Pretty Kinky for a Love Story

by Anna Rose

Librarian Eliza Coleman thought her happy ending was solidified when she married her high school sweetheart and rode off into the suburban sunset, but after four babies and with midlife rapidly approaching, she finds herself increasingly inhibited and depressed. With a push from her devoted husband, Jack, Eliza begins to unravel how her conservative Catholic upbringing has suppressed her sexuality -- and ultimately, her true self.

From finding body confidence at a nude beach (Jack’s idea) to exploring their personality dynamics through BDSM play (her idea), Eliza begins to awaken her innermost desires. Stumbling across a group of surprisingly sensible swingers, Eliza and Jack realize they can make their own rules when it comes to relationships -- but isn’t until Eliza fulfills Jack’s exhibitionist fantasies at a sex resort in Jamaica that she envisions how her dreams could be made real, too.

Back home in Midwest America, Jack and Eliza open up their marriage so Eliza can explore her attraction to women, but practicing non-monogamy doesn’t go quite as planned. Sure, she lands the gorgeous girlfriend of her dreams and is having her best sex ever with Jack, but Eliza also gets deeply ensnarled in the marriage of a narcissistic co-worker and his endearing wife. As secrets mount and feelings flare, Eliza is finally forced to confront the hard truths of who she is and what she wants out of life.

Pretty Kinky for a Love Story is just that -- a quirky, spicy story of modern relationships and manifestations of love. A raw, soulful, passionate account of an achingly average woman’s midlife quest for presence, purpose, and pleasure. And a delight to read.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

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Reviews

[Ilona · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an ENM woman, I was delighted to find a book talking about my world. In the end, it was disappointing.

First, the author fails on the very basic guideline for writers of 'show, don't tell'.

She and Jack have a loving marriage based on amazing communication. How do we know? She tells us. We don't get to hear them chat much at all. She and Holly have an amazing connection. How do we know? She tells us. We aren't shown their connection, just told. Another woman was smart and flirty. Do we see much, if any, smart, flirty dialogue? We do not. We are just told this happens.

So, as a reader, that was unsatisfying.

There were also some wildly unbelievable moments. Eliza and Jack have four children. They meet another couple, who also have children. The two families get together, the kids hit it off, so ... the adults go up to the bedroom and have wild sex! Because that's responsible! We have at least six kids in the house. Let's completely ignore them while we hang out and do grownup things. What could possibly go wrong?

Not to mention utterly unrealistic. There were six or so children in the house, no mention of a baby-sitter -- and the adults are not interrupted? Not even once?? Now that's some serious fiction!

Another unbelievable aspect for me was the relationship with Ned. If Jack is truly all that Eliza says: loving, respectful, patient, encouraging, giving, generous, etc., etc., there is no way she would have put up with Ned's disrespectful, selfish, manipulative behaviour for long. With Jack's behaviour and attitude as comparison, Ned would have been kicked to the curb months before -- and without the anguish and second-guessing. This bit just didn't ring true to me.

I appreciate that books on non-monogamy and/or kink are now being published, I like that this way of life is increasingly an option, I'm happy that there are increasingly open discussions about non-vanilla, and also non-monogamous relationships ... but this particular book fell short, for me.

[Anmol Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Kinky for a Love Story is a daring narrative that explores Eliza's journey from a sex-shamed upbringing to embracing her suppressed desires. From steamy escapades with Jack to venturing into BDSM and non-monogamy, Eliza's path to sexual liberation is both bold and honest. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, revealing the complexities of modern relationships. A raw and soulful account, this book offers a passionate glimpse into an average woman's quest for presence, purpose, and pleasure. A delightfully quirky and spicy read that challenges societal norms with its unapologetic exploration of love and desire.

[R. Allen Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written story of the evolution of a woman and her marriage. It is about discovery and what really happens to couples as those inner needs that society frowns on comes to the fore.
I liked this book. It's written in an easy conversational style which allows the reader immerse him or herself in the minutiae of this couple's life. If one is looking for an erotic novel full of graphic scenes of sex...this is not it. It's actually better.
I highly recommend this book, not only for it's entertainment value but also for the sense of satisfaction the reader is sure to feel as this couple successfully struggle with life's thorny issues.