I'm not sure what to call this story, it's longer than a novella, but not as long as a traditional novel. Maybe a novel-ette?

Anyway, it's the story of Chandler. She's a video game developer based in Massachusetts who thinks she has a pretty good life, she just doesn't have love. Then she meets an older woman named Zee, and after that her life starts spinning out of her control a bit.

She meets Alex, who moves in next door and might be more than what she seems. Alex also seems to be moving on from something in New York which brings a mysterious subplot into the book. Chandler meanwhile is learning many new things about the world and about herself as well. Of course, Alex and Chandler get closer and then a wrench gets thrown into their budding relationship.

I'm not sure that I saw the whole, 'modern fairy tale' part of the story, perhaps it was too subtle? I did like most of the characters, especially Zelda, Alex's cat, and Kara, who was Chandler's hilarious best friend and other neighbor. I do wish that we'd gotten to meet Jake though. One problem I did have was with the narrative especially at the beginning. It was a bit stilted in some parts. Also, in some places the tenses clashed.

I liked the story and no matter what it's called, the book was the perfect length for the story told within. ( )