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A review by itssamanthakelly
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I read this because it’s supposed to be the OG “Bodice Ripper” and I want to get into my granny smut era.
Let me just say if all Granny smut is like this I don’t want it.
Every smutty scene was quite literally assault and non consensual.
Now I’m v into a little dub con and have always been a dark romance girly. This was straight up rape and treating a woman terribly. There was no love felt between either of these characters and I think that’s where it fell off for me.
Also, SLAVERY??? I know it’s historical fiction but that was A LOT to process.
The prose is poetic and beautiful so I absolutely see how it gained popularity back in the day but it just didn’t hold up to my modern standards.
Let me just say if all Granny smut is like this I don’t want it.
Every smutty scene was quite literally assault and non consensual.
Now I’m v into a little dub con and have always been a dark romance girly. This was straight up rape and treating a woman terribly. There was no love felt between either of these characters and I think that’s where it fell off for me.
Also, SLAVERY??? I know it’s historical fiction but that was A LOT to process.
The prose is poetic and beautiful so I absolutely see how it gained popularity back in the day but it just didn’t hold up to my modern standards.