What do you think?
Rate this book
Cape End Romance #4
Autumn's Light
Fifth-generation lobster-woman Mat Pero loves her traditional Portuguese family and living in the lesbian hub of Provincetown, even if they feel like two different worlds. Or two different lives. Since she has no plans for them to collide, it’s not a problem. Graham Connor is a romantic at heart, but she hasn’t had a date in over a year. She vows to let loose and have a little fun, and the charming and confident Mat is more than happy to help.
But casual hookups aren’t supposed to include romantic dinners and meeting the family. Can Mat see beyond the heartbreak that led her to keep her worlds so separate, and will Graham be waiting if she does?
But casual hookups aren’t supposed to include romantic dinners and meeting the family. Can Mat see beyond the heartbreak that led her to keep her worlds so separate, and will Graham be waiting if she does?
290 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2018
About the author
Aurora Rey
36 books293 followersAurora Rey is a college dean by day and a life coach award-winning author of queer romance author the rest of the time, except when she’s cooking, baking, riding the tractor, or pining for goats. She grew up in a small town in south Louisiana, daydreaming about New England. She keeps a special place in her heart for the South, especially the food and the ways women are raised to be strong, even if they're taught not to show it. After a brief dalliance with biochemistry, she completed both a B.A. and an M.A. in English.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 4, 2018
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I have to be honest while I have liked this whole series, I didn’t love any of the books. Luckily all the books are readable and I thought this was another good installment. This book does include (if sometimes briefly) all the main characters from previous books. If you are new to the series, and wondering about reading order, the first book Winter’s Harbor is a bit of a standalone. The second, third, and fourth books are much more entwined with each other. I would suggest to most people you could start reading at the second book. I do want to mention that the third and fourth books are the most connected. So if you are not interested in the first or second book, I highly recommend reading Springs Wake before you read this one.
This story stars Graham, who was a secondary character that played a large roll in book 3 Spring’s Wake. With her friends all around her happily in love, Graham is searching for love herself. When she sees a local lobster fisherman, she can’t take her eyes off her. It’s definitely lust at first site. Fisherman Mat notices Graham too. The problem is Mat is far from ready to settle down. Can Graham date Mat with the promise of nothing serious, or is she risking a broken heart?
I mentioned before that I enjoyed this more than I expected. I have become comfortable in this series and was looking forward to Graham’s story. The problem was I really struggled in the beginning of the book. I started it and actually put it down to read two other books. That is really rare for me. Normally I read one book until it is finished. I just could not get into the story. Luckily, as the book went on, I started to feel more connected to the characters and I started to care about the outcome. For me the book improved as it went on.
It is a very interesting romance. It’s not just no-strings sex, it’s more like a relationship but not really. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I can’t really explain more, but it’s different from the normal romantic relationships we read. That difference helped this not feel so same old same old. I liked both characters and found myself caring about them. The chemistry is not off the wall, but it is there and I liked them as a potential couple.
There is not a ton that happens in the book, no big excitement. But I found fun in reading about the characters jobs and time with their family. It’s a low key book, but once I got past the beginning I never found myself being bored.
If you are a fan of this series, I think you will enjoy this finale installment. It was nice to check in with previous couples and get to know Graham more. These are not really the kind of romances that will knock you off your feet, but they are all good reads.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
This story stars Graham, who was a secondary character that played a large roll in book 3 Spring’s Wake. With her friends all around her happily in love, Graham is searching for love herself. When she sees a local lobster fisherman, she can’t take her eyes off her. It’s definitely lust at first site. Fisherman Mat notices Graham too. The problem is Mat is far from ready to settle down. Can Graham date Mat with the promise of nothing serious, or is she risking a broken heart?
I mentioned before that I enjoyed this more than I expected. I have become comfortable in this series and was looking forward to Graham’s story. The problem was I really struggled in the beginning of the book. I started it and actually put it down to read two other books. That is really rare for me. Normally I read one book until it is finished. I just could not get into the story. Luckily, as the book went on, I started to feel more connected to the characters and I started to care about the outcome. For me the book improved as it went on.
It is a very interesting romance. It’s not just no-strings sex, it’s more like a relationship but not really. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I can’t really explain more, but it’s different from the normal romantic relationships we read. That difference helped this not feel so same old same old. I liked both characters and found myself caring about them. The chemistry is not off the wall, but it is there and I liked them as a potential couple.
There is not a ton that happens in the book, no big excitement. But I found fun in reading about the characters jobs and time with their family. It’s a low key book, but once I got past the beginning I never found myself being bored.
If you are a fan of this series, I think you will enjoy this finale installment. It was nice to check in with previous couples and get to know Graham more. These are not really the kind of romances that will knock you off your feet, but they are all good reads.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
September 13, 2018
This book is exactly why Aurora Rey is my absolute favourite author - there is always something about her books that just touch my soul.
This is the fourth book in the Cape End Romance series, however you don't need to read any of the previous books to read and enjoy this one. Each book follows a lovely couple and this book is Mat and Graham's story. Graham is a naturalist, and works on a boat giving whale watching tours to tourists while tracking whales in the region. One day she catches sight of a deliciously sexy Lobsterman, Mat. Graham decides it's been far too long without a single date and decides to take a chance on casual dating, even though she longs for a long-term relationship. Mat only does casual relationships, she struggles to reconcile her sexuality with her conservative and close-knit Portuguese family. Are Mat and Graham set up to fail from the beginning, or is it possible that love can overcome everything?
Mat and Graham such strong and gorgeous women, inside and out. I love their quiet confidence and surety in who they are. The ebb and flow of their relationship is natural and well paced. I loved their conversations, their chemistry, their romantic meals. As always I love the role that food plays in all of Aurora Rey's books, and the respect for local and seasonal ingredients.
Aurora Rey has been absolutely excelling at the love scenes in her recent books. She's really been stepping it up. Both with the spice factor and the depth of emotions she weaves through the scenes. Just incredible. I'm not always a fan of having a sex scene early in the book, for fear it becomes repetitive, but it definitely worked perfectly in this book. And gosh, it was not repetitive.
Dom and Renata are the absolute sweetest thing ever. EVER. I also loved seeing all my favourite couples (and they're all my favourite) from previous books as well. There was so much love and support in this book and it left me with a huge smile on my face. As always when I get sucked into an Aurora Rey book, I can't put it down, but then I'm devastated when it's over.
I can't wait to purchase the paperback of this book to complete my collection. And, I'm looking forward to setting aside some time to read all four books one after the other and overindulge in perfection.
My words are not enough to say how much I love Aurora Rey's books, but I can definitely recommend every single one!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Cape End Romance series, however you don't need to read any of the previous books to read and enjoy this one. Each book follows a lovely couple and this book is Mat and Graham's story. Graham is a naturalist, and works on a boat giving whale watching tours to tourists while tracking whales in the region. One day she catches sight of a deliciously sexy Lobsterman, Mat. Graham decides it's been far too long without a single date and decides to take a chance on casual dating, even though she longs for a long-term relationship. Mat only does casual relationships, she struggles to reconcile her sexuality with her conservative and close-knit Portuguese family. Are Mat and Graham set up to fail from the beginning, or is it possible that love can overcome everything?
Mat and Graham such strong and gorgeous women, inside and out. I love their quiet confidence and surety in who they are. The ebb and flow of their relationship is natural and well paced. I loved their conversations, their chemistry, their romantic meals. As always I love the role that food plays in all of Aurora Rey's books, and the respect for local and seasonal ingredients.
Aurora Rey has been absolutely excelling at the love scenes in her recent books. She's really been stepping it up. Both with the spice factor and the depth of emotions she weaves through the scenes. Just incredible. I'm not always a fan of having a sex scene early in the book, for fear it becomes repetitive, but it definitely worked perfectly in this book. And gosh, it was not repetitive.
Dom and Renata are the absolute sweetest thing ever. EVER. I also loved seeing all my favourite couples (and they're all my favourite) from previous books as well. There was so much love and support in this book and it left me with a huge smile on my face. As always when I get sucked into an Aurora Rey book, I can't put it down, but then I'm devastated when it's over.
I can't wait to purchase the paperback of this book to complete my collection. And, I'm looking forward to setting aside some time to read all four books one after the other and overindulge in perfection.
My words are not enough to say how much I love Aurora Rey's books, but I can definitely recommend every single one!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
This is only the second book in the Cape End Romance series that I’ve read and I enjoyed it far more than I did Spring's Wake. The character I liked most in Spring’s Wake was Graham and she is one of the main characters in this instalment. Graham has finished her studies and has returned to Provincetown to a permanent job with the Dolphin Fleet. She hasn’t had a date in a year and decides that maybe it’s time to try a more casual approach to dating. Mat Pero, local ‘lobersterman’, isn’t interested in relationship and spends much of her time seeking the approval of her traditional Portuguese family. When Graham and Mat meet in a bar, the chemistry is palpable and it seems like they want the same thing.
I loved watching their relationship unfold and the time it took for Graham and Mat to get to know each other. Graham is still the likeable, open and generous person she was in Spring’s Wake. Mat has a much more complicated background so while she’s not as instantly likeable, her character is developed well enough that I understood where she was coming from. They both express a wonderful desire for each other and there is a good balance between the explicit and fade-to-black intimate moments.
I preferred Nora (Graham’s aunt) and Will as secondary characters than I did as main characters. Mat’s Catholic family, especially Dom, add a nice dimension to the mostly lesbian secondary characters.
This was easily an over four star read for me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I loved watching their relationship unfold and the time it took for Graham and Mat to get to know each other. Graham is still the likeable, open and generous person she was in Spring’s Wake. Mat has a much more complicated background so while she’s not as instantly likeable, her character is developed well enough that I understood where she was coming from. They both express a wonderful desire for each other and there is a good balance between the explicit and fade-to-black intimate moments.
I preferred Nora (Graham’s aunt) and Will as secondary characters than I did as main characters. Mat’s Catholic family, especially Dom, add a nice dimension to the mostly lesbian secondary characters.
This was easily an over four star read for me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 22, 2018
'Autumn's Light' by Aurora Rey is the fourth book in the Cape End Romance Series. This book tells the story of Mat Pero, a lobsterman from a large Portuguese family and Graham Connor, a naturalist who works for a company in Provincetown that gives daily whale watching tours and also tracks the migratory habits of the whales in the area. I use the term lobsterman even though Mat is a woman because in the story the women who work in this field prefer not to be separated from their male counterparts by a gender defining term. I like that.
Most of Mat's immediate family have had issues over her sexuality, so Mat has lived most of her adult life thinking she would only have casual, short term relationships and that long term romance is not for her. Graham has been out of the dating scene for over a year, and decides to try the casual dating scene even though she does believe in and wants a long term relationship in the future. This is how the two main characters begin their relationship together. You can see from the start there will be conflict over this and of course there is.
Even though this is the fourth book in the series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone story. I think this because 'Autumn's Light' is my first book in the series. You do meet the characters from the other books, especially the third book since it tells the story of Graham's Aunt Nora and Will, who also play a secondary role in this book. The author, however, gives enough information in the story to cover what has happened in the former books. Readers of the former books will also get to catch up with characters they know and love.
This is a beautiful romance. I loved the flow of the story, loved the characters including the secondary ones, and especially loved the setting of Provincetown, Massachusetts. I would not call this a slow burn romance since the main couple get together and have sex fairly early in the story. That is a bit unusual for this kind of romance, but for this story it works well. The flow and growth of the romance is perfect here, and I loved seeing how the couple grow together even with the obvious pitfalls they face.
I also have to mention the other romance in the story; the one between Dom and Renata. They are such a lovely couple and I was so glad to see them falling in love.
Aurora Rey is an exceptional author. 'Autumn's Light' is a shining example of her skills as a writer. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
This book started out as a solid four stars in my mind. To get the fifth star from me, the book has to be one that I would read more than once. By the end of the story, 'Autumn's Light' definitely had a fifth star.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Most of Mat's immediate family have had issues over her sexuality, so Mat has lived most of her adult life thinking she would only have casual, short term relationships and that long term romance is not for her. Graham has been out of the dating scene for over a year, and decides to try the casual dating scene even though she does believe in and wants a long term relationship in the future. This is how the two main characters begin their relationship together. You can see from the start there will be conflict over this and of course there is.
Even though this is the fourth book in the series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone story. I think this because 'Autumn's Light' is my first book in the series. You do meet the characters from the other books, especially the third book since it tells the story of Graham's Aunt Nora and Will, who also play a secondary role in this book. The author, however, gives enough information in the story to cover what has happened in the former books. Readers of the former books will also get to catch up with characters they know and love.
This is a beautiful romance. I loved the flow of the story, loved the characters including the secondary ones, and especially loved the setting of Provincetown, Massachusetts. I would not call this a slow burn romance since the main couple get together and have sex fairly early in the story. That is a bit unusual for this kind of romance, but for this story it works well. The flow and growth of the romance is perfect here, and I loved seeing how the couple grow together even with the obvious pitfalls they face.
I also have to mention the other romance in the story; the one between Dom and Renata. They are such a lovely couple and I was so glad to see them falling in love.
Aurora Rey is an exceptional author. 'Autumn's Light' is a shining example of her skills as a writer. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
This book started out as a solid four stars in my mind. To get the fifth star from me, the book has to be one that I would read more than once. By the end of the story, 'Autumn's Light' definitely had a fifth star.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 19, 2018
Review coming here soon. In the meantime, you can check it here:
http://lezreviewbooks.com/2018/10/19/...
http://lezreviewbooks.com/2018/10/19/...
October 7, 2018
This is a read about family, communication, and being who you are. I enjoyed reading about Graham and her desire for a meaningful relationship. She is a likeable character that you want to cheer for. Mat is commitment challenged from a previous relationship and lacks quality interaction with her family that she loves very much. Graham's self-talk was interesting as she processed her feelings about Mat. I enjoyed how their relationship grew with the encouragement and support of friends and family, especially Dom and Jessica. Though there was much self-reflection and should I or shouldn't I, it was an enjoyable story and the sex was hot!
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
July 7, 2021
So cute!
Graham is single but a hopeless romantic but she is trying to have fun and when she meets Mat, a lobsterwoman she is instantly intrigued and captivated by her. Graham and Mat have an amazing connection from the moment they meet and embarking on spending time together Mat wonders if she can be all that Graham wants when the complication when her relationship and family start colliding.
As with all the other Cape End Romances, Autumn’s Light was such a lovely story. Focusing on Graham and Mat, but as always familiar faces are around to just make the story all the more special. What I love about the series is each story works as a standalone but they are connected. I just loved Graham and Mat’s story though, with all its uncertainty because of the focus on issues surrounding Mat’s family because it was an important factor in who Mat was as a character and what fuelled her actions and decisions about relationships.
I’d previously been introduced to Graham as a character but to finally get her story was amazing. I felt like I was on a journey with a friend and it was great to see her growing and falling in love with someone as lovely as Mat. From the moment they met I was invested in their happiness and was addicted to their story. I literally couldn’t put the book down and devoured every second of it.
This is one of those romance series that you can fully indulge in and just get lost in a place with an amazing cast of characters that just feel like friends. I highly recommend the series and just love it so much that I hope there will be more one day!
Graham is single but a hopeless romantic but she is trying to have fun and when she meets Mat, a lobsterwoman she is instantly intrigued and captivated by her. Graham and Mat have an amazing connection from the moment they meet and embarking on spending time together Mat wonders if she can be all that Graham wants when the complication when her relationship and family start colliding.
As with all the other Cape End Romances, Autumn’s Light was such a lovely story. Focusing on Graham and Mat, but as always familiar faces are around to just make the story all the more special. What I love about the series is each story works as a standalone but they are connected. I just loved Graham and Mat’s story though, with all its uncertainty because of the focus on issues surrounding Mat’s family because it was an important factor in who Mat was as a character and what fuelled her actions and decisions about relationships.
I’d previously been introduced to Graham as a character but to finally get her story was amazing. I felt like I was on a journey with a friend and it was great to see her growing and falling in love with someone as lovely as Mat. From the moment they met I was invested in their happiness and was addicted to their story. I literally couldn’t put the book down and devoured every second of it.
This is one of those romance series that you can fully indulge in and just get lost in a place with an amazing cast of characters that just feel like friends. I highly recommend the series and just love it so much that I hope there will be more one day!
October 2, 2018
Autumns Light by Aurora Rey
I honestly can’t believe the series is officially over. I remember when I first found Winter’s Harbor by Aurora Rey, I so hoped there would be a sequel... never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be four books down into what is now one of my most favourite series’.
A little about the fourth and final installment in the Cape End Romance series…
Mat Pero loves her life, she owns and operates a lobster boat in Ptown with her cousin/best friend. She has the pick of the ladies and as long as she keeps her lifestyle separate from her traditional Portuguese family, no one bats a eye. So yeah life is good… Until her eyes catch Graham Connor on the dock. She likes Graham a lot and can’t seem to get her off her mind. Graham isn’t someone that normally looks for a one night stand or casual fling but there is something about Mat that she can’t get her off her mind, so she decides to take a leap and try something new. But as time goes on, they both develop deeper feelings. Can Mat get over her underlying fears about commitment before she looses Graham?
Aurora Rey is by far one of my favourite authors. She writes books that just get me… Her winning formula is Butch women who fall for strong femmes. I just love it.
What I adored in particular about this book was Mat’s reluctance to fall in love with Graham but as it unfolded, she just couldn’t help herself and who would… I mean, I have been in love with Graham myself since Spring’s Wake was released, hoping that Aurora would write her story.
Mat was just so much hotness in one character. I mean she’s just so yummy… And the sex scenes between her and Graham were amazing… Fireworks! I am quite sure that Aurora Rey nudges the bar up each time she writes a sex scene… Leave me wondering what could possibly be next!!
The secondary characters in this story are all great especially the six characters for them previous three books. It’s like a little epilogue every time you start the next book in the series. But I had to give a shout out to Mats cousin and best friend Dom. His presence in this book enriched it for me in ways you will only find out when you read the book. I almost want to beg Aurora to write him a story because he’s a special character.
Another triumph from the pen of Aurora Rey.
5 stars
I honestly can’t believe the series is officially over. I remember when I first found Winter’s Harbor by Aurora Rey, I so hoped there would be a sequel... never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be four books down into what is now one of my most favourite series’.
A little about the fourth and final installment in the Cape End Romance series…
Mat Pero loves her life, she owns and operates a lobster boat in Ptown with her cousin/best friend. She has the pick of the ladies and as long as she keeps her lifestyle separate from her traditional Portuguese family, no one bats a eye. So yeah life is good… Until her eyes catch Graham Connor on the dock. She likes Graham a lot and can’t seem to get her off her mind. Graham isn’t someone that normally looks for a one night stand or casual fling but there is something about Mat that she can’t get her off her mind, so she decides to take a leap and try something new. But as time goes on, they both develop deeper feelings. Can Mat get over her underlying fears about commitment before she looses Graham?
Aurora Rey is by far one of my favourite authors. She writes books that just get me… Her winning formula is Butch women who fall for strong femmes. I just love it.
What I adored in particular about this book was Mat’s reluctance to fall in love with Graham but as it unfolded, she just couldn’t help herself and who would… I mean, I have been in love with Graham myself since Spring’s Wake was released, hoping that Aurora would write her story.
Mat was just so much hotness in one character. I mean she’s just so yummy… And the sex scenes between her and Graham were amazing… Fireworks! I am quite sure that Aurora Rey nudges the bar up each time she writes a sex scene… Leave me wondering what could possibly be next!!
The secondary characters in this story are all great especially the six characters for them previous three books. It’s like a little epilogue every time you start the next book in the series. But I had to give a shout out to Mats cousin and best friend Dom. His presence in this book enriched it for me in ways you will only find out when you read the book. I almost want to beg Aurora to write him a story because he’s a special character.
Another triumph from the pen of Aurora Rey.
5 stars
March 24, 2019
Autumn's Light closes off Aurora Rey's four book trip to Provincetown with a wonderful denouement, and was, I think, my favourite of the bunch.
Before I start, I want to mention I listened to this on audiobook, and the performer nailed the voices yet again—it's always clear who is speaking, the intonations supported the characterization, and the cameos from previous books were perfectly inflected from those books so as an experience, it was smooth and they barely needed reintroduction. This was performed wonderfully.
Mat and Graham just worked together, despite their initial differences. I appreciated where they both came from—Graham being ready to try after a pretty intense ordeal and enough passing time, and Mat keeping her love life separate because of a very clear understanding her family wouldn't handle things well (and given her livelihood was so tied up in her family, at no point did I fault her for these borders). The organic drift as they grew closer felt like just that: organic. Smooth. Which made the putting-on-the-breaks-panic feel totally on-target. I felt their emotional reality, is what I'm saying, and Rey is gifted at this. Ditto their careers and the touches of "day in the life" of the characters at work. I'll never look a gift lobster in the mouth again.
Oh, and as always, the food. I swear Rey's writing makes me hungry every time.
I also really, really appreciated the not-so-perfect family relationship Mat had.
Even more? I loved the inclusion of other queer people (notably Dom, Mat's trans man co-worker and cousin) and the obvious care put into the crafting of the character. I loved their relationship, loved that Mat and Dom had each other's number, and basically enjoyed every time Dom's adorable self was on the page, really.
I'm a little sad to say goodbye to Rey's Provincetown, but I'm really glad I got to visit.
Before I start, I want to mention I listened to this on audiobook, and the performer nailed the voices yet again—it's always clear who is speaking, the intonations supported the characterization, and the cameos from previous books were perfectly inflected from those books so as an experience, it was smooth and they barely needed reintroduction. This was performed wonderfully.
Mat and Graham just worked together, despite their initial differences. I appreciated where they both came from—Graham being ready to try after a pretty intense ordeal and enough passing time, and Mat keeping her love life separate because of a very clear understanding her family wouldn't handle things well (and given her livelihood was so tied up in her family, at no point did I fault her for these borders). The organic drift as they grew closer felt like just that: organic. Smooth. Which made the putting-on-the-breaks-panic feel totally on-target. I felt their emotional reality, is what I'm saying, and Rey is gifted at this. Ditto their careers and the touches of "day in the life" of the characters at work. I'll never look a gift lobster in the mouth again.
Oh, and as always, the food. I swear Rey's writing makes me hungry every time.
I also really, really appreciated the not-so-perfect family relationship Mat had.
Even more? I loved the inclusion of other queer people (notably Dom, Mat's trans man co-worker and cousin) and the obvious care put into the crafting of the character. I loved their relationship, loved that Mat and Dom had each other's number, and basically enjoyed every time Dom's adorable self was on the page, really.
I'm a little sad to say goodbye to Rey's Provincetown, but I'm really glad I got to visit.
September 14, 2018
I'm 50/50 about this book. the writing is good and the story is somehow not that much used, yet I hated Mat. I don't know something was off but I cant seem to know where. Maybe my review is helpless but honestly I'm so confused when i finished the book. I had no feeling expt feeling relieved that i did not give up on it.
Having said that I really do recommend reading Autumn's light make up your mind about it. I did not regret the time i spent reading , the story is indeed fresh.
I was giving a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Having said that I really do recommend reading Autumn's light make up your mind about it. I did not regret the time i spent reading , the story is indeed fresh.
I was giving a free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 27, 2018
I wanted to love this book. It has a lot going for it: two interesting, adult characters, with lives and families and careers. Matt, a lobsterman (female lobstermen apparently declining to be known as lobsterwomen) working in her family’s business, balancing her large conservative family and her gay casual dating life by keeping the two separate. Graham, a naturalist on a whalewatching boat, who has decided after a limited serial monogamist experience to try playing the field. Cue sparks flying, etc etc. And the dynamic between the two of them works, and is a key part of what kept me reading. The erotic scenes were sparking, not over-done, and interestingly varied. IMHO that’s a major plus - many f/f books out there are either painfully bland, clunky, or strangely improbable given that the majority of authors are women and you’d think that would lead to physically plausible scenarios.
I am grateful to Bold Strokes Books for sending me the ARC of this, and have high hopes for some others from their range, but beyond the sex scenes I have mixed feelings on this one.
The two factors I loved most were, one, the side characters - especially Matt’s cousin Dom, a trans guy with a traditionalist heart, and his lady-love Renata. There were interesting characters on Graham’s side of things, but they got less time, I think because they were covered earlier in the series. Second great factor was the level of detail on the lobster-fishing industry. Does anyone else read romance novels to learn new socio-economic facts? Because I think I do. It might be the key reason why romance novels and crime are so easily interchangeable in my reading schedule: good ones of both are a tourist trip through a well-researched present or historical social or economic niche of some sort.
Things I didn’t love: now the first one is a Your Trope Is Not My Trope problem, some people might love it. But basically you’ve got your two leads deciding to embark on casual sex, and the narrative is so heavy-handed about being clear that both of them are fooling themselves. Not just about this one hookup, but about the sustainability of casual hookups at all. (I also… look, either I know very different people to your average romance writer, or it’s actually perfectly normal to hang out with your casual partners outside of the bedroom, and the Friends part of friends with benefits is actually pretty important. I can produce academic citations for this, in fact! But anyway. Heavy leaning on the ‘oh no we did something together the morning after’ trope.)
Done right, ‘commitment phobe discovers actually there is a place in his/her/their life for love with THIS person’ is catnip to me. The latest KJ Charles does it really well, for instance. And then some takes on the trope rub me all the wrong way, and this one did. Your mileage may vary.
Technical problems: beyond my issues with the trope, the pacing seemed off. Too much heavy-handed repeat telling of ‘she was definitely okay with casual sex, yes, never mind that she was daydreaming about their grandchildren’ early on; toward the end the character work got rapidly more complex, only for a whole bunch of new issues re: family to just be left… hanging. Apparently it’s supposed to be HEA that our two leads hooked up, but I for one really want to know how they solved the family problems. No, one happy family mass party scene doesn’t suffice, IMHO.
I am grateful to Bold Strokes Books for sending me the ARC of this, and have high hopes for some others from their range, but beyond the sex scenes I have mixed feelings on this one.
The two factors I loved most were, one, the side characters - especially Matt’s cousin Dom, a trans guy with a traditionalist heart, and his lady-love Renata. There were interesting characters on Graham’s side of things, but they got less time, I think because they were covered earlier in the series. Second great factor was the level of detail on the lobster-fishing industry. Does anyone else read romance novels to learn new socio-economic facts? Because I think I do. It might be the key reason why romance novels and crime are so easily interchangeable in my reading schedule: good ones of both are a tourist trip through a well-researched present or historical social or economic niche of some sort.
Things I didn’t love: now the first one is a Your Trope Is Not My Trope problem, some people might love it. But basically you’ve got your two leads deciding to embark on casual sex, and the narrative is so heavy-handed about being clear that both of them are fooling themselves. Not just about this one hookup, but about the sustainability of casual hookups at all. (I also… look, either I know very different people to your average romance writer, or it’s actually perfectly normal to hang out with your casual partners outside of the bedroom, and the Friends part of friends with benefits is actually pretty important. I can produce academic citations for this, in fact! But anyway. Heavy leaning on the ‘oh no we did something together the morning after’ trope.)
Done right, ‘commitment phobe discovers actually there is a place in his/her/their life for love with THIS person’ is catnip to me. The latest KJ Charles does it really well, for instance. And then some takes on the trope rub me all the wrong way, and this one did. Your mileage may vary.
Technical problems: beyond my issues with the trope, the pacing seemed off. Too much heavy-handed repeat telling of ‘she was definitely okay with casual sex, yes, never mind that she was daydreaming about their grandchildren’ early on; toward the end the character work got rapidly more complex, only for a whole bunch of new issues re: family to just be left… hanging. Apparently it’s supposed to be HEA that our two leads hooked up, but I for one really want to know how they solved the family problems. No, one happy family mass party scene doesn’t suffice, IMHO.
September 14, 2018
This is the fourth book in Ms Rey’s ‘Cape End Romance’ series. She gives us a chance to revisit all the characters in her previous ‘Cape’ , especially Nora and Will from ‘Spring’s Wake’. In this one we get to see what’s happening with Nora’s niece Graham Connor. Graham hasn’t really dated in the past year so instead of looking for a great romance she decides to go for a casual hookup. She puts her sights on Mat Pero, a fifth generation lobster fisherman who belongs to a very traditional Portuguese family. She has always been somewhat of a player believing her family has never really accepted her as she really is. When these two finally connect what both think is just a hookup becomes so much more as they spend more time together. Ms Rey also lets us see a romance develop between Mat’s work partner and cousin Dom who is trans and his girlfriend Renata. I was looking forward to reading another ‘Cape’ series and Ms Rey doesn’t disappoint her fans. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley
ARC via NetGalley
March 8, 2019
While I enjoyed the other 3 books more than this one, this was still a good read. Aurora Rey is a talented author and Hollis Elizabeth did a great job narrating this book, I had a harder time getting into this book and actually stopped and read quite a few other books before coming back to finish it as I wasn't as invested in Mat and Graham's romance and story as I was with Lia & Alex, Emerson & Darcy, and Nora & Will. I'm saddened there aren't more seasons in Cape Cod as the series as a whole was wonderful.
May 5, 2019
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a great book by Rey. It was a very sweet romance that started out as a hookup. As the relationship between Mat and Graham continued and a deeper connection was formed as Mat confronted her fears on her family, I was drawn into their story. Rey is excellent at creating sweet romantic reads, and this book does not disappoint.
October 22, 2018
Beautiful, red headed marine naturalist woos hot Portuguese lobsterman into leaving her player ways behind. That definitely pulled me in. Apparently, Autumn Light is the 4th installment in this series but I really didn’t feel like I was missing any information in not having read the previous books. My favorite thing about the story are the mc’s, Mat and Graham, who are warm and likable as is Mat’s cousin, Dom.
The author changes things up a bit by having the mc’s sleep together at the beginning. This felt like a big risk on the writer’s part because it immediately takes out the sexual tension and sense of anticipation that most of these books thrive on. Instead, the story focuses on what might happen next to two people who swear up and down that they’re just in it for some fun times instead of HEA.
The book is easy to read and when the author is in a groove, it flows. I do wish there had been a little more depth to the characters because I just felt like something was missing. Still, a good read.
The author changes things up a bit by having the mc’s sleep together at the beginning. This felt like a big risk on the writer’s part because it immediately takes out the sexual tension and sense of anticipation that most of these books thrive on. Instead, the story focuses on what might happen next to two people who swear up and down that they’re just in it for some fun times instead of HEA.
The book is easy to read and when the author is in a groove, it flows. I do wish there had been a little more depth to the characters because I just felt like something was missing. Still, a good read.
February 15, 2019
I always liked Graham and was happy to see there was a book for her own story. This is a good one.
October 8, 2018
This series will therefore stop, to the extent that based on the seasons, four books, four seasons. It would be necessary to invent others, so that it can continue....
Graham, niece of Nora, finished her studies, and takes a job on the Dolphin fleet. Sentimentally, she has had no date for a while, and would like to find a woman with whom to spend her life. She meets Mat Pero, who belongs to the Portuguese community, and lobster fisherman. But as much, Graham who wants a lasting relationship, Mat, does not wish, and prefers the relations of a night. And that's where everything stands between them ... Maybe to get to know each other better.
It is intriguing to see Mat's sentimental evolution in the course of the book. But, it seemed a bit choppy and long. Graham we had seen in Spring's Wake (Cape End Romance # 3), in character in background, with her aunt Nora, owner of a B & B.
This is the book, in my opinion, the least interesting, too slow, too predictable. The other three are excellent because they are more complex, with sentimental relationships. This gives the impression that Graham pressurizes Mat, and that in the end, she gets what she wants.
The one that I liked the most is Spring's Wake (Cape End Romance # 3), because it addresses the problem of age gap, and is the most rhythmic.
Now, this one remains of a good content, and I advise you strongly to read the four, where we find each time, main characters from characters in background in previous books.
I urge you to read this book, having read the three above.
Graham, niece of Nora, finished her studies, and takes a job on the Dolphin fleet. Sentimentally, she has had no date for a while, and would like to find a woman with whom to spend her life. She meets Mat Pero, who belongs to the Portuguese community, and lobster fisherman. But as much, Graham who wants a lasting relationship, Mat, does not wish, and prefers the relations of a night. And that's where everything stands between them ... Maybe to get to know each other better.
It is intriguing to see Mat's sentimental evolution in the course of the book. But, it seemed a bit choppy and long. Graham we had seen in Spring's Wake (Cape End Romance # 3), in character in background, with her aunt Nora, owner of a B & B.
This is the book, in my opinion, the least interesting, too slow, too predictable. The other three are excellent because they are more complex, with sentimental relationships. This gives the impression that Graham pressurizes Mat, and that in the end, she gets what she wants.
The one that I liked the most is Spring's Wake (Cape End Romance # 3), because it addresses the problem of age gap, and is the most rhythmic.
Now, this one remains of a good content, and I advise you strongly to read the four, where we find each time, main characters from characters in background in previous books.
I urge you to read this book, having read the three above.
October 12, 2018
This is the fourth book in Rey’s Cape Cod Romance series.
This book features Mat Pero is a lobsterwoman with her family’s business in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She manages to keep her personal life separate from her large extended Portuguese family after a disastrous episode as a teenager threatened her place with the family. Graham Connor is a scientist, who, while happy with her life, is nevertheless looking for Ms. Right. Graham decides to do something different and when Mat wants to take her home with her one night, she steps way outside her comfort zone and says yes vowing to keep it simple, light, and not fall in love.
This book is different from the previous three books in the series. The pace is slower, sometimes painfully slow, while Graham waits for Mat to make up her mind about where their relationship might be going. The book sometimes drags because the pacing is irregular.
This book can be read as a standalone, although it may be wise to start with the first book in the series, Winter’s Harbor, because each book builds on the previous book. There are times in this book where the author seems to understand new readers may have picked this one up and other times when she assumes everyone’s read the previous three books in the series.
I’ve read several other of this author’s works and have enjoyed them as well.
This book features Mat Pero is a lobsterwoman with her family’s business in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She manages to keep her personal life separate from her large extended Portuguese family after a disastrous episode as a teenager threatened her place with the family. Graham Connor is a scientist, who, while happy with her life, is nevertheless looking for Ms. Right. Graham decides to do something different and when Mat wants to take her home with her one night, she steps way outside her comfort zone and says yes vowing to keep it simple, light, and not fall in love.
This book is different from the previous three books in the series. The pace is slower, sometimes painfully slow, while Graham waits for Mat to make up her mind about where their relationship might be going. The book sometimes drags because the pacing is irregular.
This book can be read as a standalone, although it may be wise to start with the first book in the series, Winter’s Harbor, because each book builds on the previous book. There are times in this book where the author seems to understand new readers may have picked this one up and other times when she assumes everyone’s read the previous three books in the series.
I’ve read several other of this author’s works and have enjoyed them as well.
December 11, 2018
This is the fourth book in the Cape End series, a set of romantic stories focusing on a group of women who reside in Provincetown. Although this is a series, the book can be read as a standalone.
Mat Pero is a fifth-generation lobsterman who loves being outdoors and working on the water. She comes from a very large, traditional Portuguese family. Her family is very tight knit and conservative. They know that Mat is gay, and they all live with the attitude “don’t ask, don’t tell”. Mat keeps her relationships quiet and light. She has not brought anyone home until she meets Graham Connor.
When Graham graduated from college she moved to P-town. She was able to secure an environmentalist guide position on one of the boats which handles sightseeing trips in the area. She loves her work and is very popular with all the customers. Graham is a romantic and would love to meet someone and start her own family. However, she has been too busy and has not had the time in a year to even date. That all changes when Graham and Mat meet. Initially, they only want to have a good time, but one can’t control the heart.
I have read several of Ms. Rey’s books and have found them all to be enjoyable. This one is no exception. She has a very smooth writing style which draws the reader into the story. As with her other novels, the character development is good. The story itself was a little predictable, but fine for a weekend read.
I recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys romance and happy endings. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Mat Pero is a fifth-generation lobsterman who loves being outdoors and working on the water. She comes from a very large, traditional Portuguese family. Her family is very tight knit and conservative. They know that Mat is gay, and they all live with the attitude “don’t ask, don’t tell”. Mat keeps her relationships quiet and light. She has not brought anyone home until she meets Graham Connor.
When Graham graduated from college she moved to P-town. She was able to secure an environmentalist guide position on one of the boats which handles sightseeing trips in the area. She loves her work and is very popular with all the customers. Graham is a romantic and would love to meet someone and start her own family. However, she has been too busy and has not had the time in a year to even date. That all changes when Graham and Mat meet. Initially, they only want to have a good time, but one can’t control the heart.
I have read several of Ms. Rey’s books and have found them all to be enjoyable. This one is no exception. She has a very smooth writing style which draws the reader into the story. As with her other novels, the character development is good. The story itself was a little predictable, but fine for a weekend read.
I recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys romance and happy endings. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
October 18, 2018
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the fourth book in the Cape Cod series.
This is the first book in the series I have read by this author so I am a little behind but I have read some of her previous work and have enjoyed them.
This book looks at Mat who is a Lobsterwoman and works in the family business and likes to keep her personal live separate from her family life due to an episode which occurred when she was a teenager. Graham is a Scientist and is down to earth and wants to find the right person to settle down with. I enjoyed the characters and the story line but after reading this book first I would recommend reading the others in the series first to get a better feel for all characters in the book ( which I will be doing over the next week or so). All in all it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is the fourth book in the Cape Cod series.
This is the first book in the series I have read by this author so I am a little behind but I have read some of her previous work and have enjoyed them.
This book looks at Mat who is a Lobsterwoman and works in the family business and likes to keep her personal live separate from her family life due to an episode which occurred when she was a teenager. Graham is a Scientist and is down to earth and wants to find the right person to settle down with. I enjoyed the characters and the story line but after reading this book first I would recommend reading the others in the series first to get a better feel for all characters in the book ( which I will be doing over the next week or so). All in all it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 25, 2018
This is the last book of the Cape End series and it's the cherry on top of the a big chocolate sundae. The author wrapped up this series beautifully and left the reader with heartfelt and sweet ending. I think most readers can relate to Mat's desire to please her strict and inflexible family despite her longing for a long lasting love with Graham. The chemistry between Mat and Graham was exciting and the sex scenes were thrilling. Autumn's Light can be read as a stand alone book.
February 25, 2019
Mat struggles to let her family life and personal life collide, knowing that her family isn't supportive of her being a lesbian. Graham is a romantic who decides to try and date casually. Romance ensues. I liked both women, but it was definitely jarring to keep reading men's names. Mat has a trans cousin she also works with, so it's also odd that her family isn't accepting of her. It's a lowkey romance that mostly falls into place, with a lot of sweet moments.
July 22, 2021
This is a slow burning romance with a slight age gap. The story makes you feel happy. Its pace is neither slow nor fast. But I feel it was just right.
Its basically about two people who fall in love. One being a little reluctant but just cant help herself.
This would be a great vacation read but be warned you wont be able to put it down.
Yes, I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Its basically about two people who fall in love. One being a little reluctant but just cant help herself.
This would be a great vacation read but be warned you wont be able to put it down.
Yes, I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
October 29, 2018
I liked it but I felt like the plot was weaker than the previous novels. The major problem I had was that I really didn't get much of a feel for Mat . Beyond being hot and a lobsterman she didn't seem to have much of a personality which is why her actions while no more worse than what characters had done in the previous books made her seem like a real jerk to me for about 90% of the novel.
October 21, 2018
Strong fourth book in the series
I absolutely loved this story! I wasnt so sure I was hooked on it in the beginning, but by the latter half of the book I couldn't put it down! By the end I had happy tears. I appreciate the great writing and a properly edited book. I'd love to see another installment with these loveable characters from all four stories.
I absolutely loved this story! I wasnt so sure I was hooked on it in the beginning, but by the latter half of the book I couldn't put it down! By the end I had happy tears. I appreciate the great writing and a properly edited book. I'd love to see another installment with these loveable characters from all four stories.
October 26, 2018
So sad to see this series end, but looking forward to whatever’s next from Aurora Rey! What I loved about this book was that the thing that causes conflict or angst between the characters isn’t over the top or far fetched. I always love when past characters come into the story and we see lots of old familiar Cape End Romance characters in this one. Great finish to the series!
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this series! Don't sleep on it!
I am so glad that Graham (Spring's Wake) got her own story. She and Mat are hott together🔥🔥🔥! What starts out as a casual fling turns into serious and complicated. On top of all that, there are families to deal with. So much going on, but that's what makes it hard to put down - finished it in a day!
I am so glad that Graham (Spring's Wake) got her own story. She and Mat are hott together🔥🔥🔥! What starts out as a casual fling turns into serious and complicated. On top of all that, there are families to deal with. So much going on, but that's what makes it hard to put down - finished it in a day!
August 4, 2025
We briefly met Grahame Connor in a previous installement of this serie, here we fallow her exploration of what start as a no string and relax relationship with Mat. The story is well written and there is no classic plottwist or drama really , some drama but not too much. Not my favorite in the serie I dont dislike him, its was an okay book for me with more emotion and interest near the end.
December 16, 2019
This was a layered and interesting romance that showed two very different perspectives in the small seaside town. I liked Mat and Graham were such a sweet couple and they had such a good dynamic that i spent the whole novel wanting them to get together because they were so perfect for each other. The drama was realistic and believable and i could see the characters were grounded in the real world because of it.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2018
Netgalley
My least favorite of the series. I just didn’t warm up to Mat at all.
My least favorite of the series. I just didn’t warm up to Mat at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews