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I like to think I’m a practical person.
Car stop working? Thank God for mechanic boyfriends.
Goldfish floating upside down? Well, I clearly shouldn’t have a fish.
Irrefutably attracted to one of my new roommates? I’ve lost my mind, obviously.
Did I mention my roommate is also a female? As well as the reason I’m in this house?
When I got my dream job at a Los Angeles hospital over six hundred miles away from home, I didn’t hesitate when another perfect offer fell into my lap.
Large house. Four other girls my age—one of whom is on the shift I’m coming into. Room for rent at a crazy low price.
Yes, please.
Except, now she’s in every part of my life, and I can’t keep telling myself I’m losing my mind.
Because her slow smirks and mesmerizing laugh make me want her in ways I shouldn’t. Her soft touches and earth-shattering kisses have me questioning everything I thought I knew.
And now, my heart’s getting tangled up in this too.
Car stop working? Thank God for mechanic boyfriends.
Goldfish floating upside down? Well, I clearly shouldn’t have a fish.
Irrefutably attracted to one of my new roommates? I’ve lost my mind, obviously.
Did I mention my roommate is also a female? As well as the reason I’m in this house?
When I got my dream job at a Los Angeles hospital over six hundred miles away from home, I didn’t hesitate when another perfect offer fell into my lap.
Large house. Four other girls my age—one of whom is on the shift I’m coming into. Room for rent at a crazy low price.
Yes, please.
Except, now she’s in every part of my life, and I can’t keep telling myself I’m losing my mind.
Because her slow smirks and mesmerizing laugh make me want her in ways I shouldn’t. Her soft touches and earth-shattering kisses have me questioning everything I thought I knew.
And now, my heart’s getting tangled up in this too.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2021
84 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Molly McAdams
56 books8,904 followersMolly grew up in California but now lives with her husband and daughter in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a homebody and dishing out movie quotes with her hubby. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 28, 2023
I leaned into her hand for a second, giving in just a fraction, and felt my entire being respond to that submission.There's a great romance trammelled up somewhere in this mess but it's unfortunately bogged down by a lot of annoying, unnecessary, and clumsily written details/plots. It's a toaster oven romance between Kinsley, who's just moved to LA to be a nurse, and Ariana, one of her new roommates who intrigues her and makes her question herself. I love gay-awakening/toaster oven stories, and I thought their romance was really sweet, intense, and electric where it needed to be.
But so many things about this felt so childish, and they put me right off. The characters are in their mid-20s, but everyone in this book reads like they just left high school, 19 at the most. I'm not saying that you can't be immature at 26, but so many of the conflicts in this book revolved around issues that... I don't know, it didn't seem credible. And it simply wasn't enjoyable to read. Like, all the best friend drama with Stevie. Stevie is so clearly being unfair to Kinsley, and just generally mean to everyone around her (no matter that she says she's never done anything, or she's just being real, she clearly knows she's out of line). The narrative isn't on her side, and we do realise that she's acting out because of her own problems, but it just didn't feel credible that a grown woman would be throwing tantrums and trying to control and monopolise the people around her like this? So while at first I was frustrated and annoyed by Stevie, that frustration and annoyance soon turned on the writing itself. Stevie COULD have been a complicated character who lashes out and clings to her best friend because of her abandonment issues. But instead, she just read like an empty, walking caricature. I felt a similar way about Kinsley's problems with her ex-boyfriend, her friends, her family, and everyone in her home town. Everyone was so over-the-top mean, judge-y, and condescending towards her, they stopped feeling like characters, and felt more like devices through which the author needed to deliver her Kinsley whump. Like, the moment where Delia and co. got sooooo annoyed at Kinsley for trying to get them food (while they were staying at HER house) because apparently that's a sign of Kinsley being controlling and making everything about her... what? Would anyone really think that? Really react like that? What kind of mental gymnastics do you have to do to contort an offer to provide food/plan some stuff into 'she's making everything about herself!' So again, they didn't feel like real people. And in any scenario where I COULD see them as real people, they felt very very young. Like petty teenagers in adult suits.
The writing also left something to be desired. It was fine overall, but the author had this habit of writing in incomplete sentences and phrases, and it drove me up a wall. Lots of gerunds in places where you could have really used the past tense verb. I guess it's maybe a stylistic thing, but it didn't actually add anything to the writing? Imo, at least. It just made it seem like the editor was asleep at the desk.
