Sweat Equity

LadyLuck Startups #1

by Monica McCallan

Avery Simmons' life is in a rut. As the co-founder and creator of a lesbian dating app meant to help people find love, or at least a fun fling, the irony isn’t lost on her. Her girlfriend broke up with her, she can’t fit into her favorite jeans, and to top it off, she’s getting a new roommate who will be privy to her depressing pity party.

Personal trainer Charlie Grant wants nothing more than a clean slate and a fresh start from her old life in New York City. One of her oldest friends offers an extra room in her San Francisco duplex, but Charlie quickly finds out that it comes at an unforeseen cost. A sullen, misanthropic storm cloud of a woman already lives there, and Charlie has to wonder if cheap rent is worth her sanity.

Avery wants to hide from her feelings, and Charlie wants to run from hers. Can they both survive living together? But more than that, can they finally help one another break down their walls along the way?

This is the first book in the LadyLuck Startups Romance series but also acts as a standalone novel.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2018

About the author

Monica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.

Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.

She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.

Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic

Reviews

[Les Rêveur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello new lesbian romantic fiction series…

Avery Simmons is co-founder of a Lesbian-dating app, only problem is she’s painfully single. Her girlfriend left her for someone else and took her dog in the process so it’s safe to say she’s feeling pretty low when Charlie Grant becomes her new roommate. They don’t hit it off at first but as they get to know each other they realise their growing feelings. But falling for your roommate has disaster written all over it, right?

I think I may have just found one of my new favourite authors and series’. Sweat Equitywas fantastic and a great opening book to the new series Ladyluck Start-ups. This is the first book I have read by Monica McCallan and I am so glad I jumped on board because I enjoyed it immensely.

I had a real soft spot for Avery. Even though she at times seemed a little grumpy and had some self loathing going, I felt it was part of the charm to discover that it was her heartbreak (from the ex) that caused her moods and as the walls came down, she was actually an amazing person. She was also this amazing geeky girl and I have a real thing for geeks in my Lesbian fiction so that was a major plus.

Charlie was just awesome. I think if there was ever a person to make Avery come out of her funk it was her. I could see why Avery had a crush on her straight away and she was such a genuine and lovely person. Her job as a personal trainer cultivates the impression of her having the perfect body but she has a little bit of mystery about her and her past. It gave her an edge while maintaining her complete loveliness.

The secondary characters (and co founders of the start up app) are Avery’s best friends, Carter and Brennan, need to get their own love story in the series. So I am hoping there is, at the very least, two more books to come. I know I’ll be first in line… and I cannot wait!

5 stars

[Agirlcandream · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get how difficult it must be to write wlw novels with the constant need to differentiate between two leading ladies in conversation. Many authors succeed while others struggle with alternative to names such as “the brunette” or “the other woman” or “the dark haired one.” When I see multiple, multiple use of hair colour to differentiate speakers I think of old Xena fanfic.

I managed to get two-thirds of the way through this book before I packed it in. Avery and Charlie deserved better.

[Alex]

DNF the book was sucking my will to read. I’m posting this in case future me tries to read it again.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one from McCallan

I love, Love, LOVE stories where the main characters don't get a long in the beginning. The author was able to successfully illustrate concurrent tension, conflict, and attraction.

Avery is a mess. So broken and forlorn because her relationship ended. It has really done a number on her self esteem. She is a co-founder and programmer for a startup in San Francisco. Her friends, Brennan and Carter, are the other founders working on a dating app for Lesbians.

Brennan's long time friend, Charlie, decides to make a life change and ends up moving in with Avery.

Avery isn't a ray of sunshine to live with and Charlie can't stand her hot and cold interactions.

I had a lot of fun reading this one. McCallan has a way of writing snarky and sarcastic. The dialogue is always realistic. Each character has distinctive personalities.

Lots of angst. I love angst. But I did feel like there was one instance too much of angst. And there were some editing issues. And since both leads were brunette, it was difficult to understand which one she was referencing (Although I only felt that confusion in the last chapter or two.)

Overall, I enjoyed this a lot. The quality of storyline and writing is what you would expect from a commercially published author.

This is advertised as the first book in a series. It ended without any type of cliffhanger. I still can't wait for the next.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one or two peeved that I have with this book is the constant use of adjective or noun; the brunette, the blonde, the dark hair, the redhead, the other woman... like enough already ok.... let’s use a different lingo. There were a couple of errors; spelling and the likes but hey, let’s not go there. I understood what the sentence or word infers to and not gonna be too critical.

I liked the pull and push factors/feeling; not only in this book but in any books that I read. I liked the banters between Avery and Charlie and the secondary characters which were at times, deadpanned. Avery, at times frustrates the hell out of me with her one step forward and zillionth step backwards. I understood her and yet I don’t - that’s my thoughts on her. Now Charlie....the friendlier and the more free-spirited between the 2 MCs. I like her spontaneity though it got her into trouble for doing something which is frowned upon. I’m not condoning what she did but people do stupid things at times. And for lack of better judgement, she did just that and paid a price. Me... I’m not going to judge. Shit happened, so let’s move on.... you either love them or leave them.

Overall, an ok read and I’ll, in all likelihood, read the series just to check in on the ladies.

3.5 - rounding it down cos of my peeved with the adjectives/noun, all 375 of them, so says Kindle.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't get what's going on with these characters. Like, Charlie moves in and Avery is a bit stand-offish at first. Withdrawn. She's not mean or intrusive, just keeps to herself. And everybody acts like she's murdering kittens or something. Charlie is actually thinking "maybe I should look for another place if my roommate is going to be like that." And I'm thinking "are you serious, right now? You have a non-intrusive roommate who does her own thing and leaves you alone and your best friend lives in the other half of the house? How are you not swinging from the rafters at your good luck?!?"

So there are all these emotional currents, only they're buried where I can't see them. Characters are reacting to things I don't see and treating every little thing like it's the biggest thing ever. I kept thinking I was missing things. And I probably was, truth be told.

So I'm saying this wasn't for me. I'm giving it one star because I honestly couldn't connect. But, as always, your mileage may vary. You should be able to tell right from the start if your concerns will mirror my own, so a sample read should be a useful guide.

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5.

wish I’d read this one earlier. I read the second book in this series a while ago and I’ve just grown to appreciate Monica McCallan’s writing and how much she’s grown as a writer. As this is one of her earlier books, there are some issues with the writing. There is the use of “the woman” and “the brunette” in place of the actual name of the character, but it’s much less in this one than in the previous two books in her catalog.

No one can build a slow burn like Monica. I also appreciated the back story for each of these characters. Avery and Charlie both have baggage that they are both working through as they become roommates. There’s a lovely scene that can only be inspired by Legally Blonde involving Avery’s dog, which was delightful.

I’m sad to say, after I finish listening to Good Spin, I will be out of Monica McCallan books. The best thing I can say about that is that I will begin the process of rereading every single one and enjoying them even more.

[Jo reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

When's the next one out?

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised with how much I loved this one. A slow burn with great characters (not just including the MCs). I just wished it had less typos as it was a little distracting from the story due to the quantity. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.

[Yoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect start to a new series!

It has wonderful main characters in a charming story that doesn’t feel rushed. The secondary characters are the best group of friends since Melissa Brayden’s Soho Loft series.

I hope the next one comes out soon.

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of assume a series as this is called Book 1! Enjoyed it, thought at 40% thought will I last the whole book - felt repetitive, but once over the hump free wheeled all the way home. Will buy No 2 when and if there is one...

[Evie Drae · Rating 4 out of 5]

All right, my lovelies, this week’s review was one I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into after chatting with the author and getting a brief synopsis of the story. I knew it was going to be something I’d drool over and devour, and I was correct in that assumption. Upon finishing Sweat Equity by Monica McCallan, I was left with a happy little sigh that carried me through the rest of my evening. I mean, honestly people, this was one of those feel good books we all need in our lives.

Sweat Equity plays off a series of tropes and well-established writerly constructs, including a touch of enemies-to-lovers, a delicious slow burn approach, and lots ‘n lots of fun character moments that left me wanting more. Which is a dang good thing, considering this is the first in a series!

But I digress.

McCallan has an amazing flair for description, and her similes and metaphors had my jaw falling to the floor. The plot line was fresh, albeit tropey (in the best of ways!), and her characters were unique and full or charm. Or not. Sometimes they were a bit grumpy or unrealistic in their expectations, leaving me want to reach into the book and slap ‘em… but isn’t that what we want from our characters? A little realism? I should say so. No one wants cardboard cut-outs made to look and talk like people but who lack the inner workings and screw-ups that make us human. Borrrrrring. In my humble opinion, at least. 🤣

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read with a focus on slow burn relationship building, real human reactions, and a colorful and awesomely in-depth look at the everyday life of three gals digging into a San Francisco based start-up. I’m not sure if McCallan does such a thing in her real life, or if she just researched the ever-lovin’ heck out of it, but she had some great detail that really intrigued and drew me in.

