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In Her Arms
One night. Nothing held back. And maybe finding everything they need…
Reagan’s only plan, when she came alone to a lesbian bar in the city, was to knock back a few drinks far from her lonely country house. Looking around at the younger regulars, though, maybe it was a mistake to think this was a good place to start fresh.
Then she meets a beautiful woman with stunning brown eyes and the world’s cheesiest pickup lines. Before Reagan knows it, she’s spending one night of passion in a stranger’s bed. Then fleeing back to the country. Alone.
Frankie’s had enough of the city. Even the bar scene has gone stale, eclipsed by the memory of a black-haired, green-eyed woman who lit up her world—and disappeared. Needing a change of scene, Frankie sets out to rent a quaint country cottage.
That’s when she discovers her new landlord is Reagan. But a different Reagan. She’s cautious. Prickly. Afraid. Maybe the smart thing for Frankie to do is head straight back to the city. Or maybe it’s worth the risk to stay—and kiss away the walls Reagan’s built around her heart.
Best-selling author Melissa Tereze brings you a new cosy romance, about finding love when you least expect it, to settle in with this autumn.
Reagan’s only plan, when she came alone to a lesbian bar in the city, was to knock back a few drinks far from her lonely country house. Looking around at the younger regulars, though, maybe it was a mistake to think this was a good place to start fresh.
Then she meets a beautiful woman with stunning brown eyes and the world’s cheesiest pickup lines. Before Reagan knows it, she’s spending one night of passion in a stranger’s bed. Then fleeing back to the country. Alone.
Frankie’s had enough of the city. Even the bar scene has gone stale, eclipsed by the memory of a black-haired, green-eyed woman who lit up her world—and disappeared. Needing a change of scene, Frankie sets out to rent a quaint country cottage.
That’s when she discovers her new landlord is Reagan. But a different Reagan. She’s cautious. Prickly. Afraid. Maybe the smart thing for Frankie to do is head straight back to the city. Or maybe it’s worth the risk to stay—and kiss away the walls Reagan’s built around her heart.
Best-selling author Melissa Tereze brings you a new cosy romance, about finding love when you least expect it, to settle in with this autumn.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2020
187 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books750 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 9, 2024
3 ★ | Run of the mill butch x femme slow burn romance. I was Engaged. Until I wasn’t. Skimmed a lot. Had good elements. Fell short for me. Bland and long-winded. Which is a shame as Tereze usually delivers. Just not this time unfortunately. 🙃
December 27, 2020
I liked that Frankie was the younger, more butch one, who (at the start) was more open to love. While Reagan was older and more feminine but incredibly vulnerable and gun-shy. I generally feel like it's usually the other way around, the butch is the one more 'closed off' and older, while the femme is more open and younger. So it was a nice change. (I believe there was a 13 year age gap, Frankie was 34 and Reagan was 47)
Frankie was an utter gentle-woman, a builder and a mechanic, doing multiple jobs to keep herself and her hands busy. She's over the city life, the partying, the drinking, the casual behaviour and attitudes of her friends. She had been let down by an ex who wanted an 'open relationship' but who had forgot to mention that little tidbit to her and keeps trying to get her back. The fact she doesn't kick the ex out of her own house (twice) shows what a mellow sweetheart she is. (But could definitely use a spine.)
Reagan I struggled with. She's got lots of issues that is clear, and it's hard not to feel sorry for her. But she really pushed it with how mean spirited she was sometimes toward Frankie, who was such a dear soul. Reagan's been down and out for so long that even trying to pick herself up and believe she is worthy of something more has made her bitter and has her lashing out.
This in turn effects the way Frankie evaluates her own behavior, and her wants in life and love, and thus her value, and that really pissed me off. She didn't deserve that crap!
I felt like we spent a way too much time 'head angsting' without any revelations of the why's. The first few hours of the book just alludes to things without much detail. All I wanted to do was get to the crust of why, instead of eeking it out ever so slowly the way it did. What can I say, I'm impatient! But I get it, slow burn. But still it became frustrating for me.
A lot of the time I was miffed, and just wanted to yell at the page "JUST TALK DAMNIT!!!" Frankie being so heartbroken and feeling used and jaded upset me, and Reagan going back and forth all the damned time disappointed me.
Yes it all worked out in the end, but I never could fully get on board. Which is my own issue. A Kindle Unlimited Read, check it out.
Frankie was an utter gentle-woman, a builder and a mechanic, doing multiple jobs to keep herself and her hands busy. She's over the city life, the partying, the drinking, the casual behaviour and attitudes of her friends. She had been let down by an ex who wanted an 'open relationship' but who had forgot to mention that little tidbit to her and keeps trying to get her back. The fact she doesn't kick the ex out of her own house (twice) shows what a mellow sweetheart she is. (But could definitely use a spine.)
