ביקורת ספרותית

Read this book this week and devoured it like cold water after a long desert hike! 

Let me start by saying: Navessa Allen’s writing is smooth, hilarious, and wonderfully unbothered — and so are her characters.

I’m going to split my thoughts in two, because that’s exactly how my reading experience went.

⚠️ Spoilers ahead! ⚠️

First: the references!!! Had me laughing out loud. People around me were probably concerned for my sanity. (Lucius?! Joe?? That very pointed jab at Fifty Shades of Grey?? And of course, dear Emily Gilmore — though I wish she hadn’t explained that one. If you know, you know. If not, go do your homework.)

Aly and Josh’s meeting was completely crazy and amazing. The author’s approach to BDSM is refreshingly healthy and grounded, especially compared to how badly some books handle it. Yes, it’s hard-core. Yes, it’s dark. And yes, it’s all about full consent between two grown adults exploring their own limits.

That’s how I see BDSM: with emotional processing of demons (big and small), thoughtful aftercare, real love, and seeing your partner fully. And yes — with humor! Because it’s human. And beautiful.

Then came the plot twist.

And I was like… Mafia?! Seriously?!

From that moment on, A and J turned into Care Bears and the magic of the first half evaporated. It’s not that I’m against lovey-dovey stuff, but that’s not what I came here for. Spare me the happy ending, please.

And that last forest scene? Too little, too late — especially with that syrupy proposal at the end. 🙄

In short: started off brilliant, ended like a romance cliché. Still worth reading for the first half.