Not that I have buyer’s remorse—or, in my case, book reviewer’s remorse—but I immediately began to wonder why I selected this novella as the subject of my next review. I am not saying it’s bad, but the subject matter is terra incognita for me. This type of fiction is not new. It’s almost as old as literature itself. There is a massive subculture of individuals whose nocturnal activities may be frowned upon by society. That’s just the nature of humanity—to judge, and judge fiercely—while at the same time keeping your own peccadillos locked far away in the recesses of your mind. We all freaks! But there is a fine line between peculiarities and being a predator. When one abuses their position as a means of pursuing their desires, they have crossed the line. Where does liberation end and abuse begin?
Can a woman be a sexual predator? As the title dictates, She Dominated Him Out of a Speeding Ticket is no Hallmark movie. Officer Lucy Montoe is a dedicated peace office… she is also a sexual predator. The narrative makes no effort to serve as a story of empowerment or even go beyond the tsunami of colorful metaphors that constitute the narrative. The primary character uses her authority to manipulate. The men she meets are putty in her hands. They are willing and even desirous of such attention, but they are victims, nonetheless. She is an insatiable, controlling slattern. There are no complexities here, as the story is not meant to dive deep into personalities or serve as a social commentary. It tells its tale, effectively and vividly.
As for the narrative structure itself, She Dominated Him Out of a Speeding Ticket is blatantly erotic. This is X-rated. The short nature of the narrative does little to enhance its literary value beyond its graphic (ahem) climax. That is the purpose, to tell a single salacious tale and leave the reader wanting more. She Dominate Him Out of a Speeding Ticket is meant to be the introductory salvo in a series of similarly themed short stories. At almost 35 pages, much of the narrative focus is on the action—double entendre intended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.