Review of ‘Not today’ by Arizona Tape

Nix is a player, only wanting to be in a casual relationship because she’s had her heart broken one too many times.  When new student Harper walks into Nix’s regular bar, the sparks fly and the two can’t keep their hands off of each other.  The only problem – Harper can’t handle casual.

There’s a lot to unpack in this shorter, college-aged lesbian novella.  Harper and Nix both have their own fairly serious issues stemming from bad previous relationships, and they both bring that baggage into the mix with each other.  Harper’s ex was a complete closeted mess and really did a number on Harper’s self-esteem, while Nix can’t commit because she’s had her heart broken so completely.  There’s a whole lot of partying and alcohol in this one, along with a lot of casual sex.  Do these college students actually ever go to class anymore??  (Asked while yelling at the neighbor’s kids to get off my lawn…)

Overall, I enjoyed reading about the growth of both characters and very much enjoyed the scene that Tape set with the secondary characters.  Tape did a wonderful job in describing the doubts and insecurities that often accompany new relationships, and the insecurities of these first years as adults.  I think she has a wonderful setup for future stories in this one, and it appears that this is the first in a series of books set in the same world and based on the secondary characters in this story.

While I enjoyed Tape’s writing style, it felt like this story may have been written for a bit younger audience than me.  I noticed multiple spelling and grammar issues, and the book just felt a bit young.  I think that the overuse of descriptors like “the blond” and “the brunette” really added to this feeling for me.  Personally, I enjoyed this story, but hope that Tape can grow as an author for the next one for those reasons.  3.25 stars

An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.