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Six Degrees (Honey Brown, Ventura Press)

Critically acclaimed author Honey Brown takes an unexpected turn from crime fiction with Six Degrees, an anthology that perfectly captures the essence of rural romance. Connected tenuously by a life-changing event, these stories don’t always fit squarely within the romance genre, but they retain key elements—its sense of joy and the celebration of (mostly female) sexuality. Titles such as ‘Threesome’, ‘Two Women’ and ‘Two Men’ might imply more explicit fare than Brown delivers, but readers looking for honest sensuality should find satisfaction. It is notoriously difficult to execute short-story romance well, and Six Degrees contains some of the best I’ve read. Rachael Treasure’s Fifty Bales of Hay attempted a similar combination of rural fiction and erotic romance, but went for a lighter, more ribald touch. Six Degrees breaks fewer genre rules and should appeal to a broader audience. Brown’s writing is exquisite, filled with quiet moments of observation that turn the minutiae of life into beautiful, elegant expressions of human vulnerability and affection. 

Kat Mayo edits Booktopia’s ‘Romance Buzz’ and hosts the Heart to Heart podcast.

 

Category: Reviews