Rock F*ck Club Box Set, Books 1-5 (Girls Ranking the Rock Stars)

RFC #1
Rock F*ck Club. Wow! What a novel premise! It’s…it’s refreshing! I love it! Women should be able to be comfortable and confident in their sexuality without fear of judgement. And Raven sets out to see how comfortable and confident she can be. I liked Raven’s taking a stand against the injustice of society’s double-standards when it comes to sex. I felt the irony that in wanting control over her sexuality she was put on a path where she had none – but a path that allowed her the ability to find herself as well as love. Because while on the surface Rock F*ck Club might look like a simple story of a girl getting her jollies and raising a finger to her ex as well as society, it’s so much more. What starts out as a journey of self-empowerment ends up being a journey of self-discovery.

RFC #2
What a treat! I loved getting to see a picture of what life is like now for Raven and Lucky, their struggle to carve out a relationship that works for them both. And I enjoyed seeing what’s going to come next for RFC. =)

RFC #3
Prepare for me to gush. 🙂 Rock F*ck Club #3 revolves around the second season and Raven’s best friend, Marsha is the star. RFC’s main concept – a woman’s right to explore her sexuality without judgement – is a theme that continues but RFC is about much more. It’s also a journey of self discovery and being a part of Marsha’s journey was an absolute pleasure. AND fyi, Rock F*ck Club #3 may be the hottest book Mankin has written to date! It may also be my favorite…and that’s saying a lot.

The heady topics of self-worth, sexual freedom, true friendship, loyalty – were all examined in genuine ways…ways that kept me reading WAY past my bedtime. (It’s been a long, long time since a book kept me up until 2 a.m.) I appreciated the connections Mankin made from RFC #2 to #3 with Marsha and Raven’s friendship, how she delved into its depths, tested its strengths and boundaries. I thrilled at the introduction of new characters – new band mates, Marsha’s conquests, and Barbara, the new addition to the circle of women including Marsha, Raven, and Sky.

I loved where Mankin took things, and admired her for taking them there. I appreciated how she resolved things for Marsha and her man and I pray she writes Rock F*ck Club #4 and #5 sooner than later!

RFC #4
Rock F*ck Club reads like a reality TV show and therefore picks back up right where we left off. I admire how MMankin uses this format to convey the reality of the journey these women are on. I’m certain she never considered this series would become so relevant.

I knew with Marsha’s past, her road to happiness with Ivan wasn’t going to be smooth. I appreciated how MMankin kept it real – showing Marsha’s insecurities and vulnerabilities despite Ivan’s declarations of love. I kinda felt like RFC #4 focused more on being in Marsha’s head than on seeing how she and Ivan were going to make a go of things. While this was realistic considering Marsha’s past, I missed seeing more of them as a couple.

RFC #5
Holy WOW! I don’t even know where to start with Rock F*ck Club #5. I was so very eager for Gale’s story and I’m ecstatic I got it. Before this one, I would have said #3 was my fav. But now I’m all about Gale and Jo!!

Let’s start with Jo. MMankin kept her mysterious. We knew and/or learned enough about her to understand she was fiercely loyal to those she loves. We also knew she was a fighter, a survivor, and a resilient young woman. But there was that something she wouldn’t share. I adored her anyway!

Gale. Sigh. That reminds me – Gale LeSigh. LOL So we know he’s been through some heavy stuff. Losing his wife and baby – I can’t fathom. That’s why I knew it meant something profound when he sought out Jo. Gale is one hot rocker for sure but he’s also intelligent, compassionate, and his loyalty to those he loves rivals Jo’s. I was swooning right along with Jo as he fought to win her trust and her heart.

The banter between these two was witty snark. I adored their back-and-forth. They both write music and lyrics for their bands and both sing. You know that in my opinion lyrics are everything. So to have these two pouring their souls into songs and then discussing English literature? They’re my dream couple.

Gale and Jo have some shared experiences in common. Jo’s always handled things by keeping people out. Gale wormed his way into her head and under her skin with his patience and compassion. I liked that they could support each other in such important ways. And I applaud MMankin’s ability to evoke all the emotions they felt through her beautiful prose.

RFC has taken a backseat in my review so far. I admired Jo’s reasoning for agreeing to do this show. But maybe she was a bit naive going in? I say that mostly because she thought she could keep emotion out of the equation and sex doesn’t work that way, in my opinion. I liked the angle she took though in fulfilling her contract. Her second hookup was off the charts hot! And her final one was so perfect. I admire how MMankin goes about making sure these girls meet their obligations but stay true to themselves and the RFC mantra – their body, their choice.

I have to point out one more time how much I appreciated the English literature references. Even Jo’s bandmates had changed their last names with nods to great literature. Wuthering Heights isn’t my favorite – too dreary 😉 – but it’s high on the list. Kudos to MMankin for those details.

There’s so much I loved about Gale and Jo’s story, I could honestly wax poetic for a long while. I feel like MMankin outdid herself with Rock F*ck Club #5. The characters are all engaging, the romance so poignant, and the shocking events…it was all a visceral experience. And I can’t wait to see what happens in the next season.