Customer Reviews

Pure Silk

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I wish I had read the reviews before buying this book on the basis of the synopsis on the back cover. What interested me was that historic romances set in Japan (even for just the beginning of the book) are not legion, and I thought this book would be an automatic standout. It was but for other reasons.

First off, I have to say that as another reviewer mentioned the narrative uses a lot of modern expressions that are odd, considering the time period but also the linguistic differences between Japanese and English. Even when we are privy to thoughts of the heroine, she shouldn't be using modern lingo in her head to think about situations she finds herself into. It makes her characterization suspicious, and it made for jarring moments at time.

Another peeve, and not a pet sized one, was that the tone in the rapport between the hero and the heroine is more of eroticism than of sensuality. The mutual attraction is very instantaneous and I did not feel as though the writing explained it. Even if it's lust at first sight there could, and considering the Japanese at that time considered westerners as barbarians, there should have been some sort of conflict. The author seems to imply that besides the fact that the Japanese have a different view of sexuality as westerners do, that a blood princess would have had considerable sexual freedom. I found that even the author's eager belief could not convince me.

Plus there's all of the soft core porn when the first sexual encounter happens. Believe me even if I'm not quoting, the sex is graphic. It's more about grind than it is about flutter, let's just say. And there's the use of the c word. It's hard for me to focus on the romance when the text itself uses that kind of language. Maybe it's just me being a prude, but it's just not what I expect in a historical romance.

I first discovered Susan Johnson over ten years ago when I read "Blaze." I then went on to read "Silver Flame" and the other Braddock-Black books and more. I've re-read the books many times - they are that good. Ms. Johnson was ahead of the curve with her sensual love scenes and really compelling heros. She could write a page-turner. However, I have been disappointed in Ms. Johnson's books since "Sinful." What I don't appreciate about her books now is that she has lost touch with her characters' soul and identity somewhere along the way. While I enjoy an independent, smart and accomplished woman, the heroines act like men in their sexual encounters and frankly I, like most romance readers, enjoy the dance between the two sexes. Female sexuality is powerful in and of itself and different from a man's! I loved when Ms. Johnson celebrated the difference while still letting the woman enjoy her man! Another way that this soullessness expresses itself is in Ms. Johnson's use of very crude language. It is a complete turn off for most women. We don't fall in love with men who CONSTANTLY use the c--- word. If I wanted to read crude erotica, I wouldn't pick up a mainstream romance. Please remember who your audience is, Ms. Johnson! Please bring back your former style.

I admit I haven't finished this book. But seeing as how both heroine & hero are annoying beyond belief and have dubious motivations to be having sex together, the only reason to continue this book is to keep finding anachronisms.

This is supposed to take place in 1868, right? Yet I have found phrases such as "worst case scenario" which wasn't used till 1960, "equal opportunity observation" (1963), "the understatement of the century," "shoot first, ask questions later," and most annoying of all, "That's me. Mr. Assured."

Would anyone really say these things in 1868? Is this a time travel story? I think Ms. Johnson hired a ghost writer, though how all of the above could have made it past the many readers prior to publication is beyond me. Ms. Johnson is normally so meticulous and thorough in her backgrounds and facts. That's why I gave it two stars, because I normally like her.

I thought it'd be intriguing to read something that didn't take place in England, France, or Scotland for once! So she gets another star for a fresh locale.

In 1868 Northern Japan, the Otari clan loses the Civil War. When their leader is killed, his daughter Princess Tama flees the area dressed as a peasant boy with a plan to reach the capital and find passage to Europe to bring back her brother as the new clan chief. Tama reaches Edo where she sees American sea captain, Hugh Drummond enter a brothel. Tama forces the geisha Sunskoku to take her to see Hugh. For an exorbitant fee he agrees to take her to France where her brother lives.

They need to reach Osaka to sail, but Sunskoku reports to Chief Inspector Hiroki who begins a massive manhunt. As Tama and Hugh defeat Hiroki's ninja, they also make love when they find a few days of sanctuary. They reach Osaka and sail to France where she hopes to persuade her reluctant brother to return to Japan and where she knows that her tryst with her beloved will end when his western lifestyle intercedes.

PURE SILK is an exhilarating east meets west mid nineteenth century erotic romance that is at its best in Japan. When the story switches to France, it loses some energy with the meetings of his enervating ex-wife and her debilitating brother. Still fans of exciting historical romance that blends the XXX sex scenes into the tale and for the most part uses profanity in the right place will find Susan Johnson's latest purely delectable.

Harriet Klausner

I have read many of Susan Johnson books and to be honest I have a collection of the ones that I would care to read again. By far this is the most disappointing followed by "PINK". I do not say this often but I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

Susan Johnson can write ... when she wants to. Apparently, she wanted to. Pure Silk is an intriguing story with an unlikely heroine. Johnson gives the reader plot, character, and all the other little delights that make for good reading.

I read someone else's copy. Now I want my own.