What do you think?
Rate this book
Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories
12 short stories about the male/female condition. Lots of can-do women — from Eve to the future, and not always human — who have had enough and they aren’t taking it anymore. From comic to dark, real to fantastic.
Want to
The mother of us all now telling it like it was?
An asteroid wrangler with a versatile new nannybot?
A Victorian steampunk inventor with the answer to women?
A patent attorney confronting an invention that will rock the male/female status quo?
A full-of-himself “ladies’ man” with a shapely but stand-offish new neighbor?
A couple of ditzy but resourceful college girls who drive down south?
A designer of advertising that plays in people’s dreams?
A guy with a newfound fascination with tattoos?
A cocktail waitress who is so much more?
A strangely turned-on accountant?
Want to
The mother of us all now telling it like it was?
An asteroid wrangler with a versatile new nannybot?
A Victorian steampunk inventor with the answer to women?
A patent attorney confronting an invention that will rock the male/female status quo?
A full-of-himself “ladies’ man” with a shapely but stand-offish new neighbor?
A couple of ditzy but resourceful college girls who drive down south?
A designer of advertising that plays in people’s dreams?
A guy with a newfound fascination with tattoos?
A cocktail waitress who is so much more?
A strangely turned-on accountant?
226 pages, Hardcover
Published November 26, 2024
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 5, 2024
Sharp, Twisted, and Brilliantly Unpredictable
Ray Gregory’s masterful collection of 12 short stories delve into the complexities of the male/female dynamic with wit and a touch of the surreal.
Having enjoyed his first book, Dark Treats, I found Curves and Twists even more relatable. Gregory’s confident writing style, sharp dialogue, and dark laconic humour make each story - as diverse as they are compelling – unforgettable.
Gregory’s descriptions immerse you in every scene, while his knack for twisting conventional narratives keeps you guessing. The nannybot story, with its clever exploration of technology and human needs, stood out for its ingenuity.
Johnny Appleseed was equally riveting, blending myth with sharp social commentary. The final tale, where Gregory examines the concept of the feminine ideal, left me thinking about how men think.
Each story is a standalone, yet together they form a cohesive commentary on human—and almost post-human—relationships. Gregory’s knack for weaving futuristic and fantastical elements into relatable scenarios recalls the brilliance of the Black Mirror series.
Whether exploring the absurdities of gender dynamics or the consequences of human invention, Curves and Twists is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, dark humor, and bold storytelling. I think it would make a brilliant television anthology, too. If you’re looking for a collection that challenges, entertains, and surprises, Ray Gregory delivers in spades.
Ray Gregory’s masterful collection of 12 short stories delve into the complexities of the male/female dynamic with wit and a touch of the surreal.
Having enjoyed his first book, Dark Treats, I found Curves and Twists even more relatable. Gregory’s confident writing style, sharp dialogue, and dark laconic humour make each story - as diverse as they are compelling – unforgettable.
Gregory’s descriptions immerse you in every scene, while his knack for twisting conventional narratives keeps you guessing. The nannybot story, with its clever exploration of technology and human needs, stood out for its ingenuity.
Johnny Appleseed was equally riveting, blending myth with sharp social commentary. The final tale, where Gregory examines the concept of the feminine ideal, left me thinking about how men think.
Each story is a standalone, yet together they form a cohesive commentary on human—and almost post-human—relationships. Gregory’s knack for weaving futuristic and fantastical elements into relatable scenarios recalls the brilliance of the Black Mirror series.
Whether exploring the absurdities of gender dynamics or the consequences of human invention, Curves and Twists is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, dark humor, and bold storytelling. I think it would make a brilliant television anthology, too. If you’re looking for a collection that challenges, entertains, and surprises, Ray Gregory delivers in spades.
December 6, 2024
A captivating collection of fantasy tales
These beautifully crafted stories make for an easy and engaging read. Each story offers a unique and intriguing plot. One of the standout features of this book is the diverse settings in which the stories take place. From the serene Eden Garden to a bustling downtown apartment in a modern city, or even a space station in a distant future, the author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere for each story.
