*I received a free copy of Harlot from Selfpublished via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Harlot by Victoria Dahl Published by Selfpublished on 26 October 2015
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Historical Romance
Pages: 123
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
He came home to marry an angel...
After working in the gold fields of California for two years, Caleb Hightower has come home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Jessica Willoughby. But when he returns, Caleb learns his refined bride-to-be is now a whore. Enraged by her betrayal, he can’t reconcile this shameless woman with the sweet innocent he once deeply loved—but Caleb knows what to do with a harlot. He’s determined to get everything from her that she’s sold to other men. And he’s prepared to pay for the pleasure of his revenge.But all he found was sin.
Left penniless after her father’s death, Jess made a deal with a devil. Now she must face her first love, whose scorn is no match for her regret. To make amends, she’ll let Caleb quench his rage with her body. Their bargain strips them down to searing passion and naked vulnerability, and Jess can still glimpse her loving Caleb buried deep inside this rough cowboy. In the end, an unbearable truth emerges that could push them toward forgiveness…or could destroy their fragile bond forever.
Harlot was a very short, hot story, and I think it was a little too short. The story was a bit rushed, and the characters were not exactly complex.
Harlot is a good story, and it especially shows how it was difficult for women to be empowered and take charge of their own lives and destinies in the past. When Jessica’s father died and left her with only debts, she didn’t know what to do. The house would have to be sold, as would most of her other possessions. Caleb had been gone for two years already, and she hadn’t heard from him in a long time, and had to find a way to get through this on her own. When someone presented her with what seemed like the only possibility to find a place to live, and enough money to live with, she took it. Even if that possibility was to give her virginity to a man in exchange for a house…
When Caleb got back to town after learning that Jessica’s father had passed away, the first thing he heard about her what that she was a whore now, working from her very own whorehouse on the outskirts of town. And to say he was angry to find his angelic girl opening her legs to strangers for money is an understatement!
Harlot is about more than the relationship between Caleb and Jessica, though. It is about women having the power to choose their own life, about not judging others, about being able to feel safe, and having enough to eat and a place to live. I get what Dahl wanted to do with this story, and it was well done, however, I would have enjoyed it more if the story had been a bit longer, so that the character development could have been a little deeper. The hypocrisy of a man going to pay for a whore being OK, but the whore taking his money being dirty is definitely something that is addressed – and it should be!
The writing is really good, of course, this is by Victoria Dahl, you know! Written in third person point of view, past tense, and peppered with well-done dialogues. If you enjoy historical romances that have a somewhat realistic and feminist goal, Harlot could be the perfect book for you! I was left with a feeling of needing just a little more.
And it was easier this way. If they knew about the awful, gnawing agony in his chest, he’d have to add humiliation to the pile of hurt. He’d never asked her to marry him. No one knew they’d been anything more than childhood sweethearts. No one but Jessica and Caleb.
It terrified him that he could still feel this way for her, but it awed him, as well, because maybe their love was bigger than anything else. Bigger than hurt and jealousy and stupid decisions. It was just… right.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Great review, Lexxie! I read this one a couple of months ago and can definitely see what you are saying. I thought it was a nice enough story and enjoyed it overall. I do think that this story could have easily been expanded into a full length novel.
It’s really well done, but if it had been just a little longer, I would have become more attached to the characters. I really do see what Dahl wanted to do with the story, and I think it’s awesome that she went for it 🙂
This is totally my kind of book. I love whores! The double standard and hypocrisy IS super frustrating though. Too bad the author didn’t take more time with the story.
Oh my gosh, Christy, I’m so happy I had finished drinking my coffee before I read your comment!! I know a lot of people really loved Harlot, so you should definitely give it a go! I just didn’t get attached to the characters enough to really love it.
And you’re right, no matter what time we’re in – the double standard and hypocrisy is almost too much. Where would those guys go if there were no whores?
I understand the feeling of wanting a bit more but the idea there is intriguing mainly when we deal about the women condition in the past.
The idea is awesome! And the story is really well written, Dahl’s stories always are, but I just couldn’t connect enough with the characters because I didn’t get to know them well enough.
The book sounds interesting, but I understand wanting to read more about it considering it’s a short story. I find shorts difficult to read because it takes a while before I can connect with the main character.
It’s still a good story, Majanka, even if I wish it would have been longer!
Twitter: kbaby81
I came across this a few months ago over on another blog. I think I added it to my maybe list; I’ll have to check. It does sound interesting but I worry about the shortness of it. Great review!
You should definitely pick it up! Now you’re warned that it could have been longer 🙂 It’s still a good story.
Ooh! Well, you know I’d like a story like this. The double-standard between men and women that exists (still) in so many arenas in life is rather disgusting. I’m glad Dahl took this one on and did it well even if you’d have liked a longer story, Lex. Great review, my friend!
Happy Monday! **BIG HUGS**
Yeah, the double standard really comes across here very well. And you know Dahl has a way with words, so the story is still a good one, Brandee. *BIG HUGS*
It’s so ironic that you posted this because I was talking about shorter and longer books over at the blog. I’m a serious die hard fan of Dahl. In fact, I think I mentioned somewhere last year that she’s incapable of writing a bad novel. I would pick this one up because I love her work, but I’m not sure that just anyone can write a really well fleshed out tale in just 123 pages. I think it would be really hard. As always, totally love your review and the post! Hugs…
I know what you mean, it’s always hard to read a stand-alone short story and feel completely fulfilled – Dahl did a great job, though, and she really touched on some important themes. You should pick this one up! I have seen other reviews giving Harlot four or five stars… I’m just difficult sometimes 😉
Twitter: BerlsS
That cover sucks you in and then that synopsis! Yeah I can see why you picked this one up – regardless of already liking the author (I haven’t read her yet). I’m adding this one to my must read list, even if the characters weren’t as developed as they should have been. I’m just too curious at this point. Thanks for sharing. Hope you’re having a great week Lexxie 🙂
You should definitely pick this one up, Berls, it’s a good story, and it definitely puts some important questions about equality to mind as well. Have a great week yourself!
Twitter: Mollykatie112
I think I would be upset the whole time if I read this one. I think it’s just not the book for me. Thanks for the honest review!
It’s good that we all have different tastes when it comes to certain things in books, Lorna 🙂 I’m glad I could steer you away from something that would not be for you.