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Artist Free Zone
Melissa just moved to a conservative part of Washington State. A move designed to set her and her longtime partner up for early retirement. But best laid plans go awry when her partner, Colette decides, out of the blue, their relationship isn’t working for her. This is strike three for Melissa. She’s out, after being dumped a third time and her 45th birthday just around the corner. The only thing left to do is sob all over her beloved kitties. She’s vowed to never get involved, ever again, with another artist. She’s in a new town surrounded by cowboys and republicans. Not a single lesbian in sight even if she were so inclined. Life sucks for her.
Colette is torn up about hurting Melissa. She hasn’t been entirely honest about her reasons for leaving and that tears her up even further. She keeps calling to make sure Melissa is okay. Life is exciting and wonderful for her because she’s met her soulmate and plans on moving to Alaska. But will Karma exact its revenge?
Will these three women be able to make it through the heartache of love lost and new love found? Find out in the tale by award-winning author, Annette Mori. A raw and honest portrayal of love lost and love found again.
Colette is torn up about hurting Melissa. She hasn’t been entirely honest about her reasons for leaving and that tears her up even further. She keeps calling to make sure Melissa is okay. Life is exciting and wonderful for her because she’s met her soulmate and plans on moving to Alaska. But will Karma exact its revenge?
Will these three women be able to make it through the heartache of love lost and new love found? Find out in the tale by award-winning author, Annette Mori. A raw and honest portrayal of love lost and love found again.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2019
35 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Annette Mori
55 books169 followersBiography
One Fan at a Time
Annette is an award-winning author, published by Affinity Rainbow Publications, who lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her wife and their five furry kids. With over thirty published novels, four Lesfic Bard finalist awards, two Lesfic Bard Awards, and one Goldie Award for her fourth novel, Locked Inside, she finally feels like a real author. Annette is as much a reader as a writer and always looking for the next lesfic novel to cue up. She came up with the One Fan at a Time tagline because it rolled off the tongue much better than One Reader at a Time. After pondering who she was at her core, it was all about connecting to each reader on a personal level. She would be the first to admit she doesn't do well with the masses. If someone picks up her book and it touches them she believes she has achieved what she wants with her writing by reaching each reader. It is who she is at her core. Drop her a line she loves to hear from readers: annettemori0859@gmail.com or sign up for her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/cS3amj You can also catch her latest blogs at: https://annettemori0859.wordpress.com/ or visit the Affinity Rainbow Publications website for her books and many other outstanding authors: https://www.affinityebooks.com
One Fan at a Time
Annette is an award-winning author, published by Affinity Rainbow Publications, who lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her wife and their five furry kids. With over thirty published novels, four Lesfic Bard finalist awards, two Lesfic Bard Awards, and one Goldie Award for her fourth novel, Locked Inside, she finally feels like a real author. Annette is as much a reader as a writer and always looking for the next lesfic novel to cue up. She came up with the One Fan at a Time tagline because it rolled off the tongue much better than One Reader at a Time. After pondering who she was at her core, it was all about connecting to each reader on a personal level. She would be the first to admit she doesn't do well with the masses. If someone picks up her book and it touches them she believes she has achieved what she wants with her writing by reaching each reader. It is who she is at her core. Drop her a line she loves to hear from readers: annettemori0859@gmail.com or sign up for her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/cS3amj You can also catch her latest blogs at: https://annettemori0859.wordpress.com/ or visit the Affinity Rainbow Publications website for her books and many other outstanding authors: https://www.affinityebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2020
**'Every writer's literary style is nothing less than an ethical strategy---it's always an attempt to get most readers to care about others who are not the same as they might be...'
3.5stars!
An enjoyable story -- it seems like an autobiography..
3.5stars!
An enjoyable story -- it seems like an autobiography..
May 2, 2021
Alright... this is one interesting read and different. Different cos I’ve not (never in fact) read such an ending. And it might well be that the book is possibly a reality for the author with perhaps some fiction added along the way... as we read in one of Melissa’s POV towards the end of the book...
High 3s (7/10) 😊
High 3s (7/10) 😊
December 1, 2019
“Artist Free Zone” is a great example of why reviews should be written very soon after finishing a book.
My bookmark notes remind me that there is lots of angst among several MCs. Breakups without saying why, fears of trusting again, alcoholism, health problems, bad choices, better choices, being a doormat, believing in yourself, making short term choices, making long term choices, regrets and a life well lived.
Sigh….the only way I could make sense of my bookmarks to write a normal review would be to listen to the book all over again, and they’re too many new books I want to listen to.
My notes also reminded me that the narrator was wonderful, the writing was terrific, but that many of the characters were just not my favorites for a lesfic story….too realistically flawed, which might appeal to you more than me. 4* for “Artist Free Zone”.
My bookmark notes remind me that there is lots of angst among several MCs. Breakups without saying why, fears of trusting again, alcoholism, health problems, bad choices, better choices, being a doormat, believing in yourself, making short term choices, making long term choices, regrets and a life well lived.
Sigh….the only way I could make sense of my bookmarks to write a normal review would be to listen to the book all over again, and they’re too many new books I want to listen to.
My notes also reminded me that the narrator was wonderful, the writing was terrific, but that many of the characters were just not my favorites for a lesfic story….too realistically flawed, which might appeal to you more than me. 4* for “Artist Free Zone”.
May 16, 2021
3.4 stars
Well written and interesting but sometimes too slow for me.
Well written and interesting but sometimes too slow for me.
June 18, 2019
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the story. The switching between characters point of view was a little confusing, but overall a good story.
I enjoyed the story. The switching between characters point of view was a little confusing, but overall a good story.
February 21, 2019
An awesome read
This story earned 5 stars. Its a touching and realistic tale that shares the dreams of most of us, or at least my hopes and dreams of the future. Plus the cat chats are hilarious!
This story earned 5 stars. Its a touching and realistic tale that shares the dreams of most of us, or at least my hopes and dreams of the future. Plus the cat chats are hilarious!
February 20, 2019
This was an interesting read. The book is written in the view of Melissa and Colette... however, their HEA's are not necessarily with each other. It was very different going back and forth between their viewpoints and not have them end up with each other. I liked the story enough... I felt like Colette did not have many redeeming qualities and even though she saw the error of her ways, it didn't make me feel any better about her. Melissa is very likable if not too likable... She seems to be more or a less a doormat in a lot of ways... pushing issues under the carpet rather than speaking up for herself or handling situations a certain way. There are a few chapters written in the perspective of Sarasota (cat) and one in Ebony's perspective (cat). One of Sarasota's chapter's I am particularly upset about but I suppose that is life and the way the book advanced. Sometime's it was hard to tell if the book was in the present or the past. I don't know if that was just me or if anyone else experienced this. Every now and again there would be mention of "as the years passed" and I was kind of just left thinking "soooo... how did we get to that point". I am all about epilogue's and book's having a proper closing. I think this may have been a little over done. The last couple of chapter's were progressed over many years.
The story is well written and flows decently... aside from flash backs or fast forwards that were a little difficult to place at times. Oh another gripe of mine about it was the way Melissa's character said through the whole book... probably at least 3-4 times... that it's the lesbian way to stay friends with your exes. In this context, saying she would do anything for her exes and support them financially... it was just all a little strange for me. Obviously I get women are more likely to remain friends with their exes, I have a couple I'm friends with but it was just very odd in this story line. I don't think if Melissa was my girlfriend I would be particularly happy about some of the flippant comments and actions. Some of it is in Melissa's perspective and not spoken to the future partner but it was just a little too much. I gave this book 3 stars.
The story is well written and flows decently... aside from flash backs or fast forwards that were a little difficult to place at times. Oh another gripe of mine about it was the way Melissa's character said through the whole book... probably at least 3-4 times... that it's the lesbian way to stay friends with your exes. In this context, saying she would do anything for her exes and support them financially... it was just all a little strange for me. Obviously I get women are more likely to remain friends with their exes, I have a couple I'm friends with but it was just very odd in this story line. I don't think if Melissa was my girlfriend I would be particularly happy about some of the flippant comments and actions. Some of it is in Melissa's perspective and not spoken to the future partner but it was just a little too much. I gave this book 3 stars.
August 1, 2019
Not the typical Annette Mori book but by far her best!!
“While nothing is perfect, perfection is overrated. Growth is far more satisfying.”
“I wondered if she would ever let anyone close to her. There was a big part of Melissa no one touched, and I needed all of her, not what she thought was enough to keep us together.”
“I suspected her first love broke her heart beyond repair. All I’d done was smash the remaining pieces into smaller bits.”
+ • + • + • +
OMG!!!! What a book!!! 💯 beautiful!!!
OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the love wanted, waited & weeped for after so many years!!!!
An emotional & entertaining story with characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing.
It resurrected my faith & belief in true love!! It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me hopeful, impacted by this emotional experience from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of real love.
+ • + • + • +
“I was a fool and Karma had made its presence known. The hardest lessons in life were always the most painful. Karma was indeed a vengeful bitch.”
“While nothing is perfect, perfection is overrated. Growth is far more satisfying.”
“I wondered if she would ever let anyone close to her. There was a big part of Melissa no one touched, and I needed all of her, not what she thought was enough to keep us together.”
“I suspected her first love broke her heart beyond repair. All I’d done was smash the remaining pieces into smaller bits.”
+ • + • + • +
OMG!!!! What a book!!! 💯 beautiful!!!
OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the love wanted, waited & weeped for after so many years!!!!
An emotional & entertaining story with characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing.
It resurrected my faith & belief in true love!! It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me hopeful, impacted by this emotional experience from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of real love.
+ • + • + • +
“I was a fool and Karma had made its presence known. The hardest lessons in life were always the most painful. Karma was indeed a vengeful bitch.”
March 1, 2019
Annette Mori always pours her heart and soul into her stories. This one is particularly poignant as it is, I believe, partly autobiographical. All the characters come across as real people. It is a fascinating study of how relationships begin and then change over time…sometimes for the worst, sometimes for the best. I applaud Annette's courage in putting this story out there. (Note: Published by Stone Soup Community Press, all proceeds from the sales of this book are going to LGBTQ charities.)
March 9, 2019
A good ride of a romance. Is it autobiographical?
February 21, 2019
Great book, you are brave to put yourself out there.
February 22, 2019
Very enjoyable. I received the story from the author in exchange for an unbiased review, and at no time did she offer to pay for my children's education or shower me with money or chocolate.**
So, what's going on with this story? Basically, it's a story of lost and found, but finding the one you want ain't what you think--or something like that. We have Melissa and Colette, and the bulk of the story is told from their viewpoints. At first, it was a little jarring going back and forth between the two, but I soon got into the flow.
What this story had going for it was a smooth narrative, sharply drawn characters, and some hilarious input from two cats. (Yes, cats do dialogue, too). Truthfully, the characters weren't all that likable, even though they were well done. As I'm a guy, I couldn't really relate to them as another woman could, but they came off as being realistic, and that was the clincher for me. Colette's attitude didn't really turn me on. Even though she felt that she'd messed up, it wasn't enough to make me sympathize with her.
Melissa was fine, but a little wimpy, preferring to back off rather than take control, or try to. However, life is like that, and had the author made her step up and knock a homer in terms of relationships--metaphorically speaking--I don't think the story would have worked as well.
Altogether, an interesting read, and for lovers of lesbian fiction, highly recommended. If you have cats, even more highly recommended. :)
**Chocolate would have been nice.
So, what's going on with this story? Basically, it's a story of lost and found, but finding the one you want ain't what you think--or something like that. We have Melissa and Colette, and the bulk of the story is told from their viewpoints. At first, it was a little jarring going back and forth between the two, but I soon got into the flow.
What this story had going for it was a smooth narrative, sharply drawn characters, and some hilarious input from two cats. (Yes, cats do dialogue, too). Truthfully, the characters weren't all that likable, even though they were well done. As I'm a guy, I couldn't really relate to them as another woman could, but they came off as being realistic, and that was the clincher for me. Colette's attitude didn't really turn me on. Even though she felt that she'd messed up, it wasn't enough to make me sympathize with her.
Melissa was fine, but a little wimpy, preferring to back off rather than take control, or try to. However, life is like that, and had the author made her step up and knock a homer in terms of relationships--metaphorically speaking--I don't think the story would have worked as well.
Altogether, an interesting read, and for lovers of lesbian fiction, highly recommended. If you have cats, even more highly recommended. :)
**Chocolate would have been nice.
March 5, 2019
A tale full of raw emotions
Annette Mori presents a tale that’s full of raw emotions and makes the reader reach deep inside and consider life’s ups and downs. Further, the author is painfully honest that consequently forces you to feel. On a second thought that’s why we read to forget and feel, and Ms. Mori does a spectacular job. This novel is real, too real to think is work of fiction. Perhaps personal experiences are part of this work making it an awesome read. Bravo for writing this tale. That is closer to reality and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ll reread it again. This is about life, this is a story of wants and desires, this is a breathtaking novel. Lastly, by purchasing this book you will support two organizations, It Gets Better and The Trevor Project. Thank you Ms. Annette Mori for your generosity and talent. Don’t wait, purchase it because is that good!!!
Annette Mori presents a tale that’s full of raw emotions and makes the reader reach deep inside and consider life’s ups and downs. Further, the author is painfully honest that consequently forces you to feel. On a second thought that’s why we read to forget and feel, and Ms. Mori does a spectacular job. This novel is real, too real to think is work of fiction. Perhaps personal experiences are part of this work making it an awesome read. Bravo for writing this tale. That is closer to reality and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ll reread it again. This is about life, this is a story of wants and desires, this is a breathtaking novel. Lastly, by purchasing this book you will support two organizations, It Gets Better and The Trevor Project. Thank you Ms. Annette Mori for your generosity and talent. Don’t wait, purchase it because is that good!!!
May 31, 2019
I love when Annette gets romantical. :)
July 26, 2022
TL;DR: Not your regular sapphic romance. Doesn’t fit in any regular tropes or labels. However, it’s realistic, authentic, funny at times and overall a good light read if you like something a bit different.
This book is different in many ways from others in the sapphic niche. That doesn’t make it better or worse but it is noteworthy because some readers prefer a cookie-cutter romance (nothing wrong with that, many a time it’s exactly what I need to unwind).
So what makes it different? Well, the MCs to begin with, are breaking up at the very beginning and drift further and further apart throughout the book. In a way, it is a book about falling out of love, accepting harsh realities, and learning to live with the consequences of rushed decisions.
Another thing is the tiny love story that emerges for one MC as she learns to live on her own and claim back her life. This part of the story is not detailed, angsty, or emotional. It is told on the level - realistic, practical, and to the point. Yes, the characters have emotions. No, they don’t need to discuss those emotions over hundreds of pages. In a way, this is a very refreshing approach and while I wouldn’t want all my romance reads to look like that, I thoroughly enjoyed this different take on things.
Another thing that’s different is the supporting characters. Half of them are exes of each other and especially of the MC. OMG!! This is the closest thing to a realistic sapphic swamp if I ever saw one! Yes, I know, it’s not a nice thing to say. But what can I do? You know I’m right :) Sooner or later you’re gonna run into your cheating ex, or just a regular ex, and sooner or later one of those exes is gonna start dating your best friend or colleague and before you know it you live among a bunch of friends with half of whom you already slept… The dating pool is just smaller for the sapphic community and this book totally reflects that and I really liked that it did. It just built up the authenticity of the book.
