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They were the perfect couple until pride got in the way…
Gina needs Sophia Rossi, a popular actor, to be the grand marshal of the local Pride parade. Sophia needs to convince her meddling mother she has a steady girlfriend in order to survive a month of filming in her hometown. It should be a match made in heaven, aside from one problem: Gina broke Sophia’s heart in college, and they haven’t spoken since. Can this fake relationship lead them to a second chance at love?
This book is part of the I Heart SapphFic Pride Collection, which contains eight standalone books from some of the top authors in sapphic fiction today. Each one promises a Pride theme and a happy ending. The collection was organized by I Heart SapphFic, which is a website for authors and readers of sapphic fiction to stay up to date on all the latest sapphic fiction news.
Gina needs Sophia Rossi, a popular actor, to be the grand marshal of the local Pride parade. Sophia needs to convince her meddling mother she has a steady girlfriend in order to survive a month of filming in her hometown. It should be a match made in heaven, aside from one problem: Gina broke Sophia’s heart in college, and they haven’t spoken since. Can this fake relationship lead them to a second chance at love?
This book is part of the I Heart SapphFic Pride Collection, which contains eight standalone books from some of the top authors in sapphic fiction today. Each one promises a Pride theme and a happy ending. The collection was organized by I Heart SapphFic, which is a website for authors and readers of sapphic fiction to stay up to date on all the latest sapphic fiction news.
246 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
198 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,152 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 25, 2022
'ARC provided by The Author in exchange for my honest review'
**'Narrative imagery, when a story is being told is the fundamental structure of a writer's thoughts -- that's why rational capacity sometimes depends on it to either predict or explain it's context..'
Enjoyable read!
'TAKE TWO' is book #3 in the Pride Festival ongoing series that just felt refreshing. The premise to me is so relevant because of the many different characters of diverse background and ethnicity especially the two leading females; Gina (African American) & Sophia (Italian American). The blurb is not misleading with Markinson & MacLeod adding much more depth to telling this story the right way -- from why they broke up to the racism & betrayal Gina struggled through while they were dating to her accomplishments after to Sophia's anger to what's pulling them back together to maybe becoming friends again etc.. This storyline does not focus to much on the organization of the Pride parade instead it's more about their story and the many support of family & friends/colleagues/students.
Sometimes I do believe that the vast authors that writes the many wlw books do often over-look that there are other race & ethnicity in this genre. They should not be afraid to tell wlw diverse stories. Do whatever research needed then go for it. We fall in love with whomever that we're enchanted with -- because don't forget 'Love is Love'.
Overall, 'TAKE TWO' is a nice story and deserves recognition and also should be read by many. I recommend carving out some time to get lulled by the enjoyable storytelling from the first chapter then follow Gina & Sophia's love story. It's full of life from the inclusion and interactions of the many different characters, of Love shared by all, of wonder for the future and of celebration of Pride. So to all interested readers, enjoy it as I did!
**'Narrative imagery, when a story is being told is the fundamental structure of a writer's thoughts -- that's why rational capacity sometimes depends on it to either predict or explain it's context..'
Enjoyable read!
'TAKE TWO' is book #3 in the Pride Festival ongoing series that just felt refreshing. The premise to me is so relevant because of the many different characters of diverse background and ethnicity especially the two leading females; Gina (African American) & Sophia (Italian American). The blurb is not misleading with Markinson & MacLeod adding much more depth to telling this story the right way -- from why they broke up to the racism & betrayal Gina struggled through while they were dating to her accomplishments after to Sophia's anger to what's pulling them back together to maybe becoming friends again etc.. This storyline does not focus to much on the organization of the Pride parade instead it's more about their story and the many support of family & friends/colleagues/students.
Sometimes I do believe that the vast authors that writes the many wlw books do often over-look that there are other race & ethnicity in this genre. They should not be afraid to tell wlw diverse stories. Do whatever research needed then go for it. We fall in love with whomever that we're enchanted with -- because don't forget 'Love is Love'.
Overall, 'TAKE TWO' is a nice story and deserves recognition and also should be read by many. I recommend carving out some time to get lulled by the enjoyable storytelling from the first chapter then follow Gina & Sophia's love story. It's full of life from the inclusion and interactions of the many different characters, of Love shared by all, of wonder for the future and of celebration of Pride. So to all interested readers, enjoy it as I did!
June 5, 2022
As a second chance fan I was a little disappointed with this. I’m not crazy about them when it’s been 10 years and they’ve never moved on and fall right back into their relationship. Also, I wasn’t excited about the mustache twirling villain either. Other than those things this is pretty sweet.
June 13, 2022
Pride + Christmas
This book isn't a reflection of what these two authors are capable of. I usually love it when they collaborate, but it was hard for me to fully enjoy this one.
This story is light but also a bit juvenile. I don't know how else to put it except that it was like sitting through a bad Christmas Hallmark movie. I mention Christmas because it feels like a huge thing here due to one of the characters being a Christmas romance actress.The characters are also cartoonish and I'm not even referring to the cartoon villian in it. This is a second chance romance with a classic break up reason and a ten year break up gap, which is a long time, but the main characters seem to still harbour a copious amount of feelings for each other and I'm not exactly sure why. But a Pride Parade and an urge to fauxmance with each other brings them together. And at least the characters do learn eventually that communication is key to making a relationship work, so I guess that's something.
This book isn't a reflection of what these two authors are capable of. I usually love it when they collaborate, but it was hard for me to fully enjoy this one.
This story is light but also a bit juvenile. I don't know how else to put it except that it was like sitting through a bad Christmas Hallmark movie. I mention Christmas because it feels like a huge thing here due to one of the characters being a Christmas romance actress.The characters are also cartoonish and I'm not even referring to the cartoon villian in it. This is a second chance romance with a classic break up reason and a ten year break up gap, which is a long time, but the main characters seem to still harbour a copious amount of feelings for each other and I'm not exactly sure why. But a Pride Parade and an urge to fauxmance with each other brings them together. And at least the characters do learn eventually that communication is key to making a relationship work, so I guess that's something.
June 3, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Take Two is book three in the I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection and is another wonderful co-production by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
I love their books, they have a refreshing and humorous way of telling their stories without being superficial. The characters are diverse, with flaws and quirks, but always likable. In Take Two the main characters are Gina Mitchell, an African American, and Sophia Rossi, an Italian American.
Former college sweethearts, Sophia and Gina reunite years later when Sophia comes home to film a Christmas movie in her hometown and she arrives just in time for Gina, a college professor who needs to find a new grand marshal for the Pride on short notice.
The movie star Sophia, her meddling mother, her ex-girlfriend Gina who shattered Sophia’s heart years ago, a Hollywood Christmas movie world in a small town, and an unexpected kiss – are a perfect setting for a hilarious beginning of a story.
Although not quite voluntarily thrust into a fake relationship (one of my favorite plots in romances) it’s quickly clear that the two really do belong together. Their attraction is still like a giant magnet, whether they like it or not, despite all the heartache the breakup had caused. When the two finally talk about the past and Gina puts her true motives on the table, the chances for a second chance at love increase exponentially.
However, this story is much more than just a second chance love story. It’s about dreams coming true and what sacrifices you are willing to make for them. Or what happens when someone destroys your dreams and you have to find an alternative. It’s about manipulation, blackmail, racism, family, friends, and colleagues. And about standing up and fighting for your work, dreams, and the love of your life.
Written from the point of view of both MCs, we are like spectators in the front row. We witness the obstacles they have to overcome and what they can achieve together.
