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Doveport #1
Learning to Flirt
Did you know some turtles can breathe through their butts? Maggie knows, and to her utter horror, she just blurted that out in front of the most attractive woman she’s ever seen. Cue the nervous flop sweat. In a tiny town on the coast of Rhode Island, Maggie has built a quiet life running her family’s bookshop. But as much as she loves her work—and the eclectic town she calls home—something is missing. Then one day, an absolute smoke show walks through the front door and throws Maggie off her (arguably, very small and unreliable) game. Parker’s entire life blew up a few months back when she walked away from her home, job, and longtime girlfriend, all in a single day. When a new job presents itself in the next state over, she jumps at the chance for a fresh start, determined to avoid romance this time around. But, because life always has a way of knocking Parker on her ass, she finds the most alluring, adorably nervous woman standing behind the register of a local bookshop. Add in that Maggie’s over a decade younger than Parker and has a really hard time finishing a sentence around her, and everyone ends up flustered. This book contains snark, lesbian age gap butterflies, husbands you’ll fall in love with, and just so much gay panic. Please read at your own risk.
153 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2022
83 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Kallie Mont
2 books63 followersHi there!
We’re A&K, a married couple living in central Texas. We’ve always been avid readers of lesbian, queer, wlw fiction but never succeeded at writing it ourselves. At least, until we tried writing together.
K crafts scenes in her head like she’s watching a TV. A writes the prose, doing everything she can to create something that will make her wife laugh.
In our books, you will never find discrimination. Be it homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, or any other form of hate, we’ve made the conscious decision to create a world without it.
There is enough pain already in the world. Our goal is to give you stories that are easy, fun, and comforting. A deep breath in when you need it.
Please know this…
Like everyone else, we are always learning and growing. If you see something in our books that’s problematic, a perspective we haven’t considered or treated without the care it deserves, please reach out. We want to know and we value your voice.
Thank you for reading!
We’re A&K, a married couple living in central Texas. We’ve always been avid readers of lesbian, queer, wlw fiction but never succeeded at writing it ourselves. At least, until we tried writing together.
K crafts scenes in her head like she’s watching a TV. A writes the prose, doing everything she can to create something that will make her wife laugh.
In our books, you will never find discrimination. Be it homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, or any other form of hate, we’ve made the conscious decision to create a world without it.
There is enough pain already in the world. Our goal is to give you stories that are easy, fun, and comforting. A deep breath in when you need it.
Please know this…
Like everyone else, we are always learning and growing. If you see something in our books that’s problematic, a perspective we haven’t considered or treated without the care it deserves, please reach out. We want to know and we value your voice.
Thank you for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 7, 2024
4 stars
I am unfortunately very familiar with involuntary word-vomit when around pretty girls.
So regarding the story: I had fun
But it was a total d**k-move to end the story on a cliffhanger, so I'm docking points for that.
Especially because I don't have much time in the next few days, so resolving said cliffhanger with the sequel will have to wait.
I am unfortunately very familiar with involuntary word-vomit when around pretty girls.
So regarding the story: I had fun
But it was a total d**k-move to end the story on a cliffhanger, so I'm docking points for that.
Especially because I don't have much time in the next few days, so resolving said cliffhanger with the sequel will have to wait.
March 11, 2022
Parker is a daddy (... yes, please...)
Phenomenal! Smashing! Brilliant!
I fell for the cover instantly... duh--anyone who knows me will understand--and given that this book was free, I snagged a copy. Learning to Flirt had me howling the first half of the story. Every other page I was laughing at all the awkwardness and one-liners between the two protags. The relationship between Parker and Maggie--based on cows, dairy, and big grapes--was deliciously slow but necessary. Maggie suffered from extreme anxiety and it would cause her to clam up and shut down, sometimes literally running away. She was adorable. Parker was her complete opposite in every way. Whereas Maggie was shy and small, Parker was confident and took up space in the world. Maggie meeting Parker was probably the best thing to happen to Maggie. Parker helped, not forced or coerced, but helped and gently guided Maggie to be more, to take more, to demand more, to not be afraid to be heard, seen, and take back what's hers. Parker and Maggie's growing relationship was one of the most mature things I have ever read. The lines of communication always stayed open and they even expressed themselves that that's what they wanted. No hiding. No secrets. And if there was second guessing, they talked about it. Along with Parker and Maggie's sweet and sometimes frustrating relationship (interruptions before sex) there were several side characters. I usually don't care for stories with several extra characters because I'm more interested in the romance between the leading ladies. However, in this book the sides were rather charming and they shone lights down, angling in different directions, on the two protags, giving us all aspects and facets of each of their personalities.
I can't complain about one single thing about this book. I love, love, loved it! I'd also like to point out that I read this one and the sequel to it, "Learning to Trust" in less than two days. And I can't wait for the third book this summer.
If you want fun, flirty, and all that mushy love stuff with a side of delicious biker butch, then this book is for you.
Phenomenal! Smashing! Brilliant!
I fell for the cover instantly... duh--anyone who knows me will understand--and given that this book was free, I snagged a copy. Learning to Flirt had me howling the first half of the story. Every other page I was laughing at all the awkwardness and one-liners between the two protags. The relationship between Parker and Maggie--based on cows, dairy, and big grapes--was deliciously slow but necessary. Maggie suffered from extreme anxiety and it would cause her to clam up and shut down, sometimes literally running away. She was adorable. Parker was her complete opposite in every way. Whereas Maggie was shy and small, Parker was confident and took up space in the world. Maggie meeting Parker was probably the best thing to happen to Maggie. Parker helped, not forced or coerced, but helped and gently guided Maggie to be more, to take more, to demand more, to not be afraid to be heard, seen, and take back what's hers. Parker and Maggie's growing relationship was one of the most mature things I have ever read. The lines of communication always stayed open and they even expressed themselves that that's what they wanted. No hiding. No secrets. And if there was second guessing, they talked about it. Along with Parker and Maggie's sweet and sometimes frustrating relationship (interruptions before sex) there were several side characters. I usually don't care for stories with several extra characters because I'm more interested in the romance between the leading ladies. However, in this book the sides were rather charming and they shone lights down, angling in different directions, on the two protags, giving us all aspects and facets of each of their personalities.
I can't complain about one single thing about this book. I love, love, loved it! I'd also like to point out that I read this one and the sequel to it, "Learning to Trust" in less than two days. And I can't wait for the third book this summer.
If you want fun, flirty, and all that mushy love stuff with a side of delicious biker butch, then this book is for you.
February 22, 2022
A perfect book cover and a doozy of a book from a debut author. I figured I was in for a treat from the opening with Horatio crashing Maggie's dream. Small town Doveport is all Maggie's ever known. She runs the local bookstore and is happy enough but sometimes longs for something more. Along comes tall and sexy Parker and she's thrown for a loop. New in town and on a one year contract at Doveport College, Parker doesn't quite know what to make of the ultra shy cutie from the bookstore. As weeks go by their friendship grows, both aware there could be more if allowed. Enough said!
Laugh out loud humor, angst, a slow burn romance, anxiety issues and an asshole cat mixed with well crafted characters and the storyline easily pulled me along. A nifty pairing of minds to produce the plot so get to reading without further ado.
Highly recommend this read and look forward to part 2.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a totally voluntary and unbiased review.
Laugh out loud humor, angst, a slow burn romance, anxiety issues and an asshole cat mixed with well crafted characters and the storyline easily pulled me along. A nifty pairing of minds to produce the plot so get to reading without further ado.
Highly recommend this read and look forward to part 2.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a totally voluntary and unbiased review.
February 26, 2022
Kindle Unlimited, but I also got a free copy on Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was endearing and charming, our MC Maggie is adorkable and socially awkward, which I related to. When she meets love interest Parker (who is new to town, where everyone knows everyone) her brain seems to misfire and she ends up spouting weird animal facts. It was funny and cute.
I was a little worried at first because it's age-gap, Maggie is 24, settled in life in the town she was raised, running her families bookstore that has been in operation for 100 years. She loves her life in Doveport, Rhode Island but is missing that special spark of something more to share her life with. I would have liked more info here on Maggie's own past relationships to get a gauge on her there. All we get is anecdotes about her being a 'fainting goat' growing up and extremely shy.
