Review of ‘Addie Mae’ by Addison M. Conley
Addie Mae is the third lesbian romance novel by Addison M. Conley. I’ve read all three, I like the style of the author and also the stories she tells. But I must say, in my humble opinion, the first two books have captivated me more.
During her divorce from her husband, Maddy Carlton
returns to her hometown Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Her biggest wish is to get away from her unfaithful husband without telling her secret and eventually to live the life she always wanted to live. But how will her conservative parents react? Surrounded by old friends and her beloved grandfather Gramps, she hopes to find her mojo again and be there for her 18-year-old son, who logically doesn’t need her as much as when he was younger.
Jessie is like an adopted daughter of cafe owner Delilah and also her best worker. She loves her job and her hobby is diving and riding her motorcycle. Maddy caught her eye and as she gets to know her better, some sparks fly and the attraction grows. But does she have a chance with Maddy? The signs that Maddy gives her are not always clear.
When they finally give in to temptation, it is like in any new relationship, you only see and enjoy the positive sides. But Maddy and Jessie are both in their forties and that alone says enough that they have experienced a lot, good and bad. Jessie has found her way after making some mistakes, but she risks her luck with Maddy when she keeps her secrets for a long time. Also, Maddy is far from being a saint, and she knows that if she wants to have a chance to have a relationship with Jessie, she has to tell her everything.
I liked both main characters, and the author did a good job of showing their growing attraction. It’s not instalove but it also isn’t really a slow-burn. As much as I really like hot and steamy sex scenes in a book, there aren’t that many scenes and not very steamy, but in this book, it’s totally OK for me.
I always like it in a story when people aren’t perfect. It makes them more real and human. It also shows that you can risk a lot if you hide unpleasant topics of the past for too long. It is a beautiful love story that does not end when the two of them get together. The real problems start shortly after. And I’m a fan of the secondary characters of Maddy’s grandfather Gramps, Delilah, and Sarah – wonderful, important, and supportive characters.
What I liked the most is the fact that the story didn’t stop after the ‘I love yous’. I don’t want to give too much away but I liked the story after the two became a couple much better than the first part. The topics that are dealt with made me think of my book club friends, who have to face similar problems. It reminded me of them.
All in all an entertaining romance, although the topics covered are somewhat more difficult in the second half.
My rating 4 stars
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Addie Mae
Addie Mae is the third lesbian romance novel by Addison M. Conley. I've read all three, I like the style of the author and also the stories she tells. But I must say, in my humble opinion, the first two books have captivated me more.
URL: 4 stars, Butch / Femme, Family, Mature characters
Author: Addison M. Conley
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