PRESS for ERIN CARERE
CANVAS REBEL INTERVIEW: On risk and mission.
SUBSTACK: Random Erin
VOYAGE PHOENIX: Finch Benson Interview
REVIEWS FOR BAD SUGAR BABY
PRAISE from THE BOOK LIFE PRIZE
BAD SUGAR BABY is in the running for a fiction prize, and over the weekend, I got a sneak peek at the feedback:
https://booklife.com/project/bad-sugar-baby-95827
In Bad Sugar Baby, a blunt, cash-strapped 31-year-old aspiring writer finds herself pink-slipped from her gig as the social media manager (read: de facto personal lackey) to a reality TV diva, all because she grew tired of sugarcoating the truth. With bills piling high and dreams on hold, she hatches a scheme to dive into the sugar baby lifestyle, intending to chronicle her misadventures for publication and maybe make a quick buck along the way. But with a serious allergy to nonsense and a talent for putting her foot in her mouth, she's in for a rollercoaster of tangled lies and curveball revelations that become a crash course in the true worth – and cost – of love and life.
BookLife Prize - 2024
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 8.50 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: When Ollie finds herself without a job, the aspiring writer hatches a brilliant plan: chronicle her experiences as a sugar baby, for hire. In comical form, Ollie fails miserably at her new career—but learns some valuable lessons in the meantime, opening up a world she hadn't envisioned. That premise is an entertaining hook, and readers will find Ollie's adventures amusing.
Prose: Carere's prose is satisfyingly witty, but with deep emotion lurking just under the surface throughout.
Originality: Ollie's struggles to improve her performance as a sugar baby is a humorous, original take on a topic that's been done before.
Character/Execution: Carere's characters feel believable, and their situations combine the hard knocks of real life with humor and a pleasing, give-and-take banter that readers will relish.
***
I am so happy to receive this feedback… and just in time, as tonight we go back into the studio to finish recording the audiobook version…
Perhaps this summery beach read will become your sexy autumnal satire. :)
You can snag the paperback or Kindle version here:
https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Sugar-Baby-Erin-Carere-ebook/dp/B0D79VSKHK?ref_=ast_author_dp
REBEL SWIFT on GoodReads:
Wow! 😍 Erin Carere's "Bad Sugar Baby," fresh off the press from Finch Benson Publishing, is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, intrigue, and sass! 🚀
From the first page, I was hooked. Carere's writing is magnetic, pulling you into a world where sugar babies aren't just after a quick buck, but navigating the complex terrains of love, power, and identity. 💃💰❤️ Our protagonist, Ollie, slipped from her gig as the social media manager (de facto personal lackey) to a reality TV diva, all because she grew tired of sugarcoating the truth. With bills piling high and dreams on hold, she hatches a scheme to dive into the sugar baby lifestyle, intending to chronicle her misadventures for publication, and maybe make a quick buck along the way. But with a serious allergy to nonsense and a talent for putting her foot in her mouth, she's in for a rollercoaster of tangled lies and curveball revelations that become a crash course in the true worth – and cost - of love and life.
The protagonist, whom I'll refer to as our fierce sugar baby queen 👑, is a character you can't help but root for. Her wit, charm, and vulnerability are so well-crafted that she leaps off the page and into your heart. 🥰 Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and it’s refreshing to see a story that delves into the intricacies of a world often shrouded in mystery and stereotypes. 🌐
Here are some of the tropes you'll encounter:
Love Triangle: ❤️🔺
Forbidden Love: 🚫❤️
The Other Woman: 👩🦰👩🦳
Sugar Baby/Sugar Daddy Relationship: 🍬🧔💸
Secret Affair: 🤫❤️
Self-Discovery Journey: 🛤️🔍
Cheating Spouse: 👰♂️💔
Redemption Arc: 🔄✨
Unexpected Ally: 🤝🌟
Emotional Rollercoaster: 🎢😢
Empowered Woman: 👩🦳💪
Happy Ending on the Horizon: 🌈✨
The love triangle between Ollie, Jeff, and Lisa forms the crux of the story. Jeff, the married man, becomes the pivot point between his wife and his mistress, creating a web of emotional and ethical conflicts. This forbidden love affair is fraught with tension, as Ollie finds herself positioned as "the other woman" and grappling with the consequences of her involvement. 💔🔥
The supporting cast is just as vibrant. Each character, from the enigmatic sugar daddies to the sassy best friends, adds depth and dimension to the story. Their interactions are filled with sharp dialogue and real, raw emotion. 🗣️💞 The dynamic between Ollie and Jeff initially starts as a transactional relationship, fitting the Sugar Baby/Sugar Daddy trope, but it quickly evolves into something more complex and dangerous. The clandestine nature of their relationship adds layers of tension and drama, as they navigate their secret romance. 🤫❤️
One of the standout aspects of "Bad Sugar Baby" is its balance of humor and heart. There are moments that had me laughing out loud 😂, followed by scenes so touching they brought tears to my eyes 😢. Carere skillfully navigates these shifts, keeping the reader engaged and emotionally invested.
The plot twists! 😱 Just when you think you have it all figured out, Carere throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling. The suspense is palpable, and the pacing is perfect. You won't be able to put this book down until you've devoured every last page. 📖🔥
And let's talk about the setting. The glamorous world of high-end dating is brought to life with such vivid detail. From lavish parties 🎉🍾 to intimate rendezvous 🕯️, every scene is painted with a richness that makes you feel like you're right there, experiencing it all alongside the characters.
Ollie's journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed. She undergoes significant self-reflection and growth, learning about her own desires, boundaries, and values. Her quest for redemption and a fresh start by moving on from her relationship with Jeff and focusing on her own personal and professional growth is both inspiring and empowering. 🌟
Pedro, who enters the story late, becomes an unexpected ally and potential love interest, offering Ollie a new perspective and hope. His presence adds a fresh dynamic to the narrative and helps Ollie in her journey towards self-empowerment. 🌹
The emotional rollercoaster that "Bad Sugar Baby" takes you on is intense. The range of emotions, from passion and excitement to heartbreak and disappointment, is reflective of the highs and lows typical of romantic dramas. 🎢 The narrative ensures that by the end of the story, Ollie emerges as an empowered woman who takes control of her life and decisions, symbolizing personal strength and resilience. 💪
In conclusion, "Bad Sugar Baby" is a triumph. It's a book that entertains, challenges, and resonates. Erin Carere has penned a story that is as glittering as it is gritty, and it’s one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. 🌟📖 The promise of new beginnings and possibilities at the end leaves readers with a sense of hope for Ollie's future. 🌈
Whether you're looking for a fun, escapist read or something with a bit more depth and substance, "Bad Sugar Baby" delivers on all fronts. Do yourself a favor and dive into this dazzling world. You won't regret it! 🥂🎉💖
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
ARCHER PRINCE on GoodReads
Erin Carere's "Bad Sugar Baby," published by Finch Benson, is a witty and fast-paced exploration of love, betrayal, and self-discovery set against the glamorous yet gritty backdrop of Los Angeles. This novel is a humorous yet poignant dissection of the sugar baby lifestyle, laced with sharp insights and vibrant characterizations.
The narrative begins with our protagonist, Ollie, embarking on an ostensibly lucrative venture as a sugar baby. Her initial encounter with Jeff, a seemingly affluent and charming man, sets the stage for an intimate relationship fraught with complexity. Carere masterfully depicts the burgeoning romance with a keen eye for detail, capturing the allure and underlying tension of their encounters. However, the revelation of Jeff's marital status through social media plunges Ollie into a maelstrom of emotional turmoil.
Ollie's character is a fascinating study in contrasts. She is both astute and naïve, confident and vulnerable. Her decision to join the same gym as Jeff's wife, Lisa, underscores her internal conflict and burgeoning obsession. Carere deftly portrays Ollie's oscillation between anger, betrayal, and longing, enriching the narrative with psychological depth. The confrontation between Ollie and Jeff is a pivotal moment, laden with emotional intensity and tragic realism. Jeff's admission of his conflicted feelings, juxtaposed with his commitment to his family, epitomizes the central theme of love and betrayal.
The Los Angeles setting, with its frenetic pace and glamorous façade, serves as a perfect backdrop for Ollie's journey. The city's fast-paced life mirrors Ollie's own tumultuous experiences, adding a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. Carere's portrayal of LA life is both satirical and affectionate, capturing the city's unique blend of allure and superficiality.
The novel excels in its exploration of themes such as self-discovery and personal growth. Ollie's decision to chronicle her experiences as a sugar baby signifies her journey towards self-realization and empowerment. The introduction of Pedro, a neighbor with a burgeoning podcast, offers a glimmer of hope and new possibilities. Their budding connection, set against a beautiful sunset, symbolizes Ollie's readiness for new adventures and personal growth.
"Bad Sugar Baby" is a triumph of wit and wisdom. Carere's incisive humor and insightful commentary elevate the narrative, making it a compelling read. The novel's balance of humor and pathos, combined with its vivid depiction of LA life, ensures that it resonates on multiple levels.
In conclusion, "Bad Sugar Baby" is a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of love, betrayal, and the quest for self-discovery. Erin Carere has crafted a narrative that is as profound as it is humorous, leaving readers with a sense of hope and anticipation for Ollie's future. This is a novel that both entertains and enlightens, a rare gem in contemporary literature.