As a teenager, I never had a Valentine. Who would want to take out the fat girl with the coca-cola bottle-thick glasses, and chunky corn rows atop her head? Not when there’s Emily with her shiny brunette hair and Becky with her slender proportions!
Don’t feel sorry for me though because, until the age of around seventeen I would have much rather engrossed myself in a good book, and whatever I couldn’t make a reality, I lived vicariously through fiction. Whether it was by reading about rich teenagers going on weekend shopping sprees (we didn’t have money for that) or reading about a hot hunk’s pursuit of his sexy love interest protagonist (I was anything but), books gave me the life I wanted.
This is what Zane’s books did for me. They allowed me to live in fantasy. I picked up my first Zane novel after reading about her in a magazine. Zane, the pseudonym of Kristina Laferne Roberts, is an American novelist who specialises in erotica.
I ordered Afterburn, my first Zane novel around the age of sixteen, and I must admit it had me clutching at my proverbial pearls. I was reasonably innocent before then so what lay between the pages had me reading in wide-eyed shock.
In short, Afterburn tells the story of Rayne, a bank employee, and Yardley a regular frequenter of the bank who embark on a passionate journey. Rayne is gorgeous and catches Yardley’s attention on one of his trips to the bank. In fact, she is so physically appealing that Yardley can hardly believe it when he discovers that Rayne is single. He thus makes it his mission to get this woman’s attention, and when he finally does they spark an exciting romantic relationship, which eventually overcomes all the odds.
The text is simply written and pretty easy to follow. Zane has a wicked sense of humour which she displays excellently through her characters. What’s unique about the book is that the chapters are written in third person and alternate between Yardley’s and Rayne’s points of view. So as the reader you experience the same story but from different narratives.
To be honest, I am not sure if I would have been as impressed by Afterburn now, as I was then. Firstly, I now know that some of those scenes are a bit erm…far fetched. Also, the language is a bit too cringe for me. Upon another flick through the book, I realised that some of the characters are a bit of a caricature. Take for example, Boomquisha, the gum-snapping, acrylic nail wearing hairdresser. Or Mike and Felix, who are Yardley’s basketball dunking, women playing friends. Think about Two Can Play That Game, or Brothers, or any other African American film from the 90s and that is essentially what Afterburn is akin to.
That was my first romantic/ erotic novel. It really did ‘remove the veil from my eyes’ which is probably why I have been so far unphased by the 50 Shades series. So, with that out of the way what will you be doing on Valentine’s day? You could curl up on the sofa with some chocolate and your favourite book. Or lay a picnic blanket in the living room and share some wine and good food with your significant other. (I’m all for inexpensive you see.)
What other ideas do you have for celebrating the day of love? What was your first romance novel or erotic fiction? Have you even read any? What are your thoughts on the E.L. James craze? Please comment below!
Happy Valentine’s Day in advance.
If you would like to purchase Afterburn you can do so here.
By the way, I struggled to post this. I was nervous about one of my super-Christian family members reading it, especially on a Sunday! Yikes!
Well everyday is an opportunity to célébrate those We love and manifest how we care.Stéphanie
Hi Stephanie. Thanks for your comment. I am not a big valentine's day fanatic, and I think it's because of the reasons described in my first paragraph. However if the day alone mean more people will pick up the phone and call someone, or send a text or forgive, or write a letter then I cannot be mad at that, can I?
This was really interesting to read – thanks for sharing your experience and this review, Madeline. Though I read the 50 Shades series a few years ago (and I'm not sure today why I put myself through EL James' bad writing not once, but three times…….), I haven't considered reading other books in that genre. In fact I had never heard of Zane… Have you read similar books by other authors? || http://www.lorikemi.com
Ha, thank you. I have heard everybody get so hype about the story and no comments about the actual writing, so thank you for sharing your thoughts. Zane has many novels – many of which I actually purchased. I also used to read from a similar author called Eric Jerome Dickey. Have you also heard of Sister Souljah?
This book sounds good, I love reading such romantic novel. Thanks for review <3 Have a happy Monday 🙂 Kisses <3http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/
You are most welcome Rakhshanda. It is good for entertainment value, I'll give it that. Have a wonderful week.
I have this book and read it years ago. Ha!! It sure made me feel some way. Your post bringing back memories. I enjoyed it! I'm spending valentine's day with my son and friend on a holiday to Scotland.https://www.missymayification.co.uk
So you were part of the Zane crew too! I always felt some way- especially on public transport. Hehe! I think even now I would still feel that way. I hope you have a lovely Valentines with your son and friend. Sending plenty love your way!
This book sounds good! thanks for sharing. https://modernastrega.com/
You are most welcome. Let me know if you end up making a purchase.
I've not yet ventured onto the Erotic novel genre but have read plenty online in my teenage years, however, with them becoming mainstream I think I'm going to have to invest myself in a physical book. I tried the whole Fifty shades thing and frankly I couldn't get past the first book. For me personally, I didn't think the story was that bad it's just the writing that needed to be significantly better, don't think I could've endured another 'Holy cow' from Anastasia Steele. xSheenahttps://afashionstudentsdiary.blogspot.co.uk/
Oooh, I used to read an online blog of stories too. You are the second person to complain about the quality of writing in 50 Shades. It makes me super grateful for not spending my coins on any of the books. Try a Zane book and let me know if you enjoyed it or not:-)
I might do! As soon as I do, I'll let you know my thoughts 🙂 xx
Yesss! Can't wait 🙂
I really love it when we as readers are able to experiencing a story from different narratives 🙂 I can't say I've venture into erotic fiction, though I can understand the appeal! As for Valentine's Day (Happy Valentine's Day, by the way Madeline!), I'll be on my own and so including in chocolate truffles and watching films 🙂 Have a lovely evening!aglassofice.com x
It's definitely takes a talented writer Gabrielle. Erotic fiction is definitely for the faint hearted. To be honest, I wish I hadn't come across it so early on in life. Happy Valentine's Day to you too. Include all the chocolate truffles you want, spoil yourself! A lovely evening to you too!
Sounds like a very interesting booK but I'm not sure I want to read it yet. Thankfully, Valentine's Day has come and gone. Now someone can breathe. Lolamakamedia.com
Lol! Please do not read it if you do not want to. Someone can breathe indeed!