Reviews for The velvet cage

The average rating for The velvet cage based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-09-16 00:00:00 Roshia Adams This had a really good premise but there was one glaring issue that I could not get over TW: cheating, serial cheating, strong sexual content So let's just talk about how I came to acquire this book. I recently got Audible Escape and I was just scrolling through Black romances and I came across this book. First, the title made me laugh out loud. I knew that Zane had a reputation for being wild so it didn't really surprise me. I was definitely invested in reading a book where the women were aiming to break the boundaries often associated with what a woman should/shouldn't do concerning sex. This was supposed to be a book all about sexual liberation; HOWEVER, what I got was 288 pages of individuals attempting to justify serial cheating. I have read books that have cheating in them. I'm not a huge fan of that trope because cheating is a super harmful thing that can not only ruin a relationship, but also the mental and emotional health of those involved. When I came across the first instance of cheating I grimaced, but I kept going. Then there was an incident where a character gets cheated on so they cheat in retaliation. THEN we have characters in committed relationships who make the decision to cheat because they need to fulfill their sexual desires. THEN we have characters that cheat because "if men do it why can't we cheat as well." It was so cyclical and sent an absolutely horrible message. I know that cheating happens and that people make mistakes and how couples handle infidelity varies from couple to couple; HOWEVER, I don't ever want to promote the message that if your partner cheats you should cheat or that fulfilling sexual desires is justification to cheat. If a couple agrees that having multiple partners within the confines of their relationship is appropriate then that's different. And honestly I almost wish she would have gone with that idea instead. Willingly and knowingly getting into relationships only to cheat a few days later and to do it serially is NOT OKAY. Then there was this excuse that if a man can't fulfill your needs sexually you should stay with him for other reasons, but cheat on him so you're satisfied. WHAT?!? That's what communication is for. And Zane almost covered the importance of communication until she let a character tell her partner what would satisfy her sexually. He followed through. She was satisfied. AND SHE STILL MADE THE DECISION TO CHEAT ON HIM. I just couldn't get past this part of the book. It completely overshadowed the conversations about sexual liberation and sexual gratification for women. I love having those conversations because of the double standards that women are faced with concerning sex. But this wasn't it. I almost don't want to read anything else by Zane because if cheating is a common theme that occurs in these books they won't be for me. I don't know if there really was a lot of character development. The main character does become more confident in herself and her sexuality, but she changes from this kind and compassionate person to someone who will hurt people for her own sexual gratification. And this book is told in three different perspectives and I didn't really like ANY OF THE VOICES. Honestly, this was just a rough book. The writing was okay, but nothing spectacular. Zane took like the first 15 minutes of the book to address her fans and haters which was completely unnecessary. Honestly, it was a hot mess and the only reason why I didn't give 1 star is because I did enjoy the conversations related to sexual liberation. I can't recommend this book, but if you decide to pick it up please be weary for the amount of cheating that does occur.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-06-21 00:00:00 James Shoaf This book spawned my reading spree. Zane is the bomb! (do people still say "the bomb"??? I was a teenager in the 90's! I may be stuck) LOL