Official Review: Shameless Sex by Marsha Casper Cook

CataclysmicKnight · Post by **CataclysmicKnight** » 24 Dec 2015, 15:56

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shameless Sex" by Marsha Casper Cook.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Shameless Sex by Marsha Casper Cook is a book that I really wanted to enjoy. Told in third person, it starts off with a powerful, intelligent, confident woman named Virginia that uses her sexuality to get everything she wants. After stumbling upon a girl in an elevator, she uncharacteristically befriends her, teaching her to be more confident like her. This seemed cliché at first, but quickly became the beginning of something interesting.

The biggest issue, which is also unfortunately the best thing about the book, is the actual story. Virginia Templeton is recently widowed and has inherited her husband's crumbling company. Throughout the story, however, this is touched on only once or twice. This main plot point is left to the side as interesting subplots emerge, but then those too are simply dropped or forgotten until the end. I really would've enjoyed the book if it took a more substantial journey through the stories, rather than ignoring them for a few dozen pages.

Shameless Sex lives up to its name - there is a fair bit of shameless, well-done sex. It never drags out and never feels like it's there just to keep a reader's attention. Unfortunately, the book is also needlessly split into three "stories." The problem here is that each story is seemingly a continuation of the main story, but because they're separate they often repeat facts you've just read like a "previously on..." television show recap. On the other extreme, some facts and events seem forced, particularly the ending, and don't allow a natural growth for the characters.

This isn't to say the book is bad, just a little hollow. There are some characters here that are easy to connect with, even if they're hardly utilized, and surprises are frequent. Despite the book being so short, I missed some of the characters and wondered what happened after the book ended. That's not something I can often say about a book, and it's a massive compliment to author Marsha Casper Cook.

Like I said, I really wanted to like this book, given the great beginning it has. By the end, with all the missed opportunities, I have to give Shameless Sex by Marsha Casper Cook 2 out of 4 stars - the story was enough to hook me and want more, just didn't carry through. To note, however, if the book were ever redone to flesh these side stories out further and extend the main plot, I'd happily give it a read. If you like stories about strong, take charge women and don't mind a lack of a strong plot this one may still be for you.

******
Shameless Sex
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marsha casper cook · Post by **marsha casper cook** » 05 Jan 2016, 01:35

Thank you for your review. I appreciate you taking the time to explain what you thought could have been better. I think you were right about the length. At first they were just written as short stories and I was intending on writing a series which is why some of the plot points weren't complete. I decided to put them together and understand your comments completely. I will be writing another book about Virginia Templeton in the near future and will be very happy to have you review it. I am happy you liked the characters and they will be back again. This time more complete. The title is back as it was THE VIRGINIA TEMPLETON STORIES - Again, thank you for your comments.
Marsha

CataclysmicKnight · Post by **CataclysmicKnight** » 05 Jan 2016, 19:10

Hello there Marsha! It's an honor to hear back from you! And you're absolutely welcome of course. I look forward to another, full-length Virginia Templeton story, and it's always awesome to see how a story extends from its origins. Please don't hesitate to let me know once it's done!

Levi · Post by **Levi** » 07 Jan 2016, 23:17

I may be childish in saying, but I really wish you had enjoyed Shameless Sex better @CataclysmicKnight

All joking aside, that was a wonderful and balanced review, and one that I've come to expect from you. You are as insightful as I am enthusiastic, and I look to your reviews to balance my own. That the characters struck a chord with you despite the issues, may sound trivial to some, but that says a lot to me. And given the very classy reply by Marsha Casper Cooke, the likes I haven't seen here by an author given a less than perfect review, she will always prosper. Thank you for your class Miss Cooke, and congrats, your work is out there, that in itself is a feat!!

CataclysmicKnight · Post by **CataclysmicKnight** » 10 Mar 2016, 22:07

Levi wrote:I may be childish in saying, but I really wish you had enjoyed Shameless Sex better @CataclysmicKnight
All joking aside, that was a wonderful and balanced review, and one that I've come to expect from you. You are as insightful as I am enthusiastic, and I look to your reviews to balance my own. That the characters struck a chord with you despite the issues, may sound trivial to some, but that says a lot to me. And given the very classy reply by Marsha Casper Cooke, the likes I haven't seen here by an author given a less than perfect review, she will always prosper. Thank you for your class Miss Cooke, and congrats, your work is out there, that in itself is a feat!!

Thanks very much for saying so! As I write my reviews I always get nervous that I do a horrible job conveying both the positives and negatives, so to read these words means a lot! And I 100% agree, Marsha has the personality to do wonderful things in the future, and the parts of the book that were positive could easily become entire books of awesomeness in the future for her, ones I'm psyched to read!