The only good thing about Lexi’s barista job is her work wife, Linh. Even her burgeoning relationship with single father, Ethan, is growing cold before it’s had time to sizzle. And why can’t Lexi shake the feeling that Ethan’s not over his wife?
When a mysterious friend from Lexi’s past emerges in startling circumstances, she glimpses the world of camming. Ditching espressos for the express lane to sexual empowerment and financial freedom, Lexi is lying to everyone, including herself.
When Lexi meets Travis, a charming cybercrime cop free from emotional baggage, her new life shapeshifts at a dizzying rate. Lexi becomes ensnared and, this time, no amount of lying can set her free.
Me That You See is a thrilling glimpse into online sex work packaged for book club banter and voyeuristic pleasure. It explores themes of feminism in sex work, living your truth, women supporting women, toxic masculinity, and our desire to connect.
Anne Freeman writes award-winning contemporary fiction about women who are stuck in life and the extraordinary ways they shake themselves loose. Her stories are always engaging and sometimes funny with thrilling adventures, sexy escapades and friendships that uplift. Her hobbies include referring to herself in third person and making her family guffaw.
Lexi can't believe when her old friend resurfaces in her life. Things are finally looking on the up - her friend is back, she has a new gig raking in the big bucks and she is starting to feel good about herself again. But then things start to go wrong and Lexi has to question, is what she currently has really what she wants?
This book was so unique, I couldn't help but be fully immersed in the storyline. At no point could I say I knew where the book was heading and I loved that about it. It was unpredictable, enjoyable and so entertaining. With sharp writing showcasing her wittiness, Anne Freeman has really outdone herself with this masterpiece. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I met Anne at a book launch, and with her vivacious, witty, and outgoing personality, I couldn't resist buying her novel, and it sure didn’t disappoint!!
The world of camming was something totally new to me, and I found it fascinating. Anne’s insights into this area of the sex industry are made respectfully and without judgement.
With a diverse range of characters, it was easy to warm to each and every one! The central character, Lexi, is as loveable as she is flawed and unsure. You are cheering her on, hoping she finds both herself and her soul mate. I also loved Linh, the best friend everyone should have, and as for her Mum…she was hilarious!
I also enjoyed the exploration of female friendships and loved seeing women support women.
I wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone looking for a quirky, witty, and enlightening read!!
⭐️5 Stars⭐️ Me That You See by Anne Freeman. This gorgeous book had me delightfully intrigued as I slipped into Lexi’s world of camming also known as performing live online activities (often sexual) in front of a webcam. The story is believable and addictive, I couldn’t put it down. The story is written in such a way that is so engaging and it shows what a naturally talented author Anne Freeman is.
Lexi finds her self unemployed and struggling in her lack lustre existence after moving in with her boyfriend single dad Ethan and his young son Lucas. Through an old friend that has recently entered Lexi’s life she becomes caught up in the camming world and hides it from everyone including her boyfriend.
My favourite character was Lexi’s best friend Linh’s Vietnamese mother, she was adorable.
The dialogue is witty and I loved the diverse characters in this heartfelt, pacy, very cheeky and quirky read. I can’t wait to see what theme the author delivers in her next book. Loved it, a great choice also for book club banter or a buddy read.
Publication Date 24 March 2024 Publisher Hawkeye Publishing
Thank you so much Anne Freeman and Hawkeye Publishing for a copy of the book, I’m so grateful for the opportunity!
Thank you Anne for gifting us a copy to read and review. I love the story behind a story and this book made its way into my possession from a monthly Bookstagram lunch where I met the author. Immediately drawn to the personality and charisma of Anne I just knew I wanted to read her work. Exchanging a barista career to an online sex role is confronting and empowering at the same time for Lexi. A world operating behind closed doors that pays well and is frequented by keyboard warriors seeking the service. Her new career is kept from partner, Ethan as she discovers living a lie is going to get harder. Visibility and exposure threatens to unravel her truth. The exploration of female friendship, financial stresses and toxic relationships are absolutely nailed. While spicy it’s laced with humour. A glimpse into the online caming and sex world was fascinating and written in a way where no judgement was placed but possible repercussions were exposed. A new author to be added to my reading habit.
Devoured this page turner in one day! Lexi's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets an old friend... An insight into the world of camming, this novel is packed with delightful secondary characters who invite their own stories (Linh and Jamie in particular!) One of those novels you curl up with and can't put down because the characters are so realistic and appealing. Loved it!
Anne is a natural-born storyteller. Her authorial voice is simultaneously familiar and relatable, yet her rich vocabulary and the way she forms sentences, as well as her knowledge of the topic she writes about, means that readers gain a whole new understanding of the mysterious and exclusive world of webcamming. Her research about this fascinating profession is expertly and seamlessly woven into the narrative. It’s no wonder she shortlisted in the Hawkeye Prize!
Lexi and all of the characters are so well drawn, realistic and lovable; her dialogue is punchy, witty, and full of innuendo; and the suspense and tension she established kept me racing through the chapters. And those sex scenes! Quirky, original, and never a cliché.
This book! Bravo, Anne Freeman. What a delight it was to read your latest novel!
Revealing, attention-grabbing, insightful & heartfelt. ME THAT TOU SEE is an entirely original read. A brilliant concept for a story, a diverse cast, contemporary & mature handling of plot and skillful story-telling. I loved it!
ME THAT YOU SEE is a revealing look at the world of camming with protagonist Lexi, who finds her way into online sex work when she finds herself unemployed & questioning her life’s direction, including her live-in relationship with widowed father Ethan who seems more interested in Netflix than being part of a couple.
Things spiral quickly for Lexi as the realities of her new life, her deceit & her new social circle catch up with her, but it’s handled in a very authentic way & I loved the diverse cast of characters that are added to this mix.
There is so much to love about this book & it’s such a timely look at feminism in sex work, online sex work & living your truth. It’s sure to generate a lot of discussion!
The love story within this book stole my heart & I was cheering for a happy outcome. Did Lexi find what she was looking for? I encourage you to find out for yourself!
Very pacy & easily consumed in just a few sittings - this is the kind of book that I fly through, devour & then feel slightly guilty because I know the author has spent so long crafting this work & I’ve gone & gorged myself on it! (Sorry, Anne!!)
Filled with Anne’s cheeky humour (are you following her Instagram? You really should!), I highly recommend ME THAT YOU SEE - you will love it!
A huge thank you to the author & publisher for a gifted copy of this book for review. I’m so touched to be considered & thrilled I got to read this fab book before publication!
Anne has done it again with a brilliant new book; Me That You See!
As only Anne can do, she cleverly navigates us through the world of cam models and web-camming. Now, I have to say, I knew very little about this topic but after reading this book I do now, in more ways than one! 🔥
Lexi is in a new relationship and working as a barista. With her relationship only new, she has misgivings. She’s already run away from a past life and genuinely wants to give this new one a go.
When her cafe closes and she’s struggling to find a new job, an old friend resurfaces and introduces her to the voyeuristic world of “camming”. While keeping her new online work a secret from her boyfriend and her friends, Lexi finds herself revelling in her new job with new friends and a new found confidence … until things come crashing down and her world starts to spiral out of control.
While this is a light hearted and fun read, peppered with Anne’s signature humour and some spicy scenes 🌶️ - there’s so much more depth to the story. Female friendships, toxic relationships, financial woes, online sex work and ultimately self actualisation gives this book a delicious richness.
Wickedly clever and wholly unique - I can see why this was short and long listed for a few literary prizes! Congratulation Anne, I can’t wait to celebrate with you at your book launch on Sunday 🎉🍾
Many thanks to @annefreeman and @hawkeyepublishing for sending this beauty my way 💌
'Me That You See' pulls the reader in on the first page. Anne Freeman is a champion storyteller. Lexi loses her job as a barista and turns to ‘camming.’ Sex work in which models livestream titillating actions for paying clients.
Lexi doesn’t tell Ethan her boyfriend about it. Why should she? She suspects he’s still in love with his ex and in the words of Walter Scott it’s a case of, ‘oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.’
Making matters even messier Lexi hooks up with an irresistible and regular online customer. Not a well-considered move as it turns out and events take a murky turn.
Lexi is flawed, insecure, self-deceiving yet loveable. Freeman’s sex scenes are authentic, vivid and pacy and devoid of the cringeworthy.
Camming maybe a 21st century phenomenom, but the author’s quickdraw wit in this spicy, entertaining novel and its soul-searching heroine’s self-inflicted dilemmas are timeless and universal which we can all relate to.
I absolutely loved this book! The writing is so effortless and tasteful that the progression through some pretty exotic (and at times erotic) scenarios seems entirely natural and believable. The colourful descriptions are fun and often amusing, and the characters are fantastic and easy to empathise with. There's a really positive humanistic undercurrent running through the book as well... Highly recommended!
Wow. What to even say about this glorious second book by Anne Freeman!
I somehow managed to slowly absorb every word, reading only a few pages every sitting and then other days absolutely devour multiple chapters at a time. If I hadn’t been so busy these past few weeks, I can say confidently that I wouldn’t have been able to stop reading until it was done.
I got teary-eyed, I screamed internally, got frustrated by the main characters inability to tell the truth, and laughed a lot. This was a fantastic read with plot twists and romance galore. And the spice, it was spicy 🌶️🥵
Anne’s writing is brilliant and the characters, oh my goodness the characters are so deliciously human in every way. Such a diverse range of characters making this book all the more beautiful. This story was a wonderful journey of self-discovery, a similar yet vastly different vibe to Anne’s debut novel, Returning to Adelaide. I adored the ending, even though I also wanted so much more of Lexi and Ethan, disappointed to have reached the end.
As Lexi finds, and loses, herself through camming, the lies she is telling race to catch up with her. Perfect for those who like their books with a side of spice, Me That You See is a compelling glimpse into life on the other side of the lens.
Anne’s latest novel is a journey with characters we either know of or can relate to. Full of twists and turns, Lexi reminds us no matter how difficult life becomes, it’s an opportunity to discover who we are and what we really want in life. Thoroughly recommend!
I was hooked from the start. Anne Freeman has a sophistication in her writing. It has me yearning for more, invested in the characters with a cheeky turn dark tone that appropriately held my fire. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Pacy, racy and so much fun! Anne Freeman's open, unreserved style is like catching up with friends. Pure escapism, with a side of humour, you'll fly though this.
I devoured this book like an excellent glass of Pinot Noir (and sometimes with 😉)
Lexi’s story is so fresh and fantastically interesting.
A friend from Lexi’s past appears out of nowhere just when her life seems to be snowballing.. she has lost her job and feels her boyfriend is still yarning for his wife..
Jamie introduces Lexi to the world of camming, which could give her the freedom and independence she has always wanted.. but at what price?
Me That you See is honest, heartfelt and so well written. The real characters, the Melbourne settings, the humour, and the fabulous spice 🌶️ are ON POINT!
Thank you so much to the author or my ebook copy to read, I had to go out and buy a paperback for my shelf 🫶
Me That You See has all the flirtatious fun you would expect from its illustrious author, Anne Freeman, but it's also a heartwarming and relatable story about what happens when life goes off course and the power of female friendships to see you through the tough times.
An intriguing and eye-opening look into the world of camming from behind the camera, and how one lie can spiral out of control no matter how well-intentioned. An engaging story of friendship, trust, self-worth and love that's written with witty dialogue, a diverse cast of fun and interesting characters, and well-paced, guaranteed to keep you turning the page. Another wonderful book from this gifted storyteller.
A quick, easy read about the importance of accepting yourself as you are - but you know, with drama and sex work. So fun! I honestly found myself flying through this book.
Loved this! Potentially difficult content delivered in a way that was endearing and completely non-judgemental. Main character Lexi digs herself into a hole and then deftly gets herself out and rebuilds her self-worth with the support of her friends - this was beautifully crafted and written.
Talk about hard to put down. I whizzed through this book in no time. Yes, it's a pretty raunchy read, but there is much more to it than that. Highly recommend.
Anne Freeman knocks it out of the park again with her 2nd novel; Me That You See. Gosh, Freeman can tell one ripper of a story! The story gallops along with twists, laugh out loud humour, eye boggling scenes and spice. The story follows Lexi, down on her luck, a chance meeting with a long lost friend sees Lexi enter the word of webcamming. What happens next is powerful, choices need to be made and Lexi must look deep within herself to find her truth. A story of vulnerability, self-worth and growth. Loved it!
I’ve been meaning to write this review for a while but struggled with how to do this book justice without spoiling anything!
ME THAT YOU SEE is about Lexi, a frustrated and insecure writer who pays her way through life as a barista. Lexi’s newish relationship with single parent Ethan is tested when she loses her job and reluctantly moves in with him and his young son. Lexi cares for Ethan but is not sure he’s over his dead wife or that she is ready to be a stepmum. So when a reconnection with an old friend leads her to the exciting world of camming, Lexi thinks this could be a solution to her financial problems. Which it is. And more.
Through camming, Lexi finds herself liberated in unexpected ways. She reconnects with her writing self, builds confidence, embraces her sexuality and brings new friendships into her life. Unfortunately, it also draws her into a complicated web of lies and a confusing dalliance with hot cop Travis.
This book is much more than a peek behind the curtain into online sex work. It’s about the power of vulnerability in relationships. About the importance of being true to your own values and honest about what you need and who you are. I found myself reflecting on how easy it is to perform for people in life, rather than authentically express ourselves. And how slippery the slope is once you start “massaging the truth”.
The story has a diverse range of characters written with humour, respect and a lack of judgement, which I loved because lord knows society judges women enough! There’s also a good balance of light and dark storylines and a bit of steam thrown in for good measure. Despite Lexi making some ill advised choices, she was a heroine I still wanted to win, and was surprised I could relate to. Maybe us writers are all the same on the inside… 🥰
This is the second book of Anne’s I’ve been impressed with, and I already know I’ll be lining up for the third when it inevitably comes. This woman has talent to burn.
The only good thing about Lexi's barista job is her work wife, Linh. Even her burgeoning relationship with single father, Ethan, is growing cold before it's had time to sizzle. And why can't Lexi shake the feeling that Ethan's not over his wife? When a mysterious friend from Lexi's past emerges in startling circumstances, she glimpses the world of camming. Ditching espressos for the express lane to sexual empowerment and financial freedom, Lexi is lying to everyone, including herself.
I rarely get precious time to sit down and read a physical book these days, but I knew I just had to set aside time for this one because it’d be worth every second, based on all the rave reviews I’d seen on booksta.
This was a book I read after meeting (and chatting with) the author, Anne Freeman. So I had that precious experience during reading, where I could hear Anne’s voice ‘narrating’ the story in my head. The choice of words and phrases, the nuances and the scene-crafting meticulousness were all signature Anne-style. I was completely hooked.
While knowing nothing about camgirls prior to reading this book, Lexi was immediately relatable to me! Her career and financial struggles, and her inner turmoils of finding excitement in her life felt real. The motivation behind her decision to be a camgirl was believable, and the pathway she followed felt natural.
While I’m not usually a fan of smut, I loved the steamy scenes in this one. They were written creatively, and not cliche at all (no wonder Anne runs workshops on writing spicy scenes!). Moreover, I hadn’t expected the suspense element that came halfway through the book!
If you haven’t read this yet, please do give it a try!
Thank you to the beautiful Anne Freeman and Hawkeye Publishing for this stunning gifted copy of Me That You See. With Anne’s previous book ReturningTo Adelaide being a big 5 star read for me I was more than a little excited to dive in.
After a month of giving me side eye from my beside table I finally set aside time to give Me That You See the attention it deserved. This book was glorious in so many ways, it was saucy, it had sensibility but also had a serious side. There’s lots to unpack across the reading journey and I could not put it down for more than five minutes without thinking about it. Protagonist Lexi was not without her flaws but I think that is what made her shine as she grew throughout the story. Can we also take a minute to appreciate the beautiful cover.
If there is one book to read this year, this is it! Pop it on your TBR list immediately and let Lexi take you to places you can only imagine.
The minute this book arrived in the post I ripped it open and started reading. I knew I was in for a fast-paced, page-turner I’d a juicy ride. And I wasn’t disappointed.
This is the story of Lexi, a barista in a relationship with a single dad. She uncovers a whole new world – the world of ‘camming’ – when an old friend returns to her life. I have to admit, I’d never heard of camming before, so reading Me That You See was quite an education. Anne Freeman creates an accessible, but exciting glimpse into this stratosphere. But there is so much more.
Me That You See is a plethora of interesting characters and unexpected surprises. Freeman has shaped her female characters with exquisite tenderness so I was with them all the way. And women supporting women is a common thread. There’s a fair bit of spice in there as well.
My favourite line: ‘The ocean’s surface reflected a billion tiny, frenzied suns’. Yes, an admittedly tame line, but I just love it.
This book gripped me from the start and I couldn’t put it down! I was so invested in Lexi’s story exploring her double life in the murky waters of online sex work. I was riveted! I laughed, cried and felt all the things, leaving me bereft when it was over because I didn’t want it to end. Anne Freeman is so good at building worlds that you’re happy to luxuriate in as the story unfurls around you. The characters were complex and nuanced which made for excellent storytelling. There’s plenty of spice in this book without being cringy or gratuitous. If you love stories about strong, smart, sassy women that celebrate female friendship then this book is for you.
A daring, challenging, and unrestrained story of a young woman seeking emotional and financial security who makes quick impulsive decisions to both plot a path and build a life. The book has breathtaking candour and the reader feels frighteningly involved and challenged in every scene. A great read!