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Just Jorie
Some believe that special someone is out there just waiting to be found. Jorie Andolini is one of those people and has spent a lot of time envisioning that moment. She bumps into a woman at a grocery store, the woman drops a can of peas, Jorie picks it up, their eyes meet, and two souls connect. But it’s actually a wasted trip to New York, a snowstorm, and a canceled flight home that puts her in the path of Lena Vaughn.
Lena has found fault in every man she’s ever dated. Her dream of finding a husband is dwindling with every year that passes. Despite what her friends say, Lena doesn’t believe she has a fear of commitment, she simply hasn’t found a man she wanted to commit to. It comes as a surprise that in fact it is a woman who stirs those desires. For Lena, it’s not really a matter of sexuality, it’s just Jorie.
Travel the road to happiness with Jorie and Lena. Two crazy old women, meddling friends, and cattitude are just some sights you’ll see along the way.
Lena has found fault in every man she’s ever dated. Her dream of finding a husband is dwindling with every year that passes. Despite what her friends say, Lena doesn’t believe she has a fear of commitment, she simply hasn’t found a man she wanted to commit to. It comes as a surprise that in fact it is a woman who stirs those desires. For Lena, it’s not really a matter of sexuality, it’s just Jorie.
Travel the road to happiness with Jorie and Lena. Two crazy old women, meddling friends, and cattitude are just some sights you’ll see along the way.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2013
59 people are currently reading
1113 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books814 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 172 reviews
July 30, 2023
I oughta serve myself an Aunt C-style slap upside my head for taking FOREVER to read this.
(Not gonna lie. The cover art put me off a bit. Now, I find it endearing.)
This was the glass of top notch sparkling wine after days of intense thirst. Okay, that sounds a bit too ritzy for this down-to-earth novel by Robin Alexander. Wow, if the rest of her content is like this, she'll easily find a way into my "favorite author" category.
Too many books have been described as "laugh out loud" funny, only for me to slightly smirk a few times throughout the whole reading. THIS!!!!!! BOOK!!!!!! HAD ME CACKLING. Even in the subway, I was the person grinning and giggling at my phone. I probably looked like I was in love, tittering at a crush's text. SO FUNNY. Alexander's analogies and sayings were just...excuse me while I kiss my germ-covered screen.
Then, not only is it funny, IT'S ROMANTIC AS HELL. AND SEXY. I can't remember the last time I got a fiction crush as hard at the one I have on Lena. Lenaaaaaa all tiny in her Bette Porter-esque outfits and her icy-at-first-awkward-later personality. I MELT. I highlighted SO MANY quotes and grew as frustrated as Lena and Jorie navigating through friends and family skeptical of their love.
Grams and Aunt C. I usually duck away from stories with annoying relatives. These two old ladies, however, captured my heart (and my massive grin!). Alexander wrote them so well; they were too entertaining to skip over. I even created a new shelf in honor of them: 'meddling family'. I'm tempted to make an 'annoying friend' one, too, for Tina and Eva (and annoying friends in past books).
I'm cloud nine in love with this. Unlike other books, it didn't stop at Lena and Jorie dating, making us assume they'd have a HEA. No, we got to see them grow without the hackneyed break-up-get-back-together trope that romance books love so much. I fell in love with their love, which should happen in every lesfic, honestly. I must also mention how refreshing for the setting to be in New Orleans. Nicely done.
Oops. I'm working backwards by mentioning the first segment now. But, I loooooove seeing them get to know each other, picking up on easter eggs of more to come. They made amusing acquaintances (loved their thoughts accusing the other of being a killer hahaha) and that translated into an attractive, stable couple. It's a pleasure of a romance.
MORE THAN FIVE STARS. LET ME DO IT, GOODREADS.
Edit: Read this again in the middle of the night. Still all that I could love and more. 5++++
(Not gonna lie. The cover art put me off a bit. Now, I find it endearing.)
This was the glass of top notch sparkling wine after days of intense thirst. Okay, that sounds a bit too ritzy for this down-to-earth novel by Robin Alexander. Wow, if the rest of her content is like this, she'll easily find a way into my "favorite author" category.
Too many books have been described as "laugh out loud" funny, only for me to slightly smirk a few times throughout the whole reading. THIS!!!!!! BOOK!!!!!! HAD ME CACKLING. Even in the subway, I was the person grinning and giggling at my phone. I probably looked like I was in love, tittering at a crush's text. SO FUNNY. Alexander's analogies and sayings were just...excuse me while I kiss my germ-covered screen.
Then, not only is it funny, IT'S ROMANTIC AS HELL. AND SEXY. I can't remember the last time I got a fiction crush as hard at the one I have on Lena. Lenaaaaaa all tiny in her Bette Porter-esque outfits and her icy-at-first-awkward-later personality. I MELT. I highlighted SO MANY quotes and grew as frustrated as Lena and Jorie navigating through friends and family skeptical of their love.
Grams and Aunt C. I usually duck away from stories with annoying relatives. These two old ladies, however, captured my heart (and my massive grin!). Alexander wrote them so well; they were too entertaining to skip over. I even created a new shelf in honor of them: 'meddling family'. I'm tempted to make an 'annoying friend' one, too, for Tina and Eva (and annoying friends in past books).
I'm cloud nine in love with this. Unlike other books, it didn't stop at Lena and Jorie dating, making us assume they'd have a HEA. No, we got to see them grow without the hackneyed break-up-get-back-together trope that romance books love so much. I fell in love with their love, which should happen in every lesfic, honestly. I must also mention how refreshing for the setting to be in New Orleans. Nicely done.
Oops. I'm working backwards by mentioning the first segment now. But, I loooooove seeing them get to know each other, picking up on easter eggs of more to come. They made amusing acquaintances (loved their thoughts accusing the other of being a killer hahaha) and that translated into an attractive, stable couple. It's a pleasure of a romance.
MORE THAN FIVE STARS. LET ME DO IT, GOODREADS.
Edit: Read this again in the middle of the night. Still all that I could love and more. 5++++
August 14, 2019
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK. It was fun, steamy, had a swoony, to-die for leads and oh my god, the HUMOR! I had a grin on my face throughout the this gem of a story.
Robin Alexander's writing is crazy addicting, and she combines just the right amount of angst, humor, and romance to create this passionate, all-consuming story that hit the right spot. This book features one of the BEST couple – two characters who are so well-matched, well-rounded, and couldn’t be more perfect for each other. It’s truly a beautiful, romantic friend to lovers tale that had my heart RACING and fully invested in this story.
This is one of THOSE books: the kind that will get you out of a book rut, continue your book roll, and is filled with the most meaningful quotes you won’t be able to stop highlighting. This is an unforgettable read - from the catchy cover to the whip-smart writing to the endearing characters…everything about this story was absolute perfection! In friends to lovers romances, I ADORE that self-realization where the characters come to an epiphany and see how much the other means to them...that final fall. And I have to say, the author/narrator nailed it in this book.
One of the best things about this book is that there’s nothing serious about it; it’s a romantic comedy through and through. Even when things got rough and the big ‘uh-oh’ moments arrived, the author would give me a scare for, like, a second and then smooth the rest out. And I especially love that there is no dramatizing anything here. Fans of 8O% compulsory - unnecessary - break up - scene, be disappointed.
Highly recommended, thank you, Kara. I experienced something different/amazing in Lisa Cordileone's narration, so if you're subscribed to Escape - download and listen.
Robin Alexander's writing is crazy addicting, and she combines just the right amount of angst, humor, and romance to create this passionate, all-consuming story that hit the right spot. This book features one of the BEST couple – two characters who are so well-matched, well-rounded, and couldn’t be more perfect for each other. It’s truly a beautiful, romantic friend to lovers tale that had my heart RACING and fully invested in this story.
This is one of THOSE books: the kind that will get you out of a book rut, continue your book roll, and is filled with the most meaningful quotes you won’t be able to stop highlighting. This is an unforgettable read - from the catchy cover to the whip-smart writing to the endearing characters…everything about this story was absolute perfection! In friends to lovers romances, I ADORE that self-realization where the characters come to an epiphany and see how much the other means to them...that final fall. And I have to say, the author/narrator nailed it in this book.
One of the best things about this book is that there’s nothing serious about it; it’s a romantic comedy through and through. Even when things got rough and the big ‘uh-oh’ moments arrived, the author would give me a scare for, like, a second and then smooth the rest out. And I especially love that there is no dramatizing anything here. Fans of 8O% compulsory - unnecessary - break up - scene, be disappointed.
Highly recommended, thank you, Kara. I experienced something different/amazing in Lisa Cordileone's narration, so if you're subscribed to Escape - download and listen.
March 4, 2017
Well, not really a detailed review....but I just want to go on record as saying that this is a FANTASTICALLY wonderful book! The story is great, and the narrator is amazing!
If you like witty banter, silly and wonderful side characters and two PERFECT girls who find unexpected love...GET THIS BOOK!
I'm just glad I don't have to pay royalties each time I listen to the book again!!
My favorite book EVER!
If you like witty banter, silly and wonderful side characters and two PERFECT girls who find unexpected love...GET THIS BOOK!
I'm just glad I don't have to pay royalties each time I listen to the book again!!
My favorite book EVER!
April 3, 2017
I'm in the minority on my feelings for this one. My conclusion is that this is an okay read. I didn't love it and, in fact, I didn't even like it all that much at times but found there to be some good aspects.
I'll get out of the way what I didn't like, the dialogue. I know, it's the same exact dialogue that everyone raves about but, seriously, it grates on me to no end. It bugged me so much I actually stopped reading the book awhile back and only picked it up again after a long break.
What do I hate about it? My problem is that it doesn't feel like real conversation and, if it is, I wouldn't want to spend time with that person so it irks me. I think this author focuses on her dialogue and uses it as one of her hallmarks so the fact that it doesn't feel natural makes me feel more dissatisfied.
We get fairly long monologues of dialogue that are supposed to serve the purpose of the characters getting to know each other...but, what's super strange to me is that a character will talk to reveal all of this information about themselves and the other one doesn't even respond or have a reaction to what was said! They just launch into their own long monologue that may or may not be related...and my brain screams, "This is exposition!" or "What does this have to do with anything?!" or "How could she not react to that?!" and that completely pulls me out of the story. It makes the dialogue feel forced to me.
The characters also do these weird name drops in the middle of their talking which is something I never encounter in real life. Example, a style I tend to hear in real conversations:
"When I was in kindergarten, this girl I hated cut her tongue on the cafeteria counter and I felt bad because part of me was actually happy about it. And, my teacher freaked out because how do you fix a big gash in someone's tongue?" might come out in this book as...
"When I was in kindergarten at St. Anne's, there was this girl, Brandy, that I really hated. One day, she cut her tongue on the cafeteria counter. I felt bad because part of me was actually happy about it. Ms. Colleen, my teacher, was freaked out because she was wasn't sure how to fix the big gash in Brandy's tongue."
Unless the listener already knows that person or place OR it's super relevant and important to have that specific information, there's no reason to mention names. People don't care. It just makes things sound more stilted.
In general, the book throughout seems to be missing some reactions, descriptions, or showing that I think would make it a better read.
So, that rant over, what did I like? About 50% into the book, since the characters did know each other and that was out of the way, their interactions became more natural so the feel of the book improved. I started enjoying the actual story at that point.
I also liked the premise. The fact that it's about a forty year old going into a same sex relationship for the first time WITHOUT defining herself as lesbian yet accepting her attraction and not feeling shame about it was refreshing. And having Jorie going into it with an open heart was nice, too. The story was more about a fluid sexuality or a pan-sexual kind of thing.
Jorie and Lena were also adults who talked about their feelings quickly and any insecurities were resolved right away. This book was not an angsty, hand-wringing type of story so I liked that, too.
I didn't find it laugh out loud funny but there were some amusing quips that got a smile out of me.
Combining what I did and didn't like I rate this story as 3 stars.
I'll get out of the way what I didn't like, the dialogue. I know, it's the same exact dialogue that everyone raves about but, seriously, it grates on me to no end. It bugged me so much I actually stopped reading the book awhile back and only picked it up again after a long break.
What do I hate about it? My problem is that it doesn't feel like real conversation and, if it is, I wouldn't want to spend time with that person so it irks me. I think this author focuses on her dialogue and uses it as one of her hallmarks so the fact that it doesn't feel natural makes me feel more dissatisfied.
We get fairly long monologues of dialogue that are supposed to serve the purpose of the characters getting to know each other...but, what's super strange to me is that a character will talk to reveal all of this information about themselves and the other one doesn't even respond or have a reaction to what was said! They just launch into their own long monologue that may or may not be related...and my brain screams, "This is exposition!" or "What does this have to do with anything?!" or "How could she not react to that?!" and that completely pulls me out of the story. It makes the dialogue feel forced to me.
The characters also do these weird name drops in the middle of their talking which is something I never encounter in real life. Example, a style I tend to hear in real conversations:
"When I was in kindergarten, this girl I hated cut her tongue on the cafeteria counter and I felt bad because part of me was actually happy about it. And, my teacher freaked out because how do you fix a big gash in someone's tongue?" might come out in this book as...
"When I was in kindergarten at St. Anne's, there was this girl, Brandy, that I really hated. One day, she cut her tongue on the cafeteria counter. I felt bad because part of me was actually happy about it. Ms. Colleen, my teacher, was freaked out because she was wasn't sure how to fix the big gash in Brandy's tongue."
Unless the listener already knows that person or place OR it's super relevant and important to have that specific information, there's no reason to mention names. People don't care. It just makes things sound more stilted.
In general, the book throughout seems to be missing some reactions, descriptions, or showing that I think would make it a better read.
So, that rant over, what did I like? About 50% into the book, since the characters did know each other and that was out of the way, their interactions became more natural so the feel of the book improved. I started enjoying the actual story at that point.
I also liked the premise. The fact that it's about a forty year old going into a same sex relationship for the first time WITHOUT defining herself as lesbian yet accepting her attraction and not feeling shame about it was refreshing. And having Jorie going into it with an open heart was nice, too. The story was more about a fluid sexuality or a pan-sexual kind of thing.
Jorie and Lena were also adults who talked about their feelings quickly and any insecurities were resolved right away. This book was not an angsty, hand-wringing type of story so I liked that, too.
I didn't find it laugh out loud funny but there were some amusing quips that got a smile out of me.
Combining what I did and didn't like I rate this story as 3 stars.
July 27, 2018
This was a re-read - this time the audio version. It was only $1.99 because I had the kindle version so I thought what the heck. I was considering reducing the stars from 5 to 4 because i enjoyed other Alexander books much more. After the re-read I decided it deserves the 5 stars. It's LOL funny, as many of her books are, the MCs are very likable as are the secondary - well except the ones that are intentionally not likable. I loved how the relationship developed and how they worked through problems and of course Jolie's hilarious family and Lena's supportive brother Kurt.
As for the Audio version, the narrator, Lisa Cordileone was excellent and I'm sure contributed to my liking this book more than I remembered. Each character has a unique voice and she actually acts just the right amount rather than just a straight read. I read the last few chapters myself because I was impatient to finish the book. That's when I realized how well she narrated. I never really got the Ahhhh! that Jolie's family yells to say Enough! until I heard it yelled by Cordileone. I read a review that said they thought her voice for Tina was too harsh. I have to agree. (Sorry I can't remember who the reviewer was)
I recently started listening to books at work. This is the first time I read one with a relatively explicit sex scene - remember when I said the narrator acts not just reads? I looked around hoping nobody could hear through my earbuds.
I highly recommend the audio version.
As for the Audio version, the narrator, Lisa Cordileone was excellent and I'm sure contributed to my liking this book more than I remembered. Each character has a unique voice and she actually acts just the right amount rather than just a straight read. I read the last few chapters myself because I was impatient to finish the book. That's when I realized how well she narrated. I never really got the Ahhhh! that Jolie's family yells to say Enough! until I heard it yelled by Cordileone. I read a review that said they thought her voice for Tina was too harsh. I have to agree. (Sorry I can't remember who the reviewer was)
I recently started listening to books at work. This is the first time I read one with a relatively explicit sex scene - remember when I said the narrator acts not just reads? I looked around hoping nobody could hear through my earbuds.
I highly recommend the audio version.
June 3, 2019
This was a fun read.
I like how Lena just accept that she has feelings for Jorie, she just goes with her heart.
It was a trip to read ( pun intended).
It's worth the reading.
Edit:
I just finished the audioBook and I felt even more in love with this book
I like how Lena just accept that she has feelings for Jorie, she just goes with her heart.
It was a trip to read ( pun intended).
It's worth the reading.
Edit:
I just finished the audioBook and I felt even more in love with this book
January 15, 2018
2.85 stars. Not my favorite but also not the worst from Alexander. There was barely any of her hallmark lough out loud humor in this book but there was plenty annoyance I felt towards one thing or another.
First of all the road trip. These middle aged women act and talk like complete teenagers. At times I thought I somehow must be reading some kinda YA book by mistake. Their actions and dialogue was that juvenile. Furthermore the dialogue was often awkward with one or the other going on long monologues without receiving any response. Attraction between them also was lackluster, they just spent some time together as friends in a teenager kinda way when you make fun of strangers together, watch Shrek on TV and wrestle in the car to kill some time or what ever that was they did (and, no, it's not that kind of wrestling you're probably thinking about. I wish.)
Secondly Grams and Aunt Coleen are not endearing, nor are they funny, they're just annoying and a waste of words. Calling your great niece "little shit" for most of the book as well as using all kinds of other profanity is not endearing. Without hearing the intonation of the voice and seeing the expression I thought she actively hated her niece at first. I didn't get what's funny about their constant bickering or noisiness or fishes at all. Whenever the duo came up the book almost lost all it's appeal to me. They are the kind of people I would never want in my life. I enjoy silence, these two are complete chaos all the time.
Thirdly the issues with friends seemed kinda redundant. I don't know, it all felt... inconsequential? I was left with a question - What was the point of it all? And as far as I can see there is none. It would've been better to write about issues with the immediate family. With glee I expected them getting shocked by Lena's newly discovered preference yet it never happened, they never meet in the book. Meh...
I almost DNFed this one but then they got together, the awkward dialogue got less awkward and they started talking like adults they are. I'm trying to think of one thing that would make it shine when compared to other books by Alexander or other authors but I can't come up with anything.
Just an OK read this time.
First of all the road trip. These middle aged women act and talk like complete teenagers. At times I thought I somehow must be reading some kinda YA book by mistake. Their actions and dialogue was that juvenile. Furthermore the dialogue was often awkward with one or the other going on long monologues without receiving any response. Attraction between them also was lackluster, they just spent some time together as friends in a teenager kinda way when you make fun of strangers together, watch Shrek on TV and wrestle in the car to kill some time or what ever that was they did (and, no, it's not that kind of wrestling you're probably thinking about. I wish.)
Secondly Grams and Aunt Coleen are not endearing, nor are they funny, they're just annoying and a waste of words. Calling your great niece "little shit" for most of the book as well as using all kinds of other profanity is not endearing. Without hearing the intonation of the voice and seeing the expression I thought she actively hated her niece at first. I didn't get what's funny about their constant bickering or noisiness or fishes at all. Whenever the duo came up the book almost lost all it's appeal to me. They are the kind of people I would never want in my life. I enjoy silence, these two are complete chaos all the time.
Thirdly the issues with friends seemed kinda redundant. I don't know, it all felt... inconsequential? I was left with a question - What was the point of it all? And as far as I can see there is none. It would've been better to write about issues with the immediate family. With glee I expected them getting shocked by Lena's newly discovered preference yet it never happened, they never meet in the book. Meh...
I almost DNFed this one but then they got together, the awkward dialogue got less awkward and they started talking like adults they are. I'm trying to think of one thing that would make it shine when compared to other books by Alexander or other authors but I can't come up with anything.
Just an OK read this time.
December 29, 2016
I think this is going to go down as one of my favourite books this year. It's sweet, hilarious, has a bunch of characters I love a whole lot, and is very emotional without getting angsty. There's not a huge conflict between Jorie and Lena, and I'm completely okay with that because sometimes that's just how love goes. Weirdly, I liked this book so much that I'm at a loss about what to read next. I'll definitely reread this one later.
2016 reread: Does it count as a reread when you listen to it? Regardless, I still love this book, and I think I might actually love the audio version even more. Dog Ear did a kickass job with producing the audio book and the reader is perfect. I want to listen to her talk all day. Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/just-...
2016 reread: Does it count as a reread when you listen to it? Regardless, I still love this book, and I think I might actually love the audio version even more. Dog Ear did a kickass job with producing the audio book and the reader is perfect. I want to listen to her talk all day. Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/just-...
August 27, 2019
I read this last fall and rated it a 2/5 with no review, and wondered why after I read some other people's reviews. I just listened to the audio version to try and figure out what I may have missed, and yes, bumped it up to a 3, but realize where it lost me.
This audio version was really well done, with Lisa C at the helm, she can basically do no wrong. I laughed out loud so many times during the first half! I liked the concept of two strangers meeting in an airport where all flights were cancelled due to a storm, both identifying as gay and straight respectively, and decided to do a road trip back to New Orleans together. It was not insta-love, thank sweet baby jesus, and I liked the banter between the two, their antics on the road were quirky and unique. That part with Jorie on the treadmill in her jeans and the old lady discussing vaginas had me basically crying..... I'm chuckling just thinking about it. Also the "You're driving so slow a Prius just blew our doors off", made me laugh for too long. :p Ms. Alexander is definitely unique with her humour.
The trip only took up about half, and where it lost me were the secondary characters.... aunt/grandmother/"best friends" (I put those in quotes because if I had people in my life who pulled what they did, they wouldn't be sticking around long). At first the aggressive, nosy, overly inclusive aunt and grandma were funny, but it got to be too much and never, ever stopped. They work together and practically live together, they eat meals together, they pay attention to comings and goings, not giving readers any relief from the constant bantering. What Aunt C told told Tina to do at the bar, was reprehensible (and never fully disclosed to Jorie), showing zero trust in her niece to make her own, adult decisions. Aunt C needed the smack upside the head and was the "little shit," not Jorie. I was so frustrated that Jorie just went along, forgiving easily, not making them be accountable for their actions. Tina was also an asshole and Jorie is the one who apologized over and over. Huh?
I liked that Lena came into her sexuality fairly fluidly, and accepted it. Yes Jorie is her first girlfriend at 40, but it was believable. I liked these two together, but also would have liked more adult conversations between them, figuring out important details rather that just the constant one-liners then boom, moving in together. At least Jorie moves a bit further away, that got points.
Overall a fun read for the most part, and I give a 3 star for the first half. It wasn't Ms. Alexander's strongest work IMO.
This audio version was really well done, with Lisa C at the helm, she can basically do no wrong. I laughed out loud so many times during the first half! I liked the concept of two strangers meeting in an airport where all flights were cancelled due to a storm, both identifying as gay and straight respectively, and decided to do a road trip back to New Orleans together. It was not insta-love, thank sweet baby jesus, and I liked the banter between the two, their antics on the road were quirky and unique. That part with Jorie on the treadmill in her jeans and the old lady discussing vaginas had me basically crying..... I'm chuckling just thinking about it. Also the "You're driving so slow a Prius just blew our doors off", made me laugh for too long. :p Ms. Alexander is definitely unique with her humour.
The trip only took up about half, and where it lost me were the secondary characters.... aunt/grandmother/"best friends" (I put those in quotes because if I had people in my life who pulled what they did, they wouldn't be sticking around long). At first the aggressive, nosy, overly inclusive aunt and grandma were funny, but it got to be too much and never, ever stopped. They work together and practically live together, they eat meals together, they pay attention to comings and goings, not giving readers any relief from the constant bantering. What Aunt C told told Tina to do at the bar, was reprehensible (and never fully disclosed to Jorie), showing zero trust in her niece to make her own, adult decisions. Aunt C needed the smack upside the head and was the "little shit," not Jorie. I was so frustrated that Jorie just went along, forgiving easily, not making them be accountable for their actions. Tina was also an asshole and Jorie is the one who apologized over and over. Huh?
I liked that Lena came into her sexuality fairly fluidly, and accepted it. Yes Jorie is her first girlfriend at 40, but it was believable. I liked these two together, but also would have liked more adult conversations between them, figuring out important details rather that just the constant one-liners then boom, moving in together. At least Jorie moves a bit further away, that got points.
Overall a fun read for the most part, and I give a 3 star for the first half. It wasn't Ms. Alexander's strongest work IMO.
January 15, 2018
Robin Alexander did it again and wrote another beautiful, warm and funny story. Great humor, engaging characters, great dialogue... I very much recommend it.
May 17, 2016
This has such a good, great even, start. I was so happy to find such quirky, cute, funny, adorable and still interesting story.
And then they got together. So soon. Too soon.
I'm so not a fan of the U-Haul situation. Being together for a few days, weeks top and moving in with each other? Really? And they say it's a lesbian stereotype...
After they got together it was boring. There was no drama at all, nothing to keep you interested. It stopped being funny and Robin Alexander is always funny. And she was funny until she got them together.
The two old grandmas, aka 'Grams' and her sister were supposed to be funny in the old cute way. They weren't. They got on my nerves A LOT with their overprotective behaviour towards Jorie. That wasn't healthy. If I were Jorie, I'd be running away from them ASAP, not staying in the same house until almost my 40. Tina as her best friend was the same. Getting angry just because her relationship with a straight girl failed? Really? I wanted to slap Jorie when she felt guilty over their fight. Tina deserved it and even more.
I thought I'd give this 4 stars, 5 even! Because I absolutely loved their little road-trip and everything until they got together. Instead just 3, because I found myself skipping pages from the second half of the book just to get to the end.
And then they got together. So soon. Too soon.
I'm so not a fan of the U-Haul situation. Being together for a few days, weeks top and moving in with each other? Really? And they say it's a lesbian stereotype...
After they got together it was boring. There was no drama at all, nothing to keep you interested. It stopped being funny and Robin Alexander is always funny. And she was funny until she got them together.
The two old grandmas, aka 'Grams' and her sister were supposed to be funny in the old cute way. They weren't. They got on my nerves A LOT with their overprotective behaviour towards Jorie. That wasn't healthy. If I were Jorie, I'd be running away from them ASAP, not staying in the same house until almost my 40. Tina as her best friend was the same. Getting angry just because her relationship with a straight girl failed? Really? I wanted to slap Jorie when she felt guilty over their fight. Tina deserved it and even more.
I thought I'd give this 4 stars, 5 even! Because I absolutely loved their little road-trip and everything until they got together. Instead just 3, because I found myself skipping pages from the second half of the book just to get to the end.
March 3, 2018
I don't no what it is about Robin Alexander books that keeps bringing me back for more. Maybe its the lovable characters, the story lines that leave you feeling all warm inside! May be its the humour. A nice and light read. Not one book of R.A as not made me laugh out loud.
Solid 4.
Solid 4.
October 30, 2020
It’s 3:30AM and I have the hugest smile on my face! My cheeks hurt lol i’m not kidding. This book was so precious. The perfect amount of build-up and comedy and romance. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! Jorie and Lena were just adorable. The whole thing was perfect. From the way they met to the way they spent the next few days aka the cool road trip and to the development of their relationship. As Jorie would say “perfect not flawless.” But I gotta say that, in a way, it was flawless. They were meant for each other.
The side characters were also hilarious, especially Grams and Aunt C. Those two had me cackling 😂
Anyways, I 100% recommend this brilliant story.
The side characters were also hilarious, especially Grams and Aunt C. Those two had me cackling 😂
Anyways, I 100% recommend this brilliant story.
August 30, 2020
I overall quite enjoyed this one, it left me feeling warm, fuzzy and heart-warming.
I did find some of the relatives and friends a bit over the top and obnoxious, but I get that is basically Robin Alexander's trope, and it's not as annoying as other cliches we see in lesfic so I find I can accept and put up with it more than other tropes that would otherwise put me off entirely. Especially since the characters generally do come from a place of love and wanting to protect their family and friends in their antics.
I found Jorie (38) a delight, she's so funny and relaxed about herself, but lonely in love. I actually didn't realize going into the book that the character of Lena identified as 'straight' before meeting Jorie. I admit that I tend to skip over books with the trope of straight woman getting into a lesbian relationship, because often the angst, questioning and second guessing is tedious and frustrating to me - but that actually wasn't the case here at all.
Lena (40) does find her attraction to Jorie surprising, and she does quietly reflect on it - but she doesn't freak out or toy with Jorie's emotions, (or her own) and ultimately embraces the feelings head on since she knows it's something special she never felt before. Her brother is also very supportive and sweet, just allowing her to talk through her feelings and giving advice without judgement.
I loved that they both chose honesty in dealing with the situation, again communication always sets the bar high for a romantic book, for me. They kept that up when friends and family were skeptical of their relationship.
Their relationship was very sweet and steamy, but also loving and supportive. It just felt normal and yet special at the same time, which I think is a good thing.
I find Robin Alexander's books to generally be feel good and uplifting, and this was no different.
I did find some of the relatives and friends a bit over the top and obnoxious, but I get that is basically Robin Alexander's trope, and it's not as annoying as other cliches we see in lesfic so I find I can accept and put up with it more than other tropes that would otherwise put me off entirely. Especially since the characters generally do come from a place of love and wanting to protect their family and friends in their antics.
I found Jorie (38) a delight, she's so funny and relaxed about herself, but lonely in love. I actually didn't realize going into the book that the character of Lena identified as 'straight' before meeting Jorie. I admit that I tend to skip over books with the trope of straight woman getting into a lesbian relationship, because often the angst, questioning and second guessing is tedious and frustrating to me - but that actually wasn't the case here at all.
Lena (40) does find her attraction to Jorie surprising, and she does quietly reflect on it - but she doesn't freak out or toy with Jorie's emotions, (or her own) and ultimately embraces the feelings head on since she knows it's something special she never felt before. Her brother is also very supportive and sweet, just allowing her to talk through her feelings and giving advice without judgement.
I loved that they both chose honesty in dealing with the situation, again communication always sets the bar high for a romantic book, for me. They kept that up when friends and family were skeptical of their relationship.
Their relationship was very sweet and steamy, but also loving and supportive. It just felt normal and yet special at the same time, which I think is a good thing.
I find Robin Alexander's books to generally be feel good and uplifting, and this was no different.
March 28, 2018
A very enjoyable read with two very likable main characters.
February 6, 2017
This is my favourite Robin Alexander book to date and that says a lot because I love all of her books.
Lena and Jorie meet in the airport, when their plane is canceled they team up to drive their way home. Lena didn’t expect to want more than friendship with Jorie because 1. She’s the straight one and 2. She has a prerequisite for any dates she has, which Jorie meets none of so why is she feeling so drawn to her… is it Just Jorie?
Firstly Robin Alexander’s writing style is impeccable in my view. She concentrates on relationships and not just the journey to them. I love how she splits the book up into two sections and has the first part focused on the protagonists getting to know one another and the second concentrating on them building their relationship.
My relationship with my wife and my brother felt analogous to this book in so many ways. The conversations Lena had with her decade younger brother Kurt are freakishly similar to the interactions with my own brother and even down to the way they converse in jest was uncanny. The quote below just demonstrates that:
“No problem. At first, she looked like she was gonna punch me, so I had to do some fast explaining. Here’s a tip, never walk up to a woman and say, ‘I need to know how to be a lesbian.’ Well, that might work for you, but it didn’t go so well for me.” Lena laughed. “Bye, little brother.” “I wish you luck. Remember, use your words. I think in this case, tell is better than show.” “I love you. Bye.” “Love you, too.”
Also I'm sure most lesbians, myself included, have dated straight women in the hope that she'll not only jump the fence but set up residency in our fabulous world. I'm just lucky enough that my now wife stayed on the ‘dark side’... but it doesn't often happen, so this book drove a little bit of my story home and made it special to me.
I love how Lena falls into Jorie’s family so well, it's like she got more than ‘Just Jorie’ in the relationship, it was quite endearing and made me love the family dynamic more. Jorie’s Gran & Great Aunt are possibly the funniest secondary character’s I've ever encountered. They just pack a hilarious punch in some normally awkward situations and this book would not have been the same without them.
In the end, this book left me feeling happy and excited for the characters. It’s one I will treasure for years and it will sit on my re-read list indefinitely.
Indisputably. 5 stars.
Lena and Jorie meet in the airport, when their plane is canceled they team up to drive their way home. Lena didn’t expect to want more than friendship with Jorie because 1. She’s the straight one and 2. She has a prerequisite for any dates she has, which Jorie meets none of so why is she feeling so drawn to her… is it Just Jorie?
Firstly Robin Alexander’s writing style is impeccable in my view. She concentrates on relationships and not just the journey to them. I love how she splits the book up into two sections and has the first part focused on the protagonists getting to know one another and the second concentrating on them building their relationship.
My relationship with my wife and my brother felt analogous to this book in so many ways. The conversations Lena had with her decade younger brother Kurt are freakishly similar to the interactions with my own brother and even down to the way they converse in jest was uncanny. The quote below just demonstrates that:
“No problem. At first, she looked like she was gonna punch me, so I had to do some fast explaining. Here’s a tip, never walk up to a woman and say, ‘I need to know how to be a lesbian.’ Well, that might work for you, but it didn’t go so well for me.” Lena laughed. “Bye, little brother.” “I wish you luck. Remember, use your words. I think in this case, tell is better than show.” “I love you. Bye.” “Love you, too.”
Also I'm sure most lesbians, myself included, have dated straight women in the hope that she'll not only jump the fence but set up residency in our fabulous world. I'm just lucky enough that my now wife stayed on the ‘dark side’... but it doesn't often happen, so this book drove a little bit of my story home and made it special to me.
I love how Lena falls into Jorie’s family so well, it's like she got more than ‘Just Jorie’ in the relationship, it was quite endearing and made me love the family dynamic more. Jorie’s Gran & Great Aunt are possibly the funniest secondary character’s I've ever encountered. They just pack a hilarious punch in some normally awkward situations and this book would not have been the same without them.
In the end, this book left me feeling happy and excited for the characters. It’s one I will treasure for years and it will sit on my re-read list indefinitely.
Indisputably. 5 stars.
April 9, 2019
This was only my second Robin Alexander book. Although I did not like it as much as the first one I read, it was still an enjoyable story.
Lena Vaughn is in New York on a work trip when a snowstorm grounds all flights. Jorie Andolini is trying to fly out of New York after going there to meet an online love interest that did not turn out to be what she was hoping for. They meet at the airport and share a ride to a hotel, where they realize the best way to return to their home town of New Orleans is to share a car rental. There is some chemistry but when the trip ends, they part ways without plans for anything more. Jorie is back to her family owned business and Lena is left wondering why a woman has her full attention for the first time in her life.
The beginning of the book felt slow and I was not sold until Jorie fell off the treadmill. Literally. Then it started picking up and I was thrilled to see the book did not end with their arrival to New Orleans. There, the MCs find a way to come together and keep it rolling. The secondary characters also took some getting used to but then I found them hilarious. Of course, I’m talking about the meddlesome older family members of the Andolini clan.
This book does not have any mysterious turns. Things were civilized and the coming out part was as effortless as they come. This was a light funny story that kept me entertained. Pass it up if you like some drama in your romances.
I actually listened to this book. It was narrated by Lisa Cordileone, who did a great job. It took me a few chapters but then she had me laughing out loud, successfully bringing Alexander’s witty dialog to life. Very happy my next listen is also narrated by her.
Overall a solid book for those who enjoy funny banter. 3.5 stars
Lena Vaughn is in New York on a work trip when a snowstorm grounds all flights. Jorie Andolini is trying to fly out of New York after going there to meet an online love interest that did not turn out to be what she was hoping for. They meet at the airport and share a ride to a hotel, where they realize the best way to return to their home town of New Orleans is to share a car rental. There is some chemistry but when the trip ends, they part ways without plans for anything more. Jorie is back to her family owned business and Lena is left wondering why a woman has her full attention for the first time in her life.
The beginning of the book felt slow and I was not sold until Jorie fell off the treadmill. Literally. Then it started picking up and I was thrilled to see the book did not end with their arrival to New Orleans. There, the MCs find a way to come together and keep it rolling. The secondary characters also took some getting used to but then I found them hilarious. Of course, I’m talking about the meddlesome older family members of the Andolini clan.
This book does not have any mysterious turns. Things were civilized and the coming out part was as effortless as they come. This was a light funny story that kept me entertained. Pass it up if you like some drama in your romances.
I actually listened to this book. It was narrated by Lisa Cordileone, who did a great job. It took me a few chapters but then she had me laughing out loud, successfully bringing Alexander’s witty dialog to life. Very happy my next listen is also narrated by her.
Overall a solid book for those who enjoy funny banter. 3.5 stars
March 6, 2021
I really liked the book. I especially enjoyed the audio version as Lisa Cordileone really brings the book to life. I listened to it mostly while commuting and at many places couldn't stop laughing or chuckling.
As this was one of the first books I read from Robin Alexander, I felt the humour to be refreshing. My favourite parts of the story were the car ride. I would listen to this story over and over again, just for this. It even inspired a little fan art.
As this was one of the first books I read from Robin Alexander, I felt the humour to be refreshing. My favourite parts of the story were the car ride. I would listen to this story over and over again, just for this. It even inspired a little fan art.
January 21, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud several times. I really liked that it was set in my home state of Louisiana which made it easy to relate to. The characters were very thought out and the story was good. Definitely one of my favorites so far. The narrator did a great job with the voices. My only negative comment would be the aunt constantly referring to Jorie as "little sh*t". I also thought the last half of the book had too much of 'the sisters'. Other than that it, it was a real joy to listen to/read.
February 14, 2019
I almost rounded it up to 4 because the I love the narrator of the audio version. Some intimate passage where quite embarrassing. She was really good at casting different voices for each secondary and main characters and I loved that part.
The story starts really well, I like the road-trip part and the way the MC exchanges histories during that time. Getting to know each other in a very unusual, friendly and unintimate way.
What follows is a bit less enjoying. Because while the two MC are great alone and together, most of their family and friends were quite annoying.
I don't understand why so many Robin Alexanders minor characters feel entitled to mess with someone about a new relationship. I don't think I would be able to do that to a friend. Listen to them while they ponder a relationship (to be or ongoing), yeah I do that.
But systematically trying to discourage someone journey toward possible happiness ? That so f*** up.
The story starts really well, I like the road-trip part and the way the MC exchanges histories during that time. Getting to know each other in a very unusual, friendly and unintimate way.
What follows is a bit less enjoying. Because while the two MC are great alone and together, most of their family and friends were quite annoying.
I don't understand why so many Robin Alexanders minor characters feel entitled to mess with someone about a new relationship. I don't think I would be able to do that to a friend. Listen to them while they ponder a relationship (to be or ongoing), yeah I do that.
But systematically trying to discourage someone journey toward possible happiness ? That so f*** up.
June 12, 2025
Robin Alexander writes the absolute sweetest little romances. Easy to read, low angst, funny, with a little bit of spice thrown in for good measure. It helps that her books are set in the south and I am set in the south and I can relate so easily to the characters, especially the grandmas and the aunts.
This story is Lena and Jorie coming together. Jorie (short for Marjorie) is a dreamer who has “the one” in her dreams but not in real life. Lena never feels connections with the men she dates and has no idea why she can’t find a connection. Both characters are older than 35 and their coming together is just adorable. No angst or doubt from either of them about their feelings for each other. The interference comes externally from family and friends. Lena is a woman who has never been with a woman, so there’s concerns, I just don’t like the way it was dealt with.
This story is Lena and Jorie coming together. Jorie (short for Marjorie) is a dreamer who has “the one” in her dreams but not in real life. Lena never feels connections with the men she dates and has no idea why she can’t find a connection. Both characters are older than 35 and their coming together is just adorable. No angst or doubt from either of them about their feelings for each other. The interference comes externally from family and friends. Lena is a woman who has never been with a woman, so there’s concerns, I just don’t like the way it was dealt with.
August 9, 2018
I picked this up on a whim that I don't precisely regret. Jorie and Lena are delightful. Their relationship/romance is charming and I very much enjoyed them getting to know each other. I particularly liked Lena's journey of discovery of herself. It's never explicit and I don't know if Robin Alexander intended it so, but I liked how Lena isn't so much homosexual or heterosexual as she seems to be monosexual (I have no idea if that's a thing but given the popular obsession with narrowly defining everything possible it probably is). It's the source of the title and part of the cover copy so it's probably intended. At any rate, I think Alexander pulls it off and illustrates that well.
Practically everything else about this story clunked. Hard. A lot of events just don't ring true, particularly on their cross-country car ride. An example is an older lady who encourages Jorie to do her Kegel's, pretty much out of the blue, and including a coaching session right there in the gym. And the ages of the characters don't really work. We're told they're 38 and 40 but they read a decade younger (in terms of emotional, relationship, and career maturity). Which is strange given that Alexander's birth year is listed in her profile and she would have been in her late forties when she wrote the book.
But the biggest irritant is that everybody associated with Lena and Jorie express "love" in the exact same way—intrusive abuse. At first, I'm all "man, these people have boundary issues", but as the story wore on, it became more and more evident that people who love you start by infantilizing you and then move on to controlling and dictating. The two exceptions are, sadly, the men (Lena's brother and Jorie's dad). Every other relationship is manipulative when not outright abusive. I kept waiting for push back on that but both Lena and Jorie just take it as given and as if it were both expected and endearing. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time having anything but contempt for someone who frequently and consistently refers to her grand-niece as "little shit". And means it.
So this is a 2½ star read that I'm rounding to three on the strength of the central relationship. I just liked them both and enjoyed them working things out so well.
A note about Steamy: There are a handful of explicit sex scenes, though I can't recall if it's two or three. The low-middle of my steam tolerance. They're a bit overblown in the "Lena discovers orgasms" kind of way, but I find I didn't mind that because I liked the subtext of Lena finding herself, finally.
Practically everything else about this story clunked. Hard. A lot of events just don't ring true, particularly on their cross-country car ride. An example is an older lady who encourages Jorie to do her Kegel's, pretty much out of the blue, and including a coaching session right there in the gym. And the ages of the characters don't really work. We're told they're 38 and 40 but they read a decade younger (in terms of emotional, relationship, and career maturity). Which is strange given that Alexander's birth year is listed in her profile and she would have been in her late forties when she wrote the book.
But the biggest irritant is that everybody associated with Lena and Jorie express "love" in the exact same way—intrusive abuse. At first, I'm all "man, these people have boundary issues", but as the story wore on, it became more and more evident that people who love you start by infantilizing you and then move on to controlling and dictating. The two exceptions are, sadly, the men (Lena's brother and Jorie's dad). Every other relationship is manipulative when not outright abusive. I kept waiting for push back on that but both Lena and Jorie just take it as given and as if it were both expected and endearing. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time having anything but contempt for someone who frequently and consistently refers to her grand-niece as "little shit". And means it.
So this is a 2½ star read that I'm rounding to three on the strength of the central relationship. I just liked them both and enjoyed them working things out so well.
A note about Steamy: There are a handful of explicit sex scenes, though I can't recall if it's two or three. The low-middle of my steam tolerance. They're a bit overblown in the "Lena discovers orgasms" kind of way, but I find I didn't mind that because I liked the subtext of Lena finding herself, finally.
May 19, 2016
This was delightful! Such a quick and light read, perfect to pick up right after finishing something with darker themes, I'd say. or if you're just feeling down and want something to cheer you up, this is it.
The story is sweet and quite simple. There's no huge conflict, which could've made for a quite boring story, but it didn't, at least not for me. I believe the book is just the right length that you don't have time to get tired.
I do think I'd get tired of this style if I read another one of Robin Alexander's books right now, though, so I'm saving them to read in between angstier books in the future.
The story is sweet and quite simple. There's no huge conflict, which could've made for a quite boring story, but it didn't, at least not for me. I believe the book is just the right length that you don't have time to get tired.
I do think I'd get tired of this style if I read another one of Robin Alexander's books right now, though, so I'm saving them to read in between angstier books in the future.
July 15, 2016
The love story itself is a slow build. Jorie and Lena meet in an airport where they are snowed in and decide to share a cab to a hotel to wait it out. They soon tire of that and want to rent a car and drive to New Orleans where they both live but don't really trust each other that far. Jorie is slightly bigger than Lena's 5 ft-and a smidge, and believes she could rassle Lena to the ground should Lena want to mug her so she agrees to the journey. Their road trip is pretty funny.
I love Robin Alexander's sense of humor in her writing. She kept me laughing. However, I could have done w/o Aunt C; she was extremely annoying and I began skipping over the Aunt C dialogue.
I love Robin Alexander's sense of humor in her writing. She kept me laughing. However, I could have done w/o Aunt C; she was extremely annoying and I began skipping over the Aunt C dialogue.
January 3, 2018
Definitely shelved as one of my favorite Alexander books!
Sweet story, lots of great humor, great characters.
I loved the long drive, get to know you concept.
Totally loved the Andolini sisters.
Reminiscent of Evanovich books which always made me laugh.
Sweet story, lots of great humor, great characters.
I loved the long drive, get to know you concept.
Totally loved the Andolini sisters.
Reminiscent of Evanovich books which always made me laugh.
June 17, 2021
I read the 'backcover' 3 or 4 times - it put me off - but the book was a delight, laugh out loud (always embarrassing) and romantic enough to bring tears! Loved it.
November 14, 2023
I love everything I’ve read so far by Robin Alexander. This story is sweet and sexy. I laughed out loud at Jorie’s family moments. Lena is adorable as she is finally finding out her true self. I have listened to this audiobook at least a dozen times and I love it. Lisa Cordileone was a great narrator for this book.
May 17, 2016
What a fun read. I loved the humour and the witty dialogue between the MC's and a terrific supporting cast. I couldn't put this book down and read pretty much non stop over the past day. Great job. Now to find more from this author....
April 24, 2018
This is my second book by Robin Alexander. I really enjoined the road-trip and the Jorie and Lena's personality but am not so sure about the two sisters some of there antics where endearing but if I meet them I would be running for the hills.
January 6, 2025
Loved it!
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