Just Three Words by Melissa Brayden

Just Three Words (Soho Loft #2) by Melissa Brayden

• Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, 2015
• Genre: Romance, LGBTQ+
• Format: Ebook
• Page Count: 271 pages
• My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Of late, I’ve been reading a lot of wlw (women-loving-women) romance novels. Approximately 1-book-per-day kind of “a lot” for a month straight. Or not so straight. Must be a quarter-life crisis thing since I pretty much never read romance in the past. I have yet to read one fall-in-love-with-best-friend story. Until now.

“I’m thinking you’re low maintenance, which I kind of don’t get because you have so many clothes it’s ridiculous.”
“Correction. I wear a lot of different outfits. But I donate the old ones every six months or so. I like to keep things fresh and travel light.”
“Kind of how you manage your women.”

The second book of the Soho Loft series did not disappoint! I really liked it. Brayden captured the vibrant dynamics between the four partners of Soho Savvy — Mallory Spencer, Samantha Ennis, Hunter Blair, and Brooklyn Campbell. While the last book focused on Brooklyn’s relationship with their rival Jessica Lennox, this book is about Sam and Hunter. I enjoyed how their new layer of relationship was built on the pre-existing mutual trust of 10 years. Both being cautious and uncertain, Sam and Hunter faced their insecurities – Sam’s lack of belief in herself and Hunter’s aversion to committed relationship – as well as dealt with communication issues that are admittedly frustrating to read about.

I love how Mallory and Brooklyn put their friends’ happiness before their company. The strong bond of friendship the four of them have for each other is so heartwarming. And though Sam and Hunter were in the middle of a fight when Hunter’s mom fell sick, Sam decided to be present for Hunter as a great friend and did not push her to discuss their relationship during this highly stressed time. She pretty much held the Blairs together in her short visit. It is mutual respect and support. I really love how Hunter left the notebook on Sam’s bed, followed by her waiting under their lamppost. She tried so hard. Who knew Hunter is such a hopeless romantic?

However, I do have to point out that the repeated use of “exotic” in descriptions does not sit well with me.

Sam and Hunter took “I fell in love with my best friend” to a whole new level of “I fell in love with my best friend of ten years!” It is an adorable read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading some light wlw fiction. [26 Feb 2020]