I really enjoyed this book. I think the thing I enjoyed the most is someone into adulthood that is questioning their sexuality because the reality is sexuality is something that changes and is figured out through throughout your life and we don’t get that a lot in books with older characters.(not teens). The process of watching these two friends go from friends to lovers was very gentle and compassionate and kind and I just appreciated them both.

This was a cute one! I loved the overall message that it's never too late to find yourself and be brave enough to do what makes you happy. It took Cash a while to make her breakthrough, but she got there!

I loved Parker and the regulars at Joyce's. It was fun to get a glimpse into this small town since I really enjoyed Sammy Espinoza's Last Review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I was a huge fan of "Sammy Espinoza's Last Review" so I was excited to get my hands on this read. This is a cute and easy read. Love to see ladies finding love but didn't feel like there was a ton of chemistry between Cash & Inez. Ah well.


Thanks for the advanced reader copy Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dell.

I was really looking forward to Cash Delgado is Living the Dream because I love love loved Sammy Espinoza but Cash ultimately didn't live up to my hope. That's 1000% on me for having high expectations and not at all the fault of the author. I do love a book where someone comes to terms with their sexuality but something about this one felt off to me. I don't think I was invested in the two MCs as a couple as much as I was in them being friends and that was most likely why I struggled so much with this one.

Tried. I really tried. It’s just not for me. Three stars for sake of not actually having read it. 😐 that’s the review.

I'm always here for the lesbians finding love hehe

I looooved Cash and was rooting for her. I did love her and Inez together, but the chemistry was lacking a liiiittle. The theme of this book was great because it truly never is too late to find yourself.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

The romance was a cute, quick read! For me, it just felt like there was some chemistry lacking between Inez and Cash but I did like seeing their relationship develop and both of their interactions with Parker.

**Review of *Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream* by Tehlor Kay Mejia**

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

*Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream* by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a quirky and heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores identity, family, and dreams in a way that feels both fresh and relatable. Cash is an engaging protagonist, and her journey to navigate her desires versus the expectations placed on her is authentic and well-written. Mejia does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of growing up, particularly the pressures of figuring out one's place in the world.

However, while the story has charm, the pacing can feel uneven at times. Some parts of the plot drag, making it difficult to stay fully invested in Cash's journey. The secondary characters are interesting, but they aren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, leaving the relationships feeling a bit surface-level.

Overall, *Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream* is a fun and thoughtful read that tackles important themes, but it doesn't quite reach the emotional depth or momentum I was hoping for. It’s a good choice for readers looking for a light and introspective coming-of-age story, but it may not resonate as deeply with those seeking more complexity or a faster-paced plot.

This book is adorable. I enjoyed it. The characters were easy to like and connect too and I found the small town atmosphere to really fit the vibe of this book.

Super cute Queer romance! Cash and Inez not only had an incredible friendship but getting to watch them turn that friendship into something so beautiful was a treat. I loved the whole cast of characters and the plot was really cute in itself.

It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s Gay. What more could you want?

The Audiobook very good!

Thank you to the Author Tehlor Kay Mejia for writing this super sweet love story, and thank you to E A Castillo for narrating it!

Dell eARC
Well, this book got pushed to my NetGalley backlist, but I am so glad I gave it another shot. I tried it around pub day and not right now-ed it. I finally got my hands on the audio, and it was perfection. I just loved Cash, and her determination. She was continually fierce in fighting for her future. I liked how this played well with her questioning other parts of her identity. The author always captures how complex humans are, and these characters are no exception. They had great depth and felt so real. I also fell so quick for Parker and Inez. I just adored this story, and I will definitely always be reading this author from here on out.

This was a quite quick LGPTQ read that was unsuspecting to me but i really liked it!

Thanks for hte gifted copy for an honest reivew!

Representation: Bisexual MC, sapphic romance

Rating: 4/5 A queer awakening in small town Ridley Falls at the same time as the town is at risk of a corporate coming in and losing Joyce’s Bar, its spark and community center. I really enjoyed this story of a bar manager (essentially the owner with how much she does) working hard to save her place of employment but also the place that’s her heart and soul. She genuinely enjoys it there, especially with the community around her, and her best friend. I liked the friendship between Cash and Inez, and how it was developed through the story. How Cash came to realize she was queer, and at an older age, is absolutely something that happens to people all the time. I appreciated the “late awakening” representation, which is an experience I had. I also really liked Parker and their interactions with everyone, especially Inez. I enjoyed the little cameo from the previous book, Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review. I would recommend this for people who love Hallmark style small-town stories.

This is a good queer romance book that is filled with suspense and drama in addition to the romance. At the beginning of the book the main character is questioning who she likes and then begins to question her own sexuality. She explores this throughout the book all while trying to save the bar where she works and also will trying to be a good mom. There are a lot of really likable character in the book.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the gifted Net Galley copy of this book

In this fun and charming LGBTQ+ romance, readers join Cash, her daughter Parker, and her best friend Inez in the small town of Ridley Falls as their lives and jobs seem to be going incredibly well. However, when Cash’s ex Chase Stanton returns with bad news for Joyce’s Bar and other local businesses, the stability and peace seems to be shaken, especially since Cash is beginning to see Inez in a new light. As the peacefulness of Ridley Falls changes and business dynamics are threatened by Chase’s new plan, Cash, Inez, and the rest of the town must band together to defend their local businesses against the new threat. With its fascinating characters and beautiful locale, readers will love this charming small-town friends-to-lovers romance and the characters populating Ridley Falls. Cash is a great protagonist with excellent relationships with Inez, Parker, and other characters from Ridley Falls. These character relationships are the star of the novel and really succeed in bringing this world and its challenges to life. Brilliantly written with an excellent heart and fascinating and detailed world-building, readers will love Tehlor Kay Mejia’s latest book and the inhabitants of Ridley Falls at this critical point in time for the local economy.

This is a fun, quick read. No big overly dramatic/emotional rollercoasters, just cozy and sweet small town romance vibes. Sapphic, best friends to lovers, mild spice, late in life coming out, single mom

This one took me a little bit to get into but once I did, I really enjoyed this book! First time reading this author. The characters were easy to love but I felt like it was a lot right at the beginning.

Tehlor Kay Mejia’s *Cash Delgado is Living the Dream* is a vibrant exploration of self-discovery wrapped in humor, heart, and the complexities of modern relationships. Set against the charming backdrop of Ridley Falls, the novel introduces readers to Cash Delgado, a relatable protagonist who juggles the demands of motherhood, friendship, and the pressures of running a beloved local bar. Mejia masterfully crafts a narrative that invites us to reflect not only on the pursuit of dreams but also on the challenges that come with embracing one’s true self. Cash’s life appears idyllic on the surface; she manages Joyce’s Bar, engages with a colorful array of regulars, and enjoys the delightful chaos that her spirited six-year-old daughter, Parker, brings. The lively atmosphere of Karaoke Thursday is a testament to her ability to create joy in her surroundings. Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Cash is at a crossroads. The unexpected return of Chase Stanton, her former flame and the bar's ex-manager, brings with it a wave of uncertainty that threatens her carefully constructed life. Chase’s ambitions challenge Cash’s dreams for revitalizing Joyce's, creating a delightful tension that drives the narrative forward. What makes Mejia’s writing particularly compelling is her ability to blend humor with deeper themes of self-exploration and identity. Cash is portrayed as a woman who has diligently worn the mask of responsibility, often at the expense of her own desires. The intimate dreams she begins to have about her best friend, Inez, serve as a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery. Rather than merely being a source of conflict, these dreams are emblematic of Cash’s deeper yearning for connection, love, and authenticity—a poignant reminder that self-acceptance often comes with uncomfortable realizations. As Cash navigates her evolving feelings and the implications they carry, readers are treated to a beautiful portrayal of friendship. The dynamic between Cash and Inez adds depth to the narrative, showcasing how friendships can evolve and challenge us. Inez’s carefree approach to life not only contrasts with Cash’s grounded demeanor but also provides a necessary push for Cash to reconsider her definition of happiness and love. Mejia skillfully illustrates that love can take many forms, urging readers to reconsider societal norms and personal expectations. The novel’s pacing is spot-on, balancing moments of levity with introspective passages that resonate long after the last page is turned. Mejia’s vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue breathe life into Ridley Falls, making it feel like a character in its own right. The setting encapsulates the warmth and familiarity of small-town life while simultaneously serving as a backdrop for personal growth and change. At its core, *Cash Delgado is Living the Dream* is a story about the courage to embrace change and the transformative power of love in its myriad forms. Mejia invites readers on a journey that is both relatable and enlightening, encouraging them to confront their own barriers to happiness. Will Cash choose to remain in the comfort of her existing life, or will she take the leap into the unknown? This question lingers, urging readers to reflect on their own life choices. In conclusion, Tehlor Kay Mejia’s *Cash Delgado is Living the Dream* is a delightful and thought-provoking read that beautifully balances humor with heartfelt themes of self-discovery and love. Through Cash’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of living authentically, embracing change, and recognizing that dreams can evolve in unexpected ways. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that resonates with the complexities of life, love, and the courage to dream anew.

An equally wholesome and sweet queer story of a bartender who is trying not to let corporate America make its way into their small town and juggling motherhood and whatever is going on with their best friend.

This book was such a cozy queer read. Loved the friends to lovers vibes and all the familial vibes, too.

This was such a heartwarming story with Hallmark vibes - a town comes together to fight back against an evil corporation threatening local businesses. I really enjoyed how the romance was a sweet and slow transition for these two best friends who become lovers.

As someone who went on journey of self discovery and understanding about my own sexuality later in life, I really appreciated seeing it reflected on page and found Cash’s journey incredibly relatable.

Overall, this was very endearing!