the first three chapters of the book. After a while names started blurring together and it became increasingly difficult to keep track of who was who.
There wasn’t much actual romance, due to the story focusing on the feud between the two families. However I was so taken with the story I hardly noticed. The girls are still teenagers who have little experience in the bedroom so their first time was charmingly awkward. I found that this did not bother me in the least. It was realistic
About 60% into the book the L word was dropped and while I wouldn’t say it was insta-love, it sure was rushed. The girls would have to fall for each other in a very short amount of time for the plot to move forward so I understand West’s decision to write it that way.
Overall this book was very cute, quick read. If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance, I would recommend this one.
I am quickly becoming a fan of Natasha West. This is my second read of hers and I throughly enjoyed it. The two leading ladies come from feuding families, a modern take on Romeo and Juliette, except the romance centers on two women.
I only had one qualm with this story. When an author introduces many characters in a short amount of time, things can quickly become confusing. West squeezed the introduction of two different families within the first three chapters of the book. After a while names started blurring together and it became increasingly difficult to keep track of who was who.
There wasn’t much actual romance, due to the story focusing on the feud between the two families. However I was so taken with the story I hardly noticed. The girls are still teenagers who have little experience in the bedroom so their first time was charmingly awkward. I found that this did not bother me in the least. It was realistic
About 60% into the book the L word was dropped and while I wouldn’t say it was insta-love, it sure was rushed. The girls would have to fall for each other in a very short amount of time for the plot to move forward so I understand West’s decision to write it that way.
Overall this book was very cute, quick read. If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance, I would recommend this one.
October 31, 2019
I bounced off another book by West so I picked this up with low expectations. And became completely enchanted almost immediately. I don't know if this is representative of her work, but she tells this story in a flowing, narrative style that fits the background beautifully. For example, there's something of an exposition dump in the beginning that could easily have put me out of the story but did not because it fit the theme and set the tone as it delivered the (family feud) background. Which also means that the occasional heavy-handed foreshadowing and narrative pull-back to omniscient viewpoint reinforced that tone rather than pushing me out of the narrative like it usually would.
All of which wouldn't have worked if I hadn't also liked both main characters so well. West has to tap dance a bit to maneuver a meet-cute where neither knows the family affiliation of the other but it worked well-enough and they were both so engaging that it wasn't hard to go along with their journey. I liked how the decision points came with each having to make tough choices and how they made (most of) them together. And I liked how their differences were as important as their similarities in building a relationship that had such meaning to both.
But the clincher for the rating and the soft afterglow I'm writing in right now is the last third or so when the family feud is finally confronted. I was hoping West would take it in stride and not make it sappy or stupid and because the relationship was handled so well my hopes were up. And she didn't disappoint! She delivered a great story where people behaved realistically where hate and love mixed in volatile ways and with just enough coincidence to fit the narrative tone (without overshooting).
So I'm giving this an unabashed five stars but with this caution: if you don't fall in with that narrative tone then that changes everything I said above. Without buying the tone as foundation, I imagine the plot will feel manipulative and trite and the relationship shallow and stupid. Fortunately it should be evident very early on if you're going to go along or be put off. So I encourage you to follow that instinct and either move on to your next read or settle in for some fun.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes but the second is rather short leaving this still in the low end of my steam tolerance. If fit perfectly both the needs of the story and tone of the narrative, so I thought it well done.
All of which wouldn't have worked if I hadn't also liked both main characters so well. West has to tap dance a bit to maneuver a meet-cute where neither knows the family affiliation of the other but it worked well-enough and they were both so engaging that it wasn't hard to go along with their journey. I liked how the decision points came with each having to make tough choices and how they made (most of) them together. And I liked how their differences were as important as their similarities in building a relationship that had such meaning to both.
But the clincher for the rating and the soft afterglow I'm writing in right now is the last third or so when the family feud is finally confronted. I was hoping West would take it in stride and not make it sappy or stupid and because the relationship was handled so well my hopes were up. And she didn't disappoint! She delivered a great story where people behaved realistically where hate and love mixed in volatile ways and with just enough coincidence to fit the narrative tone (without overshooting).
So I'm giving this an unabashed five stars but with this caution: if you don't fall in with that narrative tone then that changes everything I said above. Without buying the tone as foundation, I imagine the plot will feel manipulative and trite and the relationship shallow and stupid. Fortunately it should be evident very early on if you're going to go along or be put off. So I encourage you to follow that instinct and either move on to your next read or settle in for some fun.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes but the second is rather short leaving this still in the low end of my steam tolerance. If fit perfectly both the needs of the story and tone of the narrative, so I thought it well done.
May 13, 2018
Easy to read, hard to put down.
A thrilling ride through the ups and downs within and between two families. Two families who hate each other. Nobody can explain clearly the reason or reasons for the feud and yet they keep the feud alive. When they fall in love, things get out of control and for both young adults trouble just keep coming. The grudges run long and deep but falling in love may be the only thing that can bring both families closer together. Can their love be the bridge-builder? This was a fascinating storyline that will draw you into the book and keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommend.
A thrilling ride through the ups and downs within and between two families. Two families who hate each other. Nobody can explain clearly the reason or reasons for the feud and yet they keep the feud alive. When they fall in love, things get out of control and for both young adults trouble just keep coming. The grudges run long and deep but falling in love may be the only thing that can bring both families closer together. Can their love be the bridge-builder? This was a fascinating storyline that will draw you into the book and keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommend.
February 25, 2021
A cute and funny sapphic 'Romeo and Juliet' or moreso Hatfields and McCoy's perhaps? Kindle Unlimited.
Set in a smaller British town, Lane is 18 and the adopted daughter of the Whittakers. She has fallen for Casey Goodwin, 19 who is back in town after some gap-year travels. (She also went to a different school, so that somehow explains how they don't recognize or know each other at first...)
There's a long standing feud going back generations between The Goodwins and the Whittakers. The other siblings on each side have their grudges, but they may also have a lot of similarities too, if they can ever get over their petty anger.
I was impressed with how each girl stood up for their love and against their families while trying to maintain loyalty and not buy into misunderstandings. Despite the girls being young adult, it almost seemed they were more mature than the actual adults.
It was very amusing and the romance sweet and cute - so it was mostly a feel good read. The tensions were enough to keep you rooting for everyone and hoping it could all work out.
A typical fun Natasha West read, who never disappoints.
Set in a smaller British town, Lane is 18 and the adopted daughter of the Whittakers. She has fallen for Casey Goodwin, 19 who is back in town after some gap-year travels. (She also went to a different school, so that somehow explains how they don't recognize or know each other at first...)
There's a long standing feud going back generations between The Goodwins and the Whittakers. The other siblings on each side have their grudges, but they may also have a lot of similarities too, if they can ever get over their petty anger.
I was impressed with how each girl stood up for their love and against their families while trying to maintain loyalty and not buy into misunderstandings. Despite the girls being young adult, it almost seemed they were more mature than the actual adults.
It was very amusing and the romance sweet and cute - so it was mostly a feel good read. The tensions were enough to keep you rooting for everyone and hoping it could all work out.
A typical fun Natasha West read, who never disappoints.
February 13, 2019
Oh God, I love Natasha West's books, they warm my heart. This one might not be her best (and it's a bit too short, in my view) but it's still way up there. Since it's about two teenagers trying to navigate a complicated situation (their families hate each other), it's full of miscommunication and insecurities, but it's also funny and tender. Another win.
April 19, 2018
Not my favorite but still a decent read
I have read a good majority of Natasha West's books and have liked most of them. Unfortunately, this was not one of my favorites but it wasn't a bad read just not one I connected with. The story is not a new one...two feuding families whose issues started over a hundred years ago. Two members fall in love and they try to make it work. A solid 3* read that is free with kindleUnlimited.
I have read a good majority of Natasha West's books and have liked most of them. Unfortunately, this was not one of my favorites but it wasn't a bad read just not one I connected with. The story is not a new one...two feuding families whose issues started over a hundred years ago. Two members fall in love and they try to make it work. A solid 3* read that is free with kindleUnlimited.
July 26, 2019
3.75/5
- modern romes and jules lite and starring lesbians
- for families that hate each other they’re all pretty funny
- lane and casey are so soft 💕
- modern romes and jules lite and starring lesbians
- for families that hate each other they’re all pretty funny
- lane and casey are so soft 💕
July 1, 2018
4*
Two rival families, forbidden love, angsty teens and family drama. 👍🏻
This was an easy read and hard to put down. I like the innocence and purity of this book. It was a little cliche, but who doesn’t like that on a Sunday afternoon?
Two rival families, forbidden love, angsty teens and family drama. 👍🏻
This was an easy read and hard to put down. I like the innocence and purity of this book. It was a little cliche, but who doesn’t like that on a Sunday afternoon?
April 19, 2019
A very breezy take on the Romeo & Juliet story of love struck teens within feuding families. And again the best thing I can say for it was that it was free on Kindle Unlimited. Otherwise, this is a very surface-level story without anything close to chemistry between the characters or even a shred of originality.
April 15, 2018
short and sweet...
November 7, 2018
I loved this book and how the characters were developed. Frankly in the end it's almost impossible to hate anyone.
November 26, 2022
Lane is the adopted daughter of a family that has had a century-long feud with another family in their small town. On a visit to the vet, Lane meets Casey, the eldest daughter of the other family and is immediately smitten. Because Casey has been traveling outside the country and didn't attend the local high school, neither one knows who the other is. That is until they do, then the problems begin.
I like the set up of the warring families in a small town and the Romeo and Juliet type love affair. Luckily, this one ends differently.
This is a sweet book but there are a few issues. First, the beginning of the book read as if it were set in a small, Southern town in the US. But as I read, I realized, no. The book is set in small town England and becomes more and more British as I read on. But why begin the book that way? By the characters' speech and other aspects of the story, I could have been cued from the start that the book was set in England. Instead I was confused.
Second, the narration is omniscient, meaning that we get into the heads of many characters with narration that's similar to what you might find in a fairy tale. It's hard to pull off and though it kind of works here, it gives the book more of a youthful feel which impacts the amount of depth.
I'll go with a 4 (3.5 really) based on sweetness.
I like the set up of the warring families in a small town and the Romeo and Juliet type love affair. Luckily, this one ends differently.
This is a sweet book but there are a few issues. First, the beginning of the book read as if it were set in a small, Southern town in the US. But as I read, I realized, no. The book is set in small town England and becomes more and more British as I read on. But why begin the book that way? By the characters' speech and other aspects of the story, I could have been cued from the start that the book was set in England. Instead I was confused.
Second, the narration is omniscient, meaning that we get into the heads of many characters with narration that's similar to what you might find in a fairy tale. It's hard to pull off and though it kind of works here, it gives the book more of a youthful feel which impacts the amount of depth.
I'll go with a 4 (3.5 really) based on sweetness.
May 9, 2018
I would have to say that this was a decent book. short but sufficient. A romcom indeed. The plot was woven well. The drama wasn’t forced. It’s a fun read. 4.25 stars
September 1, 2022
Feudin' families, young love and free on KU. That sounded pretty good to me. And I enjoyed it, there's no denying it. It's often sweet, occasionally funny and there's a properly satisfying ending. This book doesn't outstay its welcome, which I appreciate. A solid three stars. Had the plot been a little more... there. Or the romance a tad steamier, I might have given it four.
May 30, 2018
Cute and funny romance. A nice light read.
October 10, 2018
Good story
This is an unusual love story, and interesting. The grudge within both families is exhausting but the way they fight to overcoming it, is overwhelming. I liked it very much.
This is an unusual love story, and interesting. The grudge within both families is exhausting but the way they fight to overcoming it, is overwhelming. I liked it very much.
June 14, 2019
An enjoyable book from Natasha West.
May 1, 2018
This was so cute! Short and sweet. The story was really well done for how short it was.
June 16, 2018
An f/f Romeo and Juliet, this story has a small town setting with two warring families. The kids in each family pick on each other at school, fight over the smallest slights, believing they are carrying on the noble family tradition of hate. Then Lane and Casey knock each other's socks off, just enough not like the rest of their family members to nurture sparks of attraction. But this story is a romance, not a tragedy, so its watching them trying to negotiate an end to their families' feud for the sake of giving their romance its best chance that really creates the heartfelt drama in this story.
May 3, 2018
Family
This was in all honesty just a really sweet story and I enjoyed it very much. Almost late to work because I was reading until the last possible second before, I knew I had to go in.;) Its an easy read and flowed well to me. Loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters as well as the love/bond they both had for their families. Families aren’t always easy and this reiterated that fact but at the same time you have to let some things go eventually, which this book also showed. I could definitely recommend this for a good read.
This was in all honesty just a really sweet story and I enjoyed it very much. Almost late to work because I was reading until the last possible second before, I knew I had to go in.;) Its an easy read and flowed well to me. Loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters as well as the love/bond they both had for their families. Families aren’t always easy and this reiterated that fact but at the same time you have to let some things go eventually, which this book also showed. I could definitely recommend this for a good read.
August 14, 2018
Why 3 stars? I think it might be me, not the book. Sorry. It’s well-written, it has a fun story, likeable characters and all that. I think the reason I didn’t like it quite so much might simply be that I’m too old to enjoy reading about 18 year olds first love.
April 29, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This is my first Natasha West read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a short and sweet book but there were moments that I laughed out loud or had a tear in my eye.
At first the style of writing was a bit jarring but once I got used to it it was fine.
This is my first Natasha West read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a short and sweet book but there were moments that I laughed out loud or had a tear in my eye.
At first the style of writing was a bit jarring but once I got used to it it was fine.
December 8, 2018
By Any Other Name— Natasha West (22 chapters) Nov. 28, Dec. 3-7, 2018
Disclaimer: This is a girl on girl romance. You don’t need to be a lesbian or an ally to enjoy this, because that’s just a sub-story.
Not my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. Of course it won’t be! (For those counting: this is my third book by this author.) I like how West crafts a story. They are always fun reads and enjoyable until the very end. This one is no different.
The Whittakers and the Goodwins have always had bad blood between them, due to an old love triangle and an unfortunate love child. Lane and Casey knows this. Lane was adopted by the Whittaker’s after her own tragic past, but feels completely a part of the family. Then she falls for Casey, and Casey falls for her. What’s families and lovers to do about it when they find out? The interactions and plot were very natural and I enjoyed that the a forbidden romance can bring about change, even uncomfortable change.
Love this author to pieces…have I indicated that already? Another book that is really a fast read, but I wanted to savor it.
There are minor sexy bits in the book, but any gender persuasion could read it and enjoy the basic, underlining story of two people in a “forbidden” romance. Young adults could read this book and not feel uncomfortable. (But why would you anyway?)
Sweet and delicious!
Five stars.
Disclaimer: This is a girl on girl romance. You don’t need to be a lesbian or an ally to enjoy this, because that’s just a sub-story.
Not my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. Of course it won’t be! (For those counting: this is my third book by this author.) I like how West crafts a story. They are always fun reads and enjoyable until the very end. This one is no different.
The Whittakers and the Goodwins have always had bad blood between them, due to an old love triangle and an unfortunate love child. Lane and Casey knows this. Lane was adopted by the Whittaker’s after her own tragic past, but feels completely a part of the family. Then she falls for Casey, and Casey falls for her. What’s families and lovers to do about it when they find out? The interactions and plot were very natural and I enjoyed that the a forbidden romance can bring about change, even uncomfortable change.
Love this author to pieces…have I indicated that already? Another book that is really a fast read, but I wanted to savor it.
There are minor sexy bits in the book, but any gender persuasion could read it and enjoy the basic, underlining story of two people in a “forbidden” romance. Young adults could read this book and not feel uncomfortable. (But why would you anyway?)
Sweet and delicious!
Five stars.
August 3, 2018
The Hatfields vs the McCoys, but with an LGBT twist.
Honestly, the story was mostly okay. I liked the two characters, but there wasn't much substance to the story. The writing felt a little clunky. In the beginning, there were be huge exposition dumps that took me out of the moment, to set up the history of this family feud that's been going on forever. That information would've been better served to come out over time, so we can get the differing versions spelled out in smaller chunks, and kind of make it into a mystery for the reader to figure out how the stories diverge from the two points of view.
There's also a weird mix between this kind of eccentric take on a small town feud, and a romantic story between the two leads.
I liked the premise well enough, but it didn't do enough with it to make it stand out. The families were eccentric, but not eccentric enough. I called the solution to one of the problems and how it would be resolved almost immediately after learning the problem. It needed more of the family in the story, and the family needed a bit more of a distinction between them. It didn't go far enough into being an eccentric story.
It's not a bad story, but it's not a memorable one either.
Honestly, the story was mostly okay. I liked the two characters, but there wasn't much substance to the story. The writing felt a little clunky. In the beginning, there were be huge exposition dumps that took me out of the moment, to set up the history of this family feud that's been going on forever. That information would've been better served to come out over time, so we can get the differing versions spelled out in smaller chunks, and kind of make it into a mystery for the reader to figure out how the stories diverge from the two points of view.
There's also a weird mix between this kind of eccentric take on a small town feud, and a romantic story between the two leads.
I liked the premise well enough, but it didn't do enough with it to make it stand out. The families were eccentric, but not eccentric enough. I called the solution to one of the problems and how it would be resolved almost immediately after learning the problem. It needed more of the family in the story, and the family needed a bit more of a distinction between them. It didn't go far enough into being an eccentric story.
It's not a bad story, but it's not a memorable one either.
July 4, 2018
Loved it.
What a great book. It was so great two people met had problems and sorted it out by talking to each other wow. This is unheard of in lesbian books. You usually have half the book with both characters living inside there own head listening to a lot of nonsense from other people then only get together at the last three pages of the book. Not in this book (no spoilers).,this was a complete story it was just great 👍.It made me laugh at some of the wise
cracks also nearly made me cry read in one sitting. I would love to meet them all again so could you consider a follow up . I am off to read your other books with my hopes high for more people who talk to each other! Highly recommend .
What a great book. It was so great two people met had problems and sorted it out by talking to each other wow. This is unheard of in lesbian books. You usually have half the book with both characters living inside there own head listening to a lot of nonsense from other people then only get together at the last three pages of the book. Not in this book (no spoilers).,this was a complete story it was just great 👍.It made me laugh at some of the wise
cracks also nearly made me cry read in one sitting. I would love to meet them all again so could you consider a follow up . I am off to read your other books with my hopes high for more people who talk to each other! Highly recommend .
May 16, 2018
That was pretty well told story
The story flow was nice and heartwarming. Finding the one you love is always a nice book to warm up with. This is a nice uplifting storyline. Two feuding families. And familial loyalty is well ingrained. Finding love and keeping the love bond is difficult enough yet to be faced with having to choose family over a love interest is almost an impossible choice. The revealing and wonderful thought about family love is anything is possible. This is where this book maintains uniqueness. A well told story.
The story flow was nice and heartwarming. Finding the one you love is always a nice book to warm up with. This is a nice uplifting storyline. Two feuding families. And familial loyalty is well ingrained. Finding love and keeping the love bond is difficult enough yet to be faced with having to choose family over a love interest is almost an impossible choice. The revealing and wonderful thought about family love is anything is possible. This is where this book maintains uniqueness. A well told story.
December 13, 2018
Entertaining
“Love is more than all that hearts and flowers business. Most of it is what happens when the stars fall out of your eyes.”
“Love, real love, is being in each other’s lives, day in, day out, all the tedium, all the boring bits. And that includes family. You take a person, you take everything that comes with them.”
This was very much an enjoyable, pleasurable & entertaining book to read. The characters were likeable & the storyline was different take on the typical girl meets girl narrative.
“Love is more than all that hearts and flowers business. Most of it is what happens when the stars fall out of your eyes.”
“Love, real love, is being in each other’s lives, day in, day out, all the tedium, all the boring bits. And that includes family. You take a person, you take everything that comes with them.”
This was very much an enjoyable, pleasurable & entertaining book to read. The characters were likeable & the storyline was different take on the typical girl meets girl narrative.
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