Parker is 37, recently moved to the area to take a position at the local university, her brother is also in the area and his wife is a local, and all of Maggie's friends are wild and whacky! She's looking to restart her life, anew. Parker has come out of a 10 year relationship where she was coasting and not happy with a selfish woman, and it doesn't sound like she had much else going for her back where she came from, in terms of job, or friends.
This is where I struggled, the lack of direct communication by both MC's in regards to their attraction for each other, and also handling problematic love interests is frustrating as heck. Parker is constantly dodging calls from her manipulative ex, trying to get back together - ever heard of the block button sis? and there is a moment at the very end (which crosses over in the next installment, I'm now reading: Learning to Trust ) that is one my most hated trope happenings.
Maggie also has this issue of having been devoted to a real shitty manipulative selfish 'friend' that she had wanted as something more at some point, but is now painfully aware of being used, but has yet to cut the strings. 'Clay' gaslights her and strings her along, while trying to poison her with peanuts (she has an allergy and 3 times this character tries to feed her peanut items, acting like an arsehole). Maggie does finally stand up for herself, slightly - but it takes for Parker herself to *really* put her in her place. On one hand I was glad someone stood up for Maggie - her friend group all dislike Clay, and with how 'busy body' they all were with each other I was shocked none were getting more involved there. But at the same time I would have liked Maggie to step up a bit more for herself, instead of continually being the shrinking violet, in need of saving.
I dislike the ending immensely, as said above - it ends on a cliffhanger, and while I am reading the next installment just to be complete with the story, I really don't see why it needed to be split in this manner.
This is slow burn, it indeed takes the whole book for the two to even kiss, and make their attraction known. Which I wasn't mad at.
The age gap also didn't seem to be an issue - but I would have liked a bit more conversation around that. If you're going to throw in a trope like that - utilize it. It literally seems popped in there just to tick a box, and to get the appeal for the most popular trope in lesfic right now.
This was endearing and charming, our MC Maggie is adorkable and socially awkward, which I related to. When she meets love interest Parker (who is new to town, where everyone knows everyone) her brain seems to misfire and she ends up spouting weird animal facts. It was funny and cute.
I was a little worried at first because it's age-gap, Maggie is 24, settled in life in the town she was raised, running her families bookstore that has been in operation for 100 years. She loves her life in Doveport, Rhode Island but is missing that special spark of something more to share her life with. I would have liked more info here on Maggie's own past relationships to get a gauge on her there. All we get is anecdotes about her being a 'fainting goat' growing up and extremely shy.
Parker is 37, recently moved to the area to take a position at the local university, her brother is also in the area and his wife is a local, and all of Maggie's friends are wild and whacky! She's looking to restart her life, anew. Parker has come out of a 10 year relationship where she was coasting and not happy with a selfish woman, and it doesn't sound like she had much else going for her back where she came from, in terms of job, or friends.
This is where I struggled, the lack of direct communication by both MC's in regards to their attraction for each other, and also handling problematic love interests is frustrating as heck. Parker is constantly dodging calls from her manipulative ex, trying to get back together - ever heard of the block button sis? and there is a moment at the very end (which crosses over in the next installment, I'm now reading: Learning to Trust ) that is one my most hated trope happenings.
Maggie also has this issue of having been devoted to a real shitty manipulative selfish 'friend' that she had wanted as something more at some point, but is now painfully aware of being used, but has yet to cut the strings. 'Clay' gaslights her and strings her along, while trying to poison her with peanuts (she has an allergy and 3 times this character tries to feed her peanut items, acting like an arsehole). Maggie does finally stand up for herself, slightly - but it takes for Parker herself to *really* put her in her place. On one hand I was glad someone stood up for Maggie - her friend group all dislike Clay, and with how 'busy body' they all were with each other I was shocked none were getting more involved there. But at the same time I would have liked Maggie to step up a bit more for herself, instead of continually being the shrinking violet, in need of saving.
I dislike the ending immensely, as said above - it ends on a cliffhanger, and while I am reading the next installment just to be complete with the story, I really don't see why it needed to be split in this manner.
