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A review by k_cao_xai
Hers to Keep by Anna Stone
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Oh yes, more consensual sexual dominance please.
Character Impressions:
Lindsey
I think it may have been better to have Lindsey be bisexual rather than a straight girl who turns lesbian for the right woman. But overall, I like that she knows what she wants in bed and the way she explains to her friend how sexual dominance works. I’ve read too many books where sexual dominance is treated like toxic behavior and romanticized for it, but here, it’s consensual and done in a respectful manner.
I would have liked more insight into her creative side. The entire story is from her point of view and it’s established early on that she wanted to be an artist and has a talent for it, but we don’t get to see that side of her. She may not be doing art anymore, but creative people kind of see the world through a different lens. Maybe in the narration, she could point out details that would be lost to someone who doesn’t have an eye for detail, or notice artworks in Camilla’s home that means something to Camilla and they can bond over it or something. The one scene I did enjoy that sort of touched on Lindsey’s artistic side was when she wanted to draw Camilla, but nothing came out of it and I never found out if she finished this drawing or not.
Camilla
She loves to spoil Lindsey, she has some family issues, and she’s in control of her element in the bedroom. When she and Lindsey aren’t in the bedroom, they spend a lot of time together, but it would have been nice to see those moments drawn out so other sides of her are explored. I do like how she pushed Lindsey to continue her pursuit of art. Most people I know who want to be in that career don’t have a support system, so to hear even one person encourage an aspiring artist to keep doing what they do is almost like getting permission to breathe.
I think it may have been better to have Lindsey be bisexual rather than a straight girl who turns lesbian for the right woman. But overall, I like that she knows what she wants in bed and the way she explains to her friend how sexual dominance works. I’ve read too many books where sexual dominance is treated like toxic behavior and romanticized for it, but here, it’s consensual and done in a respectful manner.
I would have liked more insight into her creative side. The entire story is from her point of view and it’s established early on that she wanted to be an artist and has a talent for it, but we don’t get to see that side of her. She may not be doing art anymore, but creative people kind of see the world through a different lens. Maybe in the narration, she could point out details that would be lost to someone who doesn’t have an eye for detail, or notice artworks in Camilla’s home that means something to Camilla and they can bond over it or something. The one scene I did enjoy that sort of touched on Lindsey’s artistic side was when she wanted to draw Camilla, but nothing came out of it and I never found out if she finished this drawing or not.
Camilla
She loves to spoil Lindsey, she has some family issues, and she’s in control of her element in the bedroom. When she and Lindsey aren’t in the bedroom, they spend a lot of time together, but it would have been nice to see those moments drawn out so other sides of her are explored. I do like how she pushed Lindsey to continue her pursuit of art. Most people I know who want to be in that career don’t have a support system, so to hear even one person encourage an aspiring artist to keep doing what they do is almost like getting permission to breathe.
Minor Characters:
June: Camilla’s housekeeper and friend. I always enjoy an employee character who knows so much about their employer that they keep their secrets or seem to know what they want without them saying anything. It’s a different kind of friendship that should be appreciated.
Faith: Lindsey’s friend. She’s supportive and always has a spot on the couch for Lindsey should Lindsey ever need it.
Faith: Lindsey’s friend. She’s supportive and always has a spot on the couch for Lindsey should Lindsey ever need it.
Story Impressions:
I only have two gripes about the story.
1) The last-minute miscommunication near the end to create a bit of drama felt flat. I am glad it was resolved almost immediately though.
And 2) Near the end, Camilla brings up a wealthy art friend who likes Lindsey’s artwork and it’s hinted that Lindsey will be able to start an art career because of this. I like that she can pursue her art again, but I think it would have been better if Lindsey earned this rather than have it be given to her. Maybe Camilla introduces them and this friend sees the drawing Lindsey made of Camilla, which piques her interest about Lindsey art.
Other than that, the book was an easy story to read in one sitting. I’m glad there was little to no drama and the amount of sex was welcomed.
And 2) Near the end, Camilla brings up a wealthy art friend who likes Lindsey’s artwork and it’s hinted that Lindsey will be able to start an art career because of this. I like that she can pursue her art again, but I think it would have been better if Lindsey earned this rather than have it be given to her. Maybe Camilla introduces them and this friend sees the drawing Lindsey made of Camilla, which piques her interest about Lindsey art.
Other than that, the book was an easy story to read in one sitting. I’m glad there was little to no drama and the amount of sex was welcomed.
Highlights:
- Highlight 1: I like how sexual dominance is explained in this story. Lindsey points out that she’s giving Camilla control, not allowing her to have control; two very different things.
- Highlight 2: Having to live together.
- Highlight 3: Spanking up to eleven.
- Highlight 4: Characters from another book make a cameo.
Melanie and Vanessa from “Being Hers” by Anna Stone. I love that they’re getting married.
My Personal Tags About the Book:
- Dom/sub
- BDSM
- Explicit sex scenes
- Age gap
- Happily-ever-after
- Low angst
- Low drama
- Please let the “gay for you” trope die.