What do you think?
Rate this book
Transgression
Zachary Fox can’t sleep.
His acting career is taking off. Public recognition is picking up. Now more than ever, he understands how key reputation is to his success. But his relationship with his co-star, Kris—arranged around publicity rather than genuine feelings—is suffocating him. She once understood his needs, but her demands are beginning to grate with every shrill order she gives.
Zach has a secret. The breakout star of a new medical series, he’s been hiding his orientation from co-stars, friends and family, the studio, and his fans.
On the recommendation of a friend, Zach seeks out Sky Kelly, a well-connected herbalist whose concoctions are natural magic, as is her stunning beauty. On the surface, she has it all: her own house, a thriving business, and good friends, but the things she had to do to get there are a time bomb ticking away, and when it goes off, she'll be teetering on the edge of a chasm that can put her right back where she started.
Sky has secrets. Like, she’s got a Y chromosome and the original equipment to go with it. Like being a highly paid escort. Like, if Zach is seen with her in public, it could ruin his career. Like someone becoming so obsessed with Sky, that obsession threatens them both.
Secrets... everyone is hiding something, and instead of finding The One, it could be The End.
His acting career is taking off. Public recognition is picking up. Now more than ever, he understands how key reputation is to his success. But his relationship with his co-star, Kris—arranged around publicity rather than genuine feelings—is suffocating him. She once understood his needs, but her demands are beginning to grate with every shrill order she gives.
Zach has a secret. The breakout star of a new medical series, he’s been hiding his orientation from co-stars, friends and family, the studio, and his fans.
On the recommendation of a friend, Zach seeks out Sky Kelly, a well-connected herbalist whose concoctions are natural magic, as is her stunning beauty. On the surface, she has it all: her own house, a thriving business, and good friends, but the things she had to do to get there are a time bomb ticking away, and when it goes off, she'll be teetering on the edge of a chasm that can put her right back where she started.
Sky has secrets. Like, she’s got a Y chromosome and the original equipment to go with it. Like being a highly paid escort. Like, if Zach is seen with her in public, it could ruin his career. Like someone becoming so obsessed with Sky, that obsession threatens them both.
Secrets... everyone is hiding something, and instead of finding The One, it could be The End.
195 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2013
177 people want to read
About the author
Theo Fenraven
32 books75 followersTheo Fenraven happily lives in south Florida, where it is hot and sunny much of the year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 26, 2017
July 2014
Well, after what's transpired in terms of author/reader dynamics, I'm a little sorry that I took the time to explain why I didn't enjoy this book, when a "too stupid too live" would have sufficed. And where did the other negative reviews go all of a sudden?
December 2013
I do get why readers who are unfamiliar with/not personally invested in the realm of queer and quirky possibilities, view Transgression as a wholly unconventional romance. However, those who are no stranger to gender dynamics and are hoping for a compelling story that touches upon being bisexual and transsexual in a world that has strict definitions of gender and sexuality, could be disappointed. It’s therefore probably best to read Transgression with no other expectations than those you’d have for a typical mainstream romance with a bit of a twist.
Transgression’s blurb had me rubbing my hands in sweet anticipation. But I quickly suspected that the author had bitten off more than he could chew. Having presented me with these wonderfully intriguing characters, a few chapters into the book it seemed as if he realized that he was unable to get under their skin. I had the impression that he thus tried to cover up his inability to explore the gender dynamics and personalities of his MCs by making the classic mistake of introducing a set of irrelevant POVs.
Five different POVs - among them one of the most ridiculous cookie cutter villains I’ve read in a while – in a book of less than 200 pages, that’s a bit crowdy, don’t you think? His approach diffused the focus from the two MCs rather effectively though! Sadly, this also meant that a story that had started promising morphed into a run-off-the-mill soap opera.
Now there’s been much debate about how bisexuality is perceived and often disregarded by both straight and gay people. And in the heat of the moment that what people are passionate about in the first place, open-mindedness and sexual fluidity, seems to be forgotten: personal preferences and beliefs get presented as the only truth. So I will not claim that the way MC Zach was portrayed, as a bisexual man who could not be faithful to his girlfriends because he craved female as well as male genitalia and it wasn’t until he met pre-op transsexual Sky that he could be sexually satisfied, is incorrect. Apparently this is how Zach felt about HIS needs and I’m sure he knew best.
However, I would lie if I said that I’m not somewhat disappointed that the author of a book with a strong message of acceptance, chose to tap into the popular - in my eyes - misconception that bisexuals are promiscuous and unlikely to settle for one partner (or are 50/50 attracted to either sex, to name another popular myth). Honestly, I don’t think Zach’s orientation had all that much to do with his cheating ways. If he’d been straight, he’d probably have played the field as well.
But the assumption is there. The reason? Oh, it’s not difficult to see the plotting behind his character. 'Jack of all trades' Sky presents the best of both worlds to greedy Zach; with her he can get his bisexual kick on and be forever faithful. Et voila, one HEA coming up!
Still, I would have preferred a less cut out and more elegant resolution than this 'YAY! BOOBS + COCK = TRUE LOVE!' plot.
Add to this the often unconvincing motivations of the various characters, whose choices appeared to be made for the sake of the plot, the (for me) lukewarm sex scenes and the common plot devices (for example; introducing the obligatory psychologist sessions to disguise the info dropping) and Transgression wasn’t the refreshing, original experience that I had anticipated. As I said earlier though, if you’re looking for a typical sweet, HEA proof romance with a little angst and a dash of queer and quirk, I don’t see why you would not enjoy this book.
Well, after what's transpired in terms of author/reader dynamics, I'm a little sorry that I took the time to explain why I didn't enjoy this book, when a "too stupid too live" would have sufficed. And where did the other negative reviews go all of a sudden?
December 2013
I do get why readers who are unfamiliar with/not personally invested in the realm of queer and quirky possibilities, view Transgression as a wholly unconventional romance. However, those who are no stranger to gender dynamics and are hoping for a compelling story that touches upon being bisexual and transsexual in a world that has strict definitions of gender and sexuality, could be disappointed. It’s therefore probably best to read Transgression with no other expectations than those you’d have for a typical mainstream romance with a bit of a twist.
Transgression’s blurb had me rubbing my hands in sweet anticipation. But I quickly suspected that the author had bitten off more than he could chew. Having presented me with these wonderfully intriguing characters, a few chapters into the book it seemed as if he realized that he was unable to get under their skin. I had the impression that he thus tried to cover up his inability to explore the gender dynamics and personalities of his MCs by making the classic mistake of introducing a set of irrelevant POVs.
Five different POVs - among them one of the most ridiculous cookie cutter villains I’ve read in a while – in a book of less than 200 pages, that’s a bit crowdy, don’t you think? His approach diffused the focus from the two MCs rather effectively though! Sadly, this also meant that a story that had started promising morphed into a run-off-the-mill soap opera.
Now there’s been much debate about how bisexuality is perceived and often disregarded by both straight and gay people. And in the heat of the moment that what people are passionate about in the first place, open-mindedness and sexual fluidity, seems to be forgotten: personal preferences and beliefs get presented as the only truth. So I will not claim that the way MC Zach was portrayed, as a bisexual man who could not be faithful to his girlfriends because he craved female as well as male genitalia and it wasn’t until he met pre-op transsexual Sky that he could be sexually satisfied, is incorrect. Apparently this is how Zach felt about HIS needs and I’m sure he knew best.
However, I would lie if I said that I’m not somewhat disappointed that the author of a book with a strong message of acceptance, chose to tap into the popular - in my eyes - misconception that bisexuals are promiscuous and unlikely to settle for one partner (or are 50/50 attracted to either sex, to name another popular myth). Honestly, I don’t think Zach’s orientation had all that much to do with his cheating ways. If he’d been straight, he’d probably have played the field as well.
But the assumption is there. The reason? Oh, it’s not difficult to see the plotting behind his character. 'Jack of all trades' Sky presents the best of both worlds to greedy Zach; with her he can get his bisexual kick on and be forever faithful. Et voila, one HEA coming up!
Still, I would have preferred a less cut out and more elegant resolution than this 'YAY! BOOBS + COCK = TRUE LOVE!' plot.
Add to this the often unconvincing motivations of the various characters, whose choices appeared to be made for the sake of the plot, the (for me) lukewarm sex scenes and the common plot devices (for example; introducing the obligatory psychologist sessions to disguise the info dropping) and Transgression wasn’t the refreshing, original experience that I had anticipated. As I said earlier though, if you’re looking for a typical sweet, HEA proof romance with a little angst and a dash of queer and quirk, I don’t see why you would not enjoy this book.
July 17, 2014
Wow.
Where to start? Maybe best with the technicalities? This book is impeccably edited, formatted and has a professional artistic cover. It was a relief reading Theo Fenraven's elegant and unobtrusive prose which--unlike a lot that I read recently--never tried to attract attention to itself or to the alleged cleverness of the author. Instead it was quite without pretentiousness and on the spot regarding the imagery it conjured. I was drawn into the story smoothly and couldn't stop reading.
The story. Well, not many like this one around, especially among m/m fiction. As if he had collected some of the most unlikely situations and tropes he could find, and then set off to make them work and work just fine, the author managed to sell me constellations I normally would have lifted my eyebrow at.
Such as love at (practically) first sight, fated lovers, circumstances which slotted into each other, yet curiously didn't facilitate things for people, and just about every interpretation of the monicker "trans". And yet it wasn't cheesy, I bought the fated lovers just as much as the love at first sight, and there were so many dearly heartwarming, glowing moments in this book, that I read like a small child curled into a window corner watching the snow come down outside, my hands around a cup of hot cocoa.
Well, until... ah no, I'm not giving it away!
What also was wonderful: women were neither all angels, or all bitches, there was a healthy mixture of both, and some even redeemed themselves. Zach is a guy I'd very much want as a friend, and Sky, I think I fell quite a bit in love with Sky. By the way--all readers needing a HEA, yes, you get one! It mightn't be what you expected though. And there's a baddie in this who I really wanted to kill slowly with a rusty spoon. In short, this is a perfect book for the upcoming holidays.
A last word to those who state that a bisexual person doesn't need both genders at the same time. Yes, that may be so. And it is something many feel forced to state to a) allay the fears of their partners, and b) because in a way society is expecting them to state this. But seriously people, just because you don't need or want to need both genders at the same time, doesn't mean that there cannot be others who definitely want it so!
And who are we to try to tell them where their limits are? There is such a thing as polyamory, and there is what happens to Zach.
I found it incredibly refreshing to have two distinctly bisexual characters in this book, who without question wanted both at the same time and managed in the end to adjust to their needs. And this was written without prejudices either, just matter-of-factly. I adored that.
Recommended wholeheartedly for everyone who still is a bit of a child at heart. :)
Where to start? Maybe best with the technicalities? This book is impeccably edited, formatted and has a professional artistic cover. It was a relief reading Theo Fenraven's elegant and unobtrusive prose which--unlike a lot that I read recently--never tried to attract attention to itself or to the alleged cleverness of the author. Instead it was quite without pretentiousness and on the spot regarding the imagery it conjured. I was drawn into the story smoothly and couldn't stop reading.
The story. Well, not many like this one around, especially among m/m fiction. As if he had collected some of the most unlikely situations and tropes he could find, and then set off to make them work and work just fine, the author managed to sell me constellations I normally would have lifted my eyebrow at.
Such as love at (practically) first sight, fated lovers, circumstances which slotted into each other, yet curiously didn't facilitate things for people, and just about every interpretation of the monicker "trans". And yet it wasn't cheesy, I bought the fated lovers just as much as the love at first sight, and there were so many dearly heartwarming, glowing moments in this book, that I read like a small child curled into a window corner watching the snow come down outside, my hands around a cup of hot cocoa.
Well, until... ah no, I'm not giving it away!
What also was wonderful: women were neither all angels, or all bitches, there was a healthy mixture of both, and some even redeemed themselves. Zach is a guy I'd very much want as a friend, and Sky, I think I fell quite a bit in love with Sky. By the way--all readers needing a HEA, yes, you get one! It mightn't be what you expected though. And there's a baddie in this who I really wanted to kill slowly with a rusty spoon. In short, this is a perfect book for the upcoming holidays.
A last word to those who state that a bisexual person doesn't need both genders at the same time. Yes, that may be so. And it is something many feel forced to state to a) allay the fears of their partners, and b) because in a way society is expecting them to state this. But seriously people, just because you don't need or want to need both genders at the same time, doesn't mean that there cannot be others who definitely want it so!
And who are we to try to tell them where their limits are? There is such a thing as polyamory, and there is what happens to Zach.
I found it incredibly refreshing to have two distinctly bisexual characters in this book, who without question wanted both at the same time and managed in the end to adjust to their needs. And this was written without prejudices either, just matter-of-factly. I adored that.
Recommended wholeheartedly for everyone who still is a bit of a child at heart. :)
October 30, 2013
This was not your everyday romance story and I have to commend Mr. Fenraven for tackling the subject of gender fluidity with skill and integrity. Sky is a beautiful woman in everyone's eyes except her own. Zach is a budding television star who is keeping his bisexuality hidden. They meet through a friend of Zach's who knows Sky as an herbalist. Sky and Zach begin seeing each other socially and Sky is blown away that her being transgender is a non-issue with Zach. All hell breaks loose when the tabloids pick up the story that the two are dating. Secrets are revealed by the tabloid vultures that almost ruin the couple. I have to admit that this story made me angry at the narrow minded individuals in society. I was touched by the bravery shown by Sky and disgusted that she had to turn to tricking just to live because of prejudices prevalent in the United States today. Zach and Ricky were heroes in this book. Zach knew that there was a lot to lose by loving Sky but did anyway. Ricky was awesome for the way he had the nerve to embrace his own desires. The way the realtor reacted to Richy was appalling. I hope that more and more places like T-One spring up across the country with strong people like Liza to run them. This story is an engrossing read that hits you right where you live. The emotions that Mr. Fenraven was able to evoke in me through this amazing roller coaster ride ran the gamut from happy to sad to anger. A good book touches me in some way and leaves me thinking and this book did just that. I whole heartedly recommend this excellent story to anyone who has ever taken a chance on love.
August 17, 2016
This was a powerful and thought-provoking read from Theo. 4.5 stars and
I've not read a book about a transgender person before, and so have made a new bookshelf...hopefully this will not be the only book to be put on there. This one broke my heart. It's about a woman Sky who is in a man's body (MtF) but also has breasts and feminine features, who is not accepted for who she is, and the sometimes unpleasant decisions that she has to make and deal with, and the difficult struggle she faces to live her life as she chooses.
It's also about an up-and-coming actor Zach, who is genuinely bi-sexual, and finds it extremely difficult to come out of the closet as far as his 'job' is concerned. His 'girlfriend' does sleep with him and he enjoys it, although she also knows that he has sex with men and reluctantly accepts that this part of him cannot be denied, but keeps the secret for him in the forlorn hope that eventually he may decide he wants just her, and in my humble opinion is definitely using him to further her own acting career. How Zach and Sky meet, fall in love and then what happens when some jealous and vindictive person decides to 'out' both of them, I'll leave for you to discover.
November 15, 2013
REVIEW:
What a story! Oh boy do you all need to read this one! I was hesitant at the beginning, I can’t lie about that. I don’t have any attraction to reading transgender stories so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one. But knowing this specific novel was written by Author Theo Fenraven made me feel that I really wanted to try this story. I am very familiar with his writing I decided that if I ever wanted to try this subject that this was the time.
And I didn’t regret it from the first moment I started reading. What a way to get drawn in to a story and his characters.
From the moment you meet Zach you know that there is something that’s going to happen and when Zach meets Sky both their fate’s are sealed as they say.
The blurb fills you in on some basics and I refuse to go too much into detail. It wouldn’t do the story justice. My words cannot match the words used by the author. You just need to know that this story is about acceptance…acceptance of yourself, of who you are, of who you want to be and no I am not talking about the obvious here and mean Sky with this.
I am also talking about Zach and I am even talking about his best friend Ricky who is introduced in this story. Even acceptance through Sky, her best friend Liza and all the people at T-one. (I will only say Justin on that one).
What Theo Fenraven accomplished here with this story is bringing a so called hidden subject into the open, making it approachable and readable. You can read the impact on all people’s lives and you can understand the research that was done in creating this story.
For me personally, this story showed me levels of acceptance and openness that I envy and that I think people could benefit and learn from in their own lives
If I have to mention one bit of criticism I would say I didn’t need the last part of the book for it to be amazing. I understand it was there to bring an end to a specific storyline part but for me personally I could have done without.
I do want to mention some specifics on the characters.
Sky is a beautiful woman inside and out and she represents woman and man in so many ways of life with her insecurities and struggles and also her inner beauty.
Zach is the upcoming star, bi-sexual and eventually the one who needs to choose to be out and open or continue the career he has just launched. (is there even a choice?)
Kirsten, Zach’s ex partner, co-star , familiar with his needs and in the end surprisingly supportive (loved that twist).
Ricky, Zach’s best friend since childhood, struggling with secrets of his own, bringing in his own enthusiasm and proving to be a true friend in every sense of the word. (and not forgetting introduces Butch ;) )
Liza, Sky’s best friend, supportive and amazing and the force behind T-One.
Ethan, spoiled obnoxious brat, obsessed stalker. Trouble with a capital T.
Meet these people and let yourself be swept away, taught and taken by the hand through this story. You won’t regret it.
Review posted at
http://sidlove.com/2013/11/14/book-re...
What a story! Oh boy do you all need to read this one! I was hesitant at the beginning, I can’t lie about that. I don’t have any attraction to reading transgender stories so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one. But knowing this specific novel was written by Author Theo Fenraven made me feel that I really wanted to try this story. I am very familiar with his writing I decided that if I ever wanted to try this subject that this was the time.
And I didn’t regret it from the first moment I started reading. What a way to get drawn in to a story and his characters.
From the moment you meet Zach you know that there is something that’s going to happen and when Zach meets Sky both their fate’s are sealed as they say.
The blurb fills you in on some basics and I refuse to go too much into detail. It wouldn’t do the story justice. My words cannot match the words used by the author. You just need to know that this story is about acceptance…acceptance of yourself, of who you are, of who you want to be and no I am not talking about the obvious here and mean Sky with this.
I am also talking about Zach and I am even talking about his best friend Ricky who is introduced in this story. Even acceptance through Sky, her best friend Liza and all the people at T-one. (I will only say Justin on that one).
What Theo Fenraven accomplished here with this story is bringing a so called hidden subject into the open, making it approachable and readable. You can read the impact on all people’s lives and you can understand the research that was done in creating this story.
For me personally, this story showed me levels of acceptance and openness that I envy and that I think people could benefit and learn from in their own lives
If I have to mention one bit of criticism I would say I didn’t need the last part of the book for it to be amazing. I understand it was there to bring an end to a specific storyline part but for me personally I could have done without.
I do want to mention some specifics on the characters.
Sky is a beautiful woman inside and out and she represents woman and man in so many ways of life with her insecurities and struggles and also her inner beauty.
Zach is the upcoming star, bi-sexual and eventually the one who needs to choose to be out and open or continue the career he has just launched. (is there even a choice?)
Kirsten, Zach’s ex partner, co-star , familiar with his needs and in the end surprisingly supportive (loved that twist).
Ricky, Zach’s best friend since childhood, struggling with secrets of his own, bringing in his own enthusiasm and proving to be a true friend in every sense of the word. (and not forgetting introduces Butch ;) )
Liza, Sky’s best friend, supportive and amazing and the force behind T-One.
Ethan, spoiled obnoxious brat, obsessed stalker. Trouble with a capital T.
Meet these people and let yourself be swept away, taught and taken by the hand through this story. You won’t regret it.
Review posted at
http://sidlove.com/2013/11/14/book-re...
December 18, 2013
Ambitious but uneven. This story started out with five stars. Finally, I thought, here is the trans romance I've been wanting to read. I liked the characters, and their meeting and initial interactions were lovely. Then things turned... soap opera-y. Lots of additional characters, lots of drama, and then the author yadda-yaddaed through some key moments. It felt rushed and over-the-top, and I really missed the subtlety and gentleness of the beginning. The character-driven parts of the plot worked fine; it didn't need all that other stuff to create tension. Still, my rating falls mostly on "I liked it." I haven't read anything else quite like this.
March 26, 2016
Secrets, what makes us have them? What makes us keep them and ultimately what makes us share them, give them up, show the world that part of ourselves that we were so willing to risk everything to keep hidden. Secrets, we all have them, guard them, do what we must to protect them, to keep them hidden away from the world and ironically we all want to know everyone else’s secrets.
Transgressions is the story of what happens when secrets that have been kept and guarded from the world start to slip out into the light of day. It’s the story of how two people learn to trust each other enough to let go of those secrets. It’s also the story of how in the age of communication we all have secrets.
Theo Fenraven takes us into the world of Sky a beautiful young woman, or is she? Zach a rising star under Hollywood’s blazing sun, but he’s got secrets and everyone knows that in the bright glare of Hollywood nothing stays hidden forever and what happens when someone else wants what you’ve got? What extremes will they go to in their efforts to take it from you? Who gets to pay the price when all the secrets are revealed? At the end of it all will love be enough? Will friends be there for you?
Sky & Zach, two people living lives built around secrets meet and little by little come to trust each other enough to let go of those secrets, to care about each other. But what happens to them when the rest of the world finds out? And what about everyone else in this story, Zach’s parents? His childhood friend, Ricky? Ethan, the spoiled son of a Hollywood studio executive, who thinks he owns the world and the world owes him? What are their secrets, after all we all have them?
I was so impressed with this author’s ability to create a story that drew me in from the very beginning, I wanted Sky and Zach to find each other they were perfect for each other and belonged together. By the end of this book they were my friends too and I hurt for all they’d gone through, for all that they had lost and been forced to give up. But I also had faith in their strength as individuals and as a couple to find a new beginning and be happy.
Transgressions is by no means a Christmas story, yet in its own way it embodies the spirit of the season, it holds forth hope and promise that if we have faith and follow our heart we will find our way to the happiness that life has to offer each of us if we just grab onto it and hold tight.
Transgressions is the story of what happens when secrets that have been kept and guarded from the world start to slip out into the light of day. It’s the story of how two people learn to trust each other enough to let go of those secrets. It’s also the story of how in the age of communication we all have secrets.
Theo Fenraven takes us into the world of Sky a beautiful young woman, or is she? Zach a rising star under Hollywood’s blazing sun, but he’s got secrets and everyone knows that in the bright glare of Hollywood nothing stays hidden forever and what happens when someone else wants what you’ve got? What extremes will they go to in their efforts to take it from you? Who gets to pay the price when all the secrets are revealed? At the end of it all will love be enough? Will friends be there for you?
Sky & Zach, two people living lives built around secrets meet and little by little come to trust each other enough to let go of those secrets, to care about each other. But what happens to them when the rest of the world finds out? And what about everyone else in this story, Zach’s parents? His childhood friend, Ricky? Ethan, the spoiled son of a Hollywood studio executive, who thinks he owns the world and the world owes him? What are their secrets, after all we all have them?
I was so impressed with this author’s ability to create a story that drew me in from the very beginning, I wanted Sky and Zach to find each other they were perfect for each other and belonged together. By the end of this book they were my friends too and I hurt for all they’d gone through, for all that they had lost and been forced to give up. But I also had faith in their strength as individuals and as a couple to find a new beginning and be happy.
Transgressions is by no means a Christmas story, yet in its own way it embodies the spirit of the season, it holds forth hope and promise that if we have faith and follow our heart we will find our way to the happiness that life has to offer each of us if we just grab onto it and hold tight.
December 29, 2013
Before I start my review of this book I wanted to say this. I started writing about ‘Transgression’ last night, immediately after finishing it, and had to stop myself. It took about two paragraphs before my review turned into something resembling a political treatise. This book deals with an issue I have strong feelings about and I doubt that I’ll be able to keep those out of my review. I will however try to concentrate on the wonderful story and keep my personal feelings in the background.
This won’t be the first time I tell you that you really must read a book, and it probably won’t be the last time either. Whenever I’m fortunate enough to find a story that touches me in one way or another I feel this need to spread the word in the hope that other people will find the same reading joy I did. And this story touched me; boy did it ever. It touched me in so many ways it is hard to know where to begin, but I’ll try.
First and foremost this book touched me because of the wonderful love story it contains. The story of a love so strong it will overcome prejudice, personal setbacks as well as scrutiny and scorn.
When Zach, an up and coming actor and Sky, a beautiful herbalist, first meet there is an attraction between them. What neither of them knows is that the other person is hiding a secret that, if it ever came out, could cost them everything they’ve worked so hard to build. When they reveal their secrets to each other, Zach and Sky realize that not only are they attracted to each other; their individual secrets also mean they couldn’t be better suited for each other. In a perfect world, that would have been the end of the story – happy ever after and so on. In the real world, and in this book, it means shit hits the fan as soon as their relationship as well as their secrets are publicly revealed. Throw into the mix a spoiled young man obsessed with Sky and suddenly it is not only their starting relationship which is in danger.
The second reason I’ve fallen in love with this book is because of how it deals with diversity. Zach, Sky and quite a few of the other characters in this book have feelings, bodies and preferences that make them stand out from what the world would describe as ‘the norm’ (whatever that may be). Theo Fenraven managed to show that just as having red hair doesn’t make you a lesser human being, neither does being bi-sexual, or transgender, or a cross-dresser. Again, it shouldn’t be necessary to point this out, but since, unfortunately it is, I am glad it was done in such a sensitive yet realistic way. I’m sure it would have been tempting to make these characters almost saintly, if only to compensate for all the prejudice that does exist. The author, thankfully, didn’t fall into that trap. These are characters like you find in any other love story; they have their strong and weak points, there are moments you’d like to shout at them to just get their act together and follow their hearts and fuck the world, and you’ll find your heart breaking for them when everything appears to fall apart.
To say that for most of the book I was hurting for Sky would be an understatement.
“She was different, exotic, an anomaly that intrigued. She understood why they were compelled to see for themselves, but their unconcealed interest in her anatomy only perpetuated the feeling she was a freak, a mistake of nature that shouldn’t exist.”
To think that anybody might consider themselves a freak is enough to break my heart, the knowledge that the world is filled with people who would view Sky as just that makes me want to scream.
So many characters in this book struggle with what they are; are so afraid of how they will be perceived if their secret were to ever come out that they keep it even from those they consider their best friends. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live your life like that and shudder when I try to imagine how lonely a person would feel as the result of keeping those secrets.
“It’s a black and white world, and the rainbow has no place in it.” - Zach
The fact that this book exists and may get one or two people to think again gives me a small glimmer of hope; hope that there will be a day when Zach’s observation will no longer be true because the rainbow will have become accepted by all as the beauty it represents.
This book rubs all the prejudice that floats around in this world right into the readers’ faces and even if you don’t have a prejudiced bone in your body you’ll end up feeling ashamed of all the things people think, and allow themselves to say out loud. I will never understand why people feel the need to put down or object to anything or anybody that is different or how they could imagine that it is okay to do so.
Of course this book can be read as “just another” love story. It is my hope that those who pick up this book will recognise all the issues the story deals with while enjoying the love story. My only regret after reading this book is that the ending, beautiful as it is, isn’t a reality for more couples in the real world.
I started off this review saying that I didn’t want to turn this into a personal quest; I think I may have failed in that. My intention was to write a review that accurately reflected my thoughts and feelings during and after reading this book; I fear I may have failed in that too. It seems that I just don’t have the words to describe all the feelings this book awakened in me.
So, allow me to summarize; this is a beautiful love story centred on issues that shouldn’t be issues to begin with but need to be confronted for as long as they are. This is one of the best, most memorable books I’ve read this year. The story is good and should be read by anybody who wants a little bit more from their books than just another charming love story.
May 21, 2014
I'm torn. I have no idea what to rate this. I'm gonna have to think about it for a while.
************************************
OK, I've thought about it and here is what I have to say.
This story is good but it could have been so much better. Take the Hollywood angle out and make this a completely character driven story and it would have earned another star. I’m frustrated because I can see so much potential but it never delivered. What could have been a wholly unique tale was made into cookie-cutter shapes by a two-dimensional villain that was nothing more than a cliche and throwaway secondary characters. Important scenes were glossed over, making the story seem superficial and more “telling” than “showing”.
The entire plot line for the villain was unnecessary and made for an uneven story. It felt as though there are two different tropes wrapped up in one book. The secondary character of the best friend was underdeveloped. He should have either had more of a role or have been left out entirely.
However, I did like the book. Go figure.
I will read more from this author because I can see the potential for greatness but they will not be at the top of my list any time soon.
November 3, 2013
This is easily one of the greatest books I have ever read. Theo Fenraven tackled a controversial topic with such brilliance. You won't be able to hold back the tears as you plummet into Sky and Zach's stories. You will connect with at least one character in this story in someway and link yourself to that. My heart burst with the amount of love Zach and Sky share in this story. It's a very, open your eyes and really see the truth of the word, kind of story. I would rate it higher if I could! Outstanding! A MUST read!
October 22, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
4.5 Hmmm, what to say about this book, Sky in particular, that will do it justice? It is a departure from the usual M/M romance in that the main characters, Sky and Zach, are transgender and bisexual respectively.
Zach is well hidden in the closet, fearing that his rising career on a TV series would be lost if this came out (so to speak). He has a “girlfriend” in the form of his co-star, Kris, who supposedly understands the score. They use each other, Kris for publicity and Zach for the shield. It was an arrangement that worked well, or so Zach thought. It takes a trip to Sydney for the glam to fall away from that arrangement. I was a little squicked by the fact that Zach is hooking up with pretty much anything with a penis while Kris was around but had to keep reminding myself that she knew this. Especially since, even though she did come across as the bitchy female, she had redeeming qualities to her by the end. They weren’t a couple other than a business arrangement, really, but I think Kris could be a good friend eventually.
For her part, Sky sells herbs and dreams of opening a shop. She is transgender, but more devastating for Zach is that she is an escort, euphemism for hooker. She doesn’t tell Zach this right away, Kris gets that honor. It’s a twisting route, their relationship. Sky is a beautiful woman who doesn’t at all see herself that way. She is willing to settle for less.
Add in some amazing secondary characters, Ricky in particular. Ricky is Zach’s longtime friend from home, who has now lost his job and his wife. Ricky has a secret, one that shouldn’t have bothered anyone but close-mindedness abounds, unfortunately. He is a great friend, a solid man and adorable dog fan. Leading to the lovely character of Butch. Adorable.
The bad guy here is not over the top but a psychopathic could be real murderer. You want to cry not only for the life lost but the love lost as well. It was an emotional aspect done very well.
The topic of being a male to female transgender person is handled realistically, right down to the feelings Sky sometimes has that being alone is better than being with someone. She has not been treated kindly and it’s caused her to close up some. She sees a therapist, Gus, (another great secondary character) and is working on being happy. That she decides to take a chance with Zach is a big step for her. The bigotry and hostility that Sky, and by extension Zach, face made me furious, particularly knowing that it happens all the time. Zach’s director, Trey, understood but the rest of Hollywood was all about devouring their reputations. Of course, the people Sky thought maybe would be there for her absolutely are not.
Zach has a choice to make, love or the career he’s been working on for years. He’s on the verge of stardom, too. Sky is the perfect match to what Zach needs and the world doesn’t seem to care about any of that.
The story is well written and characters make you care about them. Very recommended.
4.5 Hmmm, what to say about this book, Sky in particular, that will do it justice? It is a departure from the usual M/M romance in that the main characters, Sky and Zach, are transgender and bisexual respectively.
Zach is well hidden in the closet, fearing that his rising career on a TV series would be lost if this came out (so to speak). He has a “girlfriend” in the form of his co-star, Kris, who supposedly understands the score. They use each other, Kris for publicity and Zach for the shield. It was an arrangement that worked well, or so Zach thought. It takes a trip to Sydney for the glam to fall away from that arrangement. I was a little squicked by the fact that Zach is hooking up with pretty much anything with a penis while Kris was around but had to keep reminding myself that she knew this. Especially since, even though she did come across as the bitchy female, she had redeeming qualities to her by the end. They weren’t a couple other than a business arrangement, really, but I think Kris could be a good friend eventually.
For her part, Sky sells herbs and dreams of opening a shop. She is transgender, but more devastating for Zach is that she is an escort, euphemism for hooker. She doesn’t tell Zach this right away, Kris gets that honor. It’s a twisting route, their relationship. Sky is a beautiful woman who doesn’t at all see herself that way. She is willing to settle for less.
Add in some amazing secondary characters, Ricky in particular. Ricky is Zach’s longtime friend from home, who has now lost his job and his wife. Ricky has a secret, one that shouldn’t have bothered anyone but close-mindedness abounds, unfortunately. He is a great friend, a solid man and adorable dog fan. Leading to the lovely character of Butch. Adorable.
The bad guy here is not over the top but a psychopathic could be real murderer. You want to cry not only for the life lost but the love lost as well. It was an emotional aspect done very well.
The topic of being a male to female transgender person is handled realistically, right down to the feelings Sky sometimes has that being alone is better than being with someone. She has not been treated kindly and it’s caused her to close up some. She sees a therapist, Gus, (another great secondary character) and is working on being happy. That she decides to take a chance with Zach is a big step for her. The bigotry and hostility that Sky, and by extension Zach, face made me furious, particularly knowing that it happens all the time. Zach’s director, Trey, understood but the rest of Hollywood was all about devouring their reputations. Of course, the people Sky thought maybe would be there for her absolutely are not.
Zach has a choice to make, love or the career he’s been working on for years. He’s on the verge of stardom, too. Sky is the perfect match to what Zach needs and the world doesn’t seem to care about any of that.
The story is well written and characters make you care about them. Very recommended.
October 31, 2013
Please comment on Jules Lovestoread's 5 sweet pea, recommended book review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“…And what will you do if he behaves properly? Doesn’t sneer or spit at anyone and doesn’t say anything rude? What then, Sky?” She looked at Gus for a long moment. “I will keep him and never let him go.”
I was so excited to read this book, since I had just read Theo Fenraven’s Blue River, and absolutely loved it; and I have to say that not only was I not disappointed, but I was blown away!!
Transgression is a beautiful, exciting, fantastic story that is an absolute must read! I absolutely LOVE the author’s writing style. He is incredibly descriptive, but not to the point of becoming tedious. His imagery is gorgeous – from describing one character as a ‘brilliant scarlet macaw’ to a fabulous description of a sunset, and everything in between – and lends so wonderfully to the richness of the book. Sometimes I’m tempted to sort of skim over descriptions of rooms, etc… but, not here. Every single word was so appreciated.
The depth of the characters in the book is also incredible. I immediately fell in love with both Sky and Zach. Sky is just such a beautiful soul. All she really wants is to be happy, and have someone love her for who she is, though she often has a tough time loving herself. And, Zach is so genuine, albeit a bit naïve about how things work in Hollywood, and so pure in his intentions with Sky that she can’t help but let her walls crumble, and fall for him.
This is not at all a simple boy-meets-girl romance though…there are factors working against them – the worry over Zach’s career, bigotry, Sky’s career choices, gossip mongers, etc – but, there is also a darker element to the story, in the form of a spoiled, unbalanced, director’s son who has set his sights on Sky. Ethan is a disturbed kid, with zero guidance, who works to turn both Sky’s and Zach’s world upside down. Theo does an incredible job of weaving all of these elements together, and delivering an amazing story!!
Finally, there are many wonderful message of equality, acceptance, understanding differences, and self-empowerment. The scene at the transgender support center is one of my favorite in the book.
Read. This. Book, friends!! Trust me, you will be glad you did!
“…And what will you do if he behaves properly? Doesn’t sneer or spit at anyone and doesn’t say anything rude? What then, Sky?” She looked at Gus for a long moment. “I will keep him and never let him go.”
I was so excited to read this book, since I had just read Theo Fenraven’s Blue River, and absolutely loved it; and I have to say that not only was I not disappointed, but I was blown away!!
Transgression is a beautiful, exciting, fantastic story that is an absolute must read! I absolutely LOVE the author’s writing style. He is incredibly descriptive, but not to the point of becoming tedious. His imagery is gorgeous – from describing one character as a ‘brilliant scarlet macaw’ to a fabulous description of a sunset, and everything in between – and lends so wonderfully to the richness of the book. Sometimes I’m tempted to sort of skim over descriptions of rooms, etc… but, not here. Every single word was so appreciated.
The depth of the characters in the book is also incredible. I immediately fell in love with both Sky and Zach. Sky is just such a beautiful soul. All she really wants is to be happy, and have someone love her for who she is, though she often has a tough time loving herself. And, Zach is so genuine, albeit a bit naïve about how things work in Hollywood, and so pure in his intentions with Sky that she can’t help but let her walls crumble, and fall for him.
This is not at all a simple boy-meets-girl romance though…there are factors working against them – the worry over Zach’s career, bigotry, Sky’s career choices, gossip mongers, etc – but, there is also a darker element to the story, in the form of a spoiled, unbalanced, director’s son who has set his sights on Sky. Ethan is a disturbed kid, with zero guidance, who works to turn both Sky’s and Zach’s world upside down. Theo does an incredible job of weaving all of these elements together, and delivering an amazing story!!
Finally, there are many wonderful message of equality, acceptance, understanding differences, and self-empowerment. The scene at the transgender support center is one of my favorite in the book.
Read. This. Book, friends!! Trust me, you will be glad you did!
July 23, 2016
I am a beta reader for this book as a more-than-willing favor to the author.
At its heart Transgression is a story of acceptance. Acceptance of others but mostly acceptance of self, loving oneself with all the flaws, real or imagined, that entails. This is a magnificent story about people that have to overcome their own self-doubt to find love. There are secrets that once revealed might tear them apart but it might also finally allow them to live the life they are meant to lead.
We get to watch Zach, an up and coming actor who is hiding his bisexuality, and Sky, a transgender woman that has been through more than any one person should be forced to endure but has managed to keep her inner beauty intact, find each other. They have to work through their own demons and fight outside forces in order to work to try to keep the happiness they have found with each other. The secondary characters include, among others, a very well-crafted villain that will make your skin crawl, a best friend that has his own secrets to deal with (and that I dare you not to fall in love with), and a cute dog.
This book has all the earmarks of a Theo Fenraven story; clean writing, amazing descriptions, and characters that you will love and root for but it is more than that. It steps beyond the normal boundaries of a romance book and introduces the reader to people they may not think about on a regular basis. It will make you realize, underneath it all, we are all just people that want to be recognized and loved for who we are.
If you want to explore an author that will not only make you feel but also question your assumptions about life in general Theo Fenraven is that author. Start with Transgression or read your way to it but be sure to explore the rest of his catalog!
At its heart Transgression is a story of acceptance. Acceptance of others but mostly acceptance of self, loving oneself with all the flaws, real or imagined, that entails. This is a magnificent story about people that have to overcome their own self-doubt to find love. There are secrets that once revealed might tear them apart but it might also finally allow them to live the life they are meant to lead.
We get to watch Zach, an up and coming actor who is hiding his bisexuality, and Sky, a transgender woman that has been through more than any one person should be forced to endure but has managed to keep her inner beauty intact, find each other. They have to work through their own demons and fight outside forces in order to work to try to keep the happiness they have found with each other. The secondary characters include, among others, a very well-crafted villain that will make your skin crawl, a best friend that has his own secrets to deal with (and that I dare you not to fall in love with), and a cute dog.
This book has all the earmarks of a Theo Fenraven story; clean writing, amazing descriptions, and characters that you will love and root for but it is more than that. It steps beyond the normal boundaries of a romance book and introduces the reader to people they may not think about on a regular basis. It will make you realize, underneath it all, we are all just people that want to be recognized and loved for who we are.
If you want to explore an author that will not only make you feel but also question your assumptions about life in general Theo Fenraven is that author. Start with Transgression or read your way to it but be sure to explore the rest of his catalog!
November 3, 2013
What can I possibly say about this book that hasn't been said already? How to put into words in how many ways this story moved me? How to do it in an adaquate way? Honestly, I have no idea.
All I can say is : this is an amazing book that will touch you and stay with you, that will make you think and think again about appearances, tolerance, acceptance, overcoming self-made limitations and finding the hidden strength deep down inside.
And this book is much more, I want you to find out for yourself. I want you to feel the profound sadness of Zach's arrangement with his female co-star, both of whom use each other, albeit in mutual agreement. But that is not enough, and don't we all deserve to be loved just the way we are?
I want you to meet Sky, who's outer beauty - visible for all - is nothing in comparison to the beauty of her soul. She's had it rough, she's stuck in the wrong body, and as a result she's insecure, considers herself a freak, feels unworthy and just not good enough. Especially not for Zach, who's career will most certainly suffer if their relationship becomes public knowledge. And of course it does, no secret stays hidden forever.
A rejected wanna-be client of Sky's with malicious intentions, a friend of Zach with his very own secret, all this rounds the plot and makes this book a real page-turner.
Lat but not least : the subject of being trans-gender / bisexual is handled with much care and in the most inspiring way. You should read this.
All I can say is : this is an amazing book that will touch you and stay with you, that will make you think and think again about appearances, tolerance, acceptance, overcoming self-made limitations and finding the hidden strength deep down inside.
And this book is much more, I want you to find out for yourself. I want you to feel the profound sadness of Zach's arrangement with his female co-star, both of whom use each other, albeit in mutual agreement. But that is not enough, and don't we all deserve to be loved just the way we are?
I want you to meet Sky, who's outer beauty - visible for all - is nothing in comparison to the beauty of her soul. She's had it rough, she's stuck in the wrong body, and as a result she's insecure, considers herself a freak, feels unworthy and just not good enough. Especially not for Zach, who's career will most certainly suffer if their relationship becomes public knowledge. And of course it does, no secret stays hidden forever.
A rejected wanna-be client of Sky's with malicious intentions, a friend of Zach with his very own secret, all this rounds the plot and makes this book a real page-turner.
Lat but not least : the subject of being trans-gender / bisexual is handled with much care and in the most inspiring way. You should read this.
December 30, 2013
This is a gorgeous book! I loved this story, so very different from so much I've read in the genre. I have to thank Steelwhisper for the rec for this one.
It's a really sweet love story but it's so much more, too. There's crime, violence, a villain I detested and loathed with huge amounts of energy (he's truly vile), the hypocracy of Hollywood, great characters etc. But the person who really made this book for me was Sky. I loved her, a really wonderful character.
It was a refreshing change to read a transgender character, and a bi character, they are often overlooked in romance.
I loved the layers of the story, the crime aspect, the love story, the great supporting cast of characters.
Memorable line for me 'people come in all colors hence the rainbow flag.' Yes they do, but a lot of those colors aren't very evident in fiction. Nice to see this addressed, and so well too.
It's a really sweet love story but it's so much more, too. There's crime, violence, a villain I detested and loathed with huge amounts of energy (he's truly vile), the hypocracy of Hollywood, great characters etc. But the person who really made this book for me was Sky. I loved her, a really wonderful character.
It was a refreshing change to read a transgender character, and a bi character, they are often overlooked in romance.
I loved the layers of the story, the crime aspect, the love story, the great supporting cast of characters.
Memorable line for me 'people come in all colors hence the rainbow flag.' Yes they do, but a lot of those colors aren't very evident in fiction. Nice to see this addressed, and so well too.
November 2, 2013
So this book... I can't even with how much I love it. The characters are AMAZING. Sky makes me want to wrap her up in a big ball of moosh and be her BFF forever. She's incredibly inspiring. And Zachary is so real and honest and perfect for her. I adore him. Theo managed to add an incredible back story with equally fantastic supporting characters in Liza and Ricky. Trust me... You will love this book. And want more. And the subtle messages thw author includes are perfect. Love love love.
March 12, 2014
This is a brave story and brave stories often don’t quite work but this one did.
I call this a brave story because there were so many opportunities for the author to avoid the difficult issues, when dealing with a transsexual character, but he didn’t. I have only read a couple of stories, which included trans women and it seems to be easier, to deal with trans women who have had total gender correction, in stories. They are then written as women and that’s it. Pre op trans women are either stereotyped as Thai Ladyboys or ridiculed as the comic secondary character. Theo does neither.
Sky Kelly is a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman who just wants to be loved and treated as herself and not a freak. Enter Zach, a bisexual man, terrified to be himself, as he has never had a hint that he would receive acceptance in his personal life or his career. At first, I thought it a little trite that a trans woman, who doesn’t want to have her genitalia altered, falls for a bisexual man. However, it gives the chance for both characters, not only to inform but also show how fluid gender and sexual orientation can be and how, with acceptance and love, happiness is a possibility for everyone.
I felt very sorry for Ricky, Zach‘s friend and new P.A., he doesn’t have a lot of luck in this novel. He loses his wife and a one night stand, because he has a penchant for wearing women’s underwear and when it looks like he might have met a lovely person in Liza, who will totally accept his burgeoning transvestite tendencies…well that’s too much of a spoiler to reveal! The character Ethan is an obvious villain from the start and about as sociopathic and psychopathic as you can get but maybe… like Landon in A.J.Rose’s Queers, a little bit too bad. I prefer a little more light and shade in my villains and heroes.
This is one of the reasons I didn’t give a 5* review, my other is probably the lack of more back story and/or development of some of the characters.
Having said that, this is a really good read and beautifully edited. Bad editing and typos are bugbears of mine, so a professionally edited work adds to my enjoyment overall.
My first thoughts, on finding out that the main character was a pre op trans women and a hooker were probably salacious and yes there are sex scenes but they are not gratuitous, which I don’t mind occasionally but would have been inappropriate considering the themes. I’d like to meet these characters again and see how they develop and face real world challenges together.
I think for LGBTQAI people, facing up to and living in the real world with all of it’s faults, prejudices and bigotries, is the bravest story of all.
full review at www.prismbookalliance.com
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion
I call this a brave story because there were so many opportunities for the author to avoid the difficult issues, when dealing with a transsexual character, but he didn’t. I have only read a couple of stories, which included trans women and it seems to be easier, to deal with trans women who have had total gender correction, in stories. They are then written as women and that’s it. Pre op trans women are either stereotyped as Thai Ladyboys or ridiculed as the comic secondary character. Theo does neither.
Sky Kelly is a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman who just wants to be loved and treated as herself and not a freak. Enter Zach, a bisexual man, terrified to be himself, as he has never had a hint that he would receive acceptance in his personal life or his career. At first, I thought it a little trite that a trans woman, who doesn’t want to have her genitalia altered, falls for a bisexual man. However, it gives the chance for both characters, not only to inform but also show how fluid gender and sexual orientation can be and how, with acceptance and love, happiness is a possibility for everyone.
I felt very sorry for Ricky, Zach‘s friend and new P.A., he doesn’t have a lot of luck in this novel. He loses his wife and a one night stand, because he has a penchant for wearing women’s underwear and when it looks like he might have met a lovely person in Liza, who will totally accept his burgeoning transvestite tendencies…well that’s too much of a spoiler to reveal! The character Ethan is an obvious villain from the start and about as sociopathic and psychopathic as you can get but maybe… like Landon in A.J.Rose’s Queers, a little bit too bad. I prefer a little more light and shade in my villains and heroes.
This is one of the reasons I didn’t give a 5* review, my other is probably the lack of more back story and/or development of some of the characters.
Having said that, this is a really good read and beautifully edited. Bad editing and typos are bugbears of mine, so a professionally edited work adds to my enjoyment overall.
My first thoughts, on finding out that the main character was a pre op trans women and a hooker were probably salacious and yes there are sex scenes but they are not gratuitous, which I don’t mind occasionally but would have been inappropriate considering the themes. I’d like to meet these characters again and see how they develop and face real world challenges together.
I think for LGBTQAI people, facing up to and living in the real world with all of it’s faults, prejudices and bigotries, is the bravest story of all.
full review at www.prismbookalliance.com
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion
January 21, 2014
My normal choice of genre is M/M, but I wanted to read Transgression because it seemed so different from anything I'd ever read. I admit that I was a little uneasy about reading about a transgender person. I like to think I'm totally openminded, but, I'll be honest here, I wasn't sure I would enjoy this one.
Now, having read it, it's still hard to say the word "enjoy" when tied to this story. I hurt for these characters so much that, while not being "enjoyable", it is a book that will stay with me always. I will never forget any of these characters.
There's nothing to say about Zach and Sky that hasn't been said already. I am surprised, however, that no one has mentioned Ricky, other than in passing. I think Ricky gutted me more so than even the main characters. Again, his secret is one that, had I known about it ahead of time, would have made me uncomfortable. Instead, Theo allowed me to get to know Ricky, and his secret, gradually and beautifully and the tears I shed while reading Transgression were for him and him alone. He seemed even more vulnerable to me than Sky. Ricky's story opened my eyes and, more importantly, my mind to others dealing with his particular "secret".
Because Mr. Fenraven is also an excellent editor, this book is not only well written but the story flows seamlessly. No nasty typos or sentences that trip you up while reading. His descriptive passages paint the pictures vividly in your mind without unnecessary filler. I especially love his use of dialog and the characters' inner thoughts.
I read so many books that I don't often leave reviews (I hate writing them) and most books leave my mind shortly after reading them. Transgression is not one of those books. It will stay with me. More importantly, it's rare for a story to challenge my opinions and prejudices to the point of overturning them. Seldom do I feel I'm a better person after reading a work of fiction. Thanks to Zach, Sky, my sweet Ricky and of course, Theo Fenraven, I AM a little bit better person.
Now, having read it, it's still hard to say the word "enjoy" when tied to this story. I hurt for these characters so much that, while not being "enjoyable", it is a book that will stay with me always. I will never forget any of these characters.
There's nothing to say about Zach and Sky that hasn't been said already. I am surprised, however, that no one has mentioned Ricky, other than in passing. I think Ricky gutted me more so than even the main characters. Again, his secret is one that, had I known about it ahead of time, would have made me uncomfortable. Instead, Theo allowed me to get to know Ricky, and his secret, gradually and beautifully and the tears I shed while reading Transgression were for him and him alone. He seemed even more vulnerable to me than Sky. Ricky's story opened my eyes and, more importantly, my mind to others dealing with his particular "secret".
Because Mr. Fenraven is also an excellent editor, this book is not only well written but the story flows seamlessly. No nasty typos or sentences that trip you up while reading. His descriptive passages paint the pictures vividly in your mind without unnecessary filler. I especially love his use of dialog and the characters' inner thoughts.
I read so many books that I don't often leave reviews (I hate writing them) and most books leave my mind shortly after reading them. Transgression is not one of those books. It will stay with me. More importantly, it's rare for a story to challenge my opinions and prejudices to the point of overturning them. Seldom do I feel I'm a better person after reading a work of fiction. Thanks to Zach, Sky, my sweet Ricky and of course, Theo Fenraven, I AM a little bit better person.
November 26, 2013
I can always rely on Theo Fenraven to provide me with a story that contains a compelling plot and likable, unique characters. Transgression takes the reader into the world of two very different MCs, Sky and Zachary, both of whom struggle to be accepted and loved for who they are. Sky, in particular, is engaging and magnetic, and I would love to see more characters like her drawn into the mainstream of romance stories. The secondary characters of Liza and Ricky are also rich and highly entertaining, and I only wish I could have seen more of their storyline developed. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that the main conflict for the characters was external and that they were not struggling with one another, but rather uniting together against forces outside of their relationship.
With a clear yet subtle social message, Transgression helps bring into clearer focus how people within the GLBTQ community struggle to gain compassion and respect in our world. I thank Mr. Fenraven for this beautiful, touching story, and I highly recommend it not only as a m/m romance, but also as a thought-provoking journey into the heart of humanity and what it means to truly embrace others and love them unconditionally.
With a clear yet subtle social message, Transgression helps bring into clearer focus how people within the GLBTQ community struggle to gain compassion and respect in our world. I thank Mr. Fenraven for this beautiful, touching story, and I highly recommend it not only as a m/m romance, but also as a thought-provoking journey into the heart of humanity and what it means to truly embrace others and love them unconditionally.
August 5, 2016
Okay... this was a SOLID 5 star review up until more characters were introduced and the MCs got together. I loved the feeling of the beginning and how the characters were developed BUT THEN all these points of views came in and they were unnecessary. There were at least three other points of views BESIDES the two MCs. That's 5 POVs in one book that is less than 300 pages. And the end of the book didn't really match up to the beginning and the slow character development. It went from 0 to
The way the author handled bisexuality also made me uncomfortable. Being bisexual does not necessarily mean you need TWO GENDERS ALL THE TIME. It means you have a smorgasbord of possibilities as partners. Just because someone is bisexual, doesn't mean they can't remain monogamous... So for now, I'm rating this a 3.5 star read. I liked the author's writing style so I will see if I like anything from this author's backlist.
The way the author handled bisexuality also made me uncomfortable. Being bisexual does not necessarily mean you need TWO GENDERS ALL THE TIME. It means you have a smorgasbord of possibilities as partners. Just because someone is bisexual, doesn't mean they can't remain monogamous... So for now, I'm rating this a 3.5 star read. I liked the author's writing style so I will see if I like anything from this author's backlist.
September 27, 2017
Another really great read from Theo Fenraven, tackling an emotive subject with skill.
This is a book where the story truly grows and grows as you read through, with lots of layers revealed as you go on. The writing really evokes all the emotions that all the characters go through, even the bad ones.
Sky has done what's needed to survive and is just starting to get to a point in her life where she can leave the unsavoury bits behind. Zach's star is just starting to ascend in Hollywood. Instant attraction when they meet is just the start of a host of emotions and events.
Great support characters too, with them moving from suspect to favourites, OK to not liking, fun to sad, depending on which one I focussed on.
Loved it!
27.9.17 reread : as always the clean writing just carries the story along effortlessly. Occasionally this clean writing can come across a bit clincal but in this one, not so much so you are kept in the story. I enjoyed rereading this one, Lisa wasn't such a shock this time but still I was left wanting to know more on a few plot threads. 4.5* today.
This is a book where the story truly grows and grows as you read through, with lots of layers revealed as you go on. The writing really evokes all the emotions that all the characters go through, even the bad ones.
Sky has done what's needed to survive and is just starting to get to a point in her life where she can leave the unsavoury bits behind. Zach's star is just starting to ascend in Hollywood. Instant attraction when they meet is just the start of a host of emotions and events.
Great support characters too, with them moving from suspect to favourites, OK to not liking, fun to sad, depending on which one I focussed on.
Loved it!
27.9.17 reread : as always the clean writing just carries the story along effortlessly. Occasionally this clean writing can come across a bit clincal but in this one, not so much so you are kept in the story. I enjoyed rereading this one, Lisa wasn't such a shock this time but still I was left wanting to know more on a few plot threads. 4.5* today.
January 1, 2015
★★★☆☆
This was a disappointing 3-star read. It started out promising enough but lost the promise. The sexin' wasn't even good enough to turn my head. And the dude-in-lingerie didn't really go anywhere. I had high hopes from the blurb and from a few friend's positive reviews but for me, I might as well have read a vanilla mf romance.
I do have to give kudos for being perfectly edited and it flowed well but meh for me.
Even though this book didn't do it for me, I'm happy it's out and available because I believe that a read like this can be a gentle reminder to be open-minded and accepting of everyone.
This was a disappointing 3-star read. It started out promising enough but lost the promise. The sexin' wasn't even good enough to turn my head. And the dude-in-lingerie didn't really go anywhere. I had high hopes from the blurb and from a few friend's positive reviews but for me, I might as well have read a vanilla mf romance.
I do have to give kudos for being perfectly edited and it flowed well but meh for me.
Even though this book didn't do it for me, I'm happy it's out and available because I believe that a read like this can be a gentle reminder to be open-minded and accepting of everyone.
October 31, 2013
I'm only giving this 5 stars because I can't give it more. This book is incredible and unique and SO well-written!! I highly recommend!! See my full review at:
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
March 16, 2014
To violate a law. To violate a command. To violate a moral code. To offend. To sin. To transgress.
After reading the blurb for Transgression, I was intrigued by the premise of the book, although it is not a genre of romance that typically interests me. However, once I started reading, thinking about categories and genres was no longer important. Theo Fenraven is a masterful wordsmith and storyteller. He had me hooked in the first chapter of the book.
Check out my review of this book on the Smoocher's Voice Blog: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/03....
After reading the blurb for Transgression, I was intrigued by the premise of the book, although it is not a genre of romance that typically interests me. However, once I started reading, thinking about categories and genres was no longer important. Theo Fenraven is a masterful wordsmith and storyteller. He had me hooked in the first chapter of the book.
Check out my review of this book on the Smoocher's Voice Blog: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/03....
November 17, 2013
I can't say if this is a good book in the meaning that it shows the problems of transgender persons and all what comes with that. Because frankly I know next to nothing about this topic.
What I can say though it's that I adore this book as a romance between 2 people who always thought that they'll never find someone who not only fully accepts but also loves them. There's so much love in this book that it literally drizzled out of my ebook-reader.
At some places it's a bit cheesy, which is the reason for the last missing star, but well, nobody's perfect, huh? :-)
What I can say though it's that I adore this book as a romance between 2 people who always thought that they'll never find someone who not only fully accepts but also loves them. There's so much love in this book that it literally drizzled out of my ebook-reader.
At some places it's a bit cheesy, which is the reason for the last missing star, but well, nobody's perfect, huh? :-)
September 9, 2016
Before I start my review of this book I wanted to say this. I started writing about ‘Transgression’ last night, immediately after finishing it, and had to stop myself. It took about two paragraphs before my review turned into something resembling a political treatise. This book deals with an issue I have strong feelings about and I doubt that I’ll be able to keep those out of my review. I will however try to concentrate on the wonderful story and keep my personal feelings in the background.
This won’t be the first time I tell you that you really must read a book, and it probably won’t be the last time either. Whenever I’m fortunate enough to find a story that touches me in one way or another I feel this need to spread the word in the hope that other people will find the same reading joy I did. And this story touched me; boy did it ever. It touched me in so many ways it is hard to know where to begin, but I’ll try.
First and foremost this book touched me because of the wonderful love story it contains. The story of a love so strong it will overcome prejudice, personal setbacks as well as scrutiny and scorn.
When Zach, an up and coming actor and Sky, a beautiful herbalist, first meet there is an attraction between them. What neither of them knows is that the other person is hiding a secret that, if it ever came out, could cost them everything they’ve worked so hard to build. When they reveal their secrets to each other, Zach and Sky realize that not only are they attracted to each other; their individual secrets also mean they couldn’t be better suited for each other. In a perfect world, that would have been the end of the story – happy ever after and so on. In the real world, and in this book, it means shit hits the fan as soon as their relationship as well as their secrets are publicly revealed. Throw into the mix a spoiled young man obsessed with Sky and suddenly it is not only their starting relationship which is in danger.
The second reason I’ve fallen in love with this book is because of how it deals with diversity. Zach, Sky and quite a few of the other characters in this book have feelings, bodies and preferences that make them stand out from what the world would describe as ‘the norm’ (whatever that may be). Theo Fenraven managed to show that just as having red hair doesn’t make you a lesser human being, neither does being bi-sexual, or transgender, or a cross-dresser. Again, it shouldn’t be necessary to point this out, but since, unfortunately it is, I am glad it was done in such a sensitive yet realistic way. I’m sure it would have been tempting to make these characters almost saintly, if only to compensate for all the prejudice that does exist. The author, thankfully, didn’t fall into that trap. These are characters like you find in any other love story; they have their strong and weak points, there are moments you’d like to shout at them to just get their act together and follow their hearts and fuck the world, and you’ll find your heart breaking for them when everything appears to fall apart.
To say that for most of the book I was hurting for Sky would be an understatement.
“She was different, exotic, an anomaly that intrigued. She understood why they were compelled to see for themselves, but their unconcealed interest in her anatomy only perpetuated the feeling she was a freak, a mistake of nature that shouldn’t exist.”
To think that anybody might consider themselves a freak is enough to break my heart, the knowledge that the world is filled with people who would view Sky as just that makes me want to scream.
So many characters in this book struggle with what they are; are so afraid of how they will be perceived if their secret were to ever come out that they keep it even from those they consider their best friends. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live your life like that and shudder when I try to imagine how lonely a person would feel as the result of keeping those secrets.
“It’s a black and white world, and the rainbow has no place in it.” - Zach
The fact that this book exists and may get one or two people to think again gives me a small glimmer of hope; hope that there will be a day when Zach’s observation will no longer be true because the rainbow will have become accepted by all as the beauty it represents.
This book rubs all the prejudice that floats around in this world right into the readers’ faces and even if you don’t have a prejudiced bone in your body you’ll end up feeling ashamed of all the things people think, and allow themselves to say out loud. I will never understand why people feel the need to put down or object to anything or anybody that is different or how they could imagine that it is okay to do so.
Of course this book can be read as “just another” love story. It is my hope that those who pick up this book will recognise all the issues the story deals with while enjoying the love story. My only regret after reading this book is that the ending, beautiful as it is, isn’t a reality for more couples in the real world.
I started off this review saying that I didn’t want to turn this into a personal quest; I think I may have failed in that. My intention was to write a review that accurately reflected my thoughts and feelings during and after reading this book; I fear I may have failed in that too. It seems that I just don’t have the words to describe all the feelings this book awakened in me.
So, allow me to summarize; this is a beautiful love story centered on issues that shouldn’t be issues to begin with but need to be confronted for as long as they are. This is one of the best, most memorable books I’ve read this year. The story is good and should be read by anybody who wants a little bit more from their books than just another charming love story.
This won’t be the first time I tell you that you really must read a book, and it probably won’t be the last time either. Whenever I’m fortunate enough to find a story that touches me in one way or another I feel this need to spread the word in the hope that other people will find the same reading joy I did. And this story touched me; boy did it ever. It touched me in so many ways it is hard to know where to begin, but I’ll try.
First and foremost this book touched me because of the wonderful love story it contains. The story of a love so strong it will overcome prejudice, personal setbacks as well as scrutiny and scorn.
When Zach, an up and coming actor and Sky, a beautiful herbalist, first meet there is an attraction between them. What neither of them knows is that the other person is hiding a secret that, if it ever came out, could cost them everything they’ve worked so hard to build. When they reveal their secrets to each other, Zach and Sky realize that not only are they attracted to each other; their individual secrets also mean they couldn’t be better suited for each other. In a perfect world, that would have been the end of the story – happy ever after and so on. In the real world, and in this book, it means shit hits the fan as soon as their relationship as well as their secrets are publicly revealed. Throw into the mix a spoiled young man obsessed with Sky and suddenly it is not only their starting relationship which is in danger.
The second reason I’ve fallen in love with this book is because of how it deals with diversity. Zach, Sky and quite a few of the other characters in this book have feelings, bodies and preferences that make them stand out from what the world would describe as ‘the norm’ (whatever that may be). Theo Fenraven managed to show that just as having red hair doesn’t make you a lesser human being, neither does being bi-sexual, or transgender, or a cross-dresser. Again, it shouldn’t be necessary to point this out, but since, unfortunately it is, I am glad it was done in such a sensitive yet realistic way. I’m sure it would have been tempting to make these characters almost saintly, if only to compensate for all the prejudice that does exist. The author, thankfully, didn’t fall into that trap. These are characters like you find in any other love story; they have their strong and weak points, there are moments you’d like to shout at them to just get their act together and follow their hearts and fuck the world, and you’ll find your heart breaking for them when everything appears to fall apart.
To say that for most of the book I was hurting for Sky would be an understatement.
“She was different, exotic, an anomaly that intrigued. She understood why they were compelled to see for themselves, but their unconcealed interest in her anatomy only perpetuated the feeling she was a freak, a mistake of nature that shouldn’t exist.”
To think that anybody might consider themselves a freak is enough to break my heart, the knowledge that the world is filled with people who would view Sky as just that makes me want to scream.
So many characters in this book struggle with what they are; are so afraid of how they will be perceived if their secret were to ever come out that they keep it even from those they consider their best friends. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live your life like that and shudder when I try to imagine how lonely a person would feel as the result of keeping those secrets.
“It’s a black and white world, and the rainbow has no place in it.” - Zach
The fact that this book exists and may get one or two people to think again gives me a small glimmer of hope; hope that there will be a day when Zach’s observation will no longer be true because the rainbow will have become accepted by all as the beauty it represents.
This book rubs all the prejudice that floats around in this world right into the readers’ faces and even if you don’t have a prejudiced bone in your body you’ll end up feeling ashamed of all the things people think, and allow themselves to say out loud. I will never understand why people feel the need to put down or object to anything or anybody that is different or how they could imagine that it is okay to do so.
Of course this book can be read as “just another” love story. It is my hope that those who pick up this book will recognise all the issues the story deals with while enjoying the love story. My only regret after reading this book is that the ending, beautiful as it is, isn’t a reality for more couples in the real world.
I started off this review saying that I didn’t want to turn this into a personal quest; I think I may have failed in that. My intention was to write a review that accurately reflected my thoughts and feelings during and after reading this book; I fear I may have failed in that too. It seems that I just don’t have the words to describe all the feelings this book awakened in me.
So, allow me to summarize; this is a beautiful love story centered on issues that shouldn’t be issues to begin with but need to be confronted for as long as they are. This is one of the best, most memorable books I’ve read this year. The story is good and should be read by anybody who wants a little bit more from their books than just another charming love story.
May 3, 2017
Very rarely do I find works that tell a piece of my story, so much so that they are a part of my own skin, but this was one of them. The main character is Zach, an actor. He’s not a big time actor, but he’s in a show that starting to become fairly popular. He’s also bisexual. Not, “hey, I’m in a MM Romance” bisexual, but actually bisexual. I love stories like this because the authors understand a wide variety of genders and sexualities, and they don’t shy away from writing about them.
Too many times authors get the message from readers that they don’t want any girl parts in their MM Romance, which is too bad and very limiting. I feel like often these authors will sometimes say a character is bisexual, but in name only. Or, they’ll put them in unhappy MF pairings, and then “save them” with a MM relationship. That gets rather tiresome. (I apologize for the generalization, especially to those MM authors who actually write great bisexual characters. You are awesome, and keep writing them!)
This novel was authentic. Not only do we have a bisexual male, who identifies as bisexual, but we have Sky Kelly, a trans woman. She’s another main character, and was very well done. Both characters face prejudice in expected and unexpected places. There was also an interesting contrast made between how gayness is seen in the US versus in Australia, and I wanted to learn more about that. This is a Romance novel, and I was impressed with the wealth of LGBTQ+ characters and gender-related issues. It could be argued that not all of the subjects concerning gender were entirely explored, but I thought Fenraven did a fantastic job.
Another wonderful surprise was the presence of some light kink. A little fun, if you will. And not only were these scenes handled exceptionally well, but one of the kinks portrayed was also one of my favorites… but I won’t spoil it. Needless to say, that scene was very memorable and incredibly hot, and added to the already wonderful diversity of the story.*
I’ll definitely be reading more works by Fenraver.
*If he ever decides to release any extended scenes or new stories concerning this particular kink, I’m all eyes.
Too many times authors get the message from readers that they don’t want any girl parts in their MM Romance, which is too bad and very limiting. I feel like often these authors will sometimes say a character is bisexual, but in name only. Or, they’ll put them in unhappy MF pairings, and then “save them” with a MM relationship. That gets rather tiresome. (I apologize for the generalization, especially to those MM authors who actually write great bisexual characters. You are awesome, and keep writing them!)
This novel was authentic. Not only do we have a bisexual male, who identifies as bisexual, but we have Sky Kelly, a trans woman. She’s another main character, and was very well done. Both characters face prejudice in expected and unexpected places. There was also an interesting contrast made between how gayness is seen in the US versus in Australia, and I wanted to learn more about that. This is a Romance novel, and I was impressed with the wealth of LGBTQ+ characters and gender-related issues. It could be argued that not all of the subjects concerning gender were entirely explored, but I thought Fenraven did a fantastic job.
Another wonderful surprise was the presence of some light kink. A little fun, if you will. And not only were these scenes handled exceptionally well, but one of the kinks portrayed was also one of my favorites… but I won’t spoil it. Needless to say, that scene was very memorable and incredibly hot, and added to the already wonderful diversity of the story.*
I’ll definitely be reading more works by Fenraver.
*If he ever decides to release any extended scenes or new stories concerning this particular kink, I’m all eyes.
July 12, 2016
I'm glad I found this story as it was such a heart warming although at times sad read. I absolutely loved the characters sky and Zach, Zach because he stood firm against hate and sky because she made it through such difficult and sad times. I just wanted to slap some people who was nasty and give the main characters a cuddle. I really wish that the author had not killed off a character as I think it would of been nice to see a relationship evolve with another character besides it making me cry. This is a book that you need to give a chance as it was just a beautiful read and one that will be a favourite. I would love more books on these characters. Happy happy
April 28, 2014
8/10 Pots of Gold
This story is about a bi-sexual and tranwoman finding love. I really enojoyed it and I am glad that there are more stories that cross boundaries. Stories that resemble life are the most fun of all.
Please see the full review at Rainbow Gold Reviews
This story is about a bi-sexual and tranwoman finding love. I really enojoyed it and I am glad that there are more stories that cross boundaries. Stories that resemble life are the most fun of all.
Please see the full review at Rainbow Gold Reviews
February 11, 2014
Close to 4.5*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews