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At First Glance
Everything they never wanted…is everything they’ll ever need.
Faye Holmes’s life is the polar opposite from her racy, bestselling romances. It’s quiet, routine, and, at the moment, plagued with writer’s block. If only just a little of the passion burning up the pages of her books would warm her lonely bed. But to be honest, one-night stands aren’t her thing.
When her best friend buys her a lap dance to celebrate her latest bestseller, Faye is more than shocked. She’s intrigued by the stunningly beautiful dancer whose gentle eyes seem vaguely familiar.
Talia isn’t surprised that her favorite coffee shop customer doesn’t recognise her. Few would connect Talia, mild-mannered barista, with Adria, pole dancer and star of Liverpool’s hottest new strip club. And that’s how Talia wants it. It’s safer this way.
In the glaring spotlight though, no truth can hide for long. For two women from different worlds, falling in love can be a delicious dance—and a dangerous game. Not only for their careers, but for their hearts.
Faye Holmes’s life is the polar opposite from her racy, bestselling romances. It’s quiet, routine, and, at the moment, plagued with writer’s block. If only just a little of the passion burning up the pages of her books would warm her lonely bed. But to be honest, one-night stands aren’t her thing.
When her best friend buys her a lap dance to celebrate her latest bestseller, Faye is more than shocked. She’s intrigued by the stunningly beautiful dancer whose gentle eyes seem vaguely familiar.
Talia isn’t surprised that her favorite coffee shop customer doesn’t recognise her. Few would connect Talia, mild-mannered barista, with Adria, pole dancer and star of Liverpool’s hottest new strip club. And that’s how Talia wants it. It’s safer this way.
In the glaring spotlight though, no truth can hide for long. For two women from different worlds, falling in love can be a delicious dance—and a dangerous game. Not only for their careers, but for their hearts.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2021
252 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
38 books740 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
June 23, 2022
✧ ↝ 2.75 stars
i have been searching for a really good sapphic romance that has everything, and while this was in some ways very on point to what i wanted, it was also not. it is genuinely so upsetting to me that there are so many amazing mlm romances out there filled with the most beautiful romances, tension, and even good writing sometimes, but us sapphics barely ever get that. the few romances we do get are often so laughably bad and it sucks. and the good ones are really, really hard to find 😭
this exceeded my expectations in the way that during the 40-50% mark, it made me feel so much i was close to crying. i was rooting so hard for this couple and their dynamic at that point was nearly everything to me. their relationship in general throughout the story was really good and healthy, they always communicated and avoided any third act miscommunication with the way that they trusted each other without fail and talked through every conflict.
i think it is so important how this book depicted such a healthy relationship while still having very realistic conflict that faye and talia had to work through to successfully be together.
the characters were also done really well, they were both good people and you could clearly see from both of their perspectives how much they just wanted the best for the other person and didn’t want to overstep their boundaries or make the other person’s life difficult in any way. however, i would have liked to see both of their character arcs outside of their relationship with one another, as both of their stories basically centered around the same thing: getting hurt in the past by a long-term partner and then being afraid to try again with someone who seemed out of their league and too good to be true. additionally, because we only got to see them first through their own eyes and then through the other person’s, they seemed very cardboard cutout-like in the sense that through their own eyes they were mediocre and average but through the other person’s eyes they were the most spectacular amazing people ever. because neither of those felt very accurate, i didn’t get a real sense of how either of them actually, objectively were.
talia (like the king princess song) seemed cool, she was kind of aloof sometimes but in general i appreciated how she dealt with most conflicts and how much she cared for faye. i think she was supposed to be very attractive, and while i believe that she was, i personally didn’t find her that hot because the godawful writing did not, uh, do a good job of portraying that, considering it said shit like “Talia always had a way of cranking up the temperature,” which, sorry but what 😃
faye was such a sweetheart omg. i don’t really understand what talia found so attractive about her either, but again, that was completely the writing’s fault. she was always so kind and respectful and was there for talia whenever she needed her and i liked how she dealt with most situations maturely. she was so soft i genuinely just want to protect her.
the angst around the middle of the book wasdefinitely probably the best part for me. it felt completely realistic but also so heart wrenching omg. i could totally feel the emotions of the characters and i just loved the way the whole thing played out as well.
after the characters were in an established relationship, i was pretty bored the whole time. i greatly appreciated that there was no third-act miscommunication, but there was also nothing compelling enough to keep me from just wanting the story to be over. the domestic fluff between talia and faye was cute for about 0.2 seconds, and then just felt really cringey with the terrible writing and awful sex scenes. there were additional conflicts that the characters had to face regarding talia’s job (a stripper) and faye’s seemingly evil “best friend” (phoebe), but i didn’t care enough about those conflicts to keep me very interested in the story by that point.
the writing was by far the worst part about the book. it would do t-this every s-second when the characters were talking and there are random lines like ”i can think of something i want to twiddle, and it isn’t thumbs,”. like…i’m sorry? 😃
the characters also go on really long, dramatic speeches way too frequently, and it comes across as cheesy and unnecessary. i understand it when they are in the middle of a difficult situation that is threatening the relationship that they both want, but when they are already together in an established relationship just sitting there watching tv and cuddling the long speeches really aren’t necessary.
the smut was right up there with the writing in terms of the worst things about this book. it was unbearably cringey, the dirty talk and smut itself did nothing for me; it was just so dry and boring. there was no sexual tension, although i had to read about how ~aroused~ the characters were every five seconds, but it was literally so mediocre 😭
i think i skimmed some of the smut scenes, and i don’t do that.
one thing that i really appreciated about this book was how it dealt with the stigma surrounding talia’s job as a stripper. in this case, talia was stripping because she wanted to and she enjoyed it, not because she was forced into it or doing it solely for the money. it had been a big problem for her in past relationships when her previous partners would get angry at her for not being able to spend nights with them because she was out doing her job. this made her very fearful of being in future relationships, and was one of the things talia and faye had to work through to overcome talia’s apprehensions. however, talia is often treated horribly by people because of her job. phoebe, faye’s former best friend, tells her that she doesn’t deserve faye because of it and so many awful things, including calling her a slut and a whore, etc. i appreciated that this book didn’t glorify phoebe’s behavior and faye made the decision to cut her out of their life. personally, i would absolutely not have a problem with it if my partner worked as a stripper, but i’m glad that this book showed the stigma that surrounds that profession and how badly talia was treated in this book due to people’s ignorance.
i would recommend this in general and i’m glad that i read it, but if you’re looking for something super well-written or something with good smut then this is not for you 😭😭
pick this up if you’re looking for a really sweet, healthy romance with no third-act miscommunication and lots of fluff.
i have been searching for a really good sapphic romance that has everything, and while this was in some ways very on point to what i wanted, it was also not. it is genuinely so upsetting to me that there are so many amazing mlm romances out there filled with the most beautiful romances, tension, and even good writing sometimes, but us sapphics barely ever get that. the few romances we do get are often so laughably bad and it sucks. and the good ones are really, really hard to find 😭
this exceeded my expectations in the way that during the 40-50% mark, it made me feel so much i was close to crying. i was rooting so hard for this couple and their dynamic at that point was nearly everything to me. their relationship in general throughout the story was really good and healthy, they always communicated and avoided any third act miscommunication with the way that they trusted each other without fail and talked through every conflict.
i think it is so important how this book depicted such a healthy relationship while still having very realistic conflict that faye and talia had to work through to successfully be together.
the characters were also done really well, they were both good people and you could clearly see from both of their perspectives how much they just wanted the best for the other person and didn’t want to overstep their boundaries or make the other person’s life difficult in any way. however, i would have liked to see both of their character arcs outside of their relationship with one another, as both of their stories basically centered around the same thing: getting hurt in the past by a long-term partner and then being afraid to try again with someone who seemed out of their league and too good to be true. additionally, because we only got to see them first through their own eyes and then through the other person’s, they seemed very cardboard cutout-like in the sense that through their own eyes they were mediocre and average but through the other person’s eyes they were the most spectacular amazing people ever. because neither of those felt very accurate, i didn’t get a real sense of how either of them actually, objectively were.
talia (like the king princess song) seemed cool, she was kind of aloof sometimes but in general i appreciated how she dealt with most conflicts and how much she cared for faye. i think she was supposed to be very attractive, and while i believe that she was, i personally didn’t find her that hot because the godawful writing did not, uh, do a good job of portraying that, considering it said shit like “Talia always had a way of cranking up the temperature,” which, sorry but what 😃
faye was such a sweetheart omg. i don’t really understand what talia found so attractive about her either, but again, that was completely the writing’s fault. she was always so kind and respectful and was there for talia whenever she needed her and i liked how she dealt with most situations maturely. she was so soft i genuinely just want to protect her.
the angst around the middle of the book was
after the characters were in an established relationship, i was pretty bored the whole time. i greatly appreciated that there was no third-act miscommunication, but there was also nothing compelling enough to keep me from just wanting the story to be over. the domestic fluff between talia and faye was cute for about 0.2 seconds, and then just felt really cringey with the terrible writing and awful sex scenes. there were additional conflicts that the characters had to face regarding talia’s job (a stripper) and faye’s seemingly evil “best friend” (phoebe), but i didn’t care enough about those conflicts to keep me very interested in the story by that point.
the writing was by far the worst part about the book. it would do t-this every s-second when the characters were talking and there are random lines like ”i can think of something i want to twiddle, and it isn’t thumbs,”. like…i’m sorry? 😃
the characters also go on really long, dramatic speeches way too frequently, and it comes across as cheesy and unnecessary. i understand it when they are in the middle of a difficult situation that is threatening the relationship that they both want, but when they are already together in an established relationship just sitting there watching tv and cuddling the long speeches really aren’t necessary.
the smut was right up there with the writing in terms of the worst things about this book. it was unbearably cringey, the dirty talk and smut itself did nothing for me; it was just so dry and boring. there was no sexual tension, although i had to read about how ~aroused~ the characters were every five seconds, but it was literally so mediocre 😭
i think i skimmed some of the smut scenes, and i don’t do that.
one thing that i really appreciated about this book was how it dealt with the stigma surrounding talia’s job as a stripper. in this case, talia was stripping because she wanted to and she enjoyed it, not because she was forced into it or doing it solely for the money. it had been a big problem for her in past relationships when her previous partners would get angry at her for not being able to spend nights with them because she was out doing her job. this made her very fearful of being in future relationships, and was one of the things talia and faye had to work through to overcome talia’s apprehensions. however, talia is often treated horribly by people because of her job. phoebe, faye’s former best friend, tells her that she doesn’t deserve faye because of it and so many awful things, including calling her a slut and a whore, etc. i appreciated that this book didn’t glorify phoebe’s behavior and faye made the decision to cut her out of their life. personally, i would absolutely not have a problem with it if my partner worked as a stripper, but i’m glad that this book showed the stigma that surrounds that profession and how badly talia was treated in this book due to people’s ignorance.
i would recommend this in general and i’m glad that i read it, but if you’re looking for something super well-written or something with good smut then this is not for you 😭😭
pick this up if you’re looking for a really sweet, healthy romance with no third-act miscommunication and lots of fluff.
January 11, 2022
3.5⭐️ – Faye is a forty-year-old romance writer who more or less gave up on her love life after her divorce thirteen years ago. She finds herself unexpectedly interested when she meets Talia, a server at the bistro Faye likes to work from. When her best friend Phoebe gifts her a lap dance at a new strip club, a blond wig, added to Faye’s embarrassment, is enough for her not to recognize Talia. Talia is very proud of her job as a dancer, and of the competitions she’s won, but experience has taught her that most people don’t see her kind of dancing as art and she’s wary to trust anyone with her heart.
I have mixed feelings about this book. At times I was thinking this is my favourite book by Melissa Tereze so far, some scenes are fantastic. Then the next page, I’d roll my eyes so hard. I liked both main characters. Each is sweet in her own way. Faye is an introvert, Talia definitely is not, but they complement each other. They both have insecurities – Talia because of her job, Faye with her curves – and struggle to believe the other really is interested in them. Talia’s reluctance to open up to Faye at first annoyed me, I kept thinking I understood where she was coming from but wished she’d let Faye, an adult, decide for herself. I really liked that assumptions about each other didn’t take over. These women actually talk to each other and solve problems before they become overwhelming. I’ve complained, in reviews of previous Tereze books, about the characters’ immaturity. Not with this one.
Why did my eyes roll, you ask? It’s all the secondary characters’ fault. The worst is Phoebe, Faye’s best friend of twelve years, who, from the start, is awful. As lonely as Faye is, I can’t imagine her being friends with someone like Phoebe. Talia’s gay best friend and Faye’s mother (who deserved more on-page time) are the only kind people around them. Even the one person who, according to Faye, is too nice even for her acts horribly at one point. Either Liverpool is full of jerks or Faye and Talia are extremely unlucky.
If you usually enjoy Melissa Tereze’s books, read this one. There are some excellent parts, and the ones that bothered me probably won’t be an issue for you. If you’re new to Tereze’s books, this one isn’t a bad place to start.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have mixed feelings about this book. At times I was thinking this is my favourite book by Melissa Tereze so far, some scenes are fantastic. Then the next page, I’d roll my eyes so hard. I liked both main characters. Each is sweet in her own way. Faye is an introvert, Talia definitely is not, but they complement each other. They both have insecurities – Talia because of her job, Faye with her curves – and struggle to believe the other really is interested in them. Talia’s reluctance to open up to Faye at first annoyed me, I kept thinking I understood where she was coming from but wished she’d let Faye, an adult, decide for herself. I really liked that assumptions about each other didn’t take over. These women actually talk to each other and solve problems before they become overwhelming. I’ve complained, in reviews of previous Tereze books, about the characters’ immaturity. Not with this one.
Why did my eyes roll, you ask? It’s all the secondary characters’ fault. The worst is Phoebe, Faye’s best friend of twelve years, who, from the start, is awful. As lonely as Faye is, I can’t imagine her being friends with someone like Phoebe. Talia’s gay best friend and Faye’s mother (who deserved more on-page time) are the only kind people around them. Even the one person who, according to Faye, is too nice even for her acts horribly at one point. Either Liverpool is full of jerks or Faye and Talia are extremely unlucky.
If you usually enjoy Melissa Tereze’s books, read this one. There are some excellent parts, and the ones that bothered me probably won’t be an issue for you. If you’re new to Tereze’s books, this one isn’t a bad place to start.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2022
5 stars - I loved it. Cute MCs, good communication. Sexy.
So I have a complicated relationship with books by Ms Tereze. I always love her premise but not always the execution of the story. Usually there is a point in story where if the characters would just be honest and talk about what's going on everything would work out. Or they are talking but they are not listening to each other. Or they are listening but then choose not to believe what they are hearing. IT DRIVES ME NUTS. So, it was with caution that I began reading this book and when stuff starting happening... They talked. And they listened. And they believed!!!
Glory hallelujah!
I really liked both of these characters and wanted them protected at all costs and guess what? It happend over and over! I kept waiting for the stupid misunderstanding or whaterver but then I crept by 80%... nothing. And then I got to 90%... still a-ok. Both still communicating. No one jumping to conclusions to the point of making stupid unilateral decisions. Both still making smart choices. Reading on, I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then I hit the epilogue! We made it! I could finally stop holding my breath and enjoy the last bit of the story. I am going to have to re-read this at some point so I can relax and enjoy the whole thing it with a stupid grin on my face.
I can say without a doubt this is my fav Melissa Tereze book. Brilliant! Thank you so much Ms Tereze. I loved it.
So I have a complicated relationship with books by Ms Tereze. I always love her premise but not always the execution of the story. Usually there is a point in story where if the characters would just be honest and talk about what's going on everything would work out. Or they are talking but they are not listening to each other. Or they are listening but then choose not to believe what they are hearing. IT DRIVES ME NUTS. So, it was with caution that I began reading this book and when stuff starting happening... They talked. And they listened. And they believed!!!
Glory hallelujah!
I really liked both of these characters and wanted them protected at all costs and guess what? It happend over and over! I kept waiting for the stupid misunderstanding or whaterver but then I crept by 80%... nothing. And then I got to 90%... still a-ok. Both still communicating. No one jumping to conclusions to the point of making stupid unilateral decisions. Both still making smart choices. Reading on, I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then I hit the epilogue! We made it! I could finally stop holding my breath and enjoy the last bit of the story. I am going to have to re-read this at some point so I can relax and enjoy the whole thing it with a stupid grin on my face.
I can say without a doubt this is my fav Melissa Tereze book. Brilliant! Thank you so much Ms Tereze. I loved it.
January 13, 2023
4,5⭐️ A very good book. Some angst but not to much and the MCs have great chemistry together. I liked the storyline and the personal developments between the two MCs. And nobody needs or deserved a „best“ friend like Phoebe. Will definitly read the next Melissa Tereze book.
January 4, 2022
Acceptance.
This book was uncomfortable to read because the story is centred around the fact that one of the main characters, Talia, is a stripper, and it felt like a big deal. Insults are thrown Talia's way and it's nasty. Her love interest, Faye, is kind and considerate but Faye's best friend, Phoebe is unnecessarily aggressive. Talia appears desensitized to verbal abuse but is guarded when it comes to her own relationships and I can understand why. I understood the apprehension felt by both Talia and her love interest, Faye, towards seeing each other and I thought the concerns were real even if they shouldn't be.
Melissa Tereze has always delivered the steam in her books so don't expect this to be any less steamy. I love Talia and Faye together. And it's not only their chemistry that's good, it's also how well they communicate. I also love the trust and acceptance between them and how solid their relationship turned out to be.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was uncomfortable to read because the story is centred around the fact that one of the main characters, Talia, is a stripper, and it felt like a big deal. Insults are thrown Talia's way and it's nasty. Her love interest, Faye, is kind and considerate but Faye's best friend, Phoebe is unnecessarily aggressive. Talia appears desensitized to verbal abuse but is guarded when it comes to her own relationships and I can understand why. I understood the apprehension felt by both Talia and her love interest, Faye, towards seeing each other and I thought the concerns were real even if they shouldn't be.
Melissa Tereze has always delivered the steam in her books so don't expect this to be any less steamy. I love Talia and Faye together. And it's not only their chemistry that's good, it's also how well they communicate. I also love the trust and acceptance between them and how solid their relationship turned out to be.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
Q: what’s a four letter word that ends in “k” and means intercourse?
A: it’s TALK (social intercourse)
And this is what the characters do in this story. They actually talk and listen to each other. Okay, looking at the cover and understanding one of the MCs is a stripper (although I would be more inclined to say she works as an exotic dancer) you would expect a smutty, steamy fuck-fest with romance kind of being tacked on as an apologetic afterthought.
NO.
This is a sweet story of slow love blossoming in an unforgiving field. This is about two souls who come together in healing and pain. This is about the complicated relationships between people and how some things are forgivable and others aren’t. There is a lot of drama, but not a whole lot of angst. I found the story moved fast and I was engaged and interested in what was going on.
This novel is a whole lot more than what I thought it would be. It is beautifully written with compassion and grace, and I have to say I love Faye’s mother!
Overall, this is a sweet romance with a lot of feels, and I just loved being dropped into this little world that Faye and Talia inhabit. They immediately became my best friends and I was cheering for them to just go for it!! I was saddened by the baggage Talia’s choice of career brought, but ultimately it showed her who was truly worthy of her.
So let’s talk about the good bits. This story started slow and sweet, even the sexy stripper scenes weren’t all that detailed, but our girls do eventually find their way to each other and WOO NELLY! The epilogue is particularly naughty
(Faye, you surprised me! I guess it’s true what they say about the quiet ones).
Again, this isn’t an erotica, it is so much more than that. I really enjoyed this read and it made me think about a lot of different things. Also, it’s wonderfully written and left me with a very satisfied feeling.
My rating: five stars
I received this ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A: it’s TALK (social intercourse)
And this is what the characters do in this story. They actually talk and listen to each other. Okay, looking at the cover and understanding one of the MCs is a stripper (although I would be more inclined to say she works as an exotic dancer) you would expect a smutty, steamy fuck-fest with romance kind of being tacked on as an apologetic afterthought.
NO.
This is a sweet story of slow love blossoming in an unforgiving field. This is about two souls who come together in healing and pain. This is about the complicated relationships between people and how some things are forgivable and others aren’t. There is a lot of drama, but not a whole lot of angst. I found the story moved fast and I was engaged and interested in what was going on.
This novel is a whole lot more than what I thought it would be. It is beautifully written with compassion and grace, and I have to say I love Faye’s mother!
Overall, this is a sweet romance with a lot of feels, and I just loved being dropped into this little world that Faye and Talia inhabit. They immediately became my best friends and I was cheering for them to just go for it!! I was saddened by the baggage Talia’s choice of career brought, but ultimately it showed her who was truly worthy of her.
So let’s talk about the good bits. This story started slow and sweet, even the sexy stripper scenes weren’t all that detailed, but our girls do eventually find their way to each other and WOO NELLY! The epilogue is particularly naughty
(Faye, you surprised me! I guess it’s true what they say about the quiet ones).
Again, this isn’t an erotica, it is so much more than that. I really enjoyed this read and it made me think about a lot of different things. Also, it’s wonderfully written and left me with a very satisfied feeling.
My rating: five stars
I received this ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 28, 2021
This was another book by Melissa Tereze that I couldn't put down the moment I started it. And when I had to because it was already way too late I was just a tiny bit grumpy. Lol
First of all the cover is once more incredible and it definitely didn't leave me cold. Just as the story itself turned up the heat quite a bit. Ok it wasn't quite a bit, it was "not needing heating anymore hot"… 🥵🔥😆 But the story is also so much more than that. Both characters have so much depth that I couldn't decide if I loved Faye or Talia more. Both are just so wonderful that I came to the conclusion that I don't wanna decide between them. They are just perfect and totally sweet together.
And while you might think after reading the blurb that they will get together (in whatever way you think…) quite quickly, this is not how it is in this story. There is one of the most wonderful build ups, one that (I know I'm repeating myself a bit…) turns up the tension the longer the story continues. There is this wonderful pull between them and as much as they try to stay away from each other, their heart and their body don't agree. For example the first time they meet is just amazing, it's also so utterly sweet to witness how they both are drawn in by the other.
I don't wanna reveal too much about what happens when exactly in the story. But what I wanna mention (besides what I have already said above) is that I felt like Talia's and Faye's love story is different than what we usually get in a romance novels. For me it doesn't follow the usual romance formula, which is so refreshing. It’s actually something Melissa did for a few books by now. I caught myself many times in the book, where I thought ok now this will happen next, just to realise a bit later that I was wrong. I wasn't always wrong though (thank god for my ego… lol), but really so many times… What you also get is some kind of intrigue, wonderful best friends and characters I wanted to throttle. Lol
I could say so much more and actually struggle to let this story go. I mean it's not that I have nothing else to read (my TBR list is endless), but this is one of the stories I wanted to reread as soon as I finished it.
And last but not least I wanna say something about Melissa's writing. If you know her work you will know what a wonderful writer she is. If you haven't I recommend you change that right away and read all her books… But even if you already know her writing like me, I believe you will be still surprised and amazed. That's exactly what I am. I am in awe once again. How she is able to describe the characters feelings, the buildup, the tension, the chemistry and ok well she might also have quite the talent for writing a sex scene… 🥵🤣
But seriously I know I already said it but this book isn't only about sizzling moments (and there are many), it's also about learning to trust, understanding each other, being open minded, about talking what's on your mind and realising that sometimes things are not the way they seem to be (even if the last part stands more for the whole world around them and not for Talia & Faye because they see each other right away). Oh and before I forget, we also get to witness the topic of body insecurities, which for me was amazing. Melissa has woven this perfectly in the story from very early in the book until we get to the epilogue.
I wanna end this review with one last sentence. GET THIS BOOK AS SOON AS ITS OUT.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
First of all the cover is once more incredible and it definitely didn't leave me cold. Just as the story itself turned up the heat quite a bit. Ok it wasn't quite a bit, it was "not needing heating anymore hot"… 🥵🔥😆 But the story is also so much more than that. Both characters have so much depth that I couldn't decide if I loved Faye or Talia more. Both are just so wonderful that I came to the conclusion that I don't wanna decide between them. They are just perfect and totally sweet together.
And while you might think after reading the blurb that they will get together (in whatever way you think…) quite quickly, this is not how it is in this story. There is one of the most wonderful build ups, one that (I know I'm repeating myself a bit…) turns up the tension the longer the story continues. There is this wonderful pull between them and as much as they try to stay away from each other, their heart and their body don't agree. For example the first time they meet is just amazing, it's also so utterly sweet to witness how they both are drawn in by the other.
I don't wanna reveal too much about what happens when exactly in the story. But what I wanna mention (besides what I have already said above) is that I felt like Talia's and Faye's love story is different than what we usually get in a romance novels. For me it doesn't follow the usual romance formula, which is so refreshing. It’s actually something Melissa did for a few books by now. I caught myself many times in the book, where I thought ok now this will happen next, just to realise a bit later that I was wrong. I wasn't always wrong though (thank god for my ego… lol), but really so many times… What you also get is some kind of intrigue, wonderful best friends and characters I wanted to throttle. Lol
I could say so much more and actually struggle to let this story go. I mean it's not that I have nothing else to read (my TBR list is endless), but this is one of the stories I wanted to reread as soon as I finished it.
And last but not least I wanna say something about Melissa's writing. If you know her work you will know what a wonderful writer she is. If you haven't I recommend you change that right away and read all her books… But even if you already know her writing like me, I believe you will be still surprised and amazed. That's exactly what I am. I am in awe once again. How she is able to describe the characters feelings, the buildup, the tension, the chemistry and ok well she might also have quite the talent for writing a sex scene… 🥵🤣
But seriously I know I already said it but this book isn't only about sizzling moments (and there are many), it's also about learning to trust, understanding each other, being open minded, about talking what's on your mind and realising that sometimes things are not the way they seem to be (even if the last part stands more for the whole world around them and not for Talia & Faye because they see each other right away). Oh and before I forget, we also get to witness the topic of body insecurities, which for me was amazing. Melissa has woven this perfectly in the story from very early in the book until we get to the epilogue.
I wanna end this review with one last sentence. GET THIS BOOK AS SOON AS ITS OUT.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
January 24, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author, though by no means the author's debut novel. It's an age gap story involving a woman of 29 getting entangled with a woman of 40.
The 11 year age difference did not matter to anyone in this book. Though their ages did seem to come up a lot.
The 40 year old incredibly gorgeous successful author, Faye Holmes, is dragged out to party by her "friend" Phoebe. The reader learns early and often that Phoebe is a complete waste of human tissue and complete garbage. She's not one of the two main characters, though, so that's good (that she's not a main character). The party is at a "Gentlemen's Club" and involves a lap dance for Faye paid for by Phoebe. The dancer has special eyes that reminds Faye of someone but she doesn't immediately recognize her.
Why would she recognize the dancer? Because Faye had previously meet the absolutely stunning, overwhelmingly gorgeous woman at her favorite cafe. Where Talia works. Though not as a stripper. No, Talia only works as a dancer/stripper at that Gentleman's club, and only on the weekend. The 29 year old Talia is one of the most attractive people to have ever lived, very physically fit, and so rich from dancing she doesn't need to work in the cafe, but would be bored if she didn't have a "normal" 9-5 job. She's also the other POV in the story.
Neither woman is in a relationship when the book opens, because 1) Talia was burned by a prior relationship, and doesn't believe she deserves to be in a relationship (because she's a stripper); 2) Faye was burned by a prior marriage, and . . . . um, doesn't date?
The book is filled with a solid wave of sound, stereo-like effect of "I don't deserve to date/there's no fucking way that gorgeous woman would want to date me" coming through from both main characters. Plus an underlying third wave of "SHE'S A STRIPPER!!! DON'T EVEN THINK OF DATING SOMEONE LIKE HER!!! She's human garbage, please overlook how I spend thousands every weekend going to Gentleman's clubs to pay for strippers to dance for me, because I'm not a stripper, I just pay strippers, so I'm better than God and they are human garbage" constantly and repetitively stated by Phoebe, the garbage friend (and, just to drive home the point, a comment repeated, at a milder level (though hyperactively and without breath) by another woman informing Faye that Talia was a worthless piece of garbage stripper.
Right, so. Book set in Liverpool, a city where everyone has great views from their apartments, and everything is within walking distance (apparently). Liverpool England. In Europe.
The book had some good moments. Was exhausting, though, the women wrapped up in their own minds with their fears and stuff. Also seemed weirdly claustrophobic. Tied tightly to a very few locations, to the point that, when they finally went to a restaurant with one of their mothers I felt like it was a breath of fresh air injected into things.
Other than one of the strippers being described as having fake tits (or however that was conveyed very early on in the book), I do not really recall any of the other characters being described, at least their level of hotness. Faye & Talia were, though, constantly being described as being gorgeous.
Rating: 3.23
January 24 2022
The 11 year age difference did not matter to anyone in this book. Though their ages did seem to come up a lot.
The 40 year old incredibly gorgeous successful author, Faye Holmes, is dragged out to party by her "friend" Phoebe. The reader learns early and often that Phoebe is a complete waste of human tissue and complete garbage. She's not one of the two main characters, though, so that's good (that she's not a main character). The party is at a "Gentlemen's Club" and involves a lap dance for Faye paid for by Phoebe. The dancer has special eyes that reminds Faye of someone but she doesn't immediately recognize her.
Why would she recognize the dancer? Because Faye had previously meet the absolutely stunning, overwhelmingly gorgeous woman at her favorite cafe. Where Talia works. Though not as a stripper. No, Talia only works as a dancer/stripper at that Gentleman's club, and only on the weekend. The 29 year old Talia is one of the most attractive people to have ever lived, very physically fit, and so rich from dancing she doesn't need to work in the cafe, but would be bored if she didn't have a "normal" 9-5 job. She's also the other POV in the story.
Neither woman is in a relationship when the book opens, because 1) Talia was burned by a prior relationship, and doesn't believe she deserves to be in a relationship (because she's a stripper); 2) Faye was burned by a prior marriage, and . . . . um, doesn't date?
The book is filled with a solid wave of sound, stereo-like effect of "I don't deserve to date/there's no fucking way that gorgeous woman would want to date me" coming through from both main characters. Plus an underlying third wave of "SHE'S A STRIPPER!!! DON'T EVEN THINK OF DATING SOMEONE LIKE HER!!! She's human garbage, please overlook how I spend thousands every weekend going to Gentleman's clubs to pay for strippers to dance for me, because I'm not a stripper, I just pay strippers, so I'm better than God and they are human garbage" constantly and repetitively stated by Phoebe, the garbage friend (and, just to drive home the point, a comment repeated, at a milder level (though hyperactively and without breath) by another woman informing Faye that Talia was a worthless piece of garbage stripper.
Right, so. Book set in Liverpool, a city where everyone has great views from their apartments, and everything is within walking distance (apparently). Liverpool England. In Europe.
The book had some good moments. Was exhausting, though, the women wrapped up in their own minds with their fears and stuff. Also seemed weirdly claustrophobic. Tied tightly to a very few locations, to the point that, when they finally went to a restaurant with one of their mothers I felt like it was a breath of fresh air injected into things.
Other than one of the strippers being described as having fake tits (or however that was conveyed very early on in the book), I do not really recall any of the other characters being described, at least their level of hotness. Faye & Talia were, though, constantly being described as being gorgeous.
Rating: 3.23
January 24 2022
February 6, 2022
4.25 stars
Melissa Tereze writes very sexy books and this is no exception. What I like most about her work is that she really humanizes her characters. They or their relationships are sometimes "controversial" in some way (think Mrs. Middleton) but the author lets the reader into their lives and psyche so we learn who they are as people. And because of that, we root for them.
I don't think I've read a romance with an MC who was a stripper or exotic dancer. But what's significant here - and what Melissa illustrates so well - is that like all of us, her work isn't everything she is. But the outside world sees her only as that and judges her for it. We could have a whole discussion about why it's ridiculous for people to judge those who dance for a living - and how the very people that do are often the ones who frequent these establishments themselves. But that's a discussion for another day.
When romance author Faye Holmes meets Talia as a barista in her favorite coffee shop, she notices how friendly and beautiful the younger woman is. There's something shy and appealing about her that makes the author want to get to know her better, which is so unlike her. But Talia seems to want to keep Faye at arm's length, and Faye assumes it's because she has no interest in her.
Faye has been single for so long and is so introverted, her best friend Phoebe insists on dragging her out to socialize one night. She thinks she'll likely be going for drinks somewhere, but Phoebe had something completely different in mind - an exclusive high-end strip club, where she's also purchased a private lap dance for Faye. Appalled and embarrassed that her friend took her to a place where she felt women might be coerced into doing something against their will, she tries to get out of it. But Phoebe has spent a huge amount of money for the dance, so she reluctantly agrees. The dancer is stunningly beautiful and makes Faye feel things she hasn't in some time. She relaxes a little knowing there are strict rules at this establishment and clients aren't allowed to touch the dancers. The woman's eyes look somehow familiar, but Faye can't place her. She seems to really enjoy dancing for Faye, and almost against her will, Faye can't help but feel aroused.
After that night Faye returns to her quiet life, but can't quite seem to shake the experience. When she goes back into the coffee shop to write, the barista braces herself, knowing Faye will likely put two and two together. But she doesn't. Talia has a completely different look at the club. Talia is relieved because while she finds Faye terribly attractive, she knows a woman like her would never consider a relationship with someone who does what she does for a living. She just hopes they can enjoy a casual friendship at the cafe. But that's not where their story ends.
I really liked how Tereze illustrates how horribly judgmental people can be about those in Talia's profession. It's almost as though they're not even human beings - just bodies to be ogled and appreciated, but not deserving of more. I also appreciated Faye's character and how she reacts once she realizes who Talia is. These are two very likable, fleshed out MCs and you want them to find happiness together.
This story isn't perfect. There's so much that could have been handled with better communication. Both MCs have baggage - and Talia's is significant and she's more than a decade younger than Faye, so you have to cut her some slack for that. There is also a loathsome character in this that I wish would have been put in her place much sooner than she was, but she had a purpose in illustrating the challenges that Talia and both of them together face.
It was a good and entertaining read and I'm glad I picked this up. Another winner from Tereze!
Melissa Tereze writes very sexy books and this is no exception. What I like most about her work is that she really humanizes her characters. They or their relationships are sometimes "controversial" in some way (think Mrs. Middleton) but the author lets the reader into their lives and psyche so we learn who they are as people. And because of that, we root for them.
I don't think I've read a romance with an MC who was a stripper or exotic dancer. But what's significant here - and what Melissa illustrates so well - is that like all of us, her work isn't everything she is. But the outside world sees her only as that and judges her for it. We could have a whole discussion about why it's ridiculous for people to judge those who dance for a living - and how the very people that do are often the ones who frequent these establishments themselves. But that's a discussion for another day.
When romance author Faye Holmes meets Talia as a barista in her favorite coffee shop, she notices how friendly and beautiful the younger woman is. There's something shy and appealing about her that makes the author want to get to know her better, which is so unlike her. But Talia seems to want to keep Faye at arm's length, and Faye assumes it's because she has no interest in her.
Faye has been single for so long and is so introverted, her best friend Phoebe insists on dragging her out to socialize one night. She thinks she'll likely be going for drinks somewhere, but Phoebe had something completely different in mind - an exclusive high-end strip club, where she's also purchased a private lap dance for Faye. Appalled and embarrassed that her friend took her to a place where she felt women might be coerced into doing something against their will, she tries to get out of it. But Phoebe has spent a huge amount of money for the dance, so she reluctantly agrees. The dancer is stunningly beautiful and makes Faye feel things she hasn't in some time. She relaxes a little knowing there are strict rules at this establishment and clients aren't allowed to touch the dancers. The woman's eyes look somehow familiar, but Faye can't place her. She seems to really enjoy dancing for Faye, and almost against her will, Faye can't help but feel aroused.
After that night Faye returns to her quiet life, but can't quite seem to shake the experience. When she goes back into the coffee shop to write, the barista braces herself, knowing Faye will likely put two and two together. But she doesn't. Talia has a completely different look at the club. Talia is relieved because while she finds Faye terribly attractive, she knows a woman like her would never consider a relationship with someone who does what she does for a living. She just hopes they can enjoy a casual friendship at the cafe. But that's not where their story ends.
I really liked how Tereze illustrates how horribly judgmental people can be about those in Talia's profession. It's almost as though they're not even human beings - just bodies to be ogled and appreciated, but not deserving of more. I also appreciated Faye's character and how she reacts once she realizes who Talia is. These are two very likable, fleshed out MCs and you want them to find happiness together.
This story isn't perfect. There's so much that could have been handled with better communication. Both MCs have baggage - and Talia's is significant and she's more than a decade younger than Faye, so you have to cut her some slack for that. There is also a loathsome character in this that I wish would have been put in her place much sooner than she was, but she had a purpose in illustrating the challenges that Talia and both of them together face.
It was a good and entertaining read and I'm glad I picked this up. Another winner from Tereze!
October 22, 2023
Too much nastiness (better than the B word!) for it to be 5*s. Going out with a stripper appeasers to be more about ‘friends’ reactions and behaviour. Are people really that nasty? Strange, old fashioned names - Faye, Talia, Phoebe etc. Interesting book.
December 30, 2021
Melissa Tereze's writing keeps getting better with each book. I got At First Glance as an ARC and woke up early to read a bit before work each day. Was annoyed I had to go to work because that meant I couldn't keep reading it.
I enjoyed the rich and complex characters of Faye and Talia, each more than their careers. The storyline grabbed me from the first page and I couldn't wait to see how the story would play out.
I cannot highly recommend At First Glance enough.
I might just go and reread it again in the new year.
I enjoyed the rich and complex characters of Faye and Talia, each more than their careers. The storyline grabbed me from the first page and I couldn't wait to see how the story would play out.
I cannot highly recommend At First Glance enough.
I might just go and reread it again in the new year.
December 31, 2021
Why is this rated so high!?
Honestly this book is full of unnecessary drama.
Yeah the beginning was great I admit. Buy then Faye kissing Talia's colleague and bringing Jenna to the place Talia worked kissing her again?! What the hell was that?
Yeah i can't finish and so gonna dnf at 50%.
Disappointed because i really liked Tereze's and
was so excited for this book. :(
Honestly this book is full of unnecessary drama.
Yeah the beginning was great I admit. Buy then Faye kissing Talia's colleague and bringing Jenna to the place Talia worked kissing her again?! What the hell was that?
Yeah i can't finish and so gonna dnf at 50%.
Disappointed because i really liked Tereze's and
was so excited for this book. :(
February 13, 2022
I’m at 80% and it might be a DNF for me
I can’t believe this book is so highly rated. And when I now take the time to actually read some of the 3 star reviews they actually sound more like 2 or 1 stars but I think people feel bad about giving lesfic authors bad reviews.
This book was so immature and over the top it felt like watching a (really bad) lifetime movie. I don’t mind if characters don’t think they’re worthy of love as long as it’s well written, this one was repetitive and superficial and I honestly didn’t care about either MC. And the character of Phoebe left me baffled. You can still write about a best friend who has prejudices and is toxic without it reading like a caricature. I kept being pulled out of the story and couldn’t immerse myself or see these characters as real people.
Because I spent money on this I took it as far as 80% skimming through parts but be aware and actually take the time to read the 3- star reviews. A hidden cautionary tale
I can’t believe this book is so highly rated. And when I now take the time to actually read some of the 3 star reviews they actually sound more like 2 or 1 stars but I think people feel bad about giving lesfic authors bad reviews.
This book was so immature and over the top it felt like watching a (really bad) lifetime movie. I don’t mind if characters don’t think they’re worthy of love as long as it’s well written, this one was repetitive and superficial and I honestly didn’t care about either MC. And the character of Phoebe left me baffled. You can still write about a best friend who has prejudices and is toxic without it reading like a caricature. I kept being pulled out of the story and couldn’t immerse myself or see these characters as real people.
Because I spent money on this I took it as far as 80% skimming through parts but be aware and actually take the time to read the 3- star reviews. A hidden cautionary tale
January 3, 2022
4.8 ⭐
I was in the mood for something spicy, something that would tickle my fantasies and just let me enjoy a good story with captivating characters and a positive message underneath. At First Glance delivered all of this.
When I started scanning Amazon for best sellers, At First Glance’s title and the cover are so attractive that it didn’t take me but a second to choose it: one click and voilà. Just the time to welcome the new year, go home and start reading it.
Few pages and I was totally hooked. First, because I always find interesting when a writer creates a character that is also a writer, as I’ll start wondering in my head whether Art is imitating Life or vice versa, and second because the whole book plays with some themes that I really love: strangers, first impressions, identity, human insecurities, loneliness, friendship, judgmental society, and lots and lots of passion.
I always been fascinated by the thought of watching perfect strangers interact with each other in an environment where the judgement of society is eliminated. The first contact would be probably always on a physical level. But can you fall in love with someone by just looking at them? What does push people into craving to know more about someone else? Probably curiosity. Fay Holmes is a writer… “an introvert with a love of extroverts” (p. 113), but what strikes her at first about Talia are her eyes, her smile, her soft voice.
I’m a total sucker for eyes and yes, I do believe you can fall in love just by looking at people’s eyes. Time stands still and imagination takes on. You can see a lot by staring into someone else’s eyes. The book cites eyes more than 200 times! Surprised eyes, wandering eyes, wanting eyes, jealous eyes, sad eyes, happy eyes, intense and passionate eyes, closed eyes in ecstasy.
A deeper connection that has the power of seeing through someone soul. That is what Faye saw in Talia. Everything she wanted from a partner, everything that even Talia didn’t see about herself, and the sentiment is reciprocated. All Faye’s insecurities about her attitude, about her body appearance are proved wrong by the way Talia looks at her.
Faye and Talia complete each other. If Faye needs reassurance on a physical level, Talia needs it on a mindful one: the combination of words and body language is what attracted me the most in At First Glance. Faye can reassure Talia that she’s worthy of love, no matter what her job is. Faye is proud of her and supports her and will always be at her side. Talia showed Faye, instead, that she’s a desirable woman, that she can be attractive and that she’s definitely wanted.
But what At First Glace teaches you, is that first impressions can be sometimes misleading… the introvert can turn into an extrovert and vice versa. Sometimes people surprise you with their hidden characteristics… and you’re left to wonder about them… “I didn’t suspect you had it in you”; “you are full of wonders”; “I didn’t know you had such a fire in you”; “you are so sweet and kind”; “I didn’t think of you as such a hard worker”; “I misjudged you”; “I underestimated you”. These are some of the thoughts that came into my mind while I read the book. Some scenes were quite surprising and made me giggle. Never underestimate the imagination of a writer. Never judge someone by what their job is. Never judge them by their physical aspect.
Everybody deserves respect, because you don’t know what they’ve been through in their lives, unless you are willing to ask them, and they are willing to let you know. That’s the beauty of communication and discovering what lies beneath. There’s a fire in each of us that is only waiting to be turned on by the right match. Faye and Talia are perfect for each other. Society judgmental eye disappears when they are together.
Sweet and steamy, reassuring and tantalizing, heartfelt and arousing. Hot-blooded dancing scenes that will keep you tied on your reading spot and let your mind wander.
And at last, one of the most hideous friend-character I have ever read about… and one of the coolest mom ever portrayed!
I was in the mood for something spicy, something that would tickle my fantasies and just let me enjoy a good story with captivating characters and a positive message underneath. At First Glance delivered all of this.
When I started scanning Amazon for best sellers, At First Glance’s title and the cover are so attractive that it didn’t take me but a second to choose it: one click and voilà. Just the time to welcome the new year, go home and start reading it.
Few pages and I was totally hooked. First, because I always find interesting when a writer creates a character that is also a writer, as I’ll start wondering in my head whether Art is imitating Life or vice versa, and second because the whole book plays with some themes that I really love: strangers, first impressions, identity, human insecurities, loneliness, friendship, judgmental society, and lots and lots of passion.
I always been fascinated by the thought of watching perfect strangers interact with each other in an environment where the judgement of society is eliminated. The first contact would be probably always on a physical level. But can you fall in love with someone by just looking at them? What does push people into craving to know more about someone else? Probably curiosity. Fay Holmes is a writer… “an introvert with a love of extroverts” (p. 113), but what strikes her at first about Talia are her eyes, her smile, her soft voice.
I’m a total sucker for eyes and yes, I do believe you can fall in love just by looking at people’s eyes. Time stands still and imagination takes on. You can see a lot by staring into someone else’s eyes. The book cites eyes more than 200 times! Surprised eyes, wandering eyes, wanting eyes, jealous eyes, sad eyes, happy eyes, intense and passionate eyes, closed eyes in ecstasy.
A deeper connection that has the power of seeing through someone soul. That is what Faye saw in Talia. Everything she wanted from a partner, everything that even Talia didn’t see about herself, and the sentiment is reciprocated. All Faye’s insecurities about her attitude, about her body appearance are proved wrong by the way Talia looks at her.
Faye and Talia complete each other. If Faye needs reassurance on a physical level, Talia needs it on a mindful one: the combination of words and body language is what attracted me the most in At First Glance. Faye can reassure Talia that she’s worthy of love, no matter what her job is. Faye is proud of her and supports her and will always be at her side. Talia showed Faye, instead, that she’s a desirable woman, that she can be attractive and that she’s definitely wanted.
But what At First Glace teaches you, is that first impressions can be sometimes misleading… the introvert can turn into an extrovert and vice versa. Sometimes people surprise you with their hidden characteristics… and you’re left to wonder about them… “I didn’t suspect you had it in you”; “you are full of wonders”; “I didn’t know you had such a fire in you”; “you are so sweet and kind”; “I didn’t think of you as such a hard worker”; “I misjudged you”; “I underestimated you”. These are some of the thoughts that came into my mind while I read the book. Some scenes were quite surprising and made me giggle. Never underestimate the imagination of a writer. Never judge someone by what their job is. Never judge them by their physical aspect.
Everybody deserves respect, because you don’t know what they’ve been through in their lives, unless you are willing to ask them, and they are willing to let you know. That’s the beauty of communication and discovering what lies beneath. There’s a fire in each of us that is only waiting to be turned on by the right match. Faye and Talia are perfect for each other. Society judgmental eye disappears when they are together.
Sweet and steamy, reassuring and tantalizing, heartfelt and arousing. Hot-blooded dancing scenes that will keep you tied on your reading spot and let your mind wander.
And at last, one of the most hideous friend-character I have ever read about… and one of the coolest mom ever portrayed!
May 16, 2022
4 ⭐️
2🌶
At First Glance was the first novel I read by Melissa Tereze. I was on the hunt for a good F/F romance on Kindle Unlimited and stumbled upon this author. I added many of Melissa’s books to my library but chose to read At First Glance first because it intrigued me.
Synopsis: Faye Holmes is a best selling (spicy) romance author who is struggling to write because of writer's block. Her routine gets lonely and she isn’t a fan of one night stands. For her birthday, her friend takes her to a strip club and buys her a lap dance. Faye is entranced by the gorgeous dancer and cannot stop thinking about her. The dancer who also happens to be her barista at the cafe she frequents.
Thoughts/ review : As soon as I finished this thought it was a good book, I still stand by that! I thought it was well written and captivating, so I binged it in one sitting. I really loved Faye and Talia, I thought they had great chemistry and their interactions had me smiling. I loved how they are complete opposites, and not just when it came to their careers. I thought that was great and it made me like how they both brought out a different side in the other. They are opposites that are looking for the same thing, someone to share their lives with and someone who gets them. Honestly, the one thing that I didn’t like about this was Faye’s best friend, but I don’t think we were meant to like her. She was there to start the drama and was a very dislikable character. I wasn't a fan of how Faye kept being friends with her after some of what she said, but I also understood where Faye was coming from. In the end, I liked how it played out. Everything fit in place and the HEA was the cherry on top! Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable romance.
2🌶
At First Glance was the first novel I read by Melissa Tereze. I was on the hunt for a good F/F romance on Kindle Unlimited and stumbled upon this author. I added many of Melissa’s books to my library but chose to read At First Glance first because it intrigued me.
Synopsis: Faye Holmes is a best selling (spicy) romance author who is struggling to write because of writer's block. Her routine gets lonely and she isn’t a fan of one night stands. For her birthday, her friend takes her to a strip club and buys her a lap dance. Faye is entranced by the gorgeous dancer and cannot stop thinking about her. The dancer who also happens to be her barista at the cafe she frequents.
Thoughts/ review : As soon as I finished this thought it was a good book, I still stand by that! I thought it was well written and captivating, so I binged it in one sitting. I really loved Faye and Talia, I thought they had great chemistry and their interactions had me smiling. I loved how they are complete opposites, and not just when it came to their careers. I thought that was great and it made me like how they both brought out a different side in the other. They are opposites that are looking for the same thing, someone to share their lives with and someone who gets them. Honestly, the one thing that I didn’t like about this was Faye’s best friend, but I don’t think we were meant to like her. She was there to start the drama and was a very dislikable character. I wasn't a fan of how Faye kept being friends with her after some of what she said, but I also understood where Faye was coming from. In the end, I liked how it played out. Everything fit in place and the HEA was the cherry on top! Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable romance.
Read
February 4, 2022While deep into KU I found this and it sounded promising but it was just so bad yikes. It was full of unnecessary drama and the writing was cringy.
The drama would just not stop and it was all so ??? pointless?? They were just going back and forth being dumb with each other, kissing someone else in front of the other and then just going and crying to each other. On and on they went about how neither of them could believe the other was into them only for them to BOTH push each other away. Like are we adults or? I've read teenage romance less wishy washy and had less stupid drama than this.
It was 60% before they stopped pushing each other away for no reason and then it was just more dumb drama after it. It was so frustrating to read and it just kept doing the same damn thing.
One character is a stripper. Everyone hates strippers and cannot believe the other woman would date one. Yada yada strippers are bad while they have to defend the job every other page. Like chill. Why does she wear leather pants while stripping it was just odd.
Then there was this stupid annoying friendship that also kept dragging and then having the same repeat drama every other page. Her friend was in love with her (oh sorry, in love with the IdEa of her???) so she was mad the woman was into a stRiPpEr so then she treats said stripper like shit, literally assaults her, and then is still basically forgiven in the end anyway. There is no way in any reality did any of this make logical sense?? She told her to stay out of her life multiple times but then kept going back. It was just so wacky.
The drama would just not stop and it was all so ??? pointless?? They were just going back and forth being dumb with each other, kissing someone else in front of the other and then just going and crying to each other. On and on they went about how neither of them could believe the other was into them only for them to BOTH push each other away. Like are we adults or? I've read teenage romance less wishy washy and had less stupid drama than this.
It was 60% before they stopped pushing each other away for no reason and then it was just more dumb drama after it. It was so frustrating to read and it just kept doing the same damn thing.
One character is a stripper. Everyone hates strippers and cannot believe the other woman would date one. Yada yada strippers are bad while they have to defend the job every other page. Like chill. Why does she wear leather pants while stripping it was just odd.
Then there was this stupid annoying friendship that also kept dragging and then having the same repeat drama every other page. Her friend was in love with her (oh sorry, in love with the IdEa of her???) so she was mad the woman was into a stRiPpEr so then she treats said stripper like shit, literally assaults her, and then is still basically forgiven in the end anyway. There is no way in any reality did any of this make logical sense?? She told her to stay out of her life multiple times but then kept going back. It was just so wacky.
January 8, 2022
Had potential
I was looking forward to reading this story, it seemed promising enough. However, the writing was mediocre at best and about halfway through I couldn’t stomach any more. The way some sentences were put together had me rolling my eyes so hard I was worried it might get stuck in the back of my head. Hopefully when the writer is more seasoned they would revisit this story and give it the depth it deserves. With that being said, I don’t know how in good conscience I could recommend this to anyone but I’m fully aware that my tastes are not the same as others. So if you are in the mood to overlook major story development issues then this might just be for you!
I was looking forward to reading this story, it seemed promising enough. However, the writing was mediocre at best and about halfway through I couldn’t stomach any more. The way some sentences were put together had me rolling my eyes so hard I was worried it might get stuck in the back of my head. Hopefully when the writer is more seasoned they would revisit this story and give it the depth it deserves. With that being said, I don’t know how in good conscience I could recommend this to anyone but I’m fully aware that my tastes are not the same as others. So if you are in the mood to overlook major story development issues then this might just be for you!
did-not-finish
January 4, 2022DNF @ 27%.
October 11, 2023
A little steamy, a little sweet!
Faye, a romance novelist, longs for the passion she writes about. When out celebrating her latest release introduces her to an exotic dancer, she can’t help but feel they know one another. Of course, Talia recognised Faye but she doesn’t want to be known as her strip club persona, no matter how much she loves her work. When Faye finally works out her dancer was Talia, it could just lead to everything she ever wanted.
A great balance of steamy moments with erotic edges and sweet moments shared between two passionate women. As with all great romances, Melissa has packed in a little mystery with Talia’s dual identity and the tension that causes, and the complications of the situation surrounding Talia and Faye’s budding romance. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if Faye would take the plunge and be okay with learning about Talia’s career as a dancer because her initial uncertainty towards Talia’s behaviour at the coffee shop suggested it might not go smoothly, if and when Talia ever let her walls down.
It was easy to empathise with Talia’s situation and why she wanted to keep her two jobs separate. None of the fears she had about people learning who she was and the impact that had on her relationships were unjust and I supported all her decisions. I was glad she took a chance with Faye though, as in a way she too had another side to her that was completely different to her day to day life. She really brought something out in Faye, that passion she put on the pages of her novels was suddenly alive in her life. It was so refreshing and a lot of fun experiencing her letting her hair down and pursuing the one thing she always dreamed of. The way they supported one another and shared their fears meant that as soon as Faye knew about Talia’s other work, there was no room for miscommunication.
A great story that I really enjoyed!
Faye, a romance novelist, longs for the passion she writes about. When out celebrating her latest release introduces her to an exotic dancer, she can’t help but feel they know one another. Of course, Talia recognised Faye but she doesn’t want to be known as her strip club persona, no matter how much she loves her work. When Faye finally works out her dancer was Talia, it could just lead to everything she ever wanted.
A great balance of steamy moments with erotic edges and sweet moments shared between two passionate women. As with all great romances, Melissa has packed in a little mystery with Talia’s dual identity and the tension that causes, and the complications of the situation surrounding Talia and Faye’s budding romance. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if Faye would take the plunge and be okay with learning about Talia’s career as a dancer because her initial uncertainty towards Talia’s behaviour at the coffee shop suggested it might not go smoothly, if and when Talia ever let her walls down.
It was easy to empathise with Talia’s situation and why she wanted to keep her two jobs separate. None of the fears she had about people learning who she was and the impact that had on her relationships were unjust and I supported all her decisions. I was glad she took a chance with Faye though, as in a way she too had another side to her that was completely different to her day to day life. She really brought something out in Faye, that passion she put on the pages of her novels was suddenly alive in her life. It was so refreshing and a lot of fun experiencing her letting her hair down and pursuing the one thing she always dreamed of. The way they supported one another and shared their fears meant that as soon as Faye knew about Talia’s other work, there was no room for miscommunication.
A great story that I really enjoyed!
January 14, 2023
A well written romance with a sex worker perspective. While the perspective was a bit simpler, I felt like there was a clear understanding of the issues and how they affect anyone working in the industry.
There was quite a bit of plot. I appreciated how it was not just one or two hurdles the couple had to face together but a number of them in order to get their happy ending. This certainly helped keep me engaged.
The mains were genuinely good people. Their biggest flaws, and the first half of the book, are their insecurities. Miscommunication is a thing, kindof. It felt more relatable to me as they were misinterpreting conversations between one another as a result of their insecurities.
My biggest issue was some of the dialogue was a bit odd. Sometimes the characters would say overly romantic sweeping statements. I just had a hard time imagining the delivery as anything other than formal vows.
Certainly worth the read if youre looking for a new sapphic author to try and would like to try reading from a lighter sexworker perspective.
There was quite a bit of plot. I appreciated how it was not just one or two hurdles the couple had to face together but a number of them in order to get their happy ending. This certainly helped keep me engaged.
The mains were genuinely good people. Their biggest flaws, and the first half of the book, are their insecurities. Miscommunication is a thing, kindof. It felt more relatable to me as they were misinterpreting conversations between one another as a result of their insecurities.
My biggest issue was some of the dialogue was a bit odd. Sometimes the characters would say overly romantic sweeping statements. I just had a hard time imagining the delivery as anything other than formal vows.
Certainly worth the read if youre looking for a new sapphic author to try and would like to try reading from a lighter sexworker perspective.
January 15, 2023
As stated, Melissa Tereze fan here.
There’s a lot of drama.
Not much angst.
There’s horrible people. Phoebe and Jenna.
But good people too. Jay and Irene.
So we have Faye Holmes and Talia Gregory.
Age-gap: 11 years (40-29).
Plot: Writer & dancer world’s smash together.
Key points: communication, trust, hope.
End.. good but basic. I wished something different.
There’s a lot of drama.
Not much angst.
There’s horrible people. Phoebe and Jenna.
But good people too. Jay and Irene.
So we have Faye Holmes and Talia Gregory.
Age-gap: 11 years (40-29).
Plot: Writer & dancer world’s smash together.
Key points: communication, trust, hope.
End.. good but basic. I wished something different.
February 27, 2022
This book is so painfully cringey in every aspect, I couldn't finish it. I really tried.
It also has a huge issue with accurately portraying the lives and feelings of strippers. Other reviews say she does a great job and I truly can't see where. It reeks of misogyny and slut-shaming.
There's also needless sexual assault that just gets brushed under the rug?
I only read about 80% of the way through, but I just can't see a way any of these characters have a redeeming story arc unless they all end up away from each other and in therapy.
It also has a huge issue with accurately portraying the lives and feelings of strippers. Other reviews say she does a great job and I truly can't see where. It reeks of misogyny and slut-shaming.
There's also needless sexual assault that just gets brushed under the rug?
I only read about 80% of the way through, but I just can't see a way any of these characters have a redeeming story arc unless they all end up away from each other and in therapy.
April 7, 2025
i had to skim some of this bc i was so bored and the best friend character made me wanna lay down on train tracks like jesus CHRIST
January 30, 2022
It is a really enjoyable and enlightening read. I did not realise that women can talk SO much about their emotions. It appears I am an introvert😉 (joke!). Nonetheless, this book has taught me that any difficulty, any roadblock, should be discussed. Sometimes, over and over again, adorned with erotic pole-dance.
Melissa Tereze wrote beautiful book about honesty. When people are well-intentioned, they always find a solution to their issues. It's only a matter of getting the word out. It nicely captures all of the internal conflicts that MCs face. To begin with, they strive to suppress their feelings for each other. Then comes the battle to be together against all odds. Faye, the older MC, is an extremally patient person. She sees a lot more than the younger MC, Talia. Both of them deal with bunch of insecurities. Victory over their flaws means gaining the most valuable prize of all – the love and respect of the one special.
Melissa Tereze wrote beautiful book about honesty. When people are well-intentioned, they always find a solution to their issues. It's only a matter of getting the word out. It nicely captures all of the internal conflicts that MCs face. To begin with, they strive to suppress their feelings for each other. Then comes the battle to be together against all odds. Faye, the older MC, is an extremally patient person. She sees a lot more than the younger MC, Talia. Both of them deal with bunch of insecurities. Victory over their flaws means gaining the most valuable prize of all – the love and respect of the one special.
January 8, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one, but then I finally got past the cover and yes, I had to admit to myself to have been prejudiced, even though some of my best friends in Hamburg were or had been call-girls. And no, I have never been in a relationship with one of them, for exact the reasons Talia quotes. It was the cover, more than anything that confused me, as even though I am a truly femme trans-woman, the pole dancing and the platform heels triggered a sort of feminist response.
I have counselled quite a number of dancers of the Opera at Hamburg in the late 1980s and I seriously admired their love and dedication for the job, that nevertheless led to most of them having starved and worked themselves into being sterile. Only the young and still healthy prima ballerina took my advice and went to Amsterdam to start a contemporary dance company of her own, successfully I might add. She kept coming back into my mind any time the question of giving up her “life” or her relationship came up for Talia and Faye.
Yet, Talia won my heart, as well as Faye, but in actual fact, it is Melissa's writing, that really is the magic here. I sincerely hope for a sequel, in which Talia goes a similar path as that prima ballerina but in Liverpool!
I have counselled quite a number of dancers of the Opera at Hamburg in the late 1980s and I seriously admired their love and dedication for the job, that nevertheless led to most of them having starved and worked themselves into being sterile. Only the young and still healthy prima ballerina took my advice and went to Amsterdam to start a contemporary dance company of her own, successfully I might add. She kept coming back into my mind any time the question of giving up her “life” or her relationship came up for Talia and Faye.
Yet, Talia won my heart, as well as Faye, but in actual fact, it is Melissa's writing, that really is the magic here. I sincerely hope for a sequel, in which Talia goes a similar path as that prima ballerina but in Liverpool!
January 6, 2022
A new Melissa Tereze book always grabs my interest and this one hit the mark and more. With a gorgeous cover, I jumped into the book determined to read through the night if necessary.
The storyline intrigued with Faye, a writer of hot romance novels but suffering from severe writer's block and hopes for a love connection of her own. Talia, passionate about dancing, she is the headline exotic dancer at a well known club and works part time at the local bistro and the two women cross paths at the bistro. Both main characters hold tight to their emotions as attraction grows, talking and learning about each other. There's ups and downs, interference, romance, acceptance, passion and heat and I was thoroughly hooked from beginning to end. Firmly on my re-read shelf.
For new readers of Ms. Tereze's work this one will surprise with it's thoughtful but hot plot. Very easily recommend.
The storyline intrigued with Faye, a writer of hot romance novels but suffering from severe writer's block and hopes for a love connection of her own. Talia, passionate about dancing, she is the headline exotic dancer at a well known club and works part time at the local bistro and the two women cross paths at the bistro. Both main characters hold tight to their emotions as attraction grows, talking and learning about each other. There's ups and downs, interference, romance, acceptance, passion and heat and I was thoroughly hooked from beginning to end. Firmly on my re-read shelf.
For new readers of Ms. Tereze's work this one will surprise with it's thoughtful but hot plot. Very easily recommend.
June 15, 2022
it’s been a long time since i’ve been on the fence about a book. it seems cute and was an appealing romance novel but the aggression and constant verbal abuse from phoebe was unnecessary. i get it’s fiction but like constantly calling her slut, whore, and “someone not like us” was over the top imo. it could’ve been addressed once or twice and just showed her anger instead.
albeit i did like it but it could’ve also got a 2/3 star had the writing been worse as is. i also rarely rate lgbtq+ books low unless it’s god awful so 🤷♀️
albeit i did like it but it could’ve also got a 2/3 star had the writing been worse as is. i also rarely rate lgbtq+ books low unless it’s god awful so 🤷♀️
January 26, 2022
Very meh in my opinion. I felt like most of the conflict was just unnecessary if they communicated properly earlier on. I guess this didn’t work for me because my least favorite conflict is miscommunication.
February 25, 2022
angst
About 3x too long. Good sex scenes but omg the continued angst and doubt and back and forth.
Skimmed most of it
About 3x too long. Good sex scenes but omg the continued angst and doubt and back and forth.
Skimmed most of it
May 17, 2022
When you open a book about a romance writer and a stripper, you expect heat and this book delivers the steam. The pacing and angst were so good in the first half. The themes were hammered home, but did I mind? No. Why? Because I was PINING. The second half dragged a bit and the plot jumped around. I did really enjoy the best friend angle in this one- I won’t say why because it’ll give it away but it was refreshingly different and I liked that the author played with gender stereotypes. Overall, I’d say this is an easy breezy steamy read that gives dancers their due and underscores the importance of trust and communication in a healthy relationship.
Short summary: Both burned by past relationships, Faye and Talia aren’t looking for anything serious. Until they notice each other. And then they can’t unsee. Or stop thinking about what life could be like with the other in it.
Short summary: Both burned by past relationships, Faye and Talia aren’t looking for anything serious. Until they notice each other. And then they can’t unsee. Or stop thinking about what life could be like with the other in it.
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