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A Closer Look
With Boston’s queer community teeming with single women, professional dating coach Harley Cooper’s incomparable match-making abilities are in high demand. Harley attributes her success to her unwavering resolve to maintain professional boundaries with her clients. Of course, her cool demeanor and charming smile don’t hurt. But when Harley meets her newest client, she not only loses her cool, she wavers.
Tessa Pearson is one of Boston’s most acclaimed wedding photographers. And although she has a talent for capturing love on film, she has no desire to be in a relationship. She’s happily committed to her bachelorette lifestyle. Tessa’s best friend, however, has other plans for her.
The last thing Tessa wants is to work with a dating coach. Harley is Tessa’s worst nightmare: prying, overly confident, and guarded. Yet somehow she’s become the star of Tessa’s fantasies.
The last thing Harley wants is to waste her efforts on someone who doesn’t want to date. Tessa is jaded, stubborn, and uncooperative. So why can’t Harley stop thinking about her?
All Harley has to do is her job. All Tessa has to do is play along. But the more time they spend together, the more blurry the lines between work and play become.
Tessa Pearson is one of Boston’s most acclaimed wedding photographers. And although she has a talent for capturing love on film, she has no desire to be in a relationship. She’s happily committed to her bachelorette lifestyle. Tessa’s best friend, however, has other plans for her.
The last thing Tessa wants is to work with a dating coach. Harley is Tessa’s worst nightmare: prying, overly confident, and guarded. Yet somehow she’s become the star of Tessa’s fantasies.
The last thing Harley wants is to waste her efforts on someone who doesn’t want to date. Tessa is jaded, stubborn, and uncooperative. So why can’t Harley stop thinking about her?
All Harley has to do is her job. All Tessa has to do is play along. But the more time they spend together, the more blurry the lines between work and play become.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2021
68 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
17 books228 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 6, 2022
Loved it!
A dating coach and a successful photographer. Both complex characters and both were not ready for any kind of commitment. One even thinks dating is a waste of time. A Closer Look is a great story with twists and turns and a lot of push and pull. It is well written with a good sense of humour. I really liked the silliness and the teasing. It’s all well done.
A dating coach and a successful photographer. Both complex characters and both were not ready for any kind of commitment. One even thinks dating is a waste of time. A Closer Look is a great story with twists and turns and a lot of push and pull. It is well written with a good sense of humour. I really liked the silliness and the teasing. It’s all well done.
October 30, 2022
3.4 star rating
The presentation of hotness of the two main characters oozed all through the book and for that alone i give a star. So we have here a successful wedding photographer with a slightly different photography passion and a successful match maker with nursing insecurities.
They meet and attraction just couldn't be denied, then we get to understand each person and root for their romantic success despite revealing challenges.
Technically this had the same storyline as the zillion romantic stories out there and i got inattentive by that on occasions. However, the hotness potrayed and the slight erotic pages impressed on my memory.
The presentation of hotness of the two main characters oozed all through the book and for that alone i give a star. So we have here a successful wedding photographer with a slightly different photography passion and a successful match maker with nursing insecurities.
They meet and attraction just couldn't be denied, then we get to understand each person and root for their romantic success despite revealing challenges.
Technically this had the same storyline as the zillion romantic stories out there and i got inattentive by that on occasions. However, the hotness potrayed and the slight erotic pages impressed on my memory.
December 26, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed A Closer Look. It’s a great story. I loved the two main characters and their supportive best friends.
I really enjoyed A Closer Look. It’s a great story. I loved the two main characters and their supportive best friends.
December 14, 2021
One thing I love about this author is how she can take your everyday life, regardless of where you live (I should know, I’m from Colombia) and develop a story that could as well be happening in that café you love across the street, or that one bar everyone’s talking about. It’s like the characters are so relatable they could easily be your friends. That said, I loved this book, I loved how it is so easy to read, how it captures you from the beginning with well written characters and strong emotions. I would’ve given the story a bit more time, it’s fast paced, but all in all it is a solid comforting story, that addresses some recurring fears and issues that are common in our community.
December 29, 2021
A dating coach and a client go into a bar
This is an interesting concept, someone jaded and grieving and someone so stuck on self imposed rules. Not the most ideal couple but the twists, turns and internal struggles make thus interesting, maybe not romantic but the normal lesbian questions of is this a relationship or what is it this. Questions we've asked of ourselves on a regular basis
Well written, plotted and an HEA I look forward to another novel by her.
This is an interesting concept, someone jaded and grieving and someone so stuck on self imposed rules. Not the most ideal couple but the twists, turns and internal struggles make thus interesting, maybe not romantic but the normal lesbian questions of is this a relationship or what is it this. Questions we've asked of ourselves on a regular basis
Well written, plotted and an HEA I look forward to another novel by her.
December 9, 2021
Thank you Michele Rivera for another sweet, sexy, and genuine lesbian romance. The characters have depth and the kinds of real histories that make them relateable - and they still get a happily ever after, which feels even better when you have insight into how they got there. And the banter! I couldn't put it down :)
June 29, 2022
Absolutely beautiful!
I loved the characters and the relationships - not only Tessa and Harley's romantic relationship but also the relationship they each had with their bestfriends. Tessa and Harley were both scared of getting hurt again and it was beautiful and emotional to see them let their walls fall down as they fell in love. It's a fantastic story and is beautifully written. Highly recommend!
I loved the characters and the relationships - not only Tessa and Harley's romantic relationship but also the relationship they each had with their bestfriends. Tessa and Harley were both scared of getting hurt again and it was beautiful and emotional to see them let their walls fall down as they fell in love. It's a fantastic story and is beautifully written. Highly recommend!
December 4, 2021
I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. The love story of Tessa and Harley is sweet. The characters are well developed and likable. The angst is short lived. Harley coming to terms with her grief and opening her heart to Tessa. Would love to see another story with these characters. Thanks for another winner.
I really enjoyed this book. The love story of Tessa and Harley is sweet. The characters are well developed and likable. The angst is short lived. Harley coming to terms with her grief and opening her heart to Tessa. Would love to see another story with these characters. Thanks for another winner.
February 11, 2022
Great Story
This book kept me involved, intrigued and envious. Finding love can be difficult. Keeping love even harder. This author does a great job of telling Harley and Tessa's story. You feel like you really know what's going through their minds. Love can be tough but when it's right, it's all worth it. Well done!
This book kept me involved, intrigued and envious. Finding love can be difficult. Keeping love even harder. This author does a great job of telling Harley and Tessa's story. You feel like you really know what's going through their minds. Love can be tough but when it's right, it's all worth it. Well done!
January 3, 2022
Lesbian angst at it’s best
Great read for those who like to read all the angst that goes into relationships. Through the ups and downs, starts and stops, yeses and nos, the storyline was cohesive and the love real. A good read for anyone!
Great read for those who like to read all the angst that goes into relationships. Through the ups and downs, starts and stops, yeses and nos, the storyline was cohesive and the love real. A good read for anyone!
June 1, 2022
an interesting story built around people with different experiences and from different backgrounds where love has a chance if only they'd get out of their own way....and thatn is where best friends come into play..........well written, lovely humour throughout and you end with a feel good feeling
May 5, 2024
A super sweet slow burn love story. Harley is a dating coach and her new client Tessa is gorgeous,and definitely her type. But this contract is a present from Tessa's bestfriend. In fact both MCs bestfriends play a big part in this story. 5 stars!
January 14, 2022
A great story that has loss, heartbreak and find love with two MCs that are witty and outright funny.
January 26, 2022
3.5 ⭐
February 8, 2022
Great read
Plot was unique, with really great character depth. Loved the witty banter between all the women. Overall where rounded book with necessary feels!
Plot was unique, with really great character depth. Loved the witty banter between all the women. Overall where rounded book with necessary feels!
January 8, 2022
Exciting Read!
There is a rarity in lesbian fiction to find a story that is unique. Even though the dating coach idea is not unique itself, it is when the story wrapped around is exciting and challenging. The banter when unwilling and forced into said dating position, Tessa meets her cocky dating coach, Harley. Both find each other sexy, beautiful and hot but neither one will budge from their position. Sassy Tessa and her retorts to all Harley’s questions has Harley smirking and taken in by this beautiful women. But she has rules in place. Tessa, likes responding to Harley and keeping her on the edge. Loving watching Harleys eyes. Just to hear her laugh is quite breath taking. But Harley has a job to do and Tessa has a date to prepare for. How these two proceed is a fine weaving of good, bad and indifferent. The writing was excellent although their were some very noticeable errors on proof reading. It was still very heartwarming with a little heartbreaking. A must read if your a fan…
There is a rarity in lesbian fiction to find a story that is unique. Even though the dating coach idea is not unique itself, it is when the story wrapped around is exciting and challenging. The banter when unwilling and forced into said dating position, Tessa meets her cocky dating coach, Harley. Both find each other sexy, beautiful and hot but neither one will budge from their position. Sassy Tessa and her retorts to all Harley’s questions has Harley smirking and taken in by this beautiful women. But she has rules in place. Tessa, likes responding to Harley and keeping her on the edge. Loving watching Harleys eyes. Just to hear her laugh is quite breath taking. But Harley has a job to do and Tessa has a date to prepare for. How these two proceed is a fine weaving of good, bad and indifferent. The writing was excellent although their were some very noticeable errors on proof reading. It was still very heartwarming with a little heartbreaking. A must read if your a fan…
December 29, 2021
Endearing
The story had complex characters, especially Harley, with meddling best friends, that kept pushing for a romance that stemmed from a professional relationship. There were moments of wit, a struggle with the grief of a lost wife, and a love that couldn't be suppressed. One character was a bit petulant to me, but I'm in my fifties, so it might have just been my age.
The story had complex characters, especially Harley, with meddling best friends, that kept pushing for a romance that stemmed from a professional relationship. There were moments of wit, a struggle with the grief of a lost wife, and a love that couldn't be suppressed. One character was a bit petulant to me, but I'm in my fifties, so it might have just been my age.
February 12, 2022
Sweet.
January 31, 2022
There are parts of the story that frustrated me, parts that made me laugh. Then some phrases seemed to stop the flow of the story when I had to stop and think about them too much; some serious editing errors also made me stop and scratch my head.
Character development is truly essential in my enjoyment of a good book. I wish I could say that I had a good grasp of either main character, but I never quite understood either of them. They just never seemed consistent.
Despite what I've said, the story was okay for me. It could be a fun story for many though, just sayin’.
Character development is truly essential in my enjoyment of a good book. I wish I could say that I had a good grasp of either main character, but I never quite understood either of them. They just never seemed consistent.
Despite what I've said, the story was okay for me. It could be a fun story for many though, just sayin’.
March 16, 2022
This story was enjoyable. There were a few editing errors and Harley's vagina was referred to as a "lubricated core," which was a little cringey and took me out of the story. I would have liked to get more in-depth with the characters and have a bit more side story, especially with the MC's best friends. It felt like they were only there to push along the romantic story and didn't really have lives of their own?
Just some minor grievances, but honestly it was really good overall. I've been having bad luck lately with not being able to finish books and I couldn't finish this one fast enough. I loved having a story about a masc lesbian. I feel like I only ever read stories about femme4femme. Also, they're always white? So it was refreshing to see a character that isn't.
Just some minor grievances, but honestly it was really good overall. I've been having bad luck lately with not being able to finish books and I couldn't finish this one fast enough. I loved having a story about a masc lesbian. I feel like I only ever read stories about femme4femme. Also, they're always white? So it was refreshing to see a character that isn't.
March 6, 2022
what can you do with a liberal arts degree?
August 15, 2022
Perfectly average w/w romantic drama. Sweet and spicy (at times) and likable characters. Would recommend.
January 7, 2022
cute, easy to read, queer romance ... not a lot of substance or things that made me think though.
March 27, 2022
A Lot of Good Ideas That Don’t Quite Come Together
To be perfectly honest I feel somewhat bad about this rating, the book isn’t bad exactly, so much as it’s trying to do too much at once. There’s some really solid character concepts and conflicts to work with but I felt like they ended up getting a little lost. I feel like if the structure had been workshopped a bit, ie, cut down the number of conflicts and have the core ones recur and not be immediately resolved, I might really enjoy this book. The other big thing about this book that confused me was that it’s so fixated on the sexual attraction and sexual components of a relationship that part of me thought this was meant to be erotica, however there’s not a single proper sex scene until the end of the book. This leaves me a bit tonally confused, because, for want of a better word, the characters spend the whole book so horny that it kinda kills the romance at some spots but at the same time if you wanted it to be sexy you never get a payoff until the final twenty pages or so. I really do find that this book has a lot going for it, I just wish that the structure of the story and the tone had been a bit stronger.
To be perfectly honest I feel somewhat bad about this rating, the book isn’t bad exactly, so much as it’s trying to do too much at once. There’s some really solid character concepts and conflicts to work with but I felt like they ended up getting a little lost. I feel like if the structure had been workshopped a bit, ie, cut down the number of conflicts and have the core ones recur and not be immediately resolved, I might really enjoy this book. The other big thing about this book that confused me was that it’s so fixated on the sexual attraction and sexual components of a relationship that part of me thought this was meant to be erotica, however there’s not a single proper sex scene until the end of the book. This leaves me a bit tonally confused, because, for want of a better word, the characters spend the whole book so horny that it kinda kills the romance at some spots but at the same time if you wanted it to be sexy you never get a payoff until the final twenty pages or so. I really do find that this book has a lot going for it, I just wish that the structure of the story and the tone had been a bit stronger.
October 8, 2022
3.5 stars for me.
I enjoyed very much the first part, the teasing, the banter and the challenge that Tessa represented to Harley's eyes.
The sexual tension was undeniable, and even if I understood both characters' fears, sometimes their actions weirded me out.
A bit of too much pulling/pushing, that ended up being repetitive.
The idea was very funny and some dialogues made me chuckle.
There was a lot of potential.
I'm although happy that both Tessa and Harley have conquered their fears and let the guard down.
I enjoyed very much the first part, the teasing, the banter and the challenge that Tessa represented to Harley's eyes.
The sexual tension was undeniable, and even if I understood both characters' fears, sometimes their actions weirded me out.
A bit of too much pulling/pushing, that ended up being repetitive.
The idea was very funny and some dialogues made me chuckle.
There was a lot of potential.
I'm although happy that both Tessa and Harley have conquered their fears and let the guard down.
April 3, 2023
Not a review, just a note to whoever has edited this book: It has an astonishing number of editing issues (missing words, garbled sentences, etc.). Looks almost like nobody has proof-read the text at all before publishing. I stopped marking after ten issues or so. Now I see also that some have been corrected when I downloaded the book again (I had it a while). Maybe work in progress....
I have read a few other books by the same author, but they were just fine
I have read a few other books by the same author, but they were just fine
January 9, 2022
This dating coach-client tale has two likeable main characters, each with their own baggage. There is a small but involved secondary cast to provide some perspective at key points. There is a little too much off-again/on-again in the romance that, while somewhat understandable, gets stale after awhile. The story ends with the expected HEA.
February 4, 2022
A cute little story
I liked the story over all and it had great themes about overcoming loss and heartbreak. I just wish the two characters hadn't been so oblivious to each other at times.
I liked the story over all and it had great themes about overcoming loss and heartbreak. I just wish the two characters hadn't been so oblivious to each other at times.
May 23, 2024
DNF at 63%. Really tried to stick it out as I loved other books by this author, but the main characters were really unlikeable in the 1st half of the book, especially Tessa, and when they evolved to have more depth, they were kinda dull and I lost interest.
March 26, 2025
juvenile
Felt a bit juvenile and unrealistic. Mostly the interactions between the MCs. Like what sort of an over 30 adult refers to someone they’re into as a crush unironically?
Their chemistry wasn’t portrayed well either. I just didn’t feel it.
Felt a bit juvenile and unrealistic. Mostly the interactions between the MCs. Like what sort of an over 30 adult refers to someone they’re into as a crush unironically?
Their chemistry wasn’t portrayed well either. I just didn’t feel it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews