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Tricks of the Trade
Twenty-something, sexually frustrated plumber, Will Last, is fascinated by an attractive age 40+ woman he sees in the plumbing fixtures isle of a big box store. When he casually strolls her way she strikes up a conversation and begs him to do some emergency plumbing repairs for her.
Mitzi Callahan soon has Will wrapped around her little finger. After showing her a plumbers trick for a quick repair, Mitzi reveals herself as a sex trainer and returns the favor by showing Will a trick or two in the bedroom.
Mitzi opens his world to the enchantment of older women and introduces him to one of her students, Lucy Park. Sparks fly between Will and Lucy while dancing at the club where they meet, but they must reach out across age and cultural barriers to find the romantic connection they both seek.
Mitzi Callahan soon has Will wrapped around her little finger. After showing her a plumbers trick for a quick repair, Mitzi reveals herself as a sex trainer and returns the favor by showing Will a trick or two in the bedroom.
Mitzi opens his world to the enchantment of older women and introduces him to one of her students, Lucy Park. Sparks fly between Will and Lucy while dancing at the club where they meet, but they must reach out across age and cultural barriers to find the romantic connection they both seek.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2015
7 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Dryden
12 books16 followersSome men are born great, others strive for greatness; still others have greatness thrust upon them. Spencer Dryden is none of these men. In fact, he is so unimpressive, he leaves no footprints on newly fallen snow. He was trained in fiction writing on the job with the many sales reports he produced for his managers, winning the coveted “keep your job contest” three years running. His expense reports are still considered masterpieces of forgery by the bankruptcy trustee of his former employer. He lives an unremarkable life in a suburb of a northern city. His friends and family would drop dead in horror if they knew of his secret life as a writer of erotica. He hates the family cat but still loves to pet his wife
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 31, 2020
Another tasty little bon-bon of a novella from Spencer Dryden, similar to Hand Job. A quick read, but very enjoyable! I love the older woman / younger man theme and the spirit in which the book is written - fun and sexy with a touch of disco!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Oh my goodness that was hot! Mr. Dryden opens Tricks of the Trade with a scene that seems to come straight out of a porn video – lonely older housewife, hot young plumber, and plenty of pipe. And yet, as I read on I quickly found that there was far more substance to this hot little novelette than the first page would suggest. When Will comes to Mitzi’s plumbing rescue, he does so by giving her a little lesson on basic plumbing. While it is true that Mitzi shows her “gratitude” with a little oral pleasure, she takes it one step further and gives Will a lesson in women, specifically older women. Because Mitzi is a sexually confident woman who hosts sex toy parties, she’s quite adept at “schooling” our young Will. I really liked how her instruction was provided during the course of their sexual interlude – the author managed to make it sexy without feeling clinical. Oh yeah!
Now don't let me lead you to believe that Tricks of the Trade is erotica with no story because it’s not. Actually Will’s interlude with Mitzi is only the first half of the story because it’s Friday night and Will has plans to go clubbing with his buds. Thanks to Mitzi’s Intro to Cougars 101, Will is far more aware of the older ladies in the club than he was on previous nights out. He decides to use the disco dancing skills his momma taught him to meet some new ladies. I loved that Will’s mother taught him to dance and that he got the opportunity to use them to woo the ladies. I was delighted when he made a connection with one of his dance partners. That she was a massage therapist made it even better because it gave Lucy the opening and confidence she needed to make an overture to Will. And yes we are treated to another steamy scene as Will proves that he was definitely an apt pupil. It is through Will’s interactions with Lucy that Mr. Dryden gives us the romance that keeps Tricks of the Trade from being relegated to being strictly erotica. I was quite impressed with how the author managed to pack so much story into 44 pages, giving me not only hot sex scenes and romance, but also a few laughs at Will’s inner monologues and his friend Smitty. And he did it without falling into the insta-love trap by giving readers a look at the beginning of a romance. Tricks of the Trade was a great little read that has been added to my re-read list – hence the 5-star rating – and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Dryden’s work as I enjoyed his writing style.
Oh my goodness that was hot! Mr. Dryden opens Tricks of the Trade with a scene that seems to come straight out of a porn video – lonely older housewife, hot young plumber, and plenty of pipe. And yet, as I read on I quickly found that there was far more substance to this hot little novelette than the first page would suggest. When Will comes to Mitzi’s plumbing rescue, he does so by giving her a little lesson on basic plumbing. While it is true that Mitzi shows her “gratitude” with a little oral pleasure, she takes it one step further and gives Will a lesson in women, specifically older women. Because Mitzi is a sexually confident woman who hosts sex toy parties, she’s quite adept at “schooling” our young Will. I really liked how her instruction was provided during the course of their sexual interlude – the author managed to make it sexy without feeling clinical. Oh yeah!
Now don't let me lead you to believe that Tricks of the Trade is erotica with no story because it’s not. Actually Will’s interlude with Mitzi is only the first half of the story because it’s Friday night and Will has plans to go clubbing with his buds. Thanks to Mitzi’s Intro to Cougars 101, Will is far more aware of the older ladies in the club than he was on previous nights out. He decides to use the disco dancing skills his momma taught him to meet some new ladies. I loved that Will’s mother taught him to dance and that he got the opportunity to use them to woo the ladies. I was delighted when he made a connection with one of his dance partners. That she was a massage therapist made it even better because it gave Lucy the opening and confidence she needed to make an overture to Will. And yes we are treated to another steamy scene as Will proves that he was definitely an apt pupil. It is through Will’s interactions with Lucy that Mr. Dryden gives us the romance that keeps Tricks of the Trade from being relegated to being strictly erotica. I was quite impressed with how the author managed to pack so much story into 44 pages, giving me not only hot sex scenes and romance, but also a few laughs at Will’s inner monologues and his friend Smitty. And he did it without falling into the insta-love trap by giving readers a look at the beginning of a romance. Tricks of the Trade was a great little read that has been added to my re-read list – hence the 5-star rating – and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Dryden’s work as I enjoyed his writing style.
May 4, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review
Tricks of the Trade is a short erotic novella with an interesting storyline and strong characters. This is the second book I've read by this author and I really enjoy his writing style. There are some really steamy scenes is this book that make for hot reading. I love the fact that the heroines are older than the hero, the author does a great job of showing just how sexy older women are.
Will is a twenty something plumber who hasn't had much luck with the ladies - until he meets Mitzi in the plumbing aisle of a DIY store. Mitzi is in her forties and has a very unusual job - she runs sex toy parties and is a sex coach. After persuading Will to fix her leaking kitchen sink she repays the favour by teaching him some tricks to please the ladies. Later she introduces him to Lucy and he has the chance to try out his newly learned skills.
I absolutely loved Mitzi - she's sexy, comfortable in her skin and is determined to prove that forty plus women can still have sex appeal. Will is really quite endearing - it's nice to come across a male hero who is normal and not one hundred percent confident in his bedroom skills. Lucy is sweet too, she really blossoms under Mitzi's tutelage. There are some fun, humorous moments too - I loved the scenes at the nightclub, especially Will's friend's reaction to Lucy's attempt at getting his attention.
If you are a fan of erotic fiction, especially those featuring older women having fun, then I am sure you will enjoy this quick read. I'd love there to be a sequel to this book to see what the future holds for Will. I give Tricks of the Trade four out of five stars.
Tricks of the Trade is a short erotic novella with an interesting storyline and strong characters. This is the second book I've read by this author and I really enjoy his writing style. There are some really steamy scenes is this book that make for hot reading. I love the fact that the heroines are older than the hero, the author does a great job of showing just how sexy older women are.
Will is a twenty something plumber who hasn't had much luck with the ladies - until he meets Mitzi in the plumbing aisle of a DIY store. Mitzi is in her forties and has a very unusual job - she runs sex toy parties and is a sex coach. After persuading Will to fix her leaking kitchen sink she repays the favour by teaching him some tricks to please the ladies. Later she introduces him to Lucy and he has the chance to try out his newly learned skills.
I absolutely loved Mitzi - she's sexy, comfortable in her skin and is determined to prove that forty plus women can still have sex appeal. Will is really quite endearing - it's nice to come across a male hero who is normal and not one hundred percent confident in his bedroom skills. Lucy is sweet too, she really blossoms under Mitzi's tutelage. There are some fun, humorous moments too - I loved the scenes at the nightclub, especially Will's friend's reaction to Lucy's attempt at getting his attention.
If you are a fan of erotic fiction, especially those featuring older women having fun, then I am sure you will enjoy this quick read. I'd love there to be a sequel to this book to see what the future holds for Will. I give Tricks of the Trade four out of five stars.
April 20, 2015
First 50% - There is no doubt this author can pen a good yarn, but the heroine giving a step by step tutorial/instructions on how to pleasure a woman, while having sex, made it difficult for me to stay in the scene.
Interesting career choice for the heroine, that made me smile. Everyone needs to go to one of 'those' parties.
Moving on to the second half of the book...
This was fun. I enjoyed the disco talk and reminiscing of the era. I liked the HEA and the authors descriptive story telling.
My biggest gripe - How the contraception/safe sex issue was addressed. I know, I know its only fiction right? What works for one, doesn't work for another, so I won't go into it.
I recommend this story to readers who enjoy well written erotica, featuring an older women teaching a younger man a trick or two ;)
Copy provided by Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting career choice for the heroine, that made me smile. Everyone needs to go to one of 'those' parties.
Moving on to the second half of the book...
This was fun. I enjoyed the disco talk and reminiscing of the era. I liked the HEA and the authors descriptive story telling.
My biggest gripe - How the contraception/safe sex issue was addressed. I know, I know its only fiction right? What works for one, doesn't work for another, so I won't go into it.
I recommend this story to readers who enjoy well written erotica, featuring an older women teaching a younger man a trick or two ;)
Copy provided by Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2015
TRICKS OF THE TRADE has a little bit of laughter, a little bit of love and a whole lot of erotica. Will Last (very funny, Spencer) owns a successful business but his performance reviews in the bedroom are less than stellar. It takes the guidance of sexually experienced and free loving Mitzi Callahan to open Will's eyes to his own shortcomings. The lessons he learns from Mitzi are life changing and Will is anxious to try out his skills with a woman who is confident enough to learn new lessons right along with him.
The situations Will finds himself in, though slightly stereotypical at first, paired with the lighthearted writing style, make this a breezy story that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. Not particularly memorable, but fun none the less.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews
The situations Will finds himself in, though slightly stereotypical at first, paired with the lighthearted writing style, make this a breezy story that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. Not particularly memorable, but fun none the less.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews
July 1, 2015
I found some of the language a bit cringey but I think this is written as fantasy and mainly aimed towards men (that's how it feels to me anyway) so I guess my perspective would be quite different to the target audience.
Overall it was ok. The writing flowed and it was fairly easy to read. I think as long as you take it in the spirit it is intended, a man's fantasy about an older woman, it works just fine. It's actually quite nice to read about a younger man/older woman for a change.
I didn't like the way the contraception issue was handled, but ya know, fantasy...
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Overall it was ok. The writing flowed and it was fairly easy to read. I think as long as you take it in the spirit it is intended, a man's fantasy about an older woman, it works just fine. It's actually quite nice to read about a younger man/older woman for a change.
I didn't like the way the contraception issue was handled, but ya know, fantasy...
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a hot little story of the 20 something tradie who gets the opportunity to be with an older (40 something) woman. A quick, fun and hot story. I particularly enjoyed having the older woman broaden the horizons of the young stud. I'd like to read more stories like this one.
This is a hot little story of the 20 something tradie who gets the opportunity to be with an older (40 something) woman. A quick, fun and hot story. I particularly enjoyed having the older woman broaden the horizons of the young stud. I'd like to read more stories like this one.
August 29, 2016
I'm starting to think Spencer Dryden is the m/f author for me. I'm MM girl at heart and used to unrealistic body image ( which I love) but his characters are refreshing. You could say I was more in mood for bit more story and a touch bit less sex. I'm must say I 'm not a big fan of age gap trope in books. But they both were acted like adults even though there was a 20 years or so age difference. I love the flow of his stories but I wasn't in love one this one.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2015
This book had all of my usual favorites... lots of sexy times, a younger man / older woman theme and it's a quick read. The idea for the story was a good one. What older woman wouldn't want the attention of a younger hunk? The ending was a nice surprise too.
May 15, 2015
Tricks of the Trade is a fast-paced and entertaining novelette. Written in such a casual manner, it reads so conversationally and smoothly that you don't realize how far into the book you are until you read the words "The End." Spencer's short erotica story dives right into the heart of things with a glance, some flirty words, and a nice set of large breasts right in the middle of a home improvement store.
Will is a plumber by trade, a youngster in his 20's, not quite satisfied in the bedroom department. When a 40-something woman shows him the attention he's been craving, he doesn't expect to help her fix an emergency plumbing situation, and then end up in her bed. What was a casual stroll through the store turned into an intense sexual encounter with a mature woman; one that left him satisfied and craving that type of intimacy.
His encounter with Mitzi has him reconsidering the women that he pursues. A reconsideration that he puts to use later that evening. Enter Lucy, a shy, Asian American, that is blossoming under the tutelage of one Mitzi Callahan. Will and Lucy connect and a perfect HEA is born.
I love Spencer's writing style. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and even though I should have been doing homework for both of my college classes, I decided reading Tricks of the Trade sounded like a whole lot more fun. I was right - it was!! A steamy story, yes, but there is a plot, a nice budding romance between two people with a near 20 year age gap. Who says older women aren't as much fun in the bedroom, under the sink, or in a spa??!!
Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
Will is a plumber by trade, a youngster in his 20's, not quite satisfied in the bedroom department. When a 40-something woman shows him the attention he's been craving, he doesn't expect to help her fix an emergency plumbing situation, and then end up in her bed. What was a casual stroll through the store turned into an intense sexual encounter with a mature woman; one that left him satisfied and craving that type of intimacy.
His encounter with Mitzi has him reconsidering the women that he pursues. A reconsideration that he puts to use later that evening. Enter Lucy, a shy, Asian American, that is blossoming under the tutelage of one Mitzi Callahan. Will and Lucy connect and a perfect HEA is born.
I love Spencer's writing style. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and even though I should have been doing homework for both of my college classes, I decided reading Tricks of the Trade sounded like a whole lot more fun. I was right - it was!! A steamy story, yes, but there is a plot, a nice budding romance between two people with a near 20 year age gap. Who says older women aren't as much fun in the bedroom, under the sink, or in a spa??!!
Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2015
Disclaimer: This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
Can't say I enjoyed this one as much as I hoped to. I liked the story line but found it lacking in intensity. I would have liked to have seen the experienced woman show him all her tricks(so to speak) instead of just one or two things.
It was well written though, so I give it 3 stars.
Can't say I enjoyed this one as much as I hoped to. I liked the story line but found it lacking in intensity. I would have liked to have seen the experienced woman show him all her tricks(so to speak) instead of just one or two things.
It was well written though, so I give it 3 stars.
May 7, 2015
3.5 stars
Cougars of the world, rejoice! This one's just for you! Spencer Dryden gives us a story that's sexy, sensual and a whole lot of naughty. What begins as a chance encounter in the plumbing aisle quickly turns into an experience that changes Will's life forever.
I'm happy to finally see an author celebrating older, middle age women as attractive, vibrant characters. The truth is - I may or may not know this from personal experience, I'll never say - middle age women are sexual beings. They're struggling with coming to accept the changes in their aging bodies, and many of them need the reassurance of a partner/lover that they're desirable. I enjoy how Mitzi is awakening this in her clients and encouraging them to be open and adventurous. There's no reason a woman should be relegated to dark corners of seedy bars to find love and affection; I like that these women are learning to walk tall and truly own it.
The role of Mitzi as instructor doesn't end with her cougar class but extends to Will as well. I found their encounter to be appealing, although for me it reads part erotica, part self-help. I'm a bit unwilling to believe Will's as naive and unknowledgeable at first, but I can see how younger guys might lack some of the awareness Mitzi imparts. Many of those early sexual encounters are overwhelming and happen quickly, all fumbling hands and fleeting touches. Experience builds confidence, and I think this is one of the major changes we see in Will's character.
All in all I think readers will agree this fun, brief story details what can only be described as a very memorable day for Will. After a long day at work, he manages to find himself in some unforgettable and totally unexpected positions. If you're hoping for a ton of romance you might be slightly disappointed; this story is definitely more erotica. There's a sweet hint of possibility from Dryden at the end that satisfies any longing I have for more; I definitely have a picture in mind of how I'd like this story to continue. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!
Cougars of the world, rejoice! This one's just for you! Spencer Dryden gives us a story that's sexy, sensual and a whole lot of naughty. What begins as a chance encounter in the plumbing aisle quickly turns into an experience that changes Will's life forever.
I'm happy to finally see an author celebrating older, middle age women as attractive, vibrant characters. The truth is - I may or may not know this from personal experience, I'll never say - middle age women are sexual beings. They're struggling with coming to accept the changes in their aging bodies, and many of them need the reassurance of a partner/lover that they're desirable. I enjoy how Mitzi is awakening this in her clients and encouraging them to be open and adventurous. There's no reason a woman should be relegated to dark corners of seedy bars to find love and affection; I like that these women are learning to walk tall and truly own it.
The role of Mitzi as instructor doesn't end with her cougar class but extends to Will as well. I found their encounter to be appealing, although for me it reads part erotica, part self-help. I'm a bit unwilling to believe Will's as naive and unknowledgeable at first, but I can see how younger guys might lack some of the awareness Mitzi imparts. Many of those early sexual encounters are overwhelming and happen quickly, all fumbling hands and fleeting touches. Experience builds confidence, and I think this is one of the major changes we see in Will's character.
All in all I think readers will agree this fun, brief story details what can only be described as a very memorable day for Will. After a long day at work, he manages to find himself in some unforgettable and totally unexpected positions. If you're hoping for a ton of romance you might be slightly disappointed; this story is definitely more erotica. There's a sweet hint of possibility from Dryden at the end that satisfies any longing I have for more; I definitely have a picture in mind of how I'd like this story to continue. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!
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