So I had a lot of gripes, but I'm still coming out of this with mostly good feelings because I really really liked the couple. Ariana was soooo swoony, so patient and kind with Kinsley, pressing her only when Kinsley wanted, or when she needed it. I really liked the way Kinsley's gradual realisation about her sexuality was written, all of her early angst as she tries to figure out why she's reacting this way to Ariana. I loved when they got protective of each other, when they pushed each other's buttons in ways that were actually conducive to growth. I wish we'd gotten to see more of their time alone, away from the roommates and the friend group, maybe a few dates or something. That intense connection in the beginning maybe moved a little fast, and I wish we'd had more scenes of them together to really make it believable.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Sophie Daniels and Lauren Sweet, two narrators whom I already love, and they definitely made this a worthwhile listen. Especially with the writing, I don't know if I'd have finished this without the audiobook. They made the chemistry palpable, and the banter really fun. I doubt I'll read from this author again (seems like she writes mostly m/f, and and I don't think I could handle all these issues PLUS heterosexuality) but I'm still mostly glad I took a chance on this. I loved the main couple, even though I had issues with a lot of other stuff.
July 4, 2022
This would've been a 5-star read.
But WTF IS UP WITH STEVIE. She's selfish, rude as hell and too stubborn to work through her impossible mommy issues. I hated her so much. I've never detested a fictional character THIS much. My head hurts. She single-handedly destroyed my enjoyment of this book.
And ARIANA'S GROVEL????? WHAT???? I DON'T SEE HER.
I'm sorry but Ari and Stevie's friendship was TOXIC. Stevie was an emotional parasite and a veritable PITA. Kinsley is too good for this world (though she did come across as a doormat sometimes, but I love her. She's a good girl.) and she did not deserve Stevie's absolutely HORRID comments. Do people even act like that in real life?
Anyhow, that whole flaming garbage aside, I loved Ariana and Kinsley's actual relationship. I need more lesbian romances in my life, thank you.
But WTF IS UP WITH STEVIE. She's selfish, rude as hell and too stubborn to work through her impossible mommy issues. I hated her so much. I've never detested a fictional character THIS much. My head hurts. She single-handedly destroyed my enjoyment of this book.
And ARIANA'S GROVEL????? WHAT???? I DON'T SEE HER.
I'm sorry but Ari and Stevie's friendship was TOXIC. Stevie was an emotional parasite and a veritable PITA. Kinsley is too good for this world (though she did come across as a doormat sometimes, but I love her. She's a good girl.) and she did not deserve Stevie's absolutely HORRID comments. Do people even act like that in real life?
Anyhow, that whole flaming garbage aside, I loved Ariana and Kinsley's actual relationship. I need more lesbian romances in my life, thank you.
June 17, 2023
꧁Love꧂
secrets in l.a.
R E V I E W
Tropes
– found family
– forced proximity
– co–workers (nurses) & roommates
– coming out
– angsty
Kinsley is sometimes infuriating thoughout the first half of the book, her back and forth, and how she seems to make one step forward und two steps back. But I also feel like the way of her self–discovering is addressed so raw und very realistic. This may not make her super likeable, but coming out is something that is not easy on a lot of people, and pretending it is not happening and she doesn‘t have these feelings for Ariana, it‘s infuriating to read but understandable.
And her journey is all worth it, when it comes to the second half and how she embraces it. When she finally stands up for herself, not just regarding her sexuality but her self–worth and how this damn town she grew up in treated her like garbage. I just love this.
Ariana has been my favorite throughout the whole book (though Kinsley is competition you should take seriously!) The benefits she has is that she is a badass from the start, the “mother“ out of the 5 roommates this whole book series revolves around, the one wearing a sports bra as her favorite item of clothing and not giving a damn what others think of it, the protector, and the soul if this book…I think you get that I like her, so you?
Though I love Ariana’s loyalty towards Stevie, and I think this makes Ariana an amazing protagonist and even more so an amazing friend, I also feel like Stevie’s behavior is constantly excused, as if the circumstances are enough of an excuse. Nope, I don‘t agree with this. If someone acts awful, the reasons this person does so, may explain it, but they don‘t excuse it. I like reading about characters like Stevie but I hate when they get a free pass. You‘ve done it, so deal with the damn consequences of your actions.
4/5⭐️
🌶️/5
secrets in l.a.
R E V I E W
Tropes
– found family
– forced proximity
– co–workers (nurses) & roommates
– coming out
– angsty
Kinsley is sometimes infuriating thoughout the first half of the book, her back and forth, and how she seems to make one step forward und two steps back. But I also feel like the way of her self–discovering is addressed so raw und very realistic. This may not make her super likeable, but coming out is something that is not easy on a lot of people, and pretending it is not happening and she doesn‘t have these feelings for Ariana, it‘s infuriating to read but understandable.
And her journey is all worth it, when it comes to the second half and how she embraces it. When she finally stands up for herself, not just regarding her sexuality but her self–worth and how this damn town she grew up in treated her like garbage. I just love this.
