This was my first book by this author and it started strong. I enjoyed the writing style and sense of humor. However after a few chapters the author started to lose me because of all the computer info and technical jargon. I tried to get back into it but just felt no emotional connection to the characters, which is a shame because there was real potential. Would try her writing again but I was unable to finish this one.

Pony Dakota was my first read by Nat Burns. I liked the title and found the rural Irish cultural insight interesting. I enjoyed Pony's large, dynamic, and supportive family. Their interactions were heartwarming.
I liked that the mains were intelligent and tech-savvy. I got a little bogged down with the random information that Bebe always shared. I can see why, as that was a large part of Bebe's personality, and we were supposed to get to know her better.
The stakes were supposed to be high regarding Pony using a different name and her abusive ex, but I never really felt suspense or a sense of urgency. I also never really felt like I got to know Bebe and Pony on more than a surface level. The chemistry between the two was minimal. I enjoyed some of the sweet talk they shared and how kind and gentle they were to one another. A reasonable amount of time passed while Bebe and Pony got to know one another, but somehow, I never believed them as a couple in love.
I liked seeing both women experience personal growth.
The big confrontation with the ex was a bit anti-climactic.
The story should have been a quick read, but it was sometimes slow.
The writing was clean and well-edited.
I am giving it 3 stars because I liked it, but I was somewhat underwhelmed. I am open to reading more by this author.
#workplaceromance #abusiveex #techie #medicalpublications #editor #Virginia #NewMexico #Irishculture #ruralculture #booknerd #oppositesattract #slowburn #minimalspice #ginger #HEA

Pony Dakota was forced to relocate and change her name to escape her abusive ex, Donna. She adopted the name Emma and secured a job in New Mexico. Emma, who specialized in computers, was employed by a publishing company. It was there that Emma encountered Bebe, and thus the story unfolds. This delightful love tale chronicles how Emma and Bebe discover themselves. The dynamics between the characters are engaging as they both learn to love and trust one another. I recommend this book to fans of romance.

This is a story about Pony Dakota who is a computer genius. Dakota was raised in rural Virginia and moved to Albuquerque, NM to work at a college. She’s forced to leave her job there and change her identity due to her ex Donna. Donna has physically and emotionally abused Pony and Pony finally finds the strength to end the relationship and hide from her.

Barbara “Bebe” Simmons is a 40 year old editor of Medical and Scientific journals. Bebe is intensely curious and has a terrific memory for trivia and historical facts. Pony gets a new job at Bebe’s company. Both women have an instant attraction to each other but neither acts on it. They become close friends over a few months. Then Donna finds Pony and Bebe helps her go back home to Virginia.

This is my first book by Nat Burns and I throughly enjoyed it. The beginning was especially interesting to me with all the publishing and programming details. Both characters were well developed and we got to read both points of view.. Burns did a good job describing the beauty of the Virginia countryside. And the Scots Irish families that settled this area.

Thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

i really liked this book. It was fun and happy. Not sure why i felt that since the story was Emma having a hard time and having to adjust and lay low.
I liked both main characters but felt Bebe should have been more forthcoming and not have Emma/Pony wait and fret. Good book, good writing, and would be a great summer read. I do like the author's other books too.

I received a free copy from Net Galley for an unbiased opinion.

**Spoiler Warning**

Oh golly this was one strange book. I was so excited for this as I really enjoy reading sapphic romances with older characters and the 'on the run' from the abusive ex plot promised to add a nice dose of drama. But this was certainly not what I expected, mostly because basically nothing happens.

The first 37% of the book is just our main character Emma/Pony working her new office job, and getting to know the love interest Bebe, but also there isn't really much getting to know her because they basically only ever talk about work, Ralph (their creepy co-worker) or Bebe spitting our random facts about random topics because she doesn't know how to socialise. It's at the 37% mark that Emma/Pony's abusive ex rears her head via a call to her workplace and then one to her personal phone. The phone call to her work causes her boss to find out that her real name isn't Emma but Pony and that while her qualifications are real she's been using a fake identity. She loses her job and then decides she needs to get out of the city to escape her ex.

For some reason Bebe offers to go with her (I guess they're sort of friends by this point) but instead of going on the run, they just go to Pony's family's place in another state (would this not be the first place her ex looks??). The next chunk is just them chilling at her family's house, where we find out her parents must be regular LSD users because her mum 'Foxy', named her children 'Pony' 'Bear' and 'Cougar' - like wtf lmao. As soon as the text switched from using Emma to Pony it honestly became so painful to read but then add ion her family names and what the hell is going on. While here Pony and Bebe also share their first kiss. At no point does this ex-make any sort of contact, they then just go back to the city (why did they even leave to begin with if they were only gonna stay gone five seconds?).

As they return to Pony's place the ex is there, they have a minor altercation but then it's all miraculously sorted and they all live happily ever after.

Unfortunately, the lack of plot wasn't my only issue, the dialogue was weird and unnatural, particularly for two women in their late 30s/ early 40s. Sometimes they read like teenagers and sometimes they read like 80 years old. There was also no real romantic chemistry between them.

Really sad I couldn't love this one but it really just wasn't for me, thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

When red-headed tech genius Emma Vernon lands a trouble-shooting job at The Workflow Editorial Initiative, she has to share an office with quiet senior editor Barbara Simmons. Emma finds herself fascinated by the scholarly and reserved woman nicknamed Bebe, and they soon find common ground during long lunches and lively discussions that bridge their two worlds.

When Bebe steps in to protect Emma from an abusive ex, the pair make a hasty retreat to the sanctuary of Emma’s family home in the Virginia countryside. Bebe, accustomed to solitude and the company of books, suddenly finds herself surrounded by a lively ensemble of family members, pets, and the constant buzz of fun-filled and often chaotic activity. And of course, Emma. Especially Emma.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I love the slow burn. Great chemistry between the characters! Some of the language choices (women in their 30s and 40s talking like my grandparents!) felt a little strange, but besides that, this was an enjoyable read!

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

Emma Vernon, that’s who people called when they were having problems with their companies IT department and she has a reputation for fixing whatever glitch took them off line to begin with. She recently landed a job with the ‘Workflow Editorial Initiative’ and when she first arrived she was given an office to share with Barbara (Bebe) Simmons. Emma wasn’t very forthright when it came to sharing her personal life with anyone. She had her reasons.
Bebe isn’t very sociable but after working with Emma she found herself putting herself out there just to hang around Emma. Emma liked Bebe from the first so she too was very interested in Bebe. Liking each other it didn’t seem appropriate to start spending time together. Maybe outside of the office, they could see where their friendship led them to.
Ms Burns has put together a very nice read, using characters both main and supporting cast that helped make this a very nice indeed.
ARC via NetGalley/B

Nat Burns' "Pony Dakota" is a slow-burning, workplace romance that deviates greatly from the clichés I've encountered. The author did a good job of introducing the reader to the personalities and characteristics of the primary characters before beginning to craft a distinctive tale. Emma, who has fiery hair, is matched with editor Bebe, who seems stodgy. Naturally, though, Emma is more complex than meets the eye. It turns out that Bebe is an extremely intelligent introvert who enjoys sharing interesting anecdotes during chats. All in all, this is a really sophisticated love story. The attraction between the two is palpable. It's a given that they will get together, the only question is when.

This is a slow burn romance with great main characters. There were quite a few fun facts learned from this story. A powerful story. I loved how quirky and loving Dakota family was.

Thank you, Bella Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

it was all going to be ok....emma was starting new job today...... it had to be ok....she had a new place to stay a new workplace and a new name...surely she would be safe this time.....

her new office she was sharing with bebe..... a nickname short for barbara.... she seemed nice

but still emma couldnt relax.... she couldnt let down her guard...

bebe and emma started to lunch together, bebe was very much a loner but she was fascinating to emma... bebe would always know facts she was a walking library on facts

and then emma ex found her..... and it all hit the fan....

this one covers quite a bit about domestic abuse and work related issues but its the story between emma aka pony and bebe that draws you in.... oh and ponys remarkable family.... not a bad read either way

A cute slow burn office romance with A LOT of random facts. The characters were well written and well liked.

This book sees "Emma" and Bebe brought together aa friends / colleagues then Bebe finds out Emma is really Pony Dakota and is escaping an abusive relationship. This book has a lot of powerful emotions in it and also quite a few laughs. Thank you for advanced copy.

An unusual title for an unusual novel.
There is quite a bit of tech stuff at the start and I just let it wash over me. I loved however all the facts I was told, well as I eavesdropped dropped on the mains conversations.
I didn’t quite get why the other main went on the trip, and the work baddy was a bit over bad. By about 80% I was enjoying the random facts less. They weren’t part of conversation, possibly to show the way one mains mind worked, but it didn’t work for me. I just never gelled with this book. It’s not that it’s a bad book, it’s just not a good fit for me. I didn’t get the mains, well I did initially but then, apart from time passing on paper, it seemed a bit insta. Then the ex was out the picture till the eleventh hour, then she was dispatched in seconds. 3 because, as I said, it didn’t fit me but may fit others.

A story that should come with an explicit trigger warning that isn't just a dedication.

I tried to enjoy this, I really did, but it just didn't gel with me and that's really unfortunate.
It was a bit slow, too wordy in some places, and I couldn't connect with Bebe like I expected.
Quite sad as I was looking forward to it, and it's definitely the type of book I would've devoured.

I'd recommend giving it a go, but don't expect too much from it.

This was a quirky mix. The story starts off with Emma (Pony) Dakota beginning as a new computer troubleshooter under an alias name. She has more than the right skills and credentials but wants to hide from her abusive ex who wants her back. At work she meets Barbara (Bebe) who is an editor and walking encyclopedia of knowledge. They share an office space and lunches together forming a friendship bond. Just when I think I’m getting a workplace romance. Things happen and Bebe offers to take a vacation and drive Dakota cross country to visit her Irish family in the hills of Virginia.

For me it was like stepping into an episode of Schmigadoon (an Apple TV series). The family is folksy with a capital “F”. Everyone has nicknames and there is food, dancing and heartwarming heaven. But it felt like a big shift going from Albuquerque where there is abuse and a misogynistic office manager. The writing style was flowery and not a great fit for me. I was perplexed that the MCs are in their 30s but often use words that make me think they are twice as old. It distracted me from the story. I was baffled that Adam’s nickname would be used in a professional office setting.

The basic story is low angst, and fine. And I liked the ending reveal. But I really didn’t connect to the romance and many things in the writing distracted me from just enjoying the flow of the story.

At first I thought it might actually be a pony. Well, I was wrong!
The story shows Barbara "Bebe" Simmons in her well-oiled everyday life, in which she feels very comfortable and prefers to keep social contact to an absolute minimum.
Everything works perfectly and sometimes it just can't be avoided, but everything is familiar and routine.
In this safe and apparently somewhat grey world, the absolute splash of colour appears!
Her name is Emma Vernon and she has wonderful, thick red hair. The freckles are a complete distraction, not to mention the figure of this beautiful woman.
Who is now Bebe's colleague and therefore best kept off limits. And anyway, who knows whether she is Sappho's child, but that doesn't stop Bebe from being fascinated by the nice, sweet and so beautiful Emma.
But everything changes and the trust that had just been gained begins to falter.
I don't want to say more.
The story is not full of action. It's more of a warm and gentle way of dealing with things, even the more drastic decisions.
Many of the characters are just wonderful and warm. You just want to go straight to Virginia to the Dakota clan!
The Irish pronunciation is amusing and sometimes a little difficult for me to read, but still understandable because a lot of things are explained!
I thought that was a great read!
If you like a slow-burn romance with a gentle approach in novels, you'll love this one.

I found elements of this book very strange. The characters were in their 30s and 40s but the way they spoke and acted seemed almost like they were in their 60s or 70s. As well, though the book takes place in Albuquerque and Virginia, it feels almost like it's more set in the English countryside. Also, I couldn't comprehend why everyone was so excited about barcodes acting like they'd never heard of such a radical new thing. Aside from some of these things, I actually quite liked the book. I loved seeing Pony and Bebe interact and getting to know one another. I wasn't a huge fan of the instant love factor they seemed to have, but the book let their relationship progress enough before getting them together for me to be okay with it. I also really liked Pony's big Irish family, they were a lot of fun. Overall, I'd give this one a solid 3.7/4 rounded up.

Scholarly editor Barbara 'Bebe' Simmons finds herself having to share a offi e with the new programmer trouble shooter, Emma Vernon.

They soon become fast friends, but Emma is keeping a secret that may end things between them before they begin.

First off, I felt the bit explaining the Emma and Donna situation felt awkward and infodumpy. I'm surprised the editor didn't step in there.

Overall decently written, though for a romance it was very low on sex scenes. I also felt the resolution both to the Donna situation and other things was a bit abrupt.

3 stars out of 5. It's decent, but I wouldn't strongly recommend it.

Running away from an abusive relationship is hard but what if you had a soft place to land? Trigger warning: escaping from a mentally and physically abusive relationship is a big part of this story.

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

Bebe likes her solitary life and her job as a medical journal editor. She loves the solitude of her office. Imagine how she feels when she is forced to share her space with a new hire. This supposedly new computer whizz must be some gen z hipster, the horror. Bebe couldn’t be more surprised when the desk across from hers is occupied by a beautiful redheaded woman. A woman that is intriguing and charming and that is obviously very, very good at her job.

Emma Vernon is nervous about her new job. Taking on a false identity she works hard to escape a horrific abusive relationship. She desperately wants to stay out of Donna’s clutches once and for all. Emma hates that she has to do so by hiding her true self. Luckily her new office mate is wonderful. The more she hangs out with wickedly intelligent Bebe, the more Emma is drawn to her. Everything goes to hell when Donna finds her and Emma’s true identity is revealed. As Pony Dakota she knows she can’t stay and endanger her new colleagues. But then there’s Bebe, the woman Pony, as Emmy, has fallen steadily and deeply in love with. Surely she can’t have the best of both worlds?

This story just didn’t grab me like I thought it would. While the premise is intriguing, I didn’t fully connect with the characters. Bebe is clearly a walking encyclopedia and keeps spouting information about everything. It got tiresome for me. I did like her fierceness in protecting Emma/Pony and the way she didn’t let her growing feelings for this woman scare her back into a solitary life.

Emma/Pony is trying to escape to freedom by leaving a very abusive partner and changing her identity to do so. I thought it was odd that she chose to stay in the same city when her situation is so dire though. I did like Pony’s large and boisterous Irish family. The love they have for each other jumps off the page.

Pony and Bebe finally confess their true feelings for each other, but I never really got their chemistry besides their intelligent banter. Even the intimacy they share is mostly just partially mentioned.

As I’ve said, the premise of this story is good, it just wasn’t for me.