Summary:
The book begins when Erin Bennett has a one-night stand with a gorgeous blond at an off-campus bar while visiting her daughter, Parker, for Family Weekend. Erin is shocked when Parker brings Cassie (aka the gorgeous blond) to their breakfast the next morning. She is further mortified to learn she slept with not only a college senior, but one of her daughters’ best friends.

Despite their best intentions, these two cannot keep their hands off each other. They continue to be thrown together, time and time again. They both feel increasingly guilty for hiding their hook ups from Parker, but they can’t deny the strong pull they feel towards one another. Erin and Cassie must decide if coming clean to Parker is worth the risk of losing it all?

My thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book when I learned of the premise; a MILF book, sign me up! This book is beyond sexy and these two are so desperate for each other; the tension and sexual chemistry was undeniable. The steam was interspersed with cute and tender moments where you could feel their relationship evolving (even if they didn’t know).

Going into this book, the reader can assume the major conflict will be Parker finding out about her mom and Cassie. But it didn’t unfold the way I anticipated; I was really impressed by how it was handled.

At times, I found Parker frustrating and felt she was unfair to Erin about her divorce. I am happy to say by the end of the book she really matured. I am glad that Erin pushed herself to confide in Parker about her reasons for the divorce; I think that was a major turning point in their relationship.

I really liked Erin and Cassie together. Cassie was such an interesting character; bold, highly independent, extremely intelligent, determined but also loves to have a good time. She is studying engineering and highly motivated to get into an impressive grad school. Erin is sweet, considerate, responsible, and routine oriented. They balance each other out well.

These two were completely oblivious to how their relationship was growing into something real. It was insta-lust to “we are just hooking up” to secret lovers. It took so long for them to admit their feelings and at times, I was frustrated they weren’t being vulnerable. But it did make sense to the story line since they were trying so hard to not want each other due to the forbidden nature of their relationship.

Overall, such a great read and I will definitely be picking up a hard copy!

Mistakes Were Made was sexy, fresh, and addicting!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and Net Galley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*I will provide a link when I share to my Instagram account. Goodreads was added today!

By far the best WLW book I have read thus far. The characters are charming and witty, never failing to be amusing. I caught myself squealing at this book on multiple occasions because I was so excited to see what happened next. This fun and flirty story will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end.

This books was super cute! Nothing like a hooked up with my best friends mom story to spice up life. I loved this and it felt unique, something that isn’t done much in romance.

There were things I loved and things I didn’t love. I loved the closeness of Cassie, Parker and Acacia, found family is my favorite. And man the charades scene had me dying FICK DRESS!!! Jesus! And honestly I just loved the relationship between Cassie and Erin, it was sweet and so cute to watch them both fight feelings.

There was a lot I wasn’t a fan of too. I didn’t like how this book was written. The writing was great and easy to read however, the chapters were titled with either Erin or Cassie depending on who we were following, yet still used their names instead of being written in first person. I think the story would truly have benefited from being written in first person for whoever’s chapter it was. I also feel like it was unnecessary to make EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER queer, the story didn’t really benefit from that and some variety would have been fun. Jesus and using words like cunnilingus was just cringey.

This book was fun though for sure, and the smut was top tier!

Dear god. Where does one even start with this book?? Whatever lesbian god was looking down on me and didn’t make me suffer until October to read this…. I owe you my life.

This book totally lived up to my expectations but also had some pitfalls. My first time through, I was so excited that I didn’t really even process what I was reading, so this review is more based on my second time through (when I wasn’t speed reading or drooling over Erin).

Cassie and Erin meet in a bar during parents weekend, only to find out after hooking up that Erin is Cassie’s friend’s mom 🤦🏻 Cassie and Erin have a really cute, caring and electric relationship. There were a few things that made it hard for me to really buy into their relationship.

1. The emphasis on Erin’s daughter, Parker, being Cassie’s “best friend”. I think if they were just normal friends or it wasn’t constantly mentioned, it would feel a little less icky.
2. Erin and her constant need for Parker’s approval and making sure Parker wasn’t mad at her. Their mother/daughter bonds seems too close for Erin to be sleeping with her best friend after she found out who she was
3. Cassie only being 21/22. This is a tough one because based on what we learn from Cassie’s childhood, at her age she really might be more mature than more 21 years olds, but I have a hard time with age gaps when the younger love interest is younger than 24.

I also had some issues with the pacing. BUT, other than that… the romance is HOT and spice is SPICY. Cassie and Erin really seem to balance each other well and I’m happy Erin got her happy ending.

Big thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Meryl Wilsner has done it again! I just love the way she writes romances with characters that have an age gap. This one is about Cassie, a 21 year old college senior who meets a woman named Erin at a bar who turns out to be her friend's mom. I liked how the author built tension with having Parker, Erin's daughter, inviting Cassie to stay at her place for two weeks during the winter break. And while, yes, they probably should have not done what they did - or at least told Parker about it - I could understand why they did it. The romance never felt forced and I did feel the chemistry between the two characters. I also liked Cassie and Parker's friendship with Acacia, Parker's roommate and Cassie's best friend from childhood. I thought she was a good friend to both Cassie and Parker and loved the scenes that all three friends were together in. Overall, I would recommend this book.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Mistakes Were Made" is a fun, sexy romance about a college student who sleeps with her best friend's mother and they develop a romance. I enjoyed Cassie and Erin's relationship, they were both fleshed out characters with a lot of depth. I appreciated the growth both characters went through by themselves and with their relationships. While I do like forbidden romances, Erin didn't always treat her daughter/Cassie's friend the best while they were trying to avoid being caught which was a put off for me, but all that was mostly resolved by the end.

Holy where-is-my-water-bottle spiciness batman! Wilsner was not messing around with this one.

Age-gap is not usually my go-to in the romance world; mostly I feel that heteronormative romances with this trope are written in a very cringe fashion. It's a fine line between "this is kind of hot" and "this is kind of pedo". But I had heard such great things about Mistakes Were Made that I had to give it a chance. And I was NOT disappointed.

What I loved the most was how Wilsner took the traditional age-gap trope and sort of flipped it on its axis. Not only do you have a f/f dynamic, but I loved that the younger of the two was the one with more confidence in a lot of ways. She wasn't just some demure child who was led astray by a rich man. Also, we didn't have the billionaire trope, which was refreshing. And I loved the dynamics of Cassie trying to figure out her career and next moves in life paired with a very stable career woman in her counterpart.

While the steam was steamy indeed, I was so into their "not dating" dating. The Facetime cooking. The texting. Ugh, just swoony.

The ending was what I was most worried about. How was this going to pan out for our two leading ladies? I actually loved that Parker was just like.. okay about it all. Loved that she worked through it and was mature enough to want two people she loved to be happy together. For someone who isn't a fan of the third-act breakup, I enjoyed the way the "conflict" was presented and the resolution.

Never a fan of an epilogue, could've done without it, but I know you romance honeys are going to swoon over it so I digress.

I really wanted to like this book, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. I didn’t buy the “chemistry” Erin and Cassie claimed to have. I also thought Erin acted incredibly immature for a 38 year old, alternating between kissing Cassie one minute & yelling at her the next. Grow up, Erin. Ultimately, the whole thing just fell flat. Lots of rave reviews though, so I’m in the minority on this one!

Check this out if you like steam 🔥 & instalove.

(3.5) This book gets off to a hot start — literally — and never really slows down from there. It’s sexy, it’s flirty, it’s fun, and I love how Meryl Wilsner took a common trope — age-gap romance — and turned it on its head in a thoroughly enjoyable way.

There’s a lot to like here. First of all, I loved Wilsner’s writing style. It’s approachable and comfortable and energetic, and none of their dialogue sounds remotely robot-y. In fact, the dialogue in this book is perfect — the banter between the two main characters, Cassie and Erin, is fun and funny and had me swooning and giggling. Cassie and Erin as a whole were also great. They’re strong and secure individuals who Wilsner really understood and developed wonderfully. The characters’ motivations always ring true — even when they’re making questionable choices. They grow into enhanced versions of themselves through their interactions with each other, which I always adore. Wilsner also really explored how and why the two women work together, and the depictions of their intimacy is balanced and heartfelt.

I think I would have liked this book a whole heck of a lot more if Cassie was maybe a year or two older. I don’t mind age-gap romances, but the college student–successful doctor aspect made these characters feel like they were at very different points in their life. I remember being a college senior, and while I felt like I definitely had my head screwed on straight and had everything figured out in life, looking back I can confidently say I most definitely did not. Cassie can come across as immature, which is par for the course when you’re 22-ish but doesn’t necessarily make for a fun read when the other love interest is close to 40. To get at the forbidden relationship, I totally understand why Cassie had to be friends with Erin’s daughter, Parker. But Parker is a freshman. When I was a freshman, the senior girls in my sorority were way too cool for me and had me slightly intimidated. They all had their lives together and were applying for jobs and going wine tasting — and I was still swapping majors daily and taking shots of god-awful birthday cake–flavored vodka. As much as I loved the depictions of female friendship (let’s be honest, Acacia is the MVP), I just couldn’t quite get that idea out of my head.

The pacing in the second half nearly ruined everything for me — I found I could go obsess over the yellow leaves on my plants or scour Depop for the perfect statement blouse without really missing much of anything or feeling the need to pick the book back up. After a strong start, the second part just hit a massive lull. That might be because of all the sex scenes? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sex scene. But these felt like they were just put in the book to make it spicy and didn’t really move the plot or character development along. Luckily, the third act reeled me back in, and I really enjoyed the ending when everyone knows everything (I got a good chuckle out of Parker finding out) and everything is out in the open.

I’ll definitely reread this book, I might just pretend Cassie is in graduate school when I do.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for proving me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this! Here's everything I loved about it: fully fleshed out female friendships for both leads, incredibly hot sex scenes, a woman approaching 40 and making choices that make her happy even when it's messy, even when other people don't like it, even when she's spent her whole life being what she thought other people needed her to be, did I mention incredibly hot sex scenes, humor, people going to therapy, found family, women just casually being geniuses, and bisexual representation!

I think, realistically, the resolution is a little too easy. On the one hand, I'd like a more authentic look at the damage this relationship would genuinely cause and the difficulty Cassie and Erin would have in repairing said damage. But maybe these characters are better, more forgiving people than I am? On the other hand, the world is such a tough place and we all need HEAs that are easier to obtain. So if you're looking for some heat and love and laughs with stakes that will make you feel but not drown you in angst, read this right now.

Unfortunately, DNF at 43%. I wanted to like this book. I really did. This is a FF age gap taboo romance that had all the makings of a delightful, spicy, palate cleansing romp. Instead, it put a new trope on my must-avoid list.

Erin and Cassie, our taboo lovers, meet at a bar one night and have an explosive backseat rendezvous, oblivious to the fact that Cassie is Erin's college-age daughter's best friend. And Erin's daughter is not the cliche terrible, secret hatred, actually an awful person best friend. She's a GOOD friend, and - from the pages I read - a good person, too. And there is obvious tension between Erin and her daughter in the beginning, with Erin determined to patch things up and have a relationship with her kid.

I couldn't get past it. What a shitty mom. What a shitty "friend." I sincerely hope this book ended with them breaking up and the daughter/bestie cutting them both off.

The writing was fairly good. I would have enjoyed how the relationship played out if the taboo had involved someone the reader isn't supposed to like (maybe an ex or the class bully or something). But Best Friend's Parent is now on my no-no list.

This one didn't live up to the hype for me. We desperately need more sapphic romance, but this was mediocre at best.

sapphic forbidden romance? just incredible. this book was such a enjoyable read. erin & cassie were amazing!! I laughed so much & oh my goodness the spice was so steamy. overall, will be recommending this book to everyone...

Usually age gap romance is not my favorite. But I am a sucker for forbidden romance. And this book did both of these tropes well. If you love a sapphic romance, strong female friendships, and of course a happy ending; this book is a great choice. It’s cute, hot and spicy, endearing, and very easy to read. I flew through this book. Highly recommend

Cassie and Erin were never supposed to see one another again. Cassie was looking for a night away, while Erin was soothing her sorrows. One night in a cheap bar followed by mind-blowing car sex should have been enough for them both. So, imagine their surprise when it turns out that Cassie is Erin's daughter's best friend. Cassie and Erin navigate life, love, and everything in-between while trying not to implode their lives.

Okay, so, I'm going to give this novel a rating of 3.5 stars.
Here's the thing, I almost DNF'ed this book so many times. Though I actually really don't mind the older/younger trope, I really struggled with the complexity of their relationship when it comes to Cassie being the best friend of Erin's daughter. HOWEVER, the writing was so good that I kept going back to it. And, honestly, I'm not mad about my decision AT ALL.

As always, my two stars and a wish...

Star: The writing. Honestly, it was really great how the dual perspectives were navigated and I felt like I was able to connect and understand each perspective.

Star: The steamy scenes. Oof. They were steamy. Like. Steamy. If you aren't someone who can handle the heat, this may not be the book for you. As it is, I'm someone who can, and I actually thought they were great. There was no room to be shy and I loved that.

Wish: I felt like things could have been resolved a little bit sooner than they were, to be honest. I did feel like it dragged a little bit in the middle.

Overall, a steamy read that would especially appeal to fans of the older/younger trope.

i was really anticipating this book and was so excited to get to read an arc! it's either 3 or 2 stars for me. pacing felt off, sooooo much exposition at times, but a happy ending that is base-level satisfying to read. main pro is that i appreciated that there were so many smutty scenes! ok now my issues ~ i thought it was bizarre that, considering how much time was spent on the characters being stressed over their relationship / defining it / nerves about people finding out, everything resolved so quickly and seamlessly. i want to know more about parker, erin’s daughter, bc her reaction is like barely explored. also let’s talk about acacia who does more for her friends than anyone should be expected to do … i hope she had someone to offload on too but it was not explored! this book could have been so much more satisfying if we got some more exploration of side characters instead of them only being there to prop up the main relationship.

DNF at about 25%. I didn’t enjoy the age gap, fell in love with my daughter’s college roommate story. Just not for me.

Thanks NetGallery for the ARC.

I really had the best time reading this and I was not prepared????
i love a good age gap why lie and I think the characters were fun and relatable and I wish I could be their besties

I can’t wait to have the physical copy

I am deeply and I mean DEEPLY obsessed with this book. I’m always looking for a fun and steamy sapphic romance and let me tell you… Mistake Were Made delivered, The age gap? Cassie? Erin? The long distance? Best friend’s mom? THE FIRST CHAPTER? OBSESSED.

I loved the dual POV as well! As a reader I truly feel like we got to see so much of both Erin and Cassie in each chapter. Their chemistry was amazing. I actually couldn’t get over it… I’m STILL not over it.

I loved how the relationship between Cassie and Parker added an extra layer of tension and complexity because this literally could’ve just been an age gap romance and I would’ve been sweating but throw in the secrecy and hiding a new relationship from your daughter and your best friend and WOAH call me hooked.

I loved the very spicy scenes but I also loved the little mundane things Cassie and Erin did together. The face timing and flower sending just made me want a girlfriend asap.

This book is for the queer pals let me tell you and my heart was so so happy reading this. Would highly recommend this one and I will FOR SURE be purchasing my own physical copy so I can reread it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was a little slow to get into at first but the way the romance was really cute and all the characters were really lovable.