Ariana has been my favorite throughout the whole book (though Kinsley is competition you should take seriously!) The benefits she has is that she is a badass from the start, the “mother“ out of the 5 roommates this whole book series revolves around, the one wearing a sports bra as her favorite item of clothing and not giving a damn what others think of it, the protector, and the soul if this book…I think you get that I like her, so you?
Though I love Ariana’s loyalty towards Stevie, and I think this makes Ariana an amazing protagonist and even more so an amazing friend, I also feel like Stevie’s behavior is constantly excused, as if the circumstances are enough of an excuse. Nope, I don‘t agree with this. If someone acts awful, the reasons this person does so, may explain it, but they don‘t excuse it. I like reading about characters like Stevie but I hate when they get a free pass. You‘ve done it, so deal with the damn consequences of your actions.
4/5⭐️
🌶️/5
December 20, 2021
First off I want to emphasize it finally feels good to be seen.
This book was one of the best slow burns I’ve read in a long time. Ari and Kingsley take us on a roller coaster ride. I could not stop reading this book. Let’s just say love is love and Molly depicted it in such a beautiful way.
As a queer person, I know how it feels to be infatuated with a cis person and fight those feelings. What Molly did in this book was capture what some many of us in the LGBTQA+ community go through on a daily basis it’s not like what the movies show. It’s what Molly beautifully illustrated in Love.
Thank you Molly!
This book was one of the best slow burns I’ve read in a long time. Ari and Kingsley take us on a roller coaster ride. I could not stop reading this book. Let’s just say love is love and Molly depicted it in such a beautiful way.
As a queer person, I know how it feels to be infatuated with a cis person and fight those feelings. What Molly did in this book was capture what some many of us in the LGBTQA+ community go through on a daily basis it’s not like what the movies show. It’s what Molly beautifully illustrated in Love.
Thank you Molly!
November 15, 2023
“There has to be something there that’s right if she can turn you into this chaotic mess.”
Normally I give myself a day or so to just give myself a breather from the character. This one hit so hard in the feels that I doubt any time away will change my opinion. This one has definitely landed a spot in my forever favorites.
Anyway, let’s just see if I can actually articulate any kind of review or if this becomes a jumble of thoughts and quotes that knocked the wind out of me for one reason or another.
Kinsley moves to L.A. for her dream job, and the most she was worried about was how to make things work with her boyfriend of 10 years and how to get him to move with her.
That’s until the door opened and her entire world shifted.
“This was all such uncharted territory for me. I’d never cared about someone this way. I’d never wanted someone the way I wanted her. I’d never been so wrapped up in a person that just the thought of them had me feeling like nothing could touch me.”
Ariana doesn’t do relationships, with her bestie Stevie, there really isn’t room. Their relationship was unhealthy in so many respects. I mean I kind of get it, we all have that one bestie that is a little batcrap crazy, right? I know I do lol thankfully she is not as bad as Stevie.
Anyway, enough about Stevie.
Ari is that one person everyone needs in their corner. She is loyal to a fault, loves fiercely, and continues to put everyone else’s happiness and needs above her own.
However, the pull toward Kins stops her in her tracks, and she is unable to stay away from her, even at the risk of hurting her best friend, who was the most important person in her life.
And this is where you start to feel it, well at least I did. You know that moment when you meet someone and your heart just decides to play pinball inside your chest and you struggle to understand a single thought before you snap yourself out of it and try to act like a normal human? That is exactly what happens with these two.
“Funny how three weeks with someone could change my life so completely.”
Kins struggle wasn’t as angsty as most when it came to realizing she is gay, and I loved that. Yes, she had a few moments of denial, she couldn’t understand this connection she feels so deeply with Ari and no one really understood the connection between Ari and Stevie, but the second she let go and gave in to what she knew was right, everything just shifted.
“Deciding to live your life for yourself? Being who you are? That’s something that breaks you open in a truly beautiful way.”
Communication!
I have to touch on this because it is something that is lacking in so many stories between the main characters which is the cause of all that unnecessary drama, and angst.
Not here, I love how Ari and Kins communicate, how Ari is always there checking in on her. 😍
I am not going to lie, I had a moment where I just needed to set the book aside and sit with all the feelings before I could continue. The raw and unapologetic feelings, thoughts, and progression of not just their relationship but their own personal growth because of each other just hit hard. Maybe it was just me?
Anyway, I am getting into raving territory now so I will leave you with this...
This book is not just a “toaster oven” story with insta love, some drama, and hot sex. It’s intense, moving, and ... real. It is about finding the person who just gets you, finding your heart's home - no matter the cost, and most importantly, learning and accepting not only your truest self, but your true worth.
December 17, 2021
{I received a digital arc for an honest review]
3.5/5⭐
Love is the second stand alone in the Secrets in L.A series by Molly McAdams. I haven't read the first book but after Hollis and Adam ((sigh my heart)) in this one it makes me want to go back and read the first book.
Kinsley moves to L.A. to work at the hospital of her dreams in the Labor & Delivery unit. She so excited by the move and tries to ignore the negativity from her family, friends, and long time boyfriend over it. She moves into a mansion with a group of girls and has an instant connection with Ariana. These feelings scare her and make her question everything she assumed about herself. Ariana is secure in who she is and has a rule to not start relationships with roommates, but she can't ignore Kinsley. It's always been just her and her best friend, but she can't imagine not having Kinsley in her life. They have to keep their relationship secret for many reasons, but in the end those reasons may destroy what they have built behind doors.
"What do you want?"
"Everything," I said without hesitation.
"Everything, as long as it's with you."
90 % of the content I read is Queer, so when I saw that one of my favorite MF romance writers was writing an FF romance, I was so excited. The intimacy scenes between Ariana and Kinsley are very well written and might have been my favorite parts of the book itself. They were passionate and came to life when they were together one on one. Whether they were being physically intimate or just getting to know each other, I really enjoyed them as a couple. It was outside their bubble that things fall apart pretty quickly for me.
I spent the first half of the book not being the biggest fan of Kinsley's actions, and the second half not being a fan of Arianas. Kinsley is figuring out her sexuality, so I expected indecision on her part, but she went hot and cold so often it was a bit too angsty for me. Then they seem to get to a good point in their relationship and Ariana is completely blind to Kinsley's feelings when it comes to her uncomfortably close relationship with her best friend Stevie. Yeah..Stevie is just the worst character and her “circumstances” in my opinion did not make up for her behavior, she was a b*tch and it wasn't cute. I'm not even going to get into Kinsley's horrendous hometown "friends and family" but they did give her a reason for her strong indecisiveness.
I enjoyed our main female leads for the most part, and I really loved how Kinsley stood up for her feelings and stood her ground at the end when it came to their relationship. The apologizes at the end that were due on both their parts were mature and satisfying. I could feel their connection from the start, but all the outside drama was just too much by the end. I felt like the drama overshadowed the emotion between them because it felt like they kept going in circles.
Love by Molly McAdams is an FF romance with high angst, lots of drama, passion, Sunday brunches, extra whipped cream and more than a few secrets.
Side note: It sounds from the synopsis that there is a love triangle and cheating in the book, but thankfully there isn't.
Trigger warning: dealing with the birth of a still born at the main character's job at labor & delivery
3.5/5⭐
Love is the second stand alone in the Secrets in L.A series by Molly McAdams. I haven't read the first book but after Hollis and Adam ((sigh my heart)) in this one it makes me want to go back and read the first book.
Kinsley moves to L.A. to work at the hospital of her dreams in the Labor & Delivery unit. She so excited by the move and tries to ignore the negativity from her family, friends, and long time boyfriend over it. She moves into a mansion with a group of girls and has an instant connection with Ariana. These feelings scare her and make her question everything she assumed about herself. Ariana is secure in who she is and has a rule to not start relationships with roommates, but she can't ignore Kinsley. It's always been just her and her best friend, but she can't imagine not having Kinsley in her life. They have to keep their relationship secret for many reasons, but in the end those reasons may destroy what they have built behind doors.
"What do you want?"
"Everything," I said without hesitation.
"Everything, as long as it's with you."
90 % of the content I read is Queer, so when I saw that one of my favorite MF romance writers was writing an FF romance, I was so excited. The intimacy scenes between Ariana and Kinsley are very well written and might have been my favorite parts of the book itself. They were passionate and came to life when they were together one on one. Whether they were being physically intimate or just getting to know each other, I really enjoyed them as a couple. It was outside their bubble that things fall apart pretty quickly for me.
I spent the first half of the book not being the biggest fan of Kinsley's actions, and the second half not being a fan of Arianas. Kinsley is figuring out her sexuality, so I expected indecision on her part, but she went hot and cold so often it was a bit too angsty for me. Then they seem to get to a good point in their relationship and Ariana is completely blind to Kinsley's feelings when it comes to her uncomfortably close relationship with her best friend Stevie. Yeah..Stevie is just the worst character and her “circumstances” in my opinion did not make up for her behavior, she was a b*tch and it wasn't cute. I'm not even going to get into Kinsley's horrendous hometown "friends and family" but they did give her a reason for her strong indecisiveness.
I enjoyed our main female leads for the most part, and I really loved how Kinsley stood up for her feelings and stood her ground at the end when it came to their relationship. The apologizes at the end that were due on both their parts were mature and satisfying. I could feel their connection from the start, but all the outside drama was just too much by the end. I felt like the drama overshadowed the emotion between them because it felt like they kept going in circles.
Love by Molly McAdams is an FF romance with high angst, lots of drama, passion, Sunday brunches, extra whipped cream and more than a few secrets.
Side note: It sounds from the synopsis that there is a love triangle and cheating in the book, but thankfully there isn't.
Trigger warning: dealing with the birth of a still born at the main character's job at labor & delivery
December 21, 2021
Book 2 in the Secrets in L.A. Series which could be read as a standalone but I feel it is best if read in order. The secondary characters and their story will help while reading.
Oh wow, Molly McAdams has stepped out of her writing box and given us a wonderful FF slow burn romance that is truly about self-love and discovery, healing and moving forward to follow your dreams.
Ariana thought she had life all figured out, a confident lesbian woman who had a strong tribe of friends, who didn't judge her. A job that she loved. Living life with no additional stresses of relationships. When the new co-worker & roommate arrived, Ariana is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. New thoughts and feelings start to make her question what is next for her.
Kinsley is following her dreams. She has just gotten the dream job in her dream town. Even if she knows in her heart of heart it means the end of her relationship with her long standing boyfriend. She needs to take this next step. When comforted by her new roommates, she is warmed. When she finds herself drawn to her lesbian roommate Ariana, she begins to question things even more.
As Kinsley and Ariana explore this new friendship or more, they are torn between the friends and their past. Will they get to fully see where things could go? Will Kinsley find herself in a whole new light? Or will they be pulled apart by previous hurts and people?
A wonderful emotional book that will draw you in and keep the pages turning, hoping that these beautiful characters get to their HEA.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Oh wow, Molly McAdams has stepped out of her writing box and given us a wonderful FF slow burn romance that is truly about self-love and discovery, healing and moving forward to follow your dreams.
Ariana thought she had life all figured out, a confident lesbian woman who had a strong tribe of friends, who didn't judge her. A job that she loved. Living life with no additional stresses of relationships. When the new co-worker & roommate arrived, Ariana is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. New thoughts and feelings start to make her question what is next for her.
Kinsley is following her dreams. She has just gotten the dream job in her dream town. Even if she knows in her heart of heart it means the end of her relationship with her long standing boyfriend. She needs to take this next step. When comforted by her new roommates, she is warmed. When she finds herself drawn to her lesbian roommate Ariana, she begins to question things even more.
As Kinsley and Ariana explore this new friendship or more, they are torn between the friends and their past. Will they get to fully see where things could go? Will Kinsley find herself in a whole new light? Or will they be pulled apart by previous hurts and people?
A wonderful emotional book that will draw you in and keep the pages turning, hoping that these beautiful characters get to their HEA.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
December 20, 2021
When we first meet up with Kinsley, she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, a new job with a new and unexpected place to live. The problem, her boyfriend hates it. As Kinsley settles into her new life, sadly, her relationship with her boyfriend fizzles out and her eyes are now open to new possibilities…
Overall, I thought this book was fast-paced and intriguing. This book definitely took me out of my comfort zone as this is not the usual type of romance that I read. I wasn’t sure what to think of Ariana when I first met her. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to be herself or put herself out there. Things were a little awkward for Kinsley and Ariana in the beginning, but I do think their chemistry and connection were honest and definitely had this reader wanting to know more.
Love isn’t without its fair share of drama. I mean, this story does take place in LA and Ariana’s bestie Stevie, caused a lot of drama herself. While I did find some of the drama to be over the top, I can’t deny that it was pretty entertaining.
Overall, I thought this book was an enjoyable read. And while it may not be the typical romance that this reader normally reads, I’m still glad I checked it and gave it a try because, in the end, it was a fantastic love story…
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Overall, I thought this book was fast-paced and intriguing. This book definitely took me out of my comfort zone as this is not the usual type of romance that I read. I wasn’t sure what to think of Ariana when I first met her. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to be herself or put herself out there. Things were a little awkward for Kinsley and Ariana in the beginning, but I do think their chemistry and connection were honest and definitely had this reader wanting to know more.
Love isn’t without its fair share of drama. I mean, this story does take place in LA and Ariana’s bestie Stevie, caused a lot of drama herself. While I did find some of the drama to be over the top, I can’t deny that it was pretty entertaining.
Overall, I thought this book was an enjoyable read. And while it may not be the typical romance that this reader normally reads, I’m still glad I checked it and gave it a try because, in the end, it was a fantastic love story…
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
January 29, 2023
So I'm really grateful to Molly McAdams for having written this story. Why? Well there's a few reasons.
I for the first time in my life, can actually relate a novel in every aspect. I vibe with it so well, it's almost as if she wrote this book about me. This may be the only book in the universe, besides the ones I've written myself, that makes this true. I'm saying it is very, very, very rare. Let me explain why.
I'm about to give blunt facts here people, so don't judge my transparency. Also, if you don't believe me I will happily tell you what you need to check up on me.
I am a:
-Bi-racial (black/white) stud/masc presenting lesbian
-white washed (grew up only knowing my white, red headed mother who was a ER nurse)
-Intelligent, charming, well-spoken
-objectively attractive
-my wardrobe consisted of sports bras, joggers, and slides throughout my teens and most of my 20s
-I lived in California in a huge house with several female roommates, one that I fell in love with, dated, got engaged to, etc.
-I have a penchant for blondes, the straight ones especially
Not that it's super unique to find others out there like me, it's just very uncommon for someone to write about biracial stud lesbians getting the blonde bombshell.
And it's absolutely unheard of for someone to execute a perfect story about us and our lives, like Molly McAdams did.
I appreciate that she injected it into her heterosexual romance series, because it's amazing to have some light flashed on us every once in awhile.
The story was perfect, the audible version was top notch. It's sexy with just the right amount of angst and the reasons for the angst were completely founded. This will forever be one of my all time favorite listens, and I hope the author knows I'll be beyond grateful what she's done, for the rest of my life.
I for the first time in my life, can actually relate a novel in every aspect. I vibe with it so well, it's almost as if she wrote this book about me. This may be the only book in the universe, besides the ones I've written myself, that makes this true. I'm saying it is very, very, very rare. Let me explain why.
I'm about to give blunt facts here people, so don't judge my transparency. Also, if you don't believe me I will happily tell you what you need to check up on me.
I am a:
-Bi-racial (black/white) stud/masc presenting lesbian
-white washed (grew up only knowing my white, red headed mother who was a ER nurse)
-Intelligent, charming, well-spoken
-objectively attractive
-my wardrobe consisted of sports bras, joggers, and slides throughout my teens and most of my 20s
-I lived in California in a huge house with several female roommates, one that I fell in love with, dated, got engaged to, etc.
-I have a penchant for blondes, the straight ones especially
Not that it's super unique to find others out there like me, it's just very uncommon for someone to write about biracial stud lesbians getting the blonde bombshell.
And it's absolutely unheard of for someone to execute a perfect story about us and our lives, like Molly McAdams did.
I appreciate that she injected it into her heterosexual romance series, because it's amazing to have some light flashed on us every once in awhile.
The story was perfect, the audible version was top notch. It's sexy with just the right amount of angst and the reasons for the angst were completely founded. This will forever be one of my all time favorite listens, and I hope the author knows I'll be beyond grateful what she's done, for the rest of my life.
April 6, 2025
I appreciate the effort that went into the composition of this book but it was clear that there was some disconnect about the inner-workings of the lesbian trope that did not get safely conveyed in this piece.
I wanted to love this book, but the main characters were written so poorly that I could not connect and could not finish.
As authors, it is so important to be careful with how one is identifying characters and how those characters reflect on larger, queerer audiences. From this, it is clear that the author took hetero dynamics and plastered them onto queer characters and hoped that the tension and drama was enough to pull a reader in.
The main character was written as a predator who claimed she wasn't which was very uncomfortable. Sure, the other character had her own inner turmoil to navigate, but allowing the reader behind the veil shouldn't make predatory and misleading behavior okay, and it especially shouldn't get a pass because it's coming from women. The dynamic, of one character clearly acting in a flirtatious manner then claiming that they aren't and when they are called out, further saying that it is in the other person's head, is messed up.
The emotional abuse is heavy in this one y'all and d did not finish on this basis alone. Also, the teenage dynamics and cattiness of these grown women was off-putting to say the least.
This book was unsavory on many levels and though I am all about authors writing outside their genres, I am not for them playing in the delicate pool of queer identity portrayal to sell a few books and expand their audience. If that's the case, please stick to het-cis drama...please!
I wanted to love this book, but the main characters were written so poorly that I could not connect and could not finish.
As authors, it is so important to be careful with how one is identifying characters and how those characters reflect on larger, queerer audiences. From this, it is clear that the author took hetero dynamics and plastered them onto queer characters and hoped that the tension and drama was enough to pull a reader in.
The main character was written as a predator who claimed she wasn't which was very uncomfortable. Sure, the other character had her own inner turmoil to navigate, but allowing the reader behind the veil shouldn't make predatory and misleading behavior okay, and it especially shouldn't get a pass because it's coming from women. The dynamic, of one character clearly acting in a flirtatious manner then claiming that they aren't and when they are called out, further saying that it is in the other person's head, is messed up.
The emotional abuse is heavy in this one y'all and d did not finish on this basis alone. Also, the teenage dynamics and cattiness of these grown women was off-putting to say the least.
This book was unsavory on many levels and though I am all about authors writing outside their genres, I am not for them playing in the delicate pool of queer identity portrayal to sell a few books and expand their audience. If that's the case, please stick to het-cis drama...please!
July 18, 2022
Y’all. I really wish I could figure out just how authors manage to blow my mind with the stories they create, but I can’t. I just finished my arc of Love, and yet again Molly has blown me away. This is my first f/f love story and it was truly amazing.
Ariana, bold and so sure of herself is the kind of person everyone should be. She doesn’t let others get her down and when she’s on your side, she stays with you. The kind of friend everyone should have at least one of and I loved reading more about her.
Kinsley, shy and meek little Kins, watching her grow into her own skin and become who she is by the last page was truly one of the best parts. Though there are things I wished I could have seen more of, things I can’t say with out spoiling, but I think one of the best parts about being a reader is making up our own theories.
I think one of my favorite things about interconnected series is seeing the same characters and how they can be in different situations. Like Stevie, I won’t go into detail about, because spoilers, but she’s so very different and also much the same as she was in Passion. Hollis, she’s more of who she became by the end of Passion and Mia, I think is crumbling down into who she will be at the end of Fame and I can’t wait to see who she’ll be.
Molly really creates these characters to be so different from every other one, each story some what similar to her others and also so very different. She never lets me down when she has a new book and I love that for her and us as her readers.
Ariana, bold and so sure of herself is the kind of person everyone should be. She doesn’t let others get her down and when she’s on your side, she stays with you. The kind of friend everyone should have at least one of and I loved reading more about her.
Kinsley, shy and meek little Kins, watching her grow into her own skin and become who she is by the last page was truly one of the best parts. Though there are things I wished I could have seen more of, things I can’t say with out spoiling, but I think one of the best parts about being a reader is making up our own theories.
I think one of my favorite things about interconnected series is seeing the same characters and how they can be in different situations. Like Stevie, I won’t go into detail about, because spoilers, but she’s so very different and also much the same as she was in Passion. Hollis, she’s more of who she became by the end of Passion and Mia, I think is crumbling down into who she will be at the end of Fame and I can’t wait to see who she’ll be.
Molly really creates these characters to be so different from every other one, each story some what similar to her others and also so very different. She never lets me down when she has a new book and I love that for her and us as her readers.
January 23, 2022
I will read whatever this woman writes. This book is about all kinds of love, romantic partners, family, and friends.
In the first book of this series, readers did not really get to know a lot about all of the roommates, so when it was announced that Ariana would have the next book, I did not have any idea what her story would be. I just think that Ariana is a strong and kick-butt person. The only downfall, was that she allowed her close friendship with Stevie mess with her life. I think she needed to communicate a little more, and she needed to stand up to Stevie to force her to be realistic. I will say, Ariana’s friendship with Adam, Hollis’s boyfriend was really cute.
Kinsley’s character was a little confusing at times. She was a bubbly and outgoing person, but the was try to isolate herself from the others. The way her so called “friends” and family treated her, was ridiculous. I would bite back if someone treated me this way, but then again, if she was raised this way, I get it.
I think this was a beautiful love story.
In the first book of this series, readers did not really get to know a lot about all of the roommates, so when it was announced that Ariana would have the next book, I did not have any idea what her story would be. I just think that Ariana is a strong and kick-butt person. The only downfall, was that she allowed her close friendship with Stevie mess with her life. I think she needed to communicate a little more, and she needed to stand up to Stevie to force her to be realistic. I will say, Ariana’s friendship with Adam, Hollis’s boyfriend was really cute.
Kinsley’s character was a little confusing at times. She was a bubbly and outgoing person, but the was try to isolate herself from the others. The way her so called “friends” and family treated her, was ridiculous. I would bite back if someone treated me this way, but then again, if she was raised this way, I get it.
I think this was a beautiful love story.
August 12, 2022
I’m leaning having a difficult time sticking to a rating, maybe 3.5⭐️.
My main issue with the book is a lack of communication/miscommunication, between MANY characters in the book, and it grinds my gears. Half the book could be avoided if people would just talk to each other instead of burying their issues and emotions.
That being said, I think Kinsley’s journey to self discovery and acceptance was great. I really like Ari’s role even if she made mistakes regarding Stevie. Stevie is the center of all of my communication issues and I get that she has vulnerabilities that she is struggling with, but she was a completely different character from the first book to this one.
My main issue with the book is a lack of communication/miscommunication, between MANY characters in the book, and it grinds my gears. Half the book could be avoided if people would just talk to each other instead of burying their issues and emotions.
That being said, I think Kinsley’s journey to self discovery and acceptance was great. I really like Ari’s role even if she made mistakes regarding Stevie. Stevie is the center of all of my communication issues and I get that she has vulnerabilities that she is struggling with, but she was a completely different character from the first book to this one.
April 12, 2022
Arianna is out and proud. She takes on living with and training/working with Kinsley who is new to the area. Struggling with her family and friends and boyfriend Kinsley is a bit lost which is also why she struggles with finding herself attracted to Ari.
I think this is my first book about 2 women falling for each other and it was done well. Again this was dragged out and although Stevie, as a side character in the last book was ok, in this I really disliked her. I also struggled with how Kinsley saw herself.. saying she goes for things, then pushing and pulling
Xx
I think this is my first book about 2 women falling for each other and it was done well. Again this was dragged out and although Stevie, as a side character in the last book was ok, in this I really disliked her. I also struggled with how Kinsley saw herself.. saying she goes for things, then pushing and pulling
Xx
October 31, 2022
First of all,
Stevie is the most annoying character ive ever met in a book, girl is seriously so mean.
I get that trauma can fuck you up but honestly never been so annoyed with a person lol.
With that out of the way,
I really loved this book.
I loved that they made Kinsley more confident throughout the story without changing her whole personality.
The chemistry between Kinsley & Ariana was really good too.
I love me a good slow burn.
Stevie is the most annoying character ive ever met in a book, girl is seriously so mean.
I get that trauma can fuck you up but honestly never been so annoyed with a person lol.
With that out of the way,
I really loved this book.
I loved that they made Kinsley more confident throughout the story without changing her whole personality.
The chemistry between Kinsley & Ariana was really good too.
I love me a good slow burn.
May 10, 2022
Audio -
This was my first FF book. I liked this author and I want to be able to recommend to all so was excited. It was just okay. As far as action, nowhere near as erotic as the MM books I read. Storyline was interesting and the other characters surely have stories to tell. I may check out the next.
This was my first FF book. I liked this author and I want to be able to recommend to all so was excited. It was just okay. As far as action, nowhere near as erotic as the MM books I read. Storyline was interesting and the other characters surely have stories to tell. I may check out the next.
September 25, 2022
I utterly loved Kinsleys journey and the slowburn with Ariana as they both worked through their own barriers. My heart ached for Kinsley so many times, especially with her friends/family and watching her grow into her own was amazing.
Stevie was hard to deal with, I understand her role in the plot but she had to many mean girl vibes for me.
Stevie was hard to deal with, I understand her role in the plot but she had to many mean girl vibes for me.
December 28, 2021
amazing
I absolutely loved reading Ari’s and Kinsley’s love story. Loved following their growth as individuals along the way. So super excited to follow their love into the next book. With that being said….. holy moly cliffhanger!
I absolutely loved reading Ari’s and Kinsley’s love story. Loved following their growth as individuals along the way. So super excited to follow their love into the next book. With that being said….. holy moly cliffhanger!
February 24, 2023
This was lacking the depth of character struggle and pain that Molly’s books have. Normally you are feeling it all with her characters but this was just meh for me. It might have been that I didn’t jive with the audio narrators. I’m intrigued by the next in the series. . .
March 28, 2024
DNF at 85% - I tried so hard to get through this, but I couldn’t do it. I really didn’t like Kinsley and Ariana was only slightly better. Stevie, Ariana’s best friend, was the worst, though. Her co-dependency was sooo over the top.
December 22, 2021
Ahh I need more!!!
It's so good!!!! I couldn't put it down! Had to just keep reading! Now I'm sad it's over but it is a must read. I can't wait for more.
It's so good!!!! I couldn't put it down! Had to just keep reading! Now I'm sad it's over but it is a must read. I can't wait for more.
August 6, 2022
People get engaged in books far too fast....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down!
September 20, 2022
Not my type of love story. I didn’t read the description before starting this book since I read the first book in this series - highly recommended doing that first.
October 18, 2022
Well written FF story with roommates and boyfriends from book one as well as other characters. It’s best to read these in order.
October 20, 2022
OH SNAP! Molly writing FF. I was not expecting that but here for it. LOVE IS LOVE.
December 30, 2022
Enjoyed the book hated the best friend Stevie she was a royal pain in the ass and nearly ruined the book for me with the same redundant whining and complaining .
January 15, 2023
Really great rising action chapter to chapter. I read it in four days and definitely wanted more. Some parts went a little long, but all in all a great read and contribution to toaster oven lesfic!
February 21, 2023
Enjoyed that it was a FF love story, but I preferred the story line of #1
March 15, 2023
kudos to myself for reading 400+ pgs for stevie being a bitch n making everything abt her. i can’t even put into words how much i disliked the characters.
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