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The Night Off
Emily Parker has a busy life over which she maintains iron-clad control. Raised by drug-addicted parents, she’s used to taking care of the people around her, to the exclusion of her own needs. But not tonight. After years of celibacy, she’s ready to pay for exactly what she wants: to surrender control, by having it taken away.
Having worked as a high-priced escort for years, Nat Swayne not only enjoys her job—she’s damn good at it. Dangerously sexy, she knows precisely how to fulfill the fantasies of women who enjoy her special brand of make-believe—all without ever becoming emotionally involved.
When their night of intense play turns into something more, Emily and Nat can’t help but pursue a connection in the real world. Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and love isn’t always enough.
Or is it?
Having worked as a high-priced escort for years, Nat Swayne not only enjoys her job—she’s damn good at it. Dangerously sexy, she knows precisely how to fulfill the fantasies of women who enjoy her special brand of make-believe—all without ever becoming emotionally involved.
When their night of intense play turns into something more, Emily and Nat can’t help but pursue a connection in the real world. Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and love isn’t always enough.
Or is it?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
328 people are currently reading
4986 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,145 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
October 24, 2020
I read this to my wife. That was really challenging because this is mainly really naughty erotica.
I still felt all those wonderful emotions from the first time. But on this second read, I wasn't super thrilled with the aggressive shame talking in the beginning. I know that it was part of a role play, but it just wasn't sexy to me. It probably stood out more since I had to vocalize that crazy dialogue. For that reason, I am lowering my rating from 5 to 4.
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I don't know why I do this to myself. I pick these books that are high on the sexual activity spectrum even though I can barely get through scenes without blushing and having to skim read.
What did I expect from this book that was published in 2012? A lot of explicit scenes. Because I did read this author's most recent book 'The Sex Therapist Next Door.' But I got a lot more.
I literally cried hard. Ugly cry. The romance aspect of this book really kicked me in the gut. Oh the ANGST when done SO RIGHT hurts SO GOOD. How could this type of book get me so emotional?!
I liked these ladies. I liked who they were despite and maybe because OF their backgrounds. I liked their meeting and their chemistry. I liked their damage and baggage. And I liked their kinky passion. (IF ONLY).
So pretty much really loved this book. I wanted to give it a 4 because there was too much sex to embarrassingly get through. But how could I knock it off for that when it was on purpose and written so well? So to my complete surprise, this is a 5. But you all already have probably known that since the beginning of the decade.
I still felt all those wonderful emotions from the first time. But on this second read, I wasn't super thrilled with the aggressive shame talking in the beginning. I know that it was part of a role play, but it just wasn't sexy to me. It probably stood out more since I had to vocalize that crazy dialogue. For that reason, I am lowering my rating from 5 to 4.
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I don't know why I do this to myself. I pick these books that are high on the sexual activity spectrum even though I can barely get through scenes without blushing and having to skim read.
What did I expect from this book that was published in 2012? A lot of explicit scenes. Because I did read this author's most recent book 'The Sex Therapist Next Door.' But I got a lot more.
I literally cried hard. Ugly cry. The romance aspect of this book really kicked me in the gut. Oh the ANGST when done SO RIGHT hurts SO GOOD. How could this type of book get me so emotional?!
I liked these ladies. I liked who they were despite and maybe because OF their backgrounds. I liked their meeting and their chemistry. I liked their damage and baggage. And I liked their kinky passion. (IF ONLY).
So pretty much really loved this book. I wanted to give it a 4 because there was too much sex to embarrassingly get through. But how could I knock it off for that when it was on purpose and written so well? So to my complete surprise, this is a 5. But you all already have probably known that since the beginning of the decade.
July 6, 2018
I started reading this only to remember that I read it ages ago and never marked it as read or reviewed it so here goes.
If you're a fan of erotica with a truck ton of dirty talk then this is the book for you! This book has one of the longest and hottest sex scenes I have ever read. There is also bit of BDSM involved but nothing too extensive.
The relationship in the beginning between Emily and Nat to me had a little bit of an insta-love feel to it but they do have a very intense connection so that feeling passed fairly quickly. I think a large reason for that intensity has to do with both their traumatic childhoods. Brace yourselves for that because it is not pretty and you might need a tissue or two.
If you're looking for a fluffy romance novel, chances are you will not like this book because emotions run high and there is a fair amount of angst as well. Though this is not my favorite by O'Brien (that is Thirteen Hours) this gets a 3,75* rating.
If you're a fan of erotica with a truck ton of dirty talk then this is the book for you! This book has one of the longest and hottest sex scenes I have ever read. There is also bit of BDSM involved but nothing too extensive.
The relationship in the beginning between Emily and Nat to me had a little bit of an insta-love feel to it but they do have a very intense connection so that feeling passed fairly quickly. I think a large reason for that intensity has to do with both their traumatic childhoods. Brace yourselves for that because it is not pretty and you might need a tissue or two.
If you're looking for a fluffy romance novel, chances are you will not like this book because emotions run high and there is a fair amount of angst as well. Though this is not my favorite by O'Brien (that is Thirteen Hours) this gets a 3,75* rating.
July 5, 2012
some might think this is a bit of a biased review because i know Meghan and im a little bit in love with her, but the truth is this story is just plain hot. i loved Thirteen Hours, but The Night Off, not only takes that level of sexiness up a notch, but i found these characters to be more likable.
i loved that Nat was a butch with a heart. i hate reading about butch lesbians that are cold and standoffish as if that being a dick is just part of being butch. Emily is totally my type --i love a sexy nerd--, and her little sister Colleen brought realistic tension to the plot.
i recommend this to anyone look for a spicy read that brings the laughs and a few tear eyed moments as well.
i loved that Nat was a butch with a heart. i hate reading about butch lesbians that are cold and standoffish as if that being a dick is just part of being butch. Emily is totally my type --i love a sexy nerd--, and her little sister Colleen brought realistic tension to the plot.
i recommend this to anyone look for a spicy read that brings the laughs and a few tear eyed moments as well.
November 4, 2020
Turned up for the sex, stayed for the plot.
That basically sums it up. I've seen people say Meghan OBriens stuff is porn without plot, and maybe that is true of some of her stories (I'm currently struggling with The Sex Therapist Next Door) - but I certainly didn't think so with this one.
While yes it starts out very naughty and hot and heavy - even in those beginning stages there was elements of fragility in each of the characters, that made me want to know more and go deeper. Pardon the pun.
I just felt for both lovers and their backstories and their want for something more together and in the future. Normal human complications arise with responsibilities and emotions get tangled. I felt a strong connection and want between them, which I didn't expect from an erotica. Which I think speaks to the quality of the writing.
It does deal with BDSM, and that's not something I am generally too comfortable with - however the safety and care factor was there enough for me to not be worried about either participants, so that made things better. I always struggle when there's not clear communication, safety and care taken with those topics, which some lesfics don't get right and I think can be dangerous. But there was none of that here.
That basically sums it up. I've seen people say Meghan OBriens stuff is porn without plot, and maybe that is true of some of her stories (I'm currently struggling with The Sex Therapist Next Door) - but I certainly didn't think so with this one.
While yes it starts out very naughty and hot and heavy - even in those beginning stages there was elements of fragility in each of the characters, that made me want to know more and go deeper. Pardon the pun.
I just felt for both lovers and their backstories and their want for something more together and in the future. Normal human complications arise with responsibilities and emotions get tangled. I felt a strong connection and want between them, which I didn't expect from an erotica. Which I think speaks to the quality of the writing.
It does deal with BDSM, and that's not something I am generally too comfortable with - however the safety and care factor was there enough for me to not be worried about either participants, so that made things better. I always struggle when there's not clear communication, safety and care taken with those topics, which some lesfics don't get right and I think can be dangerous. But there was none of that here.
April 15, 2023
Within the first minute of this audiobook I became completely infatuated with it.
Their story starts off with a BDSM fantasy but there is so much to their instant connection than intense sex.
This is not a fluffy romance book, it is a story of passion, drama and love .
Both women come from a traumatic past, each making sacrifices along the way to survive.
Nats’s and Emily’s deep connection for one another is fierce and beautiful.
O’Brien’s words are demanding and Wilde’s (Abby Craden) performance is emotional.
I will definitely try a second book by Meghan O’Brien.
Their story starts off with a BDSM fantasy but there is so much to their instant connection than intense sex.
This is not a fluffy romance book, it is a story of passion, drama and love .
Both women come from a traumatic past, each making sacrifices along the way to survive.
Nats’s and Emily’s deep connection for one another is fierce and beautiful.
O’Brien’s words are demanding and Wilde’s (Abby Craden) performance is emotional.
I will definitely try a second book by Meghan O’Brien.
January 31, 2020
Emily Parker has a busy life both as an accountant and taking care of her younger sister. One night, she decides to relinquish her control and pay an escort to help her forget all her obligations. Nat Swayne is a high-priced escort who behaves professionally to fulfill the fantasies of women without ever becoming emotionally involved. That is, until the night she meets Emily when all her hidden feelings start to spiral out of control. If only she could convince Emily to give them a chance…
Meghan O’Brien is an accomplished author of lesbian erotica and throughout the years has crafted a very distinctive style of stories heavy on the erotica but balanced with a good amount of angst and romance. ‘The night off’ is a prime example as this story has it all: varied and hot sex scenes, sweet romance and a great deal of drama.
I have to warn that there is a good quantity of light BDSM throughout the plot which I’m not a fan but it’s not gratuitous and it makes sense within the story. What I like about this author is that her erotica transcends the depiction of purely sexual acts by dealing with deeper feelings. Both main characters arrive at their relationship from very different places but, at the same time, they are very similar: lonely women looking for compassion and love.
I’ve read the book a few years ago and liked it very much but let me tell you that nothing prepares you for the experience of listening to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden under the pseudonym of Alexandria Wilde. I hate to repeat myself but Ms. Craden/Wilde is in a different league than most lesfic narrators. This book is incredibly demanding not only because of the explicit sex scenes but also due to the deep emotions that are present but suffice to say that the narrator nails it with her usual prowess. She gives a convincing performance in all fronts bringing the story to a new light. If you are a fan of erotica with a bit of substance, this book is for you.
One of the best lesbian erotica audiobooks I’ve listened to. Duration: 7 hours, 31 minutes of lesfic bliss. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Meghan O’Brien is an accomplished author of lesbian erotica and throughout the years has crafted a very distinctive style of stories heavy on the erotica but balanced with a good amount of angst and romance. ‘The night off’ is a prime example as this story has it all: varied and hot sex scenes, sweet romance and a great deal of drama.
I have to warn that there is a good quantity of light BDSM throughout the plot which I’m not a fan but it’s not gratuitous and it makes sense within the story. What I like about this author is that her erotica transcends the depiction of purely sexual acts by dealing with deeper feelings. Both main characters arrive at their relationship from very different places but, at the same time, they are very similar: lonely women looking for compassion and love.
I’ve read the book a few years ago and liked it very much but let me tell you that nothing prepares you for the experience of listening to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden under the pseudonym of Alexandria Wilde. I hate to repeat myself but Ms. Craden/Wilde is in a different league than most lesfic narrators. This book is incredibly demanding not only because of the explicit sex scenes but also due to the deep emotions that are present but suffice to say that the narrator nails it with her usual prowess. She gives a convincing performance in all fronts bringing the story to a new light. If you are a fan of erotica with a bit of substance, this book is for you.
One of the best lesbian erotica audiobooks I’ve listened to. Duration: 7 hours, 31 minutes of lesfic bliss. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
September 21, 2016
This is the fourth book that I’ve completed written by Meghan O’Brien. Only took me roughly 3 years to read those four books (December 2013 to September 2016). And this is the first I’ve read in nearly 2 years. Must hate or only mildly like these books, eh? Or, possibly, these are the only 4 books by O’Brien?
Well no. There are apparently ’17 distinct works’ by this author. And I’ve given all 4 books I’ve read by O’Brien 5 stars (including this one here). Actually I gave this one a rating of 5.5; not sure it is actually worth the extra .5, but I do know I enjoyed it more than a similar book I’d read, (similar in terms of dommes and submissives – though . . hmm, I think I need to use a different word for Emily), and I do think Girl Trouble is worth 5.25 stars, so this book here, by default, lands at 5.5.
This book is both abnormal and normal. Abnormal in that it is about 264 pages (okay, maybe 259?) of erotic play (which includes more than just sex). Normal in that there are certain lesbian fiction pet topics that pop up in this book.
Emily Parker has, more or less since the birth of her sister, though officially only since she was 18 and her sister was 11, has raised her sister as a ‘sister-mother’ (that’s one of those pet topics that pop up; almost always a sister instead of a brother (not sure I’ve actually ever seen a ‘sister-brother’ except in one vague recollection of that occurring in a book when the siblings were all adults so the brother wasn’t around; and for every main character with a daughter (and/or son) I see, I see about 5 times more single parents who are acting in the capacity of a parent, while raising a sibling – a lot of death in lesbian fiction; heck, the last book I read had someone casually toss out that their entire family burned to death when she was 10, and she was kind of confused for a moment when the other person acted surprised/startled by this information – lots of death).
Distracted myself.
Okay then. Emily Parker has raised her sister, since her parents died on them, for roughly 7 years (officially). She’s ‘sacrificed’ herself for her sister’s well-being. Everything is for her sister. Which includes sacrificing college (well going away to college, she did get a night-school degree) and the partying/fun inherent in her fantasies of such a thing. And relationships, friends and lovers.
None of this is exactly known, for the most part, until deepish into the book. For the simple reason that Emily has decided to take a smallish break from ‘all that’ and give herself a bit of fun for the first time in her life.
The book opens with Emily being abducted by an attractive butch type character with either a shaved head or very short crew-cut length hair (vaguely confused which it was). That would be Nat Swayne. And no, this isn’t some kind of Dark Erotica type situation – the abduction was planned for by Emily herself after she went to an escort service. And asked for something like this.
Let me see, looking at my status updates. The ‘abduction sex scene’ plus ‘extended fun’ lasted for something like half the book (I have down at 43% ‘the long scene continues’ and at 56% ‘well, we finally moved past the really long extended several day sex scene. Course now I’m in the middle of another one that is occurring three days later.’) I was serious when I mentioned that there’s something like 259 pages of erotica in this 264 page book.
Right, so. I rather liked both of the main characters, and the few secondary characters were interesting as well. I enjoyed the sexual dynamic on display here – both how important and stressed that ‘unicorn’ was (safeword; ), and into it everyone seemed to be.
There were certain ‘traps’ laid out, but only one sprung (; and only one occasion when I skimmed more than read ().
Right, so I guess I’m ready to close off. Enjoyed the story. It was filled with erotic moments. Involving a bit of BDSM like activity (spanking, power exchange, orgasm control, public bits of eroticism) between two consenting adults in their twenties.
Tags/shelves: ‘financial services’ – Emily is an accountant, technically that doesn’t really work, but I didn’t want to create a new shelf; ‘there is a kid’, kid, though, is 18.
Reading – those who’ve seen my reading in the past, the speed of my reading, might be confused by that ‘September 15-21’ read dates. Is full length erotica book. Takes longer to read.
September 21 2016
Well no. There are apparently ’17 distinct works’ by this author. And I’ve given all 4 books I’ve read by O’Brien 5 stars (including this one here). Actually I gave this one a rating of 5.5; not sure it is actually worth the extra .5, but I do know I enjoyed it more than a similar book I’d read, (similar in terms of dommes and submissives – though . . hmm, I think I need to use a different word for Emily), and I do think Girl Trouble is worth 5.25 stars, so this book here, by default, lands at 5.5.
This book is both abnormal and normal. Abnormal in that it is about 264 pages (okay, maybe 259?) of erotic play (which includes more than just sex). Normal in that there are certain lesbian fiction pet topics that pop up in this book.
Emily Parker has, more or less since the birth of her sister, though officially only since she was 18 and her sister was 11, has raised her sister as a ‘sister-mother’ (that’s one of those pet topics that pop up; almost always a sister instead of a brother (not sure I’ve actually ever seen a ‘sister-brother’ except in one vague recollection of that occurring in a book when the siblings were all adults so the brother wasn’t around; and for every main character with a daughter (and/or son) I see, I see about 5 times more single parents who are acting in the capacity of a parent, while raising a sibling – a lot of death in lesbian fiction; heck, the last book I read had someone casually toss out that their entire family burned to death when she was 10, and she was kind of confused for a moment when the other person acted surprised/startled by this information – lots of death).
Distracted myself.
Okay then. Emily Parker has raised her sister, since her parents died on them, for roughly 7 years (officially). She’s ‘sacrificed’ herself for her sister’s well-being. Everything is for her sister. Which includes sacrificing college (well going away to college, she did get a night-school degree) and the partying/fun inherent in her fantasies of such a thing. And relationships, friends and lovers.
None of this is exactly known, for the most part, until deepish into the book. For the simple reason that Emily has decided to take a smallish break from ‘all that’ and give herself a bit of fun for the first time in her life.
The book opens with Emily being abducted by an attractive butch type character with either a shaved head or very short crew-cut length hair (vaguely confused which it was). That would be Nat Swayne. And no, this isn’t some kind of Dark Erotica type situation – the abduction was planned for by Emily herself after she went to an escort service. And asked for something like this.
Let me see, looking at my status updates. The ‘abduction sex scene’ plus ‘extended fun’ lasted for something like half the book (I have down at 43% ‘the long scene continues’ and at 56% ‘well, we finally moved past the really long extended several day sex scene. Course now I’m in the middle of another one that is occurring three days later.’) I was serious when I mentioned that there’s something like 259 pages of erotica in this 264 page book.
Right, so. I rather liked both of the main characters, and the few secondary characters were interesting as well. I enjoyed the sexual dynamic on display here – both how important and stressed that ‘unicorn’ was (safeword; ), and into it everyone seemed to be.
There were certain ‘traps’ laid out, but only one sprung (; and only one occasion when I skimmed more than read ().
Right, so I guess I’m ready to close off. Enjoyed the story. It was filled with erotic moments. Involving a bit of BDSM like activity (spanking, power exchange, orgasm control, public bits of eroticism) between two consenting adults in their twenties.
Tags/shelves: ‘financial services’ – Emily is an accountant, technically that doesn’t really work, but I didn’t want to create a new shelf; ‘there is a kid’, kid, though, is 18.
Reading – those who’ve seen my reading in the past, the speed of my reading, might be confused by that ‘September 15-21’ read dates. Is full length erotica book. Takes longer to read.
September 21 2016
December 29, 2016
Very hot, but very emotional. I liked how even though they move to love very quickly, both characters acknowledge it. One of my favourite books so far this year.
2016 reread: This book is still amazing and the breakup scene hit me just as hard as it did the first time. Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/night...
2016 reread: This book is still amazing and the breakup scene hit me just as hard as it did the first time. Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/night...
December 5, 2020
Wow
Yes, wow indeed! Hot, sexy and naughty without being too much, all wrapped in a good story that elevates this from erotica to something brilliant. M O'B has achieved the incredibly difficult feat to create a well balanced erotic romance.
Yep, just re-read and I concur with my previous statement!
Yes, wow indeed! Hot, sexy and naughty without being too much, all wrapped in a good story that elevates this from erotica to something brilliant. M O'B has achieved the incredibly difficult feat to create a well balanced erotic romance.
Yep, just re-read and I concur with my previous statement!
January 10, 2023
Holy steam, batman! That was a LOT of very adventurous (read: super kinky) sex!
I went into this one based on a recommendation - I hadn't even read the blurb - so I was quite surprised from the start. All I need to know is Alexandira Wilde (Abby Craden) + lots of steamy bits and I am there! It certainly didn't disappoint.
The reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that while it was fantastic erotica with a decent plot to keep it afloat, the romance was lacking. Instalove, for me, needs to have some sort of paranormal basis to be passable, otherwise, it's usually pretty off-putting. That was the case here, with both MCs thinking about the L word within a day or two of meeting each other and having lots and lots of sex. Well, that sounds like a different 4-letter L word to me: LUST. Really, if the author had just called it what it was - chemistry or attraction - and let the feelings develop over time instead, I would have been much happier with it.
Looking for an insanely spicy (I'm talking the longest sex scene I've ever read), accountant-meets-prostitute, instalove romance? Well, then that's very specific of you, but here it is!
I went into this one based on a recommendation - I hadn't even read the blurb - so I was quite surprised from the start. All I need to know is Alexandira Wilde (Abby Craden) + lots of steamy bits and I am there! It certainly didn't disappoint.
The reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that while it was fantastic erotica with a decent plot to keep it afloat, the romance was lacking. Instalove, for me, needs to have some sort of paranormal basis to be passable, otherwise, it's usually pretty off-putting. That was the case here, with both MCs thinking about the L word within a day or two of meeting each other and having lots and lots of sex. Well, that sounds like a different 4-letter L word to me: LUST. Really, if the author had just called it what it was - chemistry or attraction - and let the feelings develop over time instead, I would have been much happier with it.
Looking for an insanely spicy (I'm talking the longest sex scene I've ever read), accountant-meets-prostitute, instalove romance? Well, then that's very specific of you, but here it is!
February 5, 2019
Due to a GR friend's review, I decided to give this a go even though Ms. O'Brien's erotica is not a personal preference of mine. And I am glad I did because this had a surprisingly deep story embedded in all of the sex. And holy shitballs is there a LOT of sex.... raunchy, crass, BDSM, 77+ pages of one encounter, etc etc etc. This led to a fair bit of skimming for me, and those familiar with this writer will know what to expect.
Ms. O'Brien is a very good writer, no doubt about it. I was very touched by the relationship between Emily and her 18 y/o sister Colleen and I was 100% drawn into this sad/hopeful story line. Emily's dedication and loyalty to her sister was highly believable and made me connect with this character. I was also horrified at Colleen's *ahem* discovery about her sister and actually felt utter embarrassment at that scene. I actually had to put the book down for a second. It was kinda like when you were 10 years old and watching a show with your parents and a sex scene comes on, and you suddenly have to go refill your cold pop or clip your nails or feed the cat or shovel the driveway or organize a desk drawer, usually while humming loudly to block out the sounds from the TV. You know what I'm talkin' about. Couldn't you just imagine being in that room and feeling THOSE SAME FEELINGS?! Aaaahhh!
Also the was incredibly moving and I think I got somewhat misty-eyed, I could feel the layers of complex feelings, the distress, the crushing loss, the agony. Gawd I love it when an author can tap into these feelings and make stories feel so darned real. Solid 3.75 star rating from moi.
Ms. O'Brien is a very good writer, no doubt about it. I was very touched by the relationship between Emily and her 18 y/o sister Colleen and I was 100% drawn into this sad/hopeful story line. Emily's dedication and loyalty to her sister was highly believable and made me connect with this character. I was also horrified at Colleen's *ahem* discovery about her sister and actually felt utter embarrassment at that scene. I actually had to put the book down for a second. It was kinda like when you were 10 years old and watching a show with your parents and a sex scene comes on, and you suddenly have to go refill your cold pop or clip your nails or feed the cat or shovel the driveway or organize a desk drawer, usually while humming loudly to block out the sounds from the TV. You know what I'm talkin' about. Couldn't you just imagine being in that room and feeling THOSE SAME FEELINGS?! Aaaahhh!
Also the was incredibly moving and I think I got somewhat misty-eyed, I could feel the layers of complex feelings, the distress, the crushing loss, the agony. Gawd I love it when an author can tap into these feelings and make stories feel so darned real. Solid 3.75 star rating from moi.
March 5, 2023
I don't know why it's taken me so long to review this! It was a 5-star, super-sexy listen on audio and I loved it. The chemistry is off the charts, the physical relationship excrutiatingly hot 🔥. And the development of the relationship between the 2 girls is developed very well. Add in worries about lifestyle acceptance, about understanding of (light) BDSM as the girls' relationship moves outside their bubble, and you get to enjoy a dose of super-hot fantasy neatly atop some reality.
Abby Craden's narration is (g-)spot on too 😉.
Abby Craden's narration is (g-)spot on too 😉.
November 18, 2019
It's been a while since I read this one but I'd give the first half a perfect score for the wonderfully hot and kinky sex but I really lost interest past the 65% mark, the drama was not for me, I just wanted more sub/dom fun really.
Meghan O'Brien remains in my top five lesfic authors though, 'Her Best Friend's Sister', 'Camp Rewind' and 'The Sex Therapist Next Door' remain some of my favorite erotic novels.
I'm going to give it 4 stars simply because of the first half of the book.
Meghan O'Brien remains in my top five lesfic authors though, 'Her Best Friend's Sister', 'Camp Rewind' and 'The Sex Therapist Next Door' remain some of my favorite erotic novels.
I'm going to give it 4 stars simply because of the first half of the book.
January 19, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for narration
This is one of the few times I have ever been uncomfortable listening to an audiobook and I almost didn't finish it.
I'm quite open minded and a fan of Meghan O'Brien's work. I am not opposed to listening to or reading light BDSM material, but it always has to feel consensual and safe.
In this story, a sweet, seemingly straight and narrow, ultra-responsible mid-20something Emily Parker hires an escort agency to make a dark fantasy come true. She's been raising her younger sister nearly all of her life and actually took full custody of her when she was just 18. As such, she never got to do any of the things most young adults do because she has taken her role as guardian very seriously. She's led a celibate life but has finally decided to do this one thing for herself until her sister goes off to college. And as dark fantasies go, it's a whopper.
Because of the nature of the fantasy she has, it could quickly go south. But Emily has provided details to the agency about what she wants - right down to the type of escort she wants (a hot butch), and even the language she wants her to use. The primary purpose is to give up all control to someone else because she's exhausted from carrying the load herself. The book opens as the fantasy begins so it's very much 0-100 mph in 2.5 seconds.
My discomfort wasn't so much from the nature of her fantasy necessarily (though it was intense and kind of scary, really) but anytime BDSM elements include name-calling (and I don't mean "bad girl" or anything like that - I'm talking "whore" and "slut") and there's enough pain for me to wince, I'm out. And in one particular scene, the consensual part was technically there, but the reasoning for her giving it was kind of disturbing. It actually made me feel a little queasy.
Just to be clear - not judging anyone who is into any of this, it's just not for me. And because I'm not, I just can't find it sexy in a book - even when that book is narrated by the excellent Alexandria Wilde. I don't believe that not being into a particular type of BDSM relationship in a book deserves me to mark it down in my review, so I won't. Readers can decide for themselves if it's right for them.
I appreciated the background story of the two women (Emily's especially) and generally liked Emily and Nat as characters. It's insta-love as well, which is something to be aware of. While I'm no expert on the matter, and please correct me if I'm wrong, my understanding is that for those who practice this in relationships that "scenes" are played out at times, but not for every sexual encounter. I felt like there was a part of the book near the end where if there were real feelings involved, that maybe a bit more tenderness would have been expressed rather than more of the same.
Not one I'll be listening to again.
This is one of the few times I have ever been uncomfortable listening to an audiobook and I almost didn't finish it.
I'm quite open minded and a fan of Meghan O'Brien's work. I am not opposed to listening to or reading light BDSM material, but it always has to feel consensual and safe.
In this story, a sweet, seemingly straight and narrow, ultra-responsible mid-20something Emily Parker hires an escort agency to make a dark fantasy come true. She's been raising her younger sister nearly all of her life and actually took full custody of her when she was just 18. As such, she never got to do any of the things most young adults do because she has taken her role as guardian very seriously. She's led a celibate life but has finally decided to do this one thing for herself until her sister goes off to college. And as dark fantasies go, it's a whopper.
Because of the nature of the fantasy she has, it could quickly go south. But Emily has provided details to the agency about what she wants - right down to the type of escort she wants (a hot butch), and even the language she wants her to use. The primary purpose is to give up all control to someone else because she's exhausted from carrying the load herself. The book opens as the fantasy begins so it's very much 0-100 mph in 2.5 seconds.
My discomfort wasn't so much from the nature of her fantasy necessarily (though it was intense and kind of scary, really) but anytime BDSM elements include name-calling (and I don't mean "bad girl" or anything like that - I'm talking "whore" and "slut") and there's enough pain for me to wince, I'm out. And in one particular scene, the consensual part was technically there, but the reasoning for her giving it was kind of disturbing. It actually made me feel a little queasy.
Just to be clear - not judging anyone who is into any of this, it's just not for me. And because I'm not, I just can't find it sexy in a book - even when that book is narrated by the excellent Alexandria Wilde. I don't believe that not being into a particular type of BDSM relationship in a book deserves me to mark it down in my review, so I won't. Readers can decide for themselves if it's right for them.
I appreciated the background story of the two women (Emily's especially) and generally liked Emily and Nat as characters. It's insta-love as well, which is something to be aware of. While I'm no expert on the matter, and please correct me if I'm wrong, my understanding is that for those who practice this in relationships that "scenes" are played out at times, but not for every sexual encounter. I felt like there was a part of the book near the end where if there were real feelings involved, that maybe a bit more tenderness would have been expressed rather than more of the same.
Not one I'll be listening to again.
October 21, 2019
4.75 stars - it’s not perfect but it contains the best (and longest) dom/sub scene I have ever read.
February 3, 2024
The spice! 🔥 The tenderness! ❤️ The mindblowing synchronicity!! 💞
This book is truly perfect. 🥹💘
This book is truly perfect. 🥹💘
November 22, 2019
A reaaally hot sexy read, loads of it with pages after pages of hot scenes. One that will likely have you blushing away and squirming; probably best not to read in public ;)) Unless, of course if you can remain stoic while reading TNO. I must add that it’s not all erotic....there’s a storyline there with some angst and romance with a hint of insta-love. Overall, it was actually a pretty good read :))
June 2, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. This book is an erotic romance. Has some Dom/Sub, spanking, etc elements to it with a romance arch through the whole book. I thought the balance was good. Enough erotica to make the sex scenes steamy but not too much that you thought the Dom was just causing pain. I've read some bad BDSM that seemed more like people beating each other up than causing pleasure. Also, the romance story arch was enough to keep my interest, so I enjoyed the book.
If you can't handle light BDSM, this book would not be for you.
If you can't handle light BDSM, this book would not be for you.
October 27, 2025
*** 4.33 ***
This is not a romance. This is pure Les erotica and as such it's everything one might want 😎😉👍!
This is not a romance. This is pure Les erotica and as such it's everything one might want 😎😉👍!
June 11, 2021
⭐ 3.5 Stars ⭐
I stumbled on this book by accident while looking for some good sapphic reads and I never expected to like it as much as I did.
The characters were really sweet but also realistic. Although the romance aspect was kinda instant-love I didn’t mind it all that much because the story made up for it. Yes, surprisingly there is a story amongst the smut which again I would not expect from one of these types of books, but it was quite emotional at times.
If you fancy reading a bit of erotica with a good story I’d definitely recommend, however, there is quite a lot of smut to go along with that 😂
I stumbled on this book by accident while looking for some good sapphic reads and I never expected to like it as much as I did.
The characters were really sweet but also realistic. Although the romance aspect was kinda instant-love I didn’t mind it all that much because the story made up for it. Yes, surprisingly there is a story amongst the smut which again I would not expect from one of these types of books, but it was quite emotional at times.
If you fancy reading a bit of erotica with a good story I’d definitely recommend, however, there is quite a lot of smut to go along with that 😂
November 12, 2017
Probably the hottest sex scenes in all lesbian erotica. I just wish there was more story and less sex but it was a good read nonetheless.
February 24, 2014
I have long doubted whether The Night Off, would be a book for me. I really do like a lot of intimate scenes, but there should be more than sex. I was worried that sex would be the only quality. I was wrong, it was also a character study. Yes there was a lot of sex, but this was also to deepen the characters. This was my first experience with Meghan O'Brien, and this made me want more. Did I mention that this book is hot, hot, hot from beginning to end!
September 28, 2014
The Night Off has been on my "Recommendations" list for quite some time, however, I've been ignoring it for many months as I thought it wouldn't be something I'd enjoy reading. I'm happy to admit I was wrong... I loved it!
This book is much more than the cover/blurb leads to believe. Sure, there is plenty of sex involved, however the characters and the story behind the sex are what makes this book so enjoyable ;-)
This book is much more than the cover/blurb leads to believe. Sure, there is plenty of sex involved, however the characters and the story behind the sex are what makes this book so enjoyable ;-)
January 10, 2013
Smoking hot...and I do mean hot. Meghan grabs you at the first page and hits you full on, then she never lets up. Lovely characters, wicked hot sex, and a beautiful love story...what's not to love?
July 31, 2012
Meghan's best yet, which is saying something as
is one of my all time favourite reads.
The characters are conflicted and real, the sex is hotter than Hades and the story is fast paced and believable. The only issue that I have (as I have with all of Meghan's books) is that I am totally left wanting more and more.
Chapeau Meghan!
is one of my all time favourite reads.The characters are conflicted and real, the sex is hotter than Hades and the story is fast paced and believable. The only issue that I have (as I have with all of Meghan's books) is that I am totally left wanting more and more.
Chapeau Meghan!
November 13, 2018
The only thing I didn't like was the name-calling, dyke, and other stuff. It is like being angry at your friend and calling her a nigga just to hurt her. Very hurtful words and I think, If I was the one on the receiving end, I would take longer to forgive. But this is a book, so yeah.
Very interesting erotica, by the way, I must say. And those walk-in on scenes have me hyperventilating. I can't even.
Very interesting erotica, by the way, I must say. And those walk-in on scenes have me hyperventilating. I can't even.
July 21, 2024
Sizzling butch/femme sapphic romance. I loved the MCs! Very relatable and their connection was truly palpable! I loved the communication for the most part but especially with the d/s elements. I loved the raw emotions of both but especially our butch goddess. I loved the growth they both experienced even as I wanted to scream at Emily a few times but it worked itself out anyway ;). Wonderfully done erotica with intense emotions and sweet feels.
Read
May 16, 2021im definitely asexual after this.... also mutuals mind your business xoxo
August 26, 2022
In a nutshell, protected feelings unleashed. After diligently saving up for months Emily takes the evening to give up control and have her desirous needs fulfilled. Nat is the best at her job with a steely discipline she delivers dreams of those that seek her services. On this night something unexpected happens. Who's dreams come to fruition? How will they cope with their discovery? I a well narrated story we follow Emily and Nat as they come to terms with themselves and their feelings.
May 11, 2019
The escort in this book is the "handsome butch" and there is a whole lotta "tit slapping" going on. NOT my kind of read at all.
Abandoned at 11%
Abandoned at 11%
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