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No Strings Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 808 ratings

Fun is the one thing Elsie Webb takes seriously. Though she’d be having a lot more of it if Haelstrom Media paid her enough to actually get out of debt. She’s determined to hold out on contract negotiations for her kids’ television show Fangley Heights until she gets what she deserves. There’s only one problem, the head of the network just died and left her future more uncertain than ever.

Forty-eight hours and one funeral–that’s all Jones Haelstrom has to get through before she can return to her life in LA that’s as ordered and sparse as an IKEA showroom. When she steps in as CEO of her father’s media company, Elsie Webb is her first problem to deal with. Elsie ends up challenging Jones in ways she never could have predicted, starting with an attraction neither can avoid.

As their attraction teeters on the edge of something more both agree to keep it casual. A no-strings agreement and disclosure to HR should be enough to keep things between Jones and Elsie from getting tangled, right?

CW: this story includes the death of an estranged parent off-page and prior to the story beginning


From the Publisher

Sapphic Book Review calling No Strings a must read
I Heart SapphFic's Best of the Best Award

Editorial Reviews

Review

Tantor Audio produced a high quality audiobook with a flawless Abby Craden narration and I can't recommend it highly enough.-- "The Lesbian Review"

About the Author

Lucy Bexley grew up in Michigan. Her favorite lake is Erie and her favorite Dunes are Sleeping Bear. She started reading romance novels in 2019 and hasn't been able to put them down since. She fell in love with stories featuring queer women getting their happily ever afters. Lucy lives in Boston with her partner, dog, two cats, and eleven bookcases. She's a fan of terrible jokes, seltzer, MarioKart, and silence. Must Love Silence is her first novel.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09KY8DY6Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lucy Bexley (January 13, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 13, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3142 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 808 ratings

About the author

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Lucy Bexley
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Lucy Bexley writes romcoms where queer women trip over things and fall... in love with each other. Her stories balance laughter and love with real-world struggles such as anxiety and addiction. Lucy lives in Boston with her partner, pets, and several cases of seltzer. She’s the author of five wlw romances including Must Love Silence and The Bright Side. When she’s not writing jokes in a Word doc, she’s writing them on Twitter.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
808 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and delightful. They appreciate the humor, witty dialogue, and unique storyline. The characters are well-developed with interesting voices and chemistry. Many describe the book as cute and adorable. The pacing is described as light and airy, with quick-witted moments. Overall, customers praise the author's understanding of complex topics like family formation and how to form a family.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

45 customers mention "Readability"45 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it enjoyable, delightful, and fantastic. The characters are engaging and the storyline is fun, mixing serious issues with lighthearted moments. Readers appreciate the joyful interactions between the two main characters. Overall, they describe the book as a sweet, cute rom-com that leaves them with a lot of laughs.

"...I absolutely loved how Bexley created such joyful interactions between the two MCs, the pranking was one of my favorite scenes in the book...." Read more

"(and salty, haha) Book overall is a good time. Prose is fun, characters have interesting and entertaining voices...." Read more

"...the true inspiration and developer of Fangley Heights, a popular television show for kids...." Read more

"...I’d love to watch the fictional shows! Overall, great read." Read more

35 customers mention "Humor"35 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's humor. They found the writing entertaining, with witty dialogue and interesting characters. The book was well-written and creative, with a unique concept.

"...But I’ll leave you with this one which was so perfectly funny and memorable “The most brilliant minds in the world are writing and reading romances.”..." Read more

"(and salty, haha) Book overall is a good time. Prose is fun, characters have interesting and entertaining voices...." Read more

"...Lucy Bexley is such an incredibly humorous storyteller and in No Strings, she shows her main character Elsie, not only as unique and funny, but a..." Read more

"...Literally laughing out loud, sexy, loving, realistic, hearts and feelings, oh my. The chemistry is beautiful between all the characters...." Read more

35 customers mention "Story quality"35 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's unique concept and creative writing style. They find the story touching, funny, and memorable. The office and media drama are engaging without being too typical. Readers appreciate the well-written family dynamics and the right amount of romance and angst.

"...But I’ll leave you with this one which was so perfectly funny and memorable “The most brilliant minds in the world are writing and reading romances.”..." Read more

"...Office/media drama is engaging and not too bogged down in typical romance novel stuff that drags it out. Sex is minimal but well done...." Read more

"...her main character Elsie, not only as unique and funny, but a fabulous storyteller as well. This book is like a two-sided coin...." Read more

"...Literally laughing out loud, sexy, loving, realistic, hearts and feelings, oh my. The chemistry is beautiful between all the characters...." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging characters and their well-developed personalities. They find the chemistry between the characters to be beautiful. The supporting cast is also praised for its superb performance. Overall, readers find the characters likable and engaging.

"...The supporting cast of Avery is superb as they act as the relationship yoda that everyone wishes they had...." Read more

"...Book overall is a good time. Prose is fun, characters have interesting and entertaining voices...." Read more

"...The chemistry is beautiful between all the characters...." Read more

"...Jones and Elsie are great together. Very memorable characters. Great plot, tender romance and humorous all rolled into one enjoyable read...." Read more

21 customers mention "Cute"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book cute and colorful. They appreciate the modern fairytale setting and characters like Elsie and Jones. The puppet show is a wonderful new art form. The book is well-written and creative, with phenomenal representation of LGBTQ+ characters.

"...a quiet strength, believes in doing the right thing and is just incredibly adorable...." Read more

"...and in No Strings, she shows her main character Elsie, not only as unique and funny, but a fabulous storyteller as well...." Read more

"...Literally laughing out loud, sexy, loving, realistic, hearts and feelings, oh my. The chemistry is beautiful between all the characters...." Read more

"...was a very unique concept, and the book was well-written and super creative. I’d love to watch the fictional shows! Overall, great read." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive2 negative

Customers find the book has a light touch with depth that helps them think. They say it's an enjoyable, quick read with many quick-witted moments. The book blends popular culture and instant attraction with tough choices and hard decisions.

"Loved it! Laughed throughout the book. Thoroughly enjoyable and quick read...." Read more

"What's cool about this book is that it's on the lighter side. It's funny, kinda quirky, and lovable...." Read more

"The start is a little slow and weighty but once the characters start clicking together it is 🔥🔥🔥. Wonderful love story..." Read more

"...A creative genius. This story blends popular culture, instant attraction, tough choices and hard circumstances...." Read more

7 customers mention "Understanding"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's understanding of complex topics like family formation and important situations. They find the author's approach to these issues wonderful. The book is described as a perfect blend of kindness, sensitivity, and understanding.

"...tackles grief and bipolar issues with kindness, sensitivity and understanding...." Read more

"...An amazing approach on important topics and situations we need to bring light to in our lives...." Read more

"SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: Favorite trope, meet-cute, unusual job, romantic comedy; UNICORN: safer sex..." Read more

"First, Bexley's writing is really funny. But she also adeptly handles complex topics really well like what it means to form a family, how to be in a..." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartfelt"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartfelt. They describe it as funny, quirky, sweet, and heartbreaking. The characters are described as genuinely kind and strong.

"...Bexley creates the perfect counterfoil to Jones, someone who is genuinely kind, has a quiet strength, believes in doing the right thing and is..." Read more

"...Literally laughing out loud, sexy, loving, realistic, hearts and feelings, oh my. The chemistry is beautiful between all the characters...." Read more

"...It was just what I needed right now. I found it funny, sad, silly, true to life for a lot of us and realistic...." Read more

"...This book is well worth the read. It is funny and sad and heartbreaking and laugh out loud funny some more." Read more

Fun read
4 out of 5 stars
Fun read
I really enjoyed this book. The story is fun but covers some serious issues. The characters are well rounded and likable, you can’t help but root for them. The quality of the writing and editing are first class. I look foreword to reading more from this author.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2022
    When you reach for a Lucy Bexley book, there are two undeniable truths that will prevail - it is guaranteed to be filled with humor that will have you grinning ear to ear and it will be brimming with warmth that will feel like the bestest hug ever!

    “No Strings” is no exception to this rule but in this one, Lucy Bexley takes on the more serious subject of mental health with one of the main MCs Jones being Bipolar. With a delicate touch Bexley brings to life the mental turmoil and the anguish of trying to live life without being a burden to others. In Elsie, Bexley creates the perfect counterfoil to Jones, someone who is genuinely kind, has a quiet strength, believes in doing the right thing and is just incredibly adorable. The supporting cast of Avery is superb as they act as the relationship yoda that everyone wishes they had. All of these characters along with a few villainous dudes combine to unfold a charming romantic story with a touch of drama for some swirling excitement.

    I absolutely loved how Bexley created such joyful interactions between the two MCs, the pranking was one of my favorite scenes in the book. Along with the joy, there are also so many soft and poignant moments. I had a big lump in my throat in the scene where Jones admits she’s not okay and as I write this review I still feel that down to my core. It’s a powerful point in the story where vulnerabilities are laid bare and Bexley’s sensitive handling of Elsie’s reaction is just perfect.

    Also let’s not forget about the puppets and Fangley Heights (because really Bexley had me with that cute cover and the mention of puppets), the backdrop against which this whole story is based. The creativity and the absurdity of some of the setups are just pure comedy gold and I think if Bexley ever wanted to switch careers to being children’s show runner she’d be awesome at it and I’d watch it too 😄

    Lastly there are so many many memorable lines in this book and I wish I could just quote them all. But I’ll leave you with this one which was so perfectly funny and memorable “The most brilliant minds in the world are writing and reading romances.” Never a truer statement was written because Lucy Bexley’s mind is nothing short of brilliant. 5🌟s
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2022
    (and salty, haha)

    Book overall is a good time. Prose is fun, characters have interesting and entertaining voices. Office/media drama is engaging and not too bogged down in typical romance novel stuff that drags it out. Sex is minimal but well done.

    Starting to wonder if enby best friend is a known trope among lesbian romance authors or a funny coincidence seeing it repeated.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023
    Elsie not only conceived the idea of puppet Fangley, but is the true inspiration and developer of Fangley Heights, a popular television show for kids. When the CEO of the company suddenly passes away, his daughter Jones steps in. In the meantime, his widow is AWOL and leaves her six year old son Bentley with Jones, who has no experience with children. Thank goodness Elsie does! The interactions between them are very special indeed!

    Lucy Bexley is such an incredibly humorous storyteller and in No Strings, she shows her main character Elsie, not only as unique and funny, but a fabulous storyteller as well. This book is like a two-sided coin. On one side the writing will either have the reader chuckling, guffawing or eye rolling. On the flip side, Lucy tackles grief and bipolar issues with kindness, sensitivity and understanding. The message that it's ok to be who you are and to love who you love is very dynamic. Lucy Bexley, you are one of a kind!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023
    Love, love, love this story! Thank you Lucy Bexley for this funny and serious story. Also, thank you for being so open about the struggles for people who must live with mental health issues. One of the MCs has bipolar disorder with symptoms of hypomania and severe depression. I was sad when the story ended and I hope Lucy will tell us how Jones and Elsie and Bexley and Avery are getting along in the future. Lucy, I think Avery needs her own book. Avery is a nonbinary character who is poly. The story made me think of the juxtaposition of humor and seriousness in the movie Steel Magnolias. The MC Elsie made me laugh out loud and my throat choked up for Jones. Also, huge shout out to Abby Craden who does a masterclass in performing the audiobook!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2022
    What an enjoyable book to read. It was just what I needed right now. I found it funny, sad, silly, true to life for a lot of us and realistic. I thought the puppet show was a wonderful new piece of art that I haven’t ever really witnessed. Elsie was a great steward of the art form. Her and Jones’s romance was well written with the right amount of romance and angst.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
    This was cute. Elsie and Jones are just adorable. Elsie is kinda nerdy, and that's sexy! Jones is not snobby like I expected. Aaaannd... it involves a kids' TV show about a vampire puppet, a cute little brother, a wise roommate, and a few unsavory characters that you'd love to hate. It has it all!! A sweet romcom
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2022
    Jones Haelstrom was only supposed to fly to NYC to attend her father's funeral. Jones only spent that one summer with her father as an intern at Haelstrom Media, but now it seems she's set to helm the company, take on the care of her 6 year old half-brother, and try to get the talented, funny, and absolutely slightly infuriating lead puppeteer of the network's hit kids' show Fangley Heights to sign her new contract.

    Elsie Webb is ready to walk and willing to walk off with her puppet and her talent, but something about new temporary head of Haelstrom Media keeps her coming back to work. Everything about Jones screams hot, uptight, and starchy, and Elsie would love to unravel her.

    But as Elsie gets to know Jones and Jones' half-brother, maybe she won't want to stick around for just Fangley Heights anymore either...

    This book with a puppet mouth cover made me cry. Very tender, yet hilarious and snarky, I loved the way grief for someone you barely had a relationship with was handled.

    Delightful - more from this author please.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Rafaela Oliveira
    5.0 out of 5 stars amei
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 25, 2023
    Excelente desenvolvimento d a história com personagens com camadas, gostei de como trouxe o casal e a característica de cada uma
  • CJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Queer is as queer does.
    Reviewed in Canada on October 27, 2022
    This is a lovely f/f romance story. While it is busy being a romantic story it also takes the time to be a strong story on queer advocacy and understanding with a touch of mental health understanding. While technically it might be considered a May/December story it doesn't feel like one.
  • D. W. Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars I’m Your Puppet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2024
    This is a slightly quirky, but ever so charming romance between Elsie & Jones, another couple who shouldn’t really be getting together given their opposing social status, but as happens so often in lesfic novels, mutual attraction overrides any social inequalities on the road to love. Not that this novel is cliched in any other aspect, the description of Jones’s depressive illness & its affect is very well written & realistic and doesn’t spoil the flow of the romance, if anything enhancing it, as Elsie is very understanding and supportive. The setting for the story is also unique, I haven’t come across many other MCs in any of the many dozens of books in this genre I’ve read as delightfully realised as glove puppeteer Elsie is. I’ll be searching out further novels by Lucy as I’m sure they’ll be as enjoyable & entertaining as ‘No Strings’
  • keshin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in India on October 8, 2022
    Jones and Elsie are so damn sweet and amazing. Elsie's dynamic with Bentley is just hilarious. I loved this book so much
  • Lily H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully woven humour.
    Reviewed in Australia on January 15, 2022
    Lucy Bexley is inching her way to my treasured list of always-read-everything-they-do authors because of how delightful the reads are. The humour makes the book fly by and leaves me selfishly wishing it were longer. However the real boon comes from how it allows emotionally deeper (even heady) themes to be woven into the characters without them overtaking the narrative.

    Serious struggles are simply part of characters lives in a refreshingly normal way that reads naturally to me, and representative of real life. I think that's why I've found her books stick with me long after reading.

    The particulars of No Strings are excellent. Puppetry? The bizarre mundane of modern life? The setting creatively featured a number of oddities in ways that left them feeling just, normal in the most inviting way.

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