Review: Carmen
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2013
Carmen #1My initial impressions of this novella? `Well, that's one heck of a misunderstanding, but, wow! Just wow!'This is a very well written novella. The author has got everything laid out in a logical and captivating way. Through her exquisitely put together scenes she paints an extremely vivid portrait of the encounter between these two star-crossed and situationally bound characters. I especially appreciate the fact that the author illustrates the difference between a Dom\sub relationship and an abusive relationship. It brings a great deal of things into stark clarity.This novella has 2 very well developed main characters. Even with the short page count you get to know them intimately (no pun intended, but hey...). I really appreciate that the author's main characters aren't necessarily model-esque. Her female lead is a woman of typical means and typical physique, even if she has a difficult past. It makes the story seem all the more real.Overall this was a completely captivating and very vivid novella that introduces you to extremely different yet quite compatible characters. The author tackles some difficult topics in a way that makes you think, while introducing you to the real world of Doms and subs. I couldn't put it down and definitely can't wait to read the sequel.Carmen #2This novel is extremely captivating. This author is such a vivid writer that you can't help but picture everything that she lays forth in exquisite detail. I appreciate the fact that although on the surface this is primarily an erotic tale, there is so much more to it than that. There is lots of suspense packed into this story, all backed up by a very solid storyline. As a reader you are kept wondering and guessing, becoming part of the world created by this phenomenal author.The author masterfully differentiates between a Dom/sub relationship, a Master/slave relationship, and a just plain abusive relationship. She works all three into the story while keeping her audience captivated and entertained.Character development continues in this segment of the series. The author takes the two characters that we began to know in the first novel and gives us a great deal more about them, making them much more rounded individuals. You really get to know more about the main character's past and her strength of character. By developing this part of the female lead the author shows that just because she is a sub doesn't mean that she's weak. Also, further development in the male lead shows a very caring and conscientious Dom. By doing so the author not only uses her storyline but the characters themselves to show further and further into the Dom/sub culture.As a whole this novel was a brilliant follow up to the first in the series. It kept me on edge throughout and left me perfectly set up for the final novel in the trilogy.Carmen #3I love how all-encompassing these novels are, without becoming simply vulgar or crass. The author goes to great trouble to create a vividly real arena for her audience to live with these characters. As a reader you cannot help but become immersed in this extremely captivating world. While doing so she also opens a dialogue on a variety of different difficult or possibly disturbing topics. She does so with tact and flare, keeping her audience captivated while making them feel safe and comfortable (even if the characters aren't always in the same boat). The suspense and danger that weave their way through this novel make it extra intriguing. I've also got to praise anyone who can work a Harry Potter reference into their work so seamlessly and naturally.I appreciate the progressive character development throughout these novels. The author doesn't rely simply on previous development, but builds on it. You get to know little quirks about the main characters; you get to know what makes them tick. The characters also remain consistent throughout this. No one undergoes a miraculous personality change or physical change. I also appreciate how she develops her supporting characters. No one is simply a name on a piece of paper. They are all real people. Above all, I appreciate how we get to know a bunch more about Andre, our knight in shining armour, here. It fills in some gaps not online in this series, but also in Bound and Freed.Overall this was a brilliant end to Carmen's time in New York. The author kept me captivated from the beginning to the very end, tying up any loose ends and giving everything a sense of completion. Though I'd love to continue the journey with these very amazing and creative individuals, I don't feel like I'm missing anything by walking away from them now.Please note that I received a copy of these novels from the author in exchange for an honest review