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The Sensualist & the Untouched
Being over thirty is not an issue for Corey Paige. Being frigid and a virgin, however, is a huge problem for the only son of a newspaper magnate. No matter the risk, Corey’s intent on resolving both problems in one go.
Enter Lucian Allard, a wealthy hedonist with a notorious reputation at club Boudoir—and an unconventional sexual mentoring program for those who suffer from dysfunctions. As the two men begin a sensual journey to awaken Corey’s libido, Corey’s frigid body isn't all that begins to melt. His untouched feelings also spark to life.
Though a family emergency puts a halt to awakening Corey’s senses and desires, Corey and Lucian grow closer as friends. Then an unexpected kiss from Lucian in Corey’s most desperate hour changes everything. Now Corey must decide if the program is still an aid or an obstacle to two lonely men trying to maintain a professional detachment but falling hopelessly in love.
Enter Lucian Allard, a wealthy hedonist with a notorious reputation at club Boudoir—and an unconventional sexual mentoring program for those who suffer from dysfunctions. As the two men begin a sensual journey to awaken Corey’s libido, Corey’s frigid body isn't all that begins to melt. His untouched feelings also spark to life.
Though a family emergency puts a halt to awakening Corey’s senses and desires, Corey and Lucian grow closer as friends. Then an unexpected kiss from Lucian in Corey’s most desperate hour changes everything. Now Corey must decide if the program is still an aid or an obstacle to two lonely men trying to maintain a professional detachment but falling hopelessly in love.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2014
4 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Susan Laine
88 books220 followersSusan is an award-winning author of LGBTQ erotic romance. She writes for Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications, Siren BookStrand, Evernight Publishing, and Less Than Three Press. Susan is a Finn writing in English. She likes action flicks, pop music, saunas, and the seasons in Finland. Join Susan's newsletter HERE.
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2017
BR with Tina and Elsbeth
This is not what I expected.
Corey is a 33 year old virgin. He has never experienced sexual feelings and is under the impression he is frigid. So when he seeks help of a therapist, she sends him to Lucian. Lucian helps people with sexual problems. Lucian feels Corey is not frigid, simply repressed. So the two start working on Corey’s problem.
What I expected was some sweet sexy times, a tender exploration of each other’s body.
But what we got was.
First session was about hearing, the second about sight, and now smell? (..)
It was then that he smelled an odor unlike any before. He reared back, shocked, and ripped the black cloth out of his eyes. “What in the hell is that?” He pointed at the bowl where a tiny pool of creamy liquid lay. Lucian sniffed the contents of the bowl, a neutral expression on his face. “Fresh male semen, I believe. Well, relatively fresh. An hour old or thereabouts.”
Because a fresh bowl of semen is so sexy. Would you like a spoon with that?
I think that would make me frigid.
And the way Lucian talked.. it really got on my nerves.
“What a peculiar observation. I’m sure you’ve read your psych 101 and know that people always play roles, based on individual social situations and the company they keep. Sometimes a person even acts with himself. It happens. But for the time being, I’m trying to ascertain what, eh, role you play.”
And some things were just strange.
Thankfully he was short enough to compensate for it, because being thin and tall would have made him feel awkward in high heels.
Well, unless I missed the memo about Lucian dressing in drag, why would anyone describe this particular thought that way?
This book was just so unsexy. It was like It was like reading a manual. Sexual experiences are not about looking through a book, or talking about body odor. Or lining up a bunch of naked men and sniff them. Yes, that actually happens.
”Body hairs also affect how pungent the odor is and how long it lingers.” Corey seemed to mull this over, and his gaze went around the room over all the naked men. “Here you have the opportunity to see—well, smell for yourself.” Corey frowned, a displeased look encompassing his features. “Isn’t it a bit too… damn intrusive for me to stuff my face in a stranger’s crotch?”
No, of course not! You go and sniff all those crotches.
There is no angst and the relationship itself sails smoothly after the ‘how to get turned on 101’ lessons.
So, if you're still interested after this review, this could be the book for you!
This is not what I expected.
Corey is a 33 year old virgin. He has never experienced sexual feelings and is under the impression he is frigid. So when he seeks help of a therapist, she sends him to Lucian. Lucian helps people with sexual problems. Lucian feels Corey is not frigid, simply repressed. So the two start working on Corey’s problem.
What I expected was some sweet sexy times, a tender exploration of each other’s body.
But what we got was.
First session was about hearing, the second about sight, and now smell? (..)
It was then that he smelled an odor unlike any before. He reared back, shocked, and ripped the black cloth out of his eyes. “What in the hell is that?” He pointed at the bowl where a tiny pool of creamy liquid lay. Lucian sniffed the contents of the bowl, a neutral expression on his face. “Fresh male semen, I believe. Well, relatively fresh. An hour old or thereabouts.”
Because a fresh bowl of semen is so sexy. Would you like a spoon with that?
I think that would make me frigid.
And the way Lucian talked.. it really got on my nerves.
“What a peculiar observation. I’m sure you’ve read your psych 101 and know that people always play roles, based on individual social situations and the company they keep. Sometimes a person even acts with himself. It happens. But for the time being, I’m trying to ascertain what, eh, role you play.”
And some things were just strange.
Thankfully he was short enough to compensate for it, because being thin and tall would have made him feel awkward in high heels.
Well, unless I missed the memo about Lucian dressing in drag, why would anyone describe this particular thought that way?
This book was just so unsexy. It was like It was like reading a manual. Sexual experiences are not about looking through a book, or talking about body odor. Or lining up a bunch of naked men and sniff them. Yes, that actually happens.
”Body hairs also affect how pungent the odor is and how long it lingers.” Corey seemed to mull this over, and his gaze went around the room over all the naked men. “Here you have the opportunity to see—well, smell for yourself.” Corey frowned, a displeased look encompassing his features. “Isn’t it a bit too… damn intrusive for me to stuff my face in a stranger’s crotch?”
No, of course not! You go and sniff all those crotches.
There is no angst and the relationship itself sails smoothly after the ‘how to get turned on 101’ lessons.
So, if you're still interested after this review, this could be the book for you!
January 11, 2015
BR, January 9th with Tina and Susan.
Reading this book felt like doing chores.
And I really hate doing that!
I’m not going to tire myself with looking for great gif’s and pictures because this book is not that great.
And because Susan did a great job with her review, and no way I would be able to top that, I’m going to pull my “get-out-of-reviewing-card”
Susan's review
Just a few quotes;
”Every man has a unique taste. Their mouth, skin, sweat, penis, semen. For every taste there is someone who will love it.”
“Precome can taste sweeter than cum. It is usually mellower and more sugary. The two liquids are different in many ways, such as consistency and amount. Precum is thinner than cum, which is more, substantive, and sticker and stringier. Some men do not produce much precum at all, is creamier and thicker in texture and more ample in volume. “
Yeah it was like reading a manual.. NOT sexy at all..
I’ll end with a sweet one;
And Corey was super extra mad because he wasn’t hard thanks to Lucian’s teachings but because of the man himself. That sure didn’t bode well for Corey’s chances of getting an errection whenever he wanted to and with whomever he wished.
No, it had to be Lucian or no one Always Lucian.
Okay, chapter closed…..
January 2, 2015
Willing suspension of disbelief. Willing suspension of disbelief. I kept saying that to myself over and over again as I read the ridiculous first chapters of this book. The story starts with Corey meeting with a sexual therapist because he is over thirty, a virgin, and frigid. Well, this sex therapist (who Corey has met only once) did what anyone would do who wants to lose their license immediately -- she sends him for a hook-up with a deranged and pompous "escort" named Lucien.
After three chapters, I keep saying willing suspension of disbelief over and over again. Nothing that is happening makes any sense -- not in an avant garde type of way, but in a "this author is bat-shit crazy" way. Doesn't everyone meet a complete stranger at the insistence of their sex therapist in order to go to an unknown bondage club? (Makes perfect sense to any moron who would give this book a good rating.). The entire situation screams murder about to happen, and the main character/moron just goes along with it. I can thoroughly understand why so many reviewers just gave up after the beginning of this book.
I can also understand why reviewers have indicated that they could only read a couple of chapters in any one sitting. This book is not an enjoyable read -- it is more like slogging through quicksand just the get through it.
I can also understand why so many reviewers have considered Lucian to be a pompous asshole. Definitely, not a good main character. I found myself being bored listening to his stupid questions for chapter after chapter after chapter. Oy, please, just stop. And when I learned that purportedly private conversations between the two main characters were being broadcast to others, I knew that this was a book that I would never like.
From page 46 on, I knew this was a book that I would just turn the pages to get to the end of it. It really is an astoundingly disappointing book. I suppose people who gave this book four or five stars would be the same people who would salivate over watching people in a changing room through a one way mirror. For me, however, I have more respect for love than this "book".
Read it if it's free or someone gives it to you as a gift. But, if I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money. 1.5 stars from me.
After three chapters, I keep saying willing suspension of disbelief over and over again. Nothing that is happening makes any sense -- not in an avant garde type of way, but in a "this author is bat-shit crazy" way. Doesn't everyone meet a complete stranger at the insistence of their sex therapist in order to go to an unknown bondage club? (Makes perfect sense to any moron who would give this book a good rating.). The entire situation screams murder about to happen, and the main character/moron just goes along with it. I can thoroughly understand why so many reviewers just gave up after the beginning of this book.
I can also understand why reviewers have indicated that they could only read a couple of chapters in any one sitting. This book is not an enjoyable read -- it is more like slogging through quicksand just the get through it.
I can also understand why so many reviewers have considered Lucian to be a pompous asshole. Definitely, not a good main character. I found myself being bored listening to his stupid questions for chapter after chapter after chapter. Oy, please, just stop. And when I learned that purportedly private conversations between the two main characters were being broadcast to others, I knew that this was a book that I would never like.
From page 46 on, I knew this was a book that I would just turn the pages to get to the end of it. It really is an astoundingly disappointing book. I suppose people who gave this book four or five stars would be the same people who would salivate over watching people in a changing room through a one way mirror. For me, however, I have more respect for love than this "book".
Read it if it's free or someone gives it to you as a gift. But, if I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money. 1.5 stars from me.
Want to read
December 20, 2014
December 23, 2014
My issue with this book was the dialogue - I could never be drawn into the story because Lucian would say something that was so weirdly worded or overly-embellished and I'd be smashed back to earth thinking, "no one speaks like that without being laughed at or thought of as a pedantic ass"
I wanted to like this book so badly, but I was cringing for almost the entire thing :/
I wanted to like this book so badly, but I was cringing for almost the entire thing :/
December 30, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
If you are looking for something fast paced then you are in the wrong place. If you are looking for something a bit different with time spent building up the characters as you get to know them with a lot of sensuality then you have hit gold.
This story is told from both Corey and Lucian’s perspective and although initially you think they are very different characters as the story unfolds you can’t help but notice their similarities. They both have issues to work through, albeit quite different ones, but they both want something from life that is quite similar.
Corey Paige is a trust fund baby who looks to have everything in life. He is the son of newspaper tycoon but over the years his relationship with his father has become difficult. The only problem he has in his life is personal, very personal. He doesn’t know anyone else who has reached their thirties and is still a virgin; the problem is further complicated by the fact that he feels nothing when around good looking men or women leading him to believe he is frigid. When he finally braves up and decides to tackle the problem he is sent to a sexual mentor who will challenge him every step of the way.
Lucian Allard is a hoot. His use of the English language is enough to make you laugh until you cry. Lucian is also a wealthy man but he works hard and plays harder. He owns a sex club called Boudoir and has a notorious reputation as a sexual deviant. Lucian mentors people with all sorts of sexual problems and believes he can cure Corey of any problems he may have.
As the two men set out to discover what is causing Corey’s problems they also become friends. It is slow and sensuous with a lot of time spent in close proximity of each other but it is not all about the sexual side of things as Corey opens himself up to smell, touch and taste and starts to really feel. As Corey responds so beautifully Lucian also finds himself opening up in different ways and starts to question what is missing from his life.
There is family drama that throws the men even closer together and there is sadness through death that rips their hearts out. There is also a slow slow build up to a passionate love affair that neither man was expecting but nor can they turn away from.
3.75 Stars
If you are looking for something fast paced then you are in the wrong place. If you are looking for something a bit different with time spent building up the characters as you get to know them with a lot of sensuality then you have hit gold.
This story is told from both Corey and Lucian’s perspective and although initially you think they are very different characters as the story unfolds you can’t help but notice their similarities. They both have issues to work through, albeit quite different ones, but they both want something from life that is quite similar.
Corey Paige is a trust fund baby who looks to have everything in life. He is the son of newspaper tycoon but over the years his relationship with his father has become difficult. The only problem he has in his life is personal, very personal. He doesn’t know anyone else who has reached their thirties and is still a virgin; the problem is further complicated by the fact that he feels nothing when around good looking men or women leading him to believe he is frigid. When he finally braves up and decides to tackle the problem he is sent to a sexual mentor who will challenge him every step of the way.
Lucian Allard is a hoot. His use of the English language is enough to make you laugh until you cry. Lucian is also a wealthy man but he works hard and plays harder. He owns a sex club called Boudoir and has a notorious reputation as a sexual deviant. Lucian mentors people with all sorts of sexual problems and believes he can cure Corey of any problems he may have.
As the two men set out to discover what is causing Corey’s problems they also become friends. It is slow and sensuous with a lot of time spent in close proximity of each other but it is not all about the sexual side of things as Corey opens himself up to smell, touch and taste and starts to really feel. As Corey responds so beautifully Lucian also finds himself opening up in different ways and starts to question what is missing from his life.
There is family drama that throws the men even closer together and there is sadness through death that rips their hearts out. There is also a slow slow build up to a passionate love affair that neither man was expecting but nor can they turn away from.
June 27, 2015
Self-diagnosed as “frigid,” the thirty-something Corey Paige finds himself in the care of what I loosely term a sex therapist—an altogether sensual and mystifying man named Lucian Allard. Susan Laine sets up her novel as a series of sessions between two very attractive men, both of whom seem to be suffocating in their own private hell, each of them urgently in need of love and yet unable to seize happiness.
Corey is ripped, absolutely rugged and handsome, yet unable to coax more than a half-hearted climax from his morning erections. And Lucian is petite, brilliant, completely attuned to the sexual needs of himself and those around him. Corey does not even see himself in sexual terms—neither hetero nor homosexual. And Lucian is admittedly gay.
Put these two opposites together … as the author herself puts it, “virgin and slut, frigid and feverish, new and old, sensualist and apprentice” … and you have the makings of a tight, tense, humorous and highly erotic story.
I especially enjoyed the way the author slowly undresses Corey, not in terms of clothing but in terms of his gradual sexual awakening. And equally scintillating? The professional sensualist Lucian himself caught up in the unfolding promise of his adorable patient.
The only drawback I found in this delightful story was the author’s tendency to become a little too clinical—not in the details of human sexuality, which are fascinating—but in the conversations between the two men, even after they’ve managed to tear down the barriers between themselves.
But that is a minor concern. I found the erotic build up to be both arousing and realistic; and the men’s exuberant love-making was a joy to read.
Read this book for a carefully-researched look into human sexual nature, for a sympathetic look at the GLBT subculture, and especially for a rip-snorting good time in bed, out of bed, in the bath, on the massage table, and about everywhere two men can have intimate relations.
The Sensualist & the Untouched is a turn-on, a tense, teasing, and ultimately fulfilling journey into sexual pleasure and beyond ... into love. Thanks, Susan Laine, for a novel that rises from the ordinary into the memorable.
Corey is ripped, absolutely rugged and handsome, yet unable to coax more than a half-hearted climax from his morning erections. And Lucian is petite, brilliant, completely attuned to the sexual needs of himself and those around him. Corey does not even see himself in sexual terms—neither hetero nor homosexual. And Lucian is admittedly gay.
Put these two opposites together … as the author herself puts it, “virgin and slut, frigid and feverish, new and old, sensualist and apprentice” … and you have the makings of a tight, tense, humorous and highly erotic story.
I especially enjoyed the way the author slowly undresses Corey, not in terms of clothing but in terms of his gradual sexual awakening. And equally scintillating? The professional sensualist Lucian himself caught up in the unfolding promise of his adorable patient.
The only drawback I found in this delightful story was the author’s tendency to become a little too clinical—not in the details of human sexuality, which are fascinating—but in the conversations between the two men, even after they’ve managed to tear down the barriers between themselves.
But that is a minor concern. I found the erotic build up to be both arousing and realistic; and the men’s exuberant love-making was a joy to read.
Read this book for a carefully-researched look into human sexual nature, for a sympathetic look at the GLBT subculture, and especially for a rip-snorting good time in bed, out of bed, in the bath, on the massage table, and about everywhere two men can have intimate relations.
The Sensualist & the Untouched is a turn-on, a tense, teasing, and ultimately fulfilling journey into sexual pleasure and beyond ... into love. Thanks, Susan Laine, for a novel that rises from the ordinary into the memorable.
December 20, 2014
Beautiful
Five stars for a beautifully written tale. Loved the development loved the characters and absolutely loved all the side characters. I learnt some new words and appreciated the beautifully written dialogue. I did not realise I missed truly expressive phrases until I saw them again, thank you Susan.
The journey for both men was beautiful and I loved the epilogue I giggled when I found out Lu,'s age because I guessed an age but was not even close. I even imagined a scene when that discussion came up.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and it well be reread!
Five stars for a beautifully written tale. Loved the development loved the characters and absolutely loved all the side characters. I learnt some new words and appreciated the beautifully written dialogue. I did not realise I missed truly expressive phrases until I saw them again, thank you Susan.
The journey for both men was beautiful and I loved the epilogue I giggled when I found out Lu,'s age because I guessed an age but was not even close. I even imagined a scene when that discussion came up.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and it well be reread!
December 26, 2014
Really good book. Endearing characters and pretty hot. The only thing I did not like and was so sad about, Dylan. Also, the first half is very detailed and the progress is slow but it does pick up and it's worth sticking it out.
Nice cover but no way was either of those men Lucian.
Nice cover but no way was either of those men Lucian.
Read
December 29, 2014A fair warning to readers: This is a slow-build, character-driven book, so be patient :)
December 24, 2014
Reviewed for The Novel Approach Reviews.
This book hit a number of firsts for me: my first review for The Novel Approach Reviews, my first book from the author Susan Laine, and my first incredibly character driven novel. When I got this book to review, I pretty much hit the jackpot on those accounts, because this book took me for a serious ride.
As I said, this book is very much character driven. Corey and Lucian are complex characters that complement each other perfectly. As the title suggests, one is a hedonistic sensualist and the other is literally untouched – a self-professed frigid virgin. It might not sound like the perfect match, but believe me when I tell you it is.
Told through both Corey and Lucian’s perspectives, the novel starts with Corey going to a psychologist for help with his frigidity. The help he gets is rather unconventional, as he is sent along to Lucian who is a sexual mentor. Throughout the novel Lucian works hard at opening Corey up to the sensual side of life and introduces him to all that is sensual: sounds, smells, taste, touch. Please note, I did say sensual and not sexual. Not everything is always about sex, though most of the time the end goal is getting Corey to reach that point.
If you’re looking for a fast paced story, this is not it. It is slow because of how character driven it is, however I don’t think that takes away from the story. It actually enhances it. The detail to every setting is incredibly written. I was placed time and again in each room with Corey and Lucian whether they were at Lucian’s penthouse, Corey’s apartment, Heather House, or Boudoir. I started to see, smell, and feel everything Corey felt. I even wanted to be there in person experiencing those things with him.
Susan Laine is a talented author. The level of detail is astounding and clearly researched. It makes me wonder if she knew all of these things beforehand, or if it was researched just for the book. If the latter, than this was an unbelievable undertaking.
I highly recommend this book. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slower plot, give this one a chance. It might just win you over with the beautiful details and overall…sensuality.
This book hit a number of firsts for me: my first review for The Novel Approach Reviews, my first book from the author Susan Laine, and my first incredibly character driven novel. When I got this book to review, I pretty much hit the jackpot on those accounts, because this book took me for a serious ride.
As I said, this book is very much character driven. Corey and Lucian are complex characters that complement each other perfectly. As the title suggests, one is a hedonistic sensualist and the other is literally untouched – a self-professed frigid virgin. It might not sound like the perfect match, but believe me when I tell you it is.
Told through both Corey and Lucian’s perspectives, the novel starts with Corey going to a psychologist for help with his frigidity. The help he gets is rather unconventional, as he is sent along to Lucian who is a sexual mentor. Throughout the novel Lucian works hard at opening Corey up to the sensual side of life and introduces him to all that is sensual: sounds, smells, taste, touch. Please note, I did say sensual and not sexual. Not everything is always about sex, though most of the time the end goal is getting Corey to reach that point.
If you’re looking for a fast paced story, this is not it. It is slow because of how character driven it is, however I don’t think that takes away from the story. It actually enhances it. The detail to every setting is incredibly written. I was placed time and again in each room with Corey and Lucian whether they were at Lucian’s penthouse, Corey’s apartment, Heather House, or Boudoir. I started to see, smell, and feel everything Corey felt. I even wanted to be there in person experiencing those things with him.
Susan Laine is a talented author. The level of detail is astounding and clearly researched. It makes me wonder if she knew all of these things beforehand, or if it was researched just for the book. If the latter, than this was an unbelievable undertaking.
I highly recommend this book. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slower plot, give this one a chance. It might just win you over with the beautiful details and overall…sensuality.
January 14, 2016
Wow this read is the most well written, thoroughly researched, and the most seductive eroticized drama I've ever read so far. I learned a lot from Lucian's interpretation of sex and sensuality. Well not learned, but understood his acute, yet obtuse subtleties of his self proclaimed slutiness and Corey's self indulging frigidity. They were truly what both needed to balance their unique taste for enlightenment through sex therapy, and trial by error. Corey's innocence was a breathe of fresh script I never thought I longed for when reading a erotic drama or erotic romance. It's all about the hard core sex in most erotica's, not the sensuality, passion,or journey to self discovery. Although Lucian was the sensualist expert per se but he wasn't above being a patient as well. Lucian's character touched my heart, and Corey's character soothed my libido lol!! Dr. Kingsley you are a naughty woman!
July 6, 2015
FiveStars
I will admit this book started off slow for me; however, the buildup was worth it. I was feeling some of the same things Corey was feeling during this book, I wanted to scream at Lucian to hurry it up!!! I understood why things went as slow as they did and don’t get me wrong, it was worth it but just like everyone else this day in age, we all want instant gratification and we didn’t get that in this book. There was so much buildup. I did end up appreciating that build up and thought it was worth it. By the time the book was over I was sad because I fell in love with Corey and Lucian and loved how they were together and didn’t want it to end. This is one book that I wish there were pictures, some of the scenes I would have loved to have seen in real life.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
I will admit this book started off slow for me; however, the buildup was worth it. I was feeling some of the same things Corey was feeling during this book, I wanted to scream at Lucian to hurry it up!!! I understood why things went as slow as they did and don’t get me wrong, it was worth it but just like everyone else this day in age, we all want instant gratification and we didn’t get that in this book. There was so much buildup. I did end up appreciating that build up and thought it was worth it. By the time the book was over I was sad because I fell in love with Corey and Lucian and loved how they were together and didn’t want it to end. This is one book that I wish there were pictures, some of the scenes I would have loved to have seen in real life.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
January 14, 2015
This is my first Susan Laine book and it won’t be my last. She is an excellent writer who spends pages developing her characters so that we really know each of them intimately.
She has a writer’s eye for detail and a nice touch with phrasing.
The story moved a bit more slowly than I would have liked, but it was for a purpose.
Sometimes the dialog felt a bit contrived but overall I thought it matched the MCs even if it was a bit stilted.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
4 of 5 hearts
She has a writer’s eye for detail and a nice touch with phrasing.
The story moved a bit more slowly than I would have liked, but it was for a purpose.
Sometimes the dialog felt a bit contrived but overall I thought it matched the MCs even if it was a bit stilted.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
4 of 5 hearts
January 2, 2015
This was a totally different book than I thought it was going to be when I bought it. I have to admit that I really did not realize it was M/M when I bought it or when I even started it. I really enjoyed it, the journey of self discovery was interesting and thought provoking.
February 19, 2015
1.5 stars
Not good. Don't waste your time in this one.
Not good. Don't waste your time in this one.
June 6, 2015
3 Heart Review by Dennis
Corey considers himself a frigid virgin because he can’t get or keep an erection. Unfortunately, even when he get’s close to someone and in the midst of being intimate, it just doesn’t happen. So he seeks out counseling to help with his problem and his psychiatrist puts him in touch with Lucian.
Lucian isn’t a trained psychologist but he is trained in other things that can help Corey with his issues. Things between them aren’t great in the beginning but the attraction to each other is there although neither one really knows why.
So it took me about 3 times to start this book just because it wasn’t grabbing me and I couldn’t get past the first couple of chapters. So this last time I made myself get through it because I was determined to finish it. Although it started off slow and just didn’t make me want to continue I’m kind of glad I did. As the book went on and you get more into the storyline and learn more about the characters it does keep you interested. If only to find out what kind of things Lucian is going to indulge with Corey in and to find out what’s making Corey so frigid in the first place. You do delve into other issues besides Corey’s lack of love life and his upbringing and how Lucian came to being the man he is now.
As a reader I have always tried to finish reading what I start, no matter how long it might take me, but as a reviewer I really had to push myself to get through at least the first few chapters to really get going, after a couple of tries. I don’t want to say to not check this book out…but keep my review in mind when making your decision.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Corey considers himself a frigid virgin because he can’t get or keep an erection. Unfortunately, even when he get’s close to someone and in the midst of being intimate, it just doesn’t happen. So he seeks out counseling to help with his problem and his psychiatrist puts him in touch with Lucian.
Lucian isn’t a trained psychologist but he is trained in other things that can help Corey with his issues. Things between them aren’t great in the beginning but the attraction to each other is there although neither one really knows why.
So it took me about 3 times to start this book just because it wasn’t grabbing me and I couldn’t get past the first couple of chapters. So this last time I made myself get through it because I was determined to finish it. Although it started off slow and just didn’t make me want to continue I’m kind of glad I did. As the book went on and you get more into the storyline and learn more about the characters it does keep you interested. If only to find out what kind of things Lucian is going to indulge with Corey in and to find out what’s making Corey so frigid in the first place. You do delve into other issues besides Corey’s lack of love life and his upbringing and how Lucian came to being the man he is now.
As a reader I have always tried to finish reading what I start, no matter how long it might take me, but as a reviewer I really had to push myself to get through at least the first few chapters to really get going, after a couple of tries. I don’t want to say to not check this book out…but keep my review in mind when making your decision.
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January 22, 2016
3 stars!
I went into the book expecting slow romance. And yes, I did get that. However, there was just something off about the characters to me. They felt, in some ways, too perfect. Sure the book was about an issue the main character had but generally, the entire cast was too perfect, too forgiving, too generous. For some reason, that was a real turn off for me.
Lucian for one was super rich, like top 1% of the privileged, super understanding and even interacts with the less fortunate. All the parents in the book as well were all too accepting and forgiving and supportive.
When the crisis came, rather predictably, it was quite late in the book as well.
So overall, I did get that slow romance but the characters just didn't endear to me as much as I thought they would have.
I went into the book expecting slow romance. And yes, I did get that. However, there was just something off about the characters to me. They felt, in some ways, too perfect. Sure the book was about an issue the main character had but generally, the entire cast was too perfect, too forgiving, too generous. For some reason, that was a real turn off for me.
Lucian for one was super rich, like top 1% of the privileged, super understanding and even interacts with the less fortunate. All the parents in the book as well were all too accepting and forgiving and supportive.
When the crisis came, rather predictably, it was quite late in the book as well.
So overall, I did get that slow romance but the characters just didn't endear to me as much as I thought they would have.
August 30, 2015
This was a weird story but oddly enthralling to read.
The plot and the story development is far-fetched but it appealed to me in some way. The dialogue between Corey and Lucian was complicated and overly intellectualized.
This will appeal to some readers and repel others.
For me, I enjoyed the story because of its strangeness.
The plot and the story development is far-fetched but it appealed to me in some way. The dialogue between Corey and Lucian was complicated and overly intellectualized.
This will appeal to some readers and repel others.
For me, I enjoyed the story because of its strangeness.
January 20, 2015
Way, way too wordy
Entirely unbelievable, and every topic talked to death. As the teacher in the process, Lucien giggled way too much, as tho the author couldn't decide if he was an intellectual, or a teenager. Way, way too much sweetness and light.
Entirely unbelievable, and every topic talked to death. As the teacher in the process, Lucien giggled way too much, as tho the author couldn't decide if he was an intellectual, or a teenager. Way, way too much sweetness and light.
Read
February 23, 2016Lucian + Corey
Set: Manhattan
Set: Manhattan
January 25, 2016
Was loving this book so much until it got to the end and the angsty twist. It just felt unreal and dropped the book from five to three stars for me.
December 31, 2014
Between 3.5 & 4*
January 2, 2016
Unexpected and different, hence the 3 stars.
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