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Just Like That
ISBN 9781594930256 moved to the more recent edition
Syrah Ardani tried independence - but the call of the Napa Valley hills and rolling vineyards of her family’s winery have brought her home again. She is content with her ordered world until she learns that her father’s feckless management has put Ardani Vineyards into receivership.
Corporate turnaround specialist Toni Blanchard’s arrival is preceded by tales of her slash-and-burn techniques. Determined to meet this soulless corporate raider head on, Syrah proudly prepares to do battle for her home and family business.
Toni has reason to retreat from a high-pressure Manhattan lifestyle, not the least of which is a bitter break up. She’s been told that Syrah Ardani is attractive and single, but Toni never mixes business and pleasure.
Toni’s father wants her to save his old friend from bankruptcy. The court has appointed her to safeguard the creditors. The creditors clamor for a quick sale and payment. The beautiful—and hostile—Syrah wants Toni off her land and out of her life.
Their clashes smolder with distrust and resentment, but also threaten to light a completely different kind of fire. Most dangerous of all is the one thing Toni can’t control—the way her heart reacts when Syrah looks at her… just like that.
Syrah Ardani tried independence - but the call of the Napa Valley hills and rolling vineyards of her family’s winery have brought her home again. She is content with her ordered world until she learns that her father’s feckless management has put Ardani Vineyards into receivership.
Corporate turnaround specialist Toni Blanchard’s arrival is preceded by tales of her slash-and-burn techniques. Determined to meet this soulless corporate raider head on, Syrah proudly prepares to do battle for her home and family business.
Toni has reason to retreat from a high-pressure Manhattan lifestyle, not the least of which is a bitter break up. She’s been told that Syrah Ardani is attractive and single, but Toni never mixes business and pleasure.
Toni’s father wants her to save his old friend from bankruptcy. The court has appointed her to safeguard the creditors. The creditors clamor for a quick sale and payment. The beautiful—and hostile—Syrah wants Toni off her land and out of her life.
Their clashes smolder with distrust and resentment, but also threaten to light a completely different kind of fire. Most dangerous of all is the one thing Toni can’t control—the way her heart reacts when Syrah looks at her… just like that.
204 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
25 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Karin Kallmaker
81 books708 followersKarin Kallmaker has been exclusively devoted to lesbian fiction since the publication of her first novel in 1989. As an author published by the storied Naiad Press, she worked with Barbara Grier and Donna McBride, and has been fortunate to be mentored by a number of editors, including Katherine V. Forrest.
In addition to multiple Lambda Literary Awards, she has been featured as a Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author. Other accolades include the Ann Bannon Popular Choice and other awards for her writing, as well as the selection as a Trailblazer by the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is best known for novels such as Painted Moon, Simply the Best, Touchwood, The Kiss that Counted and Captain of Industry.
The California native is the mother of two and lives with her wife in the Bay Area. You can catch her blogs at Romance and Chocolate: https://kallmaker.com/blog/. Find her on social media by searching for "Kallmaker" - there's only one.
In addition to multiple Lambda Literary Awards, she has been featured as a Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author. Other accolades include the Ann Bannon Popular Choice and other awards for her writing, as well as the selection as a Trailblazer by the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is best known for novels such as Painted Moon, Simply the Best, Touchwood, The Kiss that Counted and Captain of Industry.
The California native is the mother of two and lives with her wife in the Bay Area. You can catch her blogs at Romance and Chocolate: https://kallmaker.com/blog/. Find her on social media by searching for "Kallmaker" - there's only one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 22, 2019
It was not bad for a modern, lgbt respin on Pride and Prejudice.
A nice, relaxing beach-read if you like that won't leave a lasting impression.
A nice, relaxing beach-read if you like that won't leave a lasting impression.
September 2, 2017
Just Like That is a sweet, sexy, and funny read. It’s hard to say whether it’s Karin Kallmaker’s best, not only because I haven’t read them all yet, but because I’ve found them to be so very different from each other and I’ve enjoyed many of them immensely.
Full review: http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
Listen to Les Do Books episode: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
Full review: http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
Listen to Les Do Books episode: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
March 25, 2017
Lightweight romance. Well written. The declaration of love felt a little quick for me, and I would to have seen the ex get some comeuppance as it felt lacking to me. How many times can she be told the money she conned is a gift.
Overall pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Overall pleasant way to spend a few hours.
December 18, 2019
Hugh! So angsty, the plot is awful, the romances bewildering and no character interesting enough to level this story up. Blah and double blah
June 24, 2025
Syrah Ardani has winemaking in her genes. She grew up on a vineyard, helping and learning. She has just returned to her father in Napa Valley from a few years training in France, to find not all is good at the family vineyard.
Toni Blanchard saves businesses in financial difficulties. She goes in, sees where savings can be made, which parts to sell off, and tries to save the company from the crushing debt and the clamouring creditors.
Even though these two women are the main characters in this story, Toni’s friend Missy, and Syrah’s best friend Jane play strong supporting roles, having their own tumultuous romance throughout this book.
This is a story necessarily full of descriptions of grape growing and wine making. It is also full of confrontations and angst, especially when Toni’s ex gets involved, as well as Missy’s sister, both objectionable women only really fit for each other.
It seems to be a ‘thing’ in some stories that the baddie is always British, and here is no exception 😁
Overall, a good story, quite long, full of description, full of angst, but with some very tender and romantic moments.
Toni Blanchard saves businesses in financial difficulties. She goes in, sees where savings can be made, which parts to sell off, and tries to save the company from the crushing debt and the clamouring creditors.
Even though these two women are the main characters in this story, Toni’s friend Missy, and Syrah’s best friend Jane play strong supporting roles, having their own tumultuous romance throughout this book.
This is a story necessarily full of descriptions of grape growing and wine making. It is also full of confrontations and angst, especially when Toni’s ex gets involved, as well as Missy’s sister, both objectionable women only really fit for each other.
It seems to be a ‘thing’ in some stories that the baddie is always British, and here is no exception 😁
Overall, a good story, quite long, full of description, full of angst, but with some very tender and romantic moments.
November 23, 2022
4 stars. Sapphic contemporary Pride & Prejudice retelling set on a vineyard! I honestly didn’t know that this was a retelling of my favorite book of all time so I was pleasantly surprised going into this and thought it was really well done.
The tension between Syrah and Toni was so good. They start off on a bad foot and there’s some banter, animosity and sexual chemistry and I loved it. They are both very headstrong and stubborn characters and I loved them both. Especially Toni. She was so dreamy and a bit stand offish and stuffy but she was also loyal and caring. Syrah was awesome as well but she was definitely the more frustrating of the two as she was just so pigheaded and bordered on being unlikable a few times. I still liked her though. The romance between them was really good and I loved their chemistry and the mutual pining. They both had to do a lot of growing as individuals to get to their HEA and it was very gratifying.
I also really liked the side characters of Jane and Missy who are the best friends of Syrah and Toni. They were both so adorable and I loved their romance and how smitten they were with each other upon first glance. It was so cute.
Overall, this was a really fun and light read and an interesting take on P&P. I genuinely had a great time reading this.
The tension between Syrah and Toni was so good. They start off on a bad foot and there’s some banter, animosity and sexual chemistry and I loved it. They are both very headstrong and stubborn characters and I loved them both. Especially Toni. She was so dreamy and a bit stand offish and stuffy but she was also loyal and caring. Syrah was awesome as well but she was definitely the more frustrating of the two as she was just so pigheaded and bordered on being unlikable a few times. I still liked her though. The romance between them was really good and I loved their chemistry and the mutual pining. They both had to do a lot of growing as individuals to get to their HEA and it was very gratifying.
I also really liked the side characters of Jane and Missy who are the best friends of Syrah and Toni. They were both so adorable and I loved their romance and how smitten they were with each other upon first glance. It was so cute.
Overall, this was a really fun and light read and an interesting take on P&P. I genuinely had a great time reading this.
October 29, 2011
This book is a must read for all the lesbian Jane Austen fans out there, and I know there are a lot of you out there. Elizabeth Bennett has the heart of a lesbian, and Jane probably did too. You know she did.
This book takes the story of "Pride and Prejudice", sets it in modern times in California, and turns the main characters into lesbians. The details will delight true fans, from the names chosen for the characters (Missy Bingley? Jane Lucas? And the housekeeper Bennett?) to the evil Wickham wanna-be.
Toni is a greatly misunderstood Darcy, and Syrah lets her have it ala Elizabeth Bennett. It was a lot of fun looking for the tie-ins from the original P&P.
If you aren't a Jane Austen fan, you'll still enjoy the book. It tells the same story Jane Austen did, and you can't go wrong with that, no matter how many times it's told. All good romances follow the pattern to some extent -- misunderstandings, pride, fear of looking foolish, and love.
This book takes the story of "Pride and Prejudice", sets it in modern times in California, and turns the main characters into lesbians. The details will delight true fans, from the names chosen for the characters (Missy Bingley? Jane Lucas? And the housekeeper Bennett?) to the evil Wickham wanna-be.
Toni is a greatly misunderstood Darcy, and Syrah lets her have it ala Elizabeth Bennett. It was a lot of fun looking for the tie-ins from the original P&P.
If you aren't a Jane Austen fan, you'll still enjoy the book. It tells the same story Jane Austen did, and you can't go wrong with that, no matter how many times it's told. All good romances follow the pattern to some extent -- misunderstandings, pride, fear of looking foolish, and love.
February 1, 2017
I'm just not really sure anyone should adapt Pride and Prejudice. The original work is so good that any derivative of the work has to be truly excellent in order to avoid falling completely flat. This is okay. It's at its best when it's subtly comparing itself to Austen's work and at its worst when it's being blatant about the similarities. This is the best written book by Kallmaker I've read so far, but I would rather it not be a knock off of a classic.
February 24, 2015
I don't like wine, but this book makes me want to like wine. Nice romance, nothing unexpected, however enjoyable!
August 4, 2015
You're going to love it!
This is not just about wine but also about misunderstanding, a lack of trust, disbelief, and an ex girlfriend with a malicious behavior (I hate that bitch). Fortunately, there is also a lot of love. It is excellently written and I can recommend it to everyone. You won't be disappointed.
This is not just about wine but also about misunderstanding, a lack of trust, disbelief, and an ex girlfriend with a malicious behavior (I hate that bitch). Fortunately, there is also a lot of love. It is excellently written and I can recommend it to everyone. You won't be disappointed.
July 8, 2013
I must say the blurb didn't appeal to me, but as soon as I started reading I got into the story very easily. Liked it a lot.
Read
June 8, 2024Was not expecting this to be a Pride and Prejudice takeoff and it was very fun. Loved the amount of focus on the lesbian best friendships as well as the romances. A sweet book
November 9, 2012
"Seventeen is prime time."
Syrah Ardani freshly back from a four year hiatus in Europe is ready to take a more active role in her family's vineyard. Unfortunately while she was gone her father trusted some investors but had no way of paying them back and they were calling in what was due them. Enter Toni Blanchard, resolution specialist ordered by the courts to see what can be done to make all parties happy. Their meeting was by chance as Toni was visiting a dear friend who had just bought an estate in the countryside, and her friend, Missy, was dragging her to the annual woman's dance. While introductions were made each woman recognized the other yet never heard the names due to the loud music. With a tenuous judging of all the women Toni and Syrah politely avoid each other, that is until Toni shows up at the vineyard on a Sunday of all days. Trying to get pleasantries out of the way so they next day they can get down to business, the visit was viewed as rude, selfish, and pompous. As Toni and Mr. Ardani conduct business, Syrah is left on the sidelines frustrated for not being able to do anything to her protect her heritage. As the days progress it is painfully obvious that the Ardani vineyard is in real and immediate danger, while Toni is trying to do the best for both parties even though she knows it will eventually fail, Syrah finds an attraction to a woman who she knows nothing about. An anonymous email sheds a little light on the exploits of Toni Blanchard both personal and business related. Will these women ever realize that they all want the same things, love, business and each other... A taught tale of friendship, family, loyalty,honesty, and love amidst the rolling fields of a storied vineyard that may be on its last harvest...
Syrah Ardani freshly back from a four year hiatus in Europe is ready to take a more active role in her family's vineyard. Unfortunately while she was gone her father trusted some investors but had no way of paying them back and they were calling in what was due them. Enter Toni Blanchard, resolution specialist ordered by the courts to see what can be done to make all parties happy. Their meeting was by chance as Toni was visiting a dear friend who had just bought an estate in the countryside, and her friend, Missy, was dragging her to the annual woman's dance. While introductions were made each woman recognized the other yet never heard the names due to the loud music. With a tenuous judging of all the women Toni and Syrah politely avoid each other, that is until Toni shows up at the vineyard on a Sunday of all days. Trying to get pleasantries out of the way so they next day they can get down to business, the visit was viewed as rude, selfish, and pompous. As Toni and Mr. Ardani conduct business, Syrah is left on the sidelines frustrated for not being able to do anything to her protect her heritage. As the days progress it is painfully obvious that the Ardani vineyard is in real and immediate danger, while Toni is trying to do the best for both parties even though she knows it will eventually fail, Syrah finds an attraction to a woman who she knows nothing about. An anonymous email sheds a little light on the exploits of Toni Blanchard both personal and business related. Will these women ever realize that they all want the same things, love, business and each other... A taught tale of friendship, family, loyalty,honesty, and love amidst the rolling fields of a storied vineyard that may be on its last harvest...
February 4, 2019
This book did not cut it for me. I was so surprised that Karen Kallmaker is popular in the lesfic world. I absolutely abhor insta-love; unfortunately, this book is based on it. The main couple is Toni and Syrah. I spent 90% of the book irritated by both of them. Syrah was judgemental and chose to believe rumors about Toni rather than being an adult and confronting the problem head-on. As far as I was concerned, she did not deserve Toni without having to fight for her. Toni, on the other hand, went from disliking Syrah's judgemental attitude to falling in love with her. I never saw what changed Toni's mind. All they did was have business meetings where they discussed the business and the accounts. What did Toni see in Syrah that transformed her opinion? I cannot enjoy a romance where I do not see why the main characters fall in love.
1 star
1 star
July 2, 2008
Characters didn't come to life for me, weak plot. Very formulaeic romance, sub-par.
March 24, 2022
So glad I learned this was a modern wlw take on Pride and Prejudice when I read it. It explains why certain things seem to sound so formal at times, even in the beginning when two best friends are skinny dipping in a pond.
I’ve been Re-reading and/or catching up on a lot of Karin Kallmaker’s books lately as she was one of my early favorites when I first discovered lesfic many, many years ago. She has a lot for me to catch up to.
I do like this book a lot. I do wish, though, (and I never thought I’d say this), that there was an audiobook of it, as I just couldn’t give the characters their unique voice in my mind while reading, if that makes any sense. I usually don’t have this problem. Then again, I also wouldn’t want to hear just anyone narrating it, either. (Angela Dawe, Brittni Pope, Abby Craden & a few others would more than likely do it justice, I’m sure.)
Still, a good story is a good story and Kallmaker does a really great job. I always love how she takes something in the story , in this case winemaking and vineyards, and weaves them so well into the characters themselves. If you’ve read enough of her stories you’ll probably understand what I mean.
Definitely worth reading!
I’ve been Re-reading and/or catching up on a lot of Karin Kallmaker’s books lately as she was one of my early favorites when I first discovered lesfic many, many years ago. She has a lot for me to catch up to.
I do like this book a lot. I do wish, though, (and I never thought I’d say this), that there was an audiobook of it, as I just couldn’t give the characters their unique voice in my mind while reading, if that makes any sense. I usually don’t have this problem. Then again, I also wouldn’t want to hear just anyone narrating it, either. (Angela Dawe, Brittni Pope, Abby Craden & a few others would more than likely do it justice, I’m sure.)
Still, a good story is a good story and Kallmaker does a really great job. I always love how she takes something in the story , in this case winemaking and vineyards, and weaves them so well into the characters themselves. If you’ve read enough of her stories you’ll probably understand what I mean.
Definitely worth reading!
August 30, 2018
An interesting story that takes place in the Napa Valley surrounded by grapes and wine and big estates. The main characters are Toni Blanchard a corporate liquidator and Syrah Ardini, a winery owner whose company is in trouble. From the book you would think that Napa is over run with lesbians as their best friends also meet and fall in love. Throw in a past lover, a current wannabe lover, money and you have all the makings of love lost, love found, love lost again and maybe love reignited. I like the author and her ability to create characters and her ability to express the world of nature around us. And the setting of Napa is outstanding. However, the story seem a bit contrived and makes for a layer of phony substance. Still I'd love a srquel to see how the characters maneuver their fledgling relationships.
June 29, 2024
I love most of Karin Kallmaker's books, but this one is a disappointment. I don't feel the chemistry between Toni, the successful lawyer and Syrah, the daughter of a winery owner. The author didn't give the couple enough opportunity to really get to know each other, they have only met twice briefly and with plenty of misunderstanding and absolutely zero communication. When I read a love story, I want to see the couple spending time together, slowly falling in love. Also I can't believe Syrah's father, the seasoned winery owner can be so naive and make major business decisions so recklessly. However, i do enjoy this book, especially the winery scenes and all the characters are vivid and interesting.
May 31, 2021
A reimagined telling of Pride and Prejudice set in the wine country of northern California. Complete with names last names like Bennett, Bingley and Wickham. The romance was very instant and average. I am never fond of having a real villain, that is intentionally mean in romances, especially if they don't get their comeuppance. And Jane's fathers haplessness drove me crazy. Contemporary romance written in 2005.
March 14, 2023
My first romance by Karin Kallmaker whose novels my wife really loves. I was so-so on this one though. With a romance novel, I find it important to like the characters in the book. I didn't here, so that's a bit problematic. I only found out later it's a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but even so, not wowed by it. Eh, I dunno. Maybe if you really love P&P and always wanted to see a wlw adaption of it.
September 27, 2021
This tale, set in Napa Valley, is vaguely reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. Names have been borrowed and there are some less than savory rich folk wandering through causing trouble. Perhaps the most important similarity is the two sets of best friends, each looking out for the other. There are moments of melodrama, but overall it is a good read with the expected HEA.
September 18, 2023
"Just Like That is more than a simple retelling. The vineyard setting is exotic, lending itself well to romance and modernising the story. Plus, Kallmaker’s stellar characterisation enables her to give this novel a cast that’s entirely its own."
Full review: https://loumorganauthor.wordpress.com...
Full review: https://loumorganauthor.wordpress.com...
January 15, 2024
I listened to this in audiobook format. Full disclosure, I received a free copy.
I loved the complexity of characters. There was a slight sense of mystery mixed with the main romance theme. Quinn Riley did a wonderful job with the narration. I do recommend.
I loved the complexity of characters. There was a slight sense of mystery mixed with the main romance theme. Quinn Riley did a wonderful job with the narration. I do recommend.
March 10, 2024
This was honestly more like a 2.5. It was cute-ish. Parts of it were very cringe and extremely cliche. Overall it wasn't horrible, just not particularly good either. I wanted to like it more than I did.
August 24, 2018
Pride and Prejudice, but with a simpler cast, and lesbian relations. Only meh for me.
July 20, 2023
Interesante y llevadero. Se lee rápido. Para pasar el rato. Lindas descripciones de las partes sensuales/eróticas.
February 21, 2024
Si bien Karin nunca decepciona, siento que hay otros relatos con los que conecte mucho más
April 8, 2024
Read this on a road trip so it was finished in one day! It was a nice light read, but I would’ve loved the characters expanded on a bit and the love felt way too rushed for me.
June 4, 2013
"Her novels are compared to Jackie Collins works". Exactly. That´s the point. Women´s literature.
You can read and sometimes turn down your eye above the fascinating story :))
But if you like literature, don´t read this. Let it be for the years of retirement ;)
You can read and sometimes turn down your eye above the fascinating story :))
But if you like literature, don´t read this. Let it be for the years of retirement ;)
February 15, 2012
Good story, though I don't believe it was Ms. Kallmaker's best. Not a big fan of wine or wine lingo... but that's what I get for reading a book about it... even if its only faintly the topic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews