It sounds like a codependency story with a fun explicitly sapphic twist. In reality though, it's simply a story about first loves, hurting and getting hurt, and managing to heal through it all. It's a couple we can't help but root for, we can't help but hope this time will be different and they'll sort themselves out.

Our main character is annoying; Tamara - our love interest - is so unreliable she might just be made of smoke and beanies. And yet, Emily managed to build a story that hooks us from beginning to end, even if we just want to watch them crash and burn for a while. I personally enjoyed the ending, it was exactly what the book had been building up for, and was done swiftly and well.

This one is a good read for anyone that likes a bit of angst with your morning coffee. Or for the ones that never forgot their first love, and secretly wish they haven't forgotten you too. Thanks for reading!

Well written, uncomfortable almost love story.

Sam and Tamara have enough chemistry you expect a happily ever after first love story. But what you get are two young women learning about themselves as they navigate college, old and new friendships, family dysfunction and how to walk away.

The story moves between two timelines - when Sam met Tamara and Tamara's wedding day. You read about all of the insecurities, misteps and hard lessons of a first love.

It's a good book, just not the usual lesbian rom com. Read it when a bit of heartache and growing up won't be too uncomfortable to experience.

“Tamara King” is the debut novel by Emily Wright and it’s a good one. I’m a little hesitant to call it a romance as it isn’t one, in the traditional sense. But I don’t think that it should put you off reading it. There’s still romance and love and the ending left me feeling happy.

This is the story of Samantha Atlas and her first love, Tamara King. This has a dual time line that is mostly very easy to follow as the chapters announce the year. In the current timeline, Sam is preparing to attend Tamara’s wedding and as the day progresses, she thinks back to their highs and lows over the course of their relationship. Those chapters tell the story of how they meet and fall in love and also the lows and what leads to their breakup.

What I really loved about this was that it felt real, which isn’t what I always want to read in fiction, but it really worked here. Sam and Tamara’s relationship isn’t perfect and neither are they. This really showcases that just because you love someone it doesn’t mean they’re the one for you. Wright isn’t afraid to show the sad, messy sides of the relationship as well as the happier times.

But like I mentioned above, this does have a happy ending…two really, if you count Tamara’s. While there are sad and bittersweet parts, it’s also full of funny and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend this one if you’re in the mood for something a little different!

I received an arc from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Usually I need some time adjusting to books where chapters go back and forth in time, but this one had me hooked and I had no problems following the story. Following Sam's journey was quite a ride and felt very relatable. Past relationships and experiences change you, whether you want them to or not. For Sam it's the same. This book follows her throughout a decade of dating. I don't want to give anything away, but I am so happy my ship ended up together. This book has everything I want in a novel, romance, great friends, misunderstandings, flawed characters, growth. I can't wait to read more of this author.

Thank you so much publisher providing an arc! I just devoured this book. It was so nerve-wrecking so I can not express enough about the plot. The plot is so interesting that you will find yourself gasping everytime you find something new.
I really like the worldbuilding, and how the author can create a world that has the capability of making us vicariously live through it. I feel like the introduction was a bit too slow-paced for me. The characters are fairly interesting.
Henceforth, it was quite a good read.