'Shake Things Up' by Skye Kilaen is a contemporary romance novel that explores the complexities of polyamory relationships. The story revolves around Allie, Matt, and Noelle, who navigate through their personal struggles while forming a unique bond based on love and communication. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and healthy relationships, portraying a diverse group of characters with individual paths in life coming together to create a supportive and loving community.

The writing style of 'Shake Things Up' is described as heartwarming, inclusive, and thoughtfully crafted. Skye Kilaen skillfully depicts the dynamics between the characters, providing a full view of their friendships and relationships through multiple perspectives. The book is praised for its emphasis on communication, realistic portrayal of polyamorous relationships, and the exploration of themes such as sexuality, labels, and personal happiness.

Characters:

The characters are complex and diverse, each grappling with personal struggles while forming deep connections with each other.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its warmth and inclusivity, highlighting deep character exploration and relational dynamics.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores the complexities of a polyamorous romance, emphasizing themes of love, communication, and self-discovery among its three leads.

Setting:

The setting reflects contemporary life, with relatable scenarios that ground the characters' experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep character interactions and development, though some sought more everyday moments.

Notes:

The book focuses on three characters navigating their relationships and personal struggles.

It avoids the miscommunication trope by emphasizing open communication among the characters.

Told from the perspectives of Allie, Matt, and Noelle, it highlights their friendship and evolving relationship.

The author, Skye Kilaen, portrays various types of relationships thoughtfully and with heart.

Matt and Allie's love is solid and committed without needing big romantic gestures.

The relationships are built on consent and develop naturally, rather than falling into common romantic tropes.

The book explores themes of self-discovery, labels, and making choices for personal happiness.

The characters have unique backgrounds: Allie is successful but not nurturing, Matt is handsome and successful but sorting through his sexuality, and Noelle struggles to balance work and personal life.

The story features a road trip dynamic that adds depth to the developing relationships.

The book includes queer representation and presents polyamorous relationships positively.

Readers appreciate the humor and lightness in the story, with great character chemistry.

The author includes content warnings at the start of the book to prepare readers.

While it’s the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Character interactions leave readers feeling connected and wanting to know them more.

Has Romance?

The book features a strong romantic storyline centered around three main characters and their evolving relationships.

From The Publisher:

Three people, one road trip, and so many queer feelings. A polyamorous romance about changing your life.

Allie and Matt's happy open relationship means they're both free to find hookups. When Allie gets duped by a date, though, she's found with someone else's cheating boyfriend. Ugh!

Meeting Noelle by helping her leave the guy isn't the night Allie expected, but after the women bond over drinks and a seriously dysfunctional tape gun, Allie's hesitant to say goodbye. It's weird; she doesn't normally like-like people who aren't Matt.

Matt's questioning whether he's entirely straight, and he hopes to find answers on his and Allie's impending road trip. But he's cool with bringing her new maybe-crush along, especially since he and Noelle keep finding things in common. And staring into each others' eyes.

Noelle lost her demanding job right before her boyfriend cheated, and she's looking for her next career move-preferably back home. Allie's fumbling charm and Matt's flirtatious humor, however, make her wonder if her life compass needs fixing.

Late-night talks on Texas highways, first kisses, and hotel confessions might change a lot... if there's a next step for Noelle that isn't leaving.

A high-heat contemporary romance novel with a polyamorous HFN involving F/F and queer M/F relationships. F/F and M/M love scenes on page.

Tropes: road trip, geeks in love, bisexual awakening, polyamory, open relationships.

Detailed content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.

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Shake Things Up?

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Shake Things Up

Skye Kilaen

Book 2 in the series:Love at Knockdown