3 years ago, Nina disappeared after a tough breakup. Her girlfriend gave her a list of 12 things that she wanted Nina to work on in order for them to continue to be together. The list caused Nina to question everything about herself, and she moved away from her friends and didn't look back. Nina works as a ghostwriter for celebrities. She helps write their email correspondences. Nina loves her job because she can work from home, and she doesn't have to get dressed up or leave her house.

Then, Nina's boss calls her into the office for a meeting with a new client. Nina meets a hot, new actress named Ari. Ari wants to meet the person who is writing her emails for her. Ari and Nina meet up again for drinks a few days later, but drinks turns into spending more time together. Soon, Ari and Nina are texting each other, and they are meeting up at restaurants. Nina develops a crush on Ari, but she thinks that Ari sees her as a friend. Is there more between them than just friendship?

Nina also runs into one of her friends, Phoebe, Phoebe hasn't seen Nina in three years, and suddenly, Nina is back at brunch and hanging out with her friend group that she has missed for so many years. I wanted to be a part of this friend group! Each person brought their own unique personality and added to the group. I had a hard time believing that Nina's friends would not speak to her for so many years. One of the themes of the book is a found family, and I think her family would have been there for Nina and not just let her disappear for so long.

Ari and Nina had such a complex relationship, and I didn't like the conflict that happened between them. It felt like forced conflict, and I don't like that things could have been solved, if they had just communicated with each other. Ari and Nina brought out so many good qualities in each other, and they fit together. I loved the end of the book, and I would love to read more about these characters.

Nina's relationship with her Aunt Lorna and Lorna's friends at her retirement community added some humor to the story. Their relationship was built on love and understanding, and they were there for each other.

Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook version of this story. I loved the idea of finding yourself and being able to be a part of a found family.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC of the audiobook of 'For Her Consideration'.

3.5 stars

This is a solid sapphic romance with enjoyable characters, and while the plot doesn't pack too many surprises, it's still an entertaining ride overall.

Nina, the m.c., is at a crossroads. She isn't loving her job and has some unrealized goals, but there are also some areas of life that she seems to have given up on, which is moderately hilarious since she's only 32 (and I...once was 32). After a tough breakup, she opts for years of no-strings-attached fun over a strong, lasting connection, but since she's the m.c. of a romance, that's obviously about to change. When Ari comes on the scene in a romantic capacity, it's clear that Nina is going to have to redirect her pessimism.

While the beginning felt a little slow, I did become invested in Nina's happiness (and especially Ari's) as the novel progressed. The oddest part - and I mean to the point of repeated distraction - is the promotional material in this book. I have never heard more mentions of a particular traffic app...and I live in the region where this is supposed to take place. We live and die by the traffic reports. Additionally, I'm not aware of grownups who are Nina's age, occupation, and identity who are this addicted to this particular coffee chain. In this region, again, barring the high school and retired crowd, I found this an odd connection. But it's not just the enthusiasm for this product/chain. It's really the constant referencing of them that seemed so strange. Anyone who is book clubbing this needs to really consider a related drinking game. You will all be hammered.

So these are fun characters (senior characters get special mention here), the plot is fun, and the pacing is good, but truly, prepare yourself for that product placement before you pick up this read: baffling. Speaking of picking up this read, I'll be doing that again with Spalding's next work, too.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this audiobook. Below is my honest review.

Nina’s ex broke up with her and emailed 12 reasons she is doomed to ruin every relationship she has/will ever have. Afterwards, Nina runs away from everyone in her life except her Aunt Lorna. She wants to protect them from herself.

Three years later, Nina is just trying to muddle through her life without causing others pain. She is working at a talent agency writing emails on behalf of actors. Ari Fox, an up and coming queer actor, wants to meet about her emails. Nina has a huge crush on Ari and is a huge fan, too. Thankfully, Ari isn’t upset with Nina’s work, she just wants her emails to sound more authentic. So, Nina and Ari start hanging out. At the same time, Nina runs into an old friend. Will Nina make up with her friends and fall for Ari? Or will she ruin everything like her ex predicted?

This book was a joy to read. There is wonderful queer and plus size representation. The two MCs are funny and likable. Nina’s struggles are completely relatable and well done. I really enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. The secondary characters are well rounded and so fun. (Here’s looking at Aunt Lorna! An Aunt Lorna spin-off is absolutely needed.) I laughed several times and didn’t want to stop reading this audiobook.

Also, the narrator did an exceptional job.

This Sapphic celebrity romance started off soooo strong! I was truly rooting for the two MCs to find their HEA but then the story draaaaaaaaged so much in the middle I just kept wishing for the end to come. That said, it did have great found family relationships, amazing Fat rep and a believable and heartwarming slow burn romance. Good on audio and recommended for fans of I kissed a girl by Jennet Alexander or Something to talk about by Meryl Wilsner. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!