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In Love with Two Men
Tempted by Two
When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... and his gorgeously handsome male partner.
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish sharing erotic games with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expect is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
33,600 words/approx 86 pages
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish sharing erotic games with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expect is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
33,600 words/approx 86 pages
86 pages, ebook
First published May 25, 2012
4 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Portia Da Costa
172 books512 followersI'm a Sunday Times, New York Times and USA Today bestselling British author of romance, erotic romance and romantic fiction. My novels have been published by a variety of different houses, both in the US and the UK, and translated into many languages including German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian and Japanese. I'm best known for my many novels for the pioneering British erotica publisher Black Lace and I writing books with contemporary, paranormal and occasionally futuristic settings. I'm now venturing into historical erotic romance too, with a new novel for Harlequin Spice set in London in the year 1890.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 1, 2013
A steamy and sweet short read (about 100 pages). A stand-alone Erotic Romance MMF Menage between an Artist, an Author, and vacationer Katie who is a bit in over her head and risking a broken heart for getting involved in an affair with Marcus and Owen who are already in a committed relationship. A fast, fun, sexy, light-hearted read; I certainly enjoyed it.
I liked that there was a balance of sweet romance to the hot (and very frequent) sex. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was written so that the reader sees the perspective of all three partners.
I would have liked to have seen more of the wedding reception and the interaction between Katie and the guests - how they reacted to the unusual relationship between Marcus, Owen, and Katie. I also would have appreciated elaboration on Owen's history. But, alas, this was meant to be short and sweet.
There were a handful of little errors, but nothing so big as to distract from the story. I did stumble a few times over the British colloquialisms (I'm American) but it wasn't a big deal. Tempted by Two was still a hot, fun book.
Some of My Favorite Moments:
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I liked that there was a balance of sweet romance to the hot (and very frequent) sex. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was written so that the reader sees the perspective of all three partners.
I would have liked to have seen more of the wedding reception and the interaction between Katie and the guests - how they reacted to the unusual relationship between Marcus, Owen, and Katie. I also would have appreciated elaboration on Owen's history. But, alas, this was meant to be short and sweet.
There were a handful of little errors, but nothing so big as to distract from the story. I did stumble a few times over the British colloquialisms (I'm American) but it wasn't a big deal. Tempted by Two was still a hot, fun book.
Some of My Favorite Moments:
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
May 31, 2013
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
This was an extremely steamy short read.
Katie is on holiday when she runs into Marcus, a famous artist, while drooling over his paiting Tempted by Two. The artwork itself is extremely erotic and features Marcus and his partner Owen with a woman. Katie is hypnotised by the possibilities of the painting and quickly goes for the offer given by the men to be the girl tempted. What ensues is a sexy story of their blossoming relationship. But is it just sex for them or is she more?
I really liked this, for all it was quick and simple, sometimes that is the best. I loved the characters Marcus and Owen and understand why Katie so quickly fell under their erotic spell. They are both deliciously naughty boys. If you are after a quick sexy read, Tempted by Two is for you ;)
This was an extremely steamy short read.
Katie is on holiday when she runs into Marcus, a famous artist, while drooling over his paiting Tempted by Two. The artwork itself is extremely erotic and features Marcus and his partner Owen with a woman. Katie is hypnotised by the possibilities of the painting and quickly goes for the offer given by the men to be the girl tempted. What ensues is a sexy story of their blossoming relationship. But is it just sex for them or is she more?
I really liked this, for all it was quick and simple, sometimes that is the best. I loved the characters Marcus and Owen and understand why Katie so quickly fell under their erotic spell. They are both deliciously naughty boys. If you are after a quick sexy read, Tempted by Two is for you ;)
July 30, 2013
Okay....I stand corrected on what I *thought*.
This was the first book I have ever read about threesomes…yeah, so here goes:
I don’t really know how to even begin a review about this book…but I can say this; I was absolutely turned on. If the author was going for hot, steamy, make-you-want-to-spend-all-day-in-bed-having-sex, turn the pages faster than you can read: BINGO! She did it.
To say that I loved it, no. Will I read more by this author? Absolutely. I don’t know if this book was what I had imagined and when I started reading, I was almost disappointed. But after a bit, I stood corrected and this pretty much fit any fantasy a woman might have about having two men. *blushes big time*
There isn’t much depth to the storyline, but I liked the characters, and definitely thought the setting was perfect for how the story unfolded (as quick into bed as they were). I would have liked a little more on each individual character (and even sub characters)…maybe there is a story about Marcus & Owen (and if so, I’ll be checking that out)?!?
Yep, so that is all I can say. If you want a quick, extremely hot, M/M/F read, this is it. I now know what I have been missing and will definitely be “researching” further!
**3.5 First-Time for Everything Stars**
Title provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was the first book I have ever read about threesomes…yeah, so here goes:
I don’t really know how to even begin a review about this book…but I can say this; I was absolutely turned on. If the author was going for hot, steamy, make-you-want-to-spend-all-day-in-bed-having-sex, turn the pages faster than you can read: BINGO! She did it.
To say that I loved it, no. Will I read more by this author? Absolutely. I don’t know if this book was what I had imagined and when I started reading, I was almost disappointed. But after a bit, I stood corrected and this pretty much fit any fantasy a woman might have about having two men. *blushes big time*
There isn’t much depth to the storyline, but I liked the characters, and definitely thought the setting was perfect for how the story unfolded (as quick into bed as they were). I would have liked a little more on each individual character (and even sub characters)…maybe there is a story about Marcus & Owen (and if so, I’ll be checking that out)?!?
Yep, so that is all I can say. If you want a quick, extremely hot, M/M/F read, this is it. I now know what I have been missing and will definitely be “researching” further!
**3.5 First-Time for Everything Stars**
Title provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2013
The read more of this review and others at
The Book Wranglers
RATING: ** 2.5 stars
The book was provided by Portia Da Costa and NetGalley.
I don't know how this book got away from me, but I'm sadly disappointed. The synopsis and cover had me captive but that's about it.
Short synopsis:
Katie Warren is a working woman in need of a holiday from her very predictable life. She decides to take her vaca. in a little town called Marplethorpe where she can relax and enjoy the country.
She attends one of the relaxing activities–and art show put on by one artist she's admired from afar for a while, Marcus Dane. Katie is quickly thrown into a steamy love affair with Marcus and his lover Owen Foster. But as Katie begins to open her mind for the many possibilities of a hot and heavy short-term love affair and all it can offer she suddenly finds herself wanting a little more than she initially bargained for.
The Best Thing:
The scenes between Marcus and Owen were definitely hot and I wish there was more to experience. I liked the laid back delivery of the story. Nothing seemed too rushed; the story starts off letting you know that this will be hot and heavy immediately, so I didn't mind when it went it that direction.
The Worst Thing:
This was obviously self published. I love independent authors/self published books, but sometimes I have to ask...did they bother to have anyone read the book before they put it out there?
First problem, grammar. Throughout the book I found errors and even characters' names were misspelled.
Second problem, character building. I know very little about Katie but the things I do know are weak. She came off a little immature and too sheltered, so much so that I couldn't really believe that a character like her would actually participate in a threesome. This just seems highly unlikely. Marcus and Owen were interesting characters in their own right, and could probably have had their own story.
Third problem, the connection and confusion. Immediately the connection between Katie, Marcus, and Owen seemed off and almost forced. Multiple times throughout the story she felt like third wheel.
This feeling that she had wasn't totally unfounded. Several times throughout the story I found myself thinking, why is she even here because they seem to be getting along just fine without her. It was interesting reading about their first encounter. The real action seemed to only happen between Marcus and Owen, and she was basically the audience. At times I even felt as though Owen was only really participating because Marcus wanted this. Of course later on some how these three supposedly fall in love, although I must have missed when this happened in the book.
Lastly, was the lack of realism in the story. I love fiction, basically that's all I read, but when the language and/or details don't add up for the era then it just irritates me. (I'm gonna nitpick now) Uh, hello why was Katie wearing a freaking scrunchie? What is this 1990? and why do I feel like I'm in an episode of The Andy Griffith show at times. The quaint town, simple people, rainbows and butterflies. God, it was a little overkill for me. All in all it was a decent book with great potential.
The Book Wranglers
RATING: ** 2.5 stars
The book was provided by Portia Da Costa and NetGalley.
I don't know how this book got away from me, but I'm sadly disappointed. The synopsis and cover had me captive but that's about it.
Short synopsis:
Katie Warren is a working woman in need of a holiday from her very predictable life. She decides to take her vaca. in a little town called Marplethorpe where she can relax and enjoy the country.
She attends one of the relaxing activities–and art show put on by one artist she's admired from afar for a while, Marcus Dane. Katie is quickly thrown into a steamy love affair with Marcus and his lover Owen Foster. But as Katie begins to open her mind for the many possibilities of a hot and heavy short-term love affair and all it can offer she suddenly finds herself wanting a little more than she initially bargained for.
The Best Thing:
The scenes between Marcus and Owen were definitely hot and I wish there was more to experience. I liked the laid back delivery of the story. Nothing seemed too rushed; the story starts off letting you know that this will be hot and heavy immediately, so I didn't mind when it went it that direction.
The Worst Thing:
This was obviously self published. I love independent authors/self published books, but sometimes I have to ask...did they bother to have anyone read the book before they put it out there?
First problem, grammar. Throughout the book I found errors and even characters' names were misspelled.
Second problem, character building. I know very little about Katie but the things I do know are weak. She came off a little immature and too sheltered, so much so that I couldn't really believe that a character like her would actually participate in a threesome. This just seems highly unlikely. Marcus and Owen were interesting characters in their own right, and could probably have had their own story.
Third problem, the connection and confusion. Immediately the connection between Katie, Marcus, and Owen seemed off and almost forced. Multiple times throughout the story she felt like third wheel.
'They don't really need me. The thought was sad, as she watched them, the perfect male unit together.'
This feeling that she had wasn't totally unfounded. Several times throughout the story I found myself thinking, why is she even here because they seem to be getting along just fine without her. It was interesting reading about their first encounter. The real action seemed to only happen between Marcus and Owen, and she was basically the audience. At times I even felt as though Owen was only really participating because Marcus wanted this. Of course later on some how these three supposedly fall in love, although I must have missed when this happened in the book.
Lastly, was the lack of realism in the story. I love fiction, basically that's all I read, but when the language and/or details don't add up for the era then it just irritates me. (I'm gonna nitpick now) Uh, hello why was Katie wearing a freaking scrunchie? What is this 1990? and why do I feel like I'm in an episode of The Andy Griffith show at times. The quaint town, simple people, rainbows and butterflies. God, it was a little overkill for me. All in all it was a decent book with great potential.
May 24, 2013
When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... and his gorgeously handsome male partner.
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish erotic games shared with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expects is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
This is a novella. Short, Steamy, Sweet. Did I mention STEAMY? My kindle was getting melty at the corners. This one is for the over 18 crowd. m/m/f...f/m/m...m/f/m...wowza!
This doesn't happen often with me, but I was glad of the dictionary function on my device for many of the words. Kind of stopped me in my reading tracks a couple of times. I like learning new words, but this was beyond that.
As I've been told by other editors, it's okay to skip relationship steps in erotica. So I read this as just that, erotica. And it worked nicely. They meet, there's that instant attraction...and then they act upon it. And, boy oh boy do they act on it! This book is filled with m/m love...m/f/m love...f/m/m love. I think that's actually what I liked the most about this. It's filled with LOVE scenes. It's really not just sex. Even in my erotica, I want there to be love and this book gave me that. I want to giggle and say: Many times, in fact!
Marcus' art was a lovely extra layer here. I'm an artist myself and reading about his paintings made me want to SEE his paintings. Guess I will just have to imagine!
If this were a full length book, I would have wanted to see a bit more fleshing out of some of the details. Owen's history was just glossed over. Would have liked to have seen more of that, and what happens with them in the future. Because I'd want to see babies! But as a novella, it was actually very well done. There was "enough" of the meat of the story. Well done!
Yes, FOUR BOOKMARKS from me.
I'd read more of this, for sure.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Portia Da Costa, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Don't forget! There's still time to enter to win a free eBook copy of Cursive by Phoebe Lane, the contest goes through 5/24/2013:
http://www.beyondthesquee.com/2013/05...
This review may be found at:
Beyond the Squee Book Reviews
www.beyondthesquee.com
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish erotic games shared with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expects is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
This is a novella. Short, Steamy, Sweet. Did I mention STEAMY? My kindle was getting melty at the corners. This one is for the over 18 crowd. m/m/f...f/m/m...m/f/m...wowza!
This doesn't happen often with me, but I was glad of the dictionary function on my device for many of the words. Kind of stopped me in my reading tracks a couple of times. I like learning new words, but this was beyond that.
As I've been told by other editors, it's okay to skip relationship steps in erotica. So I read this as just that, erotica. And it worked nicely. They meet, there's that instant attraction...and then they act upon it. And, boy oh boy do they act on it! This book is filled with m/m love...m/f/m love...f/m/m love. I think that's actually what I liked the most about this. It's filled with LOVE scenes. It's really not just sex. Even in my erotica, I want there to be love and this book gave me that. I want to giggle and say: Many times, in fact!
Marcus' art was a lovely extra layer here. I'm an artist myself and reading about his paintings made me want to SEE his paintings. Guess I will just have to imagine!
If this were a full length book, I would have wanted to see a bit more fleshing out of some of the details. Owen's history was just glossed over. Would have liked to have seen more of that, and what happens with them in the future. Because I'd want to see babies! But as a novella, it was actually very well done. There was "enough" of the meat of the story. Well done!
Yes, FOUR BOOKMARKS from me.
I'd read more of this, for sure.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Portia Da Costa, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Don't forget! There's still time to enter to win a free eBook copy of Cursive by Phoebe Lane, the contest goes through 5/24/2013:
http://www.beyondthesquee.com/2013/05...
This review may be found at:
Beyond the Squee Book Reviews
www.beyondthesquee.com
October 7, 2013
HOT AND EROTIC SHORT STORY
Katie Warren is on holiday at little Marplethorpe, she's taken this time away to reassess her future. While visiting an art exhibition she's particularly taken by a painting, which is titled tempted by two and depicts two men and a woman in the act of making love. When a man approaches her she's surprised to discover he's the artist as well as one of the paintings subjects. Marcus Dane invites Katie for a drink, where she meets his lover Owen Foster. She's is very quickly overwhelmed by these two fascinating and sexy men.
A very well written short story, hot and sexy scenes are plentiful, but the author writing is very pleasing, she manages to convey the passion between the three, but she does it with such style. There's not much to the plot, but this is more about the meeting between three people and how they react to one another.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Katie Warren is on holiday at little Marplethorpe, she's taken this time away to reassess her future. While visiting an art exhibition she's particularly taken by a painting, which is titled tempted by two and depicts two men and a woman in the act of making love. When a man approaches her she's surprised to discover he's the artist as well as one of the paintings subjects. Marcus Dane invites Katie for a drink, where she meets his lover Owen Foster. She's is very quickly overwhelmed by these two fascinating and sexy men.
A very well written short story, hot and sexy scenes are plentiful, but the author writing is very pleasing, she manages to convey the passion between the three, but she does it with such style. There's not much to the plot, but this is more about the meeting between three people and how they react to one another.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
September 13, 2016
It's said that most men fantasize about watching two women having sex. I've learned that a lot of women fantasize about watching or even joining two men while they're having sex. I vote yes!
In TEMPTED BY TWO, Katie Warren meets artist Marcus Dane while she's admiring one of his erotic paintings at a showing. The painting depicts a woman being pleasured by two delicious men and it sparks a longing in Katie. She really wants to know what it's like to be that woman, sandwiched between those lovely men. Then she literally runs into the man who not only painted the portrait, but was also one of the models; and he invites her to come meet the other model who just happens to be his partner.
Katie enjoys her first ever menage a trois with the delightful lovers, but is somewhat discouraged when she realizes that the men are longtime lovers and she believes that she's a third-wheel and possibly in their way.
After giving her some time and space to reflect, Owen and Marcus begin to pursue Katie in hopes of talking her into consenting to having more sexy encounters. Katie does agree to spending more time with the pair until her holiday is ended. And the lovefest is on.
Once Katie's holiday is over and she's back to her real life, she's made up her mind that she doesn't really like her job anymore and she knows what she really wants to do and who she wants to spend her life with. So she starts making plans, but before she can execute those plans, Marcus and Owen show up at her jobsite and whisk her away.
TEMPTED BY TWO was full of fun, sexy times. What it didn't have was much character building or story line. There was a quote in TEMPTED BY TWO that grabbed my attention: "I mean, shagging each other senseless all the time is all well and good, but sometimes we all have to do other stuff, don't we?" I would have liked to have seen some of the other stuff.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
In TEMPTED BY TWO, Katie Warren meets artist Marcus Dane while she's admiring one of his erotic paintings at a showing. The painting depicts a woman being pleasured by two delicious men and it sparks a longing in Katie. She really wants to know what it's like to be that woman, sandwiched between those lovely men. Then she literally runs into the man who not only painted the portrait, but was also one of the models; and he invites her to come meet the other model who just happens to be his partner.
Katie enjoys her first ever menage a trois with the delightful lovers, but is somewhat discouraged when she realizes that the men are longtime lovers and she believes that she's a third-wheel and possibly in their way.
After giving her some time and space to reflect, Owen and Marcus begin to pursue Katie in hopes of talking her into consenting to having more sexy encounters. Katie does agree to spending more time with the pair until her holiday is ended. And the lovefest is on.
Once Katie's holiday is over and she's back to her real life, she's made up her mind that she doesn't really like her job anymore and she knows what she really wants to do and who she wants to spend her life with. So she starts making plans, but before she can execute those plans, Marcus and Owen show up at her jobsite and whisk her away.
TEMPTED BY TWO was full of fun, sexy times. What it didn't have was much character building or story line. There was a quote in TEMPTED BY TWO that grabbed my attention: "I mean, shagging each other senseless all the time is all well and good, but sometimes we all have to do other stuff, don't we?" I would have liked to have seen some of the other stuff.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
May 25, 2013
This is a novella. Short, Steamy, Sweet. Did I mention STEAMY? My kindle was getting melty at the corners.
This doesn't happen often with me, but I was glad of the dictionary function on my device for many of the words. Kind of stopped me in my reading tracks a couple of times. I like learning new words, but this was beyond that.
As I've been told by other editors, it's okay to skip relationship steps in erotica. So I read this as just that, erotica. And it worked nicely. They meet, there's that instant attraction...and then they act upon it. And, boy oh boy do they act on it! This book is filled with m/m love...m/f/m love...f/m/m love. I think that's actually what I liked the most about this. It's filled with LOVE scenes. It's really not just sex. Even in my erotica, I want there to be love and this book gave me that. I want to giggle and say: Many times, in fact!
Marcus' art was a lovely extra layer here. I'm an artist myself and reading about his paintings made me want to SEE his paintings. Guess I will just have to imagine!
If this were a full length book, I would have wanted to see a bit more fleshing out of some of the details. Owen's history was just glossed over. Would have liked to have seen more of that, and what happens with them in the future. Because I'd want to see babies! But as a novella, it was actually very well done. There was "enough" of the meat of the story. Well done, Ms. Da Costa!
Yes, FOUR BOOKMARKS from me.
I'd read more of this, for sure.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Portia Da Costa, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Beyond the Squee Book Reviews
www.beyondthesquee.com
This doesn't happen often with me, but I was glad of the dictionary function on my device for many of the words. Kind of stopped me in my reading tracks a couple of times. I like learning new words, but this was beyond that.
As I've been told by other editors, it's okay to skip relationship steps in erotica. So I read this as just that, erotica. And it worked nicely. They meet, there's that instant attraction...and then they act upon it. And, boy oh boy do they act on it! This book is filled with m/m love...m/f/m love...f/m/m love. I think that's actually what I liked the most about this. It's filled with LOVE scenes. It's really not just sex. Even in my erotica, I want there to be love and this book gave me that. I want to giggle and say: Many times, in fact!
Marcus' art was a lovely extra layer here. I'm an artist myself and reading about his paintings made me want to SEE his paintings. Guess I will just have to imagine!
If this were a full length book, I would have wanted to see a bit more fleshing out of some of the details. Owen's history was just glossed over. Would have liked to have seen more of that, and what happens with them in the future. Because I'd want to see babies! But as a novella, it was actually very well done. There was "enough" of the meat of the story. Well done, Ms. Da Costa!
Yes, FOUR BOOKMARKS from me.
I'd read more of this, for sure.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Portia Da Costa, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Beyond the Squee Book Reviews
www.beyondthesquee.com
May 23, 2013
This novella weighed in at 90 pages on my reader. A HEA menage seemed like a lot to take on in that situation - espeicially given that Katie was a stranger to Owen and Marcus. So, I went into this thinking it might just be an encounter or have a HFN ending. Happily, it was a true HEA. Unfortunately, it had sort of a fantasy feel to it for me, because I think a HEA triad is a complicated thing to pull off. It happened in 90 pages here because things were simplified. I was happy to suspend disbelief for this one, though.
Da Costa writes great sex scenes, and I enjoyed them here. Marcus and Owen were open with each other and with Katie, which was refreshing.
There wasn't much discussion of relationships. There was some talk about love, but it seemed to me that more discussion was warranted: between Owen and Marcus - how will our relationship change? do we both want to add a third permanently? and between the guys and Katie - what will it be like to live as a triad? Who pays the bills? are we out in the open or not? what will our families and friends think? None of those conversations happen in this novella.
The same applies to the BDSM scenes in the story. They come out of nowhere and we don't see much discussion about them. Was this something Katie had done before? Who wanted it?
I think my biggest problem was that I wanted more. I wanted it to be longer. (ha!) and I wanted it to go more in depth. That's probably asking too much from a novella. I'm wavering between a 3 and 4 star grade. I know I went on a bit about the things I missed, but the stuff that was there (mainly sex) was really good. So I"m going with a 3.5 star grade.
*Note - I nearly had to knock this down a grade for use of the term "love-eye" (no, really, it's in the book!) but I don't want to hold my language issues (and my laughter) against the story, so I'll leave the grade as is.
Da Costa writes great sex scenes, and I enjoyed them here. Marcus and Owen were open with each other and with Katie, which was refreshing.
There wasn't much discussion of relationships. There was some talk about love, but it seemed to me that more discussion was warranted: between Owen and Marcus - how will our relationship change? do we both want to add a third permanently? and between the guys and Katie - what will it be like to live as a triad? Who pays the bills? are we out in the open or not? what will our families and friends think? None of those conversations happen in this novella.
The same applies to the BDSM scenes in the story. They come out of nowhere and we don't see much discussion about them. Was this something Katie had done before? Who wanted it?
I think my biggest problem was that I wanted more. I wanted it to be longer. (ha!) and I wanted it to go more in depth. That's probably asking too much from a novella. I'm wavering between a 3 and 4 star grade. I know I went on a bit about the things I missed, but the stuff that was there (mainly sex) was really good. So I"m going with a 3.5 star grade.
*Note - I nearly had to knock this down a grade for use of the term "love-eye" (no, really, it's in the book!) but I don't want to hold my language issues (and my laughter) against the story, so I'll leave the grade as is.
May 24, 2013
*1.5/2 Stars*
I really tried to get into this story. Trust me, I did. But, it just didn't pull through. The blurb sounded promising, but this story was a letdown for me.
Katie, Marcus and Owen's relationship felt unrealistic and unbelievable and I know as readers we have to suspend beliefs and reality in certain stories, but this one just had me going, "Really?" Everything moved way too fast to be remotely realistic.
Another thing was that I felt a huge disconnect with the characters. Not only that, but I felt no connection between the characters themselves. There was no sexual buildup or chemistry. It all felt very blah to me. The characters could have been more developed in my opinion. They were very close to cardboard characters and didn't interest me at all. The sex scenes didn't have any heat or passion to them. They didn't fog up my Kindle or get my heart racing. Another thing was the dialogue; it was quite awkward for me & it felt a bit forced.
Overall, it's sad to say, but I was bored throughout the story which made this a painful read. I skimmed pages to see if the story would get interesting, but sadly it didn't. When I read a story, no matter how long or short, I long to feel connected to the characters and story. Unfortunately, the story and characters fell flat in this one and so I didn't care about what happened to the characters in the end. I thought that I would enjoy Tempted by Two because it sounded like a read I would enjoy, but it left me disappointed.
*Ecopy received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I really tried to get into this story. Trust me, I did. But, it just didn't pull through. The blurb sounded promising, but this story was a letdown for me.
Katie, Marcus and Owen's relationship felt unrealistic and unbelievable and I know as readers we have to suspend beliefs and reality in certain stories, but this one just had me going, "Really?" Everything moved way too fast to be remotely realistic.
Another thing was that I felt a huge disconnect with the characters. Not only that, but I felt no connection between the characters themselves. There was no sexual buildup or chemistry. It all felt very blah to me. The characters could have been more developed in my opinion. They were very close to cardboard characters and didn't interest me at all. The sex scenes didn't have any heat or passion to them. They didn't fog up my Kindle or get my heart racing. Another thing was the dialogue; it was quite awkward for me & it felt a bit forced.
Overall, it's sad to say, but I was bored throughout the story which made this a painful read. I skimmed pages to see if the story would get interesting, but sadly it didn't. When I read a story, no matter how long or short, I long to feel connected to the characters and story. Unfortunately, the story and characters fell flat in this one and so I didn't care about what happened to the characters in the end. I thought that I would enjoy Tempted by Two because it sounded like a read I would enjoy, but it left me disappointed.
*Ecopy received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
June 23, 2012
I really liked this book. I thought it was well written, sensual, sexy, and exciting - all in spite of its length. I usually feel like short novellas, like this one, seem rushed because you have to go from 0 to 60 in such a few pages. I didn't feel that way about this one, which was refreshing.
However, I sincerely believe she could have written a full length novel with this story had she elaborated on the three weeks the trio spent together. Instead, we got a brief rundown of the sexual scenes that occurred during that time (and they all sounded spicy and salacious), but we were denied the joy of experiencing them during the natural flow of the story - we got the barest details, just enough to taste and know what we missed. This rundown couldn't have taken up more than a few pages - but it easily dominates the majority of the time frame in the story.
What's more (and this is really the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5): while the actual sexy scenes were all delicious and enjoyable, I actually felt like I would have enjoyed the untold sex scenes from the missing three weeks much better. These scenes reportedly involved some bondage and an exploration of the fine line between pleasure and pain. They seemed hotter, bolder, and more unique.
All in all a good read - I just wanted more!
However, I sincerely believe she could have written a full length novel with this story had she elaborated on the three weeks the trio spent together. Instead, we got a brief rundown of the sexual scenes that occurred during that time (and they all sounded spicy and salacious), but we were denied the joy of experiencing them during the natural flow of the story - we got the barest details, just enough to taste and know what we missed. This rundown couldn't have taken up more than a few pages - but it easily dominates the majority of the time frame in the story.
What's more (and this is really the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5): while the actual sexy scenes were all delicious and enjoyable, I actually felt like I would have enjoyed the untold sex scenes from the missing three weeks much better. These scenes reportedly involved some bondage and an exploration of the fine line between pleasure and pain. They seemed hotter, bolder, and more unique.
All in all a good read - I just wanted more!
May 26, 2013
3 STARS ***
A copy of this book was provided by NetGallery for an honest review.
Katie is on hiatus from work, she has recently come into money so decided to take a holiday to decide what to do with her life. She decided on a trip to the countryside and stays in a cottage on the grounds of the famous artist Marcus Danes' manor. While viewing his exhibition which featured his newest masterpiece 'Tempted by Two' she meets the famous artist who invites her to bed with himself and his lover Owen. The two men couldn't be more different, but they have an obvious deep connection which Katie is initially intimidated by, however they both convince her that she will play an equal part in their love making so she spends the rest of her holiday in bed with both men. All three end up forming an intense bond and must decide if they can or want to make their threesome last permanently.
This is a very short erotic story so of course the main focus is sex. It features m/m, m/f and m/f/m sex. The characters aren't fleshed so it was hard to feel a connection that goes past the sex. The speech is so over the top posh it is unreal, but it made for amusing reading. I would of enjoyed a longer story, Owen intrigued me with his past but nothing came of it. Overall a good,steamy read.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGallery for an honest review.
Katie is on hiatus from work, she has recently come into money so decided to take a holiday to decide what to do with her life. She decided on a trip to the countryside and stays in a cottage on the grounds of the famous artist Marcus Danes' manor. While viewing his exhibition which featured his newest masterpiece 'Tempted by Two' she meets the famous artist who invites her to bed with himself and his lover Owen. The two men couldn't be more different, but they have an obvious deep connection which Katie is initially intimidated by, however they both convince her that she will play an equal part in their love making so she spends the rest of her holiday in bed with both men. All three end up forming an intense bond and must decide if they can or want to make their threesome last permanently.
This is a very short erotic story so of course the main focus is sex. It features m/m, m/f and m/f/m sex. The characters aren't fleshed so it was hard to feel a connection that goes past the sex. The speech is so over the top posh it is unreal, but it made for amusing reading. I would of enjoyed a longer story, Owen intrigued me with his past but nothing came of it. Overall a good,steamy read.
September 18, 2013
Wow, this book came in with a bang!
Literally!
It started off so hot and steamy, it had me panting between pages.
But then there was sex, sex, and well... sex. It was hot, but there was just so much!
So much that you almost missed the turning point in the relationship! I just started skimming through the scenes.
Then everything just kind of plateaued. Just kind of meh.
After the initial lust, I just couldn't connect with them.
Literally!
It started off so hot and steamy, it had me panting between pages.
But then there was sex, sex, and well... sex. It was hot, but there was just so much!
So much that you almost missed the turning point in the relationship! I just started skimming through the scenes.
Then everything just kind of plateaued. Just kind of meh.
After the initial lust, I just couldn't connect with them.
November 27, 2013
Tempted by Two is a very sensual, erotic and tantalizing read that starts right off with the good stuff. There are MM & MMF scenes that will make your toes curl & any fan of the genre pant for more ;)
Katie is away for a couple of weeks trying to clear her head and plan her future. She winds up not thinking at all...well much. But instead is being tempted by one yummy artist and his lover all just from admiring a certain painting. It's nothing but fun and fireworks from there and, well...lots of sweaty indoor and outdoor sex!
This was a good story and I enjoyed it and the chemistry among the trio. But I wanted, no needed more! I felt as if I was left hanging a but by the end and I also did not know Katie as well as I knew Owen and Marcus. However I do plan to look into more of this authors work. I'm also hoping that MAYBE a sequel is in the making :)
Katie is away for a couple of weeks trying to clear her head and plan her future. She winds up not thinking at all...well much. But instead is being tempted by one yummy artist and his lover all just from admiring a certain painting. It's nothing but fun and fireworks from there and, well...lots of sweaty indoor and outdoor sex!
This was a good story and I enjoyed it and the chemistry among the trio. But I wanted, no needed more! I felt as if I was left hanging a but by the end and I also did not know Katie as well as I knew Owen and Marcus. However I do plan to look into more of this authors work. I'm also hoping that MAYBE a sequel is in the making :)
June 8, 2015
I knew I'd read this, but I can't find that I wrote a review, so I'm going on memory here. For all its erotica appeal, it's quite cozy with Katie exploring an English village and becoming aroused by a painting. Then she meets the artist and more. It's quite good, as evidenced by my remembering it two years and 700 or so books later...
January 16, 2018
Deliciously hot read, well rounded believable characters, and good storyline, hot steamy scenes a plenty from different perspectives and an thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 4, 2013
3 1/2 star review!
Holy hotness!
Katie is a career driven independent woman who needs a break from the crazy city living so she heads out for a vacation to a small little town and rents a little cottage to clear her mind from all the hustle and bustle of the working world.
After visiting a local art gallery and studying the great beautiful and erotic Tempted by Two painting by one of her favorite painters Marcus Dane she gets the proposition of her life time and isn’t sure she can resist.
Meeting Marcus was one thing because let’s face it she absolutely adored him but after meeting his lover and best friend Owen she instantly becomes aware that they want more from her than just a friendly visit. They want to give her all the desires she had ever had and that involves her naked in their bed.
But what happens when her vacation is over and she has to return to the real world and handle real responsibilities? Can Katie keep her heart out of their relationship and keep it strictly sex? Will Marcus and Owen let her go at the end of the 2 weeks or try and hold onto her awhile longer?
This is a short and sexy erotica novella and I loved it! It had some much steam and spice that it left my panting after I finished it. Katie was such a wonderful character to read because she truly let us know her feelings at every turn. She wasn’t afraid to try new things and play around with her desires. Katie knew that her heart could end up getting hurt after her vacation was over but she went with what her body was so badly craving.
Marcus well he is sex on a stick. Very attractive, successful, smooth, confident, and knows just how to touch a person’s body leaving them wanting more. He will make you feel sexy just by how he made Katie feel sexy throughout this book. He really truly loves his partner and best friend Owen but he craves a woman’s touch too. Hey he gets the best of both worlds and he enjoys every minute of it.
Owen is an author and loves Marcus with his whole heart. He too likes to spice up their bedroom with bringing in woman to enjoy their sexual romps. He will do anything to put a smile on Marcus’s face. He is soft spoken and is a go with the flow type of character. For the most part he lets Marcus lead the way and he follows with no complaints.
The relationship between Marcus, Owen, and Katie starts up very steamy and doesn’t let go until the very end. There are a few road bumps that they have to work through which is strictly Katie’s self confidence. When her heart starts to slowly work’s its way into the relationship she starts to question everything that she has been doing with Marcus and Owen.
Portia Da Costa did an excellent job at bringing us a short and steamy read with a happy ending. I am guessing she is not from the US because instead of vacation she uses the term holiday and says bullocks quite a bit throughout Tempted by Two. She captured my attention from the start and made me truly feel for the characters and wanting them to all be happy. A great steamy erotica story for everyone!
Holy hotness!
Katie is a career driven independent woman who needs a break from the crazy city living so she heads out for a vacation to a small little town and rents a little cottage to clear her mind from all the hustle and bustle of the working world.
After visiting a local art gallery and studying the great beautiful and erotic Tempted by Two painting by one of her favorite painters Marcus Dane she gets the proposition of her life time and isn’t sure she can resist.
Meeting Marcus was one thing because let’s face it she absolutely adored him but after meeting his lover and best friend Owen she instantly becomes aware that they want more from her than just a friendly visit. They want to give her all the desires she had ever had and that involves her naked in their bed.
But what happens when her vacation is over and she has to return to the real world and handle real responsibilities? Can Katie keep her heart out of their relationship and keep it strictly sex? Will Marcus and Owen let her go at the end of the 2 weeks or try and hold onto her awhile longer?
This is a short and sexy erotica novella and I loved it! It had some much steam and spice that it left my panting after I finished it. Katie was such a wonderful character to read because she truly let us know her feelings at every turn. She wasn’t afraid to try new things and play around with her desires. Katie knew that her heart could end up getting hurt after her vacation was over but she went with what her body was so badly craving.
Marcus well he is sex on a stick. Very attractive, successful, smooth, confident, and knows just how to touch a person’s body leaving them wanting more. He will make you feel sexy just by how he made Katie feel sexy throughout this book. He really truly loves his partner and best friend Owen but he craves a woman’s touch too. Hey he gets the best of both worlds and he enjoys every minute of it.
Owen is an author and loves Marcus with his whole heart. He too likes to spice up their bedroom with bringing in woman to enjoy their sexual romps. He will do anything to put a smile on Marcus’s face. He is soft spoken and is a go with the flow type of character. For the most part he lets Marcus lead the way and he follows with no complaints.
The relationship between Marcus, Owen, and Katie starts up very steamy and doesn’t let go until the very end. There are a few road bumps that they have to work through which is strictly Katie’s self confidence. When her heart starts to slowly work’s its way into the relationship she starts to question everything that she has been doing with Marcus and Owen.
Portia Da Costa did an excellent job at bringing us a short and steamy read with a happy ending. I am guessing she is not from the US because instead of vacation she uses the term holiday and says bullocks quite a bit throughout Tempted by Two. She captured my attention from the start and made me truly feel for the characters and wanting them to all be happy. A great steamy erotica story for everyone!
June 15, 2013
Tempted by Two by Portia Da Costa is a very short and very sexy m/f/m Erotic ménage novella!
I loved it! Yes - it's really short - only 86 pages - but for a quick sexy read it was great!
Blurb:
When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... and his gorgeously handsome male partner.
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish sharing erotic games with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expect is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
My review:
Katie comes to the adorable english countryside town of Little Marplethorpe (I soo adore that name!) to think about her life and her future - she inherited a bit of money and she doesn't know what to do with it yet. Does she keep the great job in the city or does she want to do something completely different with her life?
Part of her coming to that specific town was that her favorite artist - painter Marcus Dane - lives and paints there.
And while she visits an exhibition of his art she comes across an extremely sexy and arousing painting of his - of two guys and a woman!
Marcus witnesses her reaction to his painting and is very intrigued by this beautiful woman... and so begins a short and very erotic relationship between Katie, Marcus and his longtime partner Owen.
Katie starts falling for the two men but she can't believe that they would want her for longer than her 2 weeks of vacation - she can't even think the word forever and that's why she leaves to go back to work....what happens after that would spoil too much ☺ Go read it yourself!
I really liked the book - it's not for everybody - a lot of women can't identify with the idea of two men and one woman - or more important they can't imagine two men with each other. I loved it!
Go and read it - it's a quick - very erotic romantic read!
I loved it! Yes - it's really short - only 86 pages - but for a quick sexy read it was great!
Blurb:
When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... and his gorgeously handsome male partner.
Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish sharing erotic games with Owen and himself.
But what none of the trio expect is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just simply fabulous sex.
My review:
Katie comes to the adorable english countryside town of Little Marplethorpe (I soo adore that name!) to think about her life and her future - she inherited a bit of money and she doesn't know what to do with it yet. Does she keep the great job in the city or does she want to do something completely different with her life?
Part of her coming to that specific town was that her favorite artist - painter Marcus Dane - lives and paints there.
And while she visits an exhibition of his art she comes across an extremely sexy and arousing painting of his - of two guys and a woman!
Marcus witnesses her reaction to his painting and is very intrigued by this beautiful woman... and so begins a short and very erotic relationship between Katie, Marcus and his longtime partner Owen.
Katie starts falling for the two men but she can't believe that they would want her for longer than her 2 weeks of vacation - she can't even think the word forever and that's why she leaves to go back to work....what happens after that would spoil too much ☺ Go read it yourself!
I really liked the book - it's not for everybody - a lot of women can't identify with the idea of two men and one woman - or more important they can't imagine two men with each other. I loved it!
Go and read it - it's a quick - very erotic romantic read!
June 9, 2013
NetGalley free read
I'm not sure what it is about Portia Da Costa's writing that doesn't do it for me. I liked the story just fine, it's just her writing seems a little old fashioned. It has nothing to do with her being English. I have an affinity for the Brits and I like other British authors. I'm a bit of an Anglophile if I say so myself, especially when it comes to film and television. But, her style just dosen't seem flow well for me. This is the second of her books that I've read, and as I read this one, I realized what my problem was with the first of her titles I'd read.
Now, that being said. I am the first to love the idea of two men and a woman. But I have to say, I'm not into two men who are sexually into each other and a woman. Just does nothing for me. I think I would feel left out of the equation if they were together without me. Selfish, I know, but just how the fantasy works for me.
In this novella, there isn't much of a backstory for our heroine, Katie. She seems to be on some sort of long holiday. And let me tell you, three days alone in the country, let alone three weeks, does not sound fun or relaxing to me. Anyway, she meets an artist, Marcus Dane, while viewing his work. He promptly takes her to meet up with him lover, Owen. They, not so subtly, proposition her and begin to make love to her. Well, technically not make love. They feel her up and get her off. Then they put on a show for her and have sex with each other.
The book goes on to have them have sex in public places. Then they cut to three week later, where Katie is sad to leave, but believes that they don't need a third wheel and will be happy to get back to just the two of them. Marcus and Owen are both afraid to say anything to each other fearing that the other will think they aren't enough. But they eventually come clean and realize that having Katie in the mix is what makes them a unit. They go into the city after her and plead their case in front of all her co-workers, where they convince her to come back with them and be a permanent part of their lives.
Although that part of them showing up at her job was really funny to me, some of the very real aspects of relationships weren't addressed. Kids, funds, property, etc. I know its a book, but it just leant itself to the realities and not the general fantasies while reading this story.
I don't know, it wasn't terrible and it was a little better than just okay, but I couldn't give it more stars. It just wasn't enough emotion, fun or fantasy of the situation for me.
I'm not sure what it is about Portia Da Costa's writing that doesn't do it for me. I liked the story just fine, it's just her writing seems a little old fashioned. It has nothing to do with her being English. I have an affinity for the Brits and I like other British authors. I'm a bit of an Anglophile if I say so myself, especially when it comes to film and television. But, her style just dosen't seem flow well for me. This is the second of her books that I've read, and as I read this one, I realized what my problem was with the first of her titles I'd read.
Now, that being said. I am the first to love the idea of two men and a woman. But I have to say, I'm not into two men who are sexually into each other and a woman. Just does nothing for me. I think I would feel left out of the equation if they were together without me. Selfish, I know, but just how the fantasy works for me.
In this novella, there isn't much of a backstory for our heroine, Katie. She seems to be on some sort of long holiday. And let me tell you, three days alone in the country, let alone three weeks, does not sound fun or relaxing to me. Anyway, she meets an artist, Marcus Dane, while viewing his work. He promptly takes her to meet up with him lover, Owen. They, not so subtly, proposition her and begin to make love to her. Well, technically not make love. They feel her up and get her off. Then they put on a show for her and have sex with each other.
The book goes on to have them have sex in public places. Then they cut to three week later, where Katie is sad to leave, but believes that they don't need a third wheel and will be happy to get back to just the two of them. Marcus and Owen are both afraid to say anything to each other fearing that the other will think they aren't enough. But they eventually come clean and realize that having Katie in the mix is what makes them a unit. They go into the city after her and plead their case in front of all her co-workers, where they convince her to come back with them and be a permanent part of their lives.
Although that part of them showing up at her job was really funny to me, some of the very real aspects of relationships weren't addressed. Kids, funds, property, etc. I know its a book, but it just leant itself to the realities and not the general fantasies while reading this story.
I don't know, it wasn't terrible and it was a little better than just okay, but I couldn't give it more stars. It just wasn't enough emotion, fun or fantasy of the situation for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2013
I have to admit I was tempted by the book title and didn't read much of the blurb before I requested it. But I'm glad I did.
The opening scene has Katie staring at an erotic painting of a ménage a trois and fantasising about being the woman in the love sandwich. Marcus (the painter and one of the men in the picture) turns up and seduces her into becoming that woman.
The easy going style of the author makes it easy to let your imagination get lost in the fantasy of this story. I love that there was a contrast between Marcus's bold seducer and Owen's quiet confidence. It was easy to imagine being Katie at certain times and having two men worship your body.
This is a contemporary British story but it had a 90s feel for me, I'm not sure why. I kept picturing scenes from the movie Four Weddings And A Funeral. Also the reference to Midsomer Murders helped me picture the village scenes.
The sex scenes are plentiful and tastefully done which I found refreshing especially when so many erotic stories these days are so explicit. This story is more sensually descriptive and right up my street.
I loved the underlying conflict of this story. How do two people who obviously love each other get to love a third and form the perfect trifecta? There were moments were Katie felt like the odd third wheel and I felt her pain and discomfort too. I guess for me this was one issue that wasn't resolved conclusively for me.
Oh, don't get me wrong. There is a happy for now resolution and I guess for an erotica novella, it works. But I wanted more intensity and would have liked an epilogue to show all the characters living happily together.
Overall this is an enjoyable story perfect for when you're looking for a quick read. If you enjoy erotica, then you'll enjoy this.
The opening scene has Katie staring at an erotic painting of a ménage a trois and fantasising about being the woman in the love sandwich. Marcus (the painter and one of the men in the picture) turns up and seduces her into becoming that woman.
The easy going style of the author makes it easy to let your imagination get lost in the fantasy of this story. I love that there was a contrast between Marcus's bold seducer and Owen's quiet confidence. It was easy to imagine being Katie at certain times and having two men worship your body.
This is a contemporary British story but it had a 90s feel for me, I'm not sure why. I kept picturing scenes from the movie Four Weddings And A Funeral. Also the reference to Midsomer Murders helped me picture the village scenes.
The sex scenes are plentiful and tastefully done which I found refreshing especially when so many erotic stories these days are so explicit. This story is more sensually descriptive and right up my street.
I loved the underlying conflict of this story. How do two people who obviously love each other get to love a third and form the perfect trifecta? There were moments were Katie felt like the odd third wheel and I felt her pain and discomfort too. I guess for me this was one issue that wasn't resolved conclusively for me.
Oh, don't get me wrong. There is a happy for now resolution and I guess for an erotica novella, it works. But I wanted more intensity and would have liked an epilogue to show all the characters living happily together.
Overall this is an enjoyable story perfect for when you're looking for a quick read. If you enjoy erotica, then you'll enjoy this.
January 1, 2014
' I was gifted a free ARC of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest Review '
Katie came into a bit of money so she took a Vacation to think about what she wanted to do with her life. She chose to visit a Village where an Artist that she was a fan of lived. While admiring a very naughty painting of his she bumps into the Artist himself. She is immediately whisked off her feet by him and when they go for a drink she realizes that they are not alone. There is another man.
Marcus is so intrigued by Katie that he sort of rushes her into something involving all three of them. She is very unsure of it all as this is something very new to her and she wonders why they want her there when they are very clearly happy with just each other. They don't need her. What she doesn't know is that Marcus felt an immediate connection to her and just can't imagine her not being there.
Owen is the quieter, older one. He also feels an immediate connection to Katie. Neither one can understand it but they don't fight it either. Now it will be on them to convince Katie that this is more than a fling. That she inspires them. Makes them better. Will Katie believe in what they have or will she go back to her boring simple life?
I thought that this book was great. It had some very hot scenes. Lot's of male dominance. I like that they were willing to switch roles. I loved that while they realized that Katie was their muse and made them each better at what they did that she could not just sit there idle. That she had to have something to do and that they had taken notice of what she wanted to do when they were out in the Village. I would definitely recommend this to readers that enjoy a good ménage. Or to those that might have never read one but are adventurous and curious.
Katie came into a bit of money so she took a Vacation to think about what she wanted to do with her life. She chose to visit a Village where an Artist that she was a fan of lived. While admiring a very naughty painting of his she bumps into the Artist himself. She is immediately whisked off her feet by him and when they go for a drink she realizes that they are not alone. There is another man.
Marcus is so intrigued by Katie that he sort of rushes her into something involving all three of them. She is very unsure of it all as this is something very new to her and she wonders why they want her there when they are very clearly happy with just each other. They don't need her. What she doesn't know is that Marcus felt an immediate connection to her and just can't imagine her not being there.
Owen is the quieter, older one. He also feels an immediate connection to Katie. Neither one can understand it but they don't fight it either. Now it will be on them to convince Katie that this is more than a fling. That she inspires them. Makes them better. Will Katie believe in what they have or will she go back to her boring simple life?
I thought that this book was great. It had some very hot scenes. Lot's of male dominance. I like that they were willing to switch roles. I loved that while they realized that Katie was their muse and made them each better at what they did that she could not just sit there idle. That she had to have something to do and that they had taken notice of what she wanted to do when they were out in the Village. I would definitely recommend this to readers that enjoy a good ménage. Or to those that might have never read one but are adventurous and curious.
February 8, 2014
' I was gifted a free ARC of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest Review '
Katie came into a bit of money so she took a Vacation to think about what she wanted to do with her life. She chose to visit a Village where an Artist that she was a fan of lived. While admiring a very naughty painting of his she bumps into the Artist himself. She is immediately whisked off her feet by him and when they go for a drink she realizes that they are not alone. There is another man.
Marcus is so intrigued by Katie that he sort of rushes her into something involving all three of them. She is very unsure of it all as this is something very new to her and she wonders why they want her there when they are very clearly happy with just each other. They don't need her. What she doesn't know is that Marcus felt an immediate connection to her and just can't imagine her not being there.
Owen is the quieter, older one. He also feels an immediate connection to Katie. Neither one can understand it but they don't fight it either. Now it will be on them to convince Katie that this is more than a fling. That she inspires them. Makes them better. Will Katie believe in what they have or will she go back to her boring simple life?
I thought that this book was great. It had some very hot scenes. Lot's of male dominance. I like that they were willing to switch roles. I loved that while they realized that Katie was their muse and made them each better at what they did that she could not just sit there idle. That she had to have something to do and that they had taken notice of what she wanted to do when they were out in the Village. I would definitely recommend this to readers that enjoy a good ménage. Or to those that might have never read one but are adventurous and curious.
Katie came into a bit of money so she took a Vacation to think about what she wanted to do with her life. She chose to visit a Village where an Artist that she was a fan of lived. While admiring a very naughty painting of his she bumps into the Artist himself. She is immediately whisked off her feet by him and when they go for a drink she realizes that they are not alone. There is another man.
Marcus is so intrigued by Katie that he sort of rushes her into something involving all three of them. She is very unsure of it all as this is something very new to her and she wonders why they want her there when they are very clearly happy with just each other. They don't need her. What she doesn't know is that Marcus felt an immediate connection to her and just can't imagine her not being there.
Owen is the quieter, older one. He also feels an immediate connection to Katie. Neither one can understand it but they don't fight it either. Now it will be on them to convince Katie that this is more than a fling. That she inspires them. Makes them better. Will Katie believe in what they have or will she go back to her boring simple life?
I thought that this book was great. It had some very hot scenes. Lot's of male dominance. I like that they were willing to switch roles. I loved that while they realized that Katie was their muse and made them each better at what they did that she could not just sit there idle. That she had to have something to do and that they had taken notice of what she wanted to do when they were out in the Village. I would definitely recommend this to readers that enjoy a good ménage. Or to those that might have never read one but are adventurous and curious.
May 25, 2013
Katie's internal dialog: Wow! What a hot sexy painting with two hot men and a woman who looks kind of like me. I want to be that woman and its turning me on, I think I will go home and diddle myself (turns to leave). Oh hello hot guy who's standing in my personal space. Hot guy says, I'm the artist, Marcus. Want to come back to my place and meet my partner Owen, the other guy in the painting, for some strong drinks and shagging? Katie says: Sure, I don't know you but this sounds perfectly safe to me. Next day, Katie says: By the way I'm here alone on holiday. I just inherited a lot of money I don't know what to do with. Marcus and Owen: Let's take an walk in the woods and see what happens. (wink, wink)
Of course I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea.
This is a quick read with some super hot sex scenes. Katie's reactions to situations are completely unbelievable. However, I understand that this is a novella and we need to hurry through some of the emotional stuff to get to the point. Also as a reader I'm stepping out of my reality and diving into another world where anything can happen. So if I wanna be super dirty with 2 hot men who want to shag all day and night... then well, I guess that's what will happen and I'm here to ride that naughty roller coaster. There was little to no sexual tension but the sex was HOT! Especially between Marcus and Owen. Katie always felt like the third wheel even though the guys included her and seemed to always know what she was thinking. I really loved they way the story ended and that is when I really felt that Katie, Marcus and Owen all bonded.
Of course I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea.
This is a quick read with some super hot sex scenes. Katie's reactions to situations are completely unbelievable. However, I understand that this is a novella and we need to hurry through some of the emotional stuff to get to the point. Also as a reader I'm stepping out of my reality and diving into another world where anything can happen. So if I wanna be super dirty with 2 hot men who want to shag all day and night... then well, I guess that's what will happen and I'm here to ride that naughty roller coaster. There was little to no sexual tension but the sex was HOT! Especially between Marcus and Owen. Katie always felt like the third wheel even though the guys included her and seemed to always know what she was thinking. I really loved they way the story ended and that is when I really felt that Katie, Marcus and Owen all bonded.
May 19, 2013
"When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... *and* his gorgeously handsome male partner."
Katie meets Marcus and Owen at an exhibition of Marcus's work and she is invited to "play" with the men. Having already become attracted to them she agrees but during all this she realizes how in love with each other the two of them are and feels left out and alone while with them. Trying to make her feel included they show her how wonderful it can be between the three of them causing her to freak out a little and leave. Trying not to alarm her they let her leave and give her time before approaching her again. The men track her down and work their way back into her bed and this is where some how and steamy sex scenes come into play. This is also around the time we realize Katie is falling in love with both men and is scared because she doesn't want to be a third wheel nor cause any problems with their relationship or work. Thinking that leaving is the only answer to the problem. She packs up her stuff says her goodbyes and leaves. They let her go knowing they will miss her but later realizing they were in love with her and that she made them better together. I would tell you more but that would ruin everything as there is so much more that you could read for yourselves. The little tidbits I have written hardly even do this book justice. Go on and buy it you know you wanna read it. I rate this book a four out of five stars and would love to read more by this author.
Katie meets Marcus and Owen at an exhibition of Marcus's work and she is invited to "play" with the men. Having already become attracted to them she agrees but during all this she realizes how in love with each other the two of them are and feels left out and alone while with them. Trying to make her feel included they show her how wonderful it can be between the three of them causing her to freak out a little and leave. Trying not to alarm her they let her leave and give her time before approaching her again. The men track her down and work their way back into her bed and this is where some how and steamy sex scenes come into play. This is also around the time we realize Katie is falling in love with both men and is scared because she doesn't want to be a third wheel nor cause any problems with their relationship or work. Thinking that leaving is the only answer to the problem. She packs up her stuff says her goodbyes and leaves. They let her go knowing they will miss her but later realizing they were in love with her and that she made them better together. I would tell you more but that would ruin everything as there is so much more that you could read for yourselves. The little tidbits I have written hardly even do this book justice. Go on and buy it you know you wanna read it. I rate this book a four out of five stars and would love to read more by this author.
May 19, 2015
Warning this review contains sexual explicit material
Katie has been an admirer of Marcus Dane's work for a long time, ever since she'd been searching for a wedding gift for a friend, and happened upon print of one of his works. He was gorgeous, and very talented. His work made her blush, but in a very good way.
While out at one of his art shows, she runs into Marcus Dane himself, and gets to know him and what inspires his works of art, especially his newest piece, Tempted by Two, which is a painting of two men and a woman in apparent sexual chemistry.
It wasn't until Marcus extended an invitation to take her back home, did she start fantasizing about being in a rendezvous with two other men. Now that she has the opportunity, will she run for the hills, or embrace her sexuality and live life to the fullest?
Marcus and Owen are a bi couple who can appreciate the male and female figure for the sexual beings that they are. They open up their hearts and their bed to Katie, inviting her in with welcome arms.
Katie eventually lets of go of her inhibitions and goes where her fantasies take her, with Marcus and Owen together.
This is tantalizing tale of a girl going beyond her comfort zone and finding herself out in a threesome with two other men. This book goes into great sexual detail of all the fun they have together, and is not meant for any squeamish, prude minds. It's safe to say, you must keep an open mind while reading this book, and use your imagination to appreciate the creativity Portia Da Costa has written. i would rate this book 5/5 for an amazing sexual experience.
Katie has been an admirer of Marcus Dane's work for a long time, ever since she'd been searching for a wedding gift for a friend, and happened upon print of one of his works. He was gorgeous, and very talented. His work made her blush, but in a very good way.
While out at one of his art shows, she runs into Marcus Dane himself, and gets to know him and what inspires his works of art, especially his newest piece, Tempted by Two, which is a painting of two men and a woman in apparent sexual chemistry.
It wasn't until Marcus extended an invitation to take her back home, did she start fantasizing about being in a rendezvous with two other men. Now that she has the opportunity, will she run for the hills, or embrace her sexuality and live life to the fullest?
Marcus and Owen are a bi couple who can appreciate the male and female figure for the sexual beings that they are. They open up their hearts and their bed to Katie, inviting her in with welcome arms.
Katie eventually lets of go of her inhibitions and goes where her fantasies take her, with Marcus and Owen together.
This is tantalizing tale of a girl going beyond her comfort zone and finding herself out in a threesome with two other men. This book goes into great sexual detail of all the fun they have together, and is not meant for any squeamish, prude minds. It's safe to say, you must keep an open mind while reading this book, and use your imagination to appreciate the creativity Portia Da Costa has written. i would rate this book 5/5 for an amazing sexual experience.
October 5, 2013
This was more of a 2.5 star book, but since I can’t rate half stars I rounded up to 3 because of the hotness of the Owen/Marcus scenes.
Man I really thought I’d enjoy this book based on the synopsis, but it really did not work for me. Everything was so very rushed and I never felt like I connected with any of the characters. At one point we learned one tiny bit of information about Owen’s past, but then there was nothing more than that. How did he and Marcus get together? What about Marcus’ past aside from his painting? Where did Katie get her money? Who is she exactly?
I often felt like the threesome moments were forced. It was far more believable when it was just Owen and Marcus together. Perhaps that was because of the fact that they had been in a relationship for so long or it was just because the author wrote them better than she did Katie. Sadly Katie felt like an afterthought or a third wheel and not just during the sex scenes. I would have liked more development. Also, there were quite a few moments that something the author wrote would take me out of the book. Some examples include talking about the vulnerability of seeing Marcus’ armpit hair. Then there was the “faint, raunchy odor of Owen’s groin”…ummm what? Oh and don’t get me started on “semen pulsed from the love-eye in his tip”.
I hoped for more from this book. I’ve read MMF done really well and this, unfortunately, isn’t it. I probably won’t read any more from Portia Da Costa, but I do appreciate the opportunity to check out her work.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Man I really thought I’d enjoy this book based on the synopsis, but it really did not work for me. Everything was so very rushed and I never felt like I connected with any of the characters. At one point we learned one tiny bit of information about Owen’s past, but then there was nothing more than that. How did he and Marcus get together? What about Marcus’ past aside from his painting? Where did Katie get her money? Who is she exactly?
I often felt like the threesome moments were forced. It was far more believable when it was just Owen and Marcus together. Perhaps that was because of the fact that they had been in a relationship for so long or it was just because the author wrote them better than she did Katie. Sadly Katie felt like an afterthought or a third wheel and not just during the sex scenes. I would have liked more development. Also, there were quite a few moments that something the author wrote would take me out of the book. Some examples include talking about the vulnerability of seeing Marcus’ armpit hair. Then there was the “faint, raunchy odor of Owen’s groin”…ummm what? Oh and don’t get me started on “semen pulsed from the love-eye in his tip”.
I hoped for more from this book. I’ve read MMF done really well and this, unfortunately, isn’t it. I probably won’t read any more from Portia Da Costa, but I do appreciate the opportunity to check out her work.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley
May 17, 2013
Tempted by Two is a steamy novella by Portia Da Costa. It is the first I've read by Ms. Da Costa and probably won't be my last.
Katie Warren is at a crossroads in her life. She has recently come into some money and isn't sure what she wants to do with it. Should she quit her job and move onto something else or stay put? When facing life changing decisions like this the best thing you can do is take time and think which is exactly what Katie does. She goes on holiday to Little Marplethorpe because an artist she admires has a small exhibition.
While at the exhibition, Katie views an erotic painting titled Tempted by Two and runs into the stunning artist. Little did she know her little holiday would turn out to be more than she bargained for and she herself ends up being tempted by two smokin' hot men.
I really liked the characters in Tempted by Two and sex scenes were pretty hot. That being said, something was missing for me. Maybe it was just the bad editing, I don't know. The three characters are named Katie, Marcus, and Owen. Throughout a lot of the book, Owen was spelled Own which is a common word and threw me off. Another issue I had was the use of the word vent in reference to one's anus. Really? Is that British slang? As an American, I have NEVER heard someone refer to their ass as a vent and it actually made me laugh which also took away from the story.
Bad editing aside, Tempted by Two was a short, sexy read and I enjoyed it.
*eARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY*
Katie Warren is at a crossroads in her life. She has recently come into some money and isn't sure what she wants to do with it. Should she quit her job and move onto something else or stay put? When facing life changing decisions like this the best thing you can do is take time and think which is exactly what Katie does. She goes on holiday to Little Marplethorpe because an artist she admires has a small exhibition.
While at the exhibition, Katie views an erotic painting titled Tempted by Two and runs into the stunning artist. Little did she know her little holiday would turn out to be more than she bargained for and she herself ends up being tempted by two smokin' hot men.
I really liked the characters in Tempted by Two and sex scenes were pretty hot. That being said, something was missing for me. Maybe it was just the bad editing, I don't know. The three characters are named Katie, Marcus, and Owen. Throughout a lot of the book, Owen was spelled Own which is a common word and threw me off. Another issue I had was the use of the word vent in reference to one's anus. Really? Is that British slang? As an American, I have NEVER heard someone refer to their ass as a vent and it actually made me laugh which also took away from the story.
Bad editing aside, Tempted by Two was a short, sexy read and I enjoyed it.
*eARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY*
July 4, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2 1/2 stars
I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. Reading the premise, seeing the cover, I was excited to read it.
Then, somehow it went a bit awry. The story is about executive Katie Warren who goes to the English Countryside to get away and do a little soul searching. She also knows that famous artist Marcus Dane is having a show there and decides to attend. While daydreaming over one of Marcus' more erotic paintings, she is ends up meeting the artist himself. He sees the longing in her eyes and decides to see if she's really as turned on as he thinks.
She willingly goes, thinking this might be the chance of a lifetime to be with the handsome artist, but when Marcus' partner Owen joins the picture, she begins to fret about if she's really in over her head.
The story moves along quickly and of course, they all fall in love. My main issue with the story is Katie's internal musings. I'm not sure if I've just grown picky after reading so many books, but internal thoughts are a bit of a pet peeve of mine now. A few, are fine, but when it is interspersed every other paragraph, it gets old. Especially when it is a wishy-washy character like Katie.
I will say, I liked Marcus and Owen's relationship and interaction. It was the time with Katie that felt forced.
All in all, an average read for me. Could have been a really hot and steamy read, but with all Katie's thoughts, it just really pulled me completely out of the mood.
2 1/2 stars
I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. Reading the premise, seeing the cover, I was excited to read it.
Then, somehow it went a bit awry. The story is about executive Katie Warren who goes to the English Countryside to get away and do a little soul searching. She also knows that famous artist Marcus Dane is having a show there and decides to attend. While daydreaming over one of Marcus' more erotic paintings, she is ends up meeting the artist himself. He sees the longing in her eyes and decides to see if she's really as turned on as he thinks.
She willingly goes, thinking this might be the chance of a lifetime to be with the handsome artist, but when Marcus' partner Owen joins the picture, she begins to fret about if she's really in over her head.
The story moves along quickly and of course, they all fall in love. My main issue with the story is Katie's internal musings. I'm not sure if I've just grown picky after reading so many books, but internal thoughts are a bit of a pet peeve of mine now. A few, are fine, but when it is interspersed every other paragraph, it gets old. Especially when it is a wishy-washy character like Katie.
I will say, I liked Marcus and Owen's relationship and interaction. It was the time with Katie that felt forced.
All in all, an average read for me. Could have been a really hot and steamy read, but with all Katie's thoughts, it just really pulled me completely out of the mood.
May 20, 2013
Cute story - just what I needed at the time :)
Katie just came into some money and needed some time to think about what to do with it.
Taking a little trip she found herself at one of her favorite artist's shows.
Taking a look at a piece of art that she blushed over. Not knowing that this was his newest piece, but she couldn't stop herself from staring at the beautiful bodies in the painting.
The men were gorgeous, and the woman was extremely happy to be there.
Her fantasies were starting to pop in her mind again.
When she backed up to leave, she bumped into a hard chest.
That's where Katie met Marcus, the artist she was there to meet :)
Marcus introduced himself , and told her alittle about him, and a little about Owen, his manager, and the guy he lives with. Katie thought, GREAT he's gay - but then in the painting, there was a woman with both me...
Marcus asked her to have a drink with him.
And that's where she met Owen -
Things pick up pretty quickly for these three.
But Katie always felt like the third wheel. Not knowing what else to do, she makes her escape.
The next morning when Katie went for breakfast, she ran into these gorgeous guys again.
They invited her to take a walk into the woods with them. She knew that they were inviting her for more, and she'd be stupid to pass it up.
knowing it wasn't going to last, Katie went with her men.
Cute story, fun and hot :)
Katie just came into some money and needed some time to think about what to do with it.
Taking a little trip she found herself at one of her favorite artist's shows.
Taking a look at a piece of art that she blushed over. Not knowing that this was his newest piece, but she couldn't stop herself from staring at the beautiful bodies in the painting.
The men were gorgeous, and the woman was extremely happy to be there.
Her fantasies were starting to pop in her mind again.
When she backed up to leave, she bumped into a hard chest.
That's where Katie met Marcus, the artist she was there to meet :)
Marcus introduced himself , and told her alittle about him, and a little about Owen, his manager, and the guy he lives with. Katie thought, GREAT he's gay - but then in the painting, there was a woman with both me...
Marcus asked her to have a drink with him.
And that's where she met Owen -
Things pick up pretty quickly for these three.
But Katie always felt like the third wheel. Not knowing what else to do, she makes her escape.
The next morning when Katie went for breakfast, she ran into these gorgeous guys again.
They invited her to take a walk into the woods with them. She knew that they were inviting her for more, and she'd be stupid to pass it up.
knowing it wasn't going to last, Katie went with her men.
Cute story, fun and hot :)
August 8, 2013
4 out of 5 for this reader folks!
Tempted by Two (written by Portia Da Costa) is just that .. TEMPTED BY TWO! LOL This is a short story with some laughs, some serious hotness and of course .. LOVE!
Our leading lady Katie Warren has started a vacation in a small town to just get away and ponder life a little. She happens upon a local artist's (Marcus Dane) showing and is drawn to one picture instantly. What she didn't know is the man that is admiring it with her was not only the painter, but can't seem to get enough of her reaction to said painting (this painting displays a menage at work).
Marcus jumps at the opportunity to sweep Katie away from the exhibit and guide her downstairs where he lives! Katie then discovers that there is another man (Owen Foster) living there too and he is Marcus's lover. Things get steamy pretty quick ...
Through Katie's entire vacay, she engages in some naughtiness, learns that she is falling in love with these two, and feels like a third wheel.
Just as she is ready to leave the small town, they offer the chance to remain with them as they feel she completes the relationship.
And then .... ya I am not giving the rest of it away! LOL
Lots of sex in this book with lots of variety including MM scenes! If you are looking for a quick read with a dash of smut be sure to check this out!
HAPPY READING! :)
copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Tempted by Two (written by Portia Da Costa) is just that .. TEMPTED BY TWO! LOL This is a short story with some laughs, some serious hotness and of course .. LOVE!
Our leading lady Katie Warren has started a vacation in a small town to just get away and ponder life a little. She happens upon a local artist's (Marcus Dane) showing and is drawn to one picture instantly. What she didn't know is the man that is admiring it with her was not only the painter, but can't seem to get enough of her reaction to said painting (this painting displays a menage at work).
Marcus jumps at the opportunity to sweep Katie away from the exhibit and guide her downstairs where he lives! Katie then discovers that there is another man (Owen Foster) living there too and he is Marcus's lover. Things get steamy pretty quick ...
Through Katie's entire vacay, she engages in some naughtiness, learns that she is falling in love with these two, and feels like a third wheel.
Just as she is ready to leave the small town, they offer the chance to remain with them as they feel she completes the relationship.
And then .... ya I am not giving the rest of it away! LOL
Lots of sex in this book with lots of variety including MM scenes! If you are looking for a quick read with a dash of smut be sure to check this out!
HAPPY READING! :)
copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review
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