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A girl/Mistress Story #0
Cause & Effect
A friendship torn apart. An obsession. Is recovery possible?
Just released from rehab, Luisa has to start her life over without her best friend. But it’s her obsession with Natalia that makes it impossible for a clean slate. She doesn’t know if she can do it on her own.
As a self-absorbed pop star, Natalia learns secrets from the horrible night that tore her friendship with Luisa apart. In possession of Luisa’s journal, she discovers more than she bargained for, and she’s drawn to rekindle their friendship—possibly more.
Spending a month in forced rehab was the last place she expected to find someone she liked, but CJ can’t get her mind off Luisa, her roommate. As they part ways, CJ hopes they grow their friendship into a blossoming relationship outside of the hospital.
This coming-of-age story is about two young women, best friends struggling to stay friends in the plight of love, addiction, sexual discovery, and a love triangle that may best them.
Just released from rehab, Luisa has to start her life over without her best friend. But it’s her obsession with Natalia that makes it impossible for a clean slate. She doesn’t know if she can do it on her own.
As a self-absorbed pop star, Natalia learns secrets from the horrible night that tore her friendship with Luisa apart. In possession of Luisa’s journal, she discovers more than she bargained for, and she’s drawn to rekindle their friendship—possibly more.
Spending a month in forced rehab was the last place she expected to find someone she liked, but CJ can’t get her mind off Luisa, her roommate. As they part ways, CJ hopes they grow their friendship into a blossoming relationship outside of the hospital.
This coming-of-age story is about two young women, best friends struggling to stay friends in the plight of love, addiction, sexual discovery, and a love triangle that may best them.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
292 pages, ebook
Published August 30, 2022
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Cyan LeBlanc
28 books51 followersCyan LeBlanc, a sapphic writer, has been writing since around 2008, beginning with fanfiction. They have entered the world of lesfic and are excited to share their upcoming works with women-loving-women fans. Cyan is a multi-genre writer who specializes in Sapphic characters in romance, horror, and thrillers.
Cyan is originally from California and now lives in Denver, Colorado, where they work as a florist during the day and as a Sapphic writer at night.
Cyan is originally from California and now lives in Denver, Colorado, where they work as a florist during the day and as a Sapphic writer at night.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Cause & Effect is an unusual young adult story about Lisa, Natalia, and CJ, three young women in their senior year of high school. I have to say it's not easy to judge this book because it addresses various issues that might trigger some people. Trigger warning:
Luisa and Natalia were best friends, but on New Year's Eve, things get out of control, and tragedy strikes in several stages. As punishment, Luisa is sentenced to a month in rehab because she caused a car accident while drunk and with drugs in her blood. Here she gets to know and understand herself and her confused feelings for Natalia and her actions better in conversations with doctor Nic and her Roommate CJ. CJ is being treated for an addiction problem and she and Luisa become friends. Natalia leads a double life as a normal high school student and besides that as the pop star Cherry. Relationships are not her thing, but she does not reject a woman in bed.
What I really liked is the writing style and the portrayal of the mindset and conflicting emotions that are prevalent in these young women, and their actions, which are not always rational. They are insecure, in love, jealous, angry, confused, addicted, and some are self-loathing - and don't know how to deal with it. The way Cyan incorporates Luisa's monthly journal, written while she was in the hospital, into the story is also very well done. The structure of the story is exciting, it starts off right away with a bang and you only find out over time about Luisa's conflicting feelings, and what really happened on that unspeakable evening.
But in my humble opinion, Cyan packed too many problems and hard topics into the story, especially as the MCs are still very young, it creates almost an overload of emotions. Also, what happened to Luisa was dealt with a bit too easily, and was also not further treated at the clinic. Luisa herself also deals with it very quickly, I can't imagine that being so easy. After all these incidents, and all this anger, for me the resolution at the end was too rushed and too simple.
An outside-the-box story with interesting characters, but not easy to digest and not for everyone.
ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cause & Effect is an unusual young adult story about Lisa, Natalia, and CJ, three young women in their senior year of high school. I have to say it's not easy to judge this book because it addresses various issues that might trigger some people. Trigger warning:
Luisa and Natalia were best friends, but on New Year's Eve, things get out of control, and tragedy strikes in several stages. As punishment, Luisa is sentenced to a month in rehab because she caused a car accident while drunk and with drugs in her blood. Here she gets to know and understand herself and her confused feelings for Natalia and her actions better in conversations with doctor Nic and her Roommate CJ. CJ is being treated for an addiction problem and she and Luisa become friends. Natalia leads a double life as a normal high school student and besides that as the pop star Cherry. Relationships are not her thing, but she does not reject a woman in bed.
What I really liked is the writing style and the portrayal of the mindset and conflicting emotions that are prevalent in these young women, and their actions, which are not always rational. They are insecure, in love, jealous, angry, confused, addicted, and some are self-loathing - and don't know how to deal with it. The way Cyan incorporates Luisa's monthly journal, written while she was in the hospital, into the story is also very well done. The structure of the story is exciting, it starts off right away with a bang and you only find out over time about Luisa's conflicting feelings, and what really happened on that unspeakable evening.
But in my humble opinion, Cyan packed too many problems and hard topics into the story, especially as the MCs are still very young, it creates almost an overload of emotions. Also, what happened to Luisa was dealt with a bit too easily, and was also not further treated at the clinic. Luisa herself also deals with it very quickly, I can't imagine that being so easy. After all these incidents, and all this anger, for me the resolution at the end was too rushed and too simple.
An outside-the-box story with interesting characters, but not easy to digest and not for everyone.
ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2022
An obsession in any form is unhealthy and actions should always have consequences whether good or bad, hidden or not.
At the heart of this tale the trio of Luisa, Natalia and CJ are well fleshed out and naturally I wanted a HEA. However, as the plot progressed, considering the seriousness of the offences, I was thrown by the ease of forgiveness and most important of all (for me) the complete disregard for legal boundaries. Everything just seemed to come together too quickly.
I like LeBlanc's writing style and would read any of his future books. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me but may for other readers.
At the heart of this tale the trio of Luisa, Natalia and CJ are well fleshed out and naturally I wanted a HEA. However, as the plot progressed, considering the seriousness of the offences, I was thrown by the ease of forgiveness and most important of all (for me) the complete disregard for legal boundaries. Everything just seemed to come together too quickly.
I like LeBlanc's writing style and would read any of his future books. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me but may for other readers.
August 27, 2022
Though Cyan LeBlanc is new to the Sapphic romance publishing scene, he has been writing Hannah Montana fan fic since 2008. However, Cause & Effect is his first full-length wlw tale.
LeBlanc jumps right into it with Cause & Effect. There isn’t much backstory; readers are given clues to who the key players are as the story progresses. I quickly picked up a “Hannah Montana” vibe from Natalia, which makes sense since that’s LeBlanc’s jam. Natalia is a regular high school student by day and popstar by night, and just like Hannah Montana, her popstar identity is a big secret to the public at large.
Luisa is a confused and angry teen and Natalia’s best friend. They don’t exactly have a warm and fuzzy relationship, or at least not when readers first meet them. A near-fatal car accident after a New Year’s Eve party their senior year of high school causes a major riff, as well as some life changes for the two. There is a lot of raw emotion and hostility expressed by the two throughout this story; their immaturity often seems to be their worst enemy. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg really. Their biggest problem is that Luisa is insanely jealous of Natalia, a jealousy that’s fueled by her unrequited love of Natalia.
Even though this is a progressive young adult novel, one should be cautioned that the narrative does include several scenes depicting rough sex. Additionally, there is some talk of underage drinking and drug use in the book. Though LeBlanc uses it to heat up the conflict and spur on the plot, some readers might find it unsettling.
All of that aside, LeBlanc seems to understand the mindset of teens; turbulent emotions and teenaged confusion is well-scripted and effectively penned. It seems LeBlanc’s intent for Cause & Effect is for it to be a unique coming of age story, and it’s certainly all of that. I’d describe it as edgy, different and filled with steamy teen angst. If that is something that appeals to you, I suggest giving this debut novel a try.
Final remarks…
If you are looking for something unconventional and like to explore young adult fiction with progressive themes, Cause & Effect might be a good fit for you. The writing is edgy, titillating even, and emotionally charged. Overall, this is a decent debut.
Strengths…
Emotionally charged
Angsty
Steamy
Progressive
LeBlanc jumps right into it with Cause & Effect. There isn’t much backstory; readers are given clues to who the key players are as the story progresses. I quickly picked up a “Hannah Montana” vibe from Natalia, which makes sense since that’s LeBlanc’s jam. Natalia is a regular high school student by day and popstar by night, and just like Hannah Montana, her popstar identity is a big secret to the public at large.
Luisa is a confused and angry teen and Natalia’s best friend. They don’t exactly have a warm and fuzzy relationship, or at least not when readers first meet them. A near-fatal car accident after a New Year’s Eve party their senior year of high school causes a major riff, as well as some life changes for the two. There is a lot of raw emotion and hostility expressed by the two throughout this story; their immaturity often seems to be their worst enemy. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg really. Their biggest problem is that Luisa is insanely jealous of Natalia, a jealousy that’s fueled by her unrequited love of Natalia.
Even though this is a progressive young adult novel, one should be cautioned that the narrative does include several scenes depicting rough sex. Additionally, there is some talk of underage drinking and drug use in the book. Though LeBlanc uses it to heat up the conflict and spur on the plot, some readers might find it unsettling.
All of that aside, LeBlanc seems to understand the mindset of teens; turbulent emotions and teenaged confusion is well-scripted and effectively penned. It seems LeBlanc’s intent for Cause & Effect is for it to be a unique coming of age story, and it’s certainly all of that. I’d describe it as edgy, different and filled with steamy teen angst. If that is something that appeals to you, I suggest giving this debut novel a try.
Final remarks…
If you are looking for something unconventional and like to explore young adult fiction with progressive themes, Cause & Effect might be a good fit for you. The writing is edgy, titillating even, and emotionally charged. Overall, this is a decent debut.
Strengths…
Emotionally charged
Angsty
Steamy
Progressive
August 6, 2022
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I was hooked from the moment I started reading it. I loved the dynamic of the characters and there were some serious things that happened during their friendship. Trigger warning: rape and addiction is part of the story. Because of these things, yes relationships suffered and to takes a lot for them to be repaired. So building the plot and the wondering of what is going to happen to them built up and I couldn’t put the book down. BUT after all the emotional turmoil this book put me through, I felt like the ending was rushed. I wanted more. I can’t explain it. I became so invested in what was happening then I was left unsatisfied not that I wasn’t happy with the ending but it didn’t match the build up leading up to it. Great writing, great story, just needed more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
I gave this novel 4.5 stars. It's pretty realistic when it comes to the characters emotions. I absolutely love CJ and I'm glad her story was told, I was afraid we wouldn't get her background. The forgiveness in this story is really nice and there are some true tests of friendships. I look forward to the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
I did receive a ARC and this is my unbiased review. This book had me hooked from the beginning. The book had a lot of feels involved. I won’t give spoilers but it has a great ending!!! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
August 18, 2022
Wow what a fantastic storyline I loved that it's different from the normal it's a diary of sort with twists you were sure the main character was going one way then turns another fantastic congratulations
August 29, 2022
Cause & Effect is Cyan LeBlanc’s debut novel and it shows real promise. The author has a very vivid imagination and has created three flawed but ultimately likeable characters. LeBlanc’s writing style is direct and literal. In my opinion It relies too heavily on telling rather than showing the reader events and emotions. LeBlanc’s use of Luisa’s diary is a clever narrative device and helps the reader to more fully understand the tragic events that lead to the split in Luisa and Natalie’s friendship.
Cause & Effect contains several events that could be possible triggers for readers. Rape, sexual assault and addiction feature heavily in the plot. I felt the author’s portrayal of this was too lightweight and did not reflect the seriousness of events. This book follows teenagers/young adults who engage in some very unhealthy and frankly dangerous behaviours. The rape/s are dealt with in a very superficial way, with no mention of the perpetrators beyond the act. This needed more closure and more sensitivity. This also goes for CJ’s initial behaviour towards Luisa. There is a lack of sexual consent throughout which is worrying and no mention of safe sex.
This novel has the bones of a good story but needs some editing and sensitivity reading.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Cause & Effect contains several events that could be possible triggers for readers. Rape, sexual assault and addiction feature heavily in the plot. I felt the author’s portrayal of this was too lightweight and did not reflect the seriousness of events. This book follows teenagers/young adults who engage in some very unhealthy and frankly dangerous behaviours. The rape/s are dealt with in a very superficial way, with no mention of the perpetrators beyond the act. This needed more closure and more sensitivity. This also goes for CJ’s initial behaviour towards Luisa. There is a lack of sexual consent throughout which is worrying and no mention of safe sex.
This novel has the bones of a good story but needs some editing and sensitivity reading.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
March 20, 2023
Cause and Effect by Cyan LeBlanc is a YA novel centered around Luisa, her best friend Natalia, and CJ who she befriends in rehab. From the start this book hits the ground running with addiction, obsession, rehab and further into the book rape. As such does contain a trigger warning.
An intense love triangle forms between the characters which is quite interesting and I was pleasantly surprised to see the development of Luisa as a person. I would have liked to have seen more justice brought on specific perpetrators though.
The novel in my opinion could have benefitted from more edits including layout.
An ARC was received for my honest review.
An intense love triangle forms between the characters which is quite interesting and I was pleasantly surprised to see the development of Luisa as a person. I would have liked to have seen more justice brought on specific perpetrators though.
The novel in my opinion could have benefitted from more edits including layout.
An ARC was received for my honest review.
July 8, 2022
In this story we meet Luise and Natalie, just after new years, Luise wakes up in a hospital, the last evening goes through her mind.
Natalie in her jeep, Luise driving headlights, Boom.
A Judge sends Luise to a rehab center where she meets CJ, but also breaks and meets herself.
To build herself up, with the help of Nic and CJ.
After her rehab, she meets Natalie gives her rehab diary.
As Natalie reads the diary, you also read with her and get to know what happened at the new years party.
What was the cause and the effect of it all.
This is a well written story, colorful characters, not superficial, but really written in depth.
I’m still shocked, how, what and why.
Each story has two sides, it’s how the coin flips and how someone remembers it from their point of view.
I hope Cyan keeps on writing and this to become a series, I fell in love with all the girls in this book.
Natalie in her jeep, Luise driving headlights, Boom.
A Judge sends Luise to a rehab center where she meets CJ, but also breaks and meets herself.
To build herself up, with the help of Nic and CJ.
After her rehab, she meets Natalie gives her rehab diary.
As Natalie reads the diary, you also read with her and get to know what happened at the new years party.
What was the cause and the effect of it all.
This is a well written story, colorful characters, not superficial, but really written in depth.
I’m still shocked, how, what and why.
Each story has two sides, it’s how the coin flips and how someone remembers it from their point of view.
I hope Cyan keeps on writing and this to become a series, I fell in love with all the girls in this book.
July 6, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
But here's why...
I loved the drama and suspense throughout. I feel like this book is a great intro for the upcoming series. I can't wait to read more from this series. 💗
But here's why...
I loved the drama and suspense throughout. I feel like this book is a great intro for the upcoming series. I can't wait to read more from this series. 💗
August 23, 2022
Check out our review of this book and other sapphic books on our new podcast, Your Rainbow Reads.
Available on all podcast platforms or at www.yourrainbowreads.com
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Available on all podcast platforms or at www.yourrainbowreads.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
August 30, 2022
This book was definitely intense and had me completely engaged from the beginning! It was rather different than many I’ve read in this genre but in a great way! The journey of self discovery, growth, acceptance, etc. was at times difficult to read but ultimately so rewarding. Must read! I received this as ARC but this review is entirely sincere.
January 20, 2024
This book has got to be one of the best young adult books I have read so far.
There is so much going on at the same time but all is equally entertaining. No boring moment.
The plot is superb, the characters are vivid and leaves no question marks... Cyan's way of writing is clever and entertaining, it brings a good Balance. The intrigue is just perfectly proportioned.
I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is so much going on at the same time but all is equally entertaining. No boring moment.
The plot is superb, the characters are vivid and leaves no question marks... Cyan's way of writing is clever and entertaining, it brings a good Balance. The intrigue is just perfectly proportioned.
I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2022
I'm not the best person for this ARC team if Cause and Effect sets the tone for future books. I got a relatively short way through and just stopped reading. Spoiler alerts incoming so if you dont want to know, dont read any further.
First we're introduced to someone who kidnapped her best friend, yes taking someone's keys and driving off with them in the car 'for their own good' so they stay away from the person you're jealous of is kidnapping. Then, as the story progresses, we find the aggressor had, earlier, sexually assaulted her best friend in a drunken, drugged, jealous rage while the friend was trying to help her avoid a potentially dangerous situation, then shoved her in the car which ended in an accident that left visible scarring - cos emotional isn't bad enough, there's physical evidence to see as a reminder of what happened.
Not only has this transpired, but, and this is all in the opening, our kidnapping sex offender breaches a Court order and contacts her victim insisting her victim reads her journal from when she was in 'hospital'. This is explained as being partly for personal closure and also so the victim can see from her best friend/attacker's eyes how/why the events transpired.
To add to the character's selfish nature, she also objects to her mother asking where she's been in really bad weather, even though she's a teen living in her mother's home, about to go back to school. The character is, essentially, still a child who clearly has engaged in behaviour that damaged more than her own friendship (mention of the parents of both parties being separated by this occurrence), endangered more than just her own life (drove ripped off her tits) and is pissed off because people won't just let her get on with life without asking questions or insisting on her sticking to the 'no contact with victim' order.
Sure there's a weak 'taking responsibility' statement for her actions, but where I stopped reading is when the victim 'realises' she contributed to what happened to her (she's also turned on reading the sexual fantasies of her best friend/attacker). REALLY??? That's the foundation of the 'fiction' story being told here?
Now I get there are some very positive reviews of this story from people who read the whole way through and no doubt this is a story about love and forgiveness with kinky sex for titillation, but, frankly, I find our society too ok with exceptionally damaging behaviour and the bs we tell ourselves and each other so those who do the damage get to feel better about themselves, as long as they feel really, really bad about it - or not. The onus is on the victim to aid them in their recovery/return to normal life.
Stories such as this one, in my opinion, perpetuate the myth that it's all ok for every one in the end which, frankly, doesn't sit well for me. Incidentally I read a little of the ending so have an idea how it wraps up.
I have lived with and worked with victims of sexual and physical violence, addiction issues and people who feel victimised by the consequences of their crap behaviour for way too many decades to not be triggered by the content of this book so fair warning, if this stuff presses your instant f off button, this is not the book for you.
The two stars are because the author really does write very well; I'm just not a fan of the underlying messages within the content.
First we're introduced to someone who kidnapped her best friend, yes taking someone's keys and driving off with them in the car 'for their own good' so they stay away from the person you're jealous of is kidnapping. Then, as the story progresses, we find the aggressor had, earlier, sexually assaulted her best friend in a drunken, drugged, jealous rage while the friend was trying to help her avoid a potentially dangerous situation, then shoved her in the car which ended in an accident that left visible scarring - cos emotional isn't bad enough, there's physical evidence to see as a reminder of what happened.
Not only has this transpired, but, and this is all in the opening, our kidnapping sex offender breaches a Court order and contacts her victim insisting her victim reads her journal from when she was in 'hospital'. This is explained as being partly for personal closure and also so the victim can see from her best friend/attacker's eyes how/why the events transpired.
To add to the character's selfish nature, she also objects to her mother asking where she's been in really bad weather, even though she's a teen living in her mother's home, about to go back to school. The character is, essentially, still a child who clearly has engaged in behaviour that damaged more than her own friendship (mention of the parents of both parties being separated by this occurrence), endangered more than just her own life (drove ripped off her tits) and is pissed off because people won't just let her get on with life without asking questions or insisting on her sticking to the 'no contact with victim' order.
Sure there's a weak 'taking responsibility' statement for her actions, but where I stopped reading is when the victim 'realises' she contributed to what happened to her (she's also turned on reading the sexual fantasies of her best friend/attacker). REALLY??? That's the foundation of the 'fiction' story being told here?
Now I get there are some very positive reviews of this story from people who read the whole way through and no doubt this is a story about love and forgiveness with kinky sex for titillation, but, frankly, I find our society too ok with exceptionally damaging behaviour and the bs we tell ourselves and each other so those who do the damage get to feel better about themselves, as long as they feel really, really bad about it - or not. The onus is on the victim to aid them in their recovery/return to normal life.
Stories such as this one, in my opinion, perpetuate the myth that it's all ok for every one in the end which, frankly, doesn't sit well for me. Incidentally I read a little of the ending so have an idea how it wraps up.
I have lived with and worked with victims of sexual and physical violence, addiction issues and people who feel victimised by the consequences of their crap behaviour for way too many decades to not be triggered by the content of this book so fair warning, if this stuff presses your instant f off button, this is not the book for you.
The two stars are because the author really does write very well; I'm just not a fan of the underlying messages within the content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2022
Raw, honest, engaging
Despite the lack of finesse in storytelling (meaning there is more telling to my liking than showing what characters feel), Cyan LeBlanc wrote a compelling story that feels honest, raw and real. She puts her characters through their paces and takes the reader on a ride through all the ups and downs of an uneven friendship between best friends. With several flashbacks and journal entries, the reader starts to understand how best friends could have a terrible breakup that involves courts, jail and a terrible car accident, to patching things up again and growing apace in between.
In spite of the sometimes heavy content (which includes sexual violence, unsolicited sexual acts and betrayal), the characters feel real to the end; their motivations are clear and credible. I enjoyed this story because of its honesty – love can be as messy, chaotic and unpredictable as portrayed here. This story felt more like a glimpse in someone real’s life than a fantastic escape from real life.
Despite the lack of finesse in storytelling (meaning there is more telling to my liking than showing what characters feel), Cyan LeBlanc wrote a compelling story that feels honest, raw and real. She puts her characters through their paces and takes the reader on a ride through all the ups and downs of an uneven friendship between best friends. With several flashbacks and journal entries, the reader starts to understand how best friends could have a terrible breakup that involves courts, jail and a terrible car accident, to patching things up again and growing apace in between.
In spite of the sometimes heavy content (which includes sexual violence, unsolicited sexual acts and betrayal), the characters feel real to the end; their motivations are clear and credible. I enjoyed this story because of its honesty – love can be as messy, chaotic and unpredictable as portrayed here. This story felt more like a glimpse in someone real’s life than a fantastic escape from real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2022
Wow this book had my emotions all over the place. Talk about a rollercoaster of feelings. It all begins on New Year’s Eve. From there it’s twist and turns of feelings and what is going to happen. The whole time you feel like your at the edge of your seat trying to figure what’s gonna happen. It’s the first time that I read a story and couldn’t figure who endgame should be. While I really enjoyed the story because you really didn’t know what to except from it, the reason I didn’t give it a 5 was because the story was so well explained the whole time just so that in the end it was all wrapped up into this perfect ending that didn’t feel real. It felt a bit force to make things fall in place all of a sudden. Maybe if a sequel is written the epilogue can be more explored that might be what will make this a 5 star.
November 11, 2023
There was a lot of stuff filling this book. Some upsetting, some very exciting, some happy.
Cyan LeBlanc has really worked hard to bring this book to it’s needed conclusion. At times I wanted to walk away before finishing but something kept pulling me back. Maybe my age made me pause at the activity involved, these kids went through so much crap to finally figure things out. I am realizing I was really lucky to grow up when I did! It helped that I didn’t come out until I was in the USAF even before the don’t. Ask don’t tell years! The completion of the story really worked and I am glad I finished it. This is actually a great book for parents of young gay kids as well as newly gay kids.
Cyan LeBlanc has really worked hard to bring this book to it’s needed conclusion. At times I wanted to walk away before finishing but something kept pulling me back. Maybe my age made me pause at the activity involved, these kids went through so much crap to finally figure things out. I am realizing I was really lucky to grow up when I did! It helped that I didn’t come out until I was in the USAF even before the don’t. Ask don’t tell years! The completion of the story really worked and I am glad I finished it. This is actually a great book for parents of young gay kids as well as newly gay kids.
August 19, 2022
I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Cyan LeBlanc is a realatively new author and this is her debut novel. It is one of the best written debut novels I have read, the characters all seem very real and relatable and you are held in suspense as to the final outcome in the characters relationships, which is an extremely difficult thing to do. I did however have a few issues with the plot development and some of the important elements that were skirted over in the book and perhaps stopped the story from feeling completely real. I feel Cyan will only improve the more books she write and I look forward to taking that journey with her.
Cyan LeBlanc is a realatively new author and this is her debut novel. It is one of the best written debut novels I have read, the characters all seem very real and relatable and you are held in suspense as to the final outcome in the characters relationships, which is an extremely difficult thing to do. I did however have a few issues with the plot development and some of the important elements that were skirted over in the book and perhaps stopped the story from feeling completely real. I feel Cyan will only improve the more books she write and I look forward to taking that journey with her.
November 29, 2023
Action and reaction
The story that started it all. You learn a lot more about CJ in this book. Luisa and Natalia are best friends, but Luisa has a secret crush on her friend who is openly gay. Watching Natalia hook up with different girls all the time is really getting to her and one fateful night it all comes crashing down. You find out about all of it through Louisa's journal. This is a very emotional book and it was very well written. I have read all the other books to date.
The story that started it all. You learn a lot more about CJ in this book. Luisa and Natalia are best friends, but Luisa has a secret crush on her friend who is openly gay. Watching Natalia hook up with different girls all the time is really getting to her and one fateful night it all comes crashing down. You find out about all of it through Louisa's journal. This is a very emotional book and it was very well written. I have read all the other books to date.
September 7, 2022
Cause And Effect is the first work I have read by Mr LeBlanc and I was impressed by is character development. The protagonists appear to be teenagers that could exist in real life and as expected from a teenage coming of age novel there is a lot of angst. I was given arc for a honest review and am impressed.
August 23, 2022
Fantastic reading. Grabs you from the beginning, and you can't wait to see what happens next. Characters well defined. Can't wait to see where this series goes from here. Looking forward to the next book.
September 23, 2022
This book has a good story and a lot of potential. It just need some polishing such as editing and proofreading to correct the typos. The characters are well developed. It was a sweet story.
September 28, 2022
Okay
There was one thing that bug me. That it was made into sections and not chapters. Besides that it was a great read. Can't wait to book one.
There was one thing that bug me. That it was made into sections and not chapters. Besides that it was a great read. Can't wait to book one.
March 14, 2023
Fast paced read
I loved the character dynamics. At one point or another I really didn't like CJ or Natalia but they redeem themselves. I look forward to reading the next book.
I loved the character dynamics. At one point or another I really didn't like CJ or Natalia but they redeem themselves. I look forward to reading the next book.
January 4, 2024
A young adult coming of age story, full of passion, sorrow, some hate and some angst. Normally not the sort of book I would read at all.
Natalia and Luisa were best friends for many years, until Luisa did something that injured Natalia. And then the third point of the triangle is CJ, who even though she can be an objectionable person, I felt an awful lot of sympathy for. I was so happy that the author spent time showing CJ's difficulties. This story describes the mental and emotional hell that all three girls had to go through, the hurt they each suffered, and the fine line between hate and desire, or even hate and love, for all three of them.
I found the story difficult to follow because the time line jumps around so much, from at least three different time periods. There are lots of flashback scenes, and dream scenes that are hard to separate from reality.
The story is long, and for me got better as I got nearer the end. The ending is a bit of a surprise, and the sudden inclusion of Mia is a bit of a compromise - the ending seems a bit cliche.
One part of this that was a bit unrealistic is Natalia’s alter ego Cherry West. The fact that she was never discovered, that nothing ever leaked out even though she made many conquests amongst her groupies, and that the paparazzi never even tried to find out her true identity. Also surely somebody would recognise her from school? Had she never sung in a school concert?
For me this wasn’t a ‘can’t put down’ story, rather, this was one that I found was a bit of a penance to read, even though I was partially invested in their story. I actually felt pity for most of the young characters in the book, for what they were going through, and for their difficulties and feelings.
Saying that, if a gritty story is your thing, this would be worth reading. As far as the writing style is concerned, that is excellent.
I must admit, I am addicted to the comfort of a more mainstream lesbian novel, where the ending is predictable, the characters are more restricted, and the relationship isn’t so much on-off and confused especially like poor Luisa’s here. I realise this book is more true to the real world, but a reason for me reading so much is to escape away from harsh reality, and for me, reading a book that mirrors reality is not relaxing at all.
Natalia and Luisa were best friends for many years, until Luisa did something that injured Natalia. And then the third point of the triangle is CJ, who even though she can be an objectionable person, I felt an awful lot of sympathy for. I was so happy that the author spent time showing CJ's difficulties. This story describes the mental and emotional hell that all three girls had to go through, the hurt they each suffered, and the fine line between hate and desire, or even hate and love, for all three of them.
I found the story difficult to follow because the time line jumps around so much, from at least three different time periods. There are lots of flashback scenes, and dream scenes that are hard to separate from reality.
The story is long, and for me got better as I got nearer the end. The ending is a bit of a surprise, and the sudden inclusion of Mia is a bit of a compromise - the ending seems a bit cliche.
One part of this that was a bit unrealistic is Natalia’s alter ego Cherry West. The fact that she was never discovered, that nothing ever leaked out even though she made many conquests amongst her groupies, and that the paparazzi never even tried to find out her true identity. Also surely somebody would recognise her from school? Had she never sung in a school concert?
For me this wasn’t a ‘can’t put down’ story, rather, this was one that I found was a bit of a penance to read, even though I was partially invested in their story. I actually felt pity for most of the young characters in the book, for what they were going through, and for their difficulties and feelings.
Saying that, if a gritty story is your thing, this would be worth reading. As far as the writing style is concerned, that is excellent.
I must admit, I am addicted to the comfort of a more mainstream lesbian novel, where the ending is predictable, the characters are more restricted, and the relationship isn’t so much on-off and confused especially like poor Luisa’s here. I realise this book is more true to the real world, but a reason for me reading so much is to escape away from harsh reality, and for me, reading a book that mirrors reality is not relaxing at all.
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