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Pink
Fresh out of a relationship, Shawnna Green is heartbroken, lost, and almost penniless. She decides to start over in New Orleans to find a new sense of self, despite her ex hampering her progress. With the help of her best friend, Veda, she finds employment at Stumpy’s Sex Emporium where she deals with customers that range from the strange to the hilarious.
At the same time, Shawnna discovers that women, sex, and dating, are not what they used to be, but neither is she. In finding herself, she uncovers a part she didn’t know existed, and that’s not always a good thing.
Can Shawnna pick herself up, reach out, and connect with the people around her?
A smoldering look at the things we hide from ourselves.
At the same time, Shawnna discovers that women, sex, and dating, are not what they used to be, but neither is she. In finding herself, she uncovers a part she didn’t know existed, and that’s not always a good thing.
Can Shawnna pick herself up, reach out, and connect with the people around her?
A smoldering look at the things we hide from ourselves.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2017
5 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Williamson
10 books302 followersKD (aka Minerva/Rizzleslvr72) is a Southerner and a former nomad, taking up residence in the Mid-West, east coast, and New Orleans over the years. She is also a Hurricane Katrina survivor. Displaced to the mountains of North Carolina, she found her way back to New Orleans, where she lives with her partner of ten years and the strangest dogs and cats in existence.
KD enjoys all things geek, from video games to super heroes. She is a veteran in the mental health field working with children and their families for over ten years. She found that she had a talent for writing as a teenager, and through fits and starts, fostered it over the years.
KD enjoys all things geek, from video games to super heroes. She is a veteran in the mental health field working with children and their families for over ten years. She found that she had a talent for writing as a teenager, and through fits and starts, fostered it over the years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 17, 2017
I’m a fan of Williamson; I really enjoyed her Cops and Docs series. When I heard she had a new book out, I was excited to get my hands on it. This book is totally different than what she has written so far. For one, this is not a romance. I would actually put this in the drama category. This book is different, and I like different. Plus Williamson writes well, so that never hurts.
Shawn has just relocated to New Orleans. After being cheated on by her girlfriend of five years, Shawn is starting from scratch. All she has now is her best friend Veda, and a new job at a sex shop. Will Shawn be able to pick herself up out of one of the toughest times in her life?
This is the kind of book that pulls a lot of emotions out of you. You go from feeling sorry for Shawn, to hopeful, to angry, then even sad. For a book that is not long in length, it sure packs a punch. I was reading this book on my lunch break, and then went back to work. I was feeling almost melancholy, and I was wondering what’s going on, did I mess something up? No. What was going on was the book was still sticking with me and affecting me. I love a good book that makes me feel, and it impresses me when an author can do that well.
This book is not all tough emotions; it has a little needed humor too. The scenes in the sex emporium could be funny and were also entertaining. On top of everything else, there were some pretty steamy sex scenes. I didn’t always care for them because of what was going on with Shawn at the time, but they were all really well done.
If you are a fan of Williamson, or are looking for something different with some emotion, give this book a chance. I can’t wait to see what Williamson writes next.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
Shawn has just relocated to New Orleans. After being cheated on by her girlfriend of five years, Shawn is starting from scratch. All she has now is her best friend Veda, and a new job at a sex shop. Will Shawn be able to pick herself up out of one of the toughest times in her life?
This is the kind of book that pulls a lot of emotions out of you. You go from feeling sorry for Shawn, to hopeful, to angry, then even sad. For a book that is not long in length, it sure packs a punch. I was reading this book on my lunch break, and then went back to work. I was feeling almost melancholy, and I was wondering what’s going on, did I mess something up? No. What was going on was the book was still sticking with me and affecting me. I love a good book that makes me feel, and it impresses me when an author can do that well.
This book is not all tough emotions; it has a little needed humor too. The scenes in the sex emporium could be funny and were also entertaining. On top of everything else, there were some pretty steamy sex scenes. I didn’t always care for them because of what was going on with Shawn at the time, but they were all really well done.
If you are a fan of Williamson, or are looking for something different with some emotion, give this book a chance. I can’t wait to see what Williamson writes next.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
October 4, 2017
When Shawnna Green’s girlfriend of five years cheats on her, her sense of self worth is challenged and her self confidence is destroyed. She leaves Indiana and moves into a townhouse in New Orleans with her best friend Veda who helps her land a job at Stumpy’s Sex Emporium. Shawn needs a better paying job, needs to forget about Courtney and most of all need to get her mojo back. Veda drags her to a gay bar and convinces her to live in the moment and hopefully rebuild the confidence she’s lost. She gets lucky and we readers get to enjoy some extremely steamy and well done sex scenes. One confidence boost and Shawn is hungry for more.
Pink is an interesting study into the fragile psyche of a butch. We love the swagger, the confidence and yes, the dominance we see in women who identify as butch. Look deeper into that courage and control and you peak at fears and insecurities which are masked with bravura and humour. They guard their hearts, rarely allowing anyone to see weakness of any kind.
Shawn struggles with rejection. She needs affirmation that she is worthy of love and worthy of acceptance. The road to recovery she chooses is a rocky one and that's all I can say without giving away too much of the plot. The steamy scenes were first rate. So too was the humour, especially the scenes in the sex shop. I was pulled in by the great writing, Shawn’s magnetic personality and the friends she meets and makes along the way. I loved the positive feel good ending. This may not be a romance but Shawn’s resurrection leaves the reader with the same good vibes and hope for a happy life.
ARC received with thanks from the author for an honest review.
Pink is an interesting study into the fragile psyche of a butch. We love the swagger, the confidence and yes, the dominance we see in women who identify as butch. Look deeper into that courage and control and you peak at fears and insecurities which are masked with bravura and humour. They guard their hearts, rarely allowing anyone to see weakness of any kind.
Shawn struggles with rejection. She needs affirmation that she is worthy of love and worthy of acceptance. The road to recovery she chooses is a rocky one and that's all I can say without giving away too much of the plot. The steamy scenes were first rate. So too was the humour, especially the scenes in the sex shop. I was pulled in by the great writing, Shawn’s magnetic personality and the friends she meets and makes along the way. I loved the positive feel good ending. This may not be a romance but Shawn’s resurrection leaves the reader with the same good vibes and hope for a happy life.
ARC received with thanks from the author for an honest review.
April 4, 2018
Having discovered that her girlfriend was cheating on her, Shawnna relocates to New Orleans to share a place with her best friend, Veda. With no money and no job, Veda helps her to get a job at Stumpy’s Sex Emporium so that she can survive while looking for employment as a social worker.
This is not a romance but it is a really engaging story of Shawn’s journey through the stages of grief of the loss of her relationship. The rebuilding of her self-worth is peppered with funny moments brought about by the customers of the sex shop but there is a poignancy that runs through the novel. Veda is a wonderful character and friend to Shawn but she also serves as a marker for normal emotion when Shawn is spiralling out of control.
Pink is beautifully written with lots of steamy sex scenes which become a powerful reflection of Shawn’s emotional state.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This is not a romance but it is a really engaging story of Shawn’s journey through the stages of grief of the loss of her relationship. The rebuilding of her self-worth is peppered with funny moments brought about by the customers of the sex shop but there is a poignancy that runs through the novel. Veda is a wonderful character and friend to Shawn but she also serves as a marker for normal emotion when Shawn is spiralling out of control.
Pink is beautifully written with lots of steamy sex scenes which become a powerful reflection of Shawn’s emotional state.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
October 9, 2017
If you’re looking for a romantic lesbian love story to take you away from the mundane routine of your real life, then this is not the book for you.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a well-written glimpse into the bleak, harsh, numb emptiness of a post-breakup existence then you’ve come to the right place. It’s not an easy read but it is an honest one, and a look into the dark side that dwells within us all. It’s not all darkness, though and is leavened with a good dose of humour.
Why do we act in a self-destructive way when we are in emotional pain, and why do we lash out at the friends that love us? I don’t know and Williamson has no glib answers for us either. Instead, she takes us on Shawna’s journey into a downward spiral before she bottoms out and starts her upward climb. There’s no glib happy ending either, but it does end on a positive note. The grief of a bad breakup feels like it will never end while we’re enduring it – but it does end, and we do start to feel better.
Shawna’s story is unique to her but familiar to anyone who has felt her pain. Shawna’s attempts to restore her self-esteem, to regain confidence and even just to feel something other than numb, angry, irritated, lost and broken may not be the same choices that other people would make but we do understand her choices, thanks to Williamson’s gifted writing.
There are a lot of sex scenes in this book, but personally I found none of them erotic. Sex without love just doesn’t do it for me. Detached and angry sex kind of horrifies me. Not everyone feels the same though, so I’m sure that some readers will find them pleasurable. They are, like the rest of the book, well-written and graphic.
The unflinching honesty of Pink is what makes it worth reading. I found Williamson’s choices of focus fascinating. We learn little about Shawna’s ex and only a few details about the breakup. That information really isn’t necessary to the story though. There is a surprising amount of humour in the book, mostly from Shawna’s best friend Veda and Shawna’s work at Stumpy’s Sex Emporium. I loved that Shawna was simultaneously non-judgemental about her work and the store’s customers as well as fastidious about not touching anything that may have been tainted with bodily fluids.
I also liked Williamson’s acknowledgement of the realities of unsafe sex practices. It’s not something that gets mentioned in many lesbian novels, even when the protagonist has multiple casual partners. So many characters seem to dive right into unprotected oral sex with women they don’t even know – seemingly without consequence. Still, those novels are fantasies – Pink is too real for that.
To sum up, I highly recommend Pink if you’re looking for something that reflects the darker reality of lesbian life, rather than a light romance, but is also warm, funny and – ultimately – positive.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a well-written glimpse into the bleak, harsh, numb emptiness of a post-breakup existence then you’ve come to the right place. It’s not an easy read but it is an honest one, and a look into the dark side that dwells within us all. It’s not all darkness, though and is leavened with a good dose of humour.
Why do we act in a self-destructive way when we are in emotional pain, and why do we lash out at the friends that love us? I don’t know and Williamson has no glib answers for us either. Instead, she takes us on Shawna’s journey into a downward spiral before she bottoms out and starts her upward climb. There’s no glib happy ending either, but it does end on a positive note. The grief of a bad breakup feels like it will never end while we’re enduring it – but it does end, and we do start to feel better.
Shawna’s story is unique to her but familiar to anyone who has felt her pain. Shawna’s attempts to restore her self-esteem, to regain confidence and even just to feel something other than numb, angry, irritated, lost and broken may not be the same choices that other people would make but we do understand her choices, thanks to Williamson’s gifted writing.
There are a lot of sex scenes in this book, but personally I found none of them erotic. Sex without love just doesn’t do it for me. Detached and angry sex kind of horrifies me. Not everyone feels the same though, so I’m sure that some readers will find them pleasurable. They are, like the rest of the book, well-written and graphic.
The unflinching honesty of Pink is what makes it worth reading. I found Williamson’s choices of focus fascinating. We learn little about Shawna’s ex and only a few details about the breakup. That information really isn’t necessary to the story though. There is a surprising amount of humour in the book, mostly from Shawna’s best friend Veda and Shawna’s work at Stumpy’s Sex Emporium. I loved that Shawna was simultaneously non-judgemental about her work and the store’s customers as well as fastidious about not touching anything that may have been tainted with bodily fluids.
I also liked Williamson’s acknowledgement of the realities of unsafe sex practices. It’s not something that gets mentioned in many lesbian novels, even when the protagonist has multiple casual partners. So many characters seem to dive right into unprotected oral sex with women they don’t even know – seemingly without consequence. Still, those novels are fantasies – Pink is too real for that.
To sum up, I highly recommend Pink if you’re looking for something that reflects the darker reality of lesbian life, rather than a light romance, but is also warm, funny and – ultimately – positive.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2018
This book intially was difficult to get through. A woman suffering from the depression of a cheating ex-girlfriend and feelings about her own lack of worth makes some disastrous choices because of her pain. She begins to hurt those around her as she beds woman after woman in an effort to escape this pain ultimately hurting them as she was hurt. It was dark there for a while and I was tempted to just stop, mark it as unfinished and move on to my usual lighter fare.
But this book has it all really. Characters who ran true to life with the mistakes they make and how depression can turn them into an entirely different animal. I am so glad I stayed with this book! It is very well written and ultimately very satisfying.
But this book has it all really. Characters who ran true to life with the mistakes they make and how depression can turn them into an entirely different animal. I am so glad I stayed with this book! It is very well written and ultimately very satisfying.
December 2, 2017
I read the docs & cops series from this author, but this one is a completely different story.
It’s not a classic romance, it’s not a romance at all, it’s about a woman who has lost her ground after a bad break up und struggles to find a hold on her life again.
It’s about Shawn, who after breaking up with her girlfriend of five years, who cheated on her, moved to a new city, where her best friend Veda lives. She has to find a job and get her life on the right path again. But she’s struggling a lot with her anger, pain and shame.
It’s intriguing what’s going on in Shawn’s head, despite that she’s not always likeable during her journey, especially when she visited some dark places of herself. She learns a lot about herself and that’s not always easy to face. Before she can find her way backf, she lashes out on everybody. Sometimes you just want to shake her. But finally she succeed.
KD Williamson is a giftet writer, but sometimes, for my taste, the language she uses is a little too rough.
I liked her docs & cops stories more. My rating 3,5 stars.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for a honest review.
It’s not a classic romance, it’s not a romance at all, it’s about a woman who has lost her ground after a bad break up und struggles to find a hold on her life again.
It’s about Shawn, who after breaking up with her girlfriend of five years, who cheated on her, moved to a new city, where her best friend Veda lives. She has to find a job and get her life on the right path again. But she’s struggling a lot with her anger, pain and shame.
It’s intriguing what’s going on in Shawn’s head, despite that she’s not always likeable during her journey, especially when she visited some dark places of herself. She learns a lot about herself and that’s not always easy to face. Before she can find her way backf, she lashes out on everybody. Sometimes you just want to shake her. But finally she succeed.
KD Williamson is a giftet writer, but sometimes, for my taste, the language she uses is a little too rough.
I liked her docs & cops stories more. My rating 3,5 stars.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for a honest review.
October 7, 2017
First off and most importantly, I need to make it clear that this is not a love story. This is a story about finding yourself when your life is thrown into disarray after a bad break up. Shawnna is heart broken after a particularly cruel break up when her girlfriend of five years cheats on her. The story follows Shawnna as she tries to discover ways to mend her heart while working at a sex emporium until she can get a job in her certified career. At times I began to dislike her a little as she became withdrawn and obnoxious but it was all part of her processing her turbulent emotions.
Some of the funniest moments in this book are at Shawnna’s work place, that happens to be a sex emporium. I actually cried laughing at some of the customers antics. It really brought much needed levity to which would have been a very serious novel. One of the ways Shawnna processes her emotions is through no strings sex. I have got to make it clear that some of these sex scenes were the sexiest, hottest sex scenes I have ever read. I love it when authors mix it up and write sex scenes that are not the usual generic Lesbian scenes and wow, did KD Williamson blow my mind.
Secondary Character Veda who is Shawnna’s best friend was a fantastic character to read. She caring, loving but she’s bold and confident and absolutely committed to Shawnna getting over her ex, plus she doesn’t let Shawnna get away with her negative behaviour which made me like her even more. I also really like Shawnna’s first no strings partner, Keisha. In fact, my romantic brain kept hoping for more from them even though I knew it was not a love story going in. I am still hoping that maybe Shawnna and Keisha could work through their pain and find love later in the game… who knows.
Great novel and not what I was expecting. 5 stars.
Some of the funniest moments in this book are at Shawnna’s work place, that happens to be a sex emporium. I actually cried laughing at some of the customers antics. It really brought much needed levity to which would have been a very serious novel. One of the ways Shawnna processes her emotions is through no strings sex. I have got to make it clear that some of these sex scenes were the sexiest, hottest sex scenes I have ever read. I love it when authors mix it up and write sex scenes that are not the usual generic Lesbian scenes and wow, did KD Williamson blow my mind.
Secondary Character Veda who is Shawnna’s best friend was a fantastic character to read. She caring, loving but she’s bold and confident and absolutely committed to Shawnna getting over her ex, plus she doesn’t let Shawnna get away with her negative behaviour which made me like her even more. I also really like Shawnna’s first no strings partner, Keisha. In fact, my romantic brain kept hoping for more from them even though I knew it was not a love story going in. I am still hoping that maybe Shawnna and Keisha could work through their pain and find love later in the game… who knows.
Great novel and not what I was expecting. 5 stars.
December 3, 2017
So I love KD Williamson’s books. I haven’t read the newest Cops and Docs book, but it is on my to read list. When I first started Pink I was really unsure if I would like it. Pink was so different from other books I have read. I kind of see this as a prequel to the romance. It is really all about the bullshit one has to go through after a break up to get back to dating stage. I loved it. Every moment of the book I was surprised how much I liked it. I hope we get to read Shawnna’s love story as well. This book has several laugh out loud moments. I think the author and I just have a similar sense of humor. Those big belly laughs, that is really hard to get while reading a book. It also has a few hard moments. Shawn has to go through several down on herself moments, trying to work back to the loving herself place.
I really like the way Williamson writes. I like her raw language and details. I often read books and think, no one I know talks like this, dresses like this, ect. I like that Williamson’s characters are just regular people. Not overly attractive, and not the 1%. They have jobs, and need to show up to them often to pay the bills. I really enjoyed this book, and hope we see more of Shawn. Really though, KD Williamson does butch characters really well. Pick it up, even if you think you won’t like it. I really think it may surprise you.
I really like the way Williamson writes. I like her raw language and details. I often read books and think, no one I know talks like this, dresses like this, ect. I like that Williamson’s characters are just regular people. Not overly attractive, and not the 1%. They have jobs, and need to show up to them often to pay the bills. I really enjoyed this book, and hope we see more of Shawn. Really though, KD Williamson does butch characters really well. Pick it up, even if you think you won’t like it. I really think it may surprise you.
November 1, 2019
Disclaimer: I love romance. A lot. The bulk of what I read is romance. Part of the reason is those endorphins when someone falls in love are addicting. But also, I need a happy ending. Reading gives me hope against the challenges of my life. That makes me very careful about non-romance books.
I’ve read quite a few of KD’s books and loved her characters. They are completely the type of people I’d love to know in real life and would love to write. I have no way to objectively compare this aspect, but reading Pink shows me how great she is with characters.
Pink isn’t a romance. There are relationships, and sex, but it’s primarily one woman trying to put herself back together after a painful breakup. With her whole life in shambles this journey is not easy. It’s messy and many times I wanted to smack Shawn to get her to pull her head out of her ass. But through it all, I understand where Shawn was coming from and I just wanted to give her a hug and make it all ok.
This book feels so real. There are many funny moments to balance the angst. And most importantly, there is hope. We don’t know where Shawn’s life leads, but the ending gives us enough to know she’ll be ok and happy again.
I hope KD will write a sequel and let us see Shawn in all her sweetness getting the woman right for her.
I’ve read quite a few of KD’s books and loved her characters. They are completely the type of people I’d love to know in real life and would love to write. I have no way to objectively compare this aspect, but reading Pink shows me how great she is with characters.
Pink isn’t a romance. There are relationships, and sex, but it’s primarily one woman trying to put herself back together after a painful breakup. With her whole life in shambles this journey is not easy. It’s messy and many times I wanted to smack Shawn to get her to pull her head out of her ass. But through it all, I understand where Shawn was coming from and I just wanted to give her a hug and make it all ok.
This book feels so real. There are many funny moments to balance the angst. And most importantly, there is hope. We don’t know where Shawn’s life leads, but the ending gives us enough to know she’ll be ok and happy again.
I hope KD will write a sequel and let us see Shawn in all her sweetness getting the woman right for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
One of KD Williamson’s greatest strengths is her character work and Pink is no exception. Shawn is a complex woman who takes us on quite the journey. I actually disliked her for a good chunk of the book, and flat out hated her at times for her behaviour. But because I’ve loved Williamson’s other books and know she’s a master at character growth, I stuck it out and am I ever glad I did. Shawn is a very different person by the end of the book, having grown in ways that are satisfying to watch.
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/pink-...
Full review (Curve Magazine): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Revie...
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/pink-...
Full review (Curve Magazine): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Revie...
October 20, 2017
Williamson is an author is an author I have come to admire. I have loved all she has written to date. But this one had my emotions spiraling. One moment I really liked the main character Shawn and actually could connect through her experiences. However, then I found myself seriously disliking her for her pompous arrogance. The way she used people I found nasty. Then at the end a long came the old but newly improved Shawn.
The book has many amusing moments especially at the sex emporium where Shawn has taken a temporary job. The scenes with Debbie were especially funny and the pictures in my head made me laugh even more. Williamson definitely has a way of gathering all your emotions and putting them on a spin cycle. She is an excellent story teller and her writing style keeps you hooked.
This book is completely different from her Cops and Robbers series. I wouldn't call this a romance maybe a drama? I'll let you decide for yourself. It is definitely worth your time. Enjoy!
The book has many amusing moments especially at the sex emporium where Shawn has taken a temporary job. The scenes with Debbie were especially funny and the pictures in my head made me laugh even more. Williamson definitely has a way of gathering all your emotions and putting them on a spin cycle. She is an excellent story teller and her writing style keeps you hooked.
This book is completely different from her Cops and Robbers series. I wouldn't call this a romance maybe a drama? I'll let you decide for yourself. It is definitely worth your time. Enjoy!
October 12, 2017
This is between 2 and 3 stars for me. The vast majority of this book I really and I do mean really disliked the MC. Didn't like how she treated others, how she treated herself. None of it. If I had to dig to find something nice to say, the epilogue was nice. That would have been a nice starting point actually. So basically not a fan but gave it a 3 cause I generally like the authors work.
October 18, 2017
Different and Delicious
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was like nothing Ive ever read before. This intense story is about Shawn, a woman who it trying to pick up the pieces of her life after breaking up with her long-term girlfriend. She lands with her BFF Veda in NOLA. There are so many sides to Shawn. Sometimes funny and quirky, sometimes evil, mean and cold and sometimes deeply depressed and lost until finally she manages to find her way out of the misery and pain. This story is so well written with a realness and truth emanating throughout.
Raw and gritty, sweet and steamy, bold and hopeful…it is just sooo good!! Although this story is very sexual, as in WOW and OMG!!!, it is not a romance but it does leave room open for love to bloom. I could go on and on about this tale and cannot wait for my friends to read it so I can do just that. VERY well done Ms. Williamson!!
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was like nothing Ive ever read before. This intense story is about Shawn, a woman who it trying to pick up the pieces of her life after breaking up with her long-term girlfriend. She lands with her BFF Veda in NOLA. There are so many sides to Shawn. Sometimes funny and quirky, sometimes evil, mean and cold and sometimes deeply depressed and lost until finally she manages to find her way out of the misery and pain. This story is so well written with a realness and truth emanating throughout.
Raw and gritty, sweet and steamy, bold and hopeful…it is just sooo good!! Although this story is very sexual, as in WOW and OMG!!!, it is not a romance but it does leave room open for love to bloom. I could go on and on about this tale and cannot wait for my friends to read it so I can do just that. VERY well done Ms. Williamson!!
October 7, 2017
Fan-freakn-tastic! Loved the humour, the raw grit, the angst of Shawn's story. Hated the shit out of her by the mid-point, and envied her for having such a committed best friend. Thankfully, Shawna redeemed herself before I turned the last page.
This story comes (no pun intended) with a healthy dose of sexy time. Some scenes were explicit, yum, other were fade to black, pouts, but also fitting.
Shawn's employment made for some entertaining scenes. The episodes with Debbie-bless her-were hilarious.
The ending...all I can say is, I hope there's more to come.
Thank you to Ylva Publishing for providing me with a copy of this story.
This story comes (no pun intended) with a healthy dose of sexy time. Some scenes were explicit, yum, other were fade to black, pouts, but also fitting.
Shawn's employment made for some entertaining scenes. The episodes with Debbie-bless her-were hilarious.
The ending...all I can say is, I hope there's more to come.
Thank you to Ylva Publishing for providing me with a copy of this story.
October 7, 2017
2.5 stars. I was looking forward to this new book by K.D. Williamson as I have really enjoyed her other books, but this one just didn’t do it for me. It was well written, as usual, but there was no substance to it, no real story. A shame.
I was given an advance review copy by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advance review copy by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2018
Losing yourself can happen before you realize it and if you do, the only way back is to fight. Especially with yourself. This is what KD Williamson reminds us of in “Pink” through the central character of Shawn. Shawn is a healthcare professional who just went through a severe breakup. She’s left behind her home and her job. She’s come to New Orleans to start over.
KD draws you into Shawn’s life slowly and patiently. Her best friend works at Taco Bell and the only job Shawn can find is in a porn shop. As readers, we start with the understanding that Shawn is broken. Through the course of the novel, however, we learn that it’s more dire than that. Shawn has suffered a kind of death of self; she is in mourning. The stages of grief, some more extreme than others, await her. Working at the porn shop, and various adventures provide unexpected inspiration for her to live again.
I usually read romance novels (which this is not). There is a veneer to that genre that allows characters to feel believable but also props up a construct that only partially feels like real life. This is full on real life with characters that maintain that same authenticity.
Much of the writing style is tongue and cheek (“Then, there was the humidity. It left Shawn sticky and wet. And not in a good way.”) However, there are also moments where KD executes the exploration of emotions or a lack thereof flawlessly. KD bravely allows Shawn to do unlikeable things as she tries to find who she is again. In fact, for me, it is when Shawn is doing these things that the book rang with the loudest truth.
There are some elements that trouble me. I found Shawn’s friend Veda problematic. Veda drives most of Shawn’s actions at first. However, in doing so, she violates appropriate personal boundaries over and over with no consequences or even the suggestion of possible consequences. This made me struggle with the beginning of the story. The writing style and not a close tie to Shawn initially made me read on. (I get that Shawn isn’t feeling strong but timid people do feel anger when they are constantly pushed. It just may come out in shooting things in video games or talking to themselves. Not...that I would know.)
Also, given Shawn’s field, I would have expected her to have at least some understanding of what was happening to her. Or perhaps an acknowledgment that her behavior was sometimes unhealthy, even if she couldn’t stop herself.
However, the author also gives us Keisha who enjoys sex and is unashamed of it. She’s down to earth and could have so easily become a comedic character, but is instead one of the most dignified and healthy in the entire book.
Also, there are lots of people who buy porn.
Again, it is when Shawn begins to drive the action that I was riveted. I understand the discoveries she makes during this period. The numbness, the anger, the desire to escape - all of it echoes the human experience.
I read this story because KD, in a blog post, offered a challenge. “It’s something different. Try it. I dare you. You might actually like it.” I can tell you that KD was absolutely right. It is different but that especially makes it worthy of reading. And, I did very much like it.
See Blog Post: https://kdwilliamsonfiction.wordpress...
KD draws you into Shawn’s life slowly and patiently. Her best friend works at Taco Bell and the only job Shawn can find is in a porn shop. As readers, we start with the understanding that Shawn is broken. Through the course of the novel, however, we learn that it’s more dire than that. Shawn has suffered a kind of death of self; she is in mourning. The stages of grief, some more extreme than others, await her. Working at the porn shop, and various adventures provide unexpected inspiration for her to live again.
I usually read romance novels (which this is not). There is a veneer to that genre that allows characters to feel believable but also props up a construct that only partially feels like real life. This is full on real life with characters that maintain that same authenticity.
Much of the writing style is tongue and cheek (“Then, there was the humidity. It left Shawn sticky and wet. And not in a good way.”) However, there are also moments where KD executes the exploration of emotions or a lack thereof flawlessly. KD bravely allows Shawn to do unlikeable things as she tries to find who she is again. In fact, for me, it is when Shawn is doing these things that the book rang with the loudest truth.
There are some elements that trouble me. I found Shawn’s friend Veda problematic. Veda drives most of Shawn’s actions at first. However, in doing so, she violates appropriate personal boundaries over and over with no consequences or even the suggestion of possible consequences. This made me struggle with the beginning of the story. The writing style and not a close tie to Shawn initially made me read on. (I get that Shawn isn’t feeling strong but timid people do feel anger when they are constantly pushed. It just may come out in shooting things in video games or talking to themselves. Not...that I would know.)
Also, given Shawn’s field, I would have expected her to have at least some understanding of what was happening to her. Or perhaps an acknowledgment that her behavior was sometimes unhealthy, even if she couldn’t stop herself.
However, the author also gives us Keisha who enjoys sex and is unashamed of it. She’s down to earth and could have so easily become a comedic character, but is instead one of the most dignified and healthy in the entire book.
Also, there are lots of people who buy porn.
Again, it is when Shawn begins to drive the action that I was riveted. I understand the discoveries she makes during this period. The numbness, the anger, the desire to escape - all of it echoes the human experience.
I read this story because KD, in a blog post, offered a challenge. “It’s something different. Try it. I dare you. You might actually like it.” I can tell you that KD was absolutely right. It is different but that especially makes it worthy of reading. And, I did very much like it.
See Blog Post: https://kdwilliamsonfiction.wordpress...
February 16, 2018
(Wasn’t sure whether to give this four or five stars but decided on four due to personal preference when it comes to the MC.)
This book is something as rare as general fiction in lesfic. And it takes some twists and turns which lesfic writers are always told the readers won’t like. Not only is that damned brave of the author, it’s also a good way to get lesfic books more varied. One of these things is that... slight spoiler here... the MC has a breakdown and during it, becomes truly awful to the people around her. This is really well written which means that it hurts to read, especially to a softie like me who has no patience with people mistreating others. (Hence why four stars and not five. However, a thicker skinned person probably wouldn’t struggle as much as I did. So don’t let this deter you from reading.)
This book had so many positives. For example: a lack of slut-shaming and kink-shaming, which is so refreshing in media today! Also, it really lets you escape your own life and walk in the skin of another person. Since Shawn (the MC) is quite different from me and experiences things I probably never will, I get to see the world through fresh eyes, which is amazing. Two more positives, 1. It all feels very real, no fairytale polish. 2. Like Swedes, Louisiana folk know how to eat crayfish properly and that comes up in this book - real bonus!
This book is something as rare as general fiction in lesfic. And it takes some twists and turns which lesfic writers are always told the readers won’t like. Not only is that damned brave of the author, it’s also a good way to get lesfic books more varied. One of these things is that... slight spoiler here... the MC has a breakdown and during it, becomes truly awful to the people around her. This is really well written which means that it hurts to read, especially to a softie like me who has no patience with people mistreating others. (Hence why four stars and not five. However, a thicker skinned person probably wouldn’t struggle as much as I did. So don’t let this deter you from reading.)
This book had so many positives. For example: a lack of slut-shaming and kink-shaming, which is so refreshing in media today! Also, it really lets you escape your own life and walk in the skin of another person. Since Shawn (the MC) is quite different from me and experiences things I probably never will, I get to see the world through fresh eyes, which is amazing. Two more positives, 1. It all feels very real, no fairytale polish. 2. Like Swedes, Louisiana folk know how to eat crayfish properly and that comes up in this book - real bonus!
March 17, 2018
Man...Shawn left me very divided to what I think of her.
For a good part of the story I thought she was very stupid, after all that her ex did, she should block the girl's number and tell her to fuck herself.
But then ... Six years together with a person is really a lot of time and even the ex has fucked her, it is not easy to erase each year with the person. 6 years is almost a marriage!
Anyway ... Later I thought she was being an ass with the people around her, but anyway ... Worst part was with poor Tina (I think this was the name of the character, I'm terrible at remember names) .
In the end ... Shawn went through some bad bits that could be better managed if she listened to her friend's advice.
The story was too short, I really wanted more. The erotic scenes were really great and damn ... Carmen was ... Yeah ... My favorite character after Veda (I really can not record the characters names).
I do not understand why some people got annoyed with the book, this is definitely not a romance and I find it super interesting.
How many lesbian books are there that are not romance? I have a hard time finding them.
One of my biggest frustrations in lesbian literature is just that. People create books that in the synopsis should be focused on a genre, but get lost when they bring a romance and the book ends up revolving around the relationship ... I mean, lesbian literature should not revolve around just romance between two women ( or more), but in the character who declares herself a lesbian. We are more than a romance .... Anyway ... I got lost in my outburst.
In conclusion ... I loved the book and the author's writing style really captivates me (I need to finish reading her other books).
It was a good trip
For a good part of the story I thought she was very stupid, after all that her ex did, she should block the girl's number and tell her to fuck herself.
But then ... Six years together with a person is really a lot of time and even the ex has fucked her, it is not easy to erase each year with the person. 6 years is almost a marriage!
Anyway ... Later I thought she was being an ass with the people around her, but anyway ... Worst part was with poor Tina (I think this was the name of the character, I'm terrible at remember names) .
In the end ... Shawn went through some bad bits that could be better managed if she listened to her friend's advice.
The story was too short, I really wanted more. The erotic scenes were really great and damn ... Carmen was ... Yeah ... My favorite character after Veda (I really can not record the characters names).
I do not understand why some people got annoyed with the book, this is definitely not a romance and I find it super interesting.
How many lesbian books are there that are not romance? I have a hard time finding them.
One of my biggest frustrations in lesbian literature is just that. People create books that in the synopsis should be focused on a genre, but get lost when they bring a romance and the book ends up revolving around the relationship ... I mean, lesbian literature should not revolve around just romance between two women ( or more), but in the character who declares herself a lesbian. We are more than a romance .... Anyway ... I got lost in my outburst.
In conclusion ... I loved the book and the author's writing style really captivates me (I need to finish reading her other books).
It was a good trip
October 8, 2017
KD Williamson is known for her cops and docs romances and Pink is not one of those. It is, instead, a skillfully wrought story of pain and redemption. It is dark in places. There were scenes where I hurt for Shawn and at the same time wanted to yell at her. Veda is one of those friends we all need- willing to give you the truth, loyal, and not putting up with unreasonable crap. Shawn gets her hopeful ending so the reader is left with a sense of peace and happiness. Along the way there are some scenes some readers may find challenging, especially if depression is an issue. There are also explicit, sometimes rough, sex scenes. The whole book is beautifully put together and is an emotional ride for Shawn and the reader. Definitely worth your time and money. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2017
I have read other books by this author and do rate her as a talented writer. However, this book is just not to my personal taste, and I did not really enjoy it.
The reason why I did not enjoy it was the story focused on the aftermath of a break up, it was the MC behaviour that I disliked. It reminded me very much of early days on the gay scene with lots of damaged and bitter women treating others poorly and through sexual conquests. I admit I have old fashioned beliefs, but I just did not like the MC much.
The writing is good, and if you like lots of sex scenes you will enjoy. It is a about a journey of discovery, which I'm sure many can relate to. Its just not for me.
Arc received from Ylva for an honest review.
The reason why I did not enjoy it was the story focused on the aftermath of a break up, it was the MC behaviour that I disliked. It reminded me very much of early days on the gay scene with lots of damaged and bitter women treating others poorly and through sexual conquests. I admit I have old fashioned beliefs, but I just did not like the MC much.
The writing is good, and if you like lots of sex scenes you will enjoy. It is a about a journey of discovery, which I'm sure many can relate to. Its just not for me.
Arc received from Ylva for an honest review.
Read
February 19, 2021Hit me right in the feels. If you've ever gone through a bad breakup, and felt like you couldn't find your footing, this is your book.
More thoughts to come.
More thoughts to come.
June 9, 2023
2.5 stars. Not my favourite from this author, but not bad. I just sort of assumed it was a romance, but that's my bad for not fully reading the blurb. This is about Shawn, who's trying to start life over after her long-term girlfriend cheated on her and left her. So she's starting over in Louisiana with her best friend, working a temporary job at a sex shop, trying to find jobs in her chosen field (social work) and trying out a lot of random hook-ups with women, for the first time since college. The book is pretty much about her dealing with the trauma that her ex left her with, a lot of which she hasn't fully recognised and dealt with yet. Shawn doesn't realise she's floundering at first, but the reader does. She makes a lot of mistakes in her new relationships and friendships, all because she's mismanaging her emotions. There's a sprinkling of romance, but it really only comes into play near the end, and it's not the focus of the plot. The main focus is Shawn's personal growth (and at first, all of her sexy hook-ups).
I would have liked for the romance to be seeded/hinted at a bit earlier, but then this would have been a different book. I liked the writing but didn't love it. The humorous stuff at the sex shop wasn't that funny to me, and there were way too many references to movies and shows. Niche nit-pick, but too many pop culture references is always a bit annoying to me. I also felt a little dissatisfied at the end, because after Shawn messed up so much, we barely get to see the aftermath/conclusion for some of the people she hurt? IDK. This just wasn't exactly the story I was expecting, and then I didn't end up loving the writing and execution. But I do appreciate the intent behind it; stories about healing from past relationships do tend to work for me.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Mari, which was great. I think this was my first listen from her, and I adored it. Her voice is a little deep and rich in a way that's lovely to listen to. So for that reason alone, I don't regret buying this. I've been meaning to complete Williamson's backlist, and I think I just have one more book to go.
I would have liked for the romance to be seeded/hinted at a bit earlier, but then this would have been a different book. I liked the writing but didn't love it. The humorous stuff at the sex shop wasn't that funny to me, and there were way too many references to movies and shows. Niche nit-pick, but too many pop culture references is always a bit annoying to me. I also felt a little dissatisfied at the end, because after Shawn messed up so much, we barely get to see the aftermath/conclusion for some of the people she hurt? IDK. This just wasn't exactly the story I was expecting, and then I didn't end up loving the writing and execution. But I do appreciate the intent behind it; stories about healing from past relationships do tend to work for me.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Mari, which was great. I think this was my first listen from her, and I adored it. Her voice is a little deep and rich in a way that's lovely to listen to. So for that reason alone, I don't regret buying this. I've been meaning to complete Williamson's backlist, and I think I just have one more book to go.
November 9, 2017
Very moving and a proper ‘finding yourself’ story. Not a romance, but full of love and true friendship. I loved reading this and finished it in 2 weeks.
Three dimensional characters who very much aren’t perfect - in fact I actually wanted to smack Shawn at one point - but very much human.
Beautifully written and very funny, KD writes a colourful and challenging tale about a woman broken into pieces by a breakup. Fascinating story with a wonderfully happy ending.
Three dimensional characters who very much aren’t perfect - in fact I actually wanted to smack Shawn at one point - but very much human.
Beautifully written and very funny, KD writes a colourful and challenging tale about a woman broken into pieces by a breakup. Fascinating story with a wonderfully happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Williamson deviates skilfully from her usual storylines giving us a sexy yet humorous non-romance with angst. Lead Shawna is ably supported by the character of her best friend Veda. This raw story doesn't follow the norm but instead shows the dark ups and downs in life before leading to positivity. Kudos..... Dare I hope for more from these characters?
5 stars.
Ms. Williamson deviates skilfully from her usual storylines giving us a sexy yet humorous non-romance with angst. Lead Shawna is ably supported by the character of her best friend Veda. This raw story doesn't follow the norm but instead shows the dark ups and downs in life before leading to positivity. Kudos..... Dare I hope for more from these characters?
5 stars.
October 16, 2017
Sadly i didnt enjoy this book.
i had a hard time getting through the book, not a subject matter or story line that i enjoyed.
i was looking forward to reading this book because i loved other book by this author.
did Like the New Orleans and Metairie settings seeing as i was born in Metairie and have family still living there.
i had a hard time getting through the book, not a subject matter or story line that i enjoyed.
i was looking forward to reading this book because i loved other book by this author.
did Like the New Orleans and Metairie settings seeing as i was born in Metairie and have family still living there.
October 8, 2017
Pink was an amazing story, Shawn goes through a very bad break up and finding herself along the way. Uprooting herself and moving to New Orleans with her best friend Veda to start over. Working in a sex shop while looking for a better job and joining Tinder to have one night stands and loose herself just to find herself again on the right path.
October 6, 2017
Pink is about a woman having to start her life over and falling down the rabbit hole. Shawn’s struggle to regain equilibrium in her life leads us into some dark places. The story flows easily however I found Shawn’s best friend Veda’s personality over shadowing Shawn. For me, Veda was the character I wanted to know better.
I have read KD’s other novels and always enjoy her storylines. KD is a gifted writer with a true understanding of the human psyche.
I have read KD’s other novels and always enjoy her storylines. KD is a gifted writer with a true understanding of the human psyche.
November 28, 2017
It's not often that I have to admit to not being able to finish a story but .....
I tend to finish stories I start no matter what, it's a matter of principal and to be honest curiosity. This story was too gloomy for me though, I read for enjoyment and so prefer lighthearted reads. (I'm the same with movies)
Others who don't mind dark stories may enjoy it.
I tend to finish stories I start no matter what, it's a matter of principal and to be honest curiosity. This story was too gloomy for me though, I read for enjoyment and so prefer lighthearted reads. (I'm the same with movies)
Others who don't mind dark stories may enjoy it.
October 26, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is something new from K.D. Williamson for sure. Completely different from her Cop and Doc series and that is a good thing. Often time authors get stuck in writing one type of subgenre and create stories in different scenarios, but still the same in general. This novel is NOT a romance novel and no mystery involved either. I feel like this is something like "true life" story that could happen in real life.
My favorite element of this novel is that K.D.'s sense of humor is fantastic! Some parts of the novel crack me up, especially Shawn's experiences working in the sex shop. Her best friend/roommate, Veda, is hilarious and very sassy.
I think the heart of the story is the friendship between Shawn and Veda as Shawn struggles with getting her life together after a break up with a long term girlfriend. Veda takes her in to help her start over in New Orleans and helps her get a job as well. You can clearly see how tight knit they are by the way they can be blunt with each other and Veda definitely will not take any crap from Shawn when she's being stupid.
There IS good amount of sex in the novel as Shawn rediscovers herself as a single woman back in the local lesbian scene. At first it was a good thing for her to get herself out and feel empowered, but eventually it became a problem she needs to face. There is a hint of romance though, but it's more of an "open ending" thing where romance is a possibility.
I definitely recommend this novel!
This is something new from K.D. Williamson for sure. Completely different from her Cop and Doc series and that is a good thing. Often time authors get stuck in writing one type of subgenre and create stories in different scenarios, but still the same in general. This novel is NOT a romance novel and no mystery involved either. I feel like this is something like "true life" story that could happen in real life.
My favorite element of this novel is that K.D.'s sense of humor is fantastic! Some parts of the novel crack me up, especially Shawn's experiences working in the sex shop. Her best friend/roommate, Veda, is hilarious and very sassy.
I think the heart of the story is the friendship between Shawn and Veda as Shawn struggles with getting her life together after a break up with a long term girlfriend. Veda takes her in to help her start over in New Orleans and helps her get a job as well. You can clearly see how tight knit they are by the way they can be blunt with each other and Veda definitely will not take any crap from Shawn when she's being stupid.
There IS good amount of sex in the novel as Shawn rediscovers herself as a single woman back in the local lesbian scene. At first it was a good thing for her to get herself out and feel empowered, but eventually it became a problem she needs to face. There is a hint of romance though, but it's more of an "open ending" thing where romance is a possibility.
I definitely recommend this novel!
October 25, 2017
I was looking forward to read the next book in the window shopping series. I really like the idea behind it. And I really love how different and unique every story is.
This story is about Shawna who somehow lost herself after a breakup. This is actually no romantic story because it deals with Shawna's way to get back to herself and just very slightly with romatic feelings. Shawna is self-destructive after the breakup and she is also looking for a new job. Her journey leads to a downward spiral of anger, insecruities, some hot and spicy deflections and finally to something good.
What I really liked are the funny tidbits in this book. Shawna's best friend Veda and a lot of scenes in the sex shop are hilarious. But there are also very bleak, harsh and hard scenes - most of all scenes in this book are not fluffy nor funny but overall it reads as a honest story about loosing and finding themself.
Sometimes it was hard to empathize with Shawna's decisions and I hoped for something more to happen in this book. It was good, I liked reading it but it left me ... well not dreaming nor thinking more about the story. I just finished reading, put it aside and that was all even though the topic is not fluffy or anything. I just wasn't hooked enough to think about it after I finished reading it - something I really need to do for giving 5 stars.
But nevertheless it was a good book. I really like K.D. Williamson's writing style.
This story is about Shawna who somehow lost herself after a breakup. This is actually no romantic story because it deals with Shawna's way to get back to herself and just very slightly with romatic feelings. Shawna is self-destructive after the breakup and she is also looking for a new job. Her journey leads to a downward spiral of anger, insecruities, some hot and spicy deflections and finally to something good.
What I really liked are the funny tidbits in this book. Shawna's best friend Veda and a lot of scenes in the sex shop are hilarious. But there are also very bleak, harsh and hard scenes - most of all scenes in this book are not fluffy nor funny but overall it reads as a honest story about loosing and finding themself.
Sometimes it was hard to empathize with Shawna's decisions and I hoped for something more to happen in this book. It was good, I liked reading it but it left me ... well not dreaming nor thinking more about the story. I just finished reading, put it aside and that was all even though the topic is not fluffy or anything. I just wasn't hooked enough to think about it after I finished reading it - something I really need to do for giving 5 stars.
But nevertheless it was a good book. I really like K.D. Williamson's writing style.
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