This novel offers an intriguing look into relationships, blending humor and emotional depth. The characters are relatable, and the chemistry between them is engaging. However, some plot points feel overly predictable, and the pacing occasionally lags. While enjoyable, it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.

There was nothing technically wrong with this book. It was sapphic, well written, and had the escalating tension before the end. As a result, I think the only reason why I didn't love it was that I didn't feel anything in particular for the characters.

I reckon it's always a challenge to write from 1st person. Because, if that character comes across as lacking self awareness, then any observation another character offers to that character is going to come out of nowhere.

For me, reading about Yasmeen, it seemed like she had her whole life in order. Yeah, her relationships don't tend to last longer than 3 months, but she seems happy enough with that. It doesn't feel like she's been super interested in them apart from going ahead and moving up the expected relationship escalator.

She has close friends and family both, so many of her emotional connections are already seen to. And she's a trust fund baby so she can basically go into any business she'd like to start, no matter if it fails.

Therefore, it came as a complete surprise to me when, in response to her love interest Tyler saying she wants to start a relationship, Yasmeen shies away. And she reacts even worse when Tyler thinks she might be falling in love with her.

Unfortunately, to me, I couldn't see enough of a connection between the characters, or reason why they would be interested in each other (again, this is Yasmeen's issues shining through) as to why I wanted to be invested in them. Although the second half was stronger than the first, it wasn't a book that really grabbed me personally at any point.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This is the second book I've read from Sarah Robinson and I enjoyed this one a lot. I love the representation and absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a sapphic read!

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Yasmeen Kiani has had several failed businesses including a subscription box of edible panties. Yasmeen is optimistic that her next business will be a success. When she sees a for lease sign at the corner lot on her street. She decides to go for it an plans to make it a lesbian bar. Sadly, the neighborhood is not does not want a lesbian bar. What will Jasmine do? Tyler Adam’s is a full time podcaster on top of helping her father lease his property out, including to a new business by a woman she finds attractive. Will Yasmeen and Tyler become more than business associates? Tyler
Is facing opposition which has happened to her before. Yasmeen is use to fighting for what she wants. She ends up teaching Tyler that losing is not the end. Yasmeen is taught by Tyler that some battles are not worth fighting unless it’s for the heart..

The author has written a book that is a romantic comedy. There are two strong women with a sexy “chemistry” and dialogue that made me laugh out loud. It’s a fun and easy read that I think makes it the perfect book to read this summer.

Greatly enjoyable book. I'm definitely here for the romance levels, and the representation was fantastic. I adored the writing style, and the characters.

This was just ok. It was a great concept and I loved the characters as people but I think everything just moved a bit fast and I didn’t get to know the characters well enough. It also affected my interest in the storyline. This will probably be lived by many but it was kinda meh for me.

Perfect amount of spice, romance, friendship, and real-world issues to make the reader think. Yasmeen was my favorite side character in Baby Bank because of her career/life choices and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her own story in Les Be Honest.

Beyond the characters what I enjoyed most was Sarah Robinson's take on the need for more safe spaces for women in the LQBTQIA+ community. It's a very different scene from the early 00s/ late '90s when there were more lesbian/inclusive spaces and she's right... some gay bars just don't vibe the same for women in the community. I enjoyed her unraveling Tyler's story and how it impacts her love story with Yasmeen and how their family interactions/acceptance/denial shape their identity. Both are very realistic takes on family dynamics for LGBTQIA+ people, looking forward to seeing what else Robinson has for readers in her sequels.

I really enjoyed this book.
Once again Sarah made me laugh and swoon with the characters.
This story is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and honesty. The author skillfully navigates the intricacies of relationships, portraying authentic characters and heartfelt emotions. The story is engaging and relatable, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance, with its witty dialogue and charming narrative.
.With its authentic portrayal of modern love, this book is sure to leave readers both laughing and reflecting on their own relationships.

I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians. I love lesbians.

"Les Be Honest" by Sarah Robinson is a sweet romantic comedy about Yasmeen Kiani, who is determined to open the first lesbian bar in her Arlington neighborhood. Yasmeen meets Tyler Adams, a confident and intriguing woman with a knack for success but a mystery surrounding her personal life. As Yasmeen and Tyler clash over their ambitions, sparks fly and hearts are on the line. Robinson's writing is witty and heartfelt, capturing the essence of love and resilience. With its compelling characters and sizzling chemistry, "Les Be Honest" is definitely a good read for people who enjoy contemporary romance!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

Pros:

- Loved the way Yas and her friends would rib each other
- Loved the fake dating factor
- Tyler was so heavily there for Yas as both a real and business partner. It was nice to see.
- Their sex was on point
- The business feels like something we could all enjoy

Cons:
- The way their relationship started and developed so quickly felt a bit rushed.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a fun sapphic read. Would definitely recommend to a friend


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Les Be Honest" offers a compelling lesbian romance with strong LGBTQIA+ representation. Amidst the adorable and steamy romance, readers are treated to insights into the challenges of being a new business owner in an underserved market: lesbian bars.

The narrative's foundation on the real-life issue of vanishing lesbian bars adds depth to the story. Yasmeen, our protagonist, passionately endeavors to create a safe haven in her town, a mission she fiercely defends. Meanwhile, the chemistry between Yasmeen and Tyler, the daughter of the bar's building owner, crackles with tension, making for an engaging dynamic.

This tale strikes a balance between light-hearted moments and poignant reflections, showcasing Yasmeen's multifaceted character. While her actions are consistent with her personality, Tyler's enigmatic nature initially intrigues but later disappoints. Her unrealistic expectations of Yasmeen and tendency to push her away evoke sympathy for Yasmeen, though Tyler's backstory offers some understanding, it doesn't excuse her behavior entirely.

While I enjoyed the story, I yearned for more depth. Certain plot points felt rushed or overlooked, detracting from the overall cohesion of the narrative. Despite this, "Les Be Honest" shines in its representation of LGBTQIA+ characters, particularly within Yasmeen and Tyler's diverse friend group. I eagerly anticipate delving further into their lives in future installments of the series. 😉

While I would not recommend this book to my students, I am excited to recommend it to friends! I felt engaged the entire book; I loved teh diversity and differences.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: homophobia, mentions of child death, mentions of miscarriage, self-harm, death of a parent (recounted), parental abandonment, mental health (depression, institutionalization, mental breakdown), religious trauma, manipulation, blackmail
standalone: book 2 in the Queerly Devoted series (can be read as a standalone without issue)
final thoughts: I loved the idea of this book, the light that was shone on the need for lesbian and queer spaces, and the openness for therapy and self-help. It didn’t end up being for me because I didn’t feel like the FMCs made sense together or had any chemistry, but the spicy scenes were well done despite that. I didn’t like that one FMC kept saying what a flat ass the other FMC had… SO ODD TO ME!!! Overall, I felt like it moved fast (maybe too fast at some points to get to the desired result) and I had a difficult time rooting for either FMC.
This is marketed as fake dating but I don’t see which part was really all that fake but still hits the mark enough.

read this book if you love

😬 angst
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 found family
🔀 opposites attract
🌈 LGBT+ representation
💏 fake dating
💼 workplace romance
🤩 curvy FMC

Sarah Robinson writes insightful stories, easy to read with a depth of feeling and emotion that doesn’t get too heavy.
The story flows along nicely, the characters were
open and honest, if a little confused by their feelings!
Yasmeen wants to open a gay bar, available for all lifestyles and races to meet, feel safe and supported. Yasmeen has a close relationship with her family, they’d like to see her settled in a successful business and also in her personal life. Tyler is a podcaster, her father supports her in everything, but not being gay.
Tyler manages the building that Yasmeen wants for the bar, it’s owned by her father and they need his approval.
As Tyler and Yasmeen become closer, commitment to each other and their future is questioned. It’s wonderful to see how communication works to bring family and friends together to realise their dreams.

Congratulations to the publisher, NetGalley and the amazing Sarah Robinson for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a quick, fun read that tackled some complex issues like homophobic family and starting a queer Black-owned business. I

I read this book in its entirety on a flight. It was a great story and very engaging. It was fun to see characters spotlighted from a previous book by the author.

DNF 54%
(Chapter 17)

This book just wasn't for me. I can't put my finger on why since I love the characters in many ways. I don't necessarily want or like a book that is full of conflict, but this book felt like this book felt a bit too low stakes although the stakes were high. I know that doesn't make sense, but that's how it felt for me. I'm disappointed in myself that I'm not finishing this one, but I kept putting it aside and not picking it back up. I think this story will work well for many people so I don't want to bag on the book. I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Like I said, it just wasn't for me.

bigqueerbookclubpod
Title: Les Be Honest
Author: Sarah Robinson @booksbysarahrobinson
Summary: After several failed businesses—including an edible panties subscription box—the eternally optimistic Yasmeen Kiani feels like her next launch has to be the big break. When she sees a FOR LEASE sign at the corner lot on her street, she decides it’s time to try, try again. While there are over 1,000 gay bars in the United States, there are less than 25 lesbian bars total (a real life fact! See the Lesbian Bar Project)…and Yasmeen has decided that she is going to open the first in her Arlington, VA neighborhood. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is not on board with her plan.
Tyler Adams has been the president of every club or organization she’s ever been involved in. Class valedictorian, president of her college sorority, even prom queen twice, including a high school she didn’t go to. Tyler does nothing second best just like her father, a real estate mogul who she has a close yet tumultuous relationship with and who owns the building she lives in. A full-time podcaster on top of helping her father lease his property out, including to a new business by a woman she finds incredibly attractive, Tyler hosts one of the country’s most listened to shows on true crime yet her personal life and sexuality are the biggest mystery to her fan base.
Tyler isn’t used to facing opposition, but Yasmeen is no stranger to having to fight for what she wants and she’s about to teach Tyler that failure isn’t the end of the world—just the beginning of the war.
What Yasmeen didn’t expect was for Tyler to teach her some battles are not worth fighting…but the one for her heart is.
Copy provided by @netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Likes: Story focuses on the lack of lesbian bars in the US, touches on the struggles of queer folx and POC who try to start small businesses, and has strong POC character representation. This also works as a stand alone read as I have not read the first book in the series.
Dislikes: The fake dating trope seemed completely unnecessary given how quickly the characters transition to real dating.
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