Review of Beds and Blue Jeans by David Russell

"I think Nadine has achieved something really significant and substantial here. One fundamental thing about it is its high moral tone. Much attention is devoted to the realities and problems of work and becoming self-supporting; whether or not to lean on parents. All this would be totally approved by any social work agency. The story does not flinch from the domestic difficulties with Pattie.

 Both Chloe and Amber show a really high ethical level. Indeed, they want to have their flings and adventures (who doesn't?). But they are both incredibly up-front and responsible with Sam when putting any potential relationship with them in the context of his domestic responsibilities. They lead him on a little, but then firmly put the brakes on. There is further psychological subtlety in the portrayal of Chloe's repressed longings for Sam (I am always grabbed by the theme of childhood playmates/sweethearts growing up. There are similar inclinations, less pronounced, in Amber.

The story ends with Sam and Pattie's convenience relationship gaining real depth and passion; something truly, validly long-term. "