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Headmistress
Uptight Deputy Headteacher Jen is getting the fresh start she a new home in an idyllic small town, a new job at a prestigious school. On her first day she meets Nina, a free-spirited teacher who leads a double life as a famous artist. As the two women grow closer, their happiness is threatened when Jen is reunited with a figure from her past.
At times comedic, other times poignant, "Headmistress" is a truly 21st Century love story.
At times comedic, other times poignant, "Headmistress" is a truly 21st Century love story.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 23, 2018
Lesbian fiction is something of a minefield. Typically it's porn without plot, with hackneyed characterisation and limited emotional stakes. You can browse the Amazon bestseller lists and lose the will to live.
In such a climate, Ruth Gregson's Headmistress is a breath of fresh air. Its protagonists - damaged deputy Jen, quirky artist Nina - have an instant and believable rapport; you root for them to be together. Just when you think you know where the story's heading, it defies expectations. And may I point out the sex scenes, frequently a cringe making ordeal in this genre, are red hot. Make sure you're not reading some of the juicier passages on public transport!
It has insightful things to say about identity and sexuality, too. Nina feels that being with Jake has forced her back into the closet, employing a metaphor that's so good, I don't want to spoil it here. Bisexual characters often get short shrift in lesbian stories - this was possibly the first I'd read where a bisexual woman wasn't only the love interest, but a thoroughly sympathetic character, with none of the tired "running off with a man" cliches.
Another thing I loved about the story: its humour. Whether it's one liners or observational comedy, it's laugh out loud funny, with some hilarious turns of phrase. The supporting characters are particularly strong in this regard, whether it's their unbearable colleague Sally or Aussie cougar Julia. Anyone who's worked in madcap education will nod at the situations our leading ladies find themselves in!
An assured debut from a talented new author. I can't wait to see what she does next.
In such a climate, Ruth Gregson's Headmistress is a breath of fresh air. Its protagonists - damaged deputy Jen, quirky artist Nina - have an instant and believable rapport; you root for them to be together. Just when you think you know where the story's heading, it defies expectations. And may I point out the sex scenes, frequently a cringe making ordeal in this genre, are red hot. Make sure you're not reading some of the juicier passages on public transport!
It has insightful things to say about identity and sexuality, too. Nina feels that being with Jake has forced her back into the closet, employing a metaphor that's so good, I don't want to spoil it here. Bisexual characters often get short shrift in lesbian stories - this was possibly the first I'd read where a bisexual woman wasn't only the love interest, but a thoroughly sympathetic character, with none of the tired "running off with a man" cliches.
Another thing I loved about the story: its humour. Whether it's one liners or observational comedy, it's laugh out loud funny, with some hilarious turns of phrase. The supporting characters are particularly strong in this regard, whether it's their unbearable colleague Sally or Aussie cougar Julia. Anyone who's worked in madcap education will nod at the situations our leading ladies find themselves in!
An assured debut from a talented new author. I can't wait to see what she does next.
December 4, 2019
This lesbian romance is pretty dreadful on almost every metric. Flat and clumsy writing, thin plot, characters that don't act like people but like malfunctioning Drama Robots running off badly compiled code, and some of the most unsexy sex I've ever read. Tip for the author: "chafing" is NOT a word that should appear in sex scenes where the sex is supposed to be good.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews