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Meddling Friends: Kelsie #1
The Wish List
Kelsie almost has it all - a supportive family, a business she loves, and a close-knit group of friends who can be as meddlesome as they are fabulous. The one thing she doesn't have is a girlfriend, and, as the last unmarried member of the troop, her friends aren't about to stand for that. During a night of drunken frivolity, they concoct a plan. They're going to send a letter to Santa on Kelsie's behalf, asking for a girlfriend for Christmas. It's all fun and good humor for Kelsie until, the very next day, she meets Randa, a seemingly perfect woman who possesses all the attributes her friends specifically requested for her in their letter. When a chance encounter brings another woman into Kelsie's life, though, she begins to wonder whether perfect is necessarily right and if Santa could have been way off the mark.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2013
6 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Riley Lashea
13 books183 followersRiley LaShea grew up in an Ohio town that looks like a dust speck on most maps. It was boring and awful, so she got the hell out of there. Now, she doesn't know where she wants to be, so over the past several years she has lived in Nashville, Orlando, Fort Worth, Allentown, Columbus, Kansas City, Raleigh, outside LA and inside Manhattan.
She won a lyric contest judged by the Indigo Girls in high school and a screenplay contest judged by Creative Screenwriting Magazine once. Her first published novel became a bestseller at one indie bookstore in Oakland that has since gone out of business.
Known to take great risks in the noble pursuit of creativity, sometimes she prefers to just sit around eating chocolate yogurt and doing KenKen in pajama pants.
She won a lyric contest judged by the Indigo Girls in high school and a screenplay contest judged by Creative Screenwriting Magazine once. Her first published novel became a bestseller at one indie bookstore in Oakland that has since gone out of business.
Known to take great risks in the noble pursuit of creativity, sometimes she prefers to just sit around eating chocolate yogurt and doing KenKen in pajama pants.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 17, 2017
Having just read 'Behind the Green Curtain' by this same author which is one epic erotic romance that deals with dark issues, infidelity, and emotional turmoil, 'The Wish List' falls on the complete opposite side of the romance spectrum.
There is no sex in this book. Nada. Zip. In fact, the main character Kelsie has a thing about waiting for sex in her old age of 28 having sowed her wild oats when she was younger and regretted a few too many romps.
Kelsie is the 7th wheel in the quadrangle of her 6 friends who make up 3 devotedly happily married couples and her 'meddling friends' have it in their heads to get the 8th wheel for Kelsie in order to make them a complete set. How do they go about it? Making a wish list of what would be Kelsie's perfect partner and sending it to Santa...
Yeah, so veeeeeery different from 'Behind the Green Curtain'.
Kelsie is an excellent main character and the tone of the book carries an element of rom-com. There is definitely an amusing thread that runs throughout. But, there's also a serious note as Kelsie navigates her feelings between the girl that "should" be perfect for her vs the one that actually is.
I was struck by how well the author wrote the subtle differences between Kelsie's dynamics with Randa, a good character and decent girlfriend, and those of Laken, the one we pretty much all fall in love with. And, the consistency in writing I did see from this author's other book is her high quality writing and her amazing use of unique similes. This author does know how to write and I really enjoy her style.
I will say that the story started off a little bumpy for me...can't put my finger on why...and the paranormal element that was brought in I felt wasn't actually needed at all and perhaps the story would've been stronger without it. It might feel a little slow/conflicting until Laken enters the scene...but, in a not ha-ha funny way, that experience just mirrors Kelsie's.
However, as an overall read, this is a really cute, warm, touching story with great characters all around. No one has a devastating past, some sordid sexual abuse or huge issues to overcome. In fact, Kelsie and Laken are mature, functional adults that can communicate and still manage to pull off a good story. Amazing! 'Wish List' is a pure, light-hearted romance with enough depth to fill you up...and if you're reading this during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday, all the better.
To put this another way, as soon as I finished this book I turned around and read the second (which is even better).
This being the first story in a three part series, it's definitely its own stand-alone but I'd say it's not a complete experience until you've read the second book, as well. And, come on, who doesn't want more Laken...and Laken and Kelsie together? Yes, recommend.
There is no sex in this book. Nada. Zip. In fact, the main character Kelsie has a thing about waiting for sex in her old age of 28 having sowed her wild oats when she was younger and regretted a few too many romps.
Kelsie is the 7th wheel in the quadrangle of her 6 friends who make up 3 devotedly happily married couples and her 'meddling friends' have it in their heads to get the 8th wheel for Kelsie in order to make them a complete set. How do they go about it? Making a wish list of what would be Kelsie's perfect partner and sending it to Santa...
Yeah, so veeeeeery different from 'Behind the Green Curtain'.
Kelsie is an excellent main character and the tone of the book carries an element of rom-com. There is definitely an amusing thread that runs throughout. But, there's also a serious note as Kelsie navigates her feelings between the girl that "should" be perfect for her vs the one that actually is.
I was struck by how well the author wrote the subtle differences between Kelsie's dynamics with Randa, a good character and decent girlfriend, and those of Laken, the one we pretty much all fall in love with. And, the consistency in writing I did see from this author's other book is her high quality writing and her amazing use of unique similes. This author does know how to write and I really enjoy her style.
I will say that the story started off a little bumpy for me...can't put my finger on why...and the paranormal element that was brought in I felt wasn't actually needed at all and perhaps the story would've been stronger without it. It might feel a little slow/conflicting until Laken enters the scene...but, in a not ha-ha funny way, that experience just mirrors Kelsie's.
However, as an overall read, this is a really cute, warm, touching story with great characters all around. No one has a devastating past, some sordid sexual abuse or huge issues to overcome. In fact, Kelsie and Laken are mature, functional adults that can communicate and still manage to pull off a good story. Amazing! 'Wish List' is a pure, light-hearted romance with enough depth to fill you up...and if you're reading this during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday, all the better.
To put this another way, as soon as I finished this book I turned around and read the second (which is even better).
This being the first story in a three part series, it's definitely its own stand-alone but I'd say it's not a complete experience until you've read the second book, as well. And, come on, who doesn't want more Laken...and Laken and Kelsie together? Yes, recommend.
August 31, 2017
3.5
An overall enjoyable read...although I will say that Kelsie's cirlce of friends, especially Kip and Melissa, kinda pissed me off with how pushy they were. Regardless, it was a nice read that made me smile, shake my head, and smile some more. I'm already downloading the next in the series.
An overall enjoyable read...although I will say that Kelsie's cirlce of friends, especially Kip and Melissa, kinda pissed me off with how pushy they were. Regardless, it was a nice read that made me smile, shake my head, and smile some more. I'm already downloading the next in the series.
June 25, 2018
I've only read one book by Lashea and it was Behind the Green Curtain. This is nothing like that. It's fun, gentle, entertaining, humourous and with no explicit content. What it does have in common with Behind the Green Curtain is really good writing.
Kelsie is surrounded by married friends who seem to think she needs to be part of a couple too. They create a wish list for her to send to Santa containing the description of what kind of woman would be perfect for her.
On to the second one in the series!
Kelsie is surrounded by married friends who seem to think she needs to be part of a couple too. They create a wish list for her to send to Santa containing the description of what kind of woman would be perfect for her.
On to the second one in the series!
January 3, 2018
3 stars. This was a bit of a weird one. So much of the book is spent on the unlikable Randa and when the other lady jumps in she's great but we barely get to know her and then the book ends. Kelsie's great though, her thought process was written in a very neat way. And her friends are also amazing if not too pushy at times but it's Kelsie's pushover nature that allows for that to happen so I'm fine with it.
One thing I expected to get was hot sex scenes after reading her other work Behind the Green Curtain but there's not even a little bit of it. Nothing. Kinda left me wanting in that department.
And the magic part of the story... It felt pushed in to fit the Christmas theme, nothing more. The story would've been a lot better without it.
Overall a decent read. I'll probably pick up the second book too at some point.
One thing I expected to get was hot sex scenes after reading her other work Behind the Green Curtain but there's not even a little bit of it. Nothing. Kinda left me wanting in that department.
And the magic part of the story... It felt pushed in to fit the Christmas theme, nothing more. The story would've been a lot better without it.
Overall a decent read. I'll probably pick up the second book too at some point.
December 11, 2018
4 STARS for this Christmas themed romance.
This is my first book by LaShea and I really enjoyed it. A glance at the reviews and a GR friend emploring me to read it - it appears I'm the only one who hasn't read her earlier book, Behind the Green Curtain, which I surmise has a very different tone from this book. I've put Green Curtain higher on my TBR list.
So this book's central character is Kelsie, a single 28year old lesbian who has a meddlesome but well meaning group of 6 longtime friends, made up of 3 happily married couples (2 straight, 1 gay). At Thanksgiving they decide that Kelsie needs a girlfriend. Although Kelsie does date, she hasn't found the ONE, they however feel she is being picky and doesn't know what she wants. But they do. So they draft a letter to Santa asking for what they "know" would be Kelsie's perfect wife. Kelsie, in spite of their protests, destroys the letter. But surprise! The next day Kelsie meets a woman, Randa, who perfectly met the exacting criteria for her "Santa girl".
Kelsie starts to date Randa, who is beautiful, successful and nice. Kelsie all but admits that Randa should be the ONE, but... then she meets Lakin.
I was going to put off reading Book 2 because I have one or two other books I wan't to read first, but I think I've changed my mind!
This is my first book by LaShea and I really enjoyed it. A glance at the reviews and a GR friend emploring me to read it - it appears I'm the only one who hasn't read her earlier book, Behind the Green Curtain, which I surmise has a very different tone from this book. I've put Green Curtain higher on my TBR list.
So this book's central character is Kelsie, a single 28year old lesbian who has a meddlesome but well meaning group of 6 longtime friends, made up of 3 happily married couples (2 straight, 1 gay). At Thanksgiving they decide that Kelsie needs a girlfriend. Although Kelsie does date, she hasn't found the ONE, they however feel she is being picky and doesn't know what she wants. But they do. So they draft a letter to Santa asking for what they "know" would be Kelsie's perfect wife. Kelsie, in spite of their protests, destroys the letter. But surprise! The next day Kelsie meets a woman, Randa, who perfectly met the exacting criteria for her "Santa girl".
Kelsie starts to date Randa, who is beautiful, successful and nice. Kelsie all but admits that Randa should be the ONE, but... then she meets Lakin.
I was going to put off reading Book 2 because I have one or two other books I wan't to read first, but I think I've changed my mind!
April 18, 2018
Interesting story. Lots of interesting side characters. Witty dialogue. Nice romance.
October 14, 2017
Yup, this was very different from Riley Lashea's Behind The Green Curtain for sure. But eventhough the tone was completely different, the excellence remained. The book has high quality dialogue with wonderful main characters. The tone is light and witty with some serious undertones.
I share Lov2laf's opinion on the magic part, I was a bit confused about it and wondered why the author used it in the first place. Maybe because it was not done through out the whole story but tacked on in the beginning and the end of the book.
I love Kelsie and I admire her iron rule not to sleep with the new girlfriend until she knows her better. She did that enough in her past and has too many regrets about it. It sure frustrates 'perfect wish list woman' Randa but she mainly stays cool with it. Randa seems the right woman for Kelsie until... she is not. When Kelsie meets Laken, the story gets a lot more interesting. Kelsie's friends form the comic relief in the story and I love their banter. It all takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas so there is plenty of holiday cheer to add to the story.
f/f no sex
Themes: making a list checking it twice, December, holiday preparations, lovely banter, ski resort, pocket watches, I was not sure about the magic element, Laken is a dream woman, what's with the weird names in this book... Randa? Laken? Now I need to read book two straight away!
4 stars
I share Lov2laf's opinion on the magic part, I was a bit confused about it and wondered why the author used it in the first place. Maybe because it was not done through out the whole story but tacked on in the beginning and the end of the book.
I love Kelsie and I admire her iron rule not to sleep with the new girlfriend until she knows her better. She did that enough in her past and has too many regrets about it. It sure frustrates 'perfect wish list woman' Randa but she mainly stays cool with it. Randa seems the right woman for Kelsie until... she is not. When Kelsie meets Laken, the story gets a lot more interesting. Kelsie's friends form the comic relief in the story and I love their banter. It all takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas so there is plenty of holiday cheer to add to the story.
f/f no sex
Themes: making a list checking it twice, December, holiday preparations, lovely banter, ski resort, pocket watches, I was not sure about the magic element, Laken is a dream woman, what's with the weird names in this book... Randa? Laken? Now I need to read book two straight away!
4 stars
July 23, 2017
A magical love story!
Because this is a new author for me, I didn't know what to expect. Now I can honestly say, I like her writing, I love her characters, the setting, the interaction and I enjoyed the plotline. The time in which this magical story takes place, is my favorite season. So that is also a bonus. It's not really a Christmas story with all the bells and whistles but a story in which Christmas plays an important role. It’s about asking for a girlfriend for Christmas. With meddling friends, it is asking for trouble. Kelsie doesn't like that but she also know she loves them no matter what. I’m glad I have all 3 installments on my reader and I don't have to wait to read the next part about this great bunch of friends. Take a shot at this first book of a series of 3. You will not regret it.
Because this is a new author for me, I didn't know what to expect. Now I can honestly say, I like her writing, I love her characters, the setting, the interaction and I enjoyed the plotline. The time in which this magical story takes place, is my favorite season. So that is also a bonus. It's not really a Christmas story with all the bells and whistles but a story in which Christmas plays an important role. It’s about asking for a girlfriend for Christmas. With meddling friends, it is asking for trouble. Kelsie doesn't like that but she also know she loves them no matter what. I’m glad I have all 3 installments on my reader and I don't have to wait to read the next part about this great bunch of friends. Take a shot at this first book of a series of 3. You will not regret it.
December 6, 2013
This is a nice little Christmas story (and it could have been a little longer but there will be a sequel out in 2014, let's hope for more of Laken and Kelsie)
January 4, 2016
This book was very sweet and a cute, quick holiday read. Definitely pick it up if you have a kindle unlimited account.
June 27, 2024
O.K. So I really did not like this story. This coming from the author of 'Club Story Ville' (which I loved) and 'Behind the Green Curtain' (loved as well).
I read the first few chapters of this book and could not stand the meddling friends, so I stopped reading and marked it as 'DNF'.
Went back to it later, since I had no reading material left on my Kobo. Started to get interested when Kelsie has her accident and meets another beautiful woman.
So I continued reading, wanting to find out what happened.
Then all the 'wishing upon a star' rubbish! Really. Was she there, wasn't she...
Real turn off for me. So I will toss the follow up to this story. Sorry, Not my cup of tea.
I read the first few chapters of this book and could not stand the meddling friends, so I stopped reading and marked it as 'DNF'.
Went back to it later, since I had no reading material left on my Kobo. Started to get interested when Kelsie has her accident and meets another beautiful woman.
So I continued reading, wanting to find out what happened.
Then all the 'wishing upon a star' rubbish! Really. Was she there, wasn't she...
Real turn off for me. So I will toss the follow up to this story. Sorry, Not my cup of tea.
January 10, 2018
it's so good！Riley Lashea has become my favourite romance writer. I loved the way she portrays characters and relationships, the romances are always unique and the chemistry between the characters are always good.
Despite a slightly slow flow in this book, Kelsie and Laken are my favourite couple rn.
Despite a slightly slow flow in this book, Kelsie and Laken are my favourite couple rn.
October 3, 2019
This is a fun Christmas HEA with a small amount of angst and an assortment of reasonably drawn, if occasionally annoying, secondary characters. The Santa/Christmas twist at the end was foreseeable but it was handled efficiently without making too big of a mess of the story line. Overall a good seasonal read.
September 9, 2016
It's hard for me to believe The Wish List is by the same author who wrote the fascinating and fabulous Behind The Green Curtain. It's not so much that The Wish List isn't well-written (it is) but that it is lukewarm in spirit and often confusing towards the end.
I'm glad to hear that there is a sequel planned. Hopefully, that will give more fuel and substance to the potentially uplifting and romantic storyline that never quite takes off here.
Another thing that would be nice is if main character Kelsie's well-meaning, but highly annoying and intrusive, friends did not make an appearance in a second book. I found them to be a huge drawback and just can't imagine most people putting up with their shenanigans in real life.
I'm glad to hear that there is a sequel planned. Hopefully, that will give more fuel and substance to the potentially uplifting and romantic storyline that never quite takes off here.
Another thing that would be nice is if main character Kelsie's well-meaning, but highly annoying and intrusive, friends did not make an appearance in a second book. I found them to be a huge drawback and just can't imagine most people putting up with their shenanigans in real life.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews