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Music of the Soul #3
Dating Game
Crystal is straight. She went to an exclusive lesbian bar, the Ballyhoo Club, to cheer up her gay best friend after a bad breakup.
There Crystal meets Riley, a spunky and charismatic girl who mocks her about straight girl dating skills. The two bet each other that they could take the other on a better date, the loser has to humiliate themselves at Ballyhoo.
In a battle of escalating seduction the girls take each other on a series of dates where the lines between the game and their hearts are blurred.
There Crystal meets Riley, a spunky and charismatic girl who mocks her about straight girl dating skills. The two bet each other that they could take the other on a better date, the loser has to humiliate themselves at Ballyhoo.
In a battle of escalating seduction the girls take each other on a series of dates where the lines between the game and their hearts are blurred.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2013
14 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Erik Schubach
209 books440 followersInternational bestselling author of #lesfic f/f romance, scifi, urban fantasy, paranormal & more. Consummate geek & sarcasm connoisseur. Any pronouns are fine.
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Bestsellers:
Fantasy:
Scifi/Paranormal:
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With over 100 titles to choose from from various series and genres, I'm sure I've written something for you. Check out the whole list here .
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30ACXSq
Audible: https://adbl.co/2SrFqu1
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2GDN0is
Blog: https://bit.ly/2EZMIC7
iTunes: https://apple.co/2Sx6FDI
GooglePlay: http://tiny.cc/udycvz
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2Sw0Q9u
Bestsellers:
Fantasy:
Scifi/Paranormal:
Urban Fantasy:
Romance/Romantic Comedy:
With over 100 titles to choose from from various series and genres, I'm sure I've written something for you. Check out the whole list here .
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 10, 2015
What did I just read?
This one was bad. I quite liked the author's previous book - A Deafening Whisper - and this didn't even feel like the same author? Actually, it felt like it's been written by a teenage girl. I don't mean it in a good way.
For example.
The words "wow, woah, friggin' (I hated that one)" etc. were used a lot. The characters acted like stupid teenagers, not like adults and like... the main character - I don't even remember her name, Crystal was it? - what was wrong with her? She was just weird. Seemed like the whole town owed her some kind of a favor. And they were some favors, I tell you.
I kinda liked the other one, Riley. She was sweet. I didn't get the name thing, though. Everyone called her Jane? That was stupid. If my name was XY, why would everyone call me AB? Just stupid.
One more thing. There was this one sentence 'I simply love watching that eyebrow'. Girl, you what? You love- I repeat - love, watching someone's eyebrows? EYEBROWS?
Never finished this book. Why do I keep spending my money on bad books?
This one was bad. I quite liked the author's previous book - A Deafening Whisper - and this didn't even feel like the same author? Actually, it felt like it's been written by a teenage girl. I don't mean it in a good way.
For example.
The words "wow, woah, friggin' (I hated that one)" etc. were used a lot. The characters acted like stupid teenagers, not like adults and like... the main character - I don't even remember her name, Crystal was it? - what was wrong with her? She was just weird. Seemed like the whole town owed her some kind of a favor. And they were some favors, I tell you.
I kinda liked the other one, Riley. She was sweet. I didn't get the name thing, though. Everyone called her Jane? That was stupid. If my name was XY, why would everyone call me AB? Just stupid.
One more thing. There was this one sentence 'I simply love watching that eyebrow'. Girl, you what? You love- I repeat - love, watching someone's eyebrows? EYEBROWS?
Never finished this book. Why do I keep spending my money on bad books?
May 13, 2019
Yea, really good books to read when preoccupied / feeling down - slip down easily like a spoonful of honey. Always know there will be a HEA and all is well in the world, surrounded by kind and loving people. Life reaffirming.
May 23, 2017
"Admit it, you were just sent from the heavens as a cruel joke to torture me. That was just...wow...but you're friggin' straight! Not even remotely fair."
"Feelin' kind of bendy lately," I said to myself under my breath.
This is the first book I've read from the Music of the soul series and if everything is as good, which I assume is, as this then certainly this wouldn't be the last. I should've read the first but I really don't care, the blurb of Dating Game really caught my eye more than anything, if we could only do something about the cover.
Dating Game at times could be cringe-worthy because of the overused of "!" and some juvenile dialogues, some lines could've been constructed better but that's the end of it. Dating Game is going up to my favorites list. If you want something light without too much angst, lgbt drama and with uber-cheesy, heart melting story, and funny side-characters, this is perfect for you. I enjoyed this so much I've finished this in less than an hour, I want more.
I am so inlove with Riley, everygirl deserves a Riley in their lives. There should be a defense squad for Riley and Cryster, they are precious cinnamon rolls; too perfect for this world. I can't wait to see/hear more from them as this series progresses.
"Feelin' kind of bendy lately," I said to myself under my breath.
This is the first book I've read from the Music of the soul series and if everything is as good, which I assume is, as this then certainly this wouldn't be the last. I should've read the first but I really don't care, the blurb of Dating Game really caught my eye more than anything, if we could only do something about the cover.
Dating Game at times could be cringe-worthy because of the overused of "!" and some juvenile dialogues, some lines could've been constructed better but that's the end of it. Dating Game is going up to my favorites list. If you want something light without too much angst, lgbt drama and with uber-cheesy, heart melting story, and funny side-characters, this is perfect for you. I enjoyed this so much I've finished this in less than an hour, I want more.
I am so inlove with Riley, everygirl deserves a Riley in their lives. There should be a defense squad for Riley and Cryster, they are precious cinnamon rolls; too perfect for this world. I can't wait to see/hear more from them as this series progresses.
February 14, 2014
Great story... Worst editing
July 12, 2014
It was just a little 2 sweet and unrealistic
April 6, 2014
great wonderful story.
i thought it was going to short and not interesting. like jane would have blown her away the first date. but i was surprised at the dates reasoning and silliness of them just wantin to be together.
Erik you deserve sugar coated fruity loops. i believe you know where the stash is
i thought it was going to short and not interesting. like jane would have blown her away the first date. but i was surprised at the dates reasoning and silliness of them just wantin to be together.
Erik you deserve sugar coated fruity loops. i believe you know where the stash is
June 17, 2015
Crystal and Riley (aka Jane) meet at a lesbian bar and begin their relationship on a bet. The winner is the lady who takes the other on the best date. This opens up humor galore that will have you laughing out loud, especially interactions with Bev. I had some character judgment going on. I was more compassionate in my opinion of Crystal due to her being a “straight” girl and there is always confusion and avoidance in these types of romances. I tried to connect with Riley and I could, but she wasn’t my favorite in the MOTS series. Riley is less understanding, compassionate, and patient then I would have liked. She isn’t all bad and does have redeeming qualities, but my opinion of the character was already lower than the other characters in the series.
I’m a huge fan of this type of romance and Erik Schubach’s MOTS series. That old adage, never fall for a straight woman, is my kryptonite for literature. That being said this book was funny and sweet, but not the caliber I was expecting from this author. It is a novel I would recommend due to it being humorous and part of a fantastic series; although, it will never be one of my favorites. In no way, shape, or form will it keep me from continuing to one-click purchase Erik’s work. He is an incredibly talented author. This one just didn’t work as well for me.
I’m a huge fan of this type of romance and Erik Schubach’s MOTS series. That old adage, never fall for a straight woman, is my kryptonite for literature. That being said this book was funny and sweet, but not the caliber I was expecting from this author. It is a novel I would recommend due to it being humorous and part of a fantastic series; although, it will never be one of my favorites. In no way, shape, or form will it keep me from continuing to one-click purchase Erik’s work. He is an incredibly talented author. This one just didn’t work as well for me.
January 12, 2018
I love this author! I have read almost all of the books in the music of the soul series! I am currently re-reading all the books so I can read the ones I have yet to read. Although there are some editing issues, the stories are so sweet and emotional. They pull at your heart strings, make you love the characters and hope they find their happily ever after.
February 4, 2021
It is the weirdest thing to read lesfic written by a guy. It is just weird. But then with so many women writing gayfic, we decided to give this one a shot because the premise sounded alright.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 31, 2015
Again another book of Erik's that I loved. For me I loved the Seattle stuff as I lived there in the 60s and 70s and could picture the areas in my mind (course I am sure it is very different from when I was there. Loved the plot, cute, fun, touching, just plain like this mans writing.
July 19, 2013
this was an amazing book. full of heartbreak and love connects. once I started reading it I couldn't peel my eyes off of it
August 28, 2013
I wish that I could give it more than five stars. One of my favorites.
December 9, 2013
As with the other books in this series, its a good story which, sadly, suffers from bad editing.
Still, good story and interesting characters.
Still, good story and interesting characters.
April 22, 2014
Love these books couldn't put them down moment picked them up
May 31, 2014
I found it to a rather interesting story, the characters where very well done.
November 6, 2016
I had a love/hate relationship with this book. On one hand, it was a page turner with clever devices in the plot that depended on the characters having existed for some time before the story began for us. On the other, there were several times when I felt that the characters were being unnecessarily cruel to each other, or at least callous. That could be part of the author's point.
Just now, I found that there are sequels. Without reading another word of reviews, I will buy the next book in the series. I'm confident that the author can write what I like to read. Maybe our interests will align, maybe they'll diverge. I'll take a chance on a second book.
Just now, I found that there are sequels. Without reading another word of reviews, I will buy the next book in the series. I'm confident that the author can write what I like to read. Maybe our interests will align, maybe they'll diverge. I'll take a chance on a second book.
November 1, 2018
Fun tale of a not-so-straight woman discovering who she really loves. A little heavy on the adjectives and the pony tail twirling bit is mentioned a few too many times.
August 24, 2016
Let’s make a drinking game and take a shot whenever the main character plays with her ponytail. We will get smashed – it’ll be fun!
I started out enjoying this book. It was a charming story and a cute idea.
BUT.
But… the plot was a little too simple. And predictable (if a few simple words can solve the drama in a matter of seconds, it doesn't read as a big problem?)
I might have gotten into it more if the romantic tension was built before they pulled all these massive gestures of affection. I’d only expect to see people go that far if they were planning a proposal, so it was a touch inappropriate for the first two dates.
I get that there is a wager going on and that makes people competitive; but their dates would have cost an arm and a leg if it wasn’t for all the “plot convenient favours” (could make a drinking game out of those too, but it would be borderline lethal). Maybe if they were wagering something much bigger than a small declaration on a bar table? Let’s raise the stakes! Adding dynamics to a book never hurts.
Back to those favours (can’t drop it, need to rant).
*takes beep breath*
What on earth is she doing for all those people to get so much free crap?? Did she do any work for actual money? Does she ever pay for anything or is everyone they talk to in her debt? How does a party planner rake in so many favours (this town must love parties)? And why do all the characters have this savvy bartering skill like I don’t know one person in real life that does this but there are at least three of them in this book???
…??
K. I’m good now.
…Wait. Nope. There’s more: They bring up new favours three times a chapter (I don’t even think I’m exaggerating). This is where the frustration comes from, just to bring light to this review.
So it’s not exactly realistic. This book can be cute if you treat it more like an extreme-dating fantasy (and don’t mind “omg” being used in dialogue.) The repetition pecked at my nerves though (example: they recap the full story at the end and I wanted to shout, “I already read that part - let’s move on!”), soooo I can’t give it a higher rating. Sorry. But I finished it, so that says something. I feel like a heavy round of editing can help clean it up.
I started out enjoying this book. It was a charming story and a cute idea.
BUT.
But… the plot was a little too simple. And predictable (if a few simple words can solve the drama in a matter of seconds, it doesn't read as a big problem?)
I might have gotten into it more if the romantic tension was built before they pulled all these massive gestures of affection. I’d only expect to see people go that far if they were planning a proposal, so it was a touch inappropriate for the first two dates.
I get that there is a wager going on and that makes people competitive; but their dates would have cost an arm and a leg if it wasn’t for all the “plot convenient favours” (could make a drinking game out of those too, but it would be borderline lethal). Maybe if they were wagering something much bigger than a small declaration on a bar table? Let’s raise the stakes! Adding dynamics to a book never hurts.
Back to those favours (can’t drop it, need to rant).
*takes beep breath*
What on earth is she doing for all those people to get so much free crap?? Did she do any work for actual money? Does she ever pay for anything or is everyone they talk to in her debt? How does a party planner rake in so many favours (this town must love parties)? And why do all the characters have this savvy bartering skill like I don’t know one person in real life that does this but there are at least three of them in this book???
…??
K. I’m good now.
…Wait. Nope. There’s more: They bring up new favours three times a chapter (I don’t even think I’m exaggerating). This is where the frustration comes from, just to bring light to this review.
So it’s not exactly realistic. This book can be cute if you treat it more like an extreme-dating fantasy (and don’t mind “omg” being used in dialogue.) The repetition pecked at my nerves though (example: they recap the full story at the end and I wanted to shout, “I already read that part - let’s move on!”), soooo I can’t give it a higher rating. Sorry. But I finished it, so that says something. I feel like a heavy round of editing can help clean it up.
August 13, 2016
It literally pains me to put a so-so rating to this book. The story is funny and cute, and I admit I enjoyed it for what it is. But what I cannot get past that is the very simplistic writing style, as well as the multitude of writing errors that I could find. Grammatical errors, sentence construction, punctuation... made me feel like I was writing something from a middle school English homework and not from a professional writer. Writing is a craft, and it requires a certain amount of effort for it to be the best it can be.
It is really too bad, because as I said, the history and characters deserved better. Just having had someone to read the book before final publishing would have saved the author from many of these errors, I bet. It's because of products like these that self-publishing gets the bad rep that it does, because the lack of an editor is really apparent.
I will probably read some other works from the author, though, that's how much I like the actual history and characters. I hope my words are taken as constructive criticism, so future works will have a more polished final product.
It is really too bad, because as I said, the history and characters deserved better. Just having had someone to read the book before final publishing would have saved the author from many of these errors, I bet. It's because of products like these that self-publishing gets the bad rep that it does, because the lack of an editor is really apparent.
I will probably read some other works from the author, though, that's how much I like the actual history and characters. I hope my words are taken as constructive criticism, so future works will have a more polished final product.
November 12, 2015
Great read, nice story, nice concept!
I myself have terrible grammars, normally I didn't even notice any grammars mistake in a book. However, I spotted quite a few of them in this one. Perhaps the author needs a better editor, otherwise, it's hard to get into the story. I'm particularly noticed the repetitive of certain phrases, certain words, and certain sentences in the book. Like using too many "as" in a paragraph, or the way the author keeps mentioning Crystal's ponytail, biting lips, and etc.
The whole things seemed a bit too cheesy and unrealistic for me. They are all fluffy duffy during the dating process. They have some miscommunication but that pretty much it with the conflicts. Plus, everyone seemed to be "too nice", yeah, the cheesy vibe.
Though, I really love the idea of Crystal's Currency and the chemistry between the two main characters.
I myself have terrible grammars, normally I didn't even notice any grammars mistake in a book. However, I spotted quite a few of them in this one. Perhaps the author needs a better editor, otherwise, it's hard to get into the story. I'm particularly noticed the repetitive of certain phrases, certain words, and certain sentences in the book. Like using too many "as" in a paragraph, or the way the author keeps mentioning Crystal's ponytail, biting lips, and etc.
The whole things seemed a bit too cheesy and unrealistic for me. They are all fluffy duffy during the dating process. They have some miscommunication but that pretty much it with the conflicts. Plus, everyone seemed to be "too nice", yeah, the cheesy vibe.
Though, I really love the idea of Crystal's Currency and the chemistry between the two main characters.
June 26, 2019
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I'll make this short: as a quick, guilty pleasure listening in between it was cute enough. It was also rather immature though a lot of the time and the repetition - how many times can one hear about "how well connected" someone is? or that they've "never brought anyone around before"? - was a little off putting. All in all, an ok expirience, but nothing I'd say "you missed out on" either, if skipped.
Oh right, and then there's the fact that, though the author actually claims one of his main characters to "see sexuality as more of a fluid thing", he himself apparently does not grasp the concept. First she's straight, then she's gay (despite the fact she still enjoyed being with men or could again) and.. well, I'm left wondering "where's the in between"? That might be a very personal quirk I had with it though.
I'll make this short: as a quick, guilty pleasure listening in between it was cute enough. It was also rather immature though a lot of the time and the repetition - how many times can one hear about "how well connected" someone is? or that they've "never brought anyone around before"? - was a little off putting. All in all, an ok expirience, but nothing I'd say "you missed out on" either, if skipped.
Oh right, and then there's the fact that, though the author actually claims one of his main characters to "see sexuality as more of a fluid thing", he himself apparently does not grasp the concept. First she's straight, then she's gay (despite the fact she still enjoyed being with men or could again) and.. well, I'm left wondering "where's the in between"? That might be a very personal quirk I had with it though.
December 2, 2015
The story was indeed unrealistic. At first I guessed there's sth about Riley which made her keep reminding them it's just a game. But what? The whole twist was just all about a stupid booty call!? Meh to hell with whatever, I love it!! Especially just read an extremely realistic dark cruel devastating heartbroken story. This book is just what I need. Simple, idiotic, fun, warm-hearted. And now I'm happy.
July 13, 2021
A decent story but not my favorite. I liked the characters but the situation of the "bet" was doomed from the start. Too many sitcoms as a kid let me see the friction looming right away. All the characters we fun and I like everybody but the "one conversation effect" was really in play. One simple conversation and the heartache would have been avoided. I have really enjoyed the books in this series but this one was a little weak to me. It will be read again for sure.
August 27, 2015
Male author guessing badly about a femme/femme relationship. The girls are one dimensional at best. They just say/think/and do the same things over and over. Does Erik know any lesbians? Or is he just capitalizing on the lack of lesbian fiction out there?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews