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Scaredy Cat
Blake Taylor isn’t the queen of horror, but she’s certainly a member of the royal court. Blake has made a career out of writing novels that make her readers want to leave the lights on at night. What Blake’s fans and very few people realize is that Blake Taylor is scared of her own shadow and just about everything else. After a family intervention, a case of writer’s block, and the desire to be free of the confines of fear, she leaves New York and rents a house in Cypress Glade, Louisiana.
Quinn Scott, a local, is hired by Blake’s agent to be a tour guide of sorts for her most famous and troublesome client. The job seems simple for a thousand bucks a month, but as she gets to know Blake, it’s anything but easy. Birds, squirrels, broccoli, and dogs are fearsome creatures.
Find a comfortable spot, visit Cypress Glade, and watch as these two women learn to conquer fears that don’t always go bump in the night. Be warned, a few feathers may fly…
Quinn Scott, a local, is hired by Blake’s agent to be a tour guide of sorts for her most famous and troublesome client. The job seems simple for a thousand bucks a month, but as she gets to know Blake, it’s anything but easy. Birds, squirrels, broccoli, and dogs are fearsome creatures.
Find a comfortable spot, visit Cypress Glade, and watch as these two women learn to conquer fears that don’t always go bump in the night. Be warned, a few feathers may fly…
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
51 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books813 followersBorn in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 17, 2017
Awesome read! a hilariously,funny and realistic take on how to handle many different phobias with a little romance toss in to give it some creative juice..read your heart out and enjoy..well written
November 29, 2018
"Scaredy Cat" gets the distinction of being the first Robin Alexander book that I've genuinely liked.
I found the story engaging throughout and I enjoyed the characters and liked their chemistry. I even chuckled out loud on this one. This review is coming off as a backhanded compliment and apologies for that. Just know, if you haven't been her biggest fan in the past, this is a good book to check out. If there are more like this one, I'd be happy to read them.
I think the ending was rushed some and I saw a *little* bit of what I don't like in Alexander's other books creeping into this one but it was *super* minor and, having been entertained by the read, I give it a pass.
I definitely recommend this read.
I found the story engaging throughout and I enjoyed the characters and liked their chemistry. I even chuckled out loud on this one. This review is coming off as a backhanded compliment and apologies for that. Just know, if you haven't been her biggest fan in the past, this is a good book to check out. If there are more like this one, I'd be happy to read them.
I think the ending was rushed some and I saw a *little* bit of what I don't like in Alexander's other books creeping into this one but it was *super* minor and, having been entertained by the read, I give it a pass.
I definitely recommend this read.
August 27, 2020
After raving over my previous book, I needed to keep the quality high as well as the entertainment. And, of course, I grab a Robin Alexander book that's been stewing in my Kindle list. This was a very, very great choice.
For starters, HELLO, BLAKE TAYLOR. She's a reclusive, talented horror writer who's pretty much afraid of her own shadow. She's neurotic, suspicious, and absolutely lovable. I couldn't wait for Quinn to break past her neurotic barriers and sweep her off her feet with her down-home charm.
I laughed, snorted, grinned, just immersed myself in their world. When you get to that special chicken seat, I hope you'll lose it like I did. Wonderfully ridiculous. Alexander knows how to tickle my funny bones like no other.
Blake and Quinn's chemistry gave me the warm fuzzies. The development of their coupling felt natural and mutually healthy. I also loved the interactions with Jacob, Quinn's brother and his wife much more than I expected. Another plot point I didn't expect to love as much as I did?
I'll give this a good 4.5 stars, with my nitpicks being:
Awesome read!
For starters, HELLO, BLAKE TAYLOR. She's a reclusive, talented horror writer who's pretty much afraid of her own shadow. She's neurotic, suspicious, and absolutely lovable. I couldn't wait for Quinn to break past her neurotic barriers and sweep her off her feet with her down-home charm.
I laughed, snorted, grinned, just immersed myself in their world. When you get to that special chicken seat, I hope you'll lose it like I did. Wonderfully ridiculous. Alexander knows how to tickle my funny bones like no other.
Blake and Quinn's chemistry gave me the warm fuzzies. The development of their coupling felt natural and mutually healthy. I also loved the interactions with Jacob, Quinn's brother and his wife much more than I expected. Another plot point I didn't expect to love as much as I did?
I'll give this a good 4.5 stars, with my nitpicks being:
Awesome read!
October 9, 2018
I first read this book in July of 2016. At the time it was the seventh book I’d read by Alexander. As of this reading, the second rereading of ‘Scaredy Cat’ would correspond as the 34th book I’ve read by Alexander (if each book that I’d reread counted as a ‘new’ book). And something around the sixth book I’ve reread written by Alexander (though there’s another I attempted to reread via audio some time back that ended up on the DNF pile).
Considering the topic at hand, the season the book is set, etc. etc., this book really is a much better October read than July read. So I’m glad I reread this one in October.
I just love both main characters that are on display in this book. Both of whom have periods of control over the POV. Blake Taylor has written 80+ books, probably all of which have been somewhere in the horror genre, and after a particular book got picked up to be made into a film – Taylor is routinely on the best-selling release with each new book published. Problem though: she’s blocked. Majorly. Family and therapists and book agent have come together and pushed Taylor from the safety of her NY apartment to the ‘wilds’ of ‘country-living’ in Louisiana. A great distance away from her mother (who, it appears, is smothering her).
So: title of book ‘Scaredy Cat’. Who is the sacredy cat? Well, actually, both main characters at times. Yes, Quinn Scott has her own issues, though she has better adjusted herself to living in the outside world – she still has her fears that have blocked her in certain ways (like she always wanted to travel, only lived in another city once, hates her local small bigoted town, stays there because she ‘can’t leave’).
Quinn and Blake come together because Quinn’s barely there, though talked about, sister was Blake’s agent’s real estate agent. And Dawn, this sister, has offered up Quinn to act as Blake’s, paid, local guide to the area. Quick note: It is distracting when two minor characters who play similar roles, and who rarely get seen by the reader have quite similar names to the point that I’m not actually sure if Dawn is Quinn’s sister or Blake’s (the real estate agent is Quinn’s sister, it’s the name part that is confusing, since Blake’s seldom seen sister is named Dani).
There are some great moments in this book (example one: the fight Blake gets into with a chicken (well reminder one); example two: the time Quinn was being judgmental about Blake, then realized she (Quinn) had her own biased issues to contend with), great personalities on display, great bits of humor. Quite enjoyable book.
Horror writer, fall-time, Halloween time (and yes, some of the action occurs during Halloween – the two main characters, along with Quinn’s brother Jacob and his wife Tonya join a ghost hunting expedition on Halloween night), ghosts, and things that go bump in the night and/or are very scary to some but not necessarily to others (like, say, squirrels. In general, not a specific evil squirrel, just squirrels in general).
Rating: 5+ The book didn’t end up on my ‘only rereads can get to it’ 6 star shelf because of my original rating of the book (4.75), plus there were a few slightly less than perfect parts.
October 8 2018
Considering the topic at hand, the season the book is set, etc. etc., this book really is a much better October read than July read. So I’m glad I reread this one in October.
I just love both main characters that are on display in this book. Both of whom have periods of control over the POV. Blake Taylor has written 80+ books, probably all of which have been somewhere in the horror genre, and after a particular book got picked up to be made into a film – Taylor is routinely on the best-selling release with each new book published. Problem though: she’s blocked. Majorly. Family and therapists and book agent have come together and pushed Taylor from the safety of her NY apartment to the ‘wilds’ of ‘country-living’ in Louisiana. A great distance away from her mother (who, it appears, is smothering her).
So: title of book ‘Scaredy Cat’. Who is the sacredy cat? Well, actually, both main characters at times. Yes, Quinn Scott has her own issues, though she has better adjusted herself to living in the outside world – she still has her fears that have blocked her in certain ways (like she always wanted to travel, only lived in another city once, hates her local small bigoted town, stays there because she ‘can’t leave’).
Quinn and Blake come together because Quinn’s barely there, though talked about, sister was Blake’s agent’s real estate agent. And Dawn, this sister, has offered up Quinn to act as Blake’s, paid, local guide to the area. Quick note: It is distracting when two minor characters who play similar roles, and who rarely get seen by the reader have quite similar names to the point that I’m not actually sure if Dawn is Quinn’s sister or Blake’s (the real estate agent is Quinn’s sister, it’s the name part that is confusing, since Blake’s seldom seen sister is named Dani).
There are some great moments in this book (example one: the fight Blake gets into with a chicken (well reminder one); example two: the time Quinn was being judgmental about Blake, then realized she (Quinn) had her own biased issues to contend with), great personalities on display, great bits of humor. Quite enjoyable book.
Horror writer, fall-time, Halloween time (and yes, some of the action occurs during Halloween – the two main characters, along with Quinn’s brother Jacob and his wife Tonya join a ghost hunting expedition on Halloween night), ghosts, and things that go bump in the night and/or are very scary to some but not necessarily to others (like, say, squirrels. In general, not a specific evil squirrel, just squirrels in general).
Rating: 5+ The book didn’t end up on my ‘only rereads can get to it’ 6 star shelf because of my original rating of the book (4.75), plus there were a few slightly less than perfect parts.
October 8 2018
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars. This was my 10th book by Robin Alexander. Obviously, she is one of my favorite authors and this was definitely one of her better books. Lovely and hysterically funny as usual.
June 26, 2023
Story 4 - 4,5 ⭐️
Narrator Lori Prince 5 ⭐️
Extremely funny read and great narrator.
Narrator Lori Prince 5 ⭐️
Extremely funny read and great narrator.
July 17, 2016
You just can't go wrong with Robin Alexander!
September 26, 2022
This is an older novel (2013) but a fairly recent audiobook (Tantor once again stepping in to find the hidden gems). And a lot of the story shouldn't have worked. Or should have pushed me out of the story, maybe? A lot of the developments were played broadly and over-the-top in ways that I'd usually hate. Only I didn't in this story.
The worst was Quinn's mother. Okay, she's a byproduct of the worst as she is a casualty of the religious nuts in this small town running around bad-mouthing Quinn. Seriously, we're told someone is spreading the rumor/lie that Quinn (a plumber) is adding stuff to the water to turn folks queer. Like it's a fear a real adult-type person might have. And Quinn's mother is a part of that, refusing to acknowledge Quinn or talk to her in anything but demanding terms. And I hated that, but in my head, I made it about not accepting your kid when they aren't what you want them to be (as opposed to whatever bigoted idiocy the story said it was). Which is bad enough for the emotional toll on Quinn and yet have her still stay connected in some way.
Everything about Blake is over-the-top, too. Her phobias are ridiculous and her inability to cope with them is laughable. And yet, I enjoyed every moment of Quinn working with patience and understanding to help her as much as she could. I particularly liked how that help came without shifting Blake's strength to Quinn. So I bought Blake's growth and maturity over the course of the story and was very willing to go along as they developed trust and a friendship that turned into love.
And I just edited (in my head) the whole Blake being in her forties down a few decades so that I could have any respect for her at all. I'm sorry, but being so hampered by her Munchausen mother at that age is beyond sad and into tragically stupid.
So I liked the story a lot. Easily four stars worth of a lot, in spite of all of the above. I liked both characters and I liked how they worked together and I liked who they became together.
A note about Audiobook: Lori Prince is kind of the gold standard of Lesbian romances but I've never liked her so well as I do in this story. She's good, don't get me wrong. But she was pretty much perfect for this one. And that may be why I was able to get over some of the odd bits so easily, though that couldn't account for all of the things I glossed over, I don't think.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this at about the middle of my steam tolerance. They were in line with the emotional developments and I felt they supported the story well.
The worst was Quinn's mother. Okay, she's a byproduct of the worst as she is a casualty of the religious nuts in this small town running around bad-mouthing Quinn. Seriously, we're told someone is spreading the rumor/lie that Quinn (a plumber) is adding stuff to the water to turn folks queer. Like it's a fear a real adult-type person might have. And Quinn's mother is a part of that, refusing to acknowledge Quinn or talk to her in anything but demanding terms. And I hated that, but in my head, I made it about not accepting your kid when they aren't what you want them to be (as opposed to whatever bigoted idiocy the story said it was). Which is bad enough for the emotional toll on Quinn and yet have her still stay connected in some way.
Everything about Blake is over-the-top, too. Her phobias are ridiculous and her inability to cope with them is laughable. And yet, I enjoyed every moment of Quinn working with patience and understanding to help her as much as she could. I particularly liked how that help came without shifting Blake's strength to Quinn. So I bought Blake's growth and maturity over the course of the story and was very willing to go along as they developed trust and a friendship that turned into love.
And I just edited (in my head) the whole Blake being in her forties down a few decades so that I could have any respect for her at all. I'm sorry, but being so hampered by her Munchausen mother at that age is beyond sad and into tragically stupid.
So I liked the story a lot. Easily four stars worth of a lot, in spite of all of the above. I liked both characters and I liked how they worked together and I liked who they became together.
A note about Audiobook: Lori Prince is kind of the gold standard of Lesbian romances but I've never liked her so well as I do in this story. She's good, don't get me wrong. But she was pretty much perfect for this one. And that may be why I was able to get over some of the odd bits so easily, though that couldn't account for all of the things I glossed over, I don't think.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this at about the middle of my steam tolerance. They were in line with the emotional developments and I felt they supported the story well.
May 18, 2020
“Poetic, romantic bullshit."
And it was perfect!
A hilarious yet enlightening read! Seeing these characters overcome fear and be open to love warmed my heart.
And it was perfect!
A hilarious yet enlightening read! Seeing these characters overcome fear and be open to love warmed my heart.
July 19, 2022
Robin Alexander is the author of more than thirty Sapphic novels which are gradually being released on audio mostly narrated by Lori Prince. Scaredy Cat was originally published in 2013.
Blake Taylor is a renowned author of horror books but is scared of almost everything. After a case of writer’s block, she leaves New York and rents a house in Cypress Glade, Louisiana. Quinn Scott is a local who is hired as a driver and tour guide of sorts by Blake’s agent. After getting off on the wrong foot, both women start to bond by conquering their own fears and soon they realise that there might be a growing attraction between them.
This is another entertaining and funny rom-com by Robin Alexander with her usual trademark of quirky characters, sweet romances and hilarious situations. Her settings are also typical, normally from her home state of Louisiana. Ms. Alexander is one of those authors who has a distinctive style and who always delivers in terms of entertainment. This one is no exception.
“What scares you?”
[…] “The usual…spiders, snakes, rats. I see those things a lot in my line of work, but they never fail to get a scream out of me.”
“But you still face them, so they’re not a crippling fear. What terrifies you?”
Quinn smiled. “The price of gas.”
I read this book years ago and had some recollections about Blake’s fears of many apparently ridiculous things (like broccoli) but what I hadn’t remembered is that Blake suffers from severe anxiety which stops her from almost ever leaving the house. Quinn tries to help her by pushing her to confront her fears and phobias head-on, in a kind of exposure therapy. There were parts in the plot that didn’t sound believable to me personally as I couldn’t help feeling that Blake’s anxiety and fears wouldn’t be so easy to overcome in real life. In some parts, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief but I get that this is a work of fiction and also a romantic comedy and everything has to be taken with a pinch of salt. I’m sure it will work for most readers.
The audiobook version is narrated by Lori Prince whose comedic timing is perfect for the story. I’m happy that most of Robin Alexander’s books are narrated by Ms. Prince as her performances make the stories even more entertaining. For me personally, the audiobook was more enjoyable than the written work. 4 stars
Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Available in Scribd
Blake Taylor is a renowned author of horror books but is scared of almost everything. After a case of writer’s block, she leaves New York and rents a house in Cypress Glade, Louisiana. Quinn Scott is a local who is hired as a driver and tour guide of sorts by Blake’s agent. After getting off on the wrong foot, both women start to bond by conquering their own fears and soon they realise that there might be a growing attraction between them.
This is another entertaining and funny rom-com by Robin Alexander with her usual trademark of quirky characters, sweet romances and hilarious situations. Her settings are also typical, normally from her home state of Louisiana. Ms. Alexander is one of those authors who has a distinctive style and who always delivers in terms of entertainment. This one is no exception.
“What scares you?”
[…] “The usual…spiders, snakes, rats. I see those things a lot in my line of work, but they never fail to get a scream out of me.”
“But you still face them, so they’re not a crippling fear. What terrifies you?”
Quinn smiled. “The price of gas.”
I read this book years ago and had some recollections about Blake’s fears of many apparently ridiculous things (like broccoli) but what I hadn’t remembered is that Blake suffers from severe anxiety which stops her from almost ever leaving the house. Quinn tries to help her by pushing her to confront her fears and phobias head-on, in a kind of exposure therapy. There were parts in the plot that didn’t sound believable to me personally as I couldn’t help feeling that Blake’s anxiety and fears wouldn’t be so easy to overcome in real life. In some parts, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief but I get that this is a work of fiction and also a romantic comedy and everything has to be taken with a pinch of salt. I’m sure it will work for most readers.
The audiobook version is narrated by Lori Prince whose comedic timing is perfect for the story. I’m happy that most of Robin Alexander’s books are narrated by Ms. Prince as her performances make the stories even more entertaining. For me personally, the audiobook was more enjoyable than the written work. 4 stars
Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Available in Scribd
January 20, 2025
3.5
A delightful, laugh-out-loud gem! As always with Robin Alexander, the humor shines brightly, delivering top-tier wit and charm that keeps you smiling throughout. The romance between Blake and Quinn is genuinely heartwarming, exuding a sweetness that feels perfectly Hallmark-worthy. Combined with Alexander’s excellent writing style and spot-on pacing, this story is an absolute joy to read—endearing, funny, and utterly satisfying.
A delightful, laugh-out-loud gem! As always with Robin Alexander, the humor shines brightly, delivering top-tier wit and charm that keeps you smiling throughout. The romance between Blake and Quinn is genuinely heartwarming, exuding a sweetness that feels perfectly Hallmark-worthy. Combined with Alexander’s excellent writing style and spot-on pacing, this story is an absolute joy to read—endearing, funny, and utterly satisfying.
September 6, 2022
You have to let reality out of the window, if you want to believe the evolution-revolution of Blake.
I believed in it, because I really wanted to. I do know that sometimes, in life, it's not that easy to overcome your phobias through exposure therapy, or at least not so fast... But that's the beauty of fiction, right?
The power of love, of someone like Quinn, so strong, and yet so sweet and understanding, the one that manages to get Blake to live her life for real, instead of putting it only in words when writing.
One thing is true for sure... no one is born scared of everything... the majority of the times, it comes from something that happened to you when little. I still get chills on my skin thinking about my sister throwing all sort of insects at me... or scaring me at night. There aren't open wardrobes in my bedroom when I have to sleep.
I love Quinn and I'm fascinated by Blake's vivid imagination. A horror writer scared of everything? That's a recipe for mant hilarious scenes... the chicken one had me laughing out loud.
I'm kind of devouring all Robin Alexander's books... can't get enough... they are very addictive.
I believed in it, because I really wanted to. I do know that sometimes, in life, it's not that easy to overcome your phobias through exposure therapy, or at least not so fast... But that's the beauty of fiction, right?
The power of love, of someone like Quinn, so strong, and yet so sweet and understanding, the one that manages to get Blake to live her life for real, instead of putting it only in words when writing.
One thing is true for sure... no one is born scared of everything... the majority of the times, it comes from something that happened to you when little. I still get chills on my skin thinking about my sister throwing all sort of insects at me... or scaring me at night. There aren't open wardrobes in my bedroom when I have to sleep.
I love Quinn and I'm fascinated by Blake's vivid imagination. A horror writer scared of everything? That's a recipe for mant hilarious scenes... the chicken one had me laughing out loud.
I'm kind of devouring all Robin Alexander's books... can't get enough... they are very addictive.
October 5, 2020
This is a) the seventh book I've read by Alexander (and fourth in 4 days); b) there is no b.
As is normal, this book involves a small town in Louisiana, and the antics of the people in it. Unlike those people in White Oak, the people of Cypress Glade are not very open/friendly to those in the LGBT community.
Quinn Scott is a local woman who works with her brother in a family owned plumbing business. She was outed by the local gossipy bitch of the town as a lesbian. Unlike the events that unfolded in White Oak during a similar incident involving Jaclyn (sex between two women that is observed by a third party who tells everyone about it), the people did not rally around Quinn and keep/develop/become friendly to the lesbian and lesbian kind. No, they figuratively or literally spat upon her (I forget if any literal spitting occurred). So Quinn mostly sticks with her job, her brother Jacob, and sister Dawn, and is kind of an outsider in her own town.
Dawn, a real estate person, finds a dwelling place for a celebrity author. Dawn also, through this author's agent, volunteers her sister to act as something of a guide to this author. For pay (I believe it was stated as being $1000 a month). Quinn is not exactly happy about this but . . .. By the way, it's known from the beginning that both the author and Quinn are lesbians - that's why Quinn was offered up as a 'guide' (no, I do not mean that as code for escort or prostitute or the like, the 'guide' isn't really what Quinn ends up being, at least not the typical kind of 'tour guide' kind of guide).
The author is a best-selling horror novelist named Blake Taylor. Who is the 'Scaredy Cat' of this novel. Since she really is scared of basically everything.
This was/is a rather neat, exciting, fun book. Humorous. Graphic sex. Etc.
Of note: there are three cats on the cover of this book (if you include the word 'cat' as part of the three cats). There are no cats in this book (at least I do not recall any). There is a dog, an owl, various other birds, squirrels, and other 'things', but no cats.
Of note 2: I read three books by Alexander in 2014. Now I've read 4 in 2016. Alexander is . . . um, well not rapidly, becoming one of my favorite authors (unexpectedly).
July 22 2016
As is normal, this book involves a small town in Louisiana, and the antics of the people in it. Unlike those people in White Oak, the people of Cypress Glade are not very open/friendly to those in the LGBT community.
Quinn Scott is a local woman who works with her brother in a family owned plumbing business. She was outed by the local gossipy bitch of the town as a lesbian. Unlike the events that unfolded in White Oak during a similar incident involving Jaclyn (sex between two women that is observed by a third party who tells everyone about it), the people did not rally around Quinn and keep/develop/become friendly to the lesbian and lesbian kind. No, they figuratively or literally spat upon her (I forget if any literal spitting occurred). So Quinn mostly sticks with her job, her brother Jacob, and sister Dawn, and is kind of an outsider in her own town.
Dawn, a real estate person, finds a dwelling place for a celebrity author. Dawn also, through this author's agent, volunteers her sister to act as something of a guide to this author. For pay (I believe it was stated as being $1000 a month). Quinn is not exactly happy about this but . . .. By the way, it's known from the beginning that both the author and Quinn are lesbians - that's why Quinn was offered up as a 'guide' (no, I do not mean that as code for escort or prostitute or the like, the 'guide' isn't really what Quinn ends up being, at least not the typical kind of 'tour guide' kind of guide).
The author is a best-selling horror novelist named Blake Taylor. Who is the 'Scaredy Cat' of this novel. Since she really is scared of basically everything.
This was/is a rather neat, exciting, fun book. Humorous. Graphic sex. Etc.
Of note: there are three cats on the cover of this book (if you include the word 'cat' as part of the three cats). There are no cats in this book (at least I do not recall any). There is a dog, an owl, various other birds, squirrels, and other 'things', but no cats.
Of note 2: I read three books by Alexander in 2014. Now I've read 4 in 2016. Alexander is . . . um, well not rapidly, becoming one of my favorite authors (unexpectedly).
July 22 2016
June 23, 2025
Robin Alexander books just make me happy. That is all.
May 15, 2020
Needed something to cheer me up so I'm on a Robin Alexander re-run, serious laugh out loud moments :)
November 11, 2017
I'm a sucker for romances about writers and I'm a sucker for any book with a horror writer as a character, so this book was waiting patiently on my to-read list for a very short time. It was a great book to start in the chilly late-autumn weather.
As always, this book takes place in Robin Alexander's signature small-town American South, but this town isn't very cozy towards Quinn Scott and her "deviant" sexual behavior. After she's outed in her hometown and shunned by her terminally ill mother, she occupies her time with her and her brother's plumbing business and tries to ignore how lonely she is. When horror writer Blake Taylor moves into town for an inspiring change of scenery, Quinn is tasked with helping Blake get settled.
However, it turns out that the mistress of horror fiction herself is a giant, well, scaredy cat. She's terrified of birds, dogs, the dark, driving a car, and any other number of everyday tasks or items. Quinn originally balks at this tiny, terrified lady and all her quirks, but as they grow closer, they help each other open up in all sorts of different ways. Blake may be the one with all the phobias, but Quinn is scared of plenty herself, and watching the two women overcome these things together makes for a wonderfully satisfying story.
Despite small issues I had with plot and pacing, I absolutely fell in love with Blake and Quinn's relationship. It's slow and sweet and full of love and support, even when they drive each other nuts. It all progresses so naturally that by the time they finally get together, it's more of a sigh of sweet relief than fireworks, which is perfectly suitable for the story.
(Except, I will never be over how hot it was to have small, scaredy-cat Blake order Quinn to sit on her face until she comes. Like, I was not prepared. I'm still not. I never will be. My god.)
I thought the middle-ending was the weakest point of the book. I actually thought the ghost hunt was a little silly--it introduced a possibly paranormal experience in a pretty clumsy manner, though I did find Blake's overcoming of this fear to very in-character. I was also hoping for something a little more climactic to occur to force Blake to overcome her fears. The chicken was unexpected and hilarious, but I wish Alexander went just a little bit further to put Blake on edge and really drive home how brave she has become.
I like that Alexander writes generally fluffy romances, but her characters are so real and well-formed that I wish she'd stress them out a little more sometimes!
That being said, Blake almost redeemed the fear-related silliness beforehand. It was such a tender moment, almost reminiscent of Arizona's "good man in a storm" speech on Grey's Anatomy. A lesbian woman confronting her partner's homophobic parent will always be a revolutionary act, and Alexander writes it with grace and love. The other supporting characters are great as always--I especially loved Quinn's metrosexual brother Jake, his supportive wife Tonya, and Blake image-conscious agent Cassidy.
This is my second Robin Alexander book after the amazing Patty's Potent Potion and I'm positive it will not be my last!
As always, this book takes place in Robin Alexander's signature small-town American South, but this town isn't very cozy towards Quinn Scott and her "deviant" sexual behavior. After she's outed in her hometown and shunned by her terminally ill mother, she occupies her time with her and her brother's plumbing business and tries to ignore how lonely she is. When horror writer Blake Taylor moves into town for an inspiring change of scenery, Quinn is tasked with helping Blake get settled.
However, it turns out that the mistress of horror fiction herself is a giant, well, scaredy cat. She's terrified of birds, dogs, the dark, driving a car, and any other number of everyday tasks or items. Quinn originally balks at this tiny, terrified lady and all her quirks, but as they grow closer, they help each other open up in all sorts of different ways. Blake may be the one with all the phobias, but Quinn is scared of plenty herself, and watching the two women overcome these things together makes for a wonderfully satisfying story.
Despite small issues I had with plot and pacing, I absolutely fell in love with Blake and Quinn's relationship. It's slow and sweet and full of love and support, even when they drive each other nuts. It all progresses so naturally that by the time they finally get together, it's more of a sigh of sweet relief than fireworks, which is perfectly suitable for the story.
(Except, I will never be over how hot it was to have small, scaredy-cat Blake order Quinn to sit on her face until she comes. Like, I was not prepared. I'm still not. I never will be. My god.)
I thought the middle-ending was the weakest point of the book. I actually thought the ghost hunt was a little silly--it introduced a possibly paranormal experience in a pretty clumsy manner, though I did find Blake's overcoming of this fear to very in-character. I was also hoping for something a little more climactic to occur to force Blake to overcome her fears. The chicken was unexpected and hilarious, but I wish Alexander went just a little bit further to put Blake on edge and really drive home how brave she has become.
I like that Alexander writes generally fluffy romances, but her characters are so real and well-formed that I wish she'd stress them out a little more sometimes!
That being said, Blake almost redeemed the fear-related silliness beforehand. It was such a tender moment, almost reminiscent of Arizona's "good man in a storm" speech on Grey's Anatomy. A lesbian woman confronting her partner's homophobic parent will always be a revolutionary act, and Alexander writes it with grace and love. The other supporting characters are great as always--I especially loved Quinn's metrosexual brother Jake, his supportive wife Tonya, and Blake image-conscious agent Cassidy.
This is my second Robin Alexander book after the amazing Patty's Potent Potion and I'm positive it will not be my last!
January 5, 2025
I'm totally hooked on Robin Alexander, at first I thought I might not like this, because a bit like the lead character I'm a bit of a scaredy cat and NEVER watch or read anything intended to fright! However, I loved this and it had me in stitches of laughter, close to tears and with goosebumps throughout the whole thing. Fantastic.
September 13, 2024
One word. Hilarious.
December 14, 2018
Personally, I'm ridiculously into this kinda love and relationship.
This is not about two people met and then after then it was just pure lust.
The love and bond was built little by little, they're lean on each other and open up that's was so so sweet.
well that "love brings out the best in you" never get old.
Awww I love both Blake and Quinn character, and I laugh out loud a lot.
This book by far is definitely my favorites from Robin!
Thanks!
This is not about two people met and then after then it was just pure lust.
The love and bond was built little by little, they're lean on each other and open up that's was so so sweet.
well that "love brings out the best in you" never get old.
Awww I love both Blake and Quinn character, and I laugh out loud a lot.
This book by far is definitely my favorites from Robin!
Thanks!
January 5, 2020
I'll get told off for calling it "brokered love" - but Quinn is hired to look after Blake - which she does despite her own issues. Ms Alexander writes really well and I enjoyed it, though it didn't hit the real sweet spots and there were WTF moments.
February 10, 2017
This book made me laugh out loud in several sections. Fine, it also made me randomly laugh out loud while I was clearing the driveway of snow and snippets of the story came back to me. I think my neighbor believes I've lost my mind.
My favorite part was the description of Blake freaking out over a squirrel and climbing Quinn like a tree. Well that and the chicken fight.
My favorite part was the description of Blake freaking out over a squirrel and climbing Quinn like a tree. Well that and the chicken fight.
June 28, 2019
One of the main character is unbelievable. You really need to put your logic in the box, lock it and loose the key while reading this book.
Once you've done that, you can maybe enjoy this bewildering phobic character growing, while she(it's way to fast! it's not possible) changes, step by step, thanks to love and a an unknown to herself backbone.
But she annoyed the heck out of me. I don't like birds either. If one of my three cats brings one home and loose it, it will flops everywhere and scare the crap out of me. Outside, though, I find them beautiful. In shops, I hurt to see them behind bars.
Her creepy systematic reaction got pretty soon on my nerve and I fail to understand the attraction at first for the other main.
The more the character grow, the more she became interesting. But it takes a while to get there.
Once you've done that, you can maybe enjoy this bewildering phobic character growing, while she
But she annoyed the heck out of me. I don't like birds either. If one of my three cats brings one home and loose it, it will flops everywhere and scare the crap out of me. Outside, though, I find them beautiful. In shops, I hurt to see them behind bars.
Her creepy systematic reaction got pretty soon on my nerve and I fail to understand the attraction at first for the other main.
The more the character grow, the more she became interesting. But it takes a while to get there.
September 4, 2025
4.5⭐️ Another wonderful read/listen by this amazing duo. Lori Prince performs Robin Alexander’s books so perfectly! I loved the story and flow. I loved the MCs, Blake and Quinn, they had depth and connection. The steam was well placed and beautiful. Recommend!!
August 22, 2022
**Aug 2022 - I put off giving the audiobook a try because I didn't want the narrator to ruin the book for me (it's happened before) but she didn't! Lori Prince rocked the narration and I still love the book. Will absolutely indulge in the audiobook again.
Ok, this is my favorite of the three Robin Alexander books I've read. I swear I would have given it a 5 star rating except for the LOADS of typos everywhere that continued to pull me out of the story.
I honestly don't think I've laughed out loud so many times while reading a lesbian romance. Seriously one of the funniest books I've ever read. I mean, Blake and the chicken?? So funny!
Thank you, Robin!
**reread and enjoyed it just as much**
Ok, this is my favorite of the three Robin Alexander books I've read. I swear I would have given it a 5 star rating except for the LOADS of typos everywhere that continued to pull me out of the story.
I honestly don't think I've laughed out loud so many times while reading a lesbian romance. Seriously one of the funniest books I've ever read. I mean, Blake and the chicken?? So funny!
Thank you, Robin!
**reread and enjoyed it just as much**
December 22, 2021
I've joined a few wlw/lesfic groups on Facebook, and every time when someone asks for a funny sapphic book, there will be at least ten people rec Robin Alexander's. And I think I finally know why. The whole book is kind of bizarre in a hilarious way. It took me a few chapters to get into this book tho, but once I did, I was hooked. I really enjoy it!
Both MCs Quinn and Blake are lovable. I especially adore Blake, she's awkward and quirky and it's so endearing I want to put her in my pocket. The side characters, Quinn's brother Jacob and his wife Tonya are also hilarious.
I can't wait to read the other books from Alexander:D
Both MCs Quinn and Blake are lovable. I especially adore Blake, she's awkward and quirky and it's so endearing I want to put her in my pocket. The side characters, Quinn's brother Jacob and his wife Tonya are also hilarious.
I can't wait to read the other books from Alexander:D
November 9, 2015
hopefully i'll have time to come back and write a proper review, but here are some things i really appreciated about this book:
- the development of a genuine friendship between two queer women before they hopped on each other and made like bunnies
- the steady hand used in writing a full, complex, realistic character with anxieties and phobias
- robin alexander's characteristically droll storytelling wrought with real, genuine emotional connections with her characters
and more. tbc!
- the development of a genuine friendship between two queer women before they hopped on each other and made like bunnies
- the steady hand used in writing a full, complex, realistic character with anxieties and phobias
- robin alexander's characteristically droll storytelling wrought with real, genuine emotional connections with her characters
and more. tbc!
February 2, 2014
Plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Entertaining read. 4.5 stars
May 21, 2018
Alexander is brilliant at coming up with multi-faceted characters that are entertaining and funny to read. I love how she makes the ‘bad guys’ enjoyable to read - Glenda the pain in the ass town gossip gets that mantle in Scaredy Cat. Particularly liked Quinn, she's bold, funny, brave but sensitive at the same time - she's everything I'd want in a book character.
I loved the way the story sets off, with Blake and the bird giving her the evil eye, I had a good chuckle at that. The romance was nicely timed, and it was good to see Blake’s confidence come through throughout the story. Not quite as good as The Summer of Our Discontent (that book is really good) but still a great story. Looking forward to reading more books from Robin Alexander.
I loved the way the story sets off, with Blake and the bird giving her the evil eye, I had a good chuckle at that. The romance was nicely timed, and it was good to see Blake’s confidence come through throughout the story. Not quite as good as The Summer of Our Discontent (that book is really good) but still a great story. Looking forward to reading more books from Robin Alexander.
July 25, 2018
Oh my gosh, I really loved this story!
I'm always laughing out loud whenever I read romantic comedies from this author and this story had me laughing from the beginning to the end! I really love Quinn and Blake but I just have to hand it to Blake, she's definitely a piece of work because her dry sarcasm and her bizarre antics had me doubled over and fighting to catch my breath after a laughing spell. Trust me, anyone who reads this story will love every word.
I'm always laughing out loud whenever I read romantic comedies from this author and this story had me laughing from the beginning to the end! I really love Quinn and Blake but I just have to hand it to Blake, she's definitely a piece of work because her dry sarcasm and her bizarre antics had me doubled over and fighting to catch my breath after a laughing spell. Trust me, anyone who reads this story will love every word.
July 30, 2023
god this was just so sweet and so oddly funny. the neurotic mess that Blake is was just so entertaining and so human.
Quinn was a great character too, and I really liked how they both think the other is extremely brave, while they doubt themselves.
just truly a great book
Quinn was a great character too, and I really liked how they both think the other is extremely brave, while they doubt themselves.
just truly a great book
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