A very sweet young love sapphic romance. This one just wasn't for me.
Payton and Kendall have been close friends forever. Payton keeps her massive crush to herself while Kendall builds her Hollywood career.
I just felt like Payton had no "self" - she just seemed to go along; did not work for me.

Cute!!! I had to call all my friends and give them updates every 20 minutes because I got so excited. I really saw myself in the characters. Compulsory heteronormity is so real and you never even realize you're doing it until you stop. Kendall and Peyton were so cute together and I absolutely loved seeing them grow together. I would have liked more if they delved into Kendall's emerging substance issues more but there did not seem to be enough time in the book. I really enjoyed the narrators of the book. I think both women did an amazing job portraying their characters. I felt so connected to the characters from listening to the narrators. Overall, this was a super cute and fun friends to lovers WxW story with a HEA.

"The Gravity Between Us" by Kristen Zimmer is a romance about two young ladies, best friends Payton and Kendall. This book was originally published in 2013. This audiobook version came out in April 2024.

I think that it must have been a bit dated even in 2013. They use Blackberrys and iPods in this book, but I recall having a smart cellphone before 2013. My Blackberry had to retire several years before that. Also, the fear of coming out as far for an actress was so dramatically horrifying, but this has become much more acceptable over time.

The main characters are just out of high school, about 19 years old. Kendall is a movie star. Payton was her best friend from her hometown in New Jersey. Kendall talks Payton into moving to Hollywood, where she can continue her schooling in a music college and live with her. They seem pretty mature for their age, but they are so much younger than I am, that it all seemed very immature.

This book is apparently one of the first sapphic romance novels. Unfortunately, it missed out on the opportunity of a great spicy scene or two. It was there but glossed over very fast.

Kelly Burke and Madeline Pell narrated the audiobook. Chapters alternate points of view between the main characters. They did a good job acting the roles.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 3.25

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Kristin Zimmer for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Young Adult / New Adult story that ticks all the Young Adult New Adult boxes. Remember the early to late college aged years? They’ve got stories to tell and this one is right up there.

A cute little love story that has you rooting for the main character the whole time. Not the most unique story maybe. But still loved reading it and read it all in one sitting

Exploring timeless themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer has captivated sapphic readers since it was first published in October of 2013. Payton Taylor and Kendall Bettencourt, the novel’s central figures, embody these themes beautifully. Zimmer combines their friendship, passion and heartache in such a way that it resonates deeply with readers. The personal experiences and emotions of these young women are echoed honestly and reverently, striking something inside readers that rings true even ten years later.

Payton and Kendall are two enchanting and captivating characters, individuals that readers can understand and care about. Crafted with relatability and depth, readers not only see reflections of themselves in these women but they are able to taste their vulnerability and desire as well. The swirl of emotion and confusion draws readers further into the story and sets the stage for an authentic portrayal of sapphic love and friendship, making this story stand the test of time.

Because Zimmer does such a great job developing Payton and Kendall, readers are easily able to fall into their story world. Zimmer’s authentic representation resonates strongly with readers. However, it is her exploration of Hollywood’s fame and fortune that really adds texture. Zimmer uses Hollywood effectively and thoughtfully, giving readers something to chew on. This backdrop provides a layer of interest to the story arc, making Payton and Kendall’s journeys more dynamic. Ultimately, the character development and narrative is enriched by all of this, ensuring that readers are engaged and invested until the end.

It is no wonder readers have loved Zimmer’s debut book for many years; there’s much to appreciate it. However, one of the most noteworthy aspects of The Gravity Between Us is its positive and nuanced portrayal of young love. Written during a time when such stories were still scarce publications, Zimmer’s depiction of Payton and Kendall’s love is pure and lovely. She addresses the complexities and challenges faced by young women questioning their sexuality and desire with a raw truth that still grabs audiences by “the feels” today. These women are on the cusp of self discovery and womanhood, and their journey is filled with an innocence readers can’t deny. Timeless and touching, this memorable love story will leave a lasting mark on all that experience it.

Final remarks…

The Gravity Between Us is a must read classic for the sapphic romance lover. It is a compelling narrative filled with relatable characters and meaningful themes. Once you read it, you won’t forget it, or wonder why it’s become one of the most cherished young adult novels of our time.

A word about the audiobook…

Kelly Burke and Madeline Pell give a fantastic performance in the audio version of The Gravity Between Us. They breathe life into Zimmer’s narrative and add an energy and depth that listeners find easy to appreciate. Their portrayal of each character is distinct and consistent. Listeners are easily drawn into the story world with their steady pacing and professionalism. This was an enjoyable and entertaining audio; I would easily listen to them again.

Strengths…

Entertaining storyline
Engaging romance
Likable characters
Enjoyable audio performance

A couple of years back, I read "The Gravity Between Us" by Kristen Zimmer and found myself enjoying the characters and their journey towards love. While revisiting the story through an audiobook recently, there were moments where it became a tad unclear who was speaking. Nonetheless, the charm of the narrative shone through, and I relished every moment of the retelling.

Even though "The Gravity between us" has been published a decade ago I think we still miss stories like this - about discovering who you are, falling fall your best friend, about unrequited love, especially about lesbians/WLW.
It's a sweet new adult story about two 19 year olds, discovering themselves, their identity and love. It's an easy read with a not overly complicated plot. I think one of the story arcs to keep characters apart is a bit too much and though potentially believable, didn't make sense at that point of the story.
Overall I think that it was a pleasant read and I especially recommend it to young queer women looking for a heartwarming, relatable story.

Lovely romance- I didn’t realize that this was an audiobook of a previously published novel and wondered why the world seemed a bit behind on the times. I realize that there are many more steps needed for equality but it’s not that big of a deal to see a girl dating a girl in 2024.

But the romance felt real and it was a lovely coming of age story. Well performed and lovely story.

Kendall Bettencourt is on the verge of being an A-list Hollywood actress and she is only 19. Her life long best friend, the person who keeps her grounded is Payton Taylor. On a recent visit Kendall is surprised when Payton comes out to her as a lesbian. It starts Kendall thinking of Payton in new ways and she has never thought about her own sexuality. Payton for her part has quietly been in love with her best friend for years.

This is a good Hollywood Celebrity or best friends to more romance. Both the characters are likable and confident. I like that Payton has her music talent so she has her own unique skills and isn’t overwhelmed by Kendall’s fame. The story was originally published in 2013 and had dated references to using blackberries and iPods. I was a little disappointed at how much alcohol is consumed in the book only because almost every time they drink it mentions they are underage but it is a perk of stardom. It is geared towards New Adults so intimacy is less descriptive and moves off the page quickly. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed having two narrators voice the story.

book was archived before I had a chance to read it. Rating is based on the blurb and the cover. I will be getting this from my local library

I really liked the book. And the cover is really beautiful.
The characters grow on us as their feelings for each other grow throughout the book.
I really liked their personalities, and that each one had their own passion in the world of art, one with acting and the other with music.
I found the romance between the two characters super cute and adorable. But I didn't felt it much, because it started to awaken the sexual side more, since they already loved each other as friends, and this carnal side was a way of showing the difference they felt for each other.

However, I really enjoyed reading the book and hearing the stories of the two characters.
It really was an enjoyable audiobook.

I really liked the narrators' voices, they suit the characters perfectly and express their personality, way of being and emotions.

I ended up not being a fan of this audiobook.

The audiobook tells the story of Kendall (a 19-year-old Hollywood actress) and Payton (college student studying music and Kendall’s childhood best friend). Most of the plot revolves around Kendall’s realization that she is queer and her decision about whether to come out.

I didn’t find the romance between Kendall and Payton super compelling and neither of them felt fully fleshed out to me. I’ve also read quite a few novels with coming out stories in them and it didn’t feel like this book had anything to say about coming out that I hadn’t already read.

The book felt quite dated in parts (the references to Blackberries and iPods), which makes sense given that it seems like the book was originally published over 10 years ago. I think that also explains some of Kendall’s fears about coming out and references to cultural norms/assumptions that aren’t as true today. One specific part of the book that bothered me was that Kendall refers to herself as “a person with XX chromosomes attracted to other people with XX chromosomes” (paraphrasing) and that felt bio-essentialist and not inclusive of trans people.

I also didn’t like Gunner, who is Kendall’s fake boyfriend for press appearances. Early in the book, Gunner puts his hand on Kendall’s thigh without consent and then treats her poorly when she asks him to remove it. He apologizes and is forgiven, but it still felt icky to me, especially since Gunner becomes Kendall’s close friend.

I don’t think the narrators fully captured the voices, personality, or emotion of the characters. But if you are a fan of more neutral/impartial narration, this audiobook might be good for you.

My favorite part of the audiobook was the dual narration. I really appreciate having a different narrator read the chapters from each of two characters’ points of view.

Content warnings: homophobia (including from a parent); internalized homophobia; non-consensual touching; being outed by the media; descriptions of alcohol being used to cope with difficult emotions.

YES! 100p yes! This book is absolute excellent at what it does: provide some juicy teenage lesbian angst in an escapist fashion. I loved it, I enjoyed myself and this is a book I could easily see myself return to later on, when I need something fun and easy to dive into. Love love LOVED this story and would honestly love to read a second edition - either following the two main characters or some other lesbian women in their life with them as background characters. Like that lesbian friend - will she ever find happiness?

3.75 ⭐️ interesting friends to lovers story by new to me author Kristen Zimmer! Best friends since they can remember, Kendall (19) and Payton (18) get to spend some much needed time together since Kendall officially moved to LA and is an actress/celebrity and Payton stayed close to home for college. Their friendship hasn’t faltered and reconnecting may even lead to more. For Payton’s 19th birthday, Kendall returns again and plans a very special surprise, namely to move to LA and live with her and transfer to a college that actually has what Payton is meant to do. The gravity between them is the pull they both feel. How can they navigate each other as maybe more while also navigating the pros and cons of celebrity and the hustle and bustle of LA? Well done and worth the read/listen!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer, an audiobook narrated by Kelly Burke, and Madeline Pell was sweet, cute, adorable, fun, and refreshing! I loved it!!!

Narrators was cute and kept up with the story. Was easy to separate who is who so was easy to follow the story!

I know that many think that romance is predictable etc., but I believe that it's about the chemistry between the characters. And there was a lot! It was so electric! So intense!
Seriously I enjoyed every single minute of this book!

Kendall and Payton are best friends forever... but things change and feelings change and some feelings become challenging... Life is unfair and people around can be cruel and it's hard to know what is the best decision to make!

This is a story about learning to be yourself!

This book has been out since October 11, 2013, which explains the stigma around being gay. An audiobook will be released on April 24, 2024, so if you are not a reader, just wait a little bit.
If you are a reader, just grab your copy now!

In between heavy thrillers, this was like a breath of fresh air!

Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this copy!

"The Gravity Between Us" by Kristen Zimmer originally published over a decade ago, had a significant impact on the romance genre, portraying a celebrity and friend-to-lovers romance that captured readers' imaginations and inspired other authors to explore similar themes in their works.

Payton and Kendall's story effectively delves into the intricacies of their relationship, offering readers a deep dive into their thoughts and emotions. The alternating points of view enhance the connection readers feel with the characters, providing insight into their journeys and challenges. The dynamic dialogue adds depth to their interactions, capturing lighthearted moments and more intense emotional exchanges. Despite their young age (late teens), Payton and Kendall are portrayed as mature and self-assured individuals, making their growth throughout the story compelling. This extremely moving tale of love, trust, and personal development resonates with many readers' experiences.

Two performers narrated The Gravity Between Us. Kendall’s emotions, dialogue, and actions were effectively captured by the performer who narrated her point of view. However, the woman who narrated Payton’s point of view was a bit difficult for me to support. Her voice was extremely clipped and at times sounded a lot older than a teenager would. Payton’s personality was much more chill and relaxed than her voice portrayed. Despite this, I did enjoy the audio as it brought to life the story of two characters who hold a special place in my heart.

4 stars for the story
3 stars for the narration

Thank you netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the alc. My review is being left voluntarily. This is my first book by the artist and was happy to see it was originally put in 2017. It was a great friend's to lovers book where neither knew what they had till the epiphany and then 1 realizes their attraction.

Fun quick audio suggest giving it a try

Incredible writing that sucks you in by the first page and is also easy to read I think it’s an excellent book for both beginners and advanced readers, and the characters amazing characters whom you fall in love with easily. After just five minutes I was swallowed and couldn’t put the story back down. Sadly I haven't learnt anything in school these past two days I've just waited to be able to continue with the book!
<33

So many people have loved this book so I was really excited to get my hands on the audio version. Unfortunately I could not finish it. The audio version seemed very stiff and robotic to me and I just couldn't get into the characters. I couldn't get over it and eventually lost interest in the story all together.