A review by thebookfellow
Lean in to Love by Catherine Lane

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

 

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and this is a voluntary review.
 

The premise of this book really interested me as it was set in the Hollywood hills and included two lesbian couples - what’s not to like?

I think it’s clear to see how much research the author put into fleshing out her characters and giving realistic detail to their jobs and hobbies like working on a TV set, pottery and being a pastry chef. Although the relationship between the two main characters was touted as enemies-to-lovers, I don’t think there was enough ‘enemies’ in there to really fit this trope. Despite this, I found their relationship quite sweet, once they both got out of their own way and ‘Leaned In To Love’. 

I do feel like the other relationship, between bartender/ aspiring actress Maya and megastar London did pull focus from the main romance quite a lot. I found both of these women to be unlikeable, and their motives were confusing. Even after finishing the book, I’m still not totally sure what Maya’s intentions were for that relationship and if she ever had feelings for London. I also thought that their timeline was on hyperspeed. Obviously, we’ve all heard of U-Haul lesbians but this really took it to another level. 

Overall, it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea and I think it could benefit from some streamlining of the plot, but it was fun, fluffy and easy to read.