"Sweat Equity," by Monica McCallan

Contemporary Lesbian Romance

Book Blurb

Avery Simmons' life is in a rut. As the co-founder and creator of a lesbian dating app meant to help people find love, or at least a fun fling, the irony isn’t lost on her. Her girlfriend broke up with her, she can’t fit into her favorite jeans, and to top it off, she’s getting a new roommate who will be privy to her depressing pity party.

Personal trainer Charlie Grant wants nothing more than a clean slate and a fresh start from her old life in New York City. One of her oldest friends offers an extra room in her San Francisco duplex, but Charlie quickly finds out that it comes at an unforeseen cost. A sullen, misanthropic storm cloud of a woman already lives there, and Charlie has to wonder if cheap rent is worth her sanity.

Avery wants to hide from her feelings, and Charlie wants to run from hers. Can they both survive living together? But more than that, can they finally help one another break down their walls along the way?

This is the first book in the LadyLuck Startups Romance series but also acts as a standalone novel.

My Review

All right, my lovelies, this week’s review was one I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into after chatting with the author and getting a brief synopsis of the story. I knew it was going to be something I’d drool over and devour, and I was correct in that assumption. Upon finishing Sweat Equity by Monica McCallan, I was left with a happy little sigh that carried me through the rest of my evening. I mean, honestly people, this was one of those feel good books we all need in our lives.

Sweat Equity plays off a series of tropes and well-established writerly constructs, including a touch of enemies-to-lovers, a delicious slow burn approach, and lots ‘n lots of fun character moments that left me wanting more. Which is a dang good thing, considering this is the first in a series!

But I digress.

McCallan has an amazing flair for description, and her similes and metaphors had my jaw falling to the floor. The plot line was fresh, albeit tropey (in the best of ways!), and her characters were unique and full or charm. Or not. Sometimes they were a bit grumpy or unrealistic in their expectations, leaving me want to reach into the book and slap ‘em… but isn’t that what we want from our characters? A little realism? I should say so. No one wants cardboard cut-outs made to look and talk like people but who lack the inner workings and screw-ups that make us human. Borrrrrring. In my humble opinion, at least. 🤣

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read with a focus on slow burn relationship building, real human reactions, and a colorful and awesomely in-depth look at the everyday life of three gals digging into a San Francisco based start-up. I’m not sure if McCallan does such a thing in her real life, or if she just researched the ever-lovin’ heck out of it, but she had some great detail that really intrigued and drew me in.

So, what are you waiting for? Sweat Equity is available for purchase today! It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited! 😘