Hannah moves away from New York to work on her next book, but finds herself a bit distracted after walking into the local book shop and accidentally accepting a job. Now she has to deal with her secret pen name, her pressing deadline, and her crush on her new boss. With a beautifully described setting and steamy romance scenes, this makes a great summer romance read.

I really enjoyed this arc from NetGalley. Honestly the book was super cute and a nice change from the typical meet-lust-fight-bigdeclarationoflove patten that many romance stories tend to follow. The writing was easy to digest and enjoyable. The characters were easy to root for and adorably written. They actually communicate! My only complaint is that the dual POV got a bit confusing at times as I didn't find the two voices distinct enough.

Another excellent installment in the Sapphire Springs collection following George, our intrepid bookstore owner from Gal Pals.

Hannah Taylor is a fantasy author hiding behind a pen name, going through a brutal divorce and recovering from her problematic relationship with her ex-wife when she moves to Sapphire Springs NY. Her publish mails a crate of books to be signed at local bookstore/coffee shop, Novel Problems, where she meets George, the owner. A serious of misunderstandings result in Hannah working at Novel Problems - and taking a special interest in George, who doesn’t realize her favorite author is also her newest employee.

The truth does eventually come out and George takes it shockingly well (like, really I would have been way more upset about this revelation lol). A sweet romance develops between the two once George realizes this isn’t a sexual harassment suit waiting to happen

There was no third act break up, but rather the book was more focused on Hannah making personal strides on standing up for herself with her family, her ex and her publisher. While it was interesting, the romantic drama felt relatively low stakes which is fine.


Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!

It was a pleasant surprise to me that I had actually read another book by this author and was already introduced to the whole Sapphire Springs setting and crew! This book could definitely be read as a stand alone. I love the chemistry Elizabeth Tuly is able to cultivate between her love interests. It’s addictive. I almost read this entire book in one go, it was so sweet and humorous and spicy. Perfect mix. Agreeing with other comments that the open nature of their communication around their wants and needs (in and out of the bedroom) was super healthy and a breath of fresh air! I’d definitely recommend this one!

4.25 stars

Welcome back to Sapphire Springs! This was actually my gateway book into the series. It reads beautifully as a stand-alone if this plot reads more to your trope preferences over book #1.

One of my favorite parts of romance books are the imaginary or wonder-filled jobs these people have -- tech developer turned small cafe/bookstore owner? with a dog?? secret best-selling fantasy author? Jobs of dreams.

Watching their story unfold felt relatable in so many aspects, and can speak to a large variety of people out there. What brought my rating down was the length due to the repetition of specific character thoughts being read but not addressed. Specifically, the anxieties of keeping Hannah's identity secret, George's anxieties related to dating an employee, etc. Having anxiety, I understand that this is how it is in our brains -- constant reminders of these anxieties without addressing them or glossing over. However, for the sake of the book I felt that it could have done with a little less of this and still gotten the point across.

Finally, being from the Northern NJ area, I couldn't help but feel so ready to pack my bags, head northeast, and find any towns reminiscent of Sapphire Springs. These towns exist, and deserve the publicity! Books are based on real places! Go explore -- find your Sapphire Springs!!!

A giant thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to go back to book #1 and definitely can't wait to see if there will be a book #3!

This book was a joy to read. There’s nothing like a summer romance in a small town, and this story was no exception. Hannah and George meet after Hannah moves to Sapphire Springs from NYC. Her life has been turned upside down, but becoming friends with George turns things around. This story features LGBTQ characters as well as a character with a hearing disability. I loved that the author addressed hearing loss and shared tips after the end of the book for helping those who are hard of hearing.

I loved all the characters and the world so much. I seriously am obsessed with sapphire springs and want to go visit asap if I could. Luly did an amazing job with how they described everything I felt like I was right there along with the characters. While I loved Blake and Jenny, Personally I couldn’t get enough of George and Hannah. They’re so cute. You can feel the chemistry and attraction through the pages. I was instantly hooked. My favorite thing about George and Hannah are the constant reassurance and encouragement that they offer each other throughout the relationship. I laughed out loud so many times while reading these books and I can’t recommend them enough. Any books that Elizabeth Luly writes in the future best believe I’ll have them downloaded on my kindle release day. Please please go read this sapphic rom com.

Welcome back to Sapphire Springs! Extremely private author Hannah moves away from her disastrous life in New York planning to live a secluded life in small town Sapphire Springs. She didn’t count on the charming local book cafe owner though.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Escaping city life and a cheating ex, a new life in an adorable small town is just what Hannah needs. As a top selling fantasy author she is very strict in protecting her pen name and is notoriously introverted. Her publisher wants her to sign 841 books for an upcoming release and delivers the books to a local bookstore/cafe. When Hannah walks into Novel Gossip nervous about revealing her identity, she is immediately charmed by George, the owner. Struggling with her hearing Hannah misunderstands George and somehow ends up with a job as Novel Gossip’s new employee. As the days go on, it gets more difficult to reveal the true meaning why she came to the shop in the first place and get those damn books signed. All the while Hannah feels more and more attracted to George. This can only end in disaster, right?

George has been working relentlessly to make her business a success. With one of her employees out with the flu, she can’t believe het luck when Hannah shows up at Novel Gossip. This intriguing woman is a godsend and seems to be the perfect addition to her crew. Hannah is good with the customers and apparently loves books as much as she does. Atop of that, Hannah is gorgeous and kind, all things that appeal to George. She can’t be interested in her like that though, George is Hannah’s boss!

It was a pleasure returning to Sapphire Springs. The lovely town is a character in the story itself and it was great getting a glimpse into the lives of Blake and Jenny, the main characters of Book 1, Not Just Gal Pals.

Hannah starts the story very secretive about her true identity. She fails to reveal her pen name to George and omitting the truth is creating all kinds of problems. While lying by omission is still lying in my book, the way Luly writes about Hannah’s internal struggles, makes me like her right from the start. Hannah might not be handling things very well but it’s very relatable and understandable why she does what she does. The way her identity is finally revealed to George, is so funny! I loved how George dealt with it. She turns out to be truly authentic and kind, just the partner you would wish for, for Hannah.

While George has her own insecurities about relationships, she communicates very openly about them. It’s so refreshing to read that characters actually try to understand each other and deal with whatever comes their way together. Both characters grow throughout the story and especially Hannah finds her own strengths in a remarkable way, all the while being supported by George in the background.

While this book is a true low angst, small town romance, it’s actually very funny as well. There are a few hilarious situations Hannah and George find themselves in that made me laugh. It never felt forced, the story just flowed naturally.

This book is part of the Sapphire Springs series but both stories can be read as a standalone. If you like sweet romance with strong characters, this series should definitely be on your TBR!

This book was a fun and relaxing read! It was the perfect book to celebrate the start of summer.

A reclusive fantasy author moves to a small town in New York for a fresh start after her divorce. She accidentally ends up working in the town’s bookstore/café and falling for the store’s owner.

I appreciated that this book was a low angst read. There is some miscommunication/lack of communication, but the narrative really emphasized the importance of learning good communication skills. George and Hannah discuss their relationship insecurities, their parents, and what they each need to feel both supported and independent in their relationship. Reading that conversation was so refreshing!

The story is also sex positive (and the spicy scenes were fun to read)! The characters have conversations about consent and preferences. I loved how the author depicted the use of sex toys.

The main character has a hearing impairment, and I appreciated the disability representation.

Overall, the story is sweet and fun. I would recommend it!

As a side note, this is the second book in the series and can easily be read as a stand alone. I’m definitely adding the first book in the series to my TBR though!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

Highlights:
- summer time vibes
- sex positive & open communication
- lesbian MCs
- fantasy author x bookstore owner
- small town romance

Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Luly, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.25 stars

I love their love story. Their relationship is beautiful. The beginning of the book was kind of annoying when Hannah just wouldn’t speak her mind. But I understand that level of anxiety. It’s very close to my own so I started to understand Hannah as a character. George is such a strong and boss woman. Her cafe sounds incredible. I wish it was really. I do love a small town romance and for it to be a sapphic romance is a perfect summer read.

I highly recommend it!

Huge thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in the Sapphire Springs series but read wonderfully as a stand alone.
4 Stars!
A best selling fantasy author with a pen name and private identity moves to the small town of Sapphire Springs to escape NYC and all the problems that city holds for her. Here in Sapphire Springs she accidentally creates more problems for herself, some involving George who owns the local book store. Novel Problems takes place over the course of the summer where we follow along with Hannah diving headfirst into the small towns community events, employment at Novel Gossip, possibly the river, and maybe in love?
As an introvert, I related wholeheartedly to Hannah and almost everything she brought up as being a challenge for herself. Both characters' POV were very east to understand and see yourself in and it made the story that much more special.
I could not help but root for these two and I loved what a healthy relationship they had. They communicated so well which I feel can be lacking in other romance novels.
Last but absolutely not least, the setting in Sapphire Springs is something from my dreams! Not even halfway through this book I was ready to pack my bags and find a Sapphire Springs of my own.
The pace of the story felt a little off to me at times and some very minor problems the characters had were frustrating though I don't want to give spoilers so I won't share them. This could be a total binge read if you're looking for something pool side this summer that's fun and lighter without being totally mindless, like some can be. I look forward to jumping back to book 1 now!

ARC Review
Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly
Pub. Date: May 30, 2024 (Sorry I was late! 😭)

"Novel Problems" by Elizabeth Luly is a delightful read that takes you on a heartfelt journey to the charming town of Sapphire Springs. The protagonist, Hannah Taylor, is a best-selling fantasy author who relocates to this quaint town after a tough breakup and a severe case of writer’s block. In search of peace and inspiration, Hannah finds herself working at a local cafe-bookstore, Novel Gossip, owned by the ever-charismatic George O’Grady.

What drew me in most was how relatable the characters felt. Hannah’s anxiety and creative struggles were portrayed so authentically that I couldn’t help but empathize with her. George, with her unwavering dedication to her bookstore and her personal no-dating-employees rule, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Their evolving relationship is filled with humor, genuine support, and a touch of spice, making it easy to root for their happy ending.

The book’s charm lies in its balance of romance and deeper themes like mental health and personal growth. Watching Hannah and George navigate their personal issues and grow closer was both heartwarming and engaging. However, I did feel that the story’s pacing was uneven at times, and the prolonged miscommunications between the characters could get a bit frustrating.

Despite these minor hiccups, "Novel Problems" shines as a cozy, feel-good romance perfect for an uplifting read. The book’s charm and the relatable struggles of its characters make it a worthwhile pick.

⭐⭐⭐💫

Thank you to @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc for the opportunity to read and review this book. ☺️

#bookstagram #sapphicbooks #lgbtqreads #novelproblems #elizabethluly #netgalley

Although Novel Problems is the 2nd book in the Sapphire Springs Series, it works very well as a standalone read.
It follows the story of successful author Hannah, who moves to Sapphire Springs to seek a quieter life after her divorce, and who meets local café owner George (Georgina).Both characters are carrying baggage from their previous relationships.

Hannah finds herself working for George, and soon parks fly as they both give in to the mutual attraction developing. As with any new romance, there are ups and downs and the story captures these in a positive way. As the romance blossoms, so does the reader’s investment in the romance.

The author has developed a believable, and flowing story that draws the attention from the very first page and holds it firmly to the end. The writing style is clear and unambiguous, and the characters, be they main or support, add a level of depth and honesty to the story. Hannah has an issue with her hearing which the author has handled with delicacy and confidence. In doing so she raises awareness of the condition and adds value by integrating seamlessly ways that readers can support others with the condition.

Well done!

Sweet, warm and with the charm of small-town romance.
A successful author who hides behind her pseudonym meets a slightly stressed but extremely nice and attractive bookstore owner.
They like each other immediately and are attracted to each other, but Hannah decides to keep her true identity a secret for the time being…
Hannah is a successful author who has just moved to Sapphire Springs, because of a pretty difficult separation and divorce.
The whole thing is also intertwined with her career as a writer, which makes everything even more difficult.
She is introverted and doesn't want anyone to know that she is H.M. Stuart.
She is hurt and just needs a fresh start.
George is the owner of Novel Gossip, the small town's café-bookstore, and is extremely stressed because she desperately needs support and staff.
Her café-bookstore is doing well, but the long line causes people to turn around and leave. When Hannah shows up and sees the absolutely gorgeous but stressed George, she makes a somewhat unusual decision instead of telling the truth... and the confusion begins.
It's a light romance, but with some serious themes.
The rapprochement progresses slowly and get to know the MC’s better, while they get to know each other better over time. They support each other and ultimately let their feelings develop.
But there's still a small mountain to climb before that.
Funny, clumsy, a bit of drama and a realistic pace for Hannah and George and also for us readers.
It's a sequel to „Not Just Gal Pals“, but can be read as a standalone book.
If you liked that you’ll love this.
Thanks to the Author, Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows Hannah, a fantasy author that writes under a pen name, and George, the owner of a café-bookstore. Hannah moves to small town Sapphire Springs, where she visits George's bookstore to sign copies of her new release. However, she mishears George's question and ends up accidentally accepting a job. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction grows, but Hannah is finding it difficult to come clean about who she is, and George is finding it hard to stick to her no-dating-employees rule. Over the course of the summer, the two women have to overcome their struggles and rules to figure out if their love story is worth writing.

This book was so cute! I really enjoyed reading about Hannah and George's relationships with each other and with their careers. Hannah's anxiety was extremely relatable; her struggles with having difficult conversations was written so well. I loved that communication was such a big part of this book, and I loved how patient George was with Hannah's anxiety.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting a cute sapphic summer romance!! (The kayaking scene was so cute 🥰)

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read and review this book! 🤗

"Novel Problems" by Elizabeth Luly is a delightful sapphic summer romance that weaves together the charm of a reclusive fantasy author and the warmth of a cafe-bookstore owner. Ideal for a beach read, it offers a perfect blend of romance and heart.

Hannah Taylor, a best-selling fantasy writer with a secret pen name, retreats to Sapphire Springs, New York, to conquer writer's block following a tough breakup. Aiming for solitude to meet her deadline, she unexpectedly finds herself working at the local cafe-bookstore and catching the eye of her attractive new boss, George O’Grady.

George, the devoted owner of Novel Gossip, is dealing with a shortage of staff and considers Hannah’s sudden arrival a stroke of luck. However, her firm no-dating-employees policy adds complexity to their budding relationship. Over the summer, as they grow closer, they navigate their personal rules and past relationship issues, resulting in a sweet and captivating romance.

I loved how relatable Hannah was as an introvert managing anxiety, and George's charm was simply irresistible.

Their relationship felt wonderfully healthy and genuine—they truly understood, supported, and encouraged each other.

I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling throughout this heartwarming romance, which had just the right touch of spice.

"Novel Problems" is a delightful read that will have you cheering for Hannah and George as they create their own happy ending!

A big thank you to The Publisher West Brunswick Press, the author Elizabeth Luly, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah Taylor has some novel problems. The best-selling fantasy author, who writes under a secret pen name, is suffering from writer’s block after her long-term relationship collapses. With the deadline for her next novel fast approaching, Hannah flees Manhattan for Sapphire Springs, New York, planning to hide away until she finishes her book. But when she’s forced to visit the local cafe-bookstore, she accidentally finds herself with a new job and one very attractive new boss. Distractions she definitely doesn’t need with her looming deadline…or does she?

George O’Grady worked hard to turn Novel Gossip into the cafe-bookstore of her dreams, but staff shortages are putting the normally unflappable lesbian under pressure. Hannah’s appearance is a godsend. Although it would be easier if her new employee was less distractingly lovely, because George has a strict rule against dating employees.

This is the second book in the Sapphire Springs series, and it was nice to return there and see Jenny and Blake again! This second installment was just as fun as the first. I really like Hannah's personality (she is so much like me!), and it was a delight to watch her and George's relationship blossom. I really enjoyed this!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Hannah, after her divorce from Tania, just wants to retreat to a quiet country cabin and write. Especially as she has a urgent deadline.

George just wants to run her bookstore Cafe, and does NOT need added issues. Then she mistakes Hannah for a new staffer...

Good read! I liked Hannah and George, and they were interesting to get to know. The relationship progresses realistically, with enough drama that it keeps you reading. I was also pleased that there was no third act breakup...

This is a sequel to Not Just Gal Pals, but is readable as a stand alone book.

In Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly we meet wannabe recluse fantasy writer, Hannah who moves to Sapphire Springs to begin a new chapter (pun intended) of her life and George the outgoing and friendly owner of the local bookstore/cafe. A misunderstanding early on results in these two working together. Anyone who has read the author’s book Not Just Gal Pals will remember George but even those who haven’t will enjoy getting to know her and Hannah in this book.

I found the characters of this book to be very relatable, especially Hannah as she deals with major life changes and the anxieties that can go with those. The dialogue between Hannah and George was funny and honest and you can feel the chemistry between them as they keep finding themselves in comical and awkward situations.

The parts of the story where Hannah and George struggled to communicate I felt went on longer than necessary but when they do connect it more than makes up for any misunderstandings.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy low drama romances with some spice.

Thank you West Brunswick Press, the author, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This is the perfect summer romance! Luly has done it again - the characters in this book are effortlessly charming and their budding relationship is such a lovely one to watch unfold.

4.5 stars

A sweet low-stakes Sapphic romance with a dash of spice.

Starting over after her divorce, fantasy author Hannah moves to Sapphire Springs. She arranges to sign some books delivered to the local bookshop café Novel Gossip. When she goes to the café, she accidentally agrees to apply for a job and struggles to tell the owner George who she really is.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The couple from the first book are around, but little else is revealed from the first book.

I related a lot to anxious author Hannah, and I loved the way her and George's relationship developed. George also has a dog, which I adore, though he's not in as much as I hoped. This book has quite a bit of silly miscommunication but also makes a point of working on communication skills. Hannah is hard of hearing (and so is the author), and the way it's handled in the book is so considerate. Loved the therapy skills.

Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review! I'm looking forward to more in this series!