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Can't Let Her Go
Friends to lovers? There’s a lot to consider, a lot to hope for, and a lot at risk in a steamy and emotional romance by the bestselling author of Can’t Resist Her . Peaches Monroe and Jamie Hunt are core members of their Texas friend squad and have so much in common. They’re successful at their careers in personal care. They take Austin’s “Keep It Weird” vibe to heart, each leaning into their own unique talents and sense of style. And they’re both ready to go on to even bigger things. Is pushing past the boundaries of friendship into something deeper one of them? The red-hot fantasy is there…but so is real life. Jamie’s college dreams will take her far from her hometown. She’s already road-tripping to possibilities from San Antonio to Houston. And Peaches has obligations of her own. Not only is she planning to expand her business, but she’s taking care of her family after her mother’s passing, leaving her overwhelmed and under pressure. No matter how perfect Jamie and Peaches are for each other, is this the right time for romance? Finding their true selves comes first. Only then can they hope to pursue a future of lasting love―together.
Audio CD
First published June 20, 2023
About the author
Kianna Alexander
100 books508 followersI've always loved the written word. For as long as I can remember, I read as much as I could, as often as I could. Cereal boxes, newspapers, product packaging. Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine. Billboards. I loved it all. I read the entire Fear Street series, as well as the Sweet Valley Books, from Twins and Friends through Sweet Valley High. Each week I'd bring 15 or 20 books home from the library, and read them all before the due date.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 26, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This story was cute! The side characters in this story were so fun and would love to read more about them! It was so refreshing that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunication in this story too.
- It seemed that a lot of the reason that peaches and jamie got together was more out of lust than deeper feelings. Would have loved to see them build a deeper connection.
- This book did such a great job on talking about tough family dynamics. The found family aspect really made the story so special because of that!
- This story was cute! The side characters in this story were so fun and would love to read more about them! It was so refreshing that there wasn’t a lot of miscommunication in this story too.
- It seemed that a lot of the reason that peaches and jamie got together was more out of lust than deeper feelings. Would have loved to see them build a deeper connection.
- This book did such a great job on talking about tough family dynamics. The found family aspect really made the story so special because of that!
June 26, 2023
Read this if you like
✅ Friends to Lovers
✅Strong female protagonists
✅A strong friend group that is like family= with memorable secondary characters
✅Chapters that provide the p.o.v of both romantic leads
✅ Characters that follow through on their plans.
Kianna Alexander presents two strong BIPOC characters- Jamie and Peaches. They're both successful women who have complications with immediate family members but have a really strong friend group. Peaches runs her own barbershop and Jamie is an esthetician at a salon. Both are actually looking for other opportunities but both seem a little taken aback by their growing attraction to each other. Peaches is the more rational of the pair, burned by her last relationship, she wants to make sure Jamie is sincere. Admittedly, Jamie hasn't had a lot of dating experience and feels impatient over Peach's hesitation. Together, they will find their way to each other.
I really liked these two protagonists. It was easy to see early on that each felt a lot of duty to their immediate families but neither really had their family's understanding of their lives. I have to agree with a few other reviewers that I don't see Peaches and Jamie as the end game BUT I have a feeling that they do remain friends throughout their lives.
I would certainly read other Kianna Alexander titles.
#CantLetHerGo #NetGalley.
Publication Date 20/06/23
Goodreads Review 25/06/23
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own*
✅ Friends to Lovers
✅Strong female protagonists
✅A strong friend group that is like family= with memorable secondary characters
✅Chapters that provide the p.o.v of both romantic leads
✅ Characters that follow through on their plans.
Kianna Alexander presents two strong BIPOC characters- Jamie and Peaches. They're both successful women who have complications with immediate family members but have a really strong friend group. Peaches runs her own barbershop and Jamie is an esthetician at a salon. Both are actually looking for other opportunities but both seem a little taken aback by their growing attraction to each other. Peaches is the more rational of the pair, burned by her last relationship, she wants to make sure Jamie is sincere. Admittedly, Jamie hasn't had a lot of dating experience and feels impatient over Peach's hesitation. Together, they will find their way to each other.
I really liked these two protagonists. It was easy to see early on that each felt a lot of duty to their immediate families but neither really had their family's understanding of their lives. I have to agree with a few other reviewers that I don't see Peaches and Jamie as the end game BUT I have a feeling that they do remain friends throughout their lives.
I would certainly read other Kianna Alexander titles.
#CantLetHerGo #NetGalley.
Publication Date 20/06/23
Goodreads Review 25/06/23
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own*
January 31, 2023
2.5 stars
i was sooo excited to read this book and it got me even more hyped when i realized it was a sapphic story but at the end this book just wasn't for me.
i found the characters unrealistic and the dialogues they had were obviously written and not something a real person would say or how a real person would react to different things. so it made it really hard for me to connect with these characters and, for me, character development is the basic thing i need to enjoy a book.
it was funny at times and i love that we have a stud lesbian which i haven't seen in another book so far (i'm open to recommendations ✨) but besides that, the story in general was unbelievable.
i was sooo excited to read this book and it got me even more hyped when i realized it was a sapphic story but at the end this book just wasn't for me.
i found the characters unrealistic and the dialogues they had were obviously written and not something a real person would say or how a real person would react to different things. so it made it really hard for me to connect with these characters and, for me, character development is the basic thing i need to enjoy a book.
it was funny at times and i love that we have a stud lesbian which i haven't seen in another book so far (i'm open to recommendations ✨) but besides that, the story in general was unbelievable.
August 14, 2023
When Peaches Monroe is surprised by nail technician and future returning college student Jamie Hunt at her popular barber shop, she can't back down from the challenge Jamie lays down, explore the sparks that have been flying between them since their friend groups squad-ed up.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
July 1, 2023
Peaches Monroe and Jamie Hunt; THEY NEED A LOT OF THERAPY. I am glad Kianna wrote that in. Especially Jamie, because she was such a fucking red flag. I still don't like her or their relationship. I do 100% believe Peaches deserved someone else, maybe Claudia.
I do understand Jamie's issues and all but her reactions to situations was really annoying. And I am on my period so I was not having it. My poor Peaches. I like her well enough to want to stab anyone who hurts her gentle soul. Though her butch "doings" sometimes were getting on my nerves. I liked her anyways.
I do understand Jamie's issues and all but her reactions to situations was really annoying. And I am on my period so I was not having it. My poor Peaches. I like her well enough to want to stab anyone who hurts her gentle soul. Though her butch "doings" sometimes were getting on my nerves. I liked her anyways.
July 30, 2023
“Shawty, if you keep tempting me like this, there will be trouble.”
“Sometimes I like trouble,” she teased. “What kind are you offering?”
3.5 stars. 3.25? While this did underwhelm me in a few ways, it was still such a very very cute black romance. I didn't love the first book in this series, but it had a lot of promise, so I'm glad I came back for more, because Peaches and Jamie were endearing to me in a lot of ways. Short stud/tall femme rights! It's a friends to lovers romance between a barbershop owner looking to expand her business and a nail technician who aspires to go back to school so she can do more in the nail business. They're never been the closest in their friend group, but Jamie makes a move on Peaches after harbouring a crush for some time, and when they go on a road trip to look at prospective schools, things start to heat up. I do like the author's simple, down to earth writing style. It's a little tighter than it was in the first book (thought I still had my quibbles) and all the characters just felt like real people. The dialogue was on point, especially in the dynamics between the friends, and all the flirting and courtship in the main couple. I found myself smiling and swooning so much. Peaches... call me. But on the other hand, I did find that the dialogue could swing the other way sometimes, and feel really manufactured and stilted. Like, there's a bit where they have a little exchange about the phrase 'gold star lesbian', and how it's a useless designation and just used to create divisiveness in the community. I really loved and agreed with everything that was said there, but the WAY the characters talked about it just sounded like it was lifted from a pamphlet or textbook. Really stilted. So that happened a couple times. And the conflict did feel a little awkward; not something that arose naturally, but something that was written in just because the book needed to have a conflict. But I can't lie, the cuteness of the couple and everything about how hot they were together... that did make up for it. 🔥 Whew.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Tamara Austin and looooooved it. She did such a great job with all the dialogue, and making the characters sound distinct without ever making anyone sound caricaturish. Even all the side characters and kids had great distinct voices. Definitely recommend listening to this one. And I'll keep an eye out an this author, because every time I read from her, it's better and better.
