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Opening It Up: A Marriage In Trouble Romance Novella
"Monogamy is really a very modern, patriarchal idea," Harley said gently. “Humans were not designed to stay with only one person, that's a very repressive construct. This would be about increasing our communication skills and deepening our commitment to each other in a sustainable way."
When handsome and charismatic marriage and family therapist Dr. Harley Donaghy announces on his famous podcast Self-Actualizing Your Way to Marital Delight, that he wants an open marriage, his wife Lily-Mae is stunned and blindsided. Afraid she'll lose her husband, Lily-Mae reluctantly agrees to try it out. But things don't go as planned for Harley when his wife starts getting a lot more attention than he does. . .
Author's This is a novella-length book and there is no physical cheating in it. But there is groveling and begging.
When handsome and charismatic marriage and family therapist Dr. Harley Donaghy announces on his famous podcast Self-Actualizing Your Way to Marital Delight, that he wants an open marriage, his wife Lily-Mae is stunned and blindsided. Afraid she'll lose her husband, Lily-Mae reluctantly agrees to try it out. But things don't go as planned for Harley when his wife starts getting a lot more attention than he does. . .
Author's This is a novella-length book and there is no physical cheating in it. But there is groveling and begging.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
248 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 29, 2025
With this author, you always know what you’re getting: some kind of cheating, a hero you’d never realistically forgive, and a story full of over-the-top drama. And honestly? That’s exactly why I read her books.
This one follows Harley and Lily May, who’ve been married for 17 years. They met in college, they’re each other’s first and only, and they have two boys. From the outside, it looks like a solid marriage. But Harley, who’s a psychologist with a podcast, starts fantasising about his young assistant, Michaela.
Instead of keeping it to himself, he announces live on his podcast that monogamy is outdated and he wants to open his marriage. Lily May, a yoga instructor who genuinely thinks she has a happy marriage, is blindsided and devastated when she hears it. Still, not wanting to lose him, she reluctantly agrees to a three-month trial.
• Harley’s side: He dives into it straight away, sleeps with Michaela, and quickly realises it’s not what he imagined. The sex is disappointing, he misses his wife, and he instantly regrets it. His grand plan crumbles as he becomes jealous and pathetic.
• Lily May’s side: She thrives. Since Harley made their open marriage public, suitors come knocking. She ends up sleeping with two men — the wealthy building owner where her studio is, and a younger man who works in Harley’s building. She even has a threesome that Harley accidentally walks in on. Unlike her husband, she actually enjoys herself.
The rest of the book is Harley’s regret spiralling into grovelling while Lily May continues to shine. By the end of their three-month agreement, she decides to forgive him, and they stay married. The two men she was involved with bow out gracefully, though not before warning Harley that if he ever screws up again, they’ll be ready to swoop in. Lily May even encourages the two guys to explore a connection with each other.
It’s messy, unrealistic, and exactly what I expected. I don’t pick up this author’s books for sweeping romance or emotional depth. I pick them up when I want something quick, dramatic, and addictive. And she always delivers. I especially love when the so-called “hero” ends up pathetic and grovelling — and Harley absolutely does.
It reminded me a lot of her previous book, The Tradie’s Wife (similar storyline, same brand of chaos). If you enjoy dramatic, OTT stories where the heroine thrives and the hero is reduced to nothing, this one delivers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
A book about cheating typically is either more realistic to life, and we watch a marriage crumble from the top, with intense feelings involved. Or a bit fun and flirty, with intense sexual situations and a HEA in end. Opening it Up was definitely the second option, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. There were some funny situations both mc’s get themselves into, especially a hilarious double date. Our poor fmc gets thrown a major loop from her husband that their marriage is stale. Not only does he say this, but he announces it on his popular podcast. I was mortified for her as she was around friends listening to it. He never gained my affection back, even with all his groveling, but mother Karma was giving to Lily-Mae so I didn’t feel sorry for her. Haha. There’s a really hot scene between her and her two suitors, along with funny banter between the men. One older, one younger, and the dad and son jokes cracked me up. Katie Landry didn’t disappoint again!
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC, my opinions are my own.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC, my opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
Psychoanalyst marriage and family counselor podcaster extraordinaire Harley has been married to his first everything —Lily Mae for 17 years. He gets the hots for A co worker and decides an open marriage is the way to be able to have an affair with the OW without calling it cheating. He accidentally presses play on a podcast and tells his listeners about his open marriage plans before he broaches it with his wife. Lily Mae decides to let him experiment for 3 months. She’s actually broken hearted. But he psychobabbles her into accepting an open marriage. This was a bit of a rage read at first but well well well how the turns tables! It turns out every man around has the hots for Lily Mae… and Harleys wannabe OW is not all he dreamed of. There is a lot of groveling. If you’re in the mood for a quickie read where the H gets Karma For his cheating heart ways- this book delivers.
not-for-me
October 23, 2025Self note:
I think I've read something like this on a Reddit post, and I enjoyed that it sucked for the man. He probably thought he was a catch; spoiler alert: he was not. Anyway, if I remember it correctly, that couple got divorced, and the (ex)-wife found a new partner and she was happier.
Oh well, I would've loved to read this if the MCs got separated in the end, but apparently the reviews say they got back together, so… 🤷🏽♀️
I think I've read something like this on a Reddit post, and I enjoyed that it sucked for the man. He probably thought he was a catch; spoiler alert: he was not. Anyway, if I remember it correctly, that couple got divorced, and the (ex)-wife found a new partner and she was happier.
Oh well, I would've loved to read this if the MCs got separated in the end, but apparently the reviews say they got back together, so… 🤷🏽♀️
September 30, 2025
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Listen… I usually don’t care for the whole cheating and grovel trope—like, 9 times outta 10 it’s lazy, rushed, and half-baked. But when I’m in the mood for something short, messy, hilarious, and just done right, I’m running—not walking—back to my good sis Katie Landry. This book?? Had me crying laughing, but not in the beginning. No, in the beginning I was full-on side-eyeing, dry-heaving at the MMC, Harley (44). Like sir, be serious.
I was mad. Like deep-in-my-feminine-core angry for the FMC, Lily-Mae (38). She’s that ride-or-die baddie who had her wedding in the damn forest wearing elf ears while this man recited his vows in English AND Elvish. She loved him through his awkward lanky geek era, gassed him up through every phase, and stayed loyal for 17 years. She chose him when no one else did… and he had the nerve to forget?? PLS.
Harley is basically the blueprint for what happens when a once-goofy nerd glows up, gets a little attention, and forgets who fed him when he was hungry. He let the job, the fans, the praise, the flirtatious glances gas his head up and suddenly thinks he’s that guy. Meanwhile, his marriage is stale—not cause Lily-Mae stopped showing up—but because he stopped paying attention.
And the irony?? If he ever took 5 minutes to look around, he would've noticed half the building—literally HALF—was either secretly in love or completely feral for his wife. Even his own female coworker pulled him aside like, “I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this: no one here is checking for you, babe. We’re all tryna get with your wife.” 😭
Harley thought he could play in the grey area—never technically cheating, but still being messy enough to embarrass his wife and make her question herself. He loved Lily-Mae, no doubt. He made it clear he’d never leave her and would never actually cheat, but like… he wanted to feel single without the consequences. And Lily was supposed to just eat that?? Yeah, no.
So she said bet.
Enter: Leopold (50, salt-and-pepper dom daddy energy) and Brayden (24, golden retriever chaos with abs)—two men who didn’t wait a second to remind her she’s not just a wife and mom, she’s a certified BADDIE. They showed up, showed out, and let Harley know straight up: “We’re not gonna try to steal her, but step outta line ONE time and we’re in there.” LMAOOO I was howling during their group scene.
And here’s the thing—I wasn’t rooting for divorce. I wasn’t even rooting for Harley to be replaced. I felt his love for Lily-Mae. He never stepped outside their marriage physically, but emotionally?? Mentally?? Publicly?? He had her out here feeling small when she was the one who chose him in the first place. So when she said she was gonna go through with the full 3-month open marriage trial? I said good for her. He needed to suffer a little. Or a lot.
And oh, he suffered. That man was in the trenches. Crying, gagging, throwing up. 😭 He forgot he had a goddess for a wife and got reminded real quick to act accordingly. That man was fighting for his life while Leopold and Brayden were feeding her grapes like she was Cleopatra.
But the epilogue?? So cute. Funny, sweet, and actually healing. You can tell they’re stronger, better, and more in love because of the mess—not despite it. That last moment between them had me smiling all goofy like I wasn’t just dragging Harley 3000 words ago. 💕
“Harley, you can’t be getting jealous with every date I go on. What happened to letting each other experience new moments of unexpected joy? To meeting new people?”
“I didn’t think you’d be out here sq****ing all over my business colleagues! Why aren’t you sq****ing for me? I can make you sq***t.”
😭💅✨
Listen… I usually don’t care for the whole cheating and grovel trope—like, 9 times outta 10 it’s lazy, rushed, and half-baked. But when I’m in the mood for something short, messy, hilarious, and just done right, I’m running—not walking—back to my good sis Katie Landry. This book?? Had me crying laughing, but not in the beginning. No, in the beginning I was full-on side-eyeing, dry-heaving at the MMC, Harley (44). Like sir, be serious.
I was mad. Like deep-in-my-feminine-core angry for the FMC, Lily-Mae (38). She’s that ride-or-die baddie who had her wedding in the damn forest wearing elf ears while this man recited his vows in English AND Elvish. She loved him through his awkward lanky geek era, gassed him up through every phase, and stayed loyal for 17 years. She chose him when no one else did… and he had the nerve to forget?? PLS.
Harley is basically the blueprint for what happens when a once-goofy nerd glows up, gets a little attention, and forgets who fed him when he was hungry. He let the job, the fans, the praise, the flirtatious glances gas his head up and suddenly thinks he’s that guy. Meanwhile, his marriage is stale—not cause Lily-Mae stopped showing up—but because he stopped paying attention.
And the irony?? If he ever took 5 minutes to look around, he would've noticed half the building—literally HALF—was either secretly in love or completely feral for his wife. Even his own female coworker pulled him aside like, “I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this: no one here is checking for you, babe. We’re all tryna get with your wife.” 😭
Harley thought he could play in the grey area—never technically cheating, but still being messy enough to embarrass his wife and make her question herself. He loved Lily-Mae, no doubt. He made it clear he’d never leave her and would never actually cheat, but like… he wanted to feel single without the consequences. And Lily was supposed to just eat that?? Yeah, no.
So she said bet.
Enter: Leopold (50, salt-and-pepper dom daddy energy) and Brayden (24, golden retriever chaos with abs)—two men who didn’t wait a second to remind her she’s not just a wife and mom, she’s a certified BADDIE. They showed up, showed out, and let Harley know straight up: “We’re not gonna try to steal her, but step outta line ONE time and we’re in there.” LMAOOO I was howling during their group scene.
And here’s the thing—I wasn’t rooting for divorce. I wasn’t even rooting for Harley to be replaced. I felt his love for Lily-Mae. He never stepped outside their marriage physically, but emotionally?? Mentally?? Publicly?? He had her out here feeling small when she was the one who chose him in the first place. So when she said she was gonna go through with the full 3-month open marriage trial? I said good for her. He needed to suffer a little. Or a lot.
And oh, he suffered. That man was in the trenches. Crying, gagging, throwing up. 😭 He forgot he had a goddess for a wife and got reminded real quick to act accordingly. That man was fighting for his life while Leopold and Brayden were feeding her grapes like she was Cleopatra.
But the epilogue?? So cute. Funny, sweet, and actually healing. You can tell they’re stronger, better, and more in love because of the mess—not despite it. That last moment between them had me smiling all goofy like I wasn’t just dragging Harley 3000 words ago. 💕
“Harley, you can’t be getting jealous with every date I go on. What happened to letting each other experience new moments of unexpected joy? To meeting new people?”
“I didn’t think you’d be out here sq****ing all over my business colleagues! Why aren’t you sq****ing for me? I can make you sq***t.”
😭💅✨
January 19, 2026
When his date launched into her MLM pitch, I lost it 🤣
October 20, 2025
This quick 3 ⭐️ read fulfilled my expectations! This is a cautionary tale of a horny (married) MMC whose head has been turned by younger flirty coworker who flatters this peacock into some really bad decisions. A psychologist and popular podcast host, Harley announced he’s opening up his marriage on this pod, without discussing it first with his wife. 🙄 The consequences are very typical Landry-land FAFO’s situations, of course, that all pack a punch of ten-fold comeuppance for the very jealous, very humiliated, very sadly sorry husband. The FMC has the time of her life, exploring all of the newness that her open marriage offers! It’s a solid read that both packed a punch and made me laugh at the poor dumbass MMC!
September 29, 2025
I’ve seen this teased so many times and I couldn’t wait because this is SO comical and entertaining.
MMC is a marriage podcaster who’s been carrying on an emotional affair with a girl in his office building. He’s like one of those fantasy nerds, married the love of his life when she was in college and he was in grad school. I think there’s a 7 year age gap. Anyways, he gets caught up in his feels about “missing” his opportunity to sow his oats and fool around. but he loves his wife and would never cheat or leave her! So what does he do? Announce on his podcast that he’s opening his marriage to “expand their horizons and gain new experiences” lmaoo.
Anyways, unbeknownst to him, his wife heard the episode with her whole PTA group. She’s shocked to hear their marriage is boring. He comes home to talk about and she agrees right away although unwillingly because she thinks this is what she has to do. She asks if this is about wanting to sleep with one person in particular and he denies it. They agree to a schedule.
He goes on date with OW literally the next day. They don’t even get to that part though because he goes to her apartment and has terrible, unsatisfying sex with her. Something about pickle lube and screeching lol. He already misses his wife. But she catches on to his lies and decides to make him regret it.
She gets approached by a daddy (the billionaire who owns his MMC’s office building) and OW’s hot younger golden retriever co-worker, who she dates interchangeably. Her whole schedule is blocked off while he sits at home and cries. He even walks in on the three of them in a very comprising situation at one point.
WARNING: technically this says no cheating, but I think that’s a super loose term. FMC unwillingly opens her marriage and MMC jumps to cash in and instantly hooks up with other woman, which is detailed on page. FMC also does sleep with OM. If you’re familiar with this author then you know she will end up with MMC after a good grovel.
MMC is a marriage podcaster who’s been carrying on an emotional affair with a girl in his office building. He’s like one of those fantasy nerds, married the love of his life when she was in college and he was in grad school. I think there’s a 7 year age gap. Anyways, he gets caught up in his feels about “missing” his opportunity to sow his oats and fool around. but he loves his wife and would never cheat or leave her! So what does he do? Announce on his podcast that he’s opening his marriage to “expand their horizons and gain new experiences” lmaoo.
Anyways, unbeknownst to him, his wife heard the episode with her whole PTA group. She’s shocked to hear their marriage is boring. He comes home to talk about and she agrees right away although unwillingly because she thinks this is what she has to do. She asks if this is about wanting to sleep with one person in particular and he denies it. They agree to a schedule.
He goes on date with OW literally the next day. They don’t even get to that part though because he goes to her apartment and has terrible, unsatisfying sex with her. Something about pickle lube and screeching lol. He already misses his wife. But she catches on to his lies and decides to make him regret it.
She gets approached by a daddy (the billionaire who owns his MMC’s office building) and OW’s hot younger golden retriever co-worker, who she dates interchangeably. Her whole schedule is blocked off while he sits at home and cries. He even walks in on the three of them in a very comprising situation at one point.
WARNING: technically this says no cheating, but I think that’s a super loose term. FMC unwillingly opens her marriage and MMC jumps to cash in and instantly hooks up with other woman, which is detailed on page. FMC also does sleep with OM. If you’re familiar with this author then you know she will end up with MMC after a good grovel.
October 7, 2025
Middle of the road, not as good as His Vengeful Tradwife, but I enjoyed it more than Knot Excused. Personally, I would have had a lot more fun with it if Lily-Mae had slutted it up a bit more with multiple men, rather than essentially a polyamorous relationship with two tropes disguised as men.
October 3, 2025
Why Did I Read This!
Why did I read this, why did I read this, why did I read this?! Please don’t read this, please don’t read this! I should have read the reviews .
Why did I read this, why did I read this, why did I read this?! Please don’t read this, please don’t read this! I should have read the reviews .
October 28, 2025
The moral of the story is Don't!
The details lied and there was physical cheating. Open marriage or whatever it was still cheating. i was expecting a lesson on cheating and got a joke! As for no 'physical' cheating, this has detailed sex scenes with other people. in one case two men and her go at it and the husband sees it. And its all done in a light hearted manner and she gets her revenge! A lot of people liked it. If you are squeamish like me, just be warned.
One good thing, he learned his lesson.for sure. Shame on him!
The details lied and there was physical cheating. Open marriage or whatever it was still cheating. i was expecting a lesson on cheating and got a joke! As for no 'physical' cheating, this has detailed sex scenes with other people. in one case two men and her go at it and the husband sees it. And its all done in a light hearted manner and she gets her revenge! A lot of people liked it. If you are squeamish like me, just be warned.
One good thing, he learned his lesson.for sure. Shame on him!
December 26, 2025
This Is For Hypermasculine Women Who Want Pegged In Their Necrotic Pussies, and Prolapsed Assholes, Because They Don't Hate The System, Just That They Were Fucked Over By It.
You tried to make her sexy, instead all you did was define her by how much she stretches for all the men in her life, even the lovers.
Leopold can see women like her coming, (I do love the pretense that women like her can orgasm, good story) and know they are desperate for someone to fake orgasm under.
Its so Easy to forget this Vulnerable Narcissist, is a mother.
Omg if my mother was still impressed by helicopters and mens toys, I'd emancipate myself immediately.
Chronic Cunt.
This book was meant to be empowering but it turned her into a toddler that need the validation of other men, before he gave a fuck about her.
Is that the way your prolapsed asshole loves to be cared for?
Nother annoys me more than women who pretend the Acolytes of the Cult of Fragility feel empowered by the unfamiliar territory of controlling the Cult of Domination.
She didn't love him.
She was able to take some in her asshole that wasn't him.
Her neuroplastic tissue doesn't care so why should I?
This book is for people who think their body isn't involved in emotion.
Necrotic pussies and prolapsed assholes.
All the Unseen, Unloved and Utterly Unfucked reviewers snapping their fingers, thinking she fucked him over, when it was Leopold et al that fucked him over.
Imagine needing other men to demonstrate to a man what he doesn't get.
There's grovel then there's lowering yourself to his narcissism.
But then, landlords aren't attractive, at all.
Leopold is more insecure that Harley, so insecure he has to blaze his name on a building.
Has to fly around in helicopters instead of public transport.
Nah I don't believe this man has a big dick that doesn't fit.
"hit the spot"
Wow, how loose is Lily-Mae's vagina? the spot is three inches back, and stretches like a balloon, what spot does he need to hit?
Oh no, the vagina is like a balloon, it stretches and retracts but hers sounds like it popped.
I'm 38 and I do not relate to this woman who was clearly wanting to escape her kids more than he wanted to escape her desire to escape her kids.
I don't like people who like age gaps. Hes 24, not a fully grown man.
Omg as 38 year old childless woman, I wanna save her kids.
Age is not just a number, it is experience with which to relate to another person. Why is this pathetic cunt relating to a 24 year old to this level of intimacy.
Thats gross, I do think shes a limp noodle now.
But shes very masculine like her father, pretty much agrees with him its fine to mistreat "the ladies" because "the ladies" are a homogenised group of non-persons.
You tried to make her sexy, instead all you did was define her by how much she stretches for all the men in her life, even the lovers.
Leopold can see women like her coming, (I do love the pretense that women like her can orgasm, good story) and know they are desperate for someone to fake orgasm under.
Its so Easy to forget this Vulnerable Narcissist, is a mother.
Omg if my mother was still impressed by helicopters and mens toys, I'd emancipate myself immediately.
Chronic Cunt.
This book was meant to be empowering but it turned her into a toddler that need the validation of other men, before he gave a fuck about her.
Is that the way your prolapsed asshole loves to be cared for?
Nother annoys me more than women who pretend the Acolytes of the Cult of Fragility feel empowered by the unfamiliar territory of controlling the Cult of Domination.
She didn't love him.
She was able to take some in her asshole that wasn't him.
Her neuroplastic tissue doesn't care so why should I?
This book is for people who think their body isn't involved in emotion.
Necrotic pussies and prolapsed assholes.
All the Unseen, Unloved and Utterly Unfucked reviewers snapping their fingers, thinking she fucked him over, when it was Leopold et al that fucked him over.
Imagine needing other men to demonstrate to a man what he doesn't get.
There's grovel then there's lowering yourself to his narcissism.
But then, landlords aren't attractive, at all.
Leopold is more insecure that Harley, so insecure he has to blaze his name on a building.
Has to fly around in helicopters instead of public transport.
Nah I don't believe this man has a big dick that doesn't fit.
"hit the spot"
Wow, how loose is Lily-Mae's vagina? the spot is three inches back, and stretches like a balloon, what spot does he need to hit?
Oh no, the vagina is like a balloon, it stretches and retracts but hers sounds like it popped.
I'm 38 and I do not relate to this woman who was clearly wanting to escape her kids more than he wanted to escape her desire to escape her kids.
I don't like people who like age gaps. Hes 24, not a fully grown man.
Omg as 38 year old childless woman, I wanna save her kids.
Age is not just a number, it is experience with which to relate to another person. Why is this pathetic cunt relating to a 24 year old to this level of intimacy.
Thats gross, I do think shes a limp noodle now.
But shes very masculine like her father, pretty much agrees with him its fine to mistreat "the ladies" because "the ladies" are a homogenised group of non-persons.
October 31, 2025
This was a short FAFO story. This is what can happen when you make the mistake of thinking the grass is greener and all that. I liked the FMC, Lily-Mae. She chose to have her fun as well. The MMC is a bit like all of Katie Landry's men. They have stupid ideas, don't think it through, and end up on their knees crying and begging for forgiveness. The OW in this was just too much. Some of the things she did were over-the-top crazy. I liked the story, the beginning was rough emotionally. But overall, it was good.
September 26, 2025
It was campy, comical and PERFECT.
I was so mad at this asshole when it started but Lily-Mae quickly got her own. She was a class act, while he was a sniveling mess.
It was everything I needed, except not long enough. I won’t lie.
Great job, lady!
I was so mad at this asshole when it started but Lily-Mae quickly got her own. She was a class act, while he was a sniveling mess.
It was everything I needed, except not long enough. I won’t lie.
Great job, lady!
October 11, 2025
This was probably my own fault.
The premise was so not up my alley but it promised grovel so I pushed through!
The hero sucks. He thinks he’s so great because he doesn’t cheat on his wife, he just lusts after his coworker and fantasizes about her. He’s only been with his wife and wants to sleep with other people. Then he announces an open marriage on his podcast without even asking her first!
If the heroine spoke up, maybe they could’ve gotten therapy or something, but she agrees instantly to an open marriage to keep him. What!! Just speak up!
The hero immediately sleeps with the ow, and that’s when my stomach started to hurt. For some reason I thought they’d date before he realized he only wants his wife but no, he sleeps with her and it’s not what he dreamed up, and he regrets things.
I will say one positive is the heroine doesn’t cry and let him have this (he promised the whole thing wasn’t just a way to sleep with one specific person) - she goes out, has 2 other lovers and good sex, etc.
It was just so over the top, I couldn’t not cringe. Everyoneeee loves her, wants to date her, is obsessed with her. It was too much.
If you’re wondering where the grovel is, so am I??
The hero is pathetic and has major regrets but aside from that and asking her to close the marriage again, I didn’t see any grovel at all.
They just get back together at the end - no real problems addressed. 🤷🏻♀️ Sadly, I didn’t enjoy any of it!
The premise was so not up my alley but it promised grovel so I pushed through!
The hero sucks. He thinks he’s so great because he doesn’t cheat on his wife, he just lusts after his coworker and fantasizes about her. He’s only been with his wife and wants to sleep with other people. Then he announces an open marriage on his podcast without even asking her first!
If the heroine spoke up, maybe they could’ve gotten therapy or something, but she agrees instantly to an open marriage to keep him. What!! Just speak up!
The hero immediately sleeps with the ow, and that’s when my stomach started to hurt. For some reason I thought they’d date before he realized he only wants his wife but no, he sleeps with her and it’s not what he dreamed up, and he regrets things.
I will say one positive is the heroine doesn’t cry and let him have this (he promised the whole thing wasn’t just a way to sleep with one specific person) - she goes out, has 2 other lovers and good sex, etc.
It was just so over the top, I couldn’t not cringe. Everyoneeee loves her, wants to date her, is obsessed with her. It was too much.
If you’re wondering where the grovel is, so am I??
The hero is pathetic and has major regrets but aside from that and asking her to close the marriage again, I didn’t see any grovel at all.
They just get back together at the end - no real problems addressed. 🤷🏻♀️ Sadly, I didn’t enjoy any of it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
Exactly as described and expected.
His first experience was horrible so he rethinks it. Jerk.
Good for her giving him a taste of his own medicine.
I usually loathe cheating and avoid books that have. However, every now and then I throw one in and it’s by this author.
His first experience was horrible so he rethinks it. Jerk.
Good for her giving him a taste of his own medicine.
I usually loathe cheating and avoid books that have. However, every now and then I throw one in and it’s by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
4 ⭐️
I really wish she chose a different H but I love the groveling in here, I love the cheating trope
I really wish she chose a different H but I love the groveling in here, I love the cheating trope
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
Dumb
Skimmed. Why would authors think this was a good plot. Sorry. Make intimacy meaningful. Ugh. Yes there is physical cheating. Both partners cheat.
Skimmed. Why would authors think this was a good plot. Sorry. Make intimacy meaningful. Ugh. Yes there is physical cheating. Both partners cheat.
October 4, 2025
Ridiculously over the top and silly. And fun! An enjoyable way to spend an hour.
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
October 22, 2025
Book Review: “No Cheating?”
⭐☆☆☆☆ — One star for sheer audacity
If you were hoping for a tale of marital redemption, emotional maturity, or even basic adulting… buckle up. This book is less “domestic drama” and more “soap opera written by a raccoon high on espresso.”
Let’s break it down:
🧔 The Husband
A man so emotionally constipated he makes a brick wall look expressive. Claims to love his wife, yet ogles every woman with a pulse like he’s auditioning for Creeper of the Year. His idea of fidelity? Casually announcing on his podcast that he and his wife have decided to open up their marriage. Surprise! To her, too.
👩 The Wife
A woman scorned, and boy, does she go full Shakespearean vengeance. She doesn’t just get even—she gets busy. Two lovers, seven nights a week, and still finds time to pack school lunches? Either she’s a time-traveling wizard, or those kids are surviving on cereal and chaos.
💔 The Marriage
Imagine a burning dumpster rolling downhill into a fireworks factory. That’s the level of dysfunction here. Therapy? Nope. Communication? Ha. Divorce? Too logical. Instead, they opt for a tit-for-tat circus of emotional sabotage that would make even reality TV producers blush.
👶 The Kids
Collateral damage in this adult Hunger Games. Raised by two people whose emotional intelligence rivals that of a soggy sponge. If they grow up to be functional humans, it’ll be a miracle worthy of its own sequel.
Final Thoughts:
This book is not a romance. It’s not even a tragedy. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in chaos, dipped in dysfunction, and served with a side of “please make better life choices.” If you’re into watching trainwrecks in slow motion, this might be your jam. Otherwise, save yourself the emotional whiplash and read literally anything else.
⭐☆☆☆☆ — One star for sheer audacity
If you were hoping for a tale of marital redemption, emotional maturity, or even basic adulting… buckle up. This book is less “domestic drama” and more “soap opera written by a raccoon high on espresso.”
Let’s break it down:
🧔 The Husband
A man so emotionally constipated he makes a brick wall look expressive. Claims to love his wife, yet ogles every woman with a pulse like he’s auditioning for Creeper of the Year. His idea of fidelity? Casually announcing on his podcast that he and his wife have decided to open up their marriage. Surprise! To her, too.
👩 The Wife
A woman scorned, and boy, does she go full Shakespearean vengeance. She doesn’t just get even—she gets busy. Two lovers, seven nights a week, and still finds time to pack school lunches? Either she’s a time-traveling wizard, or those kids are surviving on cereal and chaos.
💔 The Marriage
Imagine a burning dumpster rolling downhill into a fireworks factory. That’s the level of dysfunction here. Therapy? Nope. Communication? Ha. Divorce? Too logical. Instead, they opt for a tit-for-tat circus of emotional sabotage that would make even reality TV producers blush.
👶 The Kids
Collateral damage in this adult Hunger Games. Raised by two people whose emotional intelligence rivals that of a soggy sponge. If they grow up to be functional humans, it’ll be a miracle worthy of its own sequel.
Final Thoughts:
This book is not a romance. It’s not even a tragedy. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in chaos, dipped in dysfunction, and served with a side of “please make better life choices.” If you’re into watching trainwrecks in slow motion, this might be your jam. Otherwise, save yourself the emotional whiplash and read literally anything else.
October 31, 2025
Opening It Up, Book 2 of the Humbled Superstars mini-series, was about 44-year-old Dr. Harley Donaghy, a well-known family therapist and podcaster, and 38-year-old Lily-Mae Donaghy, his wife of 17 years, who was a yoga instructor and mother of two boys.
Harley worked in a building where, one floor up, a beautiful woman named Mikayla worked. The woman was blatantly coming on to him at every turn, and he felt the harsh pull of lust for her. However, he felt as though he was a good man who wouldn't cheat on his wife...until Mikayla went so far as to actually voice that she wanted more from him, and he came up with the idea of opening up his marriage to sharing with other partners. What he didn't realize was that his wife and other PTA mothers listened to his podcast...and heard him announce to the world at large that they had already decided to do it...without ever discussing it with her first. That evening, Harley told his wife what he wanted to do, and she asked him if the idea of opening their marriage to other partners had anything to do with someone in particular. He told her no, but she didn't believe him; because she was afraid to lose him, she hesitantly agreed.
But when he tried to have sex with the other woman, things didn't go the way he had hoped. (The author said there was "no physical cheating "; there actually was, because he was in bed with Mikayla and had attempted to "do the deed". However, something happened to make him not so interested , but that didn't stop her from going down on him. They also had physical sex, even though this woman kept screaming, which caused him to lose the ability to reach a climax. It took him thinking about his wife for him to actually bring about an orgasm...which wasn't the outcome he had hoped for. After climbing into bed with his sleeping wife (without showering the other woman off him), he admitted to himself that things didn't go at all the way he had expected them to, and he would have to rethink his choices the next day. Lily-Mae woke up in the middle of the night to find her husband's arms around her...and him covered in glitter. She recalled seeing him earlier with Mikayla, and she knew for certain he had lied about wanting the open marriage to sleep with the other woman, and she angrily left their bed.
The next morning, Lily told him she had heard his podcast, and he tried hard to back-pedal and tell her he hadn't meant to hurt her, that they could forget the open marriage idea. However, she was too angry to listen, telling him she was willing to continue with the idea. Later that morning, Leopold Beauchamp, the owner of the building in which she held her yoga classes, asked her out on a date, and she defiantly accepted, knowing it would piss Harley off.
Harley created an account on a dating app, but he quickly learned he wasn't as turned on by his prospects as he had expected. So when he had hoped to spend time after dinner with his beautiful wife, he was shocked to see her all dolled up. He asked her why, and she laughed and said it was her night for dating someone else. Suddenly, Harley realized he was having to share her with someone else, and he was not at all pleased with the idea. He tried to talk her out of it, but Lily-Mae was determined to follow through. Harley was angry when he recognized the man she was going on her date with. .
Nothing went right for Harley after the failed intimacy with Mikayla, but Lily-Mae was having the time of her life with at least two men. The more she went out, the less Harley liked it.
The story had more than its fair share of angst, drama, and emotional rollercoaster twists and turns. The author said there was groveling and begging, but to be honest, it was more like the idea of the open marriage didn't work as well as the MMC wanted it to. He had one woman one time, and it failed miserably. However, it worked wonderfully for the FMC. In all honesty, I think that was what made the MMC decide to change his mind about wanting an open marriage. If he had been able to "get it up" or even to have more than one or two dates, he wouldn't have batted an eye. But the fact was, he didn't get any side piece to pleasure him, so he was jealous of his wife finding multiple partners. I think he would have continued with the idea if things had gone in his favor. However, since no one wanted him, and everyone seemed to want his wife (including women!!), he was more than ready to return to a monogamous relationship.
There really wasn't any growth shown in the MMC. He just didn't like getting caught in a lie about the reason he really wanted to open things up to others. He whined the whole time, the author making him out to be a blubbering idiot...and not a pleasant one either.
I couldn't give this more than a one-star rating. I mean, yeah, the FMC taught the MMC a huge lesson in humility. But if the author hadn't ended the story when she did, I think the FMC would have dropped her idiotic husband for the other men she had been with.
Harley worked in a building where, one floor up, a beautiful woman named Mikayla worked. The woman was blatantly coming on to him at every turn, and he felt the harsh pull of lust for her. However, he felt as though he was a good man who wouldn't cheat on his wife...until Mikayla went so far as to actually voice that she wanted more from him, and he came up with the idea of opening up his marriage to sharing with other partners. What he didn't realize was that his wife and other PTA mothers listened to his podcast...and heard him announce to the world at large that they had already decided to do it...without ever discussing it with her first. That evening, Harley told his wife what he wanted to do, and she asked him if the idea of opening their marriage to other partners had anything to do with someone in particular. He told her no, but she didn't believe him; because she was afraid to lose him, she hesitantly agreed.
But when he tried to have sex with the other woman, things didn't go the way he had hoped. (The author said there was "no physical cheating "; there actually was, because he was in bed with Mikayla and had attempted to "do the deed". However, something happened to make him not so interested , but that didn't stop her from going down on him. They also had physical sex, even though this woman kept screaming, which caused him to lose the ability to reach a climax. It took him thinking about his wife for him to actually bring about an orgasm...which wasn't the outcome he had hoped for. After climbing into bed with his sleeping wife (without showering the other woman off him), he admitted to himself that things didn't go at all the way he had expected them to, and he would have to rethink his choices the next day. Lily-Mae woke up in the middle of the night to find her husband's arms around her...and him covered in glitter. She recalled seeing him earlier with Mikayla, and she knew for certain he had lied about wanting the open marriage to sleep with the other woman, and she angrily left their bed.
The next morning, Lily told him she had heard his podcast, and he tried hard to back-pedal and tell her he hadn't meant to hurt her, that they could forget the open marriage idea. However, she was too angry to listen, telling him she was willing to continue with the idea. Later that morning, Leopold Beauchamp, the owner of the building in which she held her yoga classes, asked her out on a date, and she defiantly accepted, knowing it would piss Harley off.
Harley created an account on a dating app, but he quickly learned he wasn't as turned on by his prospects as he had expected. So when he had hoped to spend time after dinner with his beautiful wife, he was shocked to see her all dolled up. He asked her why, and she laughed and said it was her night for dating someone else. Suddenly, Harley realized he was having to share her with someone else, and he was not at all pleased with the idea. He tried to talk her out of it, but Lily-Mae was determined to follow through. Harley was angry when he recognized the man she was going on her date with. .
Nothing went right for Harley after the failed intimacy with Mikayla, but Lily-Mae was having the time of her life with at least two men. The more she went out, the less Harley liked it.
The story had more than its fair share of angst, drama, and emotional rollercoaster twists and turns. The author said there was groveling and begging, but to be honest, it was more like the idea of the open marriage didn't work as well as the MMC wanted it to. He had one woman one time, and it failed miserably. However, it worked wonderfully for the FMC. In all honesty, I think that was what made the MMC decide to change his mind about wanting an open marriage. If he had been able to "get it up" or even to have more than one or two dates, he wouldn't have batted an eye. But the fact was, he didn't get any side piece to pleasure him, so he was jealous of his wife finding multiple partners. I think he would have continued with the idea if things had gone in his favor. However, since no one wanted him, and everyone seemed to want his wife (including women!!), he was more than ready to return to a monogamous relationship.
There really wasn't any growth shown in the MMC. He just didn't like getting caught in a lie about the reason he really wanted to open things up to others. He whined the whole time, the author making him out to be a blubbering idiot...and not a pleasant one either.
I couldn't give this more than a one-star rating. I mean, yeah, the FMC taught the MMC a huge lesson in humility. But if the author hadn't ended the story when she did, I think the FMC would have dropped her idiotic husband for the other men she had been with.
October 16, 2025
3.5/5
Si bien, yo detesto los libros donde los protagonistas están con otras personas o son infieles, aquí me divertí mucho JAJAJAJA.
Tenemos a Harley, que tiene un podcast exitoso y se siente tentado por Makayla, una mujer guapa que se le insinuaba constantemente, aunque él le diga que no será infiel a su esposa. Tiene un amigo que le platicó acerca de la felicidad que trajo a su vida un matrimonio abierto, así que graba un podcast de eso, diciendo que estar con una sola persona es aburrido, de la prehistoria y que por eso decidió abrir su matrimonio. Por otro lado, Lily Mae lo escucha y se siente decepcionada de que su marido, con quién lleva 17 años casada, diga esas cosas y publicamente, así que cuando llega y lo propone 3 meses de prueba de abrir su matrimonio le pregunta si es por Makayla(los llegó a ver muy amistosos una vez) y él niega. Ella cede por él. Al día siguiente va y se folla a Makayla🤬 y regresa como si nada, eso sí, no le gustó y tuvo que pensar en Lily durante el acto para poder c0rrerse. Cuando Lily despierta y lo ve, sabe que ya estuvo con alguien más y decide que si es lo que Harley quería, ella lo hará. Cómo todo mundo sabe que están en un matrimonio abierto, Leopold, el dueño del edificio donde trabaja Harley, va a las clases de yoga que da Lily y la invita a salir. Es un hombre de 54-55 años, pero muy atractivo y rico, ella acepta salir. Harley llega a casa y la ve arreglada y cuando la ve irse con Leopold y le duele el corazón. Él no esperaba que ella estuviera con otros y por eso lo propuso, así no se sentía infiel, pero se acostaba con Makayla. Le salió el tiro por la culata. JAJAJAJA. Esa noche ella se acuesta con Leopold. Harley trata de seguir con Makayla pero no le gusta, luego trata de poner celosa a Lily, pero ella está súper bien con Leopold y sale con un joven de creo 24 años, Brayden. Me dió mucha risa cuando una mujer se le acerca, le pregunta de su matrimonio abierto y él piensa que quiere salir con él pero no JAJAJAJJA le pregunta por Lily. Luego le pide a su esposa que pase tiempo con él pero ella le dice que acordaron 3 meses y 3 meses serán. Las escenas de celos que le hace JAJAJAJA, hasta lastima me dió. Una escena que me gustó que él viera pero a la vez sentí feo, fue cuando la ve en el trío con Leopold por delante y Brayden por detrás JAJAJAJA me dió mucha lastima porque se pone a llorar y luego anda rogando por Lily, desde Makayla no estuvo con nadie y la Lily se dió un festín JAJAJJAAJA solo por eso lo perdone.
Si bien, yo detesto los libros donde los protagonistas están con otras personas o son infieles, aquí me divertí mucho JAJAJAJA.
Tenemos a Harley, que tiene un podcast exitoso y se siente tentado por Makayla, una mujer guapa que se le insinuaba constantemente, aunque él le diga que no será infiel a su esposa. Tiene un amigo que le platicó acerca de la felicidad que trajo a su vida un matrimonio abierto, así que graba un podcast de eso, diciendo que estar con una sola persona es aburrido, de la prehistoria y que por eso decidió abrir su matrimonio. Por otro lado, Lily Mae lo escucha y se siente decepcionada de que su marido, con quién lleva 17 años casada, diga esas cosas y publicamente, así que cuando llega y lo propone 3 meses de prueba de abrir su matrimonio le pregunta si es por Makayla(los llegó a ver muy amistosos una vez) y él niega. Ella cede por él. Al día siguiente va y se folla a Makayla🤬 y regresa como si nada, eso sí, no le gustó y tuvo que pensar en Lily durante el acto para poder c0rrerse. Cuando Lily despierta y lo ve, sabe que ya estuvo con alguien más y decide que si es lo que Harley quería, ella lo hará. Cómo todo mundo sabe que están en un matrimonio abierto, Leopold, el dueño del edificio donde trabaja Harley, va a las clases de yoga que da Lily y la invita a salir. Es un hombre de 54-55 años, pero muy atractivo y rico, ella acepta salir. Harley llega a casa y la ve arreglada y cuando la ve irse con Leopold y le duele el corazón. Él no esperaba que ella estuviera con otros y por eso lo propuso, así no se sentía infiel, pero se acostaba con Makayla. Le salió el tiro por la culata. JAJAJAJA. Esa noche ella se acuesta con Leopold. Harley trata de seguir con Makayla pero no le gusta, luego trata de poner celosa a Lily, pero ella está súper bien con Leopold y sale con un joven de creo 24 años, Brayden. Me dió mucha risa cuando una mujer se le acerca, le pregunta de su matrimonio abierto y él piensa que quiere salir con él pero no JAJAJAJJA le pregunta por Lily. Luego le pide a su esposa que pase tiempo con él pero ella le dice que acordaron 3 meses y 3 meses serán. Las escenas de celos que le hace JAJAJAJA, hasta lastima me dió. Una escena que me gustó que él viera pero a la vez sentí feo, fue cuando la ve en el trío con Leopold por delante y Brayden por detrás JAJAJAJA me dió mucha lastima porque se pone a llorar y luego anda rogando por Lily, desde Makayla no estuvo con nadie y la Lily se dió un festín JAJAJJAAJA solo por eso lo perdone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 13, 2025
Katie Landry (aka Kate Ravenscar, Kate Rivenhall, Kate Raven, and probably other pennames I'm not remembering right now) is an auto-read for me. All her works are characterised by a wonderful dry humour that really elevates her beyond the usual run-of-the-mill dime-a-dozen authors. This particular penname is also great in that it specialises in grovelling-cheating romances, books I ordinarily cannot stand but in this case they (a) don't take themselves too seriously, so there's actually very little angst; and (b) almost always feature the heroine getting plenty of attention from other men while the hero is turned into a pathetic worm desperate to kiss her feet. Realistic? No. Satisfying and highly entertaining? YES.
This book in fact is not technically a cheating romance, in that it features a hero who urges the heroine to open up their marriage so he can sleep with a hot colleague. Sex with the hot colleague turns out to be lacklustre; to his horror, his 'frumpy' yoga-teacher wife ends up being battled over by both a billionaire silver fox and extremely enthusiastic young man. Because this is Katie Landry, the heroine ends up with her actual husband at the end, but one certainly feels like tit has been had for tat.
3/5 because this was a bit too short and felt frothier than some of her other works, but a great premise and looking forward to the next release.
October 1, 2025
So so so bad. This review contains spoilers and this IS a cheating book.
We open with the H wanting to bang some hussie from the office building where he works. He congratulates himself because hE's nOt A cHeAtEr 🙄 He decides having an open marriage is his ticket to being an approved cheater. Then he posts a podcast where he tells everyone that he & his wife are in an open marriage. She's with her PTA friends when the podcast is live. Instead of denying it, our doormat h tells these women that they are in an open marriage. Later that night, H returns home where he brings up the open marriage and h agrees because the alternative is to live without him. The next day, h sees H with the hussie at the office building, WHERE THEY ALL WORK, and asks if she's the reason for the OM. H lies and says no. They go over the bare minimum of rules. Then he goes out to bang the hussie. It's not as good as he would have liked. This absolute sleeze comes home, doesn't even shower and cuddles up to our doormat h. This enrages our h and she's like, f this, I'm IN. She goes to work & who should show up? Oh, it's the handsome & ultra rich owner of the building and he wants her. She agrees to go out with him. H can't believe she's going out on a date & she tells him not to wait up. Richy Rich takes her out to dinner & they get it on in a bathroom. Over the next few scenes he's attentive, sexy & obsessed with her. H starts losing it when he sees h with Richy. THEN, another guy, Marketing Guy, wants to date her too. So now, h is dating/doing alllllllllllllllll the things with the other 2 all the time. Seriously, she's with either every day at lunch & Tuesdays, Thursdays & weekends. All of these people work in the same building. Everyone talks about f'ing his wife to H. He whines constantly about closing the marriage. h is just constantly getting railed by guys who are kind, supportive, fun & obsessed with her. Not to mention way better lovers. At the end she goes back to H because she lOvEs him. 🙄 No grovel, no redemption. Honestly, they both suck & should have just divorced.
We open with the H wanting to bang some hussie from the office building where he works. He congratulates himself because hE's nOt A cHeAtEr 🙄 He decides having an open marriage is his ticket to being an approved cheater. Then he posts a podcast where he tells everyone that he & his wife are in an open marriage. She's with her PTA friends when the podcast is live. Instead of denying it, our doormat h tells these women that they are in an open marriage. Later that night, H returns home where he brings up the open marriage and h agrees because the alternative is to live without him. The next day, h sees H with the hussie at the office building, WHERE THEY ALL WORK, and asks if she's the reason for the OM. H lies and says no. They go over the bare minimum of rules. Then he goes out to bang the hussie. It's not as good as he would have liked. This absolute sleeze comes home, doesn't even shower and cuddles up to our doormat h. This enrages our h and she's like, f this, I'm IN. She goes to work & who should show up? Oh, it's the handsome & ultra rich owner of the building and he wants her. She agrees to go out with him. H can't believe she's going out on a date & she tells him not to wait up. Richy Rich takes her out to dinner & they get it on in a bathroom. Over the next few scenes he's attentive, sexy & obsessed with her. H starts losing it when he sees h with Richy. THEN, another guy, Marketing Guy, wants to date her too. So now, h is dating/doing alllllllllllllllll the things with the other 2 all the time. Seriously, she's with either every day at lunch & Tuesdays, Thursdays & weekends. All of these people work in the same building. Everyone talks about f'ing his wife to H. He whines constantly about closing the marriage. h is just constantly getting railed by guys who are kind, supportive, fun & obsessed with her. Not to mention way better lovers. At the end she goes back to H because she lOvEs him. 🙄 No grovel, no redemption. Honestly, they both suck & should have just divorced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
Like all her books, this one’s got cheating, outrageous scenarios, and unrealistic drama—and that’s what makes it fun. Quick and entertaining, it’s the kind of book you read for the ride, not for any deep moral lessons.
Dr. Harley Donaghy, a 44-year-old marriage counselor and successful podcaster, is bored with his wife Lily-Mae after 17 years of marriage. At 38, she notices the distance, and while Harley spends his days fantasizing about other women (especially his flirtatious coworker Makayla), he’s convinced an open marriage is the solution.
One day, Harley reveals on his podcast that he and Lily-Mae have agreed to open up their marriage. Of course, Lily-Mae has never heard of this idea, and it hits her like a ton of bricks. But afraid of losing him, she agrees—heartbroken, humiliated, and in shock.
Harley’s excitement over his freedom is short-lived. He quickly sleeps with Makayla but is left disappointed—her “pickle lube” and lackluster skills leave him unimpressed. Meanwhile, Lily-Mae starts dating other men, including the suave billionaire Leopold, who spoils her rotten and the younger model Brayden who worships her. Harley spirals into jealousy as his “experiment” goes awry. He’s not having the fun he expected; instead, it’s Lily-Mae living her best life.
As Harley’s ego takes hits and he realizes he’s in over his head, he tries to win Lily-Mae back, groveling on his podcast and apologizing. She, of course, isn't interested in his regrets. In a hilarious turn, she suggests a double date, with Harley and another woman just to rub it in.
The story ends with Harley finally realizing he forced the open marriage on Lily-Mae. Despite his jealousy and whiny antics, she’s still in love with him—though she’s had her fun. The book is a funny, sexually charged, and a bit ridiculous exploration of a pathetic hero and a sexually liberated heroine.
Entertaining, dirty, and not to be taken too seriously, this book delivers laughs at the expense of a couple trying to navigate their messy desires.
Dr. Harley Donaghy, a 44-year-old marriage counselor and successful podcaster, is bored with his wife Lily-Mae after 17 years of marriage. At 38, she notices the distance, and while Harley spends his days fantasizing about other women (especially his flirtatious coworker Makayla), he’s convinced an open marriage is the solution.
One day, Harley reveals on his podcast that he and Lily-Mae have agreed to open up their marriage. Of course, Lily-Mae has never heard of this idea, and it hits her like a ton of bricks. But afraid of losing him, she agrees—heartbroken, humiliated, and in shock.
Harley’s excitement over his freedom is short-lived. He quickly sleeps with Makayla but is left disappointed—her “pickle lube” and lackluster skills leave him unimpressed. Meanwhile, Lily-Mae starts dating other men, including the suave billionaire Leopold, who spoils her rotten and the younger model Brayden who worships her. Harley spirals into jealousy as his “experiment” goes awry. He’s not having the fun he expected; instead, it’s Lily-Mae living her best life.
As Harley’s ego takes hits and he realizes he’s in over his head, he tries to win Lily-Mae back, groveling on his podcast and apologizing. She, of course, isn't interested in his regrets. In a hilarious turn, she suggests a double date, with Harley and another woman just to rub it in.
The story ends with Harley finally realizing he forced the open marriage on Lily-Mae. Despite his jealousy and whiny antics, she’s still in love with him—though she’s had her fun. The book is a funny, sexually charged, and a bit ridiculous exploration of a pathetic hero and a sexually liberated heroine.
Entertaining, dirty, and not to be taken too seriously, this book delivers laughs at the expense of a couple trying to navigate their messy desires.
October 21, 2025
Harley (44) and Lily-Mae (38) got married young and were each other's firsts. They now have two teenage kids.
Harley is a marriage counselor with a relationship advice podcast. He rents an office in the same building where his wife, Lily-Mae also rents her yoga studio. There's another woman, Makayla, who works on the floor above Harley at a PR firm. Harley is lusting after Makayla bad. He's having a midlife crisis and wondering what it would be like to sleep with someone else. But he thinks he is an honorable man and he doesn't want to cheat on his wife. So Harley starts thinking of a way to have his cake and eat it too, to have Makayla without being a cheater. He comes up with the idea of an open marriage.
When Harley comes home, he talks about the open marriage to Lilly-Mae. Lilly-Mae thinks Harley is planning to leave her if she doesn't agree. She doesn't want him to leave, so she agrees.
Lilly-Mae has met Makayla before, and she specifically tells Harley that she's not ok with it if this is just a plan to sleep with Makayla. He says no, it is not just an excuse to sleep with Makayla. (He knows he's lying.)
So, when Harley sleeps with Makayla, Lilly-Mae figures it out. Lilly-Mae wasn't planning to sleep with anyone else. She was just going to wait for Harley to change his mind. However, now that she knows he lied about Makayla, she's more open minded about it. What neither of them realized is, everyone who works in their building passes by Lilly-Mae's yoga studio every day, and wants to sleep with her, but can't because she was monogamous. But when Harley broadcasts on his podcast that they are now in an open marriage, they all come out of the woodwork to shoot their shot. Even the women, LOL. Meanwhile, Harley has a worse time. Sex with Makayla wasn't that great, and he's not as marketable to other women as he thought. He starts regretting this open marriage thing. But they have a 3 month trail period, and Lilly-Mae is going to take full advantage of it!
Harley is a marriage counselor with a relationship advice podcast. He rents an office in the same building where his wife, Lily-Mae also rents her yoga studio. There's another woman, Makayla, who works on the floor above Harley at a PR firm. Harley is lusting after Makayla bad. He's having a midlife crisis and wondering what it would be like to sleep with someone else. But he thinks he is an honorable man and he doesn't want to cheat on his wife. So Harley starts thinking of a way to have his cake and eat it too, to have Makayla without being a cheater. He comes up with the idea of an open marriage.
When Harley comes home, he talks about the open marriage to Lilly-Mae. Lilly-Mae thinks Harley is planning to leave her if she doesn't agree. She doesn't want him to leave, so she agrees.
Lilly-Mae has met Makayla before, and she specifically tells Harley that she's not ok with it if this is just a plan to sleep with Makayla. He says no, it is not just an excuse to sleep with Makayla. (He knows he's lying.)
So, when Harley sleeps with Makayla, Lilly-Mae figures it out. Lilly-Mae wasn't planning to sleep with anyone else. She was just going to wait for Harley to change his mind. However, now that she knows he lied about Makayla, she's more open minded about it. What neither of them realized is, everyone who works in their building passes by Lilly-Mae's yoga studio every day, and wants to sleep with her, but can't because she was monogamous. But when Harley broadcasts on his podcast that they are now in an open marriage, they all come out of the woodwork to shoot their shot. Even the women, LOL. Meanwhile, Harley has a worse time. Sex with Makayla wasn't that great, and he's not as marketable to other women as he thought. He starts regretting this open marriage thing. But they have a 3 month trail period, and Lilly-Mae is going to take full advantage of it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
Reading this made me think how tf did Harley get a Podcast as a relationship guru? I mean in the first chapter the bro wanted to get his dick wet so he has a character dilemma and bang! “Lightbulb moment” he suggests and OPEN MARRIAGE. But even better let’s talk about it on my podcast where his wife will eventually hear about it so it’s much smoother when he actually does bring it up to her.
So yeah she agrees “reluctantly”. he doesn’t notices because he was to focused on how he’s going to fuck Makayla. He eventually does and it’s lacklustre. Mind you, his wife had asked if this was because he wanted sex with Makayla his coworker but he lied and denied it. And blamed it on wanting to open up their horizons and gain experience for their own relationship. I don’t understand that logic but okay.
He comes back home straight after fucking Makayla doesn’t even shower or clean himself up. The wife finds out she’s mad and boom! She’s fucking and seeing 2 guys one older rich man and a much younger man who turns out to be her husband’s coworker.
So by this point our male lead has become a total loser starting from a successful podcaster on relationship and a therapist with a secured marriage to a man crying 24/7 throwing tantrums and begging on his knees to his wife to close the marriage.
He cries and cries and complains and demands and cries again if that doesn’t work. I was getting whiplash. Like I wanted her to keep going but I also wanted him to stfu.
In the end she decided to close the marriage after the 3 months they both agreed on in the beginning. Let me be honest he only regretted it because no one wanted to play his stupid board games when he was tryna find a date. Fucking nerd had the audacity to open up his marriage overestimating his market value. I’m glad the wife milked up the 3 months of their open marriage I mean that threesome scene with her two lovers was chefs kiss.
So yeah she agrees “reluctantly”. he doesn’t notices because he was to focused on how he’s going to fuck Makayla. He eventually does and it’s lacklustre. Mind you, his wife had asked if this was because he wanted sex with Makayla his coworker but he lied and denied it. And blamed it on wanting to open up their horizons and gain experience for their own relationship. I don’t understand that logic but okay.
He comes back home straight after fucking Makayla doesn’t even shower or clean himself up. The wife finds out she’s mad and boom! She’s fucking and seeing 2 guys one older rich man and a much younger man who turns out to be her husband’s coworker.
So by this point our male lead has become a total loser starting from a successful podcaster on relationship and a therapist with a secured marriage to a man crying 24/7 throwing tantrums and begging on his knees to his wife to close the marriage.
He cries and cries and complains and demands and cries again if that doesn’t work. I was getting whiplash. Like I wanted her to keep going but I also wanted him to stfu.
In the end she decided to close the marriage after the 3 months they both agreed on in the beginning. Let me be honest he only regretted it because no one wanted to play his stupid board games when he was tryna find a date. Fucking nerd had the audacity to open up his marriage overestimating his market value. I’m glad the wife milked up the 3 months of their open marriage I mean that threesome scene with her two lovers was chefs kiss.
October 25, 2025
When Lily-Mae listened to her husbands podcast she was completely blind sided, he wanted and open marriage, he wanted them to sleep with other people, she thought that they were happy after seventeen years of marriage, she was obviously wrong'
Dr. Harley Donaghy had been a gangly nerd when he met beautiful Lily-Mae at collage, she was the only woman who had looked twice at him, he was now a successful therapist with an equally successful podcast "Self Actualizing Your Way To Marital Delight".
Now a debonair, handsome doctor, women were falling at his feet, especially sassy Makayla who worked in the same building. Harley drooled over Makayla as she flirted outrageously with him but he couldn't cheat on his wife........or could he ? would she agree to an open marriage ?
Lily-Mae reluctantly did agree, she loved Harley and if this was the only way to save their marriage then so be it,
Harley set off with gusto and Makayla was only too willing, but things didn't go to plan and Harley's world was turned upside down.
This is a quick read, mildly amusing, it was obvious from the start what was going to happen. I am sure that there are loads of people who will love this book, it is very tongue in cheek, but sadly it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Dr. Harley Donaghy had been a gangly nerd when he met beautiful Lily-Mae at collage, she was the only woman who had looked twice at him, he was now a successful therapist with an equally successful podcast "Self Actualizing Your Way To Marital Delight".
Now a debonair, handsome doctor, women were falling at his feet, especially sassy Makayla who worked in the same building. Harley drooled over Makayla as she flirted outrageously with him but he couldn't cheat on his wife........or could he ? would she agree to an open marriage ?
Lily-Mae reluctantly did agree, she loved Harley and if this was the only way to save their marriage then so be it,
Harley set off with gusto and Makayla was only too willing, but things didn't go to plan and Harley's world was turned upside down.
This is a quick read, mildly amusing, it was obvious from the start what was going to happen. I am sure that there are loads of people who will love this book, it is very tongue in cheek, but sadly it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
November 15, 2025
"I didn’t know if it was the pickles or what, but her pussy just was not that interesting."
I mean… I have to give it to her: Katie Landry has a funny way with words. Half the time I have to reread sentences because I’m not sure if what I just read is actually what I read.
Anyway, this was fun — nothing too serious. It wasn’t quite as angsty as some of her other novellas, but it was still a silly, entertaining time.
I would’ve preferred if there was less time spent with the FMC having sex with random men and more time dedicated to the MMC actually groveling, because that is the entire point of a grovel novella. And yes, he did grovel in the sense that he constantly apologized and humiliated himself in desperation to win his wife back… but it still felt kind of light compared to some of the groveling Katie Landry has written before.
Also, I’m just not that interested in reading smut when it’s not between the main couple — and there were more sex scenes here with the FMC and random men than there were between the actual couple. Just saying.
So overall: a fun, chaotic little read that made me laugh, but definitely not a favorite. But if you’re in the mood for something unserious, dramatic in a ridiculous way, and full of unhinged one-liners, this will do the trick
I mean… I have to give it to her: Katie Landry has a funny way with words. Half the time I have to reread sentences because I’m not sure if what I just read is actually what I read.
Anyway, this was fun — nothing too serious. It wasn’t quite as angsty as some of her other novellas, but it was still a silly, entertaining time.
I would’ve preferred if there was less time spent with the FMC having sex with random men and more time dedicated to the MMC actually groveling, because that is the entire point of a grovel novella. And yes, he did grovel in the sense that he constantly apologized and humiliated himself in desperation to win his wife back… but it still felt kind of light compared to some of the groveling Katie Landry has written before.
Also, I’m just not that interested in reading smut when it’s not between the main couple — and there were more sex scenes here with the FMC and random men than there were between the actual couple. Just saying.
So overall: a fun, chaotic little read that made me laugh, but definitely not a favorite. But if you’re in the mood for something unserious, dramatic in a ridiculous way, and full of unhinged one-liners, this will do the trick
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