Sharing is Caring - Books: "To the Moon and Back" by Melissa Brayden

To the Moon and Back by Melissa Brayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I'm sure many lovers of the Lesbian romance genre have come to know, Melissa Brayden is always a sure thing. You can count on her books to always be a hit, never a miss. Though I can admit that To the Moon and Back was not one of my favorites by Brayden, it still in no way disappointed and was the exact read I needed during this time of uncertainty while stuck in quarantine, keeping away from COVID-19.

Brayden seems to have upped the angst factor in many of her more recent novels. From First Position (which had a moment embedded in its pages where I, quite literally, threw the book across the room [an act I had not yet committed with a book ever in my life as a reader]) to the push and pull of the relationship between the characters in Back to September (one of my top 3 favorites by Brayden, hands down) - angst has had a spotlight and fueled many of her newer novels to the finish line. However, despite this feature being about the wonders of theater and stage work, the spotlight dimmed on the angst, and it made for a perfectly enjoyable yet easygoing read, making it the biggest selling point during the craziness of the world right now.

Following the story of Lauren and Carly was pleasant and completely elicited the warm, fuzzy feelings like that of coming home after a long time away. As a theater kid myself (but not having been on the stage in over 10 years), this felt like a return to a world I know fluently but haven't had the chance to spend time in for longer than I should have allowed. Brayden's depiction of the theater scene is spot on, and not just because she gets all of the technical jargon right (coming from the world of theater herself), but also in her descriptions of the emotions that fill every actor or crew member that works themselves to the bone for the beauty and synchronicity of a production. You can easily count on Brayden for a story that feels wrapped up in the theater with a warm, well-cared-for blanket, and you know you will enjoy its run because you're in good hands.

The story of Lauren and Carly's romance was easy to follow and felt comfortable, but it also felt as though it could have been more. Alas, I realize that may contradict my statement about the lack of angst and conflict being a welcome reprieve, but the romance almost felt as though it went through a checklist of good ol' fashioned "to-dos" without much creativity. Now don't get me wrong, Brayden still crafts a beautiful tale of love and the trials and tribulations that can still come after the "happily ever after," and To the Moon and Back is no exception. But it lacked a certain oomph, one that has me clamoring to turn the pages faster to read more of the story as soon as possible so I can find out if these two fated characters find their love blossoming to the heights of soulmates before I allow myself to go to sleep at night. And though I don't expect every novel to do this, I have come to expect this from Brayden.

With all that being said, I still give this 4 stars, bordering on 4.5 because - let's face it - Melissa Brayden is the queen of Lesbian romance, and I will go down with that ship for eternity.

P.S. Melissa!! Can we please discuss the absolute necessity of you writing the play into an actual novel?!?! I was hooked from the start! What petition must I sign to get this made into reality??

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Back to September" by Melissa Brayden

Back to September by Melissa Brayden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let's just start off with TL;DR of this whole review before getting into the nitty-gritty (I know, reverse and all, but bear with me):

Back to September is my new favorite by Melissa Brayden, hands down.

2019 was a bit of an interesting reading year for me. I made a New Year's resolution to read 52 books in 52 weeks. With two kids under the age of 10, working a job where my commute is 1.5 hours one way, and a loving family to devote to as much as possible - this actually turned out to be harder than I thought. But thanks to Audible and those long commutes, I still made it. With that being said though, I didn't read many that really hit me like a ton of bricks GOOD.

Please don't misunderstand. I still read some amazing books over 2019. Some notable ones being The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee, These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling, and even Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden as well. But I wasn't able to find a book that threw me back against my seat by G-forces so strong I didn't know how to recover from it ending. I've had moments like these only a few times in my life with books such as the Harry Potter Series Box Set by J.K. Rowling, Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and the first book by Brayden that made me a devoted member of her fan club - Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden.

But I had not had this experience with a book recently and - frankly - I was desperate for one. I missed that feeling of wanting to race home to read, curl up for hours, and push myself through exhaustion to finish it. Then have the conflicting feeling of trying so desperately to slow down in order to enjoy each and every savory minute of reading its pages.

But here comes Melissa Brayden in all of her glory and 

SHE GAVE ME MY READING JOY BACK.

Back to September brings back Brayden in all her beautiful brilliance. I was always a huge fan of the Soho Series, but the Seven Shores series didn't quite grab me the same way. Her standalones have been solid in the last few years, but not what I remember when reading Heart Block or How Sweet It Is . Brayden is a remarkable writer, and I can always count on her for amazing reads without question. But I will admit I was missing the exact feelings I spoke of above that I used to - very often - get from reading her books.

But she came blazing back with Back to September.

I finished Back to September after a binge reading session, something of which I hadn't done in - quite honestly - years. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it, cover to cover. I do believe I can announce that she's written a novel that is likely going to have to share the number one spot on my Brayden Favorites, sharing the pedestal with Kiss the Girl.

I am in awe. This new novel was full of all of the usual pieces of Brayden's novels that I adore and look forward to each time a new one is released, but it was filled with so much more. New things even. Some very real topics with very real outcomes; some very real ways to work through very real problems. Characters that made mistakes - real mistakes - and acted like real people, not fictionalized “perfect” people (though those aren’t necessarily bad!). It was so refreshing to see that kind of representation seen within these pages, within a novel by an author I trust implicitly. A novel that still had the same wit, dialogue, and descriptors that always make me fly to Brayden's novels the moment they’re released.

Now that I have had a proper chance to ruminate in its aftermath and proper time to recover from having to put it down, I only wish I had the chance to go back to the beginning and read it all over again with new eyes.

Melissa - I loved it. It was amazing. Please never stop doing what you’re doing. My literary world is always a happy place to come back to over and over again because of exceptional authors like you. Thank you for another fantastic and beautiful reading experience.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "First Position" by Melissa Brayden

First Position by Melissa Brayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before getting into the nitty gritty of this review where I tell you all how amazing it was, I wanted to say that I actually got the insanely awesome pleasure of being able to sit down with the extraordinary Melissa Brayden herself, and though I was secretly telling myself consistently to "be cool" (and the verdict is still out on whether I succeeded or not)

... I can walk away saying that Ms. Brayden is simply amazing in person, end of story.

Which brings me to the point of saying, once again, that anything Melissa Brayden writes is simply amazing as well, end of story.

The love story Brayden has crafted between outgoing and enthusiastic Natalie Frederico (which is SUCH a fun name to say!) and level-headed, no-nonsense Anastasia (Ana) Mikhelson is art all on it's own...and not just because it is a book about dance! Art can be crafted in such meticulous ways, but Brayden has found a realm where, as a reader, you don't even realize how amazing the story is that is being presented to you because of the flawless effort that flows and snakes and weaves its way in and around you and your psyche while reading. These books, many of which (in my experience) have been penned by Brayden, are escapes and outlets all on their own that fulfill such a deep need for so many. And it is all in the name of literary art. First Position does just that.

First Position is another piece of Les Fic gold. Yet, it is very different than the usual fare we are presented with from Brayden. While reading, I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that had this story stampeding in and out of my brain both while I was reading, as well as the times in between my reading sessions. For some reason, this book made me THINK. Please don't take that as meaning that Brayden's other novels left my mind searching for sustenance. This is not the case. But the levels that were presented with this novel - the deep-dives into emotions and relationships, interactions with the world around us, perspectives both internally and externally for the soul, and so much more - made this novel take up residence right in the center of my normal, everyday thought process and spend more time reflecting on this novel, its characters, and its subject matter, more than I have for any others in 2016.

So what's the big difference in this novel compared to Brayden's others? Well, as many reviews have already stated, there is one addition within these pages that we have not yet seen often from her previous novels.

In addition, there was more a slow-burn to the two characters and their developing relationship. This definitely added to the angst level, but made the encounters between them leading up to the "big moment" all the more sizzling and tantalizing for the reader. I completely endorse the Brayden Slow-Burn, and hope to see it again in future novels.

This review is minimal compared to others that I've written, but it is for a reason. You don't need a review to tell you this book is amazing. Incredible. Riveting.

The fact is, First Position is fantastic, and you should read it.

End of story.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Sweet Hearts" by Melissa Brayden, Rachel Spangler, Karis Walsh

Sweet Hearts: Romantic Novellas by Melissa Brayden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First - the obligatory:

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

Now the review:

I was having trouble staying engaged with this series of short novellas from some of the best Lesbian Romance writers in the business, so I just spent the last few hours powering through in order to reach the end and move on to my next read. I know, not something that usually accompanies a 4-star review but, mostly, it was because my nightstand is starting to pile high with books, and I'm anxious to get to them :).

Another reason for the 4-star review was due to my very favoritest author and Goddess of the Heart, Melissa Brayden being the front-runner, along with the always well-written and spunky Rachel Spangler, and my intro into the thoughtful and poignant writings of Karis Walsh.

5 stars - I know there were some lack-of-research holes that were discovered in Brayden's short story, "Firework", but it still served as my favorite of the three. Melissa's always fun and delightful banter between her main characters, as well as those quick-wit descriptors, such as:

"I suppose I could leave you to your drink."

"It's an option," Kristen said with a smile.

Lucy raised her shoulder. "I mean, for all I know, you're waiting on someone. A hot date perhaps."

Kristen nodded. "Yep. The hottest. She'll be here any minute now."

I thoroughly enjoyed Lucy and Kristen's tumble story into love, and it was a nice reflection against Brayden's famous "Heart Block". It was such a treat to return to Emory, Sarah, and Grace (and Walter!), and I was completely satisfied with it's run. Although, let me just be honest too and say, whenever Melissa Brayden has a novel out - no matter the subject - I'll just buy it, no questions.

3 stars - Spangler's "Getting Serious" was a nice taste of the writings and stories that Rachel Spangler has become known for in her novels. Purposeful and powerful in it's own mind and right brought a different tale altogether separate from the other two. While still funny and having Spangler show of her own skills of witty banter between characters, it was fun to follow Lisa and Marty through their own tale of love. Unfortunately though, this story fell short in my eyes, and it was partially due to some difficulties keeping in line with what was going on every second. Now, that could have totally been my mistake and fault completely, but it still caused me to lose the enjoyment that I usually settle in to when reading a great LGBT romance.

4.5 stars - I have yet to read an entire novel by Karis Walsh, but reading "Risk Factor" made it become more of a need than a possibility. Walsh captured me with her story of Myra and Ainslee's turbulent and emotion-filled journey to loving one another left me wanting more, and the only story I wish had been made to last longer so that it could have explored deeper paths. My second favorite of the three, I am glad to have had this introduction to Karis Walsh, and look forward to devouring more of her novels in the near future.

Overall, this collection was a great read, and I had fun with all three novellas. It was a great addition to have a short story like this available until the next Melissa Brayden novel comes along (holy crap...end of this year...UGH), as well as a great way for me to get introduced to a new author I had yet to explore in Karis Walsh. 

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase "Sweet Hearts" from or Amazon and Bold Strokes Books, Available Now!

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Kiss the Girl" by Melissa Brayden

Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So it has taken me close to nine months to write this review. That's how LONG this book has been sitting with me on a daily basis; how long it has taken me to come down off of it's high; how long I have waited for my overwhelming feels for this novel to subside enough to put words to paper (screen?) about the wonderful joy and awesomeness that is Kiss the Girl. And yet - none of that has actually happened. It still sits with me constantly, and I find myself reflecting on it on a daily basis. I am still riding the "high" of the impact of the novel on my soul. I still have overwhelming feels and wondrous joy and an envelopment of mind-bending awesomeness in regards to this perfected novel from the Queen of Lesbian Romance, Melissa Brayden. I can't gush enough.

This novel was life-changing, and in such a feel-good, warm and fuzzy kind of way.

Outgoing Brooklyn Campbell and her fabulous friends run the cutest little boutique advertising agency this side of the Hudson River in New York City. The Soho Savvy company is finally starting to get some recognition, and finds itself fighting for an account against one of the biggest agencies in the city. Those that have the best ideas, the most clever marketing campaigns, the biggest hits across the market - that company will be the winner. Brooklyn's head is completely in the game, working hard with her friends to kick the big boys out of the competition with their unique ideas and killer designs. But one fateful day, Brooklyn finds herself stranded in a bar after a rather unfortunate series of incidents, and runs into the most beautiful woman she's ever seen. They talk, they flirt, they get to know one another, and Brooklyn finds herself on the receiving end of a "Cinderella" kiss at the end of the night, complete with a hasty exit by the brunette who completely derailed her focus from her current life. As the two women find themselves getting closer, Brooklyn discovers exactly who this woman is, and doesn't know how to proceed, if she even can.

This was not the first book by Melissa Brayden that I read. I actually read the Soho Savvy series out of order on my first experience, starting with the second novel in the series, Just Three Words. My first book by Melissa Brayden overall was Heart Block back in the summer of 2014, and didn't pick up one of her books (the above mentioned Just Three Words) until it's pre-release on NetGalley in March/April of 2015. After that, I was hooked, and bought all of Brayden's books, including this one. But the one thing that was different about this novel compared to the rest, is absolutely everything.

I think we can all agree that Melissa Brayden knows what she's doing when it comes to writing novels. She captures her characters, and in that, captures her readers. She provides descriptions and stories and connections within her novels that is basically literature crack for the Lesbian Romance reader! Kiss the Girl is no different in that capacity, but then it is so much more. The depictions of her characters are spot on - from Brooklyn herself to her friends at the Soho Savvy agency, to the illustrious Jessica Lennox - they are all perfection.

Let me segue here and state that Brayden has managed to create a character in Jessica Lennox that I have big-time crush-worthy feelings for, none that I've had so vehemently since my big crush of Hermione Granger sprouted when I was in my preteens.

Please understand how BIG of a statement that is in my world. Hermione Granger has forever been my "it" girl, and has never been in danger of losing her place from her pedestal for going-on 20 years (almost 18 at this time to be exact). Those are big shoes to fill, and Jessica Lennox has managed to shake the sturdy foundation that Hermione stands on. Let me reiterate - this is BIG NEWS. And let me reiterate as well - Melissa Brayden has managed to write a character that so beautifully captured my heart and made this occur. Her characters are THAT good.

But aside from the beauty of each and every character within this novel, the story has one of the best and most believable timelines and arcs that I've read. The beauty in the way the side stories line up with the main plot, and how those characters grow in succession with Brooklyn and Jessica - the whole thing amazes me to no end. Either Melissa Brayden was meticulous in the way this story would play it, and planned it down to each and every crossover detail, or her talent exceeds even beyond what I initially understood, and she is just a God of word and prose. You know what, let's just go with the latter - I'm pretty sure she's just a literature God.

I'm not even sure if I've given you anything of worthy note about this novel as a piece of literature, but instead just used my words to squee over and over about how amazing this book was to me instead. But if anything, take this away from this review:

Read it. Embrace it. Do yourself a favor and provide it to yourself as a reward for being awesome. There is nothing about this novel that won't delight any reader, I can guarantee this.

In fact, if you by some chance DO find something that just makes you hate this novel, I REALLY want to hear about it! Truly! I have yet to find someone that did not enjoy this novel, and always appreciate seeing both sides to every outcome. Please, personally contact me to tell me what you hated. I will actually be happy to receive your comments!

But seriously, read this book. And love Melissa Brayden. She is an amazing writer and more. I will fangirl over her until the end of time.

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase "Kiss the Girl" from Amazon or Bold Strokes Books, Available Now!

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Ready or Not" by Melissa Brayden

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

To purchase this novel, please see links at the bottom of the review.
To view the entire review with the spoilers included, please visit GoodReads.

Okay, first off - we should all know by now that anything Melissa Brayden writes is pure gold.  This is fact, not opinion. Glad we got that out of the way.  

Now on to the review:

OH MY GOODNESS!!  This is such a bittersweet review to leave as I am SOO sad to see the Soho Savvy series come to an end! (Okay, fangirling tendencies will cease now) But, despite that feeling, Melissa Brayden has done it yet again and gone out with a bang with her final novel in the trilogy, Ready or Not.  After watching her three best friends find love, Soho Savvy leader Mallory Spencer is beginning to feel like the fifth wheel.  In walks Hope Sanders, "hot bartender" and owner of the Savvy ladies' favorite chill spot, Showplace.  Pursuing Mallory until she finally caves after a bet is won, Hope and Mallory begin a relationship that blossoms into the unexpected for both women.  While her friends watch the relationship pan out from the sidelines (with copious amounts of encouragement no less), Mallory and Hope tentatively step out of their comfort zones to pursue it to the utmost extent.

Aside from the obvious, let me explain what I loved about this novel.  I'll be upfront and honest in saying that Mallory hasn't exactly been my favorite character amongst the Savvy novels, or the women involved for that matter.  Truth be told, my absolute favorite character in the entire series is Jessica Lennox, Brooklyn's love interest and eventual girlfriend. <spoiler removed> However, that does not mean that I wasn't extremely happy with this story and the conclusion of the Savvy series.  Mallory's story was just as important as the rest of them, and the novel exuded the same charm, character development, wonderful dialogue, and quirky backdrop that graced the rest of the series. I enjoyed learning more about Mallory as I had the other Savvy ladies, as well as learning her faults.  And Hope was a fantastic character - all tough and hardy when first examined, but eventually seen as a softie with a big heart that was her true form.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially seeing as it lived up to my, admittedly, high expectations when going in to the novel.  Ms. Brayden has ended the series on such a high note, that I could only hope to see other series of similar caliber like this one from her in the future.  In truth, I loved how the romance build-up between Mallory and Hope wasn't the ONLY plot line to the novel.  Though I understand it was the primary one, it was nice to see other events play out in the background, but yet not out of the spotlight.  <spoiler removed > However, witnessing Mallory and Hope's relationship unfold over "mundane" things such as lobster rolls and business suits was still unique and beautiful in it's own, and in such a way that I have come to realize only Melissa Brayden can convey.

I'm sorry, but I do have to take a moment here to gush about Melissa Brayden for a second.  If you haven't read any of her novels, and somehow this one is the one that caught your eye - don't hesitate.  Read it.  I do think it is important to read ALL of the Soho Savvy novels, but Ms. Brayden makes it entirely possible to read them out of order if you feel the need.  However, if you're considering reading all of Brayden's novels - I couldn't recommend it more.  Take the time out of your life and really sit down with her books. Melissa Brayden is an author that can truly capture your soul with her words.  It genuinely feels as if you're listening to one of your best and closest friends tell you the story of her life when you read her works.  Her dialogue is funny and light, yet still important and essential to the story plot.  The women she writes about are unique, personable, completely relatable, and entirely crush-worthy in so many ways for any "type".  Her character development, her real-life situations, even the pets she writes about to some of her characters! - everything is spot on. There is no question that Ms. Brayden really deep-dives the novels she writes, spending the time necessary (plus some) to get it right.  Not just for her as an author, but for her readers as well. Melissa Brayden has quickly become my favorite author of this genre, and has even inched up to one of my favorite authors of all-time, sharing with other top contenders such as Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, and Louisa May Alcott.


Bottom line: the book is fantastic.  And honestly, was there ever really any doubt that it wouldn't be? ;)

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase this novel on November 16, 2015 (Bold Strokes Books has made the novel available early!! Pick it up TODAY!) from Amazon and Bold Strokes Books.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Just Three Words" by Melissa Brayden

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off first by saying that I have always enjoyed Melissa Brayden's novels.  From "Waiting in the Wings" to "Heart Block," I am always interested in her stories and look forward to any opportunities I have to enjoy them.

I was first introduced to Melissa Brayden through Audible.  "Heart Block" was recommended to me a few days before I moved (and drove) across the United States from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, CA.  That novel got me through half of the trip as I drove for 8-10 hours a day, playing it whenever I could.  Since that trip, I have devoured all of Brayden's novels.

When I received the notification a month or two ago about Brayden's new novel, "Just Three Words," becoming available for review, I immediately requested the opportunity.  A few weeks back, I was rewarded with it becoming available in my reading list on NetGalley.

"Just Three Words" is the 2nd installment to the SoHo Loft Series that Brayden began last July (2014) with "Kiss the Girl."  Focusing on a new set of the ferocious four-some that makes up the Soho Savvy Advertising Agency, "Just Three Words" follows accountant Samantha Ennis through her New York lifestyle, including her work at Soho Savvy with her 3 best friends, her breakup with the woman she believed to be "the one," and the unexpected individual she finds herself falling for in the wake. Navigating through the tumultuous turns of new love while finding direction in the Big Apple gives Sam a good run for her money.  But as with all wonderful romances, it's more than enjoyable to watch Sam find her rightful place, next to the right person of course, in her busy SoHo life.

As you may have already guessed, I absolutely loved this novel.  Despite a semi-slow start pushing through the first few chapters, I was handsomely rewarded with a beautiful and down-right hilarious tale about two very relatable women looking for love.  Brayden's language is realisitic, as if you're listening to a true conversation being told by your best friends.  Throwing sarcasm and "breaking fourth wall" as it were in paragraphs unrelated to any dialogue, as well as adding tidbits of miscellaneous information specially for the reader only, makes it feel as if Brayden is telling you a story right across the table over a cup of coffee.  The characters are fantastic and true - full of faults that are one may think are stereotypical, but soon evident of being well-thought out and paired with the appropriate character.  While reading, I must admit that I felt as if I went through every emotion possible.  I felt angry when the characters were angry (and for good reason!); I felt the anxiety around their tip-toeing and "enie, meanie, minie" decision making tactics; I laughed, loudly at times, at their stumbles and truly authentic life conundrums; and I cried - and I mean really cried (like how I cried when Dobby died in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows") - at one of the most heartfelt, and heartbreaking, scenes in literature I have ever read.  Brayden was able to pull on every single one of my heartstrings, and I loved every minute of it.  Reading "Just Three Words" and following Sam through her work life and love life; her personal journeys of maturity, self-realization, and new appreciation for those around her; and then watching her and "the unknown soul-mate" see each other in new lights to discover what love is really all about - was easily one of the most fantastic reads I have had in a long time, and one I know will be difficult to beat in 2015.

Bravo, Melissa Brayden - you've done it again!

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

"Just Three Words" by Melissa Brayden will be released on April 20, 2015 from Bold Strokes Books.  Click on the links below to pre-order and purchase copies!

Just Three Words on Bold Strokes Books

Just Three Words on Amazon

Melissa Brayden's Website

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