Paperback Romance

Tall, dark and handsome is not what Carolyn thinks is in her future. After a disastrous marriage she's sworn off men. To cure her bruised heart, she embarks on a whirlwind tour of Europe. She's oblivious to the fact that Alison, her agent, has been lusting after her for years. But then she meets Nick Frost and all the elements of the perfect paperback romance take a decided dyke-left turn. I loved how Kallmaker takes all the conventions of straight romance and converts it to what works for lesbians. The satire is witty without being mean. I don't mean to make this lovely tale of identity, gender, coming out and claiming love to be more than it is. It's simply wonderful, satisfying and moving. Not to mention funny. Another tour de force from the Queen.

I recently read Karin's "Frosting on the Cake" and loved every bit. When readingit I realized I had never read this early book of hers. Not only was it just as funny and about as lighthearted as any book of hers, it really had some beautiful musical prose. Like the short story in Frosting, this novel turns on the effect of music on the lives of those who care for it. Nick is a fully realized character and her love of music transforms her throughout the novel.As an early book written some 10 years ago, things have changed for the community. But the softball games, the surprising discovery that someone you've known a long time is gay, and the necessity of telling unsuspecting family is all still just as relevant today as they were then. This novel delivers great entertainment, and no fan should miss it.

This novel is as giddy as a Harlequin romance, and happy romp to read, if that is all you are looking for. But underneath the satire of formula romance is some wonderful writing that brings music to life. It consumes and feeds Nick, making her otherwordly. I think Nick is one of the best characters Kallmaker has ever done. This is a book full of great characters, from queer, elderly Oscar who reminded me vividly of Hobson from the movie Arthur, to quirky black Samantha, who interior designs her way into wickedly droll Alison's bed. And Carolyn -- mixed up, certain she's frigid Carolyn. What fun! I wanted the story to play on, and on.

This book was a delight. I was once addicted to pulp romances and this book has a lot of gentle satire of the genre that made me chuckle frequently. Carolyn is so clueless it's fun to watch her figure it out. Loving classical music the way I do, I wanted Nick to be real! The passionate effect of music is beautifully conveyed, as is the passion between the women in this novel. The scene at the drive-thru is laugh-out-loud funny and I really recommend this book to all fans of romance.

This book brings you into the true feelings of love felt by a lesbian women. Karin brings you into the struggels of a lesbian woman and her fight for true friendship.