Reagan I struggled with. She's got lots of issues that is clear, and it's hard not to feel sorry for her. But she really pushed it with how mean spirited she was sometimes toward Frankie, who was such a dear soul. Reagan's been down and out for so long that even trying to pick herself up and believe she is worthy of something more has made her bitter and has her lashing out.
This in turn effects the way Frankie evaluates her own behavior, and her wants in life and love, and thus her value, and that really pissed me off. She didn't deserve that crap!
I felt like we spent a way too much time 'head angsting' without any revelations of the why's. The first few hours of the book just alludes to things without much detail. All I wanted to do was get to the crust of why, instead of eeking it out ever so slowly the way it did. What can I say, I'm impatient! But I get it, slow burn. But still it became frustrating for me.
A lot of the time I was miffed, and just wanted to yell at the page "JUST TALK DAMNIT!!!" Frankie being so heartbroken and feeling used and jaded upset me, and Reagan going back and forth all the damned time disappointed me.
Yes it all worked out in the end, but I never could fully get on board. Which is my own issue. A Kindle Unlimited Read, check it out.
February 19, 2021
This slow burn romance was unique and layered and I really enjoyed it.
Reagan, in her mid-40s, decides to have a drink in a bar while in the city one night and is surprised when a very attractive younger woman makes a beeline for her. Reagan suffers from serious self esteem issues and can't for the life of her figure out why Frankie has singled her out. After being shamelessly flirted with, Reagan decides to throw caution to the wind and go home with her. After an incredible night of passion, Reagan decides that this can't be more than a one-time thing and says goodbye to Frankie, who is somewhat disappointed that it ended as quickly as it started.
Both get a shock weeks later when Reagan opens her door to meet a prospective new tenant interested in renting a cottage on her property out in the country, and there on the threshold is Frankie. While both are stunned by the turn of events and after some initial hesitation by Reagan, they are eventually able to come to agreeable terms regarding the lease and Frankie moves in.
As the weeks pass, neither have forgotten the passion-filled night they spent together, but Reagan doesn't feel like she could possibly have any more with this attractive butch, who has "player" written all over her. But is that really who Frankie is? And even if there wasn't, there's no possible future, so she just needs to stay away from Frankie and leave it at that.
Frankie is a character you absolutely root for and fall in love with. She is kind, capable and heartbreakingly open about her feelings. While it's understandable where Reagan's insecurities come from, fear cripples her and her coping mechanism is to lash out. She can come off as quite cruel in her icier moments. But just when I was THIS CLOSE to writing her character off, Tereze shows us the woman underneath without her self protective barriers in place. And once she begins to open up, amazing things begin to happen. At that point I was all in. There are a number of secondary characters that lend themselves well to the story, though most of them you want to strangle with your bare hands.
I would be remiss if I also didn't mention that there is the sweetest dog who plays a significant role in how the story plays out. I also found the conclusion to be very satisfying indeed.
Emma Griffiths was a new narrator for me and she has an absolutely lovely English speaking voice. She does well differentiating the various characters and the spicy scenes were quite sexy. This was also my first Melissa Tereze book and I look forward to discovering more by this author! 4.25 stars
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Reagan, in her mid-40s, decides to have a drink in a bar while in the city one night and is surprised when a very attractive younger woman makes a beeline for her. Reagan suffers from serious self esteem issues and can't for the life of her figure out why Frankie has singled her out. After being shamelessly flirted with, Reagan decides to throw caution to the wind and go home with her. After an incredible night of passion, Reagan decides that this can't be more than a one-time thing and says goodbye to Frankie, who is somewhat disappointed that it ended as quickly as it started.
Both get a shock weeks later when Reagan opens her door to meet a prospective new tenant interested in renting a cottage on her property out in the country, and there on the threshold is Frankie. While both are stunned by the turn of events and after some initial hesitation by Reagan, they are eventually able to come to agreeable terms regarding the lease and Frankie moves in.
As the weeks pass, neither have forgotten the passion-filled night they spent together, but Reagan doesn't feel like she could possibly have any more with this attractive butch, who has "player" written all over her. But is that really who Frankie is? And even if there wasn't, there's no possible future, so she just needs to stay away from Frankie and leave it at that.
Frankie is a character you absolutely root for and fall in love with. She is kind, capable and heartbreakingly open about her feelings. While it's understandable where Reagan's insecurities come from, fear cripples her and her coping mechanism is to lash out. She can come off as quite cruel in her icier moments. But just when I was THIS CLOSE to writing her character off, Tereze shows us the woman underneath without her self protective barriers in place. And once she begins to open up, amazing things begin to happen. At that point I was all in. There are a number of secondary characters that lend themselves well to the story, though most of them you want to strangle with your bare hands.
I would be remiss if I also didn't mention that there is the sweetest dog who plays a significant role in how the story plays out. I also found the conclusion to be very satisfying indeed.
Emma Griffiths was a new narrator for me and she has an absolutely lovely English speaking voice. She does well differentiating the various characters and the spicy scenes were quite sexy. This was also my first Melissa Tereze book and I look forward to discovering more by this author! 4.25 stars
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
Two deeply insecure women finding trust, companionship, and love with one another. It was only a little bit tedious.
I'll admit that most of my engagement with the story was Frankie. I really like the capable, caretaking soft butch and Frankie is an epitome of that type. She cares for all those around her and you can see how important it is to her that those she loves are comfortable and safe. One of the things that Tereze does well is with how well these two suit each other. Reagan needs someone like Frankie in her life and she can't believe her good fortune. Only. I mean that literally (the traditional, not new-fangled, meaning of literally).
Much of the conflict of this story is Reagan yo-yoing back and forth between charmed gratitude and being convinced Frankie is too good to be true. Okay, the second half of the story switches to the belief that Frankie couldn't possibly be satisfied with Reagan long-term and pulling back for this other reason. She hurts Frankie enough in the first half that if Frankie was going to leave, she'd have done it then, so this is very much a manifestation of her insecurities.
Which sounds like Reagan was awful, so I'd like to attempt a correction of that impression. Reagan is loving and kind but has been a doormat all her life and is trying to overcome that. She struggles with Frankie mainly because Frankie's sincerity and support is so foreign to her. It was kind of awesome seeing Reagan learn to let go of her defensive posture, at first privately with Frankie, but then extending that to other relationships in her life. And her learning to give Frankie all the love and support she needed was excellent to see.
What didn't work for me, like at all, were the ages of the characters. I found it best to subtract about a fifth for each (to maintain the age dynamic as there's a significant, but not squicky, gap) to find the story more believable. I just didn't feel the weight of Reagan coming off of twenty years of doormatness, if that makes any sense. This is at its worst in the epilogue where they decide that having a baby together sounds awesome. Look, at that point, Reagan is 48. This isn't so much too old as that they're going to run headlong into math. Okay I actually am saying Reagan is too old. Reagan is going to be in her 60s for that kid's teenage years and 70s for its launch into adulthood. I feel like someone on the bullet train to fifty would be more aware of this inevitability than manifests in this story.
For all I loved Frankie throughout, the back and forth on the insecurity see-saw and needing to edit ages in my head on the fly was wearing enough that I'm going to give this three stars. It was good with characters I liked and outstanding chemistry, but not so good as to overcome the flaws.
A note about Steamy: I was glad that Tereze skipped the initial one-night stand. There were a handful of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They weren't terribly well integrated to the story and the initial ones were a source of misunderstanding and conflict and that wasn't fun. I skimmed the last one or two. So not a huge win, for all it was well-written steam.
I'll admit that most of my engagement with the story was Frankie. I really like the capable, caretaking soft butch and Frankie is an epitome of that type. She cares for all those around her and you can see how important it is to her that those she loves are comfortable and safe. One of the things that Tereze does well is with how well these two suit each other. Reagan needs someone like Frankie in her life and she can't believe her good fortune. Only. I mean that literally (the traditional, not new-fangled, meaning of literally).
Much of the conflict of this story is Reagan yo-yoing back and forth between charmed gratitude and being convinced Frankie is too good to be true. Okay, the second half of the story switches to the belief that Frankie couldn't possibly be satisfied with Reagan long-term and pulling back for this other reason. She hurts Frankie enough in the first half that if Frankie was going to leave, she'd have done it then, so this is very much a manifestation of her insecurities.
Which sounds like Reagan was awful, so I'd like to attempt a correction of that impression. Reagan is loving and kind but has been a doormat all her life and is trying to overcome that. She struggles with Frankie mainly because Frankie's sincerity and support is so foreign to her. It was kind of awesome seeing Reagan learn to let go of her defensive posture, at first privately with Frankie, but then extending that to other relationships in her life. And her learning to give Frankie all the love and support she needed was excellent to see.
What didn't work for me, like at all, were the ages of the characters. I found it best to subtract about a fifth for each (to maintain the age dynamic as there's a significant, but not squicky, gap) to find the story more believable. I just didn't feel the weight of Reagan coming off of twenty years of doormatness, if that makes any sense. This is at its worst in the epilogue where they decide that having a baby together sounds awesome. Look, at that point, Reagan is 48. This isn't so much too old as that they're going to run headlong into math. Okay I actually am saying Reagan is too old. Reagan is going to be in her 60s for that kid's teenage years and 70s for its launch into adulthood. I feel like someone on the bullet train to fifty would be more aware of this inevitability than manifests in this story.
For all I loved Frankie throughout, the back and forth on the insecurity see-saw and needing to edit ages in my head on the fly was wearing enough that I'm going to give this three stars. It was good with characters I liked and outstanding chemistry, but not so good as to overcome the flaws.
A note about Steamy: I was glad that Tereze skipped the initial one-night stand. There were a handful of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They weren't terribly well integrated to the story and the initial ones were a source of misunderstanding and conflict and that wasn't fun. I skimmed the last one or two. So not a huge win, for all it was well-written steam.
October 12, 2020
Loved it!
Both have been burned before. Both are trying to make a fresh start. A night of passion turns into something more than they expected. In Her Arms is so beautiful written. You can feel the loneliness, the tension and the conflicted emotions. I loved how complex the characters are, how they have to learn to fully trust each other. I loved how they worked through their personal fears. I hope there's going to be a sequel because Reagan and Frankie have a lot more to tell us. Highly recommended.
Both have been burned before. Both are trying to make a fresh start. A night of passion turns into something more than they expected. In Her Arms is so beautiful written. You can feel the loneliness, the tension and the conflicted emotions. I loved how complex the characters are, how they have to learn to fully trust each other. I loved how they worked through their personal fears. I hope there's going to be a sequel because Reagan and Frankie have a lot more to tell us. Highly recommended.
March 12, 2021
Pull my hair out entertaining
In Her Arms was my very first Tereze book and I was not disappointed. Tereze is a wonderful writer, her writing style, at times, flowed effortlessly from one thought to the next, one scene blending beautifully into another. I will say, I had to look up a few words and phrases that I, the Canadian, was unfamiliar with, but I always feel wiser after having read a book with something new in it. Well, new for me. I liked that the story was not a slow-burn, but that Tereze didn't give it all away when the two protagonists went home together. She gave us a taste, leaving us wanting more and chasing that taste until we got more. The first half of this story had me gritting my teeth, pulling my hair, and mentally shouting out in pure frustration at the unbelievably gross miscommunicated, noncommunicative moments between Frankie and Reagan. Oh, my word, so much angst, but oh-so-delicious. Just when I thought this was going to be nothing but a push-pull, romance/erotica, Tereze hit me in the feels when dysfunctional family dynamics were revealed. Finding out about Reagan's struggle with her family and learning that she had been casted out for no fault of her own, had my eyes doing a funny thing. It shone a different light on Reagan, making her seem more tender and human. Frankie was a delight and a treat, she always stayed true to her word when it came to being there for people. She didn't have a problem standing up for herself whenever Reagan lashed out at her, and I loved that Frankie always was able to make Reagan see her own faults whenever it came to her feelings towards Frankie. Like I said before, the first half of this book had a lot of coming/going, yes, no, maybe, moments, and that may drive a person crazy, but I promise it's worth it in the end.
A seductive, titillating, sweet story. Oh, and there is a third main character who hogged the spotlight a lot of the times. Frog the golden retriever.
In Her Arms was my very first Tereze book and I was not disappointed. Tereze is a wonderful writer, her writing style, at times, flowed effortlessly from one thought to the next, one scene blending beautifully into another. I will say, I had to look up a few words and phrases that I, the Canadian, was unfamiliar with, but I always feel wiser after having read a book with something new in it. Well, new for me. I liked that the story was not a slow-burn, but that Tereze didn't give it all away when the two protagonists went home together. She gave us a taste, leaving us wanting more and chasing that taste until we got more. The first half of this story had me gritting my teeth, pulling my hair, and mentally shouting out in pure frustration at the unbelievably gross miscommunicated, noncommunicative moments between Frankie and Reagan. Oh, my word, so much angst, but oh-so-delicious. Just when I thought this was going to be nothing but a push-pull, romance/erotica, Tereze hit me in the feels when dysfunctional family dynamics were revealed. Finding out about Reagan's struggle with her family and learning that she had been casted out for no fault of her own, had my eyes doing a funny thing. It shone a different light on Reagan, making her seem more tender and human. Frankie was a delight and a treat, she always stayed true to her word when it came to being there for people. She didn't have a problem standing up for herself whenever Reagan lashed out at her, and I loved that Frankie always was able to make Reagan see her own faults whenever it came to her feelings towards Frankie. Like I said before, the first half of this book had a lot of coming/going, yes, no, maybe, moments, and that may drive a person crazy, but I promise it's worth it in the end.
A seductive, titillating, sweet story. Oh, and there is a third main character who hogged the spotlight a lot of the times. Frog the golden retriever.
September 10, 2021
I think I went in expecting too much from this… Frankie was sweet, but Reagan felt absent for most of the book. It is still a good read and well written. I’ll never regret that I read it.
August 21, 2022
After Behind her eyes and The Stepmother this is my third book of Melissa Tereze's and confims her as on of my favourite authors. I really like her writing and the way she juggles the tropes and never falls into any likeness to the general execution of them by lots of other writers. Her drama well and truly is dramatic without trying to be excessively so, there are always her characters who realise it is of their own making as a result of past injuries.
Awareness of ones actions is essential to find solutions for problems, to avoid keeping on repeating old mistakes, and that is, what usually saves her characters from themselves, one of the traits I love most about her books. I am certainly looking forward to her next one!
Awareness of ones actions is essential to find solutions for problems, to avoid keeping on repeating old mistakes, and that is, what usually saves her characters from themselves, one of the traits I love most about her books. I am certainly looking forward to her next one!
December 19, 2020
Melted my heart!!!
Reagan tries to escape her lonely life for one night when she meets Frankie. They share a special night and that’s where Reagan thought it would all end but when Frankie turns up looking for escape in the country, she is looking to rent the cottage on Reagan’s land. Frankie is excited when she finds out the woman she met is going to be right on her doorstep but Reagan seems different. Frankie works to breakdown Reagan’s walls so that they can further explore the amazing connection they had and hopefully find happiness with one another.
From the first chapter I knew this was going to be fantastic. Melissa’s writing and stories just keep getting better and better and for me, this was my favourite one yet. The dynamic between Reagan and Frankie ticked all those boxes of great tropes and brought all the drama for a fantastic romance. It was so sweet when Reagan and Frankie were working out their attraction to one another after their lives just came together, and it was definitely an act of fate.
The story was also absolutely heart-breaking. Reagan’s story is one of true pain and I felt for her but I also felt for Frankie too. She was so positive after all she had been through, the complete opposite of Reagan who was just really suffering and it just tugged at the heartstrings. I couldn’t help but fall in love with both Reagan and Frankie, and Reagan’s dog just stole the show!
Reagan’s ongoing troubles on broke my heart but eventually, when things started to look up she really flowered and we got to see her true character. There were a few obstacles in her path, and a few moments of heartache but all in all Reagan really did find herself on a path to well-deserved happiness.
Absolutely adorable, packed with tension, drama and heartache and ticking all the boxes for a perfect romance. I hope we will see Reagan and Frankie again in the future, and I highly recommend this lovely story.
Reagan tries to escape her lonely life for one night when she meets Frankie. They share a special night and that’s where Reagan thought it would all end but when Frankie turns up looking for escape in the country, she is looking to rent the cottage on Reagan’s land. Frankie is excited when she finds out the woman she met is going to be right on her doorstep but Reagan seems different. Frankie works to breakdown Reagan’s walls so that they can further explore the amazing connection they had and hopefully find happiness with one another.
From the first chapter I knew this was going to be fantastic. Melissa’s writing and stories just keep getting better and better and for me, this was my favourite one yet. The dynamic between Reagan and Frankie ticked all those boxes of great tropes and brought all the drama for a fantastic romance. It was so sweet when Reagan and Frankie were working out their attraction to one another after their lives just came together, and it was definitely an act of fate.
The story was also absolutely heart-breaking. Reagan’s story is one of true pain and I felt for her but I also felt for Frankie too. She was so positive after all she had been through, the complete opposite of Reagan who was just really suffering and it just tugged at the heartstrings. I couldn’t help but fall in love with both Reagan and Frankie, and Reagan’s dog just stole the show!
Reagan’s ongoing troubles on broke my heart but eventually, when things started to look up she really flowered and we got to see her true character. There were a few obstacles in her path, and a few moments of heartache but all in all Reagan really did find herself on a path to well-deserved happiness.
Absolutely adorable, packed with tension, drama and heartache and ticking all the boxes for a perfect romance. I hope we will see Reagan and Frankie again in the future, and I highly recommend this lovely story.
May 18, 2024
Devoured this angst-ridden yet heartwarming age-gap romance in one sitting!
A delightful story with charming and relatable characters, it's one of those books that felt as though they were written solely for me and would not easily let me go even after turning its last pages.
I am beyond glad that I finally got my chance of reading about Reagan—and Frog the Golden Retriever—and Frankie's story ❤️
I cannot recommend this enough to age-gap, one-night-stand-to-forever, butch/femme romance lovers out there! 🤩
A delightful story with charming and relatable characters, it's one of those books that felt as though they were written solely for me and would not easily let me go even after turning its last pages.
I am beyond glad that I finally got my chance of reading about Reagan—and Frog the Golden Retriever—and Frankie's story ❤️
I cannot recommend this enough to age-gap, one-night-stand-to-forever, butch/femme romance lovers out there! 🤩
March 9, 2021
This is a butch/femme, age gap romance that starts as a one night stand and works its way from enemies to lovers, then friends to lovers. It felt a little long to read, but I couldn't help rooting for the MCs to finally be happy. And the love scenes were hot. Another round of editing would have made it a tighter read.
February 9, 2021
Like a game of ping pong the angst flowed back and forth, almost to breaking point. But I survived and really enjoyed the last few chapters. Worth the effort and unfortunately it was at times (An effort).
October 6, 2020
Melissa hits it out of the park! Reagan and Frankie definitely have alot that separates them. Mostly its Reagans hang ups which makes for a angsty story, but not so much as to put you off. In fact it makes you want to keep reading to see if everything works out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I read it as an ARC with the promise of an honest review.
March 3, 2025
It was an ok read for me. Both characters kinda beat themselves up too much for my liking. The spice definitely could have brought more to the characters but it was just…lacking.
October 9, 2020
An age gap romance with heat and main characters Frankie, Reagan and Frog (the golden retriever). From inception I was drawn into the storyline of two emotionally damaged individuals struggling to move through daily life with family drama and angst. A one night stand, fateful leasing of a cottage and two women fighting an instant chemistry held back by bitter memories and doubts all blended together urged me to read through the night hoping for a HEA.
A 5 star hit which I happily recommend.
I rec'd an ARC from the author and this is a voluntary and un-biased review.
A 5 star hit which I happily recommend.
I rec'd an ARC from the author and this is a voluntary and un-biased review.
October 6, 2020
First of all this is an age-gap story that also includes a dog so what would I not love about it. The book itself starts rather unconventional with Reagan and Franking having sex just after they‘ve met (even if we unfortunately were not able to witness it ☺️). But I love when a book is unconventional and this start definitely left me wanting to know how it goes on. I totally fell in love with Frankie right from the start. She is just such a lovable and sweet person you wanna cuddle and not letting go. And well her pick up lines are just hilarious. But of course there is no chance cuddling her, because you don’t stand a chance against Reagan and most importantly Frog.
Reagan on the other hand treats Frankie very badly after they meet again. She has her reasons of course what always makes me like a person anyway no matter how she acts first. And the saying that we’re often our worst enemy definitely is so true. As the story continued there were several moments I wanted to shake both of them (including some others) to their senses. I actually talked with them. But of course they wouldn’t listen. 😏☺️
But I was totally compensated later in the book with some very beautiful, sweet and hot scenes that made me smile a lot. Even if at one point to story jumped a bit to fast for me from one moment to the next. All in all that was another book by Melissa Tereze that I enjoyed very much. I‘m looking forward to more from her.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Reagan on the other hand treats Frankie very badly after they meet again. She has her reasons of course what always makes me like a person anyway no matter how she acts first. And the saying that we’re often our worst enemy definitely is so true. As the story continued there were several moments I wanted to shake both of them (including some others) to their senses. I actually talked with them. But of course they wouldn’t listen. 😏☺️
But I was totally compensated later in the book with some very beautiful, sweet and hot scenes that made me smile a lot. Even if at one point to story jumped a bit to fast for me from one moment to the next. All in all that was another book by Melissa Tereze that I enjoyed very much. I‘m looking forward to more from her.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
June 22, 2021
I picked up this book because of the “fling to something more” trope.
The scene is quickly set in the beginning. They meet, flirt, go home to bang. Fade to black. Im split about this, sometimes fade to black is fine with me if i feel enough sexual/romantic tension and attraction between characters or if the author flashbacks to it with some detail. But no, the next few lines after the fade to black is one of the MCs saying to themselves that it was “after one of the best sex of her life”. I lost it and couldn’t really get over it. I want to know what happened! Not necessarily in graphic details but enough to feel what was irresistible to the MCs and pulling them together.
It didnt help that further down the story, their initial fling is referenced as something passionate and unforgettable but i just couldnt relate with MCs.
DNF at 20%
The scene is quickly set in the beginning. They meet, flirt, go home to bang. Fade to black. Im split about this, sometimes fade to black is fine with me if i feel enough sexual/romantic tension and attraction between characters or if the author flashbacks to it with some detail. But no, the next few lines after the fade to black is one of the MCs saying to themselves that it was “after one of the best sex of her life”. I lost it and couldn’t really get over it. I want to know what happened! Not necessarily in graphic details but enough to feel what was irresistible to the MCs and pulling them together.
It didnt help that further down the story, their initial fling is referenced as something passionate and unforgettable but i just couldnt relate with MCs.
DNF at 20%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
Really lovely story with believable, 3D characters. Cute and sweet dog, of course!
Like a warm, fuzzy blanket.
Good stuff - well-paced for a slow burn & good character development. Funny in a very sweet way at times. Small collection of characters too. Well written.
Only a few criticisms - quite wordy at times where it didn't need to be. Fade to black apart from the one night stand - a missed opportunity to show the difference between that time & when they're closer emotionally.
A lovely read!
Like a warm, fuzzy blanket.
Good stuff - well-paced for a slow burn & good character development. Funny in a very sweet way at times. Small collection of characters too. Well written.
Only a few criticisms - quite wordy at times where it didn't need to be. Fade to black apart from the one night stand - a missed opportunity to show the difference between that time & when they're closer emotionally.
A lovely read!
October 6, 2020
I absolutely loved this book about Reagan, who was recovering from her mother’s death, who meets Frankie in a bar. They engage in a one night stand and then part ways. They meet up a few weeks later when Frankie apples to rent Reagan’s spare cottage. There is some ups and downs in their relationship, but the pace of the book and the good writing, keep you interested right up until the end. Would highly,y recommend.
February 28, 2025
In Her Arms
Lovely romance as usual. Got a little dicey in the middle, though. I mean, Frankie and Reagan both had a lot of baggage to sort out on their own. People who were supposed to be close and supportive only ended up adding fuel to the fire, causing more drama than necessary. All by design, I'm sure, because it was all downhill for the couple after that.
Who am I kidding? I credit Frog, the dog, for all the beautiful things that happened to Frankie and Reagan. 🥰
Lovely romance as usual. Got a little dicey in the middle, though. I mean, Frankie and Reagan both had a lot of baggage to sort out on their own. People who were supposed to be close and supportive only ended up adding fuel to the fire, causing more drama than necessary. All by design, I'm sure, because it was all downhill for the couple after that.
Who am I kidding? I credit Frog, the dog, for all the beautiful things that happened to Frankie and Reagan. 🥰
October 6, 2020
I loved this book, Frankie and Reagan was perfect together without intending to be. I felt the love they had for each other and when they were away I felt the hurt and longing
December 6, 2020
Good story of two who wouldn't look like they fit together. Enjoyable reading.
May 31, 2021
Jae's SRC
character with every day job
one-night stand to forever
character is a teacher (retired)
age-gap romance
character was adopted or grew up in foster care
unicorn:
character over 40
character with every day job
one-night stand to forever
character is a teacher (retired)
age-gap romance
character was adopted or grew up in foster care
unicorn:
character over 40
August 12, 2021
Another great read from Melissa. Reagan really want to be left alone. She has enough family issues. But her one night stand turns out to be her new tenant. Frankie is adorable. And Frog finds her irresistible. This is a sweet romance. Buy the book and fall in love with Frog.
November 21, 2023
Destined To Meet?
Reagan is 47 and has been through hell with losing her father, an ex-wife who never really loved her unconditionally, and an overbearing mother who ruined the last six years of her life until her mother died. But she decides she’s going to try to live again, at least one night in the city when she meets a stunning woman with whom she has the best sex of her entire life and with whom she feels a definite connection. But unable to believe that she could be attractive to such a stunning handsome younger woman, she flees back to the countryside nursing her guilt and despair.
Frankie is that stunning handsome woman who thinks she’s made a connection but then finds herself abandoned yet again. Fresh off another heartbreak after finding her ex in bed with a mutual friend, the rejection from Reagan leads her to decide to move out of the city once and for all.
But when Frankie shows up to view the cottage that’s listed for rent, the landlord turns out to be none other than Reagan herself.
Talk about complicated! But for some reason, Reagan decides to rent the cottage to Frankie. Add in personal squabbles with family and friends along the way, and thus begins a story of miscommunication on several levels at once.
Will Frankie figure out that Reagan really does want her? Will Reagan figure out that Frankie is obsessed with her and sees a possible future together?
Read and find out!
I do recommend this book! You’ll be entertained.
Reagan is 47 and has been through hell with losing her father, an ex-wife who never really loved her unconditionally, and an overbearing mother who ruined the last six years of her life until her mother died. But she decides she’s going to try to live again, at least one night in the city when she meets a stunning woman with whom she has the best sex of her entire life and with whom she feels a definite connection. But unable to believe that she could be attractive to such a stunning handsome younger woman, she flees back to the countryside nursing her guilt and despair.
Frankie is that stunning handsome woman who thinks she’s made a connection but then finds herself abandoned yet again. Fresh off another heartbreak after finding her ex in bed with a mutual friend, the rejection from Reagan leads her to decide to move out of the city once and for all.
But when Frankie shows up to view the cottage that’s listed for rent, the landlord turns out to be none other than Reagan herself.
Talk about complicated! But for some reason, Reagan decides to rent the cottage to Frankie. Add in personal squabbles with family and friends along the way, and thus begins a story of miscommunication on several levels at once.
Will Frankie figure out that Reagan really does want her? Will Reagan figure out that Frankie is obsessed with her and sees a possible future together?
Read and find out!
I do recommend this book! You’ll be entertained.
October 19, 2020
Healing changes everyone but love settles you.
Frankie and Reagan have had some stormy years. People have not been nice and left them both walking wounded. Their first encounter was like nothing either had know. Unfortunately they had given up trusting themselves let alone each other. The angst that occurred as they circled around very strong feelings but completely misreading each other gave me great pain. It was very rewarding to see them let down their walls, especially after best friend Dawn tried to push them apart. The very real need to help Frog the dog brought them even closer together. Frog stole the show often but they shared a beautiful love for him that was sweet. This was a marvelous story of two women unable to to move forward but find strength in a love they always wanted but never seemed within reach. There are lots of little gems in this book. The story is one many can find a part of themselves in either character. Such a strong reminder to never give up.
Frankie and Reagan have had some stormy years. People have not been nice and left them both walking wounded. Their first encounter was like nothing either had know. Unfortunately they had given up trusting themselves let alone each other. The angst that occurred as they circled around very strong feelings but completely misreading each other gave me great pain. It was very rewarding to see them let down their walls, especially after best friend Dawn tried to push them apart. The very real need to help Frog the dog brought them even closer together. Frog stole the show often but they shared a beautiful love for him that was sweet. This was a marvelous story of two women unable to to move forward but find strength in a love they always wanted but never seemed within reach. There are lots of little gems in this book. The story is one many can find a part of themselves in either character. Such a strong reminder to never give up.
November 16, 2020
Painful to Read
I'm normally pretty easy to please, I like most books and movies. ButI wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I found it extremely tedious to read, and lost complete interest in it. I rarely feel the urge to stop reading a book, but this was one. The premise was interesting, and the characters were ok, but their "story" was awful. Person A chases Person B, Person B steadfastly finds self-pitying reasons to refuse. Person B has sudden change of heart, only for Person A to decide they are no longer interested for self-pitying reasons. Person B pursues Person A who keeps refusing, until Person A changes her mind again--just in time for, you guessed it, Person B to change her mind also, for, again, self-pitying reasons. Repeat cycle ad nauseum. I'm afraid I'm being harsh, but I feel like this book was a complete waste of my time and money.
I'm normally pretty easy to please, I like most books and movies. ButI wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I found it extremely tedious to read, and lost complete interest in it. I rarely feel the urge to stop reading a book, but this was one. The premise was interesting, and the characters were ok, but their "story" was awful. Person A chases Person B, Person B steadfastly finds self-pitying reasons to refuse. Person B has sudden change of heart, only for Person A to decide they are no longer interested for self-pitying reasons. Person B pursues Person A who keeps refusing, until Person A changes her mind again--just in time for, you guessed it, Person B to change her mind also, for, again, self-pitying reasons. Repeat cycle ad nauseum. I'm afraid I'm being harsh, but I feel like this book was a complete waste of my time and money.
January 7, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. And initially, I did. I liked the characters and the set up, and I was enjoying the writing. ....And then. Well, I don't know what. Did two people write this book? Cause it kind of felt like it. Around halfway through, I started to dislike both women. Their conflicts were made-up in their heads and then miscommunicated, which is my least favorite trope in romance. And they were both so wishy-washy about their feelings. 'I'm leaving, wait, no I'm not, way, yes I am, wait, maybe not if you convince me not to.' 'I want to be with you, but not really, but I want to chance love again, but it's best if we just keep this casual, but I feel something special with you, but your best friend says leave, so like a kicked little puppy, I will.'
Ugh! By the time they figured their shite out, I was so bored, and by the end, I was annoyed. So disappointed.
Ugh! By the time they figured their shite out, I was so bored, and by the end, I was annoyed. So disappointed.
April 26, 2023
At first, I wasn't too into it. But I decided to push on with it and im glad I did. The ending will grab onto your heart and just make you not want it to end. The relationship that Reagan and Frankie have, granted was bumpy at first, but as the book went on, it lossened up. I was a bit worried about Frog though. She doesn't die, don't worry there is no dog killing, but she needed surgery. I'm not gonna give away if the surgery was successful or not, but what I will say is that Frog did not die. Another thing I want to add is that Rich sounded like a complete jerk. Again not gonna give away anymore than that. Isla does sound pretty cute though. Tereze always knows how to pull on your heartstrings with her books! Keep up the great work Melissa!
December 4, 2023
Enjoyable age gap romance that starts with a one night stand that turns into something more when a month later Frankie applies for a cottage to rent and discovers that Reagan is the landlord. Things aren't easy at first - Reagan has a lot of walls due to the hurt that she's gone through, and both have a lot of pain in their past. But slowly things get better, in part due to Frog, Reagan's golden labrador.
This is a story of healing, of fighting for the one that you want, and of the love that can be found from all of that. The first half of the story has a lot of angst - Reagan has a lot to deal with and severe self confidence issues, the second half is much easier on the heart. It is a lovely story, heartwarming by the end, of two woman finding and bringing out the best in each other.
This is a story of healing, of fighting for the one that you want, and of the love that can be found from all of that. The first half of the story has a lot of angst - Reagan has a lot to deal with and severe self confidence issues, the second half is much easier on the heart. It is a lovely story, heartwarming by the end, of two woman finding and bringing out the best in each other.
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