TWICE SHY is a contemporary lesbian romance featuring two divorcees in their late-forties/early-fifties stumbling into a brand-new relationship.

It was nice to see some of the concerns that older people have coming through and seeing how it impacted their lives and their developing relationship. For example, worries over the reactions of Amanda’s adult kids (both from Amanda and Quinn), the relationship that forms with an ex over the decades rather than simply years, and having the characters be firmly entrenched in their respective careers instead of starting out. It all made an interesting change from the usual twenty/thirty-something romances I’ve read before.

It was actually the baker aspect that drew me in though, and TWICE SHY doesn’t disappoint on that front, even if the story is more focused on the shop itself rather than the baked goods. Just look at those cupcakes on the cover! The scenes where Quinn popped into ‘Bake My Day’ to pick up snacks and see Amanda had me desperate for a run to Millie’s Cookies.

I liked the way TWICE SHY handled the slightly more serious aspects of the story too, namely Quinn’s decision not to have children herself and Mel’s domineering attitude towards getting back with Amanda. It gave the book a little more bite than you might otherwise find in a meet-cute romance. I also liked that there were plenty of queer side characters in the protagonists lives, and that both characters were both already out. Their queerness itself isn’t a cause of angst.

TWICE SHY is a sweet romance with just enough angst to prevent it getting too cutsie. There’s a wide cast of likeable and well-rounded characters, and a fair bit of drama without becoming too intense.

I had no idea until finishing the book that TWICE SHY features cameos from the author’s other books, so this can definitely be read as either a standalone or a part of a series.

A nice story with well thought out characters. The story line shows evidence of character motivation and development. 
An enjoyable read

3.5 stars This wasn't my favorite book by this author. I have really loved her other books but there's something about this one that didn't work for me. It saddens me because I long for stories with older characters and nearly adult children and we don't see those often enough. I also listened to the audiobook version of this book after reading it and I think that colored my opinion darker. I loved the bakery theme and the son's involvement, but the rest seemed low key and like artificial drama. I don't know. I'll read it again someday and maybe I'll feel differently. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Plenty of chemistry in this book from Aurora Rey. The level of angst was pretty perfect while the story itself was gentle and delivered some good feels.

The honesty in this book resonated as the characters were genuinely going through the aftermath of failed marriages.

What a lovely book this was great storyline, great characters,  read it in one day as was hooked to it x

This was the first book I have read by Aurora Rey. It was a sweet, slow-burning second-chance romance between two older women.

Amanda and Quinn begin by embarking on a professional working relationships. Innocently, this slowly morphs into something more than either of them were expecting. Both characters are very likable and I particularly love the realness of the characters as Rey writes much about them getting to know each other. 

Cute read, great characters.

With thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for the copy in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars

For a second after reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if this was going to be a second chance romance with the FMC's ex-wife or if it was going to be a new relationship with Quinn, the architect our FMC was going to hire for her bakery. Now that I know Quinn and her are great for each other, I'm glad I got to see them together even though the ex-wife was a bit of an issue but not really. 

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the chemistry between the characters and I loved the sex scenes/steam in this book. Whenever they texted, I was almost giddy. I liked both characters and I'm glad Amanda figured out who and what she really wanted for her present/future. I didn't really enjoy reading about Amanda's teenagers (when one of them didn't really like her mother going out with someone new) but that's just a personal preference. 

Pretty nice read, I'm curious to see what else the author has written. 

<i>(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)

This book reminded me of one of my favorite movies It's Complicated but with Lesbians. It is a sweet and sassy story of baker Amanda Russo who is having her bakery expanded by architect Quinn Sullivan. They are middle aged women trying, not very hard, to get back into the dating scene.. There is a spark from the beginning but because both of their hearts have been trampled by love they try to ignore it. Amanda has 2 college age kids that Quinn has to pass the test with. Amanda also has an ex wife that comes sniffing around. But Quinn is easy going , gets along with kids great and is very patient.
The MC were believable characters with flaws that made them human. The sex was hot and real."My body isn't what it used to be or will I forget how to do this" were both of their thoughts. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Ms Reys books.

3.75 stars
This was a sweet (pun intended) low-angst romance between older women. This was slow, but felt very realistic. The main characters were both likable and had good communication. I love the incorporation of the teenage kids. I really enjoyed this read.

So I didn't ever not like one of this authors books! And no, this isn't the one time where this changes! Of course there are some storylines and plots with which you can relate or identify better or just like better and this is the case here. But I still enjoyed it very much. It's a solid romance like alaways. I really liked Quinn and that she would rater be with a woman her own age than with a 30 something. And I also liked the fact that her Ex didn't have to be a bitch, that's kind of refreshing. So would totally recommend!

Twice Shy is a romantic comedy that really warms the heart. This enjoyable story of two women and their rocky road to finding true love was the perfect escape-read. I particularly loved the descriptions of the bakery and all the delicious cupcakes and pastries! Highly recommended for all those readers who need some light-relief. This  heartwarming tale will definitely cheer you up and renew your faith in humanity.

What a lovely story. It gives you hopes for the future even if you are over 40. I totally loved this one. The obstacles main characters had to go through and where it led them. 
I love that both had different types of character. In the end they complement each other. ☺

3.5 Stars for a feel good, dare I say, sweet romance by Aurora Rey.  This only my second book I’ve read by Rey. I understand this book is part of the ‘universe’ of two of her previous books, “The Last Place You Look” and “Recipe for Love”. I didn’t feel I needed to read the previous books to enjoy this one. But as with these types of series, it’s always nice to revisit “old friends”. 

This is a story of baker Amanda Russo, owner of a small bakery. She is expanding into the space next door, enlarging her kitchen and dining area.  She has been divorced for a number of years and has two children, a son, 18 year old Cal, who is about to enter college and 20 year old, Daniella, who will be a sophomore in college. I really liked Cal who one minute he was a teenager and the next a mature young man. Daniella felt she knew what was best for her mom but was not necessarily in tune to what her mom wanted.

Amanda hires architect, Fifty-year-old Quinn Sullivan to design the new bakery.  I really liked Quinn. She was in a long-term relationship that had ended about a year ago.  She has gone on numerous first dates, set up by her sisters, friends and co-workers. Being the person, she is, she couldn’t tell them no more. None had clicked.

I enjoyed this relatively angst free, slow burn romance. There were a few bumps in the road such as with ex’s and meddling children.  I plan to go back and read Rey’s previous books in this “series”.

3.7*

Nice read. Its about second chances at love. Both main characters are late 40's. Amanda as 2 children, both college age, an ex-wife who starts to snoop about thinking she as a second chance. Amanda gave up on love and puts all her time into her children and her expanding bakery... until Quinn enters her life. Quinn, an architect, once married, also struggles to find the 'one'. Twice shy is a easy read, as normal Aurora Rey pulls off a slow burn story line. If you've never come across her books before I highly suggest you read her 'Cape End Romance' series. 

I was given a ARC copy for an honest review.

I was slow to warm up to Amanda and Quinn, but by the end of the book I was invested in them and rooting for them. The premise of the story was what captivated me in the first place. Having complicated and messy feelings for an ex. Falling for the familiarity of someone who already knows you, loved you even if it's not the best idea. How hard it is to allow yourself to heal and love again after a bad break up. </p>

Seeing Amanda and Quinn navigate divorce, how to handle your ex, your new partner having kinds, was also welcome. It think divorce, sharing custody of kids has become more and more common so it's interesting to see it explored.

I enjoyed the inclusion of Amanda's kids as central to the story. Loved to hate Mel, the ex, and even warmed up to her by the end of the book. Amanda and Quinn were a great couple I was happy to see succeed. The way they resolved their conflict by being honest, vulnerable, having open communication, was great.

There was a wide arrange of side characters, I didn't necessarily connect with a lot of them. But it was nice to see both main characters have a full life outside of the couple. The attempt at racial diversity with a Chinese side character felt a little off. It had barely a couple scenes. If the author wanted to include more diversity, I would have liked to see the character more developed, give it more dimension than just name dropping them. It was even more jarring because none of the other characters (That I remember) are described or made explicitly non-white.

In general I felt like the book started a little slow, while we got to know more of the characters, but once it picked up about one third into the book it became a captivating fast paced read. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

This had a really similar vibe to The Last Place You Look, which is great considering how much I enjoyed that one.
Twice Shy is a low-drama, sweet little romance. I think the crazy ex part was exaggerated in the blurb, because it doesn't become an issue until near the end, and even then it wasn't that dramatic. Consequently, the conflict was not as bad as the characters made it out to be, but I didn't mind too much. 
The protagonists are good together, have enough chemistry, but aren't especially memorable. The most enjoyable side characters were Amanda's kids, and I liked the role they played in the story. Can't say much more than that for fear of spoiling.
I would think that this should be more of a December read, even though it doesn't take place during the holidays. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the October line-up. Four stars.

This is a read about moving on after divorce and giving love/relationship a second chance. The story involves several interesting characters. Amanda Russo, owns a successful bakery and is looking to expand. Amanda is divorced and has two college age children.  Quinn Sullivan, architect, is hired to design the bakery remodel. Amanda and Quinn are both likeable and it is not hard to cheer for them. Cal, Amanda's son, is such an open and laid back character and really adds a calmness to the story. On the other hand, his sister, Daniella is busy behind the scenes, working to get their parents back together.  Then there is Mel the manipulator, Amanda's ex-wife who is separated from her wife Beth who she left Amanda for and now she wants Amanda back. There were also "helpful" friends. 

It would have been good to have more story development and back information about some of the characters I mentioned above. For example, age, ethnicity, and more about who they are. Detail was lacking. In general, this was a low angst romance with entertaining secondary characters.

Tried to read this book. But im more of a person who likes a man and women romance.  Maybe someone else will enjoy it

I enjoyed this book. It kept me interested in it the whole time. I felt like I couldn't put it down and really needed to know how it ended!

Sometimes it’s really nice to just settle down with a lovely second-chance romance, and let the real world disappear for a while. That’s what I was able to do with Twice Shy by Aurora Rey.

This is a low angst romantic novel about two women in their late forties/early fifties. Amanda is a baker looking to remodel her bakery, and Quinn is an architect hired to do the remodeling. There is chemistry between the two from the moment they meet, but the romance develops slowly in the story. The angst mostly comes from an interfering ex, but also a bit from the college age kids of Amanda. There are also some pretty steamy scenes between Amanda and Quinn as the romance develops, but that is not surprising from this author. Ms. Rey even lets the reader visit with characters from several of her other novels, since they are secondary characters in this tale, and this book is set in the same area as the other novels.

This is an adorable and easy to read love story from an author who is an expert at writing beautiful and low-angst romantic tales. If you need a break from real life and like to read this style of romance, then definitely get this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

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