I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

How I read this book: eBook

So the reason I wanted to read this book is that it was described as LGBTQIA+ romance on Netgalley and I requested the book. I am so appreciative that I was able to get this book and read it before it officially comes out and I definitely will be buying this book in physical form when it does. Most of the book is really enjoyable and is just such an easy read. It was nice to see some queer representation which isn't just MLM or WLW specifically. As someone who's bi/ace I find it really difficult to find representation in books/movies and it just made me really happy to see it here. I did spend a couple days longer reading this book not because it was difficult to read but because it was so easy to just pick up when I had a couple of minutes spare! The chapters are mostly short so it's so easy to pick up where you left off! I also really enjoyed the chapters which were the characters sending messages to each other because it made the book feel more real. It was also great to see real life situations being handled very realistically as well and mostly not too overdramatized (although Ada does sometimes still have her moments). The only critique I have about the book is that there are two moments that involve drug use, and that put me off a little bit (not enough to stop me reading, but is worth noting if you're uncomfortable with reading that). I definitely would recommend this to anyone who just wants a nice little queer contemporary to read throughout the day!

My Favourite Characters:

- Mel: Mel is Ada's best friend and roommate and I absolutely adored her throughout the book. She very much tries to be Ada's moral compass but also lets her do her own thing with little judgment.

- Sadie: I loved Sadie from the very start. She very much matches Ada's energy and is so honest and communicative throughout the book.

- Hank: Hank is honestly such a sweetie and I wish we actually got more of him throughout the book but I enjoyed the time we did get with him.

My Least Favourite Characters:

- Stuart: I just didn't like him at all in the book. I understand that Ada can be a bit difficult sometimes throughout the book, but that did not excuse his behaviour. He was just so creepy and I really just hated him.

(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)

"Go Lightly" was just okay, lacking in the character development and growth I hoped to see, especially in Ada. It's suitable for those seeking a light read and don't mind unresolved storylines.

Very Sally-Rooney-esque, Go Lightly tells the story of Ada, a bisexual Australian actor caught in between two relationships. The book was hilarious at points - I really enjoyed the texting bits, but I was a bit frustrated that the focus was so squarely on Ada that there was only one instance of calling in her increasingly selfish behaviour. All in all, a really easy, funny read for those who enjoy books like Normal People. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

This book cover is stunning. I know there is two of them and I enjoy both of them.

The book was well written but the story and the characters in this book lacked depth. Even the romance I didn't feel the pull or the words bouncing off the pages. If I was to explain the book I would say monotone. I'm not saying throw in the drama but maybe find words that scream the description of desire.

It's not the best review but I will still look forward to what the author next writes to see if there is any difference in the dynamics of their stories.

Thank you to Netgalley for an arc of this book

This book was not what I had expected at all from the description or from the cover, The title is not one that makes sense to me now reading this book.

The main character; Ada, is very unlikable from the beginning with her making every moment about her along with the people around her seeming to do everything for her which I just found incredibly frustrating. I couldn't quite get a grasp on the point of Ada having both Sadie and Stuart as love interests and what this had to do with the story although with the ending I can't lie, I am not 100% sure on what the underlying story was to the book. I understood the point that was trying to be made in Ada was going through life unsure of herself and that due to this she was flayling with everything she tried but I didn't really feel like there was any resolution.

Ada is a 20-something Australian expat living in London, trying to break into the acting world. She hooks up with Perth-based Sadie on the last night of Edinburgh Fringe and somehow ends up with her as a houseguest for the coming months. Their connection is hot but not exactly romantic. But that's ok, because there's this sweet guy in Liverpool who saw Ada in her play and now thinks he's in love with her. She doesn't need to tell Sadie, who is leaving soon, does she?

This book all felt strikingly familiar to me as a queer, non-monogamous Australian who has been based out of London for the past 20 years. I feel like this was a beautifully observed story about what it feels like to live outside the norm where there's rarely a social script to follow. I usually don't like books that are told in part through transcripts of messaged conversations, but in this case, it actually amused me.

Well written but the characters and storyline was very jumpy.
There didn’t appear to be very much depth to Ada, (but rather than embrace her lack of depth, there was always something more that never materialised) she was fickle and flighty and just didn’t ingratiate herself to the audience or the other characters.
There were several non-starter storylines and some pointless narratives, the family history could have and should have been explored, Stuart was bizarre and I did wonder why is Ada bothering?
And the situation with her brother in law was also just weird.
Overall a well written confusing story of a mixed up girl who should know better.

Thanks, NetGalley, to the author and to the publisher for offering me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I might have some mini spoilers in my below review, so I would suggest skipping reading it.

I kind of enjoyed the book and had high expectations for this book, but at the same time, I thought it was a bit boring and with an unexpected ending.

It did not feel like there was something special about the book, and the way the story is made up where Ada is talking with the Liverpool guy, made me root for them two but of course, that did not happen. So I'm not sure if I would recommend this book unless the person reading my review enjoys just reading any book without going anywhere.

3.5 stars rounded up!

I liked this book a lot. I’m a sucker for a female main character who is a bit of a train wreck with complicated relationships, which is why i requested the ARC. I do have to agree with other reviewers, it was a little bit meh at times, but I felt like the listlessness was intentional, mirroring Ada’s own. It may not be for everyone, but “Go Lightly” definitely worked for me!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"Go Lightly" by Brydie Lee-Kennedy is a luminous and soul-stirring novel that delicately navigates the complexities of love and loss. Lee-Kennedy's writing is poignant and evocative, weaving a tale that explores the fragile beauty of human relationships. With a narrative that unfolds gently and intimately, this book is a touching reminder of the indomitable nature of the human spirit and the healing power of connection. A profoundly moving read.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Spoilers are included in my review. TLDR: a realistic representation of life today, with good bi rep! She was never called greedy!!!!!

This book primarily follows Ada navigating life and desperately wanting to be loved. Cheap Trick's "I want you to want me" should be the soundtrack of the book, and she'd probably enjoy 'John tucker must die'. I related to her, hard. Cringing along at some decisions but getting why she did it, because I've been there. I feel so VINDICATED for hating Stuart the entire time but I do wish we had a little bit of closure there - why did he just suddenly ghost??? I also wish this happened a little earlier so we had a little longer to enjoy Ada and Sadie together at the end, but overall it was real (and cute). All the characters felt pretty realistic. I want to punch Stuart in the face. I appreciated the use of gender neutral language (eg nibling), and how overall it felt like an honest account of relationships today (I don't know if it'll become dated in say ten years maybe?). I did enjoy this book, but it didn't quite spark the full 5 star feeling for me, but to be honest I don't think I could articulate why? Maybe because it reflected stuff I don't like.... Okay, thinking about this a bit more, I'll give it 5 because I am SELF AWARE now apparently. Maybe a 4.8 because I wanted more fluff at the end. I also found the layout of the texts with the times in the middle a bit odd? It wasn't the worst layout and didn't ruin anything but it felt weird.

I am very sorry I wanted to like this book it could have been great but I just couldn't connect to it I found the start very rushed and I didn't really understand the characters and felt like we weren't introduced to them it was very rushed at the start and I was confused about their relation to the FMC were. I thought her and Ada were dating, but then Sadie came along and I was like, where did she come from. Then Stuart, I had no idea is he her best friend, boyfriend, ex, online stalker. I don't know.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this e-arc!

*semi-spoilery review below!*

Go Lightly had a lot of promise, with the sort of set-up that I usually enjoy, being a fan of Sally Rooney, Jenny Mustard and their particular sad girl subgenre. There were some bright and authentic moments in this story that I really enjoyed, and some pieces of lovely prose. I liked the depictions of food (can Ada cook for me, please?). However, this book did feel a little rough-cut and meandering, which is true of a lot of 'no plot, just vibes' books, but I really wanted Ada to find a little more resolution and development than she did.

I found Stuart to be so whiny and unlikeable, which was probably sort of the point, but it meant I really struggled thorugh the parts of the book that were more centered on him. I liked Sadie, but I found that her character (like all the characters) felt a little underdeveloped. Actually the part I liked the most was the section that Ada was with her family, her dynamic with her sister Gabby being by far the most interesting in the book — but again, this was underdeveloped — a book that focused more on this dynamic would have been great.

That said, I didn't mind the ending and how it felt a little more hopeful, but would have liked to see something a little more concrete around what the ending hinted at (Sadie, Australia, being back with her family, etc)

There are no words for this book for me. I struggled through reading it and if it hadn’t of been an ARC I don’t think I’d of finished it.

Obviously I can appreciate that some people may love this book but ultimately, it wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style… it was a lot of Ada did this then Ada did that and then Sadie said this so Ada said that. The only parts I did enjoy were the chapters with the messages.

I’m not even certain I understand what happened at the end. I’m not being dense I don’t think, I just couldn’t tell you what happened…

Also, I hate Stuart, he’s so annoying.

I can appreciate the journey that the book takes Ada on, where she’s trying to find herself and find who she is as a person by herself and with others. But other than that it just wasn’t for me.

Sadly, this is a very non-descript book. You read it, it ends, the end. As a quick summer read, it might be for certain readers, but it left me feeling nothing and not thinking about it once after putting it down.

For me, I think this is a book where the description of it is better than the book itself.

I think a lot of people probably will enjoy it but I really struggled to get into it, mainly I think due to the characters. They felt very flat to me and I didn't really buy Ada's relationships with either Sadie or Stewart: there was really little depth or development to the characters so I struggled to really care what happened.

I really wanted to like it more and I kept thinking something was going to happen that would make it better and unfortunately it just didn't happen for me.

This was an interesting take to a triangle romance! The exploration on how we act differently when we are with different people was an intriguing concept too.

I'm sure some people will enjoy this book, the premise sounded intriguing but for me the book failed to deliver on what it sold. I loved the idea of a book exploring the different people we are around others as I do find humans are changeable depending on the people live with, hangout with and date. I began with big hopes but these were dashed by the first chapter. I finished the book to give it a fair shot, but it didn't win me over.

I thought the characters where a little 2-dimensional and I struggled to engage with them. I really disliked Ada from the get go, her insulting opinion of Edinburgh probably struck us off on the wrong foot and she never really seemed to get back on the right track with me again. I found her immature, whingy and fake. I did warm a little better to Sadie and Stuart, but still felt they lacked spark.

This was 2 star read from me.

I would give this book 3 stars. I was excited by the synopsis but just didn't connect with the book. I can recognise the writing was good but I think I had high expectations and was underwhelmed. I wanted more of a resolution which i know doesnt happen in life but felt like something was missing. This would not put me off more from Brydie. Each story an author gives can sit differently with me.

I don't post on my socials about books 3 stars or less as I don't think its fair. I know 3 stars is seen as negative rather than what I felt it was which is average

Thank you to Brydie Lee-Kennedy, Bloomsbury Publishing & Net Galley for this ARC.

This was wonderful and very relatable! Stewart gave me 'the ick! I especially loved all the female friendships. Just a lovely, fun read.