Review: Consent to Love

Reviewed by Jen
 

I'm just going to come right out and say it. I did not enjoy this book. I've got a bit of a soft-spot for hot Native American heroes so the blurb on this really grabbed me, but once I started reading, it became quickly apparent that this was not the book for me.

The story follows an insecure and inexperienced barmaid named Ana as she meets and falls for Kane. The sexy and mysterious Native American lives on the nearby Lakota ranch. Their connection is instant, but neither can stick to their plan for a sexual relationship with no strings attached. In time, they both want more.

Sounds good, yes? Well, my problems started pretty much off the bat. Kane and Ana's eyes meet over a crowded room and there's a spark -- which could happen in real life. But in their very first conversation, things go over the top. From Ana begging, "Please don't break my heart." To "I'm almost afraid... of how I'm reacting to you. I've never had this instant attraction with anyone... like I want to hold on to you and see if all these feelings explode when we're together." This is after a few minutes in each other's company. And the melodrama continues.

Kane's Big Issue is whether the local townsfolk could accept an interracial relationship between him and Ana. He keeps on about how the Lakota are dirt to the white folks. And he fears that if he falls for Ana that it would mean he's turning his back on his people. The only thing Ana is concerned about is losing Kane, because he clearly is responsible for hanging the moon. She acts like an infatuated school girl in every aspect, except one: the sex.

Which brings me to my next big issue. I am very comfortable with adult language, but the way these sex scenes are worded does nothing for me. Like, "Her pussy juice dripped on the sheet and she squirmed, unable to lie still." Or "Moisture dampened her lower lips, dampening the path to her anus." This is not sexy. Dirty to be sure, but that's not the same thing. The author used the word "pussy" 35 times in 123 pages. And I'm not even going to get into how she rubbed herself off on the saddle he made her, except to say.. Who would want to ride on it after she slimed all over it?

Other random issues I had with the story included shallow characterization, especially in the secondary cast. And the fact it was impossible to track the passage of time. The only reference came at the very end of the book. Beyond that, I had no concept of how much time passed between events. Except that there didn't seem nearly enough of it to account for the overwhelming and utterly consuming feelings that these two shared.

I wish I could think of something positive to say. 2 stars? (At least I was able to finish it.)

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Consent to Love

by Abby Wood

Release Date: April 2, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press