Member Reviews
As always thank you to publishers and Netgalley for a free arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was so cute! The definition of a lighthearted, second chance romance with emotional stakes and lots of realistic healing that was so sweet to read and enjoy. Brooke and Arlette are absolutely adorable, have such amazing but sweet communication style that made this more than worth the read. My only issue with this novel was the pacing took me out of the story at times with how slow it felt. While I appreciate the real and complicated relationships that Arlette has with her family, I still felt at points that her obviously wealthy family was unnecessarily glamorized and didn't have the high introspection I wanted, especially with how much her family and their status plays into the narrative. Overall a very sweet sapphic romance, just was a bit too light for me personally. Also Uncle Harry and Arlette's dad are insufferable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
The Hues of Me and You by Morgan Lee Miller, set in the Washington, D.C. area, follows the story of former college friends Brooke Dawson and Arlette Adair.
Brooke, a freelance artist by day and a catering bartender by night, doesn’t expect to run into her former best friend, Arlette, at a high society party. Needless to say that their conversation was awkward.
Apparently, they did not end their relationship on a good note. Brooke and Arlette had a few brief romantic rendezvous. Nothing went further especially after Arlette chose her jealous ex-girlfriend over Brooke.
Arlette Adair, the daughter of a presidential candidate, is stuck in a job and a relationship that she doesn’t want any longer. She feels a lot of pressure to follow in her wealthy family’s footsteps although it isn’t her desire to do so. At first, I didn’t care for her but she does have potential for redemption if she can truly follow her heart.
I can relate to Brooke. She’s a somewhat poor artist, who works a crappy job in order to support her dream of working full-time as an artist. Let’s not forget that she also has major trust issues.
My favorite supporting characters were Brooke’s roommates, Stephen and Abby. They are loyal friends to Brooke, which she desperately needs.
Brooke and Arlette have more discussions after the party. Arlette even commissioned a piece of art from Brooke. Will they become best friends again? Can Brooke trust Arlette? Will they finally allow themselves to fall in love?
The author states at the beginning of the book:
< 1
If you enjoy romances, including LGBT romances, then you will definitely love The Hues of Me and You. Personally, I love LGBT romances. They are literally the sweetest books.
If you aren’t into love, romance, or anything resembling a real relationship, then maybe read The Doctor Is In: Dr. Ruth on Love, Life, and Joie de Vivre first.
The characters in this book both deal with facing the past while dealing with the present. The author did a wonderful job in the writing and setting the scenes in both the past and present.
Ahhh, FINALLY! This has been on my TBR for awhile, I'm so glad I finally got around to read it and thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I mean, who doesn't love 'second chances'? But what sets The Hues of Me and You apart from others, I think...is that, sure, TONS of books out there were 'the one that got away from something that happened in university'. I mean, we all have a couple of those from our college days, don't we. BUT, what's different is that, I've realized, after reading this book... that there isn't really a need for super-angst to be attached to the story. Morgan Lee Miller could pull together an engaging, heartwarming and INTERESTING story together, without making everything top notch angsty. I mean, I like angst, don't get me wrong...but it's kind of nice to not have to have that sinking feeling in your heart through 80% of the reading.
Another thing I liked... which, again, makes me wonder... Is that, this 'second chance' didn't have to happen when the MCs are in their 40s, 50s... It's OKAY to have a chance encounter 5 years later, that's a good amount of time. A lifetime of regrets is a bit eye rolling, it seems too sad to think that people need to have a FULL life before they get to 'start the one they've always wanted'.
This review is a bit all over the place, isn't it. I am trying so hard to not be too specific and spoil anything.
IN CONCLUSION, well worth a read. Not too heavy, but with feelings. A good combo.
Second chance trope fully at work in Miller's lastest offering and I couldnt be happier. Characters we're well rounded individuals who existed outside the romance which fully engaged the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have come to love second chance novel. And this one was well written. I felt invested with Arlette trying to live to the expectations from her family. Her chemistry with Brooke is well painted. My first book from this author and I am definitely curious for more.
This is one of my favorite types of tropes. It has second chances and a whole lot more! I loved the character development and the theme of doing what is right despite what trials and what life throws you! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about second chances in life and love.
A second chance romance which is a sweet story to read.
Both Brooke and Arlette are great characters, and I found myself routing for them from the beginning.
This is a slow burn romance but seems very fitting for the story
Would I recommend: Yes if your want a sweet romance .
This is a really sweet story about two best friends reconnecting five years after a falling out. Arlette and Brooke were best friends all throughout college and toward the end of their senior year, their relationship changed. Shortly thereafter, their relationship ended and the two were left adrift without their anchor.
Brooke and Arlette's reconnection has all of the the feels. Both women are intelligent, compassionate, and motivated. I loved being a part of their journey. What I loved most about this book was that it was a really engaging story despite the lack of excessive drama and angst. I look forward to reading more books from this author!
This is the type of story that I love to read. What would happen if you could turn back time and change things? This is definitely what Brooke would do now that she is a struggling artist who bartends to make ends meet. On one of her bartending jobs, she sees Arlette, who used to be her best friend who she secretly had a crush on there.
This brings back old memories and feelings for both women and all the questions about what happened to teir friendship. Arlette and Brooke begin spending time together realizing how much they missed their relationship and they both realize there is more there than friendship.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley Review:
The Hues of Me and You was a nice second-chance romance. I'm a big fan of that trope and The Hues didn't disappoint. 4 stars and I recommend this to anyone who likes second-chance romances!
4 ⭐️
I absolutely loved every second of this book. It made me both laugh and cry. Brooke and Arlette’s relationship grew so wonderfully over the course of this book, both of them learning what the other needed and how to heal from the past hurt.
Second chance romance is always a hit or miss with me but this was done perfectly. I never had a problem rooting for them as a couple and as individuals. I will absolutely be checking out more of Miller’s books after reading this one.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for a honest review*
This was an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed Arlette’s character development and the role Brooklyn played in it. You could tell that once Brooklyn reentered her life, Arlette felt unbeatable. When she finally stood up to her uncle I was having a “You go girl” moment. The author did a good job of developing the side characters and following a logical pace for those (e.g. Arlette’s dad). If there was one thing I would’ve changed it would’ve been the way Arlette and Brooklyn dealt with the past. I felt it was a big part in their story and as readers we should’ve been allowed to sit with those feelings a bit more.
DNF at 28%
I was given an ARC through netgalley. This book had a lot of promise, and I was excited for more sapphic romance, but I ended up struggling through it. I don't often DNF but I can't do it, I found the beginning of the book very boring and repetitive, especially with the way the two MCs felt about each other. They both spent so much time rehashing the past in their inner monologues and I just kept thinking "I've already read this, she's already said that, can they move on to plot now?"
I was hoping for angst/drama, maybe some stakes, but I got nothing. And I found Arlette really unlikeable for some reason, maybe that's just my own biases? I just didn't care about her side of anything because she was acting like she was heartbroken about their breakup, but it was her choice to do it??? And she seemed wishy washy with her feelings when reconnecting with Brooke. Like do you like her, or do you just wanna be friends with her again? While also staring at her boobs, because that's very important.
Anyway, I know some people will love it, but this is just not for me at all.
Brooke spent all of her college years in love with her roommate Arlette but at the end of the college they went their separate ways till a bartending gig brings both of them together again.
This was a really nice low angst second chance romance. I really liked how the two MCs connected with each other again, it was slow, bittersweet at times but still quite romantic. I did like the fact that there wasn’t a ton of drama and accusations and the mystery of why they broke up in the first place was compelling enough to keep the pages turning.
There something decidedly sexy when painting is involved and the two MCs with that particular scene really 🔥🔥 this book up. Along with being a second chance romance, this also is a coming of age / discovering what you want to do story and I thought all the supporting characters especially Arlette’s grandfather really contribute towards an interesting plot narrative.
This was a sweet gentle romance that I quite enjoyed reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ArC in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Hues of Me and You’ is a proper second chance love story that I couldn’t get enough of. Arlette has lived a whole life that her family expected her to live and now she feels trapped in a job and a relationship that feels empty. Brooke is living her life her way, but with dreams of pursuing her art she also works as a bartender; she has a plan and will not stop until she makes it happen.
The two women run into one another at a high end party but this is not their first encounter; the two were best friends at college but a lot has changed for both of them in the five years that have passed. I loved the chemistry between Arlette and Brooke and the way that they both evolve from their reunion and Miller writes the scars of unrequited love for two strong women so beautifully.
One thing that I always enjoy in a romance that I feel really takes it up a gear is a well written series of supporting characters. Arlette’s grandfather in particular really hit a poignant note when steering his grand daughter towards finding happiness for herself and not for others.’Hues’ had everything you could want in a great sapphic romance; heartache, self acceptance and very hot chemistry. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Interesting read with a family, friends and political focus. Arlette Adair, reluctant in the world of politics and looking to find a sense of self separate from her family. Brooke Dawson, bartender by night and freelance artist the rest of the time. Brooke and her mom have a wonderful relationship, so supportive. Brooke and Arlette met in college and became best friends and were moving toward more when Arlette without reason, left Brooke hurt and wondering what happened. There difference in family status was an issue that both Brooke and Arlette had to deal with. I appreciated the discussions and self-talk about the frustration with politics as shared by Arlette. I also enjoyed the vivid description of the Brooke's artwork. Made me want to see it in person.
This was a slow burn second chance romance that was quite enjoyable. The main characters Arlette and Brooke first met in college and were best friends who had slept together during the last month of their senior year. They met again 5 years later at a function at Alettes Grandpas home. This was a page turner, and I enjoyed the interactions between both the main characters. The secondary ones were likeable too. especially Grandpa Harry.
I would recommend 4.5 stars.
The Hues of Me and You follows former college roommates and best friends, Arlette and Brooke. At the end of their college careers, the girls have a falling out and stop speaking. Five years later, Arlette and Brooke reunite when Brooke is bartending a party thrown by Arlette’s family. This rekindles their friendship and sparks a romance between the two.
I really enjoyed both Arlette and Brooke as individual characters, as well as their relationship. The art and family aspects were particularly interesting and I especially loved Arlette’s relationship with her grandfather. Overall, this was a cute, easy read that was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. I will definitely be picking up more of Miller’s books in the future.