A review by ericas_bookshelf
Shifting Gears by Jazz Forrester

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The love I have for this book!! Now, when I first started reading it I got Hallmark movie vibes, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s definitely not something that keeps me engaged. However, I quickly fell in love with Nora & Dani’s dynamic and chemistry. They had so much longing and tension, when they finally got together I was giggling and kicking my feet. One of the things I loved most about them as a couple though, were the honest and raw discussions about intimacy they had with each other. It was so healthy and genuinely added to the passion of the sex scenes. These kinds of discussions in romance books are soooo important and I loved that Jazz included them. 

There were also plenty of thoughtful details about this community of characters. Such as this Queer friend group and what it was like being Queer in a small town, and how they thrive by living loudly together. As a Queer person living in a small town I adored this detail. There’s also a scene with a Trans character that was beautiful and yet so simple, but made me tear up all the same. I don’t want to spoil it, but wow I loved it. 

Additionally, the criticisms of big corporations and how they ruin communities for profit was a significant part of the plot. Nora is the CEO of a company that was run poorly by her piece of shit father who then gives her the company after he died. So she is currently trying to make improvements. Now, is this part of the plot a little cliche at times? Yeah, but honestly it didn’t bother me that much given that this is a fairly light hearted romance. 

Overall, this was a beautifully done romance (I even enjoyed the third act break up y’all) that had me racing to buy a paperback copy for my shelves. I honestly can’t wait to see what else Jazz has in store for us. I’m hoping for a dual pov next time because I was dying to know all of Dani’s thoughts!!