2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Because of Summer by Elle Vaughn

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Because of Summer by Elle Vaughn
Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 334 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1514800691
ISBN-13: 978-1514800690
Amazon: Because of Summer
Amazon Kindle: Because of Summer

Taylor is a cocky Miami bartender with something to prove. Working at The Tide with her best friend Kade, she boosts her ego by seducing all the straight girls that Kade is interested in. After promising him that for the sake of their friendship she'll quit her little game, he meets the girl who he thinks could be the love of his life. But Taylor also feels immediately drawn to her. Diem, a free spirited Bohemian girl, is like no one Taylor's met before. But having sworn to Kade that she wouldn't try anything, she’s going to uphold her promise and be a good friend. But as her attraction to Diem grows deeper, Taylor finds it harder and harder to hide it. Diem is spending her summer break in Florida. Crashing at her friend Katie's place, she's positive this summer will prove to be her most exciting yet. It starts off without a hitch when she meets a gorgeous and charismatic man named Kade who sweeps her off her feet. Diem is beyond infatuated with him, but after having just broken up with her long term boyfriend, she wants to take things slow. As Diem struggles with her feelings for Kade, she befriends his best friend. Diem is intrigued by Taylor and wants to get to know her better. Although, Diem can tell that Taylor is attracted to her, Diem just doesn't share her feelings. As the two grow closer, Diem brings out a side of Taylor that she has never let loose before. Diem makes Taylor feel more carefree than ever before, while Diem is sent reeling on a whirlwind path of self discovery. Despite Diem's wavering feelings, Kade never gives up on making her his. Diem must decide between the man who’s perfect for her or the woman she can‘t imagine herself without.


I can really recommend this book. Only one glitch with an over-the top villain, otherwise very convincing (and heart-wrenching!). Good sense of time and place. Really. Diem and Taylor both started out well-rounded and went through so much growth; well Taylor more than Diem but that's par for the course. And the same was true for Kade; while he was somehow flitty and shallow in the beginning, he ended up a grown up young man who's worth to be taken seriously. I cared for all three and hurt for all three. Delicious, engrossing, fast-paced, just exactly to my taste.

Really well written - beautiful characterization.