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lezreadalot's review
3.0
“If she’s your favorite hello and your hardest goodbye, then she’s probably worth fighting for.”
3.5 stars. This was so so enjoyable. Lise Gold's romances are just always so freaking swoony and simple and lovely, and I always leave them feeling satisfied.
This follows Kate and Felicia, both staunch players and commitment-phobes, who meet in Bangkok while they're working, and what was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into a lot more. This is something I noticed about the other books I've read by this author; while there is of course internal conflict and some things that the characters need to work through, some obstacles that they need to overcome, it's a very smooth ride from start to finish. There's no huge drama, no big conflict, no obligatory black moment for the couple at 90%. When things come up, they talk about it! I can enjoy drama and hijinks but it was just so refreshing to have two people working towards a relationship, however slowly or reluctantly, but without the overblown drama. There were so many moments that made and smile and gasp and just really pull for them as a couple.
I really liked the setting, and how the story took us all over Thailand. It was so often so beautiful, and I appreciated that not all of the perspectives were outsider ones. It felt like a love letter to the country, and what better way to experience that than through a really sweet, extremely sexy romance? I really liked the main characters; especially Felicia. What an absolutely dreamboat. I appreciated that a lot of the story took us through more mundane parts of their lives and jobs too, and gave us great perspective into them as people.
A couple things knocked off a star. There were a few kathoey characters, and the book was 100% positive/accepting about them, but some of the language used seemed a bit questionable? As well as some of the questions Felicia asked. I'm not Thai or trans so idk if this is me reading too much into it, but the portrayal seemed borderline offensive. There was also an extremely ??? moment where Kate, who is black, is pretty much accosted by a waitress who wants to touch her hair, and pretty much just sinks her hands into it without permission and goes to town. And Kate just... submits to this? And laughs awkwardly and says it's okay? Which it definitely isn't??? Meanwhile my soul left my fucking body aha. There were also a few minor but annoying moments where the book could have used the word 'bisexual' but... didn't? My feelings about this book remain largely positive, but those were just a few things that detracted from the experience.
I'm still looking forward to continuing on with the series. The romantic vibes are just so good.
rileyg18's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
misthios_pat's review
5.0
Hot! Amusing! Sweet! Smashing! This story is so many things and I had quite the fun watching these two "fight" to top one another, their chemistry was just on point! They just worked really well together and again, their dynamic was so fun to watch. Both cocky, but not crossing the line of being a "douche".
The icing on the cake was the fact that they actually talked. Like they sat and had a proper conversation at some point and that was the icing on the cake for me. If they were just insta-lust would've been fine too, I think it's great when authors just make the characters (and us by extension) get to learn about one another like most people would do, even if they are hot and bothered underneath.
Do you know what I love the most about Lise? The lack of OTT drama (which I enjoy a lot too) in most, if not all, of her stories that I've read so far. And you see, the stories have dilemmas, worries that characters must face and overcome, but without them being utterly fools. Characters have fears, make assumptions and feel hurt, but in the end they actually talk and, if not together, they offer support to each other solving the problems.
And in this specific story, when the MCs are on the verge of doing nothing, there was Kristine hahah, making it all right again
We can't have all folks, the lengthy paragraphs were back, but in moderation though. LOL
The icing on the cake was the fact that they actually talked. Like they sat and had a proper conversation at some point and that was the icing on the cake for me. If they were just insta-lust would've been fine too, I think it's great when authors just make the characters (and us by extension) get to learn about one another like most people would do, even if they are hot and bothered underneath.
Do you know what I love the most about Lise? The lack of OTT drama (which I enjoy a lot too) in most, if not all, of her stories that I've read so far. And you see, the stories have dilemmas, worries that characters must face and overcome, but without them being utterly fools. Characters have fears, make assumptions and feel hurt, but in the end they actually talk and, if not together, they offer support to each other solving the problems.
And in this specific story, when the MCs are on the verge of doing nothing, there was Kristine hahah, making it all right again
We can't have all folks, the lengthy paragraphs were back, but in moderation though. LOL
queerlitloft's review
4.0
What happens when a player meets their match?
Eastern Shores is an exciting exploration of this question set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand, and once again Lise Gold nails transporting readers to whereever Felicia and Kate are.
Aside from the sizzling romance that brews between the main characters, i really enjoyed discovering a profession i've never come across before - that of a fitting model. It's always interesting to take away something new from a story.
Eastern Shores is an exciting exploration of this question set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand, and once again Lise Gold nails transporting readers to whereever Felicia and Kate are.
Aside from the sizzling romance that brews between the main characters, i really enjoyed discovering a profession i've never come across before - that of a fitting model. It's always interesting to take away something new from a story.
netgyrl's review against another edition
5.0
Every book in this series has been great and this one is no exception. The subtitle of this book could be "Battle of the Tops" as both MCs are used to picking up the ladies then lovin' and leavin' them. Of course when they encounter each other their chemistry is off the charts and they find the leaving part harder and harder after each encounter. Very low angst as it is never really in doubt they will end up together in the end and they don't jerk each other around at all.
Cool setting in Bangkok, Thailand. The way it was described made me want to visit.
Even though this is part of a series you could easily read this as a standalone, but why would you? Like I said, the whole series is 100% worth your time and I recommend it all lesfic romance readers.
Cool setting in Bangkok, Thailand. The way it was described made me want to visit.
Even though this is part of a series you could easily read this as a standalone, but why would you? Like I said, the whole series is 100% worth your time and I recommend it all lesfic romance readers.
melziethegreat's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading Eastern Nights. I liked how the majority of the book took place in Thailand. It was an interesting look at the life of women traveling for business. Both Felicia and Kate were working in Bangkok when they in a chance encounter at the bar which led to what was supposed to be a one-night stand. Their intense passion kept their affair from ending it at one night. This book has some of the steamiest sex scenes that I have ever read. My mom was visiting my house for her vacation and happened to pick up and read one of the sex scenes she was good and scandalized. I don’t think she will pick up my kindle without asking ever again.
Getting away from the sex. The setting of the book brought Thailand to life to me. It made it seem like such an interesting place filled with such a diverse culture. One of my favorite parts is when Felicia takes Kate to the Buddhist temple. Lise’s description of the temple was beautiful and brought the scene to life. I also enjoyed her depictions of some of the locals which brought out how Thailand is a very spiritual/magical place.
Getting away from the sex. The setting of the book brought Thailand to life to me. It made it seem like such an interesting place filled with such a diverse culture. One of my favorite parts is when Felicia takes Kate to the Buddhist temple. Lise’s description of the temple was beautiful and brought the scene to life. I also enjoyed her depictions of some of the locals which brought out how Thailand is a very spiritual/magical place.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent book in this excellent series. While Hannah and Kristine were sweet and easy-going, Kate and Felicia are both players. Both are happy with their life, neither wants or expects a relationship and both are taken by surprise when they realize their chemistry goes far beyond the sexual realm .
Born to an American father and a Jamaican mother, Kate is a successful interior designer in New Orleans. We’ve met her in book 2, Southern Roots, as she’s Kristine’s best friend, and Hannah’s boss. At the beginning of Eastern Nights, she’s in Bangkok, working on a new hotel. With women, she’s a hunter, used to being in charge. Then she meets Felicia, a fitting model working on her own clothing line. The attraction is undeniable, despite their tendency to both want to be the dominant one. Their one night stand turns into way more and their relationship becomes stronger and stronger, almost despite them.
Two small details, if I may: smoking is not sexy and while silk, on the other hand, is sexy, it might not be the best material to tie someone down for the first time as it tends to tighten unexpectedly.
Kristine and Hannah are one of my favorite couples ever, so my expectations were really high for this, and I wasn’t disappointed. Once again the narration by Addison Barnes is really good and enhances the characters in just the right way. And Lise Gold has this way of describing places, the sounds, the impressions, that makes you feel like you’re there. Her books really make me want to visit the places she sets them in, whether it’s Norway, Louisiana or, in this one, Thailand.
Born to an American father and a Jamaican mother, Kate is a successful interior designer in New Orleans. We’ve met her in book 2, Southern Roots, as she’s Kristine’s best friend, and Hannah’s boss. At the beginning of Eastern Nights, she’s in Bangkok, working on a new hotel. With women, she’s a hunter, used to being in charge. Then she meets Felicia, a fitting model working on her own clothing line. The attraction is undeniable, despite their tendency to both want to be the dominant one. Their one night stand turns into way more and their relationship becomes stronger and stronger, almost despite them.
Two small details, if I may: smoking is not sexy and while silk, on the other hand, is sexy, it might not be the best material to tie someone down for the first time as it tends to tighten unexpectedly.
Kristine and Hannah are one of my favorite couples ever, so my expectations were really high for this, and I wasn’t disappointed. Once again the narration by Addison Barnes is really good and enhances the characters in just the right way. And Lise Gold has this way of describing places, the sounds, the impressions, that makes you feel like you’re there. Her books really make me want to visit the places she sets them in, whether it’s Norway, Louisiana or, in this one, Thailand.
lsnack's review against another edition
5.0
I am so happy with the whole Compass series. I love getting to know more about Kate and having her find her perfect match in Felicia. They are tremendous flirts and play the field,but together they set the night on fire. The way Lise Gold describes all the places and food in her stories is amazing. I feel like I step right into the book. I am already starting on the next one. I love this as an audiobook because I can feel all thee passion they have for each other.
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