Graceless

Grace Notes, Book 2

De: Ruby Landers

Narrado por: Quinn Riley

Savannah Grace is on top of the world. She's back to selling out stadium tours and winning Grammys and she's just arrived home from her honeymoon after marrying the love of her life…nothing could burst this bubble.

Except, of course, her estranged family.

When her younger sister Cassidy shows up on her doorstep, in need of help and thoroughly—inexplicably—pissed off, the whole household gets turned on its end. Where did she spring from and why the heck is she so damn mad?

Savannah's nanny Lane has grown all the way up, from a cute punk kid to a classic handsome heartbreaker, a long trail of short flings in their wake. They don't have a second to waste on Cassidy, after all, she's rude, ignorant, hot-tempered, and kind of a brat. It's just…does their boss's little sister have to be so hot?

Of course, things could always get worse. Cassidy has one plan and one plan only: for her sister to turn her into a star.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2024 Ruby Landers (P)2025 Podium Audio

More Savannah+ emotional rollercoaster

4.5
Ruby Landers is an amazing storyteller and one that we need in our society today. I LOVED Falls From Grace, and I was looking forward to seeing Savannah again because *swoon*.
Savannah is loving her life, her wife is amazing, and she’s pregnant with her second child. But then her sister randomly shows up at her house needing a place to stay. So, what happens when stubborn Cassidy is forced to stay with her perfect sister and interact with her perfect staff? Well… a lot happens.
I knew going into this book it would be emotional, but whew it was E-Motion-Al! Hello, brilliant character arc! Landers did a brilliant job of touching on important issues without inflicting that trauma on the reader with too much detail, but she also makes the reader sit with the implications. Please be patient with yourself if this book triggers something, and if you have to step away, do what’s best for you. I had to step away from this book for a time, but in the end, finishing it brought me some healing and closure. This is a story of finding yourself and unlearning. In a world so divided today, it’s refreshing to read a story about someone who listens and pays attention. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but by listening Cassidy starts to see what she’s been missing, but also the wrong that she’s been taught. I loved going on this journey with her, because not only was it healing for her, it was healing for me. I’d definitely recommend this book, even just for the Savannah and Brynn parts, but Cassidy’s story is an important one that I feel like more people need to read.

Quinn Riley, need I say more? I guess I will… okay, first, the return of Savannah Grace, means the voice that makes me want to melt! Then add in Cassidy’s voice, a rougher and younger version? How she maintains these minute differences will continue to astound me, but aside from the voices themselves, the emotion that Riley brings to the story made me cry on more than one occasion. Hearing Cassidy’s transformation with her sister was stunning and subtle. Savannah is, and forever will be my favorite, and Riley brought the house down! Her emotions came through so clearly through and after the baby’s birth, and it was breathtaking and heart-shattering. Hearing the hurt from before, knowing she’s done all of this by herself, brings a reminder of the genius of Landers and the talent of Riley.
Anyone who knows me knows I will listen to Quinn Riley read anything, but this is one of her best.

Oh, how I love this series!

I flippin' LOVED this audiobook! Loved.

When narrator Quinn Riley has great material to work with, she is sublime and wow - does she knock this one out of the park! I exclaimed aloud many times while listening to this one! It's moving, sexy, insightful, inclusive.... all the things you want in an audiobook listening experience.

The characters in this series - starting with Falls from Grace - are terrific. I can't wait for book three - Saving Graces - to be available on audio. I'm spoiled by Quinn so want to wait - even though the printed and ebook versions are currently available.

Loved it!

Great follow-up to the first book. Was hesitant because I wanted the focus to be on Savannah & Bren, but they are included plenty and my heart is happy. Can’t wait for the next one!

A HUNDRED STARS

Ruby Landers and Quinn Riley have done it again. Graceless, the second installment in the Grace Notes Trilogy, is an unforgettable continuation of a series that has completely enraptured my heart. If I thought the first book was a masterpiece, the audiobook of Graceless is a symphony—a dazzling harmony of exquisite storytelling and exceptional narration that had me utterly spellbound.

From the opening chapter, Lane and Cassidy’s story demands your full attention. Ruby Landers’ writing is as sharp as ever, painting vivid emotional landscapes with a deft touch. But it’s Quinn Riley’s narration that takes these already brilliant characters and makes them leap off the page (or, rather, out of the headphones) in ways that are downright magical.

The Characters
Lane is everything you want in a swoon-worthy sapphic love interest: enigmatic, charming, and achingly vulnerable beneath that tough exterior. Through Quinn’s performance, Lane’s aloofness feels magnetic, her rare moments of emotional openness heart-stopping.

And then there’s Cassidy. Her evolution from an initially prickly, dislikable character into someone raw, relatable, and deeply human is pure magic. Landers’ writing ensures Cassidy’s journey feels authentic, but it’s Quinn’s nuanced portrayal that breathes life into every moment of Cassidy’s transformation.

Hearing Savannah and Brynn again (from Falls From Grace) was like reconnecting with old friends, their voices as vivid and distinct as ever. Their growing family brings warmth and depth to the story, with Quinn perfectly capturing their chemistry and the messy beauty of family dynamics.

The Romance
The enemies-to-lovers tension between Lane and Cassidy is electric. Every verbal sparring match crackles with energy, every glance feels like the start of a wildfire. The slow unraveling of their defenses and the tender moments they share are amplified tenfold in audio format. Quinn Riley captures every layer of their chemistry—sharp-edged banter, simmering attraction, and the eventual melt into vulnerability—with such precision that I found myself holding my breath.

The Narration
Quinn Riley’s narration is nothing short of a masterclass in voice performance. She doesn’t just read the story; she inhabits it. Each character is given a distinct voice, each emotion conveyed with such depth and authenticity that it’s impossible not to feel completely immersed.

Lane’s drawl has a quiet intensity that left me swooning.
Cassidy’s voice brims with determination and emotional rawness, capturing her struggle and growth beautifully.
The way Quinn transitions seamlessly between the voices of Savannah, Brynn, and the supporting characters adds a richness to the narrative tapestry.
And let’s talk about the tension—THE TENSION. Quinn’s pacing and delivery make every loaded silence, every almost-touch, and every emotional crescendo utterly breathtaking.

Themes and Storytelling
Ruby Landers doesn’t just write romance; she writes about people—their flaws, their triumphs, and the messy, beautiful ways they love and hurt and heal. In Graceless, themes of forgiveness, family, and redemption shine through. Landers has an uncanny ability to create stories that feel deeply real, and the audiobook format amplifies the emotional resonance in a way that feels like a gift.

Final Thoughts
Graceless is a triumph, a shining example of what happens when an extraordinary author and a phenomenally talented narrator join forces. Ruby Landers’ stunning prose, combined with Quinn Riley’s stellar performance, creates an experience that will leave you completely captivated.

If you loved Falls From Grace, Graceless is a must-listen. This audiobook is a testament to the power of sapphic storytelling and the incredible talent of Ruby Landers and Quinn Riley. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be patiently (read: desperately) waiting for Book 3 because I’m not ready to leave this world anytime soon.

🌟 Graceless on audio is a perfect 5/5 stars. Don’t walk—run and dive in. You won’t regret it.

It keeps getting better

A beautiful story of family, redemption, good intentions, forgiveness, and learning to love even yourself. ... and spicy to boot.

Fantastic Queer Romance

I loved that this sequel heavily included a continuation of Brin and Savannah’s relationship while fully integrating a complex slow burn relationship repair and queer romance. This story covered many difficult issues- homophobia, physical abuse, neglect, transphobia and many other tough subjects. The author dealt with all of them respectfully. The story was made perfect with Quinn Riley’s narration. The anger, laughter, confusion and romance were perfectly portrayed making the listener feel every emotion deeply. I cannot wait for the next book to come out on Audible.

What a pleasure

What a pleasure it is to have at last dived into this series! Every character is so special and layered, flawed but trying their best.

Savannah and Brynn are enjoying married life and being a family—with a new baby on the way—when Savannah’s half-sister suddenly shows up. Despite Savannah financially supporting her estranged family, Cassidy, mad as a kitten, seems to hold her responsible for ruining her life. Still, the star welcomes her into her home, intent on trying to understand the younger woman. As weeks and months pass, Cassidy gets to know her sister and her family better. A family that includes Savannah’s son Tucker’s nonbinary nanny, Lane…

Unlike Savannah and Brynn, who were decidedly adults in Falls From Grace, this second book has a more New Adult feel. Cassidy, in particular, appears—at least at first—both sheltered and bitter beyond her age. You know how it’s said that you can only make a first impression once? Lucky for Cassidy, Savannah and her family are willing to look beyond the petite and pretty but resentful young woman, whose sharp tongue doesn’t hide how lost she is. Once the feral kitten façade starts slipping, Cassidy turns out to be a more than decent person, and her character growth is heartwarming and inspiring. And then there’s Lane. When they first meet, Lane is unbothered, secure in Savannah’s support and Brynn’s friendship. They’ve just had top surgery and are still enjoying the feeling of freedom it gives them. They seem happy and well-adjusted, until they’re expected to interact with people their age. I really liked how Cassidy’s impressive capacity for adaptation offsets her inexperience, and the contrast with the way Lane’s own worldliness conceals their vulnerabilities from cursory glances.

In the background of Lane and Cassidy’s romance, Savannah’s pregnancy and the baby’s subsequent birth bring their own share of drama and add to the character development of both MCs. Between all four characters—Lane, Cassidy, Savannah, Brynn—there’s a lot of past trauma to deal with and manage, the perfect setup for Ruby Landers to illustrate the significance of friendship, found family, love.

I should probably say that while this book can probably be enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend starting with Falls From Grace anyway. I made the mistake of listening with my wife after summarising the first book for her. She was caught up on the story, but she didn’t know the characters like I did. Cassidy is the only new character, and the other three’s reactions to situations make complete sense when you’re familiar with them.

And do I need to mention that the narration is impeccable or is the name Quinn Riley enough?

Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): JudeintheStars.com

This was an excellent sequence.

The interesting relationship between the MC and the other members of the family, the drama that is not over the top, the misunderstanding I like it a lot. Narration was excellent/