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Oaktown Girls #2
Committed
Is it wise to propose marriage to your undocumented girlfriend if she just moved in … and she’s already thinking of moving out?
That’s the question on auto mechanic Lizzy’s mind as she wrestles with what to do in Book Two of the Oaktown Girls series. Commitment is definitely in the air for this tightly knit circle of Oakland lesbians.
Tenika can’t stand the idea of marrying anyone – but her partner Delilah, a tattoo artist, has her heart set on it. But then, when Delilah develops a strange, disabling tremor, Tenika’s forced to rethink everything she once held as true.
Meanwhile Frankie, a newcomer who happens to be an undercover cop, can’t find a date to save her life. That is until she happens to meet the ravishing charmer Tasha at Tenika and Lizzy’s garage. Will Frankie’s PTSD undermine her ability to open up and find her love? And will it be Tasha, or the sweet, open-hearted Sally who seems to know a little too much about her?
And why won’t either of them tell Frankie what they do for a living?
Find out who falls in love for good in this warm-hearted page turner you can’t put down.
That’s the question on auto mechanic Lizzy’s mind as she wrestles with what to do in Book Two of the Oaktown Girls series. Commitment is definitely in the air for this tightly knit circle of Oakland lesbians.
Tenika can’t stand the idea of marrying anyone – but her partner Delilah, a tattoo artist, has her heart set on it. But then, when Delilah develops a strange, disabling tremor, Tenika’s forced to rethink everything she once held as true.
Meanwhile Frankie, a newcomer who happens to be an undercover cop, can’t find a date to save her life. That is until she happens to meet the ravishing charmer Tasha at Tenika and Lizzy’s garage. Will Frankie’s PTSD undermine her ability to open up and find her love? And will it be Tasha, or the sweet, open-hearted Sally who seems to know a little too much about her?
And why won’t either of them tell Frankie what they do for a living?
Find out who falls in love for good in this warm-hearted page turner you can’t put down.
- GenresLGBT
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2019
51 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Falter
17 books131 followersSuzanne Falter is an author, speaker, blogger and podcaster who has published both fiction and non-fiction, as well as essays. She also speaks about self-care and the transformational healing of crisis, especially in her own life after the death of her daughter Teal. Her non-fiction books also include How Much Joy Can You Stand? and Surrendering to Joy . Suzanne is also the host of podcast Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women.
Suzanne’s essays have appeared in O Magazine, The New York Times, Elephant Journal, Tiny Buddha and Thrive Global among others. Her fiction titles include the Oaktown Girls series of lesbian romances, and the romantic suspense series, Transformed. Her non-fiction work, blog, podcasts and her online course, Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women, can be found at suzannefalter.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.
She lives with her wife in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Suzanne’s essays have appeared in O Magazine, The New York Times, Elephant Journal, Tiny Buddha and Thrive Global among others. Her fiction titles include the Oaktown Girls series of lesbian romances, and the romantic suspense series, Transformed. Her non-fiction work, blog, podcasts and her online course, Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women, can be found at suzannefalter.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.
She lives with her wife in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 24, 2019
Good read!
Much much better second series...
Much much better second series...
June 17, 2019
This is book two of Ms. Falter’s ‘Oaktown Girls’ series following a group of lesbian friends in the San Francisco Bay area. ‘Committed’ resumes the story of Lizzy and Tenika, co-owners of ‘Driven’, a garage for women, and their respective girlfriends Kate and Delilah. A new couple is introduced in this book, Frankie, a police officer suffering from PTSD, and Sally, a psychic with bad luck with relationships who is trying to adapt to changes in her life.
All of the three couples’ stories share approximately the same amount of page space in the whole novel which revolves around the issue of commitment in relationships. It is written with seven different points of view (the three couples plus Kate’s former employer) but despite there are so many different characters, it’s not hard to follow each story. However, I recommend reading ‘Driven’ first as a lot of what happens in this book is based on the previous one.
The new romance story takes a long time to start and not much happens in this book. I would have liked to see more development of Frankie and Sally’s lives and of their relationship. As they aren’t together much in this book, it’s hard to feel the chemistry between them. Hopefully, there will be more about them in the next one.
If you like novels with groups of friends with the chance to catch up with the stories of all the couples involved, and you don’t mind committing (pun intended) to read a whole series, then this book is for you.
Overall, a good novel about commitment in relationships with a new romance on the side. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
All of the three couples’ stories share approximately the same amount of page space in the whole novel which revolves around the issue of commitment in relationships. It is written with seven different points of view (the three couples plus Kate’s former employer) but despite there are so many different characters, it’s not hard to follow each story. However, I recommend reading ‘Driven’ first as a lot of what happens in this book is based on the previous one.
The new romance story takes a long time to start and not much happens in this book. I would have liked to see more development of Frankie and Sally’s lives and of their relationship. As they aren’t together much in this book, it’s hard to feel the chemistry between them. Hopefully, there will be more about them in the next one.
If you like novels with groups of friends with the chance to catch up with the stories of all the couples involved, and you don’t mind committing (pun intended) to read a whole series, then this book is for you.
Overall, a good novel about commitment in relationships with a new romance on the side. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2019
Almost a 4*. Enjoyed the both books... Good solid story and love the characters. Hoping for book 3 too so we find out how Frankie and Sally get on.
February 13, 2019
A wonderful second installment to this series, I finally feel like I'm getting to know this wonderful cast of women.
Although, I felt proud of Kate for finally standing on her own two feet, Sally really stole the show for me. The addition of Frankie made for some interesting reading, too.
This story touches on spirituality and Tarot cards, which is one more aspect I thoroughly enjoyed.
Next please.
Copy provided by the author. A review wasn't requested but I wrote one anyway.
Although, I felt proud of Kate for finally standing on her own two feet, Sally really stole the show for me. The addition of Frankie made for some interesting reading, too.
This story touches on spirituality and Tarot cards, which is one more aspect I thoroughly enjoyed.
Next please.
Copy provided by the author. A review wasn't requested but I wrote one anyway.
March 1, 2019
Committed is the second book in Suzanne Falter’s Oaktown Girls series, and I was eager to dive in after enjoying Driven. I was excited for the community to spread, to find out more about the other characters, and I was not disappointed.
If I’m being completely honest, I did not enjoy Committed quite as much as I enjoyed Driven. It was an easy four-star read, but I enjoyed the first book a wee bit more. Driven was a bit more of a romance, whereas Committed was a bit more general in storyline. We still have the romance, but this focuses more on the lives of all the characters involved.
The one thing I will say is that it’s best if you read Driven first. We build upon plenty of things that were introduced in the first book, and for the full impact you need to know exactly how things played out. You can still enjoy the details, but they will be more potent if you’ve read Driven first. For those who have read Driven, know things really progress in this one.
Our romance from the first book continues, taking unexpected paths. Developed romances from the first book face hurdles, throwing us deeper into the storylines of characters we were curious about. New characters and relationships are introduced, and these will suck us in. There are plenty of layers to this story, with each sucking you in deep.
A lot is dealt with in Committed, and when the book ends you’ll be desperate for more of the characters. I’m more than ready to see what comes next.
If I’m being completely honest, I did not enjoy Committed quite as much as I enjoyed Driven. It was an easy four-star read, but I enjoyed the first book a wee bit more. Driven was a bit more of a romance, whereas Committed was a bit more general in storyline. We still have the romance, but this focuses more on the lives of all the characters involved.
The one thing I will say is that it’s best if you read Driven first. We build upon plenty of things that were introduced in the first book, and for the full impact you need to know exactly how things played out. You can still enjoy the details, but they will be more potent if you’ve read Driven first. For those who have read Driven, know things really progress in this one.
Our romance from the first book continues, taking unexpected paths. Developed romances from the first book face hurdles, throwing us deeper into the storylines of characters we were curious about. New characters and relationships are introduced, and these will suck us in. There are plenty of layers to this story, with each sucking you in deep.
A lot is dealt with in Committed, and when the book ends you’ll be desperate for more of the characters. I’m more than ready to see what comes next.
Read
March 10, 2020Oaktown Girls by Suzanne Falter is a four volume romance series following several lesbians and one non-binary character in Oakland as they explore and deepen their relationships. While the first volume focuses mainly on Kate and Lizzy, there are more point of view characters added as the series progresses, eventually having 8 main point of view characters.
One of the strengths of Oaktown Girls is this sense of a strong lesbian community. Lizzy and Temika run a garage together, and it becomes a hub. All the main characters are connected in some way, and you get the sense of them forming an always-expanding family. They are different ages and at different points in their relationships, which makes the community feel vibrant. Even the peripheral characters--customers, employers, the villain of the series--are lesbians. I also appreciated that Temika, Delilah, and Lizzy are middle-aged: a demographic that doesn't always get represented in romance novels.
The characters are all multi-faceted and flawed, which can sometimes prove frustrating: I lost sympathy for Kate in the first book, while Lizzy's attitude in the second volume rubbed me the wrong way. As I continued reading, though, I realized that this wasn't a matter of them not being written well, but that the characters themselves made bad decisions: they weren't always the people I wanted them to be. And I respect that, especially when each character's flaws and strengths are completely different from each other.
One ongoing theme in this series had to do with self-help and spirituality. It began with statements like “This is the thing about the human race, Lizzy. We always get what we need in this life." and "If it truly meant to be, it would simply happen. That’s just how the Universe worked." I'll be honest, this isn't a philosophy that appeals to me. I'm also surprised to have that sentiment co-existing with some of the truly horrific things that happen over the course of the series (check out the trigger warnings section for details). Once I finished the first volume, I saw in the author's biography that she has published self-help books, which explains the tone.
From the second book onward, the series becomes more spiritual, not just general self-help sentiments. Sally is introduced, who is a psychic character whose visions are confirmed by the text. She speaks to angels and believes in goddesses. By the end of the series, it seems like everyone believes in goddesses, hears voices occasionally, and are constantly getting sudden epiphanies about what they must do right now--which can seem very convenient to the plot.
Overall, although the spiritual aspect wasn't something I connect with, I really enjoyed this series. It's fun and surprising. The first book is about two rival lesbian garages, including a cartoonishly evil villain, with a romance blossoming across these rival camps. Who can resist that? A psychic character was definitely a curveball, but so was the corporate espionage subplot in the third book. I never knew what would happen next. Sometimes it's about a developing romance, sometimes it's about the threat of deportation and having to live in a sanctuary church and the isolation that causes. The last book really wrapped up the series, giving each relationship a relevant milestone, and I appreciated the family that had formed between them.
Unfortunately, I did have some issues with the series, including some things I think are worth having content warnings for. Firstly, although it was fun to have a villain to rail against in the first book, Mindy's rage and single-mindedness is ascribed to her brain injury, which I didn't feel great about. We did have a few chapters from her perspective, and because she really seems to be driven entirely by spite, with no positive qualities, it wasn't particularly compelling to read from her perspective.
Later in the series, we get the point of view of a non-binary character. I appreciate this addition, and I believe this was done with the best of intentions, but the representation here fell short. Monroe's gender identity is sometimes fetishized: "Monroe’s wan countenance was maddeningly, alluringly non-gender-specific" and "Non-binary. Not choosing male or female. Monroe was somewhere deliciously in between. Instantly, Rosalind began to blush crimson with the alarming realization that she’d been instantly aroused." Awkwardly, Monroe is also referred to in-text and by characters as "a 'they'" constantly. As in: "she’s not a she— she’s a ‘they’" and "She’d never even considered being with a non-binary person. A ‘they.’" Similarly: "Can I really bring home a non-binary?"
Monroe is also constantly misgendered by people, and their gender is often discussed as being somewhat tragic: doomed to always be misgendered, and as undesirable. The text establishes that Monroe is being read as a woman by seemingly everyone around them. It also includes their birth name. Their mother is determined to misgender them, saying “You were born a girl, and you’ll always be a girl, Sarah. As if I should have to remind you.” As I mentioned, I really believe that this was meant to be a positive depiction, but it missteps frequently, including lines like: "Just like Cher refused to call Chastity Chaz back in the day." At a different point, a sex worker is referred to as a "transvestite." I'm disappointed, because I think Monroe could have been a really great addition to this story, with a little reworking. I think it would have helped if there were any other trans characters, even minor characters, so that Monroe wouldn't have to be the only representation of trans or non-binary people.
Oaktown Girls is a series that never failed to surprise me. I became emotionally invested in the growing cast of characters, and I appreciated seeing them become a chosen family. Like the characters it portrays, this series is flawed, but it is also compelling and enjoyable. Just be prepared to roll with the punches, because you never know where it will go next.
Content warnings: violence and death, including a murdered child, traumatic injury of a child, witnessed suicide of a child; PTSD; internalized homophobia and parental homophobia; casual mention of drunk driving; anti-sex work sentiments (and pro-police sentiments)
Review originally posted at the Lesbrary.
One of the strengths of Oaktown Girls is this sense of a strong lesbian community. Lizzy and Temika run a garage together, and it becomes a hub. All the main characters are connected in some way, and you get the sense of them forming an always-expanding family. They are different ages and at different points in their relationships, which makes the community feel vibrant. Even the peripheral characters--customers, employers, the villain of the series--are lesbians. I also appreciated that Temika, Delilah, and Lizzy are middle-aged: a demographic that doesn't always get represented in romance novels.
The characters are all multi-faceted and flawed, which can sometimes prove frustrating: I lost sympathy for Kate in the first book, while Lizzy's attitude in the second volume rubbed me the wrong way. As I continued reading, though, I realized that this wasn't a matter of them not being written well, but that the characters themselves made bad decisions: they weren't always the people I wanted them to be. And I respect that, especially when each character's flaws and strengths are completely different from each other.
One ongoing theme in this series had to do with self-help and spirituality. It began with statements like “This is the thing about the human race, Lizzy. We always get what we need in this life." and "If it truly meant to be, it would simply happen. That’s just how the Universe worked." I'll be honest, this isn't a philosophy that appeals to me. I'm also surprised to have that sentiment co-existing with some of the truly horrific things that happen over the course of the series (check out the trigger warnings section for details). Once I finished the first volume, I saw in the author's biography that she has published self-help books, which explains the tone.
From the second book onward, the series becomes more spiritual, not just general self-help sentiments. Sally is introduced, who is a psychic character whose visions are confirmed by the text. She speaks to angels and believes in goddesses. By the end of the series, it seems like everyone believes in goddesses, hears voices occasionally, and are constantly getting sudden epiphanies about what they must do right now--which can seem very convenient to the plot.
Overall, although the spiritual aspect wasn't something I connect with, I really enjoyed this series. It's fun and surprising. The first book is about two rival lesbian garages, including a cartoonishly evil villain, with a romance blossoming across these rival camps. Who can resist that? A psychic character was definitely a curveball, but so was the corporate espionage subplot in the third book. I never knew what would happen next. Sometimes it's about a developing romance, sometimes it's about the threat of deportation and having to live in a sanctuary church and the isolation that causes. The last book really wrapped up the series, giving each relationship a relevant milestone, and I appreciated the family that had formed between them.
Unfortunately, I did have some issues with the series, including some things I think are worth having content warnings for. Firstly, although it was fun to have a villain to rail against in the first book, Mindy's rage and single-mindedness is ascribed to her brain injury, which I didn't feel great about. We did have a few chapters from her perspective, and because she really seems to be driven entirely by spite, with no positive qualities, it wasn't particularly compelling to read from her perspective.
Later in the series, we get the point of view of a non-binary character. I appreciate this addition, and I believe this was done with the best of intentions, but the representation here fell short. Monroe's gender identity is sometimes fetishized: "Monroe’s wan countenance was maddeningly, alluringly non-gender-specific" and "Non-binary. Not choosing male or female. Monroe was somewhere deliciously in between. Instantly, Rosalind began to blush crimson with the alarming realization that she’d been instantly aroused." Awkwardly, Monroe is also referred to in-text and by characters as "a 'they'" constantly. As in: "she’s not a she— she’s a ‘they’" and "She’d never even considered being with a non-binary person. A ‘they.’" Similarly: "Can I really bring home a non-binary?"
Monroe is also constantly misgendered by people, and their gender is often discussed as being somewhat tragic: doomed to always be misgendered, and as undesirable. The text establishes that Monroe is being read as a woman by seemingly everyone around them. It also includes their birth name. Their mother is determined to misgender them, saying “You were born a girl, and you’ll always be a girl, Sarah. As if I should have to remind you.” As I mentioned, I really believe that this was meant to be a positive depiction, but it missteps frequently, including lines like: "Just like Cher refused to call Chastity Chaz back in the day." At a different point, a sex worker is referred to as a "transvestite." I'm disappointed, because I think Monroe could have been a really great addition to this story, with a little reworking. I think it would have helped if there were any other trans characters, even minor characters, so that Monroe wouldn't have to be the only representation of trans or non-binary people.
Oaktown Girls is a series that never failed to surprise me. I became emotionally invested in the growing cast of characters, and I appreciated seeing them become a chosen family. Like the characters it portrays, this series is flawed, but it is also compelling and enjoyable. Just be prepared to roll with the punches, because you never know where it will go next.
Content warnings: violence and death, including a murdered child, traumatic injury of a child, witnessed suicide of a child; PTSD; internalized homophobia and parental homophobia; casual mention of drunk driving; anti-sex work sentiments (and pro-police sentiments)
Review originally posted at the Lesbrary.
May 14, 2019
Lovely celebration of women's friendship and community
I received a copy in a Goodreads giveaway and it has not affected my review.
As a romance reader, I'm used to following one couple per book. Here we follow the POVs of six protagonists and one antagonist. It took me a little getting used to adjusting my reading expectations, but ultimately I found it made for a heartwarming story of these women all connecting as their stories interweave. We have three couples each at a different point in a love story. And even though everyone is facing issues that are serious (immigration status, health problems and no insurance, PTSD) there is a sense of hope throughout. It made for a very cozy read despite the subject matter. (There is some description of violence in the PTSD scenes. Also, there is sex depicted on the page at various points but only one or two paragraphs at a time and nothing explicit, all loving and consensual.)
I haven't read the first book in this series and found that I was able to get into this just fine. There are also some story lines that will clearly continue into the next book but all the arcs do resolve in some way and make for a satisfying ending. I loved getting to know these women and feeling like a part of their circle.
I received a copy in a Goodreads giveaway and it has not affected my review.
As a romance reader, I'm used to following one couple per book. Here we follow the POVs of six protagonists and one antagonist. It took me a little getting used to adjusting my reading expectations, but ultimately I found it made for a heartwarming story of these women all connecting as their stories interweave. We have three couples each at a different point in a love story. And even though everyone is facing issues that are serious (immigration status, health problems and no insurance, PTSD) there is a sense of hope throughout. It made for a very cozy read despite the subject matter. (There is some description of violence in the PTSD scenes. Also, there is sex depicted on the page at various points but only one or two paragraphs at a time and nothing explicit, all loving and consensual.)
I haven't read the first book in this series and found that I was able to get into this just fine. There are also some story lines that will clearly continue into the next book but all the arcs do resolve in some way and make for a satisfying ending. I loved getting to know these women and feeling like a part of their circle.
May 27, 2020
Review to come!
March 23, 2019
Committed (Oaktown Girls Book 2)
This was awesome to read, it had me laughing and more. The author Suzanne Falter certainly knows how to write and tell a story. This follows on from the first book the characters are believable and loveable to.
Hopefully there will be more books about the Oaktown Girls real soon.The team that helped her did a brilliant job and it was nice to see her thanking them.
Definitely recommend you give these book s chance of you don't I'd be surprised.. Top marks from me.
This was awesome to read, it had me laughing and more. The author Suzanne Falter certainly knows how to write and tell a story. This follows on from the first book the characters are believable and loveable to.
Hopefully there will be more books about the Oaktown Girls real soon.The team that helped her did a brilliant job and it was nice to see her thanking them.
Definitely recommend you give these book s chance of you don't I'd be surprised.. Top marks from me.
June 7, 2019
I really enjoyed reading these books and look forward to more in the future
The story in the first book was really enjoyable but I was a bit confused when it ended suddenly and turned into the second book which I thought at the time was just an example but did turn out to be the second book, once I got my head around this which incorporated new characters and started to tie up the loose ends in the first book I started to really get into the story and enjoy the whole thing . It was a good story which I really enjoyed.
The story in the first book was really enjoyable but I was a bit confused when it ended suddenly and turned into the second book which I thought at the time was just an example but did turn out to be the second book, once I got my head around this which incorporated new characters and started to tie up the loose ends in the first book I started to really get into the story and enjoy the whole thing . It was a good story which I really enjoyed.
November 18, 2019
A decent, but short sequel
“Lizzy was also a romantic. She really believed in “the one,” and that one day, when she finally met this mythic soulmate, she would know it in her soul.”
• ~ • ~ • ~ •
Although not as amazing as the first book was, this book was still enjoyable— even if its mostly based on the interest in the series' intriguing & likeable characters rather than the strength or success of its storyline nor for its contribution to & advancement from the series narrative.
“Lizzy was also a romantic. She really believed in “the one,” and that one day, when she finally met this mythic soulmate, she would know it in her soul.”
• ~ • ~ • ~ •
Although not as amazing as the first book was, this book was still enjoyable— even if its mostly based on the interest in the series' intriguing & likeable characters rather than the strength or success of its storyline nor for its contribution to & advancement from the series narrative.
October 19, 2020
Too each other.
I love how Kate,lizzzy,tenekaand Delilah lives came together by helping one another against mindyroseand her vendetta against Kate for leaving her. And then Delilah friend Sally came on the scene and she is staying with Delilah until she can find a place than Frankie a policewomen came into driven too get her tail lights fix and Kate wants too set her up with Sally saying they be great together now the immigration people came looking for Kate so that they can deport her back too her homeland so now they need help in keeping her in the states.
I love how Kate,lizzzy,tenekaand Delilah lives came together by helping one another against mindyroseand her vendetta against Kate for leaving her. And then Delilah friend Sally came on the scene and she is staying with Delilah until she can find a place than Frankie a policewomen came into driven too get her tail lights fix and Kate wants too set her up with Sally saying they be great together now the immigration people came looking for Kate so that they can deport her back too her homeland so now they need help in keeping her in the states.
March 19, 2019
Another easy read in this series, although there are more characters who all have their own issues.
Who has found lasting love?
Can Mindy upset the apple cart?
Will newcomer Frankie find happiness?
I guess you will just have to read this to find out - you will enjoy it.
Note: you don't have to be a lesbian to enjoy this book. It is after all a good love story to be enjoyed by all.
Who has found lasting love?
Can Mindy upset the apple cart?
Will newcomer Frankie find happiness?
I guess you will just have to read this to find out - you will enjoy it.
Note: you don't have to be a lesbian to enjoy this book. It is after all a good love story to be enjoyed by all.
May 23, 2019
Beautiful second book!
I loved the first book,and this second one left me feeling just as great,and longing for more! Unique chalk actress that made me smile and frown, actually feel emotions is what really took me inn. Love these books!
I loved the first book,and this second one left me feeling just as great,and longing for more! Unique chalk actress that made me smile and frown, actually feel emotions is what really took me inn. Love these books!
May 3, 2019
I won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads website
May 20, 2019
I ended up enjoying this book even more than the first one, very cute read.
July 14, 2019
The story continues in this second part. I like that the characters develop some more and new relationships come into pictures.
November 19, 2019
Great!
I loved Committed. I love the cast of characters. Following the ups and downs of their everyday life. Great story.
I loved Committed. I love the cast of characters. Following the ups and downs of their everyday life. Great story.
April 12, 2019
Review of Committed
This is a good book, but isn’t the type of book that I typically read. I won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads website.
This is a good book, but isn’t the type of book that I typically read. I won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads website.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews