What do you think?
Rate this book
16 Steps to Forever
If there’s one thing Brooke Sullivan knows for sure it’s that people let you down, but that hasn’t stopped her from going after the life she wants. In a new city, with a new job and a new start as a high-end real estate agent, she’s finally back on her feet. The last thing she needs is a distraction. Not her volatile neighbors, not a damn stray cat, and certainly not the flaky, infuriatingly adorkable girl-next-door property stager she has to work with.
Macy Carr believes in soul mates and true love. She knows because she had it all until a freak accident took the love of her life. She’s doing okay though, surrounded by her family, her animals, and her BFFs. Home staging gives her a sense of control, and she’s made her job her happy place. If only the super sexy, super cold new agent working for Macy’s biggest client wasn’t determined to ruin that.
Macy Carr believes in soul mates and true love. She knows because she had it all until a freak accident took the love of her life. She’s doing okay though, surrounded by her family, her animals, and her BFFs. Home staging gives her a sense of control, and she’s made her job her happy place. If only the super sexy, super cold new agent working for Macy’s biggest client wasn’t determined to ruin that.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2020
67 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,504 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 23, 2020
3.75 Stars. This was a sweet Beers romance. For whatever reason I wasn’t crazy about Beers’ last book, Hopeless Romantic, so I’m glad to say this was more my speed and I felt it had more of that ‘Beers magic’. While this is not a holiday romance, it still had that sweet feel that I think people look to find in holiday romances. Because of that I think this book would be perfect to read around this time of year.
This is one of those books were not a ton happens, the romance is the star, but Beers is able to suck you into the story anyway. I was never bored once, which normally I might have been, and the read just went at a really nice pace. The writing felt warm and while there is a little angst and conflict, this is mostly a feel good story.
I was a tad bit thrown off by Brooke’s character. I thought she was supposed to be an ice queen and she seemed like she might be in the beginning, but then she totally melted right away and ended up being super sweet. While Brooke ended up being my favorite character, I think if she would have stayed icy longer than the chemistry could have been out of this world. It was good chemistry don’t get me wrong, I just saw potential for even more.
I actually really liked the secondary character of Sasha and was disappointed she wasn’t in the book more. Then I realized she’s the character that is in Beers’ new holiday novella in All I Want for Christmas. I have been dying to read that novella and now after reading this book I’m even more excited for Sasha’s story.
I’m going to keep this review pretty short and get to the point. This book is easy to recommend to Beers fans and fans of sweet romances. This is my favorite Beers book this year and it was a really nice read. I’m excited to see what Beers has in store for us in 2021.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
This is one of those books were not a ton happens, the romance is the star, but Beers is able to suck you into the story anyway. I was never bored once, which normally I might have been, and the read just went at a really nice pace. The writing felt warm and while there is a little angst and conflict, this is mostly a feel good story.
I was a tad bit thrown off by Brooke’s character. I thought she was supposed to be an ice queen and she seemed like she might be in the beginning, but then she totally melted right away and ended up being super sweet. While Brooke ended up being my favorite character, I think if she would have stayed icy longer than the chemistry could have been out of this world. It was good chemistry don’t get me wrong, I just saw potential for even more.
I actually really liked the secondary character of Sasha and was disappointed she wasn’t in the book more. Then I realized she’s the character that is in Beers’ new holiday novella in All I Want for Christmas. I have been dying to read that novella and now after reading this book I’m even more excited for Sasha’s story.
I’m going to keep this review pretty short and get to the point. This book is easy to recommend to Beers fans and fans of sweet romances. This is my favorite Beers book this year and it was a really nice read. I’m excited to see what Beers has in store for us in 2021.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
November 12, 2020
4.25 Stars
“16 Steps to Forever” is a very sweet, lighthearted girl-next-door romance. In a way, this reminded me of “Hopeless Romantic” in that the romance is the focal point of story. It’s the story of two women meeting (in a delightfully embarrassing meet-cute) and falling in love. There’s a touch of angst but it’s mostly a fluffy, adorable story.
The blurb is a tad misleading as it makes it seem as though Brooke is an ice queen. She isn’t, she’s just a bit more reserved at first. She’s funny, considerate and loveable. Brooke has just moved to upstate New York for a new job as real estate agent and also to get away from her family when they won’t accept her being bisexual.
Macy is adorable and charmingly clumsy. She had a great love once and is now happy hanging with her pets and family. She meets Brooke when she accidentally runs her down on the way to a meeting. Macy is Brooke’s company’s property stager for the homes and offices they sell. After the incident, they continue to run in to each other in and out of the office.
Neither one is looking for anything other than friendship. Brooke is new to town and doesn’t really know anyone so they start off as friends with Macy showing her places around town. Their chemistry is pretty obvious on their second meeting and it doesn’t take long until they’re going from not date dates to actual dates. From then on, it’s all about the fluff and romance and their palpable attraction.
I do want to mention that there is a black moment for a minute, it should actually be considered a gray moment right around the 90% mark. However, it didn’t make the ending feel rushed in this instance as the issue was resolved fairly quickly because Brooke and Macy are grown women who actually know how to use words and communicate, which was refreshing.
I recommend this to all fans of pure romance. If you want to just get away from the stress of your life for a couple of hours this is definitely the book for you.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
“16 Steps to Forever” is a very sweet, lighthearted girl-next-door romance. In a way, this reminded me of “Hopeless Romantic” in that the romance is the focal point of story. It’s the story of two women meeting (in a delightfully embarrassing meet-cute) and falling in love. There’s a touch of angst but it’s mostly a fluffy, adorable story.
The blurb is a tad misleading as it makes it seem as though Brooke is an ice queen. She isn’t, she’s just a bit more reserved at first. She’s funny, considerate and loveable. Brooke has just moved to upstate New York for a new job as real estate agent and also to get away from her family when they won’t accept her being bisexual.
Macy is adorable and charmingly clumsy. She had a great love once and is now happy hanging with her pets and family. She meets Brooke when she accidentally runs her down on the way to a meeting. Macy is Brooke’s company’s property stager for the homes and offices they sell. After the incident, they continue to run in to each other in and out of the office.
Neither one is looking for anything other than friendship. Brooke is new to town and doesn’t really know anyone so they start off as friends with Macy showing her places around town. Their chemistry is pretty obvious on their second meeting and it doesn’t take long until they’re going from not date dates to actual dates. From then on, it’s all about the fluff and romance and their palpable attraction.
I do want to mention that there is a black moment for a minute, it should actually be considered a gray moment right around the 90% mark. However, it didn’t make the ending feel rushed in this instance as the issue was resolved fairly quickly because Brooke and Macy are grown women who actually know how to use words and communicate, which was refreshing.
I recommend this to all fans of pure romance. If you want to just get away from the stress of your life for a couple of hours this is definitely the book for you.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2021
My listens have been so much better than my reads lately. This one was what I needed to keep listening to today. I started reading this one but put it down after there were like 100 pets in the first chapter. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but didn’t realize I had bought the audiobook too (no no, no need to point that out). So gave it a go and the pet thing was not only ok but appropriate to the story. And thank you Beers! When you get to your home and you own dogs, they go out first even when there is a hot woman waiting for you! Well done! Lori Prince narrated and did another great job with the humor.
December 6, 2020
I think I have loved every book by Georgia Beers I have read in recent years. She had some sort of writing slump at some point but she’s clearly over it and it makes me really happy. Because when she’s good, she’s really good, in that soft, warm and, yes, sexy way I love in romance novels.
New city, new job, new life. Brooke Sullivan left Ohio, hoping from a new start away from home. That new life starts with a bang when, a few days into Brooke’s new job at Wolfe Realty, Macy Carr barrels into her, sending raspberry Danishes flying every which way and, of course, directly on Brooke’s ivory suit. As Brooke will find out, Macy’s clumsiness is legendary. What else is legendary is how talented Macy is at staging homes, a skill Sasha Wolfe, Brooke’s boss, plans to make good use of for the new high-end property she’s been hired to sell. Despite the disastrous first impression, Brooke quickly learns that Macy is well worth the effort. Sweet, complex and still grieving the death of the love of her life, Macy has filled her life with pets (three dogs, two cats), family and friends. She never thought she would, again, feel what being near Brooke makes her feel.
On the surface, Brooke and Macy are complete opposites. Brooke loves order and logic, Macy thrives in organized chaos. Then again, Brooke brings peace and serenity to Macy’s life while Macy brings the fun side of Brooke (who definitely has a fun side) out. They both make the other feel safe. Not as in playing safe, as in safe to be who they are and, honestly, that’s kind of everything in a relationship.
What I love about Beers’ writing is that she doesn’t need to overstate anything. Her characters are genuinely nice and lovely, and she’s awesome at writing the subtle shifts that move friendship into “more” territory. In romance, what matters isn’t the way the story ends – there will be a happy-ever-after or, at least, a happy-for-now –, it’s the journey, and Beers makes that journey very sweet.
It’s in the details, such as Macy’s relationship with her nephew Tyler, her friendship with Lucas, Brooke’s complicated relationship with religion, her bisexuality, her budding friendship with Sasha… Sasha, whose story Georgia Beers tells in Triple Dog Dare, one of the three novellas that make up Bold Strokes Books’ 2020 Christmas offering, All I Want for Christmas. I’ll be reviewing it very soon but I can already say that while I liked Macy and Brooke’s romance a whole lot, I loved Sasha’s. More soon.
Oh, and Macy needs to get tested for dyspraxia. Just saying.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
New city, new job, new life. Brooke Sullivan left Ohio, hoping from a new start away from home. That new life starts with a bang when, a few days into Brooke’s new job at Wolfe Realty, Macy Carr barrels into her, sending raspberry Danishes flying every which way and, of course, directly on Brooke’s ivory suit. As Brooke will find out, Macy’s clumsiness is legendary. What else is legendary is how talented Macy is at staging homes, a skill Sasha Wolfe, Brooke’s boss, plans to make good use of for the new high-end property she’s been hired to sell. Despite the disastrous first impression, Brooke quickly learns that Macy is well worth the effort. Sweet, complex and still grieving the death of the love of her life, Macy has filled her life with pets (three dogs, two cats), family and friends. She never thought she would, again, feel what being near Brooke makes her feel.
On the surface, Brooke and Macy are complete opposites. Brooke loves order and logic, Macy thrives in organized chaos. Then again, Brooke brings peace and serenity to Macy’s life while Macy brings the fun side of Brooke (who definitely has a fun side) out. They both make the other feel safe. Not as in playing safe, as in safe to be who they are and, honestly, that’s kind of everything in a relationship.
What I love about Beers’ writing is that she doesn’t need to overstate anything. Her characters are genuinely nice and lovely, and she’s awesome at writing the subtle shifts that move friendship into “more” territory. In romance, what matters isn’t the way the story ends – there will be a happy-ever-after or, at least, a happy-for-now –, it’s the journey, and Beers makes that journey very sweet.
It’s in the details, such as Macy’s relationship with her nephew Tyler, her friendship with Lucas, Brooke’s complicated relationship with religion, her bisexuality, her budding friendship with Sasha… Sasha, whose story Georgia Beers tells in Triple Dog Dare, one of the three novellas that make up Bold Strokes Books’ 2020 Christmas offering, All I Want for Christmas. I’ll be reviewing it very soon but I can already say that while I liked Macy and Brooke’s romance a whole lot, I loved Sasha’s. More soon.
Oh, and Macy needs to get tested for dyspraxia. Just saying.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2020
Content warnings: loss of loved one, homophobia/homomisia (bi-erasure), fainting, panic attack, fat shaming
When I read Beers’s acknowledgments at the beginning of the book, I knew this would be a cute opposites-attract romance between an orderly woman and a messy one, but I did not anticipate it to reach this level of adorableness.
Brooke Sullivan (31, bisexual) just moved to New York for her new job as an agent at Wolfe Realty. When Stage One property stager Macy Carr (lesbian) first meets Brooke, their contrasting personalities clash epically. But since then, they keep running into each other outside of work. Surely that is a sign to get acquainted, right?
Brooke and Macy’s story is incredibly cute and sweet. But beneath the lightheartedness of it all, both carry much pain and sadness, one from a family who is not accepting of her sexuality and the other from losing the love of her life to an accident. I love Beers’s decision of discussing bisexuality and also religion. With so much bisexual invisibility/erasure going on in the world, it is wonderful to see it acknowledged. And for Brooke to still be Catholic without having to choose between God and her true self is refreshing and relieving.
In contrast to Brooke, the transplant without many friends, Macy has many awesome animals—three dog and two cats to be exact—and wonderful close friends and family members. I love that all Macy’s fur babies play important parts in the story. I also love Macy’s sixteen-year-old nephew Tyler, who not only is an amazing person, but also has his own storyline. And then there is also Macy’s über-supportive gay bestie Lucas and his friends.
The writing is great; there were a lot of apt analogies that I find myself nodding in agreement with while gaping at the accuracies and relatability. I also enjoyed the fact though there were sex scenes present, they weren’t very graphic and sort of fade to black. That does not make the loving connections between Brooke and Macy any less strong. In fact, it brings attention to all the loving touches, cuddling, hugging from behind, etc., all of which are my favorite things in a romance novel. Though ending is slightly abrupt without an epilogue, it is still cute and works great.
Brooke’s boss, Wolfe Realty owner Sasha Wolfe, is a lovely character whose story is in “Triple Dog Dare” in All I Want for Christmas and takes place after this book. There are also cameos of wedding planning company Hopeless Romantic and photographer Harlow from Hopeless Romantic (my review here).
16 Steps to Forever is one of the cutest romance I’ve read this year. If you like furry animals playing subtle matchmakers and a romance on a slightly more emotional side, Brooke and Macy’s story is surely going to be very enjoyable.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
When I read Beers’s acknowledgments at the beginning of the book, I knew this would be a cute opposites-attract romance between an orderly woman and a messy one, but I did not anticipate it to reach this level of adorableness.
Brooke Sullivan (31, bisexual) just moved to New York for her new job as an agent at Wolfe Realty. When Stage One property stager Macy Carr (lesbian) first meets Brooke, their contrasting personalities clash epically. But since then, they keep running into each other outside of work. Surely that is a sign to get acquainted, right?
Brooke and Macy’s story is incredibly cute and sweet. But beneath the lightheartedness of it all, both carry much pain and sadness, one from a family who is not accepting of her sexuality and the other from losing the love of her life to an accident. I love Beers’s decision of discussing bisexuality and also religion. With so much bisexual invisibility/erasure going on in the world, it is wonderful to see it acknowledged. And for Brooke to still be Catholic without having to choose between God and her true self is refreshing and relieving.
In contrast to Brooke, the transplant without many friends, Macy has many awesome animals—three dog and two cats to be exact—and wonderful close friends and family members. I love that all Macy’s fur babies play important parts in the story. I also love Macy’s sixteen-year-old nephew Tyler, who not only is an amazing person, but also has his own storyline. And then there is also Macy’s über-supportive gay bestie Lucas and his friends.
The writing is great; there were a lot of apt analogies that I find myself nodding in agreement with while gaping at the accuracies and relatability. I also enjoyed the fact though there were sex scenes present, they weren’t very graphic and sort of fade to black. That does not make the loving connections between Brooke and Macy any less strong. In fact, it brings attention to all the loving touches, cuddling, hugging from behind, etc., all of which are my favorite things in a romance novel. Though ending is slightly abrupt without an epilogue, it is still cute and works great.
Brooke’s boss, Wolfe Realty owner Sasha Wolfe, is a lovely character whose story is in “Triple Dog Dare” in All I Want for Christmas and takes place after this book. There are also cameos of wedding planning company Hopeless Romantic and photographer Harlow from Hopeless Romantic (my review here).
16 Steps to Forever is one of the cutest romance I’ve read this year. If you like furry animals playing subtle matchmakers and a romance on a slightly more emotional side, Brooke and Macy’s story is surely going to be very enjoyable.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
December 30, 2020
Another good Georgia Beers’ book with an ice queen in a suit and an adorable klutz with emotional baggage.
Ice queens and office romances are two of my favourite tropes, so give them to me and I am sold. Brooke is the ice queen real estate agent in a power suit, eager to be back on her feet in a new city with a new job. The last thing Brooke needs is to be distracted by the adorable klutz of a property stager who throws Danishes all over her the first time they meet and spills coffee the second time.
I always gravitate towards ice queen characters, and I was drawn into the book from the moment Brooke threw a mini bitchfit in the bathroom while wiping raspberry stains off her expensive white suit. But Brooke didn’t stay as ice queen for long. And she turned out to have the sweetest personality and the tenderest heart and I found myself liking this Brooke too.
I’m surprised by how much I liked Macy as well. Macy was described by Brooke as flaky at the start and I thought she was going to be a ditzy and shallow character, but she really wasn’t. Macy wants Brooke but is afraid to fall in love again after having lost her partner in a freak accident. She hesitates making progress with Brooke at several intervals because of the emotional baggage she carries as the surviving partner and this is one of the core themes of the book. Without giving the story away, I would just like to say that Beers develops the storyline around this theme very well.
Although this book was slow at the start, Beers had me in tears at the end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ice queens and office romances are two of my favourite tropes, so give them to me and I am sold. Brooke is the ice queen real estate agent in a power suit, eager to be back on her feet in a new city with a new job. The last thing Brooke needs is to be distracted by the adorable klutz of a property stager who throws Danishes all over her the first time they meet and spills coffee the second time.
I always gravitate towards ice queen characters, and I was drawn into the book from the moment Brooke threw a mini bitchfit in the bathroom while wiping raspberry stains off her expensive white suit. But Brooke didn’t stay as ice queen for long. And she turned out to have the sweetest personality and the tenderest heart and I found myself liking this Brooke too.
I’m surprised by how much I liked Macy as well. Macy was described by Brooke as flaky at the start and I thought she was going to be a ditzy and shallow character, but she really wasn’t. Macy wants Brooke but is afraid to fall in love again after having lost her partner in a freak accident. She hesitates making progress with Brooke at several intervals because of the emotional baggage she carries as the surviving partner and this is one of the core themes of the book. Without giving the story away, I would just like to say that Beers develops the storyline around this theme very well.
Although this book was slow at the start, Beers had me in tears at the end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2020
Georgia Beers is one of my favourite lesbian romance authors and her books are an automatic read for me. But with the audiobook version narrated by Lori Prince released almost at the same time as the book, I jumped into the chance of listening to one of the best combinations of author and narrator that there is in lesfic.
In need of a change from Ohio and her Conservative family, real estate agent Brooke Sullivan moves to upstate New York. She’s still adapting to her new life and isn’t looking for anyone until she literally collides with Macy Carr, an adorable property stager. Macy isn’t looking for anyone as she lost the love of her life a few years ago but the beautiful and intriguing Brooke is hard to resist…
This was a light, low on angst lesbian romance with lovable main characters and a cast of endearing secondary including a stray cat, a bunch of other furry characters, and a hot real estate boss (who has her own story in Beers’s novella in ‘All I want for Christmas’ compilation).
It’s common knowledge that romance novels follow a formula and the ubiquitous “black moment” at the 80% mark doesn’t surprise anyone. However, it’s a nice change when said conflict is strong and religorganic to the story, such as in this novel. The conflict here not only makes sense but also adds tension and is resolved in an emotional manner. Kudos to Ms. Beers to achieve this feat realistically. It made my day.
Without losing its light-hearted feel, the novel explores deeper themes such as biphobia, sexual identity in teenagers, bereavement and religion. However, the focus is high on the romance so don’t expect much of those secondary plot lines, which makes sense in the context of the story. But it’s good to see them being mentioned in general.
The audiobook narrated by Lori Prince, as usual, brought the written text to life with intensity, humour, and sensuality. It’s not surprising as Ms. Prince is one of my favourite narrators in lesfic. It didn’t hurt that she used what I call her “Thayer voice” (after her portrayal of Thayer Reynolds in Carolyn Elizabeth’s ‘Gallows Humor’) for hot real estate agent Brooke. Lesfic fans everywhere will be as ecstatic as me. 5 stars.
In need of a change from Ohio and her Conservative family, real estate agent Brooke Sullivan moves to upstate New York. She’s still adapting to her new life and isn’t looking for anyone until she literally collides with Macy Carr, an adorable property stager. Macy isn’t looking for anyone as she lost the love of her life a few years ago but the beautiful and intriguing Brooke is hard to resist…
This was a light, low on angst lesbian romance with lovable main characters and a cast of endearing secondary including a stray cat, a bunch of other furry characters, and a hot real estate boss (who has her own story in Beers’s novella in ‘All I want for Christmas’ compilation).
It’s common knowledge that romance novels follow a formula and the ubiquitous “black moment” at the 80% mark doesn’t surprise anyone. However, it’s a nice change when said conflict is strong and religorganic to the story, such as in this novel. The conflict here not only makes sense but also adds tension and is resolved in an emotional manner. Kudos to Ms. Beers to achieve this feat realistically. It made my day.
Without losing its light-hearted feel, the novel explores deeper themes such as biphobia, sexual identity in teenagers, bereavement and religion. However, the focus is high on the romance so don’t expect much of those secondary plot lines, which makes sense in the context of the story. But it’s good to see them being mentioned in general.
The audiobook narrated by Lori Prince, as usual, brought the written text to life with intensity, humour, and sensuality. It’s not surprising as Ms. Prince is one of my favourite narrators in lesfic. It didn’t hurt that she used what I call her “Thayer voice” (after her portrayal of Thayer Reynolds in Carolyn Elizabeth’s ‘Gallows Humor’) for hot real estate agent Brooke. Lesfic fans everywhere will be as ecstatic as me. 5 stars.
December 4, 2020
This is an absolutely lovely story! 16 Steps to Forever truly is a classic Georgia Beers novel with lots of romance, a fair dose of angst, and of course a small herd of adorable dogs and cats. Does a group of dogs and cats make a herd?
16 Steps to Forever tells the story of Brooke Sullivan and Macy Carr. It is a beautiful story of two women who obviously have major chemistry together. However, they must find a way to overcome heartaches and disappointments in their pasts in order to have a possible future together.
A city in upper New York during Spring is the perfect setting for this story, and is well described in the tale. The characters (main, secondary, and animal) are all well developed. I connected with both main characters immediately. It probably helped that both of them are animal lovers, especially Macy. In fact, as I was reading about Brooke being “adopted” by a stray cat in the story, my family was being “adopted” by a (formerly) feral cat in our neighborhood. Talk about a story coming to life!
I truly loved reading this novel. It left me feeling really happy. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
16 Steps to Forever tells the story of Brooke Sullivan and Macy Carr. It is a beautiful story of two women who obviously have major chemistry together. However, they must find a way to overcome heartaches and disappointments in their pasts in order to have a possible future together.
A city in upper New York during Spring is the perfect setting for this story, and is well described in the tale. The characters (main, secondary, and animal) are all well developed. I connected with both main characters immediately. It probably helped that both of them are animal lovers, especially Macy. In fact, as I was reading about Brooke being “adopted” by a stray cat in the story, my family was being “adopted” by a (formerly) feral cat in our neighborhood. Talk about a story coming to life!
I truly loved reading this novel. It left me feeling really happy. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
January 7, 2021
3.9
I've read a number of books by Georgia Beers and just like her previous books, '16 steps to forever' did not disappoint.
This story as Hallmark written all over it. It's a sweet romance and you feel the romance between the pair bouncing off the pages.
I think for quite a few of us, 2020 was emotional hard on us... I've found it hard to concentrate and also had difficulty reading. But this book was very different from the rest of what I've read this year. It kept me gripped and ground and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I actually read this in a day.
You have 2 main characters in the story, firstly Brooke Sullivan, she knows what she wants from life, even if she's been let down repeatedly. She's in a new city as started a new job and feels like she's back on her feet. She doesn't go looking for a distraction but then walks in Macy Carr. Macy Carr believes in true love and soul mates. Once upon a time she had everything she dreamed of until a simpy accident took it away from her. But she as her job, friends and her fur babies. Lifes good... until she falls for the newbie, her new agent working for her biggest client she as.
If you like romance stories, this one needs to be on your to-read list.
I gave '16 steps to forever' 3.9 stars.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
I've read a number of books by Georgia Beers and just like her previous books, '16 steps to forever' did not disappoint.
This story as Hallmark written all over it. It's a sweet romance and you feel the romance between the pair bouncing off the pages.
I think for quite a few of us, 2020 was emotional hard on us... I've found it hard to concentrate and also had difficulty reading. But this book was very different from the rest of what I've read this year. It kept me gripped and ground and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I actually read this in a day.
You have 2 main characters in the story, firstly Brooke Sullivan, she knows what she wants from life, even if she's been let down repeatedly. She's in a new city as started a new job and feels like she's back on her feet. She doesn't go looking for a distraction but then walks in Macy Carr. Macy Carr believes in true love and soul mates. Once upon a time she had everything she dreamed of until a simpy accident took it away from her. But she as her job, friends and her fur babies. Lifes good... until she falls for the newbie, her new agent working for her biggest client she as.
If you like romance stories, this one needs to be on your to-read list.
I gave '16 steps to forever' 3.9 stars.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
I think the main theme in this one is soft clothing. Soft-looking, soft-feeling, soft-coloured. Jeans, t-shirts, henleys, vests, pajamas, you name it. I get it, lesbians apparently love soft clothing.
A fine, sweet and short read by Ms. Beers that kept my interest and I found I quite enjoyed the two mains together. There wasn't anything new here, and I did do some skimming, as it is formulaic and overly detailed in parts. Even though it wasn't on the front burner by any means, I was delighted with the inclusion of personal faith being important to MC Brooke. This theme resonated with me and the journey it can become for a woman who was entrenched in it in youth, and has had to rediscover it's role after coming out. Like I said, not a main theme here, but I enjoyed these tidbits.
3.25/5.
A fine, sweet and short read by Ms. Beers that kept my interest and I found I quite enjoyed the two mains together. There wasn't anything new here, and I did do some skimming, as it is formulaic and overly detailed in parts. Even though it wasn't on the front burner by any means, I was delighted with the inclusion of personal faith being important to MC Brooke. This theme resonated with me and the journey it can become for a woman who was entrenched in it in youth, and has had to rediscover it's role after coming out. Like I said, not a main theme here, but I enjoyed these tidbits.
3.25/5.
November 21, 2020
Georgia Beers is known for writing light-hearted, adorable romances and this book is no exception. Brooke is a real-estate agent who has recently moved to upstate New York from Ohio. She's started a new job at a renowned agency who works frequently with a property staging company, where Macy, the other main character, works. Their first meeting is disastrous, as clumsy Macy drops a plateful of raspberry danishes on Brooke. Brooke is described as this almost ice queen who is obsessive about order, but she's really not. She's reserved, but that's to be expected as she's in a new city without knowing anyone. Macy is described as this flighty, flaky person, but she has more depth than that. She harbors deep love, not just for her many pets, but for the people in her life. I love that the relationship between the two develop organically. There's the attraction at first meet, but they got to know each other while Macy is showing Brooke around town and introducing her to new people. Both of them have emotional baggage to deal with, but as mentioned in the book, who doesn't have those? If you're in the mood for a warm-your-heart, gentle, minimal-angst romance, this is definitely a good book to check out.
**Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
**Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
December 1, 2020
It's no secret I love Georgia Beers, she is one of my favourite authors in the genre. So obviously when she releases a new book I have to read it, and it didn't disappoint.
Brooke packed up all her things in Ohio for a fresh start in upstate New York. As a realtor, she can work anywhere and she needs to be away from her parents and their strict beliefs. She wants to focus on her work, have everything nice and organised. She doesn't want the stray cat that peers into her rental's window, nor does she want to be attracted to some flaky girl. The flaky girl in question is Macy, who works as a property stager. She isn't really flaky, just a huge klutz and a bit less organised than Brooke. Their first meeting is the epitome of klutz-life if you'd ask me. Macy believes she has already had the one love she was supposed to have, so her connection with Brooke is surprising to her. Yes, Brooke is extremely attractive, but seemingly the polar opposite of Macy. When they get to know each other better it's clear to everyone there is more there than just friendship. But their pasts might get in the way of their future.
Pretty early on in the book, there is a mention of Hopeless Romantic, the wedding planning business from another Georgia book. I was hoping we'd get this lovely story that resulted in a wedding done by Hopeless Romantic, we do get a HEA, but not with a wedding. I could see a sort of series forming from this book with Hopeless Romantic and maybe the next one with Sasha (Brooke's boss), it wouldn't be a real series, but it could be, just saying. (*edit* thanks to the comments I realised Sasha’s story is actually in All I Want for Christmas) I liked both characters in this book, there are features of each character that seem so legitimate I can easily identify with it. I have a slight preference for Brooke's character, don't know why. Might be the name, I love the name, for no good reason really...
As always Beers's writing is excellent and I enjoyed how the romance unfolded and the story continued. I'd liked to have an ever sweeter ending, but you can't have it all :)
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Brooke packed up all her things in Ohio for a fresh start in upstate New York. As a realtor, she can work anywhere and she needs to be away from her parents and their strict beliefs. She wants to focus on her work, have everything nice and organised. She doesn't want the stray cat that peers into her rental's window, nor does she want to be attracted to some flaky girl. The flaky girl in question is Macy, who works as a property stager. She isn't really flaky, just a huge klutz and a bit less organised than Brooke. Their first meeting is the epitome of klutz-life if you'd ask me. Macy believes she has already had the one love she was supposed to have, so her connection with Brooke is surprising to her. Yes, Brooke is extremely attractive, but seemingly the polar opposite of Macy. When they get to know each other better it's clear to everyone there is more there than just friendship. But their pasts might get in the way of their future.
Pretty early on in the book, there is a mention of Hopeless Romantic, the wedding planning business from another Georgia book. I was hoping we'd get this lovely story that resulted in a wedding done by Hopeless Romantic, we do get a HEA, but not with a wedding. I could see a sort of series forming from this book with Hopeless Romantic and maybe the next one with Sasha (Brooke's boss), it wouldn't be a real series, but it could be, just saying. (*edit* thanks to the comments I realised Sasha’s story is actually in All I Want for Christmas) I liked both characters in this book, there are features of each character that seem so legitimate I can easily identify with it. I have a slight preference for Brooke's character, don't know why. Might be the name, I love the name, for no good reason really...
As always Beers's writing is excellent and I enjoyed how the romance unfolded and the story continued. I'd liked to have an ever sweeter ending, but you can't have it all :)
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
December 15, 2020
A feel good, sweet romance from Beers. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as Hopeless Romantic but this definitely cemented my enjoyment of Beers’ work for me. I liked this took place in the same universe as Hopeless Romantic and I’m hoping there’s more to come from this town.
Brooke has recently moved into town for a new job with a real estate agency. She’s well thought of in her field and is leaving behind family disappointment. Macy is a home stager who happens to work with the company Brooke has started with.
I liked Macy’s animal menagerie and the delicate way that Beers wrote her exploration of how to meet someone whilst dealing with the death of a previous partner. I loved her clumsiness and reactions to both Brooke and her family. I also really enjoyed her interactions with her nephew.
I really identified with and liked Brooke. I appreciated that Beers included a character that was both bisexual and of faith. I thought both of these and the reactions of the characters to these things were written really well. From the quick reading of the blurb I did I was expecting Brooke to have a lot more control issues than she actually did. Her moving and settling into a new job, whilst meeting someone she likes and trying to keep control makes things interesting.
I liked that both characters were intriguing with careers and pasts that made sense with regards to how they react to each other, which made the book a compelling read.
Fans of Beers will love this, and all romance fans will enjoy this too.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brooke has recently moved into town for a new job with a real estate agency. She’s well thought of in her field and is leaving behind family disappointment. Macy is a home stager who happens to work with the company Brooke has started with.
I liked Macy’s animal menagerie and the delicate way that Beers wrote her exploration of how to meet someone whilst dealing with the death of a previous partner. I loved her clumsiness and reactions to both Brooke and her family. I also really enjoyed her interactions with her nephew.
I really identified with and liked Brooke. I appreciated that Beers included a character that was both bisexual and of faith. I thought both of these and the reactions of the characters to these things were written really well. From the quick reading of the blurb I did I was expecting Brooke to have a lot more control issues than she actually did. Her moving and settling into a new job, whilst meeting someone she likes and trying to keep control makes things interesting.
I liked that both characters were intriguing with careers and pasts that made sense with regards to how they react to each other, which made the book a compelling read.
Fans of Beers will love this, and all romance fans will enjoy this too.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
When you've written as many books as Georgia Beers has, it must be really difficult to come up with new ideas. And then when you do, how do you write them differently than you always have? As one of my long-time favorite authors, I am feeling that more with her latest works. That being said, I liked this book pretty well. My favorite thing was Macy's great relationship with her nephew. I also appreciated the fact that Brooke was bisexual and that it wasn't a "thing" for Macy. Of course, in lesfic it's okay to include as long as the bisexual woman ends up with another woman. The next frontier will be having a featured secondary character who is bisexual and happily partnered with a man who is also a beloved and valued part of the friends group.
I was kind of surprised more than once by the occurrence of repetitive words and phrasing. Like this paragraph: "It was all consuming. The only description that came to her sex-addled brain, the only coherent thought she could hold on to. It was all consuming. The good kind of all consuming."
And then shortly thereafter, "Brooke swallowed hard at the things she saw in those eyes. Confidence. Dominance. Depth. Want. So much confidence. So much want."
I'm certainly not the talented, successful writer that Beers is, but the fact that those came so close together distracted me from the story, so couldn't have had the desired effect.
I also found at the 80 percent mark that I was dreading the THING that I knew was going to hit. Because that's what always happens. And while at least in this case it was perfectly understandable, I always wish that Beers would not make the character so asshole-like in how they handle it. Communication, folks. The conflict could still have been there, but why not deal with it in a less cruel manner?
If you're a fan of Beers, this is pretty much what you've come to expect. What I'd really love to see is her break out with something completely different again, like 96 Hours, one of her strongest books. 3.5 stars
I was kind of surprised more than once by the occurrence of repetitive words and phrasing. Like this paragraph: "It was all consuming. The only description that came to her sex-addled brain, the only coherent thought she could hold on to. It was all consuming. The good kind of all consuming."
And then shortly thereafter, "Brooke swallowed hard at the things she saw in those eyes. Confidence. Dominance. Depth. Want. So much confidence. So much want."
I'm certainly not the talented, successful writer that Beers is, but the fact that those came so close together distracted me from the story, so couldn't have had the desired effect.
I also found at the 80 percent mark that I was dreading the THING that I knew was going to hit. Because that's what always happens. And while at least in this case it was perfectly understandable, I always wish that Beers would not make the character so asshole-like in how they handle it. Communication, folks. The conflict could still have been there, but why not deal with it in a less cruel manner?
If you're a fan of Beers, this is pretty much what you've come to expect. What I'd really love to see is her break out with something completely different again, like 96 Hours, one of her strongest books. 3.5 stars
February 3, 2021
I was concerned at first when Beers made Macy such a klutz, at least in some key situations. I have a low tolerance for slapstick and that's generally where authors are going when they have a main character have lots of mishaps. I'm glad to say this doesn't seem to have been what Beers was going for. Indeed, I was reassured early as Brooke moved on quickly from a disastrous first impression with a willingness to find out more about Macy and what she was really like. This was a great dynamic, I think, and the more so for veering from the cliché fast and decisively.
And I loved the journey of the two of them working out a relationship as they got to know one another over time. Seeing them learn from one another, and adapt in ways that let them discover new joys, was engaging as all get-out. And I was glad with how steady their relationship progression was and how they learned to take on challenges together. Until they didn't and I became a lot less happy.
It doesn't help that Beers had to manipulate circumstances in a way that strains credulity to manufacture a blow that so precisely hit Macy's fear (and probable PTSD). So that dark moment felt cheap and made it hard for me to go along through the trauma, first on Macy, but then to Brooke because of Macy's withdrawal in the resulting dark moment. It was so very frustrating.
Some minor things that had no effect on my engagement but that I found interesting. The first is having Brooke be so explicitly religious and actively seeking a new congregation despite identifying religion as a key ingredient to her choosing to leave her hometown and move far away from the judgement of her family. I found it interesting how she didn't paint religion as a whole (even her home religion that was at the heart of the discord with her family) with a broad brush, instead concentrating on finding the faithful community she yearned for.
And I found it interesting that Brooke was explicitly bisexual but felt uncomfortable anyway. What I mean is that the pressure is usually on bisexuals to just pass given that circumstance because, frankly, for us at any rate, who we date really can be a choice. It's interesting because that's essentially what I did as a youth in my Mormon community growing up. It's not the same because I grew up in the prehistoric era and it just didn't occur to me that I might be bisexual and that I liked hanging out with the annoying jock who was kind of a jerk in my math class because I had a massive crush on him. Sigh. Anyway, I have no idea what I'd do if faced with that situation knowing what I do now, so seeing Brooke live out making the choice to be true to herself in a way that never occurred to me was interesting.
Anyway, this was cruising on a strong four stars edging to five when that dark moment hit. I hated it so much that I'm going to end at three stars.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They worked pretty well, actually, and I liked how their relationship dynamic manifest there in ways that fit naturally despite being a bit surprising.
And I loved the journey of the two of them working out a relationship as they got to know one another over time. Seeing them learn from one another, and adapt in ways that let them discover new joys, was engaging as all get-out. And I was glad with how steady their relationship progression was and how they learned to take on challenges together. Until they didn't and I became a lot less happy.
It doesn't help that Beers had to manipulate circumstances in a way that strains credulity to manufacture a blow that so precisely hit Macy's fear (and probable PTSD). So that dark moment felt cheap and made it hard for me to go along through the trauma, first on Macy, but then to Brooke because of Macy's withdrawal in the resulting dark moment. It was so very frustrating.
Some minor things that had no effect on my engagement but that I found interesting. The first is having Brooke be so explicitly religious and actively seeking a new congregation despite identifying religion as a key ingredient to her choosing to leave her hometown and move far away from the judgement of her family. I found it interesting how she didn't paint religion as a whole (even her home religion that was at the heart of the discord with her family) with a broad brush, instead concentrating on finding the faithful community she yearned for.
And I found it interesting that Brooke was explicitly bisexual but felt uncomfortable anyway. What I mean is that the pressure is usually on bisexuals to just pass given that circumstance because, frankly, for us at any rate, who we date really can be a choice. It's interesting because that's essentially what I did as a youth in my Mormon community growing up. It's not the same because I grew up in the prehistoric era and it just didn't occur to me that I might be bisexual and that I liked hanging out with the annoying jock who was kind of a jerk in my math class because I had a massive crush on him. Sigh. Anyway, I have no idea what I'd do if faced with that situation knowing what I do now, so seeing Brooke live out making the choice to be true to herself in a way that never occurred to me was interesting.
Anyway, this was cruising on a strong four stars edging to five when that dark moment hit. I hated it so much that I'm going to end at three stars.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They worked pretty well, actually, and I liked how their relationship dynamic manifest there in ways that fit naturally despite being a bit surprising.
December 24, 2020
4 Stars for Georgia Beers' latest novel.
This begins with a classic meet cute. Macy Carr is a talented home stager, staging homes and offices to attract buyers. Adorkable Macy lives with two cats (one appropriately named One Eyed Jack) and three dogs. She is also has a well-deserved reputation of being clumsy. Her teenage nephew, Tyler calls her “The Dropper” because “She has the superhuman inability to hold on to things.” Brook Sullivan is starting a new job, in a new state, in a new home, from Ohio to upstate New York. Brook is a successful high end real estate agent but she decided she needed a change. When she came out as a bisexual to her family, it didn’t go well. The last straw was when her mother asked her again “Why can’t you be normal?” The first morning at the new agency, her boss Sasha Wolfe called a meeting about a new property of condos and businesses with Brooke and other agents along with Macy who was hired to stage the project. Macy brought a box of raspberry danishes for the meeting, only she literally ran into Brook – covering Brook’s white suit with raspberry filling. “The Dropper” strikes again!
Everywhere Brook has lived, she found a place to sit and think and observe. Brook walked to a park near her house and was pleasantly surprised and she knew she found her new favorite spot – she sat on the 16th step to enjoy the view of the reservoir and watch the joggers, walkers, and a woman who was trying to control 3 dogs… I appreciated that Beers included that not only was Brooke adjusting to a new location, is that she really missed going to church. Although, Macy doesn’t go regularly, she suggests her family’s church that is “Catholic inclusive”. I can relate, after moving to a new place, finding a church is probably more difficult than finding a place to live.
I liked the pace of this romance. It was slower, but didn’t feel glacial. Macy wasn’t ready to start a new relationship so it developed from friendship to something more.
I also enjoyed the relationship/friendship that Macy had with Tyler. She’s the type of aunt I strive to be. Her freezing at one of Tyler’s soccer games reminded me of when I went to Travis’ final soccer game of the season. It was a night game in December. In Colorado. BURR. That year they moved to Colorado and while I visited, I was able to catch his last game. Normally a starter, he played only a couple of minutes, because the coach let the seniors play and the freshmen sat it out. But I was there. Freezing my butt off on metal bleachers. But I was there.
BTW – Brook’s boss Sasha Wolfe is featured in the story, Triple Dog Dare in the anthology, All I Want for Christmas. It was my favorite story in the book.
An advanced readers copy was given to me by Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This begins with a classic meet cute. Macy Carr is a talented home stager, staging homes and offices to attract buyers. Adorkable Macy lives with two cats (one appropriately named One Eyed Jack) and three dogs. She is also has a well-deserved reputation of being clumsy. Her teenage nephew, Tyler calls her “The Dropper” because “She has the superhuman inability to hold on to things.” Brook Sullivan is starting a new job, in a new state, in a new home, from Ohio to upstate New York. Brook is a successful high end real estate agent but she decided she needed a change. When she came out as a bisexual to her family, it didn’t go well. The last straw was when her mother asked her again “Why can’t you be normal?” The first morning at the new agency, her boss Sasha Wolfe called a meeting about a new property of condos and businesses with Brooke and other agents along with Macy who was hired to stage the project. Macy brought a box of raspberry danishes for the meeting, only she literally ran into Brook – covering Brook’s white suit with raspberry filling. “The Dropper” strikes again!
Everywhere Brook has lived, she found a place to sit and think and observe. Brook walked to a park near her house and was pleasantly surprised and she knew she found her new favorite spot – she sat on the 16th step to enjoy the view of the reservoir and watch the joggers, walkers, and a woman who was trying to control 3 dogs… I appreciated that Beers included that not only was Brooke adjusting to a new location, is that she really missed going to church. Although, Macy doesn’t go regularly, she suggests her family’s church that is “Catholic inclusive”. I can relate, after moving to a new place, finding a church is probably more difficult than finding a place to live.
I liked the pace of this romance. It was slower, but didn’t feel glacial. Macy wasn’t ready to start a new relationship so it developed from friendship to something more.
I also enjoyed the relationship/friendship that Macy had with Tyler. She’s the type of aunt I strive to be. Her freezing at one of Tyler’s soccer games reminded me of when I went to Travis’ final soccer game of the season. It was a night game in December. In Colorado. BURR. That year they moved to Colorado and while I visited, I was able to catch his last game. Normally a starter, he played only a couple of minutes, because the coach let the seniors play and the freshmen sat it out. But I was there. Freezing my butt off on metal bleachers. But I was there.
BTW – Brook’s boss Sasha Wolfe is featured in the story, Triple Dog Dare in the anthology, All I Want for Christmas. It was my favorite story in the book.
An advanced readers copy was given to me by Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. When I closed my kindle on the last page, I sat and took a moment to enjoy all the lovely feels that the ending radiated. I’ll be honest and say at the start of this book I worried it was going to be too slow, but I quickly realised that Macy’s character development couldn’t be rushed. She’s been through hell and deserved the time to get to know her new romantic dynamic with Brooke. At the core of Macy and Brooke’s romance is this intense connection that is almost spiritual. It was amazing to read and watch it all unfold.
I’m loving Georgia’s new upbeat, playful writing style and I think the last few books have had an air of levity and fun that I am really enjoying. I especially loved the playful banter between Macy and Brooke.
My favourite character was one hundred percent, Macy. I just wanted to be her friend from the very beginning, and her backstory was so heartbreaking that you are backing her and Brooke’s connection from the start.
I also want to give a shout out to GB because it’s so exciting to see so many new sexualities being written into lesbian fiction. I know she’s done it before, but it is really awesome to see headliner authors being so inclusive.
Secondary characters in this book just added to this awesome story. Especially Macy’s nephew, Tyler. My favourite Tyler quote was:
“I don’t do the label thing, Aunt Mace. I mean, it’s fine if you want to, but my generation tends to not like them so much. We’re just us. We’re just who we are.”
This is the generation I am the most excited about, and Tyler reinforced it for me.
This is me repeating myself again because it’s Georgia Beers and damn this woman can write a kissing scene. I feel myself in awe of her kissing scene prowess.
I just felt we never got to see Brooke and Macy’s HEA. The ending was beautiful, it really was, and it gave me all the feels but with everything Macy has been through I would have really enjoyed a little more confirmation on their happy ever after.
They both appear in the novella collection All I want for Christmas, and I read that straight after to get some more Brooke and Macy feels.
I’m about to make a big statement here, but I think this might have been the sexiest sex scene Georgia Beers has ever written. I have tracked back in my mind to all her books, and I don’t think any are as sexy or that the connection between the character is so palpable Between the kissing, the canoodling and the hot sex… well damn!
I couldn’t put this book down and honestly; it felt like I was being whisked away into Macy and Brooke’s world. If you are looking for a romance that is packed full of fun and charming characters, this book is for you.
4.5 stars
I’m loving Georgia’s new upbeat, playful writing style and I think the last few books have had an air of levity and fun that I am really enjoying. I especially loved the playful banter between Macy and Brooke.
My favourite character was one hundred percent, Macy. I just wanted to be her friend from the very beginning, and her backstory was so heartbreaking that you are backing her and Brooke’s connection from the start.
I also want to give a shout out to GB because it’s so exciting to see so many new sexualities being written into lesbian fiction. I know she’s done it before, but it is really awesome to see headliner authors being so inclusive.
Secondary characters in this book just added to this awesome story. Especially Macy’s nephew, Tyler. My favourite Tyler quote was:
“I don’t do the label thing, Aunt Mace. I mean, it’s fine if you want to, but my generation tends to not like them so much. We’re just us. We’re just who we are.”
This is the generation I am the most excited about, and Tyler reinforced it for me.
This is me repeating myself again because it’s Georgia Beers and damn this woman can write a kissing scene. I feel myself in awe of her kissing scene prowess.
I just felt we never got to see Brooke and Macy’s HEA. The ending was beautiful, it really was, and it gave me all the feels but with everything Macy has been through I would have really enjoyed a little more confirmation on their happy ever after.
They both appear in the novella collection All I want for Christmas, and I read that straight after to get some more Brooke and Macy feels.
I’m about to make a big statement here, but I think this might have been the sexiest sex scene Georgia Beers has ever written. I have tracked back in my mind to all her books, and I don’t think any are as sexy or that the connection between the character is so palpable Between the kissing, the canoodling and the hot sex… well damn!
I couldn’t put this book down and honestly; it felt like I was being whisked away into Macy and Brooke’s world. If you are looking for a romance that is packed full of fun and charming characters, this book is for you.
4.5 stars
November 29, 2020
Another sweet romance by Georgia Beers.
It has all the expected "ingredients" I've come to expect from her novels: charming main characters, interesting secondary characters, sweet love story and pets :)
I always enjoy a Georgia Beers story and this one is no exception.
It has all the expected "ingredients" I've come to expect from her novels: charming main characters, interesting secondary characters, sweet love story and pets :)
I always enjoy a Georgia Beers story and this one is no exception.
December 14, 2020
I don't know what I was expecting, but adults being in touch with their feelings and owning them, acting mature most of the book and being in a relationship with each other, wasn't it. I was pleasently surprised, because I liked it way more that I anticipated and because the romance books I tend to read aren't like this. So go and read it.
May 26, 2021
Very sweet, very adorable, very femme, very likeable MCs and very nicely written. And plenty of furry friends in the mix. All the usual good stuffs from Beers... But what had me intrigued and I hope there is a book or there will be a book, a full-fledge one and not a novella, written about Sasha Wolfe, Brooke’s boss.
December 16, 2020
The obligatory 'break up' or 'drama' that occurs in most lesfic stories was annoying, but I really loved Brooke and Macy's characters and they got me in the feels, so I'll overlook what annoyed me.
April 17, 2021
It has been awhile since I read this. I've been behind in reviewing for over a year now. (Thank you, Covid.)
I liked both of the main characters in this book. I felt a connection with both of them which made me invested in t heir relationship. I like angsty books the most and I felt like this had a subtle feeling of angst just beneath the surface the entire time.
I liked both of the main characters in this book. I felt a connection with both of them which made me invested in t heir relationship. I like angsty books the most and I felt like this had a subtle feeling of angst just beneath the surface the entire time.
November 18, 2020
When I start another book by Ms Beers I’m always impressed. Not only with the plot but with her ability to create characters that you just know you're going to like. And now she has given us another book, a great plot with very likeable characters.
Macy Carr knows that there are such things as soul mates. She also knows that it should happen only once in a lifetime. Now she works staging properties, a job she loves and best of all she has the talent. Her sister and her family live close by, including her nephew Tyler. While still young he seems to be able to make a hard day that much easier. Even her family and friends think she should open herself up for the possibility of finding someone else to love.
Brooke Sullivan has just moved to the city Macy calls home. As a real estate agent she knew how to sell a house to turn it into a home. She’s lived with her family close by and even had the strength to come out to them. It didn’t mean that her mother wouldn’t keep introducing her to men her mother finds suitable. Moving was just what she needed. She missed her family but through her sister she still felt a part of it all.
Brooke has never had a serious relationship but that doesn’t want one. The first time the two women met was an experience she had never had before. You see Macy is an accident waiting to happen. Tripping over nothing, knocking into things and when she meets Brooke she somehow outdid herself. Brooke can see herself falling for Macy and miracles of miracles Macy finds herself falling to. That is until….
Ms Beers is a favorite author, meaning she has yet to write a book I didn’t like. Great characters with a story that keeps moving along, with the help of her supporting cast. Fast fun read. Very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
Macy Carr knows that there are such things as soul mates. She also knows that it should happen only once in a lifetime. Now she works staging properties, a job she loves and best of all she has the talent. Her sister and her family live close by, including her nephew Tyler. While still young he seems to be able to make a hard day that much easier. Even her family and friends think she should open herself up for the possibility of finding someone else to love.
Brooke Sullivan has just moved to the city Macy calls home. As a real estate agent she knew how to sell a house to turn it into a home. She’s lived with her family close by and even had the strength to come out to them. It didn’t mean that her mother wouldn’t keep introducing her to men her mother finds suitable. Moving was just what she needed. She missed her family but through her sister she still felt a part of it all.
Brooke has never had a serious relationship but that doesn’t want one. The first time the two women met was an experience she had never had before. You see Macy is an accident waiting to happen. Tripping over nothing, knocking into things and when she meets Brooke she somehow outdid herself. Brooke can see herself falling for Macy and miracles of miracles Macy finds herself falling to. That is until….
Ms Beers is a favorite author, meaning she has yet to write a book I didn’t like. Great characters with a story that keeps moving along, with the help of her supporting cast. Fast fun read. Very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
December 27, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia Beers is one of my favourite authors, and this is a lovely romance from her.
This features Macy, who is recovering from the death of her partner and works for a fit-out business and Brooke, who is staring a new job at a real estate agency that Macy’s company does a lot of work for. Their first meeting does not get off to a good start and I admit I expected Brooke to be more of a hard ass about it, (as her character is portrayed as a bit ice-queeny in the blurb) but she’s a complete softie. They have a few more ‘meet cutes’ and then become friends. Their relationship is sweet and unfolds naturally and I liked how they communicated (and flirted) with each other.
Brooke has some family issues due to her bisexuality and the requisite baggage that comes with that, while Macy has trauma from her partner’s death and this leave her uncertain about how to move forward at various stages.
There’s also a delightful cats of supporting characters, particularly Brooke’s boss, Sasha (who features in a novella in All I Want for Christmas, and Macy’s BFF Lucas and her nephew Tyler, who has a small storyline that coincides with Macy’s AHA moment during the requisite drama around the 80% mark. That drama felt less contrived than usual, and thankfully didn’t involve a long protracted breakup, more of a pause that was rectified by actual communication. I did think the end was a bit sudden, but it still managed to tick all the boxes.
Honestly, I just wanted to read something sweet and hopeful and this is both. Beers fans should love this. 4 stars.
Georgia Beers is one of my favourite authors, and this is a lovely romance from her.
This features Macy, who is recovering from the death of her partner and works for a fit-out business and Brooke, who is staring a new job at a real estate agency that Macy’s company does a lot of work for. Their first meeting does not get off to a good start and I admit I expected Brooke to be more of a hard ass about it, (as her character is portrayed as a bit ice-queeny in the blurb) but she’s a complete softie. They have a few more ‘meet cutes’ and then become friends. Their relationship is sweet and unfolds naturally and I liked how they communicated (and flirted) with each other.
Brooke has some family issues due to her bisexuality and the requisite baggage that comes with that, while Macy has trauma from her partner’s death and this leave her uncertain about how to move forward at various stages.
There’s also a delightful cats of supporting characters, particularly Brooke’s boss, Sasha (who features in a novella in All I Want for Christmas, and Macy’s BFF Lucas and her nephew Tyler, who has a small storyline that coincides with Macy’s AHA moment during the requisite drama around the 80% mark. That drama felt less contrived than usual, and thankfully didn’t involve a long protracted breakup, more of a pause that was rectified by actual communication. I did think the end was a bit sudden, but it still managed to tick all the boxes.
Honestly, I just wanted to read something sweet and hopeful and this is both. Beers fans should love this. 4 stars.
January 22, 2021
4.5 stars. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my Georgia Beers marathon as of late, and I’m happy to say this book is one of the ones I enjoyed the most. In 16 Steps to Forever, Beers explores new topics I haven’t seen in her work (so far): bisexuality, labels, loss of a partner, being a Christian in the LGBTQ+ community, and even being a lesbian who isn’t into sports! This is probably the heaviest traditional romance I’ve read from Beers, but it maintains a light and sweet tone overall. There’s no shortage of beloved tropes and swoon-worthy moments.
When we’re introduced to Brooke Sullivan, she seems like a bit of an ice queen. She’s not, though; she just has her guard up. She’s uber-organized and counts things to calm herself down, but she also has a flirty and playful side (which I loved). I love how Beers handled Brooke’s bisexuality and faith: two things we need to see more of in lesfic! I was also touched by Brooke’s loneliness and her willingness to reach out to Macy.
Macy Carr is an adorkable disaster lesbian with a tragic past. She’s clumsy, disorganized, sweet-as-sugar, and has a heart of gold. She lost her longtime partner in a freak accident a few years ago, but Brooke makes her want to open up her heart again. In contrast to Brooke’s rather empty social life, Macy has a solid support system, which introduces us to several lovable side characters. Macy also has an utterly adorable pack of animals, as is expected from a Beers novel.
My main complaint is that I didn’t quite understand why Brooke acted the way she did during the inevitable conflict. I thought it was OOC of her to be so reactive and not think things through more. However, the lovely ending kinda made up for it.
Overall, it was a pleasure reading Beers’ latest installment, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
(buddy read with Hsinju!)
When we’re introduced to Brooke Sullivan, she seems like a bit of an ice queen. She’s not, though; she just has her guard up. She’s uber-organized and counts things to calm herself down, but she also has a flirty and playful side (which I loved). I love how Beers handled Brooke’s bisexuality and faith: two things we need to see more of in lesfic! I was also touched by Brooke’s loneliness and her willingness to reach out to Macy.
Macy Carr is an adorkable disaster lesbian with a tragic past. She’s clumsy, disorganized, sweet-as-sugar, and has a heart of gold. She lost her longtime partner in a freak accident a few years ago, but Brooke makes her want to open up her heart again. In contrast to Brooke’s rather empty social life, Macy has a solid support system, which introduces us to several lovable side characters. Macy also has an utterly adorable pack of animals, as is expected from a Beers novel.
My main complaint is that I didn’t quite understand why Brooke acted the way she did during the inevitable conflict. I thought it was OOC of her to be so reactive and not think things through more. However, the lovely ending kinda made up for it.
Overall, it was a pleasure reading Beers’ latest installment, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
(buddy read with Hsinju!)
December 21, 2020
4/5 stars
This year Georgia Beers has become a go to author for me, and this book was no exception. From start to finish, it was heartwarming, unexpectedly full of emotional depth and also full of animal love (which is always a bonus). I flew through this book and am left wanting more of these characters. I swear as soon as I finished the book, I let out a little contented sigh. This is a perfect book to bring those warm and fuzzies before the holidays.
This book had a lot of my favourite tropes, but they didn’t feel overdone or tired at all. I have grown to really love opposites-attract books and I especially enjoyed it here. We had a fantastically adorable and awkward meet cute between the ‘messy clutz’ and the ‘put-together business woman’. This trope wasn’t the focus of the book but it was definitely a sweet and fun addition to get the ball rolling. After absolutely adoring Beer’s ‘Hopeless Romantic’ earlier this year, I’ve come to expect adorableness and a light-hearted romance from her books. While she definitely delivered on that, it was the more unexpected emotional depth that made me really love this book.
Although the story wasn’t heavy by any means, it had a perfect mix of lighthearted moments and more heavy topics. Beers also dealt with grief, family rejection and touched on anxiety (although I don’t think it was expressly named as such). I think this added a lot of emotional depth to the romance which I really grew to appreciate. While l adored the sweetness and the sexiness of the relationship, this was definitely the cherry on top of Macy and Brooke’s romance. They had fantastic chemistry, their flirtation was super fun and lots of sweet moments. But, I also think their relationship touched on a much deeper side to their romance, although it wasn’t the focus by an means.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable romance. It made me giddy and warm, and has left me in a fantastic mood. Macy’s family, both womens’ friends and all of the beautiful fluffy friends also just made this book so fun to read. I definitely recommend, this was a great romance.
This year Georgia Beers has become a go to author for me, and this book was no exception. From start to finish, it was heartwarming, unexpectedly full of emotional depth and also full of animal love (which is always a bonus). I flew through this book and am left wanting more of these characters. I swear as soon as I finished the book, I let out a little contented sigh. This is a perfect book to bring those warm and fuzzies before the holidays.
This book had a lot of my favourite tropes, but they didn’t feel overdone or tired at all. I have grown to really love opposites-attract books and I especially enjoyed it here. We had a fantastically adorable and awkward meet cute between the ‘messy clutz’ and the ‘put-together business woman’. This trope wasn’t the focus of the book but it was definitely a sweet and fun addition to get the ball rolling. After absolutely adoring Beer’s ‘Hopeless Romantic’ earlier this year, I’ve come to expect adorableness and a light-hearted romance from her books. While she definitely delivered on that, it was the more unexpected emotional depth that made me really love this book.
Although the story wasn’t heavy by any means, it had a perfect mix of lighthearted moments and more heavy topics. Beers also dealt with grief, family rejection and touched on anxiety (although I don’t think it was expressly named as such). I think this added a lot of emotional depth to the romance which I really grew to appreciate. While l adored the sweetness and the sexiness of the relationship, this was definitely the cherry on top of Macy and Brooke’s romance. They had fantastic chemistry, their flirtation was super fun and lots of sweet moments. But, I also think their relationship touched on a much deeper side to their romance, although it wasn’t the focus by an means.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable romance. It made me giddy and warm, and has left me in a fantastic mood. Macy’s family, both womens’ friends and all of the beautiful fluffy friends also just made this book so fun to read. I definitely recommend, this was a great romance.
January 13, 2021
4 stars
I very much enjoyed reading this sweet romantic story. Macy, who is very clumsy is very careful with her heart and so is Brooke. After their meeting for work there is something that attracts them to each other. After that there is a very nice and slow build up of their relationship. What I particularly liked about this book is the feeling of friendship Macy and Brooke have next to their undeniable attraction toe each other. I quite liked the side characters of Eva, Tyler and Sasha too. As always with a Beers book it was well written. Recommend for a light and nearly angst free read.
I very much enjoyed reading this sweet romantic story. Macy, who is very clumsy is very careful with her heart and so is Brooke. After their meeting for work there is something that attracts them to each other. After that there is a very nice and slow build up of their relationship. What I particularly liked about this book is the feeling of friendship Macy and Brooke have next to their undeniable attraction toe each other. I quite liked the side characters of Eva, Tyler and Sasha too. As always with a Beers book it was well written. Recommend for a light and nearly angst free read.
May 26, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
16 Steps to Forever was a pretty cute book. In it, you will meet Brooke and Macy. At first glance, I didn't think I was going to like Brooke. She seemed like she was going to act one way but then did a complete 180 on me. I kind of wish she stuck with the icy/bitchy queen act because I think that would have made me move invested in their relationship. Which probably makes me sound crazy right now...
Then there's Macy, who was also okay. Very clumsy and definitely had ways to make me laugh pretty easily. I also thought her job was pretty cool because I've seen all the home improvement shows where people stage houses and stuff. So when the chemistry and tension started to show.. well, I was sort of hooked on these two.
Plus, it's pretty hard to mess up an office romance. Or maybe that's just me. The whole I'm not looking for a relationship or someone to date.. but then you start dating that person. It's simply adorable and a bit predictable. Still, I ended up liking this book and these two being together.
In the end, it was a nice quick romance book to dive into.
16 Steps to Forever was a pretty cute book. In it, you will meet Brooke and Macy. At first glance, I didn't think I was going to like Brooke. She seemed like she was going to act one way but then did a complete 180 on me. I kind of wish she stuck with the icy/bitchy queen act because I think that would have made me move invested in their relationship. Which probably makes me sound crazy right now...
Then there's Macy, who was also okay. Very clumsy and definitely had ways to make me laugh pretty easily. I also thought her job was pretty cool because I've seen all the home improvement shows where people stage houses and stuff. So when the chemistry and tension started to show.. well, I was sort of hooked on these two.
Plus, it's pretty hard to mess up an office romance. Or maybe that's just me. The whole I'm not looking for a relationship or someone to date.. but then you start dating that person. It's simply adorable and a bit predictable. Still, I ended up liking this book and these two being together.
In the end, it was a nice quick romance book to dive into.
January 1, 2021
Georgia Beers is a writer who knows what she is good at and delivers. As a writer she knows how to write multi-layered characters with backstories who embrace you into their worlds and let you visit for awhile. The authors love of animals shines through this story as we meet Macy and her large menagerie. This novel made me laugh and cry which is hard to do. I felt all the feels. If you are looking for a well written love story with interesting characters living in a world that is a pleasure to visit. You would well to try this one.
November 7, 2020
* I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
I'm a big fan of Georgia Beers and her books so my reviews are not always completely unbiased and this book would be more a 3,5 stars instead of 4 if I want to be completely honest. Both Brooke and Macy are lovable main characters, there is decent chemistry between them and the writing is as always solid.
What I would like from good authors like Beers would be to take a chance to write something different. I noticed that in her last 5-6 books the pattern is always the same, 2 mains with instant chemistry, a few cats and dogs, the mains get together at some point and then soon there is the predictable conflict when they break up and then make up just before the book ends.
I respect Beers so much and I think she has a great talent. It would make me so excited to read something different from her. Hope she does it with her next work cause from the description of the new book I simply cannot wait to read it!
I'm a big fan of Georgia Beers and her books so my reviews are not always completely unbiased and this book would be more a 3,5 stars instead of 4 if I want to be completely honest. Both Brooke and Macy are lovable main characters, there is decent chemistry between them and the writing is as always solid.
What I would like from good authors like Beers would be to take a chance to write something different. I noticed that in her last 5-6 books the pattern is always the same, 2 mains with instant chemistry, a few cats and dogs, the mains get together at some point and then soon there is the predictable conflict when they break up and then make up just before the book ends.
I respect Beers so much and I think she has a great talent. It would make me so excited to read something different from her. Hope she does it with her next work cause from the description of the new book I simply cannot wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews