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Choose Me #2
Choose Us
The story of Holly and Brooke continues in this highly anticipated sequel to the number 1 best-selling sapphic romance novel Choose Me.
Holly Garland has been burying her broken heart for two years. Aside from work, and the occasional good-natured gathering, her social calendar has been bleak. She finds it easier that way.
When her best friend, Beth, convinces her to take a well needed vacation, she travels halfway across the world to Japan; it’s a place of familiarity and fond recollections. However, this time it’s different. She will be in the same country as Brooke, which brings back a wave of agonizing memories.
Brooke Jacobs has a new job, new friends, a new city, and she now speaks fluent Japanese. She did not expect to see Holly in and amongst the bustling crowds of Shibuya. Their chance reunion pulls her back in time and forces Brooke to acknowledge feelings she’s tried to forget.
Their connection is still unmistakable, but with new and existing hurdles to overcome will they have a chance at the life they dreamed of together? Or has too much time passed?
Holly Garland has been burying her broken heart for two years. Aside from work, and the occasional good-natured gathering, her social calendar has been bleak. She finds it easier that way.
When her best friend, Beth, convinces her to take a well needed vacation, she travels halfway across the world to Japan; it’s a place of familiarity and fond recollections. However, this time it’s different. She will be in the same country as Brooke, which brings back a wave of agonizing memories.
Brooke Jacobs has a new job, new friends, a new city, and she now speaks fluent Japanese. She did not expect to see Holly in and amongst the bustling crowds of Shibuya. Their chance reunion pulls her back in time and forces Brooke to acknowledge feelings she’s tried to forget.
Their connection is still unmistakable, but with new and existing hurdles to overcome will they have a chance at the life they dreamed of together? Or has too much time passed?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
31 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Spencer-Skillen
10 books196 followersNicole Spencer-Skillen
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 19, 2023
Trigger Warnings: alcohol, discussion of case of assault, sex, cursing, court scene
Representation: Lesbian
Choose Us is the sapphic sequel to Choose Me, in which the story of Holly and Brooke continues. Holly Garland has been burying her broken heart for two years. Aside from work, and the occasional good-natured gathering, her social calendar has been bleak. She finds it easier that way.
When her best friend Beth convinces her to take a well needed vacation, she travels halfway across the world to Japan; it’s a place of familiarity and fond recollections. However, this time it’s different. She will be in the same country as Brooke, which brings back a wave of agonizing memories.
Brooke Jacobs has a new job, new friends, a new city, and she now speaks fluent Japanese. She did not expect to see Holly in and amongst the bustling crowds of Shibuya. Their chance reunion pulls her back in time and forces Brooke to acknowledge feelings she’s tried to forget. Their connection is still unmistakable, but with new and existing hurdles to overcome will they have a chance at the life they dreamed of together? Or has too much time passed?
This eARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank god for a sequel! I am so glad I read the first book the day before I read the sequel because there is no way I would’ve made it 3 years to see a HEA! And the sequel did not disappoint! I love this author’s writing so being approached to help promote this sequel was an easy yes! Another awesome love story and easy read. I love being swept away to a new culture and follow a couple that I can’t help but cheer for! It was very cool to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture! I highly recommend this series!
Representation: Lesbian
Choose Us is the sapphic sequel to Choose Me, in which the story of Holly and Brooke continues. Holly Garland has been burying her broken heart for two years. Aside from work, and the occasional good-natured gathering, her social calendar has been bleak. She finds it easier that way.
When her best friend Beth convinces her to take a well needed vacation, she travels halfway across the world to Japan; it’s a place of familiarity and fond recollections. However, this time it’s different. She will be in the same country as Brooke, which brings back a wave of agonizing memories.
Brooke Jacobs has a new job, new friends, a new city, and she now speaks fluent Japanese. She did not expect to see Holly in and amongst the bustling crowds of Shibuya. Their chance reunion pulls her back in time and forces Brooke to acknowledge feelings she’s tried to forget. Their connection is still unmistakable, but with new and existing hurdles to overcome will they have a chance at the life they dreamed of together? Or has too much time passed?
This eARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank god for a sequel! I am so glad I read the first book the day before I read the sequel because there is no way I would’ve made it 3 years to see a HEA! And the sequel did not disappoint! I love this author’s writing so being approached to help promote this sequel was an easy yes! Another awesome love story and easy read. I love being swept away to a new culture and follow a couple that I can’t help but cheer for! It was very cool to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture! I highly recommend this series!
May 30, 2023
I love Holly & Brooke so much, they are my new comfort characters 🥹🥹🥹
This was such a good continuation of Choose Me.
I was rooting for them both from book 1 and im so glad they got their HEA. I loved the setting I’ve not read many books that are based in Japan it was lovely getting to learn a little more of another culture. Paula was such a great side character and friend to Holly. I loved the camping aspect of this and of course the forced proximity 🥵❤️🔥.
If you are wanting to read this I highly recommend reading book 1 first (Choose Me). Nicole’s writing is so easy to follow and you’ll feel all the emotions these characters feel. I can’t wait to read more of Nicole’s work in the future.
Thank you Nicole for allowing me to be an ARC reader
This was such a good continuation of Choose Me.
I was rooting for them both from book 1 and im so glad they got their HEA. I loved the setting I’ve not read many books that are based in Japan it was lovely getting to learn a little more of another culture. Paula was such a great side character and friend to Holly. I loved the camping aspect of this and of course the forced proximity 🥵❤️🔥.
If you are wanting to read this I highly recommend reading book 1 first (Choose Me). Nicole’s writing is so easy to follow and you’ll feel all the emotions these characters feel. I can’t wait to read more of Nicole’s work in the future.
Thank you Nicole for allowing me to be an ARC reader
June 13, 2023
Holly is a very successful lawyer. Except when it comes to her love life. Two years ago Brooke left for Japan to stay with her homophobic father. Holly's bestfriend Beth is also living in Japan, and Holly goes there to visit Beth for two weeks. Guess who sees her and gets in touch with her. This is a lovely 2nd chance story! I haven't read book one yet, i can't wait! 5 stars!!
May 30, 2023
Everytime I read a book by this author I always finish it in a day or two - Choose Us was no different.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book and I hadn’t read the first one before hand - am I annoyed I hadn’t read Choose Me when it first came out, yes! But I honestly think I might have lost my head waiting for the sequel so I’m so glad I read them close together 😂 Holly and Brooke make you believe in second chances, they are the definition of right person wrong time but Choose us sees them get their second chance and it’s everything you could want in a sapphic love story. I was a bit concerned about the sexual assault warnings I was seeing but it was nothing graphic luckily.
Nicole knows how to write a lesbian couple and every time I read a new book I fall in love with them. The tense scenes between Holly and Brooke where you’re basically just shouting at the book for them to just kiss already - she knows how to keep you on the edges of your seat. I was worried throughout this book as I think I was going to scream if it was going to end like Book 1 but thankfully there were no sad tears 😊
I am never disappointed in Nicole’s books and the characters just became such comfort characters to you that you’re sad to see them go ❤️ everyone should read this, especially those who believe in soulmates and second chances.
If it’s meant to be you’ll always find your way back to each other.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book and I hadn’t read the first one before hand - am I annoyed I hadn’t read Choose Me when it first came out, yes! But I honestly think I might have lost my head waiting for the sequel so I’m so glad I read them close together 😂 Holly and Brooke make you believe in second chances, they are the definition of right person wrong time but Choose us sees them get their second chance and it’s everything you could want in a sapphic love story. I was a bit concerned about the sexual assault warnings I was seeing but it was nothing graphic luckily.
Nicole knows how to write a lesbian couple and every time I read a new book I fall in love with them. The tense scenes between Holly and Brooke where you’re basically just shouting at the book for them to just kiss already - she knows how to keep you on the edges of your seat. I was worried throughout this book as I think I was going to scream if it was going to end like Book 1 but thankfully there were no sad tears 😊
I am never disappointed in Nicole’s books and the characters just became such comfort characters to you that you’re sad to see them go ❤️ everyone should read this, especially those who believe in soulmates and second chances.
If it’s meant to be you’ll always find your way back to each other.
June 2, 2023
choose us is the sequel to choose me, after nursing a broken heart for two years holly finally decides to take a trip to visit her best friend in japan. but now she is in the same country as brooke again and she doesn't know how she feels.
Brooke did not expect to see Holly amongst the crowds in her new life in japan. Seeing each other brings back old feelings and memories, and they are forced to open old wounds.
¡ loved this reunion for them, i was cheering for them the entire time. with a hike turned camping trip i was obsessed with watching them remember their love for each other (don't get me wrong i still sobbed like a baby throughout this).
But i'm so glad i got to see Brooke and Holly get their
HEA 🩷
Brooke did not expect to see Holly amongst the crowds in her new life in japan. Seeing each other brings back old feelings and memories, and they are forced to open old wounds.
¡ loved this reunion for them, i was cheering for them the entire time. with a hike turned camping trip i was obsessed with watching them remember their love for each other (don't get me wrong i still sobbed like a baby throughout this).
But i'm so glad i got to see Brooke and Holly get their
HEA 🩷
May 30, 2023
THIS WAS THE PERFECT ENDING FOR THIS STORY!!
Going in, I was very wary of how this couple was planning to redeem themselves when everything was working against them. But they managed to pull through in the name of Love.
This book was extra special to me since it was set in Japan and that’s where I grew up. The writing was beautiful and very accurate in terms of setting. I felt like I was back in time, wandering through the Japanese streets trying all the delicious food. The author is an amazing story teller, and did an amazing job with her writing. I absolutely loved the plot, and this might’ve been even better than the first book!!
The characters are wonderful because they are REAL. They are not perfect and are deeply flawed, but are perfect to read about. I think everyone could relate to both characters, and that’s what made them so great. The side characters added so much depth to the story, and I love reading about each of them.
This was perfect to wrap up their story. Was it all sunshine and rainbows, of course not. But real life isn’t perfect either. I loved being able to root for the two main characters and to watch them find happiness.
If you’re looking for a REAL and RAW story about love, this is the book for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc, i’m so glad I got the chance to read about Holly and Brooke.
Going in, I was very wary of how this couple was planning to redeem themselves when everything was working against them. But they managed to pull through in the name of Love.
This book was extra special to me since it was set in Japan and that’s where I grew up. The writing was beautiful and very accurate in terms of setting. I felt like I was back in time, wandering through the Japanese streets trying all the delicious food. The author is an amazing story teller, and did an amazing job with her writing. I absolutely loved the plot, and this might’ve been even better than the first book!!
The characters are wonderful because they are REAL. They are not perfect and are deeply flawed, but are perfect to read about. I think everyone could relate to both characters, and that’s what made them so great. The side characters added so much depth to the story, and I love reading about each of them.
This was perfect to wrap up their story. Was it all sunshine and rainbows, of course not. But real life isn’t perfect either. I loved being able to root for the two main characters and to watch them find happiness.
If you’re looking for a REAL and RAW story about love, this is the book for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc, i’m so glad I got the chance to read about Holly and Brooke.
May 30, 2023
Holly and Brooke’s sequel brings us two of my favourite tropes: second chance romance + forced proximity 🫶🏼. The character development in this plot was stunning, the Japanese culture references were well-researched and fun, and although the writing was brilliant in her debut, the development of Nicole’s skills is evident in this latest book, and this reads even more perfectly 🙌🏽. One of the main things I love about her books is the focus on incredible friendships; I ADORED Holly + Beth’s friendship in this, and Nicole has a talent for writing side characters you can’t help but want as your best friends. Although Brooke’s father has been a triggering point in the plot, it was heartwarming to see him trying his best to be a supportive parent towards the end of the book.
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @ 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🧋
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @ 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🧋
July 23, 2024
Another disappointment. The one MC was so immature and self centered. She lied and equivocation, refusing to take responsibility for anything she did. And the other MC just let herself be jerked around, gaslight, and kept on forgiving her. No thanks.
June 28, 2023
This was such a wonderful read which I’m very surprised to have done within 3 days! I definitely recommend this and the previous book to everyone ❤️
June 2, 2023
exactly the ending I needed
I’m not going to lie… I have waited for this book, for these characters for a while now! I was totally 100% into this story for the first three quarters… it was all the gut wrenching angst I needed. Then I feel like Holly have in to early… I would have loved to have seen this book longer but it was still a beautiful ending for two women I love!!!
I’m not going to lie… I have waited for this book, for these characters for a while now! I was totally 100% into this story for the first three quarters… it was all the gut wrenching angst I needed. Then I feel like Holly have in to early… I would have loved to have seen this book longer but it was still a beautiful ending for two women I love!!!
May 30, 2023
this was the perfect ending to brooke and holly’s story! i loved the continuation of the first book “choose me”. im so glad my comfort characters finally got their happy ending and they deserved it. i’m really glad i decided to reread the first book before reading this one! the story flows so nicely with the first and is exactly what i needed. holly and brooke make me believe in second chance romance. the pining and tension has always been something i love about nicole spencer-skillens writing and this book definitely did not disappoint. easily is one of my favourite sapphic books from this year🌈🩷
December 31, 2023
The absolute cutest!
So, if you know me at all then you know this is definitely different from anything I would normally pick. (Thrillers are always more my thing) Of course my first romance would be sapphic, and I am so glad I branched out with this one! This is the second book and I highly recommend starting with Choose Me first. It helps to understand the characters a bit more, in my opinion. This was the cutest second chance love story, and it happens abroad! It really highlights the ‘one true love’ idea and I’m absolutely obsessed with it! I already can’t wait to check out more from this author!
So, if you know me at all then you know this is definitely different from anything I would normally pick. (Thrillers are always more my thing) Of course my first romance would be sapphic, and I am so glad I branched out with this one! This is the second book and I highly recommend starting with Choose Me first. It helps to understand the characters a bit more, in my opinion. This was the cutest second chance love story, and it happens abroad! It really highlights the ‘one true love’ idea and I’m absolutely obsessed with it! I already can’t wait to check out more from this author!
July 14, 2023
Uneasy love
Two years and thousands of billable hours do little to heal Barrister Holly Garland’s heartbreak when the love of her life leaves London for Japan.
Brooke Jacobs promised her dying mother that after she was gone she would keep the family together and care for her despondent father.
But Brooke couldn’t foresee that the love and loyalty she feels for her family would become a millstone around her heart when her manipulative, homophobic father accepts a job transfer to the Far East and says the new start will be in Brooke’s best interest.
Translation: Brooke will be nearly 6,000 miles from Holly.
But Choose Us is the story of Holly’s overdue holiday to visit her BFF Beth in Tokyo and unintentionally intersects with Brooke when she’s there.
Spencer-Skillen’s book follows Holly’s day trips to the top sights in and around Tokyo, sometimes with Beth — but always with Brooke, whether beside her or on her mind.
It’s an engaging, emotional, and sometimes “Endless Love” look at love amid impossible circumstances.
Choose Us isn’t a light, picturesque walk in Ueno Park, but it’s a worthwhile read for anyone who believes in soulmates, that “love is love”, and love conquers all.
Two years and thousands of billable hours do little to heal Barrister Holly Garland’s heartbreak when the love of her life leaves London for Japan.
Brooke Jacobs promised her dying mother that after she was gone she would keep the family together and care for her despondent father.
But Brooke couldn’t foresee that the love and loyalty she feels for her family would become a millstone around her heart when her manipulative, homophobic father accepts a job transfer to the Far East and says the new start will be in Brooke’s best interest.
Translation: Brooke will be nearly 6,000 miles from Holly.
But Choose Us is the story of Holly’s overdue holiday to visit her BFF Beth in Tokyo and unintentionally intersects with Brooke when she’s there.
Spencer-Skillen’s book follows Holly’s day trips to the top sights in and around Tokyo, sometimes with Beth — but always with Brooke, whether beside her or on her mind.
It’s an engaging, emotional, and sometimes “Endless Love” look at love amid impossible circumstances.
Choose Us isn’t a light, picturesque walk in Ueno Park, but it’s a worthwhile read for anyone who believes in soulmates, that “love is love”, and love conquers all.
November 10, 2023
phew
Ok, so even though we got a HEA I’m still kinda miffed. And I also fancy a trip to Japan, but that’s a story for another time.
I’m miffed because of the way Brooke behaved. Holly was her soulmate, no argument here. Thousands of miles separated them and who knew what would happen. But why, why would you do and say the things that character did while having a girlfriend! Ok, she didn’t have major feelings but it’s still sketchy. I also wanted to shake them both and scream at them to talk!
Overall a great second book and I’m glad it wasn’t another cliffhanger.
Ok, so even though we got a HEA I’m still kinda miffed. And I also fancy a trip to Japan, but that’s a story for another time.
I’m miffed because of the way Brooke behaved. Holly was her soulmate, no argument here. Thousands of miles separated them and who knew what would happen. But why, why would you do and say the things that character did while having a girlfriend! Ok, she didn’t have major feelings but it’s still sketchy. I also wanted to shake them both and scream at them to talk!
Overall a great second book and I’m glad it wasn’t another cliffhanger.
June 10, 2023
Choose Us
Some believe in soul mates and the story line makes you feel like it is possible to meet the love of your life. It’s happens when you don’t expect it but you need to believe and keep it close to your heart that if your lucky enough to find yours you will not let them go.
Some believe in soul mates and the story line makes you feel like it is possible to meet the love of your life. It’s happens when you don’t expect it but you need to believe and keep it close to your heart that if your lucky enough to find yours you will not let them go.
June 25, 2023
Wow! So good
I was heart broken after reading “Choose Me”. Thank goodness “Choose Us”
remedied that situation. But not before twists and turn, more heartache, more
humor and a really fine HEA. Thank you Nicole. It was worth the wait.
I was heart broken after reading “Choose Me”. Thank goodness “Choose Us”
remedied that situation. But not before twists and turn, more heartache, more
humor and a really fine HEA. Thank you Nicole. It was worth the wait.
May 31, 2023
What a fantastic continuation from the first book! I loved the Japan element as well 😍
May 31, 2023
I ADORED this! The true love trope is my favourite by far. Finally, my cliffhanger anxiety is no more!! Thank you Nicole for another fantastic book 😀
March 4, 2025
“you consume my mind more than i thought humanly possible.”
MUCH better than the first book
MUCH better than the first book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews