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The Third Act
From the author who brought you Not My Type, comes a story about momentous choices, forgiveness, and second chances.
Sometimes people stay with us long after we’ve let them go. Nearly a decade ago, Sophie Chapman stepped into the newest bistro in Boston to see what the buzz was about. While alone at a table for two, the owner’s charming daughter, Brynne Wheeler, offered to keep her company. The two quickly became enamored with one another, their chemistry undeniable. Except Brynne never noticed the wedding ring on Sophie’s finger and Sophie made no mention of her wife. It only took that moment and their lives were changed forever. On the day that Sophie left Brynne in an attempt to save her troubled marriage, she made Brynne a promise. That was the last time they spoke. Years later, after a divorce and a journey of self-discovery, Sophie returns to Boston, now ready to honor her promise to Brynne. Hopeful that Brynne will take her back, Sophie is instead faced with the reality that Brynne has moved on. Or has she?
Edited by Kira Plotts
Words: 54,500
Sometimes people stay with us long after we’ve let them go. Nearly a decade ago, Sophie Chapman stepped into the newest bistro in Boston to see what the buzz was about. While alone at a table for two, the owner’s charming daughter, Brynne Wheeler, offered to keep her company. The two quickly became enamored with one another, their chemistry undeniable. Except Brynne never noticed the wedding ring on Sophie’s finger and Sophie made no mention of her wife. It only took that moment and their lives were changed forever. On the day that Sophie left Brynne in an attempt to save her troubled marriage, she made Brynne a promise. That was the last time they spoke. Years later, after a divorce and a journey of self-discovery, Sophie returns to Boston, now ready to honor her promise to Brynne. Hopeful that Brynne will take her back, Sophie is instead faced with the reality that Brynne has moved on. Or has she?
Edited by Kira Plotts
Words: 54,500
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2020
57 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
17 books228 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 9, 2020
**'Competence is deadly because it prevents the writer risking the humiliation that they will need to risk before they pass beyond competence..'
Okay read!
A way too complex storyline but still readable -- maybe..
Okay read!
A way too complex storyline but still readable -- maybe..
January 16, 2020
Just wonderful!
After disappearing for nearly a decade, Sophie returns to Boston. She came back to fulfill her promise. A promise she made to Brynne. But what if Brynne moved on? Is it too late for them? After much inner turmoil and conflicted feelings, Brynne agrees to meet Sophie. A series of obstacles interferes with their chance on happiness. I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Brynne, the interactions between the best friends and how the story is built up. The story focuses on the "third act" and not on their relationship from 8 years ago. The short recollections give readers sufficient insight into what happened then. I enjoyed this sweet, sexy second chance romance and I highly recommend it.
After disappearing for nearly a decade, Sophie returns to Boston. She came back to fulfill her promise. A promise she made to Brynne. But what if Brynne moved on? Is it too late for them? After much inner turmoil and conflicted feelings, Brynne agrees to meet Sophie. A series of obstacles interferes with their chance on happiness. I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Brynne, the interactions between the best friends and how the story is built up. The story focuses on the "third act" and not on their relationship from 8 years ago. The short recollections give readers sufficient insight into what happened then. I enjoyed this sweet, sexy second chance romance and I highly recommend it.
January 11, 2020
So, erm..another of my goto authors... Seems I have many but its not my fault they all came out with books at the same time. Anyway Michele writes so well and I think the lowest I have ever scored a book of hers is three. Well this is 3.5??... Its funny at times and sweet at times but I just did not get into the players as much as some of her books, or maybe I was into some others in the book that it didn't work out for?? maybe a sequel in the works?. It's a good read though so pick it up and if you have not read her other works then GET them as you wont be disappointed. I look forward to more of her work.
May 23, 2020
Almost a 4*
February 1, 2020
Easy 5 star read
This book gave me all the feels! Mushy love, irritated anger, the " oh no she didn't " admonishment, heart dropping sadness...the works. I like Michele Rivera as a writer. I'm never disappointed after finishing one of her books.
This book gave me all the feels! Mushy love, irritated anger, the " oh no she didn't " admonishment, heart dropping sadness...the works. I like Michele Rivera as a writer. I'm never disappointed after finishing one of her books.
May 20, 2020
I've come to the conclusion that, in fiction, I like moral MCs but I do understand real life gets in the way. And not everyone is perfect. But if I wanted those plots I'd watch soap on TV. So, no, not really my scene.
January 4, 2020
This is a story about choices, forgiveness and second chances.
This book pulled at my emotions. I don’t know how the author sucks in the reader so well but she really does. Expertly in fact! I overused my Kleenex for sure.
For me this story was totally believable and relatable and although it involves cheating in a relationship, the author’s writing deals with this well, intelligently and sensitively.
So well written, great story progression and flow with the right amount of angst and humour.
Endearing characters who I became invested in. I was pulling hard for Brynne and Sophie to reconcile after 8 years and I totally felt the chemistry between them. And there’s an intimate scene towards the end which I felt was beautifully and touchingly written.
And I absolutely loved the ending!
This is a heart warming story that I loved. I didn’t want to put it down but I also didn’t want the story to finish.
This author is now firmly one of my favourites and this is another excellent read.
I totally recommend her other books.
This book pulled at my emotions. I don’t know how the author sucks in the reader so well but she really does. Expertly in fact! I overused my Kleenex for sure.
For me this story was totally believable and relatable and although it involves cheating in a relationship, the author’s writing deals with this well, intelligently and sensitively.
So well written, great story progression and flow with the right amount of angst and humour.
Endearing characters who I became invested in. I was pulling hard for Brynne and Sophie to reconcile after 8 years and I totally felt the chemistry between them. And there’s an intimate scene towards the end which I felt was beautifully and touchingly written.
And I absolutely loved the ending!
This is a heart warming story that I loved. I didn’t want to put it down but I also didn’t want the story to finish.
This author is now firmly one of my favourites and this is another excellent read.
I totally recommend her other books.
February 8, 2020
3 stars
Unfortunately this was a letdown for me. I saw all these great five star reviews, and everyone was raving about it, but it just did not hit the spot for me. Anyways on to the likes and dislikes.
The things I liked:
• The world building was good.
• The MC’s were good.
• The plot/storyline was good.
• The relationship between the MC’s and their friends were good.
Are you seeing a pattern here? Me to. More on that later.
My dislikes:
• There was no connection between Sophie and Brynne. I did not feel anything between them.
• This is kind of an Insta love story. I get that they fell in love eight years ago, but that was eight years ago. People don’t go eight years continuing to be madly in love with someone they don’t see or talk to.
• The characters were kind of flat.
• The situation with Sophie’s ex-wife was not explained well and I would have liked some more insight into what happened during the divorce.
Final thoughts: this book was just OK. Wasn’t bad wasn’t extremely good it was just fine.
Unfortunately this was a letdown for me. I saw all these great five star reviews, and everyone was raving about it, but it just did not hit the spot for me. Anyways on to the likes and dislikes.
The things I liked:
• The world building was good.
• The MC’s were good.
• The plot/storyline was good.
• The relationship between the MC’s and their friends were good.
Are you seeing a pattern here? Me to. More on that later.
My dislikes:
• There was no connection between Sophie and Brynne. I did not feel anything between them.
• This is kind of an Insta love story. I get that they fell in love eight years ago, but that was eight years ago. People don’t go eight years continuing to be madly in love with someone they don’t see or talk to.
• The characters were kind of flat.
• The situation with Sophie’s ex-wife was not explained well and I would have liked some more insight into what happened during the divorce.
Final thoughts: this book was just OK. Wasn’t bad wasn’t extremely good it was just fine.
January 11, 2020
Fantastic
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of second chance lesfic books out there but this one was different. It was told from both Brynne and Sophie’s points of view and their love for one another just came right off the page and grabbed my heart. For a writer to be able to do this is a gift. There was a bit of drama that was needed for effect. This was a quick romantic read which I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of second chance lesfic books out there but this one was different. It was told from both Brynne and Sophie’s points of view and their love for one another just came right off the page and grabbed my heart. For a writer to be able to do this is a gift. There was a bit of drama that was needed for effect. This was a quick romantic read which I highly recommend.
January 21, 2020
Page turner
I had a hard time putting this book down so I could sleep. Great story. I had my heart in my throat at times. Sophie and Brynne are made for each other. So glad they could find their way back together. I can understand Sophie needing time to get herself together once you hear her side of the story. Jenna needs to be slapped.
I had a hard time putting this book down so I could sleep. Great story. I had my heart in my throat at times. Sophie and Brynne are made for each other. So glad they could find their way back together. I can understand Sophie needing time to get herself together once you hear her side of the story. Jenna needs to be slapped.
January 12, 2020
Very real
This book told a really nice story. Some readers may not like it because it involves an affair and cheating but in the end true love wins. Everyone has a soulmate, you just have to be patient !!
This book told a really nice story. Some readers may not like it because it involves an affair and cheating but in the end true love wins. Everyone has a soulmate, you just have to be patient !!
January 11, 2020
Excellent book really enjoyed the story looking forward to reading other books by this author
June 14, 2020
Love truly conquers all.
I have been so frustrated with the kindle unlimited options this week. Everyday I was searching for good book to hold my interest. One that had a strong storyline and believable, enduring characters. That is not as easy as some may think. Then I had the pleasure of stumbling upon this beautiful story of love, love lost and second chances. Thank you miss Riveria for taking the time and effort to write this story
I have been so frustrated with the kindle unlimited options this week. Everyday I was searching for good book to hold my interest. One that had a strong storyline and believable, enduring characters. That is not as easy as some may think. Then I had the pleasure of stumbling upon this beautiful story of love, love lost and second chances. Thank you miss Riveria for taking the time and effort to write this story
January 16, 2020
I recently promised myself to catch up with all of Michele´s books, she is a great writer and her books usually are so captivating you literally can't stop reading. Well this book wasn't any different. It is well written, relatable and so filled with emotions it will have you reading page after page until you reach the end. I loved the sex scenes, she really knows how to write those :D all in all a great light read
February 5, 2020
Excellent
This is a touching story about loss, redemption, and forgiveness. The author handles the main and supporting characters masterfully. I laughed out loud at the interaction and cringed at the toxic girlfriend. Ugh.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good story. My only complaint is the switching perspectives aspect, though this seems to be a staple of the lesbian fiction genre.
Read the book.
This is a touching story about loss, redemption, and forgiveness. The author handles the main and supporting characters masterfully. I laughed out loud at the interaction and cringed at the toxic girlfriend. Ugh.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good story. My only complaint is the switching perspectives aspect, though this seems to be a staple of the lesbian fiction genre.
Read the book.
February 7, 2020
Great Story!
I really like the way the story started and pulled you in. It had many dimensions to it. I love Brynne and Sophie and the back story of their relationship. This was a carefully written way back to love. I could have done without Brynne’s earlier confusion and misguided attempt at trying to forget. But it was important to tie everything together for the hoped ending.
I really like the way the story started and pulled you in. It had many dimensions to it. I love Brynne and Sophie and the back story of their relationship. This was a carefully written way back to love. I could have done without Brynne’s earlier confusion and misguided attempt at trying to forget. But it was important to tie everything together for the hoped ending.
February 17, 2021
The course of true live never runs smooth
A lovely second time romance, sometimes you meet the one butb it's just not the right time fir both of you. But she will always be in everyone of your relationships until you get the courage tontell her and finally get her. Thus book is exceedingly engaging and difficult to put doe when you have to be professional in the many online meeting we have to be in at thus time.
A lovely second time romance, sometimes you meet the one butb it's just not the right time fir both of you. But she will always be in everyone of your relationships until you get the courage tontell her and finally get her. Thus book is exceedingly engaging and difficult to put doe when you have to be professional in the many online meeting we have to be in at thus time.
