Set in the late 70's, early 80's when it was much harder to be a lesbian, this is a story of a small community doing its best to support each other in a hostile world. Full of interesting characters, financial ruin and the everyday struggles that can be magnified when you also face prejudice, this book shows the importance and meaning of love and community.

With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Somehow this is my first book by Lee Lynch and it is something I've been meaning to rectify for a while. This book follows Rainbow Gap which from what I understand follows the story of Berry and Jaudon, which I will definitely have to go back and read it. I had no trouble falling right into the story even not having an introduction to these characters before. Berry and Jaudon take in MJ, an abused runaway, who is the main character in this story. We learn about her brilliant mind that takes her into a career of petty crime to get ahead and survive after everything she's been through. I was sucked into this book, full of vibrant description and unique characters, even without reading the first one. The family ties are strong in this one, whether by blood or found family, and it warms your heart.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Accidental Desperados is the second book from Rainbow gap.

The story is centered around friendships, who you can trust, and who you can call family.
MJ is an abused runaway, she's hurt, angry, and is brilliant. She was dumped in Rainbow Gap, Florida, where she immediately discovers an aptitude for the crime. The lesbian cop who catches her expects good-hearted lovers Jaudon Vicker and Berry Garland to save the kid. Jaudon's business has suffered and she's frantic to make it right again, she was once that besieged child herself and reachers out to MJ, but finds herself in cahoots with her instead.
Berry is left in the dark, she put her own dreams on hold but fears losing her love as Jaudon is swallowed by work and guilt.. Berry's gran is besotted with MJ and Vonnie Lowe, Allison the social justice warrior and scofflaws shady, and Tad all stand behind Jaudon to try and help, but are they enough?

The (for me) the book started slow and I found it hard to get into, (I'm getting good at picking books lately that are follow-ups, so the start of the story makes no sense, so this review may be no good to you), Once I did get into it, it was the characters I loved, more than the storyline.
I gave this book a 3.5

Teenager MJ Beaudry is forced to leave her home. She makes her way to Florida where she soon learns new skills as a thief.
She meets Jaudon and Berry who help her realize she can do more then steal from people, still it's not as easy gig to give up for fast money.

She learns more about Rainbow Gap and finds love as she grows.

This story is set in the 1970's and 80's with references to current headlines of the time which were very easy to follow along.

This was the first book I read by Lee Lynch and look forward to reading more.

This is a follow-up to Rainbow Gap. This read zeros in on Emma Jean Beaudry (MJ) and Vonnie Lowe. It also focuses on interesting characters from the previous book, Rainbow Gap. Specifically, Jaudon, Berry, Cullie, Allison, and Gran. All of the characters are down to earth and very supportive of each other. That, in my opinion is what is so appealing about this read. These lesbian/gay characters (and some not lesbian/gay characters) understand that family and friendship is important and necessary even if you think you do not want or need it.

MJ makes some very interesting and dumb decisions about how to live her life and how to deal with anger and stress. There is romance but the real story is about how individuals deal with love, relationships, and their economic situation. Shall I operate above board or on the dark side? Also, I appreciated the historical social and economic threads presented throughout the story.

Lee once again writes an authentic relatable story. Here lies the story of MJ an abused teen who ran away from home and ended up in Rainbow Gap, Florida. With the help of Tad and Shady she finds a way to survive but runs into trouble.
Jaudon and Berry are a loving couple that lives with Berry's Gran who loves them unconditionally. Jaudon upon receiving the news about the family business feels guilty and is trying to find ways to safe the business. Through all this Berry supports here cant help wondering if her dreams might not come true.




I received an ARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Thank you

Lee Lynch is a classic author weaving authentic, riveting stories of gay lives.

In the 70's and 80's, lesbians struggled to forge lasting relationships while growing financially and politically.

MJ is a smart, resourceful teen aged run away. She lands in small town Florida with no support system. MJ meets an injured Vietnam Vet and young African American man who set her on the road to survival.

Yaudon and Berry, are young women in love and lucky to have a supportive home together with Berry's Gran. Life is good - until Yaudon's mother's dementia implodes their financial security.

The story follows Yaudon and MJ as they battle their inner demons.

An enthralling book I could not put down - I highly recommend this second book in the Rainbow Gap series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


MJ is good kid but life having been kind to her she runs away from home because of the abuse she gets and also because she gay. She winds up in Rainbow Gap Florida where she immediately gets into trouble.

Berry and Jaudon are more in love then ever when they are windup in taking care of MJ who Jaudon find a kindred spirit in as they go into cahoots together. Jaudon is dealing with guilt and trying find a way to keep the family business going. Berry is support while she fears her dreams weren’t come true all the while tries to keep Jaudon sane.

I like this read and how all the characters came together help each other. Love Gran though