What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rebound
Still reeling from catching her husband in bed with his mistress, the last thing Casi Hanson is looking for is romance. When she meets brokenhearted Conner Bennet, she thinks she has found exactly what she needs. Their mutual desire for a "no strings attached" sexual relationship offers the opportunity to explore fantasies and fetishes their spouses denied them and the freedom to walk away when they are done. The only fantasy too taboo is falling in love. This book contains adult content.
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Emilia Mancini
5 books19 followersEmilia lives with her husband, two daughters and their numerous pets. She loves reading and writing romance because she loves falling in love with strapping young lads but her husband doesn't like her to do that in real life. She is currently working on her MS in Publishing degree in hopes of eventually ruling the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 24, 2013
A spellbinding story of two people who meet by chance at a function just as both of their marriages have fallen apart. They start off by pretending to be there together to save face and to get through the evening, but one dance is all it takes for it to become more. They become lovers that night, and enter into a steamy, "no strings attached" affair, but is that all it will ever be? Do they even want it to ever be more, or will they be satisfied with their friends-with-benefits arrangement indefinitely?
Right from the start, the emotions in this one are raw, and very palpable. It's easy to envision Connor gritting his teeth as he bolsters himself with some liquid courage before heading into the charity dinner he's attending, and just as easy to grasp the quiet desperation with which Casi comes into that same bar wanting just a few moments to gather herself before doing the same. The attraction between them is there from the first moment they speak, and it only flames brighter as time goes on, and the author pulls you into their vortex of passion and makes you feel everything they do in every encounter that follows. When the heartbreak that they're both trying to hide from eventually won't be denied, you heart breaks right along with the, and for them. I could go on, but you get the idea.
This kind of intense emotion is exactly what I want in a story of this length. It's a given that there's only so much you can do plot-wise in a novella length work, so for it to really shine, there has to be a lot of emotion in it. The characters have to be relateable, to feel real, to make you care about what happens to them and care whether or not they end up together. In this story, Ms. Mancini really hits the nail on the head and delivers a gem of a story that makes you wish it would continue on just so you could spend more time with these wonderful characters, but at the same time leaves you feeling satisfied when it does come to an end. Nothing feels forced about the ending, nor does it seem rushed, as though the author was just trying to wrap it up quickly before going over the word count limit or something. Instead, the ending flows quite easily from what comes before it, with the timing and pacing fitting the rest perfectly.
I'd most certainly recommend this story to anyone who likes romance, particularly contemporary romance. There's enough steam here to please those who have to have plenty of sexy times in a story, and there's a bit of kink thrown in as well for those who like that. The story might be a bit on the sweet side for some, but for me it was just right - caring and sweet, but not to the point it became so cloying I felt like I'd get cavities from it. 4½ glowing stars to this one, rounded up to 5 because I think it deserves that benefit of the doubt.
Right from the start, the emotions in this one are raw, and very palpable. It's easy to envision Connor gritting his teeth as he bolsters himself with some liquid courage before heading into the charity dinner he's attending, and just as easy to grasp the quiet desperation with which Casi comes into that same bar wanting just a few moments to gather herself before doing the same. The attraction between them is there from the first moment they speak, and it only flames brighter as time goes on, and the author pulls you into their vortex of passion and makes you feel everything they do in every encounter that follows. When the heartbreak that they're both trying to hide from eventually won't be denied, you heart breaks right along with the, and for them. I could go on, but you get the idea.
This kind of intense emotion is exactly what I want in a story of this length. It's a given that there's only so much you can do plot-wise in a novella length work, so for it to really shine, there has to be a lot of emotion in it. The characters have to be relateable, to feel real, to make you care about what happens to them and care whether or not they end up together. In this story, Ms. Mancini really hits the nail on the head and delivers a gem of a story that makes you wish it would continue on just so you could spend more time with these wonderful characters, but at the same time leaves you feeling satisfied when it does come to an end. Nothing feels forced about the ending, nor does it seem rushed, as though the author was just trying to wrap it up quickly before going over the word count limit or something. Instead, the ending flows quite easily from what comes before it, with the timing and pacing fitting the rest perfectly.
I'd most certainly recommend this story to anyone who likes romance, particularly contemporary romance. There's enough steam here to please those who have to have plenty of sexy times in a story, and there's a bit of kink thrown in as well for those who like that. The story might be a bit on the sweet side for some, but for me it was just right - caring and sweet, but not to the point it became so cloying I felt like I'd get cavities from it. 4½ glowing stars to this one, rounded up to 5 because I think it deserves that benefit of the doubt.
October 5, 2013
True love finds a way even when it involves two people who have been betrayed by their respective spouses.
A chance meeting between Casi and Conner has them making a pact to get each other through a very uncomfortable charitable event. By the end of the evening, they find they have sexual chemistry and agree to be f**k buddies while they are struggling to make it through their divorces.
These two were meant to be. The sex is fun and playful and slightly kinky. And as they move forward with their respective divorces, they meet more and more often. As with any emotional time, Casi and Conner progress through the loss of their marriages (bad though they were) at their own pace, and when Conner realizes that he wants Casi in his new life more than anything, he finds Casi hasn't quite gotten there yet.
Ms. Mancini provides a sexy and realistic look at two people trying to make sense out of the loss of their marriages. The fact that Conner works through his loss and regains his self-confidence more quickly than Casi is totally believable and makes this little gem of a novella that much more special. And the HEA made me sigh with happiness.
A chance meeting between Casi and Conner has them making a pact to get each other through a very uncomfortable charitable event. By the end of the evening, they find they have sexual chemistry and agree to be f**k buddies while they are struggling to make it through their divorces.
These two were meant to be. The sex is fun and playful and slightly kinky. And as they move forward with their respective divorces, they meet more and more often. As with any emotional time, Casi and Conner progress through the loss of their marriages (bad though they were) at their own pace, and when Conner realizes that he wants Casi in his new life more than anything, he finds Casi hasn't quite gotten there yet.
Ms. Mancini provides a sexy and realistic look at two people trying to make sense out of the loss of their marriages. The fact that Conner works through his loss and regains his self-confidence more quickly than Casi is totally believable and makes this little gem of a novella that much more special. And the HEA made me sigh with happiness.
February 21, 2013
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Still reeling from catching her husband in bed with his mistress, the last thing Casi Hanson is looking for is romance. When she meets brokenhearted Conner Bennett, she thinks she has found exactly what she needs.
Their mutual desire for a “no strings attached” sexual relationship offers the opportunity to explore fantasies and fetishes their spouses denied them and the freedom to walk away when they are done.
The only fantasy too taboo is falling in love.
Page Count: 69 pages
Initial Reaction: One smoking hawt smexy story.
This book provided by the author for an honest review.
Casi Hansen and Conner Bennett are licking their collective wounds after bad breakups from cheating spouses. The two unexpectedly meet at a hotel bar where Casi is overseeing a charity function. They meet, strike up a conversation, and discover that both of their cheating spouses are attending the event -- with their cheating partners-in crime. Not wanting to be alone, Casi proposes that the two serve as each others date for the evening. Conner agrees and one dance...one kiss...and their evening changes in an instant.
I really enjoyed this short story. Casi and Conner started their relationship off as casual sex partners. They met, enjoyed a meal together(maybe)...and ended their time together with a smoking hot tryst where they fulfilled their wildest fantasies. The story was definitely very sexy and steamy. The conflict in the story came in the form of Casi's resistance to Conner wanting "more". I would have loved to have read a little more about her struggle to accept a relationship between them. I also would have loved for them to profess their love to each other. They "sorta kinda" did but I wanted to read the words. Hey, I make no apologies for being a die-hard lover of HEA's. :).
Overall, I enjoyed the story very much.
Reading Time: 1.5 Hours
Visit The BookChick Blog
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a 4 star book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.Book Description:
Still reeling from catching her husband in bed with his mistress, the last thing Casi Hanson is looking for is romance. When she meets brokenhearted Conner Bennett, she thinks she has found exactly what she needs.
Their mutual desire for a “no strings attached” sexual relationship offers the opportunity to explore fantasies and fetishes their spouses denied them and the freedom to walk away when they are done.
The only fantasy too taboo is falling in love.
Page Count: 69 pages
Initial Reaction: One smoking hawt smexy story.
My Thoughts:
This book provided by the author for an honest review.
Casi Hansen and Conner Bennett are licking their collective wounds after bad breakups from cheating spouses. The two unexpectedly meet at a hotel bar where Casi is overseeing a charity function. They meet, strike up a conversation, and discover that both of their cheating spouses are attending the event -- with their cheating partners-in crime. Not wanting to be alone, Casi proposes that the two serve as each others date for the evening. Conner agrees and one dance...one kiss...and their evening changes in an instant.
I really enjoyed this short story. Casi and Conner started their relationship off as casual sex partners. They met, enjoyed a meal together(maybe)...and ended their time together with a smoking hot tryst where they fulfilled their wildest fantasies. The story was definitely very sexy and steamy. The conflict in the story came in the form of Casi's resistance to Conner wanting "more". I would have loved to have read a little more about her struggle to accept a relationship between them. I also would have loved for them to profess their love to each other. They "sorta kinda" did but I wanted to read the words. Hey, I make no apologies for being a die-hard lover of HEA's. :).
Overall, I enjoyed the story very much.
Reading Time: 1.5 Hours
Visit The BookChick Blog
February 26, 2013
Well, I'd heard Ms. Mancini's book was sexy. I don't know if "sexy" quite covers it. This is a steamy novella and a quick read. I polished it off in one evening and wanted to have even more. The author pulled me right into the emotions of the main characters, even though there is not a lot of back story given. It is a tale of two people who have been hurt and abused in love and who find solace in temptation and each other's welcoming bodies. The sex was so hot my fingers got scorched every time I touched my Kobo! And the resolution was satisfying. I was so happy Ms. Mancini was able to provide an HEA and really hope she'll return to these characters one day. Well done.
April 8, 2013
Two people decide to have a no strings relationship to gain back their confidence after both were cheated on.
I really liked the beginning of the story and how this whole arrangement came to be and the sex was hot. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but that is just because I personally don't like shorter stories because everything seems to happen so fast. Overall, this book was really good and I enjoyed it!
I really liked the beginning of the story and how this whole arrangement came to be and the sex was hot. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but that is just because I personally don't like shorter stories because everything seems to happen so fast. Overall, this book was really good and I enjoyed it!
July 20, 2014
3*** An erotic romance short story. Two people who are both reeling from being cheated on by their spouses get together. They decide to use each other as f*** buddies. Things heat up pretty quickly. If you want a melt your panties read you will enjoy it.
May 2, 2012
4.5 Hoots: A truly equal relationship with equal benefits is very refreshing. LOVE this story!!!
See my full review at www.nocturnereads.com
See my full review at www.nocturnereads.com
March 4, 2013
Whew! Very sexy! Great quick read when you want something spicy but a little sweet, too. ;)
March 28, 2014
4 stars romance, contemporary, erotica
More Images @ MyNiceProfile.com
cover 4.5 stars
If I were in a store I would buy it looking at the cover.
I would have guess that it was an erotica romance.
I also find the black and white photo very elegant.
characters 4.5 stars
Conner: I really liked him. Even though I guess I would like him to be a bit more rough on the edges, he did make up for it during sex. :)
Casi: She was a good character also. Not so nice, more troubled than Conner, but her separation was freshier than him, so I guess her scars were to new still.
plot 3.5 stars
It's a really well written story. Even though that's a lot of sex scenes, it doesn't feel this way, because they have meaning and purpose on the plot.
I like how the author brought out the emotions of the characters which really helped me to connect with them and feel throught the book their feelings.
My one major problem was the ending. I did not like at all. I felt it was rushed, that maybe if there story were a bit longer we could have the end that it deserved. In fact, the games were amazing and I did not believe that the couple felt like it they wouldn't need it anymore within their relationship going steady.
I would have rated the plot 5 stars, but near the ending it's suppose to be the climax of the book and it left me frustrated.
sex heat 5 stars
This was amazing. I wasn't expecting that many great scenes in such a short book. I loved the voyerism club idea. It was hot hot hot!
originality 4 stars
I found it refreshing. It brought something new, even though I was expecting the HEA, it took me a while to find out who would be the "break-up" reason before the I-love-you-forever-kind-of-thing (which I personally love, because I'm always looking for a HEA).
editing 5 stars
I don't remember a particular problem with the book, which was wonderful. Nowadays, specially in short-stories I find a lot of typo problems.
Impressions and Opinion
This was almost the perfect short-story book. I cannot let a bad ending slide though.
I would recommend this book to everyone that likes contemporary romance. If you are not into erotica though, you won't like, and maybe if you only read hardcore kinky it won't like it either.
If you are like me that read from vanilla romance to hardcore, you will have a thrill.
It's very sweet kinky! Hot!
More Images @ MyNiceProfile.com
cover 4.5 stars
If I were in a store I would buy it looking at the cover.
I would have guess that it was an erotica romance.
I also find the black and white photo very elegant.
characters 4.5 stars
Conner: I really liked him. Even though I guess I would like him to be a bit more rough on the edges, he did make up for it during sex. :)
Casi: She was a good character also. Not so nice, more troubled than Conner, but her separation was freshier than him, so I guess her scars were to new still.
plot 3.5 stars
It's a really well written story. Even though that's a lot of sex scenes, it doesn't feel this way, because they have meaning and purpose on the plot.
I like how the author brought out the emotions of the characters which really helped me to connect with them and feel throught the book their feelings.
My one major problem was the ending. I did not like at all. I felt it was rushed, that maybe if there story were a bit longer we could have the end that it deserved. In fact, the games were amazing and I did not believe that the couple felt like it they wouldn't need it anymore within their relationship going steady.
I would have rated the plot 5 stars, but near the ending it's suppose to be the climax of the book and it left me frustrated.
sex heat 5 stars
This was amazing. I wasn't expecting that many great scenes in such a short book. I loved the voyerism club idea. It was hot hot hot!
originality 4 stars
I found it refreshing. It brought something new, even though I was expecting the HEA, it took me a while to find out who would be the "break-up" reason before the I-love-you-forever-kind-of-thing (which I personally love, because I'm always looking for a HEA).
editing 5 stars
I don't remember a particular problem with the book, which was wonderful. Nowadays, specially in short-stories I find a lot of typo problems.
Impressions and Opinion
This was almost the perfect short-story book. I cannot let a bad ending slide though.
I would recommend this book to everyone that likes contemporary romance. If you are not into erotica though, you won't like, and maybe if you only read hardcore kinky it won't like it either.
If you are like me that read from vanilla romance to hardcore, you will have a thrill.
It's very sweet kinky! Hot!
May 29, 2016
I admit, it shouldn't have taken me any where near this long to read a 77 page book, but in this case its a huge complement to the author, because I wasn't ready for this book to end. It was that good!!
This book had a mix of erotica in it, including voyeurism. Which, I might add, was one of my favorite parts in the book. Rebound couple, Casi and Conner go to a club where you get to watch people play out their own fantasy, and oh boy is it HOT!!
Emilia did a great job writing this book. The story was easy to visualize and it had a happy ending.
I purchased this book at the Cedar Falls, IA book signing in April 2016, and this one had 2 bonus reads at the end. One was called Colton, and the other was called, The Lovers.
Both of these very erotic stories will get the job done *Wink, Wink*
I'm always impressed when an author can give a good quick background and make you feel like you've know the characters for 10 chapters, but in reality it's only been a few pages, and then can jump into the good stuff.
Nice job on all three stories Emilia! And it was wonderful meeting you in Cedar Falls!
This book had a mix of erotica in it, including voyeurism. Which, I might add, was one of my favorite parts in the book. Rebound couple, Casi and Conner go to a club where you get to watch people play out their own fantasy, and oh boy is it HOT!!
Emilia did a great job writing this book. The story was easy to visualize and it had a happy ending.
I purchased this book at the Cedar Falls, IA book signing in April 2016, and this one had 2 bonus reads at the end. One was called Colton, and the other was called, The Lovers.
Both of these very erotic stories will get the job done *Wink, Wink*
I'm always impressed when an author can give a good quick background and make you feel like you've know the characters for 10 chapters, but in reality it's only been a few pages, and then can jump into the good stuff.
Nice job on all three stories Emilia! And it was wonderful meeting you in Cedar Falls!
May 28, 2015
This is the first story I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
When Casi Hanson catches her husband red-handed in bed with another woman, the last thing she wants or needs is another man. Until she meets Connor Bennett, a man whose wife has left him for another. What starts out as a simple friendship quickly leads to something more, more than either one of them had planned on.
But what happens when one of them wants more than to simply be friends with benefits?
When Casi Hanson catches her husband red-handed in bed with another woman, the last thing she wants or needs is another man. Until she meets Connor Bennett, a man whose wife has left him for another. What starts out as a simple friendship quickly leads to something more, more than either one of them had planned on.
But what happens when one of them wants more than to simply be friends with benefits?
February 11, 2015
Original review lost in ether. New one to come.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews