*NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE READ FOR FREE AT MY WEBSITE (aelisterauthor-dot-com) AS ZOOM RATIO (EXPOSURE & WHITE BALANCE)
When 23 year-old Jeremy Trask wanders into Martin Lewis' photography studio one bleak October day and requests photos for a modeling portfolio, neither man is prepared for the immediate and intense attraction between them. What follows is a series of progressively intimate encounters that leads them on a scintillating erotic journey together. But Jeremy has a secret. Will his revelation destroy the burgeoning intimacy between them? Or will Martin rise to the challenge of loving a 'less than perfect' man?
I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband and two children. I have a BA in Psychology and a certificate in Dramatic Scriptwriting. I very much enjoy writing erotic fiction and exploring the vast arena of sexuality and relationships.
Wow, I am SO GLAD I decided to re-read this one! I had forgotten the entire premise and just how much I loved it. (One advantage of getting old, I guess.)
MC Martin and MC Jeremy meet on a cold October day when Jeremy comes to Martin's photography studio to have some photos taken for his portfolio. Both men feel a spark of attraction at this first meeting, but it takes a second photo session for them to confirm each other's interest. Then they are off and running! The author gives us a first time blow-job scene that could melt the paint off the walls! These boys were so obviously running on more than just sexual attraction from the get-go.
Our boys start dating and the sex is so full of passion and eventually love that I'd like to high five this author as a personal thank you. Damn! Hot as hell! They experiment with some light BDSM play that will have you panting, I guarantee it.
Unfortunately, not all is well in Jeremy's world and the realization throws Martin for a loop. Of COURSE they get their HEA (I don't read books that don't!) but the journey to that HEA was just a delight to read. The love, emotion and passion of these boys was second to none.
This book is going on my rarely used Pure Romance shelf, reserved for books that sweep you away with the love and don't have any unnecessary relationship angst to mare the tale. It is also going on my Absolute Favorites shelf.
Fuck yeah I recommend this one! Read it for a dreamy high of passion, romance and hot sex. You won't be disappointed.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
This is my combined review of "Exposure" and White Balance. You can read them individually, but you'll love it more if you do them in order.
For me, what makes a romance novel truly special are the characters. Of course, I need a captivating story, hot sex, and eloquent writing, but I’ve got to see that connection. Elizabeth Lister never fails to deliver, and she’s written some of my all-time favorite romances.
In Ms. Lister’s 2011 debut novel Exposure, and the recently published sequel White Balance, she explores the relationship between Martin and Jeremy. Tender and sexy and erotic as hell, this is Martin’s story of finding the love of his life, coping with his lover’s chronic disease, and coming through it all as a stronger, better man.
When Jeremy, a gorgeous want-to-be model, comes into Martin’s photography studio to get his portfolio done the sexual tension between the two men is intense. Martin initially tries to talk himself out of his unprofessional attraction to his new client. Not only is there a nine-year difference in their ages, Martin also thinks Jeremy is completely “out of his league”.
Of course, these two can’t resist each other, and thankfully we don’t have to wait long. Elizabeth Lister writes the most gorgeous, toe curling descriptions of lovemaking, and Martin and Jeremy’s passionate first encounter firmly cements her place as my #1 erotica writer.
Exposure and White Balance are about way more than incredible sex, however. Ms. Lister explores key facets of each man's personality while skillfully advancing their relationship. Watching what happens as the men work through their challenges, and how their powerful attraction turns into love... It's simply stunning.
Once the men incorporate light BDSM elements into their play, it has a real impact on Martin’s personal growth. The men bare their souls, share their insecurities, and open up about their sexual fantasies. As his self-confidence increases, Martin finds a level of intimacy he could never have imagined before Jeremy, and it’s lovely to watch.
Fans of Martin and Jeremy are going to enjoy seeing them find their happily-ever-after, and these two do it in style! White Balance is filled with charming scenes of the guys touring London, planning their dream wedding, and even more sexual explorations and luscious dirty talk.
So many things come together which make Elizabeth Lister’s novels truly special. Always told from just one of the character's point-of-view, it adds a real intimacy to the story which I love. She has a slightly formal (Canadian) way of speaking which is utterly charming, and she infuses wonderful moments of humor into every encounter. If you haven’t read this wonderful author I highly recommend starting with Exposure, followed up by White Balance. You won’t regret it.
Okay, this book had so much potential, but honestly? It left me wanting more.
On one hand, I really appreciated the representation. Jeremy has Multiple Sclerosis and I’ve never read an M/M romance that tackled this before. That felt fresh and important! The scene where the nurse explains his medication to him and his partner Martin? That was genuine, insightful and easily my favorite part.
But…the tone was just too light. Like, 90% of this book was pure spice. Don’t get me wrong, the sexy scenes were SMOKING. Martin and Jeremy explore kink, intimacy and a whole lot of bedroom creativity. But when it’s chapter after chapter? It started to feel repetitive and the emotional depth got lost. I wouldn’t have minded it when we didn’t had such serious topics followed by.
But Martin was an absolute sweetheart, a 32-year-old with this adorable innocent vibe, especially next to the more experienced Jeremy. But we learn so little about him! Why hadn’t he dated in over a year? What’s his story? I wanted more of their daily life, the lazy TV nights, the quiet conversations, the real bonding beyond the sheets.
Also, can we talk about Frankie? I liked her, but girl… bulldozing into their first lunch together? So awkward!
Trops/kinks/safety 🤎photographer/client 🤎insta love 🤎age gap 🤎MS representation 🤎MS relapse 🤎supportive boyfriend 🤎flipfuck 🤎light d/s 🤎spanking 🤎handcuffs 🤎sex toys 🤎mutual Masturbation 🤎fingering/ anal play 🤎naked photography
Martin and Jeremy are both very good, very sweet guys…with a naughty streak in them. Some very light (a little funny) BDSM. One quote had me laughing, “Do we need a safe word?” “Martin, it’s a bottle of honey, not a cat o’ nine tails”. LOL
Unfortunately, Jeremy has a secret. Martin is afraid for Jeremy, but learns to handle it and together they live happily ever after
This novel is told from the POV of Martin, a young photographer who is very attracted to a gorgeous 23-year-old man, Jeremy, who comes in for a photo shoot. The attraction turns out to be mutual, and they are feeling their way into a relationship when Jeremy's chronic health issue suddenly exacerbates. The sudden symptoms take away his chance to explain his situation on his own terms, and force the men to deal with how it affects their growing attraction and their plans. This book started a little slowly in holding my attention, but became more absorbing as the plot took shape, and serious relationship issues came in to balance the hot sex.
There is a nice straightforward HFN, but I'd love to see a sequel, maybe a few years down the road, (even better, with Jeremy's POV as well) as they both cope with the treatments, costs, side effects, future fears and so on. There are many ramifications of chronic illness in a relationship, even when the person is symptomatically healthy, and I'd enjoy watching these guys deal with all of it, since I became invested in both of them.
I loved reading Exposure, it is an excellent, sensual and utterly seductive novella about 32-years old photographer Martin Lewis and 23-years old aspiring model Jeremy Trask.
On a dare Jeremy made a appointment with Martin for a modelling portfolio. Walking into his studio, Martin is immediately taken by his looks Fuck me, he was gorgeous. But Jeremy too likes what he sees His eyes roamed over me quickly, like he didn't want me to notice him checking me out.
The two hit off amazingly and they start a passionate relationship and Jeremy introduces Martin to his more kinkier side spicing up the sex between them. From the blurb we know Jeremy has a secret and when Martin forcibly learns of it they both need to find a way to deal with it.
Their story is told from Martin's POV and is packed with lots of emotion, hot scorching passion and lovable courageous characters. I love reading Elizabeth Lister's books and here her writing is engaging as well.
Martin & Jeremy's story is told from Martin's POV and covers two books that is best enjoyed when read in order: Big thanks to Elizabeth Lister for gifting me these books!
Read Jeremy's POV of their London adventure as he has been updating his travel blog.
That was a little painful. It started out as everything I would usually like, younger guy/older guy, sweet story, no angst, not a long time to get to sexing, and a little kink. But for some reason, in this book, all of it seemed poorly executed. The sex was fine at first but then I was wondering if they were ever going to have a real conversation, at least one. Then we have a serious issue with Jeremy, a little bit of plot and then right back to the weird kinky sex. I know kink and I like kink but this kink seemed forced on me. It is PWP trying to not be PWP. It was just odd and left a bad taste in my mouth. I skimmed the last 25% thinking the end would have something monumental or memorable but there was nothing there. I will give it 2 stars but it is a weak two stars.
Martin has been a professional photographer for 6 years but when his new client Jeremy arrived he was in over his head. They soon became intimate as they were attracted to each other immediately. The sex was explosive and Martin couldn’t believe his luck and having someone as incredible looking and responsive as Jeremy in bed with him was icing on the cake. This continued for two weeks and kept getting better and hotter in the bedroom.
Then everything changed!
One morning when Martin woke up Jeremy wasn’t in the bed and he found him in the bathroom in tears because he couldn’t get up. It turned out that he had multiple sclerosis, an incurable disease. Apparently this was his second attack in three years and the first time was so severe he had had to use a wheelchair for several months.
Jeremy's major issue was whether Martin, who had just told him he loved him, would stick around, a very valid concern considering the seriousness of the disease.
I liked the realistic way that the MCs tried to cope with what could have been a relationship-ending situation, especially since they had only known each other for a couple of weeks. Martin’s protectiveness and love for Jeremy was evident once he made the decision that he was in it for the long haul.
The tone of the book was surprisingly upbeat and Martin’s photography and their sex play gave another layer to the characters and the story as Jeremy’s inner beauty was revealed through the lens of the camera. I think that Jeremy’s approach to life made all the difference to the story – there was no black cloud hanging over him even though he recognized the seriousness of his condition.
Elizabeth Lister did an excellent job on the symptoms and treatment of the disease and there’s a good reason for this – she herself suffers from MS. Although the book outlined the treatment options it was done in a practical and unemotional way which did not detract from the seriousness of the disease and the cost of the meds., and there was no attempt to downplay Jeremy’s situation or Martin’s honest reactions to what committing himself to Jeremy would mean.
This is Elizabeth Lister’s debut novella and she did a great job on the characters and the plot. The romance always took precedence and the book didn’t morph into a text book for the treatment of the disease although, of necessity, there was a fair amount of information about treatment options. The love between Martin and Jeremy was obvious throughout even though Martin had to make the all-important decision about their future together. I thought that the book may have ended a bit abruptly and perhaps the author needed at least another 5K to fully flesh out the plot, however this is still a really good read.
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
I don't really have a reason why I thought this book might be average or predictable. It certainly wasn't either, but rather surprised me with the genuine humor, extremely hot sex scenes and incredible depth.
Martin is a 32-year-old photographer who is actually very handsome but extremely insecure. When a good looking 23 year old man, Jeremy, walks into his studio requesting some photos for a modeling portfolio, Martin wants him but is scared about his looks, his age and a million other things.
However, betraying, matching bulges in their pants say all the words Martin couldn't and the rest Jeremy makes up for. From that first day together, their love story moved quickly and very few side characters were introduced.
The attraction between them was instant and scorching but what's more important, it was written really well. The sexual tension could be felt even through the pages and both characters were genuine sweethearts.
I had a moment of pause when Jeremy's secret was revealed and thought to myself – this can't be happening, but all ended well and actually contributed to the overall story.
It is a very fun read with real affection, steamy sex and an interesting ‘conflict'. My only remark would be lack of details. Basically I wanted more—more of Martin and Jeremy, more about their lives and certainly more pages when that ending flew at me. Still, it is something I would recommend, especially when you want a book that will make you feel good and put a smile on your face.
This book is a sweet, HOT gem complete with humor, charm and and a surprise twist that gives beautiful depth to Marty and Jeremy's relationship. What begins as a routine photo session quickly develops into an intense attraction between, Marty, a thirty-something artist who's love life has hit a bit of a slump and Jeremy, a young, beautiful university grad who's friends have dared him to put together a modeling portfolio. Exposure is told from Marty's POV, who we quickly learn is just a regular guy with a few bad habits and lacking a bit in the confidence department. It takes him a few photo sessions to even realize that beautiful, HOT Jeremy is interested in him too. But boy, when these guys getting going, it full steam ahead! Both men are SEXY and they like to play...their need for each other is intense and they can hardly keep their hands off one another. Be prepared for some very smexy scenes that involve some pretty hot toys. What made this book more than just a steamy read is a secret that comes out half way through that rocks Marty's perception of his "perfect" boyfriend. We see a protective side to Marty that me cheering for a HEA in the worst way. Definitely a surprise keeper!
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say, I’m basking in the after glow of this short story.
I laughed Nearly cried Then sighed And could only hope for the perfect end.
Did I get it, heck yeah! The story began much like the previous story (the Crush) I read by this author only from a different POV.
But don’t let that stop you, because soon enough this story took its own path. One that I hadn’t seen coming. It was a path that tugs on your heart and opens your awareness for something not often talked about. In fact, I learned some things.
Still reeling over the story, I’m not sure who I loved more. Both Martin and Jeremy were so loveable in their own ways. I felt a bit jealous and wonder if maybe the author would write me into the story. *winks* I mean there is nothing wrong with a little m/m/f action, lol. *nods*
But all jokes aside, I truly liked this story and will be thinking about this one for a while wondering where the journey would lead if the story was longer. A girl can wish can’t she?
On one hand, this book "touches" a Multiple Sceloris issue with Jeremy's character. I never read an M/M book with this disease before so that is a fresh thing. Unfortunately, the tone of this book is so light, and 90% of it is just about sex, how Martin and Jeremy explore the sex life, including kinky stuffs.
Sure, sex might develop endorphin that helps Jeremy in life, but MAN, I'm a reader who prefer more than that. Sex is great, but not when it's in every chapter. The only chapter that actually interests me the most is when Jeremy gets his medication and the nurse explains things to him and Martin. I like that, I like getting new insight. Martin is a adorable though, he feels like a 32-year-old innocent, compared to the younger Jeremy.
3.5 stars Super sweet story about Martin, a quiet photographer who pretty much keeps to himself, and Jeremy, one of Martin's clients. Their relationship is very sweet from beginning to end. There are some cute and funny lines here and there, and the guys have a little fun getting a little kinky.
Jeremy is hiding something which has Martin a bit worried and afraid for Jeremy, but Martin steps up and is there for Jeremy, and their sweet, funny, cute relationship continues.
Probably more of a 3 star read but the dirty talk was so fantastic that I upped it one. Not a whole lot of plot going on but there was a ton of smoking hot sex. Super kinky? No, but still hot as hell. Boy goes in to get pictures taken, meets photographer, photographer gets all hot and bothered, boy comes back the next day and there starts the relationship. Nothing deep or angsty. One mc does have a big secret but they get over it together. Sweet story.
How much do I love Martin?! Holy hell, he was ADORABLE!!!! He may be 32, but he's so innocent. I would have liked more about his past though. Why hadn't he been with anyone for over a year? Was it not for a lack of trying? Any dates?
This may seem strange to some, but I would have liked to have seen more of Martin and Jeremy's day to day. I would have to have been shown how they were together without being told. I wanted the "boring" nights of just watching TV and being lazy and getting to know each other (and not only in the biblical way). Hot damn, we learned what they can do in the bedroom, all right.
Jeremy's dirty mouth was smokin'. WOW! I loved Frankie as well!
What would I like to see? A sequel. Maybe several (5?) years down the road. See how things are with Jeremy. How is Martin handling everything? What happens when Jeremy's off of his mom's insurance? How does he pay for his meds?
Oh and by the way...I left the stove on!["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
This was a very well written story about two characters that felt real and were smokin' hot together. I loved the pace of this...even though things moved fast, it didn't feel fake or forced. And I love how Jeremy's "secret" was dealt with and how Martin cared for him.
Wonderful book, I definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
A sweet story of Martin, a photographer, who lived a rather lonely life, and Jeremy, a handsome younger man who comes into Martin's studio with the aim of shooting a modeling portfolio. There is an instant attraction between the two men, and as the relationship progresses, Martin finds his self-confidence again and a renewed zest to live life to the fullest. When unexpected obstacles are thrown in the way of the fledgling relationship, both men are forced to reassess their hopes and dreams for the future. There are no real surprises in the story, but it is a sweet and thoughtful look at a relationship that survives the hurdles of everyday life.
I was offered this book free by the author and I am always a little worried about the book being poor but I need not have worried not only was this story really good but it was hot and at times heart wrenchingly sweet. When Jeremy's secret was revealed it was dealt with responsibly and with care. The fact that it stayed sexy made it all the more beautiful and for me even more believable and made me connect with these men even more. This is book is great, a little gem to make you smile and feel really really good on a cold night!!
2.5 Stars This was an odd combination of a sex story on the one hand and a fairly serious topic on the other. The two didn't quite gel together. The two guys start off all about the sexual chemistry, then this topic is bought up discussed, and then we go back to everything being about this sexual attraction and exploring that and then they're in love. It was fine but I need more story.
Martin is a photographer, just moving through life on his own – albeit with an annoying big sister. Jeremy works in a coffee shop, but is dared to try to be a male model. When Jeremy hires Martin to shoot his portfolio, the sparks are instantaneous. Martin fights his attraction to the younger man – surely he wouldn’t be attracted to an older, out of shape photographer? But why can’t he stop staring at the photos, and imagining intimate contact with him?
Jeremy is smitten, and arranges to come back the next day for more photos – but with a surprise hidden for Martin. Now to seduce the handsome photographer so he can find it! Jeremy knows what he wants, and is determined to get it.
This begins a seriously sexy relationship as these two find their way in this new relationship. Jeremy’s revelation about his illness shocks Martin, but he doesn’t back down and slink away – he steps up to find out all he can about it.
In relationships as in photography, everything is about balance. I enjoyed watching the dance between these two men as they find that balance.
The heights of desire Jeremy and Martin felt for each other was so instant and consuming that I feared it wouldn't take long before their passion would burn out. But it was backed up by a need to know more about one another, and thankfully they gave equal importance to an emotional connection, to forming a durable relationship.
When Martin found out about Jeremy's MS, I liked the fact that his immediate reaction was one of concern and need to help. Considering the short time they're known each other, Martin could have easily chosen to not stick around. And I really appreciated the sensitivity the author used to thread the matter of MS, the simple facts and explanations of what it entails. The result is that the medical condition is just another part of Jeremy, of how wonderful he is.
Exposure is a delightful blend of hot chemistry and sweet, tender moments. I enjoyed watching Martin and Jeremy support each other and fall in love. Recommended.
NO-SPOILER NOTES: Jeremy’s “secret” is something the author herself deals with too, so to my uninformed eyes I think it was handled quite well. Maybe a little TOO comprehensive in a few small spots (this is a fairly short book, so the level of detail takes up some space), but it was handled in a positive way - “this isn’t the end of the world, and we’ll deal with it patiently.”
To that end, the Christmas gift at the end was both sweet AND hot :)
A great novel that educated the reader about the many sides of MS. I love it when authors treat hard issues with respect, focusing not just on the horrible side of it, but showing how characters can (and do) live full and happy lives in spite of their disease. I learned a lot, and I really liked the characters.
Meh, this book was ok. If you want a stress free, good sex book. This is it. The characters were ok but I had a hard time keeping my interest. I have it 3 stars for the sex.
I just finished Elizabeth Lister's book Exposure, and I felt she truly did great justice to a difficult story-line twist. I give it a strong four to four and a half stars. The sexual chemistry between the main characters Martin and Jeremy--who have about a nine-year age difference--starts off strong and continues to provide hot action throughout the story. The plot flows well from chapter to chapter and even the few secondary characters are well-done.
From the brief story-blurb I was expecting Jeremy to reveal a secret to Martin; however, after reading about halfway through the story, the type of secret and the way in which it is revealed to Martin truly surprised me. Now, I am the type of reader that hates to go to bed when a book that is this good is unfinished. This secret, though, hit me harder than I would have imagined. The scene really got to me. I had to actually put the book down, wait for about two weeks, and then go back to it. Without spoiling it for anyone, let's just say it touched on a nerve from a dating relationship from my own past!
Once I picked the book back up, Martin and Jeremy were able to have their HEA. They strengthened their relationship and committed to the long-haul. One of my favorite lines of the books comes when Martin is talking to his sister: "Well, he's so damn good looking and sweet and smart and into me. I knew there had to be something." "Nobody's perfect, Martin. Y'know, he's still all those things. The fact that he's dealing with this just makes him that much more interesting."
There were two main reasons I did not give the book five-stars. The first was the quickness of the consummation of the physical relationship at the beginning of the book. I don't have a problem with early consummation in general; I just felt it was out of character for Martin as well as for Jeremy after the dry spells they had been having. The second reason was a feeling of being rushed at the end to wrap it up tidily. I definitely recommend this book, her writing style, and plot, and I have already downloaded another of her books to feast on the "hotness" of her men!
I really did enjoy this book - it was short and sexy, and the characters were all great. I loved Frankie (the main character, Martin's) sister. It just felt a little too light on story, and I would really have liked to have seen some more character development. It's mostly sex with a bit of story thrown in for good measure ;).
Still, it was nice to see a story in which the disability is not the main focus, and how it's shown that people with disabilities are not only sexual but can be considered beautiful and attractive. And that Jeremy is a strong character who knows what he wants and doesn't let his disability rule his life (anymore than it has to from a practical perspective)!
For example, at one point, Martin has reservations and Jeremy reassures him: "Only a hundred percent healthy people can have kinky sex? . . . . I'm not going to postpone all the things I enjoy until my legs are better. And, it's just, if you're gonna handle me with kid gloves from now on, this just isn't going to work. . . . I feel great, my symptoms are improving, and there is nothing better than a huge, motherfucking, explosive orgasm to send endorphins and positive energy through my brain and body. . . . The most important thing this disease has taught me is to enjoy the fuck out of what life has to offer, every day. I do take care of myself. I eat well and I get as much sleep as I can. I've started this new medication and I swear I will take it religiously. Beyond that, I will not let this disease dictate how I live my life."
Jeremy's attitude (point made in the above quote) is part of the reason I had issues with Kit in Seizing It. I hope we can see more authors tackle characters with disability in realistic ways like this. And I honestly wouldn't mind seeing Jeremy and Martin again in future stories, Ms. Lister!
It takes a delicate hand to create a character that is not only vibrant, interesting and sexy but chronically ill and coping with that disease as well. Meet Jeremy, one of the main characters in Elizabeth Lister's stunning novel, Exposure. Jeremy, a hot young working guy, takes a dare from his buddies to be photographed for the purpose of building a portfolio to be used to embark on a modeling career. Here is no simpering, vain young beauty; rather we grow to love this brilliantly courageous young man who has determined that he will live each moment of his life to the fullest. After all, when one is faced with the prospect of paralysis and loss of mental acuity that is symptomatic of advanced Multiple Sclerosis, one has a choice: either throw in the towel and bow to the disease or live as if there is no tomorrow. Thankfully for Martin, Jeremy does just that...embraces life. Martin, a photographer who is at best, adrift in both his career and personal life, is not only captivated by Jeremy when he presents himself to be photographed; but finds himself drawn from his safe and lonely existence toward the energy and vitality that is Jeremy. The two form a bond that goes well beyond Client and photographer and deepens into lasting and most satisfying love.
While this novel does not dwell on MS, the disease and it's eventual life altering side effects, neither does it shy away from exposing what a relationship looks like when it is confronted with a life threatening disease. The compassion and care with which Elizabeth Lister treats her subject matter, the incredibly sweet and tender love she creates in her multi-layered characters, and the overriding sense of hope for a future together living without fear is done with a deft and capable hand. I highly recommend this novel. This will be the first of many novels I hope to ready by this gifted author.