Review of ‘Falling for Love: A West Virginia Romance’ by Addison M. Conley

For five years Jordan Simón (40) is back in her small hometown in West Virginia, not just back in her hometown, back in the closet as well. She had opened a very successful restaurant but hasn’t got the courage to come out of the closet and be herself. At the edge of her 40th birthday, she is determined to change that but there are more secrets to her than she’s willing to reveal.

Emmy Russo (52) is visiting her aunt Betty Jean. She is on a working brake after spending some time in India and before joining the offices of the same company in DC. She always thought it’s not possible to fall in love at first sight, but Jordan makes her doubt it. Proud and out Emmy will never get back into the darkness of the closet. Will she take the risk with Jordan?

This story takes place in 2015, shortly before the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage. It is a sweet romance with some drama, including homophobia. I enjoyed the building of the romance between Emmy and Jordan. Both are middle-aged women who know what they want and don’t. They have made some good and bad decisions in their past, which defined them as who they are now.

The chemistry between them is there from the first minute they met. The sexual tension is slowly building up over weeks until they take the relationship a step forward. The lovemaking was nice, not steamy hot but good though it’s not the main part of the book. What I liked the most, was how Jordan tries to overcome her fears and take more risks when her feelings for Emmy are growing. Emmy is a sweetheart, always helpful and understanding but not cheesy and not always patient.

Coming out at 40 in a small town in West Virginia isn’t that easy, especially with a hardheaded religious homophobic brother. There are quite a few secondary characters, they all are very well integrated into the story. I especially loved the mischievously Betty Jean.

Enjoyable and easy read, sweet lesbian coming out romance with some drama but not heart-wrenching angst.
My rating 4 stars

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.