Plenty – Responding to the Critics Part 1

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 collegues, 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 Grey – handsome, 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.