Rebelles, I read a book and now I must take you along for the ride.
If you were terminally ill, how far would you go to ensure your partner found love after you were gone? That’s the question in Cliffhanger Queen, Sylvia Hubbard’s new book His Substitute Wife… My Best Friend. Although I went into this tale blind—not having read the synopsis or even really looked at the cover—I was very familiar with Sylvia Hubbard’s writing.
Hubbard writes dark, contemporary romance novels. Most of her stories are based in Detroit, her home town. All have you questioning your morals.
The story starts innocent enough when Spencer, a quiet grocery stocker, is asked by her best friend Ramona to help her boss with a cleaning job so that Ramona could be considered for a promotion. When Spencer links with Ramona’s boss, Delanie Parsons, she’s instead propositioned to become a proxy wife to Marcus Parsons. Delanie, who’s dying of cancer, is really determined to keep her husband from becoming a recluse by helping him to find love.
As expected, the Parsons are crazy rich and high-key manipulative. During the 96 hours together there’s spa services, private jets, steamy sex (in churches!!!), and incest?
Wait what?!
When the mid-point plot twist dropped, I grabbed my white board, glasses, and calculator because I needed to be sure I got this mess straight. Spoiler: turns out it’s not really incest—it’s very close though! Nonetheless, I was so thoroughly scandalized and entertained that I rushed to do a video book review.
After reading the book, I got Sylvia on the phone to find out how in the world she thought up such a spicy and forbidden tale. Her inspiration: The Handmaid’s Tale. Sylvia says she saw the scene where the infertile wife lounged on the bed while the husband impregnated the handmaid. She then set out to create a scenario that would be more pleasurable to all parties involved.
Honestly, it’s not my favorite Sylvia Hubbard book, but it totally won’t disappoint if you’re looking for a steamy read. I rate it a B. I would give it a B+ if it weren’t for elements of those mid-point plot twists.
To answer the original question of how far would I go to ensure my husband found love after my death? My partner is on their own when it comes to finding love and/or sexual satisfaction. If I’m terminally ill, they’ll just have to get cozy with their right hand and bottle of lube. (Insert maniacal laugh) I’m selfish. I’m petty. Ain’t nobody getting their rocks off if I can’t cum. LOL.
Anyway, this was a titilating read and I highly recommend you discover the literary world of Sylvia Hubbard.
Next I’m readying Her Substitute Husband…His Brothers. I promise to report back on my findings. Until then, stay sex positive. Stay Rebellious.