True North by Carina Lupo is a toaster oven, dramatic romance between two powerhouse women who go through a lot of hard times to be together.
Just another Friday night at a bar hoping to get lucky changes quickly when Kathrine Wilde sits next to a beautiful woman and learns her tragic story. She’s drawn to her, and they kiss sweetly, but will this straight woman break her heart?
World famous pianist Ella Kerr ends the second anniversary of her husband’s death in a randomly chosen bar. She’s sad and introspective, and surprised to be flattered when a gorgeous woman offers to buy her a drink. Tragedy forces them to spend time together, and love grows despite their fears.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
The romance proceeds at light speed and a snail’s pace all at once. Both of them are taken with the other immediately, and why wouldn’t they? Both are powerful women in their own right, especially Ella, who is a classical pianist of the first order. It’s not apparent at first who is chasing who more closely, and I appreciated that while Ella never denied the love she would always hold for her husband, she very nearly completely accepted the fact she could love a woman right from the start. Of course she didn’t quite get there for a while because there has to be some tension and drama, but I never felt irritated at the pace of her changes.
It’s mainly Ella’s story, and I enjoyed how it was difficult for a while to tell who is wooing who more. That was a light note in an otherwise fairly dramatic story. Because both women have professions that require a lot of time and effort, especially Ella, they must balance life and work very carefully. It was great to read a book that shows how much hard work goes into being the best.
The two go through a lot, like a lot, over the course of the book, and it’s not always the emotional struggle of falling in love. Outside influence on their feelings and beliefs play a large role, and how you have to be true to yourself when it comes to love.
Cons And Heads Up
Ella’s painful struggle made me cringe a few times. Anyone who has ever undergone physical therapy will do the same.
The Conclusion
Ella is a powerhouse pianist who has to go to extraordinary lengths to finish a job that might cost the career she’s slaved over all her life to achieve. All the while, her feelings grow ever stronger for the woman who gives her all to help even as they are only beginning to fall in love. Ella and Katherine must somehow hold true to each other despite influences trying to pull them apart.
Excerpt from True North by Carina Lupo
“I’ll tell you one thing about me. Nothing fancy, just what I did today. After that I fully expect – and I won’t be offended – that you’ll be running as quick as you can towards some other pretty girl in this bar.”
“Okay…try me!” Katherine laughed, looking surprised. “What could you have possibly done today to send me packing like that?”
“I went to visit my husband’s grave…it’s been two years today since he passed away,” she said flatly. Katherine’s pretty smile disappeared immediately, replace with something like pity.
“I am so sorry,” Katherine said, serious now.
“Thanks…it’s okay, really.” They were quiet for a minute before Ella added, “now, if I may be so bold to suggest…how about that pretty girl over there?” She pointed to a short-haired girl sitting further down the bar.
Katherine turned her head and checked the girl out, amused. “No,” she said, “not my type. Besides, now that I’ve bought you a drink I might as well get my money’s worth.” She settled in and grinned. “There are two kinds of people in here on Fridays. The ones who come to meet people and maybe get lucky, and the ones who come here to drink themselves senseless. If this Friday night won’t be the first kind, it might as well be the second. And I think you’re the best company for that in here!”
“Why thank you!” Ella took the dubious compliment with a laugh. “You might be right, though…” Ella sipped her drink checking Katherine out. “So, what’s your type anyway?”
“I’m looking at it,” Katherine raised her eyebrow, and gave Ella a sly smile.
“Ah…straight and depressed? How’s that working out for you?” Katherine laughed heartily in response.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9798218081386
Publisher: Cal Lobos House
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Note: I received a free review copy of True North by Carina Lupo. No money was exchanged for this review. When you use our links to buy we get a small commission which supports the running of this site
