I may be standing here but I’m a million miles away: THE RIPPLE EFFECT.

The Ripple Effect by Maggie North
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

This felt like the longest book ever. It takes a lot of talent to turn a romance into a never-ending tale.

I didn't realize this book was part of one of those "stand-alone romance series." Usually it's easy to pick up anywhere with those type of stories. With RIPPLE, I felt dropped into the middle of a tale with zero context. I have no idea if reading Liz's story (the first book) would have helped this, but it drove me insane, as it felt as if there were constant gaps in the narrative.

Nothing about this book felt grounded in reality, from the plot to the romance. Former ER doctor Stellar truly can't find a job in medicine? She really won't move away from the area solely because of her ties to her best friend (Liz)--whom we barely even encounter in this book? Again, perhaps knowing more about their relationship from the first book would have helped, because living a broke, depressed existence as a delivery driver when you could move on and return to being a PHYSICIAN seemed insane.

Stellar had a one night stand a year ago with psychologist Lyle, whom everyone rudely calls McHuge due to his size. Seriously? Now she's forced (she feels) to work as a camp physician (really more of a hard laborer) at The Love Boat, Lyle's start-up therapy camp that revolves around white water rafting. (Yes, you read that right.)

BUT THEN, The Love Boat is attacked in the press and is in jeopardy before it even opens. The ONLY way to save it, everyone, the ONLY WAY, is for Lyle and Stellar to pretend to be engaged and deeply in love. The fake romance plot seemed extra unhinged for two people who hated each other. Lyle and Stellar do not have the best chemistry and Stellar is difficult to like. There's a side plot involving Stellar's estranged sister that doesn't seem necessary but probably would have been the more interesting story.

Overall, the pieces never really seem to fit here, between the fake romance, trying to save The Love Boat, and Stellar and Lyle's own personal struggles. 2.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

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Your world grows with every opportunity: SO GAY FOR YOU.

So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, and the Show That Started It All by Leisha Hailey
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

It was wonderful to revisit THE L WORD in Leisha and Kate's memoir. It made me want to re-watch the (original) show!

The portion of this memoir that talks about how Kate, Leisha, and the gang were cast on THE L WORD, how they spent their time on set, and the completely otherworldly experience of changing lesbian television was easily my favorite part. It was incredibly interesting to hear their perspectives on the show's classic scenes and infamous guest stars. The cast immediately bonded, and I loved reading how so many of them became friends for life, especially Kate and Leisha.

The rest of the book is really just a very fast skim of the two women's lives -- everything gets a quick gloss. The AIDS crisis; let's cover it in 5 lines, etc. It might have been better to go more in-depth on a few areas rather than try to cover everything. Still, the book is structured to show the light parallels between Leisha and Kate's lives, allowing it to move quickly.

Neither woman pulls any punches, especially when it comes to THE L WORD sequel (Kate especially). As mentioned, they don't go too deep into anything, but it's easy to tell how they feel about most topics.

This is a great read for any L WORD fans but those looking for a more in-depth memoir may find it lacking. Still, everyone will enjoy how Kate and Leisha's humor and obvious friendship shine through their narrative. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

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I remember when I had you and you had so much promise then: THE OTHER SIDE OF NOW.

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it was better than I thought it would be!!

Meg Bryan is an actress in Los Angeles; known as Lana Ford, she's melded herself for LA success, from her personality to her body. She's finally achieved the fame she's always wanted, but when she really thinks about it, she's not truly sure happiness has come with the fame. Meg escapes for a week on vacation to Ireland. There, she finds herself in a parallel life. She's Meg again--she's not famous--and her best friend, Aimee, who passed away in Lana's world--is alive and well. Her body is normal (no nose job!) and... while she's a little befuddled, she feels like she could be happy in this life.

This is a mystical look at parallel universes and how one choice can change our lives in so many ways. It's also a delicate and touching exploration of grief, delving into Meg's complex feelings about Aimee's death, both in her "real" life and in Ireland, where she feels thrilled to find Aimee alive, even if the pair were apparently fighting in that universe.

Harbison explores how seeing parts of our lives play out differently--can make us appreciate what we truly have. In Ireland, Meg has Cillian, an on-again/off-again boyfriend who runs the local pub. He's patient and adorable, and their sexual tension adds a fun element to the story.

This is a fun and different tale, and the Ireland portion of the setting is so much fun!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.


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