Today we're bringing a bit of controversy to my blog as we talk about polyamorous relationships with Love's Storm by K.B. Cutter and Margie Church. Keep reading as we talk about this intense lifestyle and get my impressions of this book as well. Make sure to leave a comment for your chance to win some books!
Polyamory is Real....
Polyamory is such a little-known concept that the word often gets confused with polygamy. Nothing could be further from the truth. People engaged in polyamory choose it. They're adults. They go into these relationships with eyes wide open. There are clear boundaries and communication about needs, wants, and experiences. Since these relationships are a lifestyle choice, the people involved are not having extramarital affairs. Children can be born into poly relationships, but there are no secret pressures or expectations for the child to live the same lifestyle as an adult.
Some of these relationships don't even involve sex. What they do involve is love for one another in the many ways it can be expressed.
With this in mind, how did K.B. Cutter and I craft a believable, engaging series on the subject? First, we read whatever we could find on the subject. We talked to people, and had a beta reader in the lifestyle.
As K.B. and I worked through the plot, psychological, and emotional issues, our constant question was, how will the reader react? In the Razor trilogy, a married couple, Bryce and Amy, add a third to their marriage. Raine is Amy's best friend, and she's also a FemDom.
We knew the vast majority of readers wouldn't be familiar with polyamory, and would likely view the ability and permission to love more than one person as very weird. We also believed it would be unrealistic to never have jealousy or hurt feelings in this type of relationship. It'sfoolish to think that a long-term intimacy wouldn't lead to deep feelings that might intrude on traditional views of marital love. It's also unrealistic to imagine that family and friends would think adding a third person to a rock-solid marriage would be a good thing. We did our level best to portray these situations with a high degree of reality. At times in the Razor trilogy, there is anger, rejection, disbelief and even hatred. Other times, there is unbridled passion, wonderment, freedom, and self-awareness.
The average person doesn't do well in a true polyamorous relationship. These three characters are unique, just like the real people who are polyamorous. They suffer societal scorn, and likely are rejected by most people who should love and accept them. However, we felt strongly that the heart wants what the heart wants. Do they question their sanity and judgment? Of course! But like our trio of lovers in the Razor trilogy, ultimately, they choose love.
Business associates, friends, and family all condemn their choice to live and love in a polyamorous relationship with Raine, a FemDom. All the talking in the world can't convince their critics that Amy and Bryce's marriage is rock solid, and that there are no secrets between them. Not content with mere talk, others begin to meddle to undermine Bryce's business and marriage. Even Raine's Master thinks she's making a huge mistake.
With no allies, and scorn coming from every direction, love and determination must lead Amy, Bryce, and Raine through love's storm. Their journey began in Razor: Desire's Edge and continues in Razor: Love's Reflection.
EXCERPT:
Bryce stretched while glancing at the nightstand clock. The green, L.E.D. numbers read 8:27 a.m. Unease crept over him. He couldn't precisely articulate why he felt out of sorts whenever he woke up in Raine bed.
Maybe it's because she's not your wife.
Guilt briefly gnawed at his conscience. He knew he shouldn't feel this way. Bryce recalled when his wife, Amy, suggested asking her best friend, Raine, to help him try learn how to become a switch. He'd thought she'd lost her mind. How could adding a third to their marriage be a good thing? And what the hell had he been doing wrong in bed?
His breath hitched in his throat as his thoughts drifted to his first encounter with Raine. She'd brought him to the edge of the most exquisite sexual torture and a shattering release. He never thought Amy would keep the whole mentoring thing going, but then, his amazing wife was full of decadent secrets.
He frowned. Where had Raine gone?
Amy liked to sleep in on weekends. Had Raine tiptoed up the stairs, slipped under the covers, and spooned his wife? The thought made his dick twitch. Maybe they were doing more than cuddling in Amy's bed.
Maybe it's because she's not your wife.
Guilt briefly gnawed at his conscience. He knew he shouldn't feel this way. Bryce recalled when his wife, Amy, suggested asking her best friend, Raine, to help him try learn how to become a switch. He'd thought she'd lost her mind. How could adding a third to their marriage be a good thing? And what the hell had he been doing wrong in bed?
His breath hitched in his throat as his thoughts drifted to his first encounter with Raine. She'd brought him to the edge of the most exquisite sexual torture and a shattering release. He never thought Amy would keep the whole mentoring thing going, but then, his amazing wife was full of decadent secrets.
He frowned. Where had Raine gone?
Amy liked to sleep in on weekends. Had Raine tiptoed up the stairs, slipped under the covers, and spooned his wife? The thought made his dick twitch. Maybe they were doing more than cuddling in Amy's bed.
BUY LINKS: AMAZON | BN
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
Amy and Bryce are very secure in their marriage but have found a way to enrich their lives further by bringing Amy's friend Raine into their family. They all have very distinct and different personalities in that Amy is sweet, bubbly, with a hidden naughty girl side to her. Bryce is rugged, manly, but has a softer side which has him wanting to do whatever it takes to make the women in his life happy. Raine is a tough woman who doesn't show her emotions easily. She's already thought of as kinky for her love of engaging in hardcore spanking as it brings her much needed mental release, so condemnation by others is something she already deals with. These three are usually in sync but still have disagreements over how to explain their relationship to others and if the blatant condemnation by some is worth their being together. There's also Raine's continuing need to go to the BDSM club to get the punishments she richly desires from her pseudo lover Lucien which Amy and Bryce don't understand and which puts a strain on their relationship. Their relationship continues to be a work in progress that will rely on give and take from each of them. Individual jealousy needs to be set aside for the happiness of the group and openness and honesty is essential like in any other relationship. The work invested seems worth it though as they're profoundly happy and complete together as each brings an emotional facet that makes them whole.
A bitter man's revenge is what leads to this relationship coming to light and it appears as if he'll be back to cause more problems as he's a stereotypical villain in his deeds and actions. The majority of the characters react negatively to their relationship citing religion, sin, and suggesting therapy to make them normal again. It's as I suspected but still very disheartening to see in its intensity. Knowing that friends, family, and business associates see this so negatively means that they still have a very rocky road ahead of them. The discussion between Bryce and Raine towards the end of the story, and that I saw coming quite early on, means things are going to get even more complicated in the next installment. Amongst the numerous steamy sexual encounters comes a surprisingly thought-provoking story about what really defines a family and what you're willing to sacrifice for love and happiness. The authors present this lifestyle very positively and yet don't shy away from the negatives and heartache surrounding this choice. The story runs the gamut of emotions and though there were some predictable moments I still found myself rooting for their relationship to succeed and greatly anticipate where their relationship goes from here.
My rating for this is a B.
*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Born and bred Long Islander, I grew up working class poor. There were few escapes for me:
The beach, the bay and books. I fell in love with all three.
As I grew older, I became a voracious reader. The natural evolutionary process lead me to write. I filled countless marble composition notebooks with my fevered scribblings. Eventually, with the aid of modern technology, namely the PC, Microsoft Word and the internet, I was blessed to find an exceptional interactive writing forum. For years I wrote in every conceivable genre and sub-genre.
While I am a member of the Thin Blue Line at night, during the day I create stories of erotic romance and dark horror. One day, I will marry the two successfully. The results, I hope, will be bloody sexy!
Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her motto: Romance with SASS (Suspense, Angst, Seductive Sizzle). Never expect the same thing twice in one of her books. She tackles subjects and conflicts that aren’t typical in romances. Life is complicated. People are, too. Marrying those concepts makes her books fascinating.
Margie was 2011 GLBT Author of the Year, and her book, Hard as Teak, was named 2011 GLBT Book of the Year at Loves Romances Café. She is well-known for her BDSM erotic romances as well.
Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, biking, walking on moonlit nights, fishing, and making people laugh.
Margie's website: Romance with SASS
Margie's blog: http://
K.B. Cutter's Website: www.kbcutter.com
**********GIVEAWAY**********
Prize is an autographed copy of Desire's Edge and Love's Storm to two lucky visitors---one book to each commenter.
-To be entered, leave a comment, along with your email addy.
-Winners will be chosen randomly from all comments made throughout the tour, so the more you comment the greater your chances of winning. A list of all participating blogs can be found here.
-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 8/16.
Thanks so much for hosting us today. I wasn't aware you were going to review Love's Storm, too. I'm very pleased with your observations, and glad you enjoyed the book. We hope you're curious enough to read the first one to learn how it all began and continue the journey in Love's Redemption this winter.
ReplyDeleteBig thanks for allowing us some air time today!
ReplyDeleteI second Margie's thanks. Very thoughtful review.
Interesting subject
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thank you, bn100!
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