– by Megan Hart and Brenda Murphy
Brenda Murphy‘s latest is actually a duology which she collaborated with a fellow author, Megan Hart, with their own unique story to tell. I had read some outline of Murphy’s story, “Shifting Flames,” which she so generously shared when it was still work-in-progress and I was intrigued by the dynamic between the two MCs in a particular situation under a precarious environment. Anyway, so I was looking forward to reading the entire story altogether. However, I had never heard of Megan Hart before. So this duology was as good an opportunity as any, for me to explore Hart’s writing and storytelling, with her story, “The Fire Inside.”
“Shifting Flames” and “The Fire Inside” were two separate stories but in the same genre – urban fantasy. Yup, shape-shifters. First off, I love urban fantasy especially when it comes to shape-shifters, werewolves, vampires, and the lot. That said, what was unique about this urban fantasy-themed duology was that both stories were structured in the world of BDSM. Yup, I must say, I’d never encountered this original blend of urban fantasy with BDSM as the sub-genre before until now. So, apart from having the opportunity to explore these two genres together as one, my curiosity was piqued. I was intrigued by just how Murphy and Hart would craft their stories with the nature of shape-shifters as their main backdrop of their BDSM-focussed romance. Let’s just say, by the end of each presented story, I was impressed by the amount of effortlessness in telling a proper romance with the “added” ingredient. I was fully invested in the dynamic of the MCs, in their respective journeys of love, truth and reconciliation and letting go.
First off, it was Murphy’s “Shifting Flames” which I was immediately intrigued because the set up was in the literary world, more specifically fiction writing and adaptation. It was also a slow-burn, age-gap romance. I was curious how Murphy would weave the story about a reclusive best-selling author, Celeste, who’d gone through a series of writers hired but quickly failed to adapt one of her renowned books into film before one, Eve, came along with something to prove, desperate for cash and totally clueless as to what to expect when asked to schlep all the way into the author’s lair in a remote location, nevermind Celeste’s huge secret that no one knew! I absolutely loved how Murphy opened the story with Celeste getting involved with something violent. I wasn’t expecting how the segment ended. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that what happened was totally justified! I should have known, after reading all of Murphy’s work, that her stories and crafting of the plots were always delved into with another look, filled with an originally-told piece of romance.
I was delighted to discover that both MCs were women of colour, which, in this particular sub-genre, is still not as commonly portrayed. That’s one of Murphy’s traits in writing lesfic. In all her work, thusfar, there’s at least one character of colour, which in the sub-genre that Murphy’s work is mainly based on, is a refreshing exploration of the characters weaved in the story. “Flames” was no exception. In fact, despite being Murphy’s debut effort in writing Urban Fantasy, the strength of her storytelling only enriched the “added ingredient” when developing the relationship between the reclusive Celeste, hellbent on sticking to her habitual isolation, and Eve, out to prove herself as a deserving writer who could adapt Celeste’s work. Their characters were very different from each other but their chemistry was there from the start and as their working relationship turned personal, I was intrigued to discover the dynamic of their D/s tendencies. And sure enough, Murphy nailed all the nuances that came with the D/s relationship.
But at the heart of the story was one of truth and reconciliation, letting go of the past, of the fear, live in the now. The power of love. Once again, Murphy was able to weave a compelling story that meshed the always-captivating (for me!) characteristics of shape-shifters/werewolves into it, giving it the extra boost in the exotic department! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this original story from Murphy that she effectively created for these two characters, the nature, the circumstances, the intrigue, all wrapped up in a satisfying ending. And it didn’t feel like it was Murphy’s first stab at writing Urban Fantasy at all! So, well done, Ms. Murphy!
Now, when it came to “The Fire Inside” by Megan Hart, since I never heard of her, let alone read any of her work previously, so I didn’t know what to expect. Upon reading the blurb, I was a little uncertain because of the nature of the BDSM – pain – something that doesn’t really work for me. But, the plotline sounded intriguing to me. So, obviously, curiosity piqued, mine! So, armed with an open mind and a critical eye, down the rabbit hole of I went, so to speak!! And fudge me, was I glad I did!! I mean, forget about the pain, but Hart’s writing craft, especially (for me) the tone she managed to create throughout her storytelling, made for a very compelling read, indeed.
The nature of Selena’s extreme fear of her own true self, of all things, was truly an eye-opening exploration to her inner psyche, how she saw herself. You could really apply this context to any stigmatic social issues, really. When a person’s social conditioning about a certain state of being or nature, be it sexuality, gender, or any other social-based subject matter, has been so ingrained in their psyche, through society’s particular expectation about “social norms,” that when they experience something that veers off what society thinks is “acceptable” or “normal,” some people feel the ultimate desire to deny that, reject that, and would do anything, including self-harm, to be rid of that “abnormality.” When I read Selena’s plight, I could immediately associate it with, for example, an extremely closeted person who’d do anything to hide from their true nature including denying themselves true love, desire, passion, honesty, their true self, life, really, than to be subject to any potential rejection (especially family and friends), discrimination, harm, hate, prejudice, bigotry. For Selena to go to such lengths as to really erasing her true nature, her true self, to the detriment of her own health and safety, was something that Hart portrayed and depicted brilliantly.
Throughout Selena’s journey, I could feel her pain, her turmoil, her dilemma, especially as she found herself inevitably getting more attached to Clara, her professional Dominant, against all her attempts to protect herself from being discovered, who in turn was also starting to have deeper feelings for her mysterious client. The more Selena tried to run away, the more Clara wanted to get to know her. This push-pull dynamic, in the midst of their professional relationship, was written with such affecting fervour, I was totally invested in their relationship, especially Selena’s journey of acceptance, reconciliation and letting go of her fears and living life embracing her true self, her true nature, and self-love. As we know, as much as we want to hide or deny ourselves, sooner or later, our true nature will out. Always. I have to point out that Hart brilliantly depicted Selena’s slow and steady journey toward finally loving herself, accepting her true nature and be able to fall in love and live her truth with someone who understood and stood by her all the way, even during times of sheer stricken panic and uncertainty. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Hart’s story and her writing style! Well done, Ms. Hart!
I highly recommend this duology to all fans of lesbian romance (+erotic). Don’t get intimidated by the BDSM nature if you’re not a reader of that genre. The strength of Murphy and Hart’s writing and storytelling, I believe, will compel you to explore their characters and find their romance truly captivating. Add the ever-intriguing (again, for me!) shape-shifter characteristic, bam! You’ve got yourself a great read! Well done, authors!
**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book, by the author, in return for an honest review.
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