What do you think?
Rate this book
Sol Cycle
Ang Kennedy used to love riding a bike, but now spends all her time chasing paychecks and lofty titles. When her latest ambition to move into the big corner office unexpectedly falls through, she realizes she was chasing someone else’s dream and quits her job. Unsure what she really wants in life, Ang returns to the one thing that used to make her happy: her bike.
Krista Ólafsdóttir dreamed of owning her own bicycle shop since she first started to shadow her uncle at his store. There’s nothing like the freedom of riding. Her uncle retires and the bike shop became hers, but she finds that running a business is a lot more complicated than she expects.
An encounter in a park brings Ang and Krista together, but when Ang attempts to help Krista go spectacularly wrong, their passion for each other might not be enough to see them to the finish line.
Krista Ólafsdóttir dreamed of owning her own bicycle shop since she first started to shadow her uncle at his store. There’s nothing like the freedom of riding. Her uncle retires and the bike shop became hers, but she finds that running a business is a lot more complicated than she expects.
An encounter in a park brings Ang and Krista together, but when Ang attempts to help Krista go spectacularly wrong, their passion for each other might not be enough to see them to the finish line.
Unknown Binding
Published June 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cooper Griffin
15 books72 followersKimberly Cooper Griffin is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels in the sapphic genre and the award-winning non-fiction Inkslinger series for writers. Born in San Diego, California, Kimberly joined the Air Force, traveled the world, and eventually settled down in Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her wife, the youngest of her three daughters, and a menagerie of dogs and cats.
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 28, 2022
This book has so many ups and downs and I might not even call it a romance. Yes, of course there is a romance but I would maybe prefer to call it accounting troubles with a side of romance. I feel like our two smart main characters, Ang and Krista, are made out to be a little bit of nitwits when it comes to this. Especially Ang who just resigned from her high powered executive job should have easily spotted what was going on. I figured it out straight away, but because the issues was ever present and just not figured out it took away a lot of the pleasure of reading this book.
Also the darker moment comes rather quickly and is born out of a slight annoyance/ miscommunication right at the start of the romance actually. It’s a bit over the top, also with the other drama going on, it could have been a different type of drama to hit a reader more in the feels.
Overall I’d say this is just an ok read, with maybe too many downs to be fun.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Also the darker moment comes rather quickly and is born out of a slight annoyance/ miscommunication right at the start of the romance actually. It’s a bit over the top, also with the other drama going on, it could have been a different type of drama to hit a reader more in the feels.
Overall I’d say this is just an ok read, with maybe too many downs to be fun.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 30, 2022
This was the second book I've read by this author and I enjoyed both of them. Krista and Angelique meet in the park twice and can't seem to get each other off their mind. When Angelique quits her corporate job she ends up helping Krista in the bike shop she owns. Shenanigans ensue and the two of them realize they want more than a relationship at work. There are a couple side plots that I liked but did feel like they took up a bit too much time in the book as a whole. I did love both main characters and there are some side characters that were really funny as well. I'd have liked some more interactions with Krista's family as it seemed they were really close but we only meet two of them. I did like the cycling background Krista and Angelique shared, but their shared hobby kind of fell to the wayside because of the busy side plots. It was an enjoyable read though and I'll be sure to pick up the next new release by Kimberly Cooper Griffin.
July 2, 2022
Sol Cycle I really did struggle with through the first part of the story, I found it difficult to get into but once I got past the middle mark things seemed to happen quickly and slightly more interesting. I did (somewhat) enjoy it, once it got started but did find it very predictable.
For me it was just below average, it's okay, but not my ‘cup of tea’.
I've given Sol Cycle a 2.7 out of 5
For me it was just below average, it's okay, but not my ‘cup of tea’.
I've given Sol Cycle a 2.7 out of 5
May 23, 2022
I was excited to read Sol Cycle as I gladly gave five stars to the authors last book, Can’t Leave Love. This is good but didn’t bring me the same joy. Ang Kennedy is black and has been dedicated to her career over everything else including relationships for years. When she gets passed over for the promotion she has been promised by someone who has been with the company for far less time she quits. She meets Krista Olafsdottir who owns a local bike shop. In talking they realize they both attended the same local college and cycled on the college team. Krista is looking for a store manager. Ang applies for the job to give herself something to do while looking for her next corporate position. Krista gladly hires her knowing she is overqualified and it is temporary until she finds a new person.
Ang and Krista are good communicators and attraction isn’t a problem. But circumstances put them at odds, an accident, personal insecurities and a mystery of why the books don’t balance. Side characters help fill out the story and I love the two dogs Rupert & Alfur and Cleo the cat. Getting the two back together after the angst moment seems to drag on and on. Eventually there is the expected ending but it feels unnecessarily delayed. And I have reservations about the resolution of the accounting issues. The author is creative in the situation and the need for it creates sympathy but there are actual damages that get shrugged off and rewarded. Kudos to the cute cover design. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ang and Krista are good communicators and attraction isn’t a problem. But circumstances put them at odds, an accident, personal insecurities and a mystery of why the books don’t balance. Side characters help fill out the story and I love the two dogs Rupert & Alfur and Cleo the cat. Getting the two back together after the angst moment seems to drag on and on. Eventually there is the expected ending but it feels unnecessarily delayed. And I have reservations about the resolution of the accounting issues. The author is creative in the situation and the need for it creates sympathy but there are actual damages that get shrugged off and rewarded. Kudos to the cute cover design. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2022
Several reviews were critical that Sol Cycle didn’t follow the traditional romantic tropes. I however loved that Cooper-Griffin didn’t follow the standard templet for a sapphic love story. So many WLW romances are carbon copies of what’s been done before. In Sol Cycle we get so much more. The MCs are three demential human beings with faults that they recognize, and work to change. The story is realistic and includes issues women/lesbians face, including Ang being a Black lesbian in a prestigious all-white work environment feeling she has to restrain her personality so she doesn’t come off as intimidating or scary to the fragile, mostly male, white people in the office, and in the world at large.
Even the minor characters were three demential with full backstories that added to the overall story. I was so engaged with the story I read the first 200 pages without putting in down.
Even the minor characters were three demential with full backstories that added to the overall story. I was so engaged with the story I read the first 200 pages without putting in down.
May 27, 2022
Angelique suddenly quit her job when a promised promotion was given to a man less qualified than she was and with less time on the job. Once the dust settled, Ang wondered whether her decision to leave her job was rash. It took her all of three seconds to know quitting was the only thing she could have done. Ang decided to take some time to decide what her next step would be. While she sat on a park bench thinking about both her past and her future, she saw a woman who immediately stirred both her blood and her soul. A second unexpected meeting happened when the chain on her bike made an ugly noise. Krista stepped up to offer to help Ang with her bike. It was fortuitous that Krista worked at a bike shop nearby. As the two women spent time together getting to know one another, Krista suggested that Ang take over the job of her store’s manager – a job she is way over-qualified for.
Griffin has written a slow-burn romance with an interesting storyline with two strong women characters and strong writing. There’s very little angst in this book, but there is conflict and confusion as Ang must decide whether to stay on as the store manager or return to work as an executive in corporate America. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep readers reading into the early hours of the morning.
If you love slow-burn romances, you will love this book. If you don’t care for slow burns, read this book for the storyline and the writing.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Griffin has written a slow-burn romance with an interesting storyline with two strong women characters and strong writing. There’s very little angst in this book, but there is conflict and confusion as Ang must decide whether to stay on as the store manager or return to work as an executive in corporate America. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep readers reading into the early hours of the morning.
If you love slow-burn romances, you will love this book. If you don’t care for slow burns, read this book for the storyline and the writing.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
August 9, 2023
A light-hearted insta-love romance with just a bit of angst and loads of inner monologues.
I enjoyed reading through it and loved the settings and its description.
First of all, a big shout-out for POC representation that's done right! The MC is black, she's aware of society's apprehension and takes it to heart. She feels constricted, almost suffocated, by the limits she put on herself because of that. The fact that she's a woman, and a lesbian at that, only add to her cautiousness. This is portrayed vividly but it doesn't take over her personality and it is a non-issue with the other MC (the whiter-than-white Krista). I like the duality of attitudes and I find it is a good way to reflect the delicate balance that POC have to keep in their lives. I found it authentic and realistic. That made the book credible in my view.
The second great thing about this book is the setting of the city of Denver, its neighborhoods and parks, and its neighboring towns (mainly Nederland). I could almost smell the streets and see the changing seasons as the book progressed. I thought it was a magnificent depiction of a place that's either very well-known to the author or thoroughly researched. Another point of credibility to this book.
The 3rd great thing I really liked about this book is the development of both MCs. They are not so complex but they are flawed and, being aware of it, they work through their flaws to better themselves, and their arcs certainly are pronounced. I loved it. In many novels, you find 1 MC with flaws and the other is near perfect and has to accept the flawed partner or wait for her to get over herself, etc... In this book, both MCs are flawed at much the same level, only in different areas. They support each other, sometimes unknowingly, and provide each other with space for growth. I loved that.
What I did not like about this novel is the pacing, I found it a bit too rushed at first (but it might be my own bias against love at first sight). Also, I think the main conflict was initially based on problems of communication and that was weird for a couple who communicated so well just hours prior to that scene. A bit weak, in my opinion. Also, I would have appreciated some more developed characters when it comes to Ang's friends. The only supporting characters that were well-developed were on Krista's side (Swifty and her Uncle).
Overall, this is still a great book and I really enjoyed reading it.
T&T:
Tropes: opposites attract, love at first sight, workplace romance, rich girl/poor girl, age gap
Triggers: trust issues
Rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading through it and loved the settings and its description.
First of all, a big shout-out for POC representation that's done right! The MC is black, she's aware of society's apprehension and takes it to heart. She feels constricted, almost suffocated, by the limits she put on herself because of that. The fact that she's a woman, and a lesbian at that, only add to her cautiousness. This is portrayed vividly but it doesn't take over her personality and it is a non-issue with the other MC (the whiter-than-white Krista). I like the duality of attitudes and I find it is a good way to reflect the delicate balance that POC have to keep in their lives. I found it authentic and realistic. That made the book credible in my view.
The second great thing about this book is the setting of the city of Denver, its neighborhoods and parks, and its neighboring towns (mainly Nederland). I could almost smell the streets and see the changing seasons as the book progressed. I thought it was a magnificent depiction of a place that's either very well-known to the author or thoroughly researched. Another point of credibility to this book.
The 3rd great thing I really liked about this book is the development of both MCs. They are not so complex but they are flawed and, being aware of it, they work through their flaws to better themselves, and their arcs certainly are pronounced. I loved it. In many novels, you find 1 MC with flaws and the other is near perfect and has to accept the flawed partner or wait for her to get over herself, etc... In this book, both MCs are flawed at much the same level, only in different areas. They support each other, sometimes unknowingly, and provide each other with space for growth. I loved that.
What I did not like about this novel is the pacing, I found it a bit too rushed at first (but it might be my own bias against love at first sight). Also, I think the main conflict was initially based on problems of communication and that was weird for a couple who communicated so well just hours prior to that scene. A bit weak, in my opinion. Also, I would have appreciated some more developed characters when it comes to Ang's friends. The only supporting characters that were well-developed were on Krista's side (Swifty and her Uncle).
Overall, this is still a great book and I really enjoyed reading it.
T&T:
Tropes: opposites attract, love at first sight, workplace romance, rich girl/poor girl, age gap
Triggers: trust issues
Rating: 3.5 stars
June 30, 2023
As a recreational cyclist, I was pumped to pick up a book that has bicycles on it. This was not a sports romance though, just to be clear. Sol Cycle is a contemporary romance with accounting problems and a bicycle shop as its backdrop.
It started quite slow for me despite my excitement but it picked up somewhere in the middle. I did like the pacing of the story, there were also twists that I appreciated. There’s growth and breaking old patterns as promised in the blurb and which is good character development, however, I struggled to connect with the MCs despite having cycling as a shared love. I wish I could say that I learned to love them. They just felt so out of reach. And as someone who went through some corporate bullcrap like Angelique, . Furthermore, the book cover is also not accurate. But yes I know, I’m nitpicking. I’m not usually like this but cycling is close to my heart and I wanted everything to be accurate.
It’s a full-fledged novel, I could see others loving it but this was just not for me. Maybe it’s too close to home.
Thank you #boldstrokesbooks for providing me with an ARC via #netgalley for an honest review.
It started quite slow for me despite my excitement but it picked up somewhere in the middle. I did like the pacing of the story, there were also twists that I appreciated. There’s growth and breaking old patterns as promised in the blurb and which is good character development, however, I struggled to connect with the MCs despite having cycling as a shared love. I wish I could say that I learned to love them. They just felt so out of reach. And as someone who went through some corporate bullcrap like Angelique, . Furthermore, the book cover is also not accurate. But yes I know, I’m nitpicking. I’m not usually like this but cycling is close to my heart and I wanted everything to be accurate.
It’s a full-fledged novel, I could see others loving it but this was just not for me. Maybe it’s too close to home.
Thank you #boldstrokesbooks for providing me with an ARC via #netgalley for an honest review.
June 14, 2022
Angelique Kennedy’s life was in a role that means she will be getting a promotion, making more money and still be exhausted. Oh, well this is what she worked for. When all of Ang’s plans turned to dust she quit her job. Nothing worse than taking orders from the person you trained. Now it’s Kat and Geri, Ang’s best friends who tell her she’s got to get back into the dating scene but Ang’s just not ready. Besides right at her side is her trusty cat, Cleo. One thing she’s been trying to get back into is bringing out her bike and starting riding again. But the bike needed a little work, so…..
Krista Olafsottir is the owner of her very own bike shop. She’s worked there for years but recently bought it from her retiring uncle. Now ‘Sol Cycle’ was all hers, along with all the paperwork involved i n running a business. Swifty, who’s worked there before Krista was even born, helped with some of it but nothing adds up.
Now Ang’s going to work at ‘Sol Cycle’, just to have something to do. Falling for Krista wasn’t part of her plan. Krista also was staying clear of the idea of having a relationship, been there, done that.
Ms Griffin has given us a totally, thoroughly enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Krista Olafsottir is the owner of her very own bike shop. She’s worked there for years but recently bought it from her retiring uncle. Now ‘Sol Cycle’ was all hers, along with all the paperwork involved i n running a business. Swifty, who’s worked there before Krista was even born, helped with some of it but nothing adds up.
Now Ang’s going to work at ‘Sol Cycle’, just to have something to do. Falling for Krista wasn’t part of her plan. Krista also was staying clear of the idea of having a relationship, been there, done that.
Ms Griffin has given us a totally, thoroughly enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
August 16, 2022
Sol Cycle is a book about growth and letting go of patterns you weren't necessarily aware of. Both Krista an Ang are set in their ways and just sort of accepted the way things were in their life. But meeting each other created a shift in both of them which they needed to grow.
I enjoyed seeing their struggles and doubts reflected on the pages between their romance and their work related issues.
The side characters were also a great addition to the story and I enjoyed their contribution to the MC's story.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I enjoyed seeing their struggles and doubts reflected on the pages between their romance and their work related issues.
The side characters were also a great addition to the story and I enjoyed their contribution to the MC's story.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
May 24, 2022
I enjoyed this but I don't feel as though it went as in depth to the characters as it could have. The book wasted too much time on the Swifty plotline when it could have been spent developing the romance.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
May 31, 2022
This is an amazing read that makes you really feel for the characters and care for them and really want a happily ever after for them and I fully recommend it
April 21, 2023
3.5
Words that come to mind for this book: destiny, sporty, boss ladies, spicy, friendship, adulthood, workforce.
This book was more about people who happen to be queer than about queer people. Let me elaborate:
It has a queer love story and queer characters, but it doesn't include the struggles of coming out which I'm more than ok with. It's been established pretty early that the main characters like women. The love story between Ang and Krista is a subplot. The book centers on how the characters navigate their work, friendship, and love. I would say that the author did a great job creating these characters - both main and side characters. I didn't like the plot flow as much though. There were a few jumping around (both time and location) that disrupt my reading and that sometimes irks me. Overall a good read and I wouldn't mind reading another book by Griffin.
Words that come to mind for this book: destiny, sporty, boss ladies, spicy, friendship, adulthood, workforce.
This book was more about people who happen to be queer than about queer people. Let me elaborate:
It has a queer love story and queer characters, but it doesn't include the struggles of coming out which I'm more than ok with. It's been established pretty early that the main characters like women. The love story between Ang and Krista is a subplot. The book centers on how the characters navigate their work, friendship, and love. I would say that the author did a great job creating these characters - both main and side characters. I didn't like the plot flow as much though. There were a few jumping around (both time and location) that disrupt my reading and that sometimes irks me. Overall a good read and I wouldn't mind reading another book by Griffin.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews