The Valley’s oldest restaurants have all carved their own special niche in not only the metro area's history, but in Arizonans’ hearts as well. A very solid 4.25 star read.View Gallery: Historic local businesses at Danelle PlazaĬorrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article gave an incorrect reference to the ownership of Macayo's Mexican Food as well as an incorrect location. My only issue is that I would have liked for it to be longer and for some of the side characters, particularly Jeffrey, to have been more present and fleshed out. The prose is beautiful and evocative without being overly flowery. I appreciated that the author didn't make falling in love solve all of her problems. As someone who suffers from chronic depression I related to Jackie's struggles and how difficult it was for to get back to herself. Their banter is natural and funny and Gwen is delightfully snarky. Their romance starts off rocky but soon becomes passionate. Jackie battles depression while Gwen battles the press and her former father-in-law. Sugar and Ice is a sweet, emotional story about two very different women both living in the public eye. I picked up Sugar and Ice because it was written by a friend (note: that does not affect my rating in any way and I bought this copy myself) and I wanted to dip my toes into lesbian fiction.

It is nothing personal against the genre, I just prefer M/M over F/F. I will admit I am not a big fan of F/F Romance. After years of building up walls, the two must open themselves up to love-and to getting hurt-to find what truly makes them happy. Stress, tabloids, and their own fears threaten to shake the foundation of their budding relationship. But romance isn’t easy for two women in the spotlight. Jackie thrills in melting Gwen’s ice queen heart, and Gwen is instantly hooked on Jackie’s sweetness. There’s no denying the sparks between them. Then she meets Gwen and starts to wonder if there’s more to life than wishes and regrets. After a devastating stress fracture ended her WNBA career, she’s mostly been dodging her agent and binging TV. Not even when a pair of bright eyes catch hers at the highly exclusive Rose club. She does the job well, and as far as she’s concerned, that’s all she needs. She runs her ex’s senatorial campaign while battling gossip rags, sleazy opponents, and her self-righteous former father-in-law. Gwendolyn Crawford is Superwoman personified. One ice queen, one sweetheart, one last chance at happily ever after.

Sugar and Ice by Brooklyn Wallace