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Stranded
Rachel Michaels is at the top of her profession, but she's grown tired of trading barbs with her co-host/ex-husband on their popular morning radio talk show. Eager to stretch her wings, she takes a second job as the color commentator for Denver's new professional women's soccer team.
Along with her new job comes an exciting assignment, travel to Venezuela to profile the team's sizzling star recruit, Miranda Gutierrez. But Rachel begins to long for a little of her old routine when her boss forces her to extend her stay to accompany team big-wig, Nora Butler, and the headstrong player on a "bonding" adventure.
Their journey gets off to a bad start, and things go downhill from there. All three women are tested mentally and physically as they fight for their lives. They must learn to depend on each other, shape their own destinies, and, ultimately, risk everything for what matters most.
What would you do to survive? How much would you risk for love?
Along with her new job comes an exciting assignment, travel to Venezuela to profile the team's sizzling star recruit, Miranda Gutierrez. But Rachel begins to long for a little of her old routine when her boss forces her to extend her stay to accompany team big-wig, Nora Butler, and the headstrong player on a "bonding" adventure.
Their journey gets off to a bad start, and things go downhill from there. All three women are tested mentally and physically as they fight for their lives. They must learn to depend on each other, shape their own destinies, and, ultimately, risk everything for what matters most.
What would you do to survive? How much would you risk for love?
260 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2009
4 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Blayne Cooper
14 books175 followersBlayne Cooper has also written under the pen name Advocate. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author and a recipient of the 2014 Academy of Bards Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Northern California in January 1969, Blayne Cooper is the best-selling author of a variety of fiction ranging from mystery/romance to outrageous parody. With each novel she tackles a new personal writing challenge. The result is a diverse collection of lesbian fiction.
Blayne has held a number of interesting, and sometimes rather unusual jobs (sunflower sexer), and completed a stint as a Combat Medic in the Army National Guard. Today, she is a project manager for a legal publishing company by day, and writer by night.
In 1990 Blayne graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in political science. The next year she married and in 1995 she graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association.
That same summer, her spirited daughter was born. A gregarious son completed the family in 1997. She easily ranks her children as her greatest accomplishment.
Blayne has always harbored an interest in fiction, but it wasn’t until 1998 that she tried her own hand at writing by reaching out to an online audience. A couple of years later, her work was published. While she enjoys the challenge of working in multiple genres, it's writing about the humor found in everyday life that gives her the most pleasure.
Blayne loves travel, reading, and spending long, sleepless nights crouched over her computer in search of the perfect words that will make people laugh or weep uncontrollably. She's still looking, but having a great time on the journey.
A rolling stone at heart, Blayne currently resides in the Midwest with her loving spouse, two children, and Wheaton Terrier. (from the author's website)
Born in Northern California in January 1969, Blayne Cooper is the best-selling author of a variety of fiction ranging from mystery/romance to outrageous parody. With each novel she tackles a new personal writing challenge. The result is a diverse collection of lesbian fiction.
Blayne has held a number of interesting, and sometimes rather unusual jobs (sunflower sexer), and completed a stint as a Combat Medic in the Army National Guard. Today, she is a project manager for a legal publishing company by day, and writer by night.
In 1990 Blayne graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in political science. The next year she married and in 1995 she graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association.
That same summer, her spirited daughter was born. A gregarious son completed the family in 1997. She easily ranks her children as her greatest accomplishment.
Blayne has always harbored an interest in fiction, but it wasn’t until 1998 that she tried her own hand at writing by reaching out to an online audience. A couple of years later, her work was published. While she enjoys the challenge of working in multiple genres, it's writing about the humor found in everyday life that gives her the most pleasure.
Blayne loves travel, reading, and spending long, sleepless nights crouched over her computer in search of the perfect words that will make people laugh or weep uncontrollably. She's still looking, but having a great time on the journey.
A rolling stone at heart, Blayne currently resides in the Midwest with her loving spouse, two children, and Wheaton Terrier. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 9, 2019
It is Fallback Friday week one. The last few days I have been staring at my collection of actual paperback lesfic books. I have a few hundred with the majority having been collected before I bought my first Kindle. While I have read a bunch, there are still plenty of older lesfic books that I never got the chance to read yet. So I decided for the next however many weeks, I will be implementing Fallback Friday where I read an older lesfic book. The rules are simple, I must pick a book that is at least a decade old. So anything published in 2009 or earlier is a possibility. Besides a normal or quick review, I will also mention how the book holds up considering its age.
