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Uncommon #1
Uncommon Pleasure
From a "fresh and imaginative" ("The Romance Studio") voice in erotic romance come the tales of two women, each daring to challenge the boundaries of the toughest of men...But in these edgy, heated encounters, the greatest thing each woman will risk is her heart.
"Over the Edge," - after a tragic incident during Ty Hendricks' last tour of duty, he cut off all connection with anyone he cares about--until a night with Lauren Kincaid draws him reluctantly back into the world. Lauren sees a wounded man in danger of losing everything to his inner demons, but the sensual, no-holds-barred fight for Ty's soul could cost Lauren her heart.
"All on the Line," - Abby Simmons fell hard for Lieutenant Sean Winthrop, but he sacrificed their relationship when he deployed to Afghanistan. Now he's home, full of regrets and intent on winning back the woman he never forgot. Abby gives Sean her body but holds her heart aloof, until one night of pleasure forces her to choose either her U.S. Marine...or life without him, forever.
"Over the Edge," - after a tragic incident during Ty Hendricks' last tour of duty, he cut off all connection with anyone he cares about--until a night with Lauren Kincaid draws him reluctantly back into the world. Lauren sees a wounded man in danger of losing everything to his inner demons, but the sensual, no-holds-barred fight for Ty's soul could cost Lauren her heart.
"All on the Line," - Abby Simmons fell hard for Lieutenant Sean Winthrop, but he sacrificed their relationship when he deployed to Afghanistan. Now he's home, full of regrets and intent on winning back the woman he never forgot. Abby gives Sean her body but holds her heart aloof, until one night of pleasure forces her to choose either her U.S. Marine...or life without him, forever.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
11 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read
About the author
Anne Calhoun
53 books656 followersAfter doing time at Fortune 500 companies on both coasts, I found myself living in the suburbs of a small Midwestern city. The glamour of various cube farm jobs had worn off, so I gave up making a decent living to take Joseph Campbell’s advice and follow my bliss: writing romance.
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March 8, 2013
Overall rating 4 stars. Review completed March 8, 2013
Kisses. Slow, soft, sweet kisses, the kind he hadn't felt on his skin in a lifetime. They'd started just under his ear, measured the length of his jaw, each one flicking a little spark at his skin. She reached the corner of his mouth, her breath warm and moist, the temptations of her lush, full lips millimeters away. Without warning anguish slit him open from throat to belly, but feeling that emotion here was worse than feeling the connection that strengthened every time they were together. No connections. This was a hookup. Meaningless.
Uncommon Pleasure can be read as a stand alone. I think, however, it would be good to give On the Edge a go before reading this book because Ty has been first introduced in On the Edge. Plus, it’s a real pleasure to get acquainted with John, hero of On the Edge as well as Ty’s best buddy in the Corps. John acts as a supporting character in Uncommon Pleasure.
4.5 stars to Over the Edge (Ty's story)
After some reflections I decided to add a half star because:
a) The dance between Ty, Sean, and Lauren did rock my world. HOTTT! Probably the most erotic dance scene I've read to date.
b) The sex scenes in Over the Edge are likely the steamiest that Anne has written so far. In fact, the threesome was BLAZING HOT! *drool*
c) Ty. The man is a difficult character with plenty of baggage. But. He is scrumptious, delectable, sexy, hot, yummy, etc., etc.
d) Lauren. She is a very classy and likable heroine.
e) John. I. Love. That. Man.
Steam 4.5 to 5
Lauren is a development geologist for Gulf Independent. As chance would have it, she'd been spending a couple of days on an oil rig with Ty Hendricks. Now Lauren is back onshore and she is happy to see that Ty's thirty-day shift ended at the same time. She is determined to seize her chance and is hitting on him.
Lauren Kincaid is a very confident woman. She knows what she wants and doesn’t beat around the bush. She wants Ty. Isn’t it refreshing to read about a heroine who doesn’t wait for a man to make the first move? I love that. But once they are hitting the sheets it’s definitely Ty who takes the lead…
Welcome to Ty’s somber world…
Yet knowing that life will blossom again…
Ty, Ty, Ty…you are not easy to love…
Ty is coping with his dark thoughts and emotions by having no-strings-attached sex. Very hot no-strings-attached sex, that is. Besides, alcohol and plenty of work helped him to mute the horrible memories. As it is, sex provides the much needed release, however, when his booty calls start with Lauren, he soon realizes that he got more than he bargained for. Lauren wants to get to know the man behind the somber face. She is very curious and starts asking questions. Questions he is not willing to answer openly. And when Ty feels cornered and knows that he lost control over his feelings, he sets a plan in motion and suggests
While the plot development was good and the highly erotic, lush and extremely steamy sex was definitely to my liking, I just wish there was more sensuality and emotion. I get it that Ty is a very dark character and I think Anne did a great job with his characterization, however, I’ve had a tough time loving that man. It goes without saying that Ty is utterly delicious and he knows how to satisfy a woman in bed, but he was so damn closed-off and cold it hurt my heart. Moreover, Ty lashed out cruelly to push the people away who cared about him. He did some stupid and hurtful things. In fact, he acted like a jerk but in the end he redeemed himself and I forgave him. He is a mentally wounded warrior after all, and he just needed the right people around him to show him that life is worth living. Isn’t it a bit ironic that this strong and domineering man had to surrender to a woman?
Lauren said that she loved the way Ty held himself, the way he moved and walked. I completely and utterly agree. A man’s strong and confident yet casual gait is something incredibly sexy. Yeah, Ty haz it! <3
All on the Line (Sean's story)
4 stars solely for Abby's very sexy strip, the well-written and super steamy sex scenes aaaaand the beautiful and utterly romantic epilogue! This being said, it saddens me very much to say that Sean did not really rock my world and Abby…I won't lie, she didn't do anything for me. I didn't like her.
Come to think of it, it's better not to say too much about Abby except that I found her behavior too immature. Also, her attitude in general was in contradiction to her speech at 91 %. I guess that readers who love NA will like or even love Abby. Gotta shut it now.
After a brief affair Sean has to go back to Afghanistan and broke off with Abby telling her she needed to grow up. But now he is back and knows he made a mistake. Sean missed Abby and he wants her back, however, she is anything but pleased to see him again and brushes him off. She changed. Gone is the sweet and funny girl. Abby is working at No Limits, a very hot hookup bar. When Ty Hendricks tells him to meet him there, Sean is ready for payback.
Steam 4
Overall Uncommon Pleasure provides two erotically charged and well-written novellas, and if you are a fan of Anne Calhoun's work then this book is a must read. Also, if you are an erotica lover and haven't read anything written by AC then I'd like to encourage you to check out her books.
As a side note
Both stories take place at the same time in Galveston.
A shout out to Anne Calhoun
Thank you...Semper Fidelis.
Warning
Uncommon Pleasure contains very explicit sex (including oral and anal), two ménage scenes and very light bondage (no spanking/flogging).
Kisses. Slow, soft, sweet kisses, the kind he hadn't felt on his skin in a lifetime. They'd started just under his ear, measured the length of his jaw, each one flicking a little spark at his skin. She reached the corner of his mouth, her breath warm and moist, the temptations of her lush, full lips millimeters away. Without warning anguish slit him open from throat to belly, but feeling that emotion here was worse than feeling the connection that strengthened every time they were together. No connections. This was a hookup. Meaningless.
Uncommon Pleasure can be read as a stand alone. I think, however, it would be good to give On the Edge a go before reading this book because Ty has been first introduced in On the Edge. Plus, it’s a real pleasure to get acquainted with John, hero of On the Edge as well as Ty’s best buddy in the Corps. John acts as a supporting character in Uncommon Pleasure.
4.5 stars to Over the Edge (Ty's story)
After some reflections I decided to add a half star because:
a) The dance between Ty, Sean, and Lauren did rock my world. HOTTT! Probably the most erotic dance scene I've read to date.
b) The sex scenes in Over the Edge are likely the steamiest that Anne has written so far. In fact, the threesome was BLAZING HOT! *drool*
c) Ty. The man is a difficult character with plenty of baggage. But. He is scrumptious, delectable, sexy, hot, yummy, etc., etc.
d) Lauren. She is a very classy and likable heroine.
e) John. I. Love. That. Man.
Steam 4.5 to 5
Lauren is a development geologist for Gulf Independent. As chance would have it, she'd been spending a couple of days on an oil rig with Ty Hendricks. Now Lauren is back onshore and she is happy to see that Ty's thirty-day shift ended at the same time. She is determined to seize her chance and is hitting on him.
Lauren Kincaid is a very confident woman. She knows what she wants and doesn’t beat around the bush. She wants Ty. Isn’t it refreshing to read about a heroine who doesn’t wait for a man to make the first move? I love that. But once they are hitting the sheets it’s definitely Ty who takes the lead…
A hint of lip gloss, and dark shadow on her blue eyes that turned them storm gray. The pink on her cheekbones was all him, though, and by the time he was through with her mouth, that color would be all him, too.
While he stared at her she let her purse drop to the floor at her feet. The casual, almost taunting move set off something dark and primitive inside him. He stepped close and gripped her wrist, turned her to face the door, flattened her palms at shoulder height, then covered her hands with his.
„Go on, Lauren. Tell him how you are. Want some help? You’re slick and hot and primed.”
“I never thought you needed to heal, Ty. You just…needed to get reacquainted with yourself.”
Welcome to Ty’s somber world…
"Sometimes you can't overcome instincts. Sometimes wounded animals don't want to be healed. Sometimes in the twenty-first century it doesn't pay to be curious."
Yet knowing that life will blossom again…
Ty, Ty, Ty…you are not easy to love…
Ty is coping with his dark thoughts and emotions by having no-strings-attached sex. Very hot no-strings-attached sex, that is. Besides, alcohol and plenty of work helped him to mute the horrible memories. As it is, sex provides the much needed release, however, when his booty calls start with Lauren, he soon realizes that he got more than he bargained for. Lauren wants to get to know the man behind the somber face. She is very curious and starts asking questions. Questions he is not willing to answer openly. And when Ty feels cornered and knows that he lost control over his feelings, he sets a plan in motion and suggests
While the plot development was good and the highly erotic, lush and extremely steamy sex was definitely to my liking, I just wish there was more sensuality and emotion. I get it that Ty is a very dark character and I think Anne did a great job with his characterization, however, I’ve had a tough time loving that man. It goes without saying that Ty is utterly delicious and he knows how to satisfy a woman in bed, but he was so damn closed-off and cold it hurt my heart. Moreover, Ty lashed out cruelly to push the people away who cared about him. He did some stupid and hurtful things. In fact, he acted like a jerk but in the end he redeemed himself and I forgave him. He is a mentally wounded warrior after all, and he just needed the right people around him to show him that life is worth living. Isn’t it a bit ironic that this strong and domineering man had to surrender to a woman?
Lauren said that she loved the way Ty held himself, the way he moved and walked. I completely and utterly agree. A man’s strong and confident yet casual gait is something incredibly sexy. Yeah, Ty haz it! <3
“You’re loud,” Ty said. “It’s hot as hell.”
“What’s with the mirror?” she asked, her voice soft, high-pitched as she sank into the scenario.
“I’m a man,” he said absently. “We like to watch.”
His lips curved into a lazy smile. “Still know what you want, Lauren?”
“I do. I most certainly do. I want you.”
“I’m all yours,” he said, and with those words she knew Ty Hendricks was finally coming home.
All on the Line (Sean's story)
4 stars solely for Abby's very sexy strip, the well-written and super steamy sex scenes aaaaand the beautiful and utterly romantic epilogue! This being said, it saddens me very much to say that Sean did not really rock my world and Abby…I won't lie, she didn't do anything for me. I didn't like her.
Come to think of it, it's better not to say too much about Abby except that I found her behavior too immature. Also, her attitude in general was in contradiction to her speech at 91 %. I guess that readers who love NA will like or even love Abby. Gotta shut it now.
After a brief affair Sean has to go back to Afghanistan and broke off with Abby telling her she needed to grow up. But now he is back and knows he made a mistake. Sean missed Abby and he wants her back, however, she is anything but pleased to see him again and brushes him off. She changed. Gone is the sweet and funny girl. Abby is working at No Limits, a very hot hookup bar. When Ty Hendricks tells him to meet him there, Sean is ready for payback.
Steam 4
Suddenly unable to breathe, he looked at the curve of her hips, draped in a skirt that ended just past the lace tops of her thigh-high stockings, then let his gaze travel down the seam along the backs of her legs. It was old-school sexy, Marilyn Monroe sexy, hot-f@ck-bent-over-the-dresser sexy.
"Oh," he managed.
She peered over her shoulder at him, then lowered her lashes, all red-headed vamp. "All the girls modify the uniforms to increase tips, and most go for hell hot. You didn't notice?"
"Standard issue combat knife," he said. "No big deal. C'mere. I'm harmless." That was as much for himself as her.
"You have to set your alarm for five," she said. "I can't be late for class again."
"Fast or slow?"
"What?" It just has to go off. I don't care how the thing buzzes, but it better be loud because--"
He kissed her, the old-fashioned, movie kind of kiss, both hands to her jaw to hold her mouth for his, but mostly to shut her up. "Fast or slow," he repeated, trusting he'd made the context clear with the explicit, hard kiss.
Her purse landed on the floor with a thud. "Fast. Now."
Overall Uncommon Pleasure provides two erotically charged and well-written novellas, and if you are a fan of Anne Calhoun's work then this book is a must read. Also, if you are an erotica lover and haven't read anything written by AC then I'd like to encourage you to check out her books.
As a side note
Both stories take place at the same time in Galveston.
A shout out to Anne Calhoun
Thank you...Semper Fidelis.
Warning
Uncommon Pleasure contains very explicit sex (including oral and anal), two ménage scenes and very light bondage (no spanking/flogging).
October 9, 2013
Love those smoking hot Marines!
Over the Edge
Ty and Lauren worked on an oil rig together. She is a development geologist and he is a former Marine who has been damaged. She knows exactly what she wants....Ty.
He is all for letting off some steam with Lauren but that is all. He has closed himself off from any feelings.
But, Lauren has a way of getting under his skin. No matter what he does or says, he still wants her. Can she forgive him?
All on the Line
Sean and Abby met and had a whirlwind romance before he was deployed. Five months into his deployment, Sean sends her an e-mail telling her they both have some growing up to do and they shouldn't be together anymore. Abby is heartbroken. She wanted Sean more than anything.
She decides to go back to school, is working, and taking care of her very sick father when Sean decides to come back into her life ten months later.
She decides to give in to Sean, but only for the hot sex that they have. She keeps her emotions turned off. Sean is doing everything in his power to get her back. He knows he made a mistake but can he get through to her before he gets deployed again and his efforts wasted?
I really liked both of these stories. There was a damaged Marine and another Marine who was trying to rectify a mistake. Wonderful writing, loved them!!
Over the Edge
Ty and Lauren worked on an oil rig together. She is a development geologist and he is a former Marine who has been damaged. She knows exactly what she wants....Ty.
He is all for letting off some steam with Lauren but that is all. He has closed himself off from any feelings.
But, Lauren has a way of getting under his skin. No matter what he does or says, he still wants her. Can she forgive him?
All on the Line
Sean and Abby met and had a whirlwind romance before he was deployed. Five months into his deployment, Sean sends her an e-mail telling her they both have some growing up to do and they shouldn't be together anymore. Abby is heartbroken. She wanted Sean more than anything.
She decides to go back to school, is working, and taking care of her very sick father when Sean decides to come back into her life ten months later.
She decides to give in to Sean, but only for the hot sex that they have. She keeps her emotions turned off. Sean is doing everything in his power to get her back. He knows he made a mistake but can he get through to her before he gets deployed again and his efforts wasted?
I really liked both of these stories. There was a damaged Marine and another Marine who was trying to rectify a mistake. Wonderful writing, loved them!!
Read
June 13, 2021Look, this took a turn I was not expecting in Book 1. And I reveled in it. It was kind of genius, and the whole thing was pretty hot. Both novellas are compelling and take themselves seriously enough for investment.
And I like both of the novellas a whole lot for *ahem* type reasons I have deep reservations about the second, which is unfortunate because it was better characterization and more emotionally balanced. Sean is undoubtedly the more straightforward, nice hero type...but the book opens with him watching/meeting his former lover outside of her current lover's house - like - on purpose. At this point I'm like "stalking"-and there's more behaviors that were equally troubling. Still, I read on.
Ben (guy who Abby's hooking up w/ while Sean is deployed) is a police officer. None of this really stops me in my tracks until there's a incident between the three-Ben, Sean, and Abby. Because Ben and Sean decide Abby is too tired to drive and that it's unsafe and besides, she needs to talk to Sean anyway, they make sure she stays at Sean's house. They take her keys. They smash the door when she opens it and threatens to walk, Ben says he'll call any patrol for a routine traffic stop if Sean says she's left, and they'll make sure she gets a ticket. And herein lies my issue w/ so many police officer books. If he's the least bit off-like he's an imperfect hero, he's problematic. Ben wasn't the hero, but still used his power to take Abby's away, and Sean is thankful for him.
A marine and a cop. A tired woman. Just give her a fucking ride, you assholes. Because that was terrible-I think the author clearly plays with power dynamics and really does make some sexy situations out of it. But that one was too much for me.
And I like both of the novellas a whole lot for *ahem* type reasons I have deep reservations about the second, which is unfortunate because it was better characterization and more emotionally balanced. Sean is undoubtedly the more straightforward, nice hero type...but the book opens with him watching/meeting his former lover outside of her current lover's house - like - on purpose. At this point I'm like "stalking"-and there's more behaviors that were equally troubling. Still, I read on.
Ben (guy who Abby's hooking up w/ while Sean is deployed) is a police officer. None of this really stops me in my tracks until there's a incident between the three-Ben, Sean, and Abby. Because Ben and Sean decide Abby is too tired to drive and that it's unsafe and besides, she needs to talk to Sean anyway, they make sure she stays at Sean's house. They take her keys. They smash the door when she opens it and threatens to walk, Ben says he'll call any patrol for a routine traffic stop if Sean says she's left, and they'll make sure she gets a ticket. And herein lies my issue w/ so many police officer books. If he's the least bit off-like he's an imperfect hero, he's problematic. Ben wasn't the hero, but still used his power to take Abby's away, and Sean is thankful for him.
A marine and a cop. A tired woman. Just give her a fucking ride, you assholes. Because that was terrible-I think the author clearly plays with power dynamics and really does make some sexy situations out of it. But that one was too much for me.
June 2, 2016
4 Smokin HOT Stars!
Two story's in this book and I loved
them both...❤
I love Anne's style of writing...it is both erotic and sensual, all the while drawing you in to the story and captivating your senses...
Ty & Lauren's ❤ story...lets start with the SEX...WOW! & the ménage...OMFG...
It's off the charts HOT...lets face it, this is why I read!!! (Snickers)
Ty has PTSD, a sad fact of of our time, but Lauren can see thru the walls he's building, each time they are together, Lauren is breaking down more of Ty's carefully laid barriers, he thinks he has to cut emotional ties in order to avoid further hurt...But Lauren is onto his game, in fact she own's it, pretend not
to care...
Ty will have to make a choice living in the moment isn't working anymore...the walls have crumbled...
That's all I can say...the rest you must read to discover for yourself...but believe me it's worth it! ;)
Same goes for the 2nd Story... ;)
Sean & Abby...❤
Sean & Ty served together he is like family to Ty...and he was the 3rd in the ménage with Ty & Lauren...Oh my..(sighs)
Abby is the girl Sean left behind...and now he's back...and he wants her back...but she's not the sweet innocent girl he left behind...he'll have to work hard to win her back...and it will be on Abby's terms! Another hot Ménage in this
sweet sexy story and an Epilogue! ;)
I have to say I missed that in the 1st story...
Both story's... M/F/M
Two story's in this book and I loved
them both...❤
I love Anne's style of writing...it is both erotic and sensual, all the while drawing you in to the story and captivating your senses...
Ty & Lauren's ❤ story...lets start with the SEX...WOW! & the ménage...OMFG...
It's off the charts HOT...lets face it, this is why I read!!! (Snickers)
Ty has PTSD, a sad fact of of our time, but Lauren can see thru the walls he's building, each time they are together, Lauren is breaking down more of Ty's carefully laid barriers, he thinks he has to cut emotional ties in order to avoid further hurt...But Lauren is onto his game, in fact she own's it, pretend not
to care...
Ty will have to make a choice living in the moment isn't working anymore...the walls have crumbled...
That's all I can say...the rest you must read to discover for yourself...but believe me it's worth it! ;)
Same goes for the 2nd Story... ;)
Sean & Abby...❤
Sean & Ty served together he is like family to Ty...and he was the 3rd in the ménage with Ty & Lauren...Oh my..(sighs)
Abby is the girl Sean left behind...and now he's back...and he wants her back...but she's not the sweet innocent girl he left behind...he'll have to work hard to win her back...and it will be on Abby's terms! Another hot Ménage in this
sweet sexy story and an Epilogue! ;)
I have to say I missed that in the 1st story...
Both story's... M/F/M
April 7, 2018
UNCOMMON PLEASURE is a compilation of two novellas, the second of which features a different couple but picks up after the events of the first, and both feature current and ex-Marine heroes.
These stories are super hot but there's a real, vivid, emotional thread in both of them. I struggled a bit with some of Ty's broodiness in book one, whereas the heroine in book two drove me to distraction, and yet both had very valid reasons for their issues. I think the second-chance plot of ALL ON THE LINE was more compelling but the heat, and chemistry, factor of OVER THE EDGE was much better.
If you like Cara McKenna I think Calhoun would satisfy that same smart erotica craving, even if (so far) I prefer the former's writing more. That being said, I've heard book two -- which is a full length story, not a novella -- is much stronger, so I'm excited to see how that compares.
3.5 stars
These stories are super hot but there's a real, vivid, emotional thread in both of them. I struggled a bit with some of Ty's broodiness in book one, whereas the heroine in book two drove me to distraction, and yet both had very valid reasons for their issues. I think the second-chance plot of ALL ON THE LINE was more compelling but the heat, and chemistry, factor of OVER THE EDGE was much better.
If you like Cara McKenna I think Calhoun would satisfy that same smart erotica craving, even if (so far) I prefer the former's writing more. That being said, I've heard book two -- which is a full length story, not a novella -- is much stronger, so I'm excited to see how that compares.
3.5 stars
March 10, 2013
Uncommon Pleasure contains two novellas, each with a different hero and heroine (and happily ever after) but the stories do intertwine.
Over the Edge
A word used a couple of times to describe Ty Hendricks, former marine now part time oil rigger and part time security specialist in this book is “contradiction.” Our heroine Lauren sees him as two people. The first time she sees him on the rig (she is a geologist who flies out to the rig for a few days) he is purposeful. He is aloof, a little cold, but gets the job done. She immediately knows after exchanging a few glances with him that once they get back to the mainland she can have him in her bed. Once she gets him there, she sees another side to him. A southern gentleman, pain hidden in those eyes of his, a slight vulnerability that he is too stubborn to fully share with her. Ty is used to using women and then dumping them after getting back on the mainland. But Lauren – while she doesn’t push for more than just sex (although she is quite curious about his life) he finds himself going back to her time and time again.
This book explores their relationship through a lot of sex, but there is more to it. She comes to know him and oh so slowly Ty realizes he needs to deal with the stuff that went down while in Afghanistan so he can have a chance at a future life. His buddies John (owner of security firm) and Sean (fellow Marine) kind of give him a wake up call of their own. For a 137 page story, I feel like we really get to know Ty and Lauren. Anne Calhoun has a way with describing a scene that just throws you into it. I could picture everything happening so vividly. A nice ending too – nothing rushed. No promises of forever, but a promise of what could be. I do have a niggle! But you have to read the second review first.
All on the Line
I actually liked this one more than I thought I would. I wasn’t a huge fan of Sean in the first story but I liked him here. This is a reunion romance of sorts, as Sean and Abby were hot and heavy, until Sean got deployed again, breaking up with her over email while over seas. Sean realized it was going to take all of his concentration to keep his men alive, and broke it off with Abby. Abby has a lot on her plate with a very sick father and trying to go to school. Sean’s abrupt email crushed her. But now he is home, and seeks her out. Abby agrees to a fling with just sex, since Sean may be deployed again, but we can all guess how that works out.
I felt the author does a nice job with reuniting these two and building a solid foundation for their relationship. Abby is so set on declaring her independence that she doesn’t want Sean to do anything for her – but being a romantic hero of course he doesn’t listen! He mows her lawn and fixes her car…and gives her many orgasms. Man those romantic heroes can do it all *wink*
Now to my niggle. It is kind of spoilery so I’m going to hide it. Read at your own risk.
So there you go. Anne Calhoun has a great voice for these erotic stories despite my niggle. Looking forward to more.
Rating: B
Over the Edge
A word used a couple of times to describe Ty Hendricks, former marine now part time oil rigger and part time security specialist in this book is “contradiction.” Our heroine Lauren sees him as two people. The first time she sees him on the rig (she is a geologist who flies out to the rig for a few days) he is purposeful. He is aloof, a little cold, but gets the job done. She immediately knows after exchanging a few glances with him that once they get back to the mainland she can have him in her bed. Once she gets him there, she sees another side to him. A southern gentleman, pain hidden in those eyes of his, a slight vulnerability that he is too stubborn to fully share with her. Ty is used to using women and then dumping them after getting back on the mainland. But Lauren – while she doesn’t push for more than just sex (although she is quite curious about his life) he finds himself going back to her time and time again.
This book explores their relationship through a lot of sex, but there is more to it. She comes to know him and oh so slowly Ty realizes he needs to deal with the stuff that went down while in Afghanistan so he can have a chance at a future life. His buddies John (owner of security firm) and Sean (fellow Marine) kind of give him a wake up call of their own. For a 137 page story, I feel like we really get to know Ty and Lauren. Anne Calhoun has a way with describing a scene that just throws you into it. I could picture everything happening so vividly. A nice ending too – nothing rushed. No promises of forever, but a promise of what could be. I do have a niggle! But you have to read the second review first.
All on the Line
I actually liked this one more than I thought I would. I wasn’t a huge fan of Sean in the first story but I liked him here. This is a reunion romance of sorts, as Sean and Abby were hot and heavy, until Sean got deployed again, breaking up with her over email while over seas. Sean realized it was going to take all of his concentration to keep his men alive, and broke it off with Abby. Abby has a lot on her plate with a very sick father and trying to go to school. Sean’s abrupt email crushed her. But now he is home, and seeks her out. Abby agrees to a fling with just sex, since Sean may be deployed again, but we can all guess how that works out.
I felt the author does a nice job with reuniting these two and building a solid foundation for their relationship. Abby is so set on declaring her independence that she doesn’t want Sean to do anything for her – but being a romantic hero of course he doesn’t listen! He mows her lawn and fixes her car…and gives her many orgasms. Man those romantic heroes can do it all *wink*
Now to my niggle. It is kind of spoilery so I’m going to hide it. Read at your own risk.
So there you go. Anne Calhoun has a great voice for these erotic stories despite my niggle. Looking forward to more.
Rating: B
March 5, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B-
Over the Edge:
I liked the edge this couple had early on. They had attraction from the start and Lauren wanted to just know more about Ty and that leads them right into the bedroom. Ty is dealing with a lot of pain from serving overseas and having a mission go horribly wrong and he channels that anger and grief in unhealthy ways – mainly bottling it up, through sex with no emotion and generally not living life. As much as he hates it, he finds a connection with Lauren and does his damndest to sever it. He says hurtful things to Lauren, he suggests that Lauren sleeps with his best friend Sean, you know, because he just got back from overseas and needs it. Lauren turns the tables on him and says only if he’s there and the night the three of them share gets a little too emotional for Ty and he pulls away once again. Honestly, I finished the story liking Ty, but thinking about his attitude and how he treated Lauren leading up to the end, he’s kind of an ass. He’s hurting and not dealing with his pain so I get that, but I really shouldn’t have liked him as much as I did, and I think it’s mainly due to Lauren.
I loved Lauren. I think she handled the situations Ty threw at her with a level head and honesty and even when his words cut her, she still kept her head up and I really like how she reacted and dealt with everything.
This heavy, emotional story is perfect as a novella length (136 pgs). A little of Ty went a long way and by the time he wakes up and is ready to make some changes, I was more than ready for that as well. Ty and Lauren have some very erotic, sexy scenes. Personally, I could have taken or left Sean being included, it did serve a strong purpose for Ty’s own emotional journey, but I was more focused on Lauren and later on Ty once he started moving his life in a new direction.
All on the Line
Sean broke up with Abby during his last deployment, via a four sentence email – harsh! Abby is not the same girl he used to know. During the past year she’s changed, she’s now taking care of her sick dad, going to school full time and working nights. She’s carrying a lot of stress and pressure to keep things together both professionally and at home and she’s never dealt with the emotions of having the man she thought she loved dump her through an email. Sean’s back in town and not doing too well himself. He misses Abby and when he finds out that she’s been having sex with Ben, an acquaintance of hers with no strings attached, Sean wants to be the man she goes to when she needs a release. She agrees, but it’s going to be her way and by her rules so she can try to keep her heart from being crushed again.
Sean is a hero that grabbed my heart. There’s something about this man that I just couldn’t get enough of. Yes, he was a shit for breaking up with her in an email, but I did get it. He was scared and having his mind wandering during his mission on his last deployment is dangerous. Yes (again), it was probably partially an excuse, but I bought it. But seeing him try to help Abby, whether it was replacing her car’s battery or mowing the grass, he did little things to help take some of the pressure off her shoulders. I just loved him.
What I didn’t so much like was having a ménage scene in this story that almost mirrored the one in the previous story, Over the Edge. Abby, scared of her growing feelings for Sean, wanted a way to drive him away for good and so she suggests a ménage with Ben, knowing that it’ll be the nail in the coffin for their relationship. This set up for a ménage worked for me well enough in the first story (although I could have taken or left the scene all together) but I understood Ty’s reason for it. I didn’t like it here. I felt like it got tossed in for the sake of having a ménage included and I thought the emotion was high enough already, and the story would have been stronger for me without this. And in fact, I ended up quickly skimming through the scene to get back to just the Sean and Abby scenes.
For as much as I loved Sean, a few elements, mainly the one I described above, took me out of the story, literally, by skipping past it. That aside, Anne Calhoun writes very emotional and at times, dark characters and I liked seeing them come through it all finding love.
Blog rating: B-
Over the Edge:
I liked the edge this couple had early on. They had attraction from the start and Lauren wanted to just know more about Ty and that leads them right into the bedroom. Ty is dealing with a lot of pain from serving overseas and having a mission go horribly wrong and he channels that anger and grief in unhealthy ways – mainly bottling it up, through sex with no emotion and generally not living life. As much as he hates it, he finds a connection with Lauren and does his damndest to sever it. He says hurtful things to Lauren, he suggests that Lauren sleeps with his best friend Sean, you know, because he just got back from overseas and needs it. Lauren turns the tables on him and says only if he’s there and the night the three of them share gets a little too emotional for Ty and he pulls away once again. Honestly, I finished the story liking Ty, but thinking about his attitude and how he treated Lauren leading up to the end, he’s kind of an ass. He’s hurting and not dealing with his pain so I get that, but I really shouldn’t have liked him as much as I did, and I think it’s mainly due to Lauren.
I loved Lauren. I think she handled the situations Ty threw at her with a level head and honesty and even when his words cut her, she still kept her head up and I really like how she reacted and dealt with everything.
This heavy, emotional story is perfect as a novella length (136 pgs). A little of Ty went a long way and by the time he wakes up and is ready to make some changes, I was more than ready for that as well. Ty and Lauren have some very erotic, sexy scenes. Personally, I could have taken or left Sean being included, it did serve a strong purpose for Ty’s own emotional journey, but I was more focused on Lauren and later on Ty once he started moving his life in a new direction.
All on the Line
Sean broke up with Abby during his last deployment, via a four sentence email – harsh! Abby is not the same girl he used to know. During the past year she’s changed, she’s now taking care of her sick dad, going to school full time and working nights. She’s carrying a lot of stress and pressure to keep things together both professionally and at home and she’s never dealt with the emotions of having the man she thought she loved dump her through an email. Sean’s back in town and not doing too well himself. He misses Abby and when he finds out that she’s been having sex with Ben, an acquaintance of hers with no strings attached, Sean wants to be the man she goes to when she needs a release. She agrees, but it’s going to be her way and by her rules so she can try to keep her heart from being crushed again.
Sean is a hero that grabbed my heart. There’s something about this man that I just couldn’t get enough of. Yes, he was a shit for breaking up with her in an email, but I did get it. He was scared and having his mind wandering during his mission on his last deployment is dangerous. Yes (again), it was probably partially an excuse, but I bought it. But seeing him try to help Abby, whether it was replacing her car’s battery or mowing the grass, he did little things to help take some of the pressure off her shoulders. I just loved him.
What I didn’t so much like was having a ménage scene in this story that almost mirrored the one in the previous story, Over the Edge. Abby, scared of her growing feelings for Sean, wanted a way to drive him away for good and so she suggests a ménage with Ben, knowing that it’ll be the nail in the coffin for their relationship. This set up for a ménage worked for me well enough in the first story (although I could have taken or left the scene all together) but I understood Ty’s reason for it. I didn’t like it here. I felt like it got tossed in for the sake of having a ménage included and I thought the emotion was high enough already, and the story would have been stronger for me without this. And in fact, I ended up quickly skimming through the scene to get back to just the Sean and Abby scenes.
For as much as I loved Sean, a few elements, mainly the one I described above, took me out of the story, literally, by skipping past it. That aside, Anne Calhoun writes very emotional and at times, dark characters and I liked seeing them come through it all finding love.
March 26, 2018
3.5 stars
This book contains two closely connected novellas that make for a decent length read. Both protagonists are current or ex-marines that know one another. I struggled with the character of Ty in the first novella, I didn’t like him that much, he was very closed off. Both heroines were likeable and relatable. Sean and Abby’s story was my favourite.
The writing was superb and there was lots of heat.
This book contains two closely connected novellas that make for a decent length read. Both protagonists are current or ex-marines that know one another. I struggled with the character of Ty in the first novella, I didn’t like him that much, he was very closed off. Both heroines were likeable and relatable. Sean and Abby’s story was my favourite.
The writing was superb and there was lots of heat.
May 30, 2013
3.5 stars for the first novella
4 stars for the second one
If you have never read a book by Anne Calhoun, you are seriously missing out. The woman has this amazing ability to weave a story together so seamlessly that not a detail goes unnoticed. I absolutely adore her writing style. She's able to get every nuance, every little detail, sound, feeling, emotion into her books that make the story truly beautiful to read. She has been on my auto-buy list ever since Liberating Lacey.
This book is 2 novellas, Over the Edge and All on the Line. The writing is nothing less that what you might expect from Anne Calhoun, but sadly I didn't love these 2 stories as much as her other work.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone. I have not yet read On the Edge where Ty was first introduced (though I do plan to do it now) and I was able to follow the story line with no problems
Over the Edge
Ty Hendricks
Ty Hendricks is not the man he used to be. After a mission in Afganistan goes completely FUBAR, Ty is completely broke, haunted with the dark memories, nightmares and guilt, he has trouble with any form of relationships, friend or last of all romantic.
While working on an oil platform, he meets Lauren Kincaid. I really liked Lauren's character. She was very down to earth, no-drama, no self-esteem issues woman. I enjoyed the fact that she was the one to pursue Ty first and make her interest in him clear. Lauren is interested in Ty, but Ty feels like he is too broken for any relationship other than sexual. They have a one-night stand which turns into more frequent sexual encounters.
The sex scenes are steamy as hell, the way only Miss Calhoun knows how to wright them. Seriously hot, but erotically beautiful (if that even makes sense).
Where this story went a little wrong for me was with Ty. I could not connect to his character. After we learn what happened on his mission, I could more or less understand why he is the way he is, but I just kept waiting for something more from him. He was a complete a-hole for almost the entirety of the story. He was closed off emotionally and at times extremely rude. Lauren was very understanding, without being a pushover, of his situation. I supposed I just hoped to get a little more from Ty at the end. We do get a HEA, but for me it just felt slightly rushed and glossed over. I think that perhaps a quick epilogue or maybe an additional chapter of the couple wouldn't have been amiss. I'll go with 3.5 stars for this story.
Sean Winthrop
In "All on the Line," we meet Sean Winthrop. He had a budding relationship with Abby Simmons last time he was on leave from the Marines, and Abby fell for him hard and fast. However, fearing that their relationship will not survive his deployment, Sean breaks up with her in an unemotional email. Abby is broken hearted, but moves on. Sean after coming back from Afghanistan is full of regrets, wants Abby Back. But Abby is no longer the woman that Sean left behind. She is only interested in sex, so Sean sets up a plan to get back into her heart.
I loved Sean in this story. He was not the typical man-whoring asshole, and he wasn't an a-hole like Ty. I suppose where this one went wrong for me was with Abby. While I did like her as a heroine, there were times and situations where she drove me a little crazy. Even though her whole thing was about being more "mature" and different, her actions at times were very immature.
The common theme these two novellas have is the use of a menage in order to bring the main couple together. In Over the Edge, Ty uses a menage in order to push Lauren away, but it only makes him realize his feelings for her. In All On The Line, Abby suggests a menage to Sean in order to show that he does not affect her, though again it has the opposite effect.
I have to say that I enjoyed All On The Line more out of the two stories simply because I loved Sean. Also in addition to a HEA, it had a very beautiful epilogue which was very satisfying. So I will go with 4 stars.
4 stars for the second one
If you have never read a book by Anne Calhoun, you are seriously missing out. The woman has this amazing ability to weave a story together so seamlessly that not a detail goes unnoticed. I absolutely adore her writing style. She's able to get every nuance, every little detail, sound, feeling, emotion into her books that make the story truly beautiful to read. She has been on my auto-buy list ever since Liberating Lacey.
This book is 2 novellas, Over the Edge and All on the Line. The writing is nothing less that what you might expect from Anne Calhoun, but sadly I didn't love these 2 stories as much as her other work.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone. I have not yet read On the Edge where Ty was first introduced (though I do plan to do it now) and I was able to follow the story line with no problems
Over the Edge
Ty Hendricks
Ty Hendricks is not the man he used to be. After a mission in Afganistan goes completely FUBAR, Ty is completely broke, haunted with the dark memories, nightmares and guilt, he has trouble with any form of relationships, friend or last of all romantic.
While working on an oil platform, he meets Lauren Kincaid. I really liked Lauren's character. She was very down to earth, no-drama, no self-esteem issues woman. I enjoyed the fact that she was the one to pursue Ty first and make her interest in him clear. Lauren is interested in Ty, but Ty feels like he is too broken for any relationship other than sexual. They have a one-night stand which turns into more frequent sexual encounters.
The sex scenes are steamy as hell, the way only Miss Calhoun knows how to wright them. Seriously hot, but erotically beautiful (if that even makes sense).
Where this story went a little wrong for me was with Ty. I could not connect to his character. After we learn what happened on his mission, I could more or less understand why he is the way he is, but I just kept waiting for something more from him. He was a complete a-hole for almost the entirety of the story. He was closed off emotionally and at times extremely rude. Lauren was very understanding, without being a pushover, of his situation. I supposed I just hoped to get a little more from Ty at the end. We do get a HEA, but for me it just felt slightly rushed and glossed over. I think that perhaps a quick epilogue or maybe an additional chapter of the couple wouldn't have been amiss. I'll go with 3.5 stars for this story.
Sean Winthrop
In "All on the Line," we meet Sean Winthrop. He had a budding relationship with Abby Simmons last time he was on leave from the Marines, and Abby fell for him hard and fast. However, fearing that their relationship will not survive his deployment, Sean breaks up with her in an unemotional email. Abby is broken hearted, but moves on. Sean after coming back from Afghanistan is full of regrets, wants Abby Back. But Abby is no longer the woman that Sean left behind. She is only interested in sex, so Sean sets up a plan to get back into her heart.
I loved Sean in this story. He was not the typical man-whoring asshole, and he wasn't an a-hole like Ty. I suppose where this one went wrong for me was with Abby. While I did like her as a heroine, there were times and situations where she drove me a little crazy. Even though her whole thing was about being more "mature" and different, her actions at times were very immature.
The common theme these two novellas have is the use of a menage in order to bring the main couple together. In Over the Edge, Ty uses a menage in order to push Lauren away, but it only makes him realize his feelings for her. In All On The Line, Abby suggests a menage to Sean in order to show that he does not affect her, though again it has the opposite effect.
I have to say that I enjoyed All On The Line more out of the two stories simply because I loved Sean. Also in addition to a HEA, it had a very beautiful epilogue which was very satisfying. So I will go with 4 stars.
March 24, 2017
I only read the first story in this book and it was all kinds of hot. Great hetero fix for a usually M/M reader.
May 25, 2013
This review is for “All In The Line”, really good. Although I think that the ménage scene was not needed, I loved the story and the hero.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/erotic
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/drama
LENGTH: 142 pages
SCENES/CONTENT: few/erotic
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/drama
LENGTH: 142 pages
January 31, 2020
This is a perfectly ok tame erotic fiction book, and would probably normally get 3 stars. Just clearly not where my interest lies currently , because I ended up skimming most of sex scenes to get done faster. But I’m trying to clear out my physical TBR pile before tackling my ebook TBR pile.
March 6, 2019
Rachel, stanca delle rigide imposizioni morali della comunità nella quale vive, decide di allontanarsi da essa. Ad una curiosa asta compra, per una notte, lo scapolo Ben, membro dello SWAT. Questi, scoperta la sua purezza, decide di educarla al piacere, ma scoprirà una Rachel per nulla passiva
March 3, 2013
3.5 stars
First off, let us all take a moment to admire the orgasmic cover. Paul Marron does everyone some good. *ovaries explode*
Anne Calhoun delivers two short stories in UNCOMMON PLEASURE that is edgy and daring. OVER THE EDGE features Ty Hendricks and Lauren Kincaid. In Ty’s last assignment, an incident has caused him to cut himself off from the world. But Lauren might be enough to tempt him to come back to life.
I enjoyed OVER THE EDGE. Right off the bat, you can see that Calhoun is an exception writer. Eloquent and free-flowing, the words seem to pour out of her and stream into a beautiful prose. With this level of writing and Calhoun’s ability to write incredibly hot sex scenes, there is no wonder why Anne is becoming a heavily sought out name in Erotic Romance.
The sex scenes are very well done. Calhoun knows just when to tease and when to indulge, bringing readers to the brink and back again. The threesome was hotter than hell and made for a great way to introduce Sean in a way that was memorable and hooks readers right in.
However, I didn’t immediately feel the spark between Ty and Lauren and that is why I didn’t think this story was as great as it could have been. Ty is very reserved and that affected the way I connected with him.
In the second story, ALL ON THE LINE, Calhoun gives Sean his own story. Abby Simmons fell in love with Sean before he was deployed in Afghanistan. Time apart meant that the both of them have moved on…or so they thought. When Sean returns home hoping to rekindle what they had, he finds Abby all grown up and a woman in her own right.
I liked ALL ON THE LINE better than the first story mostly because of the hero. I thought the story and conflict was stronger in this one and the sex is great as always. The thing that bothered me about this story was the presence of another threesome. In the first story, I thought it worked well. However, by the time the threesome rolled around in this one, I immediately thought, Again? Something didn’t click for me and I didn’t believe in it because I couldn’t understand why it was happening again.
Overall, I enjoyed UNCOMMON PLEASURE. Calhoun’s writing is explosive and daring. I can’t wait to see what she has planned next!
*ARC provided by publisher
First off, let us all take a moment to admire the orgasmic cover. Paul Marron does everyone some good. *ovaries explode*
Anne Calhoun delivers two short stories in UNCOMMON PLEASURE that is edgy and daring. OVER THE EDGE features Ty Hendricks and Lauren Kincaid. In Ty’s last assignment, an incident has caused him to cut himself off from the world. But Lauren might be enough to tempt him to come back to life.
I enjoyed OVER THE EDGE. Right off the bat, you can see that Calhoun is an exception writer. Eloquent and free-flowing, the words seem to pour out of her and stream into a beautiful prose. With this level of writing and Calhoun’s ability to write incredibly hot sex scenes, there is no wonder why Anne is becoming a heavily sought out name in Erotic Romance.
The sex scenes are very well done. Calhoun knows just when to tease and when to indulge, bringing readers to the brink and back again. The threesome was hotter than hell and made for a great way to introduce Sean in a way that was memorable and hooks readers right in.
However, I didn’t immediately feel the spark between Ty and Lauren and that is why I didn’t think this story was as great as it could have been. Ty is very reserved and that affected the way I connected with him.
In the second story, ALL ON THE LINE, Calhoun gives Sean his own story. Abby Simmons fell in love with Sean before he was deployed in Afghanistan. Time apart meant that the both of them have moved on…or so they thought. When Sean returns home hoping to rekindle what they had, he finds Abby all grown up and a woman in her own right.
I liked ALL ON THE LINE better than the first story mostly because of the hero. I thought the story and conflict was stronger in this one and the sex is great as always. The thing that bothered me about this story was the presence of another threesome. In the first story, I thought it worked well. However, by the time the threesome rolled around in this one, I immediately thought, Again? Something didn’t click for me and I didn’t believe in it because I couldn’t understand why it was happening again.
Overall, I enjoyed UNCOMMON PLEASURE. Calhoun’s writing is explosive and daring. I can’t wait to see what she has planned next!
*ARC provided by publisher
March 5, 2013
DiDi‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 Stars
AN UNCOMMON PLEASURE is an erotic anthology about two very sexy ALPHA men and the women who love fall in love with them. I enjoyed both novellas immensely, an added bonus for me is they are set on Galveston Island, where I was born and live 15 minutes away from. While I enjoyed both stories, I preferred ALL ON THE LINE more than OVER THE EDGE.
OVER THE EDGE -
Ty Hendricks and Lauren Kincaid had instant chemistry when they met on an oil rig. Once they are back on land they decide to have a fling. The sexual chemistry between the two is five alarm hot. I really liked Lauren but for some reason, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t fully connect with Ty. At times, he seemed cold and unfeeling. Other times he had me fanning myself because that man is sex on a stick. Towards the end I was feeling Ty more, then all of the sudden there is a menage thrown in with Sean (from ALL ON THE LINE) and while it was hot as hell, it felt out of place, but I went with it because although it seemed out of character with all three involved, I could tell why Ms. Calhoun wrote it.
ALL ON THE LINE -
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sean and Abby! I totally felt their connection and pain. I am glad Abby didn’t totally give her heart back to Sean as soon as he came back. ALL ON THE LINE is a great novella, it didn’t feel rushed, it had great emotion and hot sex. NOW….I was all into it and loving it…then BAM!!! out of the blue another menage, this menage felt more out of place than the one in Ty and Lauren’s story. I couldn’t even get into the hotness of this menage because it was just WRONG.
Anne Calhoun’s writing style is smooth, edgy and her sex scenes are beautifully detailed, intense and erotic. The issue I had with both of the novellas was the menages thrown in. I love a good menage as much as any one, but not all erotic romances need them. Ms. Calhoun writes such beautifully depicted sex scenes, these menages were not needed at all.
If you are looking for a short erotic, smokin’ hot and emotional read, you will want to read UNCOMMON PLEASURE, ASAP.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
AN UNCOMMON PLEASURE is an erotic anthology about two very sexy ALPHA men and the women who love fall in love with them. I enjoyed both novellas immensely, an added bonus for me is they are set on Galveston Island, where I was born and live 15 minutes away from. While I enjoyed both stories, I preferred ALL ON THE LINE more than OVER THE EDGE.
OVER THE EDGE -
Ty Hendricks and Lauren Kincaid had instant chemistry when they met on an oil rig. Once they are back on land they decide to have a fling. The sexual chemistry between the two is five alarm hot. I really liked Lauren but for some reason, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t fully connect with Ty. At times, he seemed cold and unfeeling. Other times he had me fanning myself because that man is sex on a stick. Towards the end I was feeling Ty more, then all of the sudden there is a menage thrown in with Sean (from ALL ON THE LINE) and while it was hot as hell, it felt out of place, but I went with it because although it seemed out of character with all three involved, I could tell why Ms. Calhoun wrote it.
ALL ON THE LINE -
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sean and Abby! I totally felt their connection and pain. I am glad Abby didn’t totally give her heart back to Sean as soon as he came back. ALL ON THE LINE is a great novella, it didn’t feel rushed, it had great emotion and hot sex. NOW….I was all into it and loving it…then BAM!!! out of the blue another menage, this menage felt more out of place than the one in Ty and Lauren’s story. I couldn’t even get into the hotness of this menage because it was just WRONG.
Anne Calhoun’s writing style is smooth, edgy and her sex scenes are beautifully detailed, intense and erotic. The issue I had with both of the novellas was the menages thrown in. I love a good menage as much as any one, but not all erotic romances need them. Ms. Calhoun writes such beautifully depicted sex scenes, these menages were not needed at all.
If you are looking for a short erotic, smokin’ hot and emotional read, you will want to read UNCOMMON PLEASURE, ASAP.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 7, 2013
Uncommon Pleasures (Goodreads first-reads book)is two stories in one erotic romance that lives up to its name. The first story Over the Edge raw and gets right to business with Ty and Lauren. All on the line is a sweet,powerful,sexy romance with Sean and Abby. Together this makes for 3 star read.
Of the two stories the second had more depth and a better story line.
What I liked about Ty is he a alpha male but a good guy at heart. His emotional struggle is understandable. I could totally see him hooking up with some one like the smart and down to earth Lauren. Key word is hook up. nothing about Laurens personality says she is a keeper. Unless Ty is turned on from being Laurens Science Project. I found myself wondering if she wanted to change Ty though she even said that she does not. Lauren to be a bit too good to be true and shallow. She is geologist who must have taken some psychology classes or somehow she is a mind reader because Lauren figures Ty out every time. The connection was missing though the sex scenes were nice and steamy.
Sean and Abby have more in common. They both make tough choices in order to do the right thing. Both of there personalities and circumstances are well detailed and believable. Sean the once nerd now Marine knows what he wants and learns a lot about him self. His growth is obvious. Abby dealt with her personal demons by staying busy and trying to better her self. Once the two make their deal the chemistry is undeniable.
What I liked most about this book was getting the guys and the girls point of view. I like how both stories tie into each other. Over the Edge had awesome sex scenes but needed just a bit more on Lauren to humanize her. All on the line had a good flow and I would have preferred a different eye opening sex scene. Over all I give this Erotic Romance a 3 star rating. I would love reading other books by Anne Calhoun because I see the potential of a darn good read.
Of the two stories the second had more depth and a better story line.
What I liked about Ty is he a alpha male but a good guy at heart. His emotional struggle is understandable. I could totally see him hooking up with some one like the smart and down to earth Lauren. Key word is hook up. nothing about Laurens personality says she is a keeper. Unless Ty is turned on from being Laurens Science Project. I found myself wondering if she wanted to change Ty though she even said that she does not. Lauren to be a bit too good to be true and shallow. She is geologist who must have taken some psychology classes or somehow she is a mind reader because Lauren figures Ty out every time. The connection was missing though the sex scenes were nice and steamy.
Sean and Abby have more in common. They both make tough choices in order to do the right thing. Both of there personalities and circumstances are well detailed and believable. Sean the once nerd now Marine knows what he wants and learns a lot about him self. His growth is obvious. Abby dealt with her personal demons by staying busy and trying to better her self. Once the two make their deal the chemistry is undeniable.
What I liked most about this book was getting the guys and the girls point of view. I like how both stories tie into each other. Over the Edge had awesome sex scenes but needed just a bit more on Lauren to humanize her. All on the line had a good flow and I would have preferred a different eye opening sex scene. Over all I give this Erotic Romance a 3 star rating. I would love reading other books by Anne Calhoun because I see the potential of a darn good read.
June 18, 2016
this books is divided into 2 related short stories.
In the first story, with Ty and Lauren, we had 4 relevant sex scenes in 120 pages. The first "vanilla", the second more into restraints, then a three-some and then vanilla again. Not bad, is it?
And I really disliked Ty, he was an ass**le :( He totally didn't deserve Lauren.
In the second story, with Abby and Sean, we had several relevant sex scenes (I skipped some page here and there because I wanted to read about the people and not the sex) and a three-some. This time I really disliked Abby, even if I partially forgave her because she was really young.
Besides all that sex I can't say there was really a lot of things. Weak plot. Poor background story.
What a pity, the author writes well.
I can say that both of the stories had similarities for me. I disliked one of the main character in every story ;) And those three-somes... ;)
In the first story, with Ty and Lauren, we had 4 relevant sex scenes in 120 pages. The first "vanilla", the second more into restraints, then a three-some and then vanilla again. Not bad, is it?
And I really disliked Ty, he was an ass**le :( He totally didn't deserve Lauren.
In the second story, with Abby and Sean, we had several relevant sex scenes (I skipped some page here and there because I wanted to read about the people and not the sex) and a three-some. This time I really disliked Abby, even if I partially forgave her because she was really young.
Besides all that sex I can't say there was really a lot of things. Weak plot. Poor background story.
What a pity, the author writes well.
I can say that both of the stories had similarities for me. I disliked one of the main character in every story ;) And those three-somes... ;)
March 6, 2013
I won this book through the Good Reads Giveaway. I dont know what to really say about this book if your looking for a romance novel where two people fall in love and actually makes sense. This is not for you. I really do not understand how the characters fell for each other. Some of the scenes in the book make me believe that a relationship would not get stronger after this point but weaken. But if you are looking for a good sex book this is it. I thought this book was a lot more sex driven than 50 Shades of Grey. I thought this book was alright i am not sure if i liked it but maybe it will be your cup of tea.
February 11, 2016
This was a scorcher of a read.
I actually think I saw my kindle smoke and was afraid it would short circuit before I could finish the book! HOT!
I'm not a fan of ménage and try to avoid books that are shelved under that category. I couldn’t resist giving this book a try because everything else about the synopsis caught my attention. I'm glad I did. I loved the book and the ménage wasn’t an ongoing part of the relationship.
I’m now hooked on Anne Calhoun books. Yeah, the sex scenes are among the best I’ve read, but it’s the depth of her characters that reel me in.
Four stars because I really wanted more of story one.
I actually think I saw my kindle smoke and was afraid it would short circuit before I could finish the book! HOT!
I'm not a fan of ménage and try to avoid books that are shelved under that category. I couldn’t resist giving this book a try because everything else about the synopsis caught my attention. I'm glad I did. I loved the book and the ménage wasn’t an ongoing part of the relationship.
I’m now hooked on Anne Calhoun books. Yeah, the sex scenes are among the best I’ve read, but it’s the depth of her characters that reel me in.
Four stars because I really wanted more of story one.
October 18, 2013
This review is for Over The Edge.
I had a hard time connecting with this story. Ty was such an asshole and said such mean things to Lauren for most of the story that I barely thawed towards him when he pulled his head out of his arse. Lauren was the reason I finished it. She was such a strong and very likable heroine who carried herself with confidence and quiet strength. She knew what she was dealing with with Ty and she still stuck it out until he pushed her too far. She never lost herself and allowed him to find his way back to her.
I had a hard time connecting with this story. Ty was such an asshole and said such mean things to Lauren for most of the story that I barely thawed towards him when he pulled his head out of his arse. Lauren was the reason I finished it. She was such a strong and very likable heroine who carried herself with confidence and quiet strength. She knew what she was dealing with with Ty and she still stuck it out until he pushed her too far. She never lost herself and allowed him to find his way back to her.
June 8, 2013
Liked both stories. Probably the first a bit more than second. I didn't feel the ménage worked with Sean, Abby & Ben. Almost like - "oh I'd better throw that in before I get to the end". Still some pretty hot sexy stuff happening. I enjoyed my first Anne Calhoun and will certainly be on lookout for more.
August 4, 2021
First read: August 2014 (3 stars)
Over the Edge was great. All on the Line was meh.
Reread: August 2021
Wow I cannot believe that 2014!Lisa said All on the Line was meh? The second chance romance angst was top shelf.
But anyway I miss Anne Calhoun. Going to reread Ben's book next.
Over the Edge was great. All on the Line was meh.
Reread: August 2021
Wow I cannot believe that 2014!Lisa said All on the Line was meh? The second chance romance angst was top shelf.
But anyway I miss Anne Calhoun. Going to reread Ben's book next.
March 10, 2013
Holy, this was emotional but very good!
“After this month we can both agree I suck at the Prince Charming stuff,” he said.
She tipped her head back and smiled at him, her eyes gleaming. “That’s okay. I’ll take my U.S. Marine.”
Semper fi
“After this month we can both agree I suck at the Prince Charming stuff,” he said.
She tipped her head back and smiled at him, her eyes gleaming. “That’s okay. I’ll take my U.S. Marine.”
Semper fi
September 7, 2023
So two stories in one!
Book one was Ty & Lauren which follows on nicely from book one. I would say that you don’t need to read book one in order to enjoy this.
I liked the story. Lauren was strong and pretty kickass. She knew what she wanted and had Ty pretty figured out. It was a bit of a similar story to the previous book though which i think I preferred but that could be because it felt fresher.
This one had a slight subplot but in general I would say these are 90% erotica really. Who would think you could get bored of sex scenes!? Well, it was a close call.
On the whole this was a good read with a bit of a bolted on menage at the end. It just about worked though so it’s all good.
Book two!
So the third guy: Sean, gets his own story! Sean the brainbox tries to get back together with sweet, frecklefaced Abby after totally destroying their previous budding romance. I had more of an issue with this book.
1. I just didn’t forgive Sean. He just didn’t sway me. I felt angry on Abby’s behalf that he thought he could fix it all in four weeks!
2. I’d ODed on sex scenes! I had sex scene fatigue!
AND
I even skimmed the menage at the end! By this time I felt like a bit of a menage pro. Third book. Third menage. Equals pro status! Obvs. I just found this one underwhelming. I could never quite work out if we were supposed to like Ben. He was sort of a bit of a dick. I needed to know him more. It just felt awks.
Like I say. Fatigue.
Book one was Ty & Lauren which follows on nicely from book one. I would say that you don’t need to read book one in order to enjoy this.
I liked the story. Lauren was strong and pretty kickass. She knew what she wanted and had Ty pretty figured out. It was a bit of a similar story to the previous book though which i think I preferred but that could be because it felt fresher.
This one had a slight subplot but in general I would say these are 90% erotica really. Who would think you could get bored of sex scenes!? Well, it was a close call.
On the whole this was a good read with a bit of a bolted on menage at the end. It just about worked though so it’s all good.
Book two!
So the third guy: Sean, gets his own story! Sean the brainbox tries to get back together with sweet, frecklefaced Abby after totally destroying their previous budding romance. I had more of an issue with this book.
1. I just didn’t forgive Sean. He just didn’t sway me. I felt angry on Abby’s behalf that he thought he could fix it all in four weeks!
2. I’d ODed on sex scenes! I had sex scene fatigue!
AND
I even skimmed the menage at the end! By this time I felt like a bit of a menage pro. Third book. Third menage. Equals pro status! Obvs. I just found this one underwhelming. I could never quite work out if we were supposed to like Ben. He was sort of a bit of a dick. I needed to know him more. It just felt awks.
Like I say. Fatigue.
June 20, 2023
Writing is fine but not really my favorite style. So much explicit description (like what someone’s wearing, how they walk, etc.) that it kind of pulls you out of what’s happening. Like I doubt some guy is really watching that closely what their coworkers fiancé is wearing for shoes…So just not my writing style in terms of how the author writes description. Also, not too much depth here but I guess I expected that. To be honest I finished the book knowing very little about the characters. So, not something that left a mark. But also I’d be willing to try more by this author
May 10, 2017
The first pick in my TBR Lottery Challenge - 3.5 stars, I loved the first story more than the second but all in all, a fun read.
Check out my full thoughts as well as the other participants thoughts on the books they read on the TBR Lottery Challenge over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
Check out my full thoughts as well as the other participants thoughts on the books they read on the TBR Lottery Challenge over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
March 2, 2023
first this book isn’t really long at 294 pages. Then the book is split in half with 2 different connected stories different MC’s in both.
This book was pretty spicy and some how Anne managed to get you to really connect with both couples?? not clue how she did it but i’m impressed and honestly could have kept reading more.
This book was pretty spicy and some how Anne managed to get you to really connect with both couples?? not clue how she did it but i’m impressed and honestly could have kept reading more.
March 16, 2025
My favorite book by Anne Calhoun. Plenty of sexual tension and resolution. The rawness of the emotions and grief, and how characters deal with those emotions, sets Anne’s books apart from others in this genre. Her stories would be great without the erotic content. Many books jn the erotica space lack strong plotting, but not Anne’s. I’ve read this book more than once.
January 14, 2023
I only read Ty and Lauren’s story. I just didn’t connect with either character. Ty wasn’t very likable until the last few pages (I get why, but still…). Lauren was a great heroine, very strong and mature. I just didn’t feel a connection to them or really care what happened.
library
July 30, 20210
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