This is slow burn, it indeed takes the whole book for the two to even kiss, and make their attraction known. Which I wasn't mad at.
The age gap also didn't seem to be an issue - but I would have liked a bit more conversation around that. If you're going to throw in a trope like that - utilize it. It literally seems popped in there just to tick a box, and to get the appeal for the most popular trope in lesfic right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
I almost hurled my Kindle across the room when I got to the end of this massive cliff hanger. Luckily, the sequel is available on Kindle Unlimited which I am IMMEDIATELY downloading.
Overall this was a cute, idyllic romcom that is exactly the right cure for a massive book-hangover. I can’t wait for the next one.
Overall this was a cute, idyllic romcom that is exactly the right cure for a massive book-hangover. I can’t wait for the next one.
January 14, 2024
There was a lot more awkward flirting in this book than I expected. I loved these two weirdos but am not quite sure how I feel about the cliffhanger ending.
June 22, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I love kindle for recommending me this amazing book! I’ve already started book 2 because I love Parker and Maggie so much!
I love kindle for recommending me this amazing book! I’ve already started book 2 because I love Parker and Maggie so much!
March 21, 2022
Rating 4.25
I am really having a difficult time with this rating. So, I am just going to round up and leave it at that.
First, I love that this book is written by a lesbian couple. How freaking cute is that?! Also, they are from Texas and that gives them even more 'cool points' as I am from Texas as well. This book was written during a very uncommon snowstorm in Texas in early 2021. So uncommon that our electricity was unreliable, and they wrote it while having no electricity or running water in the freezing temps. I would just read it for that sacrifice!! I am pleasantly surprised that they came up with a sweet lesbian romance and I certainly hope they are around to stay.
The authors do a wonderful job of painting good pictures in this book. For example, I feel as if I know the town of Doveport and I actually want to visit. The first thing I would do is stop by Doveport Books. The characters in the book, both main and supporting, are wonderful. They are funny, diverse, and seem like people you just want to know.
This is an age gap romance that takes time to develop. If you are fan of quick to fall in love and skipping on the dating scene this may not be the book for you. However, I urge you to reconsider. I am normally one that really enjoys the hot and steamy and would rather not read a slow burn. This book was an exception. It was so cute and heartwarming I honestly didn't even notice until I was almost 70% done with the book.
This book is well written. I would encourage the authors to possibly have more beta readers or hire an editor. There were a few typos that were missed. All in all, this was a great book and I have already recommended it to others.
I am really having a difficult time with this rating. So, I am just going to round up and leave it at that.
First, I love that this book is written by a lesbian couple. How freaking cute is that?! Also, they are from Texas and that gives them even more 'cool points' as I am from Texas as well. This book was written during a very uncommon snowstorm in Texas in early 2021. So uncommon that our electricity was unreliable, and they wrote it while having no electricity or running water in the freezing temps. I would just read it for that sacrifice!! I am pleasantly surprised that they came up with a sweet lesbian romance and I certainly hope they are around to stay.
The authors do a wonderful job of painting good pictures in this book. For example, I feel as if I know the town of Doveport and I actually want to visit. The first thing I would do is stop by Doveport Books. The characters in the book, both main and supporting, are wonderful. They are funny, diverse, and seem like people you just want to know.
This is an age gap romance that takes time to develop. If you are fan of quick to fall in love and skipping on the dating scene this may not be the book for you. However, I urge you to reconsider. I am normally one that really enjoys the hot and steamy and would rather not read a slow burn. This book was an exception. It was so cute and heartwarming I honestly didn't even notice until I was almost 70% done with the book.
This book is well written. I would encourage the authors to possibly have more beta readers or hire an editor. There were a few typos that were missed. All in all, this was a great book and I have already recommended it to others.
May 28, 2022
This is described as a series,but this is very much PART ONE of a TWO PART story. It is a sample that needs part 2 to be complete. Consider me miffed that that wasn't made clear. A proper review will be with book 2.
March 4, 2022
I haven't laughed that much and that loud for a while. I loved how both MC's had these big beautiful brains, but when words tried to make it to their mouths it ended up a pile of gobblygook. It is the little things, like knowing someone's favorite meal, the way they drink their coffee, which side of the bed they like to sleep on, that amount to a beautiful relationship and I think these two MC's are headed straight for a U-haul! Off to read the next book bc I have to know what happens next!!!
April 3, 2022
I'm mad but also hooked.
You utter assholes. A cliffhanger? In a romance novel? I thought maybe the pacing was off, but no, just a total unresolved cliffhanger.
Fine. It's only forgivable because the second book is out and available.
Still shooting y'all major side eye.
I'd leave a thoughtful review on character development/arcs and plot and themes but I can't because I'm too busy grumbling angrily and downloading the next book. I'll let my star rating speak for itself.
You utter assholes. A cliffhanger? In a romance novel? I thought maybe the pacing was off, but no, just a total unresolved cliffhanger.
Fine. It's only forgivable because the second book is out and available.
Still shooting y'all major side eye.
I'd leave a thoughtful review on character development/arcs and plot and themes but I can't because I'm too busy grumbling angrily and downloading the next book. I'll let my star rating speak for itself.
March 2, 2022
10/10 just wow.
Let me start by saying, I have read my fair share of lesrom. Well, what’s available on kindle unlimited that’s not strictly erotica, that is. But this. This is what I have always wanted. A slow-ish burn, without the stigma of “lesbian romance”. I work in a call center, and between calls today I found myself full on laughing out loud. This book was so relatable I found myself swooning. Quirky, cute, and honest. What more could I have asked for? I had plans tonight, but the second I got home all I could think about was finishing this book. I so badly wanted to save the reading for work tomorrow, but at the same time I couldn’t put my kindle down. So I finished it. I do not leave reviews often, so take that as you will, but stop reading reviews and just download this book. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. I promise.
Let me start by saying, I have read my fair share of lesrom. Well, what’s available on kindle unlimited that’s not strictly erotica, that is. But this. This is what I have always wanted. A slow-ish burn, without the stigma of “lesbian romance”. I work in a call center, and between calls today I found myself full on laughing out loud. This book was so relatable I found myself swooning. Quirky, cute, and honest. What more could I have asked for? I had plans tonight, but the second I got home all I could think about was finishing this book. I so badly wanted to save the reading for work tomorrow, but at the same time I couldn’t put my kindle down. So I finished it. I do not leave reviews often, so take that as you will, but stop reading reviews and just download this book. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. I promise.
October 13, 2022
4.5/5 - I requested that the library buy the second one asap but who knows how long that will take 😭
July 7, 2024
Reread #2 - 07/07/24 -
Man I love this book
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Reread #1 - 21/01/24 -
Couldn’t help myself with this reread, I had to read it again and it slayed as much as it did the first time (aka a week ago)
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Adored this, probably gonna need to cop a physical copy! Such a lovely romance between two genuinely kind people, little bumps of drama to keep it interesting but didn’t feel too contrived. I absolutely am going to start book two immediately.
Man I love this book
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Reread #1 - 21/01/24 -
Couldn’t help myself with this reread, I had to read it again and it slayed as much as it did the first time (aka a week ago)
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Adored this, probably gonna need to cop a physical copy! Such a lovely romance between two genuinely kind people, little bumps of drama to keep it interesting but didn’t feel too contrived. I absolutely am going to start book two immediately.
June 29, 2022
I had to read this in one sitting simply because I knew I wouldn’t pick it back up if I put it down, which isn’t great. I was far more invested in the side couples than our main duo. Also (this may be a spoiler but I think it’s mismarketing) this is NOT a complete story. It ends on a cliffhanger to get you to read the second book which is literally the rest of this book. This was sold to me as complete story, the first in a series about romances in this small town, but it just follows this one couple as they deal with such small issues that could be solved with like two minutes of conversation. DO NOT go into this expecting a satisfying ending like I did.
April 1, 2022
How often do you laugh out loud when reading a book? Or cry? This book is genuinely charming and I need the recipe to Maggie’s spicy coffee, please! The cast of characters warms my heart. I really enjoyed the banter and realness that the author gives, and the body language is perfectly measured every 👏 single👏line👏.
Such great character development for such a short amount of time. Can’t wait to read the next one. 💜
Such great character development for such a short amount of time. Can’t wait to read the next one. 💜
July 16, 2022
Absolutely adorable and funny. I had to dock it a star though for the cliffhanger ending. That just wasn’t fair!
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ "you deserve the best things. you deserve people who are good to you. you deserve people who want to help you."
April 20, 2025
A quirky and cosy romance, a lot of awkward flirting.
Addictive once you start and hard to put down, you will want to start the next one as soon as you finish it.
Addictive once you start and hard to put down, you will want to start the next one as soon as you finish it.
April 7, 2022
That was intense
I'm not sure I can find the right words to describe this book, but for the first time in 5 years I've read with a stupid smile plastered on my face or with a questioning expression. That's amazing, beautiful, intriguing and interesting story. Thank you so much
I'm not sure I can find the right words to describe this book, but for the first time in 5 years I've read with a stupid smile plastered on my face or with a questioning expression. That's amazing, beautiful, intriguing and interesting story. Thank you so much
May 19, 2022
This small town, lesbian age gap romance was perfection. I adored it. Maggie is the owner of Doveport Books and is an adorable anxious mess. Parker is the new English professor, leather clad motorcycle riding lesbian of my dreams. The slowest slow burn that ever burned. And I loved every moment. Also, dived in to the second immediately because of the OH SHIT cliffhanger. If you like small town lesbian romances with banter and anxious chatter, please read this book right now.
February 13, 2022
4.5 stars for these indie authors! Loveable characters, and my favorite things… bookstores, a quirky cat, and coffee. Once I got to know the characters, I couldn’t put it down. The only thing is that it ended on a cliffhanger, but I had no problem diving right into the next one. Totally invested!
November 5, 2022
Well, I liked it well enough, although the way it started off threw me. 'Something small and compact behind the counter.' I swear to God, I thought Parker saw the cat first, not Maggie. Just...okay, whatever. Also, I was incredibly disturbed by the constant animals in food references. Like, mild stuff, such as how much milk you can get from a cow in their sadly short lifetime before we kill them, to talking about breaking the spines of chickens. I get that is normal to most people, but that bothered me. Especially as it wasn't just a one-off thing said, it was a few of them. Doesn't put ME in the mood for romance....
I think, by the end of it, I can confidently say there were two things that were definitely an issue for me. Maggie, standing up to Clay. See, she only actually said anything to her once, when she yet again brought Maggie peanuts, which she is very allergic to. Clay obviously didn't take the hint, which would have been a good time for Maggie to point out how terribly Clay has treated (abused) her, but instead, the only person who speaks is Parker. Now, I don't take issue with Parker speaking up, it was kind of cute and absolutely necessary, but I really feel like Maggie needed to say something there, too. Both for herself, and for Clay, who merely took Parker's defense of Maggie as a challenge, NOT as Maggie finally ditching her. Also, if there was ever a moment 'that was it', as Jack Sparrow would say. Why didn't Maggie just grab her and kiss her??
The second issue I take is with the abrupt ending. I wasn't expecting that, and it kind of annoyed me. While most books that are in the primary genre of romance don't span more than a single novel, I don't mind the concept. Just...not like this.
I think, by the end of it, I can confidently say there were two things that were definitely an issue for me. Maggie, standing up to Clay. See, she only actually said anything to her once, when she yet again brought Maggie peanuts, which she is very allergic to. Clay obviously didn't take the hint, which would have been a good time for Maggie to point out how terribly Clay has treated (abused) her, but instead, the only person who speaks is Parker. Now, I don't take issue with Parker speaking up, it was kind of cute and absolutely necessary, but I really feel like Maggie needed to say something there, too. Both for herself, and for Clay, who merely took Parker's defense of Maggie as a challenge, NOT as Maggie finally ditching her. Also, if there was ever a moment 'that was it', as Jack Sparrow would say. Why didn't Maggie just grab her and kiss her??
The second issue I take is with the abrupt ending. I wasn't expecting that, and it kind of annoyed me. While most books that are in the primary genre of romance don't span more than a single novel, I don't mind the concept. Just...not like this.
March 18, 2022
Wonderful!! Wish I had written it!
This wonderful story, itself, reveals some insight into some of what went into its coming into being ☺. First of all, it is a story with a message; a gentle, warm, kind story. Some of the touches, the details, ring so true that I immediately thought to myself: This story is semi autobiographical. Any good story could feel like that, and with some authors, all of their stories in fact are that. That observation should be an endorsement; please take it as such.
In many of the stories I have lately read, the voice of the narrator involves a lot of swearing. Now, I know millennials are comfortable with a lot of swearing, even in the context of formal writing, or commercial writing, such as authoring a piece of fiction. Happily, the amount of swearing in this present piece is minimal. With too much swearing, the author's voice is too intrusive, and distracts from the content.
Talking about voices, I missed Maggie having a more distinct voice.
Chasten and Pete seem to me to have the opposite problem: their voices make them seem to be cartoon gay characters, in fact, the_ same_ cartoon character. Their job of being Maggie's support group is pulled off successfully, but I don't think i would be the only one who would have liked to see some variety in the depiction of positive gay characters.
All in all, despite my seeming criticisms, i would rank this story in the top 2% of stories in its per group, and I urge readers to get it. I notice that there's a sequel; that's a sure sign that the character cast of the story was not casually put together,
This wonderful story, itself, reveals some insight into some of what went into its coming into being ☺. First of all, it is a story with a message; a gentle, warm, kind story. Some of the touches, the details, ring so true that I immediately thought to myself: This story is semi autobiographical. Any good story could feel like that, and with some authors, all of their stories in fact are that. That observation should be an endorsement; please take it as such.
In many of the stories I have lately read, the voice of the narrator involves a lot of swearing. Now, I know millennials are comfortable with a lot of swearing, even in the context of formal writing, or commercial writing, such as authoring a piece of fiction. Happily, the amount of swearing in this present piece is minimal. With too much swearing, the author's voice is too intrusive, and distracts from the content.
Talking about voices, I missed Maggie having a more distinct voice.
Chasten and Pete seem to me to have the opposite problem: their voices make them seem to be cartoon gay characters, in fact, the_ same_ cartoon character. Their job of being Maggie's support group is pulled off successfully, but I don't think i would be the only one who would have liked to see some variety in the depiction of positive gay characters.
All in all, despite my seeming criticisms, i would rank this story in the top 2% of stories in its per group, and I urge readers to get it. I notice that there's a sequel; that's a sure sign that the character cast of the story was not casually put together,
August 31, 2022
Learning to Trust follows Maggie and Parker during the blossoming stages of their romance. Parker, being nearly thirteen years Maggie’s senior, moved to the sleepy town of Doveport in hopes of finding something new. She left behind a career and a relationship — both of which didn’t make her happy. It wasn’t until she stumbled into Maggie’s bookstore that she started to feel at home. Maggie is a bit socially maladjusted and a bit air-headed, but this only endears her to Parker more. Their flirtation leads them into something magical, though the town and its inhabitants (and some visitors) seem intent on throwing more difficulties in their way. The question remains whether Parker will remain at the end of the year in Doveport with Maggie or if she’ll return to her former life.
The writing in the Doveport series is delightful. It seamlessly flows together, which surprised me, given that Kallie Mont is actually two people! A and K did a remarkable job of blending their writing styles, which, if of itself, is deserving of praise. The fact that it’s quirky and delightfully tongue-in-cheek is just a cherry on top!
What I love the most about this series are, actually, the side characters. They are so beautifully developed and well-crafted that I find myself thinking of my own group of friends and assigning them roles.
This beautiful lesbian fiction should definitely be on your TBR!
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, check out my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
The writing in the Doveport series is delightful. It seamlessly flows together, which surprised me, given that Kallie Mont is actually two people! A and K did a remarkable job of blending their writing styles, which, if of itself, is deserving of praise. The fact that it’s quirky and delightfully tongue-in-cheek is just a cherry on top!
What I love the most about this series are, actually, the side characters. They are so beautifully developed and well-crafted that I find myself thinking of my own group of friends and assigning them roles.
This beautiful lesbian fiction should definitely be on your TBR!
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, check out my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
March 8, 2022
Learning to Flirt is a fun meet-cute romance in a classic small-town setting. Maggie has taken over running the family bookshop, a staple of Doveport for well over 100 years. Parker has just relocated to Doveport to start over with a new teaching position and, just possibly, a new relationship with the adorably awkward bookshop owner. What follows is a dance of obvious flirting from Parker, sweet after-the-fact moments from Maggie, a bit of misunderstanding, and plenty of humor. The small-town feel with its cast of loveable and quirky characters adds to the charm. Well-written and enjoyable!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2022
I liked a lot of this book. It’s a bit of an insta-love but the way that love is communicated is great. There were many moments that I thought were hilarious and the few things I disliked were minor enough to ignore.
Spoilers for the ending.
The ending killed me. These characters could have gotten together at 80% but for stupid drama reasons where people in novels never talk to each other. And then the novel ends on a “cliffhanger” of the main character seeing the other main character with her ex. If the characters had gotten together I would read the next one, but I expect it to be an entire novel and them to get together at the end. There’s no way they wrote something good and worthwhile from where this one ended.
Spoilers for the ending.
The ending killed me. These characters could have gotten together at 80% but for stupid drama reasons where people in novels never talk to each other. And then the novel ends on a “cliffhanger” of the main character seeing the other main character with her ex. If the characters had gotten together I would read the next one, but I expect it to be an entire novel and them to get together at the end. There’s no way they wrote something good and worthwhile from where this one ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
I loved this book; as usual I thought the two protagonists--and indeed the entire cast--were adorable. The story is set in a college town, and those who live in (or have lived in) such places will relate easily. There is also a cat, Horatio, who goes ma-mow, but in other ways is fairly typical!
There is the requisite pair of trans guys (or maybe queer), and a motorbike, and a bookstore, all of which are lovely, and things I like to read about. Also pastries, and coffee. One day I'm going to write a story about pastries, coffee, bookstores, a cat, and a really cute redhead; why haven't I tried this before?
There is the requisite pair of trans guys (or maybe queer), and a motorbike, and a bookstore, all of which are lovely, and things I like to read about. Also pastries, and coffee. One day I'm going to write a story about pastries, coffee, bookstores, a cat, and a really cute redhead; why haven't I tried this before?
January 9, 2023
I waffled here on the rating for a bit bc the characters - these two are THE perfect sapphic romcom main characters. Anxious bookish girl meets hot edgy English professor. This is the song of the people. There are a couple flaws: the Title. It NEEDS something cutesy, a pun on literature or bookshop - the are both hot little dorks. Pun it up, people.
Two. The ending no no no no I assume it's just a bad cliffhanger cut to the next one (already out on KU, deep breath) but no. If I would have star-rated when I finished instead of taking a couple days to digest it would lost one. Otherwise, perfect, chef's kiss, and I want recipes of Chasten's muffins.
Two. The ending no no no no I assume it's just a bad cliffhanger cut to the next one (already out on KU, deep breath) but no. If I would have star-rated when I finished instead of taking a couple days to digest it would lost one. Otherwise, perfect, chef's kiss, and I want recipes of Chasten's muffins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
I need her girl
Parker came to a small town to begin again. She got a job at the college but something was missing. When she met Maddie she knew what she wanted. The plug is very good and revolves around the emotions and pressures that Parker and Maggie go through to be with each other this book is the first part of their journey what is a very sweet romance. The characters were very different but what they felt made up for that. Parker was more of a bitch and Maggie was a fan but their roles change throughout the book. I recommend this Book for all who like romance.
Parker came to a small town to begin again. She got a job at the college but something was missing. When she met Maddie she knew what she wanted. The plug is very good and revolves around the emotions and pressures that Parker and Maggie go through to be with each other this book is the first part of their journey what is a very sweet romance. The characters were very different but what they felt made up for that. Parker was more of a bitch and Maggie was a fan but their roles change throughout the book. I recommend this Book for all who like romance.
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