Comments | jmc_bks: Natural Law by Joey W. Hill

jmc_bks

Natural Law by Joey W. Hill

Apr 21, 2007 11:44

Here it is. It isn't a review, really, because I couldn't get myself organized enough for that. More a plot summary (small spoilers, I think) and my rambling thoughts.

( And I'm off and rambling (instead of running) )

book review, ebooks, erotica

Comments 9

From Carrie http://lovelysalome.blogspot.com anonymous April 21 2007, 19:12:54 UTC

I really enjoyed this book, primarily because of the erotic blend of sex and romance. The power struggle between them did good things for my imagination, which is rarely the case with me when I read erotica. The limited erotica I've read winds up boring me, and I skip large chunks in search of the missing plot. In NL, I relished the sexual scenes and the power dynamic of their relationship. And you're 100% correct, that the thriller intrigue storyline dragged the book down. Unbalanced, superfluous, rather trite -- or perhaps those are just my impressions based on the expertly handled romantic relationship. Parts of the finale even confused me, whereas I couldn't tell who had been shot, etc., in the hospital. Hill certainly has a better grasp on the mental intricacies of her characters, less so of action sequences and genuine intrigue ( ... )

Re: From Carrie http://lovelysalome.blogspot.com jmc_bks April 23 2007, 13:35:32 UTC

Oh, the bracelet. I meant to bring that up, that he chose it for her and for himself.

sarahf April 22 2007, 00:34:59 UTC

Definitely not rape because of BDSM context. She asked him about his safe word and he refused to use it--therefore consent. Great discussion!

I love her Holding the Cards, but most of her other stories (mostly maledom) don't do as much for me.

jmc_bks April 23 2007, 13:16:36 UTC

I have Holding the Cards and another one TBR, but haven't opened them yet. I'm a little afraid that they won't live up to NL.

anonymous April 22 2007, 16:46:28 UTC

Oh, I'm so glad you reviewed this, JMC, as I've been waffling on buying it -- not particularly into or familiar with the BDSM stuff -- even though so many people have recommended it. You've definitely helped me decide to give it a try.

Robin

jmc_bks April 23 2007, 13:22:30 UTC

My BDSM exposure began via romance but switched to more nonfiction sources. Most of the treatment in romance frustrates me because it is either window dressing only (Lora Leigh) or it is just another way for male characters to dominate female characters (bleh), without any examination of the relationship dynamic. I liked that it was essential to these characters, and that it involved power and role reversals from the normal romance roles.

Hope you enjoy NL, and I'd love to hear your opinion of it.

anonymous April 22 2007, 17:36:21 UTC

I've attempted a lot of BDSM, but a lot of it hasn't worked for me. Either it was just two people getting adventurous, or rather squicky "slave" stuff that was too much for my sensibilities. Hill does a great job of exploring how the power dynamic works, the give and take. Her characters are also well fleshed out (for erotic romance in general). They're adults with careers and interests and lives, not sexbots.

I liked Natural Law the best, but I enjoyed The Ice Queen and Mirror of my Soul quite a bit. They're rather heavy, and there is a suspense plot that is very tacked on, but they're good.

Devon

jmc_bks April 23 2007, 13:23:49 UTC

I looked at those at Ellora's Cave, but was confused by the blurbs. The first one read as if there was an HEA of sorts, but then the same h/h were back again for a second book, and the second blurb made it seem as if that HEA was in danger.

rosario001 April 23 2007, 15:40:12 UTC

Thanks for this review! I think I'll be giving it a shot, especially because your first couple of paragraphs could have been written by me, so I think you probably came to this book from the same direction I'll be coming.