What a pleasure it is to have at last dived into this series! Every character is so special and layered, flawed but trying their best.

Savannah and Brynn are enjoying married life and being a family—with a new baby on the way—when Savannah’s half-sister suddenly shows up. Despite Savannah financially supporting her estranged family, Cassidy, mad as a kitten, seems to hold her responsible for ruining her life. Still, the star welcomes her into her home, intent on trying to understand the younger woman. As weeks and months pass, Cassidy gets to know her sister and her family better. A family that includes Savannah’s son Tucker’s nonbinary nanny, Lane…

Unlike Savannah and Brynn, who were decidedly adults in Falls From Grace, this second book has a more New Adult feel. Cassidy, in particular, appears—at least at first—both sheltered and bitter beyond her age. You know how it’s said that you can only make a first impression once? Lucky for Cassidy, Savannah and her family are willing to look beyond the petite and pretty but resentful young woman, whose sharp tongue doesn’t hide how lost she is. Once the feral kitten façade starts slipping, Cassidy turns out to be a more than decent person, and her character growth is heartwarming and inspiring. And then there’s Lane. When they first meet, Lane is unbothered, secure in Savannah’s support and Brynn’s friendship. They’ve just had top surgery and are still enjoying the feeling of freedom it gives them. They seem happy and well-adjusted, until they’re expected to interact with people their age. I really liked how Cassidy’s impressive capacity for adaptation offsets her inexperience, and the contrast with the way Lane’s own worldliness conceals their vulnerabilities from cursory glances.

In the background of Lane and Cassidy’s romance, Savannah’s pregnancy and the baby’s subsequent birth bring their own share of drama and add to the character development of both MCs. Between all four characters—Lane, Cassidy, Savannah, Brynn—there’s a lot of past trauma to deal with and manage, the perfect setup for Ruby Landers to illustrate the significance of friendship, found family, love.

I should probably say that while this book can probably be enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend starting with Falls From Grace anyway. I made the mistake of listening with my wife after summarising the first book for her. She was caught up on the story, but she didn’t know the characters like I did. Cassidy is the only new character, and the other three’s reactions to situations make complete sense when you’re familiar with them.

And do I need to mention that the narration is impeccable or is the name Quinn Riley enough?

Experience Graceless:

Bookshop.org (paperback)

Amazon (audiobook – paperback – ebook)

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