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A Carlsbad Village Lesbian Romance #1
Nothing But A Fling: A Carlsbad Village Lesbian Romance
Vanessa Murray owns La Vida Mocha, the hip new coffeeshop in Carlsbad, California. But after the Covid pandemic hit, business is practically non-existent.
Megan Baldwin started the year having her heart shattered by her girlfriend but now she has just gotten an exciting new job promotion which will force her to leave Carlsbad and move to New York City.
But one day, Megan walks into La Vida Mocha and lays eyes on the gorgeous barista behind the counter.
Their attraction to each other is out of this world.
But with Megan leaving California soon for her dream job in New York, and Vanessa needing to focus solely on making sure her coffeeshop survives Covid, both women only want a harmless, no-strings-attached summer fling. Just a bit of fun.
But what happens when a meaningless fling develops into so much more for each of these women?
Does the other woman feel the same way?
Or is this truly nothing but a fling?
“Nothing But A Fling” is the first book in the new Carlsbad Village Lesbian Romance series by Sabrina Kane.
Megan Baldwin started the year having her heart shattered by her girlfriend but now she has just gotten an exciting new job promotion which will force her to leave Carlsbad and move to New York City.
But one day, Megan walks into La Vida Mocha and lays eyes on the gorgeous barista behind the counter.
Their attraction to each other is out of this world.
But with Megan leaving California soon for her dream job in New York, and Vanessa needing to focus solely on making sure her coffeeshop survives Covid, both women only want a harmless, no-strings-attached summer fling. Just a bit of fun.
But what happens when a meaningless fling develops into so much more for each of these women?
Does the other woman feel the same way?
Or is this truly nothing but a fling?
“Nothing But A Fling” is the first book in the new Carlsbad Village Lesbian Romance series by Sabrina Kane.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2020
128 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 23, 2022
**'Sometimes verbs and nouns can be the basis of both the language and storyline so writers need to beware of sometimes covering up with adverbs and adjectives...'
3.5stars!
A nice story at times -- if only the writer could have done away with at least 75% usage of the many unnecessary 'f**ks' inserted where it was not needed --- then it would have been much better. Still recommended!
3.5stars!
A nice story at times -- if only the writer could have done away with at least 75% usage of the many unnecessary 'f**ks' inserted where it was not needed --- then it would have been much better. Still recommended!
May 14, 2025
**Sadly, some startling revelations came out today about the author that I can’t support,this author please read more about it and make up your own opinion about maybe reading the book. ** https://jae-fiction.com/another-catfi...
February 3, 2024
1 ★ | DNF. What’s even more shocking is the fact this was RECOMMENDED to me. Shame on the person who did. That’s the last time I trust their opinion.
I lost faith after about 40% of the book. I tried. I gave it a chance. And I wish I never did. It was too slow and I was bored. I didn’t get ANY of the references either. NOT ONE. Is it because I’m British? Or I don’t get out enough? I’ll let you decide. I had to keep googling what the hell the narrator was talking about.
1 star because I believe this could have been SOMETHING. But it flopped for me I’m afraid.
I lost faith after about 40% of the book. I tried. I gave it a chance. And I wish I never did. It was too slow and I was bored. I didn’t get ANY of the references either. NOT ONE. Is it because I’m British? Or I don’t get out enough? I’ll let you decide. I had to keep googling what the hell the narrator was talking about.
1 star because I believe this could have been SOMETHING. But it flopped for me I’m afraid.
Read
May 17, 2025removing rating and review/ catfishing author- pretending to be a sapphic woman
check out jae-fiction.com for further info
check out jae-fiction.com for further info
May 16, 2025
Edit: So I just found out that the author is secretly a man who pretended to be a woman; not in a subtle way though, they created a whole persona and posted fake pictures and forged relationships with fans, etc.. kind of gross! There is nothing wrong with using a pseudonym in my opinion, but all of the extensive lies are not acceptable, and I can’t support that.
Originally I gave this 5-stars, but I’m going to cut it down. I am very torn on this issue because I usually try and view works as separate from the creators (and I objectively enjoyed the book), however this is one of those situations where the actions of the creator should be ignored.
If new information comes out contradicting this, then ill happily revise my rating. Original review left below:
-------------------------------
This was great. This was an easy reading novel with a lot of spice AND a decent plotline; winning combination. I liked the writing, the characters, the setting, and everything in between. It was a relatively standard premise (its literally a coffee-shop-romance) but the execution was very well done, and the end product was a success. I would recommend. I am also planning on reading the 58 sequels, so that tells you something about my level of enjoyment.
My Rating: “A“
Converted Rating: 5-Stars
Highlights:
-Schnauzers! They were barely mentioned, but these are the best dogs.
-Spice. Any Sabrina Kane novel has lots of spice and this one stayed true to the premise. It was also very well done. Very well done.
-Hot as fuck. The spicy scenes of course. They deserve a second bullet point.
-The writing was funny and clever, and easy to read.
-The little old lady! I loved her so much and laughed out loud once or twice. Read and find out.
-There were multiple layers of plot in this novel, on top of it just being a spicy thrill ride. I appreciate that a lot. The plot wasn’t particularly incredible, but it was more than enough to flesh out the novel and give it substance.
-Covid. Why is this a positive you ask? I’m not sure honestly. I find there are not many books set during that time, and it was kind of a big deal with a big impact on our/my life. It’s modern era yet things were so unique and different.
Nitpicks:
-Was it kind of biphobic at that one part? I think so? Not terribly so, but it was noteworthy. I wouldn’t let that stop you from reading but be pre-warned.
-These characters LOVE the World War Z movie. The MOVIE. That movie is hot garbage and no one should love it. The book was a masterpiece, but the movie is crap.
Originally I gave this 5-stars, but I’m going to cut it down. I am very torn on this issue because I usually try and view works as separate from the creators (and I objectively enjoyed the book), however this is one of those situations where the actions of the creator should be ignored.
If new information comes out contradicting this, then ill happily revise my rating. Original review left below:
-------------------------------
This was great. This was an easy reading novel with a lot of spice AND a decent plotline; winning combination. I liked the writing, the characters, the setting, and everything in between. It was a relatively standard premise (its literally a coffee-shop-romance) but the execution was very well done, and the end product was a success. I would recommend. I am also planning on reading the 58 sequels, so that tells you something about my level of enjoyment.
My Rating: “A“
Converted Rating: 5-Stars
Highlights:
-Schnauzers! They were barely mentioned, but these are the best dogs.
-Spice. Any Sabrina Kane novel has lots of spice and this one stayed true to the premise. It was also very well done. Very well done.
-Hot as fuck. The spicy scenes of course. They deserve a second bullet point.
-The writing was funny and clever, and easy to read.
-The little old lady! I loved her so much and laughed out loud once or twice. Read and find out.
-There were multiple layers of plot in this novel, on top of it just being a spicy thrill ride. I appreciate that a lot. The plot wasn’t particularly incredible, but it was more than enough to flesh out the novel and give it substance.
-Covid. Why is this a positive you ask? I’m not sure honestly. I find there are not many books set during that time, and it was kind of a big deal with a big impact on our/my life. It’s modern era yet things were so unique and different.
Nitpicks:
-Was it kind of biphobic at that one part? I think so? Not terribly so, but it was noteworthy. I wouldn’t let that stop you from reading but be pre-warned.
-These characters LOVE the World War Z movie. The MOVIE. That movie is hot garbage and no one should love it. The book was a masterpiece, but the movie is crap.
September 7, 2023
A really promising start and the sex was hot, not something I usually write! Enjoyable and felt real. recommended.
permanent-dnr-authors
May 13, 2025Another catfishing author in the sapphic book community.
Another author pulling an Adam Gaffen, which was only a couple years ago.
Fucking ridiculous. And this is why I have author issues man not a lesbian and pretended to be a lesbian author shelves.
BROS – get a life.
Added to my Permanent DNR Author shelf.
You can read more about "Sabrina Kane" with receipts here.
Another author pulling an Adam Gaffen, which was only a couple years ago.
Fucking ridiculous. And this is why I have author issues man not a lesbian and pretended to be a lesbian author shelves.
BROS – get a life.
Added to my Permanent DNR Author shelf.
You can read more about "Sabrina Kane" with receipts here.
May 13, 2025
not worth the read
Recently shown this author is a scam. Until proven otherwise this will be getting one star. Please view author Jae’s blog update showing information pointing to fraud.
Recently shown this author is a scam. Until proven otherwise this will be getting one star. Please view author Jae’s blog update showing information pointing to fraud.
June 6, 2021
Vanessa and Megan both knew from the moment their eyes met that they found their other half. This was a fabulous way to include what we have been going through the last year. There is nothing like a love story to get you through the rough times. They both faced challenges between business and family. I'm so glad there are my books with these characters they are all great. The sex was off the charts hot 🥵 like melt in my seat hot. So glad I took the recommendation to read it.
June 30, 2023
First book in this absolutely ginormous series down! This series came really highly recommended to me and I did enjoy it, I don’t know if I did as much as a lot of people seem to, but I still liked it. Some of the things the characters said and did annoyed me and pulled me out of the story a bit, but it redeemed itself in the spice. I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, and I do really want to continue the series because I think it will get better overall as the series goes on.
August 7, 2023
The first book I read from this series was book number 4 and I loved it.
The main reasons were that was mostly angst-free, easy to read, good grammar, a huge group of friends and very open-minded.
What was too mysterious for me was the deal around Vanessa. And that made me not want to read the first book Vanessa and Megan’s story.
I liked this book, and I actually could see how the author’s writing has changed.
I think had preferred to see more towards the ending, there was a lot in a few pages: change of plans (moving), buy a house and get engaged.
The main reasons were that was mostly angst-free, easy to read, good grammar, a huge group of friends and very open-minded.
What was too mysterious for me was the deal around Vanessa. And that made me not want to read the first book Vanessa and Megan’s story.
I liked this book, and I actually could see how the author’s writing has changed.
I think had preferred to see more towards the ending, there was a lot in a few pages: change of plans (moving), buy a house and get engaged.
February 4, 2024
The first ever book I read of Sabrina Kane's and I've never looked back!.. Totally hooked on the Carlsbad series , re-reading them to figure out the hidden mystery that runs through them...can you spot it?? :).
Seriously funny, hot as hell and well written.
Seriously funny, hot as hell and well written.
November 19, 2021
I am going to be on the outskirts here but here goes anyway. This book was well written but did not really get the feels for the 2 mains..and nearer the start of the book it seemed that one chapter had some slight plot movement in order to get to the next chapter that was a sex scene..nothing really wrong with that but it happened a lot.. One chapter plot..next sex.. rinse and repeat. I think more time spent on emotional movement to the plot would have garnered a higher score from me..I also did not care much for the politics of the book..I will move to book 2 and see how it goes....3 iffy stars
June 8, 2025
This author is a fraud. He is a man, definitely not a Sabrina Kane.
September 18, 2021
It's a decent enough story using the pandemic line
It's a cute enough story, but Republican bashing is getting out of hand. Not all lesbians are lemming liberals. Some of us are conservatives, have college degrees, and know that wearing masks doesn't prevent shit.
Maybe you should follow some real science and not that Fauci drivel. If masks worked, people would still be getting sick.
It's a cute enough story, but Republican bashing is getting out of hand. Not all lesbians are lemming liberals. Some of us are conservatives, have college degrees, and know that wearing masks doesn't prevent shit.
Maybe you should follow some real science and not that Fauci drivel. If masks worked, people would still be getting sick.
March 14, 2021
Loved it
I loved loved loved this book. Well written, with almost no aghast, just a lovely story that keeps you drifting along in pleasure. Good strong leading & supporting characters. It’s unbelievable that this is a debut book, I will definitely be reading the next book. Would highly recommend.
I loved loved loved this book. Well written, with almost no aghast, just a lovely story that keeps you drifting along in pleasure. Good strong leading & supporting characters. It’s unbelievable that this is a debut book, I will definitely be reading the next book. Would highly recommend.
May 17, 2025
I read this a long time back but never reviewed. I’ve since learned that it wasn’t written by Sabrina Kane, a young lesbian author. It was actually written by a middle aged man who couldn’t sell many books authored by his own name.
This has deeply upset me and it disgusts me to read intimate scenes, wondering if he got his jollies as he wrote them.
A multitude of us are upset how we were catfished by him. I thought I was ‘her’ friend.
You can read more on Jae’s blog:
https://jae-fiction.com/another-catfi...
This has deeply upset me and it disgusts me to read intimate scenes, wondering if he got his jollies as he wrote them.
A multitude of us are upset how we were catfished by him. I thought I was ‘her’ friend.
You can read more on Jae’s blog:
https://jae-fiction.com/another-catfi...
October 28, 2021
The story is great, I loved the references about geek stuff...
Buuut there's a moment, in the beginning of the book, where Vanessa is thinking about her ex leaving her for someone who is overweight like this is something absolutely absurd just because the other woman is overweight and Vanessa is "perfect"
There's nothing wrong with being overweight and I think that diminishing women over things like that IS NOT OKAY
That was totally terrible
You don't have to be thin or "model like" or "actress like" to be beautiful
Everyone is beautiful in their own way
and because of that I give 3 stars
Hot level: 3-4/5
Buuut there's a moment, in the beginning of the book, where Vanessa is thinking about her ex leaving her for someone who is overweight like this is something absolutely absurd just because the other woman is overweight and Vanessa is "perfect"
There's nothing wrong with being overweight and I think that diminishing women over things like that IS NOT OKAY
That was totally terrible
You don't have to be thin or "model like" or "actress like" to be beautiful
Everyone is beautiful in their own way
and because of that I give 3 stars
Hot level: 3-4/5
April 5, 2021
Author debut
Another fantastic author in the works here folks. Sabrina Kane put out a fantastic novel that I just didn't want to put down. Very good character creation, relatable, amazing chemistry and HOT! I am so glad there is another one of her books out as I would not be patient for the next book in this series. Well done!
Another fantastic author in the works here folks. Sabrina Kane put out a fantastic novel that I just didn't want to put down. Very good character creation, relatable, amazing chemistry and HOT! I am so glad there is another one of her books out as I would not be patient for the next book in this series. Well done!
December 1, 2020
Absolutely loved!
This story is about Vanessa and Megan, both characters are so lovable I couldn’t pick a favorite! I kept going back and forth but ended up falling in love with them both! Their chemistry is undeniable they are sweet , sexy and so hot 🔥 together!
This is a must read, I didn’t want to put it down! Look no further for your next book!
Thank you Sabrina! With this being your 1st novel, I can’t even imagine how amazing your next will be! 😊
This story is about Vanessa and Megan, both characters are so lovable I couldn’t pick a favorite! I kept going back and forth but ended up falling in love with them both! Their chemistry is undeniable they are sweet , sexy and so hot 🔥 together!
This is a must read, I didn’t want to put it down! Look no further for your next book!
Thank you Sabrina! With this being your 1st novel, I can’t even imagine how amazing your next will be! 😊
April 4, 2021
Very well written book. For me it is more erotica than romance but if you are into that, it is a fantastic read.
October 22, 2022
Okay, so, this was my second Sabrina Kane read. Just as ridiculously hot as the last one. There were several moments where I had no choice but to close my eyes so that I could recollect myself (and my sanity). No exaggeration.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, and the romance was sweet. The chemistry between the two main characters was fantastic. It didn't feel forced like it can do in some romance. I'm not doing well at explaining how much I liked it. I liked it a whole lot.
There were a few errors in the book which were a tad annoying. I'm talking about missing words and a small grammatical error. I was happy enough to overlook them because I was really invested in the story.
The conflict felt real, in that it didn't seem too far fetched. I only wish that there had been another way for the resolution to take place without it being hinted at so obviously much earlier in the book. The characters were surprised but I'd be surprised myself if many of the readers hadn't already figured was going to happen.
I wasn't that mad about it though.
I really need to start reading these in the order they were released...
I enjoyed the pacing of the book, and the romance was sweet. The chemistry between the two main characters was fantastic. It didn't feel forced like it can do in some romance. I'm not doing well at explaining how much I liked it. I liked it a whole lot.
There were a few errors in the book which were a tad annoying. I'm talking about missing words and a small grammatical error. I was happy enough to overlook them because I was really invested in the story.
The conflict felt real, in that it didn't seem too far fetched. I only wish that there had been another way for the resolution to take place without it being hinted at so obviously much earlier in the book. The characters were surprised but I'd be surprised myself if many of the readers hadn't already figured was going to happen.
I wasn't that mad about it though.
I really need to start reading these in the order they were released...
August 7, 2024
Really nice spice in this one. The chemistry between the two MCs is terrific. I will be reading more in this series, but I don't know how she can top this one.
August 24, 2021
Very steamy. Decent debut by Kane. I found some of the dialog a little bumpy but overall enjoyed it. It’s set during COVID times, which I didn’t know because I don’t usually read blurbs.
April 22, 2023
I LOVED this book! Highly recommend! The characters are strong and dynamic. Their relationship is intense in the best way. Their banter is on point and their spicy scenes are AMAZING! Can't wait to read the rest of the series, and anything else by Sabrina Kane!
February 16, 2023
Nothing but a Fling is a sexy and spicy insta-lust romance that leaves you wanting more.
Vanessa is the proud owner of a new coffee shop, but she struggles to stay afloat after the Covid-19 pandemic hits her home and the world. As the lockdown restrictions lessen, she finds herself with an alluring new customer.
Megan is the youngest executive in her company, and she is still recovering from having her heart shattered by her ex. Things look up when she’s offered a job across the country.
After a vexing day, Megan needs to get out of the house, and she wants to support a local coffee shop. Her go-to shop has closed because of the pandemic, causing her to try a new shop. Opening the door to the shop, she is greeted by an attractive barista, and her gaydar pings.
After getting to know each other, they decide to hook up before Megan has to move. Can they keep their fling casual? What happens when feelings get in the way of a no-strings-attached fling?
Aside from the sexy bits and romantic bits, I think my favorite part of this book was the side characters. I could tell that Sabrina gave thought to developing her cast. Which makes sense because most of the side characters eventually get a book that focuses on them getting a HEA/HFN of their own.
This is my second time reading this book. Though it is not my favorite from Sabrina Kane, it is definitely worth a handful of reads. I love books that don’t add unnecessary drama because they need the couple to break up so they can get back together. Sometimes that is what the characters need, but other times, it just seems like filler. Nevertheless, Sabrina didn’t do any of that noise, and I loved it.
Genre/tropes: contemporary, pandemic romance. erotic romance, femme-femme, insta-lust, hookup/fling, drama with an ex, late-in-life coming out.
Kinks: power play, light D/s dynamic, femme-domme, switch, mild bratty sub, orgasm denial, exhibitionism, voyeurism, semi-public sex.
Overall rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Characters: 5/5
Prose: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vanessa is the proud owner of a new coffee shop, but she struggles to stay afloat after the Covid-19 pandemic hits her home and the world. As the lockdown restrictions lessen, she finds herself with an alluring new customer.
Megan is the youngest executive in her company, and she is still recovering from having her heart shattered by her ex. Things look up when she’s offered a job across the country.
After a vexing day, Megan needs to get out of the house, and she wants to support a local coffee shop. Her go-to shop has closed because of the pandemic, causing her to try a new shop. Opening the door to the shop, she is greeted by an attractive barista, and her gaydar pings.
After getting to know each other, they decide to hook up before Megan has to move. Can they keep their fling casual? What happens when feelings get in the way of a no-strings-attached fling?
Aside from the sexy bits and romantic bits, I think my favorite part of this book was the side characters. I could tell that Sabrina gave thought to developing her cast. Which makes sense because most of the side characters eventually get a book that focuses on them getting a HEA/HFN of their own.
This is my second time reading this book. Though it is not my favorite from Sabrina Kane, it is definitely worth a handful of reads. I love books that don’t add unnecessary drama because they need the couple to break up so they can get back together. Sometimes that is what the characters need, but other times, it just seems like filler. Nevertheless, Sabrina didn’t do any of that noise, and I loved it.
Genre/tropes: contemporary, pandemic romance. erotic romance, femme-femme, insta-lust, hookup/fling, drama with an ex, late-in-life coming out.
Kinks: power play, light D/s dynamic, femme-domme, switch, mild bratty sub, orgasm denial, exhibitionism, voyeurism, semi-public sex.
Overall rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Characters: 5/5
Prose: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 20, 2025
This wasn’t a very good book. The writing wasn’t at all believable and it was certainly written by a man not who the author states they are.
https://jae-fiction.com/another-catfi...
https://jae-fiction.com/another-catfi...
November 11, 2021
The ultimate romance!
I simply cannot believe that this is Sabrina's first WLW novel. The way the characters developed quickly and became real to me is the mark of a great storyteller.
If you enjoy sweet romances between two lovers who meet by chance in a coffee shop (what is it with Lesbian's and Coffee?) then the start of Megan and Vanessa's life together will give you that warm fuzzy feeling.
Be prepared though because Sabrina isn't quite the sweet innocent author you may suspect at this point. Be prepared for some SERIOUSLY chilli hot scenes too.
There is no way I can handle waiting for Sabrina's next book. If she's true to promise on the subject then this is well on it's way to becoming the next Pink Bean series. To me, at least, this places it in the potential position of a WLW classic.
Hurry up Sabrina.. I need the next coffee fix NOW!
I simply cannot believe that this is Sabrina's first WLW novel. The way the characters developed quickly and became real to me is the mark of a great storyteller.
If you enjoy sweet romances between two lovers who meet by chance in a coffee shop (what is it with Lesbian's and Coffee?) then the start of Megan and Vanessa's life together will give you that warm fuzzy feeling.
Be prepared though because Sabrina isn't quite the sweet innocent author you may suspect at this point. Be prepared for some SERIOUSLY chilli hot scenes too.
There is no way I can handle waiting for Sabrina's next book. If she's true to promise on the subject then this is well on it's way to becoming the next Pink Bean series. To me, at least, this places it in the potential position of a WLW classic.
Hurry up Sabrina.. I need the next coffee fix NOW!
December 13, 2020
Loved it!
As a SoCal girl, I love reading beach & mountain lesfic, the places I can ground myself again. This book had two MC that were fun & engaging. The story was incredible and I devoured it quickly. This book definitely has some hot, sexy scenes. Wow! So recommend!
As a SoCal girl, I love reading beach & mountain lesfic, the places I can ground myself again. This book had two MC that were fun & engaging. The story was incredible and I devoured it quickly. This book definitely has some hot, sexy scenes. Wow! So recommend!
January 23, 2022
Scintillating!
I started reading this series out of order, now I'm going back and started with #1...read it in 2 days and could barely put it down. Love this author!
I started reading this series out of order, now I'm going back and started with #1...read it in 2 days and could barely put it down. Love this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews