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Love #2
Love in the Balance
Accountant Connie Bradford feels her life is changing for the better. Riding high on the crest of a huge promotion, she has finally ended the unsatisfying relationship with her boyfriend. Everything is moving in logical trasition. Until she meets Kasey Hollander. . .Carpenter Kasey Hollander lives a life of work-centered exclusion. Owner of a successful renovation company she hires Connie to handle her books, and the two quickly hit it off. Since her ex-lover left her hurt and humiliated, Kasey has been determined to play it safe as far as relationships go -- and what could be safer than a platonic friendship with a straight woman?
237 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1998
16 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Marianne K. Martin
21 books65 followersA graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Ms Martin taught in the Michigan public school system for twenty-five years, has worked as a photo-journalist, a photographer, and coached both high school and collegiate teams as well as amateur ASA teams. Her coaching career produced many Tri-County and MHSAA championship basketball and softball teams and championship ASA softball teams. She was founder of the Michigan Woman's Major Fastpitch Assoc. and its president for ten years. In 1973 she won the precedent-setting case in a Michigan court establishing equal pay for women coaches.
Ms Martin is the best-selling author of Legacy of Love, Love in the Balance, Never Ending, Dawn of the Dance, Dance in the Key of Love, and three Lambda Literary Award finalists, Mirrors, Under the Witness Tree, and For Now, For Always.
Her short stories have been included in a number of anthologies. Her most recent, Fire and Ice, appears in the second edition of the on-line issue of Read These Lips.
She is co-owner of Bywater Books and currently splits her time between her publishing responsibilities and writing.
Ms Martin is the best-selling author of Legacy of Love, Love in the Balance, Never Ending, Dawn of the Dance, Dance in the Key of Love, and three Lambda Literary Award finalists, Mirrors, Under the Witness Tree, and For Now, For Always.
Her short stories have been included in a number of anthologies. Her most recent, Fire and Ice, appears in the second edition of the on-line issue of Read These Lips.
She is co-owner of Bywater Books and currently splits her time between her publishing responsibilities and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 10, 2018
3.9 stars. Wow, what a blast from the past. The cultural and social norms have changed a lot since then.
I loved the characters and I loved their love story. Then I got confused as the book wildly changed its direction to make a political statement. One that was direly needed 20 years ago and is still relevant even today. I'm sad that these things happened and still do happen today. But I'm also optimistic seeing how much progress has been made in the last 20 years. Things have improved, maybe not in my country but definitely in most large western nations.
A bit directionless and bittersweet read. But I liked it, still worth a read in 2018.
I loved the characters and I loved their love story. Then I got confused as the book wildly changed its direction to make a political statement. One that was direly needed 20 years ago and is still relevant even today. I'm sad that these things happened and still do happen today. But I'm also optimistic seeing how much progress has been made in the last 20 years. Things have improved, maybe not in my country but definitely in most large western nations.
A bit directionless and bittersweet read. But I liked it, still worth a read in 2018.
August 6, 2023
Sadly, there was not an option to select the audiobook version of this book to review.
There are a handful of paperbacks that I have held close to my heart and read too many times to count over the last two decades. This is one. I have practically worn the Naiad Press version out and couldn't have been more thrilled to learn that it was being released on audio with Abby Craden narrating. A dream come true, really.
The story was written and set in the late 90s, when there were very few people were out - a good number of LGBTQ folks still having to be in the closet for fear of workplace and social discrimination. While this story is not entirely about that - it's a toaster oven romance - there are still discriminatory practices addressed both in and out of the LGBTQ community.
The romance between accountant Connie Bradford and construction contractor Kasey Hollander is achingly beautiful. Kasey has fallen in love with a straight woman before and she's determined not to let that happen again. But when Kasey secures the services of Connie's firm, their professional relationship turns into a beautiful friendship that awakens stronger feelings in both women. But they don't just have their own fears and challenges to face - but those of Kasey's close knit community of friends who don't want to see her hurt again.
As their relationship progresses, a devastating event rocks their community that brings about changes to them as individuals and their group as a whole.
While I always felt their story was incredibly moving, the addition of Craden's performance of the work made it all the more impactful.
Loved it - and really hope to see even more classics released on audio. Thank you, Marianne K Martin, for making that happen.
There are a handful of paperbacks that I have held close to my heart and read too many times to count over the last two decades. This is one. I have practically worn the Naiad Press version out and couldn't have been more thrilled to learn that it was being released on audio with Abby Craden narrating. A dream come true, really.
The story was written and set in the late 90s, when there were very few people were out - a good number of LGBTQ folks still having to be in the closet for fear of workplace and social discrimination. While this story is not entirely about that - it's a toaster oven romance - there are still discriminatory practices addressed both in and out of the LGBTQ community.
The romance between accountant Connie Bradford and construction contractor Kasey Hollander is achingly beautiful. Kasey has fallen in love with a straight woman before and she's determined not to let that happen again. But when Kasey secures the services of Connie's firm, their professional relationship turns into a beautiful friendship that awakens stronger feelings in both women. But they don't just have their own fears and challenges to face - but those of Kasey's close knit community of friends who don't want to see her hurt again.
As their relationship progresses, a devastating event rocks their community that brings about changes to them as individuals and their group as a whole.
While I always felt their story was incredibly moving, the addition of Craden's performance of the work made it all the more impactful.
Loved it - and really hope to see even more classics released on audio. Thank you, Marianne K Martin, for making that happen.
November 14, 2017
Wow! That had a whopping big impact on me!
Colour me so surprised, too. When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be another love story worth of the protagonists abandoning the closet hand-in-hand, clicking their heels. But, it was so much more than that. It was a reminder of the harsh-costs that paved the road leading to the rights and freedoms enjoyed by those of us living an 'alternative lifestyle.' (Forgive the jargon; it belongs with the era of the book). None-the-less, the message is still as powerful today.
Lest We Forget.
Colour me so surprised, too. When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be another love story worth of the protagonists abandoning the closet hand-in-hand, clicking their heels. But, it was so much more than that. It was a reminder of the harsh-costs that paved the road leading to the rights and freedoms enjoyed by those of us living an 'alternative lifestyle.' (Forgive the jargon; it belongs with the era of the book). None-the-less, the message is still as powerful today.
Lest We Forget.
September 26, 2015
Spoilers, although I haven't read the end. The app is not giving me the spoiler hiding option.
I wanted to love this. I didn't. It seemed like I would, and then I was about 80% through and lesbians had to die and I didn't want to read any more. You'd think lesbian romances would be safe from lesbians having to die, but even in the stories we tell ourselves of our own romances we're closeted and murdered. I'm fed up with it.
Also the way that butch or androgynous women were written about was weird.
I wanted to love this. I didn't. It seemed like I would, and then I was about 80% through and lesbians had to die and I didn't want to read any more. You'd think lesbian romances would be safe from lesbians having to die, but even in the stories we tell ourselves of our own romances we're closeted and murdered. I'm fed up with it.
Also the way that butch or androgynous women were written about was weird.
July 31, 2016
This was a little hard for me to get into, but once I did, I was glad I read it. It's almost 20 years old and you can tell in the writing style, clothing description, and the fact that a hate crime occurs before there's a such thing as hate crimes against LGBT people.
It's a solid friends-to-lovers romance but I actually think it's the political side of the book that makes it important. I'm glad I read it and recommend it.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/love-...
It's a solid friends-to-lovers romance but I actually think it's the political side of the book that makes it important. I'm glad I read it and recommend it.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/love-...
September 27, 2021
3.5 stars. This is another older story published in 1998. It is somewhat dated but still a vibrant love story about finding the right person for you. Two femmes, one in the trades and one in the business world. The business woman Connie, is straight until she meets Kasey, who owns a construction company. They are two very likable women who navigate the waters that discovering your sexuality and coming out of the closet during that time period create barriers. There is a shocking twist to the story that makes you sit up and take notice of how far we hope we have come. Good solid read that stands the test of time.
January 7, 2016
An astonishing story!
This story has it all, sensitive subjects as hatred, bigotry but also a wonderful love story. It was touching, painful, emotional and it has left me wanting more. This book is an impressive accomplishment in every sense. I could visualize each character and feel every emotion. I've cried because of Donna and Evonne, I've laughed to the birthday party and I loved how Connie and Kasey treated things between them. I will reread it to let the story thoroughly soak in. I encourage everyone to get this book. It is definitely a must read.
This story has it all, sensitive subjects as hatred, bigotry but also a wonderful love story. It was touching, painful, emotional and it has left me wanting more. This book is an impressive accomplishment in every sense. I could visualize each character and feel every emotion. I've cried because of Donna and Evonne, I've laughed to the birthday party and I loved how Connie and Kasey treated things between them. I will reread it to let the story thoroughly soak in. I encourage everyone to get this book. It is definitely a must read.
July 3, 2024
Hmm. I know this book had some good reviews, and of course I loved the turn-of-the-millenium context as always, but this novel didn't quite work for me. I think I had two main issues with it:
- The writing was a bit choppy, and I had trouble sometimes distinguishing whose thoughts were whose. This isn't really a problem with head-hopping - it's actually what I prefer for novels written in the third person - but I feel like the author could have tidied up the writing a bit to prevent it from being an issue. The amount of time spent in Connie and Kasey's heads was also pretty uneven, so that didn't help things either.
- Several key plot points get forgotten as the book progresses. For example, Kasey hires Connie as an accountant, but her work is never mentioned after their meet-cute. Additionally, Connie's mother has a health scare and almost dies. Even though she meets Kasey and she is an important part of her recovery, neither Connie's mother or her father appear again in the novel. Especially since there's (understandably) a lot of tension about what coming out means to the leads' relationships with others, it would have made a lot of sense for Connie's parents to see her relationship with Kasey.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed, but it wasn't an unpleasant read at all.
- The writing was a bit choppy, and I had trouble sometimes distinguishing whose thoughts were whose. This isn't really a problem with head-hopping - it's actually what I prefer for novels written in the third person - but I feel like the author could have tidied up the writing a bit to prevent it from being an issue. The amount of time spent in Connie and Kasey's heads was also pretty uneven, so that didn't help things either.
- Several key plot points get forgotten as the book progresses. For example, Kasey hires Connie as an accountant, but her work is never mentioned after their meet-cute. Additionally, Connie's mother has a health scare and almost dies. Even though she meets Kasey and she is an important part of her recovery, neither Connie's mother or her father appear again in the novel. Especially since there's (understandably) a lot of tension about what coming out means to the leads' relationships with others, it would have made a lot of sense for Connie's parents to see her relationship with Kasey.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed, but it wasn't an unpleasant read at all.
Read
August 6, 2019One of the classics everyone should read
This is the fourth time I've read Love in The Balance. I first read it when I was young and coming into myself. I loved it then and I love it now. It is so true to the way it was for us to live even as recently as the late 1980s. So very much has changed during my life time. The young now have no idea how hard it was just a short time ago just as I can't imagine how it was for those who came before me. Every young reader should read Love In The Balance for just a small insight into how it was for gay women not that long ago. If the last few chapters bother anyone, that's too bad. We lived with that threat everyday and it was just like it's written. We were beaten, killed, fired, kicked out of our homes...and society didn't care. Unfortunately, these things still exist for many. Maybe, as a group, we have become too complacent in a world slightly more accepting. Read this book for the excellent, well written love story it is and also for a small insight into your own history.
This is the fourth time I've read Love in The Balance. I first read it when I was young and coming into myself. I loved it then and I love it now. It is so true to the way it was for us to live even as recently as the late 1980s. So very much has changed during my life time. The young now have no idea how hard it was just a short time ago just as I can't imagine how it was for those who came before me. Every young reader should read Love In The Balance for just a small insight into how it was for gay women not that long ago. If the last few chapters bother anyone, that's too bad. We lived with that threat everyday and it was just like it's written. We were beaten, killed, fired, kicked out of our homes...and society didn't care. Unfortunately, these things still exist for many. Maybe, as a group, we have become too complacent in a world slightly more accepting. Read this book for the excellent, well written love story it is and also for a small insight into your own history.
December 4, 2024
Read: 4+
Aural: 5
Absolutely LOVE this classic! I think I read this way back when but totally had no memory of it. As I've been going through Abby Craden's FF audiobook list, I saw this book and decided to listen to it. Listening to Abby Craden portraying the characters with such aplomb really brought home the very realistic, affecting and resonating love story AND the all-consuming social matter that still haunts us today, albeit we're faring better than 30 years ago. But we still have a long way to go. Bigotry casts long shadows. Hate is learned. I gave it 4+ stars when I read it but with Craden bringing this subject matter and the characters to life, I have to change my rating to 5 stars. End of.
Martin's flair in writing stories and characters that really hit home with issues that affect our LGBTQ+ community and women is timeless, imho. Reading this story that deals with a woman who thinks she's straight all her life suddenly realises she's fallen in love with a woman is a reality that I'm sure a lot of queer women have gone through. On the other hand, Martin's other MC is also a reality that a lot of queer women have also experienced in their lives - falling in love or being in a relationship with a straight woman who then leaves you for a man. The nightmare scenario for a lot of lesbians, I'm sure! The reason, at least back in the day, was almost always because of fear - isolation, rejection, discrimination, bigotry. Even today, albeit less so but as long as society still views anything but heteronormative lifestyle as something less than and to be ashamed of, we will always have women who're afraid to be who they truly are.
The thing I love about Martin's writing style is that it's so grounded. It's quiet and subtle in simplicity that it elevates the nuances of human behaviour, the human condition, when faced with situations and scenarios that affect every soul's daily life. When it's vocalised with realistic effect, it's like you're listening to a slice of life that she's showcasing for us so there's an understanding, an awareness, reached amongst the readers (and listeners). It can happen to and experienced by anyone because it's part of life, part of the journey, that we go through, albeit in different perspectives, circumstances, maybe, but almost always with the same mindset, which is, we're doing the best that we can, or at least we try to.
Aural: 5
Absolutely LOVE this classic! I think I read this way back when but totally had no memory of it. As I've been going through Abby Craden's FF audiobook list, I saw this book and decided to listen to it. Listening to Abby Craden portraying the characters with such aplomb really brought home the very realistic, affecting and resonating love story AND the all-consuming social matter that still haunts us today, albeit we're faring better than 30 years ago. But we still have a long way to go. Bigotry casts long shadows. Hate is learned. I gave it 4+ stars when I read it but with Craden bringing this subject matter and the characters to life, I have to change my rating to 5 stars. End of.
Martin's flair in writing stories and characters that really hit home with issues that affect our LGBTQ+ community and women is timeless, imho. Reading this story that deals with a woman who thinks she's straight all her life suddenly realises she's fallen in love with a woman is a reality that I'm sure a lot of queer women have gone through. On the other hand, Martin's other MC is also a reality that a lot of queer women have also experienced in their lives - falling in love or being in a relationship with a straight woman who then leaves you for a man. The nightmare scenario for a lot of lesbians, I'm sure! The reason, at least back in the day, was almost always because of fear - isolation, rejection, discrimination, bigotry. Even today, albeit less so but as long as society still views anything but heteronormative lifestyle as something less than and to be ashamed of, we will always have women who're afraid to be who they truly are.
The thing I love about Martin's writing style is that it's so grounded. It's quiet and subtle in simplicity that it elevates the nuances of human behaviour, the human condition, when faced with situations and scenarios that affect every soul's daily life. When it's vocalised with realistic effect, it's like you're listening to a slice of life that she's showcasing for us so there's an understanding, an awareness, reached amongst the readers (and listeners). It can happen to and experienced by anyone because it's part of life, part of the journey, that we go through, albeit in different perspectives, circumstances, maybe, but almost always with the same mindset, which is, we're doing the best that we can, or at least we try to.
February 10, 2021
Labels & love
“They may be black or white, male or female, gay or straight, Protestant or Catholic. They may have money, they may have none. But there is one thing to be sure of, they have a soul. A soul created in love, to be nourished by love.”
“Each of us needs to love and to be loved, to be happy in this world.”
+ • + • + • +
Loved the journey of attraction, understanding & love as it developed & intensified— all in the midst of individual self-discoveries & transformations in redefining & revealing their personal identities.
“They may be black or white, male or female, gay or straight, Protestant or Catholic. They may have money, they may have none. But there is one thing to be sure of, they have a soul. A soul created in love, to be nourished by love.”
“Each of us needs to love and to be loved, to be happy in this world.”
+ • + • + • +
Loved the journey of attraction, understanding & love as it developed & intensified— all in the midst of individual self-discoveries & transformations in redefining & revealing their personal identities.
October 18, 2018
A beautiful love story
The lead up to these two women getting together was slow & purposeful. With each dealing wit their pasts to find love & comfort in each other
To then have two beautiful women, torn for their grasp by a bigot, brought me down to dealing with daily reality but understanding that one day you have to say "enough". They did & it a difference.
Thank you for a story with a feigning middle & end that made me cheer.
The lead up to these two women getting together was slow & purposeful. With each dealing wit their pasts to find love & comfort in each other
To then have two beautiful women, torn for their grasp by a bigot, brought me down to dealing with daily reality but understanding that one day you have to say "enough". They did & it a difference.
Thank you for a story with a feigning middle & end that made me cheer.
March 5, 2019
Still resonates
Although this is an older book, its message resonates today as much as it did when it was originally released. Some reviewers complain about the “political message” near the end, but they’ve got it wrong. For anyone who has faced bigotry and hatred, it hits very close to home.
Read it.
Although this is an older book, its message resonates today as much as it did when it was originally released. Some reviewers complain about the “political message” near the end, but they’ve got it wrong. For anyone who has faced bigotry and hatred, it hits very close to home.
Read it.
August 13, 2021
A mi me ha aburrido. Entiendo que sea un libro escrito hace bastante, y que las cosas han cambiado bastante, por lo menos en España, pero a mi personalmente leer cosas amor a escondidas y que a ojos de los vecinos y conocidos sean amigas, pues no me gusta. Además la historia me parece bastante plana.
July 16, 2020
Trust, romance and a confrontation with the ugliness of life.
I believe this was portrayed well and as disturbed as i am about these ills of life I also am comforted by the main message of this book; love.
I believe this was portrayed well and as disturbed as i am about these ills of life I also am comforted by the main message of this book; love.
October 21, 2020
This was one of the first books I ever read and also a reason why I started reading more lesbian fiction! I loved it! I’ve read everything from this author and gutted there isn’t any more!
February 10, 2013
Utterly predictable and formulaic story of a straight woman (Connie) and a lesbian (Kasey) who meet because of business; both women are drop-dead gorgeous and ultra feminine. They're attracted to each other, straight girl asks gay girl about being gay, they kiss, straight girl says she's in love with gay girl, gay girl predictably pushes her away - of course the straight girl hits on the gay girl, isn't that the way it always is? At least, that's the way many lesbians fantasize it to be.
Anyway, of course they end up together, and Kasey's friends initially hate Connie because she's straight and because Kasey has a history of falling for straight women who end up disappointing her. But then two of their friends are murdered, so Connie decides it's time to come out and be visible. She takes her boss to lunch to tell him she's gay. Really? That's a bit of overkill, like using a hammer instead of a flyswatter to kill a fly. The murderer, who was the two women's next door neighbor and a rabid conservative Christian, is found guilty. Then fast-forward to Kasey and Connie's two year anniversary. They go up to the cabin for a "special weekend Connie had planned for them", where Connie breathlessly asks Kasey to marry her, Kasey breathlessly removes her mother's diamond ring from her own finger and places it on Connie's, and they basically ride off into the sunset together.
The cover of the book says "The classic love story returns!" I have to laugh at that. This isn't what I would call a classic love story. I would call it the lesbian version of a Harlequin Romance, nothing more. The writing is so dramatic and cheesy, it's laughable. At one point, Connie confronts one of Kasey's friends Sage and says "I won't tolerate any indignities, Sage, so don't even try." Oh my god. Really? You won't tolerate any indignities? Well, I don't know how I was able to tolerate this book, but somehow I managed. I have one more book by this author to read, then I'll put her away for good.
Anyway, of course they end up together, and Kasey's friends initially hate Connie because she's straight and because Kasey has a history of falling for straight women who end up disappointing her. But then two of their friends are murdered, so Connie decides it's time to come out and be visible. She takes her boss to lunch to tell him she's gay. Really? That's a bit of overkill, like using a hammer instead of a flyswatter to kill a fly. The murderer, who was the two women's next door neighbor and a rabid conservative Christian, is found guilty. Then fast-forward to Kasey and Connie's two year anniversary. They go up to the cabin for a "special weekend Connie had planned for them", where Connie breathlessly asks Kasey to marry her, Kasey breathlessly removes her mother's diamond ring from her own finger and places it on Connie's, and they basically ride off into the sunset together.
The cover of the book says "The classic love story returns!" I have to laugh at that. This isn't what I would call a classic love story. I would call it the lesbian version of a Harlequin Romance, nothing more. The writing is so dramatic and cheesy, it's laughable. At one point, Connie confronts one of Kasey's friends Sage and says "I won't tolerate any indignities, Sage, so don't even try." Oh my god. Really? You won't tolerate any indignities? Well, I don't know how I was able to tolerate this book, but somehow I managed. I have one more book by this author to read, then I'll put her away for good.
July 5, 2014
This is a BookCrossing book I nabbed from a shelf in the Lasipalatsi gallery space in lieu of Pride merch, because most of said merch was already gone. Sadface. In truth, I would like to give this novel 2½ stars. Here is why.
Although the romance itself was quite lovely and, yes, occasionally titillating, there were some aspects of the plot that I simply did not care for — especially in the last third or so.
In conclusion: It's a nice read, and the development of the relationship between Kasey and Connie is quite lovely, but if you don't care about a hefty dose of (poorly integrated) socio-political commentary with your fluff, you may wish to skip the last third or, you know, the whole book.
Although the romance itself was quite lovely and, yes, occasionally titillating, there were some aspects of the plot that I simply did not care for — especially in the last third or so.
In conclusion: It's a nice read, and the development of the relationship between Kasey and Connie is quite lovely, but if you don't care about a hefty dose of (poorly integrated) socio-political commentary with your fluff, you may wish to skip the last third or, you know, the whole book.
September 21, 2012
Such a story as this has been told by many authors since Marianne K Martin first wrote this book in 1998. But few tell a story as poignantly as her. I read this book a while back, but couldn't remember it, so i just read it again. The themes in the book didn't resonate with me, which is probably why i forgot it, and probably why it's just "ok" for me. but i've no doubt others who can relate to this book would love it
The book starts off with a beautiful lesbian falling in love with a beautiful straight woman. When the love is reciprocated, the lesbian, who has been burned by curious straight women in the past, runs away. I cannot relate to this and it frustrated me. Tell me you wouldn't be trying to convert the other woman the entire time if you loved her. ...not running away.
A good part of the book towards the end deals with bigotry and the effects of hatred and homophobia and how it hit home with the characters; as well as choices that had to be made to stand up to such injustice. I admit, i am one of those people that reads as just another means to burying my head in the sand. So, in my escapism, i don't want to be faced with the harsh reality of our situation.
If you don't mind a story that contains the themes i mentioned above, i've no doubt you'll love this book. It is well written and has a good amount of love and overcoming and even some 4 star hot and steamy scenes.
The book starts off with a beautiful lesbian falling in love with a beautiful straight woman. When the love is reciprocated, the lesbian, who has been burned by curious straight women in the past, runs away. I cannot relate to this and it frustrated me. Tell me you wouldn't be trying to convert the other woman the entire time if you loved her. ...not running away.
A good part of the book towards the end deals with bigotry and the effects of hatred and homophobia and how it hit home with the characters; as well as choices that had to be made to stand up to such injustice. I admit, i am one of those people that reads as just another means to burying my head in the sand. So, in my escapism, i don't want to be faced with the harsh reality of our situation.
If you don't mind a story that contains the themes i mentioned above, i've no doubt you'll love this book. It is well written and has a good amount of love and overcoming and even some 4 star hot and steamy scenes.
September 19, 2012
Boy, this book is so much better than I thought it would be...sweet, funny, emotional and (best of all!) the writer takes her time with the love story and presents wonderful characters you grow to care about. My only pet peeve with the novel is Marianne K. Martin's constant use of words like "lifestyle" and "lover." The use of both words in this case is especially jarring considering the two women who fall in love are more the committed and caring type than women who pursue a life of bar hopping and casual affairs. Of course, I have never been a big fan of the word "lover" in any situation since it's always struck me as an odd word to use when describing someone special in your life...just my two cents. Overall: this is a really cute, breezy read much needed in a world where lesbian fiction can sometimes be just plain awful!
July 26, 2011
I finished this book like a runaway train. I started to read it at intervals for the first third and gradually slipped into the world built around Kasey and Connie. Then, well, I became part of the audience for what seemed like a live performance.
Ms Martin writes beautifully and I easily flowed along with her and the story.The current moves like a gentle river, but beneath the surface a more complex terrain provides the reader a with something more akin to white water.
The protagonists are attractive, likeable, and three dimensional. Their conflicted reactions were never artifical and the sudden plot twist shocked me.
The romance was genuine and sensual and I can't wait for the sequel.
Ms Martin writes beautifully and I easily flowed along with her and the story.The current moves like a gentle river, but beneath the surface a more complex terrain provides the reader a with something more akin to white water.
The protagonists are attractive, likeable, and three dimensional. Their conflicted reactions were never artifical and the sudden plot twist shocked me.
The romance was genuine and sensual and I can't wait for the sequel.
July 9, 2012
I really enjoyed the two main characters and they are why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 3. They were interesting and engaging. The balance of the story, however, it standard fare for a lesbian romance. I do like the build up with the romantic tension. It's a common plot device for this genre and was done reasonably well. It always makes me reminiscent of my first time and I'm a sucker for it :).
October 21, 2011
Enjoyable quick read, love story with some ups and downs.
November 20, 2011
This was a well written book and I love that it was not the typical butch on femme book. I love the tension between the two characters and the sparks that seemed to fly when they finaly connected.
February 29, 2012
I read the foreword of Indelible Heart so I re-read this book. Very moving and I like how she integrated real-life into the story.
July 1, 2012
Cute lesbian love story. No real point to it, but I still enjoyed it :-)
December 27, 2012
Light-hearted, very easy to read.
February 10, 2016
Enjoyable quick read. I liked the chemistry between Kasey and Connie and how their friendship developed first. Kasey had definite trust issues to deal with before they could be together.
July 15, 2016
This lesbian romance is well written. The characters are real and rich.
A good read.
A good read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews