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Apricot Jam
Penelope knows that her lackluster work ethic has nixed any chance she might have had with her kind and beautiful but uptight boss, Audrey. The only thing Penelope and Audrey seem to have in common is their orphan status, and Penelope isn't going to talk about that, just as she ignores how tired and sad she feels all the time under her protective layer of snark.
For her part, Audrey is joyfully pursuing her dream of running a coffee shop, and Penelope's attitude is a thorn in her side. The only thing worse than Penelope is Penelope's mooch of a boyfriend, Ryan.
A drunken kiss leads both women to question their assumptions each other, but Penelope has to process the trauma of her past before she can open up to love, and betrayal comes when she's least expecting it.
This queer love story knows that there's nothing sexier than overcoming your past to embrace your passions.
For her part, Audrey is joyfully pursuing her dream of running a coffee shop, and Penelope's attitude is a thorn in her side. The only thing worse than Penelope is Penelope's mooch of a boyfriend, Ryan.
A drunken kiss leads both women to question their assumptions each other, but Penelope has to process the trauma of her past before she can open up to love, and betrayal comes when she's least expecting it.
This queer love story knows that there's nothing sexier than overcoming your past to embrace your passions.
152 pages, ebook
Published December 29, 2020
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Imogen Markwell-Tweed
46 books123 followersImogen Markwell-Tweed is a queer romance writer and editor based in St. Louis. When she's not writing or hanging out with her dog, IMT can be found putting her media degrees to use by binge-watching trashy television. All of her stories promise queer protagonists, healthy relationships, and happily ever afters. @unrealimogen on Twitter and Instagram.view less
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 27, 2021
4/10
Honestly, I read it only because it was recommended on Scribd to me. I hadn’t had high expectations but, sadly, it seems like they were still too high.
The whole book, from every character to the story itself, feels very two dimensional. It was cute-ish and short but that was all.
The narrator didn’t do a very good job - it was just barely passable. Had to speed it up a bit as well.
Honestly, I read it only because it was recommended on Scribd to me. I hadn’t had high expectations but, sadly, it seems like they were still too high.
The whole book, from every character to the story itself, feels very two dimensional. It was cute-ish and short but that was all.
The narrator didn’t do a very good job - it was just barely passable. Had to speed it up a bit as well.
August 10, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
Pretty cute short read
Pretty cute short read
August 17, 2021
I would absolutely die for Penelope. Wearing no coat in the winter? A whole mood. Refusing to acknowledge emotion but just being mean instead? Iconic. 10/10. I want this woman to be my best friend. Also, every description of Audrey's outfits (especially from Penelope's POV) was phenomenal and the cozy coffee shop wintertime vibe absolutely makes me want to visit St. Louis. Would 100% recommend if you're looking for a short read on a cozy day.
June 29, 2021
It was very short and recommended by Scribd so that’s why I picked it up. The synopsis sounded fine, like a book in case you need something light.
I am not trying to be disrespectful. This book was whatever. The idea was cool but the execution was sloppy and very shallow.
I am not trying to be disrespectful. This book was whatever. The idea was cool but the execution was sloppy and very shallow.
February 15, 2022
I think the lack of expectation and just going to the flow of this story is what made me liked it.
The two main characters have separate interpretation of the other, therefore both do not technically understand and know anything about each other until they, well obviously, talked.
And it may be that simple, but it's actual reality. Like, are you going to conversed to a person you already judged, and sort of dislike because of that initial judgement? No. Right? So, yeah. I get this story for what it is.
Some will say that the author didn't even try. Well why would she? The story is very simple and straightforward.
PS. Listened via Scribd. Published by Bryant Street Shorts.
Also, I kind of like the Narrator (which is totally subjective and depends on your taste).
The two main characters have separate interpretation of the other, therefore both do not technically understand and know anything about each other until they, well obviously, talked.
And it may be that simple, but it's actual reality. Like, are you going to conversed to a person you already judged, and sort of dislike because of that initial judgement? No. Right? So, yeah. I get this story for what it is.
Some will say that the author didn't even try. Well why would she? The story is very simple and straightforward.
PS. Listened via Scribd. Published by Bryant Street Shorts.
Also, I kind of like the Narrator (which is totally subjective and depends on your taste).
July 15, 2022
Like jam applied generously on toast with butter could be delectable, but imagine eating an entire jar of jam will definitely give you a tooth ache. This is how I felt reading this book. The characters fall in love with eachother a little too quickly for it to be entirely convincing but I can ignore that seeing how this is supposed to a short novela rather than a full in novel. Although I'm not a huge fan of I love her/him speeches inner monologue if it happens in a gay novel I won't complaint too much but when if happens for the 4th time. God save me.
After a point it starts too feel like I'm reading about two love sick teenagers rather than full blown adults 🤷
After a point it starts too feel like I'm reading about two love sick teenagers rather than full blown adults 🤷
June 27, 2024
Oeh, this was a .... read.
Legit, not a lot is wrong with this book in general, but I did question how much effort was put into this story.
What is the ham with the title? Legit no association with the book. I was hoping at least ONE scene with apricot jam or anything.... nope.
Also, the premise was weird and unbelievable. Two people who don't like each other, then (literally nothing changes in their routine) start talking and boom... I'm in love.... NOPE. It won't happen.
Also, 2 therapy sessions, and wow. I'm now a positive person.....
It was a fast read, I do have to give that much to it.
Legit, not a lot is wrong with this book in general, but I did question how much effort was put into this story.
What is the ham with the title? Legit no association with the book. I was hoping at least ONE scene with apricot jam or anything.... nope.
Also, the premise was weird and unbelievable. Two people who don't like each other, then (literally nothing changes in their routine) start talking and boom... I'm in love.... NOPE. It won't happen.
Also, 2 therapy sessions, and wow. I'm now a positive person.....
It was a fast read, I do have to give that much to it.
May 18, 2025
I picked this up hoping for something sweet and light - and it definitely delivered on the lightness, maybe a bit too much.
The characters felt flat, no depth whatsoever, I didn’t really care whether they ended up together or not, and the plot didn’t leave much of an impression, it was meh. It was all just… fine. Whatever. Nothing offensive, nothing gripping. That said, it was a quick read and it served its purpose. I just know it’s one of those books I’ll forget almost immediately.
The characters felt flat, no depth whatsoever, I didn’t really care whether they ended up together or not, and the plot didn’t leave much of an impression, it was meh. It was all just… fine. Whatever. Nothing offensive, nothing gripping. That said, it was a quick read and it served its purpose. I just know it’s one of those books I’ll forget almost immediately.
December 17, 2021
2.5🌟
I feel like this book could have cut off the last third and still been good. The characters were cute and the plot was okay but there was nothing to really push it over to great. I understand that this was a Scribd short special book but it feels like the author didn't put much effort into it.
Also the title has nothing to do with the book at all.
I feel like this book could have cut off the last third and still been good. The characters were cute and the plot was okay but there was nothing to really push it over to great. I understand that this was a Scribd short special book but it feels like the author didn't put much effort into it.
Also the title has nothing to do with the book at all.
March 1, 2021
2.5 STARS
March 24, 2021
I wish it was more interesting because i really like the concept :(
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars.
Sweet and cute
Sweet and cute
February 2, 2022
3.25/5
May 7, 2022
Cute little wlw romance to warm your heart.
September 25, 2023
LGBTQ book, not my type reading, It has a happy ending
February 5, 2024
Definitely could have added more details/plot/backstory/something to make it more interesting, but all in all a cute, short love story.
March 6, 2021
Good overall but it leaves you wanting more from the characters. Good plot and characters but could have been a longer/deeper read.
December 25, 2022
A lesbian who owns a coffee shop figures out a way to make one of her employees’ breakups work in her favor. Not well written, but the characters were fairly complex.
July 6, 2022
It was alright. It wasn't great but it wasn't bad either
December 25, 2021
Really cute and immersive. The characters are lovable. Wish this was full length, I couldn't get enough!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews