Frances Newton

The author asked me to read this book and write an honest review. Many people might not read a book on such a taboo subject, but that part did not bother me. Previously, I had read and reviewed another book on this taboo subject, though it was slightly different. In the earlier book, the couple found out they were step-sibs after they had fallen in love and planned to marry. In this one, the sibs were not step-sibs and did not find out they were related afterwards. I am undecided about whether this makes a difference or not.

In the book, Lilli quits a band on stage because she is tired of the band life and disappears from the music scene. Later, she returns to the stage with her brother and some friends. Then, she and her new band are reunited with the band she quit when both bands become guest judges for a reality show. This book covers a lot of territory in Lilli’s life as a stage performer. However, more important is her relationship with Elm, her brother, who is also part of Lilli’s later band. Throughout this phase, the author did a great job developing the two characters of Lilli and Elm, though I am not sure both were as committed as the reader might have thought to their new love interest or to being on stage. Both are not the skinny type performer we see, and, In fact, there are times when their weight is brought to the forefront. Sometimes, Elm even seems of more interested in eating at times than is his relationship with Lilli. Also, both seem, at time, a bit immature, not ready or interested in searching out or developing other relationships.

Despite these shortcomings, the characterization is done well. The relationship between the two develops and progresses fairly well also. The author definitely has given the reader a good feel for band life, or life on stage. I guess I did not mind reading about this taboo subject because of this. I think the reader who wants to sit back with an interesting book who will put any thoughts of societal disapprovals or incest out of mind will enjoy this read. The story is interesting and the writing is done well.… (más)