Review: I, Porn Star

I, Porn Star by Zara Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Provocative in both physical and mental, I, Porn Star is more than just a simple erotic novel. I must say, I was somehow roped into reading this story by an accidental click. I thought I was merely taking a look at the blurb. First time I saw it, I passed it. Second time I saw it pop up again in my email, I ignored it. Third time's a charm. I was asked if I was interested in a blog tour. Since I enjoy hosting blog tours, I said yes, not realizing I was signing up to review the book. I nearly kicked myself and requested to be taken off the tour because I felt badly for receiving a book I had absolutely no interest in. Because seriously, the book summary comes across a bit obnoxious as does the title.

With grave reservations, I cracked upon the book and forced myself to start reading it. It may take me a while to get to a review book, but every book I'm given to review, I make sure I get to it. Colour me surprised when I'm sucked right into the book after the first few paragraphs. The title and book blurb do not do justice to this story. Yes there is the cliche billionaire with the poor young girl down on her luck. This is a rather trite theme that seems to be recycled by new writers trying to break into the erotic scene. Ms. Cox disarms me with her writing style and how she makes this old story line fresh and different.

The character development is what impresses me. Both Quinn and "Lucky" are flawed characters. The opening act is interviewing girls for porn videos. This rather trashy start is done with finesse and a certain yearning that piques my interest. Quinn on the surface seems to be an uncomplicated playboy with daddy issues. The power the wields is used in ways unexpected and I confess, rather admirable. This anti-hero does everything he can to show how he is despicable yet his intent is the opposite. Ms. Cox does an amazing job of creating a hateful character that I can't help but admire and fall a bit in love with. This bad boy character is one with a heart of gold and make no mistakes, he doesn't want to be the good guy. He's a sociopath in some ways and that is a weakness of mine. He isn't exactly abusive but he does use women who ask for it. His vindictive streak is what turns me on.

Lucky on the other hand is a character who I admire from the start. She isn't some young innocent thing. She is a scared yet determined whore who will do whatever she can do get what she wants. Her sole focus is an almost unobtainable goal. She makes my heart weep for what she suffers and what she has to do to protect what she loves.

The writing style breaks a couple of rules of mine. I am not a fan of first person. It is rare I like it because then I unconsciously identify with the characters more and most times, I don't like the characters. In this one, even though I have no similarities with either characters, I still enjoyed seeing from their perspective. This is yet another one of the writing styles I am not fond of, switching point of views. Yet Ms. Cox does it very well and it helps to swing back and forth between Quinn and Lucky.

Whilst this is an erotic story, I'm mixed on the erotica part. Yes, there are some elements of kinky sex with a bit of fetish wear, light bondage and rough sex. There is even a hint of D/s. The sexual tension between Quinn and Lucky is electric and I liked it. The sex scenes themselves were a bit of a snooze for me. Granted, I read a lot of porn and hardcore erotica so I'm a bit jaded. I did like the concepts. I did like the overall mysterious sexy scenes. It just didn't really arouse me. My focus was more on the plot and the characters.

The conflicts in this story are pretty major and the resolution seemed to come a bit too quick for me. The build up took a long time and when it came time, I felt rushed. Even Quinn felt rushed as it was mentioned in the story how he had to move his time table up. Still, this is as it should be because unanticipated events precipitated a much faster conclusion. It worked. Ms. Cox is a new author to me and I will be keeping an eye out on her. Recommended for erotic readers who are looking for something fresh and different.