September 2, 2023
3.5 stars (rounded up)!
I thoroughly enjoyed "Can't Let Her Go" by Kianna Alexander for the first 3/4ths of the book. This is a spicy friends-to-lovers sapphic BIPOC partial road trip romance that features two wonderful but flawed protagonists, though their flaws are massive red flags in the last portion of the story. Jamie and Peaches are both strong, terrific characters that have tremendous, sultry chemistry with one another in a relationship that leans more into "lust" than "love" (though that is not necessairly a bad thing). I really dug their connection at first and think it started out sexy as hell, but fizzles out towards the end of the book. Unfortunately, the longer their relationship progresses, the more red flags start popping out between them, which made me wary of their relationship lasting. I got the sense that Peaches and Jamie would definitely not stay together much long after the story ends, but their explosive sex life might be good for them in the short term. The arguments they have with one another, particularly in the last half of the book, feel forced and petty. I love how both Peaches and Jamie shut down homophobia and transphobia as soon as it happens, even with friends and family. At its core, this story has a lot more elements of friendship than romance. Jamie and Peaches' found family friend group is great. I also liked the plot points involving both of their families and think that these aspects add just the right amount of drama to coalesce the story into becoming something compelling. All in all, this is a good book if you can overlook some of the squabbles!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kianna Alexander for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Can't Let Her Go" by Kianna Alexander for the first 3/4ths of the book. This is a spicy friends-to-lovers sapphic BIPOC partial road trip romance that features two wonderful but flawed protagonists, though their flaws are massive red flags in the last portion of the story. Jamie and Peaches are both strong, terrific characters that have tremendous, sultry chemistry with one another in a relationship that leans more into "lust" than "love" (though that is not necessairly a bad thing). I really dug their connection at first and think it started out sexy as hell, but fizzles out towards the end of the book. Unfortunately, the longer their relationship progresses, the more red flags start popping out between them, which made me wary of their relationship lasting. I got the sense that Peaches and Jamie would definitely not stay together much long after the story ends, but their explosive sex life might be good for them in the short term. The arguments they have with one another, particularly in the last half of the book, feel forced and petty. I love how both Peaches and Jamie shut down homophobia and transphobia as soon as it happens, even with friends and family. At its core, this story has a lot more elements of friendship than romance. Jamie and Peaches' found family friend group is great. I also liked the plot points involving both of their families and think that these aspects add just the right amount of drama to coalesce the story into becoming something compelling. All in all, this is a good book if you can overlook some of the squabbles!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kianna Alexander for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
September 16, 2023
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Your body is solid, but your heart is soft. I see. What a marvelous combination."
* I want to say thankyou to netgalley for this ARC!
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't know how it was gonna go since the reviews are a little all over the place, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You got:
• FF relationship
• Found family
• Friends to lovers
• Successful & badass MCs
• Mental health representation
• Healthy communication
Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the two female MCs. I found them both very refreshing. I loved that they bonded very quickly over similar interests as well as family life. There was a small amount of miscommunication, but it was turned around so quickly and in such a healthy way. The mental health representation was spot on and really brought more understanding to one of the female leads. The friend group was an amazing mix of people that all brought their own life experiences to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and I think you should pick it up!
"Fine. I'll lower my tone, but I won't lower my standards. Now, get yourself in the shower and get dressed. And for the sake of all that's right and holy, please do something with that wig."
"Your body is solid, but your heart is soft. I see. What a marvelous combination."
* I want to say thankyou to netgalley for this ARC!
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't know how it was gonna go since the reviews are a little all over the place, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You got:
• FF relationship
• Found family
• Friends to lovers
• Successful & badass MCs
• Mental health representation
• Healthy communication
Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the two female MCs. I found them both very refreshing. I loved that they bonded very quickly over similar interests as well as family life. There was a small amount of miscommunication, but it was turned around so quickly and in such a healthy way. The mental health representation was spot on and really brought more understanding to one of the female leads. The friend group was an amazing mix of people that all brought their own life experiences to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and I think you should pick it up!
"Fine. I'll lower my tone, but I won't lower my standards. Now, get yourself in the shower and get dressed. And for the sake of all that's right and holy, please do something with that wig."
May 6, 2023
It's a great book. I loved reading it. Hoping to get a full review in more depth up soon!
Both characters are amazing and the story is *chefs kiss*
Peaches is what I want to grow up and be.
I apologise, I'm ill right now that involves meds that are quite strong. I don't think I can do true justice for Peaches and Jamie.
Kianna is an amazing author and will be recommending her to all my reading friends
Both characters are amazing and the story is *chefs kiss*
Peaches is what I want to grow up and be.
I apologise, I'm ill right now that involves meds that are quite strong. I don't think I can do true justice for Peaches and Jamie.
Kianna is an amazing author and will be recommending her to all my reading friends
July 2, 2023
the way I loved this book!
It wanted more! Very cute romance about two wonderful ladies who have to work through some issues to make their relationship work. 10 out of 10, will recommend
It wanted more! Very cute romance about two wonderful ladies who have to work through some issues to make their relationship work. 10 out of 10, will recommend
June 13, 2023
This heartfelt and steamy romance explores the complexities of transitioning from friends to lovers. The strong bond between Peaches and Jamie, along with their shared ambitions and individual challenges, adds depth to the story. The author skillfully portrays the tension between their growing feelings and the realities they face. It's a captivating tale of self-discovery, timing, and the pursuit of lasting love.
November 25, 2023
Overall: 3.75/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: Friends to lovers
I liked it but I didn't love it. I found it a little odd that Peaches and Jamie were part of a friend group of queer women who had been friends for years but had never hung out solo or were just now seeing an attraction to each other.
I also felt like parts of the plot were rushed. I saw the chemistry, but it sometimes felt forced, although the spice scenes were definitely spicy.
I did appreciate their willingness to seek therapy and to distance themselves from toxic family to be their own people and make new adventures together. They had some great character development.
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: Friends to lovers
I liked it but I didn't love it. I found it a little odd that Peaches and Jamie were part of a friend group of queer women who had been friends for years but had never hung out solo or were just now seeing an attraction to each other.
I also felt like parts of the plot were rushed. I saw the chemistry, but it sometimes felt forced, although the spice scenes were definitely spicy.
I did appreciate their willingness to seek therapy and to distance themselves from toxic family to be their own people and make new adventures together. They had some great character development.
January 11, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my completely honest opinion
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It's a decent read for a romance book, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Whilst the style was very readable, and balanced, I found there was a distinct lack of interesting events within the first third of the book that struggles to gain the reader's attention. I couldn't get into it.
Weirdly enough, I thought the side characters felt a bit more real than the main characters. For example Alonzo and Taylor struck me as way more compelling. It doesn't do well for Peaches and Jamie to be both tame in personality, whereas side characters like the ones I mentioned seemed more outspoken and bold, and altogether had their own thoughts and feelings. I really appreciated how diverse the characters were, though, with Taylor being (I'm assuming) nonbinary, and there also being bisexual and pansexual representation found in Jamie's brother and friend respectively.
I would very willingly read a book about some of the side characters rather than the main characters.
Another thing I noted was that the characters' jobs were interesting, portrayed in a boring way. I wanted to hear more of the business aspect behind Peaches' and Jamie's workplaces, and I wanted to hear more about Jamie's plan to combat the person who had stolen her ideas. It's great to have these things at the beginning of a novel to hook in the reader. Instead, we get an almost immediate declaration of feelings that seemed disengenuine because of the pacing of the novel, and lack of interest shown beforehand.
I'm probably reading way too much into the way this book was created, but it was still an okay read.
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It's a decent read for a romance book, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Whilst the style was very readable, and balanced, I found there was a distinct lack of interesting events within the first third of the book that struggles to gain the reader's attention. I couldn't get into it.
Weirdly enough, I thought the side characters felt a bit more real than the main characters. For example Alonzo and Taylor struck me as way more compelling. It doesn't do well for Peaches and Jamie to be both tame in personality, whereas side characters like the ones I mentioned seemed more outspoken and bold, and altogether had their own thoughts and feelings. I really appreciated how diverse the characters were, though, with Taylor being (I'm assuming) nonbinary, and there also being bisexual and pansexual representation found in Jamie's brother and friend respectively.
I would very willingly read a book about some of the side characters rather than the main characters.
Another thing I noted was that the characters' jobs were interesting, portrayed in a boring way. I wanted to hear more of the business aspect behind Peaches' and Jamie's workplaces, and I wanted to hear more about Jamie's plan to combat the person who had stolen her ideas. It's great to have these things at the beginning of a novel to hook in the reader. Instead, we get an almost immediate declaration of feelings that seemed disengenuine because of the pacing of the novel, and lack of interest shown beforehand.
I'm probably reading way too much into the way this book was created, but it was still an okay read.
July 10, 2024
This wasn't that great imo. My biggest issue is I don't think they belonged together... I didn't see the chemistry and it came off as we're going to try it out because we are in the same friend group. I'm happy they're happy so I'm giving it a 2
April 24, 2023
A TRIP OF BUDDING ROMANCE
rating: ★★★
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC! MINIMAL SPOILERS AHEAD!
In Kianna Alexander's LGBTQ+ romance, Patricia Monroe-or often goes by the nickname Peaches-works as a barber, and has growing eyes for Jamie Hunt. Jamie, who also has her mind set on Peaches constantly, has hopes of getting closer to her. Jamie finds an opportunity to take Peaches with her while on a road trip for the college of her dreams, where the two learn to let their emotions carry themselves further. Each of their lives hold their own problems, ranging from family issues to finding out what they truly want to do. But there's one problem Peaches and Jamie have in common: should they really be doing this? Are we right for each other? Yet the two cannot let themselves go from each other in any way.
When I was skimming through NetGalley and laid eyes on this book, the characters and summary immediately captivated me. I love to hear and read LGBTQ+ romances, especially when they're between people of color. The representation with every character were good touches. The characters of Peaches and Jamie intrigued me as I continued to read on and learn their stories, and I like how the two took some time to get to know each other first. I don't typically like romances where they soon start diving into each other, but I felt like this plot line made it suitable. I do have some mixed feelings about the plot though, as I wish we got to see some more information and development regarding Peaches and Jamie's family issues. The plot did go a bit slow for me, but it was easy to keep up with. There could have been more development included for Peaches and Jamie to go through with their growing romance, but the plot made it easy for them to slip up. I don't know if it's just me, but the spice was the main thing carrying this romance, and I prefer romances that have more conversation, and I feel like Peaches and Jamie needed just that.
Can't Let Her Go releases June 20, 2023!
rating: ★★★
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC! MINIMAL SPOILERS AHEAD!
In Kianna Alexander's LGBTQ+ romance, Patricia Monroe-or often goes by the nickname Peaches-works as a barber, and has growing eyes for Jamie Hunt. Jamie, who also has her mind set on Peaches constantly, has hopes of getting closer to her. Jamie finds an opportunity to take Peaches with her while on a road trip for the college of her dreams, where the two learn to let their emotions carry themselves further. Each of their lives hold their own problems, ranging from family issues to finding out what they truly want to do. But there's one problem Peaches and Jamie have in common: should they really be doing this? Are we right for each other? Yet the two cannot let themselves go from each other in any way.
When I was skimming through NetGalley and laid eyes on this book, the characters and summary immediately captivated me. I love to hear and read LGBTQ+ romances, especially when they're between people of color. The representation with every character were good touches. The characters of Peaches and Jamie intrigued me as I continued to read on and learn their stories, and I like how the two took some time to get to know each other first. I don't typically like romances where they soon start diving into each other, but I felt like this plot line made it suitable. I do have some mixed feelings about the plot though, as I wish we got to see some more information and development regarding Peaches and Jamie's family issues. The plot did go a bit slow for me, but it was easy to keep up with. There could have been more development included for Peaches and Jamie to go through with their growing romance, but the plot made it easy for them to slip up. I don't know if it's just me, but the spice was the main thing carrying this romance, and I prefer romances that have more conversation, and I feel like Peaches and Jamie needed just that.
Can't Let Her Go releases June 20, 2023!
July 30, 2024
dnf at 59%
i wanted to love this book. it's sapphic black romance with spice, my type fr. i feel like the pace was super slow at the beginning & then it hit the ground running TOO fast.
the *wrong* things were overly descriptive, like where things were located, directions of movements, descriptions of what things looked like, etc. all those things matter to an extent, of course, but it outshined the interactions between the characters & the dialogue. the way the characters spoke & thought felt so written & not realistic to informal conversations between human beings. the AAVE was turning me off at some points.
aside from that, the book had great potential. i love the idea of the main female character being a masculine presenting woman. i loved that the family dynamics of the mc's were included in the story. i loved the potential of where peaches & jamie's relationship could of went but i feel like it could've been developed slower, especially for how slow everything else was up until the point where they went on the road trip.
i'm gonna say 2.5 stars.
i wanted to love this book. it's sapphic black romance with spice, my type fr. i feel like the pace was super slow at the beginning & then it hit the ground running TOO fast.
the *wrong* things were overly descriptive, like where things were located, directions of movements, descriptions of what things looked like, etc. all those things matter to an extent, of course, but it outshined the interactions between the characters & the dialogue. the way the characters spoke & thought felt so written & not realistic to informal conversations between human beings. the AAVE was turning me off at some points.
aside from that, the book had great potential. i love the idea of the main female character being a masculine presenting woman. i loved that the family dynamics of the mc's were included in the story. i loved the potential of where peaches & jamie's relationship could of went but i feel like it could've been developed slower, especially for how slow everything else was up until the point where they went on the road trip.
i'm gonna say 2.5 stars.
May 26, 2024
I was so excited to read a sapphic BIPOC book, but this book did not hit. The characters were often boring and their actions towards others were ALWAYS due to a lack of communication and/or understanding. Had the characters listened to each other this book would have been 100 pages or less.
I was also not a fan of the random details of clothing and places. I felt that describing exactly what every character was wearing was there to fill a nonexistent word count and didn’t add to the overall story.
The “falling in love” of the characters was up and down but overall seemed rushed to start and forced to finish. I almost wish that they didn’t get together and instead worked on themselves as individuals. At least that way it would have seemed more healthy and they could have remained in the same friend group. Their “love” just felt so forced at the end.
I was also not a fan of the random details of clothing and places. I felt that describing exactly what every character was wearing was there to fill a nonexistent word count and didn’t add to the overall story.
The “falling in love” of the characters was up and down but overall seemed rushed to start and forced to finish. I almost wish that they didn’t get together and instead worked on themselves as individuals. At least that way it would have seemed more healthy and they could have remained in the same friend group. Their “love” just felt so forced at the end.
July 31, 2023
Solid 3.5 ⭐️ for me. Entertaining, relatable, and exciting read. Friends to lovers arc. Good ol’ sapphic SPICE that I personally loved.
I just found holes in the plot. The idea of the girls calling themselves best friends within the squad, but there was so much basic things Peaches and Jamie didn’t know about eachother and the awkwardness projected when they started to attempt to hang out on their own. That didn’t really make sense to me.
Additionally I wish the story would have given us some of the outcome of Jaimie’s product project endeavors. Maybe the epilogue could have taken place a bit later to reflect what she was able to achieve post grad school.
I just found holes in the plot. The idea of the girls calling themselves best friends within the squad, but there was so much basic things Peaches and Jamie didn’t know about eachother and the awkwardness projected when they started to attempt to hang out on their own. That didn’t really make sense to me.
Additionally I wish the story would have given us some of the outcome of Jaimie’s product project endeavors. Maybe the epilogue could have taken place a bit later to reflect what she was able to achieve post grad school.
August 22, 2024
Can't Let Her Go
Wow! New-to-me author and I just wanna 👏👏👏👏
Got this book on a whim because I liked the cover (yes, I do judge books that way) and was more than pleasantly surprised!! The story was so good - a funny, heartwarming, witty romcom. The writing was fantastic! Peaches and Jamie are fiery together...I mean 🔥🔥🔥
And let me talk about the MCs for a minute. They're both smart, driven, strong, and caring women. Actually, their whole friend group is all of those things. Wonderful characters - from amazing friends to difficult family members. It was a well-rounded, truly enjoyable story!
Wow! New-to-me author and I just wanna 👏👏👏👏
Got this book on a whim because I liked the cover (yes, I do judge books that way) and was more than pleasantly surprised!! The story was so good - a funny, heartwarming, witty romcom. The writing was fantastic! Peaches and Jamie are fiery together...I mean 🔥🔥🔥
And let me talk about the MCs for a minute. They're both smart, driven, strong, and caring women. Actually, their whole friend group is all of those things. Wonderful characters - from amazing friends to difficult family members. It was a well-rounded, truly enjoyable story!
January 6, 2023
An inclusive and straightforward story about true love, happiness, reality, and society's commands as well. The sweetness expresses throughout its pages is as real as real love is. Never ever hesitate to give in love, no matter what always follow your heart and soul.
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Montlake in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Montlake in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 14, 2023
I was enjoying it but then a lot of immature things went down towards the 3rd act that really threw me off. I feel like Peaches did not deserve the shitty treatment she received from the love interest. That scene about her being upset about Peaches' nieces was awful. These women did not belong with each other, they needed to work on their lives seperately and simply remain friends....
June 21, 2023
This was a fun friends to lovers, dual POV, STEAMY butch/femme lesbian romance between Jamie and Peaches, two strong BIPOC characters figuring out life and love in Texas. A quick read that I devoured in one sitting, this is perfect for fans of authors like Adriana Herrara or Anna P.
January 7, 2024
Ihan symppis tarina, jossa oli hyvää LGBT-representaatiota ja hotteja kohtauksia, mutten ihan vibaillu tän kirjoitustyylin kanssa. Jotenkin dialogi ja tapahtumien kuvailu oli tönkköä, enkä ihan uskonu päähenkilöiden kokevan mitään fyysistä syvempää toisiaan kohti. 2,5/5 mut pyöristin ylöspäin.
Want to read
December 6, 2022A 'new to me' author. I can't wait to start!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 1, 2023
It was okay
July 5, 2023
I’m so sorry, but is there honestly any other choice? I’ll do a 2.5 because it’s my local pride month
July 1, 2023
3 stars. Slow, slow burn, friends-to-lovers, set in Austin (and Houston), TX. Starring stud Peaches & femme Jamie and their squad, Alexander shows a clear love of Texas, queer found families, and happy endings for Black women in this romance novel.
There are unfortunately a few plot points that taper off throughout the novel that could've enriched the plot much more. Alexander is big on the details, and in this way, we truly get to know Jamie and Peaches, as well as their friends. However, this comes at the expense of events that push the novel forward.
I liked the third-person perspective and seeing both Peaches' and Jamie's perspectives, especially when it came to the different ways they process and communicate their familial traumas and defense mechanisms. I do wish that there had been more resolution with the families, particularly, Jamie's, towards the end of the book and the epilogue.
Overall, a good read. At times, the dialogue was a bit unrealistic and cringe-y, but I loved reading about queer Black women aspiring to their own businesses and career goals while navigating their 30s with the best kinds of communication and support they can.
There are unfortunately a few plot points that taper off throughout the novel that could've enriched the plot much more. Alexander is big on the details, and in this way, we truly get to know Jamie and Peaches, as well as their friends. However, this comes at the expense of events that push the novel forward.
I liked the third-person perspective and seeing both Peaches' and Jamie's perspectives, especially when it came to the different ways they process and communicate their familial traumas and defense mechanisms. I do wish that there had been more resolution with the families, particularly, Jamie's, towards the end of the book and the epilogue.
Overall, a good read. At times, the dialogue was a bit unrealistic and cringe-y, but I loved reading about queer Black women aspiring to their own businesses and career goals while navigating their 30s with the best kinds of communication and support they can.
December 8, 2022
This book was hard for me to review. I wavered between a 3 star and a 4 star review. I liked the main storyline and the secondary characters, but there are a couple chapters in the middle of the book where I just really don’t want the two main characters to end up together.
Peaches and Jamie are in the same friend group. They decide to get to know each other better away from the friend group to see if they want to be more than just friends. They seem to click pretty well, but then Jamie did/said some things that I just couldn’t quite get past, which is why I ended up giving it 3 stars.
However, this book is about 2 strong and confident black women who are surrounded by other strong and confident people who help them navigate their new relationship.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Can’t Let Her Go to come out June 20, 2023.
Peaches and Jamie are in the same friend group. They decide to get to know each other better away from the friend group to see if they want to be more than just friends. They seem to click pretty well, but then Jamie did/said some things that I just couldn’t quite get past, which is why I ended up giving it 3 stars.
However, this book is about 2 strong and confident black women who are surrounded by other strong and confident people who help them navigate their new relationship.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Can’t Let Her Go to come out June 20, 2023.
November 21, 2023
What was the point?
This was a nice story. That’s it, just nice.
There wasn’t a lot of depth here at all or even much resolution to anything.
What was the point of the barbershop scenes? How come we weren’t treated to a scene where we saw the fallout of Peaches telling her family no? Why focus on Jamie’s family dynamic if we weren’t going to be treated to her having a scene where she has officially deprioritized her family or got a chance to defend her brother’s orientation to her parents or even meet her brother’s boyfriend? Why bother having the scene with Claudia voicing her fifth wheel status, if it weren’t going to be part of larger discussion?
The whole Jamie-Peaches relationship legit came about in roughly 2-3 weeks and it was serious serious after the second date. I understand they had a friendship first, but they weren’t admittedly close. I just don’t get how they were willing to jump into moving in together and stuff in the course of weeks! Summer session classes typically begin in June, this story starts in April. This was all very fast and no one seemed to call them out on it.
Also Jamie’s attitude was very immature about a lot of the things Peaches expressed to her, however as they were all best friends FOR YEARS wouldn’t Peaches have known how to approach her?
This was a nice story. That’s it, just nice.
There wasn’t a lot of depth here at all or even much resolution to anything.
What was the point of the barbershop scenes? How come we weren’t treated to a scene where we saw the fallout of Peaches telling her family no? Why focus on Jamie’s family dynamic if we weren’t going to be treated to her having a scene where she has officially deprioritized her family or got a chance to defend her brother’s orientation to her parents or even meet her brother’s boyfriend? Why bother having the scene with Claudia voicing her fifth wheel status, if it weren’t going to be part of larger discussion?
The whole Jamie-Peaches relationship legit came about in roughly 2-3 weeks and it was serious serious after the second date. I understand they had a friendship first, but they weren’t admittedly close. I just don’t get how they were willing to jump into moving in together and stuff in the course of weeks! Summer session classes typically begin in June, this story starts in April. This was all very fast and no one seemed to call them out on it.
Also Jamie’s attitude was very immature about a lot of the things Peaches expressed to her, however as they were all best friends FOR YEARS wouldn’t Peaches have known how to approach her?
June 20, 2023
I love a good friends to lovers story but this was more of a shared friend group to lovers story. Not that it took away from the story but I was expected Jamie and Peaches to be closer from the description. Usually road trip romances aren't my thing but this one worked. It the right amount of time and an actual discussion about "only one bed" .The proximity and tension was there but there was also a chance for emotional discussion. The conflicts of the story, Jamie making a life change and Peaches' unending obligations to her family provide the right amount of drama. However, there was decisions throughout the book that didn't make sense to and brought my rating down. That said, I did like the story and the characters and I want to go back and read Can't Resist Her.
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