Reviews Losing It by Cora Carmack
As I sat down to read “Losing It” by Cora Carmack, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences as a young woman navigating the complexities of relationships, intimacy, and self-discovery. At 25, I had been through my fair share of ups and downs, and the premise of a college senior determined to lose her virginity before graduation resonated with me on a deeply personal level.
I have to admit, I approached the book with a hint of skepticism. The student-teacher romance trope has been done countless times before, and I worried that it might feel cliché or unrealistic. However, from the moment I began reading, Cora Carmack’s witty, relatable writing style drew me in and refused to let go. Bliss Edwards, the protagonist, felt like a kindred spirit, with her self-deprecating humor and endearingly awkward attempts to seduce the charming British professor, Garrick.
What struck me most about “Losing It” was its refreshingly honest portrayal of female sexuality. Carmack doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated realities of desire, intimacy, and the fear of taking that final step into adulthood. As I followed Bliss’s journey, I found myself nodding along, recognizing my own struggles and insecurities in her internal monologue. It was a reminder that these feelings are universal, and that we all grapple with them at some point in our lives.
At the same time, the book manages to balance these heavier themes with a delightful sense of humor and levity. The chemistry between Bliss and Garrick is palpable, and their banter is sharp, witty, and utterly engaging. I found myself rooting for them, even as I acknowledged the ethical complexities of their forbidden relationship.
But “Losing It” is more than just a steamy romance. It’s a powerful story of self-discovery and learning to embrace one’s sexuality. Watching Bliss transform from a self-conscious, insecure young woman into someone who learns to love and accept herself was truly inspiring. There was one scene in particular that will stay with me for a long time: when Bliss finally opens up to Garrick about her fears and insecurities. The raw vulnerability and emotional honesty in that moment were so beautifully written, and it reminded me of my own struggles with self-acceptance.
Cora Carmack’s writing is a true gift. Her prose is sharp, witty, and effortlessly engaging, and she has a remarkable ability to capture the nuances of human emotion. Her characters feel like real, flawed, and relatable people, and she treats even the most controversial topics with sensitivity and nuance. The student-teacher relationship, for example, could have easily become a minefield of clichés, but Carmack handles it with grace, acknowledging the ethical complexities while also allowing her characters the space to confront their own desires and values.
As I turned the final page of “Losing It,” I found myself reflecting on my own journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. This book reminded me that it’s okay to be messy, to make mistakes, and to grapple with insecurities. It’s all part of the beautiful, complicated tapestry of human experience.
In the end, “Losing It” is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It’s a story that celebrates the beauty and complexity of human desire, the power of self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to embrace our authentic selves. It’s a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and perhaps even shed a few tears, but most importantly, it’s a book that will leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little bit braver than you were before.
If you’re looking for a steamy, emotionally resonant romance that doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of life, love, and self-discovery, then “Losing It” is an absolute must-read. It’s a book that will capture your heart, challenge your assumptions, and remind you of the transformative power of embracing your truth. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down.
