This was magnificent . . . for me?

Angel in a Red Dress is the rerelease of Starlit Surrender (originally released in 1988 and written under Judith Ivory's real name, Judy Cuevas). This was Judith's first published book and although it is missing some of her more atmospheric writing and has some first book pacing issues, I enjoyed it. There were so many unexpected twists, turns and revelations in this book - which I have found is often the case with Judith Ivory. (sidenote: Starlit Surrender is the apt title, iykyk)

Our MMC has 5 children by 3 different women (a sixth child is on the way with our FMC) and although some may find this absolutely awful for a romance, I actually found this to be a wonderfully real addition to the character. The children Adrien had were out of wedlock (oh, but he is also divorced) but he LOVES the children. He loves his children and wants to know them and be present in their lives. And he wants Christina to understand how important his fatherhood is to - not only their children - but to all his children. A family: he sees them all as a family.

I don't know, I feel like Ivory was really doing something here with family systems, marriage and monogamy. This book was - for me - revitalizing in a raw and textured way. And I kind of love that quite a few chamber pots make an appearance lol. There are some CWs to be aware of that may make reading this book impossible for some.

CWs: dubcon and non-con (this is kind of a bodice ripper), gruesome violence and injuries due to feuding countries, on-page sex, pregnancy, incest between cousins, big bad gay, torcher, SA threats ( )

REREAD!

here is my review of the re-issue of this book Angel in a Red Dress

I love this book and how Adrien challenges Christina about marriage and what makes a family. Everyone is a mess but that is why they feel so human and beautiful. ( )

Yep, this is definitely Judith Ivory.

The book is a bit of a beautiful mess. In the sense that I am very, very sure it's a purposeful mess. As usual, Ivory's writing is seductive and sensual.
😮🥺😣🤭😳😨🧐🙈🙉🙊💞😼🔥🥰

Those are just a few of the feelings I was feeling? There's a lot going on. It's very likely you should prepare yourself to simultaneously hate Adrien and also want to jump him? And maybe that makes it really clear how you can put yourself in Christina's place.

Also, a warning: I have a bit of an allowance for certain scenes and frankly toxicity in this relationship that might not uh, fly for all - most - many? readers. I have wanted to light books on fire for much less. But also, one of of my favorites has a similar dynamic. So, I don't have good excuse or explanation - it's never presented as okay and isn't as well-established/explained as it could be at least on first read. Anyway, if you're sensitive, just think twice about picking this up and let me know if you need more details. ( )

http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6004 ( )

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