Wow, did J.S. Morbius ever keep me guessing with this one! He throws a number of twists at the reader, changing not only the course of the plot but the entire feel of the story. From Martin to Martina is that rare erotic novella that manages to genuinely surprise and delight from beginning to end.
The development of Martin and the evolution of his fetish/identity is at the core of the story. It all begins with an appreciation for women's lingerie - something his girlfriend refuses to wear. Before long, Martin isn't just pleasuring himself with handfuls of satin and lace, but actually wearing it himself. What started out as a simple lingerie fetish quickly evolves into full-on crossdressing, and an encounter with an sympathetic shop owner leads him to question his very identity.
I want to pause there for a moment, because I loved that journey of self-discovery. Blending elements from across the transgender spectrum, from crossdressing to a feminine expression, this is a positive exploration of both gender and sexuality. Martin and Mandy are both fantastic characters, and their interactions are really at the heart of that exploration. They only have one truly erotic scene together, but it culminates in one of the most sensual climaxes I've ever encountered on the page. Sally is a hard character to like, especially through the middle of the novel, but the resolution of her character arc is another genuinely satisfying surprise.
I don't want to spoil any of those twists I mentioned earlier, so I'll just advise readers to be patient, and to trust where the story is going. It does get rather dark and sorrowful in the middle, but From Martin to Martina is not a tragedy, it's an erotic romance . . . and the resolution is just delightful.
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀
Thank you, Sally xxx
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