[XR · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started thinking this book was going to be really great but the more I read the more annoyed I got. The whole, 'the brunette' and 'the dark haired one' was tiring. The intimate moment between the two main characters was so stretched out it got boring. I saw other reviews prior to reading this book and I was truly looking forward to reading it, but now I'm wondering what everyone else was taking when they were reading this because I really needed it to be on the same level.

[Heat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This became a little repetitive, but it’s definitely worth a read.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

Enjoyable story, I tend to agree with the other reviews, it gets a bit repetitive but overall really nice read.

[Pinkdturtle tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll say 3.5.
Enjoyed learning a few new words. I like the storyline, by the end thou it was boring me, probably cause it wasn’t happing fast enough.
Some days I feel like I live in SF all the lesbian books I read centred around that place.
Bit confused at times about who was actually talking, few more words and stipulated that.
Well that’s all I have to say... okie dokie on this one.

[Tere · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ‘Sweat Equity’ by Monica McCallan is the first book in the 'LadyLuck Startups Romance' series. Seems the series will revolve around three Stanford graduate friends and cofounders of a lesbian dating app company. Brennan, Carter and Avery share two apartments in Brennan’s house in San Francisco. This book is Avery’s story.

Avery Simmons is the person in charge of the technical end of the startup company. Her life is in shambles after she discovered her girlfriend of three years cheated on her. This brings Avery to Brennan’s empty second apartment awaiting a new roommate. Enter Charlie Grant, Brennan’s old boarding school friend who is trying to start a new chapter in her life. She is attempting to leave personal tragedy, overbearing parents and a promising but unfulfilling career in New York City in order to try a more meaningful one as a personal trainer. The new roommate arrangement starts with some rocky moments until there's a truce between the two characters as Avery asks Charlie to guide her in her journey to physical fitness.

Avery’s character is the youngest of the group and she is treated as such by her friends and family. This is something she tries to overcome throughout the book and plays a role in explaining her moods. However, the character does have some redeeming qualities and grows on the reader as the story progresses. Charlie, on the other hand, is more even-keeled and mature throughout the majority of the book but later falls into uncharacteristically immoral behavior which seems a bit forced. There is this constant pull and push and flip flopping of who was doing the right, mature thing in this book that was frustrating to read. The author moves the relationship forward through thoughtful, meaningful moments only to negate them with the characters’ next action.

The company setup and secondary characters were enjoyable and will no doubt serve well in the future installments of this series. The three friends’ banter is on point, entertaining and in my opinion the highlight of the book.

This book is available for purchase through Amazon or free through Kindle Unlimited.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm...3.5* ish

So I overall liked this book and since its part of a series I am hoping that topics left uncovered will be covered later...for example why Avery has such a negative view of her family and maybe more detail in the family department, possible meet, of Charlie's family. I also feel the term "sweat equity" was not really established throughout the book, kinda just thrown in at the end. I am actually interested in the Carter/Brennan situation and kinda hope they end up together even though it is well established they are only friends. Anyway, free on kU, has a bit of editing issues but nothing too terrible (but another proof reader would have solved it), and overall a pretty nice read. I give it 3.5ish stars.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was was a solid read. It was fun and cute and I enjoyed the MC and Supporting Characters. Avery at times bugged me with her childish ways but her friends help her to grow up. I did feel that the book was a tad bit longer than it needed to be. The biggest thing that bugged me was the how the author referred to the characters by their hair color - ALL the time. By the end it was very annoying. I give this one 3.75.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the dialogue

The push and pull between these characters drove me crazy but in a good way. I loved this book and look forward to more in the series.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start this review by saying that Monica McCallan is an excellent author. This is the second book of hers that I've read. She writes well rounded characters with natural dialogue. This is the first book in a series about 3 best friends/co-founders of a dating app. It is a really great set up book for the series. So, I've said some really positive things, but I only gave it a 3. Here's why....our main characters in this book are Avery and Charlie. Avery has had a rough few months and then Charlie became her roommate. Charlie was an old friend of Brennan, one of the other app co-founders. Avery treated Charlie really terribly for a long time. I found Avery to be extremely immature and selfish. She was rude and disrespectful to Charlie for a good portion of the book. She was also not a good friend/co-worker to Brennan or Carter (the 3rd in the trio). She's really lucky those two loved her like they did or she would have found herself all alone in the world. Avery soon developed a crush on Charlie but acted like an immature child. I'm not exactly sure how or why Charlie was attracted to Avery, and as the book progressed, I found it even harder to understand. Most of the book was spent with Avery and Charlie dancing around one another. I like some angst between main characters, by this was a whole new level. Once Dinah Palm Springs came, I was pretty well over Charlie and Avery but I liked Brennan, Carter, and Charlie so I kept reading. Avery acted like a total jerk in Palm Springs and was amazed when Charlie forgave her. These two finally managed to get themselves together and started on the journey to their happily ever after!
I do plan on reading books 2 and 3 because I do really like the other characters. If I didn't find Monica McCallan to be such a great writer I would have given this book 2 stars but because I am intrigued enough by the plot line to want to read books 2&3, I feel that this book does deserve a 3.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story but it certainly put the characters through their paces.

There really is nothing better than two characters who are a mess! Neither Avery nor Charlie have it all figured out, and therefore it built a great amount of tension and conflict on the basis of misunderstandings between them.

The addition of friends and colleagues, Brennan and Carter helped to keep a pace and subplot driving the story forward as Avery and Charlie’s relationship developed. It was refreshing to see characters that weren’t all figured out and therefore it wasn’t straightforward in them falling for one another.

Lots of drama is packed into this romance with some super cute and funny moments to add a level of light-heartedness.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a romance, and hope to see more from these characters in future.

[Cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. The story is one long string of angst, miscues, baggage and misunderstandings. I enjoyed the characters and the banter. The supporting cast was good and I can see the series developing around each back story of the circle of friends. The lower rating was because it was too long and repetitive. I found myself checking my kindle to see how much longer I had to go. I hit the first quarter of the book and thought for sure I was half through. I liked the characters enough I wanted to see how it played out but I finished the book feeling like I took the long way home from an exhausting road trip.

[Anuja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, great writing and character arcs. Unfortunately it took excruciatingly long to get to the point. Nonetheless, the writing makes you keep going. What was good was how the secondary characters were just as three dimensional as the protagonists. That's probably because it's a series but it feels nice to see excellent chemistry between all the characters.
3* for story
4* for the writing

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very slow moving story of friendship that goes beyond. At some point i wanted to slap both to get them together. Good think I didn't have to 😂

[CLAR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a tease! Carter's fun. I like her.

Looking forward to read the next ones in the series :)

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been enjoying making my way through McCallan's novels on Kindle-Unlimited and am down to my final two. This is one of her earlier books (2018) and on the plus side I can see she has really grown as a writer in just a few years. Charlie Grant is in her late 20s and has had a change of life and career. She is leaving the banking world in NYC and comes to San Francisco to be a fitness personal trainer. Her longtime friend offers her a good deal on a room in a duplex. Avery Simmon's is her new roommate. Avery is the coder and co-founder of a new dating app. Her partners live next door. Avery has been through a rough break-up and is sullen and depressed. With Charlie as her new roomie Avery decides to get back into shape and be more friendly and social.

All the characters are pretty straight forward except for Avery. She is written so socially awkward at times I wondered if she was on the spectrum. She can be hot or cold and has a hard time not repeating her social mistakes. She's also a couple years younger than the rest, and strangely her "friends" haven't helped her, but have been waiting for her to grow up. Yet she managed to graduate from Stanford and have committed (but not happy) relationship. I really didn't see the attraction for Charlie other than Avery can be loyal and kind. Also I think the author just wanted to throw in angst after angst. I'm not a fan of MC's being involved with other people after they've met up and that becomes a whole thing as well. This is slow, slow-burn to finally get them on the same page and still there is mis-cues before a rushed ending. I am satisfied that there was a potential HEA.

If you're new to the author don't judge her writing based only on this book. There are some grammar issues. And she falls in to the fan fiction style of identifying characters as "the brunette". At times I wasn't sure who was speaking. This book also doesn't contain much humor like some of her more recent books.

[N C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and cute

This book was funny and cute. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting a fairly quick book.

[Oyíndàmólá✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5stars!

[Chand · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit slow and more tell than show, the latter a common theme with self-published authors. This obviously also led to a lack of adequate chemistry between the protagonists. But I'm not writing off the author yet.