So much more than an affair
588254
Devoured this in a day! Well developed characters, a bit of mystery, lots of love and tons of heat and chemistry. Not sure how I'd feel about an affair and cheating, but there's to much more to this story and it's almost alarming how you can imagine many women feeling this type of loneliness and insecurity. A must read!!
1291332
The explicit sex throughout will have people talking about Married Sex, but it is the craftily drawn characters and a plot that is unsettling and seductive that makes the larger conversation so compelling.
What does it take to push a self-controlled, contented and happily sexualized (and attractive) couple to step over the not-imaginary line? A protagonist with immense charm, a sexual adventuress, a risk taker calculated and controlled, but not always in control. And, yes, seductive and beautiful.
This is most definitely not a don't-wish-for-something-you-really-don't-want moralistic tale: Married Sex is much more complex and nuanced, a true reflection of the powers and desires we hold in check and where we are transported when the wheels shake loose.
Can you have your cake and eat it too? What are the digestive challenges? Who pays for dinner? How do love and sex survive more?
A really strong breakfast in bed read.
Full-caff. Rich, sweaty, concerned and loving. With notes of...
A very sly and intelligent slice of life. Oh, and juicy.
4570625
This book really lived up to its title, with a significant amount of intrigues and hidden conspiracies being involved! But it was so much more, at the same time! It was a tribute to love between lovers, as well as family members!

But first things first...

It all started when Lady Jane Langley was involved in a -not really- accident, where she witnessed a stranger killing one of her co-passengers. The course of prior events, that are thoroughly explained later in the book, forced that stranger, named Gerard Badeau to hesitate before killing the witness. Instead, he decided to take her with him, unwilling to let her live and betray his secret and identity, but also unable to find the courage to finish her off, too.

From there on, an adventure begins for the Jane and Gerard, where the time they spend together force them to make an alliance, based at first on the severe injuries the lady has suffered and his tending to them, and later to a much deeper connection that starts to form between them slowly but on a steady pace.

I loved the way the author described this delicate blossoming of love between the heroes, while they both struggled to find themselves and realize their feelings for each other.
The whole procedure seemed very similar to what happens in real life, too, even if the people involved are not as complicated and complex as a lady and an assassin loving one other!

The book proceeded in a steady pace with no rushed feelings coming forward. Everything seemed so natural, when at first it was the close proximity and the fact that they were alone seemingly outside of the real world that brought them together, the long conversations they had with each other, the physical attraction and the need to consummate their strong feelings, and, least but not last, the actual love settling. A love that meant the abandonment of any egotistical feelings about their previous lifestyles.

There was also a strong reference to the meaning of family, referring not only to the marriage, but also to the relationship with the heroes' parents, as well as their siblings and their closed ones, something I also extremely enjoyed.

I could go on and on about the love between Jane and Gerard, and they way I perceived the whole procedure taking place, but instead, I will decide to not spoil the fun of the discovery for the rest of the readers. I will just emphasize the fact that I loved the way everything was flowing, the way the author described them, and the fact that the excitement started right from the first chapter!
958915
With a title like this one, one could only imagine the amount of drama that would unfold.
This isn't the classic tale of being "the other woman", it entails so much more.  It's an entertaining read, I felt as if I was watching a movie. I couldn't put my iPad down.
159900
Don't be thrown off by the title; this is not an episode of Bonanza. The novel reveals that love between a man and woman is boundless and timeless; it supercedes public opinion, it strengthens its resolve when attacked, and reaches us beyond our inscrutabilities.
748617
This is not your usual romance. Karen Caughee has had some really rough days lately. Shes a concert violinist for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and lost her bid for concertmistress that she thought was a shoe-in. Her longtime boyfriend, a local music teacher, tells her theres really nothing between them and admits hes met someone else. Her dad left years ago and her mom is a somewhat functioning alcoholic who needs to be hauled home from the local bar on a regular basis. And Karen is the one who gets the calls in the middle of the night because her brother has a wife and kids and cant be bothered to pick up his phone.

So Karen goes to a local bar and grill and is having a few martinis to cheer herself up when she meets a nice guy whos with a group of businessmen. After talking awhile, he helps her into the taxi that she calls to take her home. Within minutes, the taxi is broadsided and Karens consciousness fades away.

Waking up in the hospital a few days later, Karen finds that no one has even been concerned about where shes been, except for Greg Randolf, the American guy who pulled her from the taxi after the accident. He calls to check on her and is there to take her home the day shes released. Weeks and weeks of recovery follow and Greg continues to check back when hes in town and bring groceries and essentially take care of Karen when no one else does.

There are some subtle clues along the way that not everything is right with this budding romance, but you really, really want it to be. You root for Karen, because shes a nice girl whos been through so much already in her life and Greg is a steady, hardworking guy who travels a lot for business. Their relationship progresses to intimacy, although Greg seems a little reluctant at first. When they're apart, they talk or text every day. Soon Greg is asking Karen to accompany him on trips and to come to his company apartment in New York for long weekends. And cautiously she allows herself to think of happily ever after

There are some incredible twists and turns in this novel that caught me completely by surprise, although that sense of foreboding that something is not quite right stays with you throughout. I found it a fascinating read about the many gray areas between right and wrong. It definitely works as a stand alone book, although it was written as a companion to Ms. Morettis previous novel, Thought I knew You.
2733196
This book is much more than an erotic novel (although there are some detailed sex scenes in it). It tells the story about a married couple with a very strong and untraditional sex life. Unfortunately,  they are members of a strict religious group that maintains a strong control over its members.  It's hard to believe that there are people who allow themselves to be controlled with religious groups such as the Jehovas Witnesses(the religion this couple are members of) but sadly that is the case and the control that these religious groups have over there followers is all too real. Personally, I've known of people who have been subjected to this manipulation and have seen the damage it has done to them. Again, there are several detailed sex scenes in this book but the story sends a very strong message about not allowing yourself to be controlled by anyone especially in the name of religion.
1391751
Maurilia Meehan's 'Adultery' is sometimes breathtaking in its perceptions. It's really good to see this 1995 novel re-released, as it has retained all its relevance, even as one is forced to recall a world without social media, smartphones and the like. In human relationships, certain things remain ever fresh, painful and joyous. The book is a series of vignettes framed by the opening and closing story: Ailsa and her hopelessly unfaithful Sid, (who is satisfactorily dead on the first page, of course in the arms of another woman). In a spirit of retrospective revenge/control/irony she goes on to open a country hotel especially for clandestine lovers. It becomes the link for all the transgressors, betrayers, liars and manipulators whose stories unfold. But the betrayed wives, after the first grief and shock, are certainly not mere victims: like Ailsa, they create their own ways of taking control of the situation.
The characters are vividly drawn with broad, slashing strokes; by using and exposing unreliable narrators Meehan can give you the gist of someone in one well-chosen word or phrase.  She can shock you, delight you and make you think. And sometimes there is genuine pity coming through, particularly when children are drawn into the adults' dramas. A must-read.
4043759
The Prince Charming Hoax blends everywoman's history of divorce with every other woman's sexual fantasy in a curiously appealing mix. There's self-help tucked in there as well with Leah determined to write that book while Rox is determined the live life free and to the full. The mix of pained recital and vital action works surprisingly well, and, while the exchange of bodily fluids is more graphic than I'd choose, the tone of the writing is just right. The characters are very real and relatable. The guys aren't all evil after all. And sometimes it really is time to get your heart out of the deep-freeze.

Thoroughly modern in mindset and locale, deeply sad and bitingly humorous, sweet and sour, and wisely told, this novel has far more beneath the surface than just another erotic romance. Even the self-help lessons feed naturally into the telling, revealing their wisdom as events unfold. Reading this novel reminds me of reading The Women's Room as a teen--as recommended by my then-future husband.

Disclosure: I was lucky enough to buy this when it was free.
3663216
At first I figured this would just be another fun romance story, but it was so much more. I love the connection that forms between Dani and Rick and how she helps him realize who he truly is.  The ups and downs and twists and turns in this story make it very moving. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
3441620
The Calendar books are so much more than hot sex.  There is plenty of hot sex, so well written, that the reader is never bored.  The themes of love and family are what keeps a reader engaged for the 12 month long story.  The journey that Mia takes is so much more than just sex.  While reading the books:  I cried, I smiled, I actually cared about these characters.  Thank you for the epilogue.  I didn't realize how much I needed that resolution until I read it.
4126635
I've tried to write a review several times but I keep getting hung up because there is SO MUCH. I don't normally read romance or erotica so I didn't know what to expect... Well maybe I'm going to start reading more of the genre because I'm pretty sure my husband appreciates it *wink*

At the same time though, this story is so much more than that. It isn't just the steamy sessions (which are great) but the thematic elements as well. I'm not sure I've ever read a story that deals with the aftermath of sexual violence in such a realistic way. You'll just have to read it.

I also think it's very interesting to read a story like this, especially as our culture is broadening its understanding and assumptions regarding sexuality and sexual attraction. An important and entertaining and sexxxxy book.
4152296
A fascinating book, mainly focusing on the relationship between two teachers, one a 60-ish spinster type, the other a married 40-ish woman. The older woman, Barbara, covets a friendship with the younger woman, Sheba. Sheba, however, begins a torrid affair with one of her students at a lower-class school. Barbara takes it upon herself to take 'notes' of the scandal and transcribe this history as she observes it happening, as Sheba eventually relates it to her, and what she believes is happening. As Barbara tells this story, she gives away not only details of Sheba's life and the scandal that ensues (the affair, once out, creates a media frenzy), but she reveals a great deal about her own life (and sometimes lack thereof). It's quite chilling to get these insights and revelations and to watch it all unfold. The story is intelligent and holds a few surprises, and it's definitely compelling. I wasn't 100 percent certain I wanted to read it at first, but once I cracked the cover, I found myself drawn into this creepy narrative and wondering what makes Barbara tick.
4222567
Henry and Claire don't have the typical relationship. Of course, Henry doesn't live his life in a linear fashion, he moves in and out of time randomly, visiting Claire in her life out of sequence, starting when she is six. It is not an easy life for either of them, but particularly for Henry, as he randomly materializes naked in any year and any season, unaware of the current year. This story chronicles, so to speak, their life together as they struggle through their unexpected separations and times together. I really enjoyed this novel and thought the author put a lot of thought into making this into a cohesive, sequenced novel, which really brought the characters' love and struggles to life.
926263
I read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. It was more than just a sexy book. It dealt with death, betrayal, adoption, renewal and learning to let go and love who you are. This was a deep book without being preachy or dragging you down. Piper Lennox is able to write in a way that keeps your emotions involved and wanting to know what happens. Very real.
3354060
THE LOVELY RECKLESS is more than just a head-over-heels romance. It shows how we can thread together our lives anew, even when we're forced to start over.

Frankie Devereaux is forced to face a new normal after she witnesses her boyfriends death. In redefining her sense of self, she goes on a destructive spiraluntil a DWI lands her with community service, a new school in the Downs, and a stint living with her dad. While shes glad to be outside her mothers all too insistent pushes toward ivy league colleges, something the old Frankie would have embraced, she now has to answer to her undercover cop Dad, who seems to scrutinize her every move to make sure her bout into destruction isn't permanent. But when she gets to know the equally troubled Marco Leone, she discovers that being a bit broken doesnt mean you have to break, and that its possible to redefine yourself into new and unexpected shapes. Shes finally able to explore what she truly wants without her parents telling her what she needs to beespecially when she gets a chance to help those she cares abouteven if it means taking a few more risks. While this is praised for being a romance novel, and the palpable tension between Frankie and Marco captures what the genre requires, this story explicates so much more than a physical attraction between two teenagers. Even the title is symbolica warning about the dangers of letting the scars of your past define the future, and finding ways to turn wrong into right. Im really glad they updated the cover tooit does a better job of reflecting the poignancy of the story within. This is a great selection for teens 16 and up, especially those experiencing bereavement.
3539701
Filled with loads of unexpected twists, "Diary of a Mistress" opens with a scenario that leaves the reader eager to dive headfirst into the story.  This extremely well-written story sheds light on the lives of Carlos and Monica, in the midst of celebrating ten years of happily wedded bliss and Angela, a woman who typically dates married men and shows no regard for the pain she may inflict on the unsuspecting wife.  This time around she believes she has found the love of a lifetime in Carlos.

Angela is determined to get her man, and will stop at nothing short of destroying the life Carlos has built with Monica and their small children.  The source of the affair is a cleverly-written diary from Angela which is sent to Monica upon returning from a surprise romantic getaway with her husband.  In the diary, Angela details the alleged romance between she and Carlos.  Monica's response and the consequences of her actions to receiving the news of the affair easily leave the reader stunned.  The critical impact on her family is massive.

This story leaves the reader gasping and filled with raging shock at the extent one woman will go to for her own personal satisfaction.  Miasha's writing captures realism, leading the reader to feel that they are witnessing this mind-blowing story unfold before them. This book is a quick read, one that can be completed in one sitting.  It should be of interest to all who enjoy that which strays from predictability.

APOOO rating: 5

Reviewed by Detrel

APOOO Book Club