Scan barcode
walrus420's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Ableism
I was 45% into this book before I decided to give up. My first issue was the way Ivan addressed consent. Before they indicated anything beyond a fake relationship he puts a hand on her leg and stops her moving away. Moving on, the protagonist nearly uses her safe word throughout the book. Rather than use this to show consent and have the characters adjust Camilla stays quiet. “I consider getting up right then pulling my clothes back on and demanding a ride home. But if I say “red,” I firmly believe that he would stop and never make another move on his own.” Camilla voices dislike for the terms of being a submissive and they’re brushed off before they have sex. I think the way the author portrays these relationships is gross and unusual. There’s also a slightly ablest tone at times. Ivan experiences a lot of traits similar to autism and the way it’s handled feels strange and I truly don’t think it was intended but harmful all the same.
More...