Amazingly informative, startlingly candid, deftly written, inherently fascinating, "From Princess To Porn Star: A Real-Life Cinderella Story" by Tasha Reign (aka Rachel Swimmer) is a compelling memoir and an unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and academic library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections.
—Midwest Book Review
It’s more than a book about one porn star; Reign sheds light on sexual harassment and other problems within the industry and calls for increased advocacy.
—Library Journal
An OC original tells her story with humor, humility, and sharp, vivid writing. More memoirs need to be like this!
—Gustavo Arellano, former editor of OC Weekly and author of Orange County: A Personal History
Reign captures the Bermuda Triangle of capitalism’s inherent coercion, the choices we make within it, and the consent we give and perform in pornography.
—Jessica Stoya, author of Philosophy, Pussycats, & Porn
I was engrossed in From Princess to Porn Star and didn’t want to put it down. A smart woman who is an accomplished writer as well as a talented performer. It gave me insight into the mind of adult actress Tasha Reign. A genuine story told with honesty.
—Tanya Tate, award winning adult actress and host of Skinfluencer Success Podcast
A brilliant and captivating look inside the life of one of the hardest working women in the adult entertainment industry.
—Jessica Michelle Singleton, stand up comedian and co-host of Slobs podcast
A boldly written book from a talented performer. Truly an entertaining body of work to read!
—Nikki Benz
Tasha Reign survives the diamond-encrusted drama of her dysfunctional youth to find power, purpose, and even more drama in the porn world.
—Adam Mars, artist
Even if you’ve seen her work, this is still the most beautiful, open & intimate she’s ever been. This book makes you feel like she’s your new best friend who you’d never want to avoid plans with. Reading this you realize that her looks are the least interesting thing about her. The stories make you feel like you’re right there with her the whole time.
—Annabelle DeSisto host of the Adderall and Compliments podcast
What’s so fascinating about Tasha’s book is more than just her movie-script upbringing. It’s the cadence that she shares with, and the dichotomy that she ultimately represents—a well educated and respected woman and activist dedicated to her craft, that happens to be in sex work. Regardless of your views on the adult industry, her perspective is compelling and this book is one worth reading!
—Nikki Bostwick, Founder and CEO of THE FULLEST, host of THE FULLEST podcast
Even though I’ve known Tasha for close to 15 years, my jaw is still on the ground after reading this book. I experienced every emotion possible reading this book but most of all, I feel inspired by Tasha and her journey. What a badass woman! Whether you are for or against the porn industry, this book is a must read! There is something for everyone with this story and I am so proud of Tasha for telling hers.
—Nikki Mitchell- Host of Hen House podcast
Raw, honest and real. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing, tearing up, getting angry, and also deeply invested as this story took me on a journey from each chapter to the next. It reads like you’re sitting on a cozy couch with a glass of wine, listening to a friend you have known for years. Inspiring, dark and even humorous at times, this isn’t just a book about how someone got into porn, it’s so much more.
—Laura James Ecker, Actress on S.W.A.T.
Great read, couldn’t put it down, even though I know Tasha well, I didn’t know everything. . .
—Cami Edwards, former Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County cast member
This book has thwarted the construct of my belief system in the most challenging way. Rachel brings a much needed, unique perspective to feminism that can be unconscionable for some to consider, yet imperative for us (at minimum) to ponder. Inspired by and grateful for her gifting us this portal to a world that for the most part is deeply misunderstood. Rachel allows us to look through her female gaze at the good, the bad, and the sometimes downright criminality of sex work. Drop whatever you are doing and read it now - immediately, if not sooner.
—Amy Shiels, actress and Producer, known for Twin Peaks & Final Fantasy XV
A truth teller and activist to the core, Tasha gives readers an honest and heartfelt look into the adult industry like we've never seen before. Inherently charming, I couldn't put this book down and walked away feeling like I had just had a conversation with my best friend.
—Liz Culley, entertainment executive and host of the Cool Cool Cool podcast
Having grown up with Rachel and witnessed firsthand her tackle the personal youth obstacles shared in her book, I’m so proud of the woman she has become. And seeing all Rachel’s dreams come to life is truly the icing on the cake!
—Lexie Contursi, actress, Laguna Beach cast member and former dancer for Katy Perry
From Princess to Porn Star picks up where fellow adult memoirists Holly Madison and Jenna Jameson left off, and it’s even more un-put-down-able. In addition to its revealing look at the adult industry, it’s like a time capsule of early 21st century southern California. You could probably teach an American Studies course around this book. Armed with a women’s studies degree and boatloads of wit, Tasha is a frank and singular writer whose work I try never to miss.
—Molly Mulshine, writer, editor and host of Space Trash podcast
There's an old saying people often toss around when a story sounds too fantastical to be true: "You couldn't write this shit." Well, most people can't. Tasha Reign can. With absorbing prose and a near-constant IV drop of mid-2000s drama, Reign keeps you on the edge of your seat as she recounts how she went from not-so-innocent OC princess to a veritable legend of porn. It's not often we get the chance to hear such an engrossing backstory—this book is not to be missed.
—Isabelle Kohn, sex educator, journalist, and senior editor at Slate.
Princess to Porn Star is a moving and powerful portrait of a woman I thought I knew for years. I always admired Rachel’s strength and resilience. This book serves as a reminder to never, ever judge a book by its cover.
—Scott Nathan, Award Winning Photographer, writer and raconteur
In this captivating exceptionally well-written memoir, Tasha Reign provides rare insights into the emotions and mind of a highly intelligent adult actress who manages to navigate the torrent waters of the porn world while getting her degree in feminist studies at a highly prestigious university. You feel genuine compassion for her journey through life having to adjust to the tragedy of her father's death at an early age, a charismatic towering figure she was immensely attached to. The insights she provides into the workings of the Playboy and porn worlds are truly illuminating. It is an exciting and often disturbing adventure.
—Neil Malamuth, Professor Emeritus, UCLA
