Stevie‘s review of True Colors by Yolanda Wallace
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 15 Aug 17
Having parents who are famous for whatever reason always seems to be a mixed blessing. While there are advantages to growing up in a, one assumes, privileged environment, there are plenty of disadvantages: the intrusive media attention, the speculation as to whether the child will grow up to emulate their parents or to follow an opposing path, the parental pressure to conform to their and society’s expectations of the family’s place in it, or at least not to rebel too obviously. These last are possibly more keenly felt by the children of politicians, than by those whose parents are other types of celebrity, particularly in the polarised political climate that we are experiencing in various parts of the world right now. And that’s precisely the situation Taylor Crenshaw finds herself in, made particularly difficult by the fact that her beliefs and needs are precisely the opposite of those that got her father elected to the White House.
Taylor is a lesbian and a Democrat, while her father is a Republican who has embraced the conservative viewpoints of many of his core voters. While he’s not attempting to stop Taylor from seeing who she wants, he and his team are keen that she be ‘discreet’ and only appear at public functions with suitable, equally media-neutral escorts. While Taylor loves her parents, she has no intention of putting her life on hold for the length of her father’s time in office. When she meets Robby Rawlins, she is keen to act on the attraction she feels, despite the difference in their status – though not in their politics.
Robby has three jobs, none of which is likely to endear her to the President or his advisors. As well as working in her friend’s shop, she also writes a pseudonymous political blog and performs as a go-go dancer in a popular lesbian bar. When Taylor asks her on a date, Robby at first thinks only of the gossip she might pick up for her blog. As the two grow closer, however, Robby – as well as Taylor – has to work out how much, if any, of her life she is prepared to sacrifice for love.
I really enjoyed this book. It was clear that there was a lot going on beneath the surface of Taylor’s parents’ supposedly perfect relationship, although the family had a lot holding it together beyond ambition. Taylor wasn’t the only one investing emotions into her home-life, although at times it seemed like she was giving more than either her mother or her father. I was interested also to read about the public and private events Taylor was expected to attend as first daughter, and really wanted to see her get the future, relationship, and career she deserved sooner rather than later. I definitely want to investigate this author’s back catalogue as soon as I get some spare reading time.
Grade: A
Summary:
Taylor Crenshaw is a lifelong Democrat, but her parents are staunch Republicans. To make matters worse, her ultraconservative father has just been elected president. Although she prefers to live her life openly, her father would rather she stay in the closet. When she meets Robby Rawlins, will she choose to give in to her father’s demands or follow her heart?
Robby Rawlins works at an antique store by day. She spends her nights anonymously skewering politicians in her blog. President Terry Crenshaw’s anti-gay rhetoric gave Robby plenty to write about during a contentious campaign, but a chance meeting with his daughter leaves her at a loss for words. Getting the scoop has always been Robby’s goal. Now it might come second to getting the girl. Unless she can find a way to do both.
Read an excerpt.
