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aisforawkward's review
3.0
So this is an Obviously problematic Rating/Review. I bought this book when it came out but didn't read it, at first because of other books, but then because of the controversy when it was pulled.
I finally decided to read it since it had been in my TBR for awhile, and yes.. even. enjoyed it.. But with the caveat that honestly, almost every single reference to Bev as being Black/coming from a prominent black family felt completely forced after the first scene. Whenever the authors "reminded" me that she was black I felt disoriented, because honestly, it didn't work. There were no references to the real racism of the day. The book takes place the same year (and same time even!) the civil rights act was passed. And yet it is never discussed.
If I were to rate this based on how I felt about historical accuracy, with Bev being black, the book is a failure, 1 star. But I ignored that for the sake of the story and found myself enjoying the romance somewhat out of that context instead. So, I am sad that they gave up on rewriting the story, and I am also sad that the version I read is as skewed as it is, but I liked it as a romance for all that, and don't regret reading it.
Most authors who write lesbian fiction only write lesbian fiction. most who write straight fiction, also only write straight fiction. I personally like a mix of all people in a series and when I read about characters, I want to see the mainstream straight romances, and all lgbt+ as well.
I also like to see things like this in a historical setting, where there is realistic happy ending of sorts, without contrived marriage, and with the main characters knowing they will have to keep their personal lives hidden to a degree or lose their jobs. This book, problems aside, did that part pretty well. The romance fit with the other romances in the series, the relationship struggles and family issues relating to being gay in the 60's also fit (if a bit too easily brushed over when it came to family revelations), and while they did it all wrong, the idea of having an interracial couple or even work friendship mixed in was something I was glad to see. I just hope this specific failure doesn't turn off authors who try to do the same kind of thing, or prevent these authors from trying to do something more diverse again in the future.
I probably will end up deleting it now that I have read it, given the authors have no plans to ever re-re-lease it, and don't think it is worth re-reading given the problems in this version, but it reminded me what I hope to see more of so I am glad of the chance to read it anyway.
I finally decided to read it since it had been in my TBR for awhile, and yes.. even. enjoyed it.. But with the caveat that honestly, almost every single reference to Bev as being Black/coming from a prominent black family felt completely forced after the first scene. Whenever the authors "reminded" me that she was black I felt disoriented, because honestly, it didn't work. There were no references to the real racism of the day. The book takes place the same year (and same time even!) the civil rights act was passed. And yet it is never discussed.
If I were to rate this based on how I felt about historical accuracy, with Bev being black, the book is a failure, 1 star. But I ignored that for the sake of the story and found myself enjoying the romance somewhat out of that context instead. So, I am sad that they gave up on rewriting the story, and I am also sad that the version I read is as skewed as it is, but I liked it as a romance for all that, and don't regret reading it.
Most authors who write lesbian fiction only write lesbian fiction. most who write straight fiction, also only write straight fiction. I personally like a mix of all people in a series and when I read about characters, I want to see the mainstream straight romances, and all lgbt+ as well.
I also like to see things like this in a historical setting, where there is realistic happy ending of sorts, without contrived marriage, and with the main characters knowing they will have to keep their personal lives hidden to a degree or lose their jobs. This book, problems aside, did that part pretty well. The romance fit with the other romances in the series, the relationship struggles and family issues relating to being gay in the 60's also fit (if a bit too easily brushed over when it came to family revelations), and while they did it all wrong, the idea of having an interracial couple or even work friendship mixed in was something I was glad to see. I just hope this specific failure doesn't turn off authors who try to do the same kind of thing, or prevent these authors from trying to do something more diverse again in the future.
I probably will end up deleting it now that I have read it, given the authors have no plans to ever re-re-lease it, and don't think it is worth re-reading given the problems in this version, but it reminded me what I hope to see more of so I am glad of the chance to read it anyway.
harrietwrites's review
4.0
I really loved this. The ending felt the the tiniest bit rushed, but Geri and Bev are both so lovely, and a historical lesbian romance is such a rare and beautiful unicorn to find.
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