2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Born Out of Wedlock Lyn Gardner

1) This was a brilliant story from beginning to end. I loved everything about it and thought the author had written it exceptionally well. I would recommend it to others for reading.
2) I really liked this book! But some things could have been polished a bit betterlike some twists and turns in the plot and some part were a little bit too predictable. Still a very enjoyable read.
3) A roller coaster of a page-turning ride! Although the emotive power got a little angsty overboard a few times, the overall writing was excellent, the characters memorable and the setting beautifully described. This modern re-telling of a tried and true archetype and conflict sizzles with memorable moments.

Born Out of Wedlock Lyn Gardner
Lesbian - Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 468 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 14, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1542327180
ISBN-13: 978-1542327183
Amazon: Born Out of Wedlock Lyn Gardner

Two women. Two worlds. Two problems...and two attitudes. Addison Kane does not want for much. With a touch equaling that of Midas and a confidence overstepping the borders of arrogance, Addison’s ability is vast, yet her focus is narrow. Her vision tunneled by haunting memories of her youth, she is blinded to the peripheral. She doesn’t care that life is passing her by. She doesn’t notice as friends fall to the wayside, and the finery that comes from wealth holds no importance for Addison is single-minded. Her goal is the ultimate of paybacks. She needs to succeed like no other before her and prove someone wrong. Joanna Sheppard lives a simple life because she can afford no other. At the age of seventeen, her father falls ill, and for the next eleven years, Joanna’s sole focus is providing for the only parent she has ever known. For the man she loves with all her heart, she gives up her dreams and doesn’t look back. She goes about her days with no complaints, working three jobs so she can pay off her father’s creditors, but there is no light at the end of Joanna’s tunnel...or so she thinks. When an edict from the grave threatens all Addison holds dear, two women from two different worlds are brought together, and a deal is struck. In exchange for uttering a few words, both get what they need...but not what they bargained for. There is a thin line, as they say, but when it is crossed, can love survive when more family secrets are revealed?

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Falling Into Flowers Lynne Barnes

1) An absolutely gorgeous collection of poems that paint vivid pictures of specific moments in time and space—both in American culture, and in the poet’s own life. The style reminds me of the beat poets—spare and raw, with every word conveying a world of meaning—and many of the poems touch a time in American history that is very dear to me. This is a wonderful collection, and very worth your time.
2) Rich settings. I have added points for excellent formatting and organization of the work.
3) Each poem wove a different story and I found myself pulled into each one. It was like I was sitting in a room listening to an old Grandma recall events from her past. I really enjoyed the read.

Falling Into Flowers Lynne Barnes
Lesbian - Poetry
Paperback
Publisher: Blue Light Press (January 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421837706
ISBN-13: 978-1421837703
Amazon: Falling Into Flowers Lynne Barnes

Lynne Barnes was born in Georgia and moved to New York City in 1968 with a front row ticket to Hair, before migrating to San Francisco in 1969, two years after the Summer of Love. She has worked as a nurse on psych emergency units and oncology wards, and as a librarian in San Francisco's Public Libraries. She was part of a commune that thrived for twenty years in the Haight Ashbury. She lives with her beloved partner, Carole.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: For Money or Love Heather Blackmore

1) This story is really good, and even if a lot is about the financial world I was able to follow the author explanations and so I didn't loos interest in the story. Probably a protagonist could have been handle better because it was a bit too much Dr. Jekyll and Mrs Hyde for me, maybe a bit less division between her working persona and her private ersona would have let the story sail better. But otherwise a very good book.

For Money or Love Heather Blackmore
Lesbian - Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (September 13, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626397562
ISBN-13: 978-1626397569
Amazon: For Money or Love Heather Blackmore

Jessica Spaulding works for Magnate, her father’s multi-billion-dollar investment firm. But her life of privilege comes at a high personal cost, requiring her to keep aspects of herself under wraps.

Magnate’s new intern, TJ Blake, leads by example. The sole guardian of her teenage sister, TJ juggles work, graduate school, and debt, never taking “something for nothing.”

As TJ discovers there’s more to Jess than she lets on, her pride and notions about wealth run headlong against her growing feelings for Jess. Jess starts falling for TJ but doubts she’s principled enough for her. When Jess uncovers a dark secret, will she do the right thing, even if it means losing everything—including any chance at love?

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Where The Light Glows Dena Blake

1) Good book. Maybe I could have enjoyed a bit more if there were not so many misanderstandings between the two protagonists, mostly due to the fact that they are two adult women. But otherwise solid book and interesting enough that I will keep an eye out for this author next book.

Where The Light Glows Dena Blake
Lesbian - Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (May 16, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626399581
ISBN-13: 978-1626399587
Amazon: Where The Light Glows Dena Blake

Izzy Calabrese wants to make her restaurant a success. She has a passion for cooking and life in general. Romance is the furthest thing from her mind when she finds Mel Thomas crying after being abandoned by her husband…again. She tries to distance herself from Mel, but she keeps showing up.

Clients know Mel Thomas as the CEO of her own consulting firm. She’s smart, engaging, and successful. Anyone who knows her would never think she’s insecure, but she’s more fragile than anyone knows. Her marriage on shaky ground, she doesn’t know how, or if, it can be salvaged. All she’s ever wanted in a relationship is someone’s attention. She thinks she may have found the person who can give that to her. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to be Izzy.