Sapphic Love in a Small-Town: “To Be Loved” is Must-read

To Be Loved is a captivating blend of sweet sentiment and simmering passion. Shannon O’Connor deftly navigates themes of grief, self-discovery, and the quest for love

Synopsis: To Be Loved

When two strangers find themselves sharing a summer house, neither expects that the season of solitude will lead to unexpected love.

Norah is determined to reclaim her independence after the loss of her husband—finding solace in quiet days at the bookstore and peaceful nights alone. When her friend Alana suggests a temporary housemate, Norah reluctantly agrees, not anticipating any sparks.

Gemma, invited by her college best friend to serve as maid of honour, eagerly accepts a summer stay—even if it means becoming Norah’s roommate. Initially, their interactions are awkward and tentative, but slowly, Gemma begins to look forward to every shared moment. That is, until a startling revelation changes everything: Norah is pregnant with her late husband’s baby.

In a twist that neither could have foreseen, the revelation forces both women to confront complex emotions. Gemma finds herself drawn to Norah in ways that go beyond friendship, and the slow-burning tension between them blossoms into a romance that challenges their past and their hopes for the future.

To Be Loved is a small-town, slow burn, forced-proximity romance from the Lighthouse Lovers series—a story of healing, unexpected attraction, and finding love in the most surprising of places, all wrapped in the gentle warmth of summer.

Review: To Be Loved

To Be Loved by Shannon O’Connor is the third installment in her Lighthouse Lovers series,

A sapphic small-town romance that stands strong as a standalone while also offering delightful nods to other books in the series.

The novel follows Gemma, a dedicated nurse who drifts between hospitals, and finds herself invited to serve as a maid of honour at Alana’s wedding.

For the occasion, Alana arranges for Gemma to stay with Nora—a widow still mourning the loss of her husband of many years and now facing a new chapter as she embarks on an unexpected journey of IVF and pregnancy.

Story and Themes

At its core, To Be Loved is a sweet and sentimental romance that artfully blends slow-burn intimacy with moments of spice.

The first half of the novel, which is 193 pages in total, takes its time to build the connection between Gemma and Nora.

This gentle unfolding of their relationship is filled with quiet moments—such as sharing time reading and discussing books together—that feel natural and deeply personal.

As their relationship deepens, both Gemma and Nora confront their respective challenges. Nora grapples with the lingering grief of losing her long-time partner and the complex emotions that come with rediscovering her sexuality.

Meanwhile, Gemma is pushed by external pressures—like her mother’s constant reminders to settle down—to find stability and commitment in her life. The sensitivity with which O’Connor handles these themes elevates the narrative, ensuring that the romance feels heartfelt rather than purely formulaic.

Character Dynamics and Series Continuity

The strength of To Be Loved lies in its well-drawn characters. Nora’s vulnerability and resilience, combined with Gemma’s practical warmth and longing for permanence, create a compelling dynamic that evolves naturally over the course of the story. Although each book in the Lighthouse Lovers series can be read independently, reading them in order enriches the experience with subtle character overlaps and hints at future developments.

Final Thoughts

To Be Loved is a captivating blend of sweet sentiment and simmering passion. Shannon O’Connor deftly navigates themes of grief, self-discovery, and the quest for love, all set within the familiar yet ever-charming world of small-town life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the Lighthouse Lovers universe, this novel offers a tender, engaging read that stays with you long after the last page.

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