Review: Pushed me outside my comfort zone
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 14, 2012
My Rating: 3 StarsKEEP ME SAFE is a very intense, well-written story. Told from the first person POV of Rachel, this novella is a disturbing and graphic account of her abduction and rape by gang members. Rachel is deeply conflicted because she's aroused when the man who claims her first, Zachary, uses her. I thought that their first scene together was 'dubious consent' perfection. Very hot. But, just when I think I've got it figured out, the story takes an even darker and twisted path. Ms. Warren does not play it safe in her writing and has no remorse about it!Even as a fan of non-consensual erotica, I was pushed beyond my comfort zone. I recently had a discussion with a friend about what we liked and didn't like about rape fantasy in fiction, and one thing I told her was that I did not like excessive violence. But, that was part of Rachel's experience in KEEP ME SAFE. This book gave readers a realistic portrayal of rape, and I accept that. Other than the first couple of sex scenes with Zachary, what Rachel experienced was very brutal. I was emotionally exhausted by the end! I don't want to give away spoilers, so I'll just say I wish the story behind the gangs had been expanded on, with the graphic scenes spread out more. KEEP ME SAFE would have made a fantastic full-length erotic suspense/thriller.I admire authors who are gusty enough to write non-consensual erotica, and Ms. Warren is one to watch. I would recommend this book to those gusty enough to read outside the box.Review copy courtesy of the author.