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Blame #1
Blame
Two years after the tragedy that took her girlfriend's life, Tatyana has recovered enough to live, work, and be social again. She cannot imagine falling for someone else anytime soon, though. That changes when a spunky new player joins Tatyana's volleyball team. Tatyana becomes captivated by her new friend's bubbly, bold personality. As the two become close, though, Tatyana starts to notice Kris torturing herself with brutal, self-deprecating thoughts. Kris's anxieties about her inadequacy threaten to drive a wedge between the two of them. Tatyana wants desperately to help. But how do you help someone whose aggressor comes from within? Plus, as Tatyana attempts to address the issue, she begins to realize how much she herself has done the exact same thing. Before either of them can heal, Tatyana will have to face someone who she has pushed out of her mind for two long years. And maybe Kris, of all people, can finally convince her to do it.
- GenresLGBTLesbian Romance
348 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2015
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 10, 2021
Tatya Zaslavskaya - lanky, blonde. and attractive - is a sports massage therapist and one of the top players on her women's beach volleyball team in Miami, Florida.
She's also secretly smitten with her new teammate - tall, pretty, red-haired Kris Jayson, a former college rower who recently joined the volleyball squad.
Still, when Coach Lake asks Tatya who should be her partner at the upcoming volleyball tournament in San Diego, Tatya wants to be fair. Should she suggest Lucy - a long-time teammate and solid player, or Kris - a talented novice who's hungry for success. In the end Tatya cedes the choice to Coach Lake, who picks Kris.
When Kris injures her hamstring a couple of weeks before the tournament, Tatya is determined to help her heal. To aide Kris's recovery Tatya offers homemade meals and massage therapy.
These somewhat sensual interactions are thrilling for Tatya, though Kris - who's only dated boys in the past - seems to regard them solely as friendly overtures.
Tatya and Kris make it to San Diego, where they meet other attractive volleyball players - and nature takes it course. Meanwhile, all the women's teams are preparing for the tournament. The descriptions of the practices and games are exciting: serve, dip, bump, spike, occasionally fumble ....lose a point, score a point, etc. I was eager to see who would eventually win the championship.
In her zeal to win an important game Tatya does something she fears might alienate Kris. After overcoming this rough spot in their friendship Tatya confesses her attraction to her friend, which eventually brings the women closer.
In time, personal conversations lead to an exchange of confidences during which Kris discloses deep feelings of insecurity about her talent, abilities, and worth, and Tatya reveals profound grief over a former girlfriend. Can Tatya and Kris help each other heal and go forward?
An array of additional characters add interest to the story including several members of the Miami volleyball team, Tatya's roommate Brett, Kris's cat Itchy....
.....and Las Vegas volleyballer Dre - who engages in smoking sex with Tatya.
In fact there's plenty of red-hot sex in the story, which will appeal to fans of romance and erotica.
I enjoyed the scenes where Tatya prepared delicious dishes like ajiaco;
yucca fries;
couscous with vegetables;
jambalaya;
crab cakes;
chocolate mousse;
ice cream topped with cinnamon and figs, and more.
They made me wish I had a generous friend who was a good chef. :)
This is an engaging story about two women searching for happiness and fulfillment. I look forward to the second book in the series.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
September 15, 2016
I think I'm bucking the trend here by saying that I actually quite enjoyed this book.
It's not without it flaws, uneven pacing and lacking in meaningful secondary characters but the story of two damaged people that on the outside look fine is unusual and to be applauded.
The more I read, the more uncertain I became about a HEA but stick to the end.
It's not without it flaws, uneven pacing and lacking in meaningful secondary characters but the story of two damaged people that on the outside look fine is unusual and to be applauded.
The more I read, the more uncertain I became about a HEA but stick to the end.
March 5, 2017
3.5 rounded up to 4. If you're a fan of volleyball you will love this. Cam Carson must have a genuine passion for the sport. It shows in her rich details of the games and the players. I felt like I was there. The romance is good but a little iffy here and there. Kind of back and forth, like a, like a ball over a net. Hey, now, I get it. Anyway, overall a good read.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
July 15, 2016
I'm really confused with this one... I had a problem finishing it, because all along it seemed pale, unconvincing, and the whole dynamic of the two lead characters seemed like a bunch of teenagers conversing... As for their love relationship - it looked pretty strange to me; to me, Tatya's behavior seemed at moments like stalking, over-caring etc... It lacked equality, and it bothered me.
abandoned
November 11, 2016I tried with this book, I really did. I made it 76% of the way through before I gave up.
It's the story of Tatya and Kris who are on the same volley ball team and who fall for each other. Interesting enough premise. I'm not usually one for romance but I thought I'd give it a go.
But wow this could've used some intense workshopping before it went into print.
The pacing is all over the place. The author seems to be going for suspense, teasing out the relationship between Tatya and Kris, but it feels like it happens too soon. Therefore it always feels like there's something more about to happen, but it doesn't.
Plus there's the mystery of Tatya's past and the traumatic event that happened, which I guess is supposed to be this big reveal but it falls flat because it wasn't built up enough. For that to have an impact, it needed to be seeded earlier and have a much stronger presence throughout the novel.
And the dialogue. Where do I even start with the dialogue? You know when people praise a book for having natural dialogue? They don't mean, 'this is exactly how people talk!' Because the way people talk is silly and halting and honestly comes across as really lame and cringeworthy in a book. Natural dialogue is not at all natural to the writer, who crafts it so that it flows and contributes to the story. This book falls into the other category of natural dialogue, imitating how people actually speak, complete with elongated words to convey tone, which come across like a high schooler wrote them. They detract from the story and makes it difficult to connect or engage with the book because you're flinching every time I speak.
I think here, of the Bootylicious scene. It's supposed to be cute but it isn't. It's so painfully lame, thanks to a combination of bad dialogue and a tacky pop culture reference shoved into the reader's face.
I mean, I think this book has so much potential. The volleyball stuff is great. I think the competition should've been at the climax. But the book needs a lot more work before it has the potential to be a bestseller.
Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's the story of Tatya and Kris who are on the same volley ball team and who fall for each other. Interesting enough premise. I'm not usually one for romance but I thought I'd give it a go.
But wow this could've used some intense workshopping before it went into print.
The pacing is all over the place. The author seems to be going for suspense, teasing out the relationship between Tatya and Kris, but it feels like it happens too soon. Therefore it always feels like there's something more about to happen, but it doesn't.
Plus there's the mystery of Tatya's past and the traumatic event that happened, which I guess is supposed to be this big reveal but it falls flat because it wasn't built up enough. For that to have an impact, it needed to be seeded earlier and have a much stronger presence throughout the novel.
And the dialogue. Where do I even start with the dialogue? You know when people praise a book for having natural dialogue? They don't mean, 'this is exactly how people talk!' Because the way people talk is silly and halting and honestly comes across as really lame and cringeworthy in a book. Natural dialogue is not at all natural to the writer, who crafts it so that it flows and contributes to the story. This book falls into the other category of natural dialogue, imitating how people actually speak, complete with elongated words to convey tone, which come across like a high schooler wrote them. They detract from the story and makes it difficult to connect or engage with the book because you're flinching every time I speak.
I think here, of the Bootylicious scene. It's supposed to be cute but it isn't. It's so painfully lame, thanks to a combination of bad dialogue and a tacky pop culture reference shoved into the reader's face.
I mean, I think this book has so much potential. The volleyball stuff is great. I think the competition should've been at the climax. But the book needs a lot more work before it has the potential to be a bestseller.
Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
***Book provided by Netgalley for an honest review***
This book started quite well. Flawed characters struggling to overcome their fears and shortcomings, a slow paced romance and characters development, and a well described setting (volleyball competition). However, at a certain point (around 50% of the book), the author introduces too many changes, enough for the story to become completely unbelievable. The setting disappears, new and unexpected characters' struggles make appearance and, what's even worst, characters' personality shifts 180 degrees. I am afraid that no story could have survived so many changes.
This book started quite well. Flawed characters struggling to overcome their fears and shortcomings, a slow paced romance and characters development, and a well described setting (volleyball competition). However, at a certain point (around 50% of the book), the author introduces too many changes, enough for the story to become completely unbelievable. The setting disappears, new and unexpected characters' struggles make appearance and, what's even worst, characters' personality shifts 180 degrees. I am afraid that no story could have survived so many changes.
June 12, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book from NetGalley but I enjoyed it.
The writing is good, though the texting language was a bit jarring. I loved the sports parts much more than the romance (but, then, I'm not a fan of romance novels).
I also liked the twist in the end. I thought it would be more predictable than it turned out to be, which is good.
A good book and easy read.
The writing is good, though the texting language was a bit jarring. I loved the sports parts much more than the romance (but, then, I'm not a fan of romance novels).
I also liked the twist in the end. I thought it would be more predictable than it turned out to be, which is good.
A good book and easy read.
lost-interest
February 9, 2018DNF - I have nothing against GirlonGirl love and if I was a fan of Volleyball it probably would have been more interesting but I just could not identify with the characters or storyline 😕
November 16, 2016
Blame By Cam Carson is a LGBTQIA and erotica read.
Two years after the tragedy that took her girlfriend's life, Tatyana has recovered enough to live, work, and be social again. She cannot imagine falling for someone else anytime soon, though.
That changes when a spunky new player joins Tatyana's volleyball team. Tatyana becomes captivated by her new friend's bubbly, bold personality.
As the two become close, though, Tatyana starts to notice Kris torturing herself with brutal, self-deprecating thoughts. Kris's anxieties about her inadequacy threaten to drive a wedge between the two of them.
Tatyana wants desperately to help. But how do you help someone whose aggressor comes from within? Plus, as Tatyana attempts to address the issue, she begins to realize how much she herself has done the exact same thing.
Before either of them can heal, Tatyana will have to face someone who she has pushed out of her mind for two long years. And maybe Kris, of all people, can finally convince her to do it.
This was a good read with good characters. I liked tatya and kris. I liked the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Two years after the tragedy that took her girlfriend's life, Tatyana has recovered enough to live, work, and be social again. She cannot imagine falling for someone else anytime soon, though.
That changes when a spunky new player joins Tatyana's volleyball team. Tatyana becomes captivated by her new friend's bubbly, bold personality.
As the two become close, though, Tatyana starts to notice Kris torturing herself with brutal, self-deprecating thoughts. Kris's anxieties about her inadequacy threaten to drive a wedge between the two of them.
Tatyana wants desperately to help. But how do you help someone whose aggressor comes from within? Plus, as Tatyana attempts to address the issue, she begins to realize how much she herself has done the exact same thing.
Before either of them can heal, Tatyana will have to face someone who she has pushed out of her mind for two long years. And maybe Kris, of all people, can finally convince her to do it.
This was a good read with good characters. I liked tatya and kris. I liked the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
December 26, 2016
This story is a long slow burn, and relatively low on angst, until the mid point, and even then I still enjoyed the direction the book took off in.
It’s told in first person, and completely from Tatya’s point-of-view. Given that I was totally taken by her character, this didn’t bother me in the slightest.
As mentioned in other review, volleyball is a big part of the plot. I expected such and went with it, despite not being a sports buff. What I didn’t expect was the large amount of page time given to cooking and more so, the orgasmic delight Tatya got out of watching Kris eat.
For a long time, the reader has to wonder if these two can ever be together. Tatya has to overcome what happened to her lover before she can give her heart, and body, to another.
Christina/Kris/Kristy (same person, three monikers) has only ever been with guys, and isn’t sure what she wants, where she’s headed in life.
I’m rating this story 4 stars due to the fact it held my interest from start to end, and I found myself bonding with the characters despite some of my misgivings.
Copy received via NetGalley
It’s told in first person, and completely from Tatya’s point-of-view. Given that I was totally taken by her character, this didn’t bother me in the slightest.
As mentioned in other review, volleyball is a big part of the plot. I expected such and went with it, despite not being a sports buff. What I didn’t expect was the large amount of page time given to cooking and more so, the orgasmic delight Tatya got out of watching Kris eat.
For a long time, the reader has to wonder if these two can ever be together. Tatya has to overcome what happened to her lover before she can give her heart, and body, to another.
Christina/Kris/Kristy (same person, three monikers) has only ever been with guys, and isn’t sure what she wants, where she’s headed in life.
I’m rating this story 4 stars due to the fact it held my interest from start to end, and I found myself bonding with the characters despite some of my misgivings.
Copy received via NetGalley
June 19, 2016
It starts off slow, but speeds up fairly quickly into a cute, one-sides flirtation. Although Kris seems open to the flirtation from Tatya, her self-confidence is low and finds it hard to accept friendship, let alone the possibility of more. As time goes on and the two grow closer Tatya, who at first couldn't understand where Kris was coming from, realizes she is just as similar in many ways and struggling like her. Together, they journey together trying to find a way to grow emotionally and yet hold onto their new relationship.
This was such an amazing book. Even for those who may not be gay/lesbian, I feel this brings up so many topics that are needed to be addressed. From learning to love oneself, to stop blaming yourself for past events or at least forgiving yourself; to find the courage to be true to who you are; to raising your self-confidence/self-esteem, this book covers them all. It helps show and teaches how important it is to ddo these things without preaching. All the while, the author provides a wonderful story. I would definitely recommend this book.
This was such an amazing book. Even for those who may not be gay/lesbian, I feel this brings up so many topics that are needed to be addressed. From learning to love oneself, to stop blaming yourself for past events or at least forgiving yourself; to find the courage to be true to who you are; to raising your self-confidence/self-esteem, this book covers them all. It helps show and teaches how important it is to ddo these things without preaching. All the while, the author provides a wonderful story. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 13, 2016
This book has a great message & twist. It does go into detail about volleyball. I'm not a big fan of volleyball and the fact it starts off with a lot of scenes at the beginning of the book calls for a slow read. The authenticity, strength and vulnerability of the characters (and their romantic journey) didn't really connect with me until the mid point of the book. However once the reader finds that sweet spot, the book blossoms into an intelligent, funny, sweet heartfelt story. And I found it a surprising, refreshing ready compared a lot of books I've recently read. The characters struggle with self worth and all of us can relate to the voices or experiences that hold us back from loving ourselves and others. It took courage to write this book.
September 17, 2016
In the world of competitive beach volleyball two women end up falling for each other, despite their pasts and neuroses conspiring to screw up the relationship.
The writer has drawn some excellent characters, with witty dialogue abounding. I’m sure she had a ton of fun with stuff like the sawing babies in half line. There’s also some psychological stuff that’s pretty fascinating, especially the reason for a past lover’s suicide and how religion played such a big part in it.
Now comes the bad/ridiculous stuff. The author posits that someone could come in never having played volleyball and becoming this good in a couple of years. Not possible. It’s an insult to all volleyball players who spent years honing their craft. The whole premise is ridiculous, and unnecessary in this story. Even worse are the simple volleyball mistakes. Apparently she didn’t know the last set only goes to 15, and you have to win by two.
So this is a tough one. On the one hand, there’s the typical lack of communication that so many romance authors think is necessary for a good story–quite the opposite–and in this case it’s taken up a few orders of magnitude. But on the other foot, it’s hard to fault Tatyana for her silence. For her guilt, yes, and Kris is just as screwed up. Can’t help but think that if either had been brave enough to see a psychiatrist, they would be living happily ever after a long time ago. It’s almost like they enjoy their guilt, are addicted to it.
Other than their neuroses, I liked the characters, but in this case it wasn’t enough.
The writer has drawn some excellent characters, with witty dialogue abounding. I’m sure she had a ton of fun with stuff like the sawing babies in half line. There’s also some psychological stuff that’s pretty fascinating, especially the reason for a past lover’s suicide and how religion played such a big part in it.
Now comes the bad/ridiculous stuff. The author posits that someone could come in never having played volleyball and becoming this good in a couple of years. Not possible. It’s an insult to all volleyball players who spent years honing their craft. The whole premise is ridiculous, and unnecessary in this story. Even worse are the simple volleyball mistakes. Apparently she didn’t know the last set only goes to 15, and you have to win by two.
So this is a tough one. On the one hand, there’s the typical lack of communication that so many romance authors think is necessary for a good story–quite the opposite–and in this case it’s taken up a few orders of magnitude. But on the other foot, it’s hard to fault Tatyana for her silence. For her guilt, yes, and Kris is just as screwed up. Can’t help but think that if either had been brave enough to see a psychiatrist, they would be living happily ever after a long time ago. It’s almost like they enjoy their guilt, are addicted to it.
Other than their neuroses, I liked the characters, but in this case it wasn’t enough.
August 3, 2017
***** Copy of book received free from NetGalley for an honest review*****
I really struggled to finish this book and am a little conflicted on how I feel about. The premise of the book sounded good which is why I requested to read it. This is my first time reading a full frame romance book although I have read it as part of another story. The story started out good the part that bothered me the most was after they had their first romantic incident in the shower and Kris wanted to return the 'favor'. To me Tatiana started getting too childish with the 'are we going to have sex again' business. Yes they have real issues but I felt they could have been depicted and handled a different way. The only reason I finished this book was because it was gifted to me by NetGalley for an honest review. Otherwise this would have been a DNF for me.
I really struggled to finish this book and am a little conflicted on how I feel about. The premise of the book sounded good which is why I requested to read it. This is my first time reading a full frame romance book although I have read it as part of another story. The story started out good the part that bothered me the most was after they had their first romantic incident in the shower and Kris wanted to return the 'favor'. To me Tatiana started getting too childish with the 'are we going to have sex again' business. Yes they have real issues but I felt they could have been depicted and handled a different way. The only reason I finished this book was because it was gifted to me by NetGalley for an honest review. Otherwise this would have been a DNF for me.
August 1, 2016
Sorry, but not really my cup of tea.
The story pacing was off and the dialogues where quite a bit constrained. Don't bring interjections directly to your dialogues. It's weird. Just describe them in your narrative, that makes it much easier and natural to read.
And finally the story itself also, unfortunately, did not managed to keep me interested. Not really sure of what the author was attempting here, but quite frankly I was just really creeped out by Tatyana from the get-go, with all the excessive touching and lack of respect for Kris personal space. That type of stuff is not really a sexy prelude to a story, but more like a crime on the grounds of all the non-consensual touching.
Nope, not my cup of tea at all.
The story pacing was off and the dialogues where quite a bit constrained. Don't bring interjections directly to your dialogues. It's weird. Just describe them in your narrative, that makes it much easier and natural to read.
And finally the story itself also, unfortunately, did not managed to keep me interested. Not really sure of what the author was attempting here, but quite frankly I was just really creeped out by Tatyana from the get-go, with all the excessive touching and lack of respect for Kris personal space. That type of stuff is not really a sexy prelude to a story, but more like a crime on the grounds of all the non-consensual touching.
Nope, not my cup of tea at all.
November 22, 2016
I liked the book in the beginning, lots of details and sets the scene of the reader. Tatya and Kris are great main characters. It is hard to follow though, especially when you get half way in. All the sudden everything changes, the characters become different, lots of new stuff introduced. Hit me like a curveball. The book does lack in supporting characters, but two main characters did work well. If it wasn't for the sudden shift, this book was good.
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