January 17, 2020
Nice read
Have to say... another book from Rivera that makes me laugh! Also... she may or many not have taken a comment I made on one of her books about not being steamy as a challenge because ... oh my are there VERY steamy scenes, yay! I just wish it was longer, the story seemed rushed, but I enjoyed it none the less. Keep em coming Rivera and I'll keep reading em!
Have to say... another book from Rivera that makes me laugh! Also... she may or many not have taken a comment I made on one of her books about not being steamy as a challenge because ... oh my are there VERY steamy scenes, yay! I just wish it was longer, the story seemed rushed, but I enjoyed it none the less. Keep em coming Rivera and I'll keep reading em!
January 20, 2020
This was a book I really enjoyed, the first one from this author and wow. Brynne was an emotional roller coaster and I get why, if that would have happened to me, don't know how could I function.
I loved Sophie's persistance in being there for Brynne, even though she was guardes thanks to Aria.
You should try the book.
I loved Sophie's persistance in being there for Brynne, even though she was guardes thanks to Aria.
You should try the book.
March 5, 2020
Good story
“I love it when a plan comes together“ Hannibal from the A team. The main and secondary characters were great in this story. The sex scene mind blowing! Always love a happy ending. It’s romance it always has a happy ending so no spoiler. Enjoy this I did.
“I love it when a plan comes together“ Hannibal from the A team. The main and secondary characters were great in this story. The sex scene mind blowing! Always love a happy ending. It’s romance it always has a happy ending so no spoiler. Enjoy this I did.
January 20, 2020
Yes!
I really enjoyd this story. It had it all... Love, pain,laughter. What more can you ask for? Will definitely be looking for more of this authors work!
I really enjoyd this story. It had it all... Love, pain,laughter. What more can you ask for? Will definitely be looking for more of this authors work!
January 30, 2020
Great Read,
What a great story! Loved it!!!!!!!!!
Can the story lines keep going!! Wedding, married life, kids?!!
Great read, great love story.
What a great story! Loved it!!!!!!!!!
Can the story lines keep going!! Wedding, married life, kids?!!
Great read, great love story.
February 3, 2020
Amazing Book
Great quick read loved the story and the love , I have read almost all of Michelle Rivera work incredible
Great quick read loved the story and the love , I have read almost all of Michelle Rivera work incredible
February 6, 2020
I love this story. The main characters and their friends were great. Jenna was not a nice person. There are great love scenes with a great ending. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2020
In this second chance romance, Sophie moves back to Boston from Florida a few years after her divorce from another woman is finalized. She comes with the hope that Brynne, her true love with whom she'd had an affair 8 years before while still married, will want her. But Brynne, who is in a less than happy relationship, reacts in anger when she and Sophie meet. It was Sophie all those years ago who decided to go back to her wife instead of being with Brynne.
The set up here is a good one and while the book attempts to answer some of the questions about the MCs' past relationship, it does it in passing, and not as convincingly as it could have with either a prologue or a few key flashbacks. We really want to know why these two are still so drawn to one another, and it's hard to feel that without taking us back to their affair. Most of Sophie's dilemmas are told to us instead of shown. (A good contrast is the book, Then and Now.)
And then there's the issue of Boston. Authors, if you don't know a city, at least look at a map. In this book, Brynne manages a bistro across the street from the Public Garden, which is fine. But her go-to coffee place, where Sophie ends up working, is all the way over in the North End (Hanover Street) not at all close by. That doesn't make sense unless it's explained, which it isn't, especially since the coffee place is part of a chain that could likely have a location much closer to downtown or the Back Bay. As someone who spent many years in Boston, this felt ridiculous.
So I'm going with a 3.5 rounded down to a 3 because geography.
The set up here is a good one and while the book attempts to answer some of the questions about the MCs' past relationship, it does it in passing, and not as convincingly as it could have with either a prologue or a few key flashbacks. We really want to know why these two are still so drawn to one another, and it's hard to feel that without taking us back to their affair. Most of Sophie's dilemmas are told to us instead of shown. (A good contrast is the book, Then and Now.)
And then there's the issue of Boston. Authors, if you don't know a city, at least look at a map. In this book, Brynne manages a bistro across the street from the Public Garden, which is fine. But her go-to coffee place, where Sophie ends up working, is all the way over in the North End (Hanover Street) not at all close by. That doesn't make sense unless it's explained, which it isn't, especially since the coffee place is part of a chain that could likely have a location much closer to downtown or the Back Bay. As someone who spent many years in Boston, this felt ridiculous.
So I'm going with a 3.5 rounded down to a 3 because geography.
November 9, 2020
Such is live ...
Beautifully written novel of love, loss, obstacles overcome, and happily ever after! Brynne and Sophie grew as strong women who faced their fears and found each other once again. I admired Brynne’s words ... “I loved the woman you were and I love the woman you’ve become”. Well done!!!
A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and ALL of this author’s works. Thank you
Peace
Beautifully written novel of love, loss, obstacles overcome, and happily ever after! Brynne and Sophie grew as strong women who faced their fears and found each other once again. I admired Brynne’s words ... “I loved the woman you were and I love the woman you’ve become”. Well done!!!
A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and ALL of this author’s works. Thank you
Peace
February 10, 2025
Michele Rivera does it again with another amazing book. The way she writes the interactions between Sophie and Brynne feels so natural and fun. Both characters are easy to like, and their pasts add a lot of tension to the story. Watching them reconnect is really satisfying.
Brynne is such a genuine and relatable character—the kind of person you'd want as a friend. Sophie, on the other hand, shows us how everyone makes mistakes, but it's how we grow from them that matters. She feels real and flawed in a way we all can relate to.
Once again, Rivera delivers a fantastic story. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Brynne is such a genuine and relatable character—the kind of person you'd want as a friend. Sophie, on the other hand, shows us how everyone makes mistakes, but it's how we grow from them that matters. She feels real and flawed in a way we all can relate to.
Once again, Rivera delivers a fantastic story. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
July 1, 2020
Very good story
This was a very good story. Brynne and Sophie were two women struggling with their lives for the past eight years after having had an affair for about ten months before Sophie felt she needed to follow her wife to Florida to make the marriage work and telling Brynne she needed to move on and find someone that would be better for her . Sophie did promise her that he would return to her in time. Brynne’s life was erratic during those eight years struggling with the heartbreak of loosing Sophie. Her love life was void of connection and intimacy. She lied to herself and her best friend Harper that she was doing well with her life when in fact she was not. Sophie came back to Boston after having been divorced for four years of which she used that time to find herself to present herself as worthy of Brynne’s forgiveness. The characters in this story were all very well developed. Overall, the angst and the journey these two women go through to reach their third act of love and happiness is breathtaking to watch. Is a story worth reading. Enjoy!
This was a very good story. Brynne and Sophie were two women struggling with their lives for the past eight years after having had an affair for about ten months before Sophie felt she needed to follow her wife to Florida to make the marriage work and telling Brynne she needed to move on and find someone that would be better for her . Sophie did promise her that he would return to her in time. Brynne’s life was erratic during those eight years struggling with the heartbreak of loosing Sophie. Her love life was void of connection and intimacy. She lied to herself and her best friend Harper that she was doing well with her life when in fact she was not. Sophie came back to Boston after having been divorced for four years of which she used that time to find herself to present herself as worthy of Brynne’s forgiveness. The characters in this story were all very well developed. Overall, the angst and the journey these two women go through to reach their third act of love and happiness is breathtaking to watch. Is a story worth reading. Enjoy!
November 4, 2020
Sweet, beautiful story
I have yet to read a book by this author that I disliked. And I don’t think I will. This book was pretty dang good. It had the perfect amount of drama that kept me wanting more, relatable characters, humor and romance. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’ve read any of her other books.
I have yet to read a book by this author that I disliked. And I don’t think I will. This book was pretty dang good. It had the perfect amount of drama that kept me wanting more, relatable characters, humor and romance. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’ve read any of her other books.
Read
March 7, 2023DNF- Read about 45% of this book and sadly could not get into it. I think the overall story just wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews