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Good Vibes

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An eccentric adult shop owner. An agoraphobic game collector. A romantic comedy about finding love and self-acceptance in the strangest places.

The little details have never interested Libby. From her eclectic style to her carefree attitude about her adult toy shop, she’s all about the big picture. But when her business partner retires, Libby’s safety net disappears and it’s up to her to sink or swim.

For old-school card game nerd Theo, the details are everything. Her anxiety demands to know the rules, the players and the goal in any situation, and it can be hard to even leave her apartment unless she knows exactly what’s coming her way.

When Theo’s sister gets engaged, she’s forced out of her comfort zone and into Libby’s shop on the hunt for bachelorette party supplies.

Opposites attract and Theo is drawn into Libby’s chaotic world. She wants to help Libby save the shop and together they come up with a plan, but will they be brave enough to play the game of love?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2019

93 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Cara Malone

70 books480 followers
I write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.

My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.

Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com

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5 stars
137 (51%)
4 stars
80 (29%)
3 stars
39 (14%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
524 reviews53 followers
August 22, 2019
Though well written and sometimes funny this book was not my cup of tea. The main characters were in their thirties but felt too young. Though I think the way the story was build around booth mains uncertainties was clever, it was too slow and felt unnatural to me. About halfway my patience was finished and I decided that I’d rather spend my time reading something that fits my tastes more. So because I don’t think this is a bad book and others may like it just fine, 3 stars.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews128 followers
May 2, 2020
Just a fun simple light romp that made me warm and fuzzy.

I liked the two lovers, and how they dealt with Theo's anxiety disorder. Also Libby's fear of abandonment.

There was no real angst here and that's just what I wanted right now.
Profile Image for RexxyRobin.
10 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2019
Wow, this was just all around awful.
I mean I expected as much from the summary, but a friend recommended it to me, so I was willing to at least try and I have to say it was torturous.

For one thing, it was another one of those stories, that feeds into the narrative, that all introverts secretly yearn to live like extroverts and just need to be pushed outside their comfort zone. Which makes a lot of people feel justified in borderline rapey behaviours, ignoring our needs, feelings and even cries for help, assuming that they know whats best for us, that we want it too, etc..

Then the story plays down how hard it can really be to deal with phobias and anxiety.
Theo's issues virtually vaporize almost over night just because she met "the one" and she's all to eager to become Libby's sidekick.

Also I have to say that I found the majority of characters utterly unlikable, ESPECIALLY Libby!
But that's just my personal feeling on the matter.

Then there's the fourth point that is kind of connected to the first and might also be partially in my head, since the author doesnt necessarily bash ace and demi people but certainly completely ignores them.
That is: The normalization of hypersexuality.
More and more books tend to engage in this these days creating this idea, that everything in life is about sex, everybody wants it, everybody has it, people without sex are/become unhappy and it's totally okay to harass your friends or siblings and push them to have sex(with other people).
Please note that I am not saying that there is something wrong with people who would enjoy an event like the Sexycon from this story, or with people who've had many different partners and their likes.
However to the many people who are -for whatever reason- in some form or another uncomfortable with this stuff, it can be really alienating, depressing and actually harmful if sexuality is constantly forced upon them.
And while nobody forced me to read this book , I believe many readers might feel like it is alright to push all that stuff on their environment and maybe even shame people who they consider prudes (as if that was a slur or smth).
If this came across like a rant, well it kind of is. It took me seven days to finish this book, which is quite unusual for me, but whenever I read like six paragraphs I got so utterly pissed, that I had to put my kindle away and watch cat videos to calm down ( doctors should prescribe "The Dodo" to lower blood pressure xD)
617 reviews21 followers
September 7, 2019
I enjoyed this romance. Malone takes a serious topic and shows how love can be found despite have an anxiety disorder. Both MCs are really like able and have great chemistry and really good sex too.
4 stars
Profile Image for Kira.
48 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2019
This book was such a feel-good read. The characters are wonderful, the drama is minimal, and the chemistry between the main characters is solid. I wasn't the biggest fan of Trail Magic, but Cara Malone has redeemed herself in my eyes with Good Vibes.

Theo suffers from extreme anxiety, making her agoraphobic and never willing to venture much farther than her own apartment. While being dragged to a local "adult boutique," she meets Libby, an eccentric, confident woman who runs the store. Although the two women hit it off, it takes a lot of effort and a conveniently forgotten phone (Andie wins for friend of the year) to get Theo and Libby together. Between Theo's anxiety and Libby's outgoing personality, the two could not be more opposite, but they find that they are good for each other in the best ways. The dialogue is fun and witty, and the story has a nice pace to it, ending with the best kind of HEA. I definitely recommend Good Vibes if you're looking for that nice lesfic beach read.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
September 6, 2019
Who'd have thought you could get coping tricks from LesFic, aye? I might have to give it a whirl. Aside from this little bonus, I really liked the book. Libby truly is a fascinating character and I liked how her and Theo balance each other out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
506 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2024
This was a nice story of two people helping each other grow and move outside their comfort zones.
Profile Image for Ameliah Faith.
859 reviews43 followers
February 15, 2020
Sex in the City
Theo is a nerdy, numbers woman and card game lover with an anxiety problem. She hates leaving her apartment and rarely does so. When her sister announces her engagement, Theo’s roommate, Andie, drags her off to a sex shop to look at bachelorette supplies but the beautiful woman with the wild hair is what Theo would rather look at… Libby has a sense of style all her own, from the clothes she makes to wear to the various colours on her head, even her place of business is a bit out of the norm. Libby owns Good Vibes but is about to be in trouble because her partner is retiring and she will need to go it alone. That’s all well and good but she has no clue how to run the shop on a day in day out basis… what she really needs is someone to help her…

This is a fun little book in spite of the anxiety that rules Theo. I loved watching Theo and Libby form a friendship and watching it grow into something much deeper and intense. It did get off to a slow start, in my opinion, but it got better. There was a lot for Theo to overcome and Libby was there every step of the way. They made a great couple, really playing off the other’s strengths, not willing to let fear stand in the way. There were lots of lovely sexy bits to make the story even better too! I enjoyed the read and the characters very much and was glad I took the time with this book.
Profile Image for Evren (Nonbinary Knight Reads).
212 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2021
I love this book. It’s sweet and feel-good with relatable characters and an interesting storyline.

Theo is agoraphobic and suffers from extreme anxiety, especially when she’s out of her comfort zone. Libby is the owner of an adult shop and is very free-spirited and open. The two meet when Theo is dragged to Libby’s store to check out bachelorette items for her sister’s bachelorette party. There is an instant attraction of sorts between the two, but Theo insists that she doesn’t date. However, that idea changes when the two continue to grow closer and get to know each other more and more.

I really like both characters. Theo is closer in reality to who I am while Libby tends to be who I’d like to be on my good days. I don’t know much about agoraphobia so I won’t claim that the author accurately represented it, but I will say that I enjoyed how she explained and demonstrated Theo having agoraphobia. Probably my only issue with this book is around Theo’s agoraphobia.

I also really like that there was no outside causes of angst. Any angst was caused by problems and insecurities that the characters had, not other people on the outside pulling their strings. That’s the drama I prefer, and it was handled quite well in this book. It was also nice to see Theo grow because of some of these situations and eventually confront herself about the problems she had been causing in her own life.

This is a cute HEA story if you just want a nice book to read with compelling characters.
Profile Image for Zingari.
215 reviews
August 10, 2020
I would call this book inspiring. These characters and their growth can easily be something someone aspires to be.

I appreciate their candid conversations and fun approach towards sex. I didn't expect much honestly(plot wise), but I enjoyed it more than I thought.

Theo actually helped me be a bit more introspective. She was able to articulate how she felt in her moments of panic with her agoraphobia and learn. I love when characters show growth.

I do wish there was more conversation around Libby's insecurities to even out the amount of care and importance both of their issues required.

I'd definitely read it again.
Profile Image for Shelby.
1,728 reviews37 followers
January 17, 2021
4 stars. A good love story that tackled the topic of anxiety but was still able to remain light and fun. I liked the characters, both the main and side characters, and enjoyed the storyline as well. Cute and quick read.
Profile Image for MaxDisaster.
677 reviews89 followers
April 22, 2021
Well, it was definitely interesting, but I can't say I enjoyed it. It just wasn't my type of book. But still, it was well written.
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews479 followers
May 16, 2023
Seventh book I've read by this author, and the lowest rating I've given. The book was interesting enough up to roughly ... I can't recall if it was 51% or 71% into the book. Regardless, at some point I hit a wall and I ended up reading more to get the book over with than to get enjoyment from reading the book (didn't help that, weirdly, I went from easily telling the characters apart to constantly having to remind myself which was Libby and which was Theo, helped when there'd be things like "Libby's mom").

Two POV book. Setting: New York City, mostly Manhattan & Brooklyn. Also mostly the two point of view character's apartments, one of the character's store, and a few moments at a convention.

Libby owns an adult store for women. Her mother, who has been a great help financially and with remembering things like bills exist, is retiring. Libby, therefore, needs help figuring out how to actually run a business. Gets help from a customer who happens to be a business consultant.

That'd be the other main character, Theo. Theo, as mentioned, is a business consultant. Theo had issues, mostly with going outside her safe zone. She has the ability to do things, go places, but she has a limited amount of time before she'd end up having silent (or otherwise) panic attacks.

That's one of the issues, by the way, that I had with the book. It was weird because so many books go a different direction with this type of character. The issue? The other characters 'try' to be accomendating but go out of their way to push Theo, and say do stupid things. "I came to your apartment with samples instead of you coming to my apartment, therefore you 'owe' me to go to Las Vegas." WTF?

The people knows she has certain abilities to conquer her issues and . . . they push her, do things seemingly on purpose to fuck her up. Get angry with her. And she feels sorry about it. For example: she really doesn't want to do it but she does what she needs to do so that she can go to Las Vegas for her sister's bachelorette party. Which includes knowing and 'accpeting' the locations the party group will go while in Vegas. They arrive and . . . her friend changes things immediately. Plan to go to a revolving restaruant high in the sky as first stop. Naturally Theo freaks out. Everyone, which includes her friend/roommate who she's been friends with since at least seven (and the friend that apparently peed in her bed?), her sister, and her girlfriend, are, at the very least, openly displeased with Theo. or barely hiding anger. And Theo is apolegtic.

That was kind of a repetitive thing in the book. The other characters wanting Theo to 'get over it' already. Oh, they are accomendating but . . . pfft.

Right. So. Read this book.

Rating: 3.3
May 16 2023
Profile Image for Juniper L.H..
993 reviews45 followers
March 5, 2024
This novel was delightful! This is a low conflict, high spice, fun and quirky novel where you can see the happy ending coming from the first chapter. The characters (and side characters) are great, and their chemistry together is compelling. The novel also dives in and gives the reader great insight into a mind riddled with anxiety, demonstrating how it can cause issues in their relationships and daily life. I would recommend this novel and definitely read anything else from this author.

Highlights:
-Overall, this novel was lighthearted and enjoyable. There wasn’t much angst or conflict, and it was just a fun ride, which is sometimes exactly what you need.
-The relationship between the main characters was sweet, cute, and delightful. There was so much communication (yay!) between these two as they worked out their differences and supported each other through their insecurities. There was great chemistry, and they fit together very well.
-The relationship was (reasonably) well balanced as they both had some issues to work through and contend with, instead of the relatively standard trope of one disaster character and the perfect character who “fixes them”. It was definitely not equal and skewed towards one character, but it was still more balanced than some novels. Both of them clearly benefited from their relationship and grew into better versions of themselves.
-Great anxiety representation with a window into the world of someone struggling with these types of issues (or at least this version of agoraphobia). People who have never dealt with these types of struggles sometimes have difficulty understanding what its like and empathizing, so having novels such as this can be helpful with providing insight.
-The conflicts in this novel were internal ones that came from the characters themselves as opposed to external forces (mostly). I like this approach as I am more of a character person, and I think it makes for a stronger story in a romance novel.
-Obviously it was nice and spicy!

Nitpicks:
-The flip side of the novel being low angst/conflict is that there wasn’t a ton of complex plot. The plot just flowed nicely and predictably; this was exactly what I wanted but it was also rather simple.
-Instalove (or instalust, more appropriately). Opinions on this will vary but I found that their relationship developed a bit too easily, particularly at the start. This was a bit of a disconnect considering that the characters were supposed to have issues that would have gotten in the way (which they did, but not really that much when you think about it).
Profile Image for Pam.
424 reviews
February 19, 2020
Our inner struggles can be conquered by outer connections.

Theo and Libby take a unexpected kind of journey together. They are opposites in many ways but a chance meeting with a little roommate push opens up a connection. The author handle Theo's agoraphobia in such a gentle, understanding way helping educate the reader as well. Libby has a very outgoing personality but stills struggles with abandoning/trust issues. Together they support unconditioally even when each is struggling to reach a better level together. Their growth and commitment to each other is beautiful. I ambit the whole sex shop foundation had me struggling bue sexual empowerment is important for women in general and this story did that so well. Libby's relationship with her Mom was a treat in this often phobia like world. I loved the characters and the story was so well done.
Profile Image for MissAlice.
467 reviews20 followers
March 18, 2022
Alright, there isn't a thing I didn't like about these fragile MC's. One character was so outside the box she was in a box, another who couldn't get outta her box even if she had directions. Both ended up becoming one another's maps and the adventure was divine. Small waves early on, but nothing arduous. It's a quick read and just a lot of fun and happy feels. Definitely a pick me up and curl up on the couch and cuddle kinda vibe throughout:) Devilishly enjoyable smut abounded.
Profile Image for Samantha Brown.
39 reviews
February 19, 2020
Great read

One of my favorites from this author for sure. I like the development of both characters although sometimes it felt a tad rushed, it work all together in the end. I was so interested in this game towards the end of the book. Not gonna lie I tried to Google it twice before I finished the book.
All in all super read.
Profile Image for Bee Tay.
175 reviews
March 14, 2020
ADORED this!! I've removed one star for clunky writing in places, but it's a very minor complaint, because Theo and Libby are the BEST! Also: SexyCon sounded super cool; the author really captured the buzz at a con (pin envy is real)! This book was the soft, queer rainbow I needed to wrap myself up in after reading too much disturbing true crime (Helter Skelter, I'm looking at you...)
Profile Image for Michael Wells.
1,122 reviews8 followers
September 7, 2023
How wonderful love story

Libby and Theo were friends. Theo has anxiety problems and just works from her apartment. Libby also has problems as her father abandoned her family when she was young. The plot revolves around how about Libby and Theo help each other with their emotional problems and find love. I recommend this book for all who like a good love story.
499 reviews15 followers
December 16, 2023
Sexy Romp

There's so much in this story that's really awesome, and then there's also the playful very sexy romp these characters explore thoroughly. But the main character with anxiety issues is handled so well, I really appreciate how enlightening it is about this condition. I especially love it when I can enjoy a story on multiple levels. This is one of those stories.
25 reviews
January 22, 2021
DEFINITELY Good Vibes

I have been reading practically everything Cara has written and I love ALL of her books!
I have devoured them so quickly that I have forgone writing reviews after I’ve read them; I just dived into the next book!
Profile Image for Rolande Vien.
522 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2020
I really enjoyed the story looking forward to reading other books by this author
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,637 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2020
Great story

I have enjoyed this book about Theo and Libby were one was free spirit woman and nerdy lady that ended up help each other out.
Profile Image for Malika.
13 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2020
This was a pleasant surprise! Not only packed with a sweet and nuanced romance between two fascinating characters, but also features a fairly realistic take on agoraphobia and anxiety. Loved it!
Profile Image for Sheila.
945 reviews
October 25, 2021
fun

Hysterically funny and endearing. Loved how this book is written with great dialogues and characters that you can easily fall in love with.
973 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2021
It was fun to read this story with characters who felt very real to me. I could really put myself into the story, even though I think both Theo and Libby are far braver than I ever will be!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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