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IOU Sex
Fiona Carlisle didn't think anything could hurt as much as finding her fiancé in bed with her sister. But receiving an invitation to the happy couple's engagement party comes a close second. Determined to prove to her family and herself that she's moved on, Fiona has every intention of attending, looking red-hot and with an even hotter man on her arm. And there's only one man who will renowned photographer and reputed playboy Michael Houston.
Fiona's rebound fling with Michael was a brief but erotic romp. Michael has made no secret of the fact that he's still interested. So when Fiona asks him to escort her to the engagement party, he agrees, with one she must spend a sensual weekend with him picking up where they left off.
Intensely attracted to Michael, Fiona can't resist his offer for long. But when the weekend is over, will she be able to resist giving him her heart?
20,000 words
Fiona's rebound fling with Michael was a brief but erotic romp. Michael has made no secret of the fact that he's still interested. So when Fiona asks him to escort her to the engagement party, he agrees, with one she must spend a sensual weekend with him picking up where they left off.
Intensely attracted to Michael, Fiona can't resist his offer for long. But when the weekend is over, will she be able to resist giving him her heart?
20,000 words
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
5 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Calista Fox
69 books229 followers"Combines pulse-pounding danger and passionate love...tantalizing." – Publishers Weekly (Burned Deep trilogy)
Calista is a former PR professional, now writing fast-paced, steamy books to set your pulse racing! Her publishing houses include St. Martin’s Press, Grand Central Publishing and Harlequin. She is an Amazon bestseller and has won many Reviewer’s and Reader’s Choice Awards, as well as Best Book Awards.
Calista is a college graduate and teaches online writing classes. She is also a Past President/Advisor of the Phoenix chapter of the Romance Writers of America national organization.
www.calistafox.com www.facebook.com/calistafox www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks
Calista is a former PR professional, now writing fast-paced, steamy books to set your pulse racing! Her publishing houses include St. Martin’s Press, Grand Central Publishing and Harlequin. She is an Amazon bestseller and has won many Reviewer’s and Reader’s Choice Awards, as well as Best Book Awards.
Calista is a college graduate and teaches online writing classes. She is also a Past President/Advisor of the Phoenix chapter of the Romance Writers of America national organization.
www.calistafox.com www.facebook.com/calistafox www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 31, 2011
I don’t know about you, but I love a story where a bitch gets what’s coming to her. Combine that with some hot sex and a happy ending and you’ve got the makings of a great story. And that’s just what IOU Sex is.....a great story. (Though, I wish to God it had a different title. I *almost* didn’t read this book based on the title alone. I don’t know why....it just has that “cheezy” vibe to it. Granted, I can’t think of a title that I would prefer over this one, so there ya go.)
Anyway.
Like all of the books I read that are well done,,,,,I wanted more. I loved the concept of this book so much, but it SO deserved to be a full length novel. It felt more like the final act of a really good book versus a stand alone novella. That being said....I loved it to pieces.
Fiona comes from an affluent family. The kind where you do what you're told without question. Unfortunately (or fortunately), Fiona isn't the type to just obey orders. She marches to the beat of her own drummer, much to her overbearing mother's chagrin.
Fiona has just received an invitation to her baby sister’s engagement party. No big deal, really, except that the sister, Lizzie, is marrying Fiona’s FORMER fiance! How did he become her former fiance, you ask? Well.....Fiona caught them 69-ing it in HER bed right before the wedding. Classy, right? And even classier.....Fiona gets an invitation to the engagement party - on the SAME stationary that Fiona herself had picked out when she was the intended bride. (Gah. Uppity folks can be so tacky.) To show that she’s the bigger person and that’s she’s over it.....Fiona decides to go to said engagement party. In a racy red dress - with some super hot mancandy on her arm. That man is her best friend and occasional fuck-buddy, Michael Houston. Michael is a famous photographer, a hot piece of ass, and a super nice man. And.....well.....he’s also somewhat of a player. Because of this, Fiona has kept her heart away from him. Because, really, the last thing she needs is another broken heart and another failed relationship.
So, the day before the nightmare engagement party, Fiona calls up Michael and says she needs to ask him a favor. In his oh-so-sexy voice, he asks her to come over and ask her in person. She’s not stupid.....she knows what he wants. And even though it’s been almost a year since she’s been with him - and she’s horny as hell - she promises herself that she’s not going to sleep with him. (Yea, right!!)
Of course, they end up having some amazing sex....and in the midst of all that, we realize that Michael just might not be as much of a player as he used to be. It’s obvious from their interaction that Fiona is special to Michael. In fact, he wants a real relationship with her, but Fiona doesn’t want to go there. (OK, yea, she really does....but she’s scared. A broken heart is a hard thing to forget.) Of course, Michael agrees to go to the party on her arm....IF....she agrees to spend the rest of the weekend with him. (And like a fortune cookie....you should tack on “in bed” to that previous sentence.) Reluctantly, she agrees.
The party is everything you would have hoped it to be. Fiona gets exactly the reaction she was hoping for. She looked smokin’ hot, and she was with an equally smokin’ hot man that only had eyes for her. She got to tell off her fake-ass-fiance-stealing sister and she finally realized that she really was completely over the cheating-bastard-ex-fiance. Oh yea, the uppity mother who turned a blind eye to her younger daughter stealing the other daughter’s fiance.....yea....she got told off too.
AND, Fiona finally realized that Michael is a man worth going out on a limb for and risking it all for.
*Sigh* I love stories like this. I love seeing worthy people get what they deserve and asshole people getting told where they can shove it. But like I said in the beginning....this felt so much like the third act of a really good novel. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the story. But when I think of the potential backstory that could have been.....I feel a little let down. The conflict resolution was so sweet....but I couldn’t help but feel just how much sweeter it could have been if the book started....say.....right after Fiona caught the fiance and the sister going at it. And then how she met Michael, etc. I always hate to base my rating on what ISN’T there versus what IS.....but in this case, I can’t help it. I would totally give this 5 stars, but there was so much more I wanted.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
Anyway.
Like all of the books I read that are well done,,,,,I wanted more. I loved the concept of this book so much, but it SO deserved to be a full length novel. It felt more like the final act of a really good book versus a stand alone novella. That being said....I loved it to pieces.
Fiona comes from an affluent family. The kind where you do what you're told without question. Unfortunately (or fortunately), Fiona isn't the type to just obey orders. She marches to the beat of her own drummer, much to her overbearing mother's chagrin.
Fiona has just received an invitation to her baby sister’s engagement party. No big deal, really, except that the sister, Lizzie, is marrying Fiona’s FORMER fiance! How did he become her former fiance, you ask? Well.....Fiona caught them 69-ing it in HER bed right before the wedding. Classy, right? And even classier.....Fiona gets an invitation to the engagement party - on the SAME stationary that Fiona herself had picked out when she was the intended bride. (Gah. Uppity folks can be so tacky.) To show that she’s the bigger person and that’s she’s over it.....Fiona decides to go to said engagement party. In a racy red dress - with some super hot mancandy on her arm. That man is her best friend and occasional fuck-buddy, Michael Houston. Michael is a famous photographer, a hot piece of ass, and a super nice man. And.....well.....he’s also somewhat of a player. Because of this, Fiona has kept her heart away from him. Because, really, the last thing she needs is another broken heart and another failed relationship.
So, the day before the nightmare engagement party, Fiona calls up Michael and says she needs to ask him a favor. In his oh-so-sexy voice, he asks her to come over and ask her in person. She’s not stupid.....she knows what he wants. And even though it’s been almost a year since she’s been with him - and she’s horny as hell - she promises herself that she’s not going to sleep with him. (Yea, right!!)
Of course, they end up having some amazing sex....and in the midst of all that, we realize that Michael just might not be as much of a player as he used to be. It’s obvious from their interaction that Fiona is special to Michael. In fact, he wants a real relationship with her, but Fiona doesn’t want to go there. (OK, yea, she really does....but she’s scared. A broken heart is a hard thing to forget.) Of course, Michael agrees to go to the party on her arm....IF....she agrees to spend the rest of the weekend with him. (And like a fortune cookie....you should tack on “in bed” to that previous sentence.) Reluctantly, she agrees.
The party is everything you would have hoped it to be. Fiona gets exactly the reaction she was hoping for. She looked smokin’ hot, and she was with an equally smokin’ hot man that only had eyes for her. She got to tell off her fake-ass-fiance-stealing sister and she finally realized that she really was completely over the cheating-bastard-ex-fiance. Oh yea, the uppity mother who turned a blind eye to her younger daughter stealing the other daughter’s fiance.....yea....she got told off too.
AND, Fiona finally realized that Michael is a man worth going out on a limb for and risking it all for.
*Sigh* I love stories like this. I love seeing worthy people get what they deserve and asshole people getting told where they can shove it. But like I said in the beginning....this felt so much like the third act of a really good novel. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the story. But when I think of the potential backstory that could have been.....I feel a little let down. The conflict resolution was so sweet....but I couldn’t help but feel just how much sweeter it could have been if the book started....say.....right after Fiona caught the fiance and the sister going at it. And then how she met Michael, etc. I always hate to base my rating on what ISN’T there versus what IS.....but in this case, I can’t help it. I would totally give this 5 stars, but there was so much more I wanted.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
July 30, 2011
What was I expecting when I delved into the first pages of IOU Sex by Calista Fox? Certainly not a story written in the first person though amazingly the author made it work for me, delivering a novella that is worth a read if you love contemporary romances with tinge of erotic sexual content included in the package.
27 year old Fiona Leslie Carlisle hails from a prestigious family, her own mother a Judge, the whole family caring more about keeping up appearances than caring about what being a family actually means. Fiona dreads facing her family and her sister who snatched away her fiance' Seth Corbett III, and knows that the only way to save face would be to show up in the hot little red dress she ordered especially for the occasion, completing the package with the ultra gorgeous and sexy as sin Michael Houston on her arm.
A year ago, when Fiona had her heart broken and her pride in tatters after walking in on her sister going down and dirty with Seth, it had been Michael her good friend who had understood what she was going through and offered her with rebound sex of the mind numbing and body tingling variety. However, the fact that Michael means to her more than just a convenient lay now and then made Fiona run from her burgeoning feelings towards Michael then, a fact that Michael is determined to turn around with the bargain he strikes with Fiona in return for attending the engagement party with her.
IOU Sex definitely surprised me, all in a good way of course, with the character development that Calista Fox managed to deliver with such a limited number of pages and somehow managed to give a satisfying well-rounded romance and happily ever after in the end. Though the story being told in first person meant that I didn't get to learn more about Michael's thoughts and musings which I definitely would have loved to know more about, even then the author manages to bring forth the fact that when it came to Fiona and Michael being romantically involved, Michael was well on-board with the plan.
Both Michael and Fiona are well developed characters who sizzle the pages with the scorching intensity of their passion for one another. But IOU Sex is more than just two people getting it on in the bedroom; it is the story of how two friends find within each other a craving that only the other can satisfy and how a woman finds the confidence and courage to let go of the past to grab onto the future with the man who is made for her right by her side. Loved how everything turned out in the end, leaving me a satisfied reader all around.
With a bite of erotic content, IOU Sex is a novella that delivers well and good on both character development and emotions making this a well deserving addition to your TBR pile!
Rating = 4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
27 year old Fiona Leslie Carlisle hails from a prestigious family, her own mother a Judge, the whole family caring more about keeping up appearances than caring about what being a family actually means. Fiona dreads facing her family and her sister who snatched away her fiance' Seth Corbett III, and knows that the only way to save face would be to show up in the hot little red dress she ordered especially for the occasion, completing the package with the ultra gorgeous and sexy as sin Michael Houston on her arm.
A year ago, when Fiona had her heart broken and her pride in tatters after walking in on her sister going down and dirty with Seth, it had been Michael her good friend who had understood what she was going through and offered her with rebound sex of the mind numbing and body tingling variety. However, the fact that Michael means to her more than just a convenient lay now and then made Fiona run from her burgeoning feelings towards Michael then, a fact that Michael is determined to turn around with the bargain he strikes with Fiona in return for attending the engagement party with her.
IOU Sex definitely surprised me, all in a good way of course, with the character development that Calista Fox managed to deliver with such a limited number of pages and somehow managed to give a satisfying well-rounded romance and happily ever after in the end. Though the story being told in first person meant that I didn't get to learn more about Michael's thoughts and musings which I definitely would have loved to know more about, even then the author manages to bring forth the fact that when it came to Fiona and Michael being romantically involved, Michael was well on-board with the plan.
Both Michael and Fiona are well developed characters who sizzle the pages with the scorching intensity of their passion for one another. But IOU Sex is more than just two people getting it on in the bedroom; it is the story of how two friends find within each other a craving that only the other can satisfy and how a woman finds the confidence and courage to let go of the past to grab onto the future with the man who is made for her right by her side. Loved how everything turned out in the end, leaving me a satisfied reader all around.
With a bite of erotic content, IOU Sex is a novella that delivers well and good on both character development and emotions making this a well deserving addition to your TBR pile!
Rating = 4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
July 29, 2011
**This book was provided to me via NetGalley**
Fiona Carlisle thought she had everything together. She had a successful career in PR, good looks, and the perfect fiancé whom her parents adored. Imagine her surprise to come home to find her fiancé in bed with another woman; her sister Lizzie. Ouch. Feeling bruised from the ordeal, she swears off men entirely and does all she can to maintain some type of dignity within her affluent family full of lawyers and judges.
Working in PR, Fiona often hires photographers for different products she’s promoting, and her attitude towards giving men a shot change when she meets hunky photographer Michael. There’s an instant attraction between the two of them and it doesn’t take long before the two of them are heating up the sheets. Despite how fantastic the chemistry is between the two of them, Michael has quite the reputation with women, and is especially afraid of any type of commitment with a woman. After three weeks of sensual bliss, Fiona pulls away, fearful that the fate of their relationship will end as her former one did. Even though they are no longer intimate, the pair remain great friends and spend a lot of time together.
When Fiona’s sister and former fiancé become engaged, Fiona is determined to prove to everyone that she is not affected by the humiliating ordeal. She orders a risqué dress and plans to go into the party dropping jaws along the way. The only thing that would make this plan perfect is to have a hunk of a man on her arm, and Fiona knows the perfect person for the job.
Michael agrees to be Fiona’s date to the engagement party under one condition; she must give them another shot. Contrary to Fiona’s feelings towards their former relationship, Michael developed real feelings towards Fiona and thinks of her constantly. He wants nothing more than to be in a committed relationship with her and this is a perfect opportunity to give that a shot. Fiona agrees and succumbs to a night of passion her body quickly remembers and desires like never before.
This was pretty good for a short read (right at 20,000 words). I love stories where a woman’s been burned and she comes back on top, making everyone eat their heart out. That’s exactly what happens in this when Fiona makes her appearance at Lizzie’s engagement party. I was rooting for her, shouting on the inside, “You Go Girl!!!”
The sex in this is pretty steamy, but pretty predictable for this type of story. Although short, it was certainly long enough for me to make a connection to be the heroine and the hero. Overall, enjoyable!! 3 ½ stars!!
Fiona Carlisle thought she had everything together. She had a successful career in PR, good looks, and the perfect fiancé whom her parents adored. Imagine her surprise to come home to find her fiancé in bed with another woman; her sister Lizzie. Ouch. Feeling bruised from the ordeal, she swears off men entirely and does all she can to maintain some type of dignity within her affluent family full of lawyers and judges.
Working in PR, Fiona often hires photographers for different products she’s promoting, and her attitude towards giving men a shot change when she meets hunky photographer Michael. There’s an instant attraction between the two of them and it doesn’t take long before the two of them are heating up the sheets. Despite how fantastic the chemistry is between the two of them, Michael has quite the reputation with women, and is especially afraid of any type of commitment with a woman. After three weeks of sensual bliss, Fiona pulls away, fearful that the fate of their relationship will end as her former one did. Even though they are no longer intimate, the pair remain great friends and spend a lot of time together.
When Fiona’s sister and former fiancé become engaged, Fiona is determined to prove to everyone that she is not affected by the humiliating ordeal. She orders a risqué dress and plans to go into the party dropping jaws along the way. The only thing that would make this plan perfect is to have a hunk of a man on her arm, and Fiona knows the perfect person for the job.
Michael agrees to be Fiona’s date to the engagement party under one condition; she must give them another shot. Contrary to Fiona’s feelings towards their former relationship, Michael developed real feelings towards Fiona and thinks of her constantly. He wants nothing more than to be in a committed relationship with her and this is a perfect opportunity to give that a shot. Fiona agrees and succumbs to a night of passion her body quickly remembers and desires like never before.
This was pretty good for a short read (right at 20,000 words). I love stories where a woman’s been burned and she comes back on top, making everyone eat their heart out. That’s exactly what happens in this when Fiona makes her appearance at Lizzie’s engagement party. I was rooting for her, shouting on the inside, “You Go Girl!!!”
The sex in this is pretty steamy, but pretty predictable for this type of story. Although short, it was certainly long enough for me to make a connection to be the heroine and the hero. Overall, enjoyable!! 3 ½ stars!!
September 11, 2011
When you start reading, you’ll know how it ends, but that doesn’t stop you from keep reading.
Fiona comes from an affluent family… and what a family: her parents always made her do as they pleased, until she got tired, specially from her mother and sister, Lizzie, who have always wanted to be like Fiona, that’s why Lizzie slept with Fiona’s boyfriend (or 69 with him when Fiona caught them in action).
Michael Houston is her best friend-fuck friend, a photographer, really hot man and also a player… so he’s kinda the man every woman is after, but his only desire is Fiona. She also desires him and had always felt a sexual connection with him.
So she prepares his favorite bottle and give it to him in exchange for a favor: He has to accompany her to her sister’s engagement party. And of course she said at first she won’t be sleeping with him again… but their sexual pressure was higher that they thought, so they slept again and had a great time. He told her he was still interested in her… and well, find out the rest by yourself.
At first I dislike Fiona a bit, but in the end I thought her as a bad-ass. I love Michael Houston and I love Fiona and Michael’s relationship; you can actually feel they belong to each other.
I disliked Fiona’s sister, Lizzie, so much. Definitely she made me change my mind about Fiona.
I could extend this review a lot more and describe the entire novel, but it’s really short, and is better that you find out everything for yourself. The sexual scenes are very well described, the novel in general IS very well written. A little piece of jewel if you ask me, the same applies if you want to read something light.
(I know the title isn’t that good and doesn’t fit the story very much but… anyway, what made me read it was the image of the cover, I really loved it)
Fiona comes from an affluent family… and what a family: her parents always made her do as they pleased, until she got tired, specially from her mother and sister, Lizzie, who have always wanted to be like Fiona, that’s why Lizzie slept with Fiona’s boyfriend (or 69 with him when Fiona caught them in action).
Michael Houston is her best friend-fuck friend, a photographer, really hot man and also a player… so he’s kinda the man every woman is after, but his only desire is Fiona. She also desires him and had always felt a sexual connection with him.
So she prepares his favorite bottle and give it to him in exchange for a favor: He has to accompany her to her sister’s engagement party. And of course she said at first she won’t be sleeping with him again… but their sexual pressure was higher that they thought, so they slept again and had a great time. He told her he was still interested in her… and well, find out the rest by yourself.
At first I dislike Fiona a bit, but in the end I thought her as a bad-ass. I love Michael Houston and I love Fiona and Michael’s relationship; you can actually feel they belong to each other.
I disliked Fiona’s sister, Lizzie, so much. Definitely she made me change my mind about Fiona.
I could extend this review a lot more and describe the entire novel, but it’s really short, and is better that you find out everything for yourself. The sexual scenes are very well described, the novel in general IS very well written. A little piece of jewel if you ask me, the same applies if you want to read something light.
(I know the title isn’t that good and doesn’t fit the story very much but… anyway, what made me read it was the image of the cover, I really loved it)
February 10, 2016
Another really good book ruined by a shitty ending. I really liked both the premise and follow through of this little short. The writing was solid it drew you in and kept you hooked AND was solid grammatically/spelling wise (a rarity these days). The heroine reminded me a bit of myself...my family may not be wealthy or prestigious but i definitely know the feeling of being a constant disappointment. It was really fun watching her find her feet and overcome her baggage and gives me hope maybe one day i'll do the same lol. I liked the hero he seemed very sweet and caring towards the heroine but it was hard to get inside his head and figure out what he was really thinking and feeling. This book would've benefited greatly from the occasional POV switch. The sex was hot but in the first scene they do this weird thing where they do all this steamy foreplay then as he goes to get a condom they have this weird in depth meaningful discussion about their lives and her past. That talk needed to happen...but in the middle of the sex scene? It ruined it! Then even weirder was after this 30-45 minute chat they just go right to sex without anymore foreplay which just doesn't seem possible. The big blow up scene was fantastic and so amusing then another lame duck ending. Hey let's date now....fade to black. WHYYYYYAYY why would you do this...esp since this doesn't appear to have a sequel so now we'll never know how their relationship turned out. RUUUUDE so rude. Also the title of the book was confusing to me. They say IOU sex repeatedly as if its an inside joke...then have sex...isn't the whole point of an iou that it's a wait to get your payment? if theres no waiting...it's just plain sex...
Bottom line: really liked this but the ending royally ticked me off
Bottom line: really liked this but the ending royally ticked me off
July 25, 2011
Book: IOU Sex by Calista Fox
Published by: Carina Press on 8/1/11
Received from: Netgalley
Fiona has always lived her life trying to fit into the mold her family has intended for her. That all changes the day she walks in on her fiance and her sister together in her bed. After a short fling that makes her forget herself (and becomes too close for comfort) she throws herself into her work and making a name for herself. Then, she received the wedding rehearsal invite that makes everything come rushing back. She enlists Michael her friend and the guy she had a fling with to help her make a splash at the party. She gets more than what she bargains for.......
This story was short, but packs some major punches. It was Hot and it will melt more than your heart! Great Read:)
Published by: Carina Press on 8/1/11
Received from: Netgalley
Fiona has always lived her life trying to fit into the mold her family has intended for her. That all changes the day she walks in on her fiance and her sister together in her bed. After a short fling that makes her forget herself (and becomes too close for comfort) she throws herself into her work and making a name for herself. Then, she received the wedding rehearsal invite that makes everything come rushing back. She enlists Michael her friend and the guy she had a fling with to help her make a splash at the party. She gets more than what she bargains for.......
This story was short, but packs some major punches. It was Hot and it will melt more than your heart! Great Read:)
August 2, 2011
Fiona finds her fiancee in bed with her sister and is now invited to their engagement party. She has decided to make a statement of her own and asked best friend Michael to go to the party with her. But Micheal has a condition she will need to stay in his bed for the weekend. Micheal and Fiona both come to realize that their pasts have modeled them and there future needs to be about their love for each other.
I enjoyed this book even though I wished it was longed. I wished the author would written more about Micheal and Fiona's past. The book was written in Fiona's point which I enjoyed.
I enjoyed this book even though I wished it was longed. I wished the author would written more about Micheal and Fiona's past. The book was written in Fiona's point which I enjoyed.
September 6, 2011
IOU Sex was a good SHORT read. Actually it felt like I was reading a few chapters out of what could be a great full length book.
I loved seeing how Fiona stood up to her family and faced her commit fears. Micheal is one sexy, smokin' hot, sweet man.
I really liked Michael and Fiona and would've loved to have seen a full length book starting with Fiona walking in on her fiance and sister, then falling into Michael's arms and Michael wooing Fiona.
IOU Sex is an erotic romance with sizzling sex that is not raunchy, it is a great read for a day on the boat, at the pool or beach.
I loved seeing how Fiona stood up to her family and faced her commit fears. Micheal is one sexy, smokin' hot, sweet man.
I really liked Michael and Fiona and would've loved to have seen a full length book starting with Fiona walking in on her fiance and sister, then falling into Michael's arms and Michael wooing Fiona.
IOU Sex is an erotic romance with sizzling sex that is not raunchy, it is a great read for a day on the boat, at the pool or beach.
Read
August 18, 2016nice reading
August 25, 2021
This was a pleasant surprise! HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I won't lie, I went into this thinking I was going to get a short book full of insta-love, smut, and a whole lot of eye-rolling - as is the usual with the novellas I usually read. I can't think of a single time in my life where I have been glad to be wrong. And boy how wrong I really was!
Absolutely adored Michael and respect the hell out of Fiona. They were absolute fire together and I would love to see how they continue their relationship! Their relationship and friendship was gold.
I was surprised right from the beginning, because the author's writing style is totally up my street - again, a far cry from the novellas I usually end up with. But I loved the narrative. I was still cautious, thinking the plot would be rubbish and I was just waiting for that moment where the MCs would get on my nerves, or something completely unrealistic or infuriating would happen. Ladies and gentlemen..... that moment did NOT come!
This was an amazingly good short read. Well written, good plot and great characters. Genuinely nothing bad to say about this book. Fiona you badass, and Michael you naughty sweetheart. Please, God, give me a Michael of my own one day🥰😍 *swooning*
This book left me so content and I pray I keep riding this book high I'm on right now 🙏
I won't lie, I went into this thinking I was going to get a short book full of insta-love, smut, and a whole lot of eye-rolling - as is the usual with the novellas I usually read. I can't think of a single time in my life where I have been glad to be wrong. And boy how wrong I really was!
Absolutely adored Michael and respect the hell out of Fiona. They were absolute fire together and I would love to see how they continue their relationship! Their relationship and friendship was gold.
I was surprised right from the beginning, because the author's writing style is totally up my street - again, a far cry from the novellas I usually end up with. But I loved the narrative. I was still cautious, thinking the plot would be rubbish and I was just waiting for that moment where the MCs would get on my nerves, or something completely unrealistic or infuriating would happen. Ladies and gentlemen..... that moment did NOT come!
This was an amazingly good short read. Well written, good plot and great characters. Genuinely nothing bad to say about this book. Fiona you badass, and Michael you naughty sweetheart. Please, God, give me a Michael of my own one day🥰😍 *swooning*
This book left me so content and I pray I keep riding this book high I'm on right now 🙏
May 4, 2020
Revenge is Sweet and Sexy
This was a nice, short sexy revenge story about a woman who gets revenge on her cheating sister with an old friend. After catching her sister screwing her fiance who then replaced her in order to marry him, Fiona decided to wear a hot dress and bring an even hotter date to the engagement party. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. Charise Green has a beautiful voice, very sexy, yet clear and distinct and it fit this story beautifully. One of the better selections I've heard, manages to be sexy and classy.
This was a nice, short sexy revenge story about a woman who gets revenge on her cheating sister with an old friend. After catching her sister screwing her fiance who then replaced her in order to marry him, Fiona decided to wear a hot dress and bring an even hotter date to the engagement party. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. Charise Green has a beautiful voice, very sexy, yet clear and distinct and it fit this story beautifully. One of the better selections I've heard, manages to be sexy and classy.
April 20, 2019
Wow, that was short. But considering that it was a novella, I really enjoyed it! I wish it could have been longer or if not, it could have an epilogue at least but nevertheless, it was good! It deserved a higher average rating and more readers.
May 15, 2017
Loved the storyline. It was short and steamy. Definitely a great read for an afternoon.
August 11, 2011
Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner
I requested this book because the synopsis had two of my favorite elements, friends to lovers and scorned lover seeking revenge. I enjoyed it a lot, because it is a novella the story is quite short and straightforward, there’s no drama and you know how it will end, but it had great characters and it was well written. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.
Fiona Carlisle needs a date for her sister’s enjoyment party. Since the fiancé used to be Fiona’s fiancé until she caught him having sex with her sister, she really wants to make an impression, not because she still has feelings but because she wants everyone to know that she is better off. The person she has in mind to be that date is Michael Houston. Michael is one of Fiona’s best friends and was her rebound guy after you broke up with the cheating boyfriend. They had a couple of weeks full of hot monkey sex but when she realized that she could love him (and this guy is the definition of love ‘em and leave ‘em) she got scared because she didn’t want her heart broken again. Michael agrees to be her date on one condition: she has to spend the weekend with him, on his bed.
Since this was marketed as an erotica novella I was expecting 20,000 words of pure sex. But that wasn’t the case. There is a clear story-arc, you get a strong sense of who the leads are and there’s even some backstory. Because it is narrated from Fiona’s POV she is the most fleshed-out character, but Michael wears his heart on his sleeve so you do get some insight from his character as well.
I liked Fiona because she wasn’t bitter and even accepted that she had dodged a bullet, she had some insecurities but in the end was able to move on and wasn’t emotionally crippled by the fact that his fiancé cheated on her with her little sister. Michael was the type of hero I love, he knew what he wanted and went for it.
I enjoyed both the stories and the sex scenes and I think they were pretty balanced so it didn’t feel like I was reading porn, in fact, I wouldn’t call this novella an erotica at all, to me it felt like a contemporary romance, it had hot sex but it wasn’t anything over the top, it wasn’t abundant and besides using some crude word when referring to Fiona’s “womanly parts” and “secret places” (and is Fiona who uses this words, not Michael) there wasn’t anything that I wouldn’t expect from a regular contemporary romance (one with hot sex in it). If you like your erotica on the really raunchy and steamy side maybe this one will disappoint you.
Overall I liked it, it was an enjoyable read, light and funny, the hero was hot and the heroine was feisty. If you are in the mood for a very quick read (remember this is a novella) then go for it. I’m giving it a 3 because a story this short really has to blow my mind to get a higher rating, this one was fun but I probably won’t read it again and I think that it falls short on the sex part for a novella sold as an erotica.
Source: we received an e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
I requested this book because the synopsis had two of my favorite elements, friends to lovers and scorned lover seeking revenge. I enjoyed it a lot, because it is a novella the story is quite short and straightforward, there’s no drama and you know how it will end, but it had great characters and it was well written. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.
Fiona Carlisle needs a date for her sister’s enjoyment party. Since the fiancé used to be Fiona’s fiancé until she caught him having sex with her sister, she really wants to make an impression, not because she still has feelings but because she wants everyone to know that she is better off. The person she has in mind to be that date is Michael Houston. Michael is one of Fiona’s best friends and was her rebound guy after you broke up with the cheating boyfriend. They had a couple of weeks full of hot monkey sex but when she realized that she could love him (and this guy is the definition of love ‘em and leave ‘em) she got scared because she didn’t want her heart broken again. Michael agrees to be her date on one condition: she has to spend the weekend with him, on his bed.
Since this was marketed as an erotica novella I was expecting 20,000 words of pure sex. But that wasn’t the case. There is a clear story-arc, you get a strong sense of who the leads are and there’s even some backstory. Because it is narrated from Fiona’s POV she is the most fleshed-out character, but Michael wears his heart on his sleeve so you do get some insight from his character as well.
I liked Fiona because she wasn’t bitter and even accepted that she had dodged a bullet, she had some insecurities but in the end was able to move on and wasn’t emotionally crippled by the fact that his fiancé cheated on her with her little sister. Michael was the type of hero I love, he knew what he wanted and went for it.
I enjoyed both the stories and the sex scenes and I think they were pretty balanced so it didn’t feel like I was reading porn, in fact, I wouldn’t call this novella an erotica at all, to me it felt like a contemporary romance, it had hot sex but it wasn’t anything over the top, it wasn’t abundant and besides using some crude word when referring to Fiona’s “womanly parts” and “secret places” (and is Fiona who uses this words, not Michael) there wasn’t anything that I wouldn’t expect from a regular contemporary romance (one with hot sex in it). If you like your erotica on the really raunchy and steamy side maybe this one will disappoint you.
Overall I liked it, it was an enjoyable read, light and funny, the hero was hot and the heroine was feisty. If you are in the mood for a very quick read (remember this is a novella) then go for it. I’m giving it a 3 because a story this short really has to blow my mind to get a higher rating, this one was fun but I probably won’t read it again and I think that it falls short on the sex part for a novella sold as an erotica.
Source: we received an e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
August 31, 2011
I was in a reading slump during a read-a-thon and needed something short and sweet (or sexy) and IOU Sex was exactly that. It is no secret that it was the premise which drew me in and made me want to read this story. I was curious how Calista Fox could unravel such a complex premise and develop it in a novella (if you know me, you know how I hate novellas because usually the length restriction always harms the story), and I have to tell you I was satisfied.
I can't even imagine what poor Fiona must have gone through: to not only discover her fiancé in bed with another woman but that other woman being her own little sister! As an older sister I can't understand or even imagine such utter betrayal of the sisterly bond. It is even more sacred than the "thou shall never gaze upon an ex-boyfriend of one of your girl friends".
Fiona was a nice heroine. Of course after such a betrayal and heartbreak she is vulnerable, shy and wary of relationships and men, and is especially afraid of her own feelings towards one of his best friends Micheal.
"Michael Houston. Famous photographer. Master flirt. Hottie extraordinaire."
Michael is everyone's (wet) dream: he is gentleman-like, playful, intense, Greek-god-looking-like, master in the sack and a reliable friend. But he is also a major womanizer which makes Fiona worry that for her healing heart he is not the ideal candidate to reenter the dating scene with. However, she is fine with borrowing said Greek-god-like friend and stroll into her little sister and ex-fiancé's engagement party on his arm.
After such a humiliating and hurtful event I get why Fiona needs to show everyone that she picked herself up off the ground and is doing just fine. The knowledge that every guest at the reception is familiar with what took place and pities her must be terrifying, and yet to put this horrible experience behind her she soldiers on and bravely faces them. I was very glad to see she finally had enough of swallowing her feelings and hurt and told her mother and sister what she thought of them, it was about time!
Michael is a wonderful hero. Besides his attractiveness it is obvious he has a warm and generous heart, and he would do whatever Fiona asks him to do. The air between these two sizzles, and I loved how Micheal's confidence and endearing cockiness put Fiona on the spot and either lulled her or raised her hairs in awareness. It was like watching a snake charming: the excitement, thrill making the air hum with energy yet being wary and careful at the same time.
The chemistry and the love scenes between them were hot and exciting, I would have loved to read their story for longer :-)
What surprised me is that based on its title I expected IOU Sex to be a short erotica, centered around a whirlwind romp and some detailed bedroom antics between Fiona and Michael but it was so much more than that! It was a sweet and sexy romance with great characters and genuine plot.
Verdict: IOU Sex was a quick and light read, perfect for a short escape. It is very well written and the author makes the most of the length restrictions of the novella. I can't wait to read more from her, and especially some full-length novels!
IOU Sex is a great sexy read I would recommend, so I give it 4 stars!
I can't even imagine what poor Fiona must have gone through: to not only discover her fiancé in bed with another woman but that other woman being her own little sister! As an older sister I can't understand or even imagine such utter betrayal of the sisterly bond. It is even more sacred than the "thou shall never gaze upon an ex-boyfriend of one of your girl friends".
Fiona was a nice heroine. Of course after such a betrayal and heartbreak she is vulnerable, shy and wary of relationships and men, and is especially afraid of her own feelings towards one of his best friends Micheal.
"Michael Houston. Famous photographer. Master flirt. Hottie extraordinaire."
Michael is everyone's (wet) dream: he is gentleman-like, playful, intense, Greek-god-looking-like, master in the sack and a reliable friend. But he is also a major womanizer which makes Fiona worry that for her healing heart he is not the ideal candidate to reenter the dating scene with. However, she is fine with borrowing said Greek-god-like friend and stroll into her little sister and ex-fiancé's engagement party on his arm.
After such a humiliating and hurtful event I get why Fiona needs to show everyone that she picked herself up off the ground and is doing just fine. The knowledge that every guest at the reception is familiar with what took place and pities her must be terrifying, and yet to put this horrible experience behind her she soldiers on and bravely faces them. I was very glad to see she finally had enough of swallowing her feelings and hurt and told her mother and sister what she thought of them, it was about time!
Michael is a wonderful hero. Besides his attractiveness it is obvious he has a warm and generous heart, and he would do whatever Fiona asks him to do. The air between these two sizzles, and I loved how Micheal's confidence and endearing cockiness put Fiona on the spot and either lulled her or raised her hairs in awareness. It was like watching a snake charming: the excitement, thrill making the air hum with energy yet being wary and careful at the same time.
The chemistry and the love scenes between them were hot and exciting, I would have loved to read their story for longer :-)
What surprised me is that based on its title I expected IOU Sex to be a short erotica, centered around a whirlwind romp and some detailed bedroom antics between Fiona and Michael but it was so much more than that! It was a sweet and sexy romance with great characters and genuine plot.
Verdict: IOU Sex was a quick and light read, perfect for a short escape. It is very well written and the author makes the most of the length restrictions of the novella. I can't wait to read more from her, and especially some full-length novels!
IOU Sex is a great sexy read I would recommend, so I give it 4 stars!
September 8, 2011
IOU Sex by Calista Fox
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Fiona has always done everything expected of her until she came home early and found her finance and sister in a compromising situation. Everyone in her family overlooked the drama and accepted that Seth and Lizzie were in “love” and didn’t mean to hurt Fiona. She walked away devastated with her heart shattered. For the past year or so she has been just going through the motions of life but that is about to change.
With Michal at her side, she plans on showing up at the engagement party in a smokin’ hot number, hoping to send the message that she isn’t going to be walked on any longer. She is not going to continue to sit idly by while everyone feels sorry for her. She can’t help it if her sister wants everything she has – that’s not her problem anymore. She is going to do what she wants, wear what she wants and live for herself from now on, even if it may cause her to lose her heart.
I really enjoyed Fiona’s journey in this book. She is part of a rich family with high standards. Everyone in her family are in the legal profession (lawyers or judges) and she decided to do something different. I like that about her. I know she has been going through the motions for awhile but with Michael’s help she came to the realization that she was tired of just existing. She blossom’s like a flower as the book progresses and we start to see the real Fiona, not the one everyone wants her to be.
Michael is great for Fiona. He helps her realize her true potential, while getting her to agree to a weekend with him. He gets what he wants, to show Fiona that he truly cares for her and wants to try and make a relationship work between them. He makes her face things that she has been avoiding for awhile, like she ran away from him before he could leave her.
The scenes between Fiona and Michael were sizzling hot. He helped her see that she was sexy and that there wasn’t anything wrong with her. He asks her to think about dating him again and she is overwhelmed. At the end, she realizes exactly what she wants and is willing to chance a broken heart to go after it.
The party was a blast and I was so happy to see Lizzie and Seth get what was coming to them. I don’t know that I could’ve just pretended like everything was ok, when it wasn’t. Her mother didn’t help matters either. She was too busy trying to make a match between the two families that she didn’t care which one of her daughter’s got hurt/married in the process. The ending
Overall I really enjoyed IOU Sex and give it 4 Flaming Hearts.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Fiona has always done everything expected of her until she came home early and found her finance and sister in a compromising situation. Everyone in her family overlooked the drama and accepted that Seth and Lizzie were in “love” and didn’t mean to hurt Fiona. She walked away devastated with her heart shattered. For the past year or so she has been just going through the motions of life but that is about to change.
With Michal at her side, she plans on showing up at the engagement party in a smokin’ hot number, hoping to send the message that she isn’t going to be walked on any longer. She is not going to continue to sit idly by while everyone feels sorry for her. She can’t help it if her sister wants everything she has – that’s not her problem anymore. She is going to do what she wants, wear what she wants and live for herself from now on, even if it may cause her to lose her heart.
I really enjoyed Fiona’s journey in this book. She is part of a rich family with high standards. Everyone in her family are in the legal profession (lawyers or judges) and she decided to do something different. I like that about her. I know she has been going through the motions for awhile but with Michael’s help she came to the realization that she was tired of just existing. She blossom’s like a flower as the book progresses and we start to see the real Fiona, not the one everyone wants her to be.
Michael is great for Fiona. He helps her realize her true potential, while getting her to agree to a weekend with him. He gets what he wants, to show Fiona that he truly cares for her and wants to try and make a relationship work between them. He makes her face things that she has been avoiding for awhile, like she ran away from him before he could leave her.
The scenes between Fiona and Michael were sizzling hot. He helped her see that she was sexy and that there wasn’t anything wrong with her. He asks her to think about dating him again and she is overwhelmed. At the end, she realizes exactly what she wants and is willing to chance a broken heart to go after it.
The party was a blast and I was so happy to see Lizzie and Seth get what was coming to them. I don’t know that I could’ve just pretended like everything was ok, when it wasn’t. Her mother didn’t help matters either. She was too busy trying to make a match between the two families that she didn’t care which one of her daughter’s got hurt/married in the process. The ending
Overall I really enjoyed IOU Sex and give it 4 Flaming Hearts.
July 31, 2011
This review was originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
It's been a year since Fiona came home and caught her fiancé in bed with her younger sister. At the time a broken and distraught Fiona turned to her friend Michael for a shoulder to cry on. That shoulder quickly turned into something more. After three weeks of amazing sex, Fiona decides to end things and be just "friends" with Michael. She's afraid of being hurt again and would rather push someone away rather than face potential pain and humiliation of catching him cheating on her.
Even after the breakup Fiona and Michael continued to become closer in their friendship. When Fiona receives an invitation to her sister and ex-fiancé's engagement party she knows she only wants to take Michael. Taking Michael will prove to everyone that she is over her cheating ex and everything that happened a year ago. When Fiona asks Michael to come with her, he agrees but but only if Fiona agrees to a weekend of sex with him. Michael wants more from Fiona than just friendship and will do anything to make Fiona realize she wants the same things, even if he has to blackmail her into it.
I really enjoyed Michael and liked that he wasn't afraid to let Fiona how he felt towards her. He was ready and willing to take care of her in any way that was needed. He was very dependable. As for Fiona, she was a little annoying to me. Throughout the entire story she kept saying that she wanted to show everyone that she was over everything her ex and sister put her through but it didn't come across that way to me at all. I didn't get a sense that she was over anything. She just kept saying it over and over again as if she had to convince herself that she was. Another issue I had was the chemistry between Fiona and Michael. I didn't really feel any sparks between them and when it came to their smut scenes they seemed a little flat.
All in all, this wasn't a terrible story. I definitely kept turning the page wanting to know how everything was going to pan out between Michael and Fiona.
**This was an ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
It's been a year since Fiona came home and caught her fiancé in bed with her younger sister. At the time a broken and distraught Fiona turned to her friend Michael for a shoulder to cry on. That shoulder quickly turned into something more. After three weeks of amazing sex, Fiona decides to end things and be just "friends" with Michael. She's afraid of being hurt again and would rather push someone away rather than face potential pain and humiliation of catching him cheating on her.
Even after the breakup Fiona and Michael continued to become closer in their friendship. When Fiona receives an invitation to her sister and ex-fiancé's engagement party she knows she only wants to take Michael. Taking Michael will prove to everyone that she is over her cheating ex and everything that happened a year ago. When Fiona asks Michael to come with her, he agrees but but only if Fiona agrees to a weekend of sex with him. Michael wants more from Fiona than just friendship and will do anything to make Fiona realize she wants the same things, even if he has to blackmail her into it.
I really enjoyed Michael and liked that he wasn't afraid to let Fiona how he felt towards her. He was ready and willing to take care of her in any way that was needed. He was very dependable. As for Fiona, she was a little annoying to me. Throughout the entire story she kept saying that she wanted to show everyone that she was over everything her ex and sister put her through but it didn't come across that way to me at all. I didn't get a sense that she was over anything. She just kept saying it over and over again as if she had to convince herself that she was. Another issue I had was the chemistry between Fiona and Michael. I didn't really feel any sparks between them and when it came to their smut scenes they seemed a little flat.
All in all, this wasn't a terrible story. I definitely kept turning the page wanting to know how everything was going to pan out between Michael and Fiona.
**This was an ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
February 13, 2016
A fun and light contemporary romance novella. Fiona and Michael are both great characters, I loved the back and forth between them, and the chemistry was nicely sizzling. The buildup towards the engagement party and seeing what everyone's reaction will be to Fiona's outfit, devil may care attitude, and delicious escort is really enjoyable. I loved Michael's reaction when he goes to pick her up for the party *grin*.
One thing I could have done without was the sudden psychoanalytic revelation that "liberates" her, the proverbial light bulb going off that explains Fiona's entire relationship with her family and the dynamics between them all. It felt overly dramatic and way too corny.
{ Summary }
Fiona and Michael have been friends for a few years. Their relationship became something more right after Fiona found her younger sister having sex with her own fiancé in their bed. Turning to Michael, who was always given her a shoulder to cry on, he ends up also acting as her rebound guy and for three weeks they spend every evening together (this part is not included in the story; has already happened).
Since then, Fiona has not been with anyone else and Michael has gone back to his philandering ways. He has continued to pursue her though, and while she always puts him off, with her sister's engagement party coming up she knows that Michael is the only guy she can ask who will be there to support her, while conveniently being a great "so there!" man candy on her arm. He is all for helping his best friend, but is not above using the opportunity for a little bargaining ... and for finally getting Fiona to face the romantic connection between them and stop being gun-shy.
{ Bottom Line }
The author is talented and it's an enjoyable quick read. I'm hoping Fox has written some full-length romances - or at least longer novellas - that I can read, because I did like her characters and writing style.
This review is of a galley provided by Carina Press through NetGalley.
(Written August 12, 2011)
One thing I could have done without was the sudden psychoanalytic revelation that "liberates" her, the proverbial light bulb going off that explains Fiona's entire relationship with her family and the dynamics between them all. It felt overly dramatic and way too corny.
{ Summary }
Fiona and Michael have been friends for a few years. Their relationship became something more right after Fiona found her younger sister having sex with her own fiancé in their bed. Turning to Michael, who was always given her a shoulder to cry on, he ends up also acting as her rebound guy and for three weeks they spend every evening together (this part is not included in the story; has already happened).
Since then, Fiona has not been with anyone else and Michael has gone back to his philandering ways. He has continued to pursue her though, and while she always puts him off, with her sister's engagement party coming up she knows that Michael is the only guy she can ask who will be there to support her, while conveniently being a great "so there!" man candy on her arm. He is all for helping his best friend, but is not above using the opportunity for a little bargaining ... and for finally getting Fiona to face the romantic connection between them and stop being gun-shy.
{ Bottom Line }
The author is talented and it's an enjoyable quick read. I'm hoping Fox has written some full-length romances - or at least longer novellas - that I can read, because I did like her characters and writing style.
This review is of a galley provided by Carina Press through NetGalley.
(Written August 12, 2011)
May 28, 2016
My first book by Calista Fox, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
IOU Sex is a book I almost did not read ;) thinking it would be shallow. Boy, was I wrong! I was actually intrigued by title and loved the sensual cover and since it was a novella, I figured I will read it without judging. Needless to say, it exceeded my expectations and Calista Fox is one of my favorites now ;).
So, this is a friends - lovers theme a reason I was convinced to pick up this read. This is a story of Fiona Carlisle and Michael, a renowned photographer. Michael is caring, loving, understanding and yet, sexy as sin and knows how to give a girl a good time. Sometimes, having shitty people as parents and siblings and an insensitive prick for a fiancé can break a person and leave them feeling incomplete or incompetent or broken. That's exactly what happens to Fiona, who catches her fiancé in bed with her sister & a parents who weren't bothered to take her side, forget about that, they did not sympathize with her and instead chastisize her not being happy for her sister! I was like WTH! So, Michael was her hot rebound affair after this disaster, only he was and is still interested in more, while Fiona isn't ready to let someone in!
Michael understand this and tries to persuade her whenever he can, but they remain friends and he doesn't push, just nudges her enough to know he's still interested. SO, when Fiona gets an invitation to the wedding of her sister and yes, he former fiancé, she decides to make a grand entry with the sexy as sin Michael on her arm!
Michael is ready to help, only if she is ready to give him the weekend they are supposedly pretending to be together, a sexy time. Thus the title - IOU - something in return for his favor. So, that's how their sexy journey begins, again. Now, will Fiona realize she can trust Michael to do right by her and will they have a HEA? Will she confront her parents, her former fiancé and her pathetic sibling for wronging her and give them a piece of her mind? Read IOU to find out!
IOU Sex is a book I almost did not read ;) thinking it would be shallow. Boy, was I wrong! I was actually intrigued by title and loved the sensual cover and since it was a novella, I figured I will read it without judging. Needless to say, it exceeded my expectations and Calista Fox is one of my favorites now ;).
So, this is a friends - lovers theme a reason I was convinced to pick up this read. This is a story of Fiona Carlisle and Michael, a renowned photographer. Michael is caring, loving, understanding and yet, sexy as sin and knows how to give a girl a good time. Sometimes, having shitty people as parents and siblings and an insensitive prick for a fiancé can break a person and leave them feeling incomplete or incompetent or broken. That's exactly what happens to Fiona, who catches her fiancé in bed with her sister & a parents who weren't bothered to take her side, forget about that, they did not sympathize with her and instead chastisize her not being happy for her sister! I was like WTH! So, Michael was her hot rebound affair after this disaster, only he was and is still interested in more, while Fiona isn't ready to let someone in!
Michael understand this and tries to persuade her whenever he can, but they remain friends and he doesn't push, just nudges her enough to know he's still interested. SO, when Fiona gets an invitation to the wedding of her sister and yes, he former fiancé, she decides to make a grand entry with the sexy as sin Michael on her arm!
Michael is ready to help, only if she is ready to give him the weekend they are supposedly pretending to be together, a sexy time. Thus the title - IOU - something in return for his favor. So, that's how their sexy journey begins, again. Now, will Fiona realize she can trust Michael to do right by her and will they have a HEA? Will she confront her parents, her former fiancé and her pathetic sibling for wronging her and give them a piece of her mind? Read IOU to find out!
November 18, 2011
So I kinda hated the ending of this book. It’s like after the whole book, I practically didn’t read anything! So this was a novella. An erotic one. Basically, after reading it, I felt super dirty. I mean, if it was a romance with erotic elements in it, I wouldn’t have hated it. But this, I can’t even classify as a romance. Major spoiler. There was no HEA. How can a romance not have a HEA? And thus, this isn’t a romance, short or long either way. It’s simply an erotic novella. Gosh, there was like what, two whole chapters dedicated to how they had sex? And the book had 7 chapters. There was no time spent on building the romance part. Its like we were suddenly thrown into the middle of the book. Let me explain properly. So the two protagonists, I forgot their names already. They had a past relationship where they were both crazy in lust for each other. Then she needed a favour from him. So in return they had sex. Then she realised she was in love with him. Then the end.
Now, I actually quite liked the start and was kinda anxiously waiting for their HEA. But surprise surprise, it didn’t come. It just left the reader hanging. I was expecting an epilogue to wrap it all up nicely, but it never came! I just don’t get the book. Like seriously. There’s really nothing I can say about this book, because its so short. But I certainly would not recommend this to anyone. Unless they want to read a pure erotica.
Alright, the book wasn’t THAT bad. The storyline was interesting, and the dialogue rather witty. The thing that really got to me was the terrible ending. I know, I shouldn’t be so mean, but that IS the truth. The ending was not a proper one and thus I cannot bring myself to like it. If the book had a good ending, I would certainly have given it a higher rating. Now, that’s about all I have to say about the book.
Now, I actually quite liked the start and was kinda anxiously waiting for their HEA. But surprise surprise, it didn’t come. It just left the reader hanging. I was expecting an epilogue to wrap it all up nicely, but it never came! I just don’t get the book. Like seriously. There’s really nothing I can say about this book, because its so short. But I certainly would not recommend this to anyone. Unless they want to read a pure erotica.
Alright, the book wasn’t THAT bad. The storyline was interesting, and the dialogue rather witty. The thing that really got to me was the terrible ending. I know, I shouldn’t be so mean, but that IS the truth. The ending was not a proper one and thus I cannot bring myself to like it. If the book had a good ending, I would certainly have given it a higher rating. Now, that’s about all I have to say about the book.
August 18, 2011
First of all, way to undersell a book by saddling it with an inappopriate title. I don't mean that the implication that one person owes another sex is inappropriate, although I wouldn't be the hugest fan of such an arrangement. No, my objection is that the title simply doesn't fit the story. It's hard to review such a short story without being completely spoileriffic, but I can safely say that sex isn't really used as a bargaining chip in this story.
Now that I've said what this book wasn't, let me tell you what it was: a really cute short story. IOU Sex (see? ridiculous) was more tender than the faux-racy title might lead one to believe. I thought that Ms. Fox did a great job of conveying to us how deep Fiona and Michael's feelings were for one another, especially considering that they had quite a history together that predated the story's opening. Although the majority of their interactions took place before the story began, I never felt like we the audience were playing catch-up. Ms. Fox is an expert at giving exposition without sacrificing the flow of what is happening in the present.
Fiona's family was a little too vile to be completely belieavable, but it was nice to see her stand up for herself. Ms. Fox packed a lot of relatable feeling and growth into a relatively small amount of space, but I never felt like events were rushed or thoughtlessly tacked on. I think that this length worked fine for ths story, although I personally wouldn't mind reading more about Fiona and Michael...and possibly Seth and Lizzie, since I get the feeling that that relationship is going to implode in some deliciously awful way.
Now that I've said what this book wasn't, let me tell you what it was: a really cute short story. IOU Sex (see? ridiculous) was more tender than the faux-racy title might lead one to believe. I thought that Ms. Fox did a great job of conveying to us how deep Fiona and Michael's feelings were for one another, especially considering that they had quite a history together that predated the story's opening. Although the majority of their interactions took place before the story began, I never felt like we the audience were playing catch-up. Ms. Fox is an expert at giving exposition without sacrificing the flow of what is happening in the present.
Fiona's family was a little too vile to be completely belieavable, but it was nice to see her stand up for herself. Ms. Fox packed a lot of relatable feeling and growth into a relatively small amount of space, but I never felt like events were rushed or thoughtlessly tacked on. I think that this length worked fine for ths story, although I personally wouldn't mind reading more about Fiona and Michael...and possibly Seth and Lizzie, since I get the feeling that that relationship is going to implode in some deliciously awful way.
November 8, 2011
I got this book from NetGalley as an ARC by Carina Press
Fiona caught her fiance with her sister in her bed, she was devastated. Now, its 1 year after the incident and Fiona is invited to their engagement party.
Her mother is very pushy and always berates Fiona for not being as perfect as her sister.
Michael is Fiona's best friend and occasional lover. He is a hot photographer and a ladies man. So after having been crushed by her fiance she doesn't want to risk her heart again.
Now for the party she plans on taking Michael as her boyfriend, just so she doesn't get any pity stares from everyone and to show she has done well. But to get him to go she plans on giving him his favorite bottle. Michael has other plans. He agrees on condition that she spends the weekend with him catching up where they left off. Since secretly Michael has eyes only for Fiona.
Sexual tension is at it's peak and they spend a very nice weekend together.
And of course the bitch Lizzy gets what she deserves at her party!!!
I totally enjoyed this book although it was kinda expected and reminded me of a movie I saw before which I totally loved and is one of my favorite movies of all time - The Wedding Date .
The writing style was nice and the build up was great. Recommended as a light romantic read.
Fiona caught her fiance with her sister in her bed, she was devastated. Now, its 1 year after the incident and Fiona is invited to their engagement party.
Her mother is very pushy and always berates Fiona for not being as perfect as her sister.
Michael is Fiona's best friend and occasional lover. He is a hot photographer and a ladies man. So after having been crushed by her fiance she doesn't want to risk her heart again.
Now for the party she plans on taking Michael as her boyfriend, just so she doesn't get any pity stares from everyone and to show she has done well. But to get him to go she plans on giving him his favorite bottle. Michael has other plans. He agrees on condition that she spends the weekend with him catching up where they left off. Since secretly Michael has eyes only for Fiona.
Sexual tension is at it's peak and they spend a very nice weekend together.
And of course the bitch Lizzy gets what she deserves at her party!!!
I totally enjoyed this book although it was kinda expected and reminded me of a movie I saw before which I totally loved and is one of my favorite movies of all time - The Wedding Date .
The writing style was nice and the build up was great. Recommended as a light romantic read.
August 24, 2011
Full review here: http://secretsofabooklover.blogspot.c...
What a fun novella this turned out to be. The story has been told before, but I honestly never get tired of it. Calista Fox did an excellent job, writing characters that were fun and relatable. She took a new spin on it, though, creating a history between Fiona and Michael. It made the chemistry between them much more believable.
The fact that Fiona has been emotionally scarred makes it difficult for her to trust again, but with some gentle nudging from Michael, her walls start to break down. I love their conversations. They are close friends as well as lovers and when Michael starts to talk to her about her past, she opens up to him, making me feel like they have a deeper connection than just sexual.
Oh, and who can resist the slap in the face it was when Fiona showed up at that engagement party looking smoking hot with a delicious man on her arm. I could almost hear women everywhere cheering for Fiona as she made her presence (and eventually her opinion) known. I think that's why I still love this story, regardless of how many times it's been told. Who can resist a good come back story?
What a fun novella this turned out to be. The story has been told before, but I honestly never get tired of it. Calista Fox did an excellent job, writing characters that were fun and relatable. She took a new spin on it, though, creating a history between Fiona and Michael. It made the chemistry between them much more believable.
The fact that Fiona has been emotionally scarred makes it difficult for her to trust again, but with some gentle nudging from Michael, her walls start to break down. I love their conversations. They are close friends as well as lovers and when Michael starts to talk to her about her past, she opens up to him, making me feel like they have a deeper connection than just sexual.
Oh, and who can resist the slap in the face it was when Fiona showed up at that engagement party looking smoking hot with a delicious man on her arm. I could almost hear women everywhere cheering for Fiona as she made her presence (and eventually her opinion) known. I think that's why I still love this story, regardless of how many times it's been told. Who can resist a good come back story?
August 16, 2011
After Fiona found her fiance in bed with her sister she was crushed. Her escape was to have a fling with her friend Michael. So when she receives an invitation to her sister's engagement party she knows she's going to need back up in the form of a hot guy. I do love a women scorned book, Fiona decides that she is going to show everyone that she has moved on and demonstrate exactly what her fiance lost when he decided to cheat. Michael agrees to be her date on one condition that she will date him. Fiona ended their fling for fear of Michael getting bored of her, but Michael was far from bored and he wants more of Fiona.
Throughout this short story Fiona discovers things about herself that she had never realized. She also believes that her heart may not be closed forever like she previously thought and that maybe Michael is the one she needs to continue healing and growing. If she can get over her insecurities enough to give them a chance that is. I really enjoyed this short story, I love when women want to show up their ex's. It is always intriguing. You also root for Fiona because her sister sounds and acts like a real bitch, which really makes you want Fiona to show her up even more. I highly recommend this read, it short quick and thoroughly entertaining.
Throughout this short story Fiona discovers things about herself that she had never realized. She also believes that her heart may not be closed forever like she previously thought and that maybe Michael is the one she needs to continue healing and growing. If she can get over her insecurities enough to give them a chance that is. I really enjoyed this short story, I love when women want to show up their ex's. It is always intriguing. You also root for Fiona because her sister sounds and acts like a real bitch, which really makes you want Fiona to show her up even more. I highly recommend this read, it short quick and thoroughly entertaining.
December 23, 2014
The title put me off at first, but after reading some reviews I decided to go for it. And I liked very much! Fiona has been hurt a lot by the betrayal of her younger sister with her fiance but has kept her head high for the past year. And now she has been invited to the engagement party. So she buys a gorgeous red dress and decides to ask her friend (and rebound lover) Michael to escort her to the party. Michael is hot and attractive and they were together for 3 weeks after the scandal with her sister/fiance. Fiona broke it off because she is very afraid to be hurt again. But Michael wants more and when Fiona asks him to escort her to the party he requests a weekend with her in return.
I liked that Fiona got stronger in the end and that she was able to withstand her horrible sister at the party. How horrible to have such a family. But she has Michael and he is a great guy, hot and adores her.
I liked that Fiona got stronger in the end and that she was able to withstand her horrible sister at the party. How horrible to have such a family. But she has Michael and he is a great guy, hot and adores her.
June 12, 2019
Review has spoilers and swear words
Basically a giant fuck you to her sister/family, who are cartoonishly bad. I think it's normal to fantasize about getting the best of someone else but in reality it's icky. Also icky is owing someone sex. Not sure why I read it when that's obviously a theme from the title of the book. Ha. Also these people fuck so much in one session it becomes ridiculous. And of course the man's D is ginormous.
Very short (which is why I picked it). It was the perfect length for that moment in time.
Narrator Charise Greene has a slight lisp. Wtf
Basically a giant fuck you to her sister/family, who are cartoonishly bad. I think it's normal to fantasize about getting the best of someone else but in reality it's icky. Also icky is owing someone sex. Not sure why I read it when that's obviously a theme from the title of the book. Ha. Also these people fuck so much in one session it becomes ridiculous. And of course the man's D is ginormous.
Very short (which is why I picked it). It was the perfect length for that moment in time.
Narrator Charise Greene has a slight lisp. Wtf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2016
IOU Sex was a fast, hot, steamy book about revenge. Imagine having to go to your little sisters engagement party when the so to be groom is your ex-fiancé. Any woman would have to go and show that they kept their self-confidence and to show you are over your ex. What better way to do that then to dress spectacular and have a gorgeous man with you – unless you fall for him.
I liked this book I just wish it was longer. At around 58 pages, I was able to read this book in about an hour and a half. I really enjoy the writing style and I liked the characters. I really wish this story would have started just before Fiona walked in on her sister and her ex. I think it would have added a lot to the book.
For a quick, sexy read this was a great story.
I liked this book I just wish it was longer. At around 58 pages, I was able to read this book in about an hour and a half. I really enjoy the writing style and I liked the characters. I really wish this story would have started just before Fiona walked in on her sister and her ex. I think it would have added a lot to the book.
For a quick, sexy read this was a great story.
August 8, 2011
A short, well-written story about a heroine betrayed by her fiance and her sister. Over the next year, the heroine finally comes to terms with the betrayal, discovers some very interesting facts about herself and the new man in her life. Best thing of all is the slap down she finally gives to her sister and ex-fiance at the end. Finally!!! I am so tired of stories where the jilted or betrayed heroine immediately begins a new relationship as if she wasn't at least a little heartbroken by what has happened. Great story!
July 16, 2015
Loved this short, sizzling get even story! Fiona used to be engaged to Seth, until she caught him in bed with Lizzie, her younger sister. Traitors! Now these two shameless creatures have the nerve to invite Fiona to their engagement party. They expect Fiona to show up broken, embarrassed and sobbing her eyes out. Well revenge is sweet. Surprise, surprise Fiona will be attending, with Micheal Houston, a hot, sexy and delicious man and you can bet Fiona won't be the one crying at that little fun-fest. Let the games begin!
August 1, 2011
I loved Michael and Fiona together. They had a history and I could really feel their attraction for one another. There was just enough back story that I felt I knew where both characters were coming from. I loved how Fiona handles herself at the engagement party. It was a hilarious scene and I was cheering her on all the way. The love scenes were steamy and very entertaining. Great story and one I definitely recommend reading!
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