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It's Kind of a Bad Idea
290 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 7, 2025
I loved every page of it. After just two chapters, I knew this book was going to drive me crazy. The sexual tension between the main characters, Annika and her sister's best friend Gabi, was insane and intense.
We follow the journey of Annika, who hasn't really found love and has one short relationship or affair after another, and Gabi, who has just broken up with her long-term boyfriend and realized that she is more attracted to women. Annika helps Gabi find her way in the gay world. She supports her with advice and assistance, and soon a sexual attraction develops that the two cannot escape.
The flirting between the two was sweet, and seeing them slowly fall in love was beautiful and thrilling. The self-doubt and the struggle to admit their feelings for each other was a great development and beautifully written. But this slow burn also drove me crazy! I suffered with them, and the 3. Act breakup broke my heart too. Yes, I admit it, I cried.
A great book about finding yourself, trying new things, and slowly falling for someone you didn't expect. Accompanied by lots of emotion, tears, butterflies and a lot of spice. A heartwarming novel that was just fun to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an ARC!
We follow the journey of Annika, who hasn't really found love and has one short relationship or affair after another, and Gabi, who has just broken up with her long-term boyfriend and realized that she is more attracted to women. Annika helps Gabi find her way in the gay world. She supports her with advice and assistance, and soon a sexual attraction develops that the two cannot escape.
The flirting between the two was sweet, and seeing them slowly fall in love was beautiful and thrilling. The self-doubt and the struggle to admit their feelings for each other was a great development and beautifully written. But this slow burn also drove me crazy! I suffered with them, and the 3. Act breakup broke my heart too. Yes, I admit it, I cried.
A great book about finding yourself, trying new things, and slowly falling for someone you didn't expect. Accompanied by lots of emotion, tears, butterflies and a lot of spice. A heartwarming novel that was just fun to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an ARC!
October 15, 2025
I love it when people practice date.
This is a pretty solid book.
It is nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary- but sometimes I’m into that! Just something simple and fun to enjoy casually.
At first, I honestly got off on the wrong foot with Annika.
She seemed to be really negative and a bit rude. But, she actually really grew on me after a while!
She gave this sort of a grumpy x sunshine vibe (kinda).
I liked Gabi quite a bit.
Shes a late bloomer! and has some anxiety around feeling like she has to “prove” her sexuality, and that people won’t believe her since she’d spent so long with her ex boyfriend.
This always makes me sad, actually. I don’t want to say that reading it makes me “feel good”, because that sounds like I’m mean. But I just, appreciate the story I guess.
I’m probably the minority here.
But if two people I am close to start seeing each other, and choose to keep it under wraps- I literally do not care.
Especially if they’re not even in a fully established relationship. That is actually not even my business.
Around the 80% mark, this starting dragging just a little bit.
To me it was fine, because it was almost over anyway. But I would have liked to wrap things up a bit sooner.
Random notes:
- Modern wedding expectations are indeed crazy.
- Cease the hate toward undergrad psychology degrees! (Actually, it’s okay. It was funny)
- There is a cat named Vera Wang. I like that.
- Gabi really likes to talk about how hard her life as a doctor is. (Not saying she's wrong. She just, really likes to bring it up)
Overall, this was good.
It's fairly short and simple. It has some pretty classic “part of the same wedding party” and “practice dating” themes- both of which are things I take enjoyment from.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bold Strokes Books and author Sarah Levine, for providing me with the eARC of “It’s Kind of a Bad Idea”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 14, 2025
This is a pretty solid book.
It is nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary- but sometimes I’m into that! Just something simple and fun to enjoy casually.
At first, I honestly got off on the wrong foot with Annika.
She seemed to be really negative and a bit rude. But, she actually really grew on me after a while!
She gave this sort of a grumpy x sunshine vibe (kinda).
I liked Gabi quite a bit.
Shes a late bloomer! and has some anxiety around feeling like she has to “prove” her sexuality, and that people won’t believe her since she’d spent so long with her ex boyfriend.
This always makes me sad, actually. I don’t want to say that reading it makes me “feel good”, because that sounds like I’m mean. But I just, appreciate the story I guess.
I’m probably the minority here.
But if two people I am close to start seeing each other, and choose to keep it under wraps- I literally do not care.
Especially if they’re not even in a fully established relationship. That is actually not even my business.
Around the 80% mark, this starting dragging just a little bit.
To me it was fine, because it was almost over anyway. But I would have liked to wrap things up a bit sooner.
Random notes:
- Modern wedding expectations are indeed crazy.
- Cease the hate toward undergrad psychology degrees! (Actually, it’s okay. It was funny)
- There is a cat named Vera Wang. I like that.
- Gabi really likes to talk about how hard her life as a doctor is. (Not saying she's wrong. She just, really likes to bring it up)
Overall, this was good.
It's fairly short and simple. It has some pretty classic “part of the same wedding party” and “practice dating” themes- both of which are things I take enjoyment from.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bold Strokes Books and author Sarah Levine, for providing me with the eARC of “It’s Kind of a Bad Idea”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 14, 2025
October 12, 2025
Annika wasn’t a believer in happily ever afters despite designing wedding dresses for a living. She was a ‘like them and leave them’ type of woman, but she had her reasons. If a woman brought up the topic of commitment, then Annika was fully committed…to getting the hell out of there. Romance just wasn’t in the cards for her, or so she thought.
Speaking of getting the hell out of there, Gabi ended her long-term relationship and came out as a lesbian. As ready as Gabi was to put herself out there, she found the new dating scene intimidating. Luckily for her, she found a confidant in her best friend’s younger sister Annika. Only this Annika was taller, hotter, and had a smirk that was downright lethal. To help solve her problem, Annika offered to be her personal lesbian guru and, honestly, how could Gabi have said no? Any mutual attraction they had was to be ignored because acting on it would be a really bad idea.
I really enjoyed this one and how well the characters meshed together. It was a dual POV so reading about their emotions and struggles in depth made me feel connected to them. The two were there for each other outside their casual arrangement, and it was so sweet. Gabi and Annika were likable characters and I rooted for them as a couple. I loved the banter, teasing, and the chemistry they had both in and out of the bedroom. Seriously though, did someone turn the heat up? There were some things it could’ve gone without, but I still enjoyed the book. Jewish representation isn’t something that's written about enough in sapphic romances and I appreciated that it was incorporated in the book. Overall, it was heartwarming, and I was happy with it. I can't wait to see what Levine has lined up next.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Speaking of getting the hell out of there, Gabi ended her long-term relationship and came out as a lesbian. As ready as Gabi was to put herself out there, she found the new dating scene intimidating. Luckily for her, she found a confidant in her best friend’s younger sister Annika. Only this Annika was taller, hotter, and had a smirk that was downright lethal. To help solve her problem, Annika offered to be her personal lesbian guru and, honestly, how could Gabi have said no? Any mutual attraction they had was to be ignored because acting on it would be a really bad idea.
I really enjoyed this one and how well the characters meshed together. It was a dual POV so reading about their emotions and struggles in depth made me feel connected to them. The two were there for each other outside their casual arrangement, and it was so sweet. Gabi and Annika were likable characters and I rooted for them as a couple. I loved the banter, teasing, and the chemistry they had both in and out of the bedroom. Seriously though, did someone turn the heat up? There were some things it could’ve gone without, but I still enjoyed the book. Jewish representation isn’t something that's written about enough in sapphic romances and I appreciated that it was incorporated in the book. Overall, it was heartwarming, and I was happy with it. I can't wait to see what Levine has lined up next.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
October 3, 2025
This book is about Annika and Gabi, co-maid of honors for Maia’s wedding. Annika is a serial dater, always hopping from girl to girl, and finding out she likes the anticipation more than she likes all the emotions and closeness. Gabi just broke up with her boyfriend of 8 years after realizing her life was all mapped out for her with an ending she doesn’t want. When they meet at an LGBT+ event, they strike up an unlikely friendship where Annika offers to be her gay dating guru- even though they both find each other wildly attractive. What could possibly go wrong in the year leading up to Maia’s big day?
This book was a fun ride from start to end. I loved following Gabi’s journey as a “Baby Gay” learning how to flirt, finding what she likes in women, and her anxiety about her first lesbian kiss! She has to decide on when and if she should come out to those she loves, and will they accept this new part of her she’d been denying for so long? Annika goes on her own journey of self discovery. Working as a wedding dress designer and shop owner, never feeling good enough when compared to her perfect sister Maia, and never finding someone who sees her for all of who she is. Would someone ever accept her if they saw it? I think many people will relate deeply to the struggles we see in the main characters.
Gosh, did these characters have development. Both dealing with different insecurities, inadequacies, and what it means to really love some. The serial dater, and the long term “roommates”. Both have never let anyone get that close and break down walls. Together they not only bring out new and exciting things about each other, but learn what it means to be vulnerable, and emotionally intimate. It was a gradual and realistic development.
The relationships throughout the book are some of it’s strongest moments. The guilt as they lie and hide a relationship from Annika’s sister and Gabi’s lifetime best friend Maia, the struggles between them to have feelings of wanting something more but being too scared to step out and possibly fall, the jealousy that can pop up from exes and potential flings, the rollercoaster of this book will keep you wanting more.
Tropes: Dual POV, Forced proximity, Friends to lovers, Secret Dating, Slow burn
Number of Times I Wanted to Throw the Book Across the Room: Three, some in joy, some in frustration.
Did the Book Pass the “One More Chapter” Test?: Absolutely!!!! I could not put it down.
Number of Emotional Roller Coasters: 5
Perfect snack pairing: A warm grilled cheese and a glass of wine. Or homemade mozzarella!
Character I Would Most Like to Have a Drink With: Gabi! Not only is her job as a gynecologist fascinating, and I would want to hear all the birthing stories, but I think we’d have a lot in common.
Quote I love: “A gay lady is whatever you are, because you are gay.” “How terrifying it is to try and embrace them when I’ve been running from big and settling for just enough for a long time”
Level of spice: 3/5 has some graphic depictions multiple times but nothing too outlandish
Unique bits I love: You very rarely find a book about an adult woman discovering her sexuality for the first time, the pitfalls in dating and hardships that can bring.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was a fun ride from start to end. I loved following Gabi’s journey as a “Baby Gay” learning how to flirt, finding what she likes in women, and her anxiety about her first lesbian kiss! She has to decide on when and if she should come out to those she loves, and will they accept this new part of her she’d been denying for so long? Annika goes on her own journey of self discovery. Working as a wedding dress designer and shop owner, never feeling good enough when compared to her perfect sister Maia, and never finding someone who sees her for all of who she is. Would someone ever accept her if they saw it? I think many people will relate deeply to the struggles we see in the main characters.
Gosh, did these characters have development. Both dealing with different insecurities, inadequacies, and what it means to really love some. The serial dater, and the long term “roommates”. Both have never let anyone get that close and break down walls. Together they not only bring out new and exciting things about each other, but learn what it means to be vulnerable, and emotionally intimate. It was a gradual and realistic development.
The relationships throughout the book are some of it’s strongest moments. The guilt as they lie and hide a relationship from Annika’s sister and Gabi’s lifetime best friend Maia, the struggles between them to have feelings of wanting something more but being too scared to step out and possibly fall, the jealousy that can pop up from exes and potential flings, the rollercoaster of this book will keep you wanting more.
Tropes: Dual POV, Forced proximity, Friends to lovers, Secret Dating, Slow burn
Number of Times I Wanted to Throw the Book Across the Room: Three, some in joy, some in frustration.
Did the Book Pass the “One More Chapter” Test?: Absolutely!!!! I could not put it down.
Number of Emotional Roller Coasters: 5
Perfect snack pairing: A warm grilled cheese and a glass of wine. Or homemade mozzarella!
Character I Would Most Like to Have a Drink With: Gabi! Not only is her job as a gynecologist fascinating, and I would want to hear all the birthing stories, but I think we’d have a lot in common.
Quote I love: “A gay lady is whatever you are, because you are gay.” “How terrifying it is to try and embrace them when I’ve been running from big and settling for just enough for a long time”
Level of spice: 3/5 has some graphic depictions multiple times but nothing too outlandish
Unique bits I love: You very rarely find a book about an adult woman discovering her sexuality for the first time, the pitfalls in dating and hardships that can bring.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2025
⋆｡°✩ 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 ⋆｡°✩
3.75 stars | a sapphic romance about discovering yourself | 4/4 spice, 0/3 violence, profanity, no trigger warnings that I could think of
✎₊˚⊹ 𝕤𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤 ✎₊˚⊹
Annika is a dressmaker who, ironically, despises the pomp and extravagance of weddings, preferring to break up with her many girlfriends whenever they get too close. But she must put that aside because her older sister, Maia, is getting married; and Annika is a co-maid-of-honor with Gabi, Maia’s childhood best friend.
Gabi has just broken up with her eight year boyfriend, but the breakup isn’t affecting her as much as she thought.
Because, well… Gabi doesn’t think she’s all that into guys.
And right in the middle of Gabi’s midlife identity crisis, she’s chosen as her best friend Maia’s maid of honor, along with Maia’s younger (and admittedly attractive) sister, Annika.
When Annika finds out that Gabi is a lesbian, a secret she’s been holding onto since the breakup, they decide that Annika will act as Gabi’s lesbian guru, helping her explore her sexuality and catch up with all of the years she’s missed out on.
But as Gabi goes on more dates with women, she realizes that maybe the only one she wants is Annika; who soon realizes she’s found herself in a slow fall into the kind of love she never got past in all of her previous relationships.
When constant texting leads to drunken kisses and sleepovers, only one question remains: can both girls get past their inhibitions to be with each other?
*:･ﾟ✧♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 *:･ﾟ✧♡
alright, I really liked the characters in this. Gabi: omg icon. I love her sooooo much. Annika: love her too, not as much as Gabi but still loved her. Maia: the bestttttttt can't decide if I like her or Gabi more. the whole idea of the wedding was pretty cool, it being a year-long thing and stuff, it gave the characters time to progress in their relationships (in theory, more later) and stuff. it was quick and fun; not too serious, but the character growth was still good. overall a pretty nice read.
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
at times the book felt kind of fast, just in that I didn't really feel the emotional connection. I said the plot gave the characters' relationships time to grow, and that's true; but in reality. like, it wasn't some two week long love spiral, it was more realistic than that. however, despite that, I didn't feel the connection, you know? like, they decided that their relationship was going to be more than makeouts and sex, and I don't really get why. it felt like their relationship growth was just not shown enough, and more eluded at. I would've liked more detail on that.
* ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕨𝕣𝕒𝕡-𝕦𝕡 * ੈ✩‧₊˚
all-in-all, I'd say this was a fun, cute romance that was a nice palette cleanser. I'd recommend if you're looking for a short and sweet romance!
⋆˚⚡︎˖° 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 ⋆˚⚡︎˖°
It’s Kind of a Bad Idea is out now!!!
˙⋆.˚𐙚 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ˙⋆.˚𐙚
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, and to NetGalley for giving me a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
All thoughts are my own :D
3.75 stars | a sapphic romance about discovering yourself | 4/4 spice, 0/3 violence, profanity, no trigger warnings that I could think of
✎₊˚⊹ 𝕤𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤 ✎₊˚⊹
Annika is a dressmaker who, ironically, despises the pomp and extravagance of weddings, preferring to break up with her many girlfriends whenever they get too close. But she must put that aside because her older sister, Maia, is getting married; and Annika is a co-maid-of-honor with Gabi, Maia’s childhood best friend.
Gabi has just broken up with her eight year boyfriend, but the breakup isn’t affecting her as much as she thought.
Because, well… Gabi doesn’t think she’s all that into guys.
And right in the middle of Gabi’s midlife identity crisis, she’s chosen as her best friend Maia’s maid of honor, along with Maia’s younger (and admittedly attractive) sister, Annika.
When Annika finds out that Gabi is a lesbian, a secret she’s been holding onto since the breakup, they decide that Annika will act as Gabi’s lesbian guru, helping her explore her sexuality and catch up with all of the years she’s missed out on.
But as Gabi goes on more dates with women, she realizes that maybe the only one she wants is Annika; who soon realizes she’s found herself in a slow fall into the kind of love she never got past in all of her previous relationships.
When constant texting leads to drunken kisses and sleepovers, only one question remains: can both girls get past their inhibitions to be with each other?
*:･ﾟ✧♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 *:･ﾟ✧♡
alright, I really liked the characters in this. Gabi: omg icon. I love her sooooo much. Annika: love her too, not as much as Gabi but still loved her. Maia: the bestttttttt can't decide if I like her or Gabi more. the whole idea of the wedding was pretty cool, it being a year-long thing and stuff, it gave the characters time to progress in their relationships (in theory, more later) and stuff. it was quick and fun; not too serious, but the character growth was still good. overall a pretty nice read.
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
at times the book felt kind of fast, just in that I didn't really feel the emotional connection. I said the plot gave the characters' relationships time to grow, and that's true; but in reality. like, it wasn't some two week long love spiral, it was more realistic than that. however, despite that, I didn't feel the connection, you know? like, they decided that their relationship was going to be more than makeouts and sex, and I don't really get why. it felt like their relationship growth was just not shown enough, and more eluded at. I would've liked more detail on that.
* ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕨𝕣𝕒𝕡-𝕦𝕡 * ੈ✩‧₊˚
all-in-all, I'd say this was a fun, cute romance that was a nice palette cleanser. I'd recommend if you're looking for a short and sweet romance!
⋆˚⚡︎˖° 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 ⋆˚⚡︎˖°
It’s Kind of a Bad Idea is out now!!!
˙⋆.˚𐙚 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ˙⋆.˚𐙚
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, and to NetGalley for giving me a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
All thoughts are my own :D
October 9, 2025
I love this book. I always say that I love my romances with some emotional complexity, and this book is no exception. In both of their POVs, you could really feel how much they meant to each other, and sometimes, in romances, it ends up being showing, not telling. I appreciated being shown.
I like the organic way the book shows that time has passed. Time jumps can be tricky, and they are either too frequent or too condensed, but this book does a good job of making them feel organic. You can read in an epilogue that a year has passed, but you don't believe it. However, when they reached the end and a year had really passed, you felt like it had.
Is this the best book I've ever read? No. But I really liked it. It was well-rounded in a way that some romances miss the mark. I appreciated the representation of ADHD and the way it was portrayed, not only in daily life but also in its reflection on relationships, without making it a big deal. I loved the Jewish rep, it's definitely not seen a lot in the sapphic sphere. I highly recommend this book. It's a classic FWB -> lovers which is getting a little old, but it didn't feel like an overused trope in this book. This book genuinely felt like a story, and I'm happy to have read it. I'd highly recommend this book for sapphic romance lovers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 rounded up)
🌶️🌶️ (3 full scenes, some partial scenes/cutaways, some explicit comments)
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an advanced copy! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I like the organic way the book shows that time has passed. Time jumps can be tricky, and they are either too frequent or too condensed, but this book does a good job of making them feel organic. You can read in an epilogue that a year has passed, but you don't believe it. However, when they reached the end and a year had really passed, you felt like it had.
Is this the best book I've ever read? No. But I really liked it. It was well-rounded in a way that some romances miss the mark. I appreciated the representation of ADHD and the way it was portrayed, not only in daily life but also in its reflection on relationships, without making it a big deal. I loved the Jewish rep, it's definitely not seen a lot in the sapphic sphere. I highly recommend this book. It's a classic FWB -> lovers which is getting a little old, but it didn't feel like an overused trope in this book. This book genuinely felt like a story, and I'm happy to have read it. I'd highly recommend this book for sapphic romance lovers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 rounded up)
🌶️🌶️ (3 full scenes, some partial scenes/cutaways, some explicit comments)
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an advanced copy! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
October 11, 2025
Annika Silberberg is a lesbian with commitment phobia and will tend to end a relationship when things get a bit more serious. Gabi Mendon, Annika’s sister’s best friend, realized that she was into women and is ready to start dating (after ending an 8 year relationship with a man). They were both co-maid of honor at Maia’s upcoming wedding and will be spending a lot of time with each other.
I loved both the main characters… they were funny and real and very likable. I liked how they started having feelings for each other. There was an element of it being somewhat forbidden that adds to the excitement. The chemistry between the, was really off the charts.
I also enjoyed their relationship with Maia. She was a great supporting cast and I enjoyed her parts in this book too. The wedding theme and how to book was laid out was really nice and flows well. Highly recommend this one!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I loved both the main characters… they were funny and real and very likable. I liked how they started having feelings for each other. There was an element of it being somewhat forbidden that adds to the excitement. The chemistry between the, was really off the charts.
I also enjoyed their relationship with Maia. She was a great supporting cast and I enjoyed her parts in this book too. The wedding theme and how to book was laid out was really nice and flows well. Highly recommend this one!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 5, 2025
Annika Silberberg is a wedding dress designer who owns a bridal salon. Despite her occupation and her love of designing spectacular dresses, she hates weddings. Annika's love live focuses on the short term which means either one=night stands or very short-term dating. When a woman begins to get too close or probes about her life or the future, Annika quickly cuts all ties. Annika's sister, Maia, is planning her wedding and has asked Annika not only to design her dress, but also to serve to co-maid of honor along with Maia's best friend, Gabi Mendon.
Gabi is a gynecology resident in Portland, Maine, and has been in a long-term relationship with her college boyfriend, Matt, for eight years. As the story begins, Gabi ends her relationship with Matt to explore her sexuality. Gabi actually asks Annika to provide her with advice and guidance on queer dating and exposure to the lesbian scene in Portland. As these coaching sessions begin, Gabi and Annika begin to grow close and enjoy the day-to-day aspects of life and more. Over the period of the year prior to Maia's wedding, Gabi and Annika keep their relationship hidden from their family and friends.
I highly enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. The chemistry and relationship that developed between Annika and Gabi was organic and therefore felt real and palpable. Neither woman was expecting to fall for the other with Gabi coming out of a long-term relationship and with Annika shunning relationships in general. However, they slowly grew closer and truly learned details about each other's lives and when they were apart, they felt that a piece of them was missing. I also enjoyed learning more about the Jewish culture as both women and their families were highly engaged in the Jewish culture. Finally, I loved the back-and-forth exchanges between Gabi and her sister Maia as they prepared for Maia's wedding. 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gabi is a gynecology resident in Portland, Maine, and has been in a long-term relationship with her college boyfriend, Matt, for eight years. As the story begins, Gabi ends her relationship with Matt to explore her sexuality. Gabi actually asks Annika to provide her with advice and guidance on queer dating and exposure to the lesbian scene in Portland. As these coaching sessions begin, Gabi and Annika begin to grow close and enjoy the day-to-day aspects of life and more. Over the period of the year prior to Maia's wedding, Gabi and Annika keep their relationship hidden from their family and friends.
I highly enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. The chemistry and relationship that developed between Annika and Gabi was organic and therefore felt real and palpable. Neither woman was expecting to fall for the other with Gabi coming out of a long-term relationship and with Annika shunning relationships in general. However, they slowly grew closer and truly learned details about each other's lives and when they were apart, they felt that a piece of them was missing. I also enjoyed learning more about the Jewish culture as both women and their families were highly engaged in the Jewish culture. Finally, I loved the back-and-forth exchanges between Gabi and her sister Maia as they prepared for Maia's wedding. 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
I really loved the concept of this book - an exploration of a woman coming out as gay aged 30, navigating the break up of an eight-year relationship, being forced into close proximity of her best friend's younger sister as the pair plan wedding events for their friend/sister.
I loved Annika's character, a wedding hating lesbian who struggles to form lasting romantic attachments with others while she runs a wedding dress boutique custom making outfits. And Gabi being a doctor who has her professional life sorted but is living in the only studio flat she can afford after the break up felt very real too.
I loved the tension, I loved the accidental contact and the arrangement Annika and Gabi came to, I loved the idea of Gabi exploring her identity in her 30s, but unfortunately some of that fell a bit flat for me.
This is primarily a romance between Annika and Gabi, which is fine, and it's a pretty spicey one too, but I thought the way the character's Jewish identity was shown and explored made me see how well these topics could be reflected by Sarah, and I wish she'd given a little more time to Gabi's internal thoughts about the loss of so many years living as her true self.
There was a really good scene that explored these topics, but I wish there'd been a little bit more for how many really important and heartfelt topics are included in this book.
If you're looking for a cute but spicy lesbian romance - this is an amazing book, if you're like me and like to see a bit more character growth (I would argue the ending to this is very anti-climatic but want to avoid spoilers!) then this might miss a few marks for you.
I loved Annika's character, a wedding hating lesbian who struggles to form lasting romantic attachments with others while she runs a wedding dress boutique custom making outfits. And Gabi being a doctor who has her professional life sorted but is living in the only studio flat she can afford after the break up felt very real too.
I loved the tension, I loved the accidental contact and the arrangement Annika and Gabi came to, I loved the idea of Gabi exploring her identity in her 30s, but unfortunately some of that fell a bit flat for me.
This is primarily a romance between Annika and Gabi, which is fine, and it's a pretty spicey one too, but I thought the way the character's Jewish identity was shown and explored made me see how well these topics could be reflected by Sarah, and I wish she'd given a little more time to Gabi's internal thoughts about the loss of so many years living as her true self.
There was a really good scene that explored these topics, but I wish there'd been a little bit more for how many really important and heartfelt topics are included in this book.
If you're looking for a cute but spicy lesbian romance - this is an amazing book, if you're like me and like to see a bit more character growth (I would argue the ending to this is very anti-climatic but want to avoid spoilers!) then this might miss a few marks for you.
October 7, 2025
This book made me smile the whole time I was reading it and that says something. It is just such a sweet and fun read you need on occasion. The whole flow in the writing is great, you just keep on reading, and I just loved Annika and Gabi, their fears and struggles and how their relationship evolved.
Annika, the player that does not understand relationships, she panics when things get too real and does not really get romantic things like weddings despite owning a wedding dress shop where she is the designer. Then we have Gabi that has broken up from a long-term relationship with a man since she has realized she is a lesbian. Annika is the little sister to a bride to be, Maia, and Gabi is the best friend, so they are assigned to be co-maids of honor. They must spend a lot of time together and soon Gabi discloses that she is a lesbian but does not know how to flirt with a woman. Annika the expert offers to be her gay guru and teach her everything she knows. Gabi goes on a few dates but nothing interesting and when she kisses Annika instead, she knows that is what she wants, best kiss ever and later the best sex of her life. They decide to keep it all casual and secret from Maia.
It is however soon obvious that this so-called casual thing is so much more. Will they with time both own up to this and go for a real relationship, are they ready for something serious like that or perhaps it’s kind of a bad idea?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
Annika, the player that does not understand relationships, she panics when things get too real and does not really get romantic things like weddings despite owning a wedding dress shop where she is the designer. Then we have Gabi that has broken up from a long-term relationship with a man since she has realized she is a lesbian. Annika is the little sister to a bride to be, Maia, and Gabi is the best friend, so they are assigned to be co-maids of honor. They must spend a lot of time together and soon Gabi discloses that she is a lesbian but does not know how to flirt with a woman. Annika the expert offers to be her gay guru and teach her everything she knows. Gabi goes on a few dates but nothing interesting and when she kisses Annika instead, she knows that is what she wants, best kiss ever and later the best sex of her life. They decide to keep it all casual and secret from Maia.
It is however soon obvious that this so-called casual thing is so much more. Will they with time both own up to this and go for a real relationship, are they ready for something serious like that or perhaps it’s kind of a bad idea?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
October 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the eARC.
This is a very classic sapphic romance—an easy read that ticks off a lot of familiar boxes: sister’s best friend, dual POV, “baby gay” figuring things out, friends with benefits, and plenty of spice. The setup is fun: Annika is a wedding dress designer who doesn’t believe in lasting love, while Gabi has just ended an eight-year straight relationship and is suddenly navigating Queer dating for the first time. Thrown together as co–maids of honor for Annika’s sister’s wedding, they agree to keep things casual…but of course it doesn’t stay that way.
I usually roll my eyes at the miscommunication trope, but here it actually fits. These two are caught in a messy in-between—more than friends, less than defined—and their inability to talk about it makes sense for their personalities and their “situationship.” Watching Gabi stumble through her “baby gay” era with Annika as both guide and temptation was entertaining, even if predictable at times.
Overall, this book doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. It’s exactly what you want if you’re craving a light, trope-filled sapphic romance you can inhale in a couple of sittings.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the eARC.
This is a very classic sapphic romance—an easy read that ticks off a lot of familiar boxes: sister’s best friend, dual POV, “baby gay” figuring things out, friends with benefits, and plenty of spice. The setup is fun: Annika is a wedding dress designer who doesn’t believe in lasting love, while Gabi has just ended an eight-year straight relationship and is suddenly navigating Queer dating for the first time. Thrown together as co–maids of honor for Annika’s sister’s wedding, they agree to keep things casual…but of course it doesn’t stay that way.
I usually roll my eyes at the miscommunication trope, but here it actually fits. These two are caught in a messy in-between—more than friends, less than defined—and their inability to talk about it makes sense for their personalities and their “situationship.” Watching Gabi stumble through her “baby gay” era with Annika as both guide and temptation was entertaining, even if predictable at times.
Overall, this book doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. It’s exactly what you want if you’re craving a light, trope-filled sapphic romance you can inhale in a couple of sittings.
September 30, 2025
⭐️ 2.75/5
I liked that the story jumped straight in without a long intro—always a win for me. But the writing leaned way too descriptive; I don’t need to know every detail of what the characters are wearing every time they show up.
Gabi’s journey of realizing she’s a lesbian made sense for the story, but it started to feel repetitive when she kept explaining and overthinking it in her POV. The miscommunication trope was also a lot—especially since we got both POVs and knew they were falling for each other while each assumed the other was only casual. After a while it was just frustrating.
That said, the romance was cute, their chemistry worked, and the spice was written well. Just wish the rest of the story had matched that charm.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an e-ARC!
I liked that the story jumped straight in without a long intro—always a win for me. But the writing leaned way too descriptive; I don’t need to know every detail of what the characters are wearing every time they show up.
Gabi’s journey of realizing she’s a lesbian made sense for the story, but it started to feel repetitive when she kept explaining and overthinking it in her POV. The miscommunication trope was also a lot—especially since we got both POVs and knew they were falling for each other while each assumed the other was only casual. After a while it was just frustrating.
That said, the romance was cute, their chemistry worked, and the spice was written well. Just wish the rest of the story had matched that charm.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an e-ARC!
October 12, 2025
Loved it.
The story felt so real because it was so beautifully written. Every woman / person described was given a gorgeous description because every woman / person is gorgeous, everyone, whether she/her or they/them is exquisite and Sarah G. Levine does every one of them justice.
The wit and teasing as they fall in love is perfectly natural and fun to read. But the third act breakup, had me in tears. The heartbreak was so painful, and Annika telling Maia that she was right, that she will never try and have emotions in a relationship again broke me; I just wanted to give Gabi the talking to she deserves for shattering Annika’s heart.
Things I loved: this being the first book to acknowledge that 2 women will have menstrual cycles, revolutionary; finally!
And I’m sorry, who doesn’t want to go to a Dolly Parton drag show? What I wouldn’t give to see a Dolly Parton drag show in Nashville!
But I will say the bit I was most surprised at was my dyslexic misread of the title of Part 5, First Fighting or First Fisting, either way it sounded like it was going to be an interesting part! It still was but with no help from my title misread.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for one of my top reads of all time, this one will stay with me for a long time.
The story felt so real because it was so beautifully written. Every woman / person described was given a gorgeous description because every woman / person is gorgeous, everyone, whether she/her or they/them is exquisite and Sarah G. Levine does every one of them justice.
The wit and teasing as they fall in love is perfectly natural and fun to read. But the third act breakup, had me in tears. The heartbreak was so painful, and Annika telling Maia that she was right, that she will never try and have emotions in a relationship again broke me; I just wanted to give Gabi the talking to she deserves for shattering Annika’s heart.
Things I loved: this being the first book to acknowledge that 2 women will have menstrual cycles, revolutionary; finally!
And I’m sorry, who doesn’t want to go to a Dolly Parton drag show? What I wouldn’t give to see a Dolly Parton drag show in Nashville!
But I will say the bit I was most surprised at was my dyslexic misread of the title of Part 5, First Fighting or First Fisting, either way it sounded like it was going to be an interesting part! It still was but with no help from my title misread.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for one of my top reads of all time, this one will stay with me for a long time.
October 12, 2025
First 10% sets the scene. I want to see how things will play out, so good start.
Things move along at a nice pace. The move and plan of the mains is logical and well done. The move to intimacy carried me along.
There is then a decision made by one main, which you know is going to come back and bite! However I loved the introspection the character then had at potential consequences, that the mains had a real, adult conversation about it.
Of course as we know an adult conversation doesn’t always lead to adult actions….. and I am here for the mains continuing as is…… Which is an amazing balance the writer has managed. I’m enjoying this!
I am torn, not about loving the book, that’s a given….. but by the decision a main has made, even tho’ if she was my friend I would tell her to do what she is doing. (For those that avoid third act break up….. it’s not that, just thinking time!)
I enjoyed the sprinkles of Jewish culture intertwined in these lives. 4.5 rounded up because it deserves it as this felt fresh and real.
Things move along at a nice pace. The move and plan of the mains is logical and well done. The move to intimacy carried me along.
There is then a decision made by one main, which you know is going to come back and bite! However I loved the introspection the character then had at potential consequences, that the mains had a real, adult conversation about it.
Of course as we know an adult conversation doesn’t always lead to adult actions….. and I am here for the mains continuing as is…… Which is an amazing balance the writer has managed. I’m enjoying this!
I am torn, not about loving the book, that’s a given….. but by the decision a main has made, even tho’ if she was my friend I would tell her to do what she is doing. (For those that avoid third act break up….. it’s not that, just thinking time!)
I enjoyed the sprinkles of Jewish culture intertwined in these lives. 4.5 rounded up because it deserves it as this felt fresh and real.
October 14, 2025
What happens when a wedding dress designer who doesn’t think much of weddings takes a woman who is ready to explore her own sexuality under her wings. In It’s Kind of a Bad Idea, Annika, the designer, and Gabi, who has just left an eight-year relationship, are both maid of honors to Annika’s sister, Maia. Annika agrees to help guide Gabi into the sapphic world, and it begins to turn into something more for the both of them. But Annika always finds a way to leave when a relationship turns too serious, and Gabi is new to the sapphic world? Will it ever work out?
The novel is surprisingly low-tension for the story line. The ex-boyfriend never shows up. THere is so low-level family tension that never feels particularly stressful. The majority of the novel is just Annika and Gabi navigating whether or not this is just a temporary thing or something more. I could have used a little bit more tension in the novel, but the two main characters did have good chemistry, and it was a satisfying read.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is surprisingly low-tension for the story line. The ex-boyfriend never shows up. THere is so low-level family tension that never feels particularly stressful. The majority of the novel is just Annika and Gabi navigating whether or not this is just a temporary thing or something more. I could have used a little bit more tension in the novel, but the two main characters did have good chemistry, and it was a satisfying read.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2025
It's Kind of a Bad Idea is a sexy and fun sapphic romance that gives you exactly what you want exactly what it promises. When Gabi and Annika are thrust together during all of the pre-wedding festivities as co-maids of honour for Annika's sister's wedding, the chemistry is immediate but Gabi is fresh out of a very long term relationship with a man and is finallyt embracing her sexuality, while Annika has sworn off long term relationships and true love as a whole.
The two women enter into a simple agreement - Annika will teach Gabi about being a lesbian and all the fun that comes with it but in doing so, Annika quickly discovers that maybe there's more to the whole relationship and true love thing than she ever really thought there was.
This book was a lighthearted and fun forced proximity sapphic romance full of heart, humour and steam. What more can a person want? It's the first book I've read by this author and certainly won't be my last. It's a quick and easy read and one I really enjoyed!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC!
The two women enter into a simple agreement - Annika will teach Gabi about being a lesbian and all the fun that comes with it but in doing so, Annika quickly discovers that maybe there's more to the whole relationship and true love thing than she ever really thought there was.
This book was a lighthearted and fun forced proximity sapphic romance full of heart, humour and steam. What more can a person want? It's the first book I've read by this author and certainly won't be my last. It's a quick and easy read and one I really enjoyed!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC!
October 10, 2025
For the most part I had a great time reading this book. I loved all the Jewish moments and mentions, especially knowing how small the queer community is there, even more so the sapphic side. Also, the side characters all had their important moments and were quite loveable! I liked the main characters too, however, I am not a fan of the miscommunication and the third act was a bit of a letdown...
Although I loved the process of Gabi discovering herself, and Annika's amazing banter, I still can't believe the reason for the third act break-up was this... simple? Also, although clearly it was going to be HEA, they solved the issue in a heartbeat, which caught me off-guard. This is where one point is off. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this book, and I will still be checking out future works by Sarah G Levine.
(Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the e-ARC!)
Although I loved the process of Gabi discovering herself, and Annika's amazing banter, I still can't believe the reason for the third act break-up was this... simple? Also, although clearly it was going to be HEA, they solved the issue in a heartbeat, which caught me off-guard. This is where one point is off. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this book, and I will still be checking out future works by Sarah G Levine.
(Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the e-ARC!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Annika is a bridal gown designer who doesn't believe in love. After reconnecting with Gabi, her sister's best friend, her feelings about love might be changing. Gabi is freshly out of an 8-year relationship and is newly realizing things about herself she hasn't considered before.
Seeing both perspectives of this relationship gave valuable insight into the complex characters that would otherwise be lost. I loved watching Annika learn to allow herself to fall for someone, even if it means getting hurt. Gabi embracing the truths about herself that she's never given herself space to explore was powerful and meaningful. Annika's relationship with her sister is complicated and rocky at times, but despite the challenges, they are there for each other in the end.
Annika and Gabi's story brings:
🩷 friends-to-lovers
🩷 secret dating
🌶️🌶️sapphic spice
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Seeing both perspectives of this relationship gave valuable insight into the complex characters that would otherwise be lost. I loved watching Annika learn to allow herself to fall for someone, even if it means getting hurt. Gabi embracing the truths about herself that she's never given herself space to explore was powerful and meaningful. Annika's relationship with her sister is complicated and rocky at times, but despite the challenges, they are there for each other in the end.
Annika and Gabi's story brings:
🩷 friends-to-lovers
🩷 secret dating
🌶️🌶️sapphic spice
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 14, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Annika owns bridal shop and also a wedding dresses designer which is irony considering she hates wedding and believes in short terms flings. Her sister Maia is getting married and her not only to design her dress but to be co main of honor with her best friend Gabi. Gabi been in a relationship with her boyfriend Matt for eight years but decided to end it because she wants to explore her sexuality she also a gynecology resident and ask Annika for help as they navigate the queer dating scene but as Annika spends more times with Gabi she starts to wonder maybe being in a relationship long term isn’t as bad as she thinks. This was a nice read I like how Annika and Gabi were awkward at first their chemistry felt organic.
Annika owns bridal shop and also a wedding dresses designer which is irony considering she hates wedding and believes in short terms flings. Her sister Maia is getting married and her not only to design her dress but to be co main of honor with her best friend Gabi. Gabi been in a relationship with her boyfriend Matt for eight years but decided to end it because she wants to explore her sexuality she also a gynecology resident and ask Annika for help as they navigate the queer dating scene but as Annika spends more times with Gabi she starts to wonder maybe being in a relationship long term isn’t as bad as she thinks. This was a nice read I like how Annika and Gabi were awkward at first their chemistry felt organic.
Read
October 1, 2025First book by this author and it was alright. It jumped straight into the story and it was very much show rather than tell, but it was too much most of the time. It didn't do anything to move the story forward and was very repetitive with their inner thoughts.
Miscommunication is a very common trope and it didn't land as well as just trying to keep it casual when it was obviously not. Gabi's realizing she was a lesbian was a good aspect, but it got frustrating after awhile.
The romance was okay, and the chemistry was there as well as the spice. The "breakup' felt unnecessary and just stupid to be honest. The whole story I wished could have worked, but only parts did so overall it was an okay read.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Miscommunication is a very common trope and it didn't land as well as just trying to keep it casual when it was obviously not. Gabi's realizing she was a lesbian was a good aspect, but it got frustrating after awhile.
The romance was okay, and the chemistry was there as well as the spice. The "breakup' felt unnecessary and just stupid to be honest. The whole story I wished could have worked, but only parts did so overall it was an okay read.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
This book made me feel everything. Annika and Gabi were such a mess but in the best, most human way. Annika was the flirty one, always dating around but never really letting anyone in, and Gabi was this newly single, confused but brave soul trying to figure herself out. Their friendship started so funny and awkward, and then slowly turned into something really deep and beautiful. I loved how they both grew up emotionally. The chemistry between them felt natural, like you could actually believe it was happening. The writing was smooth and easy to read. Loved it. Thank you so much to the author, Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
October 12, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve noticed a lot of books nowadays have a lot of filler in an effort to make the book over 250 pages and I was happy to find none of that in this book. Every chapter of this book felt relevant to the romance between the two characters and all the secondary characters were great especially Maia. If I had to pick one thing about the book where maybe the author could’ve expanded a bit was what some of the Jewish customs mentioned are. Since I’m not Jewish and not familiar with all the things mentioned in the book I felt a tad left out but overall this book was excellent and I recommend it.
(I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review)
(I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review)
September 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the two main MCs was wild, especially the sexual chemistry. It’s always interesting seeing a later in life coming out story. I don’t feel like the third act break up was needed. I would’ve liked a little more in the epilogue I did think we could’ve went more in depth with Annika and her feelings toward relationships. Learning a little about Jewish culture was cool too! A lot could’ve been explored with that. Overall, it was an easy, funny and light read!
I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the two main MCs was wild, especially the sexual chemistry. It’s always interesting seeing a later in life coming out story. I don’t feel like the third act break up was needed. I would’ve liked a little more in the epilogue I did think we could’ve went more in depth with Annika and her feelings toward relationships. Learning a little about Jewish culture was cool too! A lot could’ve been explored with that. Overall, it was an easy, funny and light read!
October 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. All the characters are well written and you’d want to be friends with them. The romance is good. I like the way their strengths and weaknesses are both portrayed, plus the two leads manage to compliment each other. Niki in particular is a mass of contradictions, which is very entertaining. Her relationship with her sister is excellent and funny; brutal at times but also warm and loving. Gabi’s journey is nicely paced and rings true. A fun romance to read snugged up in the warm when the autumn nights start drawing in.
Read
October 8, 2025Unfortunately, It’s Kind of a Bad Idea wasn’t for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters, and the story didn’t quite hold my interest. The writing was fine, just not enough to keep me engaged. I decided to DNF, but I’m sure it will resonate more with other readers.
August 28, 2025
My second book woohoo!! I hope you love this!
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