Oh, how I wanted to love this book.  I had high hopes for Berkley’s first F/F romance and the buzz around this book before release was high.  While the start was strong, the middle dragged, and the ending felt rushed.  What could have been a sweet, sexy romance fell flat.

From Goodreads:

Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn’t come at a worse time–threatening Emma’s promotion and Jo’s new movie.

As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”.

With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames

What I Liked:

The idea behind this book is great and the start of this book is fantastic.  The set up and build up of the relationship between Jo and Emma was a great example of slow burn….until it wasn’t. I thought the side characters were well done and added to the story in a good way, especially Avery and Evelyn. If the author were to focus on one of them in a follow up, I would read it. It was refreshing to have LGBTQ characters readily accepted and loved by their family and friends.  I loved how Emma’s family teased her about Jo and accepted her with no question.

What I Didn’t Like:

I can appreciate a slow burn romance but this one moved at a snail’s pace  Nothing happened.  Not only that but there was a lot of repetitiveness between the scenes, so much so that I found myself having déjà vu.  Have you ever read or watched something where the whole plot could be resolved if the characters just sat down and had a conversation with each other?  That’s what I felt the entire second half of this book.  There were so many opportunities for Jo and Emma to tell each other how they felt but didn’t.  It was frustrating.  And the ending seemed very rushed, especially for a book that took so long to get there.

Conclusion:

This wasn’t the worst romance I’ve ever read. The writing was fairly good, I liked most of the characters, and the concept was clever.  However, I need more plot in my romances and I don’t like a rushed ending.  I’m happy publishing companies  are starting to publish more LGBGTQ+ books but I know there are better ones out there.

Favorite Quote:

“I like seeing my daughter in the news for dating a woman,” her mom continued. “There are much worse reasons to be famous.”

Author: Meryl Wilsner

Published: May 26^th, 2020

Rating: 3 Stars