Reviews

Can't Let Her Go by Kianna Alexander

thefatpaperback's review against another edition

I struggled some with the POV and the dialogue, but I ultimately decided to DNF because I didn’t feel the connection between the characters and didn’t like how the first almost-spicy time went.

When Peaches wanted to know what them hooking up would mean and Jaime got mad because Peaches didn’t want to have sex right that second, it was over for me.

I also didn’t love how much focus there was on Jaime’s femininity and Peaches’ masculinity. 

sabrinaincolor's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was my first non MF romance and I really enjoyed it. The story was so cute. Jamie was doing the most at times and I thought it moved a little quickly but I really enjoyed the found family aspect and the bigger message about taking care of yourself and setting boundaries with your family. 

nicolemoon's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dodgerjess's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emyruggiero's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

disasterologyxo's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

kyadawn's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lezreadalot's review against another edition

3.0

“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. 

aldarakamey's review against another edition

4.0

This book is about a black, sapphic friends to lovers story, for moments the story felt like meh, but others it just make sense, because these two women have been friends for a long time and their feelings for each other were scary due the fear of losing each other.

I think people should give queer romances the opportunity to have stupid fights .

andrea_author's review against another edition

5.0

Jamie and Peaches have been friends for years, but now Jamie is ready to become more. Peaches hesitates—while she's attracted to Jamie, she doesn't want to mess up their friendship. During a weekend away, they explore the possibility of romance. Their physical chemistry is intense, but Jamie finds that reality is more complicated than fantasy. Is she willing to put in the work required for a relationship?

If you like character-driven sapphic romance, this book is for you. These characters are grown-up women who know what they want from life, and they're not going to put up with any nonsense. This is a book about found family, strong female relationships, and learning how to get past bad patterns established in your family of origin.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.