Another wonderful, humorous, and entertaining novella with a dash of intrigue, drama, Hollywood, and a happy ending
Thanks to the authors for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Take Two is book three in the I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection and is another wonderful co-production by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
I love their books, they have a refreshing and humorous way of telling their stories without being superficial. The characters are diverse, with flaws and quirks, but always likable. In Take Two the main characters are Gina Mitchell, an African American, and Sophia Rossi, an Italian American.
Former college sweethearts, Sophia and Gina reunite years later when Sophia comes home to film a Christmas movie in her hometown and she arrives just in time for Gina, a college professor who needs to find a new grand marshal for the Pride on short notice.
The movie star Sophia, her meddling mother, her ex-girlfriend Gina who shattered Sophia’s heart years ago, a Hollywood Christmas movie world in a small town, and an unexpected kiss – are a perfect setting for a hilarious beginning of a story.
Although not quite voluntarily thrust into a fake relationship (one of my favorite plots in romances) it’s quickly clear that the two really do belong together. Their attraction is still like a giant magnet, whether they like it or not, despite all the heartache the breakup had caused. When the two finally talk about the past and Gina puts her true motives on the table, the chances for a second chance at love increase exponentially.
However, this story is much more than just a second chance love story. It’s about dreams coming true and what sacrifices you are willing to make for them. Or what happens when someone destroys your dreams and you have to find an alternative. It’s about manipulation, blackmail, racism, family, friends, and colleagues. And about standing up and fighting for your work, dreams, and the love of your life.
Written from the point of view of both MCs, we are like spectators in the front row. We witness the obstacles they have to overcome and what they can achieve together.
Another wonderful, humorous, and entertaining novella with a dash of intrigue, drama, Hollywood, and a happy ending
Thanks to the authors for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
May 25, 2022
Another worthy read from the writing duo of Markinson and MacLeod.
There was an aspiring script writer (now an Asst. Professor) and an aspiring actor who fit perfectly together until they didn't. Leads Gina and Sophia star in this little gem which has deviousness, a touch of drama, diversity, humor and large doses of romance. I can't omit the supporting cast particularly Sophia's Mum (who will do her utmost to keep the two together now they've reconnected) and the scheming scumbag Professor Harlowe. The push and pull and intertwining of all the characters fills out the storyline. Movie making, behind the scenes trickery and a villain's downfall comes before an eventual HEA. The Comstock Pride Festival and Parade star.
No more to be said, take a chance, read and enjoy. What the heck, easily recommend with 5 stars for Pride!!
I can't quite believe that this is my 1000 review/rating on Goodreads.
There was an aspiring script writer (now an Asst. Professor) and an aspiring actor who fit perfectly together until they didn't. Leads Gina and Sophia star in this little gem which has deviousness, a touch of drama, diversity, humor and large doses of romance. I can't omit the supporting cast particularly Sophia's Mum (who will do her utmost to keep the two together now they've reconnected) and the scheming scumbag Professor Harlowe. The push and pull and intertwining of all the characters fills out the storyline. Movie making, behind the scenes trickery and a villain's downfall comes before an eventual HEA. The Comstock Pride Festival and Parade star.
No more to be said, take a chance, read and enjoy. What the heck, easily recommend with 5 stars for Pride!!
I can't quite believe that this is my 1000 review/rating on Goodreads.
June 13, 2022
My thoughts are identical to Leah’s review.
June 3, 2022
Enjoyable
June 4, 2022
I enjoyed this read, although it’s rather weird to read about a Christmas movie this time of year.
Don’t get me wrong, this novella absolutely isn’t about Christmas, just the way the movie industry works and timing.
This is a second chance romance by an author duo that write fun and easy stories. I enjoyed their collaboration for The AM Show and I enjoyed it again for this one. Sophia comes back to her home town to film a new Christmas movie. The queen of Christmas got her heart broken in college by Gina. Gina who didn’t end up doing what they expected and now has to beg for Sophia’s help. While she goes and begs for help she gets roped into some sort of very short lived fauxmance.
It seems like a lot, but it’s all pretty fun and not a lot at all.
Don’t get me wrong, this novella absolutely isn’t about Christmas, just the way the movie industry works and timing.
This is a second chance romance by an author duo that write fun and easy stories. I enjoyed their collaboration for The AM Show and I enjoyed it again for this one. Sophia comes back to her home town to film a new Christmas movie. The queen of Christmas got her heart broken in college by Gina. Gina who didn’t end up doing what they expected and now has to beg for Sophia’s help. While she goes and begs for help she gets roped into some sort of very short lived fauxmance.
It seems like a lot, but it’s all pretty fun and not a lot at all.
August 16, 2022
Didn’t quite catch fire for me - lot of business outside the main story which felt stereotyping and unnecessarily cruel to all concerned. (Naive note: there may be people like that around.)
May 27, 2022
I am a huge fan of TB’s and Miranda’s co-writes. How they merge both of their writing in one story leaves me in awe every time. They are just so much in sync.
And as you probably already know it wasn’t any different in this story. Once more we get to see so much of their humour, a humour I love so much. The story actually starts in the most hilarious way. The way Sophia (an actress) and Gina (a professor who isn’t happy in her job) meet again after their break-up in college is hilarious. Or to be exact the end of their meeting is, where Sophia’s mother plays a tiny but totally important role. ☺️ And that‘s where I just have to mention how much I loved Sophia’s family. Because of them Gina and Sophia have to fake-date while at the same time they shouldn’t be dating when you ask Sophia’s director or her new movie. ☺️
While they spend more and more time together it’s very clear soon that their attraction for each other never went away. But how it should ever work, especially after they have never talked about some things is very unclear. With the help of Sophia’s family they are steered into the right direction. Of course in the end they have to overcome the obstacles that are in their way by themselves. What I can promise you is that it gets never boring. I had so much fun and as always I had a big smile on my face when I finished this book.
So if you’re fan like me of these two authors, I am sure you will love this story as much as I did. And if you don‘t know them, for me it’s the perfect book to get to know them. I definitely highly recommend it.
And before I forget, if you’re doing the IHeartSapphic challenge this book should cover the following tropes - POC character, fake-relationship, celebrity, second chance romance and maybe even slow-burn (depending on how you see it). At least I hope I’m right with all of these. ☺️
And as you probably already know it wasn’t any different in this story. Once more we get to see so much of their humour, a humour I love so much. The story actually starts in the most hilarious way. The way Sophia (an actress) and Gina (a professor who isn’t happy in her job) meet again after their break-up in college is hilarious. Or to be exact the end of their meeting is, where Sophia’s mother plays a tiny but totally important role. ☺️ And that‘s where I just have to mention how much I loved Sophia’s family. Because of them Gina and Sophia have to fake-date while at the same time they shouldn’t be dating when you ask Sophia’s director or her new movie. ☺️
While they spend more and more time together it’s very clear soon that their attraction for each other never went away. But how it should ever work, especially after they have never talked about some things is very unclear. With the help of Sophia’s family they are steered into the right direction. Of course in the end they have to overcome the obstacles that are in their way by themselves. What I can promise you is that it gets never boring. I had so much fun and as always I had a big smile on my face when I finished this book.
So if you’re fan like me of these two authors, I am sure you will love this story as much as I did. And if you don‘t know them, for me it’s the perfect book to get to know them. I definitely highly recommend it.
And before I forget, if you’re doing the IHeartSapphic challenge this book should cover the following tropes - POC character, fake-relationship, celebrity, second chance romance and maybe even slow-burn (depending on how you see it). At least I hope I’m right with all of these. ☺️
June 5, 2022
I've been enjoying this partnership between these two authors. Their new books have been entertaining romantic comedies and I run through them every time wishing for more. This one has a Hallmark movie vibe but with two women as the MCs and I am here for that. It's a story about second chances and good intentions gone wrong. Sophia and Gina are great MCs and I loved Sophia's family. There was also a cameo from a character in Miranda MacLeod's previous books and it was nice to see a familiar face. If you're looking for a light hearted, feel good romance this is a great pick!
July 2, 2023
I think the combo of these two writers and Lori Prince narrating their work is becoming one of my favs. This was lovely. Both MCs were interesting and easy to root for, and it was nice that the majority of the conflict in this wasn’t actually from the relationship stuff internally, but outside stuff creating conflict/distance between them. Second chance romances are some of my fav when done well, and this was a quick, fairly lighthearted read that still felt like it had some stakes. Def rec!
June 1, 2022
Wonderful pride story. Gina and Sophia get a second chance at a forever together. Once they talk and get everything out in the open about what happened at graduation they can move forward. I would love to see a movie called Christmas at Rainbow Falls. This is a feel good book to read more than once.
June 13, 2022
Take Two
T.B. Markinson and Miranda Macleod are amazing alone, but brilliant together. This was a fun book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This is a fun series that has brought a smile to my face. I look forward to the rest of the series as well as more books from these authors.
T.B. Markinson and Miranda Macleod are amazing alone, but brilliant together. This was a fun book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This is a fun series that has brought a smile to my face. I look forward to the rest of the series as well as more books from these authors.
July 7, 2022
Take Two is a celebrity/return-to-hometown/second chance/fake dating romance (yes, all the tropes!) which felt a lot like a cute rom-com I would love to see on TV.
Sophia is living her dream as the Queen of Christmas, staring in endless holiday movies and building a career she is proud of. Gina has settled in her position as a professor at her college, co-creating a documentary with a man who refuses to see her as his equal. She has also been put in control of the annual Pride Festival and believes getting tenure rides on its success.
Gina broke Sofia's heart ten years earlier and they haven't spoken since. Obviously Gina needs Sofia's help, and Sofia needs Gina. The two pair up and the rekindling of their love is intertwined in figuring out the truth of why things went so bad all those years ago.
The third book in the I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection co-written by T.B Markinson and Miranda Macleod is a easy, fun and uncomplicated read with a great range of characters.
Sophia is living her dream as the Queen of Christmas, staring in endless holiday movies and building a career she is proud of. Gina has settled in her position as a professor at her college, co-creating a documentary with a man who refuses to see her as his equal. She has also been put in control of the annual Pride Festival and believes getting tenure rides on its success.
Gina broke Sofia's heart ten years earlier and they haven't spoken since. Obviously Gina needs Sofia's help, and Sofia needs Gina. The two pair up and the rekindling of their love is intertwined in figuring out the truth of why things went so bad all those years ago.
The third book in the I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection co-written by T.B Markinson and Miranda Macleod is a easy, fun and uncomplicated read with a great range of characters.
June 8, 2022
I love the second-chances trope and this was really cute. Gina was a wonderful and relatable character who tries to do everything right which sometimes backfires. Sophia is obviously her great love and I really enjoyed how they found their way back to each other through a little fauxmance, meddling parents, supportive students and a Christmas movie set gazebo all the while taking down an a** character with cleverness and justice.
August 14, 2024
So cute!
Gina needs a celebrity to replace the one who was supposed to take part in the college pride parade. Luckily Sophia Rossi is in town filming a holiday movie and would be perfect, but she’s Gina’s ex girlfriend and they didn’t part on great terms.
Reappearing in each other’s lives made Gina and Sophia’s story exciting but sweet. There was tension even though Sophia was happy to help out, as they got talking again and truths came out. The comedy came from the team directing Sophia’s movie, who added complication to the arrangements made for her to be a part of the parade. While she and Gina became acquainted again, it was obvious they belonged together but learning the truth about the past had the potential to ruin everything between them again.
They were so sweet when around one another, and despite the past I admired how willing Sophia was to help. And when Gina and Sophia really talked about the past, my heart broke for them both. Gina had tried her best to do what she thought was best for Sophia, and if they had just talked then like they were now, they might have saved themselves all the heartache. They really cared about one another succeeding and achieving their dreams, which was lovely, so I really hoped they would find a way to make it work.
Lovely feel-good romance, with lots of cuteness, and a pinch of drama. Really enjoyed it.
Gina needs a celebrity to replace the one who was supposed to take part in the college pride parade. Luckily Sophia Rossi is in town filming a holiday movie and would be perfect, but she’s Gina’s ex girlfriend and they didn’t part on great terms.
Reappearing in each other’s lives made Gina and Sophia’s story exciting but sweet. There was tension even though Sophia was happy to help out, as they got talking again and truths came out. The comedy came from the team directing Sophia’s movie, who added complication to the arrangements made for her to be a part of the parade. While she and Gina became acquainted again, it was obvious they belonged together but learning the truth about the past had the potential to ruin everything between them again.
They were so sweet when around one another, and despite the past I admired how willing Sophia was to help. And when Gina and Sophia really talked about the past, my heart broke for them both. Gina had tried her best to do what she thought was best for Sophia, and if they had just talked then like they were now, they might have saved themselves all the heartache. They really cared about one another succeeding and achieving their dreams, which was lovely, so I really hoped they would find a way to make it work.
Lovely feel-good romance, with lots of cuteness, and a pinch of drama. Really enjoyed it.
June 7, 2022
It's a good second chances story. I liked it... wish there was more about Harlowe getting what he deserved considering what he put Gina and Sophia through. Great ending though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who regularly reads my reviews, but Markinson and MacLeod have done it again. Take Two is a pure delight. This writing duo is like a well-oiled machine; they have exactly what it takes to produce hit after hit. Their talent and creativity seems to have no end.
As always, Markinson and MacLeod capture the right balance of tension, drama and humor in their storytelling. Readers quickly fall into a comfortable pace. They are easily able to gobble up the words and enjoy this heartwarming second-chance romance. The plot is absolutely entertaining and the characters are beyond charming. By all measures and standards, this writing team can definitely make another tick mark in the success column.
Markinson and MacLeod have always been known for strong characters, and Take Two is no different. The character work is well-done. Gina and Sophia are rich, compelling characters; readers are drawn to them. Most essentially though, they are dynamically layered with believably flawed facets to their personalities, giving them a very relatable and human appeal. Readers are pulled into the backstories and the relationship history. The obstacles and roadblocks come off as real because they understand Gina and Sophia’s fears and desires. Most importantly though, readers appreciate the choices these two make. They have a clear sense of who these women are and what they truly want, which is a second chance, and that’s a romance readers always like to cheer on.
Setting and theme play an important part in this story as well. It’s subtly work it into the plot and the storytelling benefits from its effective use. Readers aren’t distracted by it; they’re charmed by it. It’s just another sign of Markinson and MacLeod’s talent. They know how to slide all the key elements into place to create the most enchanting rom-com. Readers are left with an uplifting, sweet romance that makes the heart smile.
Final remarks…
This is a quick and easy read. The characters are charming and the story is delightful. Everything just works. I highly recommend picking it up. It’s a feel-good, second-chance story readers can get behind and enjoy.
Strengths…
Well-written
Entertaining
Charming
Heartwarming
As always, Markinson and MacLeod capture the right balance of tension, drama and humor in their storytelling. Readers quickly fall into a comfortable pace. They are easily able to gobble up the words and enjoy this heartwarming second-chance romance. The plot is absolutely entertaining and the characters are beyond charming. By all measures and standards, this writing team can definitely make another tick mark in the success column.
Markinson and MacLeod have always been known for strong characters, and Take Two is no different. The character work is well-done. Gina and Sophia are rich, compelling characters; readers are drawn to them. Most essentially though, they are dynamically layered with believably flawed facets to their personalities, giving them a very relatable and human appeal. Readers are pulled into the backstories and the relationship history. The obstacles and roadblocks come off as real because they understand Gina and Sophia’s fears and desires. Most importantly though, readers appreciate the choices these two make. They have a clear sense of who these women are and what they truly want, which is a second chance, and that’s a romance readers always like to cheer on.
Setting and theme play an important part in this story as well. It’s subtly work it into the plot and the storytelling benefits from its effective use. Readers aren’t distracted by it; they’re charmed by it. It’s just another sign of Markinson and MacLeod’s talent. They know how to slide all the key elements into place to create the most enchanting rom-com. Readers are left with an uplifting, sweet romance that makes the heart smile.
Final remarks…
This is a quick and easy read. The characters are charming and the story is delightful. Everything just works. I highly recommend picking it up. It’s a feel-good, second-chance story readers can get behind and enjoy.
Strengths…
Well-written
Entertaining
Charming
Heartwarming
August 15, 2024
This is a wonderful book from my TBR shelves, and a reread. It's a fantastic second chance love story. Ten years ago as they were graduating Gina broke up with Sophia. Breaking both their hearts. Gina went to NY to make documentaries and Sophia went to Hollywood to make movies. Now ten years later, Gina is a professor at their alma mater and Sophia is the Queen of Christmas. She's also staring in a Christmas movie in her home town, which is close to the University where Gina teaches. And this is where the story begins. It's a beautiful journey and a great story! 5 stars!
June 12, 2022
This second-chance, faux-holiday with a pinch of fauxmance romance kept me thoroughly entertained. Esp. the first half had a romcom vibe going which left me with a smile and a chuckle ever so often. There are some serious topics folded into this near hallmark sapphic romance which balance nicely the romance part.
Gasp, the worst: there will be a holiday sequel and there are months (months!!) we have to wait for it.
Gasp, the worst: there will be a holiday sequel and there are months (months!!) we have to wait for it.
June 3, 2022
Another cracking book by Ms Markinson & Ms MacLeod. A story of a second chance at love. Well written, with a good storyline, great leading characters and a HEA. Would highly recommend.
June 13, 2022
Great.
I loved Take Two. The action never stops. OOOHHH! And the subplots. So enjoyable. I would like to read more about these characters and what the future holds for them.
I loved Take Two. The action never stops. OOOHHH! And the subplots. So enjoyable. I would like to read more about these characters and what the future holds for them.
July 19, 2022
The third of eight stand alone books from top authors that were released in June to celebrate Pride. This is a nice second chance romance. College sweetheart’s who broke up ten years before get a chance to reunite. One is an actress who makes Christmas movies the other is a film department professor up for tenure. I liked that one of the main characters was black and the other from an involved Italian family. But there is almost too much going on. Organizing a Pride parade, making a movie, having a villain. I wanted quieter moments of the two reconnecting and forgiving the past not just falling back in together. The authors are two very good writers, this just wasn’t my favorite of their works.
May 14, 2023
This is a prequel to "Christmas at Rainbow falls", the Christmas movie queen Sophia returns to her hometown in April to shoot her next Christmas movie and reunited with her ex girlfriend Gina, who is an assistant professor in nearby college after 10 years. It is a small town, second chance romance with a few unexpected twists and turns, and a strong supporting casts. A feel good story of redemption and forgiveness, and a life lesson of always trust yourself no matter what others say. The writing is witty and funny, and you can't help but falling in love with the courageous couple and rooting for their much deserved happy ending. I also like that it is a low angst romance and a great escape to the dreamy little town.
January 23, 2025
gabeebo
May 24, 2022
Good ol' (movie) holiday fun and wish fulfillment
These two authors make a great writing team with their seamless collaboration; this story is proof of that and they've treated their fans to some Easter eggs as well so keep an eye out for those while you're enjoying this story. I hope they keep writing (together and separately) for many years to come.
Main characters Sophia and Gina are very likable and Sophia's mom Mrs Rossi is a standout among the roster of secondary characters along with Sophia's sisters. The plot twists are a mix of surprising and easier to spot ahead of time but some are delicious wish fulfillment in their unfolding. Fans of holiday TV movies will appreciate the movie being made during the story and the tropes being upheld or tweaked. I laughed, cheered, 'awwed' my way thru, and occasionally booed for and/or told off a villain for their actions while reading the story; I didn't expect to get that invested but Gina had me caring about and rooting for her as well as Sophia, both separately and as a couple. Mrs Rossi's meddling made it all the more fun to read; she is a priceless character to be sure and a scene stealer for her comedic moments. I read the book quickly over a couple of days, reluctant to put it down at times. The very end felt a bit weak to me compared to the rest of the book, more the kind you'd get in a made for TV movie than a book, but I still had a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction for the entertaining ride the storyline took me on.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
These two authors make a great writing team with their seamless collaboration; this story is proof of that and they've treated their fans to some Easter eggs as well so keep an eye out for those while you're enjoying this story. I hope they keep writing (together and separately) for many years to come.
Main characters Sophia and Gina are very likable and Sophia's mom Mrs Rossi is a standout among the roster of secondary characters along with Sophia's sisters. The plot twists are a mix of surprising and easier to spot ahead of time but some are delicious wish fulfillment in their unfolding. Fans of holiday TV movies will appreciate the movie being made during the story and the tropes being upheld or tweaked. I laughed, cheered, 'awwed' my way thru, and occasionally booed for and/or told off a villain for their actions while reading the story; I didn't expect to get that invested but Gina had me caring about and rooting for her as well as Sophia, both separately and as a couple. Mrs Rossi's meddling made it all the more fun to read; she is a priceless character to be sure and a scene stealer for her comedic moments. I read the book quickly over a couple of days, reluctant to put it down at times. The very end felt a bit weak to me compared to the rest of the book, more the kind you'd get in a made for TV movie than a book, but I still had a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction for the entertaining ride the storyline took me on.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2022
Feel-good, read-in-one-sitting romance by winning team TB and Miranda
Pure escapism – if ever you want to forget about your responsibilities, worries and cares, and escape to a world that seems like ours (with its challenges and misunderstandings), but unlike ours has happy endings – this be one of those books.
Team Miranda and TB have delivered another entertaining and delightful page turner: two ex-lovers who parted after college after a bad, surprise breakup, meet again in their hometown after ten years. This is a romcom, second-chances, enemies-to-lovers, meet-cute, pretend-relationship story, all rolled into one. But without angst and with lots of fun.
At least two other (favourite) supporting characters from Love’s Encore (a Miranda Macleod series) make an appearance. This tie-in enriches the background of the story world, bringing on all the warm and fuzzy feelings of fond memories. Now we can see how their story played out after Fifty Percent Illusion.
Take Two joins other TB and Miranda favourites on my to-be-read-again shelf. Wit, well-paced storyline and fleshed-out characters make for an enjoyable read.
Pure escapism – if ever you want to forget about your responsibilities, worries and cares, and escape to a world that seems like ours (with its challenges and misunderstandings), but unlike ours has happy endings – this be one of those books.
Team Miranda and TB have delivered another entertaining and delightful page turner: two ex-lovers who parted after college after a bad, surprise breakup, meet again in their hometown after ten years. This is a romcom, second-chances, enemies-to-lovers, meet-cute, pretend-relationship story, all rolled into one. But without angst and with lots of fun.
At least two other (favourite) supporting characters from Love’s Encore (a Miranda Macleod series) make an appearance. This tie-in enriches the background of the story world, bringing on all the warm and fuzzy feelings of fond memories. Now we can see how their story played out after Fifty Percent Illusion.
Take Two joins other TB and Miranda favourites on my to-be-read-again shelf. Wit, well-paced storyline and fleshed-out characters make for an enjoyable read.
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