Which may explain why four of the 5 books I reviewed this month were romances - guess it even got to yours truly! (I'm not going all soft on you though, dearest nerdlets, I'm still your Rebel Valentine! Lol.)
Dora Reads is the book blog of a Bookish Rebel, supporting the Diversity Movement, bringing you Queer views and mental health advocacy, slipping in a lot of non-bookish content, and spreading reading to the goddamn world! :) (All posts may contain Amazon links, which are affiliate, unless marked otherwise. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. USA ONLY - please do not make UK purchases with my links)
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Wednesday 8 March 2017
Month in Review(s) - February 2017
February. The shortest of months, and the one with Valentine's Day crammed into the middle there.
Labels:
contemporary,
diversity,
everyday life,
F/F,
fantasy,
fiction,
LGBTQ+,
M/F,
M/M,
M/M/F,
new adult/na,
paranormal,
review,
romance,
short stories,
urban fantasy,
wrap-up
Monday 27 February 2017
Review Time! - Outsider by Olivia Cunning
Author:
Olivia Cunning
Genre: Romance (M/M/F; M/F; M/M,) LGBTQ+ (and polyamorous,) Contemporary
Genre: Romance (M/M/F; M/F; M/M,) LGBTQ+ (and polyamorous,) Contemporary
Series: Exodus End (#2)
A
few starting notes:
I
received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.
NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair
and honest reviews.
This book is #2 in a series, but they're more companion novels - focussing on different characters - rather than one continuous story.
Plus, even the publishers say that it can be read as standalone (so it's not just me this time!)
This book is 18+ only, on account of the amount of graphic sexy-times.
Huge thanks to Naz @ Read Diverse Books for taking the time to discuss queer and Latinx rep with me - any mistakes are 100% mine.
If any Latinx, queer male, and/or polyamorous reviewers have reviewed this title, let me know - I would love to link to your review.
If any Latinx, queer male, and/or polyamorous reviewers have reviewed this title, let me know - I would love to link to your review.
This was a difficult one to review (which is why I keep procrastinating!) because there's so much the author got right, but also so much she got wrong, and I have to somehow explain all that!
So let's give this a shot!
Premise:
Meet Reagan, the new guitarist with Exodus End. She's kind of feeling like an imposter right now - after all, Exodus End are rock legends.
She's also trying to keep the fact that she's dating both Ethan and Trey, together, as a unit, a secret.
Meet Trey, guitarist with Sinners. Though he's Reagan's public boyfriend, he'd prefer things between him and Ethan to be public too.
Meet Ethan - Reagan's body-guard.
Ethan's still in the closet, so admitting he's in a relationship with both Reagan and Trey is out of the question.
But with the tabloids around, and the music business to navigate, things are not going to be plain sailing!
She's also trying to keep the fact that she's dating both Ethan and Trey, together, as a unit, a secret.
Meet Trey, guitarist with Sinners. Though he's Reagan's public boyfriend, he'd prefer things between him and Ethan to be public too.
Meet Ethan - Reagan's body-guard.
Ethan's still in the closet, so admitting he's in a relationship with both Reagan and Trey is out of the question.
But with the tabloids around, and the music business to navigate, things are not going to be plain sailing!
Best
bits:
Trey is a beautiful character - he's such a darling, and Cunning writes him with real affection and a real understanding of his feelings and his vulnerabilities.
Basically, if I had to pick the best aspect of this book, Trey would be it. He's amazing.
I also loved the way the romance wasn't the only thing going on here - each of our trio has their own life, their own hopes, their own personality. They're complete people, not just defined by their relationship.
I liked that we get scenes from each of the characters' points-of-view (POVs,) without the other main characters present, and that we get an understanding of their relationships with family members, friends, etc.
Can we also point out that polyamory is portrayed as a viable and healthy relationship (albeit not perfect)? I think we can. Guys, that's just awesome.
And the relationship itself is not 2-dimensional. People say the wrong thing, they mess up, but they also make things better, comfort each other, make each other laugh etc.
Basically, if I had to pick the best aspect of this book, Trey would be it. He's amazing.
I also loved the way the romance wasn't the only thing going on here - each of our trio has their own life, their own hopes, their own personality. They're complete people, not just defined by their relationship.
I liked that we get scenes from each of the characters' points-of-view (POVs,) without the other main characters present, and that we get an understanding of their relationships with family members, friends, etc.
Can we also point out that polyamory is portrayed as a viable and healthy relationship (albeit not perfect)? I think we can. Guys, that's just awesome.
And the relationship itself is not 2-dimensional. People say the wrong thing, they mess up, but they also make things better, comfort each other, make each other laugh etc.
Of course, the rock music was one of the draws of this book to me - obviously, you can't hear it, but the whole rock-star deal gave this book a centre and a vibe that was pretty cool.
Cunning also explores the issues of being in the public eye, and the problems with being a woman in what is still predominantly a male industry.
People think you got where you are because of sex, because of your looks, etc. - not because of your talent.
Reagan's frustration at the sexist press, fans, and the band management who want to turn her into a sex symbol, is more than justified.
She knows she's good enough to be there. But everyone else seems determined to undermine her achievements.
'She knows she's good enough to be there...' Click to Tweet
The potentially distressing content in this book is:
- homophobia
- homophobic slurs
- biphobia
- bigotry against polyamory
- sexism
- sexist insults
- grief
- parental rejection/abandonment
- press harassment
- libel
- being closeted
- coming out
- being outed
- past emotional abuse (sexual-related)
- jealousy/overprotectiveness
- one brief but graphic instance of gore
- references to gangs
- references to past stalking and physical assault
I think that's everything - sorry if I missed anything.
There's also a lot of swearing, and a lot of graphic sex, often involving three people. And there's some references to BDSM.
OK, there were some issues with the representation of various themes/groups of people in this book, so I'm gonna try and break it down for you the best I can, and as efficiently and clearly as I can.
Spoilers are marked in square brackets [] - and written in white.
Relationship issues:
[Trey] recounts a tale of emotional abuse with a very sexual element when he has a relationship with [Brian.]
Despite that, he's still friends with [Brian] and sees him in a generally positive light.
Look, this emotional abuse involved (this is potentially triggering as well as spoilerific) [turning him around, refusing to look at his face, and telling him to be a girl during sex.]
From where I'm stood, that's messed up.
The way Ethan acts towards Trey can also be very possessive and jealous - I didn't find it over-the-line, but it wouldn't surprise me if others did.
Latinx (Mexican-American) representation:
(Ethan is Mexican-American, and both Trey and Reagan are white.)
- Negative trope of the homophobic and unaccepting Latinx family - something which gives the impression that all Latinx people are somehow homophobic, and really shouldn't have been tackled by a non-own-voices author.
- Ethan fears that his Latino brothers will beat up and harm his precious white boyfriend - I can't be the only one to see a problem there.
- Strange references to being in a Mariachi band as something shaming to the family, and the family's heritage. This seems inaccurate as Mariachi players take pride in their music, and the music is part of Mexican culture.
- Ethan has a different last name to the rest of his family. In context, this serves as a distancing of Ethan - who has a more Anglicised name - from the rest of his family, and makes that part of his life and heritage seem more 'Other.'
Polyamorous representation:
My main problem with this aspect was that, even though I know this is an'erotic romance,' the polyamorous people here are written as being heavy on the sexy times, and 'not satisfied' by only one partner.
While of course polyamorous people can have high sex drives, so can monogamous people.
The linking of libido with polyamory gives the wrong impression about polyamory as a whole.
And the repeated portrayal of sex-hungry polyamory in media can lead to some very persistent stereotyping.
Queer/LGBTQ+ representation:
- Ethan takes more offense to the word queer than the word perversion. While I get that queer was being used as a slur in this context... are we just supposed to let the perversion comment slide...?
- Being gay or bisexual is described as a lifestyle more than once. As I've said before, I don't like this, but it's a personal thing.
- The author gave the impression of confusion between the terms gay and bisexual (more in the 'sexual fluidity representation' section.)
Sexual fluidity representation:
If Reagan is the only girl Ethan has ever been attracted to, then fine, but you've really got to know what you're doing when you write that. And Cunning doesn't seem to.
I like that Ethan is questioning, rather than just going, 'ok, I'm bi now!' but in places, Cunning doesn't really seem to understand that there's a difference between the term gay and the term bisexual.
If that's supposed to be because Ethan is questioning, then say that. Don't just casually put gay in when he's in a relationship with a man and a woman.
(And yes, I know it can be an umbrella term, but since Ethan previously identified as gay, it might be an idea to be clearer about these things.)
It gives the impression of Ethan's sexuality changing simply for the purpose of the plot, and so that Cunning can write three-way sex-scenes, rather than because she supports fluidity or homoflexibility/being gay-fluid.
That's disappointing.
Verdict:
There need to be more polyamorous romances. And I'm glad that this presents a largely positive view of polyamory.
It's an enjoyable book, but there are a lot of problems with it.
These are problems that can't be ignored, and should be learned from.
It's an enjoyable book, but there are a lot of problems with it.
These are problems that can't be ignored, and should be learned from.
'There need to be more polyamorous romances...' Click to Tweet
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Tuesday 21 February 2017
Really Mini Reviews! - 3 Contemporary F/F (Lesbian) Romances
It's
funny isn't it, how there seems to be a lot more support for M/M
romance than there is for F/F romance?
That's not to say that M/M romance doesn't deserve support (it totally does!) but F/F romance shouldn't have to linger by the wayside.
Now,
I have a habit of reading... pretty much anything I can get my hands
on, which includes F/F romances, of course!
But
I also tend to go for cheap/on-offer, and free books where possible (I'm broke
dammit!) - so in this post, I review 3 short (novella/short story)
contemporary F/F books that I managed to snag as freebies. (Woo!)
All three of these books are classified as lesbian romances; there isn't an awful lot of non-lesbian F/F romance out there, which is another reason F/F romance needs more support!
'3 F/F lesbian romances!' Click to tweet
Author:
Lee Winter
Verdict:
OK,
this one is 18+ only guys, on account of sexy-times.
This
is about two journalists at a glitzy Hollywood party.
To be honest, there's not much plot – it's a short pre-sexy-times scene, followed by a sexy-times scene.
To be honest, there's not much plot – it's a short pre-sexy-times scene, followed by a sexy-times scene.
But
it actually feels really... intimate, and lovely.
It's got real heart, and it's a small snapshot of a relationship that clearly means a lot to the characters involved.
It's got real heart, and it's a small snapshot of a relationship that clearly means a lot to the characters involved.
Title:
The Morning After
Author:
Jae
Verdict:
This
is really sweet, fluffy, and enjoyable.
Kathryn
wakes up at a strange apartment, with a hangover, not remembering
much from the night before.
I
really loved the stomping all over stereotypes, and the realistic
characters, in this.
I also love the conversations between our main characters, lesbians Kathryn and Michelle, and the whole sweet 'when you least expect it' vibe.
I also love the conversations between our main characters, lesbians Kathryn and Michelle, and the whole sweet 'when you least expect it' vibe.
If
you're looking for something sweet (but not too
sweet,) light, and free of sex-scenes, I really
recommend this one. It's well written t'boot! :)
However, some people might find some of the language used in the opening
date scene ableist towards people with mental health problems.
('Psycho,' 'loony,' - that kind of thing.)
I
personally wasn't bothered, but I can see why it would bother a lot
of people.
Verdict:
This
one is also 18+ on account of sexy-times.
This
was actually less trashy than the title would suggest (or than the
cover would suggest...)
There's actual plot here! (Which I know from M/F romance/erotica, isn't always the case!)
Don't get me wrong though – there was still a lot of graphic sexy-times!
There's actual plot here! (Which I know from M/F romance/erotica, isn't always the case!)
Don't get me wrong though – there was still a lot of graphic sexy-times!
What
I loved about this one though (aside from the romance stuff) was the
real love for books and reading in general that shone through the
writing. That was awesome.
Not
so great was the occasional... odd verb choice... when it came to the
sex scenes. It wasn't terrible. It was just... a bit odd.
Perfect
indulgence reading though.
Like this post? Check some of these out:
Friday 2 December 2016
Friday Fics Fix - Tis the Season
I actually really liked this week's fic (well... obviously... since I'm recommending it... but you know what I mean!)
Now, frequent readers of this blog may have noticed that I have a thing for Sara Lance from CW/DC TV series Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow.
Sometimes a fic comes along at just the right moment - I currently have an awful cold, and am freezing on top because the weather's decided to go from oh, it's a bit autumn-y to dear God are we living in an iceberg?! within a few days, so I really needed something short and sweet.
And that's what I have for you!
So, what could be better than fluffy F/F romance featuring her canon (official) relationship with the beautiful Nyssa Al-Ghul?
Oh, I know, LET'S ALSO SET IT AT CHRISTMAS.
Yes, that's right. We have Christmas, we have F/F romance, we have fluff with no explicit scenes. You're welcome! :)
This week's fic is:
The Gift by DarkAliceLilith
Enjoy, and I'll be back with more fanfiction next week!
Like this post? Try these:
Like this post? Try these:
Tuesday 29 November 2016
Review Time! - Eyes of Persuasion by Adrienne Monson
Author: Adrienne Monson
Genre:
New Adult, Novella, Fantasy, Historical Fiction*, Crime*, Romance (M/F)* - (*ish
)
Series: Blood Inheritance (#1.5)
A
few starting notes:
I
received a free digital review copy of this book from the author, Adrienne Monson, via The Review Chain in exchange for a fair
and honest review.
Long story considerably shortened - I applied to review a different book of Adrienne Monson's via The Review Chain, and ended up with this one instead.
Just go with it - s'all good ;)
Premise:
Isabeau Maybrick has a lot of cr*p going on - not only does she have to marry some dude because her douche of an uncle is making her, she also has to make money on the side to pay off said douche-y uncle's gambling debts.
(Yes, before you ask - I've had coffee. Let's do this!)
Oh, and to cap it all off? Isabeau has a magic-y eye power which means she can persuade people to do stuff - but it's more than a little hit-and-miss.
Best
bits:
This book is hugely enjoyable.
Like dude, it's readable, indulgent, and fun. Kind of like dessert in book form - too much is probably bad for you, but at this amount, you just have to treat yourself.
(Anyone else hungry for chocolate fudge cake right now? Just me? Ok.)
I like Isabeau - she's quite cool. But Meg, her resourceful maid, is clearly more of a bad-a*s, and I would've liked to see more of her.
The idea of Isabeau's magicky-type eye-power thingy is really intriguing - but I also like the way we didn't get caught up in the detail of it.
I think if we'd had too much of the ins-and-outs, it might've spoiled it a bit - the casual way it's approached somehow makes it feel more realistic.
The whole thing is just... fun... in the way of any swashbuckling entertainment with a side of fantasy, and just a smidge of crime as our intrepid heroine faffs about in boy's clothing as an early type of private investigator.
The whole thing is just... fun... in the way of any swashbuckling entertainment with a side of fantasy, and just a smidge of crime as our intrepid heroine faffs about in boy's clothing as an early type of private investigator.
Not
so great bits:
I don't like the name Isabeau - I know that's a v personal thing, but it bugged me for pretty much the whole book.
Also, Isabeau feels a little damsel-in-distress-y more than once. Possibly because she makes stupid decisions. #JudgingYou Isabeau - stop doing stupid sh**, m'k?
Unfortunately, there were places where the writing felt sticky and clunky - like it didn't flow right.
In places, it just felt like the author had gripped the prose too tightly, and that can make it feel awkward.
There's violence, a lot of domestic abuse from Isabeau's uncle, as well as references to attempts to force her into prostitution.
There might've been swearing, but I honestly can't remember (note to self: pay more attention to the naughty words.)
Unfortunately, there were places where the writing felt sticky and clunky - like it didn't flow right.
In places, it just felt like the author had gripped the prose too tightly, and that can make it feel awkward.
There's violence, a lot of domestic abuse from Isabeau's uncle, as well as references to attempts to force her into prostitution.
There might've been swearing, but I honestly can't remember (note to self: pay more attention to the naughty words.)
Verdict:
This was enjoyable as all hell, and one heck of an adventure :)
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Thursday 18 August 2016
Comics Wrap-Up - You're Second Hand Smoke
Graphic Novels
Ok, so I've been on a bit of a graphic novels binge... but that's ok, right...? (Shhhh, it's fine!)
I've reviewed two graphic novels this week:
The first is Limbo, Volume 1 (UK - US) - a trippy book with a unique style and layers of both plot and world. Def. worth checking out if you're looking out for something a little different.
The other is Malice in Ovenland by Micheline Hess (UK - US) an all-ages book about a girl from Brooklyn who finds herself in the middle of a fantasy world... in her oven!
So onto the graphic novels that I've read this week.
Which is actually like 5 graphic novels. Because that's just how I roll sometimes.
The first four all belong to the same series, because this week, my dearest nerdlets, I took a walk on the wild side and read Stjepan Sejic's Sunstone, Volumes 1-4.
Amazon links:
This is a series about two girls in a BDSM relationship. It sounds a lot dodgier than it is.
It's actually a really sweet series about love, friendship, and relationships, with a background of some excellent artwork. (And I totally got the Blood Stain references - Vlad online gaming. I laughed so hard!)
Yes, it moves into porn territory - but it never gets visibly (ahem) down to the business; at least, not in frame. I'm not gonna lie though - there is nakedness, and there is explicit sexual content in a BDSM setting.
There is spanking, bondage, and many many other references, alongside more nudity than... I was gonna say than you can shake a stick at, but that sounds dodgy in this context... let's just say there's a lot of nudity.
But none of this is done in a lurid or cheap way (which somehow actually makes it sexier. #JustSaying,) and many (though obviously not all) of Sunstone's fans aren't into BDSM, or a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
It really is a testimony to just how good this series is that its fan-base is not restricted to any particular niche and/or group of people.
That said: there is much sexy-times. 18+ only please guys (right, done my bit for adult responsibility and all that!)
The other graphic novel I read this week is a lot tamer, by far.
This week, I read Disney Kilala Princess Volume 1 (US) a re-release from Tokyo Pop of a popular 2006 series which was out-of-print, but now is back! :)
This is impossibly kawaii, and I'll be reviewing it soon. :)
Single Issues
More of Stjepan Sejic's work here (but not a premise of sexy-times for this series): this week I read Switch #1 (UK - US) and #2 (UK - US).
This is a series about a girl - Mary - who ends up being bonded with a Witchblade, and stuck in a battle between the light and the dark (neither of which are acting all that nice at the moment, in honesty.)
The first issue was great, but felt a bit like: dude, sit down, we have some stuff to go through.
I preferred the second issue 'cos that's where the characters and the whole fantasy-deal-y really start to develop :)
Like this post? Try these:
- Comics Wrap Up - Gallons of the Stuff
- Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Limbo, Volume 1
- Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Malice in Ovenland by Micheline Hess
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