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Reservations of the Heart
Can two wounded souls find solace together?
41-year-old doctor Stella Gilbert used to have it all. Her career was on fire, and she had a picture-perfect family--until she was blindsided by her wife doing the unthinkable. Three years after her divorce, Stella's loved ones worry about her non-existent personal life and her stubborn belief that focusing on her career and raising her daughter are all she needs to be fulfilled.
Reeling from the revelation of a long-held family secret, 29-year-old Aurora Shirley is just over it all. If her parents could lie to Aurora all her life, won't everyone else? Women are the last thing on her mind as she starts a temporary job at a local medical school. Unfortunately for Aurora, she needs to find a date for her best friend's wedding or be deemed the worst maid of honor in history.
When Stella and Aurora unexpectedly come together, sparks fly. Neither is looking for a relationship, but what they discover in one another is so much more than a physical connection. Can two wounded women who believe love is the last thing they want overcome their fears to find healing?
Best-selling lesbian romance author T.B. Markinson brings lesfic readers a heartwarming age-gap story about facing one's demons to live a fuller and loving life. Grab your copy of the standalone medical romance novel that will make your heart sing.
84,000 words
41-year-old doctor Stella Gilbert used to have it all. Her career was on fire, and she had a picture-perfect family--until she was blindsided by her wife doing the unthinkable. Three years after her divorce, Stella's loved ones worry about her non-existent personal life and her stubborn belief that focusing on her career and raising her daughter are all she needs to be fulfilled.
Reeling from the revelation of a long-held family secret, 29-year-old Aurora Shirley is just over it all. If her parents could lie to Aurora all her life, won't everyone else? Women are the last thing on her mind as she starts a temporary job at a local medical school. Unfortunately for Aurora, she needs to find a date for her best friend's wedding or be deemed the worst maid of honor in history.
When Stella and Aurora unexpectedly come together, sparks fly. Neither is looking for a relationship, but what they discover in one another is so much more than a physical connection. Can two wounded women who believe love is the last thing they want overcome their fears to find healing?
Best-selling lesbian romance author T.B. Markinson brings lesfic readers a heartwarming age-gap story about facing one's demons to live a fuller and loving life. Grab your copy of the standalone medical romance novel that will make your heart sing.
84,000 words
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2019
482 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,152 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 28, 2021
**'A piece of the storyline is either good or not.The good is true, the not good is meh..And the most authentic story is your own story to tell..'
3.5stars!
A nice story with pretty good chemistry. Recommended!
3.5stars!
A nice story with pretty good chemistry. Recommended!
September 19, 2019
Another enjoyable romance by T.B. Markinson.
This story is about two women who both have to deal with trust issues, Stella (41) a doctor suffered from the cheating of her ex-wife, and Aurora (29) temporary scheduler at the medical school who has to deal with a major secret in her family. They are feeling the attraction from the beginning, and it’s getting stronger and stronger every time they meet. But both are convinced they don’t want and don’t need a relationship, so they agree for a non-relationship-arrangement. Also, the age-gap is sometimes mentioned but isn't really a problem. But who will be the first to admit, that there are more and deeper feelings involved as they had agreed upon after they spend more and more time together?
The characters are very well developed and their interacting, their dialogues and their banter are really entertaining. As talkative as they are, when it’s about their real feelings, both have knots in their tongue and the fear of rejection is suffocating. And when jealousy comes into play, it can be messy. I could have smacked the woman on her head for her blindness.
The romance is sweet, well-paced, the chemistry is great and the sex scenes are passionate. Aurora, with her teasing and outgoing personality, is challenging Stella more than once. The secondary characters are very well intertwined in the story, the health-problems within Aurora’s family, her best friends wedding and also Stella’s settlement agreement with her ex-wife and her daughter are themed.
The only minor complaint I have, there are two or three little jumps in the story. For example, Stella has written something special in Spanish for Aurora and Aurora has to translate it later at home, but there was no reaction from her. It was barely mentioned again, what I didn’t understand, I would have jumped around in circles.
Overall a very entertaining romance with little drama from T.B. Markinson. For sure not the last book I’ve read from her.
My rating 4,5 stars.
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
This story is about two women who both have to deal with trust issues, Stella (41) a doctor suffered from the cheating of her ex-wife, and Aurora (29) temporary scheduler at the medical school who has to deal with a major secret in her family. They are feeling the attraction from the beginning, and it’s getting stronger and stronger every time they meet. But both are convinced they don’t want and don’t need a relationship, so they agree for a non-relationship-arrangement. Also, the age-gap is sometimes mentioned but isn't really a problem. But who will be the first to admit, that there are more and deeper feelings involved as they had agreed upon after they spend more and more time together?
The characters are very well developed and their interacting, their dialogues and their banter are really entertaining. As talkative as they are, when it’s about their real feelings, both have knots in their tongue and the fear of rejection is suffocating. And when jealousy comes into play, it can be messy. I could have smacked the woman on her head for her blindness.
The romance is sweet, well-paced, the chemistry is great and the sex scenes are passionate. Aurora, with her teasing and outgoing personality, is challenging Stella more than once. The secondary characters are very well intertwined in the story, the health-problems within Aurora’s family, her best friends wedding and also Stella’s settlement agreement with her ex-wife and her daughter are themed.
The only minor complaint I have, there are two or three little jumps in the story. For example, Stella has written something special in Spanish for Aurora and Aurora has to translate it later at home, but there was no reaction from her. It was barely mentioned again, what I didn’t understand, I would have jumped around in circles.
Overall a very entertaining romance with little drama from T.B. Markinson. For sure not the last book I’ve read from her.
My rating 4,5 stars.
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
September 29, 2019
Mmmm wasn’t for me let’s just put it like this :) it was very boring unfortunately.. now the writing was good I have to admit but yet the plot was so “meh” .. characters were also just “ok”.. didn’t feel anything after I read it or during actually !
April 25, 2020
"..was Aurora over-thinking sixty-nine-ing!?!"
That is all.
That is all.
April 10, 2023
T B Markinson is a real anthma to me: she writes well but her stories often fail to resonate - but others are really good. This one is one of those. I enjoyed it, the MC were real & we had a well rounded story. Thank you.
July 10, 2025
Had reservations of my own due to my dislike of Flight Plan. But I’m not a monster and I’m all for second chances. 😁
In short: Flirty. Age Gap. Workplace Romance. Single Mom. One night to forever.
Aurora was adorable and way more emotionally mature than her love interest, that’s for sure.
Stella is somewhat of a cynic when it comes to love and my god has she got her own insecurities, that get in the way of her own happiness.
I loved the chemistry between the pair, flirting and grovelling.
Maaaan fuck you Kim. She is so manipulative, full of excuses and lacks accountability for anything. Shame on you Kim.
I liked the pacing and enjoyed the audiobook. 😁
In short: Flirty. Age Gap. Workplace Romance. Single Mom. One night to forever.
Aurora was adorable and way more emotionally mature than her love interest, that’s for sure.
Stella is somewhat of a cynic when it comes to love and my god has she got her own insecurities, that get in the way of her own happiness.
I loved the chemistry between the pair, flirting and grovelling.
Maaaan fuck you Kim. She is so manipulative, full of excuses and lacks accountability for anything. Shame on you Kim.
I liked the pacing and enjoyed the audiobook. 😁
September 19, 2019
Based on the title and cover of this book I probably would have passed; it just screams cheesy to me. But – I’d read some good reviews for Markinson’s other books and I was looking for something light to distract me from another book I was struggling to complete. I figured, it’s a Kindle Unlimited and I’m probably not using that subscription enough, so I’ll give it a try. Imagine my surprise – I really enjoyed this book.
Reservations of the Heart is a fun, well-paced romance between a divorced 40 something doctor and a 29 year old woman who is filling in as temporary scheduler at the medical school. From the start, both are pretty much set in their belief that they don’t need a relationship to be fulfilled. With a strong attraction and chemistry that expands outside the bedroom, the reader clues in pretty fast that both characters are in denial and its a race to figure out who’s going to admit their feelings first. There’s a lot I really liked in this one (characters, plot, limited angst, realistic obstacles and concerns, smart banter and great chemistry) and they all added up to a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the characters in this book – both the main characters as well as the surprising number of supporting characters – they are well developed, even if they are in a supporting role, and feel real and three dimensional. I’m a sucker for smart and witty banter, and Markinson’s characters are fun and sassy with some really amusing and intelligent dialogue.
Dr. Stella Gilbert’s got just enough social awkwardness that she’s rather adorkable. Smart, successful, but endearingly out of her element with Aurora at times. On the other side of the coin, Aurora Shirley is more gregarious and outgoing – definitely one to make the first move and keep Stella on her toes. In spite of the snappy dialogue and teasing, both characters have a underlying vulnerability and fear of being hurt which keeps them both from taking the chance at admitting that their relationship is a relationship.
The romance works really well – there’s an attraction as they meet, but they interact and build on that in a natural progression, with the back and forth banter and flirting really making the chemistry stand out. Although their relationship begins with a mutual agreement that neither wants a relationship, it builds as they spend more time together and obvious to the reader that both are much more invested than they are willing to admit to the other. Of course this sets up a bit of a communication breakdown as they each think the other isn’t interested in more, but are afraid to come out and admit that they do want more. There is a bit of an age gap, which Stella seems more concerned about, but the characters mesh so well it presents very little angst.
I really enjoyed this one – a smart, funny and sweet romance.
Reservations of the Heart is a fun, well-paced romance between a divorced 40 something doctor and a 29 year old woman who is filling in as temporary scheduler at the medical school. From the start, both are pretty much set in their belief that they don’t need a relationship to be fulfilled. With a strong attraction and chemistry that expands outside the bedroom, the reader clues in pretty fast that both characters are in denial and its a race to figure out who’s going to admit their feelings first. There’s a lot I really liked in this one (characters, plot, limited angst, realistic obstacles and concerns, smart banter and great chemistry) and they all added up to a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the characters in this book – both the main characters as well as the surprising number of supporting characters – they are well developed, even if they are in a supporting role, and feel real and three dimensional. I’m a sucker for smart and witty banter, and Markinson’s characters are fun and sassy with some really amusing and intelligent dialogue.
Dr. Stella Gilbert’s got just enough social awkwardness that she’s rather adorkable. Smart, successful, but endearingly out of her element with Aurora at times. On the other side of the coin, Aurora Shirley is more gregarious and outgoing – definitely one to make the first move and keep Stella on her toes. In spite of the snappy dialogue and teasing, both characters have a underlying vulnerability and fear of being hurt which keeps them both from taking the chance at admitting that their relationship is a relationship.
The romance works really well – there’s an attraction as they meet, but they interact and build on that in a natural progression, with the back and forth banter and flirting really making the chemistry stand out. Although their relationship begins with a mutual agreement that neither wants a relationship, it builds as they spend more time together and obvious to the reader that both are much more invested than they are willing to admit to the other. Of course this sets up a bit of a communication breakdown as they each think the other isn’t interested in more, but are afraid to come out and admit that they do want more. There is a bit of an age gap, which Stella seems more concerned about, but the characters mesh so well it presents very little angst.
I really enjoyed this one – a smart, funny and sweet romance.
October 22, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
Story worked for me and I enjoyed the romance. Though the setting is set in a medical school, you won’t be overwhelmed with any medical jargon - not your typical medical read... Liked the dialogues and banters between Stella & Aurora, very femme MCs. They seemed to talk about anything under the sun except their feelings for each other! Steamy scene are hot between the 2 leading ladies! Ending nicely wrapped in a box with a little ribbon :)
Story worked for me and I enjoyed the romance. Though the setting is set in a medical school, you won’t be overwhelmed with any medical jargon - not your typical medical read... Liked the dialogues and banters between Stella & Aurora, very femme MCs. They seemed to talk about anything under the sun except their feelings for each other! Steamy scene are hot between the 2 leading ladies! Ending nicely wrapped in a box with a little ribbon :)
December 3, 2019
I'm stopping at about a third in. There's a kernel of a decent story here. But the character interactions are clunky and the motivations for both MCs are entirely negative* and that's hard to take. Worse, they're both the same kind of negative motivation—relationships never work so I'm just going to have meaningless sex from now on. Which is lazy writing. There's a reason we consider those who just want the gratification of sex without the burden of relationships shallow. Because that's what they are. It's a shallow way to live and an ultimately lazy one doomed to failure because the sexual marketplace is a youth-focused one. Because it's shallow!
Anyway, the highlight was Stella's relationship with her daughter. But that's such a small piece of the story that I eventually ground to a halt entirely. The author has potential, but she really needs to stop micromanaging movement in dialogue and work on the characters' motivations.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
Anyway, the highlight was Stella's relationship with her daughter. But that's such a small piece of the story that I eventually ground to a halt entirely. The author has potential, but she really needs to stop micromanaging movement in dialogue and work on the characters' motivations.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 6, 2021
March 2021 update
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Lori Prince.
I must admit, I enjoyed reading the e-book more than listening to the audiobook. Nothing to do with the narrator but I cannot put my finger on what I didn't like.
Unfortunately, I've knocked a star off my original rating.
---------------------------------------------------
Stella has trust issues which she has to deal with since her wife had an affair 3 years previous. Aurora finds out her parents have kept a family secret her whole life and is trying to come to terms with it.
This is TB at her best. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I loved both the main characters of Stella and Aurora. I thought they made a great couple, good chemistry between them and I also loved the banter between them both. I loved the story line, the secondary characters were great and the pace was just right. This book rivals my favourite from this author (A Woman Lost Series).
I would say that that book is a must read. I would highly recommend it.
ARC copy of this book given to me by the Author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Lori Prince.
I must admit, I enjoyed reading the e-book more than listening to the audiobook. Nothing to do with the narrator but I cannot put my finger on what I didn't like.
Unfortunately, I've knocked a star off my original rating.
---------------------------------------------------
Stella has trust issues which she has to deal with since her wife had an affair 3 years previous. Aurora finds out her parents have kept a family secret her whole life and is trying to come to terms with it.
This is TB at her best. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I loved both the main characters of Stella and Aurora. I thought they made a great couple, good chemistry between them and I also loved the banter between them both. I loved the story line, the secondary characters were great and the pace was just right. This book rivals my favourite from this author (A Woman Lost Series).
I would say that that book is a must read. I would highly recommend it.
ARC copy of this book given to me by the Author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
June 16, 2023
Dnf 52%
I was going to finish it but i realized i have not patience for this shit, everything about this books is lacking
Zero chemistry between the Mc and the dialogue is so boring, and I wanted to pull my eyes while reading the sex scenes
Tell me how is it making love if it’s no strings attached?? Like literally there’s zoro emotions between them ! Why are they even together??????
Also what with Becky or whatever the fuck her name forcing Aurora to bring a date to her wedding????? Last time i checked It isn���t mandatory 😑😑😑😑.
I was going to finish it but i realized i have not patience for this shit, everything about this books is lacking
Zero chemistry between the Mc and the dialogue is so boring, and I wanted to pull my eyes while reading the sex scenes
“Remembering the sounds you make when I’m making love to you.”
Tell me how is it making love if it’s no strings attached?? Like literally there’s zoro emotions between them ! Why are they even together??????
Also what with Becky or whatever the fuck her name forcing Aurora to bring a date to her wedding????? Last time i checked It isn���t mandatory 😑😑😑😑.
November 14, 2022
I liked this one. An age-gap story with minimal angst.
It was okay, it is centered in the MCs relationship, the pace is extremely good (for me) although you could think some things were rushed but at the same time the story didn’t have any type of complexity that required “more”.
But I should say that I had several issues with the story, one of the MCs has a friend who is too insistent (almost unbearable) to push her friend to date someone. Why? Just why? I get that you as a friend what your bestie to be happy with someone else but stop being toxic, lol.
This is the kind of story that you chill with.
It was okay, it is centered in the MCs relationship, the pace is extremely good (for me) although you could think some things were rushed but at the same time the story didn’t have any type of complexity that required “more”.
But I should say that I had several issues with the story, one of the MCs has a friend who is too insistent (almost unbearable) to push her friend to date someone. Why? Just why? I get that you as a friend what your bestie to be happy with someone else but stop being toxic, lol.
This is the kind of story that you chill with.
July 26, 2020
3.5*
September 25, 2019
This was a really good romance. I have been reading alot of age gap romance lately (I guess it's the theme of the year). I can't say that previously they have been my favorite, but I am really beginning to enjoy them. There is awesome chemistry between Stella and Aurora. I have to admit that one of my favorite things about this book is the dialogue between characters. I found Reservations of the Heart to be dialogue heavy and this is one of the few times that I felt an author pulled it off. I also really really liked Aurora. She was such a strong character. I liked Stella just fine but I really enjoyed Aurora. This was only my second Markinson read and I will mentally add her to the read again column.
4.25 stars
4.25 stars
September 23, 2019
I liked most of it...
I like most of Markinson books and this one overall was a good read. I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between Stella and Aurora and any interactions with Kenzie was really nice too. I did not really like Becky, she was not painted in the best light to me and seemed more like a nag than anything. I also feel at times the story dragged and when it was really just beginning when Stella finally let Aurora into her personal life, it kinda ends.
So...overall, I enjoyed it. It was long in places and short in others but the good kinda outweighs the bad so...3.5*
I like most of Markinson books and this one overall was a good read. I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between Stella and Aurora and any interactions with Kenzie was really nice too. I did not really like Becky, she was not painted in the best light to me and seemed more like a nag than anything. I also feel at times the story dragged and when it was really just beginning when Stella finally let Aurora into her personal life, it kinda ends.
So...overall, I enjoyed it. It was long in places and short in others but the good kinda outweighs the bad so...3.5*
November 6, 2019
I was bored out of my mind resting a effin cold, so I went to see Terminator, it worked, how can anyone be sad after Linda Hamilton and Mackenzie Davis being bad asses? But this book make bearable being resting in bed again.
It was sweet, funny, sarcastic, witty, romantic and felt real. The office, family, money, career troubles. All of it. At least to me, so it was a great way to spend a couple of days at home.
It was sweet, funny, sarcastic, witty, romantic and felt real. The office, family, money, career troubles. All of it. At least to me, so it was a great way to spend a couple of days at home.
September 26, 2020
I didn't really get into this the way I did with all of the 'A Woman Lost' books.
It was funny at times, and the banter between the mains was great. The jealousy regarding the best friend kinda threw me, just 'cause... what the?? Stella's cluelessness was not cute at all and she got really annoying I felt so bad for Aurora.
It was funny at times, and the banter between the mains was great. The jealousy regarding the best friend kinda threw me, just 'cause... what the?? Stella's cluelessness was not cute at all and she got really annoying I felt so bad for Aurora.
September 28, 2020
3.7 stars
Enjoyable story with lots of funny banter. I really liked Aurora one of the mc’c, she’s warm-hearted and feisty. Stella, the other MC is ok, but she remained a bit distant for me. This is a story without much angst and a slow build up of the relationship. Near the end there is a misunderstanding between the MC’s, but that gets resolved fairly fast and easily. I enjoyed reading this.
Enjoyable story with lots of funny banter. I really liked Aurora one of the mc’c, she’s warm-hearted and feisty. Stella, the other MC is ok, but she remained a bit distant for me. This is a story without much angst and a slow build up of the relationship. Near the end there is a misunderstanding between the MC’s, but that gets resolved fairly fast and easily. I enjoyed reading this.
October 16, 2019
Absolutely brilliant!
Meeting at work when crisis strikes, Doctor Stella Gilbert and Admin Scheduler Aurora Shirley have an instant attraction to one another. Their flirty banter leads to friendship but then Aurora’s temporary employment at the medical school is over. Both wonder if they missed an opportunity, but then fate puts Aurora right back in Stella’s path. Their friendship develops further and not without hiccups but gives them a chance to help each other, and change their lives.
I absolutely loved this story because it was something a little different. The plot was refreshing, focusing on the characters more than the medical details, and injecting just enough humour to keep the romance light-hearted but dramatic. T.B covers so much in this book that was relatable; a single older woman with an ex-wife, and child, and a young woman who is wavering a little (we’ve all been there!) and the way this was portrayed really drew me in and made me feel so invested in these two characters.
That whole instant attraction thing was handled in the most perfect way. It wasn’t too much too fast but it was there, and it takes real talent to build instant into a slow burning scenario to keep it realistic. This was my favourite thing about this book, the way it made me feel, and that was emotional but happy. Most of all it was brilliantly funny and romantic, creating a really perfect read.
No complaints here; unlike a certain doctor in the book who I am sure would find one! (When you read it, you’ll know who I mean – instantly!)
Stella and Aurora were something else altogether! Both insecure in different ways, they create a unique dynamic with their flirty banter, and friendship. I loved how they interacted as colleagues, and as lovers, even when things got intense they had that special spark that gave hope they could overcome everything. The cast that support their story were amazing at creating the driving forces to bring them together, challenge their actions, and give them the confidence to trust one another as more than just friends.
If you haven’t read this yet, then what are you waiting for! One of T.B’s best stories – no contest.
Meeting at work when crisis strikes, Doctor Stella Gilbert and Admin Scheduler Aurora Shirley have an instant attraction to one another. Their flirty banter leads to friendship but then Aurora’s temporary employment at the medical school is over. Both wonder if they missed an opportunity, but then fate puts Aurora right back in Stella’s path. Their friendship develops further and not without hiccups but gives them a chance to help each other, and change their lives.
I absolutely loved this story because it was something a little different. The plot was refreshing, focusing on the characters more than the medical details, and injecting just enough humour to keep the romance light-hearted but dramatic. T.B covers so much in this book that was relatable; a single older woman with an ex-wife, and child, and a young woman who is wavering a little (we’ve all been there!) and the way this was portrayed really drew me in and made me feel so invested in these two characters.
That whole instant attraction thing was handled in the most perfect way. It wasn’t too much too fast but it was there, and it takes real talent to build instant into a slow burning scenario to keep it realistic. This was my favourite thing about this book, the way it made me feel, and that was emotional but happy. Most of all it was brilliantly funny and romantic, creating a really perfect read.
No complaints here; unlike a certain doctor in the book who I am sure would find one! (When you read it, you’ll know who I mean – instantly!)
Stella and Aurora were something else altogether! Both insecure in different ways, they create a unique dynamic with their flirty banter, and friendship. I loved how they interacted as colleagues, and as lovers, even when things got intense they had that special spark that gave hope they could overcome everything. The cast that support their story were amazing at creating the driving forces to bring them together, challenge their actions, and give them the confidence to trust one another as more than just friends.
If you haven’t read this yet, then what are you waiting for! One of T.B’s best stories – no contest.
September 22, 2019
Likable main characters finding their way.
January 19, 2025
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. So much enjoyable dialogue and hilarious quips. Solid read!
April 26, 2020
"not once did I ever imagine I’d scream at one of my coworkers, You will not light your fart on fire in the office!"
Hilarious and fun read that also deals with anti-love sentiments that of course end up as anything but!
I enjoyed the personal growth of the characters and their ownership of their issues, with jealousy and keeping people at arm's length.
A good romantic entanglement read with appropriate drama.
Hilarious and fun read that also deals with anti-love sentiments that of course end up as anything but!
I enjoyed the personal growth of the characters and their ownership of their issues, with jealousy and keeping people at arm's length.
A good romantic entanglement read with appropriate drama.
October 5, 2019
This is a really adorable book. Aurora and Stella are both flawed characters but ones that I end up rooting for. Their relationship evolved from no-commitment sexual partners to something more. Even though Stella is a doctor, this is not really a medical romance. We don't really see Stella doing medical things. It centers on her administrative role in the medical school where Aurora finds herself employed as a temp. I love the way the relationship develops as the characters grow and understand themselves. I'm quite leery when a story is labelled as an "age-gap" romance, since that's usually not really a trope I enjoy. But, the age-gap in this story is handled well and humorously. Overall, a wonderful romance that I can see myself re-reading in the future.
July 14, 2021
This is an age-gap romance between two women with trust issues who can’t stay away from each other despite their shared view that serious relationships are a bad idea.
I really enjoyed the sexual energy between the main characters. Definitely extra steamy and delightful.
I really enjoyed the sexual energy between the main characters. Definitely extra steamy and delightful.
April 30, 2020
Wow, this didn't work for me at all. I was looking for something light and romantic. The narration was okay, but I didn't warm up to the characters at all.
I kinda liked Stella, also maybe because she was more relatable and more close to my age. But.. I found Aurora just.. weird. Also because I so couldn't relate to her at all. I have a similar story with my father and even then. She's... weird.
I also didn't really see a connection beween those two exceptthe sex and I was 25 chapters in already.
My perception of the characters changed once I got to the next chapters. I found myself fast forwarding the sex scenes anyway, and Aurora warmed to me. But... Stella got so very on my nerves with her unwarranted jealousy that I unwillingly took Aurora‘s side.
And then I abandoned the book, not wanting to listen the two remaining hours to them.
I kinda liked Stella, also maybe because she was more relatable and more close to my age. But.. I found Aurora just.. weird. Also because I so couldn't relate to her at all. I have a similar story with my father and even then. She's... weird.
I also didn't really see a connection beween those two exceptthe sex and I was 25 chapters in already.
My perception of the characters changed once I got to the next chapters. I found myself fast forwarding the sex scenes anyway, and Aurora warmed to me. But... Stella got so very on my nerves with her unwarranted jealousy that I unwillingly took Aurora‘s side.
And then I abandoned the book, not wanting to listen the two remaining hours to them.
October 10, 2019
I liked the age gap between the two main characters. They had amazing chemistry together I just knew they would fall in love. As Aurora stated they were meant to be together. I also like that the epilogue was far enough into the future to see how they were doing and how their families were expanding
October 13, 2019
Set in a medical school, but even the doctors only ever do admin. There’s a lot of admin in this. That’s no euphemism for anything. But somehow the admin is fun. As is the flirting and all between the MCs. I was thoroughly entertained by this, but it’s not earth moving stuff.
October 25, 2019
Lovely story
This was a lovely story of two women who were afraid to love, be vulnerable and trust. Both Stella and Aurora were respectively strong characters but were sweet when vulnerable. There was a lot of humor as well and the supporting cast of characters were very good.
This was a lovely story of two women who were afraid to love, be vulnerable and trust. Both Stella and Aurora were respectively strong characters but were sweet when vulnerable. There was a lot of humor as well and the supporting cast of characters were very good.
September 20, 2019
I love Markinson’s writing and this is her on top form. Well written, witty, sexy with the required hea. What’s not to like?
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
T.B. Markinson's RESERVATIONS OF THE HEART is definitely entertaining and has several strengths including rapid-fire dialogue and hot love scenes. The novel also has an age-difference conflict between the surgeon, Stella, and the much-younger part-time staffer, Aurora. Both women have past experiences that sometimes create issues in their current relationship. I much enjoyed their story, but as a reader, I wanted a little more narrative and description. While the dialogue is sharp and funny, it is also a bit relentless and tiring after a while. There can be too much of a good thing! Markinson is a skilled lesbian fiction writer, and I will read other books by her. If you're a lesbian romance fan, this is one for you to grab!
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