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Rehoboth Pact #1
Confined Desires
Sky’s crush on her best friend has always been unrequited… until they’re stuck in quarantine together and sparks fly.
Sky’s high school bestie is moving back to the area and staying with her for a few weeks. Easy, right? Not when she’d held a torch for the woman since high school. The moment Mia walks through Sky’s door, those unrequited feelings return full-force. So, when a spreading virus keeps them confined in Sky’s apartment even longer, Sky is screwed.
Mia returns home after a bad breakup, but Sky is the only one who offers a safe place to land. However, the seven years they spent apart has her looking at her best friend through a different lens, attraction sparking with every inside joke, shared dinner, and cuddle on the couch.
That flare of desire fast turns physical. They can’t get enough of each other. Yet, whenever Mia tries for the “where is this going” talk, Sky dodges. Sky lost her sister in high school, and ever since, she’s become ace at keeping dates at a distance. Yet if she doesn’t manage to push past her own fears, she might lose her one shot at happiness with the woman she’s waited a lifetime for.
Sky’s high school bestie is moving back to the area and staying with her for a few weeks. Easy, right? Not when she’d held a torch for the woman since high school. The moment Mia walks through Sky’s door, those unrequited feelings return full-force. So, when a spreading virus keeps them confined in Sky’s apartment even longer, Sky is screwed.
Mia returns home after a bad breakup, but Sky is the only one who offers a safe place to land. However, the seven years they spent apart has her looking at her best friend through a different lens, attraction sparking with every inside joke, shared dinner, and cuddle on the couch.
That flare of desire fast turns physical. They can’t get enough of each other. Yet, whenever Mia tries for the “where is this going” talk, Sky dodges. Sky lost her sister in high school, and ever since, she’s become ace at keeping dates at a distance. Yet if she doesn’t manage to push past her own fears, she might lose her one shot at happiness with the woman she’s waited a lifetime for.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2021
34 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
85 books720 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 20, 2025
Ok romance, best friends since high school, separated when Mia moved across the country to go to uni and then get married. When the relationship falls apart she comes home and stays with Skye for a while when Covid (or whatever they call it here) and they fall in love, but too much grief in their pasts with Skye's sister dying and all. Lukewarm, but the two lead MCs were likeable enough. 2.5 stars
March 24, 2021
Cute!
Sky’s best friend Mia has just returned to town and is currently residing with her when a virus sweeping the world leaves them confined within Sky’s apartment under the orders of a quarantine. Mia is just getting over a break-up, but for Sky who has unrequited feelings for her can’t seem to get her head around the possibility they might be able to be happy together when Mia admits her own feelings for her, and tries to find out if they have the potential to actually be together.
What was great about this story was the cute, friends to lovers theme and how they were both wary of how feelings might change their friendship. I loved how Katherine used the pandemic situation to create that forced confined space that tested these characters, brought them out of themselves, and force them to face the realities of their feelings and attraction to one another. Sky was really challenged though because she could revert to type and just run and hide, as circumstances didn’t allow.
There was a lot of emotion in Sky and Mia’s story, from what had happened between them in the past to force them apart for so long, but also their worries, fears, and hesitance of how this was going to affect them personally, and their friendship. It is always a risk when the person you fall for is someone who you are already incredibly close with and who is an important part of your life because if things go wrong it’s not easy to go back, and on that I completely sympathised with Sky and understood why she was so hesitant.
The story was just such a cute romance between friends that had angst, tension, and emotion that made it an exciting read. The simplicity of only really using two characters for the majority of the story must have been quite a challenge, but Katherine cleverly had other characters present without actively having them involved in large portions of the story, which was quite unique and really reflected the situation of a quarantine in which the story is set. I highly recommend this story and think most will find it quite relatable.
Sky’s best friend Mia has just returned to town and is currently residing with her when a virus sweeping the world leaves them confined within Sky’s apartment under the orders of a quarantine. Mia is just getting over a break-up, but for Sky who has unrequited feelings for her can’t seem to get her head around the possibility they might be able to be happy together when Mia admits her own feelings for her, and tries to find out if they have the potential to actually be together.
What was great about this story was the cute, friends to lovers theme and how they were both wary of how feelings might change their friendship. I loved how Katherine used the pandemic situation to create that forced confined space that tested these characters, brought them out of themselves, and force them to face the realities of their feelings and attraction to one another. Sky was really challenged though because she could revert to type and just run and hide, as circumstances didn’t allow.
There was a lot of emotion in Sky and Mia’s story, from what had happened between them in the past to force them apart for so long, but also their worries, fears, and hesitance of how this was going to affect them personally, and their friendship. It is always a risk when the person you fall for is someone who you are already incredibly close with and who is an important part of your life because if things go wrong it’s not easy to go back, and on that I completely sympathised with Sky and understood why she was so hesitant.
The story was just such a cute romance between friends that had angst, tension, and emotion that made it an exciting read. The simplicity of only really using two characters for the majority of the story must have been quite a challenge, but Katherine cleverly had other characters present without actively having them involved in large portions of the story, which was quite unique and really reflected the situation of a quarantine in which the story is set. I highly recommend this story and think most will find it quite relatable.
May 20, 2021
Confined Desires is, on the face of it, a straightforward love story in strange times. Covid isn’t mentioned, but instead the pandemic plays out via the fictional TELA flu virus, and the circumstances we have all lived in over the past year or so are very similar. Quarantine, people losing their jobs, being separated from friends and family.
Despite this, the book isn’t about a pandemic. It’s about two friends, one unrequited love, one bed, and all the lovely romance tropes one can think of. Hurt/comfort is in there. Angst. I have massive respect for the author for being so blatant about shoving all the well-known and loved tropes in this story of two female friends who gradually become lovers over the course of quarantine, and through finding each other, learn to deal with grief as well.
Although there is nothing new in the plot, what IS refreshing is the lack of “gosh I’m a lesbian!” or banging on about a situation we are all finding hard at the moment. The pandemic, fictional or not, is true to life but doesn’t take over. It’s there, and life goes on. The characters are engaging, likeable, and it’s easy to root for them. Sometimes you just want to read about people making it through and finding happiness, instead of relentless uncertainty and Dystopian angst. They are surrounded by pleasant side characters and the setting isn’t too unrealistic. It all feels real without slapping the reader around the face with reality. There are some lovely sexy times for good measure, which is always a bonus.
Based on this book, I’d definitely check out more of this author’s work. Although I’m not an expert, it seems like a solid addition to the F/F romance genre.
Despite this, the book isn’t about a pandemic. It’s about two friends, one unrequited love, one bed, and all the lovely romance tropes one can think of. Hurt/comfort is in there. Angst. I have massive respect for the author for being so blatant about shoving all the well-known and loved tropes in this story of two female friends who gradually become lovers over the course of quarantine, and through finding each other, learn to deal with grief as well.
Although there is nothing new in the plot, what IS refreshing is the lack of “gosh I’m a lesbian!” or banging on about a situation we are all finding hard at the moment. The pandemic, fictional or not, is true to life but doesn’t take over. It’s there, and life goes on. The characters are engaging, likeable, and it’s easy to root for them. Sometimes you just want to read about people making it through and finding happiness, instead of relentless uncertainty and Dystopian angst. They are surrounded by pleasant side characters and the setting isn’t too unrealistic. It all feels real without slapping the reader around the face with reality. There are some lovely sexy times for good measure, which is always a bonus.
Based on this book, I’d definitely check out more of this author’s work. Although I’m not an expert, it seems like a solid addition to the F/F romance genre.
April 19, 2022
1st book I've read re pandemic - interesting take, but well written and belivable. Will try number 2 in series. Recommended.
March 29, 2021
Sky and Mia were best friends in high school, but lost touch in college. Now they are stuck together during lockdown, can they be more than friends?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sky stayed in her hometown and followed her passion for food, training to be a skilled chef and getting her dream job with a fancy restaurant.
She's dated women, but has never been able to commit; partly because none of them will measure up to the fantasies she had about her best friend, who disappeared for 5 years.
Now Mia is back in her life, and Sky has to fight her feelings around her "straight" friend.
Mia left their hometown, mainly to get a break from her mum. She went across the country for college, and stayed there for the sake of her boyfriend and job as a hotshot IT person.
When the relationship breaks down, Mia realises she has nothing left, and is inevitably drawn back home, where she can make a fresh start, and deal with her attraction to her best friend.
Waiting for her house to be ready, Mia moves in with Sky temporarily - although the weeks soon turn to months as a pandemic shuts everything down, and the two women are stuck together.
I thought this was a really sweet story, about two old friends reconnecting, finding out what is different, and how they have changed.
I thought the author did a great job establishing a solid friendship between Mia and Sky, and it was a very real risk that they might lose something precious, and I understood the hesitance to take it to the next level.
This is a character-driven book, focussed on the smaller world we've all been experiencing lately. Unable to physically go to work, unable to see other people. The story is about Sky and Mia's lives within their little flat for a few months. Everything else gets pushed to the background.
I did occasionally wish that the author would explain more of the background stuff. We're told there is a big (non-Covid) pandemic, and everyone has to go on lockdown.
Yes, we can all relate, but nothing more was mentioned. If you're going to create a new pandemic, I'd hope for a bit of information.
It didn't feel like there was ever any question that these two would end up together, and there were no real hurdles to their happiness; but it was just so sweet, I was never bored.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sky stayed in her hometown and followed her passion for food, training to be a skilled chef and getting her dream job with a fancy restaurant.
She's dated women, but has never been able to commit; partly because none of them will measure up to the fantasies she had about her best friend, who disappeared for 5 years.
Now Mia is back in her life, and Sky has to fight her feelings around her "straight" friend.
Mia left their hometown, mainly to get a break from her mum. She went across the country for college, and stayed there for the sake of her boyfriend and job as a hotshot IT person.
When the relationship breaks down, Mia realises she has nothing left, and is inevitably drawn back home, where she can make a fresh start, and deal with her attraction to her best friend.
Waiting for her house to be ready, Mia moves in with Sky temporarily - although the weeks soon turn to months as a pandemic shuts everything down, and the two women are stuck together.
I thought this was a really sweet story, about two old friends reconnecting, finding out what is different, and how they have changed.
I thought the author did a great job establishing a solid friendship between Mia and Sky, and it was a very real risk that they might lose something precious, and I understood the hesitance to take it to the next level.
This is a character-driven book, focussed on the smaller world we've all been experiencing lately. Unable to physically go to work, unable to see other people. The story is about Sky and Mia's lives within their little flat for a few months. Everything else gets pushed to the background.
I did occasionally wish that the author would explain more of the background stuff. We're told there is a big (non-Covid) pandemic, and everyone has to go on lockdown.
Yes, we can all relate, but nothing more was mentioned. If you're going to create a new pandemic, I'd hope for a bit of information.
It didn't feel like there was ever any question that these two would end up together, and there were no real hurdles to their happiness; but it was just so sweet, I was never bored.
March 27, 2021
This is the first book in the Rehoboth Pact series and it’s a fantastic start. Sky and Mia were best friends in high school, but fell out of touch in college. Sky has had a crush on Mia for years, and now Mia has come to stay with Sky after a bad breakup. When the pandemic starts, Sky and Mia are confined together for longer than anticipated. I loved both Mia and Sky’s characters, their character development, and they were easy to relate too. Such a sweet story and one I highly recommend.
April 28, 2022
the time has come for my biannual binge-reading of lesfic (read: finals season is stressful and this is how I cope)!! this was a short, sweet, steamy read (although a little triggering with all the ~pandemic plot points~) and I’m excited for the rest of the series!!
March 1, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club for free in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very cute read, but a tad frustrating. Don't get me wrong, this was solid romance! It had enough sexy, enough sweet, enough inner struggles that the author also managed to handle real nice. I enjoyed it. However, afterwards I'm not left with any specific emotions, I don't feel satisfied. It just didn't click with me. Which is a shame, because otherwise it was a nice read, and I'm so glad to see many others have enjoyed this one.
The setting... I haven't really touched quarantine books because I don't tend to have interest in them. I never was one for "and there's only one bed!" fanfics, and I feel this falls in the similar category. It has some elements that just don't fascinate me. But this story was enjoyable, the book dealt with the confined setting nicely. Well done.
Characters were fun! I enjoyed them both, which is great. Far too often I tend to find characters in romance genre annoying, or just something rubs me off wrong way. Neither Sky or Mia did that. Also, I truly enjoyed the author's writing style, she knows how to move the story along as well as explore the characters' thoughts and motivations.
Even though my experience was great, I don't think I got attached enough to the characters or the setting, so I doubt I'll pick up the next book in the series. But who knows? In the end, my experience with this was fine, and I definitely recommend this to any f/f romance readers!
This was a very cute read, but a tad frustrating. Don't get me wrong, this was solid romance! It had enough sexy, enough sweet, enough inner struggles that the author also managed to handle real nice. I enjoyed it. However, afterwards I'm not left with any specific emotions, I don't feel satisfied. It just didn't click with me. Which is a shame, because otherwise it was a nice read, and I'm so glad to see many others have enjoyed this one.
The setting... I haven't really touched quarantine books because I don't tend to have interest in them. I never was one for "and there's only one bed!" fanfics, and I feel this falls in the similar category. It has some elements that just don't fascinate me. But this story was enjoyable, the book dealt with the confined setting nicely. Well done.
Characters were fun! I enjoyed them both, which is great. Far too often I tend to find characters in romance genre annoying, or just something rubs me off wrong way. Neither Sky or Mia did that. Also, I truly enjoyed the author's writing style, she knows how to move the story along as well as explore the characters' thoughts and motivations.
Even though my experience was great, I don't think I got attached enough to the characters or the setting, so I doubt I'll pick up the next book in the series. But who knows? In the end, my experience with this was fine, and I definitely recommend this to any f/f romance readers!
February 14, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really liked Confined Desires. Honestly my only problem with it was that it made me long for the end of this pandemic...
Mia and Sky are high school best friends who lost touch for a little when Mia went to an out-of-state college. Sky has had a crush on Mia for years, whereas Mia's attraction to her best friend is a little newer. I've always found the border between desiring physical intimacy and desiring emotional intimacy very intriguing, so I loved this as the foundation for their relationship.
Mia comes back to stay with Sky for a few weeks, but the TELA pandemic (no idea what that stands for but if anyone figures it out lmk) ends up forcing them to cohabitate for much longer. As someone who grew up on a healthy diet of fanfiction, this cliche is really appealing to me. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn't even feel that much like a cliche, either- I have friends who've done a very similar thing!
All in all, I really enjoyed Confined Desires. This is my first book by Katherine McIntyre, but I'll definitely be following this series more. TLDR: definitely a fun read!!
I really, really liked Confined Desires. Honestly my only problem with it was that it made me long for the end of this pandemic...
Mia and Sky are high school best friends who lost touch for a little when Mia went to an out-of-state college. Sky has had a crush on Mia for years, whereas Mia's attraction to her best friend is a little newer. I've always found the border between desiring physical intimacy and desiring emotional intimacy very intriguing, so I loved this as the foundation for their relationship.
Mia comes back to stay with Sky for a few weeks, but the TELA pandemic (no idea what that stands for but if anyone figures it out lmk) ends up forcing them to cohabitate for much longer. As someone who grew up on a healthy diet of fanfiction, this cliche is really appealing to me. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn't even feel that much like a cliche, either- I have friends who've done a very similar thing!
All in all, I really enjoyed Confined Desires. This is my first book by Katherine McIntyre, but I'll definitely be following this series more. TLDR: definitely a fun read!!
February 14, 2021
This book was given to the Sapphic Book Club for an honest review.
Sky is a chef just trying to get by with the unexpected lockdown. Mia is her best friend who is temporarily leaving with her, while arranging her move. It shouldn't be a problem for them to be stuck in the same place for two weeks, if it wasn't the fact that Sky has a crush on Mia since high school.
If you're looking for something sweet, with not too much drama and with its own spice of hotness, this is the book for you. Although this was easy to read, it took me more time than I expected, because I felt the lack of some more concrete obstacle. Also, even with the premise of a lockdown, we don't see too much of it in the book, which is nice as someone who has had her share with Covid related subjects.
It is an enjoyable book and worth a read.
Sky is a chef just trying to get by with the unexpected lockdown. Mia is her best friend who is temporarily leaving with her, while arranging her move. It shouldn't be a problem for them to be stuck in the same place for two weeks, if it wasn't the fact that Sky has a crush on Mia since high school.
If you're looking for something sweet, with not too much drama and with its own spice of hotness, this is the book for you. Although this was easy to read, it took me more time than I expected, because I felt the lack of some more concrete obstacle. Also, even with the premise of a lockdown, we don't see too much of it in the book, which is nice as someone who has had her share with Covid related subjects.
It is an enjoyable book and worth a read.
March 25, 2021
The first F/F romance by the author and my first read of her work - I was not disappointed. Due to unusual circumstances, leads Sky and Mia are forced to quarantine together. Seven years have passed since they were best friends in high school and now Mia has returned home. They both carry emotional baggage exacerbated by close confinement with the angst, inner turmoil and bedroom heat cleverly interwoven in this realistic storyline. If only Sky can see through all the emotional fog to what's right in front of her and Mia stop looking for approval from family. I read slowly to savor the plot.
I easily recommend this book and look forward to more WLW books from Ms. McIntyre.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is an unbiased, voluntary review.
I easily recommend this book and look forward to more WLW books from Ms. McIntyre.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is an unbiased, voluntary review.
March 27, 2021
This book was beautiful. The second chance story of two women who were best friends but grew apart only to find themselves thrown back together by life’s circumstances. The author skillfully wove a tale of perfect love with imperfect people. Sky, stilted by trauma, has loved Mia since they were in high school but is afraid to totally give herself to a relationship. Mia, on the other hand, is desperate to have a lasting connection with another person after years of being raised by a closed off mother and rejected by a runaway father. Dumped by her boyfriend for being “needy” she is reluctant to push Sky to far too fast fearing that could ruin their friendship. It all comes to a head when they are forced to live in Sky’s apartment for two months, because of the quarantine. Sky is unemployed, because she works as a chef and her restaurant is closed and Mia works from home (well Sky’s home). During their time in lockdown, they tiptoe around their mutual attraction. They steal furtive glances and manufacture reasons to touch until they can’t take it anymore. Fueled by sweet terms of endearment, and Jack Daniels, they succumb to their desires and begin a firestorm neither of them is sure they will survive.
I enjoyed taking the journey with these lovely women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed taking the journey with these lovely women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
Absolutely devoured this one despite thinking I was only going to flick through a few pages and save for later. I blew off playing through a game, watching the Olympics, and had to reschedule a game session with a friend because I was so hooked.
My only complaint is that there was a fantasy of seeing the other character naked in the shower that was mentioned 2 or 3 times, and it never materialized in the pages.
The Chekhov's gun of romance is that if a character mentions a fantasy, they better be acting on it before the end.
Otherwise, it was a really fun pandemic book that neatly side-stepped COVID with the fictional TELA virus, while also perfectly encapsulating a trope of isolation with feelings.
My only complaint is that there was a fantasy of seeing the other character naked in the shower that was mentioned 2 or 3 times, and it never materialized in the pages.
The Chekhov's gun of romance is that if a character mentions a fantasy, they better be acting on it before the end.
Otherwise, it was a really fun pandemic book that neatly side-stepped COVID with the fictional TELA virus, while also perfectly encapsulating a trope of isolation with feelings.
November 22, 2021
Perhaps good things can come from quarantine? The situation is very timely and I love that Katherine McIntyre set a book during the lockdown. The characters are relatable and the angst and frustration is palatable. McIntyre is a master at creating quirky, realistic characters and never fails to entertain me.
March 25, 2021
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Mia splits with her boyfriend and comes home, to Sky since she has nowhere else to go. Then the world comes crazy and there is stay at home order. Can Sky and Mia manage in a tiny one bed flat, in close proximity, and keep their hands off each other?
I have to commend Ms McIntyre. For a while she only wrote male/female pairings. The last book I read of her's was a M/M pairing, and this is a F/F pairing. And she nailed this, as she did Midnight Heist!
Sky has lusted, LOVED Mia since high school. She's not sure she can cope with them being so close for an extended time. Mia is, quite simply, the only woman for her. Mia, in turn has had feelings for Sky for equally as long. She just wasn't exactly sure WHAT she was feeling then, but she is now.
It's great watching them dance around each other for a while, and then fall headlong over that cliff. Only for Sky to mess it all up by keeping her mouth shut. Oh, I wanted to punch her then, I really did, especially as Mia poured her heart out to her!
It's not especially explicit, but it IS full of love and passion. It's emotional too, with Sky dealing with the loss of her sister, and Mia's female parental unit (I don't like her, can you tell?!?)
It is the first 'virus' book I've read, and I expect there to be more, but every one of those books will have to stand against this one, in that regard, cos it is so well done!
The title of the series is the Rehoboth Pact. I loved the reason for that, and that Aubrey evokes said pact when Sky acts stoopid! There is a third friend, Kyle, in the pact. We didn't meet her yet though. Aubs is here though, and she's a lot of fun! So, I'm assuming that the series will be around these three girls. Can't wait to read them!
It's not a compliacted read, just a story of two girls seeing who is right in front of them, and acting on your feelings.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Mia splits with her boyfriend and comes home, to Sky since she has nowhere else to go. Then the world comes crazy and there is stay at home order. Can Sky and Mia manage in a tiny one bed flat, in close proximity, and keep their hands off each other?
I have to commend Ms McIntyre. For a while she only wrote male/female pairings. The last book I read of her's was a M/M pairing, and this is a F/F pairing. And she nailed this, as she did Midnight Heist!
Sky has lusted, LOVED Mia since high school. She's not sure she can cope with them being so close for an extended time. Mia is, quite simply, the only woman for her. Mia, in turn has had feelings for Sky for equally as long. She just wasn't exactly sure WHAT she was feeling then, but she is now.
It's great watching them dance around each other for a while, and then fall headlong over that cliff. Only for Sky to mess it all up by keeping her mouth shut. Oh, I wanted to punch her then, I really did, especially as Mia poured her heart out to her!
It's not especially explicit, but it IS full of love and passion. It's emotional too, with Sky dealing with the loss of her sister, and Mia's female parental unit (I don't like her, can you tell?!?)
It is the first 'virus' book I've read, and I expect there to be more, but every one of those books will have to stand against this one, in that regard, cos it is so well done!
The title of the series is the Rehoboth Pact. I loved the reason for that, and that Aubrey evokes said pact when Sky acts stoopid! There is a third friend, Kyle, in the pact. We didn't meet her yet though. Aubs is here though, and she's a lot of fun! So, I'm assuming that the series will be around these three girls. Can't wait to read them!
It's not a compliacted read, just a story of two girls seeing who is right in front of them, and acting on your feelings.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
April 4, 2021
The Review
This was such a well-balanced and engaging read. The author brilliantly delivers a powerfully romantic story of two friends who reunite after years apart, only to be forced into quarantine together where feelings both had pushed down without the other’s knowledge begin to stir up. The author expertly brings the real-life feelings and complications from a romance such as this to life, from the fear of losing that best friend should the relationship fail, to the pain of the past threatening to loom over their relationship, and more.
What makes this novel stand out is not only the amazing relationship between these two women and its evolution throughout the narrative but the setting of the novel as well. While not the exact same virus, pitting this romance story against the backdrop of a pandemic is inspired at a time like this. The real-world pandemic has not only been stressful and painful for many around the world but has forced us all to reexamine our lives and the relationships we hold dear as well. This makes the romance even more profound and emotional in this story.
The Verdict
A romantic, emotionally investing and remarkable read, author Katherine McIntyre’s “Confined Desires” is a must-read novel. The author’s use of the two central protagonists for a majority of the novel’s plot was an inspired choice and really elevated the book’s setting as well. Combine this with the extreme emotions these two women share together and apart from one another throughout the narrative, and readers will be thoroughly invested in this book. Be sure to grab your copy today!
This was such a well-balanced and engaging read. The author brilliantly delivers a powerfully romantic story of two friends who reunite after years apart, only to be forced into quarantine together where feelings both had pushed down without the other’s knowledge begin to stir up. The author expertly brings the real-life feelings and complications from a romance such as this to life, from the fear of losing that best friend should the relationship fail, to the pain of the past threatening to loom over their relationship, and more.
What makes this novel stand out is not only the amazing relationship between these two women and its evolution throughout the narrative but the setting of the novel as well. While not the exact same virus, pitting this romance story against the backdrop of a pandemic is inspired at a time like this. The real-world pandemic has not only been stressful and painful for many around the world but has forced us all to reexamine our lives and the relationships we hold dear as well. This makes the romance even more profound and emotional in this story.
The Verdict
A romantic, emotionally investing and remarkable read, author Katherine McIntyre’s “Confined Desires” is a must-read novel. The author’s use of the two central protagonists for a majority of the novel’s plot was an inspired choice and really elevated the book’s setting as well. Combine this with the extreme emotions these two women share together and apart from one another throughout the narrative, and readers will be thoroughly invested in this book. Be sure to grab your copy today!
February 20, 2021
This book was given to the Sapphic Book Club for an honest review.
This is not only my first book by this author, but it is also my first pandemic book. The story follows high school best friends Sky and Mia. Sky has always had a crush on Mia, but after college, they lost touch. In the story, Mia has just moved into Sky's apartment after a bad breakup when a pandemic starts resulting in them having to be quarantine together.
I liked both character and enjoyed the forced proximity element. They each have baggage that they need to deal with while dealing with the pandemic. I do want to note that the pandemic is different than our current real life situation, which allowed the author more flexibility with how to handle it. The pandemic was fairly sidelined and used mostly as a way to create the forced proximity.
While I enjoyed the book, I do wish the climatic moment was different. The spoiler function is outsmarting me, so its below.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and will look forward to more by the author. This book is the first of the Rehoboth Pack series, and I'll definitely be looking into the other ones.
This is not only my first book by this author, but it is also my first pandemic book. The story follows high school best friends Sky and Mia. Sky has always had a crush on Mia, but after college, they lost touch. In the story, Mia has just moved into Sky's apartment after a bad breakup when a pandemic starts resulting in them having to be quarantine together.
I liked both character and enjoyed the forced proximity element. They each have baggage that they need to deal with while dealing with the pandemic. I do want to note that the pandemic is different than our current real life situation, which allowed the author more flexibility with how to handle it. The pandemic was fairly sidelined and used mostly as a way to create the forced proximity.
While I enjoyed the book, I do wish the climatic moment was different. The spoiler function is outsmarting me, so its below.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and will look forward to more by the author. This book is the first of the Rehoboth Pack series, and I'll definitely be looking into the other ones.
August 7, 2023
CONFINED DESIRES is the first book in the Rehoboth Pact series. Sky had a crush on her best friend but was hurt when she left without much of a warning. Then Mia was with a guy, so Sky definitely thought her ship had sailed. Mia returns into her life though, at a time when quarantine gives them no option but to be in close contact. The question is whether both Sky and Mia are able to work through the baggage of their past, to make a future together.
This is the first FF romance by Katherine McIntyre I have read, and it's a contemporary! I make no bones about preferring MM and Paranormal, but it's Katherine McIntyre!!! I had no choice, honest! And speaking of honesty, that's what I got. An honest and thoughtful, sweet and sexy, story that also proves women are just as bad at communicating as men are.
I enjoyed the parallels between their story and the current state of affairs in my world, with it enhancing the story without shoving the similarities down my throat.
The world- and character-building are just what I would expect from a KM book. I am left with the warm and fuzzies from this book, and also left wanting the next in the series. A great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 1, 2021
This is the first FF romance by Katherine McIntyre I have read, and it's a contemporary! I make no bones about preferring MM and Paranormal, but it's Katherine McIntyre!!! I had no choice, honest! And speaking of honesty, that's what I got. An honest and thoughtful, sweet and sexy, story that also proves women are just as bad at communicating as men are.
I enjoyed the parallels between their story and the current state of affairs in my world, with it enhancing the story without shoving the similarities down my throat.
The world- and character-building are just what I would expect from a KM book. I am left with the warm and fuzzies from this book, and also left wanting the next in the series. A great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 1, 2021
November 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lovely sweet love story, great characters, kept me interested all the way throughout. Even with a mention of the quarantine the whole world has been going through, I was pleased when they finally got together, just showing love doesn’t run smoothly! Looking forward to the next part now.
March 29, 2021
Sweet and sexy with a hit of reality makes Confined Desires a must-read F/F romance of 2021.
With characters easy to relate to and like and a carefully crafted romance, this book from Katherine McIntyre was hard to put down. Beautiful.
With characters easy to relate to and like and a carefully crafted romance, this book from Katherine McIntyre was hard to put down. Beautiful.
March 29, 2021
Good Story
I have not read this author before but I will definitely be looking forward to reading more in the future! Good job!
I have not read this author before but I will definitely be looking forward to reading more in the future! Good job!
August 16, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This book was enjoyable, with lovable characters, a relationship to care about, and moments that pulled at your heart. I think I would have been absolutely in love with this book if there had been a little more lead in. Pretty much immediately, there was strong lust and general feels, and it felt a little jarring. I would have loved to see the characters being nervous to see each other again, maybe reminisce about high school before they see each other, and maybe even see the awkwardness of their first encounter after seven years. Without this 'set up' I found it really hard to get into the story.
I'd probably still continue with this series when the second book comes out, but it would be awesome to get a little more history and context before the start of the relationship.
This book was enjoyable, with lovable characters, a relationship to care about, and moments that pulled at your heart. I think I would have been absolutely in love with this book if there had been a little more lead in. Pretty much immediately, there was strong lust and general feels, and it felt a little jarring. I would have loved to see the characters being nervous to see each other again, maybe reminisce about high school before they see each other, and maybe even see the awkwardness of their first encounter after seven years. Without this 'set up' I found it really hard to get into the story.
I'd probably still continue with this series when the second book comes out, but it would be awesome to get a little more history and context before the start of the relationship.
July 11, 2022
4 stars
Warm, friends2lovers in the time of quarantine
All this awkward, long-term mutual pining is my jam! Well, as long as it's resolved. So yes, 2 grown ass women who grew apart when they didn't realize that their secret beloved WANTED THEM TOO. It's sweet, yummy, awkward, painful, tragic (in a few ways), and realistic
Thankfully, fate and practicality force them back together and the good stuff happens. I would've appreciated a little more stream, but my heart is full of feels, so that's alright. SO MANY FEELS, y'all... Definitely need to find more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Warm, friends2lovers in the time of quarantine
All this awkward, long-term mutual pining is my jam! Well, as long as it's resolved. So yes, 2 grown ass women who grew apart when they didn't realize that their secret beloved WANTED THEM TOO. It's sweet, yummy, awkward, painful, tragic (in a few ways), and realistic
Thankfully, fate and practicality force them back together and the good stuff happens. I would've appreciated a little more stream, but my heart is full of feels, so that's alright. SO MANY FEELS, y'all... Definitely need to find more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2022
Sky and Mia were really close friends before life got in the way and Mia moved away. Mia is now back and the plan to stay with Sky whilst she finds a place to live is derailed as a pandemic hits and a lockdown is imposed. Living in very close quarters with the girl you have always had a crush on is pure torture for Sky but little does she know that Mia is in a similar position. It feels inevitable that the sexual tension will explode under the circumstances.
An enjoyable introduction to the series.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
An enjoyable introduction to the series.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
March 20, 2025
I liked the premise of this story with the forced proximity trope but I found the story a bit repetitive, especially certain language. I also felt like there wasn't enough character development to distinguish the two women's voices, so sometimes I had to go back and double check whose chapter I was on. Maybe that could have been helped with using the name at the beginning of each chapter or something!
August 17, 2024
Its been a while sine the world went into lockdown with the spread of the virus. Katherine McIntyre really adds the tension of the return of the schoolgirl crush to Delaware home town for a couple of weeks . You guess it. Lockdown with all its complexities with best friends in a small apartment. Well done
November 20, 2022
- weird fake virus/pandemic (the TELA virus) just say covid if you wanna do a covid book
- every female character referred to as "the woman" constantly. 120 times in 170 pages
- so boring
- literally wanted to DNF with 10 pages to go so
- every female character referred to as "the woman" constantly. 120 times in 170 pages
- so boring
- literally wanted to DNF with 10 pages to go so
January 26, 2024
Cute and low-stakes love story set in a Covid-19 analog lockdown. Find characters who metaphorically self-flagellate to be tricky and this one got a little frustrating but ultimately I enjoyed their story.
March 28, 2021
The story was not very engaging and the characters were flat. I also didn’t understand why the virus wasn’t just called covid... seems strange.
March 12, 2021
I am enthralled at how well Confided Desires turned out; both for what it is and what it is not.
Katherine did a marvelous job of building two unique, endearing, and thoughtful characters with vivid backstories and their own pre-existing baggage priority the start of the novel. You can feel the already strong connection between the two of them but one that is clearly in disrepair. Watching these characters grow together and explore their mutual attraction in an unexpected situation was spellbinding and quite alluring.
Moreover, I enjoy how organically she presented a bisexual character being attracted to a monosexual partner. This seems very abstract but as a bisexual individual myself, it is very rewarding to be acknowledged in this regard - many authors tend to write bisexuals as wanton sex fiends who simply want to get off or a heteronormative character who conveniently is also attracted to same sex partners. Mia and Sky are both very genuine, real, and vivid in her writing and it's wholly welcome.
What I do enjoy about this book that didn't happen was that Katherine found a way to use a pandemic setting authentically but not as a catalyzing agent. The option to take the path of least resistance and have this book be about trauma bonding a pair of loose ends could have happened and it's everything BUT that very outcome. It's fresh, thoughtful, sweet, and very captivating. It is a very good flagship novel for a lovely short series and it's very much worth your time and money.
If you enjoy lost love finding it's way back into two lives that didn't think would ever happen, this is the book for you.
Katherine did a marvelous job of building two unique, endearing, and thoughtful characters with vivid backstories and their own pre-existing baggage priority the start of the novel. You can feel the already strong connection between the two of them but one that is clearly in disrepair. Watching these characters grow together and explore their mutual attraction in an unexpected situation was spellbinding and quite alluring.
Moreover, I enjoy how organically she presented a bisexual character being attracted to a monosexual partner. This seems very abstract but as a bisexual individual myself, it is very rewarding to be acknowledged in this regard - many authors tend to write bisexuals as wanton sex fiends who simply want to get off or a heteronormative character who conveniently is also attracted to same sex partners. Mia and Sky are both very genuine, real, and vivid in her writing and it's wholly welcome.
What I do enjoy about this book that didn't happen was that Katherine found a way to use a pandemic setting authentically but not as a catalyzing agent. The option to take the path of least resistance and have this book be about trauma bonding a pair of loose ends could have happened and it's everything BUT that very outcome. It's fresh, thoughtful, sweet, and very captivating. It is a very good flagship novel for a lovely short series and it's very much worth your time and money.
If you enjoy lost love finding it's way back into two lives that didn't think would ever happen, this is the book for you.
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