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Romance #9
The Lonely Hearts Club
Take three friends, add two ex-lovers and several new ones, then mix with more secrets than any of them know. The result is a recipe for explosive rivalries and incendiary romance.
229 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
23 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
142 books1,671 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 4, 2017
Initially, I really enjoyed this book…better than many Radclyffe books. Yet after finishing it, I find I’m less satisfied than with many of her books…and I feel disappointed.
Liz and Reilly are both likable, burned by past experiences (gosh….THAT’s a new idea! OK, sorry, unnecessarily snarky) and aren’t looking for the soul mate that they seem to immediately be for each other. Theirs is a sweet story, and I liked it. It felt very romantic, and very real.
I think my disappointment with the book is that I never came to like the other main characters, even though the characters interacted non-stop throughout the book.
Candace the playgirl spends the book bemoaning the sad results of past bad decisions, and then making more bad decisions…not because she expects different results, but because she wants the same results. Huh? I liked Parker much better…she knew herself better, and was growing as a person. For them, the book ending felt more like a chapter ending.
The relationship Bren develops with her “perfect lover” is the least satisfying part of the book for me. Her newfound self-awareness and activities might be erotic, and it might be the basis for a relationship between two consenting adults, but it’s not love. As a short story in one of Radclyffe’s annual sexcapade collections it would work just great, but I just can’t see Bren’s changes really healing her lonely heart. Again, the book ended too many chapters short to conclude anything about the future of the relationship between Bren and “Jae”.
Overall, I didn’t hate the book. It’s probably midway between meh (3*) and recommended (4*). Normally, a great narrator like Abby Craden would bump the book up and I’d probably rate this 4*. But, I’ve rated almost all of Radclyffe’s books 4*, and this one is less satisfying and so I’m rounding 3.5 down to 3* Again – not terrible, and probably better than meh – but I’d suggest you read other books before this one.
Liz and Reilly are both likable, burned by past experiences (gosh….THAT’s a new idea! OK, sorry, unnecessarily snarky) and aren’t looking for the soul mate that they seem to immediately be for each other. Theirs is a sweet story, and I liked it. It felt very romantic, and very real.
I think my disappointment with the book is that I never came to like the other main characters, even though the characters interacted non-stop throughout the book.
Candace the playgirl spends the book bemoaning the sad results of past bad decisions, and then making more bad decisions…not because she expects different results, but because she wants the same results. Huh? I liked Parker much better…she knew herself better, and was growing as a person. For them, the book ending felt more like a chapter ending.
The relationship Bren develops with her “perfect lover” is the least satisfying part of the book for me. Her newfound self-awareness and activities might be erotic, and it might be the basis for a relationship between two consenting adults, but it’s not love. As a short story in one of Radclyffe’s annual sexcapade collections it would work just great, but I just can’t see Bren’s changes really healing her lonely heart. Again, the book ended too many chapters short to conclude anything about the future of the relationship between Bren and “Jae”.
Overall, I didn’t hate the book. It’s probably midway between meh (3*) and recommended (4*). Normally, a great narrator like Abby Craden would bump the book up and I’d probably rate this 4*. But, I’ve rated almost all of Radclyffe’s books 4*, and this one is less satisfying and so I’m rounding 3.5 down to 3* Again – not terrible, and probably better than meh – but I’d suggest you read other books before this one.
March 3, 2021
Liz & Bren & Candace & Reilly & Parker & Rae & Julia & Annie
Three friends. Three new romances. There's potential in this book for a trilogy, with Liz, Bren and Candace each getting a book telling their story. As it stands, only Liz's story gets any kind of resolution.
This was a great read. The characters are all strong and likeable, their situations are relatable fantasies and with so many players there is no shortage of passion steaming up the pages. I don't know if there are really communities like the one these characters live in, where everyone appears to be gay, but it sure sounds like a great place to live.
4.5 "wide awake and horny" stars
Three friends. Three new romances. There's potential in this book for a trilogy, with Liz, Bren and Candace each getting a book telling their story. As it stands, only Liz's story gets any kind of resolution.
This was a great read. The characters are all strong and likeable, their situations are relatable fantasies and with so many players there is no shortage of passion steaming up the pages. I don't know if there are really communities like the one these characters live in, where everyone appears to be gay, but it sure sounds like a great place to live.
4.5 "wide awake and horny" stars
November 19, 2017
Liz, Bren and Candace are best friends and all currently single. Liz is in the process of dissembling her long term relationship, Bren is an academic who seems to be perpetually single and Candace is the player of the group - never sleeping with the same woman twice.
Having just discovered she is pregnant, Liz takes centre stage in this novel as she finds herself becoming attracted to Reilly, surgeon and softball player.
Bren and Candace's story's are secondary to Liz's and it makes for a much more interesting read than a simple romance. I enjoyed the unfolding of the relationships and realisations the characters come to in their enduring friendship.
While I was drawn in by Liz and Reilly's relationship, I was much more interested in Bren as a character and feel that she didn't get enough page time. Investing in her more could have made this a five star read.
Having just discovered she is pregnant, Liz takes centre stage in this novel as she finds herself becoming attracted to Reilly, surgeon and softball player.
Bren and Candace's story's are secondary to Liz's and it makes for a much more interesting read than a simple romance. I enjoyed the unfolding of the relationships and realisations the characters come to in their enduring friendship.
While I was drawn in by Liz and Reilly's relationship, I was much more interested in Bren as a character and feel that she didn't get enough page time. Investing in her more could have made this a five star read.
September 13, 2019
Classic Radclyffe. It's pretty close to a pure romance with three different pairs developing, two players, two wounded hearts and two people experimenting with power games.
April 28, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whilst the main story is between Liz and Riley, the supporting characters (Liz's two best friends, Bren and Candace) also feature heavily in their seek to find everlasting love.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
May 26, 2020
This is the first time I listened to an audio before reading the (e)book. Abby Craden made me do it 😁. It was a great audio. I like the story. But...either the focus should have been on Liz and Reilly only in this one and made in to a series so we could follow Bren and Candace in the other books or it should have been a much longer book so we got an end to Candace and Bren stories. This book kept me hanging. I want to know what happend to Candace and Parker. And I want to know if Bren finds herself and stays with her ‘Jay’. The sex as always in Radclyffe books was great, but I would have loved more scenes between Reilly and Liz. So 3,8 stars.
March 1, 2021
This was a fun and beautiful read. It’s a story set in a wonderful universe where the world is gay. Lonely Heart’s Club covers the love-lives of multiple friends...all in different stages of life and love...and different stages of deciphering what constitutes knowing when they have met “the one.” I fancy that the characters are all different...in their lifestyles, personalities and careers. In addition, this story offers depth, as you get to experience character transformation and personal growth...via multiple characters and couples-formed throughout this story. I also appreciate that Radclyffe shows love and intimacy as it’s experienced from different POVs: intimacy, top/bottom, D/s, etc. In that, the many ways people express and accept love, sex and intimacy is depicted in one story. I found this aspect to be pure genius and a refreshing change of pace (vs the traditional story of two MC’s who fall in love). The characters are delightful and the interactions amongst them are fun, supportive and relatable. I both read and listened to this book. Abby Craden does a marvelous job representing the personalities and voices of each character, so if you are on the fence on the audible, I found it worth the splurge.
July 1, 2010
High-Powered Attorney Liz Ramsey breaks up with her cheating ladyfriend, only to find that the insemination they planned before the breakup is now a real baby. Pregnant, heart-broken, she collides (literally) with High-Powered Surgeon Reilly Danvers. Possible concussions and sparks fly.
Ok, so yes, it’s a fairly thin plot. And yes, yes, the characters are a little improbable (maybe especially a fancy pants Rare Books Librarian). However, even for all the romance novel excess, I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue was natural, the humor sincere, and most importantly, the romance felt hot.
Both Liz and Reilly had reasons for not wanting to pursue a romance, and while some Reilly’s inner struggle got a little strum ung drang for me, the will-they/won’t-they sexual tension was a delight to read.
Four out of five stars.
Ok, so yes, it’s a fairly thin plot. And yes, yes, the characters are a little improbable (maybe especially a fancy pants Rare Books Librarian). However, even for all the romance novel excess, I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue was natural, the humor sincere, and most importantly, the romance felt hot.
Both Liz and Reilly had reasons for not wanting to pursue a romance, and while some Reilly’s inner struggle got a little strum ung drang for me, the will-they/won’t-they sexual tension was a delight to read.
Four out of five stars.
July 5, 2019
This is Rad's most cheerful novel up to date - just what the doctor ordered! and what great cover!
September 9, 2017
This ended up lacking resolution, which was frustrating after a pretty enjoyable book.
July 6, 2018
Surprisingly entertaining! When I read the synopsis of this book, I was concerned over the multiple characters, and worried that the story lines would be muddled and lost within one another. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each story line stood alone extremely well, and yet they melded together into a seamless weave of love, lust and passion. I was almost hoping that 'Rad' might explore the developing relationship between Brenda and Jae, but perhaps that is for another book. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
April 2, 2022
I got a series vibe from The Lonely Hearts Club, much the same as Harper Bliss' French Kissing - however was disappointed to see that there is no follow up book, so I was mistaken.
This does not mean that I didn't enjoy it. I really did, but probably too much because I wasn't ready for it to end. I personally enjoy these types of stories which read almost like they are made for TV.
There was some intense chemistry, witty banter, beautiful friendships and hot sex. What more could one want out of a book right? (Well, a sequel would of been nice;)
This does not mean that I didn't enjoy it. I really did, but probably too much because I wasn't ready for it to end. I personally enjoy these types of stories which read almost like they are made for TV.
There was some intense chemistry, witty banter, beautiful friendships and hot sex. What more could one want out of a book right? (Well, a sequel would of been nice;)
January 4, 2016
4.5 stars
June 6, 2014
I loved this book but that is usually the case with this author. I do hope there are future books on this group that focus on the two secondary couples. Fingers crossed.
December 2, 2020
Getting older doesn't mean getting it right
““If she doesn’t turn you upside down and inside out and pretty much fog your windshield, what’s the point?””
+ • + • + • +
When getting older doesn't mean you've gotten it right, is it worth trying to figure it out?
““If she doesn’t turn you upside down and inside out and pretty much fog your windshield, what’s the point?””
+ • + • + • +
When getting older doesn't mean you've gotten it right, is it worth trying to figure it out?
October 20, 2023
Radclyffe has done it again!
I really enjoyed this book, which focuses on three friends who are undergoing changes in their love lives. It is sexy, warm and it is wonderful to see the women grow.
I really enjoyed this book, which focuses on three friends who are undergoing changes in their love lives. It is sexy, warm and it is wonderful to see the women grow.
May 6, 2018
Another great book by Radclyffe. The three main characters blend in really well, as you learn about how there lives criss cross. A really great read.
July 23, 2018
Love Radclyffe books!
Wonderful good. Want to fine out what happened with Bren and Jea not to mention Candice and Parker. Great read!
Wonderful good. Want to fine out what happened with Bren and Jea not to mention Candice and Parker. Great read!
September 19, 2019
Very enjoyable. The love story between Liz and Reilly was sweet and sappy. Brenda’s secrets and budding love life is nice and naughty! Candace’s romance with Parker is just HOT!
April 4, 2020
Loved this story, but wish it didn't end so soon. Would have loved to see how it played out with Parker and Candace as well as Bren and Jae.
July 19, 2021
I wasn’t a fan of the narrator and the way she did a couple of their voices so not sure if that’s the reason I didn’t enjoy the book. Not much happened either
December 29, 2021
Life is just too short… couldn’t finish it.
July 28, 2023
Indulgently delicious read, like a frozen cocktail, a little saccharin in other contexts but just right on a hot summer evening
March 24, 2016
Amazingly written book.!! i fell in love with how other women were incorporated from other books. The way these women find what they were looking for when they lest expect it well it exiting to see how they all end up i wish they would have gone a littler more deeper into what Parker and Candace on and off relationship and also more into Bren's fantasy's about Jae. But the way Reilly learns to fall in love with Liz even after trying to fight it so hard she learned that you can find love in the least expected people. And Liz after getting hurt finally finding someone to love her the way she deserve well that;s the best part!! I love this one like all the rest and i cant wait to cache glimpses of there life in other books even just a little.
January 7, 2014
This was not my favourite Radclyffe books. It was the first stand alone book I'd read by this author. I just didn't really connect/like any of the characters (except Bren probably). The ending was also disappointing to me to.
I am a huuuge fan of Radclyffe still, the province town series is amazing :D
3/5 for slight disappointment.
I am a huuuge fan of Radclyffe still, the province town series is amazing :D
3/5 for slight disappointment.
December 7, 2009
Loved this A WHOLE BUNCH. Interesting characters, good dialogue, (cover's Mom's eyes) super awesome and pleasantly kinky sex scenes, and generally a great introduction to this author. I'll be at the library checking out everything else she's ever written.
November 20, 2011
Definently different from Radclyffe's usual stuff and that was refreshing.
March 31, 2014
I enjoyed this story a lot, the only hang up I have is I would have liked more of a wrap up for the other friends, especially Candice and Parker.
February 2, 2015
The only character I cared about was Bren.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews