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Pushing the Boundaries #3
What Emma Craves
Librarian's An alternate cover edition can be found [|34686912]
It took a lot for Pete Slater to convince his wife, Emma, to move to the suburbs. But once she arrived, she found it had a deliciously steamy underbelly. Her neighborhood is filled with hook-ups, affairs, and scandal. It's better than any reality TV show.
But Emma isn’t satisfied anymore. After watching her friends Piper and Michael Collins become adventurous in their marriage again, it's made Emma realize that's what she wants in her own life. She craves to be noticed again. In order to try and find what’s missing, she and Pete decide to book a vacation.
Their destination is a super exclusive resort situated on a tiny island where anything and everything can happen. When they meet a young couple at the airport, who end up in the suite next to theirs, things go from fun to incredibly steamy fast. Emma drives Pete crazy flirting, and it pays off. For the first time in their marriage her husband is jealous of another man. What Pete does to win her back turns out to be exactly what Emma craves.
*This book is off the charts hot. It explicit sex, group sex, and voyeurism.
It took a lot for Pete Slater to convince his wife, Emma, to move to the suburbs. But once she arrived, she found it had a deliciously steamy underbelly. Her neighborhood is filled with hook-ups, affairs, and scandal. It's better than any reality TV show.
But Emma isn’t satisfied anymore. After watching her friends Piper and Michael Collins become adventurous in their marriage again, it's made Emma realize that's what she wants in her own life. She craves to be noticed again. In order to try and find what’s missing, she and Pete decide to book a vacation.
Their destination is a super exclusive resort situated on a tiny island where anything and everything can happen. When they meet a young couple at the airport, who end up in the suite next to theirs, things go from fun to incredibly steamy fast. Emma drives Pete crazy flirting, and it pays off. For the first time in their marriage her husband is jealous of another man. What Pete does to win her back turns out to be exactly what Emma craves.
*This book is off the charts hot. It explicit sex, group sex, and voyeurism.
- GenresEroticaAdultContemporary
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2015
7 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Abbott
10 books40 followersAmanda Abbott lives in the Midwest. She's the author of many books, both on her own and some published in New York. She loves traveling, seeing the world, and above all she loves to write. These stories have blossomed out of her pure love of all kinds of romance, but especially humor + sexy combined. Taking the question of "what if" and making it real was an absolute thrill to write. And there's more in the hopper! To keep up with new series and new releases, be sure to sign-up for her NEWSLETTER. That's the place you get to hear from her personally.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 26, 2015
I pulled an all nighter to finish up What Emma Craves by Amanda Abbott. Emma and Pete helped out the couple in the first book, What Caroline Wants and they were around in the second book, What Piper Needs, now it's their turn to work on their marriage.
Emma and Pete have been in the lifestyle for most of their marriage. They have a place of pleasure in their basement where they entertain other couples. But their not true swingers. That call themselves swappers instead. They always meet a couple and get to know them and talk over what they want from a night with other couple before acting on it. It's all very controlled and never spontaneous. Until now.
Pete and Emma are scheduled to go on a much-needed vacation and it was Pete's idea to go to a private, clothing optional island for a week. There will be other people in the lifestyle there to have fun with. But Emma wanted to go on a vacation where it was just them so they could reconnect as a couple without bring anyone else into their bed. But since she's a pleaser by nature she agreed to the vacation that Pete wanted.
The couple gets to the island and all the feelings Emma has been dealing with the last few weeks comes boiling over and they have to face what's going on in their marriage in order to get to their happy place again. With the help from some old friends and new ones they meet at the resort Emma and Pete have some hot times and much-needed couple time to get that old feeling back in their marriage.
I really enjoyed What Emma Craves. Amanda Abbott is an author that knows who to write sexy and carrying married couples. I can't wait to read the next book, What Gillian Desires. And I was super excited to read at the end of the book that there will a spin-off series about singles and the first book is about Mallory, the supermodel that Emma and Pete met at the resort. She is a very bold and funny character. So I'm looking forward to reading Sun Kissed.
If you're looking for an erotic romance that not only has you reaching for your B.O.B but also has a well written plot and characters you should pick up a copy of What Emma Craves. While it can be read a stand alone I highly recommend starting with the first book in the Pushing the Boundaries series, What Caroline Wants to get the full character development of Emma and Pete.
Emma and Pete have been in the lifestyle for most of their marriage. They have a place of pleasure in their basement where they entertain other couples. But their not true swingers. That call themselves swappers instead. They always meet a couple and get to know them and talk over what they want from a night with other couple before acting on it. It's all very controlled and never spontaneous. Until now.
Pete and Emma are scheduled to go on a much-needed vacation and it was Pete's idea to go to a private, clothing optional island for a week. There will be other people in the lifestyle there to have fun with. But Emma wanted to go on a vacation where it was just them so they could reconnect as a couple without bring anyone else into their bed. But since she's a pleaser by nature she agreed to the vacation that Pete wanted.
The couple gets to the island and all the feelings Emma has been dealing with the last few weeks comes boiling over and they have to face what's going on in their marriage in order to get to their happy place again. With the help from some old friends and new ones they meet at the resort Emma and Pete have some hot times and much-needed couple time to get that old feeling back in their marriage.
I really enjoyed What Emma Craves. Amanda Abbott is an author that knows who to write sexy and carrying married couples. I can't wait to read the next book, What Gillian Desires. And I was super excited to read at the end of the book that there will a spin-off series about singles and the first book is about Mallory, the supermodel that Emma and Pete met at the resort. She is a very bold and funny character. So I'm looking forward to reading Sun Kissed.
If you're looking for an erotic romance that not only has you reaching for your B.O.B but also has a well written plot and characters you should pick up a copy of What Emma Craves. While it can be read a stand alone I highly recommend starting with the first book in the Pushing the Boundaries series, What Caroline Wants to get the full character development of Emma and Pete.
April 13, 2016
Amanda Abbott has another scorcher on her hands! WHAT EMMA CRAVES is a perfect summer beach read that is super sexy but also pushes the boundaries I think. Out of the series so far, this is the one that pushed MY boundaries because while it has some amazing sex scenes which I can totally get behind, the emotional turmoil that Emma experiences makes this book far more complicated. The title fits this book perfectly because for a lot of the book Emma craves something that her husband, Pete hasn't been giving her. And while she loves him dearly, Pete is pretty much clueless about what will make his wife happy. It doesn't help that there are other threats that seem to want to break them apart. That being said, there is no cheating in the book and anything that happens is welcomed by Emma and Pete at the time. WHAT EMMA CRAVES is very much a battle of the hearts. Jealously, desire and scandal all play a massive part in the story but at its core, it's really just about feeling loved.
Abbott also introduces several secondary characters who I am absolutely thrilled to read about. Brad and Gillian, the biker chick sound promising and Mallory, the soon-to-be-mega-supermodel made me laugh and laugh. I'm sure her book will certainly be filled with fun and sexy times. I already cannot wait for the next book!
Abbott also introduces several secondary characters who I am absolutely thrilled to read about. Brad and Gillian, the biker chick sound promising and Mallory, the soon-to-be-mega-supermodel made me laugh and laugh. I'm sure her book will certainly be filled with fun and sexy times. I already cannot wait for the next book!
July 20, 2015
3.5 stars
I've been a huge fan of this series ever since I picked up the first book so I was really excited to start What Emma Craves. We've already had the chance to learn quite a lot about this couple's extracurricular activities in the previous stories but I was looking forward to getting to know them both a bit better. Emma and Pete have always been more than happy to invite other couples to join them in the bedroom, it's something that they both enjoy and it's never caused an issue in their relationship before. Recently things have been changing for Emma though, she loves her husband like mad but she feels like they're losing the connection that has always made them such a strong couple. She misses the way things used to be and knows that something needs to change. Hoping a break will help them reconnect they have booked a holiday to an exclusive resort on an island where anything goes but will it really give them the chance to rebuild their relationship?
Although this story is undoubtedly hot I have to admit I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous instalments. I have always liked Emma but there were times I found myself really frustrated with Pete and the way he was so completely oblivious to her feelings. It felt like she was pushing herself to do things that she wasn't necessarily comfortable with because it was what he wanted and even when he noticed her reticence it didn't seem to bother him. I'm not saying he forces her into anything but you could tell her heart wasn't in it and that took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. I was actually really pleased when Antonio started paying her so much attention and showing her what it was like to actually have someone put her first for a change. This was when the story really started to take off for me and I enjoyed seeing Pete realise that Emma had other options, his jealousy showed that he really did care for her and it shook some sense into him.
There was one side character who got on my nerves from the beginning, Mallory just seemed so self centred and whiny and I couldn't for the life of me understand why Emma ended up becoming friends with her. I especially didn't like the games she was trying to play and it wasn't until right near the end of the book that I believed she was actually trying to help Emma and Pete rather than break them up. I think she was one of the main reasons I didn't like this book as much as I could have.
One thing I definitely enjoyed was the beautiful island setting, it was very easy to picture the decadent resort and it's definitely somewhere I wouldn't mind visiting. I also loved the growing bond between Emma and the other women from the series. There were some great moments between them and I loved the holiday shower they threw along with the gifts they gave Emma. There is a lot of humour in the interactions between them and I'm definitely looking forward to reading Gillian's book because I think it's going to be brilliant.
I've been a huge fan of this series ever since I picked up the first book so I was really excited to start What Emma Craves. We've already had the chance to learn quite a lot about this couple's extracurricular activities in the previous stories but I was looking forward to getting to know them both a bit better. Emma and Pete have always been more than happy to invite other couples to join them in the bedroom, it's something that they both enjoy and it's never caused an issue in their relationship before. Recently things have been changing for Emma though, she loves her husband like mad but she feels like they're losing the connection that has always made them such a strong couple. She misses the way things used to be and knows that something needs to change. Hoping a break will help them reconnect they have booked a holiday to an exclusive resort on an island where anything goes but will it really give them the chance to rebuild their relationship?
Although this story is undoubtedly hot I have to admit I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous instalments. I have always liked Emma but there were times I found myself really frustrated with Pete and the way he was so completely oblivious to her feelings. It felt like she was pushing herself to do things that she wasn't necessarily comfortable with because it was what he wanted and even when he noticed her reticence it didn't seem to bother him. I'm not saying he forces her into anything but you could tell her heart wasn't in it and that took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. I was actually really pleased when Antonio started paying her so much attention and showing her what it was like to actually have someone put her first for a change. This was when the story really started to take off for me and I enjoyed seeing Pete realise that Emma had other options, his jealousy showed that he really did care for her and it shook some sense into him.
There was one side character who got on my nerves from the beginning, Mallory just seemed so self centred and whiny and I couldn't for the life of me understand why Emma ended up becoming friends with her. I especially didn't like the games she was trying to play and it wasn't until right near the end of the book that I believed she was actually trying to help Emma and Pete rather than break them up. I think she was one of the main reasons I didn't like this book as much as I could have.
One thing I definitely enjoyed was the beautiful island setting, it was very easy to picture the decadent resort and it's definitely somewhere I wouldn't mind visiting. I also loved the growing bond between Emma and the other women from the series. There were some great moments between them and I loved the holiday shower they threw along with the gifts they gave Emma. There is a lot of humour in the interactions between them and I'm definitely looking forward to reading Gillian's book because I think it's going to be brilliant.
August 31, 2015
I don’t have much reading experience when it comes to erotic romance, but I’d like to think that this is a good example of it. As inexperienced as I am, I expected a lot of sex-and there was that for sure- but there was also an underlying of sweet romance. This was as much erotica as it was a story of a couple reconnecting and learning to appreciate each other again.
Though this is a part of a series and I haven’t yet read the previous books, I didn’t feel like a stranger reading it. Sure, previous characters appeared and offered advice and company to Emma, but all it did was make me curious about their own books. I was completely focused on Emma and Pete’s relationship, their sexy adventure on the secluded island, but what I loved-and I can’t believe I’m about to say this- and looked forward to the most when I was reading, was how Emma and Pete worked things out. The sex? It was explosive. The kind of lifestyle these guys live is one I’m stranger to, but damn, it was hot. It was all the naughty fantasies wrapped up in a nice little package on a gorgeous, dream like island. Though they have an open relationship, Emma and Pete were very much in love, and it was enjoyable to read them spice things up by turning to each other first and foremost. There was no cheating, no drama despite their lifestyle. Just some good ol’ sexy fun times, jealousy thrown in here and there that I loved, and two people sharing something they both loved.
I think if you’re a lover of erotic romance, this is a good choice for you. I don’t know much about what’s going on in the genre, but I like my couples to end up only with each other, never mind everything and everyone in between, so if you feel the same as me, then again, this book is for you. The love and respect I see in challenging relationships like this makes it all the more enjoyable to read.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go do my laundry now and get ready for the previous books, because I just have to know what went on in them.
Though this is a part of a series and I haven’t yet read the previous books, I didn’t feel like a stranger reading it. Sure, previous characters appeared and offered advice and company to Emma, but all it did was make me curious about their own books. I was completely focused on Emma and Pete’s relationship, their sexy adventure on the secluded island, but what I loved-and I can’t believe I’m about to say this- and looked forward to the most when I was reading, was how Emma and Pete worked things out. The sex? It was explosive. The kind of lifestyle these guys live is one I’m stranger to, but damn, it was hot. It was all the naughty fantasies wrapped up in a nice little package on a gorgeous, dream like island. Though they have an open relationship, Emma and Pete were very much in love, and it was enjoyable to read them spice things up by turning to each other first and foremost. There was no cheating, no drama despite their lifestyle. Just some good ol’ sexy fun times, jealousy thrown in here and there that I loved, and two people sharing something they both loved.
I think if you’re a lover of erotic romance, this is a good choice for you. I don’t know much about what’s going on in the genre, but I like my couples to end up only with each other, never mind everything and everyone in between, so if you feel the same as me, then again, this book is for you. The love and respect I see in challenging relationships like this makes it all the more enjoyable to read.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go do my laundry now and get ready for the previous books, because I just have to know what went on in them.
July 27, 2015
What Emma Craves tells us the story of Pete and Emma, husband and wife for several years now.
Their Relationship has somehow slowed down,and Emma, after a nice girls talk with Caroline, Piper and Gillian, decides to handle things her way... And I have to say I probably would have done the same thing... I mean what's better than a little jealousy to make your other half realize what he would be missing if he doesn't fight for what he has.
What I really liked in this book is the fact that they are already in a steady Relationship, they have real feelings for each other. The strong will to make things work and fight for what they have is something that is important to me and I totally agree with this philosophy.
The description of places and thoughts was sometimes a bit too detailled and repetitive. And once the issue was solved, I thought it was a bit rushed.
But frankly that was maybe the only thing that bothered me in this book. Well I ended up bothered but in a good way!!!
Let me tell you, the sex was off the charts hot, and wow I could feel the sexual tension all along the story.
This is a nice and short read for an afternoon at the beach. But don't forget to bring an other swimsuit!!! ;)
Their Relationship has somehow slowed down,and Emma, after a nice girls talk with Caroline, Piper and Gillian, decides to handle things her way... And I have to say I probably would have done the same thing... I mean what's better than a little jealousy to make your other half realize what he would be missing if he doesn't fight for what he has.
What I really liked in this book is the fact that they are already in a steady Relationship, they have real feelings for each other. The strong will to make things work and fight for what they have is something that is important to me and I totally agree with this philosophy.
The description of places and thoughts was sometimes a bit too detailled and repetitive. And once the issue was solved, I thought it was a bit rushed.
But frankly that was maybe the only thing that bothered me in this book. Well I ended up bothered but in a good way!!!
Let me tell you, the sex was off the charts hot, and wow I could feel the sexual tension all along the story.
This is a nice and short read for an afternoon at the beach. But don't forget to bring an other swimsuit!!! ;)
July 27, 2015
In this third book in the Pushing the Boundaries series, Emma Slater is experiencing one of those dips in her marriage. Her husband doesn't seem to look at her like he once did, and sex has become unexciting. When her husband Pete arranges a vacation at a exclusive sex resort, it becomes a question of whether they can enjoy their time there when there are many unspoken issues between them.
One thing I like about this series is the exploration of sexual lifestyles by committed adults. But it's the separation of love and sex that sometimes gets them confused too. After years of an open lifestyle, Emma is looking for something else. She just can't quite put her finger on it, or explain it to her husband, although she does try to.
I felt a little sorry for Pete in this, as Emma's discontent blindsides him to some extent, and he spends some of his vacation in a very agitated state. But it all ends well, and I liked that about it too.
This is a different sort of erotic series based on couples in committed relationships. I'm glad to see that there will be more in this series. Amanda Abbott does a nice job of keeping up the temperature between these couples, and keeping guilt out of the equation. I like that.
ARC Provided for review.
One thing I like about this series is the exploration of sexual lifestyles by committed adults. But it's the separation of love and sex that sometimes gets them confused too. After years of an open lifestyle, Emma is looking for something else. She just can't quite put her finger on it, or explain it to her husband, although she does try to.
I felt a little sorry for Pete in this, as Emma's discontent blindsides him to some extent, and he spends some of his vacation in a very agitated state. But it all ends well, and I liked that about it too.
This is a different sort of erotic series based on couples in committed relationships. I'm glad to see that there will be more in this series. Amanda Abbott does a nice job of keeping up the temperature between these couples, and keeping guilt out of the equation. I like that.
ARC Provided for review.
July 21, 2015
This is the third novel in the Pushing the Boundaries Series and I have read them all. The title of the series is perfect for these stories. Each book is about a different married couple within a group of friends that live in the "lifestyle" and each couple has their certain kind of kink.
Pete and Emma have been married for about five years. They met in college and soon after they moved to the suburbs and lead relatively normal lives except they love to bring couples into their bedroom from time to time. Emma enjoys the art of sex and everything about it and watching is one of her biggest turn-ons. Pete and Emma have been in the lifestyle for most of their relationship but Emma is starting to feel that they are going off track. She craving something from Pete that she can't pinpoint but they have a very sexy and much needed vacation coming up and she is ready to figure it out...
Pete and Emma booked a villa on a super-exclusive island where open sex was encouraged. They need this and on their first night on the island they bring in a sexy super-model but Emma feels something she doesn't usual feel...jealously. She doesn't know what to do with this new feeling and she doesn't want to dig too deep and ruin the vacation of a lifetime. Pete knows that Emma has been upset for some time but she won't open up but when the new couple they met at the airport show up to the island, he starts to feel the same way. Antonio wants his wife but for some reason this man has Pete on edge more than ever before.
Emma has figured out that she is craving attention. That look of wanting of love and affection that has been missing in her relationship with Pete. She knows Pete wants her sexually but she wants to feel that love connection again during the act of sex and when somebody else is there, she only feels the pleasure and not the love. She needs to know that Pete only wants and needs her. So when Antonio gives her attention, she takes it but would never cheat on Pete but the feeling is like a drug. Can Pete figure out what Emma is craving before it's too late?
I loved this story because they are a loving couple with a kink that most people can't handle. I know I would be going through the same thing as Emma but always. It takes a very strong couple to enter this kind of relationship. They have to have boundaries and fully trust that their partner would not cross that line. With that being said...this book is seriously fucking hot but that's not all it has going for it. It digs deeper into their relationship.
I also enjoyed meeting the new secondary characters that I will be seeing later in the new series! Mallory is a single super-model that is sexy as hell, sweet as honey and also funny and ready to find the one and if not at least she will have lots of sex in her book.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and to start the new series, Sexy Singles!
Quotes:
Sometimes we’re just searching for a different flavor. Or a cookie instead of a cracker. That’s my favorite analogy to date. A big, fat Double Stuf Oreo instead of a dry wheat cracker.”
Now there was nothing. There was a void with no feelings attached.
That look was what it meant to be wanted more than anything in the world. That’s what Emma craved.
Pete and Emma have been married for about five years. They met in college and soon after they moved to the suburbs and lead relatively normal lives except they love to bring couples into their bedroom from time to time. Emma enjoys the art of sex and everything about it and watching is one of her biggest turn-ons. Pete and Emma have been in the lifestyle for most of their relationship but Emma is starting to feel that they are going off track. She craving something from Pete that she can't pinpoint but they have a very sexy and much needed vacation coming up and she is ready to figure it out...
Pete and Emma booked a villa on a super-exclusive island where open sex was encouraged. They need this and on their first night on the island they bring in a sexy super-model but Emma feels something she doesn't usual feel...jealously. She doesn't know what to do with this new feeling and she doesn't want to dig too deep and ruin the vacation of a lifetime. Pete knows that Emma has been upset for some time but she won't open up but when the new couple they met at the airport show up to the island, he starts to feel the same way. Antonio wants his wife but for some reason this man has Pete on edge more than ever before.
Emma has figured out that she is craving attention. That look of wanting of love and affection that has been missing in her relationship with Pete. She knows Pete wants her sexually but she wants to feel that love connection again during the act of sex and when somebody else is there, she only feels the pleasure and not the love. She needs to know that Pete only wants and needs her. So when Antonio gives her attention, she takes it but would never cheat on Pete but the feeling is like a drug. Can Pete figure out what Emma is craving before it's too late?
I loved this story because they are a loving couple with a kink that most people can't handle. I know I would be going through the same thing as Emma but always. It takes a very strong couple to enter this kind of relationship. They have to have boundaries and fully trust that their partner would not cross that line. With that being said...this book is seriously fucking hot but that's not all it has going for it. It digs deeper into their relationship.
I also enjoyed meeting the new secondary characters that I will be seeing later in the new series! Mallory is a single super-model that is sexy as hell, sweet as honey and also funny and ready to find the one and if not at least she will have lots of sex in her book.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and to start the new series, Sexy Singles!
Quotes:
Sometimes we’re just searching for a different flavor. Or a cookie instead of a cracker. That’s my favorite analogy to date. A big, fat Double Stuf Oreo instead of a dry wheat cracker.”
Now there was nothing. There was a void with no feelings attached.
That look was what it meant to be wanted more than anything in the world. That’s what Emma craved.
July 27, 2015
Emma and Pete have had an adventurous sex life since the day they got together; they love to mix partners and watch each other and others and they've always found it sexy and been strong enough to never get jealous. Emma soon starts to feel as though something isn't quite right though, and as they head off to a exotic island that caters to the more adventurous, she can't ignore these feelings and Pete starts to worry that maybe their marriage isn't as strong as it seems.
“I’m so happy. This place has a magical feel about it. It’s like we’ve entered some kind of fifth dimension. I hadn’t realized how badly I needed a break from real life. This is already wonderful and calming.”
I think this is my favourite out of the series so far. An exotic island, sex, passion, romance, jealously and great secondary characters all add up to a great story.
“He’s my person, there’s no question about it. He’s my tall, blond surfer boy. I salivate every time I see him. That’s why this is so hard! I love him with all my heart and I want to stay married. I enjoy our life together—yet lately there’s something lacking. But it’s that something I can’t put my finger on."
Emma and Pete have been my favourite lead couple to date. Emma also used to being so confident and knowing what she wants, and even when she becomes unsure of her sexual relationship with Pete she still is confident enough to know that something needs to chance. She's sexy, passionate and modest and a woman you would want to hand out with. Pete is adorable, sexy, confident and just wants to make Emma happy. I actually felt a little sad for him when he was getting jealous over Emma and Antonio because you could feel his love for Emma.
"It’s like we”—she gestured between them again—“have lost the connection between love and sex somewhere along the way. We have sex, but there’s no love attached. I want to feel that love again. I need to feel it. I crave that connection with you.”"
The plot was a lot of fun in this one. I loved the setting of the island, along with the secondary characters such as Mallory and Antonio who added much needed laughter and drama to keep the plot interesting. This story is the only one I really worried about the main couples relationship. I wasn't sure if they were going to get through the jealously the island invoked in both and that kept it gripping but there was enough sex, romance and laughter to keep it on the lighter side of things.
“She’s all I can think about since we’ve been fighting. I’ve never seen her act like this, and it’s gotten under my skin. If we can’t fix this, it’s going to make me crazy. Sex is sex. But love is something different. I’ve chosen one woman to be with forever, and that’s Emma. Period.”
Overall a fun, sexy, interesting and romantic read that's great for a nice, relaxing read in the sun.
~Bethany
“I’m so happy. This place has a magical feel about it. It’s like we’ve entered some kind of fifth dimension. I hadn’t realized how badly I needed a break from real life. This is already wonderful and calming.”
I think this is my favourite out of the series so far. An exotic island, sex, passion, romance, jealously and great secondary characters all add up to a great story.
“He’s my person, there’s no question about it. He’s my tall, blond surfer boy. I salivate every time I see him. That’s why this is so hard! I love him with all my heart and I want to stay married. I enjoy our life together—yet lately there’s something lacking. But it’s that something I can’t put my finger on."
Emma and Pete have been my favourite lead couple to date. Emma also used to being so confident and knowing what she wants, and even when she becomes unsure of her sexual relationship with Pete she still is confident enough to know that something needs to chance. She's sexy, passionate and modest and a woman you would want to hand out with. Pete is adorable, sexy, confident and just wants to make Emma happy. I actually felt a little sad for him when he was getting jealous over Emma and Antonio because you could feel his love for Emma.
"It’s like we”—she gestured between them again—“have lost the connection between love and sex somewhere along the way. We have sex, but there’s no love attached. I want to feel that love again. I need to feel it. I crave that connection with you.”"
The plot was a lot of fun in this one. I loved the setting of the island, along with the secondary characters such as Mallory and Antonio who added much needed laughter and drama to keep the plot interesting. This story is the only one I really worried about the main couples relationship. I wasn't sure if they were going to get through the jealously the island invoked in both and that kept it gripping but there was enough sex, romance and laughter to keep it on the lighter side of things.
“She’s all I can think about since we’ve been fighting. I’ve never seen her act like this, and it’s gotten under my skin. If we can’t fix this, it’s going to make me crazy. Sex is sex. But love is something different. I’ve chosen one woman to be with forever, and that’s Emma. Period.”
Overall a fun, sexy, interesting and romantic read that's great for a nice, relaxing read in the sun.
~Bethany
July 27, 2015
I've really been enjoying the Pushing the Boundaries series, so I was excited about reading this book. We've already met Pete and Emma in the previous books and know that they have a seriously adventurous sex life, so it was no surprise that this book is smokin' hot! I'll be honest and admit that I didn't love it quite as much as the other two books, mainly due to problems I had with Pete's character, but it was still an entertaining (and hot!) story. I also wasn't too keen on the first chapter where Emma was spying on her neighbour having sex, I found it a bit creepy, but I'm glad I didn't let it put me off the rest of the book as I really enjoyed it.
Pete and Emma have been inviting other couples into their bedroom for several years, and they have always been very happy, but Emma is becoming dissatisfied with this arrangement. She craves something more, but she doesn't know exactly what 'more' is. Pete is totally clueless about how to make Emma happy and can't understand what is wrong with their relationship. They go on a luxury holiday to a private, 'clothing optional' island where pretty much anything goes in the hope that it will bring them back together. Here they meet some fabulous new characters that help (albeit inadvertently in some cases) them to sort out their marriage.
The island resort setting was amazing, the author brought it alive and it was the perfect backdrop for this story. I really liked Emma (apart from the spying thing) and wanted to like Pete, but I found him irritating at times. To me he seemed a little inconsiderate of Emma's feelings, and seemed to encourage her to do things that he knew she really didn't want to do. It was all consensual, but Pete appeared to put his desires before his wife's needs. But thanks to some jealousy and meddling by a friend, things start to work out and it makes for interesting reading.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Amanda Abbot as this is such a fun, sexy series. I love how the female characters interact with each other, their banter and antics are hilarious. I also loved all of the new characters, especially Mallory and I'm really hoping we see more of billionaire playboy Antonio. What Emma Craves is a fun, sexy book that receives four out of five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Pete and Emma have been inviting other couples into their bedroom for several years, and they have always been very happy, but Emma is becoming dissatisfied with this arrangement. She craves something more, but she doesn't know exactly what 'more' is. Pete is totally clueless about how to make Emma happy and can't understand what is wrong with their relationship. They go on a luxury holiday to a private, 'clothing optional' island where pretty much anything goes in the hope that it will bring them back together. Here they meet some fabulous new characters that help (albeit inadvertently in some cases) them to sort out their marriage.
The island resort setting was amazing, the author brought it alive and it was the perfect backdrop for this story. I really liked Emma (apart from the spying thing) and wanted to like Pete, but I found him irritating at times. To me he seemed a little inconsiderate of Emma's feelings, and seemed to encourage her to do things that he knew she really didn't want to do. It was all consensual, but Pete appeared to put his desires before his wife's needs. But thanks to some jealousy and meddling by a friend, things start to work out and it makes for interesting reading.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Amanda Abbot as this is such a fun, sexy series. I love how the female characters interact with each other, their banter and antics are hilarious. I also loved all of the new characters, especially Mallory and I'm really hoping we see more of billionaire playboy Antonio. What Emma Craves is a fun, sexy book that receives four out of five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
August 21, 2015
Oh Emma Emma Emma. I went back and forth between wanting to kick her in the shins and wanting to give her a hug. Emma and Pete were married young and almoat immediately joined the swinger lifestyle; however Emma’s not quite sure it’s working for her anymore. The ultimate people pleaser, Emma decides that shes going to try to refocus on herself and her pleasure. Unfortunately, she tortures her loving and insanely hot husband in the process.
As they head off to a secluded resort where almost anything goes, Emma tries her hand at playing at a few new games, that could throw her marriage into the proverbial fire. Pete’s completely in love with his wife, and fails to see the problems in their relationship – whether it’s only them in the bedroom or when they’re with others. As it isn’t really his issue, I couldn’t help feeling a bit bad for the guy.
While I initially was expecting tons of swapping and sharing (which sometimes makes me grit my teeth) I was surprised and pleased to discover that I was always comfortable with how far they took their sexual acts with others.
Ad Pete and Emma search for a way to rekindle their passion, I enjoyed their easy banter back and forth. Their words and touches were playful, knowledgeable and always loving. There are also plenty of sex scenes that will have you heating up and enough romance to soothe you after you come back down from your high.
Overall, an easy read and a passionate story about reconnection with tinges of jealousy and lots of angst. 3 stars.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
As they head off to a secluded resort where almost anything goes, Emma tries her hand at playing at a few new games, that could throw her marriage into the proverbial fire. Pete’s completely in love with his wife, and fails to see the problems in their relationship – whether it’s only them in the bedroom or when they’re with others. As it isn’t really his issue, I couldn’t help feeling a bit bad for the guy.
While I initially was expecting tons of swapping and sharing (which sometimes makes me grit my teeth) I was surprised and pleased to discover that I was always comfortable with how far they took their sexual acts with others.
Ad Pete and Emma search for a way to rekindle their passion, I enjoyed their easy banter back and forth. Their words and touches were playful, knowledgeable and always loving. There are also plenty of sex scenes that will have you heating up and enough romance to soothe you after you come back down from your high.
Overall, an easy read and a passionate story about reconnection with tinges of jealousy and lots of angst. 3 stars.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
July 27, 2015
Ok, this series so far has been a joy, really I have loved each and every one of the stories and this is absolutely no exception.
We have heard about Emma and Pete in earlier books but this all them, it is their story and in some aspects it is them giving their relationship a shot in the arm or a kick up the butt that it needs.
Now, that is not to say that they are niave in the ways of spicing things up – heck they are well versed in all the ways that bring a little something, something to the bedroom.
Not exactly swingers they more aptly like adding extra toppings to enhance their sexual appetite.
But they have and I suppose rightly so, always followed a very precise path when introducing additional couples to their bedroom but it has lead them to keep their desires tightly controlled.
But with their holiday now looming large, they may just be about to take the lid off that control.
While Emma was happy to just spend time together, Pete wanted to make sure that they had the opportunity to sample any merchandise on offer if the mood took them, so hence the fact that they are now in a resort where the wearing of attire is completely optional – so perhaps they will find a little something to help them cover their needs.
But I really felt for Emma in some respects, she just wanted her man to herself for a while and the toll was too much and it eventually all comes pouring out.
It had them in a bad place for a while, one that I really didn’t know if they would be able to find their middle ground again.
But nothing worth having comes easy and they have to face the fact that they need hard work – they need to give more that they are and they have to do it now. To save their marriage.
This is is sensual, erotic tale of a couple pushing themselves to accept their good and bad times, to want each other enough to face the hard truths and to find a way to keep each other happy.
As with the rest of the books, the ground work – although lightly touched upon for the next book is clear and in this book you also get a peek at a spin off series, really Ms Abbott has this genre singing to her very catchy tune.
Great series, great author – loving it!
We have heard about Emma and Pete in earlier books but this all them, it is their story and in some aspects it is them giving their relationship a shot in the arm or a kick up the butt that it needs.
Now, that is not to say that they are niave in the ways of spicing things up – heck they are well versed in all the ways that bring a little something, something to the bedroom.
Not exactly swingers they more aptly like adding extra toppings to enhance their sexual appetite.
But they have and I suppose rightly so, always followed a very precise path when introducing additional couples to their bedroom but it has lead them to keep their desires tightly controlled.
But with their holiday now looming large, they may just be about to take the lid off that control.
While Emma was happy to just spend time together, Pete wanted to make sure that they had the opportunity to sample any merchandise on offer if the mood took them, so hence the fact that they are now in a resort where the wearing of attire is completely optional – so perhaps they will find a little something to help them cover their needs.
But I really felt for Emma in some respects, she just wanted her man to herself for a while and the toll was too much and it eventually all comes pouring out.
It had them in a bad place for a while, one that I really didn’t know if they would be able to find their middle ground again.
But nothing worth having comes easy and they have to face the fact that they need hard work – they need to give more that they are and they have to do it now. To save their marriage.
This is is sensual, erotic tale of a couple pushing themselves to accept their good and bad times, to want each other enough to face the hard truths and to find a way to keep each other happy.
As with the rest of the books, the ground work – although lightly touched upon for the next book is clear and in this book you also get a peek at a spin off series, really Ms Abbott has this genre singing to her very catchy tune.
Great series, great author – loving it!
October 21, 2015
OMG! I love this series. Will buy the next one when it is released!
November 2, 2015
Third book is just as good as the prior two books. The intimate scenes are off the chain.
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