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Play It Again #1
Callie, Unwrapped
The best presents are the ones you unwrap early...
Callie isn't sure just how kinky anyone can get on a Tuesday before Christmas, but she's willing to find out. That is, assuming this first drink at a pool hall with her ex, Gabe, and his girl, Kate, doesn't send anyone screaming from the bar. Newly divorced after years of sleep-walking through occasional sex, she's hoping to find her way back to the fiery confidence of her youth, when she saw what, or who, she wanted and grabbed it with both hands. It's a Callie she barely remembers and that Gabe is convinced is buried somewhere deep inside her still.
But when bystanders speculate about the trio, and Gabe and Kate make surprising demands that she be an active participant in this threesome, and not simply their plaything, Callie discovers that letting herself be sexually confident again is harder than she imagined. She'll need to bare both her body and her heart to find out if she can still reach fearlessly for adventure.
Callie isn't sure just how kinky anyone can get on a Tuesday before Christmas, but she's willing to find out. That is, assuming this first drink at a pool hall with her ex, Gabe, and his girl, Kate, doesn't send anyone screaming from the bar. Newly divorced after years of sleep-walking through occasional sex, she's hoping to find her way back to the fiery confidence of her youth, when she saw what, or who, she wanted and grabbed it with both hands. It's a Callie she barely remembers and that Gabe is convinced is buried somewhere deep inside her still.
But when bystanders speculate about the trio, and Gabe and Kate make surprising demands that she be an active participant in this threesome, and not simply their plaything, Callie discovers that letting herself be sexually confident again is harder than she imagined. She'll need to bare both her body and her heart to find out if she can still reach fearlessly for adventure.
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First published November 17, 2014
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About the author
Amy Jo Cousins
46 books623 followersTo get updates on Amy Jo's new releases, sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
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December 9, 2015Kindle freebie 12/9/15!
August 2, 2015
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
I'm really on the fence with this one...
I liked the general story line; there were a few hiccups along the way where I wasn't completely sold on it; but it dragged getting into it!! It felt like it took FOREVER to get far enough for things to start happening!
would like to see what happens next though
I'm really on the fence with this one...
I liked the general story line; there were a few hiccups along the way where I wasn't completely sold on it; but it dragged getting into it!! It felt like it took FOREVER to get far enough for things to start happening!
would like to see what happens next though
November 2, 2014
I don’t know where to start with Callie, Unwrapped. Amy Jo Cousins has written a novella that is beautifully written and made me wish for a Gabe of my very own. Callie, Gabe, and Kate are amazing characters who know who they are and what works for them. It was great meeting them and I cannot wait for more. Thank God there’s a sequel!
Callie is a quick and fun read. Sure, it’s erotica, and involves a threesome, but who cares? I felt the book was so much more than what it seems on the surface. Callie needed this experience to be herself again. She was so stifled in a marriage what should never have been that she forgot who she was. Meeting up with Gabe again was exactly what she needed. He acted as her confidant and much more. Being with Kate, getting her perspective on things, helped her to see things much more clearly.
In the end Calie was as much about finding yourself as it was just about having a good time. We all need experiences from time to time to lift us up, to help us remember or discover who we are.
"I remember when you used to kiss anyone in the bar who caught your eye, male or female. We all watched you and wanted to be next."
Callie is a quick and fun read. Sure, it’s erotica, and involves a threesome, but who cares? I felt the book was so much more than what it seems on the surface. Callie needed this experience to be herself again. She was so stifled in a marriage what should never have been that she forgot who she was. Meeting up with Gabe again was exactly what she needed. He acted as her confidant and much more. Being with Kate, getting her perspective on things, helped her to see things much more clearly.
In the end Calie was as much about finding yourself as it was just about having a good time. We all need experiences from time to time to lift us up, to help us remember or discover who we are.
September 25, 2019
Rep: bi mcs, polyamory
this is nothing but an extended sex scene mostly in public!!! (i feel so sorry for that taxi driver ngl)
(also gabe's reasons for not loving anyone seemed... idk it seemed slightly unrealistic like i could get if your first (idek if it was that) partner betrayed you - cheated on you then made you out to be a stalker - you might for a bit afterwards be not so inclined to easily loving/trusting someone, but for 11+ years. idk maybe it does make sense. the third book does look like it's gonna be the one where he is "healed" and learns to love again. just putting as many cliches as possible in here)
this is nothing but an extended sex scene mostly in public!!! (i feel so sorry for that taxi driver ngl)
(also gabe's reasons for not loving anyone seemed... idk it seemed slightly unrealistic like i could get if your first (idek if it was that) partner betrayed you - cheated on you then made you out to be a stalker - you might for a bit afterwards be not so inclined to easily loving/trusting someone, but for 11+ years. idk maybe it does make sense. the third book does look like it's gonna be the one where he is "healed" and learns to love again. just putting as many cliches as possible in here)
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November 23, 2014Book Two of the Play It Again series will be out in February 2015. I'm full-on terrible at remembering to send out my newsletter regularly, but I promise there will be cover reveal/excerpt stuff in upcoming months! Sign up at my website.
ETA: The most recent excerpt on the blog is definitely NSFW! ;)
Excerpts from Callie are up on my blog here and here. I'm posting every Monday through release day, and the bits are getting a little NSFW... ;)
ETA: The most recent excerpt on the blog is definitely NSFW! ;)
Excerpts from Callie are up on my blog here and here. I'm posting every Monday through release day, and the bits are getting a little NSFW... ;)
June 17, 2015
JESUS!!
BEST sex-fest I have read in a very long time! I can't wait to continue!
BEST sex-fest I have read in a very long time! I can't wait to continue!
November 16, 2014
Note: This ARC was provided by Patchwork Press Cooperative via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Callie, Unwrapped is the first novella in the Play It Again series by Amy Jo Cousins and is about a woman named Callie and her journey to re-discovering herself and her sexuality after eleven years of marriage that ended in divorce. In those eleven years, she stifled her formerly familiar wants and needs, leading a life of what she considered boring conventionality. All this time, she has maintained a friendship with the man she was in love with but later broke her heart. When he makes her an offer that has her curious and very much interested, will he be able to break down her inhibitions once again?
This was a really quick read but one that didn't have a dull moment in it. The story of a woman who's trying to gain back what she once had after more than a decade of tamping down on her most basic desires and does it by getting together with her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend makes for an interesting read. Even though Callie wants to pursue a threesome with Gabe and Kate, she experiences bouts of hesitation, her confidence scarred by those years she was on sexual lockdown. Reading the back and forth, the flirting then the backing off, was like being part of the foreplay going on.
For such a short book, you get a good idea of what kind of woman Callie was when she was Gabe and what happened to her after she left him and ended up marrying her now-ex-husband and how it was still Gabe who reawakened her. There's also a nice amount of character development that goes on but it leaves you wanting to get to know Callie and Gabe better and wondering if their relationship will develop even further than the first time they were a couple. Kate is also an interesting character, especially since she seems to be as sexually adventurous as Callie once was, making you wonder if Gabe is as stuck on Callie as Callie is on him since he seems to be leaning towards a particular kind of woman.
The story does have an end, so there's no need to worry about the oh-so-evil cliffhanger readers tend to be wary of when it comes to a series. I am curious as to what else is in store for Callie and if Gabe will still play as big a role in the next book. He is, after all, somewhat of a mystery and there's just something about male lead characters like Gabe that readers are itching to learn more about. This was a well-written novella and I can't wait to read what else happens in the series. I'm giving Callie, Unwrapped 4.5 stars out of five, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads. ♥
Callie, Unwrapped is the first novella in the Play It Again series by Amy Jo Cousins and is about a woman named Callie and her journey to re-discovering herself and her sexuality after eleven years of marriage that ended in divorce. In those eleven years, she stifled her formerly familiar wants and needs, leading a life of what she considered boring conventionality. All this time, she has maintained a friendship with the man she was in love with but later broke her heart. When he makes her an offer that has her curious and very much interested, will he be able to break down her inhibitions once again?
This was a really quick read but one that didn't have a dull moment in it. The story of a woman who's trying to gain back what she once had after more than a decade of tamping down on her most basic desires and does it by getting together with her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend makes for an interesting read. Even though Callie wants to pursue a threesome with Gabe and Kate, she experiences bouts of hesitation, her confidence scarred by those years she was on sexual lockdown. Reading the back and forth, the flirting then the backing off, was like being part of the foreplay going on.
For such a short book, you get a good idea of what kind of woman Callie was when she was Gabe and what happened to her after she left him and ended up marrying her now-ex-husband and how it was still Gabe who reawakened her. There's also a nice amount of character development that goes on but it leaves you wanting to get to know Callie and Gabe better and wondering if their relationship will develop even further than the first time they were a couple. Kate is also an interesting character, especially since she seems to be as sexually adventurous as Callie once was, making you wonder if Gabe is as stuck on Callie as Callie is on him since he seems to be leaning towards a particular kind of woman.
The story does have an end, so there's no need to worry about the oh-so-evil cliffhanger readers tend to be wary of when it comes to a series. I am curious as to what else is in store for Callie and if Gabe will still play as big a role in the next book. He is, after all, somewhat of a mystery and there's just something about male lead characters like Gabe that readers are itching to learn more about. This was a well-written novella and I can't wait to read what else happens in the series. I'm giving Callie, Unwrapped 4.5 stars out of five, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads. ♥
December 1, 2014
I'll start by saying that I rarely read M/F/F books. That being said, I kind of loved this one.
From the start, Cousins's writing style reminded me a lot of Anne Calhoun's--which is to say, I liked it immediately.
I also liked how the central theme is Callie needing to take back control of her sexuality. After eleven years in a lackluster marriage to John, followed by their divorce, Callie has lost sight of who she is sexually. This encounter with Gabe and Kate is an effort to reclaim control of an important part of who she used to be before her identity was lost in her marriage.
The game of billiards in the middle of the story is basically an extended scene of foreplay. But while it's highly sexually charged, there's also an intense internal examination going on inside of Callie. She went into this encounter expecting it to be purely physical, but now she's faced with old feelings toward Gabe that have resurfaced, in addition to completely new emotions for Kate, who she has just met. It seems that she's unable to disconnect herself from her emotions entirely. Everything is entangled. On top of all that, she has the lingering memory of her ex-husband's criticisms about her inside her head, throwing her out of the present and zoning her out at times.
Callie's warring emotions, combined with the new physical experience, overwhelm her to the point where she almost bails on Gabe and Kate. But rather than standing by while she runs, Gabe considerately listens without judgment while Callie shares her conflicting feelings. He then gives her the final say in where they go next. Likewise, Kate backs off and allows the other two people to talk things out since they have the longer, established relationship. It's that open, trusting communication, combined with the transfer of power back to Callie that she needs in order to move forward, and it's the thing that she gets.
The book has a somewhat open but happy-for-now ending. I just learned that there's a sequel, which I'm definitely interested to read. This is the first book I've read by Cousins and I'll be looking for her other works in the future.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
From the start, Cousins's writing style reminded me a lot of Anne Calhoun's--which is to say, I liked it immediately.
I also liked how the central theme is Callie needing to take back control of her sexuality. After eleven years in a lackluster marriage to John, followed by their divorce, Callie has lost sight of who she is sexually. This encounter with Gabe and Kate is an effort to reclaim control of an important part of who she used to be before her identity was lost in her marriage.
The game of billiards in the middle of the story is basically an extended scene of foreplay. But while it's highly sexually charged, there's also an intense internal examination going on inside of Callie. She went into this encounter expecting it to be purely physical, but now she's faced with old feelings toward Gabe that have resurfaced, in addition to completely new emotions for Kate, who she has just met. It seems that she's unable to disconnect herself from her emotions entirely. Everything is entangled. On top of all that, she has the lingering memory of her ex-husband's criticisms about her inside her head, throwing her out of the present and zoning her out at times.
Callie's warring emotions, combined with the new physical experience, overwhelm her to the point where she almost bails on Gabe and Kate. But rather than standing by while she runs, Gabe considerately listens without judgment while Callie shares her conflicting feelings. He then gives her the final say in where they go next. Likewise, Kate backs off and allows the other two people to talk things out since they have the longer, established relationship. It's that open, trusting communication, combined with the transfer of power back to Callie that she needs in order to move forward, and it's the thing that she gets.
The book has a somewhat open but happy-for-now ending. I just learned that there's a sequel, which I'm definitely interested to read. This is the first book I've read by Cousins and I'll be looking for her other works in the future.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
November 18, 2014
This is part of a trilogy
3.5 How kinky can you get on Tuesday stars
Callie is a super short novella and focuses on Callie meeting up with her ex and one time love to have a threesome with his girl. There is a pretty nice little threesome that develops . A little Callie in the middle. I would say it’s well written but just one nights worth of everything. I think it is smart that this is going to be a trilogy. A lot of books are being published in the style of novella or serial reads lately. I loved the sex aspect and a little of the background but I feel like more of it should have been brought to the table.
Both characters chase Callie as if her cum will save their souls. It was refreshing to see the male ex do it because I think he still has feelings for her.
3.5 How kinky can you get on Tuesday stars
Callie is a super short novella and focuses on Callie meeting up with her ex and one time love to have a threesome with his girl. There is a pretty nice little threesome that develops . A little Callie in the middle. I would say it’s well written but just one nights worth of everything. I think it is smart that this is going to be a trilogy. A lot of books are being published in the style of novella or serial reads lately. I loved the sex aspect and a little of the background but I feel like more of it should have been brought to the table.
Both characters chase Callie as if her cum will save their souls. It was refreshing to see the male ex do it because I think he still has feelings for her.
November 6, 2014
This book was absolutely amazing and majorly hot. I love the sexual attraction in the book and how it isn't about he or she, but rather about one human being finding another human being desirable. There are too many things in life when we get stuck on labels and it limits our experiences in life.
Callie's fears were something that I could relate to. The second guessing of one's sexuality in regards to I want to do this but what will people think. Or I am really enjoying this but what about the other person what if they are going what the hell is wrong with this chick.
The moment in the book when Callie vocalizes those fears and embraces them and moves on is absolutely amazing. You may need a cold shower for those scenes. I will also say that after reading this book, I will never look at a pool hall the same way. ;)
Then there is Kate and absolutely adorable personality. When you are first introduced to her she seems a bit shy and well innocent. Then you read on and find out there is a voyeur and completely sexual woman. She is upfront about things and isn't going to get caught up in society's "views."
And finally Gabe, I want to find him and lick him and bite him. Holy cow. I think there may have been drool on my tablet. If you are all timid and shy about sex, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you love things hot, jump right in. ;)
Callie's fears were something that I could relate to. The second guessing of one's sexuality in regards to I want to do this but what will people think. Or I am really enjoying this but what about the other person what if they are going what the hell is wrong with this chick.
The moment in the book when Callie vocalizes those fears and embraces them and moves on is absolutely amazing. You may need a cold shower for those scenes. I will also say that after reading this book, I will never look at a pool hall the same way. ;)
Then there is Kate and absolutely adorable personality. When you are first introduced to her she seems a bit shy and well innocent. Then you read on and find out there is a voyeur and completely sexual woman. She is upfront about things and isn't going to get caught up in society's "views."
And finally Gabe, I want to find him and lick him and bite him. Holy cow. I think there may have been drool on my tablet. If you are all timid and shy about sex, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you love things hot, jump right in. ;)
November 17, 2014
As we begin this story, Callie is running late for a meet-up that has the odd distinction of being half reunion/half first date. Recently divorced, she is indulging in reminiscence of the person she used to be and trying to reconnect to her sexuality after years of stifling herself to conform to societal norms.
This is the first in the Play It Again trilogy, which—I am assuming based on info gained in the brief blurb at the end of this book—all feature Callie as the main character. Abbreviated in length, this novella is rich in backstory and contains a decent amount of character development. Though it is written in a way that leaves the story open-ended there are no cliffhangers here, and the book definitely holds its own as a stand-alone title.
While the focus of the story is unabashedly sexual, it is also surprisingly poignant. The author skillfully weaves the ideas of love, loss, choices, and rediscovery around this concept of a ménage one night stand. Sensual, incredibly arousing, and oddly emotional, this is erotica at it’s best.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
This is the first in the Play It Again trilogy, which—I am assuming based on info gained in the brief blurb at the end of this book—all feature Callie as the main character. Abbreviated in length, this novella is rich in backstory and contains a decent amount of character development. Though it is written in a way that leaves the story open-ended there are no cliffhangers here, and the book definitely holds its own as a stand-alone title.
While the focus of the story is unabashedly sexual, it is also surprisingly poignant. The author skillfully weaves the ideas of love, loss, choices, and rediscovery around this concept of a ménage one night stand. Sensual, incredibly arousing, and oddly emotional, this is erotica at it’s best.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
October 7, 2015
This erotic story is one night in the life of Callie, a recently divorced woman as she connects with an old lover Gabe and his current girlfriend Kate. Told from Callie's point of view, she's looking to recapture the sexual freedom of her youth after a repressive and unfulfilling marriage. I loved Callie's character, with its very human desires and doubts. The sex is naturally the driving force in the story and is steamy and well written but also fraught with emotion as Callie lets go of her doubts and worries. Gabe and Kate are also intriguing characters and though they are in a mutually satisfying sexual but not emotional relationship, it's obvious that Callie's feelings for Gabe still run deep and this leaves the story open for a possible round two, though it ends in a perfectly satisfying way on its own. 5 stars!
November 29, 2014
Wow...not bad at all!! The way the story is written it leaves nothing for the imagination!! Callie has a past and Gabe who she once loved with every fiber of her being is back in her life. Well emailing her actually. Callie recently divorced is in touch with Gabe again with his typing sweet sweet nothings and getting her imagination stirring. Can she go back to who she was before? She has lost her spark. Her spirit of who she once was. Katy is with Gabe and someone who Callie is attracted to. One night is what Callie has given herself. Can she go through with this triad and come out whole on the other side? Enjoyable and fast read!
Received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review. Thank You, Net Galley!
Received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review. Thank You, Net Galley!
July 2, 2017
I love erotica books about reclaiming desire. This one has meat to it, especially for a novella. The sex is very hot, but what I really loved about this book was the way it let ambivalence be part of the story, let it not be easy or straightforward, while still centering clear consent. That felt so real and right and exactly what the story needed, and made me fall hard for these characters, all three of them.
I love it when hot erotica stories hold space for moments of ambivalence & complexity in sex & show clear negotiation & consent. This book does that masterfully & beautifully. It's worth a read (even if it's not your kink) for that reason alone.
I love it when hot erotica stories hold space for moments of ambivalence & complexity in sex & show clear negotiation & consent. This book does that masterfully & beautifully. It's worth a read (even if it's not your kink) for that reason alone.
April 1, 2019
A 4.5. This was such a great, hot little novella. I loved the concept of a bisexual woman, Callie, recently out of a sexless marriage trying to “get her groove back” via a hookup with her ex Gabe and his current girlfriend, Kate. The story only covers the span of their evening together but the emotional beats are quite a range: from nervousness, to anticipation, to confidence, to sudden anxiety, to release and quiet confidence about the way forward. Cousins’ ability to craft fully realized characters is on full display here; it’s especially nice to watch the interplay between Callie and Gabe as they rediscover each other and Callie wrestles with not-quite-over-it-yet feelings for her ex. But Kate is not neglected either: she’s got her own thing going on, and the sparkiness between her and Callie is given plenty of time. Oh, and bonus if you read this around Christmas - it ties into the title. 😉
All in all, I mayyyy have been over identifying with Callie, but I think many readers will be eager to read the continuation of this story in the next novella.
All in all, I mayyyy have been over identifying with Callie, but I think many readers will be eager to read the continuation of this story in the next novella.
April 12, 2021
I’m so glad I finally read this! Hot FFM erotica featuring Callie getting her sexually adventurous groove back after the end of her 11 year marriage. There’s sexy pool playing, interesting use of Christmas ribbon, and one hell of a cab ride. The romance reader in me is curious if she’ll wind up with Gabe by the end of the series but I also don’t know if the author will ever finish writing the series since it looks like it stalled after book 3.
Character notes: We don’t know much about Callie other than her divorce, but I assume she is white. Kate is a 29 year old Korean American garden center manager. Gabe is a white artist/sculptor. Gabe and Callie are probably in their mid-30s; they dated when they were 23. This is set in Chicago.
CW: heroine is divorced, Gabe’s ex cheated on him with his best friend when they were in college, alcohol, ableist language
Character notes: We don’t know much about Callie other than her divorce, but I assume she is white. Kate is a 29 year old Korean American garden center manager. Gabe is a white artist/sculptor. Gabe and Callie are probably in their mid-30s; they dated when they were 23. This is set in Chicago.
CW: heroine is divorced, Gabe’s ex cheated on him with his best friend when they were in college, alcohol, ableist language
July 7, 2022
I was honestly bored. It felt like they were going to play pool at the bar forever. I skimmed that part. I guess it was supposed to be the getting to know you part of the book, but I wasn't reading this novella for a pool game.
March 14, 2017
If kink and threesomes are your thing you will really enjoy this book, hot steamy with a story to keep you hooked
May 8, 2020
3 pessoa
Read
June 29, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Cheating
Alcohol consumption
Cheating
Alcohol consumption
December 12, 2014
Callie is meeting her old flame Gabe and his girlfriend Kate, with plans to get a little kinky for the night. But Callie hasn't seen Gabe in a long while, has never met Kate, and has just got out of a bad marriage. Plus, it's Tuesday night, and "How kinky can anyone get on a Tuesday?"
This novella, which essentially covers one night of building tension and sex, is much more on the erotica side of erotic romance than the stories I usually read and review, but I simply couldn't resist it after reading this excerpt on Amy Jo Cousins' website. And I'm so glad now that I've read it.
Cousins' writing is beautiful. It's precise, clever, and sexy. Every aspect of Callie, Unwrapped, from the dialogue, to the witty internal monologue, to the growing sexual tension, flows perfectly, intertwining to create this lovely building wave of a story.
Callie is trying to put herself back together after her marriage fell apart. She wants to find the sexually aware person she was before her husband, John, came into her life and crushed her confidence with his disapproval. She hopes to reclaim that part of herself with the help of her old boyfriend, Gabe, who was so capable of making her feel desirable in the past.
In a lot of ways, Callie's background is the point of this story - it's what she's running away from and, conversely, what she's trying to find. But instead of becoming some overwhelming background dump, Callie's history is weaved into this night of sexual rediscovery with lines that just tore my heart apart. I want to share, well, all of them, but I'll just quote this one little bit from the beginning, when Callie reminisces on her marriage:
"She’d censored her own thoughts, her own imagination, to avoid the pain of realizing that she’d made a bad, bad choice.
Now she couldn’t remember how to be natural anymore."
Now, though, Callie has Gabe and Kate to help her unleash her thoughts and imagination once more.
Gabe is an interesting character, if a little hard to place. He and Callie have a long history and she is still hooked up on him. You can feel the importance of that connection simmering throughout the novella, but, in the end, his role in the story is more about Callie's characterization than his own. He is her fixation. He is everything she lost, everything she was, and everything she might now get back. Who he is beyond Callie's Gabe remains a bit of a mystery at this point and I'll be interested to see how he develops in the rest of the trilogy (if, that is, he returns in Books 2 and 3).
I ended up becoming most intrigued by Kate. She's Gabe's current girlfriend, but she's under no illusions about their relationship - she understands that Gabe is not the forever-love kind of guy. She's confident and sexy, all swagger and watching, understanding and playing. I'm pretty much (like, totally) in love with her. I loved the way Callie's meeting of Kate became this sexy new discovery, even alongside the rediscovery of her gorgeous Gabe. And I hope she makes a reappearance in further installments of this series.
Aside from Kate, what I love most about this story is the tension. Oh, the tension. It's practically tangible. Right from the beginning, this book is all about anticipation, as Callie nervously takes a cab to meet Gabe and Kate. When the three play pool (which probably covers a good third of the story), I had no idea what they were talking about in terms of the game, but it was hard to give a f@#$ about what they were playing with all the sexual tension flying round.
Once they finally make their way home, the sex scene (which, despite being ménage, is relatively vanilla) makes for a good payoff. But it is the lead up to the sex that really sold this novella for me. In Callie, Unwrapped, it's the not-sex, the wanting-sex, the nearly-sex that is completely delicious.
Callie, Unwrapped is the start of a trilogy, and I'm interested to see how Callie's story develops. This installment can easily be read as a standalone, though, and has an emotionally satisfying ending. However, there is no HFN or HEA and questions about Callie's future certainly remain. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
This novella, which essentially covers one night of building tension and sex, is much more on the erotica side of erotic romance than the stories I usually read and review, but I simply couldn't resist it after reading this excerpt on Amy Jo Cousins' website. And I'm so glad now that I've read it.
Cousins' writing is beautiful. It's precise, clever, and sexy. Every aspect of Callie, Unwrapped, from the dialogue, to the witty internal monologue, to the growing sexual tension, flows perfectly, intertwining to create this lovely building wave of a story.
Callie is trying to put herself back together after her marriage fell apart. She wants to find the sexually aware person she was before her husband, John, came into her life and crushed her confidence with his disapproval. She hopes to reclaim that part of herself with the help of her old boyfriend, Gabe, who was so capable of making her feel desirable in the past.
In a lot of ways, Callie's background is the point of this story - it's what she's running away from and, conversely, what she's trying to find. But instead of becoming some overwhelming background dump, Callie's history is weaved into this night of sexual rediscovery with lines that just tore my heart apart. I want to share, well, all of them, but I'll just quote this one little bit from the beginning, when Callie reminisces on her marriage:
"She’d censored her own thoughts, her own imagination, to avoid the pain of realizing that she’d made a bad, bad choice.
Now she couldn’t remember how to be natural anymore."
Now, though, Callie has Gabe and Kate to help her unleash her thoughts and imagination once more.
Gabe is an interesting character, if a little hard to place. He and Callie have a long history and she is still hooked up on him. You can feel the importance of that connection simmering throughout the novella, but, in the end, his role in the story is more about Callie's characterization than his own. He is her fixation. He is everything she lost, everything she was, and everything she might now get back. Who he is beyond Callie's Gabe remains a bit of a mystery at this point and I'll be interested to see how he develops in the rest of the trilogy (if, that is, he returns in Books 2 and 3).
I ended up becoming most intrigued by Kate. She's Gabe's current girlfriend, but she's under no illusions about their relationship - she understands that Gabe is not the forever-love kind of guy. She's confident and sexy, all swagger and watching, understanding and playing. I'm pretty much (like, totally) in love with her. I loved the way Callie's meeting of Kate became this sexy new discovery, even alongside the rediscovery of her gorgeous Gabe. And I hope she makes a reappearance in further installments of this series.
Aside from Kate, what I love most about this story is the tension. Oh, the tension. It's practically tangible. Right from the beginning, this book is all about anticipation, as Callie nervously takes a cab to meet Gabe and Kate. When the three play pool (which probably covers a good third of the story), I had no idea what they were talking about in terms of the game, but it was hard to give a f@#$ about what they were playing with all the sexual tension flying round.
Once they finally make their way home, the sex scene (which, despite being ménage, is relatively vanilla) makes for a good payoff. But it is the lead up to the sex that really sold this novella for me. In Callie, Unwrapped, it's the not-sex, the wanting-sex, the nearly-sex that is completely delicious.
Callie, Unwrapped is the start of a trilogy, and I'm interested to see how Callie's story develops. This installment can easily be read as a standalone, though, and has an emotionally satisfying ending. However, there is no HFN or HEA and questions about Callie's future certainly remain. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
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April 15, 2016
Callie Unwrapped is a novella leading to a full length novel. One thing this book has it loads of heat. This is a FMF menage, so if that is not your favorite storyline to read, then this book is not for you. We mostly learn about Callie, a beautiful woman in her 30’s, recently divorced and starting over. Her marriage was a dud, and she's trying to find herself again. What better way than a hookup with a ex-boyfriend and his current girl toy. There is a lot of physical foreplay in this book. The menage group meet up at a bar to see how the chemistry transpires, it goes well and the story ends at Gabe, Callie’s ex-boyfriend's place. This novella is 80% foreplay and sex. Callie is an interesting character, who I would like to read more about and see how deep she goes. Kate, is the girl toy who did not do anything for me, she was just there. Gabe, now Gabe I liked. What do I see in Gabe, I see a man lying to himself. I think is very much capable to finding love, and I hope that is with Callie. The scene where Gabe and Callie were on the floor talking naked about her fears, he is a gem!!! I love a story with lots of heat, but I also like a storyline to go along with it. I would love to read the full length novel, and my HEA of the book would be Callie and Gabe realizing they are meant to be together
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Sabrina from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Sabrina from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
June 16, 2015
4 stars
This novella contains M/F/F scenes and might not be for everyone.
I just want to start out by saying how much I LOVED this book, and the only reason why I gave it 4 stars is because I wanted MORE! Callie, Unwrapped was full of scorching sexual tension and a slow build to a fabulous ending. I was just disappointed that the build took so long, and that "climax" (pun intended) was so short.
Callie is a slightly older women (her age is never really give but assuming with time passage she's about 35-40ish), who is recently divorced and wants to feel sexual again. Callie, Gabe, and Kate embark on steamy road to a wickedly HOT threesome. While the sexual tension between the three of them slowly builds, so with your temperature!
Callie, Gabe, and Kate were easy characters to fall in love and connect with. Amy Jo Cousins gave us just enough about each characters past to help us connect with them, without going overboard since it's a novella. Callie, Unwrapped ended on a really good not, and I was beyond excited to see that it's suppose to be the first book in a trilogy. I can't wait to find out what happens next with Callie, Gabe, and Kate.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
This novella contains M/F/F scenes and might not be for everyone.
I just want to start out by saying how much I LOVED this book, and the only reason why I gave it 4 stars is because I wanted MORE! Callie, Unwrapped was full of scorching sexual tension and a slow build to a fabulous ending. I was just disappointed that the build took so long, and that "climax" (pun intended) was so short.
Callie is a slightly older women (her age is never really give but assuming with time passage she's about 35-40ish), who is recently divorced and wants to feel sexual again. Callie, Gabe, and Kate embark on steamy road to a wickedly HOT threesome. While the sexual tension between the three of them slowly builds, so with your temperature!
Callie, Gabe, and Kate were easy characters to fall in love and connect with. Amy Jo Cousins gave us just enough about each characters past to help us connect with them, without going overboard since it's a novella. Callie, Unwrapped ended on a really good not, and I was beyond excited to see that it's suppose to be the first book in a trilogy. I can't wait to find out what happens next with Callie, Gabe, and Kate.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
March 2, 2015
After reading some excerpts on Amy Jo's blog and seeing the seriously steamy cover, I knew I had to read this novella. And I'm glad I did. The writing is solid, and the author has a knack for pulling out vivid sensory details in a way that isn't heavy-handed. I tend to skim passages of heavy description, even from my favorite authors, but Cousins focuses just on the most important descriptions and crafts them in a way that the sights, scents, and physical sensations really jump off the page. I admit that I'm not a fan of the trope of the ex lover who is sexually repressed, or couldn't fully please the main character, which is exactly what Callie is rebounding from. But it's such a vital part of the story, and the author does such a wonderful job of making Callie and her sexual reawakening both vulnerable and erotic that I didn't mind it as much in this story. I enjoyed the characters and can't wait to see what else Callie, Kate, and Gabe can get into, in any combination, in future stories.
September 11, 2016
I almost quit less than halfway in, but I'm glad I persevered. This story ends up being pretty good and quite an affirmation.
January 2, 2015
I liked so many things about this novella, but I didn't truly love it. The heroine's indecision and uncertainty tended to pull me out of the story. I didn't understand (1) why Gabe was so dead set against commitment, (2) why Callie married the other guy while carrying a torch for Gabe for 10 years, and (3) why it ended the way it did.
Don't get me wrong: as erotica, it's fantastic.
Maybe I was just in an off mood when I read it, or maybe I'm just so used to the story arc of romance fiction (and erotic romance). I'm fairly certain this story continues in future books, so I'll get some closure eventually. Anyway, if you like me, desire that each book you read (whether novella or full-length novel) contain a complete story with conflict and resolution... you might consider waiting on this one until the complete story is out. :) If you're more tolerant of an open-ended story and you want something hot, interesting, and dirty (without being disgusting), you're in the right place.
Don't get me wrong: as erotica, it's fantastic.
Maybe I was just in an off mood when I read it, or maybe I'm just so used to the story arc of romance fiction (and erotic romance). I'm fairly certain this story continues in future books, so I'll get some closure eventually. Anyway, if you like me, desire that each book you read (whether novella or full-length novel) contain a complete story with conflict and resolution... you might consider waiting on this one until the complete story is out. :) If you're more tolerant of an open-ended story and you want something hot, interesting, and dirty (without being disgusting), you're in the right place.
Read
February 17, 2015It wouldn't be fair to rate this because I gave up on erotica recently but I was interested in reading this prior so I gave it a shot and liked it but it wasn't for me. If you're looking for a menage then pick this up. The writing style is enjoyable. The characters are hot. AND this is a super quick read!
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 22, 2015
Meh. Didn't feel this one - was almost a DNF. Way too much introspection, internal dialog, backstory, should I or shouldn't I, am I crazy or not, back and forth blah blah. Nothing really even happened until about 85 or 90% sex wise, and by then I just didn't care much. Just a lot of touching and kissing, which when done well adds all kinds of crazy fun sexual tension, but with all the loooong breaks to worry and rationalize and explain and whine... Nah.
April 2, 2016
The threesome itself was hot, but I was sort of frustrated by the Gabe/Callie stuff in it. Like, she wasn't getting what she needed from the relationship and so she ended it, and he thought she should have told him that she wasn't so they could work on it, but what she actually needed was something he wouldn't give. Her leaving was the right thing to do and he's kind of an ass for suggesting otherwise.
But like I said. Hot.
But like I said. Hot.
March 6, 2015
So, so sexy and quite poignant. I love how Callie tries to reclaim her sexuality after years of stifling marriage to someone who all but destroyed it. She hooks up with Gabe, her "right guy" who got away, and his lover Kate. I think it's interesting how she still seems to feel something for Gabe (and he for her despite his emotional unavailability). I can't wait to read more of her journey.
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