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Bold Journeys #1
Love, Only Better
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ONLY ONE HOLDING YOU BACK, IS YOU?
Rebecca was raised to be independent—handle her business, graduate college, and dive into a rising advertising career. But there’s a nagging problem she’s hasn’t been able to shake. The same one that sends her boyfriend storming out the bedroom door.
Her doctor says she’s fine, but what would he know? He wasn’t the only 28-year-old woman in Manhattan who couldn’t finish in the bedroom. For the life of her, she can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong. Her new doctor is unorthodox, but she’s tried everything else. Well, everything except Kyle.
The gorgeous photographer who moves in across the hall is everything she isn’t. He’s confident, charming, and takes the world by storm from astride his black motorcycle. When they’re together, her troubles melt away. Well, all but one.
After hiding her secret becomes impossible, Rebecca is forced to fight for the life she wants—knowing it could be her last chance.
Daringly honest and tenderly relatable, Love, Only Better explores a topic too long kept in the shadows: women’s pleasure. Paulette Stout crafts an authentic and inspiring story that will leave readers feeling empowered.
This book contains intimate scenes.
Rebecca was raised to be independent—handle her business, graduate college, and dive into a rising advertising career. But there’s a nagging problem she’s hasn’t been able to shake. The same one that sends her boyfriend storming out the bedroom door.
Her doctor says she’s fine, but what would he know? He wasn’t the only 28-year-old woman in Manhattan who couldn’t finish in the bedroom. For the life of her, she can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong. Her new doctor is unorthodox, but she’s tried everything else. Well, everything except Kyle.
The gorgeous photographer who moves in across the hall is everything she isn’t. He’s confident, charming, and takes the world by storm from astride his black motorcycle. When they’re together, her troubles melt away. Well, all but one.
After hiding her secret becomes impossible, Rebecca is forced to fight for the life she wants—knowing it could be her last chance.
Daringly honest and tenderly relatable, Love, Only Better explores a topic too long kept in the shadows: women’s pleasure. Paulette Stout crafts an authentic and inspiring story that will leave readers feeling empowered.
This book contains intimate scenes.
ebook
Published July 1, 2022
56 people are currently reading
1800 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Stout
11 books75 followersPaulette Stout is the fearless author of fast paced contemporary fiction about women finding their voices, being heard, and embracing love. With Paulette’s books, readers get bingeable prose, relatable characters and compelling stories that keep pages turning.
Her 17 book award recognitions span her titles—Love, Only Better, What We Never Say, and What Eyes Can't See—adding to her three media industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star.
You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts at her home in Acton, Massachusetts.
Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.
BookBub: @paulettestoutauthor.
And don't forget to leave a review after you finish the book!
Her 17 book award recognitions span her titles—Love, Only Better, What We Never Say, and What Eyes Can't See—adding to her three media industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star.
You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts at her home in Acton, Massachusetts.
Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.
BookBub: @paulettestoutauthor.
And don't forget to leave a review after you finish the book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
September 24, 2021
↳ ARC kindly provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Look, I'm gonna be direct. This book was a big disappointment.
The plot had a really great potential seeing as it proposed a discussion on a subject that many people still treat as taboo. I was excited to read when I saw I had been approved for an ARC and the beginning was even okay, but the more I read, the more the problems started to appear and I felt like this book was a big delusion.
1) The writing was a bit too much regarding the descriptions. There were a lot of unnecessary details that turned the reading into something dragged.
2) The "jokes" about Rebecca's religion that the mom of one of her friends used to do?? It shouldn't even be considered jokes, it was disrespectful.
3) Barbara and Leslie were totally disrespectful too. They pressured Rebecca for information she didn't want to share right away and they simply couldn't get the damn hint that she didn't want to talk about that. I mean, what kind of friends are those?
4) Yet, my main problem was with the whole clinical trial and the therapist Rebecca sought after she dismissed the doctors. First, the clinical trial was a bit strange, yes, asking her to disclose personal details about her relationship with Kyle even though he didn't know about Rebecca being there in the first place. But the part where the heroine left the clinical trial and went in that consultation with the therapist seemed way stranger to me. I mean, those sexual therapists are even a thing? I'm sorry if I'm skeptical but to strip your clothes and to have a stranger walking you through your masturbation while talking about your fantasies...? Of course, I'm not a professional in that area by any means, so maybe it's all real.
5) I was almost forgetting about her relationship with Kyle. See, they were kind of cute but also really shallow? Their involvement seemed really rushed but also flat. I wish they had had more development.
Overall, the premisses were good but the execution left a lot to be desired. I wanted to like this book but I simply couldn't ignore the points listed. I recognize the good intentions of the author but I also can't finish this review without saying that some of the things that I pointed out are a bit harmful to the whole discussion.
Look, I'm gonna be direct. This book was a big disappointment.
The plot had a really great potential seeing as it proposed a discussion on a subject that many people still treat as taboo. I was excited to read when I saw I had been approved for an ARC and the beginning was even okay, but the more I read, the more the problems started to appear and I felt like this book was a big delusion.
1) The writing was a bit too much regarding the descriptions. There were a lot of unnecessary details that turned the reading into something dragged.
2) The "jokes" about Rebecca's religion that the mom of one of her friends used to do?? It shouldn't even be considered jokes, it was disrespectful.
3) Barbara and Leslie were totally disrespectful too. They pressured Rebecca for information she didn't want to share right away and they simply couldn't get the damn hint that she didn't want to talk about that. I mean, what kind of friends are those?
4) Yet, my main problem was with the whole clinical trial and the therapist Rebecca sought after she dismissed the doctors. First, the clinical trial was a bit strange, yes, asking her to disclose personal details about her relationship with Kyle even though he didn't know about Rebecca being there in the first place. But the part where the heroine left the clinical trial and went in that consultation with the therapist seemed way stranger to me. I mean, those sexual therapists are even a thing? I'm sorry if I'm skeptical but to strip your clothes and to have a stranger walking you through your masturbation while talking about your fantasies...? Of course, I'm not a professional in that area by any means, so maybe it's all real.
5) I was almost forgetting about her relationship with Kyle. See, they were kind of cute but also really shallow? Their involvement seemed really rushed but also flat. I wish they had had more development.
Overall, the premisses were good but the execution left a lot to be desired. I wanted to like this book but I simply couldn't ignore the points listed. I recognize the good intentions of the author but I also can't finish this review without saying that some of the things that I pointed out are a bit harmful to the whole discussion.
September 9, 2021
I really enjoyed the message of female empowerment in this book, while exploring an issue that is incredibly common but never really discussed because of the shame surrounding it. We’re taught not to discuss sex or arousal, and we internalize a lot of feelings because of it.
At first I wasn’t sure about Rebecca’s friends, they seemed overly pushy when she wasn’t ready to talk, but they redeemed themselves (although I’m still not sure why Leslie smoking and the job she was working on was brought up randomly, maybe that’s in the next book). Rebecca has incredibly low self esteem in all aspects of her life, but it’s not made clear whether it stems from her relationship with her parents (likely?), or just from her belief that she can’t climax and from how her ex, Ethan, treated her. She engages in a lot of frequent, negative self talk, I don’t think the fact that she couldn’t climax was the root of all those issues, and it seemed a little outlandish that the ability to orgasm was magically the end all be all to solving the low self esteem and negative self talk.
There were also things that didn’t really work for me. Are there really sex therapists out there that have you strip down in their office and teach you how to masturbate while walking you through a fantasy and dribbling oil on your breasts? This seems like a sexual assault charge waiting to happen and an incredibly quick way to lose your license to be able to practice any type of medicine/therapy. I also didn’t really buy the relationship with Kyle. It happened so quickly and didn’t seem very organic. He’s a sweet guy but we never really get to know too much about him or exactly how their relationship evolves.
The authors note did give really great insight into the book and the author herself and her reason for writing the book, what she was going though and what she hoped that writing it would accomplish. It’s very insightful and the book opens the door for more discussion on the topic, and maybe it will start to feel less like a taboo topic and like something that is okay to discuss and that should be okay to talk about.
Thank you Netgalley and Media Goddess Inc for providing me with this ARC of Love, Only Better.
At first I wasn’t sure about Rebecca’s friends, they seemed overly pushy when she wasn’t ready to talk, but they redeemed themselves (although I’m still not sure why Leslie smoking and the job she was working on was brought up randomly, maybe that’s in the next book). Rebecca has incredibly low self esteem in all aspects of her life, but it’s not made clear whether it stems from her relationship with her parents (likely?), or just from her belief that she can’t climax and from how her ex, Ethan, treated her. She engages in a lot of frequent, negative self talk, I don’t think the fact that she couldn’t climax was the root of all those issues, and it seemed a little outlandish that the ability to orgasm was magically the end all be all to solving the low self esteem and negative self talk.
There were also things that didn’t really work for me. Are there really sex therapists out there that have you strip down in their office and teach you how to masturbate while walking you through a fantasy and dribbling oil on your breasts? This seems like a sexual assault charge waiting to happen and an incredibly quick way to lose your license to be able to practice any type of medicine/therapy. I also didn’t really buy the relationship with Kyle. It happened so quickly and didn’t seem very organic. He’s a sweet guy but we never really get to know too much about him or exactly how their relationship evolves.
The authors note did give really great insight into the book and the author herself and her reason for writing the book, what she was going though and what she hoped that writing it would accomplish. It’s very insightful and the book opens the door for more discussion on the topic, and maybe it will start to feel less like a taboo topic and like something that is okay to discuss and that should be okay to talk about.
Thank you Netgalley and Media Goddess Inc for providing me with this ARC of Love, Only Better.
September 6, 2021
Please keep in mind I only reached Chapter 17 and stopped. I just couldn't find it in me to go on.
Some of my problems with it:
~ co-worker being portrayed as unsanitary due to excessive dandruff. As a person who struggles with dandruff and other scalp issues (big insecurity triggers), having that portrayed as ‘disgusting’ is very offensive to me. Maybe it’s a nitpick, but I find this detail as being unnecessary in understanding that this co-worker is a bad person.
~ a lot of unnecessary details. There are MANY step-by-step scenes. Like when she went to the restaurant, we know exactly the path she waked, what she saw up until she got out of her office building) another example:“Cosmetics were usually against the right or left. The layout was likely decreed in article 7 of the pharmaceutical constitution. This particular store had its section on the left, so she meandered over, resisting the impulse to grab a 99-cent plastic proof from a display barrel. No matter how many she owned, she always wanted one.”
~ the way the study was introduced was absolutely creepy. Is this a romance or a thriller? And let’s not mention the illegality of not informing someone they’re going to be videotaped until the last second (when they actually pressure her to be okay with it).
~ Barbara and Leslie are horrible friends. The pressure they put in her to disclose things they know she’s not comfortable with sharing is disgusting. Needless to say that is swept under the rug by the end of the chapter
~ excuse me what? The orgasm program/study/cult ‘ALLOWS’ Rebecca to take the relationship with Kyle to a physical level? Who has autonomy over the heroine’s body? Wtf?!! AND they want a play by play report of everything R&K do WITHOUT his consent? 🚩⚠️
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some of my problems with it:
~ co-worker being portrayed as unsanitary due to excessive dandruff. As a person who struggles with dandruff and other scalp issues (big insecurity triggers), having that portrayed as ‘disgusting’ is very offensive to me. Maybe it’s a nitpick, but I find this detail as being unnecessary in understanding that this co-worker is a bad person.
~ a lot of unnecessary details. There are MANY step-by-step scenes. Like when she went to the restaurant, we know exactly the path she waked, what she saw up until she got out of her office building) another example:“Cosmetics were usually against the right or left. The layout was likely decreed in article 7 of the pharmaceutical constitution. This particular store had its section on the left, so she meandered over, resisting the impulse to grab a 99-cent plastic proof from a display barrel. No matter how many she owned, she always wanted one.”
~ the way the study was introduced was absolutely creepy. Is this a romance or a thriller? And let’s not mention the illegality of not informing someone they’re going to be videotaped until the last second (when they actually pressure her to be okay with it).
~ Barbara and Leslie are horrible friends. The pressure they put in her to disclose things they know she’s not comfortable with sharing is disgusting. Needless to say that is swept under the rug by the end of the chapter
~ excuse me what? The orgasm program/study/cult ‘ALLOWS’ Rebecca to take the relationship with Kyle to a physical level? Who has autonomy over the heroine’s body? Wtf?!! AND they want a play by play report of everything R&K do WITHOUT his consent? 🚩⚠️
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
I was so excited to get Love, Only Better as my first ARC. I saw it and knew it was something I would enjoy and enjoy it I definitely did!
Rebecca is 28 years old and has never had an orgasm. Alone. With a partner. Nada. It's affected her every relationship, especially in the last one. Ethan ended things with her after years of dating because she was "cold" for never hitting the big O with him. His parting words haunt Rebecca and she's hung up on trying to have an orgasm on her own. She thinks there must be a physical issue with her. She doesn't even know what getting there would look like. Enter Kyle, the hot new neighbor. They're attracted to one another immediately and he seems to be the man she's been missing her whole life - attentive, patient, caring, and romantic. But, Rebecca's mental hang ups means she doesn't trust herself and could ruin this fledgling relationship before it has a chance to take off.
There were a few issues I had with the book. I couldn't stand how down on herself Rebecca was ALL the time, but if it was weighing on her mind I guess it's understandable. Kyle was a little too quick with the relationship stuff in my mind. He was having trust issues with her very early on and it just seems a bit much, but dude had been cheated on so.. who am I to judge?! I will say the author's note at the end of this was a breath of fresh air and really enlightened my understanding of where her head was at. Having healthy conversations about sex and empowering women really should be something we aren't ashamed to talk about, yet the majority of us are. In that regard, thus could be a really great thing for someone looking for a little education to pick up and maybe feel less embarrassed. We should be able to talk about this stuff with the people close to us in our lives and for addressing that issue alone, I applause Paulette Stout.
For the record, I would give this a 3.5 if I could!
Rebecca is 28 years old and has never had an orgasm. Alone. With a partner. Nada. It's affected her every relationship, especially in the last one. Ethan ended things with her after years of dating because she was "cold" for never hitting the big O with him. His parting words haunt Rebecca and she's hung up on trying to have an orgasm on her own. She thinks there must be a physical issue with her. She doesn't even know what getting there would look like. Enter Kyle, the hot new neighbor. They're attracted to one another immediately and he seems to be the man she's been missing her whole life - attentive, patient, caring, and romantic. But, Rebecca's mental hang ups means she doesn't trust herself and could ruin this fledgling relationship before it has a chance to take off.
There were a few issues I had with the book. I couldn't stand how down on herself Rebecca was ALL the time, but if it was weighing on her mind I guess it's understandable. Kyle was a little too quick with the relationship stuff in my mind. He was having trust issues with her very early on and it just seems a bit much, but dude had been cheated on so.. who am I to judge?! I will say the author's note at the end of this was a breath of fresh air and really enlightened my understanding of where her head was at. Having healthy conversations about sex and empowering women really should be something we aren't ashamed to talk about, yet the majority of us are. In that regard, thus could be a really great thing for someone looking for a little education to pick up and maybe feel less embarrassed. We should be able to talk about this stuff with the people close to us in our lives and for addressing that issue alone, I applause Paulette Stout.
For the record, I would give this a 3.5 if I could!
July 22, 2021
This book deals with very important issues, and I really wanted to like it. But I couldn't.
The amount of self-loathing from the main character was way to much, to the point of being boring (and trust me, I know a LOT about self-loathing). The study seemed like it was being done in the 50's, the best friends were bullies.
The concept was good, the idea of talking about difficult issues that women face with their sexuality was very good, but in the end the execution was poor.
The amount of self-loathing from the main character was way to much, to the point of being boring (and trust me, I know a LOT about self-loathing). The study seemed like it was being done in the 50's, the best friends were bullies.
The concept was good, the idea of talking about difficult issues that women face with their sexuality was very good, but in the end the execution was poor.
July 23, 2021
Powerful debut novel by a bold author. It is an engaging modern romance novel that doesn't shy away from sensitive topics in women's sexuality.
Read
September 27, 2021This book is original and needed women’s fiction. LOVE, ONLY BETTER leaves behind ignorance and jokes about the female orgasm, revealing that the truth behind achieving the big O is about achieving self-confidence.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/09/27/lets-...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/09/27/lets-...
December 18, 2025
Shoutout to Max Stouts mom for this !!!
September 29, 2021
DNF @ 19%
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I read the premise I was really excited to read this book. The main character, Rebecca, struggles with achieving pleasure during sex. Something that is not really talked about and is seen as shameful, but I could not get into this.
First of all, the study. What kind of study is this? She gets there and she has to sit up on a chair in a spotlight while they’re all in the dark? Really? Not even people behind plexiglass or something? It seems sketchy. Then they tell her they have to video tape her talking about it? Why? Isn’t that something she should have been aware of when signing forms?
Secondly, her friends seem like class A jerks. She tells them she is embarrassed and doesn’t want to talk about this study she got into. You think they’d leave her be, right? WRONG! They berate her at the restaurant to the point where she feels embarrassed and picked on.
I tried to continue but I just am not interested in where this plot is going. The writing and plot was not intriguing enough to make me want to continue.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I read the premise I was really excited to read this book. The main character, Rebecca, struggles with achieving pleasure during sex. Something that is not really talked about and is seen as shameful, but I could not get into this.
First of all, the study. What kind of study is this? She gets there and she has to sit up on a chair in a spotlight while they’re all in the dark? Really? Not even people behind plexiglass or something? It seems sketchy. Then they tell her they have to video tape her talking about it? Why? Isn’t that something she should have been aware of when signing forms?
Secondly, her friends seem like class A jerks. She tells them she is embarrassed and doesn’t want to talk about this study she got into. You think they’d leave her be, right? WRONG! They berate her at the restaurant to the point where she feels embarrassed and picked on.
I tried to continue but I just am not interested in where this plot is going. The writing and plot was not intriguing enough to make me want to continue.
September 1, 2021
I want to fist say thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the eARC. Me gusto el mensaje mucho del libro pero el libro en sí no me convenció mucho. No me gustaron los amigos de ella, se sintieron bien falsos y no como amigos reales. Yo estoy estudiando para ser psicóloga y este libro es literalmente una alerta roja andante, no me gusto su terapeuta para nada, lo que el la hizo hacer a ella de quitarse y ropa y hacer lo que ya ustedes saben que si leyeron el libro no se sentó bien con mi estomago y este libro es un no para mi lo siento.
January 13, 2026
Let's face it. It's taboo, but it shouldn't be. Mad props to Paulette Stout for daring to go where no one wants to admit they've been—in a debut, no less. A quick read with a nice love story that gets into a meaty topic while her author note lets us know it all comes from a place of personal experience. Brava for bravery!
September 30, 2021
At twenty-eight Rebecca, does not enjoy sex. She has never been able to have that grand finale that everyone else seems to be able to achieve. Rebecca starts to wonder if she is broken when it comes to sex, a sentiment her ex-boyfriend echoes when he rolled out of her bed and her life one night. Rebecca is tired of feeling hopeless and lost when it comes to sex. So she decides to join a study for women who cannot “finish” it in the bedroom. The study is a little unconventional, and the no-sex rule is not a big deal for her, who would want to sleep with her anyway? Things become complicated for Rebecca when Kyle moves in across the hall. Sparks fly between these two instantly, but Rebecca can’t have an intimate relationship with him because of the study. She is also nervous that Kyle will learn about her bedroom problems and leave her. Rebecca is unsure what she should do. If she leaves the study, she will remain broken, but she may lose her chance at true love if she sticks with it.
The description of this book caught my attention. I have read lots of romance books, but none have focused on female intimacy issues, and I was interested in seeing how Paulette would deal with this issue. Rebecca doesn’t like sex; it’s been an uncomfortable, stressful, and unsatisfying experience for her. Her problems in the bedroom have negatively affected other aspects of her life and have made Rebecca feel unsure about her body. The book starts with Rebecca lying in bed; her now ex-boyfriend had just stormed off, saying that Rebecca is an “ice queen” and something must be wrong because she can’t “finish” it in bed. Rebecca is understandably heartbroken and confused. She doesn’t understand why she is so bad in bed and starts to believe that she is truly worthless and unlovable. The first few chapters were hard to read, Rebecca is really hard on herself, and you can feel her heartbreak and hopelessness through the pages.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2021/09/...
The description of this book caught my attention. I have read lots of romance books, but none have focused on female intimacy issues, and I was interested in seeing how Paulette would deal with this issue. Rebecca doesn’t like sex; it’s been an uncomfortable, stressful, and unsatisfying experience for her. Her problems in the bedroom have negatively affected other aspects of her life and have made Rebecca feel unsure about her body. The book starts with Rebecca lying in bed; her now ex-boyfriend had just stormed off, saying that Rebecca is an “ice queen” and something must be wrong because she can’t “finish” it in bed. Rebecca is understandably heartbroken and confused. She doesn’t understand why she is so bad in bed and starts to believe that she is truly worthless and unlovable. The first few chapters were hard to read, Rebecca is really hard on herself, and you can feel her heartbreak and hopelessness through the pages.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2021/09/...
October 3, 2021
Rebecca may not think she was a brave woman, but she was, really and truly. It takes a lot to admit you have a problem, but to own it and do something about it, that's where the real winners are uncovered. She was treated badly in her relationships in the past, and over something that really had no baring on the other person, but it did directly affect her...and if she wasn't complaining, who were they to? Watching her feelings get hurt by even those she called friend, seeing her try medical advice, and then undertaking a place on that unusual study, understanding that while her interactions with Kyle stoked something, she was still far from where she wanted to be...all of these steps and missteps went into creating a character WITH character; someone that readers could feel a connection with, even if they didn't relate to her struggles, and ride the emotional rollercoaster by her side.
All in all, the story does well not only to entertain as any Contemporary Fiction, or Women's Fiction title should, but it also informs, and brings awareness to an issue that has long been there and still is, but remains shuddered behind closed hearts and minds. There's no harm in seeking help for anything that ails you, so why should there be when you have a mental or emotional block keeping you from fully experiencing everything love has to offer? Rebecca is a character that certainly champions this issue for women, and her relationship with Kyle, though it had its disastrous moments, felt realistic enough to root for. I still feel that the book is better aimed at adult readers due to content as there are frank sexual discussions and some between the covers scenes, but once you've hit the age of majority, I'd say it's fair game.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
All in all, the story does well not only to entertain as any Contemporary Fiction, or Women's Fiction title should, but it also informs, and brings awareness to an issue that has long been there and still is, but remains shuddered behind closed hearts and minds. There's no harm in seeking help for anything that ails you, so why should there be when you have a mental or emotional block keeping you from fully experiencing everything love has to offer? Rebecca is a character that certainly champions this issue for women, and her relationship with Kyle, though it had its disastrous moments, felt realistic enough to root for. I still feel that the book is better aimed at adult readers due to content as there are frank sexual discussions and some between the covers scenes, but once you've hit the age of majority, I'd say it's fair game.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Read
October 10, 2022I enjoy reading novels with topics that are not much written about. I especially like learning something new while I delve into someone's life story. Love Only Better achieved both of these for me.
Set in New York, Rebecca is successful, if not rich. She works in advertising purchasing, is building her career, and has a strong set of friends. But her love life is far from satisfying. She’s spent time with too many men who didn’t appreciate her, and she struggles to find sexual satisfaction.
Over the novel, her personal journey is reaching satisfaction — in all areas of her life. As a reader, I felt like I went on that journey with her, in all its odd, memorable, sometimes even wacky moments.
I enjoyed how the novel delved into Rebecca’s work life in the advertising purchasing, which was important to her. And the romance angle when she meets a new partner who is willing to experiment and support her on her journey. This book is not a traditional romance, although it has romantic elements. Her frustration with the sensual part of her life has led to a lack of confidence in other areas, too. So, this is Rebecca’s story of how seeking sexual satisfaction can lead to overall confidence.
If you’re squeamish about sexuality, this novel may make you uncomfortable – or, honestly, it might be exactly what you need. Female sexual satisfaction and the struggle to reach the big "O" is a topic that could be talked about more.
I just read the author Paulette Stout’s second novel, too (What We Never Say), and I especially appreciate that she is fearless in taking on topics that are sometimes viewed as taboo or “not talked about”. Brava for tackling those and making fascinating novels out of them!
Set in New York, Rebecca is successful, if not rich. She works in advertising purchasing, is building her career, and has a strong set of friends. But her love life is far from satisfying. She’s spent time with too many men who didn’t appreciate her, and she struggles to find sexual satisfaction.
Over the novel, her personal journey is reaching satisfaction — in all areas of her life. As a reader, I felt like I went on that journey with her, in all its odd, memorable, sometimes even wacky moments.
I enjoyed how the novel delved into Rebecca’s work life in the advertising purchasing, which was important to her. And the romance angle when she meets a new partner who is willing to experiment and support her on her journey. This book is not a traditional romance, although it has romantic elements. Her frustration with the sensual part of her life has led to a lack of confidence in other areas, too. So, this is Rebecca’s story of how seeking sexual satisfaction can lead to overall confidence.
If you’re squeamish about sexuality, this novel may make you uncomfortable – or, honestly, it might be exactly what you need. Female sexual satisfaction and the struggle to reach the big "O" is a topic that could be talked about more.
I just read the author Paulette Stout’s second novel, too (What We Never Say), and I especially appreciate that she is fearless in taking on topics that are sometimes viewed as taboo or “not talked about”. Brava for tackling those and making fascinating novels out of them!
August 28, 2021
Paulette Stout’s new novel, Love, Only Better, first surprised and then delighted me. Paulette Stout has written a rom-com style book with a deeper message about self-worth and self-empowerment, with a fun, relatable main character, and a strong sense of place.
Rebecca’s boyfriend dumped her, but she was expecting it. Why would anyone want to be with her, anyway? She’s just a girl stuck in her childhood home, living in the bedroom she grew up in.
Even her parents, who have moved to the suburbs, don’t really like her much. Everywhere she looks, she falls short. Her beautiful best friend and roommate is leaving to move in with a man, her supervisor at work picks at her, and she’s recently been dumped. No man in his right mind would ever want her, at least according to the no-longer-boyfriend who told everyone who would listen about Rebecca’s “sexual problem.”
Feeling desperate under the burden of her tanking self-confidence, Rebecca decides something must change. Like many women, she takes on a self-improvement project. But this one is different from the usual fitness upgrade or makeover. Rebecca wants to learn how to have a mind-blowing orgasm. Or really, any orgasm. It can’t truly be impossible.
Rebecca grips her determination and approaches her doctor, joins a research study, and opens her mind. As she learns about her sexual response, she discovers a lot about herself. By opening her mind to possibility, she opens to new connections with friends and neighbours. She finds herself at work.
Rebecca’s journey includes some predictable missteps with the handsome neighbour, entertaining interactions with a variety of people, and always the thrumming backdrop of New York. Her desperation to learn what she believes everyone else knows intrinsically puts her in some challenging situations.
The story is laugh-out-loud funny and touching. Rebecca is entertaining and fun, despite her “problem,” and her learning process is also a joy to read. The book exudes sex positivity and healthy personal empowerment, while carrying you along in your desire to see Rebecca flourish. Her struggle to find where love intersects with a vibrant and fun sexual relationship gives rise to the title. Love, while wonderful, is even better with a satisfying sexual relationship.
Rebecca’s boyfriend dumped her, but she was expecting it. Why would anyone want to be with her, anyway? She’s just a girl stuck in her childhood home, living in the bedroom she grew up in.
Even her parents, who have moved to the suburbs, don’t really like her much. Everywhere she looks, she falls short. Her beautiful best friend and roommate is leaving to move in with a man, her supervisor at work picks at her, and she’s recently been dumped. No man in his right mind would ever want her, at least according to the no-longer-boyfriend who told everyone who would listen about Rebecca’s “sexual problem.”
Feeling desperate under the burden of her tanking self-confidence, Rebecca decides something must change. Like many women, she takes on a self-improvement project. But this one is different from the usual fitness upgrade or makeover. Rebecca wants to learn how to have a mind-blowing orgasm. Or really, any orgasm. It can’t truly be impossible.
Rebecca grips her determination and approaches her doctor, joins a research study, and opens her mind. As she learns about her sexual response, she discovers a lot about herself. By opening her mind to possibility, she opens to new connections with friends and neighbours. She finds herself at work.
Rebecca’s journey includes some predictable missteps with the handsome neighbour, entertaining interactions with a variety of people, and always the thrumming backdrop of New York. Her desperation to learn what she believes everyone else knows intrinsically puts her in some challenging situations.
The story is laugh-out-loud funny and touching. Rebecca is entertaining and fun, despite her “problem,” and her learning process is also a joy to read. The book exudes sex positivity and healthy personal empowerment, while carrying you along in your desire to see Rebecca flourish. Her struggle to find where love intersects with a vibrant and fun sexual relationship gives rise to the title. Love, while wonderful, is even better with a satisfying sexual relationship.
August 13, 2021
I thought it was a romance but in reality it is a love story towards oneself and the path to acceptance and becoming a stronger being, a stronger women who owns her body
.
With that in mind the book is totally different. A Women fiction that portrays Rebecca, a woman in her twenties who despite having an active sex life never had an orgasm.
.
Her last relationship was the last drop in the glass back in a history of relationships where she was subjected to constant criticism and scrutiny, concerned about always satisfying others with low self-esteem
.
After a horrible breakup Rebecca begins to look for answers through medical consultations , with specialists psychologists and orthodox sexology. In this way the book gets into Rebecca's head and feelings and at times it is difficult to go through the consultations and doctors who lack empathy and humanity on sensitive issues such as the body and intimacy but between these experiences, appears Kyle, the great-nephew of her elder neighbor who does not stop smiling when he sees her. Both begin to know each other more and in some steps forward they also get stuck but both find their way to the other with patience and trust
.
It is a book that not only portrays taboo issues about women's sexuality and health care, it gives a different point of view and approached with a lot of empathy and love, the story of Kyle and Rebecca gives it a heart warming and perfect closure
.
.
Thanks to Paulette Stout and PR by the Book for give me this great book to read in exchange for my honest opinion
.
With that in mind the book is totally different. A Women fiction that portrays Rebecca, a woman in her twenties who despite having an active sex life never had an orgasm.
.
Her last relationship was the last drop in the glass back in a history of relationships where she was subjected to constant criticism and scrutiny, concerned about always satisfying others with low self-esteem
.
After a horrible breakup Rebecca begins to look for answers through medical consultations , with specialists psychologists and orthodox sexology. In this way the book gets into Rebecca's head and feelings and at times it is difficult to go through the consultations and doctors who lack empathy and humanity on sensitive issues such as the body and intimacy but between these experiences, appears Kyle, the great-nephew of her elder neighbor who does not stop smiling when he sees her. Both begin to know each other more and in some steps forward they also get stuck but both find their way to the other with patience and trust
.
It is a book that not only portrays taboo issues about women's sexuality and health care, it gives a different point of view and approached with a lot of empathy and love, the story of Kyle and Rebecca gives it a heart warming and perfect closure
.
.
Thanks to Paulette Stout and PR by the Book for give me this great book to read in exchange for my honest opinion
August 12, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have so many conflicting/complicated thoughts about this book! I am always thankful for books that challenge the conventional norms of romance, particularly in regards to the typical sexual tropes of automatic orgasms all day every day, and I appreciated that Stout decided to frame a story around the topic. There are parts of this book that I found to be heartbreakingly poignant and very real -- particularly the trauma of her relationship and breakup with Ethan and the pressure and insecurity she felt with him and because of him. In a world where the "orgasm gap" exists, these stories are so important and meaningful. My hesitancies come more with the character of Kyle. Yes, he existed as the perfect foil to Ethan and he was highly swoon-worthy, but I also found him to be a little too perfect and a little too convenient to the plot? Because of this, I found Rebecca's constant refusal to communicate with him to then be extremely frustrating...there was just something a little off there. Their relationship also just seemed to go from 0-100 really fast, and that messed with the pacing of the book at times. My other hesitancy stems from Rebecca's behavior/choices at certain moments, particularly with Kyle's ex and then with the sex therapist, but also with her friends ..... she seems to not understand boundaries and her repeated actions made me not like her at all, which was very frustrating as a reader who wanted to root for her!
Overall, this book is a good step in the right direction in terms of the larger subject matter but its execution fails to fully deliver.
I have so many conflicting/complicated thoughts about this book! I am always thankful for books that challenge the conventional norms of romance, particularly in regards to the typical sexual tropes of automatic orgasms all day every day, and I appreciated that Stout decided to frame a story around the topic. There are parts of this book that I found to be heartbreakingly poignant and very real -- particularly the trauma of her relationship and breakup with Ethan and the pressure and insecurity she felt with him and because of him. In a world where the "orgasm gap" exists, these stories are so important and meaningful. My hesitancies come more with the character of Kyle. Yes, he existed as the perfect foil to Ethan and he was highly swoon-worthy, but I also found him to be a little too perfect and a little too convenient to the plot? Because of this, I found Rebecca's constant refusal to communicate with him to then be extremely frustrating...there was just something a little off there. Their relationship also just seemed to go from 0-100 really fast, and that messed with the pacing of the book at times. My other hesitancy stems from Rebecca's behavior/choices at certain moments, particularly with Kyle's ex and then with the sex therapist, but also with her friends ..... she seems to not understand boundaries and her repeated actions made me not like her at all, which was very frustrating as a reader who wanted to root for her!
Overall, this book is a good step in the right direction in terms of the larger subject matter but its execution fails to fully deliver.
July 31, 2021
“Someone ought to tell Goth-Girl that she was entirely too happy to be dressed like that.” -From Love, Only Better
Oh, I thought I would love this book. I loved the blurb, and the cute bright colored cover. This book ended up putting me in a mini reading slump. Many things didn’t work for me. One, the creepy doctor scenes. It was so all off putting. I would like to erase all of that from my brain. Two, there are almost exclusively toxic female relationships. From the mother, friends, coworkers, even just people the MC meets she has to lash out with judgmental comments like this one I quoted. Rebecca is even mean to poor birds outside her window- she was so unlikeable. Three, the love interest seemed so imaginary and a complete prop. Even with him being so one dimensional, he would still deserve better than our MC. The writing shifts from describing certain unimportant things in vivid detail, like the pharmacy, to almost glossing over what readers want to spend time on like the meet cute.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, I thought I would love this book. I loved the blurb, and the cute bright colored cover. This book ended up putting me in a mini reading slump. Many things didn’t work for me. One, the creepy doctor scenes. It was so all off putting. I would like to erase all of that from my brain. Two, there are almost exclusively toxic female relationships. From the mother, friends, coworkers, even just people the MC meets she has to lash out with judgmental comments like this one I quoted. Rebecca is even mean to poor birds outside her window- she was so unlikeable. Three, the love interest seemed so imaginary and a complete prop. Even with him being so one dimensional, he would still deserve better than our MC. The writing shifts from describing certain unimportant things in vivid detail, like the pharmacy, to almost glossing over what readers want to spend time on like the meet cute.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2021
Rebecca is in her late twenties and she's never had an orgasm. After her long-term boyfriend dumps her she decides to seek professional help. As she embarks on a mission to give herself an orgasm a very handsome neighbour moves in across the hall. Rebecca's had a long line of boyfriends that won't understand so she desperately tries to keep the truth from him while resisting their connection.
I enjoyed this book, especially the first 75%. Rebecca has very low self-esteem which is partially caused by her inability to orgasm but also her critical and controlling mother. I thought the author did a great depiction of mental health and was highlighting some really important issues in our society.
My main criticism is the ending was unsatisfactory (spoilers ahead). I was sold this book for the romance and it turned out to have a very different focus on Rebecca's development which I didn't mind. But her achieving an orgasm was only a small part of her mental health and I thought it was an oversimplification for her deeply entrenched low self-worth to miraculously go away as soon as she achieved one. Also unrealistic for her issues with her mother to just go away after one apologetic conversation. Kyle was professed to be not like other men. Yet, even when he knew about Rebecca's past experiences, he still made references to them having sex which seemed like he was pressuring her. I feel the only reason he didn't come across as a arsehole sometimes was because her past partners were abusive. Also there was no resolution about her work situation. There were lots and lots of parts where her boss was being derogatory or taking advantage of Rebecca and none of this got resolved other than a good work evaluation.
All in all it was an enjoyable read, certainly showed a lot of potential.
I enjoyed this book, especially the first 75%. Rebecca has very low self-esteem which is partially caused by her inability to orgasm but also her critical and controlling mother. I thought the author did a great depiction of mental health and was highlighting some really important issues in our society.
My main criticism is the ending was unsatisfactory (spoilers ahead). I was sold this book for the romance and it turned out to have a very different focus on Rebecca's development which I didn't mind. But her achieving an orgasm was only a small part of her mental health and I thought it was an oversimplification for her deeply entrenched low self-worth to miraculously go away as soon as she achieved one. Also unrealistic for her issues with her mother to just go away after one apologetic conversation. Kyle was professed to be not like other men. Yet, even when he knew about Rebecca's past experiences, he still made references to them having sex which seemed like he was pressuring her. I feel the only reason he didn't come across as a arsehole sometimes was because her past partners were abusive. Also there was no resolution about her work situation. There were lots and lots of parts where her boss was being derogatory or taking advantage of Rebecca and none of this got resolved other than a good work evaluation.
All in all it was an enjoyable read, certainly showed a lot of potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This book didn't really work for me. I liked that it tackled female empowerment and the journey of the MC exploring her own sexuality. Sadly this wasn't done very well in my opinion.
The whole clinical study setting felt unsettling, the ending with the MC confronting a sex therapist felt like she was crossing a line. Rebecca was acting like a stalker, she wouldn't accept the "no" and it really annoyed me. The amount of self-loathing and self-sabotaging got too much. At first I felt like it could be excused because the fact that this poor woman had her self esteem destroyed and trampled on by exes and also in her upbringing but that excuse didn't even work in the end.
I couldn't feel good about her finally being more confident in the end.
I didn't care for either of her best friends . They felt like bullies in the beginning and were completely useless towards to end. I know the romance wasn't the most important part of this story but it still felt like it could have been done so much better .
It was pretty lackluster.
This book didn't really work for me. I liked that it tackled female empowerment and the journey of the MC exploring her own sexuality. Sadly this wasn't done very well in my opinion.
The whole clinical study setting felt unsettling, the ending with the MC confronting a sex therapist felt like she was crossing a line. Rebecca was acting like a stalker, she wouldn't accept the "no" and it really annoyed me. The amount of self-loathing and self-sabotaging got too much. At first I felt like it could be excused because the fact that this poor woman had her self esteem destroyed and trampled on by exes and also in her upbringing but that excuse didn't even work in the end.
I couldn't feel good about her finally being more confident in the end.
I didn't care for either of her best friends . They felt like bullies in the beginning and were completely useless towards to end. I know the romance wasn't the most important part of this story but it still felt like it could have been done so much better .
It was pretty lackluster.
September 29, 2021
The book as a whole was OK. But some details were either annoying or cringy.
How the study was established is far from believable! Is that really how studies work! It was weird and unscientific. "The sex mentor/therapist" methods were the most creepy thing.
Not to mention the relationships H has with her mother, her best friends, her boss, her coworkers!! She's really just pathetic.
This is not a romance this a novel about self-love, a journey to self-worth and confidence.
Rebecca has a "problem" with her sexual life, her last boyfriend even called her an ice queen and broke up with her after three years for that, so she participates in a study where she explores her anatomy and sexuality and self-worthness.
PS. I received this arc via NetGalley in exchange of a review.
August 17, 2021
This book was good!
I didn’t truly get into the book until about 30% in but when it picks up..it’s good! Rebecca has had her fair share of relationships but none that give her what she needs..in the bedroom.
When Kyle, who moves in with his aunt a few doors down in the same apartment complex..things start to heat up..and fast!
This book was a 4/5 with the way that Kyle treats Rebecca is just *chefs kiss*
I didn’t truly get into the book until about 30% in but when it picks up..it’s good! Rebecca has had her fair share of relationships but none that give her what she needs..in the bedroom.
When Kyle, who moves in with his aunt a few doors down in the same apartment complex..things start to heat up..and fast!
This book was a 4/5 with the way that Kyle treats Rebecca is just *chefs kiss*
August 8, 2021
SO GOOD! I related to the main character in MANY ways and I can't wait for this book to come out so everyone can appreciate the tenderness that is this story.
July 27, 2021
In Love, Only Better Rebecca is on a mission to find that missing piece from her sex life that has caused her nothing but problems. The first step is admitting there’s something wrong and that’s exactly what Rebecca does and how she ended up in a clinical study for women in her similar situation. Things are uncomfortable but going okay until a complication moves in across the hall in the form of a tall and handsome motorcycle rider named Kyle. Can Rebecca’s journey of self improvement continue and allow her to have a future with Kyle?
This book really embraces women’s sexuality and their needs and desire to feel comfortable with themselves. Rebecca is definitely on a journey of self discovery and improvement throughout the book and learns so much. The only real hang up I had with Rebecca’s character is that she was so incredibly hard on herself also to a point that I felt like skipping over her inner monologue thoughts. Trust me, I understand everyone is their own worst critic and struggle with confidence from time to time but it was a constant thing for her character. Overall this was a good and enjoyable (and informative) read.
Thank you @netgalley and publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book really embraces women’s sexuality and their needs and desire to feel comfortable with themselves. Rebecca is definitely on a journey of self discovery and improvement throughout the book and learns so much. The only real hang up I had with Rebecca’s character is that she was so incredibly hard on herself also to a point that I felt like skipping over her inner monologue thoughts. Trust me, I understand everyone is their own worst critic and struggle with confidence from time to time but it was a constant thing for her character. Overall this was a good and enjoyable (and informative) read.
Thank you @netgalley and publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
August 1, 2021
It’s a rare thing for me to be drawn in before the book has yet to start, yet here we are.
I think the topic Stout touches on is important, and should be talked about more. The main character Rebecca, with her self doubt and eager to please everyone but herself could just as easily be me, or any other of the thousands of women that feel the same way. Sex isn’t a bad topic and definitely should hold the tabu it has, and I think this book shows a little of the world that might be some day. Perhaps it’s a reality for some, but I do want to see the world where it’s normalised to approach your own body like Rebecca did in the end.
This was my first ARC and boy it didn’t disappoint. I loved every moment of it, starting at the author’s note in the beginning.
I think the topic Stout touches on is important, and should be talked about more. The main character Rebecca, with her self doubt and eager to please everyone but herself could just as easily be me, or any other of the thousands of women that feel the same way. Sex isn’t a bad topic and definitely should hold the tabu it has, and I think this book shows a little of the world that might be some day. Perhaps it’s a reality for some, but I do want to see the world where it’s normalised to approach your own body like Rebecca did in the end.
This was my first ARC and boy it didn’t disappoint. I loved every moment of it, starting at the author’s note in the beginning.
September 24, 2021
In 24 hours Rebecca lost her boyfriend, her roommate, and finally realized she is defective…but is she really? Nothing is right within Becca’s world at this point. Her putz of a boyfriend has deemed her a frigid b-I-t-c-h because of her inability to orgasm, but not once has he tried to remedy this issue, so I say good riddance. When Kyle moves in across the hall with his aging aunt, there’s an immediate attraction. However, she can’t fully commit to Kyle because of her “problem.” Rebecca sees her gynecologist, she joins a medical study geared towards women with the similar issue, and buys aids to overcome this issue, but her frustration continues. Can she ever get over this slump? I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 . This is a subject that many women experience. Around 30% of women in committed relationships fail to achieve orgasm, and Rebecca was searching for fulfillment in every area of her life like any woman in her situation would. The taboo-ness of having conversations regarding sex with our children and getting them to understand their bodies is a part of creating these issues as this book depicts. However, Kyle - the perfect and patient gentleman came along and her desire for fulfillment became greater because she finally found someone she could just be herself with. It wasn’t just for Kyle, Rebecca needed a self awakening to be her best in every aspect.
July 20, 2021
This is the story of Rebecca. She is single and lives along after her roommate Barbara moves out. One night as she is arriving home for the evening, she runs into a young man who is visiting his aunt. There is instant chemistry between them but she figures they will never see each other again. Shortly afterward, she comes home to find him moving boxes into the apartment and she helps him and learns that he is moving in with his aunt who had recently fallen. Rebecca has known Kyle’s aunt since she was little. She and Kyle start flirting and then dating.
Rebecca’s previous boyfriend had told her that she is a “frigid ice queen” because she can’t have an orgasm. She finds a clinical study and goes for a few weeks but then quits because she just didn’t feel right.
This book delves into the relationship between Rebecca and Kyle. His former fiancée, Vivian, and Rebecca’s former boyfriend, Ethan, both come into play in the story too. They each cause a little friction between Rebecca and Kyle. It also discusses Rebecca’s struggle with her sexuality.
I also read the prequel “Love, Only Better All About Kyle” – a short story that goes into Kyle’s life in California and eventual relocation back to NYC to live with his aunt.
Rebecca’s previous boyfriend had told her that she is a “frigid ice queen” because she can’t have an orgasm. She finds a clinical study and goes for a few weeks but then quits because she just didn’t feel right.
This book delves into the relationship between Rebecca and Kyle. His former fiancée, Vivian, and Rebecca’s former boyfriend, Ethan, both come into play in the story too. They each cause a little friction between Rebecca and Kyle. It also discusses Rebecca’s struggle with her sexuality.
I also read the prequel “Love, Only Better All About Kyle” – a short story that goes into Kyle’s life in California and eventual relocation back to NYC to live with his aunt.
July 28, 2021
This is a fun little romance about a young woman having some dating issues in the big city. The writing is very descriptive, and each chapter has a hook to keep you reading. Though Rebecca struggles with a real issue many women face, the author keeps it light. Though other reviewers seem to have a problem with the topic, I say to them, lighten up! This was a fun read!
September 26, 2021
I'm going to be blunt: I hated this. I wanted to like this and I appreciate the message this book tries to convey. The narrative of female empowerment and dealing with the often 'taboo' subject of women's pleasure during sex is an important one and an interesting subject matter but it was just done... so badly? The way the study was conveyed was unsettling and pretty gross honestly and it felt really ick.
Characters are always a huge thing for me and I didn't like a single one in this book. Rebecca is awful as a main character, she is boring and whiny, and blind and keeps flip-flopping on her opinions on things. And I know her low-self esteem is a crucial part of her current 'problem' but eventually it gets to a point where it is just ridiculous and beyond a joke. Her friends seemed like awful people and didn't seem to be on her side at all and the chemistry between Rebecca and her love interest was completely non existant.
Again, I like what the book was going for but it just fell completely flat for me and I struggled to get through it, almost DNFing several times.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
Characters are always a huge thing for me and I didn't like a single one in this book. Rebecca is awful as a main character, she is boring and whiny, and blind and keeps flip-flopping on her opinions on things. And I know her low-self esteem is a crucial part of her current 'problem' but eventually it gets to a point where it is just ridiculous and beyond a joke. Her friends seemed like awful people and didn't seem to be on her side at all and the chemistry between Rebecca and her love interest was completely non existant.
Again, I like what the book was going for but it just fell completely flat for me and I struggled to get through it, almost DNFing several times.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First, I have to give the author props for portraying the taboo topic around women’s sexuality and bringing light to it in a more fun and approachable way than it usually is.
While I do understand insta-love romances, I feel like we still didn’t get enough depth to the main relationship. Even if there is romance in the book, I wouldn’t consider it its focus. The story is mainly focused on female empowerment and a self-discovery process while dealing with self-esteem issues. I think it would benefit if it wasn’t marketed strictly as a romance book.
I also wanted to mention how some parts of the book didn’t really move forward the story and just felt like they were there as filler. For instance, when the main character helps another employee at her work and there’s this long dialogue explaining how to do her job in full detail.
I think it’s good that the author stepped out of the box and dealt with the topic but this book just didn't work for me.
First, I have to give the author props for portraying the taboo topic around women’s sexuality and bringing light to it in a more fun and approachable way than it usually is.
While I do understand insta-love romances, I feel like we still didn’t get enough depth to the main relationship. Even if there is romance in the book, I wouldn’t consider it its focus. The story is mainly focused on female empowerment and a self-discovery process while dealing with self-esteem issues. I think it would benefit if it wasn’t marketed strictly as a romance book.
I also wanted to mention how some parts of the book didn’t really move forward the story and just felt like they were there as filler. For instance, when the main character helps another employee at her work and there’s this long dialogue explaining how to do her job in full detail.
I think it’s good that the author stepped out of the box and dealt with the topic but this book just didn't work for me.
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