I can’t give Sugar Town by Hazel Newlevant a pure four, but my feelings and likes make things closer to a four than a three. The nice thing about the book is that each reader can find what they are looking for within the stories. Sometimes I like our characters, sometimes not. Would I be friends with them? Probably not, but I think we could be good acquaintances. I like the look into Hazel’s world. The mixture of events shows a good look into human nature. It allows the reader to explore safely, to live vicariously and can see themselves there, too. It is a fun, interesting, exciting, calm, captivating ride.
Some potential triggers are (but not limited to) traditional sexual content (in bed, in the bath, “sexy webcam time”) that is tastefully done (but if you’re not into that…) and there is some causal BDSM action (Ardent, Hazel’s new love interest, is a dominatrix), there is use of alcohol and drugs, plus Hazel is starting her journey into the world of open relationships and polyamory.
Overall, I liked Sugar Town. I was not thinking, “OMG best book ever”, but I do want to read it again. I think during a second read there would be things missed the first time around. I could also explore the areas I was interested in and now that I have a picture of who I think these characters are, I could see if I still think that in a second round.
The illustrations and text work together to move our coming-of-age as an older adult who is now entering her new chapter in life. Colors are not muted, but don’t necessarily pop off the page. Things are formatted to set the mood, show the area and evoke the thoughts and feelings the author wants. The cover does give you an example of what’s to come, but there’s more going on inside. Things are organized but have a bit of causal chaos as well.