Summary:

Risda III has become a safe haven for humans. Simone has used her new found freedom to start her very own baking business…. Though, her baking knowledge comes from overhearing her ex-girlfriend’s commentary while watching reruns of baking shows. Much to Ruth-Ann’s chagrin, who thinks Simone could be doing a much better job and does not hold back her thoughts on the subject.

Their rivalry continues every morning. Well, until Simone’s cart doesn’t show up in its usual spot. Now Ruth-Ann has to confront why she actually cares so much about Simone’s less than perfect pastries.

Review-
Short and sweet, like many of the Risdaverse stories. So I’ll mimic that essence with my review.

I love reading the Risdaverse/Cantina series. They are always a great palette cleanser. I nice reset and this was no different.

My favorite part of these series is learning about the various trades these women have come up with. And I’ve been waiting to see read about asinine and her bakery.

Simone is very understanding, which you see throughout the book. Which is why I totally understand her figuring Ruth-Ann out pretty quickly and accepting that her criticism wasn’t coming from a place of malice, but a trauma response.

Beautiful couple, my only wish was that the book was longer.

“Spoilers, Spoilers” – River Song

*The following is an open discussion about the book. Details will be discussed here and in the comments. If that’s not for you, this is where we part.

Okay, let’s get into it.

You know I’ve been sitting on this review for a minute. I liked the book, it fits the Risdaverse motif but I just couldn’t find anything to really discuss about it.

Then I realized, I really needed the book to be longer or maybe just to go more in depth with the couple. I feel like I don’t really know anything about them individually or asa couple.

This one felt like a filler episode.

We did a lot of setting up for other stories but not a whole lot of depth with Ruth-Ann and Simone.

I wanted to see their dynamic more. They made up pretty quickly after Ruth-Ann found her sick. But I want to see how that side of Ruth- Ann plays into their relationship, her want for control and perfection doesn’t just go away so I wanted to see how they make that want work.

I keep going back and forth though because I know Risdaverse/Sunrise are a sweet and to the point series. lol so the depth I’m wanting doesn’t fit the vibe. In the same breath I’ve seen Ruby do a lot in less than 300 pages. I just didn’t feel it here.

Perhaps it’s because I was really looking forward to this one.

But we did set up a few other books. We have Zaeman (new to me), Jerzec and the Brewer, Michaela’s sister, Dopekh and Salavator (our first m/m relationship). Lots of set up for later.

Would you date a clone?

Honestly I would. Really they are their own person. They just happen to look like someone else…. A twin for example. So I really don’t see the moral issue here.

Ruth-Ann struggles with the need to disclose this information but it would also potentially put her in harms way. I really don’t see why she needed to disclose. I mean I’m glad she did, you shouldn’t have secrets from your significant other but… I think it’s not really a necessary disclosure. Outside of this universe it’s illegal to be a clone that isn’t properly marked.

Which brings me to:

The gladiators aren’t marked as clones but aren’t illegal?

Is that because technically they aren’t meant to leave the gladiator ring, so it doesn’t matter? Maybe their genetics are still marked as clones and that’s why it doesn’t matter that they aren’t marked with redskin? If that’s the case why would the A’Ani need the distinction of red skin?

So the red skin marker must be for clones outside of gladiators. Which begins me to… why? Why are non-marked clones illegal?

My guess is the marker isn’t for the clones but for the clone makers. It’s a way of making sure mad scientists aren’t running around cloning people. So they put restrictions on the cloning process? But it really just makes it easy to discriminate against clones. Which we’ve learned that they are full people with their own distinct thoughts and wants. lol in the back of my mind I’m planing a revolution for the clones of Ruby-verse. 🤣

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