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A review by criticalgayze
Hard Sell by Hudson Lin
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Y'all, I am torn on this one.
I appreciate that, from the jump, this novel makes clear that it is more focused on bringing two characters together through emotional, rather than sexual resolution, and I appreciate the chemistry the characters have. I also appreciate that Lin has some clear experience in the world of which she writes. I think the steam is good, and I think the angst is believable.
However, I think in trying to paint the villainy and toxicity of capitalism and high finance that Lin goes a little overboard in a way that leaves me a little unsettled as a reader. I am specifically speaking on the introduction of a minor character who may be involved in sex trafficking, which the characters all decide to ignore for their own personal business interests for the vast majority of the novel. Even when it is finally "resolved," none of the characters have to deal with sitting on this information for months. In this way, the cartoonish skeeze that we associate with the über wealthy turns into something that I think sits wrong in my stomach trying to finish what Lin clearly ultimately means to be a redemptive romance.
I hope that future installments tone down the excess here, or I'm not sure I can continue with Lin as an author.
I appreciate that, from the jump, this novel makes clear that it is more focused on bringing two characters together through emotional, rather than sexual resolution, and I appreciate the chemistry the characters have. I also appreciate that Lin has some clear experience in the world of which she writes. I think the steam is good, and I think the angst is believable.
However, I think in trying to paint the villainy and toxicity of capitalism and high finance that Lin goes a little overboard in a way that leaves me a little unsettled as a reader. I am specifically speaking on the introduction of a minor character who may be involved in sex trafficking, which the characters all decide to ignore for their own personal business interests for the vast majority of the novel. Even when it is finally "resolved," none of the characters have to deal with sitting on this information for months. In this way, the cartoonish skeeze that we associate with the über wealthy turns into something that I think sits wrong in my stomach trying to finish what Lin clearly ultimately means to be a redemptive romance.
I hope that future installments tone down the excess here, or I'm not sure I can continue with Lin as an author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Trafficking