Stevie‘s review of Chelsea Wives and their Mistresses by Sarah Bramley
Contemporary Romance published by Matador 02 July 14
From the title and blurb of this novel, I went in fully prepared for the 21st Century’s answer to those bonkbusters of the late 1980s, with the addition of openly bisexual characters and, given the popularity and ever-increasing explicitness of modern erotic romance, far more kinky sex than we ever found in the dog-earred copies of Lace and Hollywood Wives that were passed round during compulsory (non-playing) attendance at school inter-house tennis matches. What I found, however, was something rather different…
For a start, the sex scenes are not only few and far between, they’re also remarkably non-kinky and rather sparse in their execution. Normally, I’d have forgiven this, since I read more for the plot than the sex, but the characters are not only difficult to like, they also fall short of keeping my interest. Having struggled through the first third of the story, I find that the pace picks up a bit, but I’m still disappointed by the lack of any characters who either identify as bisexual or even used the word in any way, shape, or form. Nor are any of them prepared to discuss their sexuality with any members of their family or the men they openly had supposedly committed relations with. In fact, the relationship options for all the characters seem limited to serial monogamy with a distinct lack of honesty between partners or casual, long-term infidelity as an aside to a seemingly conventional marriage. Not only do I feel that all those involved need a good metaphorical shaking up, but a few good relationship counselling sessions wouldn’t go amiss either.
Sirena has moved to London after completing her degree and is seeking fortune and fulfilment in the world of advertising and the media. She is seduced by the older, considerably wealthier Cara, who claims to be separating from her husband of many years but hasn’t yet managed to move out of the family home, despite being a property developer. Meanwhile, Cara’s best friend also has a husband, in addition to a younger female lover, and she, like Cara, fears the repercussions, should her double life ever be uncovered. In spite of the blurb about relaxed modern attitudes and celebrities coming out, I really don’t feel this book reflects twenty-first century relationships at all well or accurately (as an aside, the term mistress is used by a variety of people of my acquaintance with more than one partner, in situations where all partners are aware of and happy with the relationship set-up – it’s the dishonesty I dislike in the book’s take on the matter).
Apparently, there’s a follow-up novel in the works. Somehow, I don’t think I’ll bother, although in the interests of fairness, I’ll add that this book does a pretty good job of reminding me why I only visit London for the museums and art galleries and so escapes being given a fail grade.
Grade: D
Summary:
Previously published by Quartet, Chelsea Wives and their Mistresses is being re-released in 2014 as a revised and updated second edition, adding greater depth to the story and racier scenes.
With hints of Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins, this is a scintillating read packed with scandal and sex.Cara Brooks, a high-flying property developer, has everything she could possibly desire – apart from passion. Tired of her rocky relationship with husband David, she’s overwhelmed upon meeting Sirena, a young, beautiful woman, one evening in a Mayfair hotel bar. Cara knows she has to make life changes, but is unsure whether she can enter into a serious relationship with a woman, particularly when she knows David’s family secret – a secret she has promised to never divulge. While battling her conflicting emotions, she lies to those she cares about most. Her desire for true happiness will bring complications into her otherwise carefree life. But does she really know what she truly wants? Can she risk everything for her own pursuit of passion?
Meanwhile, Elle Milne-Smith knows only too well that with her sultry beauty she can have anything she wants. She embraces her fulfilling family life with her second husband Makram and her two wonderful children. But she is also secretly involved with gorgeous twenty-something Lyra, who means more to her than she lets on to close friends. Makram and Lyra satisfy all her needs, but when a series of unexpected problems appear, her indulgent lifestyle is turned upside down.
Cara and Elle appear to have it all behind the closed doors of London’s wealthiest addresses, but when is everything not quite enough? After all, one really does need variety in life… Chelsea Wives and their Mistresses is a gripping adult novel that sheds light on a part of society that generally isn’t covered in mainstream media, whilst reflecting today’s society and the more relaxed attitude to celebrities coming out. Lesbian relationships are rarely the central focus in mainstream novels – Sarah Bramley is the new face of women’s fiction, heralding a new genre.
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