For my first read I decided to go with 2009’s Stranded by Blayne Cooper. The main story is about some women that get lost/stranded in the Venezuela jungle. This is a book I have wanted to read for ages and I’m really glad I finally picked it. It’s my favorite book that I have read by Cooper so far (I still have not read A Dark Horse so my favorite Cooper book could change). This honestly was everything I was hoping for. I wanted a romance that was different. I wanted some adventure and survival excitement and this book fit the bill. It was extremely easy to get sucked into the pages and I didn’t want to put the book down.
When it comes to the romance this is definitely a slow-burn romance, but they are in the jungle trying to survive, anything quicker would have been awkward. I like my romances to slowly build anyway so no complaints. There are not a lot of sex scenes, actually I think there was only one, but it was good and passionate so I have no complaints.
When it came to the age of the book, you could hardly tell this book was a decade old. There was one mention of a Blackberry, but since they are in the jungle for a chunk of the book technology was not big in this anyway. There was also some fear about a character coming out, that might be lesser now, but this is still a storyline we read about in current books so it didn’t feel too dated.
If you are like me and missed this book the first time around, you should think about checking it out. I would especially recommend it if you are looking for a little adventure with your romance. Not only was the storyline good, but the writing was clever. And for a life and death situation kind of plot, the book also had a good light humor throughout that made it a fun and entertaining read.
For my first read I decided to go with 2009’s Stranded by Blayne Cooper. The main story is about some women that get lost/stranded in the Venezuela jungle. This is a book I have wanted to read for ages and I’m really glad I finally picked it. It’s my favorite book that I have read by Cooper so far (I still have not read A Dark Horse so my favorite Cooper book could change). This honestly was everything I was hoping for. I wanted a romance that was different. I wanted some adventure and survival excitement and this book fit the bill. It was extremely easy to get sucked into the pages and I didn’t want to put the book down.
When it comes to the romance this is definitely a slow-burn romance, but they are in the jungle trying to survive, anything quicker would have been awkward. I like my romances to slowly build anyway so no complaints. There are not a lot of sex scenes, actually I think there was only one, but it was good and passionate so I have no complaints.
When it came to the age of the book, you could hardly tell this book was a decade old. There was one mention of a Blackberry, but since they are in the jungle for a chunk of the book technology was not big in this anyway. There was also some fear about a character coming out, that might be lesser now, but this is still a storyline we read about in current books so it didn’t feel too dated.
If you are like me and missed this book the first time around, you should think about checking it out. I would especially recommend it if you are looking for a little adventure with your romance. Not only was the storyline good, but the writing was clever. And for a life and death situation kind of plot, the book also had a good light humor throughout that made it a fun and entertaining read.
February 26, 2016
Stranded by Blayne Cooper is a wild adventure in the jungle of Venezuela. This book is fun and witty and will have you rolling with laughter. Blayne Cooper has definite skill in the writing department. She knows how to tell a great tale.
There are three key players in Stranded, Miranda Gutierrez, Rachel Michaels and Nora Butler. Miranda is 17 year old Venezuelan soccer player. She is on the brink of stardom in the game of women’s professional soccer. She has been wooed by many of the professional teams, but has chosen to play for the Denver Dragonflies. Miranda is the reason that that Nora & Rachel have come to Venezuela, securing her contract and squelching her parents fears of their baby living in America.
Nora is the Assistant General Manager of the Dragonflies. This ex-soccer player has given up a lot to get the Dragonflies up and running. Their inaugural season has been blood, sweat and tears, and she is hell bent to get this team to be the best it can be. Nora is to consummate professional, that is, until she sets her eyes on Rachael Michaels.
Rachel is a Denver radio disc jockey that has the number one morning show that she co-hosts with her ex-husband. Rachel has just taken on a second job as the announcer for the Dragonflies. She has been flown down to interview Miranda for an upcoming press release. Rachel is funny and the entire book is told from her point of view. Rachel exudes hilariousness throughout the book, and her combo of feisty and funny is awesome.
All hell breaks loose when Nora, Rachel and Miranda are gifted an adventure into the wilderness of Venezuela. I won’t spoil it for you, but literally the ladies become stranded. They must fight to survive and get themselves back to civilization.
Oh wait and yes there is a romance. Nora and Rachel each have a plethora of baggage they are carrying around, but neither can deny their attraction to each other. Nora is instantly attracted to Rachel, and she does not hide her desire for a vacation romance. Rachel takes a little longer to warm up to the idea, especially since she has sworn off having a relationship with a woman. Their romance is slow, but it is fun and neither ladies shies away from conflict. These two will battle it out until the happy ever after.
I loved how Blayne Cooper does not make a big deal of Rachel’s sexuality. Nora takes it in stride and so does Rachel. There are not any contrived stereotypes or insecurities, it is what it is. These are two ladies who have chemistry and feel drawn to one another. I know when I pick up a book by Blayne Cooper is going to be well written and a damn good read.
4.25 stars
There are three key players in Stranded, Miranda Gutierrez, Rachel Michaels and Nora Butler. Miranda is 17 year old Venezuelan soccer player. She is on the brink of stardom in the game of women’s professional soccer. She has been wooed by many of the professional teams, but has chosen to play for the Denver Dragonflies. Miranda is the reason that that Nora & Rachel have come to Venezuela, securing her contract and squelching her parents fears of their baby living in America.
Nora is the Assistant General Manager of the Dragonflies. This ex-soccer player has given up a lot to get the Dragonflies up and running. Their inaugural season has been blood, sweat and tears, and she is hell bent to get this team to be the best it can be. Nora is to consummate professional, that is, until she sets her eyes on Rachael Michaels.
Rachel is a Denver radio disc jockey that has the number one morning show that she co-hosts with her ex-husband. Rachel has just taken on a second job as the announcer for the Dragonflies. She has been flown down to interview Miranda for an upcoming press release. Rachel is funny and the entire book is told from her point of view. Rachel exudes hilariousness throughout the book, and her combo of feisty and funny is awesome.
All hell breaks loose when Nora, Rachel and Miranda are gifted an adventure into the wilderness of Venezuela. I won’t spoil it for you, but literally the ladies become stranded. They must fight to survive and get themselves back to civilization.
Oh wait and yes there is a romance. Nora and Rachel each have a plethora of baggage they are carrying around, but neither can deny their attraction to each other. Nora is instantly attracted to Rachel, and she does not hide her desire for a vacation romance. Rachel takes a little longer to warm up to the idea, especially since she has sworn off having a relationship with a woman. Their romance is slow, but it is fun and neither ladies shies away from conflict. These two will battle it out until the happy ever after.
I loved how Blayne Cooper does not make a big deal of Rachel’s sexuality. Nora takes it in stride and so does Rachel. There are not any contrived stereotypes or insecurities, it is what it is. These are two ladies who have chemistry and feel drawn to one another. I know when I pick up a book by Blayne Cooper is going to be well written and a damn good read.
4.25 stars
March 28, 2021
First time reading a book of such adventure! One hell of an adventure, one might add, and what a proposition! So upfront and I must say, the lady knows what she wants and have no qualms asking for it. Refreshing much? Well, anyhow, I loved it; all the dirt, the adventure, the chemistry between Rachel & Nora, the angst... loved it all ❤️
October 3, 2018
3.5 stars There is a cat named P Diddy Kitty, is that not reason enough to give this book a try?
This was an overall action packed read with often some very funny dialogue between the main characters. The chemistry between Rachel and Nora was good with (1) pretty steamy scene but that's about it. The sizzle factor was pretty low on this one but it did not distract from the story which was well paced until maybe the last 4 chapters which were a little rushed but still made it an overall enjoyable read.
This was an overall action packed read with often some very funny dialogue between the main characters. The chemistry between Rachel and Nora was good with (1) pretty steamy scene but that's about it. The sizzle factor was pretty low on this one but it did not distract from the story which was well paced until maybe the last 4 chapters which were a little rushed but still made it an overall enjoyable read.
did-not-finish
October 3, 2021Straightest lesfic character I've ever read. Lots of banter but absolutely no depth.
And, boy, does the love interest character step into trying to sleep with 'straight girl' right away. Only to get turned down and her to continually ask. Time and time again. It actually made me uncomfortable.
Basically the only reason straight girl seems interested in our lesbi-girl is because she acts like a macho man lothario. If I wanted straight romance, that's what I'd pick up. So it held no charm for me at all. Plus both MC's are far too immature for their character ages. HUGE DNF.
And, boy, does the love interest character step into trying to sleep with 'straight girl' right away. Only to get turned down and her to continually ask. Time and time again. It actually made me uncomfortable.
Basically the only reason straight girl seems interested in our lesbi-girl is because she acts like a macho man lothario. If I wanted straight romance, that's what I'd pick up. So it held no charm for me at all. Plus both MC's are far too immature for their character ages. HUGE DNF.
May 28, 2020
Despite all the warning, really enjoyed this book - felt realistic, though goodness knows how I'd know that! - and I felt their pain. A good read, thank you.
October 29, 2017
I'm not terribly keen on dirty books. I find I can't immerse myself in the story when I'm worrying about mud, open wounds, blood, insect bites, etc. It's one of the reasons I don't often read the Jack Reacher novels (the dude never baths). Aside from that, this was a nice enough tale with characters who were fairly likeable.
August 13, 2014
Having spent my childhood in Venezuela, I have to say that this is one novel where the geographical setting seems to have been randomly drawn from a file folder labeled "Generic Tropical Hellhole." This is unfortunate for two reasons: 1) the "true survival adventure" that bonds the women in the story is entirely premised on the challenges posed by the topography and flora they have to negotiate, yet these are never localized and 2) Venezuela (the actual country) is both small and astonishingly geographically diverse, with an intricate northern and eastern coastline, a quasi-Alpine Andean west, a central plains region with vast river estuaries, and a southern Amazonian region with ancient rain forested plateaus. Each of these regions has a name, and they are all dotted with towns and villages that were settled as far back as the 1500s. I'm a long-time fan of Blayne Cooper, but reading Stranded, I got the feeling that she did not even bother to Google "venezuela" when she decided to set her "jungle" adventure there. I couldn't tell where any of the chapters were supposed to take place--no more than the hapless characters being flown or driven hither and yon without so much as a place name to orient their wanderings. The "natives" who finally sheltered them were from Central Casting, not from any real indigenous or rural community in Venezuela (or Colombia, or Panama, or Mexico or the Dominican Republic, or any other country south of the border). Imagine an Outward Bound adventure set "in the American wilderness," without being told WHICH "wilderness," located WHERE in "America"! No wilderness tour operator would drag off three untrained women in a Jeep into an unpopulated, unmarked jungle, with a single driver and not so much as a hint of where they were heading. I just couldn't get past this extremely sloppy setup, to enjoy the human connections it supposedly brought about. It would have made more sense if the women had been kidnapped, and blindfolded for the first part of their journey.
April 4, 2020
I regretted that I didnt read it sooner. It had been in my To Read list for so long.
I really like stories that involved survival of the wilderness and try to look for civilisation. And of course, this is became one of my favorite. I just like it so much. The story is great. I like how direct Nora can be and didnt shy on what she wants and always try to go head first into potential dangers. Rachel though, my first impression on her was that she was willing to jump any decent mans. And always assume the worst things. But as the story went on, i came to really like her alots as well as Miranda. They came to care for each other and watch out for one another in the dire situations. And always stick together. (Well, that what main characters would do anyway, i guess). I still like it though. And enjoy it alot.
I really like stories that involved survival of the wilderness and try to look for civilisation. And of course, this is became one of my favorite. I just like it so much. The story is great. I like how direct Nora can be and didnt shy on what she wants and always try to go head first into potential dangers. Rachel though, my first impression on her was that she was willing to jump any decent mans. And always assume the worst things. But as the story went on, i came to really like her alots as well as Miranda. They came to care for each other and watch out for one another in the dire situations. And always stick together. (Well, that what main characters would do anyway, i guess). I still like it though. And enjoy it alot.
January 18, 2018
oh, I love this book made me laugh that my cheeks hurt, and a good story too.
May 7, 2013
Three women go on a company-sponsored adventure that turns into their worst nightmare. Stranded in one of the most inhospitable places in the world, they have to fight tooth and nail to survive and make it back in one piece. Despite the women's desperate circumstances, the book is not without many touches of humor here and there, making the book a very enjoyable read.
The first chapters felt a bit strange as the author kept making Rachael think 'straight' thoughts--lusting over men and such :sick: :faint: . The excitement doesn't begin until the trip gets underway...and it mostly doesn't let up till the end.
The entire book is told from Rachel's POV, but it doesnt detract from your enjoyment because the author gives her a really fun, honest, and often self-deprecating voice. I love the way the author injects humor in even the direst of situations. Here's a typical example of her imagery, describing the women's love of soccer as: "the single minded determination of a hungry infant in a topless bar". Here's another one: "A gift of bouquet from my sister congratulating me on losing 185 lbs during my divorce"--this is only funny if you read the explanation that follows it (sorry i will not reveal here :) ).
The thing i love most about the book is that the author does not make her heroines run away after the worst of misunderstandings and betrayal. On the contrary, they confront each other (and almost tear each other to pieces :D ) till the issue is settled. Bravo!
The first chapters felt a bit strange as the author kept making Rachael think 'straight' thoughts--lusting over men and such :sick: :faint: . The excitement doesn't begin until the trip gets underway...and it mostly doesn't let up till the end.
The entire book is told from Rachel's POV, but it doesnt detract from your enjoyment because the author gives her a really fun, honest, and often self-deprecating voice. I love the way the author injects humor in even the direst of situations. Here's a typical example of her imagery, describing the women's love of soccer as: "the single minded determination of a hungry infant in a topless bar". Here's another one: "A gift of bouquet from my sister congratulating me on losing 185 lbs during my divorce"--this is only funny if you read the explanation that follows it (sorry i will not reveal here :) ).
The thing i love most about the book is that the author does not make her heroines run away after the worst of misunderstandings and betrayal. On the contrary, they confront each other (and almost tear each other to pieces :D ) till the issue is settled. Bravo!
August 31, 2025
8/31/25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My enjoyment of this book the third time around and many years later than my first two reads was a little less but still significant.
6/16/19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6/1/19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great combination of adventure and romance.
My enjoyment of this book the third time around and many years later than my first two reads was a little less but still significant.
6/16/19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6/1/19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great combination of adventure and romance.
April 21, 2017
Funny and touching. Great read.
September 24, 2012
Others might not rate this book as high, but for some reason i enjoyed it thoroughly. I won't be rushing out to by all of Blayne Cooper's books without a second thought, but this book does make me at least want to see what else she's written that i might like.
A disc jockey, a sports team assistant manager, and a 17 year old soccer player are sent on a journey into the jungle. I'll try to do this without spoilers... Most of the book is taken up by the remaining members of the trip being lost and stranded in the jungle to fend for themselves. That part was very well done. The author made them real. They were hurt, scared women that didn't know what to do but cry. There wasn't any unrealistic heroism. They had to force themselves to be strong for each other, but still we got to see very realistic emotional breakdowns in this hopeless situation. It was very interesting reading about what they had to do to survive, if survive is what they were going to do.
That part was realistic, but it was surrounded by some things that were pretty far fetched. And yet i found it all entertaining in a slightly humorous way. Starting with the beginning of the book. A boss asking an employee to have sex the first day of her job. I'm sure it happens, but for some reason, i wasn't buying it at all in this case. The romance element of the book was similarly iffy. It didn't present a lot of build up and chemistry for me at all.
The thriller of them being stranded gets 5 stars.
Added humor throughout gets bonus points.
The romance gets maybe 2 or 3, with very minimal hot and steamy action.
Editing was decent. I think translation to ebook may be at fault for spacing issues.
A disc jockey, a sports team assistant manager, and a 17 year old soccer player are sent on a journey into the jungle. I'll try to do this without spoilers... Most of the book is taken up by the remaining members of the trip being lost and stranded in the jungle to fend for themselves. That part was very well done. The author made them real. They were hurt, scared women that didn't know what to do but cry. There wasn't any unrealistic heroism. They had to force themselves to be strong for each other, but still we got to see very realistic emotional breakdowns in this hopeless situation. It was very interesting reading about what they had to do to survive, if survive is what they were going to do.
That part was realistic, but it was surrounded by some things that were pretty far fetched. And yet i found it all entertaining in a slightly humorous way. Starting with the beginning of the book. A boss asking an employee to have sex the first day of her job. I'm sure it happens, but for some reason, i wasn't buying it at all in this case. The romance element of the book was similarly iffy. It didn't present a lot of build up and chemistry for me at all.
The thriller of them being stranded gets 5 stars.
Added humor throughout gets bonus points.
The romance gets maybe 2 or 3, with very minimal hot and steamy action.
Editing was decent. I think translation to ebook may be at fault for spacing issues.
January 28, 2017
Well written, witty and tough to put down!
As suggested in the heading this was a fantastic read that, as all good reads should, kept me up until the wee hours because I was unable to put it down.
As suggested in the heading this was a fantastic read that, as all good reads should, kept me up until the wee hours because I was unable to put it down.
February 25, 2017
I really wasn't going to read it. The cover and the description didn't interested me, not even a little, BUT the list of the best lesbian romances on this page told me it was good, so I gave it a chance and LOVED IT.
April 16, 2022
I didn't know if I should comment on this one, since it's been more than a decade since its first publication, but well down here we're known for being especially late to the parties, so here I am.
Even though I didn't have any expectations when I picked this book, I was positively surprised when I started it this morning and couldn't stop until I finished it tonight. I really liked it, I was engrossed. It was funny and in many occasions I was laughing like a fool. However, It wasn't like those action/thrillers full of 'realistic' details, but it was good enough for me. The only thing I'd complain was the end, I think the pace sped up too much in the last few chapters I almost got dizzy (jk) hahaha and I'd have loved if we got to see more of them after the jungle.
Even though I didn't have any expectations when I picked this book, I was positively surprised when I started it this morning and couldn't stop until I finished it tonight. I really liked it, I was engrossed. It was funny and in many occasions I was laughing like a fool. However, It wasn't like those action/thrillers full of 'realistic' details, but it was good enough for me. The only thing I'd complain was the end, I think the pace sped up too much in the last few chapters I almost got dizzy (jk) hahaha and I'd have loved if we got to see more of them after the jungle.
March 16, 2016
Simple and easy to read with some unexpected twists :)
September 1, 2017
This book was adorable and fun! It had some angst, but I didn't feel like it was overdone. There were plenty of serious parts, obviously since they're stuck in the jungle, but it was offset very well by the banter and relationships between the three women.
There were a few typos, but not enough for it to be annoying.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun read.
There were a few typos, but not enough for it to be annoying.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun read.
September 10, 2023
Overall, a good read. Liked the concept about fighting for survival in the jungle.
A few quibbles - the biggest of which was the main character being so insecure about herself until the last few pages.
Also, everything seems to have happened in 3-day increments. On the third day…after three days…three days later…
A few quibbles - the biggest of which was the main character being so insecure about herself until the last few pages.
Also, everything seems to have happened in 3-day increments. On the third day…after three days…three days later…
January 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. There were some misprints and sometimes it was a little hard to follow but overall it is a great book. From the very beginning of the book, I enjoyed the in your face flirting the characters took part in.
June 22, 2020
A really cute, easy to read romance with a bit of survivor at the focus. The main character is very self loathing and there's a but of miscommunication plot markers, but it's still fun.
February 10, 2017
Sooooo funny! Ending was too short however.
January 9, 2017
Actually not bad. I laughed a lot, as almost always happens with something written by Blayne.
Unfortunately for those who believe that a lesbian story must be of the low quality and the poor argument that is replaced with nonsense sex that some authors have, I regret to tell you that it isn't so. Blayne has few sex scenes and focuses on the story itself, not on what her characters do in bed. Generally, there we find the why of his biggest detractors.
Ok, Venezuelan territory is not exactly as she describes it and I think, that the same US product brands don't apply to the whole American continent, but that is something typically stereotyped of them. The names are almost ok, except for Inez... and Paulo would be more Brazilian. But if I think of it as a fiction in a parallel world, that's fine.
The story has sentimental situations that with triviality attracts, has humor and has a little enough of despair no matter if the location is exactly as she says it. Oh, I must also give credit to cursing the monkeys, my mother in the jungle also did so for the same reason.
First of all, this is a book to read and have fun, not one to go for a shower of cold water, keep it in mind. It's entertaining, is not that the function of a book? Entertain?
Unfortunately for those who believe that a lesbian story must be of the low quality and the poor argument that is replaced with nonsense sex that some authors have, I regret to tell you that it isn't so. Blayne has few sex scenes and focuses on the story itself, not on what her characters do in bed. Generally, there we find the why of his biggest detractors.
Ok, Venezuelan territory is not exactly as she describes it and I think, that the same US product brands don't apply to the whole American continent, but that is something typically stereotyped of them. The names are almost ok, except for Inez... and Paulo would be more Brazilian. But if I think of it as a fiction in a parallel world, that's fine.
The story has sentimental situations that with triviality attracts, has humor and has a little enough of despair no matter if the location is exactly as she says it. Oh, I must also give credit to cursing the monkeys, my mother in the jungle also did so for the same reason.
First of all, this is a book to read and have fun, not one to go for a shower of cold water, keep it in mind. It's entertaining, is not that the function of a book? Entertain?
December 11, 2023
I honestly can't believe I finished this book. It made me angry, not just because it was bad but because some of the ideas perpetuated it were actively harmful. This book was lazy writing, the characters were childish and stereotypical. I would be surprised if anything more than the Wikipedia article for Venezuela had been consulted. Venezuela was painted as a country without any personality or redeeming qualities. Instead, it was broadly a slum that the main characters continued to degrade. There was no care in representing the country.
The main characters spy on an underage girl having sex.
Body negativity:
I'll be generous and say some positive stuff:
I liked how Rachel's sexuality was treated so nonchalantly and never an issue.
Miranda was a fun character.
The main characters spy on an underage girl having sex.
Body negativity:
I'll be generous and say some positive stuff:
I liked how Rachel's sexuality was treated so nonchalantly and never an issue.
Miranda was a fun character.
November 10, 2014
things i liked:
- healthy representation of fluid sexuality
- lots of humour and levity peppered throughout the book
- the characters' interactions and attachments to each other felt genuinely developed
- unusual -- but appreciated -- progression of the main characters' relationship
- the entire process of them being stranded didn't feel as dark/joyless as it could have, which was what i was looking for out of this book.
things i didn't like:
- the ending chapters felt a bit packed and rushed; in comparison to the rest of the book, which may have been paced too slow, the ending was jam packed with all sorts of plot resolutions and string-tying
- wow, another book that paints a foreign country as alternately uncivilized and barbaric. that's new.
- healthy representation of fluid sexuality
- lots of humour and levity peppered throughout the book
- the characters' interactions and attachments to each other felt genuinely developed
- unusual -- but appreciated -- progression of the main characters' relationship
- the entire process of them being stranded didn't feel as dark/joyless as it could have, which was what i was looking for out of this book.
things i didn't like:
- the ending chapters felt a bit packed and rushed; in comparison to the rest of the book, which may have been paced too slow, the ending was jam packed with all sorts of plot resolutions and string-tying
- wow, another book that paints a foreign country as alternately uncivilized and barbaric. that's new.
August 7, 2011
I love Blayne Cooper, but I loved this book above maybe any other she's written. She writes awesome bisexual characters. This book felt honest, real. I was totally engrossed in the story the entire time. I loved both main characters and found it easy to relate to their emotions. I've re-read the book at least three times and I'm sure I will many more. I wish I had the words to do this book justice. In short, it kicked ass.
April 28, 2022
This book had a little bit of everything; adventure, suspense, mystery, adventure. It was a fun, easy read. I wish we could have seen a little more of Nora’s and Jacobs talk towards the end and more of Nora’s and Rachael’s life in Denver though.
April 1, 2010
3 women fall off a hill in Venezuela on their way to a "bonding" adventure. Two have some serious drama between each other, and the third wants to go home! Pretty Trashy!
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