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Rehoboth Pact #3
Restrained Desires
One don't fall for your best friend's straight sister. Especially not when she's pretending to be your fake girlfriend.
Chelsea Moore is officially divorced from her asshole husband, and after wasting her early twenties putting up with his shit, she's burning to get out there and play the field—especially a certain kinkier side he made her feel like garbage about.
Kyle Walker's terrified to put herself out there. According to her mother, she doesn't have the looks to hook anyone, but what makes it worse is that her dating history falls in line. However, when her family tries to claim she's not really a lesbian, she tells them she's bringing her girlfriend to Christmas. Only problem? She doesn't have one.
In comes sexy, newly divorced, and straight Chelsea Moore to the rescue—her best friend Aubrey's little sister. She's doing Kyle a favor—like any friend would—except Kyle's half in love with her from the moment they start hanging out. All too soon those lines begin to blur—lingering touches, flirting, kissing…. And when they connect on kink and begin hooking up, that's when Kyle knows she's screwed.
Chelsea might have Aubrey to protect her heart, but Kyle could lose both her best friend and the only woman who's made her feel like she's worth more.
Chelsea Moore is officially divorced from her asshole husband, and after wasting her early twenties putting up with his shit, she's burning to get out there and play the field—especially a certain kinkier side he made her feel like garbage about.
Kyle Walker's terrified to put herself out there. According to her mother, she doesn't have the looks to hook anyone, but what makes it worse is that her dating history falls in line. However, when her family tries to claim she's not really a lesbian, she tells them she's bringing her girlfriend to Christmas. Only problem? She doesn't have one.
In comes sexy, newly divorced, and straight Chelsea Moore to the rescue—her best friend Aubrey's little sister. She's doing Kyle a favor—like any friend would—except Kyle's half in love with her from the moment they start hanging out. All too soon those lines begin to blur—lingering touches, flirting, kissing…. And when they connect on kink and begin hooking up, that's when Kyle knows she's screwed.
Chelsea might have Aubrey to protect her heart, but Kyle could lose both her best friend and the only woman who's made her feel like she's worth more.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2022
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
71 books672 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 6, 2022
Another delightful book from Ms. McIntyre that has humor, a bit of angst, romance, sex, polar opposites that find they're perfect for one another and nicely fleshed out secondary characters.
The main characters have nothing in common other than one is the younger sister of the other's best friend Aubrey who doesn't want anyone messing with her recently divorced little sister. Chelsea doesn't need protecting - she's spreading her wings - free to explore the kinky side of things now that she has dumped her husband. Kyle on the other hand is that quiet, reliable (still single) somewhat shy member of the group that the rest are trying to couple off. From promising her family she is bringing a girlfriend home for Christmas (just to stop the nagging), to having an attraction to Chelsea which is a no no, Kyle's in trouble. What do you know, Chelsea now has an idea of what it is like to be on the outside of coupledom, agrees to be Kyle's fake girlfriend and discovers that she likes flirting with her. Why the heck is Kyle still solo and is Chelsea straight?
The Red Door a kink club, piques Chelsea's interest since that's a personal side she wants to explore and thinks that Kyle would be the perfect submissive. What an eye opener but still flirting friends! Then Thanksgiving events ups the ante and the boundary is crossed with torrid sex. A bumpy road lies ahead when their dating is revealed. Family meddling and friction plus a realization of sexuality all need to be resolved before that longed for HEA is achieved.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout. This is an unbiased, voluntary review.
The main characters have nothing in common other than one is the younger sister of the other's best friend Aubrey who doesn't want anyone messing with her recently divorced little sister. Chelsea doesn't need protecting - she's spreading her wings - free to explore the kinky side of things now that she has dumped her husband. Kyle on the other hand is that quiet, reliable (still single) somewhat shy member of the group that the rest are trying to couple off. From promising her family she is bringing a girlfriend home for Christmas (just to stop the nagging), to having an attraction to Chelsea which is a no no, Kyle's in trouble. What do you know, Chelsea now has an idea of what it is like to be on the outside of coupledom, agrees to be Kyle's fake girlfriend and discovers that she likes flirting with her. Why the heck is Kyle still solo and is Chelsea straight?
The Red Door a kink club, piques Chelsea's interest since that's a personal side she wants to explore and thinks that Kyle would be the perfect submissive. What an eye opener but still flirting friends! Then Thanksgiving events ups the ante and the boundary is crossed with torrid sex. A bumpy road lies ahead when their dating is revealed. Family meddling and friction plus a realization of sexuality all need to be resolved before that longed for HEA is achieved.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout. This is an unbiased, voluntary review.
February 6, 2022
I have to say that I only read book 2 (Aubrey‘s & Salina‘s story) in this series and still haven’t read the first (Sky‘s and Mia‘s story). But for me it definitely worked this way and I think I can go back to read the first book afterwards. What I definitely recommend is reading book 2 before this one because Aubrey plays a huge role in Kyle‘s and Chelsea‘s life. On the one hand she is Kyle‘s best friend on the other hand Chelsea’s big sister.
I already developed a soft spot for Kyle in the last book and was looking forward even more for her story. And my heart went out to her even more here. Her personal insecurities are huge and seem to define her whole actions. Never being successful with women and now being the 5th wheel around her best friends lead her more and more to lose hope ever finding her own happiness.
Chelsea on the other is on the way getting divorced from her husband and finally wants to do what she desires deep inside. Especially because she was never able to follow them.
Kyle actually had a huge crush on Chelsea for quite some time and when they start to spend more time with each other, it gets more difficult for her to keep her distance. Even if of course she doesn’t believe she ever has a chance with her. When Chelsea offers to play her fake girlfriend around her family on Christmas, things start to heat up.
I loved them together. They just clicked in and out of the bed. Their chemistry was fantastic and the heat level off the charts several times. And most of all both are exactly what they need. Even if they both don’t dare to reveal this to the other which of course leads to some heartbreak. I definitely wanted to take Kyle in my arms and tell her what a wonderful human being she is. But of course that wasn’t necessary, then in the end Chelsea took over for me (too bad… LOL).
All in all this was another great read and I definitely finally wanna read the first book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I already developed a soft spot for Kyle in the last book and was looking forward even more for her story. And my heart went out to her even more here. Her personal insecurities are huge and seem to define her whole actions. Never being successful with women and now being the 5th wheel around her best friends lead her more and more to lose hope ever finding her own happiness.
Chelsea on the other is on the way getting divorced from her husband and finally wants to do what she desires deep inside. Especially because she was never able to follow them.
Kyle actually had a huge crush on Chelsea for quite some time and when they start to spend more time with each other, it gets more difficult for her to keep her distance. Even if of course she doesn’t believe she ever has a chance with her. When Chelsea offers to play her fake girlfriend around her family on Christmas, things start to heat up.
I loved them together. They just clicked in and out of the bed. Their chemistry was fantastic and the heat level off the charts several times. And most of all both are exactly what they need. Even if they both don’t dare to reveal this to the other which of course leads to some heartbreak. I definitely wanted to take Kyle in my arms and tell her what a wonderful human being she is. But of course that wasn’t necessary, then in the end Chelsea took over for me (too bad… LOL).
All in all this was another great read and I definitely finally wanna read the first book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2022
A good farewell to the three friends, this one had more (not too much) angst, 'straight' sister of Audrey, part 2, but well written and I'm pleased to have spent time with 'em all.
March 30, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This delightful romance focuses on Kyle Walker, who suffers from chronically low self-esteem, and Chelsea Moore, the recently divorced, theoretically straight sister of her best friend. The character dynamic is lovely: outgoing Chelsea, keen to explore the kinkier interests her husband never cared to indulge and finding herself very attracted to Kyle, is an excellent foil for Kyle, offering her the support and reinforcement she so badly needs.
The emotional arc of the book was very satisfying, with both characters working through longstanding anxieties and building a deep emotional connection. Kyle, Chelsea, and the problems they're working through felt very real, and although there is some poor communication, it never felt forced or frustrating. This is the third book in a series focusing on a group of friends. I haven't read any of its predecessors, but the ensemble cast were very fully developed, in line with the premise of the series: the bonds between the group of friends, and the pressures growing out of new romances that have left Kyle feeling isolated were drawn so as to make you feel for her. The wider friendship group and their relationships were an aspect of the book I found sympathetic and engaging.
Although the book is advertised as both fake dating and kink (both tropes I have a huge soft spot for), as other reviewers have noted there is relatively little fake dating on page. Kink is a prominent theme within the book, but it's more prominent as fantasy and relationship dynamic than it is actively explored by Kyle and Chelsea. The on page kink is relatively tame by comparison with Alexis Hall or Kris Ripper's kinky romances. It speaks very highly for the book that I was initially attracted to it by the mention of these tropes, but nevertheless enjoyed it very much. However, readers who are looking for kinky romance may feel disappointed.
The book is lighthearted and funny in tone, but addresses some serious themes such as emotional abuse by a parent. These are handled sensitively and with care. I found this an absolute treat, and based on how much I enjoyed this book, I'll definitely be checking out more of McIntyre's work.
This delightful romance focuses on Kyle Walker, who suffers from chronically low self-esteem, and Chelsea Moore, the recently divorced, theoretically straight sister of her best friend. The character dynamic is lovely: outgoing Chelsea, keen to explore the kinkier interests her husband never cared to indulge and finding herself very attracted to Kyle, is an excellent foil for Kyle, offering her the support and reinforcement she so badly needs.
The emotional arc of the book was very satisfying, with both characters working through longstanding anxieties and building a deep emotional connection. Kyle, Chelsea, and the problems they're working through felt very real, and although there is some poor communication, it never felt forced or frustrating. This is the third book in a series focusing on a group of friends. I haven't read any of its predecessors, but the ensemble cast were very fully developed, in line with the premise of the series: the bonds between the group of friends, and the pressures growing out of new romances that have left Kyle feeling isolated were drawn so as to make you feel for her. The wider friendship group and their relationships were an aspect of the book I found sympathetic and engaging.
Although the book is advertised as both fake dating and kink (both tropes I have a huge soft spot for), as other reviewers have noted there is relatively little fake dating on page. Kink is a prominent theme within the book, but it's more prominent as fantasy and relationship dynamic than it is actively explored by Kyle and Chelsea. The on page kink is relatively tame by comparison with Alexis Hall or Kris Ripper's kinky romances. It speaks very highly for the book that I was initially attracted to it by the mention of these tropes, but nevertheless enjoyed it very much. However, readers who are looking for kinky romance may feel disappointed.
The book is lighthearted and funny in tone, but addresses some serious themes such as emotional abuse by a parent. These are handled sensitively and with care. I found this an absolute treat, and based on how much I enjoyed this book, I'll definitely be checking out more of McIntyre's work.
February 15, 2022
Restrained Desires brings a well crafted and blissful close to the Rehoboth Pact series by Katherine McIntyre. She spares no expense and makes sure that the story regarding Kyle and Chelsea is both natural, exceptionally hot, and deeply sexy close to this series. There was a lot of heart put into each of these books that surround this sweet and sassy group and Restrained Desires is one last Fireball shot with the ladies in the Rehoboth Pact scene out of Delaware.
You can't put Restrained Desires down; there isn't a dull moment in the whole book. Halfway through the book I was legit cheering for the characters when I wasn't nearly panting over the scorching desire between the two of them. Katherine does a good job of showing how life changes is exceptionally hard, especially when it leads to your happiness, and how your family reacts to you discovering a new part of who you are. I really felt for both characters because being your authentic self is hard when everyone in your life already has an understanding of you. It made me cry as much as it made me quite flush!
If you are looking for something that is spicy, hot, and be satisfying as much as a good shot, do not hesitate and let your Restrained Desires be known by reading this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review - BUT I will be buying this book the second it hits both the digital and physical shelves!!!
You can't put Restrained Desires down; there isn't a dull moment in the whole book. Halfway through the book I was legit cheering for the characters when I wasn't nearly panting over the scorching desire between the two of them. Katherine does a good job of showing how life changes is exceptionally hard, especially when it leads to your happiness, and how your family reacts to you discovering a new part of who you are. I really felt for both characters because being your authentic self is hard when everyone in your life already has an understanding of you. It made me cry as much as it made me quite flush!
If you are looking for something that is spicy, hot, and be satisfying as much as a good shot, do not hesitate and let your Restrained Desires be known by reading this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review - BUT I will be buying this book the second it hits both the digital and physical shelves!!!
April 10, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This book was definitely spicy, with a generous amount of sweetness thrown in as well though lol and I had a fun time reading it. I found I related shockingly well to namesake Kyle! I also loved Chelsea and thought she made a great addition to the group. Overall I actually liked their dynamic better than the one between Aubrey and Selina (I can't really judge against Mia and Sky since I didn't read the first book). I thought they balanced each other out well and I particularly enjoyed how comfortable and genuine their relationship felt despite it being "fake".
The end really hit me in the feels and made cry which honestly I think is the true mark of a good book 😂. Fake dating has always been a favorite trope of mine and I thought this book tackled it fairly well. I would have liked to see more of the actual fake dating in practice as it was mainly just all over the phone (Kyle telling her mom that she was bring a girlfriend home for Christmas) with one in-person interaction. I wish we got to see the Christmas party in action since it seemed to be what the book was building up to. Either way though I'd definitely recommend this book to any romance fans as it was short, sweet and spicy!
4.5 stars
This book was definitely spicy, with a generous amount of sweetness thrown in as well though lol and I had a fun time reading it. I found I related shockingly well to namesake Kyle! I also loved Chelsea and thought she made a great addition to the group. Overall I actually liked their dynamic better than the one between Aubrey and Selina (I can't really judge against Mia and Sky since I didn't read the first book). I thought they balanced each other out well and I particularly enjoyed how comfortable and genuine their relationship felt despite it being "fake".
The end really hit me in the feels and made cry which honestly I think is the true mark of a good book 😂. Fake dating has always been a favorite trope of mine and I thought this book tackled it fairly well. I would have liked to see more of the actual fake dating in practice as it was mainly just all over the phone (Kyle telling her mom that she was bring a girlfriend home for Christmas) with one in-person interaction. I wish we got to see the Christmas party in action since it seemed to be what the book was building up to. Either way though I'd definitely recommend this book to any romance fans as it was short, sweet and spicy!
April 6, 2022
When I first heard about this book, it was marketed as a lesbian BDSM book. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t willing to throw some loved ones into traffic to get onto this ARC team. I didn’t — I didn’t have to, fortunately — but I probably would have.
No, you know what? Having read the book? I definitely would have.
Kyle Walker is the living, breathing embodiment of social anxiety. She is a bit awkward, a bit socially maladjusted, and entirely into her best friend’s (straight) sister. Who, by the way, just so happens to be freshly divorced. Or rather, on the way there. Chelsea Moore survived the douche-nozzliest nozzle to ever nozzle and is fresh on the dating scene. It starts off innocent enough — a fake relationship to sell Kyle’s sexuality to a family that insists on invalidating her. But it ends up being so much more when they realize their chemistry — their interests — line up a little too well.
l loved. This. Book. Loved it. I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the tension, the drama. It made me swoon. It made me laugh. It made my heart hurt. Katherine McIntyre really did a wonderful job with this book, and I’m so looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, come check out my blog!: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
No, you know what? Having read the book? I definitely would have.
Kyle Walker is the living, breathing embodiment of social anxiety. She is a bit awkward, a bit socially maladjusted, and entirely into her best friend’s (straight) sister. Who, by the way, just so happens to be freshly divorced. Or rather, on the way there. Chelsea Moore survived the douche-nozzliest nozzle to ever nozzle and is fresh on the dating scene. It starts off innocent enough — a fake relationship to sell Kyle’s sexuality to a family that insists on invalidating her. But it ends up being so much more when they realize their chemistry — their interests — line up a little too well.
l loved. This. Book. Loved it. I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the tension, the drama. It made me swoon. It made me laugh. It made my heart hurt. Katherine McIntyre really did a wonderful job with this book, and I’m so looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, come check out my blog!: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
February 15, 2022
Whew! *fans self* I happened to read this one around Valentine's day and the timing could not have been better.
First off, I am a sucker for a fake dating romance but despite what the description might suggest, this is not a fake dating romance. The book starts off with Chelsea agreeing to be a fake girlfriend for Kyle's family Christmas party but the party doesn't actually occur until nearly the end of the book. Instead, we see Chelsea (fresh off a divorce) and Kyle (the last single one in her friend group) bond over their shared loneliness.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Kyle and Chelsea from the start but also liked how it evolved. The characters emotions and struggles were all believable and I could understand the actions they took. The kink element was a pretty big piece of the plot and managed to feel well integrated rather than there for the sake of being there.
Overall, I'm not sure I would have picked this one up if I knew it wasn't really a fake dating romance but it was an enjoyable read.
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I am a sucker for a fake dating romance but despite what the description might suggest, this is not a fake dating romance. The book starts off with Chelsea agreeing to be a fake girlfriend for Kyle's family Christmas party but the party doesn't actually occur until nearly the end of the book. Instead, we see Chelsea (fresh off a divorce) and Kyle (the last single one in her friend group) bond over their shared loneliness.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Kyle and Chelsea from the start but also liked how it evolved. The characters emotions and struggles were all believable and I could understand the actions they took. The kink element was a pretty big piece of the plot and managed to feel well integrated rather than there for the sake of being there.
Overall, I'm not sure I would have picked this one up if I knew it wasn't really a fake dating romance but it was an enjoyable read.
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
This is book three in this series and Chelsea and Kyle’s story. I already loved Kyle from the previous book and was really excited to read her story. Kyle is shy, suffers from low self esteem, and it’s lead her to believe that she’ll never find happiness. When Kyle tells her family she will bring her girlfriend to the family holiday party to get them off her back, Chelsea, Kyle's best friend's sister, volunteers to be her date. I really loved Chelsea and Kyle together, they just seemed to fit perfectly together, and their chemistry was palpable. Another excellent addition to this series and a recommended read.
April 5, 2022
This is a well written book with strong characters. The author does a great job building the story as she brings the unexpected feelings out. You can feel the love coming through the pages. It's an enjoyable story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 20, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the Rehoboth Pact, which follows a friend group where one friend a book finds their partner. McIntyre has offered other books to the Book Club and I have enjoyed them, including the first book of the series. I had not read the 2nd one when I read this book, but that did not effect my enjoyment at all.
This book follows Kyle, the romantic in her friends group who just hasn't had any luck with finding their partner, while her commitment-phobe best friends find their partners. Kyle, in a last minute attempt to get her family off her back, told them she will bring her girlfriend to their family holiday party, however she doesn't have one. In walks Kyle best friends recently divorced little sister, Chelsea, who volunteers to be Kyle's fake girlfriend.
I really like Kyle and Chelsea. They were funny and cute together, and their chemistry was great! Their adventures and hangouts were a joy to read but what I really like was seeing each of them grow individually and how that helped them grow together. It was an absolutely enjoyable and wonderful to read. It just gave me the warm happy feelings I look for in a good romance.
A couple of notes, while it is considered a fake relationship, there really isn't one. Kyle and Chelsea agree to a fake relationship and in preparation for the event, they end up falling for each other. That didn't bother me at all but I know that might put some readers off.
All in all, I really liked this book and look forward to more books by McIntyre. I will definitely be reading the second book. I would recommend this book for fans of romance
This is the 3rd book in the Rehoboth Pact, which follows a friend group where one friend a book finds their partner. McIntyre has offered other books to the Book Club and I have enjoyed them, including the first book of the series. I had not read the 2nd one when I read this book, but that did not effect my enjoyment at all.
This book follows Kyle, the romantic in her friends group who just hasn't had any luck with finding their partner, while her commitment-phobe best friends find their partners. Kyle, in a last minute attempt to get her family off her back, told them she will bring her girlfriend to their family holiday party, however she doesn't have one. In walks Kyle best friends recently divorced little sister, Chelsea, who volunteers to be Kyle's fake girlfriend.
I really like Kyle and Chelsea. They were funny and cute together, and their chemistry was great! Their adventures and hangouts were a joy to read but what I really like was seeing each of them grow individually and how that helped them grow together. It was an absolutely enjoyable and wonderful to read. It just gave me the warm happy feelings I look for in a good romance.
A couple of notes, while it is considered a fake relationship, there really isn't one. Kyle and Chelsea agree to a fake relationship and in preparation for the event, they end up falling for each other. That didn't bother me at all but I know that might put some readers off.
All in all, I really liked this book and look forward to more books by McIntyre. I will definitely be reading the second book. I would recommend this book for fans of romance
March 17, 2022
Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters,their journey to be together was incredible it had you hooked from first to finish definitely a must read congratulations. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I promise it won't be my last. It felt so "real world" to me, no flowery prose just how people really talk and act in public and private. The story line of a fake date might not be new but it felt so fresh and exciting it really felt different. Although there was a lot of side action, the author was able to keep everything focused on the two main characters, Kyle and Chelsea. Their fake date to lasting relationship was not perfect but I could really relate to it. I think some readers could find Chelsea's story too real and trigger some deep emotional response. This book really had a little bit of everything I love in a romance story..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2023
RESTRAINED DESIRES is the third book in the Rehoboth Pact series, bringing to a close this fantastic trilogy. Kyle has played her part in the previous two books, strong and steady but kind of in the background. Now it's her time to shine.
Oh, Kyle! Bless you, sweetheart. You are so completely adorable but, please excuse me as I deck your mother! What a piece of work! It's amazing you turned out as you did. And thank goodness Chelsea can see that.
When I first read fake-date, I will admit to groaning a little. I love that trope but felt Kyle deserved someone who saw her, and who wanted her. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Chelsea has her own issues to contend with but never did she not see Kyle for the wonderful human being she is. (Yes, I do know she's a character!)
Aubrey - you were a sod in this one. I went off you for a while. I'll let you off... just this once.
This is a spicy-hot story with plenty of feel-good moments. I will even admit to my eyes leaking but that's all I'm saying.
Ms McIntyre certainly saved the best until last in my opinion. Absolutely amazing. This whole trilogy is definitely one to buy, keep, and to re-read. ❤
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2022
Oh, Kyle! Bless you, sweetheart. You are so completely adorable but, please excuse me as I deck your mother! What a piece of work! It's amazing you turned out as you did. And thank goodness Chelsea can see that.
When I first read fake-date, I will admit to groaning a little. I love that trope but felt Kyle deserved someone who saw her, and who wanted her. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Chelsea has her own issues to contend with but never did she not see Kyle for the wonderful human being she is. (Yes, I do know she's a character!)
Aubrey - you were a sod in this one. I went off you for a while. I'll let you off... just this once.
This is a spicy-hot story with plenty of feel-good moments. I will even admit to my eyes leaking but that's all I'm saying.
Ms McIntyre certainly saved the best until last in my opinion. Absolutely amazing. This whole trilogy is definitely one to buy, keep, and to re-read. ❤
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2022
April 12, 2022
Let me start off by saying that I did not finish this book, though I did try to skim it to see if there was anything catching my eye enough to force myself to continue. I did not find any such thing, unfortunately.
And I must sadly say I am left wondering if I read the same book as everyone else leaving reviews here. I kept thinking to myself "is this an earlier unpublished work the author went back to clean up and just... didn't get around to it?" Because I certainly liked the first two Rehoboth Pacts, well enough that I actually had this on pre-order for months. I was really looking forward to this one; instead, all of the small things that I hadn't cared for in books 1 and 2 were impossible to ignore and combined with a bad pairing that just did not work for me.
The two biggest flaws (outside of the main pairing) that had been present previously were 1) the godawful usage of pet names. If you haven't read the first two books in the series, or maybe even only one of them, it might not bother you as much. But if you despise pet names and/or you read the first two books, the constant usage of "doll," sugar," sweetheart," and "gorgeous" every single paragraph will make you grind your teeth to the point of your dentist asking after your well-being. First of all, those pet names are extremely overused and did not fit either of the characters. Are they caricatures from the 1950s? Are they Catwoman in a noir-esque story? They are neither, and neither were the characters in Confined Desires or Opposed Desires. It can be a problem when authors write several books in a series but change up the leads in each; what distinguishes character voice is already tricky enough with two leads let alone with multiple books, and it's easy to pick up an author's voice and quirks instead of the characters. But those pet names are extremely specific, yet all 6 leads in Rehoboth Pact are using them. Where are the individual personalities? Can we at least get a fourth wall moment that somehow these ladies who love to liberally use the same awful nicknames for their significant others nonstop found each other? Can the author write affection and sexual intimacy without using these names challenge?
The second biggest flaw (outside of the pairing) was the constant showing and not telling. Now, "show don't tell" gets overused as advice. It's not always the best way to write. But it really would have been helpful here; I never felt the actual pining or longing each character had for each other, because the author simply skipped that in favor of telling us how much the characters longed for each other. Telling us how much the characters enjoyed seeing certain body parts. If I had to guess, I'd say it might be due to the shorter length. These are almost novella length books, so maybe the author felt a bit pressed for time. But the story really suffered for it. It's romance; I can't just be told someone feels something. Make ME feel what the character is feeling!
Onto the pairing! There was so much potential here that it makes me sad I didn't like it more. We have Chelsea, the younger sister of one of the leads from book 2, Opposed Desires, who is freshly divorced and questioning her sexuality and sexual tastes. We also have Kyle, the BFF and third member rounding out the trio of Rehoboth Pact-makers. Kyle is very sweet (we know this because we get scene after scene of Kyle ordering sugary foods, like banana-stuffed french toast and cupcakes, etc.) Kyle is a butch lesbian who's been fantasizing about her friend's younger sister, and might be interested in being a submissive. An experienced butch submissive and an inexperienced femme domme who recently considered herself straight, not many of those pairings laying about. There's just one problem.
Kyle has some of the worst self-confidence of any character I've ever read. This is romance and a shorter one at that; part of the allure of the romance genre is FANTASY. There's room for some low self-confidence, but there's not room for whatever is going on with Kyle. Kyle needs to be in a separate genre that isn't straddling erotica. Kyle needs to be in therapy. Kyle suffers from a multitude of different ways she thinks she sucks, including a mother who bullied her for having "thicker thighs," etc. My breaking point with this book was this line: "I'm all gross and bloated from dinner. You don't want to see what's under there" immediately preceding a spicy sex scene. After about 1/4 of the book so far spent on Kyle self-deprecating and trashing herself, no, I didn't want to see what's under there, if "there" meant the rest of the book.
There's room for helping characters grow more confident, for one character to boost another's confidence in themselves to feel sexy. Maybe in a different book, a longer book, that would work. But I did not want a sex scene immediately after that line. Maybe if the internalized fatphobia had been used more sparingly. Maybe if there'd been a little more than "stop that, you're beautiful" to a very deliberately used line (seriously, "bloated" is a powerful word), it could have worked.
I am curious to continue more of Katherine McIntyre's work after this but extremely cautious. The repeated authorial quirks really bugged me, and I don't think I could read another book by this author that featured a character with low self-confidence like Kyle. Maybe it might work for others and I'm an outlier, with all of my pet peeves culminating together in one glorious story. But for now, I need to find a romance palette cleanser.
And I must sadly say I am left wondering if I read the same book as everyone else leaving reviews here. I kept thinking to myself "is this an earlier unpublished work the author went back to clean up and just... didn't get around to it?" Because I certainly liked the first two Rehoboth Pacts, well enough that I actually had this on pre-order for months. I was really looking forward to this one; instead, all of the small things that I hadn't cared for in books 1 and 2 were impossible to ignore and combined with a bad pairing that just did not work for me.
The two biggest flaws (outside of the main pairing) that had been present previously were 1) the godawful usage of pet names. If you haven't read the first two books in the series, or maybe even only one of them, it might not bother you as much. But if you despise pet names and/or you read the first two books, the constant usage of "doll," sugar," sweetheart," and "gorgeous" every single paragraph will make you grind your teeth to the point of your dentist asking after your well-being. First of all, those pet names are extremely overused and did not fit either of the characters. Are they caricatures from the 1950s? Are they Catwoman in a noir-esque story? They are neither, and neither were the characters in Confined Desires or Opposed Desires. It can be a problem when authors write several books in a series but change up the leads in each; what distinguishes character voice is already tricky enough with two leads let alone with multiple books, and it's easy to pick up an author's voice and quirks instead of the characters. But those pet names are extremely specific, yet all 6 leads in Rehoboth Pact are using them. Where are the individual personalities? Can we at least get a fourth wall moment that somehow these ladies who love to liberally use the same awful nicknames for their significant others nonstop found each other? Can the author write affection and sexual intimacy without using these names challenge?
The second biggest flaw (outside of the pairing) was the constant showing and not telling. Now, "show don't tell" gets overused as advice. It's not always the best way to write. But it really would have been helpful here; I never felt the actual pining or longing each character had for each other, because the author simply skipped that in favor of telling us how much the characters longed for each other. Telling us how much the characters enjoyed seeing certain body parts. If I had to guess, I'd say it might be due to the shorter length. These are almost novella length books, so maybe the author felt a bit pressed for time. But the story really suffered for it. It's romance; I can't just be told someone feels something. Make ME feel what the character is feeling!
Onto the pairing! There was so much potential here that it makes me sad I didn't like it more. We have Chelsea, the younger sister of one of the leads from book 2, Opposed Desires, who is freshly divorced and questioning her sexuality and sexual tastes. We also have Kyle, the BFF and third member rounding out the trio of Rehoboth Pact-makers. Kyle is very sweet (we know this because we get scene after scene of Kyle ordering sugary foods, like banana-stuffed french toast and cupcakes, etc.) Kyle is a butch lesbian who's been fantasizing about her friend's younger sister, and might be interested in being a submissive. An experienced butch submissive and an inexperienced femme domme who recently considered herself straight, not many of those pairings laying about. There's just one problem.
Kyle has some of the worst self-confidence of any character I've ever read. This is romance and a shorter one at that; part of the allure of the romance genre is FANTASY. There's room for some low self-confidence, but there's not room for whatever is going on with Kyle. Kyle needs to be in a separate genre that isn't straddling erotica. Kyle needs to be in therapy. Kyle suffers from a multitude of different ways she thinks she sucks, including a mother who bullied her for having "thicker thighs," etc. My breaking point with this book was this line: "I'm all gross and bloated from dinner. You don't want to see what's under there" immediately preceding a spicy sex scene. After about 1/4 of the book so far spent on Kyle self-deprecating and trashing herself, no, I didn't want to see what's under there, if "there" meant the rest of the book.
There's room for helping characters grow more confident, for one character to boost another's confidence in themselves to feel sexy. Maybe in a different book, a longer book, that would work. But I did not want a sex scene immediately after that line. Maybe if the internalized fatphobia had been used more sparingly. Maybe if there'd been a little more than "stop that, you're beautiful" to a very deliberately used line (seriously, "bloated" is a powerful word), it could have worked.
I am curious to continue more of Katherine McIntyre's work after this but extremely cautious. The repeated authorial quirks really bugged me, and I don't think I could read another book by this author that featured a character with low self-confidence like Kyle. Maybe it might work for others and I'm an outlier, with all of my pet peeves culminating together in one glorious story. But for now, I need to find a romance palette cleanser.
February 6, 2022
The dynamics of the characters in this book, and the emotions that you can’t help but feel with them, are sure to pull you right in. The pure love and coming to terms with relationships and unexpected feelings didn’t feel forced at all, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the final book in the Rehoboth Pact trilogy. It CAN be read as a stand alone, however I STRONGLY recommend you read the other two books first. It will give you a better picture of Kyle and how, up to now, she has been kind of in the background. Confined got 4 stars, Opposed crept up to 4.5 stars.
But this one? Knocked it out the park, baby, and it gets the full and shiny 5 star rating! Saving the best for last was the right thing to do!
Chelsea is Aubrey's sister (from Opposed) and is newly divorced from her husband. Kyle is, well, at best, plodding along. Her mother (and I use the term very loosely!) pushes Kyle to say she is bringing a date to the family gathering and then panics because she doesn't have one. Chelsea, being all single, steps up to the plate to help Kyle. And there follows a journey of self discovery, and learning to love yourself, and that found families can be so much more than blood families.
Kyle. . .oh! i wanted to wrap her up and give her a big cuddle cos that parental female unit was not a nice person! Wanted to punch the b*tch a time or two! But Chelsea? She really SEES Kyle, and Kyle does struggle a bit with that, at first. Once she and Chelsea take their fake relationship up a notch, Kyle really benefits for having someone in her corner. And Chelsea? She's different to Aubs, but not less a force to be reckoned with. Once she gets her hands on Kyle, there was no going back.
Til someone does something stoopid and then there is a fight to be had.
Aubs nearly got a punch, here, along with that parental unit. She didn't take too well to Chelsea and Kyle getting together and deals with it badly. She DOES redeem herself, giving Chelsea the means to win the fight for Kyle, but still.
It is again, HEAVY on the emotional aspect, but for Kyle dealing with that parental unit b*tch and feelings of inadequacy, and Chelsea, dealing with her divorce, but her father's betrayal cuts deep. He does come out the other side, but faced with losing both his daughters will make anyone turnaround rapidly!
The smexy stuff? Oh! My! Days! steamiest of the three. Mostly because Kyle pushes every single button of Chelsea's and then some. And Chelsea pushes buttons in Kyle she never knew she needed pushing!
Obviously, Aubs and Selina play a part here, but also Mia and Sky, and it was lovely to catch up with them all.
I again commend Ms McIntyre on her writing skills. Switching from MF, to MM and then to FF can't be easy, but McIntyre NAILS it with the final book in this trilogy. Keep 'em coming, please!
As I said . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the final book in the Rehoboth Pact trilogy. It CAN be read as a stand alone, however I STRONGLY recommend you read the other two books first. It will give you a better picture of Kyle and how, up to now, she has been kind of in the background. Confined got 4 stars, Opposed crept up to 4.5 stars.
But this one? Knocked it out the park, baby, and it gets the full and shiny 5 star rating! Saving the best for last was the right thing to do!
Chelsea is Aubrey's sister (from Opposed) and is newly divorced from her husband. Kyle is, well, at best, plodding along. Her mother (and I use the term very loosely!) pushes Kyle to say she is bringing a date to the family gathering and then panics because she doesn't have one. Chelsea, being all single, steps up to the plate to help Kyle. And there follows a journey of self discovery, and learning to love yourself, and that found families can be so much more than blood families.
Kyle. . .oh! i wanted to wrap her up and give her a big cuddle cos that parental female unit was not a nice person! Wanted to punch the b*tch a time or two! But Chelsea? She really SEES Kyle, and Kyle does struggle a bit with that, at first. Once she and Chelsea take their fake relationship up a notch, Kyle really benefits for having someone in her corner. And Chelsea? She's different to Aubs, but not less a force to be reckoned with. Once she gets her hands on Kyle, there was no going back.
Til someone does something stoopid and then there is a fight to be had.
Aubs nearly got a punch, here, along with that parental unit. She didn't take too well to Chelsea and Kyle getting together and deals with it badly. She DOES redeem herself, giving Chelsea the means to win the fight for Kyle, but still.
It is again, HEAVY on the emotional aspect, but for Kyle dealing with that parental unit b*tch and feelings of inadequacy, and Chelsea, dealing with her divorce, but her father's betrayal cuts deep. He does come out the other side, but faced with losing both his daughters will make anyone turnaround rapidly!
The smexy stuff? Oh! My! Days! steamiest of the three. Mostly because Kyle pushes every single button of Chelsea's and then some. And Chelsea pushes buttons in Kyle she never knew she needed pushing!
Obviously, Aubs and Selina play a part here, but also Mia and Sky, and it was lovely to catch up with them all.
I again commend Ms McIntyre on her writing skills. Switching from MF, to MM and then to FF can't be easy, but McIntyre NAILS it with the final book in this trilogy. Keep 'em coming, please!
As I said . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 6, 2022
Beautiful!
This is the final installment of a trilogy about three best friends' lives.
Kyle's friendship with her best friend's sister, Chelsea, is the subject of the final book.
For a long time, Kyle has had a crush on her friend's lovely younger sister.
Chelsea isn't gay, which is a problem.
Chelsea becomes inebriated after her divorce celebration and spends the night at Kyle's place.
When she wakes up, she discovers that Kyle had not only ensured her safety and snuggled her into bed, but she had also made breakfast for her.
Kyle receives a text from her mother, which makes her obviously sad, while they are talking over breakfast.
Kyle's emotionally harsh and extremely critical mother is in denial about Kyle's sexuality.
So much so that they are constantly inquiring about it in order to set Kyle up with men.
Out of frustration, Kyle informs her mother that she has a girlfriend who will be present at the family Christmas gathering.
The problem is that said girlfriend does not exist.
What would be the ideal solution for us?
I know Chelsea should pretend to be Kyle's girlfriend (to help her out).
However, in order for this to be convincing, they must first get to know each other.
Close proximity causes heat, then fire, and finally combustion!
I enjoyed reading about Kyle and Chelsea as they dealt with insecurities, family drama, friend drama, and an ex-husband.
Excellent reading!
The series comes to an end with a bang.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the final installment of a trilogy about three best friends' lives.
Kyle's friendship with her best friend's sister, Chelsea, is the subject of the final book.
For a long time, Kyle has had a crush on her friend's lovely younger sister.
Chelsea isn't gay, which is a problem.
Chelsea becomes inebriated after her divorce celebration and spends the night at Kyle's place.
When she wakes up, she discovers that Kyle had not only ensured her safety and snuggled her into bed, but she had also made breakfast for her.
Kyle receives a text from her mother, which makes her obviously sad, while they are talking over breakfast.
Kyle's emotionally harsh and extremely critical mother is in denial about Kyle's sexuality.
So much so that they are constantly inquiring about it in order to set Kyle up with men.
Out of frustration, Kyle informs her mother that she has a girlfriend who will be present at the family Christmas gathering.
The problem is that said girlfriend does not exist.
What would be the ideal solution for us?
I know Chelsea should pretend to be Kyle's girlfriend (to help her out).
However, in order for this to be convincing, they must first get to know each other.
Close proximity causes heat, then fire, and finally combustion!
I enjoyed reading about Kyle and Chelsea as they dealt with insecurities, family drama, friend drama, and an ex-husband.
Excellent reading!
The series comes to an end with a bang.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2022
Restrained Desires follows two characters, one Kyle Walker and Chelsea Moore. Kyle is tired of her family, more specifically her mother, assuming she’s single for dinner during the holidays when Chelsea volunteers to be her fake girlfriend. It becomes more complicated when they sleep with each other as she doesn’t want to keep this secret from her best friend, Chelsea’s sister. Kyle is at a crossroads where she might lose her friend or someone she finally connects with or maybe even both.
I enjoyed reading Restrained Desires and I really did feel that Kyle and Chelsea were the perfect match for each other. I felt for both of the characters whenever Kyle’s mom or Chelsea’s dad were of concern. It was a nice quick read for me and well-paced.
This is the third book in the Rehoboth Pact series and can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first two of this series and was able to follow the book just fine. Sure, you miss out on the other couples’ stories but the author made it so that you don’t really need to read the other books. Having said that, I do want to go back and read the first two books as I’m curious about the other couples’ love stories began.
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading Restrained Desires and I really did feel that Kyle and Chelsea were the perfect match for each other. I felt for both of the characters whenever Kyle’s mom or Chelsea’s dad were of concern. It was a nice quick read for me and well-paced.
This is the third book in the Rehoboth Pact series and can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first two of this series and was able to follow the book just fine. Sure, you miss out on the other couples’ stories but the author made it so that you don’t really need to read the other books. Having said that, I do want to go back and read the first two books as I’m curious about the other couples’ love stories began.
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Kyle is the last of this friend group who is single. Kyle has always been the quieter, more introspective one of the group, which comes from the constant put downs from her own family about how she looks and her sexuality. She needs a girlfriend to take home for Christmas. Enter Chelsea, her best friend's sister who is in the process of divorcing her husband. Chelsea offers to be her fake girlfriend but it is not long before fake becomes real.
Chelsea is outwardly confident and knows what she wants. She comes to terms with sexuality and her feelings for Kyle really quickly but is not ready to announce it to the world. She knows that it will change her relationship with her father.
I did really enjoy this book and the characters. Kyle and Chelsea were such contrasting characters but they were what the other wanted and needed to thrive. I loved seeing Kyle come out of her shell from Chelsea's attention and Chelsea having the confidence to be her true self from her time with Kyle. The only thing missing for me was to see them at the family Christmas party that they were working towards. I would have loved to have seen Chelsea stand for Kyle and for Kyle to gain her voice. However, it weas still a really great read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Chelsea is outwardly confident and knows what she wants. She comes to terms with sexuality and her feelings for Kyle really quickly but is not ready to announce it to the world. She knows that it will change her relationship with her father.
I did really enjoy this book and the characters. Kyle and Chelsea were such contrasting characters but they were what the other wanted and needed to thrive. I loved seeing Kyle come out of her shell from Chelsea's attention and Chelsea having the confidence to be her true self from her time with Kyle. The only thing missing for me was to see them at the family Christmas party that they were working towards. I would have loved to have seen Chelsea stand for Kyle and for Kyle to gain her voice. However, it weas still a really great read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
April 1, 2022
This was a decent read. The only real problem I had was that the chemistry between Kyle and Chelsea wasn't stronger. That being said, Chelsea is recently divorced, and Kyle is a shy woman looking for love. The two know each other through Chelsea's sister Aubrey. Chelsea agrees to be Kyle's fake girlfriend at Kyle's holiday family dinner and that leads the two women to spending time with each other.
The time they spend together results in them becoming lovers but no one knows they're spending time together and when their group of friends find out, Chelsea's sister is upset. I wonder why since Aubrey knows Kyle and the kind of person she is. Her angry really isn't justified.
Chelsea and Kyle end up breaking up because of Kyle's insecurities and refusal to just tell Chelsea how she feels and try to find out if Chelsea feels the same.
But thanks to Aubrey they do get back together.
This is a quick read and enjoyable enough for a weekend. This would qualify more as a friends to lovers story than a fake girlfriend one. So, if you if you like those kinds of stories, then give this one a go.
The time they spend together results in them becoming lovers but no one knows they're spending time together and when their group of friends find out, Chelsea's sister is upset. I wonder why since Aubrey knows Kyle and the kind of person she is. Her angry really isn't justified.
Chelsea and Kyle end up breaking up because of Kyle's insecurities and refusal to just tell Chelsea how she feels and try to find out if Chelsea feels the same.
But thanks to Aubrey they do get back together.
This is a quick read and enjoyable enough for a weekend. This would qualify more as a friends to lovers story than a fake girlfriend one. So, if you if you like those kinds of stories, then give this one a go.
April 8, 2022
Chelsa was coming off a divorce and she was a straight person. Kyle is a lesbian and looking for a commitment. I found the book for interesting in that both women were afraid to show their feelings because of their families. The plot revolves around how the two women dealt with their feelings and how the people around them affected their feelings and tried to show them what they should and should not feel. I recommend this book for all who like a good love story. I received this book as an ARC from Booksprout for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2022
McIntyre hits it out of the park with her latest! I loved the realistic elements of the two main characters including their relationship baggage. I really enjoyed how Kyle and Chels completed each other inside and out of the bedroom, the homemaking elements gave the storyline added depth. The on the page sex advance the plot and keep the reader engaged. This is a great BDSM positive and sex positive title for fans of Kelly Farmer, Nicole Falls, and Fiona Riley.
I received an advance copy from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2022
Very sweet. A book that many can relate to.
April 9, 2022
Lovely End to the Series
I fell in love with the Rehoboth Pact series and the final installment was the cherry on top.
Kyle has been a favorite character of mine since the first story and I’m glad we got to see her path to love with Chelsea. It was a quick read but that didn’t detract from the story whatsoever.
Highly recommend. It’s definitely worth the read
I fell in love with the Rehoboth Pact series and the final installment was the cherry on top.
Kyle has been a favorite character of mine since the first story and I’m glad we got to see her path to love with Chelsea. It was a quick read but that didn’t detract from the story whatsoever.
Highly recommend. It’s definitely worth the read
April 13, 2022
Wow!! Great book, great characters, great storyline, good to catch up with the characters, lovely emotional love story with a great ending, really worth reading.
May 17, 2022
The Review
This was such an emotional and heated LGBTQ-driven romance! The author perfectly captured the raw intensity and passion with which these two protagonists came together. The complexities of sexuality are greatly explored in this narrative, with Chelsea’s exploration and eventual romance with Kyle showcasing that things aren’t always so black and white as they may appear. The narrative was evenly paced and the holiday setting will make this the perfect read for romance fans come the holidays this year.
The character development was so crucial and perfectly written in this book. The protagonists came from such different walks of life, and yet their struggle to be seen and heard was a truly powerful theme that united them both. The struggle for Chelsea to accept this part of herself she never realized was residing just under the surface was something many people could relate to, but it was Kyle who felt truly relatable, as the struggle to accept compliments and see herself the way others do is something so many of us can identify with, and how it impacts romance was so fascinating.
The Verdict
Heated, engaging, and emotional, author Katherine McIntyre’s “Restrained Desires” is a must-read LGBTQ Romance of 2022! One of my top reads of the year so far, this novel truly does an amazing job of presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and adult-oriented without sacrificing the emotional strides these characters make or the connection readers will have with these protagonists. The connection to the previous entries in the series will be a plus with fans of characters like Aubrey, and the heartfelt delivery of this romance will have fans rooting for the protagonists to make it.
This was such an emotional and heated LGBTQ-driven romance! The author perfectly captured the raw intensity and passion with which these two protagonists came together. The complexities of sexuality are greatly explored in this narrative, with Chelsea’s exploration and eventual romance with Kyle showcasing that things aren’t always so black and white as they may appear. The narrative was evenly paced and the holiday setting will make this the perfect read for romance fans come the holidays this year.
The character development was so crucial and perfectly written in this book. The protagonists came from such different walks of life, and yet their struggle to be seen and heard was a truly powerful theme that united them both. The struggle for Chelsea to accept this part of herself she never realized was residing just under the surface was something many people could relate to, but it was Kyle who felt truly relatable, as the struggle to accept compliments and see herself the way others do is something so many of us can identify with, and how it impacts romance was so fascinating.
The Verdict
Heated, engaging, and emotional, author Katherine McIntyre’s “Restrained Desires” is a must-read LGBTQ Romance of 2022! One of my top reads of the year so far, this novel truly does an amazing job of presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and adult-oriented without sacrificing the emotional strides these characters make or the connection readers will have with these protagonists. The connection to the previous entries in the series will be a plus with fans of characters like Aubrey, and the heartfelt delivery of this romance will have fans rooting for the protagonists to make it.
February 26, 2022
Kyle is convinced she'll never find a forever relationship. She's endured years of remarks from her mother about her looks and her weight and they've taken their toll. When she decides that she needs to bring someone to her family's Christmas party to convince her mother that she really is gay, Chelsea, Kyle's best friend's sister volunteers to be her fake girlfriend. Kyle is besotted with Chelsea, who is straight and newly divorced from her husband. But the two become close friends, and spend a night checking out a local BDSM club to investigate their mutual interest. When the relationship becomes sexual, it's still not clear that Chelsea is ready for anything real and Kyle isn't sure she deserves someone like Chelsea.
The set up for this book is a good one. It's the third in the series, with the two initial couples already together. But I had a couple of issues with the book. First, I know when you've got two female MCs, it's difficult to make it clear to the reader who you're referring to since both are "shes" but the repeated use of "the woman" to refer to the other MC felt annoying. More important, is the issue of race in the book. It's clear that Chelsea's father is Latinx, yet the family has a WASP name (Moore) and other than the father's first name and use of a few Spanish words, the family itself doesn't read as anything but white. Plus, the father is the homophobic parent in that family while the mother was accepting. I felt this portrayal was very troubling.
The set up for this book is a good one. It's the third in the series, with the two initial couples already together. But I had a couple of issues with the book. First, I know when you've got two female MCs, it's difficult to make it clear to the reader who you're referring to since both are "shes" but the repeated use of "the woman" to refer to the other MC felt annoying. More important, is the issue of race in the book. It's clear that Chelsea's father is Latinx, yet the family has a WASP name (Moore) and other than the father's first name and use of a few Spanish words, the family itself doesn't read as anything but white. Plus, the father is the homophobic parent in that family while the mother was accepting. I felt this portrayal was very troubling.
June 20, 2022
Terrific Series Conclusion
I loved this book and what it says on so many levels about family acceptance, women loving women, BDSM, and how love truly can and does conquer all.
Although this is a series conclusion, the book is so well written that I felt drawn in immediately.
Kyle is a charming lesbian with some family members who don't believe she's gay.
Chelsea is the seemingly straight, newly single, divorce-filed sister of Kyle's best friend.
When Kyle needs a date for the holidays, why not take newly single Chelsea?
This book has incredible pacing, setting, secondary characters, and terrific family dramas.
I loved the blend of BDSM clubbing, sizzling chemistry between Kyle and Chelsea, and gut busting humor.
This book is definitely a keeper. Sometimes it seems there are far more well-written M/M rather than well-written F/F novels.
This is so well-written that I am glad it is the exception. I hope to see many more F/F novels by this author.
In fact, while it was my first read by this author, it won't be the last as I just purchased the first two books in the series to see more of the earlier romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book and what it says on so many levels about family acceptance, women loving women, BDSM, and how love truly can and does conquer all.
Although this is a series conclusion, the book is so well written that I felt drawn in immediately.
Kyle is a charming lesbian with some family members who don't believe she's gay.
Chelsea is the seemingly straight, newly single, divorce-filed sister of Kyle's best friend.
When Kyle needs a date for the holidays, why not take newly single Chelsea?
This book has incredible pacing, setting, secondary characters, and terrific family dramas.
I loved the blend of BDSM clubbing, sizzling chemistry between Kyle and Chelsea, and gut busting humor.
This book is definitely a keeper. Sometimes it seems there are far more well-written M/M rather than well-written F/F novels.
This is so well-written that I am glad it is the exception. I hope to see many more F/F novels by this author.
In fact, while it was my first read by this author, it won't be the last as I just purchased the first two books in the series to see more of the earlier romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2022
Our heroine needs a date for Christmas just to prove a point to her family. Our other heroine volunteers to help. Neither of them expect where this is going to lead.
This is book three of the series and the conclusion, but it works just fine as a standalone. It shares characters with the other books, but is a self-contained story.
This is a fake date romance of the FF variety. The story is very well written and highly engaging. While the plot is fairly straightforward, the characters are the true stars of the show. They are well done and have a depth to them that brings the story to life. Their journey is not always easy, but they have real chemistry and learn a lot about themselves and each other as the story proceeds. Overall, this was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book three of the series and the conclusion, but it works just fine as a standalone. It shares characters with the other books, but is a self-contained story.
This is a fake date romance of the FF variety. The story is very well written and highly engaging. While the plot is fairly straightforward, the characters are the true stars of the show. They are well done and have a depth to them that brings the story to life. Their journey is not always easy, but they have real chemistry and learn a lot about themselves and each other as the story proceeds. Overall, this was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
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