What do you think?
Rate this book
Flippin' Fantastic #1
Against the Grain
James Dayhuff is a simple woman: She likes to build things, she likes the house flipping business she owns with her two best friends Mia and Darby, and she likes her cat. Not on that list: Meeting new women she has to impress, or—god forbid—talk to.
Zee Aliu is a not entirely a complicated woman, per se: She likes plenty of things—peace, quiet, and when situations go her way. There’s no room in her life for anything but the expected with the full-time caretaking job she already has. Not even when a cute woman begins making a racket flipping a house next door.
When James meets Zee at a speed dating event on New Year’s Eve—it was Darby’s idea—she makes quite a first impression with a spilled drink, accidentally saying her name is Jagerbomb (never going to live that down), and, coincidentally, being the cute woman making all the racket.
Will James’ shyness ever warm up enough to melt the ice queen next door’s heart?
Against the Grain is the first in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Put down the power tools for a moment and curl up with this romantic comedy perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Zee Aliu is a not entirely a complicated woman, per se: She likes plenty of things—peace, quiet, and when situations go her way. There’s no room in her life for anything but the expected with the full-time caretaking job she already has. Not even when a cute woman begins making a racket flipping a house next door.
When James meets Zee at a speed dating event on New Year’s Eve—it was Darby’s idea—she makes quite a first impression with a spilled drink, accidentally saying her name is Jagerbomb (never going to live that down), and, coincidentally, being the cute woman making all the racket.
Will James’ shyness ever warm up enough to melt the ice queen next door’s heart?
Against the Grain is the first in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Put down the power tools for a moment and curl up with this romantic comedy perfect for Valentine’s Day.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2021
75 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Oakley
24 books253 followersBryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 10, 2021
Kindle Unlimited. James is the adorkable contractor and co-owner of the flipping business she shares with best friends Mia and Darby. Apparently coming installments will follow these two as well in their own pathways to love.
James is shy and awkward, but knows what she is doing in construction and plumbing. She just can't deal with pretty ladies. Especially stroppy argumentative pretty ladies from next door that keep complaining about the noise the renovation she is doing is causing. Zee is essentially a Karen. Complains a lot. Kinda of stuck up. She lives in her family home with her mother after she had a fall, insisting she needs the help, and her mother has become increasingly reliant on her, too. She's closed off, and clearly dealing with some deep issues.
Slowly the two get to know each other, (Although not that slowly since the entire thing is just over 2 hours) and Zee's walls break down, and James becomes more confident. They are steamy together and also very sweet.
Everything works out, as is the way, but there's this undercurrent - in my opinion - of Zee never really dealing with her issues, and kinda still being a judgemental Karen. But it's presented as more amusing in the epilogue.
I end up feeling the same with most of Bryce Oakley's stuff. I like them very much, great banter, interesting characters and scenarios - but never fully delve deep enough emotionally into the characters pasts, or to see any real change in pre-defined personas used. So it gets only 3 stars where it would normally be a 4 star read, for me. But I still recommend them!
James is shy and awkward, but knows what she is doing in construction and plumbing. She just can't deal with pretty ladies. Especially stroppy argumentative pretty ladies from next door that keep complaining about the noise the renovation she is doing is causing. Zee is essentially a Karen. Complains a lot. Kinda of stuck up. She lives in her family home with her mother after she had a fall, insisting she needs the help, and her mother has become increasingly reliant on her, too. She's closed off, and clearly dealing with some deep issues.
Slowly the two get to know each other, (Although not that slowly since the entire thing is just over 2 hours) and Zee's walls break down, and James becomes more confident. They are steamy together and also very sweet.
Everything works out, as is the way, but there's this undercurrent - in my opinion - of Zee never really dealing with her issues, and kinda still being a judgemental Karen. But it's presented as more amusing in the epilogue.
I end up feeling the same with most of Bryce Oakley's stuff. I like them very much, great banter, interesting characters and scenarios - but never fully delve deep enough emotionally into the characters pasts, or to see any real change in pre-defined personas used. So it gets only 3 stars where it would normally be a 4 star read, for me. But I still recommend them!
February 10, 2021
Not sure how this happened, but this is the first f/f romance I've read this year (though not first LGBT book). And by an author I seem to enjoy. 7th book I've read by this author, 4th one I've given 5 stars to.
Book is a book that stars two women living in Denver. Both with POV's.
James Dayhuff is a rather tall woman who is super good with her hands, with tools. Quite lousy at talking to women, though. The opening scene involving the two leads was hilarious and shows this "issue" James has with women. But I get ahead of myself. James is about 32 and owns and runs a house flipping business with two of her female friends (find their stories (now I'm in advertising?) by two different authors to be published shortly after this book was published). Right, so, the two friends drag James to a New Year's Eve 5 minute dating event at a Denver bar.
During a "rest period (in the super loud and tightly packed club)", James is at the bar getting a drink. After a talk with one of her friends (who sounded drunk, the friend, when they talked, though that wasn't expanded upon in this book, maybe it will be in the book by that other author), a woman begins hitting on James. Who responds hilariously.
That other woman would be Zee. The other main character in the book. Though, technically, Zee knew about James before this meeting - one of the houses James is "restoring to flip" is the house next to Zee's mother's house. Where Zee, 28, currently lives - as a caretaker to her mother (also works as a web designer).
This is kind of a enemies to lovers type book. Though Zee is a little too attracted to James to actually reach that enemy stage (she more dislikes house flippers than James); while James is a little too afraid of the mean yelling woman to reach the angry enemy stage. She also lusts after Zee.
Well, the 'enemies to slightly less enemies to lovers' parts were good. I rather liked both women presented in this book. And their story. And I liked the humor.
Another of those books I begin late at night, and instead of being smart about it, read until like 2 am and complete it.
Rating: 5.0
February 9 2021 (whoa, I actually wrote a review the same day I read the book (well, technically same date, different waking period, since I slept in between)
Book is a book that stars two women living in Denver. Both with POV's.
James Dayhuff is a rather tall woman who is super good with her hands, with tools. Quite lousy at talking to women, though. The opening scene involving the two leads was hilarious and shows this "issue" James has with women. But I get ahead of myself. James is about 32 and owns and runs a house flipping business with two of her female friends (find their stories (now I'm in advertising?) by two different authors to be published shortly after this book was published). Right, so, the two friends drag James to a New Year's Eve 5 minute dating event at a Denver bar.
During a "rest period (in the super loud and tightly packed club)", James is at the bar getting a drink. After a talk with one of her friends (who sounded drunk, the friend, when they talked, though that wasn't expanded upon in this book, maybe it will be in the book by that other author), a woman begins hitting on James. Who responds hilariously.
That other woman would be Zee. The other main character in the book. Though, technically, Zee knew about James before this meeting - one of the houses James is "restoring to flip" is the house next to Zee's mother's house. Where Zee, 28, currently lives - as a caretaker to her mother (also works as a web designer).
This is kind of a enemies to lovers type book. Though Zee is a little too attracted to James to actually reach that enemy stage (she more dislikes house flippers than James); while James is a little too afraid of the mean yelling woman to reach the angry enemy stage. She also lusts after Zee.
Well, the 'enemies to slightly less enemies to lovers' parts were good. I rather liked both women presented in this book. And their story. And I liked the humor.
Another of those books I begin late at night, and instead of being smart about it, read until like 2 am and complete it.
Rating: 5.0
February 9 2021 (whoa, I actually wrote a review the same day I read the book (well, technically same date, different waking period, since I slept in between)
March 10, 2021
This is the first novella in a three part novella series written by different authors.
I'm a big Oakley fan and I did enjoy this quick and easy to read novella, but I think because it's a novella it didn't include some of the things I've come to love about Oakley's writing.
I enjoyed the premise and the characters were interesting - I definitely appreciated that the story wasn't one I'd encountered before and it did have some of Oakley's trademark humour - I laughed so much in the first chapter I cried.
Due to it's status as the first of the series I may find my opinion changes when I get the opportunity to read the others and I would definitely recommend romance fans giving this a go for a nice, easy, humourous read.
I'm a big Oakley fan and I did enjoy this quick and easy to read novella, but I think because it's a novella it didn't include some of the things I've come to love about Oakley's writing.
I enjoyed the premise and the characters were interesting - I definitely appreciated that the story wasn't one I'd encountered before and it did have some of Oakley's trademark humour - I laughed so much in the first chapter I cried.
Due to it's status as the first of the series I may find my opinion changes when I get the opportunity to read the others and I would definitely recommend romance fans giving this a go for a nice, easy, humourous read.
May 17, 2021
Cute, coy book that has no pretention, but is a simply good romance story that can be read in close to one sitting. No angst, and a prelude, I hope, to a good series.
February 8, 2021
I give this book 3.75 stars. Against the Grain just did not completely hit all the marks for me. It has its moments but what was meant to be humorous just kind of fell flat at times. Even though this book is a novella I still feel like Oakley could have given a little more character development. It is not unlikely for women to fall in love quickly, but I felt like this couple moved to that very quickly.
I did like that it was a quick read and my interest is peaked on the other authors’ books in the Flippen’ Fantastic Romances. I have never read anything by Stephanie Shea, but I have really enjoyed all that I have read by Lucy Bexley.
I did like that it was a quick read and my interest is peaked on the other authors’ books in the Flippen’ Fantastic Romances. I have never read anything by Stephanie Shea, but I have really enjoyed all that I have read by Lucy Bexley.
April 13, 2021
This story makes me happy. I see a kindred spirit in James 'cause I am just as awkward as she is and the whole working with the hands thing too. I'd want to be mates with James. Zee was fun too, the little firecracker. Both MC's are very sweet together.
Also... condolonces to Bryce Oakley, and thank you for this sweet story.
Also... condolonces to Bryce Oakley, and thank you for this sweet story.
March 16, 2021
Sweet story, funny banter. A really good quick read! I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 10, 2021
Very Cute Story!
I think this is going to be a really good book series. Nice topic with a really great pull. I love James and Zee but funnier is Mia and Darby. Where the story was taken was romantic and uplifting for two people that needed a boost to make some changes in their lives. Look to follow James and Zee as the series continues.
I think this is going to be a really good book series. Nice topic with a really great pull. I love James and Zee but funnier is Mia and Darby. Where the story was taken was romantic and uplifting for two people that needed a boost to make some changes in their lives. Look to follow James and Zee as the series continues.
October 19, 2021
Short (136 pages), Bryce Oakley novel. James Dayhuff runs a house flipping business with two best friends. The lattest project has them working next door to Zee Aliu. Zee moved in with her mother after she fell and broke her hip. She has become stuck caretaking her mom while working from home. The noise from the worksite causes her to become a thorn in James side as she insists of following noise ordinances etc. They actually formally meet at a funny speed dating scene set on New Years Eve.
This is a cute and easy going kindle unlimited adventure. I like Oakley's writing and her novels set usually in the Denver area of Colorado. But being shorter there isn't time for a lot of character development or depth of story. There is back story for each, and attraction but not a lot of pull bringing the characters together other than proximity of working next door. James is tongue tied so banter and flirting are missing. It is a fun light, quick read but I want more depth for higher ratings.
This is a cute and easy going kindle unlimited adventure. I like Oakley's writing and her novels set usually in the Denver area of Colorado. But being shorter there isn't time for a lot of character development or depth of story. There is back story for each, and attraction but not a lot of pull bringing the characters together other than proximity of working next door. James is tongue tied so banter and flirting are missing. It is a fun light, quick read but I want more depth for higher ratings.
March 9, 2024
Rounding up.
I love a good awkward/tongue tied due to gay panic character. James was a mess and it was great, but I wished the awkwardness did not just disappear randomly.
This was more of a low stakes read, with not a lot of angst besides the snoopy neighbor next door love interest at the beginning.
I love a good awkward/tongue tied due to gay panic character. James was a mess and it was great, but I wished the awkwardness did not just disappear randomly.
This was more of a low stakes read, with not a lot of angst besides the snoopy neighbor next door love interest at the beginning.
February 25, 2021
Fixing houses to hearts
I had fun reading this book. James is so adorable with her inability to speak to a beautiful woman. Zee is a little intense, but she can’t seem to resist James. Their rocky
start turns into a really hot romance. I can’t wait to read about best friends Darby and Mia.
I had fun reading this book. James is so adorable with her inability to speak to a beautiful woman. Zee is a little intense, but she can’t seem to resist James. Their rocky
start turns into a really hot romance. I can’t wait to read about best friends Darby and Mia.
February 10, 2021
Make enough noise and you get attention but flippin' the heart gets you love.
What a great group of characters and I have fallen in love. James is the beautiful butch to shy to speak and Zee just wants to complain but their story sparks. Mia, Darby and James ( Fruit Baskets) make this story just full of fun. They have a tight connection that gives them a strong foundation as the flip houses. A new years night brings Zee to see James up close. The dialogue is flirty, sweet and so beautifully written. Bryce Oakley has given us another cast of characters strong in themselves and full of life. I laughed, smirked, cried and just loved. This was a fun read you will not want to put down. I enjoyed the journey JameZee took and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
What a great group of characters and I have fallen in love. James is the beautiful butch to shy to speak and Zee just wants to complain but their story sparks. Mia, Darby and James ( Fruit Baskets) make this story just full of fun. They have a tight connection that gives them a strong foundation as the flip houses. A new years night brings Zee to see James up close. The dialogue is flirty, sweet and so beautifully written. Bryce Oakley has given us another cast of characters strong in themselves and full of life. I laughed, smirked, cried and just loved. This was a fun read you will not want to put down. I enjoyed the journey JameZee took and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
May 10, 2021
A very cute story!
A very cute story and a great beginning to a three book series called Flippin' Fantastic Romance from three separate authors. There are three main characters who own a house flipping business together. James is the construction worker, Darby is the designer and Mia is the real estate agent. They are all great friends and the author easily shared their fun, bantering ways in her cute and clever dialogue. I really enjoyed that about her writing style. I also appreciated how well edited this book was. It was truly a pleasure to read.
This first book is centered around James who is a whiz with tools, but is really shy around women new to her. Zee, the next door neighbor to the renovation, is really a pain in the neck ice queen who complains about the noise level of the construction. She likes peace and quiet since she works from home as a web designer while taking care of her mother. But James is just the person to thaw her. She's a sweetheart through and through!
For a novella, I thought Against the Grain had a great plot and wonderful, warm characters that were well developed in this short amount of space. I will definitely read more books from Bryce Oakley, but for now I'm excited to read about James's friends, Mia and crazy Darby! 😊
A very cute story and a great beginning to a three book series called Flippin' Fantastic Romance from three separate authors. There are three main characters who own a house flipping business together. James is the construction worker, Darby is the designer and Mia is the real estate agent. They are all great friends and the author easily shared their fun, bantering ways in her cute and clever dialogue. I really enjoyed that about her writing style. I also appreciated how well edited this book was. It was truly a pleasure to read.
This first book is centered around James who is a whiz with tools, but is really shy around women new to her. Zee, the next door neighbor to the renovation, is really a pain in the neck ice queen who complains about the noise level of the construction. She likes peace and quiet since she works from home as a web designer while taking care of her mother. But James is just the person to thaw her. She's a sweetheart through and through!
For a novella, I thought Against the Grain had a great plot and wonderful, warm characters that were well developed in this short amount of space. I will definitely read more books from Bryce Oakley, but for now I'm excited to read about James's friends, Mia and crazy Darby! 😊
February 24, 2021
Love takes time
Lovely story about two women who at first meeting were not accepting of each other. But life interfered and James and Zee were what each other needed and wanted. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read. I’m looking forward to the next two installments of this series. I heartily recommend this book and any others by this author. Thank you Peace
Lovely story about two women who at first meeting were not accepting of each other. But life interfered and James and Zee were what each other needed and wanted. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read. I’m looking forward to the next two installments of this series. I heartily recommend this book and any others by this author. Thank you Peace
February 12, 2021
This is the first part of the Flippin‘ fantastic series and what a wonderful start this is.
James is one of 3 friends that own a house flipping business. She is the one that does most of the handiwork in the houses and loves her job. When it comes to women it’s a bit different, she is very shy and tends to say the wrong or even embarrassing things at first. Something we get to witness right in chapter one where she meets Zee for the first time. Zee on the other hand is a total ice queen and doesn’t allow herself lots of fun.
Of course she lives just across from the house that James is working right now and in her eyes James is doing this way too loud. I mean nothing easier than doing this work in a quiet way. That’s exactly what James thinks as well and when the fun really begins. Lol
I personally love the whole story and all the characters. It’s funny and has everything I love in a book. James definitely is someone I would like to have in my life. She is such a sweetheart and always helpful no matter what. The dynamic between the three friends is fantastic and also Zee‘s relationship with her sister is quite interesting (in a great way). And wow the chemistry between James and Zee is just perfect. Last but not least for me one of the most beautiful things we get to witness in this book is how we see the characters grow and change in such a positive way. Besides all the times I had to laugh out loud about fruit baskets and so on. Lol
Can’t wait for book two and three that will be by Steph Shea and Lucy Bexley. 😊
James is one of 3 friends that own a house flipping business. She is the one that does most of the handiwork in the houses and loves her job. When it comes to women it’s a bit different, she is very shy and tends to say the wrong or even embarrassing things at first. Something we get to witness right in chapter one where she meets Zee for the first time. Zee on the other hand is a total ice queen and doesn’t allow herself lots of fun.
Of course she lives just across from the house that James is working right now and in her eyes James is doing this way too loud. I mean nothing easier than doing this work in a quiet way. That’s exactly what James thinks as well and when the fun really begins. Lol
I personally love the whole story and all the characters. It’s funny and has everything I love in a book. James definitely is someone I would like to have in my life. She is such a sweetheart and always helpful no matter what. The dynamic between the three friends is fantastic and also Zee‘s relationship with her sister is quite interesting (in a great way). And wow the chemistry between James and Zee is just perfect. Last but not least for me one of the most beautiful things we get to witness in this book is how we see the characters grow and change in such a positive way. Besides all the times I had to laugh out loud about fruit baskets and so on. Lol
Can’t wait for book two and three that will be by Steph Shea and Lucy Bexley. 😊
February 25, 2021
Vanilla sweet
I picked this up mostly for the butch, because I'm slutty for butches. Oakley has a talent for spinning a tale, but I found it not really my style. Too many descriptive details about everyone's mundane tasks and chores that I found myself getting bored just to get back to the main story. James was a delight, she had me laughing many times. Zee was a bitch with a capital C. I cannot stand women like her. I honestly think James was allowing her clit to lead the way when it came to Zee. The sex wasn't fade-to-black, but it wasn't descriptive enough for me. All in all, it was okay.
I picked this up mostly for the butch, because I'm slutty for butches. Oakley has a talent for spinning a tale, but I found it not really my style. Too many descriptive details about everyone's mundane tasks and chores that I found myself getting bored just to get back to the main story. James was a delight, she had me laughing many times. Zee was a bitch with a capital C. I cannot stand women like her. I honestly think James was allowing her clit to lead the way when it came to Zee. The sex wasn't fade-to-black, but it wasn't descriptive enough for me. All in all, it was okay.
April 13, 2021
Finding good queer romance is something I really struggle with, especially romance that's WLW-centric—but oh boy, did Bryce Oakley's 'Against the Grain' deliver. The first in the Flippin' Fantastic trio, it's a sweet, romantic comedy focused on James and Zee, a matchup that works amazingly well.
James is a general contractor, house flipper and all-around handywoman—who is completely incapable of talking to attractive women. Which is exactly what Zee is; an absolute bombshell who James makes a fool of herself in front of the very first time they meet. And it only gets worse from there, with Zee getting increasingly frustrated by the racket caused by James's work on the house next door.
Ultimately though, the ice queen melts as James slowly integrates into Zee's life, and what follows is a genuinely sweet, heartwarming romance with just the right amount of heat.
I really related to Zee in particular; her difficulty in letting go of her role as her mom’s carer was something that really spoke to me. The difficult relationship she has with her sister, and how her family dynamic grows and improves over the course of the novel was a lovely touch, and I appreciate that Oakley took the time to give Zee's life outside of James real care and attention. Both Zee and James are strong characters in their own right, with their own unique problems and lives, and I loved seeing them interact with the other characters in addition to each other.
I did have some issues with the pacing, in that it felt like James and Zee managed to go from prickly awkwardness to head over heels incredibly quickly, but despite this their chemistry is undeniable and they really do work together.
'Against the Grain' was a highlight of the month for me, and I truly cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
James is a general contractor, house flipper and all-around handywoman—who is completely incapable of talking to attractive women. Which is exactly what Zee is; an absolute bombshell who James makes a fool of herself in front of the very first time they meet. And it only gets worse from there, with Zee getting increasingly frustrated by the racket caused by James's work on the house next door.
Ultimately though, the ice queen melts as James slowly integrates into Zee's life, and what follows is a genuinely sweet, heartwarming romance with just the right amount of heat.
I really related to Zee in particular; her difficulty in letting go of her role as her mom’s carer was something that really spoke to me. The difficult relationship she has with her sister, and how her family dynamic grows and improves over the course of the novel was a lovely touch, and I appreciate that Oakley took the time to give Zee's life outside of James real care and attention. Both Zee and James are strong characters in their own right, with their own unique problems and lives, and I loved seeing them interact with the other characters in addition to each other.
I did have some issues with the pacing, in that it felt like James and Zee managed to go from prickly awkwardness to head over heels incredibly quickly, but despite this their chemistry is undeniable and they really do work together.
'Against the Grain' was a highlight of the month for me, and I truly cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
February 11, 2022
Absolutely Delightful
I love it when a story is well written, entertaining, good, and absolutely delightful. This is that story! Oh yes, it's also not too long so you can read it in one sitting. I love that too.
The other important thing for me, a good or positive ending. I do not need heartbreak in my reading fantasy.....I need happiness. I highly recommend this story on all those points.
I love it when a story is well written, entertaining, good, and absolutely delightful. This is that story! Oh yes, it's also not too long so you can read it in one sitting. I love that too.
The other important thing for me, a good or positive ending. I do not need heartbreak in my reading fantasy.....I need happiness. I highly recommend this story on all those points.
May 12, 2024
The book would have benefitted to have maybe 50 more pages to give both characters a bit more depth. I liked the enemies to lovers storyline.
Common review fir the series: I read the books in the series in wrong order. I started with #2 which I really liked (4 stars). The 150 pages were used well and I really liked both characters. I then read #1 which was okay (3 stars). I liked James already in #2 but Zee was a bit odd. There should have been more pages to describe why she's the way she is. I finished with #3 which was my least favorite book (2 stars). I really liked the concept of the series a lot. It was interesting to read three books that all happened at the same time, starting from the new year's eve speed dating. All books had a bit different pace. Three authors had coordinated common events and characteristics quite well. What would have made the series even more interesting is to have some kind of marks in the book, for example split each book in 3 sections with about the same timeline so it would have been possible to read the books side by side in sections.
Common review fir the series: I read the books in the series in wrong order. I started with #2 which I really liked (4 stars). The 150 pages were used well and I really liked both characters. I then read #1 which was okay (3 stars). I liked James already in #2 but Zee was a bit odd. There should have been more pages to describe why she's the way she is. I finished with #3 which was my least favorite book (2 stars). I really liked the concept of the series a lot. It was interesting to read three books that all happened at the same time, starting from the new year's eve speed dating. All books had a bit different pace. Three authors had coordinated common events and characteristics quite well. What would have made the series even more interesting is to have some kind of marks in the book, for example split each book in 3 sections with about the same timeline so it would have been possible to read the books side by side in sections.
November 1, 2025
who knew..
You could find love next door with the feisty, aggravating, did she just ask if I had all the permits, and complain about noise levels during construction!
James the general contractor couldn’t get the annoying, did I mention annoying hot woman next door out of her mind even if she was complaining about every little thing. Zee agreed James was cute if she would just finish a sentence. Who knew a ceiling leak would throw these two together.
You could find love next door with the feisty, aggravating, did she just ask if I had all the permits, and complain about noise levels during construction!
James the general contractor couldn’t get the annoying, did I mention annoying hot woman next door out of her mind even if she was complaining about every little thing. Zee agreed James was cute if she would just finish a sentence. Who knew a ceiling leak would throw these two together.
February 27, 2021
Short read. James is something else with her awkwardness, and it's very entertaining. Zee is cold, and doesn't trust which leads to how nosy she is. I feel if this were longer, and I got to know the characters more and maybe deeper, then I would have loved it. Happy for the diverse cast.
Nice afternoon/late evening read. HEA
Nice afternoon/late evening read. HEA
March 10, 2021
Pleasantly surprise
I was very surprised and amazed with this book, in a good way. Zee and James met each other at a speed date night and then they clash when James is a contractor at Zee's neighbor house.
They went from enemy to lovers? I love the way they transition from the night of the speed dating to being together.
Now to read book 2.
I was very surprised and amazed with this book, in a good way. Zee and James met each other at a speed date night and then they clash when James is a contractor at Zee's neighbor house.
They went from enemy to lovers? I love the way they transition from the night of the speed dating to being together.
Now to read book 2.
March 14, 2021
A sweet story
James like Zee but is too shy. On New Years Eve she get the courage to speak and it becomes a nice friendship between a house flipper and a web developer. James is a contractor and plumber and one day she helped Zee and all changed for the best. A tender story very family oriented.
James like Zee but is too shy. On New Years Eve she get the courage to speak and it becomes a nice friendship between a house flipper and a web developer. James is a contractor and plumber and one day she helped Zee and all changed for the best. A tender story very family oriented.
June 9, 2024
This book was fun to read. It’s got a nice amount of humor. The story starts inauspiciously in both of the first two encounters between James and Zee, which doesn’t bode well, but the author uses the scenes and other characters to develop their growing attraction. There are plenty of entertaining moments.
February 25, 2021
A wonderful meet cute romance
I absolutely love this book. The plot flowed nicely, and the characters were beautifully written. Can’t wait to read more stories by this great author!
I absolutely love this book. The plot flowed nicely, and the characters were beautifully written. Can’t wait to read more stories by this great author!
March 2, 2021
Cute Story
I really enjoyed this story. The author, Bryce Oakley, has a gift with dialogue. She makes her characters funny and sweet, all at the same time. Really well done. I can't wait to read the other companion stories!
I really enjoyed this story. The author, Bryce Oakley, has a gift with dialogue. She makes her characters funny and sweet, all at the same time. Really well done. I can't wait to read the other companion stories!
December 18, 2021
Renovation Romance
Interesting light story of enemies to lovers. James the shy introvert, meets Zee the uptight, damaged love interest. James is a builder and qualified plumber, a nomad with short roots. Renovates noisily the house next door.
Interesting light story of enemies to lovers. James the shy introvert, meets Zee the uptight, damaged love interest. James is a builder and qualified plumber, a nomad with short roots. Renovates noisily the house next door.
September 29, 2023
pretty great read
Loved how the characters interacted and the romance was fun too. Only reason a four is because the romance was really quick. Im single so it could go that fast, but i dont think mine would be like that lol. Fun read and good plot and HEA
Loved how the characters interacted and the romance was fun too. Only reason a four is because the romance was really quick. Im single so it could go that fast, but i dont think mine would be like that lol. Fun read and good plot and HEA
March 10, 2024
This was cute but so short that there wasn’t enough substance for me to feel invested.
Though I must say “Yeah, I knew you'd want to show off your new ceiling fan," is the gayest thing I’ve ever read.
Though I must say “Yeah, I knew you'd want to show off your new ceiling fan," is the gayest thing I’ve ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews