For Her Consideration

Author: Amy Spalding

Pub Date: 2/21/2023

For Her Consideration is Amy Spalding’s adult debut, and she knocks it out of the park. The novel focuses on Nina Rice, a freelancer working for an agency in LA, and Ari Fox, an up-and-coming actress who hires the agency to support her. Nina and Ari hit it off and after a few communication breakdowns, their friendship evolves into a sizzling romance.

While the dynamic between Ari and Nina is the stuff that romance novels are built upon, I was really hooked by the journey of self-discovery that Nina experiences over the course of the novel. In the preface to the story, we see Nina experience a heart-wrenching break-up with her girlfriend of three years, who lets Nina know in no uncertain terms all the flaws that led to their relationship’s demise. Nina lets this go to her head, and copes by running away not only from the relationship, but from all of her friendships and even the city itself, relocating to the suburbs and withdrawing into a life of solitude. Her connection with Ari brings her back into the world she left behind; she reconnects with old friends, starts working toward her dream of becoming a TV writer again, and lets herself fall for Ari.

Like most romances, this novel does have the late-stage break-up before they can find their happily ever after, but because Nina’s character was so well drawn, I wasn’t as frustrated as I usually am by this plot device. As anyone who has done real soul-searching can attest, it’s rare that journeys of self-discovery happen without a little backsliding. When she and Ari have a fight, Nina panics and withdraws, falling back on the defenses she built after her previous break up. This time, however, her friends refuse to let her go, and are there to support her through the rough patch and help her to move forward. I will admit feeling frustrated with Nina at points throughout the book, and when her friends urge her to seek therapy, I may or may not have cheered. This is a woman who has been deeply hurt, who is afraid to trust, and whose self-image is so damaged that she can only see herself as someone who can cause pain, instead of seeing the value she can bring to those she loves. Ir’s hard to read at times, but it helps to see how Nina’s friends stand by her through thick and thin.

Yes, this is a romance, but it’s also a novel that celebrates the power of found families while exploring the process of growing up and overcoming our fears. I couldn’t help but root for Nina throughout the book - she’s such a captivating character, and it was great to see her figuring everything out for herself. My only complaint? Nina encounters that truly heinous ex late in the story and instead of a dramatic showdown, she pays her no mind. While this is absolutely the more mature and appropriate response, I really would have loved to see her take her ex down several notches - but we can’t always get what we want!

For Her Consideration celebrates queer love and the power of friendships and found family to help us navigate the challenges life throws our way. I highly recommend checking it out!