Ford, Donna. No Boundaries. Bold Strokes Books. 2014. $16.95. 256p. PB. 978-1-62639-060-7.

Gwen has just moved with her dog to rural Tennessee for a fresh start away from her mistakes. Andi, also hiding from a difficult past, lives in the same small town. The locals are accustomed to Andi’s reclusive ways but become curious when she and Gwen start spending time together. Although Gwen and Andi are attracted to each other from the start, Andi keeps pushing Gwen away. When Andi’s secrets come back to haunt her, she has to decide whether to tell Gwen the truth or spare her the pain by breaking up with her.

The plot is familiar: person #1 and person #2 are perfect for each other, but at least one of them is hiding a secret which, when discovered, requires both of them to make decisions about their future. With little action in No Boundaries, Andi and Gwen’s relationship carries the novel. Although the characters are realistic and well-defined, the events require a suspension of belief to accept that two lesbians could both flee to the same rural town in Tennessee.

This book would make an excellent addition to a public library’s romance novel collection or as a summer read beach fans of Karin Kallmaker’s writing.

Reviewer: Jenni Frencham, Librarian
Cesar Chavez Middle School, Hayward (CA)