Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I seem to be on an Amy Lane kick and continued with Racing for the Sun audiobook. I found it very interesting and easy to listen to but had a bit of a problem with the main relationship. Here is where the argument of fiction vs. realism really comes into focus. When the singular romantic relationship is clearly unhealthy and one of the protagonists is deeply disturbed, can the book still be enjoyable? Well it’s up to the readers’ tastes then. I read a review with the insightful comment that if the book was M/F then a lot of readers would have really be bothered by the relationship. It’s a true statement for sure and even with M/M I was still bothered. When I tried to look at the book as sheer fiction and over the top romance, I liked it and could enjoy the dysfunctional relationship in that scope. Trying to make it seem realistic or actually healthy in any way just doesn’t work – because it’s not. So I think it’s up to the individual reader. This will likely resonate more with established Lane fans than newcomers, but that’s just a guess. Continue reading →

Behind the Curtain by Amy Lane

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I sunk into an Amy Lane kick but I threw myself in over the holiday break. I started with Beneath the Stain (review coming!) and decided to continue the angstfest with BtC. While in some ways I loved BtS, I felt as though this one was more Lane-light. It was funny, easy, and quirky in all the heart-warming (and predictable) ways but I honestly kept getting dragged out of the story due to slight problems. They weren’t enough to kill the entire feel good vibe of the story but I always firmly remembered that I was reading a story of fiction and being manipulated by a person’s intentions. I don’t mind that – I read a lot and know this is true – but I don’t like to be cognizant of it while I’m reading; if that makes any sense to readers. Continue reading →