The Lookout: a spicy, opposites-attract, forced-proximity sapphic romance (Paperback)

Bruin clearly knows this genre inside and out, and it shows in how they play with expectations instead of just checking boxes. Forced proximity, cinnamon-bun/burnt-toast — the tropes are all there, but they've got real teeth. What got me most: these characters are actually gendered, not just interchangeably "feminine" the way so much sapphic romance defaults to. They feel specific and lived-in (even though the geography of NYC was a bit confusing).

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was great (didn't have to wait too long for things to get hot). I really liked that the characters' lives were fun and just-the-right-amount-realistic and relatable (and Not a-political). Really hot sensory details, plus great communication. So fun to read a butch/fem dynamic that is also Very queer (not falling into heteronormativity or simplistic top/bottom). The descriptions of the subtle things that they find attractive in each other = hot. I've re-read the dog-earred pages a few times :)

This was such a fun, entertaining read! Packed with humour, plenty of steam, and an engaging opposites-attract romance, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. I really enjoyed how both main characters maintained their own individuality, making their connection feel even more authentic and enjoyable to watch unfold. The story follows Leigh, a recent divorcée who heads to New York City to spend a few weeks with her school friend, Orion. I absolutely loved Orion—he was such a fantastic character, and anyone would be lucky to have a friend like him. While in New York, Leigh meets Raven, a captivating Dom whose presence turns Leigh's world completely upside down. The storyline is easy to follow and entertaining throughout, balancing humour, emotion, and romance beautifully. Watching Leigh navigate the ups and downs of her evolving relationship with Raven—especially as Raven insists she doesn't do relationships—alongside her own journey of self-discovery made for a truly enjoyable read. The relationship development between Leigh and Raven was wonderfully crafted. From their unforgettable first meeting, to the quieter moments they share in the woods, Leigh's vulnerability during the thunderstorms, and the beautifully written conclusion, their journey was engaging, heartfelt, and full of undeniable chemistry. Their opposites-attract dynamic kept me invested from start to finish. Thank you, Archer, for the opportunity to read and review The Lookout. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Flock Together series and can't wait to see what you have in store for readers next!

Bruin clearly knows this genre inside and out, and it shows in how they play with expectations instead of just checking boxes. Forced proximity, cinnamon-bun/burnt-toast — the tropes are all there, but they've got real teeth. What got me most: these characters are actually gendered, not just interchangeably "feminine" the way so much sapphic romance defaults to. They feel specific and lived-in (even though the geography of NYC was a bit confusing).

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was great (didn't have to wait too long for things to get hot). I really liked that the characters' lives were fun and just-the-right-amount-realistic and relatable (and Not a-political). Really hot sensory details, plus great communication. So fun to read a butch/fem dynamic that is also Very queer (not falling into heteronormativity or simplistic top/bottom). The descriptions of the subtle things that they find attractive in each other = hot. I've re-read the dog-earred pages a few times :)

This was such a fun, entertaining read! Packed with humour, plenty of steam, and an engaging opposites-attract romance, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. I really enjoyed how both main characters maintained their own individuality, making their connection feel even more authentic and enjoyable to watch unfold. The story follows Leigh, a recent divorcée who heads to New York City to spend a few weeks with her school friend, Orion. I absolutely loved Orion—he was such a fantastic character, and anyone would be lucky to have a friend like him. While in New York, Leigh meets Raven, a captivating Dom whose presence turns Leigh's world completely upside down. The storyline is easy to follow and entertaining throughout, balancing humour, emotion, and romance beautifully. Watching Leigh navigate the ups and downs of her evolving relationship with Raven—especially as Raven insists she doesn't do relationships—alongside her own journey of self-discovery made for a truly enjoyable read. The relationship development between Leigh and Raven was wonderfully crafted. From their unforgettable first meeting, to the quieter moments they share in the woods, Leigh's vulnerability during the thunderstorms, and the beautifully written conclusion, their journey was engaging, heartfelt, and full of undeniable chemistry. Their opposites-attract dynamic kept me invested from start to finish. Thank you, Archer, for the opportunity to read and review The Lookout. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Flock Together series and can't wait to see what you have in store for readers next!