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Compass #4
Western Shores
Madison Wilson, a marine biologist, has recently graduated and is ready to start her adult life with her first job as a research technician in Santa Cruz. After moving to Capitola, a sweet and colorful beach town in Northern California, she is immediately enchanted by her new house, as well as her beautiful landlady, Ally.
Ally Santos, a widow and single mother, is relieved to be rid of the fuss of holiday tenants, as she’s busy enough with her highly gifted son Theo and her bar, Western Shores. When a young, pink-haired girl moves into her pink house, she’s hoping life will get calmer, but nothing could have prepared her for the curious attraction she feels toward her new neighbor…
Is Ally ready to embrace her feelings for someone who is not only a woman but also seventeen years her junior? And is Madison ready to take on the challenge of instant full adulthood with all its trappings, instead of slowly easing into it?
Ally Santos, a widow and single mother, is relieved to be rid of the fuss of holiday tenants, as she’s busy enough with her highly gifted son Theo and her bar, Western Shores. When a young, pink-haired girl moves into her pink house, she’s hoping life will get calmer, but nothing could have prepared her for the curious attraction she feels toward her new neighbor…
Is Ally ready to embrace her feelings for someone who is not only a woman but also seventeen years her junior? And is Madison ready to take on the challenge of instant full adulthood with all its trappings, instead of slowly easing into it?
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
133 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
52 books692 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 22, 2020
Edit: October 22nd, 2020
With Northern Vows, the fifth and final book in the Compass series, being released next week, I wanted to get back in the mood and reacquaint myself with the characters. I had not had time to listen to this audiobook yet, so it was perfect.
I don’t have much to add to my first review, except that Addison Barnes’ narration is still as good, the chemistry between Madison and Ally is still as strong, and I still love them both individually and as a couple.
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I fell in love with Lise Gold‘s books with Northern Lights, the first in the Compass series. The characters in this book and the following one, Southern Roots, make up one of my favourite couples in lesfic. There’s Melissa Brayden‘s Jess and Brooklyn and there’s Hannah and Kristine.
Western Shores is the fourth – but not last, yay! – book in the series. Madison Wilson, Hannah’s half-sister, is a marine biologist, about to start her new (and first) job as a research technician in Santa Cruz, in Northern California. Despite her mother’s misgivings, Madison is set on living in the tiniest and cutest pink house on the beach in colourful Capitola. Ally Santos, her new landlady, also owns the bar next door, Western Shores, and the blue house, in which she lives with her astoundingly intelligent son Theo. Theo’s father, the love of Ally’s life, died nine years ago, when the boy was two, and Ally never imagined falling in love again, let alone with a pink-haired woman who is seventeen years younger than she is.
I’ve said it before, I’m not an age gap fan. I find it hard to believe that two women, in very different places in life, will still manage to have enough in common to stay together in the long term. I don’t always buy the younger character’s uncanny mature way of thinking or, if they act their own age, I can’t see the older one finding them more than cute. No judgement, it’s just me, my experience, my background.
Yet, once in a while, I fall for it. Some authors manage to flawlessly balance all the obstacles and make the attraction feel real. Caren Werlinger did it in the most beautiful way in Invisible, as Music, which, admittedly, is not a romance (but it’s definitely a love story). As much as I have faith in Lise Gold’s ability to write wonderful love stories, I was a bit wary when I found out this new book would feature an age-gap romance. Anxiety is my way of life, so of course I overreacted.
Remind me next time to trust the authors who have already earned that trust. The age gap is addressed from the start, delicately, in pure Lise Gold fashion. The attraction between Madison and Ally flows organically from the first time they meet. Lise Gold has a knack for creating the sweetest, kindest and most charming characters, and Madison falls perfectly in that category. Not only do I understand why Ally would fall for her but I don’t see how she could not. It also helps that, even though Madison is twenty-three and only just starting her life as an adult, with her first job and all, Ally’s life has been rather stagnant in recent years. Madison comes into her life at a moment when everything is about to change anyway. Ally might not see it that way at first, but the timing is ideal.
As usual, the author writes chemistry really well and her love scenes (I’m not only talking about sex here) make my heart melt. The first night Ally and Madison spend together is delightful and a little heartbreaking. And it only gets better from then on. I can’t wait for the audiobook to be released, I have a feeling it will be even lovelier.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
With Northern Vows, the fifth and final book in the Compass series, being released next week, I wanted to get back in the mood and reacquaint myself with the characters. I had not had time to listen to this audiobook yet, so it was perfect.
I don’t have much to add to my first review, except that Addison Barnes’ narration is still as good, the chemistry between Madison and Ally is still as strong, and I still love them both individually and as a couple.
------------------------------------------------
I fell in love with Lise Gold‘s books with Northern Lights, the first in the Compass series. The characters in this book and the following one, Southern Roots, make up one of my favourite couples in lesfic. There’s Melissa Brayden‘s Jess and Brooklyn and there’s Hannah and Kristine.
Western Shores is the fourth – but not last, yay! – book in the series. Madison Wilson, Hannah’s half-sister, is a marine biologist, about to start her new (and first) job as a research technician in Santa Cruz, in Northern California. Despite her mother’s misgivings, Madison is set on living in the tiniest and cutest pink house on the beach in colourful Capitola. Ally Santos, her new landlady, also owns the bar next door, Western Shores, and the blue house, in which she lives with her astoundingly intelligent son Theo. Theo’s father, the love of Ally’s life, died nine years ago, when the boy was two, and Ally never imagined falling in love again, let alone with a pink-haired woman who is seventeen years younger than she is.
I’ve said it before, I’m not an age gap fan. I find it hard to believe that two women, in very different places in life, will still manage to have enough in common to stay together in the long term. I don’t always buy the younger character’s uncanny mature way of thinking or, if they act their own age, I can’t see the older one finding them more than cute. No judgement, it’s just me, my experience, my background.
Yet, once in a while, I fall for it. Some authors manage to flawlessly balance all the obstacles and make the attraction feel real. Caren Werlinger did it in the most beautiful way in Invisible, as Music, which, admittedly, is not a romance (but it’s definitely a love story). As much as I have faith in Lise Gold’s ability to write wonderful love stories, I was a bit wary when I found out this new book would feature an age-gap romance. Anxiety is my way of life, so of course I overreacted.
Remind me next time to trust the authors who have already earned that trust. The age gap is addressed from the start, delicately, in pure Lise Gold fashion. The attraction between Madison and Ally flows organically from the first time they meet. Lise Gold has a knack for creating the sweetest, kindest and most charming characters, and Madison falls perfectly in that category. Not only do I understand why Ally would fall for her but I don’t see how she could not. It also helps that, even though Madison is twenty-three and only just starting her life as an adult, with her first job and all, Ally’s life has been rather stagnant in recent years. Madison comes into her life at a moment when everything is about to change anyway. Ally might not see it that way at first, but the timing is ideal.
As usual, the author writes chemistry really well and her love scenes (I’m not only talking about sex here) make my heart melt. The first night Ally and Madison spend together is delightful and a little heartbreaking. And it only gets better from then on. I can’t wait for the audiobook to be released, I have a feeling it will be even lovelier.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2020
This is Lise Gold’s 4th book in the compass series! Now I believe I’ve shown my love for this series on the 3 other occasions where I reviewed 3 incredible books in this series!
To be honest, I had a feeling I would like this one the least! But Lise Gold has every right now to give me a slap on the face for doubting her (a gentle slap please this is meant as a joke) 😁
Pulling off an age gap read is not easy, but the author really did it well.. I didn’t feel the age gap that much! What annoyed me a little is Ally, one of the MCs kept reminding me of the age gap constantly! Woman, move on, if we the readers didn’t feel it, why are you reminding us all the time :)
Madisson, the other MC was so HOT! I fell in love with her character! I fell in love with how smart she is, how caring and patient she was with Ally. I also loved the supporting characters and especially Madisson’s mom :)
This was such a romantic read that made me so happy! And for additional bonus points, the sex scenes were incredible! A lot of authors can pull off great sex scenes but what I liked most about Lise Gold is there’s always a twist of emotional intensity coupled with it..
To be honest, I had a feeling I would like this one the least! But Lise Gold has every right now to give me a slap on the face for doubting her (a gentle slap please this is meant as a joke) 😁
Pulling off an age gap read is not easy, but the author really did it well.. I didn’t feel the age gap that much! What annoyed me a little is Ally, one of the MCs kept reminding me of the age gap constantly! Woman, move on, if we the readers didn’t feel it, why are you reminding us all the time :)
Madisson, the other MC was so HOT! I fell in love with her character! I fell in love with how smart she is, how caring and patient she was with Ally. I also loved the supporting characters and especially Madisson’s mom :)
This was such a romantic read that made me so happy! And for additional bonus points, the sex scenes were incredible! A lot of authors can pull off great sex scenes but what I liked most about Lise Gold is there’s always a twist of emotional intensity coupled with it..
February 28, 2020
I love age gap romances and this was a solid one.
4.5 Stars
Positives
- Age Gap
- Beachy setting
- Incredibly sexy older woman
- Feel good romance
- Solid character growth/development
Negatives
- There were quite a few typos involving quotation marks. I'm by no means with the grammar police and normally a few mistakes don't bother me but because it was dialogue, I found that it kept pulling me out of the story. Did she say that out loud? Oh, she wasn't supposed to be saying that out loud... Minor complaint and an easy fix that I hope the author makes because it's such a good story.
4.5 Stars
Positives
- Age Gap
- Beachy setting
- Incredibly sexy older woman
- Feel good romance
- Solid character growth/development
Negatives
- There were quite a few typos involving quotation marks. I'm by no means with the grammar police and normally a few mistakes don't bother me but because it was dialogue, I found that it kept pulling me out of the story. Did she say that out loud? Oh, she wasn't supposed to be saying that out loud... Minor complaint and an easy fix that I hope the author makes because it's such a good story.
February 9, 2020
Just perfect!
Capitola is the perfect backdrop for Western Shores. I could easily pictured the breathtaking view of the coastline with the brightly painted houses and the sandy beach. I could feel the intimate atmosphere in this laid-back small town. And that’s because Lise Gold tells her story very vividly. Being a single mum and the age difference is a huge barrier for Ally. She couldn't fall for her. It was all wrong but how could she resist her, how could she stop her feelings? Madison does everything she can to convince her that they belong together. I loved the warm comfort of this age gap romance. I liked that the attraction was instant and I loved the three main characters. Their obstacles are realistic and I could understand their worries and their fear of ending up with a broken heart. Western Shores is absolutely high on my list of favorite age-gap romances and I highly recommend this beautiful written story.
Capitola is the perfect backdrop for Western Shores. I could easily pictured the breathtaking view of the coastline with the brightly painted houses and the sandy beach. I could feel the intimate atmosphere in this laid-back small town. And that’s because Lise Gold tells her story very vividly. Being a single mum and the age difference is a huge barrier for Ally. She couldn't fall for her. It was all wrong but how could she resist her, how could she stop her feelings? Madison does everything she can to convince her that they belong together. I loved the warm comfort of this age gap romance. I liked that the attraction was instant and I loved the three main characters. Their obstacles are realistic and I could understand their worries and their fear of ending up with a broken heart. Western Shores is absolutely high on my list of favorite age-gap romances and I highly recommend this beautiful written story.
November 7, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - I'd forgotten how good Lise is - she really sucked me into the relationship and the life it brought. Thank you. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2020
This was an incredible sweet story, and even things happen within a few months, it looks for me as an almost-love-at-first-sight affair. I liked both Madison and Ally (and Theo) and thought they suited each other perfectly.
February 10, 2020
This review is based on my personal opinion and its purpose is not to discourage you from reading this book. You may have a different experience or interpretation which is totally okay. Every reader has different taste, Everybody's entitled to their opinion, right?
When I saw that one of the leads was a marine biologist, this book became a must read for me. You see, I have a thing for marine biologist, beaches, sea creatures and cafes serving varieties of seafood.
Ms.Gold certainly does an amazing job bringing the beach/ocean setting to life, allowing you to forget you are even reading. As for the romance element, real and sensual are the best ways to describe it. I love Ally and Madison's meaningful scenes happen around the beach, their should we have dessert first before dinner session, learning about one another and of course their physical attraction and execution.
There are some moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout the pages and plenty of scenes I find myself eating up, but unfortunately the things I don't care for cast a much bigger shadow. The author tackles a host of issues with these two but she fails to deliver the deep, unwavering intensity a story like this demands from its lead characters. Sure, the words are there, but the underlying feelings are somehow absent.
Anyway, I enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. The idea for the story is great. The atmosphere of the book is top-notch. The dialogues are fun and enticing.The characters are likable. The first dish Ally served to Madison was calamari with garlic dip. Smart move there, Ms.Gold. So here's a favorite Malaysian dish, for anyone who dares.
Sotong Goreng Tepung - Deep Fried Squid
Recipe For 5OOg of Squid (more or less)
Dry Ingredients
5 tbsp of flour
5 tbsp of corn starch
Half tspn of soda bicarbonate
Half tspn of baking powder
A pich of salt
Mix well
Wet Ingredients -put directly on the cleaned squid and mix well.
- 1 egg
- A few dashes of oyster sauce
- 1 tspn of turmeric powder, for coloring
- Add in just a little of the flour mixture
Heat oil in a wok/non stick pan
- Take a few squid and place in the flour mixture, turn to coat.
- Fry the squid. Several pieces at a time, until golden brown, drain on paper towels.
- Enjoy!
- Most Malaysians enjoy their deep-fried squid with sweet and spicy chilli sauce, I prefer to devour them with thinly sliced Thai chilli.
Love our oceans. Practice beach clean up because we can and we care.
When I saw that one of the leads was a marine biologist, this book became a must read for me. You see, I have a thing for marine biologist, beaches, sea creatures and cafes serving varieties of seafood.
Ms.Gold certainly does an amazing job bringing the beach/ocean setting to life, allowing you to forget you are even reading. As for the romance element, real and sensual are the best ways to describe it. I love Ally and Madison's meaningful scenes happen around the beach, their should we have dessert first before dinner session, learning about one another and of course their physical attraction and execution.
There are some moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout the pages and plenty of scenes I find myself eating up, but unfortunately the things I don't care for cast a much bigger shadow. The author tackles a host of issues with these two but she fails to deliver the deep, unwavering intensity a story like this demands from its lead characters. Sure, the words are there, but the underlying feelings are somehow absent.
Anyway, I enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. The idea for the story is great. The atmosphere of the book is top-notch. The dialogues are fun and enticing.The characters are likable. The first dish Ally served to Madison was calamari with garlic dip. Smart move there, Ms.Gold. So here's a favorite Malaysian dish, for anyone who dares.
Sotong Goreng Tepung - Deep Fried Squid
Recipe For 5OOg of Squid (more or less)
Dry Ingredients
5 tbsp of flour
5 tbsp of corn starch
Half tspn of soda bicarbonate
Half tspn of baking powder
A pich of salt
Mix well
Wet Ingredients -put directly on the cleaned squid and mix well.
- 1 egg
- A few dashes of oyster sauce
- 1 tspn of turmeric powder, for coloring
- Add in just a little of the flour mixture
Heat oil in a wok/non stick pan
- Take a few squid and place in the flour mixture, turn to coat.
- Fry the squid. Several pieces at a time, until golden brown, drain on paper towels.
- Enjoy!
- Most Malaysians enjoy their deep-fried squid with sweet and spicy chilli sauce, I prefer to devour them with thinly sliced Thai chilli.
Love our oceans. Practice beach clean up because we can and we care.
January 31, 2020
Nice, sweet, full of love in a perfect environment. Can't ask for more.
November 23, 2020
A sweet age-gap romance between vivacious Madison and not-so-straight Ally. No ice queen involved...so nothing to thaw. Not much angst either. But that doesn’t mean that it is any less interesting... Heck... I enjoyed it 🙂
June 15, 2022
This was really great and so far my favorite book of the Compass series.
I enjoyed the age-gap romance between Madison and Ally a lot. They were both amazing and Ally's son Theo was funny, too.
The setting in Capitola was so beautifully described and made me feel as if I was right there with them.
We also got to reconnect with Hannah and Kristine and Madison's family which was nice.
The only thing I found a bit weird was how Ally's friend Devon acted when he was dating a trans woman. I felt like he said some insensitive things he shouldn't have said.
All in all this was a nice read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I enjoyed the age-gap romance between Madison and Ally a lot. They were both amazing and Ally's son Theo was funny, too.
The setting in Capitola was so beautifully described and made me feel as if I was right there with them.
We also got to reconnect with Hannah and Kristine and Madison's family which was nice.
The only thing I found a bit weird was how Ally's friend Devon acted when he was dating a trans woman. I felt like he said some insensitive things he shouldn't have said.
All in all this was a nice read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
March 6, 2021
She knew fighting her feelings was a battle she couldn't win. The sky was on fire, and so was she.
This was enjoyable, but I think I'm running into that problem that I often do when I read a bunch of books by the same author; I start to notice little things particular to their style or their writing and I don't always like all of those things and I just... have a hard time getting into it? I started this because I wanted to read a light romance after finishing a super heavy book, and somehow ended up in a deep reading slump. I don't think this book had anything to do with it? But it did take me like two weeks to finish, which isn't the norm for me.
But like I said, it was enjoyable. It's an age gap, toaster over, mediumish burn love story. Lise Gold always fills her stories with lots of descriptions about the locations that the characters are in and their jobs and lifestyles, and that worked well for this. Their age difference did play a kind of a big part of the story, and I did like how it was addressed in a serious way, and all the possible problems were brought up. I really liked both Madison and Ally; they were really sweet together. Kids in stories can be hit or miss; this was mostly a hit.
I just didn't really enjoy this as much as anything else I've read by the author? One, because of the author burnout (she uses the exact same euphemism in every single book, every single time, as if no other word exists, and it started to get on my nerves a liiiiiitle bit) but also... idk. I guess I just wasn't as much in the mood for a light romance as I thought? It got a little binary in terms of Ally wondering if she's straight or gay, and seldom acknowledging that there's anything between that. (Though the book eventually did use the word bisexual.) Also there was a side plot where Ally's best friend Devon starts dating a trans woman and it gets a little ???? Don't get me wrong, it was cute and very much well meaning, just veeeery very clumsy in terms of some of the language used. I'm cis, so grain of salt etc. Just a few things that made me go 'uhhhh' a couple times.
I still had a mostly good time with this? It's a nice romance about finding love in an unconventional way. I like Lise Gold's writing (...mostly) and especially the atmosphere she sets when she takes us to different places. And it was nice seeing Kristine and Hannah a bit again.
January 25, 2020
Love on the Ocean
Madison is a twenty three year old Marine Biologist who has moved to Capitola, CA to work on a dolphin study. She wants to rent on the beach and finds the perfect, tiny but beautiful, pink house that perfectly matches her pink hair. Madison is also enchanted with Ally, her new landlady and would love to be more than friends, if only the alluring older woman felt the same… It’s a lovely dream until Ally starts thinking about Madison just as much… Ally is a beautiful widow with an incredibly intelligent eleven year old son. The boy genius is just as excited as his mom is to have the skateboarding biologist for a neighbour as he loves all things sea related so there is a lot for them to bond over. There are so many things Ally is afraid of and Madison’s age is a big part of that. With her son needing new challenges, there will be major changes to all their lives. Is there any hope for the three of them to find their way through these newfound waters and into a life together?
This is the fourth book in Ms Gold’s Compass Series and like all the rest, sweet, beautiful and wonderful. I adored the romance between Madison and Ally. It was so heart felt and tender. They started out as friends and it grew into more. I could relate to the fears that Ally had and I could also understand Madison’s attraction. The storyline with Theo, Ally’s son is fantastic too. He is such a riot. He’s so smart and full of energy, so much bouncy fun! The three of them have such a wonderful time together and some amazing adventures that were so well detailed, I felt like I was there! I certainly wanted to be! The whole story was filled with happy, feel good mushy sweetness and I couldn’t get enough. I am so bummed to see this series come to an end but I have them all in my To Be Read Again pile where they will be much loved!
Madison is a twenty three year old Marine Biologist who has moved to Capitola, CA to work on a dolphin study. She wants to rent on the beach and finds the perfect, tiny but beautiful, pink house that perfectly matches her pink hair. Madison is also enchanted with Ally, her new landlady and would love to be more than friends, if only the alluring older woman felt the same… It’s a lovely dream until Ally starts thinking about Madison just as much… Ally is a beautiful widow with an incredibly intelligent eleven year old son. The boy genius is just as excited as his mom is to have the skateboarding biologist for a neighbour as he loves all things sea related so there is a lot for them to bond over. There are so many things Ally is afraid of and Madison’s age is a big part of that. With her son needing new challenges, there will be major changes to all their lives. Is there any hope for the three of them to find their way through these newfound waters and into a life together?
This is the fourth book in Ms Gold’s Compass Series and like all the rest, sweet, beautiful and wonderful. I adored the romance between Madison and Ally. It was so heart felt and tender. They started out as friends and it grew into more. I could relate to the fears that Ally had and I could also understand Madison’s attraction. The storyline with Theo, Ally’s son is fantastic too. He is such a riot. He’s so smart and full of energy, so much bouncy fun! The three of them have such a wonderful time together and some amazing adventures that were so well detailed, I felt like I was there! I certainly wanted to be! The whole story was filled with happy, feel good mushy sweetness and I couldn’t get enough. I am so bummed to see this series come to an end but I have them all in my To Be Read Again pile where they will be much loved!
January 30, 2020
I LOVE THIS SERIES. THIS IS BOOK 4 OF THE COMPASS SERIES AND LIKE ALL THE OTHERS IT WAS A GREAT READ. I SEEM TO BE READING MORE AGE GAP AT THE MOMENT EVEN THOUGH I THINK A 17 YEAR AGE GAP IS A BIT MUCH (PERSONAL PREFERENCE) I REALLY LIKED THE CHARACTERS OF ALLY AND MADISON AND I ESPECIALLY LOVED THEO WHO IS ALLY'S SON.
IF YOU LIKE AGE GAP ROMANCES THEN THIS COULD BE FOR YOU. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THIS SERIES. I WOULD SAY AS MUCH AS I LOVED THIS I STILL PREFER THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES.
IF YOU LIKE AGE GAP ROMANCES THEN THIS COULD BE FOR YOU. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THIS SERIES. I WOULD SAY AS MUCH AS I LOVED THIS I STILL PREFER THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES.
September 24, 2020
Ally and Madison fit together perfectly Madison may be younger than Ally but she was more sure of their relationship right from the beginning. Theo really was a great kid. The story is so vivid and beautiful. There is no shortage of hot scenes between Ally and Madison. Very well done
November 8, 2020
I’m a huge fan of this series and author. What a great addition to the series. An age gap romance that shows you chemistry is everything and she is just a number.
February 2, 2020
What can I say about Lise Gold? I can't hide the fact that she's one of my favorite authors and even though I have to admit that I was skeptical about this one due to the age-gap plot, I have to say that this book was probably the best one of the Compass series!
I literally fell in love with both Ally and Madison and it's something rare for me as I usually tend to identify only with one of the main characters of a book. In this case everything felt so organic and developed naturally, that even though Ally had a big issue with her 17 years age gap from Madison, I wasn't bothered because these two people were since the beginning on the same wavelength.
Highly recommended and I actually hope for more books from the Compass series.
I literally fell in love with both Ally and Madison and it's something rare for me as I usually tend to identify only with one of the main characters of a book. In this case everything felt so organic and developed naturally, that even though Ally had a big issue with her 17 years age gap from Madison, I wasn't bothered because these two people were since the beginning on the same wavelength.
Highly recommended and I actually hope for more books from the Compass series.
June 20, 2022
Another romance by Lise Gold that captured my heart.
Both the characters are well defined, their relationship and personal journey credible and cute, the storyline is great and, last but not least, there is no black moment at the 80% mark, one of the things that Lise does a lot better than most. That is what makes her one of the top five in my favourite authors list. Having read this on KU, its hard copy will soon be joining five others of her work in my favourite shelf, to be re-read to lighten my mood when I need it.
Both the characters are well defined, their relationship and personal journey credible and cute, the storyline is great and, last but not least, there is no black moment at the 80% mark, one of the things that Lise does a lot better than most. That is what makes her one of the top five in my favourite authors list. Having read this on KU, its hard copy will soon be joining five others of her work in my favourite shelf, to be re-read to lighten my mood when I need it.
February 17, 2020
Lise Gold is one of my favorite authors. I started with Lily’s Fire, which I loved, and
every single book she’s written. This book deals with an age gap romance but it works
beautifully. It has ties to her previous Compass series. The story takes place in the
Monterey California coast line, which is one of my favorite areas in the country.
The book is very well written, I couldn’t put it down. looking forward to Lise’s next story.
every single book she’s written. This book deals with an age gap romance but it works
beautifully. It has ties to her previous Compass series. The story takes place in the
Monterey California coast line, which is one of my favorite areas in the country.
The book is very well written, I couldn’t put it down. looking forward to Lise’s next story.
November 2, 2020
2.5 stars
Madison historically went after "straight" women and has gotten hurt multiple times in the past, yet she doesn't really resist the pull that she feels towards Ally. Ally thought she was "straight" her whole life (except that one night in college), she has an 11 yo son, and is still close with her MIL. Yet she is so enamoured by Madison that all of this stuff doesn't really matter to her too much.
I wish I liked this book. I didn't like the voice of the book, I don't think I ever really got to know/understand the inner workings of each of the women. I get that you are attracted physically to one another, but I never felt a real connection. There were a lot of obstacles that could have been explored in-depth, but they weren't.
Madison historically went after "straight" women and has gotten hurt multiple times in the past, yet she doesn't really resist the pull that she feels towards Ally. Ally thought she was "straight" her whole life (except that one night in college), she has an 11 yo son, and is still close with her MIL. Yet she is so enamoured by Madison that all of this stuff doesn't really matter to her too much.
I wish I liked this book. I didn't like the voice of the book, I don't think I ever really got to know/understand the inner workings of each of the women. I get that you are attracted physically to one another, but I never felt a real connection. There were a lot of obstacles that could have been explored in-depth, but they weren't.
March 12, 2020
Ally and Madison were a sweet pair. I loved how they initially fell into their attraction for one another. Theo was great and I loved how intelligent and interested in everything he was. The side characters were nice, though I would have liked more of them.
Don't think this is spoiler, but just in case:
Even after all that, I still liked it. Descriptions were wonderful about both the people and places. Also, I'm a sucker for a HEA.
Don't think this is spoiler, but just in case:
Even after all that, I still liked it. Descriptions were wonderful about both the people and places. Also, I'm a sucker for a HEA.
March 16, 2020
We are often surprised by where are heart takes us.
This is a spectacular novel and such a beautiful next one in the Compass series. Ally, Theo and Madison are such different spirits and yet they are woven together. The instant relationship between Ally and Madison was electric and touching. The is such a brilliant boy who quickly connected with Madison on the marine biology they both love. It was not surprising to see Ally worry about so many issues but love truely conquered the heart. I kept thinking what a long story this is but as I approached the end I was so delighted in every minute. I loved the various charges who added so much depth to the story. I also enjoyed having visits with Hannah and Kristie. Oh I just loved this book and the whole series. Another brilliant story by Lise Gold!!
This is a spectacular novel and such a beautiful next one in the Compass series. Ally, Theo and Madison are such different spirits and yet they are woven together. The instant relationship between Ally and Madison was electric and touching. The is such a brilliant boy who quickly connected with Madison on the marine biology they both love. It was not surprising to see Ally worry about so many issues but love truely conquered the heart. I kept thinking what a long story this is but as I approached the end I was so delighted in every minute. I loved the various charges who added so much depth to the story. I also enjoyed having visits with Hannah and Kristie. Oh I just loved this book and the whole series. Another brilliant story by Lise Gold!!
September 17, 2020
A fitting conclusion to the Compass Series
Lise Gold again comes up trumps, creating two likeable leads in Madison and Ally. Her writing style is engaging and easily draws the reader into rooting for these characters. The stuff about marine biology and having a gifted child were interesting plot elements. We also get to reconnect with Hannah and Kristine which is always a welcome bonus. The only downside for me was a handful of small typos that should have been picked up, however these were minor and in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. A great read from a consistently strong author.
Lise Gold again comes up trumps, creating two likeable leads in Madison and Ally. Her writing style is engaging and easily draws the reader into rooting for these characters. The stuff about marine biology and having a gifted child were interesting plot elements. We also get to reconnect with Hannah and Kristine which is always a welcome bonus. The only downside for me was a handful of small typos that should have been picked up, however these were minor and in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. A great read from a consistently strong author.
June 25, 2023
This was a sweet, romantic and sexy age gap story. It’s number four in The Compass Series. What I’ve loved about the series is the research the author has done for each book’s location. She introduced us to local cultures and attractions. My favorite, of course, were the descriptions of Louisiana, my home state.
Now, in Western Shores, the setting was close to Santa Cruze. Although I have lived in Southern CA for many years, I have actually visited many of the places mentioned, and I’ve even camped among the giant Sequoias!
Another thing I love about the series is the intermingling of the characters. I’m looking forward to Northern Vows, as I’ve heard word of possible wedding bells.
Now, in Western Shores, the setting was close to Santa Cruze. Although I have lived in Southern CA for many years, I have actually visited many of the places mentioned, and I’ve even camped among the giant Sequoias!
Another thing I love about the series is the intermingling of the characters. I’m looking forward to Northern Vows, as I’ve heard word of possible wedding bells.
April 9, 2020
As usual, an amazing book.
I love it.
It's weird the age-gap thing, 17 is really a lot, but Madison doesn't act like a 23yo woman, she's really mature, so I guess that help. Still, I keep thinking when Madison is 33 and Ally 50, I don't know if that works, but who am I to judge?
I love stories with kids envolved, Theo is amazing, I loved him. (I'd appreciate recommendations btw)
I really wanna know how the hell Madison gets to keep her hair soft being pink and with she being on the beach all the time, I need that miracle.
F/f explicit, hot, just the way I like it.
I love it.
It's weird the age-gap thing, 17 is really a lot, but Madison doesn't act like a 23yo woman, she's really mature, so I guess that help. Still, I keep thinking when Madison is 33 and Ally 50, I don't know if that works, but who am I to judge?
I love stories with kids envolved, Theo is amazing, I loved him. (I'd appreciate recommendations btw)
I really wanna know how the hell Madison gets to keep her hair soft being pink and with she being on the beach all the time, I need that miracle.
F/f explicit, hot, just the way I like it.
November 12, 2020
Another fabulous story, age gap at the beach, perfect.
October 26, 2023
Meh. Felt like a queer under duress kinda vibe.
February 5, 2020
Loved it!
Lise Gold has done it again. Book 4 of the Compass Series is a beautiful story about ageism. Young Pink haired Madison rents a tiny pink house belonging to the beautiful bohemian Ally (17years older), who lives next door with her brilliant son Theo. I smiled hear to hear when we got to revisit Hanna and Kristine 😊
Northern Lights, Southern Roots, Eastern Nights, and Western Shores - a collection to keep but also to share with others.
I know these beautiful love stories will continue...so I am really looking forward to reading the next one in line. (I just have a feeling we'll be there for a wedding) 😉
Lise Gold has done it again. Book 4 of the Compass Series is a beautiful story about ageism. Young Pink haired Madison rents a tiny pink house belonging to the beautiful bohemian Ally (17years older), who lives next door with her brilliant son Theo. I smiled hear to hear when we got to revisit Hanna and Kristine 😊
Northern Lights, Southern Roots, Eastern Nights, and Western Shores - a collection to keep but also to share with others.
I know these beautiful love stories will continue...so I am really looking forward to reading the next one in line. (I just have a feeling we'll be there for a wedding) 😉
March 2, 2020
3.5 Stars. I thought this was good but nothing special for me. There were times when I was a tad bit bored. I liked both characters (Ally and Madison) and thought that Ally's son was just way cute. My favorites in this series is Compass #3 and then 2, and 1 and 4 are close. I for sure think Lise Gold is a talented writer.
April 21, 2020
Really fun to read a story that takes place right over the hill and a place I have actually visited many times... Capitola, CA. It's a very sweet love story. Well written. Just enough angst. The MCs are both adorable. I loved every word. Highly recommend.
December 13, 2021
Western Shores is probably my favourite book of this series so far!
We get to know more of Madison (Hannah's half sister) and see her progress from being a student to venturing out into the real world, in her chosen career as a a marine biologist. We also meet Ally who is a widow and her son Theo, and thus starts a sweet yet smoking hot age gap romance, set in the idylic laid back beach town of Capitola.
There is sexual tension galore throughout this book but at the same time it's also a very chilled and relaxed story to become absorbed by.
As per usual for one of Gold's novels, i enjoyed the location and i loved the main characters even more so.
Madison and Ally's relationship comes across as genuine, it doesn't go from 0-100 in the space of a day. The potential problems that may arise in any real life age gap relationship are portrayed in a realistic manner, whilst still keeping romance at the heart of the story.
The inclusion of Devon and Chelsea's blossoming relationship was a welcome change. Devon's concern surrounding his feelings for dating a trans woman, nicely reflected his best friend Ally's misgivings about dating a woman, who is also 17 years her junior.
One of my favourite lines in the book is 'No one is perfect, but we're perfect together'. A simple sentence yet a very powerful message to take away from this story.
We get to know more of Madison (Hannah's half sister) and see her progress from being a student to venturing out into the real world, in her chosen career as a a marine biologist. We also meet Ally who is a widow and her son Theo, and thus starts a sweet yet smoking hot age gap romance, set in the idylic laid back beach town of Capitola.
There is sexual tension galore throughout this book but at the same time it's also a very chilled and relaxed story to become absorbed by.
As per usual for one of Gold's novels, i enjoyed the location and i loved the main characters even more so.
Madison and Ally's relationship comes across as genuine, it doesn't go from 0-100 in the space of a day. The potential problems that may arise in any real life age gap relationship are portrayed in a realistic manner, whilst still keeping romance at the heart of the story.
The inclusion of Devon and Chelsea's blossoming relationship was a welcome change. Devon's concern surrounding his feelings for dating a trans woman, nicely reflected his best friend Ally's misgivings about dating a woman, who is also 17 years her junior.
One of my favourite lines in the book is 'No one is perfect, but we're perfect together'. A simple sentence yet a very powerful message to take away from this story.
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