I’m unsure of how I felt about this book. There were aspects of it that I thought were tackled really well and there were aspects that I just couldn’t get into. I had to keep going back to the book in between others as I wasn’t gripped. But some of the themes tackled in the book were unusual and I respected the way they were handled

A story that gave me all the feels

Chloe's life is planned and perfect as it is. Even if working for six months in a Vermont ski town, away from the city, for her family business, will be hard on her. That's when she meets Quinn, a fun-loving snowboarding instructor. Between them, the attraction is immediate and undeniable. It's easy to keep it casual because they both know Chloe won't be here forever and their lifestyles don't match. But when feelings get in the way, nothing is clear anymore.

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of a lot of emotions that had me going through everything while reading, which I loved. I felt like I was having fun with the characters, and then I was loving, crying, struggling and aching with them. Both Chloe and Quinn are easy to relate to and love, which made the book all the more enjoyable, and I loved how the author talked her through their struggles and flaws. The story was fun, intense and emotional as well, which kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a classic "opposites attrack" romance and it was really beautiful to see. The writing was addictive and immersive, which made it all the more fun to read. I had a blast.

I really recommend this exciting sapphic romance!

"If this was love, she could do this for the rest of her life."

I was really quite surprised by some of the depth in this book, it definitely isn't just the fluffy romcom the blurb suggested, but in a really good way!
Both main characters, Quinn and Chloe, were likeable from the start, and I loved reading a book where there was no beating around the bush when it came to their attraction to each other. But with both women hiding something from each other, it was always clear they were in for some drama. Both women are dealing with some serious emotional trauma and processing it in completely different ways, and it was interesting to see how they both leant on each other and also pushed each other away when times got tough. Quinn was my favourite of the two, a true golden retriever of a character, who just wants to love and be loved, without quite knowing how to ask for it. Chloe is a little more reserved, and her desire to live up to her family's expectations led her to make some decisions I wanted to slap some sense into her for, but was still really easy to root for.
I think there was possibly one too many plot lines, as it got a little drawn out towards the end, but overall I really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely pick up a Chelsey Lynford book again.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really struggled with this book. I tried to read this many times, taking a break and coming back to it, but I finally gave up around the 60% mark. I did enjoy the premise of Crossing Bridges, the meet-cute hook up, the wild twins, the friendships showed the beginnings of a great book. However, Crossing Bridges lost its lustre throughout and had to DNF it.

DNFd it, wasn’t my cup of tea, too sexual, but written well otherwise. I really appreciate that more sapphic books are being written and published, and different ones for different readers — smut readers, older and younger people, fantasy and romance and so on.

When Quinn Kennedy was younger she had a rough time. Born to wealthy parents she never wanted for anything but some attention from either of them would be nice. At the age of sixteen her life changed and when she finally recovered she decided to spend her time snowboarding and teaching others how to ride the boards. Good times spent with her friends and the community at large but every once in a while life catches up to her and she has to take some time for herself.
Chloe Beckett has always known what she wanted and that is to take her father's place running the family business. Growing up she stayed focused on learning all there was to learn and that meant going around the country, working in different departments. Both her sister and brother did the same thing but they still found time to live a normal life, something Chloe could never figure out.
When the two women meet the attraction is off the charts. While both have money both Chloe and Quinn want to earn their own way. While they are the stars of this book Ms Lynford has done a great job with the supporting cast.
Nicely paced with a wonderful plot that makes putting the book down difficult. Simply a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books

I wasn't a huge fan of this story, but the author writes well and developed a great plot. The premise of the book is that one MC is a ski instructor and juggling family problems, and the other is a chronic workaholic. They have a lot of tension and attraction, and agree to have a casual fling. As typical things go, the fling turns into something much less casual, and more serious. I was definitely rooting for these characters, but I just couldn't get into the story. The author writes well, but there's a lot of scene breaks in each chapter, and I just wished some were carried out a little more. Good, fun, light-ish read. There was quite a lot of spice, if you're looking for that.

A lot deeper than the cover would lead you to believe. The instant connection between the two mains was quite believable. Honestly, I was happily surprised by this book and author. Sweet love story that weaves in serious topics like depression and sexual assault. I only wish this cover for this book was different. I think it makes it look less serious. Thank you!

This has a really strong start of a hot holiday hook up between “local” snowboard instructor Quinn and out of towner guy girl Chloe.

Back in her world of business and trust funds Chloe , meets Quinn again at a family party and find out they are more alike than she thought and is actually the granddaughter of senator. While they may come from the same worlds Quinn is a wild card and is full of mischief and adventure forging her own path.

The chemistry from their first night is still simpering under the surface but decide to be just friends as Chloe is only in town for the next 6 months for business.

As they become friends , the feelings evolve and secrets are revealed. Can Quinn convinced Chloe there is more to life than the path set out by her parents and can Chloe give Quinn the stability she has been craving.

I ended up DNF at 80% after a third act break up.

Hands down one of the best romance books I’ve read this year.

The book jacket doesn’t really convey how heartfelt and honest this portrayal is of a love story between two women who are both flawed humans not looking for love, but finding it in each other. Chloe moves to Rowan Valley, Vermont for a six month rotation with the family orchard business when she meets Quinn, a gorgeous snow boarding instructor and daughter of the local real estate magnets. They fall into a romance quickly, with sizzling physical chemistry (the sex in this book is 10 outta 10!).

But there’s more to the story as the two come together in the name of a casual relationship that quickly becomes much, much deeper. Quinn is beautiful, fun and charming her outward exterior belies the struggle beneath. She battles crushing depression and deep trauma from her past. Chloe seems to have it all together, with her Ivy League degrees and high power career at her family business but struggles with panic attacks and the weight of the expectations of her family for her life. Together, they support and communicate with each other, showing each other tenderness and kindness and forging a deep romantic connect despite the ticking clock on their romance.

The timeline of Chloe leaving feels a bit manufactured (since when is long distance an issue for lesbians anyway?) - but we can all appreciate that real relationship have real world obstacles. A long distance relationship IS a challenge, and both MCs realize that.

Overall, this is a highly enjoyable Queer romance with relatable and well developed characters that you can’t help but root for as they grow into love.

I recently read the book Crossing Bridges by Chelsey Lynnford and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story follows Chloe Beckett, a driven city girl who is temporarily working in a Vermont ski town for her family's business. There, she meets Quinn Kennedy, a fun-loving snowboarder who is looking for a good time. Despite their different backgrounds and lifestyles, the two women are immediately drawn to each other.

The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for Chloe and Quinn as they navigated their relationship. The story is also filled with interesting supporting characters, including precocious twins and larger-than-life family members.

One of the things I appreciated about the book was how it dealt with serious issues such as family expectations, tragedy, and the challenges of letting go of what you thought you wanted. The author handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, adding depth to the story and making it more than just a simple romance.

Overall, I would highly recommend Crossing Bridges to anyone looking for a well-written, engaging, and heartfelt novel. The book has plenty of heat and romance, but it also has substance and heart, making it a satisfying and enjoyable read from start to finish.

This story felt real felt a lot more relatable. The first half of the book, I have to admit. I struggled with. Don’t get me wrong, I love spice, but it felt constant. Felt like it was the only plot behind the book. I was close to a DNF, but the second half changed my mind. The mental health representation felt real. I felt I could understand what the character was going through. This story went a lot deeper than I thought it would, and for that, I kept going.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from this author

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing to review this book

Chloe Beckett has her life all planned out. Ivy League education, check. Working her way up the corporate ladder, check. A suitable marriage with two perfect kids…maybe someday. She’s a city girl at heart, but if she survives the next six months working in a Vermont ski town for the local branch of the family business empire, she’ll be one step closer to everything she ever wanted.

Enter Quinn Kennedy, a fun-loving snowboarder looking for her next good time. When she sets her sights on Chloe, the attraction is immediate and mutual. Casual is the word of the day, but that won’t be a problem. After all, their lives don’t fit together. But hearts have a way of aligning even when nothing else does. The clock is ticking, secrets from Quinn’s past threaten to overwhelm them, and when tragedy strikes, casual might not be enough.

I enjoyed most of this book. (I don't think the blurb does it justice, though.) I enjoyed getting to know Chloe and Quinn. I felt like the ending was a little rushed. I don't feel like it really resolved their issues. Overall, I enjoyed much of this book, but the romance and ending didn't work well for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Crossing Bridges by Chelsey Lynford is a wonderful romance book that weaves together friendship, love, pain, trauma, sex, and grief together. I was a bit wary reading this book based on the synposis. However, I read reviews that said to not judge the synposis too harshly, and I am so glad I listened. This book is very wonderfully written. The character development is very fleshed out and the characters are extremely three dimensional. There was a significant plot twist. This book truly had me shocked and surprised, which RARELY happens for me in a romance book. This was a 5 star read for me. Wonderful book and I will be waiting for more books by Chelsey Lynford.

Unfortunately I got about 10% in and I couldn’t finish reading this book. It just didn’t pull me in as much as I thought it would. I honestly thought I would enjoy this book but sadly I didn’t.

This is a story about Quinn Kennedy who is a snowboard instructor in Vermont. She comes from a wealthy family and lives a carefree life on the surface. She’s a player and loves to chase beautiful women. She meets Chloe Bennet at the ski resort she works for and they have a one night fling. Chloe comes from a wealthy family as well and has planned to someday run her family business. Chloe is a very organized person who has her whole life planned out. And her plans don’t include falling for a ski bum.

As the story progresses and the women start to fall in love with each other, they both fight their attraction. We learn about Quinn’s tragic past and her dysfunctional family. There is a lot of angst and deep feelings explored., along with many hot sex scenes.

I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one day. This was a great debut book by Chelsey Lynfiord.

There were two things that took place in the story that stopped me from giving this 5 stars. I thought the ending and epilogue were rushed after all the emotions that took place throughout the book. And a few of Quinn’s aggressive sex scenes didn’t seem realistic to me after her own traumatic past.

I highly recommend this book to all my sapphic book friends.

Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I love a good rom-com that has more emotional depth hidden in it. I enjoy the first half of the book. both Chloe and Quinn are charming enough. There are a few scenarios that I feel are unnecessary, but I am enjoying the book enough to overlook them. As the story progresses, though, the plot seems to become more and more convoluted, as if too many elements are being thrown in all at once and some of them are really not necessary in my opinion. Overall, I'd say I enjoy this book, this is Chelsey Lynford's debut and I'm looking forward to reading her next work!

Great romance!

Chloe is working temporarily in the local branch of her family business empire when she meets snowboarder, Quinn. They are instantly attracted to one another, and they know their lives aren’t compatible but Quinn’s past is creeping up on her and Chloe’s life isn’t quite going to plan, so when their hearts have other plans for them both, they are challenged with what to do.

A great story about changing expectations, going with the flow, and embracing the now to find happiness. Chelsey really explored everything when telling us the story of Chloe and Quinn. In so many ways they were opposites, with Chloe being one for plans and Quinn being more, happy go lucky, but they taught each other so much as their paths kept crossing and forcing them to address what their hearts wanted rather than what their minds told them. There were many ups and downs, and as the title of the story suggests bridges to cross to find happiness.

A whole cast of vibrant and unique characters also helped to elevate the story, offering both Chloe and Quinn guidance and support throughout their moral and emotional contemplations of what they shared. A romance like the one they shared only works so well because of the ups and downs, they shared moments of passion that sealed their connection and fate, and then ones alone when realisation kicked in at what they might be losing or missing if they didn’t take chances and risks. Their emotions pushed boundaries they both had in place to make sure fate got its way in keeping these two together. I don’t think Chloe and Quinn will ever have plain sailing in their relationship, but it will last forever because of the way they complement one another and just make things work.

The story had everything a great romance needs, kept me on the edge of my seat, and at times had me worrying about the outcome of the relationship at play, but it had all the wonderful moments of a passionate and exciting romance that meant I knew it would all be okay in the end.

I always have an issue with romances where the characters fuck in the first chapter. I feel like there's no way to build that sexual tension back up, and I have a hard time rooting for the characters to end up together. Other than that, the book was a fun read, but starting off on that note but me off a little.

This review will be posted on GoodReads and Storygraph.

Chloe Beckett and Quinn Kennedy could not be more opposite. Chloe, an Ivy League graduate, has her whole life planned out while working for her family’s successful business empire. Fun loving and carefree Quinn, on the other hand, doesn’t have a thing planned for the future, other than when she will next be able to go boarding or hiking. One thing they do have in common though? They are both hot for each other. After meeting briefly and choosing to have a no strings attached hookup, Chloe and Quinn assumed they would never see each other again. But, when their paths do cross again, they decide their physical attraction to one another just can’t be denied and choose to continue their casual fling. Feelings don’t need to get involved, right? But when past traumas and hidden struggles start to come to light, both Quinn and Chloe have to decide what they really mean to one another and whether or not “casual” has ever been the best way to describe their relationship.

I absolutely loved this book. Don’t let the cover or premise mislead you. This book is actually pretty deep and covers some fairly serious topics (check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain topics). But that was a big part of what I loved so much about this book. This book is not just fluff. It has depth and really pulls at your heartstrings. It is rare that I come across a book that I really don’t want to end and yet this book definitely falls into that category for me. I absolutely loved Quinn and wish I could give her the world. The author does such a wonderful job really helping the reader understand why Quinn and Chloe are both the way they are and it was rewarding to see the growth they both went through by the end of the book. My only slight criticism was the epilogue. I will not give anything away, but I just wish the epilogue covered a different time period in Quinn and Chloe's story than it did. But that is a personal preference and super minor compared to how much I loved the rest of the book. I will most definitely be reading more from Chelsey Lynford!

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC of Crossing Bridges in return for my honest review.