How You Get the Girl

Another WONDERFUL installation in Anita Kelly's Nashville series. They treat their characters with such incredible care, compassion, and heart. Julie and Elle's story was so special--they'll stay with me for a long time.

Once again blown away by Anita Kelly’s romances! As with her last two books and multiple novellas, the immense heart and emotion that comes through while reading is standout from the start. I loved reading along as Julie found herself and fell deeper and deeper for Elle. As always, the representation in this book from mental and chronic illnesses to sexuality is such a welcome breath of fresh air, especially with how respectfully and well Kelly always handles it. The chemistry and romance had me turning the pages faster and faster as the story went on and I’m already ready to read it again.
Make sure you get this and every Anita Kelly book!!

Anita Kelly’s books feel like a microscope looking into the grey matter of my brain. Julie’s mannerisms and struggle with queerness, though not a mirror image, reflect mine closely and it felt so wonderful to see the struggle reflected so plainly and tenderly on page. Elle’s character arc was also so beautifully done. I love love love this book.

This book is one of the cutest, and most fun romances I have read, all while being nurturing, healing and inspiring. It is beautifully written. It is an authentic love story, of two wonderful people who need to believe in themselves a bit more. Which they do, with each other’s support and understanding. The most accepting and honest relationship I can remember reading and I thoroughly loved every bit of this wonderful book!!

Another hit from Anita Kelly!! It was bittersweet to say goodbye to this amazing group of found family and friends but this was one of the most satisfying fake dating, dual POV, Sapphic romances I've read in ages and is one not to be missed!

I loved getting to know more about London's sister, Julie in this book. Her search and yearning to find a label for her sexual identity was so relatable and heartfelt. I really enjoyed that she never did land on something and that it was OKAY! Whether Julie was on the Ace spectrum, demisexual or something else, she was just a great person who found herself falling in love with her childhood crush, former pro women's basketball star, Elle Conway.

Elle for her part was another extremely relatable character for me. She recently took in Vanessa, her cousin's daughter after the teen girl's mom went into rehab. Learning how to be a caregiver for a teenager was a learning curve, but Julie was super supportive and found a way to get Elle to help her with coaching Vanessa's new high school basketball team, the Bobcats.

Heartfelt, with lots of funny moments, lots of sentimental moments and lots of serious moments too. The conversations between friends in this book was great with a full cast of AMAZING queer characters. Also top notch was the mental health and chronic pain rep. Elle suffers from migraines and depression and isn't shy about talking about it.

I can't wait to read whatever Anita Kelly writes next. This book is sure to give you all the feels but probably works best if you've read the first two books in the series as there are cameos from all the previous couples. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: open door, some explicit scenes

How You Get the Girl is seriously another wonderful read by Anita Kelly! Heartwarming and sweet, this was such a cozy and light read and everything I've come to expect from Anita's books!