Every Version

I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection #8

by Bryce Oakley

Lizzie Goldstein needs a prom date.

Queer Prom-A-Rama is Denver Pride's biggest event and as one of the head organizers, Lizzie can’t stand the thought of going alone—especially not when she finds out her ex is bringing a literal local celebrity.

She's willing to try on every version of herself to find the perfect date—she could be the quirky dream girl for an Ice Queen or the snarky and ambitious competitor for a workplace rival. As Lizzie and her best friends continue their search, she begins to realize that maybe what she's really been looking for is someone who doesn't want to change her. Someone who loves her just the way she is. And maybe that someone has been right beside her all along...

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Every Version is part of the I Heart SapphFic Pride Collection, which contains eight standalone books from some of the top authors in sapphic fiction today. Each one promises a Pride theme and a happy ending. The collection was organized by I Heart SapphFic, which is a website for authors and readers of sapphic fiction to stay up to date on all the latest sapphic fiction news.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Friends To Lovers, Lesbian Romance, Novella, Contemporary

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2022

About the author

Bryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. This was a sweet and cute read. Due to time restrictions, I’m not sure how many books in this Pride collection I will have time to read. I like 7 out of the 8 authors so it’s not an easy choice at all. I decided the best way to go was to read the books of authors that I have the best track record with so I decided on Oakley, Bexley, and Cass –when I’m ready for an angst sandwich-. Oakley and Bexley write books that make me feel good and they have a similar fun to read style –which may be why they collaborate together sometimes-. It just so happens that I have been reading books lately that have been heavier than expected. They were books with triggering content that affected my mood so I think starting off this Pride collection with Oakley was just the right feel-good balance that I needed to restore my reading self.

I won’t make this a long review since this is a novella and one is not needed, but I did want to warn people that I thought the blurb gives a little too much away. The first paragraph –on the books page- that says this is about Queer Prom, is fine to read. However, the second paragraph gives too much about the romance away so I would personally suggest not reading that part. I did not read it so the way the love story unfolded was a complete surprise for me. You read about the main character but you are not sure who their love interest might end up being. This is rare in a romance, the not knowing at first, but it ended up being fun. You will figure it out pretty early on, but it did take me a second to realize who it would be and I liked how Oakley chose to write it. If you are looking for a sweet, feel good romance novella with only a dash of angst and perfect for Pride month, give this novella a try.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little novella so much! It’s classic Oakley and features a friends-to-lovers romance. It’s cute, fun, and funny!

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prom Date.

I wanted to say that the blurb gives too much away but five minutes in and it becomes quite obvious who Lizzie's love interest will be so there's nothing to hide.

This is a friends to lovers story that is fun and cute and the story plot is relatively uncomplicated. Lizzie wants to outdo her ex by bringing a hot date to a Pride event so she seeks her friends' advice on getting one and ends up on a series of bad dates with the oddest people. The story is fun and cute and I like it even though it feels like Lizzie was kinda desperate. And I love the way the relationship develops with her actual love interest.

A simple story that's easy to read. Fun and cute!

[XR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. The friendship dynamic between Hazel, Lizzie and Rory was heartwarming. Then the friends to lovers transition between Lizzie and Rory was so seamless their friendship/relationship got even better. The Hazel, Calliope and Paloma thing was definitely an eyebrow raising surprise, but cute too. This was just really fun.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute friends-to-lovers romance, I feel like this is what Oakley does very well.
I think this might be the shortest of the Pride Collection but I might be wrong. It’s just so easy to read and the characters are lovely. It seems like the typical Oakley book, in a sweet short version.

And I love every version ;)

[Kexx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t really work for me, a disappointing end to the series. Felt too trite, needed body. But loved the series. Thank you.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done with the collection. Cass was the best hands down and then Bexley. This one was very cute with lots of good feels. I wish it was longer thou. And my first Oakley book, I’ll happily read more of hers in the future.

[B, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rom-prom

Bryce Oakley presents a light, likable, romantic tale about Lizzie, a lesbian leading the Decorations Committee for Denver Pride’s annual Queer Prom-A-Rama; Lizzie’s ex, now trans man Noah; and her two best friends, loyal and laid-back Rory and confident and commanding Hazel. Upon learning her ex’s prom date is Calliope, a gorgeous celebrity in the local queer community, Lizzie is determined to find an equally celebrated woman to accompany her. Hazel makes it her mission to help Lizzie snag a great date as Rory stands by to offer support and the occasional compliment. After a horrible dinner date with Paloma the Ice Queen, an odd coffee meeting with rude and irksome co-worker/project partner Mara, and Noah’s no-showing after ambiguously asking Lizzie to dinner, Lizzie asserts to Noah she’s going stag to the prom. As payback for standing her up, she points out to her ex that the Prom-A-Rama promises to be a bouquet of attractive available women. Plus, she’ll have Hazel and Rory as her wing women. Due to Lizzie’s exemplary efforts, the prom raises a record-breaking amount of money to aid Denver-area at-risk LGBTQIAA youth. While that’s a huge win, the event also proves to be the storybook setting for a few unexpected hookups and Lizzie’s finding the perfect partner for life.

[Tammy Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goid book

A sweet friend to romance book. Lizzie had all the feelings for her best friend Rory, but just keep it on the back burner. She would rather have her as her friend then not at all. When Lizzie is going through all the tropes just to find a date for Pride when Rory had enough of Lizzie going out with people that she just put it out there then just disappeared until then night of Pride. Hope you write a book about the other friends as a poly relationship woo hoo.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The eighth and last of the I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection. I love that eight authors wrote books with the theme of Pride and then using the proceeds for to support LGBTQIA causes. Lizzie Goldstein is helping organize a Queer Prom fund raising event in association with Denver’s Pride celebration. This is a cute story with Oakley’s usual love of Colorado and IPA’s. I liked Lizzie but I didn’t really get to know the other characters. It is a light fluffy story but not one I will remember.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I loved Every Version. A wonderful conclusion to a great series. To finally go to Prom with the partner of your dreams.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always have mixed feelings about short stories. In theory, it works best in a romance, because it can just be cute and fluffy, and sometimes that's all I want. But in this case, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. Now, I will also add that Bryce's writing has always been that me; I've read a bit from her, and have given her anywhere from 2 - 4 stars, so obviously there is some variance there in how I take to her writing style and to the characters themselves each time.

Lizzie was just kind of bland for me. There was nothing about her that I really liked or drew me in. She seemed kind of insecure and out of touch and very dependent on her best friends. Which, don't get me wrong, is not a bad thing, that last one; we all need friends like hers. But her dependence came across almost as a clingy third wheel who didn't feel like she fit in, who wasn't as hot or as popular as her friends, and who didn't feel like she belonged. Which ties in to being insecure. Maybe this character just needs some therapy, but it was hypocritical when, in the epilogue, she thought about how Noah's insecurities and worries about how other people felt instead of just talking to them and making sure they were on the same page was his issue, not his likeability or worthiness.

Hazel was the best character, and I was actually a bit disappointed to find out she wasn't the love interest. Spin-off, anyone?? I'm in.

Also, Rory's history with her ex was mostly put out in vague inferences and half-finished sentences, and I just found that kind of confusing. The characters know the history, not the reader. I want to know if what's-her-name was jealous because she knew Rory was in love with Lizzie, or because she suspected. And if she knew, was it because Rory told her? Did she admit it before or after they got married? And if she did tell her, did they go into this marriage knowing that? Was it more like a business arrangement, or did what's-her-name assume Rory would get over it? Did they ever actually talk about it, or did the relationship just die out over this perceived jealousy? See? So many unanswered questions.

Sidenote: Small complaint, I will admit. But in the epilogue, right before the party, Lizzie is talking to Kai about Noah and his planned proposal. And in the whole book, Kai was 'they'. But for a moment, they was 'him', and that seems like a pretty important typo. Does it change anything? No. But then again, we're talking a queer character who doesn't use the pronouns they were born with, and I am just wondering why the editor didn't catch that.....

[Ida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️
Sooo…. I don’t really know how to rate this but I’m going to try. So first the positive. It’s a quick and easy read, good writing and really fun. The core friendship is great and probably the best part is that it shines a light on the hardship Queer people face, like Homelessness. It’s not a direct part of the plot but addressed and talked about at the pride-prom. This is the first queer book I read that addresses these topics.
Bonus points for including wearing helmets while biking. 👍
Now what i didn’t like so much…
Most points are probably due to it being a novella so I will be reading other works by Bryce Oakley since I really enjoyed her book Never Mine.
While I really liked the idea, it just felt to convoluted for a novella. There were enough ideas for a full book.
I feel like it could have done without the attempted dates.
But I can understand why they were there since they did introduce new characters. Which leads to another detail that made the book feel to full. The characters.
While I did like the main trio. And even the others. But there’s like 6+ characters that have bigger roles. And while they all were distinct and had an Important role I wish more time was spent developing the Main Couple. So we could see and feel their feelings instead of it being on the nose by directly telling us their feelings.
I do recognize that it’s probably just due to being a novella with ~120 pages.
All in all I did enjoy reading it. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🦄🌈

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the rest of the series, this was a low-angst feel-good story. I think I’d have gone with fewer stars except it was so short I kind of have to rate it for what was there given the length? The story was pretty straightforward, with a few questions about who Lizzie would mesh with. The outings themselves didn’t blow me away, and I was a little surprised after the second or third when suddenly there were feelings that hadn’t shown up before. It was natural for the story to go there, I’d just have expected some hints earlier on when the same people were in the room? So it felt a little out of the blue but was then described as having been there for ages, and that part didn’t quite ring true. Still, it was fun, Lizzie made unexpected progress with Mara, and ultimately a number of the side characters got what was coming to them, some in good ways and some with a helping of schadenfreude. Bottom line, it seemed like a perfectly reasonable way to cap off the series.

I guess I will need to try a longer book to really see what the author can do, though.

Oh, and, the $300 wine is going to EBay along with the $1500 vodka from an earlier book in the collection. #SaysMoreAboutMeThanThem 🤣

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, that first date took the cake! It got my face burning hot, and I can't remember the last time in the last 2 decades that it happened.

Now, for real, it was a fun and sweet reading, but boy I didn't know it was possible to fit this many frustrating situations in so little page count lol. But it was what made it so amusing, you know, to see how dense Lizzie was and the lengths she'd go with something so silly.

Aren't we all just like that at some point? Thank goodness she found her champion who helped her see what was right in front of her.

I thought for most of the book I'd leave it with a lot of hatred (it's easy, amirite?) towards a few characters, but by the end I liked everyone, even felt a pang of sympathy for one Ex I won't name. But let me tell you, Hazel was the worst, she's the kind of friend you love to the bits, to hang out with, but should come with a hazardous warning hahaha.

[Patricia Vander Kamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love is right in front of you!

Wonderfully written story of Lizzie and Rory and Hazel’s journey of seeking and finding the love and respect they deserve. Three friends set out to create a spectacular Pride o Rama for the LGBTQIA+ community. And it was!!! Interesting secondary characters and events brought Rory and Lizzie together. They were close friends who discovered they were in love with each other and found the courage to explore theirs feelings. A very good read. I enthusiastically recommend this and any other works by Bryce Oakley. The Pride Collection of 8 novels was a wonderful and enjoyable read this summer. Thank you Peace

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and likable friends to lovers!

Lizzie, who is in charge of the decorations for Denver's premier Pride event "Prom-a-rama," is in dire need of a special date since her ex is bringing a local celebrity. Her good friend Hazel tries to make a match, but it's a big "no!". Then Lizzie agrees to dinner with her ex... what??? Her friend Rory just can't accept that. Can't Lizzie see what's right in front of her?

With a quirky cast of characters, this is a warm-hearted and fun novella, just perfect for an enjoyable quick read!

[mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

speed-running my book goal so i don’t fail this year, don’t look!! cutting it close!

this one was okay- would’ve been better if it was longer. had some compelling parts about friends/lovers dynamic, such as:

“Can you really think of anything worse than the regret of knowing you loved someone and never did anything about it?”

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to go to this prom!

I absolutely love this quick friends to lovers romance. Hazel and Rory are awesome friends. Then when the romance kicks in it is all about the "awwwww". Every Version is an awesome PRIDE romance read.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

This book is fun sweet romance. The characters are likable and fun. A really good book for a novels short and sweet. The characters are well written and the story is fun. Thanks for a sweet summer read.

[Michelle Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Version

This was a fun read by Bryce Oakley. I loved seeing the different types of dates based on tropes in romance novels and how the MC ended with friends to lovers. I loved all the books I've read by this author and look forward to more.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet

I loved this story with the three friends. Two of the friends had loved each other for a long time. They finally told each other and there is a happy ending. Well written story.

[Nikki Pena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers. Lizzie needs a date to the prom charity event that she's throwing. A date good enough to top her ex boyfriends D-list celebrity date. With the help of her two best friends, Hazel and Rory, Lizzie figures out which version of herself she thinks she needs to be to get a date.

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow amazing storyline

Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters chemistry it shone through in this story as it unfolded it's everything you want in a pride book it was perfectly written congratulations

[Gilber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Came out of nowhere?

I love a good friends-to-lovers trope but in this case, it seemed to come out of nowhere, with no development of the relationship. We’re told they’re best friends and have been for years, and suddenly they’re in love? Sorry, I need a bit more to buy it.

[Talia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Urgh wish Lizzie's more mature or likeable or rational. She's just too dumb, making it hard for me to like the book ;'(

[Kim Yandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable

Absolutely enjoyed this book. Bryce knows how to get you sucked into a book and won’t be able to put it down.

[CAH.COETZEE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Version

A very real down to earth real life story that the reader can identify with.
I really enjoyed all the books. Thank you all..

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun friends-to-lovers romance with a few side trips. Little angst and a mostly good-humored supporting cast. The tale ends with the expected HEA.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book

I read it in a couple of hours. Friends to lovers is always a happy way to go. Rory and Lizzie were great.