Book Review·Lesbian Review

In the Back Row with You Natasha West is a slow-burning, enemies-and-lovers romantic comedy with some dark moments.

Movies were everything to Tess, and as a third-generation owner/operator of the Eclipse Theater, she reveled in her ability to show people interesting movies—until one night the place fell apart and she had to take out a loan to re- Open for business. She really, really hates the idea, and by default she hates corporate hackers somehow stealing her beloved theater.

Saving businesses from bankruptcy was the best part of Zara’s job at the bank, and she was very good at it. This is her favorite job because she spent many wonderful times at Eclipse as a child. What greets her is a soggy, moldy, creaking theater and a grumpy, hostile owner. The job is hard, but winning over the stubborn, beautiful, talented Tess is even harder, but she’s willing to try.

writing

This book made me laugh instantly and stayed at least somewhat amusing throughout. My desk at work has also been flooded. The two women have been through some very rough times, especially with the evil bank, and have major trust issues with each other. This horrific situation is carefully crafted to provide Tess with a great opponent to tee off on when she’s not teeing off with Zara. The dialogue is particularly well done and at times gives a solid his girl friday The atmosphere, works well in an environment that movie lovers should be satisfied with. There are a few places where the names are incorrect, which confused me a bit, but in no way caused me to lower my rating for this book.

Pros and my favorite part

I love movies and am sometimes a boring nerd myself, so I really liked Tess even though my level of knowledge was nowhere near her level. I also love a good comedy and this book made me laugh several times. There were some moments that made me nervous because the author put women in very scary situations.

It’s a straightforward story that could have gone in any number of directions in the end, and I enjoyed watching the completely distrustful Tess slowly warm to the ever-helpful Zara. Normally the Snow Queen would be in a suit, Zara, so the switch was fun. There are a number of secondary characters, from the narcissistic jerk to the helpful siblings, and they’re all well done and helpful to the story.

careful

Nothing but evil corporate hackers and horrible ex-girlfriends.

in conclusion

The Eclipse Theater literally collapsed on Tess’s head. She is a third-generation owner and the movie theater is her life, which means she was forced to take out a loan to fix up the place. The bank sent a woman who was not only an expert at helping businesses rebuild, but who was especially excited to help a place she loved as a child. It would be nice if the gorgeous owner stopped being so hostile and let her do her job.

The whole story is full of humor, especially the snappy dialogue and interesting characters. The author gives these two women some very tough situations to get out of, as well as a lot of trust issues that interfere with their romance. This book is a fun ride, especially if you love movies and appreciate the intention of preserving classics in theaters.

Excerpted from In the Back Row with You Natasha West

“You’re the only one who doesn’t look…”

‘What? ‘

“Crazy as a box of frogs,” Tess said at last.

“This is the best compliment you can give me.” Zara stopped. “In fact, that’s the only compliment you can pay me.”

Tess chuckled.

“Oh, sure, ditto,” Zara said.

‘oh? Am I the best of the bunch? Tess asked with a half smile.

“Yeah, least weird.”

“Least surprising,” repeated Tess. “Well, I could tell Faye.” Maybe it would stop her from telling me I wasn’t trying hard enough.

“Being alone is better than this,” Zara said. “You can quote me on that.”

“I’d probably do that,” said Tess. Although she didn’t think she would mention Zara’s existence. It might give Fi some ideas. Tess doesn’t like Fee having ideas.

“Why push at all?” asked Tess. “Anderson is worried that you’re going to die alone and that rats are going to eat your face?”

‘Those are not his precise Character…’

“These are Fee’s words. Verbatim. She said I didn’t expect she would find a body. I needed a partner there to watch me die.”

“Is this really what relationships are all about? Is someone here to fend off the hungry rodents on your corpse?” Zara asked.

“Anyway, I think it’s more likely that I’ll melt into my chair within a few weeks,” Tess said thoughtfully.

“I think it sounds good. It’s kind of peaceful,” Zara said.

‘Correct?’ ‘ Tess said with a smile. Zara laughed with her.

So now they laugh together. On one strange night, it all ended. Is Zara a person after all?

Get it online

When you use the links in this review and make a purchase within 24 hours of clicking, we will earn a small commission that helps us run the site, at no additional cost to you

Bit by bit

ASIN number: B0DL4PPTS

Publisher: independent author

natasha west online

if you like Natasha West in the back row with you Then you should also take a look

Note: I received a free review copy Natasha West, “Back Row with You.” No money was received in exchange for this review. When you purchase using our links, we receive a small commission, which helps support the running of this site