I read all my teasers. And a great teaser can get my attention and can compel--yeah, I can be inexplicably pulled to push that one-click from a sizzling cover or a sexy blurb. Even despite a lack of funds. I get excited when I find a great book and the writer’s voice is a strong one like it was in C/curious by Ava Bell.
I went in blind on this one and it was a delightful, intriguing, sensual surprise. Ava Bell crafted a highly relatable MC. The masterful flow of the narrative pulled me into the story, so close I felt she could be describing myself, my sister, or my best friend. From the kids complaining about the writing to the distracted husband, Ms. Ball crafted a likable mom, one who worked hard to take care of everyone else in her family, except herself. Like I said, a typical mother.
Emma describes her unfilled sex life, couple that with an exposure to erotica, spurned Emma to give writing a chance. Keeping the reader’s attention without a strong visual of the MC is risky, but it paid off for Ms. Bell. Her shoes were easy to slip on.
The chemistry flows off the page. It’s okay, Emma. He would have made me weak-kneed if he said that to me. I won’t spoil the fun for you, but it’s epic. I’ll just leave it at this - Ms. Bell has no problem building the sexual tension. Not a word is wasted. And honey? The emotions are raised, along with a few body parts.
I love the honesty in this book. I applaud her complete depiction of Emma. Flaws and all. Takes guts for a writer to handle what some feel is a taboo in romance. I have never understood why it’s taboo.
Her artful transitions surprised me. I wasn’t flooded with words showing me how someone got from point A to B. Succinct Clean. Judicious. It was mind-blowing.
Her novel is a classic example of a writer knowing the rules, just so you can break a few. The hitch? You have to do it well, or everybody and their dog, will call you out for it. Not to worry, Ms. Bell. Perfection.
She artfully depicts a D/s scene where the participants never touch each other, but he controls her every move. So hot – Dayum, girl! The best mind fuck I’ve ever read.
Great pacing. I never once started skimming – the first or the second time I read it. This book kept me on the roller coaster – just like I like it. Despite her clever spelling of the “The End,” I felt like I was tossed over the mother of all cliffs. Now, I ain’t mad…just get the next book out immediately.
Please.
Four and half kisses from Kali