Last, and certainly not least, the thing that made me search for this book to begin with: The CAT! MC has 2 cats. One of them likes to tell the readers every now and then about her own interpretation of the unfolding events. To me, with years of caring for numerous cats in and out of the house, it was crystal clear that this author knows what she’s talking about when she writes the cat’s POV. It was obvious she likes cats and understands them. She gets their unique mentality and embraces it. I loved it, truly. It elevated the book and added an objective voice while making it funnier :) Every author should try and see the plot through their pet’s eyes from time to time.
Sidenote about the title: I loved it but the full explanation is a spoiler so not gonna say more than that. It is well chosen.
T&T (Tropes & Triggers): Age gap (but they break up in the beginning), break-up, cheating girlfriend, pets.
Rating: I gave only 4 stars because I felt there could have been more complexity to the characters. At times things were too straightforward...
Disclaimer: When I was searching for this book it wasn't available on Amazon and the publisher closed shop. The author provided a free copy without any expectations for a review or otherwise.
This book is different in many ways from others in the sapphic niche. That doesn’t make it better or worse but it is noteworthy because some readers prefer a cookie-cutter romance (nothing wrong with that, many a time it’s exactly what I need to unwind).
So what makes it different? Well, the MCs to begin with, are breaking up at the very beginning and drift further and further apart throughout the book. In a way, it is a book about falling out of love, accepting harsh realities, and learning to live with the consequences of rushed decisions.
Another thing is the tiny love story that emerges for one MC as she learns to live on her own and claim back her life. This part of the story is not detailed, angsty, or emotional. It is told on the level - realistic, practical, and to the point. Yes, the characters have emotions. No, they don’t need to discuss those emotions over hundreds of pages. In a way, this is a very refreshing approach and while I wouldn’t want all my romance reads to look like that, I thoroughly enjoyed this different take on things.
Another thing that’s different is the supporting characters. Half of them are exes of each other and especially of the MC. OMG!! This is the closest thing to a realistic sapphic swamp if I ever saw one! Yes, I know, it’s not a nice thing to say. But what can I do? You know I’m right :) Sooner or later you’re gonna run into your cheating ex, or just a regular ex, and sooner or later one of those exes is gonna start dating your best friend or colleague and before you know it you live among a bunch of friends with half of whom you already slept… The dating pool is just smaller for the sapphic community and this book totally reflects that and I really liked that it did. It just built up the authenticity of the book.
Last, and certainly not least, the thing that made me search for this book to begin with: The CAT! MC has 2 cats. One of them likes to tell the readers every now and then about her own interpretation of the unfolding events. To me, with years of caring for numerous cats in and out of the house, it was crystal clear that this author knows what she’s talking about when she writes the cat’s POV. It was obvious she likes cats and understands them. She gets their unique mentality and embraces it. I loved it, truly. It elevated the book and added an objective voice while making it funnier :) Every author should try and see the plot through their pet’s eyes from time to time.
Sidenote about the title: I loved it but the full explanation is a spoiler so not gonna say more than that. It is well chosen.
T&T (Tropes & Triggers): Age gap (but they break up in the beginning), break-up, cheating girlfriend, pets.
Rating: I gave only 4 stars because I felt there could have been more complexity to the characters. At times things were too straightforward...
Disclaimer: When I was searching for this book it wasn't available on Amazon and the publisher closed shop. The author provided a free copy without any expectations for a review or otherwise.
March 22, 2022
When you have a "type" that keeps breaking your heart
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: meet-cute, unusual job; UNICORN: period, more than two POVs, character over 50
I usually forget that Whidbey Island, WA is one of Annette Mori's settings for her books, and it brings back fond memories from when I was stationed at NASWI. So, I get nostalgic when I read her novels, and it sets the mood for an expected good read. That's exactly what I got! I'm middle-aged, so I could relate to a lot of that content, as well. But, this wasn't just about love between women after a certain age, it was about realizing previous mistakes, and the ability to find a loving relationship where wanting to compromise is part of your love for your partner. It was also about learning the balance between giving and taking, and self-worth.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: meet-cute, unusual job; UNICORN: period, more than two POVs, character over 50
I usually forget that Whidbey Island, WA is one of Annette Mori's settings for her books, and it brings back fond memories from when I was stationed at NASWI. So, I get nostalgic when I read her novels, and it sets the mood for an expected good read. That's exactly what I got! I'm middle-aged, so I could relate to a lot of that content, as well. But, this wasn't just about love between women after a certain age, it was about realizing previous mistakes, and the ability to find a loving relationship where wanting to compromise is part of your love for your partner. It was also about learning the balance between giving and taking, and self-worth.
February 28, 2019
I was Interested from the first chapter. Each chapter from alternate protagonist works. 70% in I was not sure how it would end or more importantly how I wanted it to end. That is rare these days. This lack of predictability continued right up to the last minute. I really wasn’t sure how it would all work out - again rare these days. I also cried twice - not that this is a sad book but I was emotionally very invested. Again quite rare these days. This is not a perfect book but it is a great book. I heartily recommend it. 5 stars upgraded from 4 because of the rarities outlined above. Arc.
March 4, 2019
Realistic story-Enjoyed very much
Their were several characters in this book &they all fit perfectly together and made the story very realistic. It is very relatable on how life, love, friends, heartbreak, healing and finances effect our daily lives. How fragile relationships can be if they are taken for granted and both partners don't communicate. You won't want to put it down!! Thank you Annette for another great story!!
Their were several characters in this book &they all fit perfectly together and made the story very realistic. It is very relatable on how life, love, friends, heartbreak, healing and finances effect our daily lives. How fragile relationships can be if they are taken for granted and both partners don't communicate. You won't want to put it down!! Thank you Annette for another great story!!
July 13, 2019
Realistic
This was incredibly realistic, the characters were well drawn out and their mistakes and flaws were believable, it isn't about revenge as I had initially thought it would be, it's better, its about reflection and perspective and forgiveness. This book will stay in my mind for a while. Thank you.
This was incredibly realistic, the characters were well drawn out and their mistakes and flaws were believable, it isn't about revenge as I had initially thought it would be, it's better, its about reflection and perspective and forgiveness. This book will stay in my mind for a while. Thank you.
February 24, 2019
Good story
I really enjoyed this. I have to admit, the extra view point from the fur babies kind of confused me at first but after I realized what was going on, I really liked it. Nice story!
I really enjoyed this. I have to admit, the extra view point from the fur babies kind of confused me at first but after I realized what was going on, I really liked it. Nice story!
March 9, 2019
ARTIST FREE ZONE
In my opinion Ms Mori has another hit. I have yet to read one of her novels that I have not enjoyed. She knows how to develop a well balanced character and tell a very entertaining story.
In my opinion Ms Mori has another hit. I have yet to read one of her novels that I have not enjoyed. She knows how to develop a well balanced character and tell a very entertaining story.
March 24, 2019
Wonderful Story
I loved this story because of the age of the main characters. It really touched my heart how their lives developed through the narrative. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read romance.
I loved this story because of the age of the main characters. It really touched my heart how their lives developed through the narrative. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read romance.
February 28, 2019
Excellent!
I loved Artist Free Zone. Very moving. A side note to all the romance, is the brief mention of the times women in the story didn’t look out for themselves financially. Women end up getting hurt emotionally and financially when things don’t work in a relationship and in their careers.
I loved Artist Free Zone. Very moving. A side note to all the romance, is the brief mention of the times women in the story didn’t look out for themselves financially. Women end up getting hurt emotionally and financially when things don’t work in a relationship and in their careers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews