My bare lady is the first book of the Scorned Women's society, set in Penny Reid's Winston brothers' universe. In fact, this is a series about the women in Jethro Winston's past.
Clifford Rutledge gets unwillingly involved with the boss of the Black Demons, a biker club whose boss tries to "convince" Clifford to turn his head to the side and allow some "improvements" inside his club. But then he see Suzie Samuels, aka "short fuse" since she burnt Jethro's bike years back, and gets mesmerized by the pole dancer. A series of circumstances bring them together so that Clifford can make Suzie pass for an academic in a few months so he can pocket a life-saving funding for his latest research.
This is a wonderful take on My fair lady. Suzie surprised me in a way I did not expect. She's smart, confident, resilient, and she's able to stop Clifford whenever his good intentions, his shyness and emotional awkwardness got in the way between his brain and his mouth. It took me some time to warm up to Clifford, but after some reflection I found I didn't like him because he was so much like me that it was scary, so that's not the author's fault, it's just weird me.
And though this story is somehow a modern retelling of My fair lady, it's not just that. There is a back plot depicting violence and the worst of humanity, but also celebrates friendship with some wonderful secondary characters (that I assume will be the main characters of the next books), some humour and a beautiful romance between Clifford and Suzie. The depth of Clifford's feelings and sense of guilt was so raw at times that I hurt to read about it, and the chemistry between Suzie and Clifford was off the charts.
‘“It’s okay you know,” she said without looking up.
“What is?”
“To have a little fire in you.”’
This story celebrates differences, exposes prejudices and gives us one of the heroines I've loved most for a long time. At some point, even if I adore Sienna (Jethro's wife), I was thinking that I'd love to read a story set in a parallel universe in which Jethro falls in love with Suzie, because he'd love her. It was hard to read about Jethro's past behaviour and try to reconcile that image with the Jethro we knew before this story. And that brought the only thing I didn't love in the book. I was expecting a long conversation between Jethro and Suzie, to bring closure to what they had, and even if I didn't get that conversation during the story, I somehow got in in the epilogue, and that's fine.
So, even if you know nothing about the Winston Brothers or Green Valley, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
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A Surprise On Many Levels
Wow oh Wow.... I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book and I had read a short blurb on it and had a couple pages come my way in the Smartypants Sampler. I was still reeeeeeeally unsure about this one though.... DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S "COVER"....if that isn't the literal embodiment of this book, then I don't know what is. Simply stated, we meet Suzie "Short-Fuse Suze" Samuels at the strip club she's been working at since an incident years ago put her on the "outs" with the local biker gang. If you have read any of Penny Reid's books, you will be familiar with this plot, if not, no worries, it's all laid out. When Suzie bumps into Clifford "Ford" Rutledge (quite literally), they are instantly attracted to one another (as you are with people), and both of them are placed into positions where the positive outcome will be advantageous to both parties. (How is that for not giving away a plot? I sound like I've been coached by Ford). I don't want to give too much away. I want you to go into this with the knowledge that these 2 characters are not all that they appear to be (*theme of the book*). Also, know that there are some "heavy" scenes in this story that delves into some very tricky (and possibly triggering) topics. Suzie and Ford are favorites of mine because they also feel like REAL people. They have insecurities that the other is able to naturally assuage. It's not that they are damaged & need "fixing", it's that the other person brings out the best in them and THAT is what we want in our heroes and heroines. Piper Sheldon wrote a story that follows the theme of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion", but is so much more than that. It discusses class, education, privilege, gender-roles, and real love....and all in a fun, interesting, exciting, sexy, and beautiful way (ie. not boring or heavy). I REALLY recommend this book on so many levels. You don't want to miss the "Scorned Women Society" either. These are interesting characters who's attraction makes sense, their relationship build is natural, and they don't infuriate me like many other characters. Their flaws & imperfections help elevate them and make them shine bright. I love this book & I'm so grateful to Piper for being so generous to her audience. These 2 not to be missed!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
- YogibearandbellabooReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2020
Raw but beautiful
- SM1975Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2020
A great addition to the Green Valley cannon
