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rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
I had been saving this book for one of my last reads based on how much I enjoyed Create a Life to Love by Erin Zak. Unfortunately, a project at work turned into a dumpster fire of colossal magnitude; and, by the time I started reading it, my brain was frazzled and grumpy. I’m afraid that this may have impacted my enjoyment of the book – and based on other reviews I’ve read for it, I’m the odd one out in having trouble getting fully invested in the characters and story. Don’t get me wrong – this was well written with some very real characters and situations and is a strong romance. It was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me and I’ll likely re-read it in a few months to see if a better frame of mind will push this into the category of books I loved.
Stevie is an up-and-comer in the comedy scene and is eagerly awaiting to see if she’s made the cut to join the Saturday Night Live cast. After losing her parents at a young age, she’s pushed away the idea of investing in the chance at love and instead is intensely focused on achieving her dream. Dragged by her cast mates to a psychic, Stevie receives a reading that indicates that she’ll have a difficult decision when it comes to pursuing her dream or love. Bernadette is a woman who is resigned to constantly puts others ahead of finding her own happiness – in love for her best friend, she continues to act as her interpreter and has resigned herself to staying and taking care of her mother. The connection between the two women is pretty much instant, but their relationship grows slowly with both being inexorably drawn to one another but also fighting against it as neither of their futures seem to have room for love.
Although there was an insta-attract, Zak takes her time with the characters in developing them as individuals and allowing the relationship time to develop. There’s lots of obstacles including their own insecurity and doubts, so a fair bit of push and pull. This is a bit more of a mature romance in that there is unquestionably a connection but both characters recognize that with their lives at major turning points (Stevie’s career taking off and Bernadette’s family), that HEA aren’t easy and compromising for the other person holds the danger of regret. There’s drama, but not overblown – it’s real, messy and complicated with difficult decisions that have to be made.
This is a romance that expands the story beyond just the development of the relationship between the mains. The supporting characters, especially family members on both sides, round out the story – both in their interactions with the main characters as well as giving the story an authenticity that the main characters aren’t existing in a romantic bubble for two. At times, I was a bit annoyed with Bernadette and her conviction that she had to stay and care for her mother (who seemed perfectly capable of managing on her own and is quite clear that she wants move to a retirement community) as well as the horribly unhealthy relationship with Connie Fucking Russo (Zak said it not me), the life-long friend who manipulates and controls Bernadette’s life.
I had been saving this book for one of my last reads based on how much I enjoyed Create a Life to Love by Erin Zak. Unfortunately, a project at work turned into a dumpster fire of colossal magnitude; and, by the time I started reading it, my brain was frazzled and grumpy. I’m afraid that this may have impacted my enjoyment of the book – and based on other reviews I’ve read for it, I’m the odd one out in having trouble getting fully invested in the characters and story. Don’t get me wrong – this was well written with some very real characters and situations and is a strong romance. It was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me and I’ll likely re-read it in a few months to see if a better frame of mind will push this into the category of books I loved.
Stevie is an up-and-comer in the comedy scene and is eagerly awaiting to see if she’s made the cut to join the Saturday Night Live cast. After losing her parents at a young age, she’s pushed away the idea of investing in the chance at love and instead is intensely focused on achieving her dream. Dragged by her cast mates to a psychic, Stevie receives a reading that indicates that she’ll have a difficult decision when it comes to pursuing her dream or love. Bernadette is a woman who is resigned to constantly puts others ahead of finding her own happiness – in love for her best friend, she continues to act as her interpreter and has resigned herself to staying and taking care of her mother. The connection between the two women is pretty much instant, but their relationship grows slowly with both being inexorably drawn to one another but also fighting against it as neither of their futures seem to have room for love.
Although there was an insta-attract, Zak takes her time with the characters in developing them as individuals and allowing the relationship time to develop. There’s lots of obstacles including their own insecurity and doubts, so a fair bit of push and pull. This is a bit more of a mature romance in that there is unquestionably a connection but both characters recognize that with their lives at major turning points (Stevie’s career taking off and Bernadette’s family), that HEA aren’t easy and compromising for the other person holds the danger of regret. There’s drama, but not overblown – it’s real, messy and complicated with difficult decisions that have to be made.
This is a romance that expands the story beyond just the development of the relationship between the mains. The supporting characters, especially family members on both sides, round out the story – both in their interactions with the main characters as well as giving the story an authenticity that the main characters aren’t existing in a romantic bubble for two. At times, I was a bit annoyed with Bernadette and her conviction that she had to stay and care for her mother (who seemed perfectly capable of managing on her own and is quite clear that she wants move to a retirement community) as well as the horribly unhealthy relationship with Connie Fucking Russo (Zak said it not me), the life-long friend who manipulates and controls Bernadette’s life.
neencohen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamics and diversities of the characters and the worlds they inhabit. It was truly beautiful how American sign language (ASL) was incorporated in this book.
Family plays a big role in this book, as characters examine what keeps them going and what holds them back. Trauma and loss are also big topics for both main characters.
A small note - yes Harry Potter is mentioned in this book but after checking the dates and knowing how long before publication books are often written I didn’t let the few passing comments stop me enjoying the book.
lianareadsblog's review against another edition
3.0
For as much as i love this cover and was looking forward to this book, unfortunately, i couldn't get into it as much as i would like it.
i love the idea of the sign language and how two people are trying to find their match because everyone deserves someone in their life, i couldn't connect with any of them. i just couldn't feel the sparks and romance in their interaction or body language i may say.
It's a well-written book though and I'll be looking out for more stories by the author.
i love the idea of the sign language and how two people are trying to find their match because everyone deserves someone in their life, i couldn't connect with any of them. i just couldn't feel the sparks and romance in their interaction or body language i may say.
It's a well-written book though and I'll be looking out for more stories by the author.
hhushaw's review against another edition
3.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This one was hard to rate as I really liked it and I wanted to give it four stars. The only thing that made me lower my rating is even at the end when Bernadette confessed her undying love for Stevie she still apparently was in love with Connie and as soon as she sees her again all of her progress slides back to the beginning of her pining over her. I felt like Connie was thrown in to add another conflict and yet it didn't match with what Bernadette was showing in her actions and thoughts in the story. BUT.. I did really like this book, I devoured it that one issue just gave me a lot of hangups!
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
Dinosaur Triplets, how’s that for a great name? Stevie is an improv actress in a troupe bearing this name and she’s one phone call away from making it to her goal, a spot on Saturday Night Live in New York. One evening, her best friend convinces her to accompany her and other colleagues to consult a psychic. Against her better judgment, Stevie agrees to go but not to have the cards read for her. She doesn’t want to know what the future holds, she’s had enough pain in her life and she’s extremely wary of anything unplanned, unexpected (which is kinda of ironic when you work in improv). Once her friends have all been called in, she finds herself alone in the psychic’s waiting room and ends up with a reading anyway. The psychic, Constance, is deaf and an interpreter, Bernadette, is there to translate the reading for her.
Bernadette’s relationship with Connie is so fucked up. She’s been in love with her half her life but besides the whole unrequited love thing, she also sort of depends on her financially. Connie’s both her boss and her best friend, which makes it close to impossible for Bernadette to tell her to back off when she interferes with her private life. Which is what happens when Bernadette can’t get Stevie out of her head.
This book made my heart ache from the start. When Stevie sees Bernadette for the first time, her breath catches. Mine did too. The way Erin Zak describes reactions, both physical and mental, pulled me in absolutely. It’s both wonderful and painful. It’s what I’m looking for in romances. It’s the best feeling.
On the flip side, it means that I was also right there with Bernadette when her anxiety flared up. I love how mental health issues are becoming more and more common in lesfic. They’re everywhere IRL so they should appear in books too. The only thing is, when it’s done well, it sometimes triggers my own anxiety and I’m not a fan of that happening. So I’ll take a break, breathe for a while and come back.
One last thing: the secondary characters are fantastic, whether it’s Stevie’s friends or both MCs’ families. I’m not going to list them all, they are wonderful, each and every one of them.
Apart from repeating how awesome this book is, I’ll just add this: do you remember the time, not so long ago, when dildos were unheard of in lesfic? Then characters began to talk about them, even bought them but you didn’t get to see them use them. And now they just exist, in so many books (such as this one), and it makes me sooo happy. They’re not a dirty little secret anymore.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bernadette’s relationship with Connie is so fucked up. She’s been in love with her half her life but besides the whole unrequited love thing, she also sort of depends on her financially. Connie’s both her boss and her best friend, which makes it close to impossible for Bernadette to tell her to back off when she interferes with her private life. Which is what happens when Bernadette can’t get Stevie out of her head.
This book made my heart ache from the start. When Stevie sees Bernadette for the first time, her breath catches. Mine did too. The way Erin Zak describes reactions, both physical and mental, pulled me in absolutely. It’s both wonderful and painful. It’s what I’m looking for in romances. It’s the best feeling.
On the flip side, it means that I was also right there with Bernadette when her anxiety flared up. I love how mental health issues are becoming more and more common in lesfic. They’re everywhere IRL so they should appear in books too. The only thing is, when it’s done well, it sometimes triggers my own anxiety and I’m not a fan of that happening. So I’ll take a break, breathe for a while and come back.
One last thing: the secondary characters are fantastic, whether it’s Stevie’s friends or both MCs’ families. I’m not going to list them all, they are wonderful, each and every one of them.
Apart from repeating how awesome this book is, I’ll just add this: do you remember the time, not so long ago, when dildos were unheard of in lesfic? Then characters began to talk about them, even bought them but you didn’t get to see them use them. And now they just exist, in so many books (such as this one), and it makes me sooo happy. They’re not a dirty little secret anymore.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
elvang's review against another edition
5.0
An age gap romance featuring an improv star on the rise and an interpreter for a deaf psychic? Yes please.
Thanks to every reviewer who recommended this read. The chemistry between Stevie and Bernadette is off the charts. You know there is a time limit on their relationship but you cheer them on just the same.
Stevie is determined to leave Chicago and make her fortune as a comedian on SNL. She’s been handling life on her own terms for years and isn’t afraid to let an older woman know she finds her attractive. Bernadette is sexy and smooth and confident on the surface, but is emotionally less mature than the younger Stevie. She has the harder journey of the pair. Her unrequited love for her lifelong friend and her need to care for her mother act as a shield blocking Bernie from experiencing true love, almost like she doesn’t think she deserves to be loved. A great study of the human psyche.
Best breakup scene I’ve read in a while and in true breakup/ makeup romance genre Zak gives us a beautiful ending.
Oh yeah and I loved the tarot card readings. Very cool.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Thanks to every reviewer who recommended this read. The chemistry between Stevie and Bernadette is off the charts. You know there is a time limit on their relationship but you cheer them on just the same.
Stevie is determined to leave Chicago and make her fortune as a comedian on SNL. She’s been handling life on her own terms for years and isn’t afraid to let an older woman know she finds her attractive. Bernadette is sexy and smooth and confident on the surface, but is emotionally less mature than the younger Stevie. She has the harder journey of the pair. Her unrequited love for her lifelong friend and her need to care for her mother act as a shield blocking Bernie from experiencing true love, almost like she doesn’t think she deserves to be loved. A great study of the human psyche.
Best breakup scene I’ve read in a while and in true breakup/ makeup romance genre Zak gives us a beautiful ending.
Oh yeah and I loved the tarot card readings. Very cool.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
zefrien's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
stacybr's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful accidents by Erin Zak is wonderfully written and I was captivated with the main characters from the start.
This novel follows Stevie, an improv actor and Bernadette, an ASL interpreter for a psychic through the ups and downs of falling for each other, starting a relationship, and making choices about the future. Both characters overcome emotional roadblocks, either from their past or present. As the reader, Zak has brought those emotions to life off the page as the novel presents its twists and turns. I continuously felt as though I was rooting for everything to work out and the characters to get a happy ending.
Overall the story kept me intrigued from the start which made me want to finish the book. I do think there are some pacing issues towards the second half of the novel. The first half seemed very flushed out and built up nicely to the second half, however the second half seemed rushed. Several big things happen that needed more detail to satisfy and wrap up certain plot points brought up in the first half. The pacing issues were not super distracting from the plot overall however.
Since this is the first novel from Zak that I have read, I look forward to following this author and reading more.
*Bold Strokes Books was so very kind to send me an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.
This novel follows Stevie, an improv actor and Bernadette, an ASL interpreter for a psychic through the ups and downs of falling for each other, starting a relationship, and making choices about the future. Both characters overcome emotional roadblocks, either from their past or present. As the reader, Zak has brought those emotions to life off the page as the novel presents its twists and turns. I continuously felt as though I was rooting for everything to work out and the characters to get a happy ending.
Overall the story kept me intrigued from the start which made me want to finish the book. I do think there are some pacing issues towards the second half of the novel. The first half seemed very flushed out and built up nicely to the second half, however the second half seemed rushed. Several big things happen that needed more detail to satisfy and wrap up certain plot points brought up in the first half. The pacing issues were not super distracting from the plot overall however.
Since this is the first novel from Zak that I have read, I look forward to following this author and reading more.
*Bold Strokes Books was so very kind to send me an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.
mjsam's review against another edition
4.0
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favourite of Zak’s so far. Here we have MC Stevie, an improv actor who’s auditioned for SNL and is waiting to see if she gets her big break. The other MC is Bernadette, who is a ASL interpreter for her deaf, psychic, straight best friend, who she also happens to be in love with.
Now, usually I’m not a fan of books with the whole ‘lesbian character in love with their straight best friend’, unless the two of them are endgame. But when it’s just the lesbian character pining for the friend, it’s less fun. There’s a whole lot of that going on here, and I admit to being frustrated with Bernadette over that, especially given her age and how long this had been going on, but her chemistry and romance with Stevie easily off-set that. The two of them hit it off immediately after Stevie has a reading with Connie and there’s a lot of cute ‘accidents’ that keep bringing them together.
I also loved the secondary characters, Stevie’s family (especially Harper) and her BFF Laurie and Bernadette’s family are all wonderful characters, I especially liked that her brother was not at all the deadbeat I thought he was at the start. The only sour note here is Connie (Bernadette’s BFF), and she’s supposed to be a problem. As with the general rule of thumb of these stories, she’s mostly happy to string Bernadette on because it suits her, and she’s a selfish bitch. Thankfully everyone in this story points this out, even her own daughter, so it’s not like she was fooling anyone. But I’d have preferred Bernadette to have had a bit more of a backbone about that whole situation.
Still, I loved the romance between the two leads, how they meshed with each other’s important people, and how the inevitable breakup was resolved. There’s a fair amount of humour in this story, but it also has some really emotional moments, I had pretty much ‘all the feels’. 4 stars.
This is my favourite of Zak’s so far. Here we have MC Stevie, an improv actor who’s auditioned for SNL and is waiting to see if she gets her big break. The other MC is Bernadette, who is a ASL interpreter for her deaf, psychic, straight best friend, who she also happens to be in love with.
Now, usually I’m not a fan of books with the whole ‘lesbian character in love with their straight best friend’, unless the two of them are endgame. But when it’s just the lesbian character pining for the friend, it’s less fun. There’s a whole lot of that going on here, and I admit to being frustrated with Bernadette over that, especially given her age and how long this had been going on, but her chemistry and romance with Stevie easily off-set that. The two of them hit it off immediately after Stevie has a reading with Connie and there’s a lot of cute ‘accidents’ that keep bringing them together.
I also loved the secondary characters, Stevie’s family (especially Harper) and her BFF Laurie and Bernadette’s family are all wonderful characters, I especially liked that her brother was not at all the deadbeat I thought he was at the start. The only sour note here is Connie (Bernadette’s BFF), and she’s supposed to be a problem. As with the general rule of thumb of these stories, she’s mostly happy to string Bernadette on because it suits her, and she’s a selfish bitch. Thankfully everyone in this story points this out, even her own daughter, so it’s not like she was fooling anyone. But I’d have preferred Bernadette to have had a bit more of a backbone about that whole situation.
Still, I loved the romance between the two leads, how they meshed with each other’s important people, and how the inevitable breakup was resolved. There’s a fair amount of humour in this story, but it also has some really emotional moments, I had pretty much ‘all the feels’. 4 stars.