This is another romance from the Rivers Family community, where new and old friends are to be found. This instalment has two new faces in town, small animal vet, Tally who is escaping her controlling family and recently ex army PA, Rome. Both women share a turbulent past and they can’t seem to put it past them.

However, Rome discovers a bag full of abandoned puppies in the middle of the road that may just turn be the turning point in both their lives.

You know what you are going to get with a Radclyffe novel and this one is no different. Complicated, strong minded women with deep feelings that are slow to rise to the surface. A close knit community banding together to solve a problem and help the two “love birds” find a path towards forever love. I enjoyed this story thanks to NetGalley, but felt that it was rushed a tad towards the end, perhaps me just wanting more from the Rivers community, who are like old friends now.

A book about the Rivers community so that we see old faces and get updated on their lives, combined with a lot of puppies and two newcomers who fall for eachother despite some troubles still lingering from their shared past. It makes for a very good new book in the Rivers series and one I would definitely recommend if you liked the other ones. Although it can be read as a standalone as well.

***Thank you Netgalley and BoldStrokeBooks for the chance to read and review this book***

I love the Rivers series, Book 8 features 2 new comers to town with a past history, a duffel bag of puppies and of course the book includes the on going arc of Blake and Margie and we get updated on the events of the Rivers Clan.
New vet Talia/Tally Dewilde and new Rivers PA Roman/Rome Ashcroft, this pairing have a checkered past, which they have to resolve, an attraction to deal with and they have to figure out small town life, throw in 6 rescued puppies and you have an entraining story.

A Sapphic Romance that is an extremely slow burn. Like spice isn't until 97% of the book slow burn. That doesn't bother me as my little ACE heart likes to get to know the characters before anything like that happens.

Some of the writing seemed a little off to me, it seemed that the writing was immature compared to the age of the main characters therefore the audience.

I enjoyed the puppies and how that brought everyone closer together. I loved the trans highschool student working his way through to find himself. I liked seeing one of the main characters work through her past beliefs to find the truth.

The plot was good as far as the direction, but I could see where there could have been more built in to draw the reader in to care more about the small town in the way the characters started to throughout the book.

The red herring love interest just kind of fell off the face of the earth after she was denied, but as a reader I began to care about her and her path and relationship with all the Rivers family.

I do know that this is the 8th book in the Rivers Community Romance series, so maybe there was more foundation on all the other characters that were mentioned before, but going in as a stand alone (which this could be read as) there was just lots of people who were mentioned but then never really got to know.

If you want to read a novel that feels like an episode of The L Word, then read Finders Keepers. This was such an enjoyable read for me, and I don't think I'd gotten a vibe from another book, like I got from this one. This is the eighth installment in a series of stand-alones, and it's pretty obvious right away because we have all these couples or potential main characters for other installments making appearances. I have commitment issues when it comes to series nowadays, but I think it's cool to know that I can always read about how these couples came to be. Oh, and btw, if the reference to The L Word wasn't indication enough, this is a sapphic romance, and I believe all books in the series are.

This was a short novel but for some reason it took me almost an entire week to read. I was pretty busy and I did procrastinate a lot, but I also feel that when I was reading, I wanted to take my time and enjoy what I was reading as opposed to just rushing through it because I had to meet a deadline I'd set for myself. This is the type of romance I like, with characters that actually have a life and stuff going for them besides a potential relationship. They also openly communicated when there were issues...you know, a good adult romance all around. Rome and Tally, the main characters, reminded me of Tasha and Alice from, you guessed it, The L Word.

The only thing I didn't love was that the "I love you"s came very quickly for me, but also this book was under two hundred pages long and I have issues when it comes to relationships, so that might've been a me thing. There is a sex scene, and I think it was very tastefully written, but if that's not something you want to read, you can skip the whole chapter and won't miss out on any plot development or key piece of information. I'm happy to have read this book and I'm open to read more from this author.

Book Review: Finders Keepers by Radclyffe

"Finders Keepers" by Radclyffe is an emotionally charged and gripping novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey of heartache, love, and the power of second chances. This captivating story skillfully draws out strong emotions, at times leaving readers on the verge of tears for the heartrending struggles of the main characters, Tally and Rome.

Throughout the story, Radclyffe crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions and the importance of understanding the full story before passing judgment. As Tally and Rome's relationship develops, we witness their vulnerability, fears, and the walls they have built around their hearts. Their journey serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes, the truth lies hidden beneath the surface.

The characters in "Finders Keepers" are beautifully developed, evoking empathy and investment from the readers. Tally's courage and determination inspire us, while Rome's resilience and desire for redemption tug at our heartstrings. The chemistry between them is palpable, making their romance a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster.

Radclyffe's prose is powerful, delivering an engaging narrative that keeps readers engrossed from start to finish. The ups and downs of Tally and Rome's journey elicit a range of emotions, and the author's ability to evoke such strong reactions showcases her storytelling prowess.

"Finders Keepers" is a tale of love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of understanding. It reminds us that life's trials and tribulations can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities for healing. Radclyffe's masterful portrayal of Tally and Rome's emotional journey is both heartrending and heartwarming, leaving readers with a sense of hope and a belief in the redemptive power of love.

"Finders Keepers" is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Radclyffe's skillful storytelling, coupled with the beautifully portrayed characters and their heartache-inducing journey, makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and thought-provoking romance.

I’ll preface this review by saying I’m a huge fan of Radclyffe. She’s a true trailblazer as an author and as a publisher, and nobody has done more to support this renaissance of sapphic romance than her. And I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her novels over the years. But Finders Keepers really didn’t work for me. I didn’t feel any kind of emotional connection with the characters, or feel invested in their relationship, which isn’t ideal for romance. From their names (Rome and Tally) to their personalities, nothing about the protagonists really appealed. And the plot lacked emotional urgency. This story is cute, but missing the forward momentum that keeps readers turning pages.

Again, I adore Radclyffe and will definitely continue reading her work. But knowing what she’s capable of at her best – intense, compelling romances – made Finders Keepers feel lacklustre.

The premise for this book got my attention instantly. Puppies!!! I found both MC’s likeable, but especially Rome. It has a cute love story, but I do think it at times lacked some necessary building when it came to the progression of things. It also has wholesome side characters. I enjoyed this book. It was my first book in this series, so those who have read the other books will, I’m sure, enjoy the background characters even more than I did.

I really enjoyed this book! Rome and Tally’s complex relationship was really intriguing and not a common plot line that I come across. The story was well written with even side characters getting a nicely developed sense of identity. The representation present in the novel was outstanding. Rarely do I get to read a romance novel with so many members of the LGBTQIA members present. That was such a breath of fresh air. My only thing that keeps me from giving it more praise is the pacing at the end of the novel. I felt like there was 180 pages of building up to a moment and then after everything happened so quickly. I would have loved to see the resolution of the situation occur and have more time to enjoy the spoils of the trauma that was resolved. Overall this was a great book and it was a really quick read, I was able to get through it in about 3 hours, another perk!

This was a very disappointing book. I had a lot of hopes for it, the pace and lack of things happening was so dreadful 😭 don’t get me wrong it was a cute story but I felt like it was juts not going anywhere.

It could definitely be good for someone who wants a cute story that solely focus on the day to day of the characters most definitely not for me

"Finders Keepers" by Radclyffe is a thrilling and captivating lesbian romance novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. As the 8th installation in the Rivers Community Romance series, this story follows the unexpected reunion of veterinarian, Tally, and military medic turned PA, Rome. Tally and Rome have instant chemistry that neither is willing to admit to due to a past history that readers don't get to know about until 80% into the book.

The small town feel and inclusion of previous Rivers Community members makes for a well-rounded cast of supporting characters. I absolutely loved the abandoned puppy storyline and how the various members of the town came together to take care of the litter.

While not as heavy in the romance or spice department as I'm used to with Radclyffe books, "Finders Keepers" was a nice easy summer read. Thank you NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the ARC!

Great addition to the Rivers series. The relationship between Rome and Tally was a complicated one, because they knew about each other10 years earlier. I felt that Tally was a bit standoffish and judgemental of Rome because of what happened in the past at a party when Tally was 15 and Rome was 19. Not having the full explanation of what happened at that time just made me not like Tally at the beginning of this story, but as it went along I could understand why she was so angry. Rome was the more mature of the two and I really liked this main character especially when she interacted with the puppies she rescued, and little Bravo stole my heart. There's quite a bit of angst and drama throughout this story and the supporting characters were well fleshed out and helped to make this a really good story. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Radclyffe is one of my favorite Lesfic authors. And the Rivers community has to be one of my favorite series.

This was another solid installment, and I honestly don’t know how she continues to craft these intricate characters and stories time after time.

Thank you to Bold Stoke and NetGalley for this digital arc in exchange for and honest review.

Finders Keepers is part of the Rivers series. I feel that it can be read alone. It was a quick read that I enjoyed. Recommend if enjoy slow burn, second chance romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

Great quick read. I have really enjoyed Radcliffe’s Rivers Community series and Tally and Rome’s story does not disappoint. Looking forward the next installment.

Finders Keepers is nice story, part of the Rivers Community series.

Its good to read the series if you want to know the back ground of other character but no need to if you haven't had a chance.

Enemies to lovers story with the added cuteness of puppies.

Radclyffe has a way of pulling you in to a story and she she does it again with this one

Would I recommend: Yes if you want a cute slow burn story

This was a quick fun read, but I felt like the ending was rushed. I didn’t like that we didn’t know what actually happened to Tally’s sister for most of the book. It didn’t seem well-resolved. I loved most of the side characters more than the main characters. I think having this the 8th book in the series (and not reading the first 7) there were SO many characters just brushed over that it was hard to keep everyone correct.

This book feels like a warm hug!

The characters are well developed and reading about them is like catching up with an old friend. The progression of our MC’s relationship feels natural and I rooted for their HEA the entire book. I look forward to dabbling in the Rivers Community further.

Fantastic all around. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Radclyffe book and I really enjoyed it.

I do like a good enemies to lovers story and how the characters find their way to each other. Throw in a small town and some cute puppies and you've got a cracker of a story.

I'm looking forward to future books from this author (and will make my way through the backlist)

This was actually my first Radclyffe book, i heard so much about said author and when this book poped up on NetGalley for a review i had to grab it. The cover is AWESOME and totally the kind of book i would buy for myself. Sadly i had a realy hard time to come into the book usually i read a book in one or two sittings if i have time (and i had time) but somehow it didnt pull me right into it. We learn right at the start that our two main protagonists Tally and Rome know each other because they are from the same wealthy neigbourhood back in NYC. They meet again in rural area outside New York and i feel thats about it we get to hear about their backstory, altrough its clear the past is a huge point between them in the beginning so i really dont get it. Therefore they come togehter quickly because all around them are trying to set them up, they break up and fall in love again so deeply which felt way to rushed. I missed some moments inbetween that make me feel oh yeah these to fall in love/these two are deeply in love. The whole storyline is okay, but nothing that catches me and therefore it took me ages to finish this book. While its very well written, which is not a given in LGBTQI books, it misses for me some spark to fly over to me to make me wanna read all night and keep going.
I guess i will give Radclyffe another try since i heared so many good about her books because as i said this was not bad, it was just not as good as i expected.