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Sunsets and Shades #2
Strollers and Swings
Lesbian romance writer, Laurel Lake (Kinsley Harper-Scott), knows there is no such thing as a happily ever after in real life. She expected there would always be ups and downs, but what she didn't expect was for marriage to be THIS hard.
In this heart-wrenching sequel to the best selling lesbian romance, Sunsets and Shades, Kinsley and Grace Harper-Scott are met with a whole new set of challenges as they embark on the journey to parenthood. Grace can't figure out why Kinsley won't take the process seriously, while Kinsley wonders if her wife will ever be happy again.
Life isn't easy as attempt after attempt fails, but their love can survive anything, right?
In this heart-wrenching sequel to the best selling lesbian romance, Sunsets and Shades, Kinsley and Grace Harper-Scott are met with a whole new set of challenges as they embark on the journey to parenthood. Grace can't figure out why Kinsley won't take the process seriously, while Kinsley wonders if her wife will ever be happy again.
Life isn't easy as attempt after attempt fails, but their love can survive anything, right?
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
99 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Erica Lee
48 books915 followersErica Lee finished writing her first book, Dear Santa: I’m Gay, in December 2016. Erica currently lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, dog, chinchilla, and bunny. She spends her days working as an optometrist and her nights snuggled up on the couch with her furry family, binging on netflix or youtube.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 22, 2020
I didn’t think this story would touch me so much, but it gave me so many feelings. The roller coaster of emotions Grace and Kinsley go through was written so beautifully and with such sincerity it got me right in the feels.
The heavy hitting parts of the story are balanced out with moments of humor and a few steamy scenes.
Anybody thinking of having a child should read this. It’s a poignant, heart-rending story with moments of love and true friendship. There are some twists and turns along the way, but the ending will bring a tear to your eye.
Highly recommended!
My rating: five stars
Note: this is the second book in the series. I didn’t read the first one and I was never lost.
I received this novel from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The heavy hitting parts of the story are balanced out with moments of humor and a few steamy scenes.
Anybody thinking of having a child should read this. It’s a poignant, heart-rending story with moments of love and true friendship. There are some twists and turns along the way, but the ending will bring a tear to your eye.
Highly recommended!
My rating: five stars
Note: this is the second book in the series. I didn’t read the first one and I was never lost.
I received this novel from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 10, 2020
Two thumbs up!
Kinsley and Grace must take an incredible journey to get pregnant, to start a family. The anxious waiting, the failed treatments, it all takes an emotional toll on their relationship. Both deal with it in their own way, but Kinsley is Kinsley. Her humor and cynical view of everything, keeps her true feelings and emotions hidden. She isn’t forthright and comfortable in her expressions to others. Grace can’t always appreciate that behaviour. The love for each other must be strong to survive all this. The heartbreak, the hope, the fear and disappointments felt very real. This story is beautifully written. It made my heart ache and shout for joy. What a great sequel to Sunsets and Shades. Two thumbs up!
Kinsley and Grace must take an incredible journey to get pregnant, to start a family. The anxious waiting, the failed treatments, it all takes an emotional toll on their relationship. Both deal with it in their own way, but Kinsley is Kinsley. Her humor and cynical view of everything, keeps her true feelings and emotions hidden. She isn’t forthright and comfortable in her expressions to others. Grace can’t always appreciate that behaviour. The love for each other must be strong to survive all this. The heartbreak, the hope, the fear and disappointments felt very real. This story is beautifully written. It made my heart ache and shout for joy. What a great sequel to Sunsets and Shades. Two thumbs up!
December 25, 2020
I love this couple so much and it was so great being with them again. This book had some angst and it made me feel a lot of emotions (some not so good lol). But overall, I'm really happy with this story and I'm so happy that the author decided to write it!
August 9, 2020
A beautifully written and powerful story, following the difficult journey that some couples must endure to have children. It's emotional and amazing at the same time. I may or may not have cried (I will neither confirm nor deny, lol.) A wonderful sequel to the brilliant Sunsets and Shades. Kinsley and Grace are one of my favourite book couples, and I hope this isn't the last we see of them! Highly recommend.
February 5, 2021
Heartbreak and happiness
This story was written with so much love and emotion that you could feel it come right off the page. I can’t imagine a more difficult time for a couple. Grace and Kinsley have a strong relationship that was truly tested during their journey to have a family. A box of tissues is required while reading Erica’s books but it is so worth it. Congratulations
This story was written with so much love and emotion that you could feel it come right off the page. I can’t imagine a more difficult time for a couple. Grace and Kinsley have a strong relationship that was truly tested during their journey to have a family. A box of tissues is required while reading Erica’s books but it is so worth it. Congratulations
September 29, 2020
Excellent sequel. A few laugh put loud moments like the first in the series.
August 15, 2020
I really loved reading Sunsets and Shades. The introduction to Kinsley and Grace was awesome and I loved their banter, and the sweet chemistry between them. This time around, reading Strollers and Swings there was still that same fun and laughter but man... the rollercoaster of feels in this book really got me longing, aching, laughing and lovin'.
I've never felt so much for fictional characters before. Reading the last few pages of the book, I'm even happier for Erica Lee and her wifey too.
I've never felt so much for fictional characters before. Reading the last few pages of the book, I'm even happier for Erica Lee and her wifey too.
August 11, 2020
Loved the this sequel! But, oh the heartache! The lost hope and miscarriage tore at my heart. It’s terrible all that they have to go through to have a baby. Each time my hope would rise and fall with them. I hated how it started to take a toll on their relationship. Communication is key in times like these, but damn is it hard! I love Grace and Kinsley and I was so very happy in the end that the heartache was totally worth it.
Again I love the friendship they have with Leah and Liam. They are amazing. Everything they do for Grace and Kinsley.
Again I love the friendship they have with Leah and Liam. They are amazing. Everything they do for Grace and Kinsley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2020
Great Emotional Story!
I am a big fan of Erica Lee starting with her first book “Dear Santa :I’m Gay”. I also loved the first book Sunsets and Shades and Kingsley and Grace’s story. The story of deciding to have a baby and the stress and turmoil their lives are going through can only be written by someone who has gone through the process. I loved this couple and I loved how this has played out. Also a big Congratulations to Erica Lee and her wife. Hope your lives turn out as happy as you wrote for Kingsley and Grace. This book is a must read...
I am a big fan of Erica Lee starting with her first book “Dear Santa :I’m Gay”. I also loved the first book Sunsets and Shades and Kingsley and Grace’s story. The story of deciding to have a baby and the stress and turmoil their lives are going through can only be written by someone who has gone through the process. I loved this couple and I loved how this has played out. Also a big Congratulations to Erica Lee and her wife. Hope your lives turn out as happy as you wrote for Kingsley and Grace. This book is a must read...
August 27, 2020
A bit rushed but still good to read.
I was great to see this relationship evolve. I remember like the first book a lot, so getting to get a taste of where things went was great. The ending felt a bit rushed, and there was definitely a point or two where I felt like Kinsley wasn't quite getting her due. First because we hear more about her emotional process when she finally speaks on it in the end, even though half the book is her POV and that could have been communicated more along the way. Second when she has her little outburst and says the thing she "doesn't mean" I found that to be slightly unbelievable. Not that she'd say that, that was totally in character, but that we don't explore why she said it. People like her don't just say things they don't mean, those things have a hint of truth I'm them, usually badly disguised vulnerabilies. In this case, it makes more sense to me that she's go off and say that stuff because for the most part, it was true. She spoke to Leah about why she'd said it and how she felt, but we never saw that acknowledged by Grace, who was the one who needed to hear it. Because it was true that Grace had only asked about how Kinsley was feeling in relation to her own feelings of guilt, or as an accusatory type statement. She also didn't really create and environment for Kinsley to be part of the decision making process in the beginning, and didn't seem to have much regard for how uncomfortable Kinsley obviously was with the clinic situation. Grace wouldn't have had to be paying attention that hard to see that Kinsley had concerns and opinions, in fact, she did speak on them, but she didn't flight to be heard after being dismissed. I thought it was kind of messed up that all of Grace's experiences got validated, and Kinsley had to be the main one to grow and change and learn to accommodate with barely any acknowledgement or validation of how she'd been hurt.
It does make sense that it would play out like that, but it would have been nice to maybe get a therapy scene where Kinsley gets to speak on some of those things and actually be heard and acknowledged.
Still, over all it was a great sequel. I'm glad I read it and I'll keep following this author and reading more of their work.
I was great to see this relationship evolve. I remember like the first book a lot, so getting to get a taste of where things went was great. The ending felt a bit rushed, and there was definitely a point or two where I felt like Kinsley wasn't quite getting her due. First because we hear more about her emotional process when she finally speaks on it in the end, even though half the book is her POV and that could have been communicated more along the way. Second when she has her little outburst and says the thing she "doesn't mean" I found that to be slightly unbelievable. Not that she'd say that, that was totally in character, but that we don't explore why she said it. People like her don't just say things they don't mean, those things have a hint of truth I'm them, usually badly disguised vulnerabilies. In this case, it makes more sense to me that she's go off and say that stuff because for the most part, it was true. She spoke to Leah about why she'd said it and how she felt, but we never saw that acknowledged by Grace, who was the one who needed to hear it. Because it was true that Grace had only asked about how Kinsley was feeling in relation to her own feelings of guilt, or as an accusatory type statement. She also didn't really create and environment for Kinsley to be part of the decision making process in the beginning, and didn't seem to have much regard for how uncomfortable Kinsley obviously was with the clinic situation. Grace wouldn't have had to be paying attention that hard to see that Kinsley had concerns and opinions, in fact, she did speak on them, but she didn't flight to be heard after being dismissed. I thought it was kind of messed up that all of Grace's experiences got validated, and Kinsley had to be the main one to grow and change and learn to accommodate with barely any acknowledgement or validation of how she'd been hurt.
It does make sense that it would play out like that, but it would have been nice to maybe get a therapy scene where Kinsley gets to speak on some of those things and actually be heard and acknowledged.
Still, over all it was a great sequel. I'm glad I read it and I'll keep following this author and reading more of their work.
August 6, 2024
This was a good novella, and a very good follow-up if you liked Sunsets and Shades. I would absolutely not recommend this without reading the prior novel. If you liked the characters this is a great follow-up. I liked to see the continued character growth (particularly Kinsley), and this novella expertly used the initial novel as a springboard into some big emotions and drama. Erica Lee as always was a great author and the writing was very well done.
I think that reader experience will vary based on who the reader is. This novella was almost entirely about the characters struggles with getting pregnant. Having no stake in that topic myself I didn’t connect with the story as much as I would have liked (except for basic human empathy of course!). That said, I know for certain that people who have gone through these types of experiences (particularly infertility issues) would connect strongly and greatly appreciate the representation and visibility of this novel. This is a topic that isn’t discussed enough, or in this way, so this novella is very important and I am incredibly glad that it exists.
The other main element of this novella was based around one big miscommunication problem; the emotions and drama was interesting and satisfying, but like most miscommunication trope plotlines I found it annoying and less impactful than it could have been. Overall this part was fine, and it made sense in-story and in-character so it wasn’t too bad.
All in all this novella was a solid read if you liked the original. It was clearly good enough that I immediately moved on to the third one!
I think that reader experience will vary based on who the reader is. This novella was almost entirely about the characters struggles with getting pregnant. Having no stake in that topic myself I didn’t connect with the story as much as I would have liked (except for basic human empathy of course!). That said, I know for certain that people who have gone through these types of experiences (particularly infertility issues) would connect strongly and greatly appreciate the representation and visibility of this novel. This is a topic that isn’t discussed enough, or in this way, so this novella is very important and I am incredibly glad that it exists.
The other main element of this novella was based around one big miscommunication problem; the emotions and drama was interesting and satisfying, but like most miscommunication trope plotlines I found it annoying and less impactful than it could have been. Overall this part was fine, and it made sense in-story and in-character so it wasn’t too bad.
All in all this novella was a solid read if you liked the original. It was clearly good enough that I immediately moved on to the third one!
August 6, 2020
I sat down this morning to read this book knowing I would want to savour it. I enjoyed the first instalment Sunsets and Shades so much that I’m really glad I didn’t have to wait so long for this one.
The ups and downs of the process of trying for a baby are ever so real in this second book. The emotions are real, they’re raw and you’re gonna feel them. So grab a tissue and a pillow because you’re gonna need them.
I have loved the characters growth over the two books. There’s a dimension to them, their lives, the angst, passion and struggle are so relatable, you feel like you know them personally.
I think the most important thing a writer can do is make you feel like you’re taking the ride alongside the characters. Allowing you to experience it all with them and you do with this book.
As an LGBTQ identifying parent to two pretty awesome humans who I know were the universes reward for the struggles I went through, this series will stick with me. It’s important to be able to acknowledge everyone’s journey in life is not the same.
Amazing work on tackling such a heartfelt and personal story.
The ups and downs of the process of trying for a baby are ever so real in this second book. The emotions are real, they’re raw and you’re gonna feel them. So grab a tissue and a pillow because you’re gonna need them.
I have loved the characters growth over the two books. There’s a dimension to them, their lives, the angst, passion and struggle are so relatable, you feel like you know them personally.
I think the most important thing a writer can do is make you feel like you’re taking the ride alongside the characters. Allowing you to experience it all with them and you do with this book.
As an LGBTQ identifying parent to two pretty awesome humans who I know were the universes reward for the struggles I went through, this series will stick with me. It’s important to be able to acknowledge everyone’s journey in life is not the same.
Amazing work on tackling such a heartfelt and personal story.
August 11, 2020
In this novella-length sequel to Lee's very strong debut, Kinsley and Grace have married and are pursuing parenthood via alternative insemination. The desire to have a family is strong for Grace who introduces the idea to Kinsley during their first dance at their wedding. Grace is at times enthusiastic and and at other times distant and depressed when the inseminations don't result in pregnancy. Kinsely by contrast is positive and encouraging but too blase for Grace. The main conflict occurs about 2/3 of the way through.
These are characters beloved by Lee's fans and the temptation to revisit with them was great. In addition, Lee and her wife had just gone through a similar (though different) pregnancy journey. For singles and couples pursuing pregnancy, this is a helpful story. For everyone else, less so.
I always say that whatever issues a couple has become magnified when they have children (whereas many wrongly think this will solve those issues). This is true for Grace and Kinsley, who are two really different people.
Given the relevance of the book for some, I'm going with a 3.
These are characters beloved by Lee's fans and the temptation to revisit with them was great. In addition, Lee and her wife had just gone through a similar (though different) pregnancy journey. For singles and couples pursuing pregnancy, this is a helpful story. For everyone else, less so.
I always say that whatever issues a couple has become magnified when they have children (whereas many wrongly think this will solve those issues). This is true for Grace and Kinsley, who are two really different people.
Given the relevance of the book for some, I'm going with a 3.
September 30, 2025
3,5/5
I have so many opinions about this.Like wtf???
First of all ,I could never be married to someone like Kinsley,imagine the romance book if I don't want to have relationship with the love interest???Like I have no doubt that Kinsley loves Grace ,but bruh you're giving my head a headache with your stupid actions.
Both were at fault sometimes which made me confused about who do I want to slap???But it's also really natural for this kind of things to happen between couples and I liked to read about how they come in their own terms about what they're ready to accept and what they're ready to give up.
But again confusing???beacuse Kinsley confessed something at the end of the book that had ME the READER confused, like half this book was from your pov??? you're shocking me and your wife??it should had been a little more executed, more showed ,much more believable
Also this book made me scared about wanting kids
I have so many opinions about this.Like wtf???
First of all ,I could never be married to someone like Kinsley,imagine the romance book if I don't want to have relationship with the love interest???Like I have no doubt that Kinsley loves Grace ,but bruh you're giving my head a headache with your stupid actions.
Both were at fault sometimes which made me confused about who do I want to slap???But it's also really natural for this kind of things to happen between couples and I liked to read about how they come in their own terms about what they're ready to accept and what they're ready to give up.
But again confusing???beacuse Kinsley confessed something at the end of the book that had ME the READER confused, like half this book was from your pov??? you're shocking me and your wife??it should had been a little more executed, more showed ,much more believable
Also this book made me scared about wanting kids
August 8, 2020
The struggles of Kinsley and Grace in trying to conceive is very real. I can relate so much and it gave me a lot of emotions, it happened to me and my husband, except on having a sperm donor of course. I have PCOS and it makes the conception more challenging for us, I have to take meds just to ovulate every month and have to do ultrasound just to see if my eggs are ready. The trying and waiting and failed pregnancy test can really put a stress in the relationship, that sometimes we forget to enjoy the process. And this book actually helped me understand my husband more, Kinsley is like a little bit of my husband, both are stubborn and have a lot of room to grow in showing their emotions. Overall, I love this book, I love the characters and I love how real everything in it.
October 29, 2020
Exciting and so real !!!
I was so happy to hear that there was a sequel to the Kinsley and Grace story, what a bad wait to read!
I felt this book of, like emotions, and Grace and Kinsley's quest to get pregnant was so real, I couldn't help feeling and cheering them on. I was COMPLETELY happy with the ending, happy that they had such good friends, and happy that they had each other.
Relationships not only fairytale but we would like it to be.
And here we have a real thing. I really loved Grace and Kinsley more for that. They are still cute, warm and so perfect for each other. I am very happy for this continuation!
I highly recommend it (If you've read "Sunsets and Shadows.") It really is good to have more than Kinsley and Grace!
I was so happy to hear that there was a sequel to the Kinsley and Grace story, what a bad wait to read!
I felt this book of, like emotions, and Grace and Kinsley's quest to get pregnant was so real, I couldn't help feeling and cheering them on. I was COMPLETELY happy with the ending, happy that they had such good friends, and happy that they had each other.
Relationships not only fairytale but we would like it to be.
And here we have a real thing. I really loved Grace and Kinsley more for that. They are still cute, warm and so perfect for each other. I am very happy for this continuation!
I highly recommend it (If you've read "Sunsets and Shadows.") It really is good to have more than Kinsley and Grace!
February 8, 2024
So this one reminded me a bit of The Forever and The Now, in that it seemed more real than the usual fiction. Not that it was meant to be a true story or anything, but it wasn’t full of tropes and story tricks, and instead was full of the ups and downs and unexpected twists of a real life and a real relationship. Which gave it more weight, I guess.
So I’m not walking away quoting the one-liners like I did with its predecessor. I’m not walking away saying “that was a good way to be entertained for a few hours.” (Though, it was.) I’m walking away feeling like I experienced an extra slice of life, and that’s pretty remarkable too.
So I’m not walking away quoting the one-liners like I did with its predecessor. I’m not walking away saying “that was a good way to be entertained for a few hours.” (Though, it was.) I’m walking away feeling like I experienced an extra slice of life, and that’s pretty remarkable too.
July 8, 2021
Wonderful and moving sequel to Sunsets and Shades. This follows Kinsley Harper and Grace Harper-Scott after their marriage. They decide to start trying to star a family immediately. Issues dealing with trying to have a child aren't often part of romance stories. This handles the anxiety, stress, heartbreak and difficulty in conceiving with realistic honestly. I appreciated the authors personal notes of her journey at the end. It definitely hit my emotions. It is a 111 page book I'm classifying as a novella.
September 29, 2020
After loving Sunsets and Shades I loved there was a sequel. And like every book by Erica Lee I loved it. You were able to see how personal this book was for her. And she did such a wonderful job to describe every step and all the emotions. I can’t wait for her next book and highly recommend this one.
August 6, 2020
This book touched my heart in a way that most don’t. The struggle of getting pregnant and the stress it puts on relationships is such a universal thing and is seen not just in same sex couples but in all facets of life. I’ve loved everything by this author but this one is special
August 11, 2020
Very enjoyable and relatable. About to start the journey with my wife and I can totally see both of us in these characters. Kinsley wasn’t my favorite in the first book but I ended up rooting for their relationship. Great sequel.
August 11, 2020
Loved the first book and was exited to read the continuation. Well done for both books! But, the second one was a tad on the shorter side, som maybe there is a third “what happened next” book? Doesn’t have to be long either😉
August 25, 2020
Beautiful
This book and Sunsets and Shades are both well written with two amazing main characters,who go from hating the sight of each other to being the most loving couple ever.Always I look forward to reading Erica's books and look forward to many more to come
This book and Sunsets and Shades are both well written with two amazing main characters,who go from hating the sight of each other to being the most loving couple ever.Always I look forward to reading Erica's books and look forward to many more to come
July 27, 2022
wow
Pregnancy can be a bumpy ride and watching Kinsley and Grace go through the wringer was tough to watch but also eye opening. Kinsley is still the one I want to slap across the face lol.
Pregnancy can be a bumpy ride and watching Kinsley and Grace go through the wringer was tough to watch but also eye opening. Kinsley is still the one I want to slap across the face lol.
September 18, 2024
This one hit a little close to home for me, but I'm happy the author wrote a novel sharing this experience. These struggles are real and it's always helpful to know you are not alone. The authors blurb of her own journey at the end was also very special.
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So much feeling packed into roughly 100 pages. I would’ve devoured this just the same had it been 600 pages! Such a great journey to follow Grace and Kinsley on. Erica Lee definitely knows how to pack the perfect balance of emotion and humor in every story she tells.
So much feeling packed into roughly 100 pages. I would’ve devoured this just the same had it been 600 pages! Such a great journey to follow Grace and Kinsley on. Erica Lee definitely knows how to pack the perfect balance of emotion and humor in every story she tells.
August 8, 2020
As someone in a same-sex relationship that went through the process of trying to conceive, I felt this story deep in my heart.
August 13, 2020
This continuation of the Sunsets and Shade series is a hit out of the park. It’s sweet, poignant and funny. Not to be missed.
September 12, 2020
Powerful story but excellent book. Glad I read both books.
January 13, 2021
What a journey!
As someone ready to start my own journey, this is exactly what I needed to mentally prepare myself and my wife. Thank you Erica Lee. Keep writing and stay safe.
As someone ready to start my own journey, this is exactly what I needed to mentally prepare myself and my wife. Thank you Erica Lee. Keep writing and stay safe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews