After accidentally coming out to her mother, Tegan’s life is turned upside down.
While Tegan’s mother struggles with the lesbian declaration, her father confides in Tegan about a secret he’s been keeping her entire life.
It’s not solely family drama that has Tegan pulling her hair out. Her friends are spiraling, one in particular with dire consequences. If that’s not enough, Tegan’s job is threatened by a conman and a cop trying to recruit Tegan into a leadership role at the university.
Whoever said college was the best years of your life never had to come out in a state determined to strip basic human rights from the LGBTQ community.
Girl Love Happens: Season Three contains all six episodes of the continuing lesbian romance series infused with 1990s’ nostalgia. If you like tumultuous love stories, simmering chemistry, and a quirky and troubled cast of characters, then you’ll love T.B. Markinson’s smart, sexy series.
T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
Book three dishes up more of the fun readers have come to expect from this series. Tegan is still in college, and she’s still cruising through it just as readers would expect: bumpily with fits and starts. No one does college quite like Tegan. Markinson does a wonderful job capturing her college experience. Girl Love Happens: Season Three is exactly what Tegan—and the readers—need.
All fun and college games aside, the story does deal with some serious subject matter, too. Tegan’s mother isn’t keen on the idea of her dating a girl. Even though her mother has always required a fair amount of energy, Tegan still wants the love and acceptance of her mother. The relationship is a work in progress, but she’s getting there with the help of her dad, her girlfriend and her own jaded sense of humor.
And speaking of humor, Markinson has always been known for her own brand of it. She brings it to the page like a pro and it always brightens the storytelling. Her style keeps the writing fresh, witty and engaging. She generally always utilizes first person point of view to carry the humor, but it works and she’s comfortable with it.
Even though Girl Love Happens: Season Three has several giggle moments, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a rom-com. Tegan, her main character, is the primary conduit for all the chuckle-worthy instances. She’s a self-depreciating, bumbling character and one can not help but like her. Since the story is told in first person from her point of view, readers also get the advantage of “hearing” all of her mental ramblings and inner logic. It adds a terrific layer to the narrative and helps shape the story perfectly.
Because Markinson likes to write in first person, it fits her style well. This point of view can be limiting, but as far as Markinson’s writing goes, she knows how to maximize it to the nth degree. With first person, readers are able to get a peek inside her main character’s head. In this case, readers see all of Tegan’s wheels spinning; the perspective works and drives the story forward. Not only that, it fosters engagement and concern. Readers care about Tegan and they care about her story. All in all, this literary choice is perfect because it makes the character shine and the storytelling pop.
Final remarks…
This is a great series and tons of fun to read. If you’re one that likes spunky romances with drama and depth, then don’t miss out on Girl Love Happens: Season Three. It’s definitely entertaining. Plus, there is the added bonus of the 90’s, and who would want to miss out on that!
Strengths…
Well-written Entertaining Sweet romance Nicely developed characters Engaging story arc Great 1990 references
Seasons in our lives can bring the most struggles but a strong love gets you through everything.
Gemma and Tegan are back trying to navigate life's challenges. They have such a special love I enjoyed how no matter what is happening they come together stronger. Their hot little sexy times are filled with how well they know each other. The antics of Tegan's mom make for some wild moments. The other characters from college add so much to the story. The moments they share have our girls trying to figure out how to help best. True to a TB Markinson book the dialogue is wity, fun and delightful. The seriousness of some moments are lightened by good humor and loving to help glue them together. I am so glad our college girls are back. This great love story is full of life, love and thriving in those difficult grop in Girl Love Happens.
I've read some of the books in this series. I liked this one the best so far. It had TB's trademark humor, and the girls are maturing and coping with some serious things, like a friend's alcoholism. Tegan also has family problems to deal with as well as some problems at the theater. Humor and pathos both in this installment make a good novel.
Tegan and Gemma are dealing with more college drama, as a conman threatens Tegan’s job and Gemma has family issues to attend to. While dealing with all of this Tegan has heightened family drama of her own, with her father sharing past secrets and her mother still struggling with Tegan coming out.
There really is never a dull moment where Gemma and Tegan are concerned. They are brilliant, and such likeable characters that I have gotten to know really well throughout this series and I adore them both. Tegan really is the star though! She gets wrapped up in so much drama, and has some quirky friends who I am convinced only add to her hectic lifestyle, and mostly not for the best, but they do keep her on her toes and keep things fun and interesting. Tegan always seems to be in a bit of a panic, which I completely identify with and just totally love her for.
Together Gemma and Tegan really are the perfect couple. Gemma manages to calm and soothe the chaos brought to Tegan by everyone else and the situation’s she ends up in. I loved every moment of this rollercoaster experience. It really took me on a journey through emotions, from laughing and being thoroughly entertained by the situations Tegan found herself in sometimes, to crying and feeling heartbroken when secrets were revealed or more tender moments infused with an intimacy were happening.
A brilliant addition to this series, and even if you haven’t read the other books you can still enjoy this story and understand what is happening. Hilariously funny, and always so much fun to spend time in Gemma and Tegan’s world.
This is the first book of the series I have read and now I need to go back and start from the beginning. I love the characters and the story draws you in and you feel like your living it with them. Tegan is just trying to get through school and at every turn something gets in her way. Gemma real has her hands full trying to keep Tegan centered. I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
This is another gem from my TBR shelves. I am giving it 5 stars because I enjoyed the story. But, I've a feeling this is the end of the series and it leaves us hanging. It takes us back to our college years ( though mine were in the 70s). It's true we remember the good times, but can't forget the bad. This takes us through Tegan and Gemma semester when Tegan accidentally comes out to her mother and also deal with their friends.
Tegan is back, along with Gemma. Her intention was to never come out to her mother, but when Tegan has one of her typical verbal stumbles, she did just that. And when her father shares a secret, life is put into perspective. Life is complicated enough between school and family drama, her job is now threatened. Her friends, especially one, create chaos. Meanwhile, Tegan is being recruited into a main role at the University for a LGBTQA+ group. Will she survive college in one piece?
I am so glad we have our girls back. TB left us hanging up a little in season two, but this book is a nice tidy upper. It is recommended to read the previous seasons to have the background and context. I enjoyed the story very much, the dialogue is smart and witty, plus the sex scenes heat is high!
This series is so good. The book takes us on life’s journey and challenges with our characters. The story tackles some serious issues in the best of ways. It isn’t a heavy reading; the pace is perfect and the book is very well written.
One thing I love about this series, is the chemistry between Tegan and Gemma, and I just love how it gets stronger with time and despite (or because) of the challenges they face.
I can relate to being in college in the 90’s, that’s another reason why I loved this story so much.
If you enjoy very well-written stories, endearing characters and witty, funny, smart dialogues, this is the book for you. Highly recommended
I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.
Wow, there’s so much drama in this third book of the series. Markinson divides the chapters into six parts but hold on because each one is filled with ongoing angst for the main characters and those around them. If you have read books one and two of this series, you are already familiar with the main characters and those around them, and I think you’ll enjoy catching up with them. It just felt like too much angst to me by the end, but then they are still college students. *wink*
I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I did books one and two. I didn’t feel the pace was as smooth as the others, but I’m sure that those who love Tegan and Gemma will pick up right where they left off. Remember, no spoilers. I’d still give this closer to four stars because Markinson develops good characters and dialogue.
This was my favorite of the series so far. The main character is coming into her own emotionally and using wisdom and care with others as she goes through the problems presented in her life. Tegan is far from a perfect person, but her growth is so fun to read about.
I love how T.B. Markinson writes. Her characters, even the secondary ones, all feel real. The situations feel plausible, and she brings wisdom to the story.
I like that we are getting to go through the college scene while Tegan learns about her sexuality. And as she learns how to help her mother adjust to Tegan's self-discovery.
Though this book didn't leave me on a cliff-hanger, it indicated that it would continue. I can't wait to see how Tegan grows.
By the way, the book is free with Kindle Unlimited.
I'm SO glad that this series is back!!! I had to reread the first 2 books to refresh my memory which also reminded me why I loved Gemma & Tegan & their abnormally normal eclectic group of friends through their college experience (which coincidentally is set during the same years as my own undergrad time.) & the rocky transition into adulthood. & after concluding this latest book, it is still just as good as ever, with complex & controversial characters, realistic storylines & captivating plots that are a genuine reflection of real life's ups & downs, good & bad & happiness & heartache that haunts us all. I just can't wait for season 4!!
Season Three does not disappoint. Tegan and Gemma are facing tougher choices in this installment, and life is coming at them at a gallop. Fortunately, their love and relationship is built on a strong foundation (as so wittily depicted in the previous seasons). The intimate scenes between them are written with such delicacy and emotion that their love for each other shines through every page of shared look and touch. And the usual supporting characters create a colourful background to their romance.
Even though there is enough information for new readers to follow what has happened before in the series, reading the first seasons (novels) makes this a much richer experience.
Watching Tegan and Gemma's relationship evolve has been interesting. There are a lot of characters that surround them, fellow students, parents, school groups, the students that go to their Thursday night G&T Parties (great idea btw). Tegan coming out to her Mom was epic! You'll have to read the book to find out. I'm not about to spoil your fun. I'm really enjoying seeing their college life, the camaraderie, the interesting connections. It's also great seeing the dynamics of the group evolve. Can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series.
This definitely moves the Tegan story forward quite a bit, centering on the problematic relationship with her mom and some new directions in her college life with Gemma. I enjoyed it, the writing was fine and smooth. Season 3! LOL, took me only about 30 seconds at the beginning to get my bearings and become again engrossed in their lives. Can hardly wait for the next installment.
This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting novels I've read. The plot is just beyond mesmerizing. I cannot put into words fully how exciting this novel is. Tegan is a curious character....absolutely adorable and she has lots to give. I always marvel at the things she conjures in her mind. I often realize I am a bit like her in some instances. Her love for Gemma is just so awesome to witness. TB is a great writer, she writes simply but offers so much more. This series is worth all your time.
I love everything about this series. I love a book that makes me laugh and want to cry at the same time. It hits on hard topics but it’s balanced with humor so it doesn’t leave you feeling so broken, which I think is great! Anyway, if you loved season 1&2, you will love season 3. If you haven’t read the other seasons yet, definitely read the first 2 before jumping into this one. You won’t regret it.
This is book three in the series about Tegan. Would be helpful to have read books one & two for background information. As you would expect from Ms Markinson, this is an extremely well written book about a young lesbian at university and the drama that is her life. Good strong characters and a engaging plot, would highly recommend
Teg has great chemistry not only with Gem, but with her friends and family. She knows when they may need a little helping hand. She wants to do so much, but is worried of the effects on her relationship. Will her Mom settle down? Is her dad really who her Mom thinks he is? Just keep the nachos coming!
This is a great part 3 to the series, Girl Love Happens. Tegan is a great character that has flaws and deals with them like so many of us. She loves Gemma and tries to be a great friend to all that she knows. She struggles with the relationship with her mother but attends cooking class with her dad. The love scenes are HOT!!!! And you will be looking forward to Season 4 like I am.
Teegan is very quirky, she is going through the stages of growing into a lovely adult, which includes all the added growing pains. Her lovely girlfriend Gemma is her rock all the way through. I laughed out loud and shed a tear at her funny and difficult antics.
It was great to pick up with Tegan and Gemma again in Season 3. Along with a cast of quirky friends and family, their turbulent path to adulthood is fraught with complications determined to undermine their best intentions. I can't wait to see what awaits these characters in Season 4!
Girl Love Happens Season Three may be darker, but it is a very relatable tale. Markinson gives us a couple you want to root for as life happens around them. Going back to college with Tegan and Gemma is still worth the trip.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
When is season four coming out? I hope we don't have to wait long for the next book. I have really enjoyed all three books and have fallen in love with Gem and Teeg. Teeg is a real character and gets herself into so much unnecessary trouble. I kind of hate that I was left hanging, wondering what happened to everyone. So please hurry.
Growing up is hella hard and hopefully life gets easier. Nut not for Tegan and Gemma. Classes, papers, exams, friends in trouble and inadvertently coming out. What else can go wrong. But being so happy living with each other and loving each other is a head spinner and journey to happiness. Greatest of series.
Book 3 Poor Tegan is loosing it and I sense Gemma’s stress. Will Tegan push her away how much can one person take? I stress that they won’t make it especially being so young but I really want them too. When will Gemma loose it, no matter the stress I feel reading this story, I can’t wait for book 4.
T.B. has done it again! She captured college age relationship angst between G&T and being out to your family. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next adventures G&t have! I highly recommend this book.
This story seems more for the younger people. Since I am of the senior population it is not as good as some of the others I’ve read. That said, I still wanted to read to the end. I love the main characters relationship. .
The series is really good. But I felt at the end of season I was just left hanging. Was waiting to see that Gemma came back after her trip to Nebraska. Just to see if they had their Thursday night T&G night to discuss their time away before Christmas break.
I really can't wait to get into Season four. I have been burning through the books and got to the end of Season three and said noooooooo, damn it. I am invested in the story of these ladies and the people surrounding them. TY TB K. Balandran
I am really enjoying this series, Teagan's antics and Gemma's dying to her yang. The supporting characters are also well written. Can't wait for Season four.