DLT – Dark Interesting Book
“I had to think about this one for a few days before writing this review. The blurb references Fifty Shades but that just doesn’t resonate for me. This is dark, very dark and more of a thriller than an erotic novel for me. The characters are not as fully fleshed as I would have liked and seemed almost one dimensionally good or evil. I did like that Camille showed good personal growth becoming the woman she is meant to be and that she helps clean up the town. I do want to go back and read the first in the series. Due to dark events that are possible triggers I recommend this only for the mature reader of darker novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for voluntary review consideration.”
My response:
First, “The blurb references Fifty Shades but that just doesn’t resonate for me.” I wrote this novel after reading the Fifty Shades series. Essentially, Fifty Shades infuriated me and many of my author colleagues, both men and women—girl dads and girl moms. At one point, I advertised Plenty as: Not a young virgin for a rich sadist love story with a HEA ending. This ad resonated. Boom! Plenty mocks the Fifty Shades trilogy. By the way, I cherished The Twilight Saga Collection—inspiration for The Fifty Shades series.
Furthermore, in Plenty, Grant mirrors Christian —powerful, troubled and sadistic while Camille represents the love interest— young, naive, starstruck and loving. In contrast to Fifty, Plenty celebrates the downtrodden woman who turns her life around.
Second, “…the characters are … one dimensionally good or evil.” Gordon, Grant’s powerful father, supports environmental causes and advocates for the town park. He has compassion for terminally-ill children. Grant’s heart-warming interaction with Lilly defies the one-dimensional label. Futhermore, Grant defends and has the courage to protect Camille. Bruce, the hit man, loves his son unconditionally. He feels shame for not being a better dad. For these reasons, the characters embody good and bad traits – more balanced than the reviewer indicates.
in conclusion, I’m not a fan of sugarcoated sadism. Fifty Shades fury jet fueled the creation of Plenty. Of the two award-winning novels that I’ve written, Plenty remains my favorite creation. I think of it as my “Gunpowder & Lead”. To best describe the jolting recipe for Plenty: two cups of Cape Fear, one splash of Fifty Shades, three shots of The Fast & Furious and one deep breath.
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