What sets “Curves and Twists” apart from other fantasy collections is its focus on women who are trapped in toxic relationships. The conflicts that arise in each story are often portrayed in a comical light, but there is a deeper layer to them that explores the ugliness of human primitive desires and their consequences. This added depth adds a layer of complexity to the stories that left me thinking long after I have finished reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ray Gregory has crafted a collection that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read.
These beautifully crafted stories make for an easy and engaging read. Each story offers a unique and intriguing plot. One of the standout features of this book is the diverse settings in which the stories take place. From the serene Eden Garden to a bustling downtown apartment in a modern city, or even a space station in a distant future, the author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere for each story.
What sets “Curves and Twists” apart from other fantasy collections is its focus on women who are trapped in toxic relationships. The conflicts that arise in each story are often portrayed in a comical light, but there is a deeper layer to them that explores the ugliness of human primitive desires and their consequences. This added depth adds a layer of complexity to the stories that left me thinking long after I have finished reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ray Gregory has crafted a collection that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read.
December 14, 2024
Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories: Loved these 12 witty short stories that bring out the male and female idiosyncrasies. So well written that at times I wondered how us males actually think about the opposite sex. I'm sure anyone who enjoys speculative fiction and surprising narratives, then Curves and Twists will be right up your alley! At times I laughed at the peculiar humor, but most of the stories are a bit deeper, looking at our most basic instincts and the situations we could find ourselves in... whether in reality or in another universe. The "Cocktail Waitress," for example, is a nitty-gritty tale of Jack and Mary, whose descriptions fit the tale of a man's "jacked" prowess and a female's angelic aura with the virginal name. Indeed, Ray's writing expresses themes, as in this story with "Live before you act" and all the stories keep you tuned in and unable to put the book down.
January 4, 2025
Warning: may be injurious to male pride.
I rather enjoyed Gregory's other collection, Dark Treats, so thought I would check this one out too. I wasn't disappointed.
Curves and Twists is a highly entertaining collection of a dozen short sci-fi/horror/weird pieces, all dealing with the theme, in one way or another, of relations between the sexes. What's most impressive here is the range of settings and characters - from Eve's Turn, a sassy monologue from a disgruntled Eve telling her own version of events in the Garden of Eden, to A New Nanny Bot, in which a husband attempts to reprogram a domestic robot for his own dodgy pleasures, to the gloriously titled Wang's App for Blue Balls, in which young adults do their best to navigate the sexual landscape of a post-biological future. Running through it all is a sardonic humour, and a gleeful appetite for carnage. It's fair to say that men don't come out of many of these tales with a great deal of credit. Saying that, it's not preachy at all. Rather, many of the stories hold a distorted mirror up to the human experience - as the best speculative fiction does - and leaves the reader to make of it what they will (once they've finished reeling).
The book's not without its faults - in some cases action sequences went on a little too long, and one or two of the stories felt like short experimental sketches that didn't quite work, at least not for me. But that's okay and to be admired in some ways in a short story collection.
Overall, a fantastic collection from an author with a startling imagination and a keen eye for human absurdity. highly recommended, and I would love to check out a novel by the author.
I rather enjoyed Gregory's other collection, Dark Treats, so thought I would check this one out too. I wasn't disappointed.
Curves and Twists is a highly entertaining collection of a dozen short sci-fi/horror/weird pieces, all dealing with the theme, in one way or another, of relations between the sexes. What's most impressive here is the range of settings and characters - from Eve's Turn, a sassy monologue from a disgruntled Eve telling her own version of events in the Garden of Eden, to A New Nanny Bot, in which a husband attempts to reprogram a domestic robot for his own dodgy pleasures, to the gloriously titled Wang's App for Blue Balls, in which young adults do their best to navigate the sexual landscape of a post-biological future. Running through it all is a sardonic humour, and a gleeful appetite for carnage. It's fair to say that men don't come out of many of these tales with a great deal of credit. Saying that, it's not preachy at all. Rather, many of the stories hold a distorted mirror up to the human experience - as the best speculative fiction does - and leaves the reader to make of it what they will (once they've finished reeling).
The book's not without its faults - in some cases action sequences went on a little too long, and one or two of the stories felt like short experimental sketches that didn't quite work, at least not for me. But that's okay and to be admired in some ways in a short story collection.
Overall, a fantastic collection from an author with a startling imagination and a keen eye for human absurdity. highly recommended, and I would love to check out a novel by the author.
December 22, 2024
Though I don’t generally read speculative fiction or short stories, I was very much taken with this aptly titled collection.
Eccentric, engaging, edgy, these inventive and futuristic stories explore age-old themes of sexuality and payback, hubris and nemesis, male and female. Each story is well crafted with even the shortest having a perfect arc and an ending that is both unsuspected and wholly satisfying.
The author, Ray Gregory, writes well and has a deft way with words. He introduces the reader to a large and varied cast of characters and POVs, and in some stories he writes convincingly in the voice of arrogant and self-deluding men: like all variations on the unreliable narrator, this is no mean feat.
Gregory brings his convincing, colourful and often unlikeable dramatis personae to life in various possible futures, the glimpses of which are intriguing, thought-provoking and sometimes chilling. For this reader, his otherworld creation in Wang’s App, one of his two longer stories, is pitch perfect — up there with Ishiguro’s Never Let me Go and Atwood’s MadAddam trilogy.
The only downside for this reader was the other longer story, Broken Wings, which I found had too much graphic violence for me to continue reading it to the end. But in fairness the blurb mentions violence and this was the only tale with anything more than passing references.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable, impressive and gripping series of cameos.
Eccentric, engaging, edgy, these inventive and futuristic stories explore age-old themes of sexuality and payback, hubris and nemesis, male and female. Each story is well crafted with even the shortest having a perfect arc and an ending that is both unsuspected and wholly satisfying.
The author, Ray Gregory, writes well and has a deft way with words. He introduces the reader to a large and varied cast of characters and POVs, and in some stories he writes convincingly in the voice of arrogant and self-deluding men: like all variations on the unreliable narrator, this is no mean feat.
Gregory brings his convincing, colourful and often unlikeable dramatis personae to life in various possible futures, the glimpses of which are intriguing, thought-provoking and sometimes chilling. For this reader, his otherworld creation in Wang’s App, one of his two longer stories, is pitch perfect — up there with Ishiguro’s Never Let me Go and Atwood’s MadAddam trilogy.
The only downside for this reader was the other longer story, Broken Wings, which I found had too much graphic violence for me to continue reading it to the end. But in fairness the blurb mentions violence and this was the only tale with anything more than passing references.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable, impressive and gripping series of cameos.
January 1, 2025
"Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories" is a captivating journey into a world where female characters reveal themselves in all their complexity. The author skillfully crafts stories that balance between reality and fantasy, humor and drama, while fearlessly addressing contemporary issues.
Particularly impressive was the third story about a Victorian steampunk inventor, the fourth about a patent attorney confronting an invention capable of revolutionizing gender relations, and the twelfth, revealing an unexpected turn in an accountant's life. Each story demonstrates a unique female perspective on the world while remaining surprisingly relatable and understandable to readers of any gender.
The author's style immerses you in the narrative from the first lines, expertly combining elements of science fiction with a deep understanding of human nature. Although explicit scenes and strong language are present, they are organically woven into the narrative fabric, reflecting life's reality without embellishment.
The collection is especially valuable in its portrayal of women not as victims of circumstance, but as active creators of their own destiny, capable of finding solutions to any situation, whether it's managing asteroids or creating revolutionary advertising in human dreams.
Particularly impressive was the third story about a Victorian steampunk inventor, the fourth about a patent attorney confronting an invention capable of revolutionizing gender relations, and the twelfth, revealing an unexpected turn in an accountant's life. Each story demonstrates a unique female perspective on the world while remaining surprisingly relatable and understandable to readers of any gender.
The author's style immerses you in the narrative from the first lines, expertly combining elements of science fiction with a deep understanding of human nature. Although explicit scenes and strong language are present, they are organically woven into the narrative fabric, reflecting life's reality without embellishment.
The collection is especially valuable in its portrayal of women not as victims of circumstance, but as active creators of their own destiny, capable of finding solutions to any situation, whether it's managing asteroids or creating revolutionary advertising in human dreams.
April 4, 2025
I knew this would be an interesting set of stories from the moment I read the description, and I was not disappointed. The stories in this volume mostly follow a similar pattern - man does something misogynist, woman gets revenge. But beyond those similarities, the stories are all over the place - sci-fi, modern, first person, third person, with resolutions ranging from humiliation to body horror. Some of the stories have twists worthy of the Twilight Zone, but all of them have a sexism theme.
My favorite story took place in a future where people spend most of their time in a shared dream world, a bit like The Matrix or Ready Player One, but with some very creative differences. The story was decent, but the worldbuilding and updated slang were extremely well thought out. It almost feels like wasted effort for a short story - I would read entire novel set in that universe.
Are the stories feminist? That's worthy of discussion. Of course they're about female retribution, and none of the men come off looking very good. But some of the scenes feel like they were written with the male gaze in mind, just enough to hold the reader's interest while it leads up to the revenge part. It feels like the best of both worlds - there's something in each story for several kinds of reader.
I'd love to see how others react to some of the stories. I know that some readers will consider a few of the outcomes to be examples of disproportionate retribution. That would be a great conversation topic in a book club. Do you consider x a proper punishment for y? Or was the scorned character making mountains out of molehills?
And that's why I enjoyed this collection. It provoked thought exercises that stayed with me long after I finished the book, and gave me a lot of food for thought.
My favorite story took place in a future where people spend most of their time in a shared dream world, a bit like The Matrix or Ready Player One, but with some very creative differences. The story was decent, but the worldbuilding and updated slang were extremely well thought out. It almost feels like wasted effort for a short story - I would read entire novel set in that universe.
Are the stories feminist? That's worthy of discussion. Of course they're about female retribution, and none of the men come off looking very good. But some of the scenes feel like they were written with the male gaze in mind, just enough to hold the reader's interest while it leads up to the revenge part. It feels like the best of both worlds - there's something in each story for several kinds of reader.
I'd love to see how others react to some of the stories. I know that some readers will consider a few of the outcomes to be examples of disproportionate retribution. That would be a great conversation topic in a book club. Do you consider x a proper punishment for y? Or was the scorned character making mountains out of molehills?
And that's why I enjoyed this collection. It provoked thought exercises that stayed with me long after I finished the book, and gave me a lot of food for thought.
Read
December 23, 2024A Fantastical Journey with Unexpected Twists
"Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories" by Ray Gregory is a delightful collection that showcases the author's incredible imagination. Each story is a testament to Gregory's ability to craft unique and engaging narratives, often culminating in surprising twists that leave the reader in awe.
One of the standout features of this book is the variety in story length and themes. From science fiction to historical settings, Gregory's versatility shines through. The language used is not only good but also thoughtfully adapted to suit the context of each story. For instance, stories set in the past are written with an older, more classical tone, enhancing the reader's immersion. However, I personally wasn't crazy about the use of slang and accents to give the characters a more real feel. While it adds authenticity for some readers, it didn't quite resonate with me.
It's important to note that this book may not be for everyone. Some stories contain erotic scenes and graphic violence, including severed body parts. While these elements are integral to the narratives and never feel gratuitous, they might not be to everyone's taste. Gregory handles these mature themes with a deft hand, ensuring they serve the story rather than detract from it.
Overall, "Curves and Twists" is a compelling read for those who appreciate imaginative storytelling and are open to exploring a range of themes and tones. While it may not suit all readers, those who enjoy a mix of science fiction, historical fiction, and unexpected plot twists will find much to love in this collection. I give this book 4 stars for its creativity, engaging writing, and the author's ability to surprise and entertain.
"Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories" by Ray Gregory is a delightful collection that showcases the author's incredible imagination. Each story is a testament to Gregory's ability to craft unique and engaging narratives, often culminating in surprising twists that leave the reader in awe.
One of the standout features of this book is the variety in story length and themes. From science fiction to historical settings, Gregory's versatility shines through. The language used is not only good but also thoughtfully adapted to suit the context of each story. For instance, stories set in the past are written with an older, more classical tone, enhancing the reader's immersion. However, I personally wasn't crazy about the use of slang and accents to give the characters a more real feel. While it adds authenticity for some readers, it didn't quite resonate with me.
It's important to note that this book may not be for everyone. Some stories contain erotic scenes and graphic violence, including severed body parts. While these elements are integral to the narratives and never feel gratuitous, they might not be to everyone's taste. Gregory handles these mature themes with a deft hand, ensuring they serve the story rather than detract from it.
Overall, "Curves and Twists" is a compelling read for those who appreciate imaginative storytelling and are open to exploring a range of themes and tones. While it may not suit all readers, those who enjoy a mix of science fiction, historical fiction, and unexpected plot twists will find much to love in this collection. I give this book 4 stars for its creativity, engaging writing, and the author's ability to surprise and entertain.
December 17, 2024
This themed short story collection is just what I hoped for from the description, delivered in crisp, witty and accomplished writing. The description includes a warning of “some sex, violence, and bad language. You know, like life.” None of those are gratuitous and I found the sex scenes well written. I also had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments from the finely observed dialogue. Every story has an extremely imaginative scenario, demonstrating author Ray Gregory's ingenuity in weaving the male/female viewpoint on sexual relationships into an engaging set of stories. I was amazed at the inventiveness of some of the plot ideas, ranging from a Victorian steampunk inventor and a patent lawyer's client with a revolutionary sex aid, to a futuristic Earth where sex takes place mostly in a shared mind universe.
In my ebook version, every story heading includes a colour illustration which gives nothing away, and only adds to the intrigue of each title. There was not a single predictable outcome and the story twists did not disappoint. Although these stories are written from both the male and female perspective, the women seemed to come out 'on top' (apologies for the pun) more often than the men. The author pokes fun at the men in a subtle way that I found thought-provoking and insightful. This suggests to me that author Ray Gregory is female, despite the male name, and there is no identifying profile picture. That really doesn't matter as these imaginative, clever stories will certainly entertain and surprise you. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
In my ebook version, every story heading includes a colour illustration which gives nothing away, and only adds to the intrigue of each title. There was not a single predictable outcome and the story twists did not disappoint. Although these stories are written from both the male and female perspective, the women seemed to come out 'on top' (apologies for the pun) more often than the men. The author pokes fun at the men in a subtle way that I found thought-provoking and insightful. This suggests to me that author Ray Gregory is female, despite the male name, and there is no identifying profile picture. That really doesn't matter as these imaginative, clever stories will certainly entertain and surprise you. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
December 25, 2024
Short stories are a mixed bag. There’s always going to be some you like, some you don’t, some that make you go ‘uh’ and some that make you go ‘wow’. This collection is no different. They’re well written and as a collection they do have an underlying theme, although in this case, the underlying theme seems to be to ask the author: Are you okay?
There are only two men in this book who are not a POS of who deserve everything that happens to them. The first I’ll mention is a major player. In Wang’s App for Blue Balls, the penultimate story and my favourite, Blade does not deserve his fate, but it’s not Astra’s fault, there’s a more sinister plot afoot. This story had the legs for a novel. Another with the legs for a novel was Broken Wings, about two girls attacked driving on route to housesit, and how they overcome. The only other redeemable man appears in this story, right at the end, as a sheriff. In general, the stories cover serious themes of SA or infidelity, with the women getting the upper hand, but not without trauma.
I’ve rounded this up to four stars because of Wangs App and Broken Wings being damn good tales, and there are other quite reasonable stories, but I couldn’t go higher, as three or four were not my cup of tea, but that does not mean another wouldn’t find a different set of favourites.
There are only two men in this book who are not a POS of who deserve everything that happens to them. The first I’ll mention is a major player. In Wang’s App for Blue Balls, the penultimate story and my favourite, Blade does not deserve his fate, but it’s not Astra’s fault, there’s a more sinister plot afoot. This story had the legs for a novel. Another with the legs for a novel was Broken Wings, about two girls attacked driving on route to housesit, and how they overcome. The only other redeemable man appears in this story, right at the end, as a sheriff. In general, the stories cover serious themes of SA or infidelity, with the women getting the upper hand, but not without trauma.
I’ve rounded this up to four stars because of Wangs App and Broken Wings being damn good tales, and there are other quite reasonable stories, but I couldn’t go higher, as three or four were not my cup of tea, but that does not mean another wouldn’t find a different set of favourites.
July 17, 2025
Brilliant, Bold, and Beautifully Twisted!
An absolute gem! "Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories" by Ray Gregory is a wild, insightful ride that I devoured. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked by its premise: women, from Eve to futuristic figures, who are just done and ready to shake things up. This collection truly delivers on that promise.
I loved the sheer variety. One minute I was chuckling at the “ladies’ man” and his standoffish neighbor, the next I was gripped by the patent attorney’s dilemma. The author masterfully shifts between comic and dark, real and fantastical, making each story a fresh, engaging experience. I especially connected with the underlying theme of female resilience and agency, which resonated deeply.
While I adored the creativity and sharp wit, a couple of stories felt a tad too brief, leaving me wanting more from those fascinating worlds. However, this is a minor quibble for a collection so rich in imagination and bold ideas.
If you’re looking for a book that’s unafraid to explore the male/female condition with humor, grit, and an often-surprising twist, then "Curves and Twists" is an absolute must-read. It’s a thought-provoking, entertaining, and genuinely unique collection that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended!
An absolute gem! "Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories" by Ray Gregory is a wild, insightful ride that I devoured. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked by its premise: women, from Eve to futuristic figures, who are just done and ready to shake things up. This collection truly delivers on that promise.
I loved the sheer variety. One minute I was chuckling at the “ladies’ man” and his standoffish neighbor, the next I was gripped by the patent attorney’s dilemma. The author masterfully shifts between comic and dark, real and fantastical, making each story a fresh, engaging experience. I especially connected with the underlying theme of female resilience and agency, which resonated deeply.
While I adored the creativity and sharp wit, a couple of stories felt a tad too brief, leaving me wanting more from those fascinating worlds. However, this is a minor quibble for a collection so rich in imagination and bold ideas.
If you’re looking for a book that’s unafraid to explore the male/female condition with humor, grit, and an often-surprising twist, then "Curves and Twists" is an absolute must-read. It’s a thought-provoking, entertaining, and genuinely unique collection that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2024
This collection of stories was a fun and surprising read. I loved that each one focused on strong, determined women who take matters into their own hands. Some stories had me laughing out loud, while others took a darker turn, which kept things interesting. There’s a lot of creativity here, and you never know what’s coming next.
While I didn’t enjoy every single story, even the ones I didn’t particularly like were written well. The author has a talent for creating unique scenarios and characters that stick with you. Some of the plots felt a bit too strange for my taste, but the writing always pulled me along. The mix of humor, grit, and imagination kept me turning the pages.
A few stories had moments that felt a bit raw, but they added to the realism of the characters' struggles and triumphs. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and I appreciated that. I did love that none of the stories were very long so I could easily sneak one or two in anytime during the day.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read about women who refuse to be pushed around. If you like short stories with strong characters, a bit of edge, and a dose of the unexpected, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. If you are looking for some short reads that you can sneak in anytime, you will love this.
While I didn’t enjoy every single story, even the ones I didn’t particularly like were written well. The author has a talent for creating unique scenarios and characters that stick with you. Some of the plots felt a bit too strange for my taste, but the writing always pulled me along. The mix of humor, grit, and imagination kept me turning the pages.
A few stories had moments that felt a bit raw, but they added to the realism of the characters' struggles and triumphs. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and I appreciated that. I did love that none of the stories were very long so I could easily sneak one or two in anytime during the day.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read about women who refuse to be pushed around. If you like short stories with strong characters, a bit of edge, and a dose of the unexpected, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. If you are looking for some short reads that you can sneak in anytime, you will love this.
December 29, 2024
Let me share some thoughts on Curves and Twists – A Dozen Short Stories by Ray Gregory. It is, and I say this with some caution, definitely not your usual read – clearly not in view of what is trending. The stories are peculiar, highly imaginative, and at the same time thought-provoking, with instances of subtle social critic (and instances of feminism) and psychological explorations. The stories cannot be ascribed to one single genre. There is certainly much speculative fiction in it and dark, sometimes, twisted humor. The author, and that is a disclaimer to be borne in mind, at times, is fairly generous in featuring graphic scenes, erotic, or even violent moments. A few stories seem rather too graphic and raw, with unclear resolutions to it – something that feels would be left to the literary scholars. But the writing style is otherwise quite unique and idiosyncratic – especially noteworthy is the author’s ability to give an individual voice or style to each major character. The plots are mostly strong and convincing with much suspense, especially in Broken Wings – my favorite – that keeps you on the edge throughout. Overall, highly recommended!
January 10, 2025
I found this collection of short stories a mixed bag. A few were excellent, some were interesting even if not to my taste and a few were mediocre vignettes, although none were bad. My favourite among those that stood out was "A new nannybot" which started with feelings of exasperation at Roger, for trying to justify how tampering with his children's nannybot to turn her into a plaything for himself wasn't 'cheating' on his wife since it was an object, not a person, and ending up with laugh-out-loud comeuppance at the end of the story once his wife and kids cottoned on. Second favourite was "Say what", with a similar theme to A New nannybot, in that the male main character, Andy Coucher, got his comeuppance for poor treatment of new girl in the office, Heather, at the hands of her tattoed girl gang and a compromising situation for unfortunate Andy, making for some amusing reading. Another that stood out, though for 'ick factor' discomfort rather than entertainment, was "The Season" where the female main character, a grown married woman, began having amorous feelings towards the neighbours' thirteen year old son, made worse by the boy's own mother validation and encouragement of her feelings, for reasons of a close encounter. Then there was "The equaliser" which had promise, but didn't really tie together with a strong ending, but kind of simpered out.
Overall though, I enjoyed the collection, as the stories that were strong were certainly thought provoking and funny in a darkly humourous sense. I would recommend the collection for those seeking sexual satire in with some gender battle fun.
Overall though, I enjoyed the collection, as the stories that were strong were certainly thought provoking and funny in a darkly humourous sense. I would recommend the collection for those seeking sexual satire in with some gender battle fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
Diverse Tales with Feminist Spin
This book, written by Ray Gregory delivers twelve sharply imaginative stories that explore the evolving dynamics between men and women. Ranging from science fiction to historical and contemporary settings, each tale features a strong, resourceful female protagonist who refuses to be sidelined. These women are clever, bold, complex, often underestimated, and always multidimensional.
The collection shines in its unpredictability—twists are frequent and cleverly timed, offering plenty of “I didn’t see that coming” moments. The “twists” in the title are no exaggeration. Several stories deliver those “aha” moments that make short fiction so enjoyable, while others linger for their emotional depth. “The Equalizer” is particularly funny.
Though I am not keen on having swear words in books, the author handles both graphic and erotic content with care, ensuring that bold themes serve the story rather than shock for shock’s sake. If you're looking for quirky, thought-provoking stories with a feminist edge and satisfying narrative turns, this book offers an engaging and entertaining read.
This book, written by Ray Gregory delivers twelve sharply imaginative stories that explore the evolving dynamics between men and women. Ranging from science fiction to historical and contemporary settings, each tale features a strong, resourceful female protagonist who refuses to be sidelined. These women are clever, bold, complex, often underestimated, and always multidimensional.
The collection shines in its unpredictability—twists are frequent and cleverly timed, offering plenty of “I didn’t see that coming” moments. The “twists” in the title are no exaggeration. Several stories deliver those “aha” moments that make short fiction so enjoyable, while others linger for their emotional depth. “The Equalizer” is particularly funny.
Though I am not keen on having swear words in books, the author handles both graphic and erotic content with care, ensuring that bold themes serve the story rather than shock for shock’s sake. If you're looking for quirky, thought-provoking stories with a feminist edge and satisfying narrative turns, this book offers an engaging and entertaining read.
January 6, 2025
Having already read ‘Dark Treats,’ I knew what to expect with these short stories and they didn’t disappoint. Ray Gregory is an engaging storyteller and ‘Curves and Twists’ is an entertaining compilation of modern and futuristic tales that explore both the male and female psyche but always with a deliciously unexpected twist at the end. The four that stood out for me were ‘A New Nannybot,’ ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘The Cocktail Waitress,’ all of which were very funny and I certainly didn’t anticipate the ending. Gregory’s writing is clever and peppered with wit and irony, creating memorable characters in the process. Notably though, it's his female protagonists that stand out. They might appear meek and mild on first impression but always make a triumphant, grand exit after turning the tables and putting the man in his place, which is a recurrent theme. If you like your stories served with a generous portion of dark humour, then I highly recommend these twelve tales. They will not disappoint.
May 19, 2025
I’ve previously read and reviewed a few books by Ray Gregory, which I really liked. I seem to be drawn to them.
This time the short stories are all around relationships between men and women, although the women usually come out on top, so to speak. The men deserve the outcome they get.
Some stories are quite short, while Broken Wings and Wang’s App are longer and given more time to develop. This time, the medium length stories of A New Nannybot and The Cocktail Waitress were my favourites. As before, each story has an unpredictable ending and is good for an evening read.
Apart from the overarching theme, the stories have little in common, although several of them are set in far into the future. Here the author’s imagination can run riot and effectively too.
Strangely, while other books by Ray have needed a warning about the sex, violence and coarse language, this one seems to have got away with it. I thought that Broken Wings was quite graphic in its violence. It’s one for the open minded, not prudes or children.
This time the short stories are all around relationships between men and women, although the women usually come out on top, so to speak. The men deserve the outcome they get.
Some stories are quite short, while Broken Wings and Wang’s App are longer and given more time to develop. This time, the medium length stories of A New Nannybot and The Cocktail Waitress were my favourites. As before, each story has an unpredictable ending and is good for an evening read.
Apart from the overarching theme, the stories have little in common, although several of them are set in far into the future. Here the author’s imagination can run riot and effectively too.
Strangely, while other books by Ray have needed a warning about the sex, violence and coarse language, this one seems to have got away with it. I thought that Broken Wings was quite graphic in its violence. It’s one for the open minded, not prudes or children.
June 16, 2025
This book is weird, in a good way. Curves and Twists is like walking into a room where twelve different people tell you twelve different stories, all soaked in attitude, edge, and a very specific kind of justice. Some stories are set in the future, others in the past, some feel like nightmares, and others like twisted fairy tales for adults. Every single one centers around a woman—or something close to a woman—who’s done being polite. Who’s done playing nice. And what I liked wasn’t that they “won” or “got revenge,” but that the stories made me question what winning even looks like. Some endings were satisfying and others felt like punches I didn’t see coming.
I picked it up because of the unique and intriguing nature of the title and content. It was kind of bold. “Can-do women, human and otherwise, who even the score.” That line alone made me go, okay then, show me what that looks like. I often write and speak softly and can appreciate the fiery nature of our human so I was compelled to explore this books offerings, and it delivered!
I picked it up because of the unique and intriguing nature of the title and content. It was kind of bold. “Can-do women, human and otherwise, who even the score.” That line alone made me go, okay then, show me what that looks like. I often write and speak softly and can appreciate the fiery nature of our human so I was compelled to explore this books offerings, and it delivered!
December 30, 2024
Curves and Twists by Ray Gregory is a set of 12 short stories with various themes, some of which contain graphic content. Each story is different, there are a broad spectrum of themes including science fiction and history in addition to violence and erotica.
The variety showcases the authors imagination and his ability to write across multiple genres, however some of the content is not for the faint hearted.
The stories are genuinely unique and it was not easy to predict the ending of each one. There are decent plot twists and pleasingly, both men and women's points of view were captured, with an emphasis on positive outcomes for women. The author seems insightful regarding what women want and need.
Overall an en entertaining set of stories designed for open minded readers with a quirky sense of humour. I believe there is something for everyone within this story collection – not easy to achieve so kudos to Ray Gregory!
The variety showcases the authors imagination and his ability to write across multiple genres, however some of the content is not for the faint hearted.
The stories are genuinely unique and it was not easy to predict the ending of each one. There are decent plot twists and pleasingly, both men and women's points of view were captured, with an emphasis on positive outcomes for women. The author seems insightful regarding what women want and need.
Overall an en entertaining set of stories designed for open minded readers with a quirky sense of humour. I believe there is something for everyone within this story collection – not easy to achieve so kudos to Ray Gregory!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews