Hello,
This week I bring you a book review of Next Exit Home by Dena Blake. A lesbian romance novel told from two different points of views: Harper and Addison. Harper leaves her life in Denver to move back to her hometown with her daughter Eden to help look after her father's veterinary clinic. She runs into Addison, a teenage crush who is closeted to most people, Addison has her own daughter Brooke.
The story takes us through their lives of working together, Addison's mother is dating Harper's father. Harper is still reeling from her mother's death. There is a lot going on in terms of an ex, vet clinics and being somewhere she hates.
Addison is studying, covering the clinic although she isn't fully licenced yet. She seems to have commitment issues as she dates a woman out of time once a week, it seems she still seeks approval from her friends in terms of her relationships and life.
Both of the character's worlds change as they find comfort in one another.
The story was a little slow at first, I didn't really gel with Harper's life in Denver (neither did she really) I loved the tension and interactions between her and Addison.
Truthbetold, I never used to be into romance novels. I just didn't enjoy them, but this is the first lesbian romance novel I have ever read. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I guess I can relate to this much more than I could hetero romance novels. The way this story was told is amazing, I liked the switching of point of views, or at least seeing things from the two character's perspective. This story was so refreshing to read.
It was such an emotional rollercoaster at times, especially when Daisy has to switch owners it broke my heart. There was a scene in the book that really struck out to me that I had to write down part of the conversation between Harper and Addison:
"I would've gone if you asked' 'If you'd asked I would have stayed"
I had to put down my Ipad and cry a little, it was such an intense moment.
The story was just so enjoyable to read, at times I got a little frustrated with the characters because they just wouldn't communicate with each other about things in their life, but they worked it out and I am so glad I got the chance to read this on NetGalley. It made my heart swoon and I was so pleased to see that they both got their happy fairytale ending. It was such a heartwarming easy read, I highly recommend it especially if you need a little pick-me-up!
