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Meeting Mrs. Garret
Natalie Navarro is just looking to help a friend come out when she meets Madeline Garret. A busy young woman working her way through college, Natalie isn’t looking for any complicated emotional entanglements.
Madeline Garret has been married to the same man for nearly twenty years. With her daughter in college and him frequently away for work, Maddie often finds herself alone in their empty house.
When circumstances conspire to have Natalie around, Maddie thinks she's found a way to be closer to her daughter. And maybe a new friend.
Natalie is okay with that... but as they spend time together, something begins to change.
[A slow burn May-September romance.]
103,000 words
Madeline Garret has been married to the same man for nearly twenty years. With her daughter in college and him frequently away for work, Maddie often finds herself alone in their empty house.
When circumstances conspire to have Natalie around, Maddie thinks she's found a way to be closer to her daughter. And maybe a new friend.
Natalie is okay with that... but as they spend time together, something begins to change.
[A slow burn May-September romance.]
103,000 words
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2018
149 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 5, 2018
I really wanted to like this one but for some reason I didn't get that invested in it. I love a good age gap romance but this one fell short for me.
November 4, 2018
Meeting Mrs G
This is a brilliant slow burn build-up, which I happen to love! I love the way the relationship between the the 2 MCs builds and develops, not giving into the impulse to slip into the expected relationship that so many other novels have done. A really enjoyable, longer read.
This is a brilliant slow burn build-up, which I happen to love! I love the way the relationship between the the 2 MCs builds and develops, not giving into the impulse to slip into the expected relationship that so many other novels have done. A really enjoyable, longer read.
January 18, 2021
Update 18. Jan 21;
I had to read this again. Still as good as the first time!
I read this first as a DoctorMechanic fic and loved it. Then I read is as a rewritten book and loved it even more! It was just my style. Older woman/younger woman, slooow build, sexual tension, angst and everything I love. This is my favorite book that I’ve read in a long time and I really want more books like it. I seriously have a book shaped hole in my chest since reading it
Edit 24.07.19; I still have a hole in my chest. I haven't been able to find any lesfic book that I love as much as this. I reeeeeaally loved it as a DoctorMechanic fic and as a book it destroyed me, because I haven't been able to find anything as good as this
Update 14.01.20; I still think about this book and hope I’ll find something else that I love as much as this.
I had to read this again. Still as good as the first time!
I read this first as a DoctorMechanic fic and loved it. Then I read is as a rewritten book and loved it even more! It was just my style. Older woman/younger woman, slooow build, sexual tension, angst and everything I love. This is my favorite book that I’ve read in a long time and I really want more books like it. I seriously have a book shaped hole in my chest since reading it
Edit 24.07.19; I still have a hole in my chest. I haven't been able to find any lesfic book that I love as much as this. I reeeeeaally loved it as a DoctorMechanic fic and as a book it destroyed me, because I haven't been able to find anything as good as this
Update 14.01.20; I still think about this book and hope I’ll find something else that I love as much as this.
October 7, 2018
Fantastic book
This story was a breath of fresh air. Truly a story about love and all the messiness of trying not to act on feelings. Maddie and Natalie's determination to not act on their feelings for so long showed the determination of a younger and older love interest. Wonderful ending.
This story was a breath of fresh air. Truly a story about love and all the messiness of trying not to act on feelings. Maddie and Natalie's determination to not act on their feelings for so long showed the determination of a younger and older love interest. Wonderful ending.
October 3, 2018
I'm losing sleep, darn it!
This has been a hell of a rollercoaster ride, this story. The last few days I've spent immensely enjoying this. It was incredible. I have been losing sleep over this, darn it! I didn't want to put it down. However, of course... sleep, work, and family duties had gotten in the way, otherwise I would've read the whole thing in a day. I did not want this story to end. I need more stories like this! MORE!!! Please. And thank you. Cheers! Long live Maddie and Natalie! My heart just melted reading this...
This has been a hell of a rollercoaster ride, this story. The last few days I've spent immensely enjoying this. It was incredible. I have been losing sleep over this, darn it! I didn't want to put it down. However, of course... sleep, work, and family duties had gotten in the way, otherwise I would've read the whole thing in a day. I did not want this story to end. I need more stories like this! MORE!!! Please. And thank you. Cheers! Long live Maddie and Natalie! My heart just melted reading this...
September 27, 2018
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this story. I haven't read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking for more of her work. Her storytelling is real, it's honest and easy to read. I'm looking forward to following more of this author.
I really enjoyed this story. I haven't read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking for more of her work. Her storytelling is real, it's honest and easy to read. I'm looking forward to following more of this author.
October 11, 2018
Brilliant
Really well written, although some editorial errors. it was a good page turner, with surprising twists as you were never sure which way the story would take you.
Really well written, although some editorial errors. it was a good page turner, with surprising twists as you were never sure which way the story would take you.
December 3, 2018
The book was nice but call me old-fashioned, I don't think it is proper to lust after someone's wife. It just usually never ends well but I guess it did for them. Slow burn.
August 24, 2019
Finishing this highly rated book was so sad.
The story is about Natalie, an older girlfriend of Brittney, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garret, and the slowly developing romantic feelings betwen Natalie and Mrs. Garret. They were so nice and caring. I really thought I had found a hidden gem.
Then, after the divorce of Mr. and Mrs. Garret, apparently, some additional explicit sex scenes were required, and in one of these scenes, Brittney and her father walk in on Natalie and Mrs. Garret who are having sex in the garage, in full view and glory. If the writer intended to shock, she definitely succeeded. I am embarrassed just thinking about the scene. Especially, since Mrs. Garret was always a bit sad that her daughter got along some much better with her dad than with her. Mrs. Garret was always so glad that Natalie looked after Brittney. Brittney also had confessed to Natalie that she had developed a crush on her. So, for Mrs. Garret and Natalie to act the way they did in the garage, apparently completely taken over by lust, and not caring about possible feelings of others that might get hurt, felt completely out of character to me.
I suppose the book got a happy ending, but I more or less skimmed through the pages until the end, not caring anymore.
Still giving it 2 stars because of the wonderful beginning.
The story is about Natalie, an older girlfriend of Brittney, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garret, and the slowly developing romantic feelings betwen Natalie and Mrs. Garret. They were so nice and caring. I really thought I had found a hidden gem.
Then, after the divorce of Mr. and Mrs. Garret, apparently, some additional explicit sex scenes were required, and in one of these scenes, Brittney and her father walk in on Natalie and Mrs. Garret who are having sex in the garage, in full view and glory. If the writer intended to shock, she definitely succeeded. I am embarrassed just thinking about the scene. Especially, since Mrs. Garret was always a bit sad that her daughter got along some much better with her dad than with her. Mrs. Garret was always so glad that Natalie looked after Brittney. Brittney also had confessed to Natalie that she had developed a crush on her. So, for Mrs. Garret and Natalie to act the way they did in the garage, apparently completely taken over by lust, and not caring about possible feelings of others that might get hurt, felt completely out of character to me.
I suppose the book got a happy ending, but I more or less skimmed through the pages until the end, not caring anymore.
Still giving it 2 stars because of the wonderful beginning.
October 21, 2021
Romantic love Story
What a beautifully written slow burn May September romance. It held my attention from beginning to end a true page turner. A wonderful eclectic mix of characters which all combine to make a wonderful story that just leaves you wanting more ,I sincerely hope there are more books to follow 5*don't do this book justice
What a beautifully written slow burn May September romance. It held my attention from beginning to end a true page turner. A wonderful eclectic mix of characters which all combine to make a wonderful story that just leaves you wanting more ,I sincerely hope there are more books to follow 5*don't do this book justice
September 30, 2018
Rather different May-September story with a gay daughter and a few other complications thrown in. The slow build was nice. The ending was marred by an overly dramatic we-should-break-up followed by an expected, but somewhat unexplained, reconciliation and HEA.
January 1, 2025
First and foremost I enjoyed the story very much. But the thing bringing my ratings down is the fact the pov would change without warning and the time jumps made it difficult to get my mind around it fully.
April 23, 2020
I like age gap romance especially f/f novel, but i was not invested in this. I would probably read this again.
February 24, 2024
Why have a break-up at 80% when you can have one at 95%
I had to give it two stars because one-star scores are reserved for dropped books and I made the mistake of reading until the last paragraph
I had to give it two stars because one-star scores are reserved for dropped books and I made the mistake of reading until the last paragraph
May 10, 2019
As soon as I started reading I realized it's adapted from a fanfic and I've never been a fan of this particular pairing from that universe.
I almost didn't want to read it, but I decided to give it a shot, just in case this story made the pairing work for me. But I just couldn't stop picturing the actors physically. So I just couldn't get into it. And I really didn't like one of the plot twists with Brittney. As if it wouldn't have been painful enough that her mom (who she just found out was separating from the dad she loves so much) and best friend were into each other.
I couldn't take this story seriously enough. But I think most of my issues are personal and related to the obvious fictional origins of this couple. The writing by itself is well done. I think a lot of people would appreciate the slow burn and the age gap aspects of this story. But it was triggering for me because I love the fictional universe this is inspired from and still read a lot of fanfic related to it and this pairing just turns me off. Never bought the chemistry between them.
I almost don't want to post this review because it's so biased. But then, it's also my opinion, so...
I guess I would recommend this to people who either like this fanfic pair or people who have never read fanfic from this universe and like mature age-gap slow burn romances with a bit of drama.
I almost didn't want to read it, but I decided to give it a shot, just in case this story made the pairing work for me. But I just couldn't stop picturing the actors physically. So I just couldn't get into it. And I really didn't like one of the plot twists with Brittney. As if it wouldn't have been painful enough that her mom (who she just found out was separating from the dad she loves so much) and best friend were into each other.
I couldn't take this story seriously enough. But I think most of my issues are personal and related to the obvious fictional origins of this couple. The writing by itself is well done. I think a lot of people would appreciate the slow burn and the age gap aspects of this story. But it was triggering for me because I love the fictional universe this is inspired from and still read a lot of fanfic related to it and this pairing just turns me off. Never bought the chemistry between them.
I almost don't want to post this review because it's so biased. But then, it's also my opinion, so...
I guess I would recommend this to people who either like this fanfic pair or people who have never read fanfic from this universe and like mature age-gap slow burn romances with a bit of drama.
March 6, 2022
I don't even what to say. Everything was going perfect until chapter 25. Then it seems like another book has started. I understood what the author wanted to convey, but the book was totally light and turned depressing and dark and the characters I'M SURE would never act the way they did, they looked like other people.
spoiler alert.
1. Truth be told, just like Maddie herself said, she would never leave Adam for Natalie if it wasn't for him breaking up. I wish she had taken action sooner.
2. They would never have sex at Brittney's party, it didn't make any sense for them to be TOTALLY reserved and out of the blue do it.
3. Natalie wrecking everything at the airport. It didn't make any sense according to her personality if there hadn't been a serious conversation before, she would never leave Maddie in that state.
4. I felt totally drugged with Maddie at the end, since depression was addressed, it should have been much earlier to have a recovery time.
5. With that we come to the last point: the ending was totally quick. The conflicts weren't detailed at all, it felt totally forced. Brittney should at the very least be featured in the finale, or the reconciliation should be told in the epilogue instead of the time jump.
spoiler alert.
1. Truth be told, just like Maddie herself said, she would never leave Adam for Natalie if it wasn't for him breaking up. I wish she had taken action sooner.
2. They would never have sex at Brittney's party, it didn't make any sense for them to be TOTALLY reserved and out of the blue do it.
3. Natalie wrecking everything at the airport. It didn't make any sense according to her personality if there hadn't been a serious conversation before, she would never leave Maddie in that state.
4. I felt totally drugged with Maddie at the end, since depression was addressed, it should have been much earlier to have a recovery time.
5. With that we come to the last point: the ending was totally quick. The conflicts weren't detailed at all, it felt totally forced. Brittney should at the very least be featured in the finale, or the reconciliation should be told in the epilogue instead of the time jump.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2022
Warning for some minor spoilers.
I liked this book. It was a good read. I found both main characters to be sympathetic, and the slow burn was well done. I even found I liked the husband, which was surprising. I like that Raquel De Leon didn't make this a tale of a bored housewife living with an emotionally-or-otherwise-abusive husband. It was more complicated and realistic than that. Sometimes you just reach the end of the road. Brittney was annoying, but she's also pretty young, and suffering her first heartbreak.
I found the angst leading to the wrap up to be appropriate given the circumstances, but also rushed. It just kind of felt like a lot was glossed over in the end. Like, apparently Natalie was made to feel responsible for Maddie's wellbeing, and Maddie was leaning too heavily on her when she was sinking into a depression. But that was really only talked about, not shown. That's one part of the characters' journey I actually would have liked to have been a part of. And then after a flash montage of angst, everything resolved, and we found ourselves at the epilogue. Rushed, like I said. But it didn't take away from the fact that for the most part I enjoyed the book.
Final verdict: Not perfect, but overall, a well-done May to December read.
I liked this book. It was a good read. I found both main characters to be sympathetic, and the slow burn was well done. I even found I liked the husband, which was surprising. I like that Raquel De Leon didn't make this a tale of a bored housewife living with an emotionally-or-otherwise-abusive husband. It was more complicated and realistic than that. Sometimes you just reach the end of the road. Brittney was annoying, but she's also pretty young, and suffering her first heartbreak.
I found the angst leading to the wrap up to be appropriate given the circumstances, but also rushed. It just kind of felt like a lot was glossed over in the end. Like, apparently Natalie was made to feel responsible for Maddie's wellbeing, and Maddie was leaning too heavily on her when she was sinking into a depression. But that was really only talked about, not shown. That's one part of the characters' journey I actually would have liked to have been a part of. And then after a flash montage of angst, everything resolved, and we found ourselves at the epilogue. Rushed, like I said. But it didn't take away from the fact that for the most part I enjoyed the book.
Final verdict: Not perfect, but overall, a well-done May to December read.
December 2, 2018
It was the most sensibly restrained tale of passion, and forbidden love, I've ever read.
From the book's description, I pictured a whirlwind of boiling passions and secrets tryst. While the book eventually delivered, it took the scenic route to get there.
The slow pacing of Maddie, and Natalie's relationship was a refreshing change from the Insta love that seems to dominate lesbian romance. However, It hit me that in a story about forbidden love, one would expect a a bit of recklessness. Uncontrollable need for each other that can't be denied. For most of the book, Maddie and Natalie seemed to take a sensible approach. The couple even waited a few weeks, to have sex, after they started dating.
*****************` SPOILER ALERT ****************
I think there is something a little selfish, proposing to your girlfriend, at your daughter's wedding reception.
From the book's description, I pictured a whirlwind of boiling passions and secrets tryst. While the book eventually delivered, it took the scenic route to get there.
The slow pacing of Maddie, and Natalie's relationship was a refreshing change from the Insta love that seems to dominate lesbian romance. However, It hit me that in a story about forbidden love, one would expect a a bit of recklessness. Uncontrollable need for each other that can't be denied. For most of the book, Maddie and Natalie seemed to take a sensible approach. The couple even waited a few weeks, to have sex, after they started dating.
*****************` SPOILER ALERT ****************
I think there is something a little selfish, proposing to your girlfriend, at your daughter's wedding reception.
January 1, 2019
I've read this book so many times (albeit in another form) that I HAD to get my own copy. Sadly, but not unfortunately, it was an ebook version. Anyway, this book feels like home. It's a comfort story and so special to me and I am beyond words that it's published.
When Natalie Navarro is introduced to her friend Brittney Garret's parents she didn't expect to be hired to work on Adam Garret's car. She especially didn't expect to be so attracted to his wife Maddie, and her friend's mom, during that time. What follows is her attempts to downplay her crush – it's not a crush – while also doing exactly the opposite. Told in bits in Natalie's perspective and Maddie's, this book nicely develops the relationship that blossoms between these two.
Okay, it may have been a while since I've read this piece and was it just me or were there some scenes that got cut? Or am I just confusing it with another story...
When Natalie Navarro is introduced to her friend Brittney Garret's parents she didn't expect to be hired to work on Adam Garret's car. She especially didn't expect to be so attracted to his wife Maddie, and her friend's mom, during that time. What follows is her attempts to downplay her crush – it's not a crush – while also doing exactly the opposite. Told in bits in Natalie's perspective and Maddie's, this book nicely develops the relationship that blossoms between these two.
Okay, it may have been a while since I've read this piece and was it just me or were there some scenes that got cut? Or am I just confusing it with another story...
November 6, 2018
Loved this book! Will probably read it again! I really like the main characters of Natalie and Maddie.
I liked that they didn't actually engage in anything physical until Maddie was at least separated from her husband. The romance after that was a bit quick but no so much that made it unconceivable. Kinda wished for more steamy love scenes, a lot was left to the imagination, but that might just be my own preference. Would probably actually rate it 4&1/2 stars if I could, but overall a great read!
I liked that they didn't actually engage in anything physical until Maddie was at least separated from her husband. The romance after that was a bit quick but no so much that made it unconceivable. Kinda wished for more steamy love scenes, a lot was left to the imagination, but that might just be my own preference. Would probably actually rate it 4&1/2 stars if I could, but overall a great read!
July 8, 2022
The main reason I love Raquel’s books so much is that she tells wonderfully complex, yet completely honest, stories that transcend genre. They are romances, yes, but they’re also life in all it’s messy glory.
They have happy endings, which I insist on for a good rating, but they’re so enriching to the soul to feel inspired by the possibilities life can offer if one is brave enough, or finds the strength to risk what life has to offer. I’ve loved everything she’s written, this one most. Highly recommend it to readers of any genre.
They have happy endings, which I insist on for a good rating, but they’re so enriching to the soul to feel inspired by the possibilities life can offer if one is brave enough, or finds the strength to risk what life has to offer. I’ve loved everything she’s written, this one most. Highly recommend it to readers of any genre.
August 14, 2019
Outstanding!
I was turned onto Raquel De Leon from “Katie” from GoodReads who recommended “Wanting Her” which was great. Then I found this book from the same writer and am I glad. Hey Katie hope you read it. This was the best slow burn age gap romance I have read in a long time. This had everything. Great story, sexual tension, humility, heartbreak and Love. It also had raw emotion that you can actually feel which is rare. A definite must read.
I was turned onto Raquel De Leon from “Katie” from GoodReads who recommended “Wanting Her” which was great. Then I found this book from the same writer and am I glad. Hey Katie hope you read it. This was the best slow burn age gap romance I have read in a long time. This had everything. Great story, sexual tension, humility, heartbreak and Love. It also had raw emotion that you can actually feel which is rare. A definite must read.
October 15, 2022
I was with this story and routing for the MCs til the last few chapters. The ending and the angst wrench seemed a bit- off? As if the ending were rushed and then the epilogue was thrown in to make up for the brusque ending.
It is an enjoyably sweet read though. The MCs are wonderful in their ability to resist one another until they can't. The characters that help them along the relationship rainbow are quintessential and humorous. Overall, a good read.
It is an enjoyably sweet read though. The MCs are wonderful in their ability to resist one another until they can't. The characters that help them along the relationship rainbow are quintessential and humorous. Overall, a good read.
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story of Natalie Navarro and her unexpected crush on her friend Brittany’s mum.
Trying to hide her obvious attraction she and Maddie connect and become friends texting back and forth. Maddie who finds herself growing slowly apart from her husband Adam, who travels a lot for his job, slowly comes to realise there is more to this friendship with Natalie but it’s just a crush … isn’t it.
Trying to hide her obvious attraction she and Maddie connect and become friends texting back and forth. Maddie who finds herself growing slowly apart from her husband Adam, who travels a lot for his job, slowly comes to realise there is more to this friendship with Natalie but it’s just a crush … isn’t it.
November 3, 2019
I wanted to like this book more than I did, and I've spent some time pondering why that is. It's a great story line, and I really enjoyed the characters and their development through throughout. But I think it's the pacing that's just slightly off, and I found it too wordy in patches that could have been streamlined.
May 7, 2020
Kind of a slow start. Some places where “the flow” of words felt awkward. But overall surprisingly delightful. HEA, of course, but also courageously touched on real issues that would probably confront such an age gap relationship. Well done. Would actually give 4.5 stars but since there is no such option; but what the heck, 5 it is.
October 20, 2021
Loved it
I totally enjoyed this book. One of the best I've ever read. The characters were interesting and funny and just couldn't help calling in love with them. The story kept you guessing, wondering what would happen next. I am looking forward to reading another. Thanks for a wonderful book.
ebest
I totally enjoyed this book. One of the best I've ever read. The characters were interesting and funny and just couldn't help calling in love with them. The story kept you guessing, wondering what would happen next. I am looking forward to reading another. Thanks for a wonderful book.
ebest
October 31, 2018
Nice May-December Romance
This is the first book that I've read by this author and she did a great job with developing the two lead characters, the struggle and strife in their relationship, as well as the development of their romance over time.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and she did a great job with developing the two lead characters, the struggle and strife in their relationship, as well as the development of their romance over time.
November 1, 2018
Should we?
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love can be difficult. This is the dilemma for our cast of characters. Read the story of Maddie and Natalie. Will they have a happy ending? Loved it!!!
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love can be difficult. This is the dilemma for our cast of characters. Read the story of Maddie and Natalie. Will they have a happy ending? Loved it!!!
November 1, 2018
Hard to put down once you start reading it
What an awesome storyline- i read alot of fic/romance and it has been a long time since i felt like, "hey, this is different"- love the slow burn of this relationship- I'm all about the journey. Will continue to look for this author.
What an awesome storyline- i read alot of fic/romance and it has been a long time since i felt like, "hey, this is different"- love the slow burn of this relationship- I'm all about the journey. Will continue to look for this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews