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Pushing the Boundaries #1
What Caroline Wants
Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here
Caroline and Jason Stratton have always been hot for each other. Married right out of college, they've had a great sex life. But when they discover that their best friends and neighbors, Piper and Michael Collins, have experimented with a few extracurricular adventures during their ten year marriage, Caroline and Jace's sexual world is rocked. The Strattons quickly find that inviting others into their bedroom might be something they want to explore. But getting Caroline to reconcile her Southern guilt is another matter altogether. So they decide to take it deliciously slow, exploring every avenue.
Their adventures lead them to Emma and Pete, and after a fun, sexy dinner date out, and an incredibly hot car ride home, they're in. But once they decide to scale that mountain, all bets are off. In the end, Caroline must make a decision--and it's one she'll have to live with forever.
*This book is ridiculously sexy, filled with high-octane moments between the couple as they figure out what makes them tick. The book contains: explicit sex, voyeurism, and light couple swap. **There is no cheating in any of my books, everything is consensual between all participants.
Caroline and Jason Stratton have always been hot for each other. Married right out of college, they've had a great sex life. But when they discover that their best friends and neighbors, Piper and Michael Collins, have experimented with a few extracurricular adventures during their ten year marriage, Caroline and Jace's sexual world is rocked. The Strattons quickly find that inviting others into their bedroom might be something they want to explore. But getting Caroline to reconcile her Southern guilt is another matter altogether. So they decide to take it deliciously slow, exploring every avenue.
Their adventures lead them to Emma and Pete, and after a fun, sexy dinner date out, and an incredibly hot car ride home, they're in. But once they decide to scale that mountain, all bets are off. In the end, Caroline must make a decision--and it's one she'll have to live with forever.
*This book is ridiculously sexy, filled with high-octane moments between the couple as they figure out what makes them tick. The book contains: explicit sex, voyeurism, and light couple swap. **There is no cheating in any of my books, everything is consensual between all participants.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
73 people are currently reading
724 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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May 18, 2015
GIVEAWAY : 10 EBOOKS COPIES ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE click HERE to know more
NOW LIVE
Full review now posted
When I've been approach to read Amanda Abbott's trilogy and after I read the different blurbs, I was both scared and thrilled ^^
What Caroline wants is a story I've NEVER read before. This year, I decided to try new genre, new kind of books and because I'm always in to discover a new author I said yes. I took a chance with this book and I'm glad I did
What Caroline wants is about a couple, Jason and Caroline who will have their life and more specifically their sex life change after discovering that their friend and neighbors, Piper and Michael were having extra-curriculum activities in the bedroom.
This discovery will lead them to their best night filled of sex. One they didn't have for a long time
The book is very sexual from the start. The main subject here is sex but throughout my read, there were several aspects that were talked about.
Caroline received a strict education. She has been taught (and I even want to say conditioned) to act a certain way. As a matter of fact, all sexual act are almost forbidden or at the very least never to be mentioned.
Jace, her husband is very comprehensive. He knows his wife so well; know that sexually speaking she comes from afar.
While the sex is good, after their talk with their neighbor and after the way Caroline acted, he thinks maybe they could explore new horizons.
"Emotions are the only reason anyone would do things like that. Inviting others in your bedroom is not something you walk away from unscathed. It's the kind of things that changes live forever"
From there, you are involved in a story of trust, of self-discovery, of pleasure, of guilt and mostly of love.
Little by little and with some help, Jason and Caroline begin to get used to the idea of involving others in the bedroom and what it might feel like.
"Sex does not make a relationship. Love does"
The book was a totally new for me because I've never read a book with a couple already in love. Even if I read a lot of book where several parties were involved, I've never read one with a committed couple and their desire to explore more.
The author made a fantastic job to soothe my state of uncertainty that I had at the beginning. I felt exactly like Caroline, not sure it was right for them to try something when everything is good in their marriage.
The story grows at a slow pace and we go along with Caroline in her questions, in her doubts, in her dreams. It was like the author knew what the reader would think when beginning her book.
"The only reason most people aren't sexually adventurous is because society tells us it's wrong, and sinful, and horrible, and hedonistic, that you'll go to hell, or there's something wrong with you.
The different characters are beautifully and extremely well introduced. They are 3 different couples you encounter here and each has their own particularities.
For me What Caroline wants was the perfect introduction for what's to come next with the others 2 couples. While this book is a stand-alone, you will have to read books in order to be fully immersed.
So why not 5 star
As you know, I'm not an American and I live in Belgium. Apparently Caroline has been raised Southern style. While maybe it will ring bell for certain readers, it made no sense to me because I'm not aware that people behave or are expecting to behave a certain way depending if they are from South or Midwest.
That bothers me a little because it was mentioned a little too much for my taste.
The age of both characters didn't seem right to me. They acted and maybe even spoken as they were older. At the beginning I had a hard time to get past the fact they were in their mid-twenties instead of mid-thirties but I get past it at some point ;)
What I will keep with me is how I discover a wonderful story about taking risks, about love and the trust you can have and share with your partner and the desire to listen to each other ♥
~ARC provided by publisher for an honest review~
NOW LIVE
Full review now posted
When I've been approach to read Amanda Abbott's trilogy and after I read the different blurbs, I was both scared and thrilled ^^
What Caroline wants is a story I've NEVER read before. This year, I decided to try new genre, new kind of books and because I'm always in to discover a new author I said yes. I took a chance with this book and I'm glad I did
What Caroline wants is about a couple, Jason and Caroline who will have their life and more specifically their sex life change after discovering that their friend and neighbors, Piper and Michael were having extra-curriculum activities in the bedroom.
This discovery will lead them to their best night filled of sex. One they didn't have for a long time
The book is very sexual from the start. The main subject here is sex but throughout my read, there were several aspects that were talked about.
Caroline received a strict education. She has been taught (and I even want to say conditioned) to act a certain way. As a matter of fact, all sexual act are almost forbidden or at the very least never to be mentioned.
Jace, her husband is very comprehensive. He knows his wife so well; know that sexually speaking she comes from afar.
While the sex is good, after their talk with their neighbor and after the way Caroline acted, he thinks maybe they could explore new horizons.
"Emotions are the only reason anyone would do things like that. Inviting others in your bedroom is not something you walk away from unscathed. It's the kind of things that changes live forever"
From there, you are involved in a story of trust, of self-discovery, of pleasure, of guilt and mostly of love.
Little by little and with some help, Jason and Caroline begin to get used to the idea of involving others in the bedroom and what it might feel like.
"Sex does not make a relationship. Love does"
The book was a totally new for me because I've never read a book with a couple already in love. Even if I read a lot of book where several parties were involved, I've never read one with a committed couple and their desire to explore more.
The author made a fantastic job to soothe my state of uncertainty that I had at the beginning. I felt exactly like Caroline, not sure it was right for them to try something when everything is good in their marriage.
The story grows at a slow pace and we go along with Caroline in her questions, in her doubts, in her dreams. It was like the author knew what the reader would think when beginning her book.
"The only reason most people aren't sexually adventurous is because society tells us it's wrong, and sinful, and horrible, and hedonistic, that you'll go to hell, or there's something wrong with you.
The different characters are beautifully and extremely well introduced. They are 3 different couples you encounter here and each has their own particularities.
For me What Caroline wants was the perfect introduction for what's to come next with the others 2 couples. While this book is a stand-alone, you will have to read books in order to be fully immersed.
So why not 5 star
As you know, I'm not an American and I live in Belgium. Apparently Caroline has been raised Southern style. While maybe it will ring bell for certain readers, it made no sense to me because I'm not aware that people behave or are expecting to behave a certain way depending if they are from South or Midwest.
That bothers me a little because it was mentioned a little too much for my taste.
The age of both characters didn't seem right to me. They acted and maybe even spoken as they were older. At the beginning I had a hard time to get past the fact they were in their mid-twenties instead of mid-thirties but I get past it at some point ;)
What I will keep with me is how I discover a wonderful story about taking risks, about love and the trust you can have and share with your partner and the desire to listen to each other ♥
~ARC provided by publisher for an honest review~
April 13, 2016
**This book is currently FREE on Amazon. (6/10/2015)
This erotically charged story will definitely have you panting for more!
This erotically charged story will definitely have you panting for more!
August 13, 2015
Caroline and Jason have a pretty perfect marriage, they're very much in love, incredibly happy together and they have a great sex life. So why would a conversation with their best friends and neighbours change that? When Piper and Michael confess that they enjoy experimenting with other couples in the bedroom it gives Caroline and Jason all sorts of ideas. Jason knows that sex and love are two different things and is more than willing to take their sex life to the next level but Caroline is much more nervous, what if adding extra participants in the bedroom ruins the relationship they have as a couple? Caroline feels guilty even thinking about it and isn't sure if she's brave enough to try. Can Caroline put her fears to one side and let go enough to enjoy the experience or will it ruin their marriage forever?
When this book came highly recommended by Annie I knew I was going to love it, she promised me a scorching hot read and she wasn't wrong about that, What Caroline Wants is an incredibly erotic story pretty much from the first page. I've read a lot of stories with multiple partners but this is the first book I've read about a couple who are in a serious long term relationship and considering experimenting with others for the first time. I have to admit I wasn't too sure if I would like that aspect of the story, I don't think it's the kind of thing I'd be comfortable to experiment with myself and I worried that I'd have trouble connecting to the characters. I guess that's the great thing about fiction though, we can enjoy the fantasy without having to take any of the risk and I ended up loving the journey that Caroline and Jason took.
They are such a great couple and you can tell from the beginning that they are crazy in love and have a very solid relationship. They talk things through every step of the way and although Jason is the one who is initially more keen to experiment I never felt like he was pressuring Caroline into anything. In fact, he knows how much the idea appeals to her even when she is too scared to admit it and for Jason the fantasy is more about seeing how turned on it makes her. At first I found it very easy to relate to Caroline but I have to admit that her Southern Belle guilt trip started to irritate me after a while, it did seem to be a little over the top at times and it made it hard for me to believe that their experiments proceeded quite so quickly. I think her guilt at anything sexual could have been toned down just a little and there would still have been plenty for them to deal with as a couple, it isn't an easy decision for anyone to take that step but I ended up feeling that Caroline would have taken years to get to the stage they reached within a few months which was a shame.
Having said that my complaints really were fairly minor and What Caroline Wants is a scorching hot read that I had trouble putting down. It introduces us to the two couples who feature in the rest of the trilogy, each pair have their own hang ups and kink and I'm looking forward to reading more about all of them. Amanda Abbott has definitely caught my attention with this series and I have no doubt that each book is only going to get hotter. If you like your stories full of intense emotions, highly erotic and with more than a little kink then you definitely need to give this a try.
When this book came highly recommended by Annie I knew I was going to love it, she promised me a scorching hot read and she wasn't wrong about that, What Caroline Wants is an incredibly erotic story pretty much from the first page. I've read a lot of stories with multiple partners but this is the first book I've read about a couple who are in a serious long term relationship and considering experimenting with others for the first time. I have to admit I wasn't too sure if I would like that aspect of the story, I don't think it's the kind of thing I'd be comfortable to experiment with myself and I worried that I'd have trouble connecting to the characters. I guess that's the great thing about fiction though, we can enjoy the fantasy without having to take any of the risk and I ended up loving the journey that Caroline and Jason took.
They are such a great couple and you can tell from the beginning that they are crazy in love and have a very solid relationship. They talk things through every step of the way and although Jason is the one who is initially more keen to experiment I never felt like he was pressuring Caroline into anything. In fact, he knows how much the idea appeals to her even when she is too scared to admit it and for Jason the fantasy is more about seeing how turned on it makes her. At first I found it very easy to relate to Caroline but I have to admit that her Southern Belle guilt trip started to irritate me after a while, it did seem to be a little over the top at times and it made it hard for me to believe that their experiments proceeded quite so quickly. I think her guilt at anything sexual could have been toned down just a little and there would still have been plenty for them to deal with as a couple, it isn't an easy decision for anyone to take that step but I ended up feeling that Caroline would have taken years to get to the stage they reached within a few months which was a shame.
Having said that my complaints really were fairly minor and What Caroline Wants is a scorching hot read that I had trouble putting down. It introduces us to the two couples who feature in the rest of the trilogy, each pair have their own hang ups and kink and I'm looking forward to reading more about all of them. Amanda Abbott has definitely caught my attention with this series and I have no doubt that each book is only going to get hotter. If you like your stories full of intense emotions, highly erotic and with more than a little kink then you definitely need to give this a try.
February 22, 2016
I was on a mission. I have way too many books purchased and just sitting on my Kindle and although my one-click finger was twitching like a bitch – I went ahead and did the responsible, budget conscious adult would do... read something I already owned.
What Caroline Wants is a story of a married couple that discovers that the idea of their ‘swinging’ neighbors turns them on a bit more than they ever expected. A very conservative wife, who has slowly been brought out of her sexual shell by her husband is struggling to understand her desire to have another lover’s attention. While her husband is trying his best to show his wife that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to give her anything she wants.
When it comes to romances I rarely like to experience the couples stray or even really consider the idea. So why in the hell was I reading about a married couple willing to risk everything? Because it’s hot. But I did have a slight issue with Jason. And it really is just chalked up to me being a woman and having an irrational vagina brain. He was all about his wife. Making her happy – giving her anything she needed – but he was almost too eager to get her to say yes. I struggled a bit with seeing him as an attentive husband vs. a horn dog.
Caroline was raised in such a way that led her to feel deep guilt for wanting pleasure for herself. But I have to say that the author did a fantastic job with her. I felt the rawness of her emotions through the trying parts of this book – Her wants of desire vs. her need to feel like she was being faithful.
Although I did enjoy this book, I did not love it. The focus was a bit too much on the emotional journey of the characters rather than the heat of the experience. I really would have loved to have gotten a lot more of the steamy parts expanded upon. Sometimes a girl just needs to read something filthy and leave everything else behind.
What Caroline Wants is a story of a married couple that discovers that the idea of their ‘swinging’ neighbors turns them on a bit more than they ever expected. A very conservative wife, who has slowly been brought out of her sexual shell by her husband is struggling to understand her desire to have another lover’s attention. While her husband is trying his best to show his wife that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to give her anything she wants.
When it comes to romances I rarely like to experience the couples stray or even really consider the idea. So why in the hell was I reading about a married couple willing to risk everything? Because it’s hot. But I did have a slight issue with Jason. And it really is just chalked up to me being a woman and having an irrational vagina brain. He was all about his wife. Making her happy – giving her anything she needed – but he was almost too eager to get her to say yes. I struggled a bit with seeing him as an attentive husband vs. a horn dog.
Caroline was raised in such a way that led her to feel deep guilt for wanting pleasure for herself. But I have to say that the author did a fantastic job with her. I felt the rawness of her emotions through the trying parts of this book – Her wants of desire vs. her need to feel like she was being faithful.
Although I did enjoy this book, I did not love it. The focus was a bit too much on the emotional journey of the characters rather than the heat of the experience. I really would have loved to have gotten a lot more of the steamy parts expanded upon. Sometimes a girl just needs to read something filthy and leave everything else behind.
July 21, 2015
We meet Caroline and Jason, a strong couple very much in love, who decide to spice their sex life up.
This story is very well written, I could totally feel what Caroline was feeling, and I understood and loved Jason for being the rock Caroline needed .
Moreover this was such a hot, I mean F*****g hot, journey !!!
However there were some details that I couldn't ignore... As a French reader, the Southern belle and its meaning is totally foreign to me. And it was such an important subject in this story... I felt like this girl sitting alone while everyone is having fun... lol
And the fact that they are in their mid-twenties, when they act way older was quite surprising at first but it didn't bother me that much...
I took this book as a journey full of discovery, and emotions... And now if you excuse me I m gonna take a cold shower!!!
This story is very well written, I could totally feel what Caroline was feeling, and I understood and loved Jason for being the rock Caroline needed .
Moreover this was such a hot, I mean F*****g hot, journey !!!
However there were some details that I couldn't ignore... As a French reader, the Southern belle and its meaning is totally foreign to me. And it was such an important subject in this story... I felt like this girl sitting alone while everyone is having fun... lol
And the fact that they are in their mid-twenties, when they act way older was quite surprising at first but it didn't bother me that much...
I took this book as a journey full of discovery, and emotions... And now if you excuse me I m gonna take a cold shower!!!
May 14, 2015
***4.5 HEARTS***
My first thought after finishing this book was...fuck, that was hott! When I read the synopsis I knew I had to read it because it was different from other books I have read. I love a variety and as long as love is involved, I will read it.
Caroline and Jason are college sweethearts and have been married for a few years. Caroline grew up in the south and her parents are very proper and she has instilled the southern guilt over wanting to try new things especially in the bedroom. For the first few years in Caroline and Jason's relationship is was cold and not really into sex but over the years, Jason has brought out her sexy side and now that their neighbors and best friends has confided in them about their extra curricular activities in the bedroom, they are intrigued. Caroline never thought of being with anyone else sexually but she has had her fantasies on a lower scale. Can she really fulfill those fantasies and open here yesterday to more?
Caroline's best friend and neighbor Piper is so embarrassed that her husband had talked about their sex lives. She didn't want Caroline to freak out and think any different about her just because of her sexual life with her husband and other couples. She has her "thing" that gets her to her highest high but it's not for everyone but she is surprised when Caroline wants to know more about it. She knows a couple that would be perfect for them and there would be no pressure. Can this couple figure out what Caroline's "thing" is that makes her tick?
Jason and Caroline are in a solid loving relationship but just want to try something new. Jason knows Caroline feels guilty about her thoughts, she grew up thinking they were sinful but her body wants to explore. Jason will not do anything Caroline doesn't want. It's all about her. He wants her happy and that turns him on even more. Caroline might think she is ready to make the steps forward but is she? Will her guilt be too much for her?
I thought this was definitely sexy and different. I have read M/M, M/F/M, F/F but never about swinging. Caroline and Jason are on fire all on their own but when others are near it is on another level. I don't know if I could ever do what they are experiencing but I could see the appeal. It's sex not love with the other couples involved. As long as the rules are set and trust is built, the rest can be amazing.
Overall...I thought it rocked and it was so different, like I thought it would be. It was not a love story about how Caroline and Jason meeting and falling in love. They already are and looking for a sexual adventure and getting through the emotions of it all, together. I can't want to read about the other couple I met.
Oh...and it had one of the hottest scenes I have ever read. Hot damn! I was so mad my husband wasn't home.
P.S. There is no cheating involved.
Quotes:
“I have plenty of morals, but they have nothing to do with this particular scenario,” he replied with a wink. “You know how I feel about sex, Care. Sex is not love. You just have to choose pleasure over guilt. If you did that, this could be a gold mine of sexual happiness for us.” He smiled at her like a fool.
I just want to find what makes us tick and, from there, make it extraordinary.”
“I want to feel everything. To live and experience things as much as I can.”
My first thought after finishing this book was...fuck, that was hott! When I read the synopsis I knew I had to read it because it was different from other books I have read. I love a variety and as long as love is involved, I will read it.
Caroline and Jason are college sweethearts and have been married for a few years. Caroline grew up in the south and her parents are very proper and she has instilled the southern guilt over wanting to try new things especially in the bedroom. For the first few years in Caroline and Jason's relationship is was cold and not really into sex but over the years, Jason has brought out her sexy side and now that their neighbors and best friends has confided in them about their extra curricular activities in the bedroom, they are intrigued. Caroline never thought of being with anyone else sexually but she has had her fantasies on a lower scale. Can she really fulfill those fantasies and open here yesterday to more?
Caroline's best friend and neighbor Piper is so embarrassed that her husband had talked about their sex lives. She didn't want Caroline to freak out and think any different about her just because of her sexual life with her husband and other couples. She has her "thing" that gets her to her highest high but it's not for everyone but she is surprised when Caroline wants to know more about it. She knows a couple that would be perfect for them and there would be no pressure. Can this couple figure out what Caroline's "thing" is that makes her tick?
Jason and Caroline are in a solid loving relationship but just want to try something new. Jason knows Caroline feels guilty about her thoughts, she grew up thinking they were sinful but her body wants to explore. Jason will not do anything Caroline doesn't want. It's all about her. He wants her happy and that turns him on even more. Caroline might think she is ready to make the steps forward but is she? Will her guilt be too much for her?
I thought this was definitely sexy and different. I have read M/M, M/F/M, F/F but never about swinging. Caroline and Jason are on fire all on their own but when others are near it is on another level. I don't know if I could ever do what they are experiencing but I could see the appeal. It's sex not love with the other couples involved. As long as the rules are set and trust is built, the rest can be amazing.
Overall...I thought it rocked and it was so different, like I thought it would be. It was not a love story about how Caroline and Jason meeting and falling in love. They already are and looking for a sexual adventure and getting through the emotions of it all, together. I can't want to read about the other couple I met.
Oh...and it had one of the hottest scenes I have ever read. Hot damn! I was so mad my husband wasn't home.
P.S. There is no cheating involved.
Quotes:
“I have plenty of morals, but they have nothing to do with this particular scenario,” he replied with a wink. “You know how I feel about sex, Care. Sex is not love. You just have to choose pleasure over guilt. If you did that, this could be a gold mine of sexual happiness for us.” He smiled at her like a fool.
I just want to find what makes us tick and, from there, make it extraordinary.”
“I want to feel everything. To live and experience things as much as I can.”
May 21, 2015
An erotic tale of what happens when a couple has been together long enough to need a little spicing up in the bedroom. Caroline and Jason are still a young couple, but have been discovering what excites them to help to keep things fresh. What transpires is truly a very real look at what happens both mentally, physically, and emotionally to a man and a woman exploring their needs.
Caroline grew up in the south and has grown up being told that anything out of the ordinary sexually is not proper. She deals with guilt daily wanting the kinky things that she does. But, she can’t help it. The idea of adding another couple into the bedroom in any way or fashion gets her going. It isn’t until she’s introduced to it, by the couple next door, that she opens herself to the idea. But she still battles internally about ruining friendships, her marriage, and her own self confidence if she lets other people into their bedroom. Caroline felt very real to me. You could imagine being in her position, and I think her thoughts are what every woman thinks when we’re interested in doing something that’s outside of the norm. She exhibits that fear, excitement, and guilt to where you feel it and believe it.
Jason loves his wife, and he wants to do anything he can to make her happy. He feels like their sex life is great, but that there’s something Caroline wants that she’s too scared or guilty to ask for. When he notices her reaction to their neighbor’s telling of their sexual escapades, he sees how it excites her. He wants to give her that sexual satisfaction, but in a safe way that will help them grow as a couple. But he’s also willing to forget it if it’s too much for her. I loved his drive to please his wife, whatever that ended up being. He was okay with exploring this new sexual need, but he was also completely okay with bumping up their sexual life in different ways if she wasn’t one-hundred percent comfortable. He was very supportive and caring, and you could really feel his love for her.
I think every couple wonders the things Jason and Caroline do. I think that their fears were completely warranted, but also that their desires were more than acceptable, too. I think any reader out there will read this and feel like it is a true telling of a couple wanting to explore. It was erotic, and also emotional. The journey they take could happen to any real couple, and I enjoyed that it let you explore your wants while reading theirs. The writing was very well done and easy to read. From the very first page I was able to follow along, and I truly enjoyed these characters.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion**
Caroline grew up in the south and has grown up being told that anything out of the ordinary sexually is not proper. She deals with guilt daily wanting the kinky things that she does. But, she can’t help it. The idea of adding another couple into the bedroom in any way or fashion gets her going. It isn’t until she’s introduced to it, by the couple next door, that she opens herself to the idea. But she still battles internally about ruining friendships, her marriage, and her own self confidence if she lets other people into their bedroom. Caroline felt very real to me. You could imagine being in her position, and I think her thoughts are what every woman thinks when we’re interested in doing something that’s outside of the norm. She exhibits that fear, excitement, and guilt to where you feel it and believe it.
Jason loves his wife, and he wants to do anything he can to make her happy. He feels like their sex life is great, but that there’s something Caroline wants that she’s too scared or guilty to ask for. When he notices her reaction to their neighbor’s telling of their sexual escapades, he sees how it excites her. He wants to give her that sexual satisfaction, but in a safe way that will help them grow as a couple. But he’s also willing to forget it if it’s too much for her. I loved his drive to please his wife, whatever that ended up being. He was okay with exploring this new sexual need, but he was also completely okay with bumping up their sexual life in different ways if she wasn’t one-hundred percent comfortable. He was very supportive and caring, and you could really feel his love for her.
I think every couple wonders the things Jason and Caroline do. I think that their fears were completely warranted, but also that their desires were more than acceptable, too. I think any reader out there will read this and feel like it is a true telling of a couple wanting to explore. It was erotic, and also emotional. The journey they take could happen to any real couple, and I enjoyed that it let you explore your wants while reading theirs. The writing was very well done and easy to read. From the very first page I was able to follow along, and I truly enjoyed these characters.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion**
May 27, 2015
It's not often I'm surprised by a book but I was by this one! What Caroline Wants is so much more than I expected. It has a unique storyline, well drawn characters and was as hot as hell. This is a fun, sexy story about a married couple trying to spice up their love live in a rather adventurous way whilst balancing this with her Southern guilt. I thought it was very well written, and it was surprisingly emotional. I was expecting sex, sex and more sex - and yes there was lots of that, but there was also the touching story of a couple still very much in love trying to strengthen their bond, but possibly risking it all by going too far.
The love between Caroline and Jace was obviously strong, it shone from the pages of this book. Jace was quite simply adorable, I absolutely loved him and the fact that he was so devoted to his wife. I really liked Caroline too, although at times her rather extreme bouts of guilt did annoy me. It was understandable though given her upbringing and her mother. The sex scenes in this book were so, so hot - my kindle nearly caught on fire! The scenes were varied, sexy, fun and well written. I also liked how the 'swinging' scene was dealt with - the actual couple swap was very light and tasteful yet still hot, hot, hot.
One of my favourite elements of this book was the friendship between Caroline and Piper - they were absolutely hilarious together. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series which is Piper's story, it promises to be great fun. What a Caroline Wants gets five super sexy stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The love between Caroline and Jace was obviously strong, it shone from the pages of this book. Jace was quite simply adorable, I absolutely loved him and the fact that he was so devoted to his wife. I really liked Caroline too, although at times her rather extreme bouts of guilt did annoy me. It was understandable though given her upbringing and her mother. The sex scenes in this book were so, so hot - my kindle nearly caught on fire! The scenes were varied, sexy, fun and well written. I also liked how the 'swinging' scene was dealt with - the actual couple swap was very light and tasteful yet still hot, hot, hot.
One of my favourite elements of this book was the friendship between Caroline and Piper - they were absolutely hilarious together. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series which is Piper's story, it promises to be great fun. What a Caroline Wants gets five super sexy stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
May 15, 2015
Caroline and Jason have a beautiful life together. She is a Southern Bell and he is her city boy. They live for each other and will do anything for one another. So when Caroline starts to show her interest in taking their sex life to another level, Jason is ALL in. But does Caroline have what it takes to live this lifestyle that demands her to break free from her squeaky clean upbringing or will she be brave enough to find what she really wants?
It’s great to see such a devoted couple go through something so intense and never lose their grip on each other. Caroline and Jason are made to be together. I did however, find Caroline a bit annoying in the way she handled certain things, mostly because I want Jason….ha! But that slight annoying feeling was easily pushed away when these two got naughty! Ms. Abbott sure can paint a sexy ass picture! I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on the next book!
WARNING: This book is extremely hot and sexy as all hell! You will experience lip biting, panting, slight adrenaline rush, sweaty palms and the occasional “Oh” face.
It’s great to see such a devoted couple go through something so intense and never lose their grip on each other. Caroline and Jason are made to be together. I did however, find Caroline a bit annoying in the way she handled certain things, mostly because I want Jason….ha! But that slight annoying feeling was easily pushed away when these two got naughty! Ms. Abbott sure can paint a sexy ass picture! I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on the next book!
WARNING: This book is extremely hot and sexy as all hell! You will experience lip biting, panting, slight adrenaline rush, sweaty palms and the occasional “Oh” face.
May 16, 2015
Omg omg omg. Hot Steamy Tantalizing are just some of the words to describe this book. Amanda Abbott is a new and upcoming author who has knocked my socks off and made my panties wet. She has given us a short but sexual filled look into the lifestyle. I for one can't wait to get my hands on the next installment. Bring on Piper.
May 3, 2017
What Caroline Wants (Pushing the Boundaries, #1) by Amanda Abbott is, at first glance, a nice little book of erotica about wife sharing. But when read, What Caroline Wants is so much more. This is definitely one of those small print runs that exceeds expectations in a genre where just meeting the status quo is the norm. This is a book about sex, lots of it and very explicit. This is a book about couples and exploration and voyeurism and testing the self imposed moral boundaries of our lives. This is a book about charting unknown territory and learning that what you fear most is not the unknown, but knowing how much you enjoy it.
Jason and Caroline Stratton married straight out of college and have always enjoyed a vibrant and passionate sex life. It is one of the pillars of their marriage. When they find out that their neighbors, Piper and Michael Collins live a lifestyle as swingers, they are intrigued. Jason can't stop thinking about it and much to her horror, neither can Caroline. The Strattons have always enjoyed a healthy sex life and never thought anything was missing. But the thought of watching another couple, of touching another couple has Jason excited, but Caroline, with her strong Southern guilt, isn't sure what she feels.
They fantasy about sharing their sexual adventures with another couple cut cannot let it be their neighbors. But in talking with Piper, Caroline is told about another couple who share the lifestyle. They agree to meet with Emma and Pete at a dinner date that quickly turns erotic and leads to an opportunity to watch the new couple make love in the parking lot. Though Caroline is very much into how this makes her feel, she cannot shake the sense that what she is doing is immoral and will destroy her marriage. But she cannot stop and soon they agree to visit Emma and Pete for a night of adventure and exploration, that though very exciting, may lead to the destruction of their marriage. How far is too far?
There is a lot of erotica out in the market and there has always been. The massive success of Fifty Shades of Grey just took it mainstream. Sex sells. Not matter what the medium, sex sells. There is nothing wrong with this, sex, erotica, porn...has always been a pillar of civilization since we all step out of the caves. If you look at some of the artwork in those caves, you can say it happened even before then.
The view or thought process that sex is somehow bad or dirty is actually very new to humanity and that is too bad. But its this sense of guilt when you enjoy sex, that may not be what we were raised to think of as "normal" or "vanilla", as it is so often refereed to, that is the theme of this book. Not the sex. Its the coming to grips with her own sexuality; that is the journey that Caroline is on. Not the voyeurism or wife sharing. Those are simply the means to her journey that really takes place in her heart and mind and not just between her legs.
There is a lot of bad erotica out there. There is a lot of mediocre erotica out there. But every so often there are the gems. The books that want to do more than shock or titillate you. The books that tell the stories and dare to make their characters about more than just their bodies and their orgasms. Books that deserve not to be missed.
What Caroline Wants is one such book.
Jason and Caroline Stratton married straight out of college and have always enjoyed a vibrant and passionate sex life. It is one of the pillars of their marriage. When they find out that their neighbors, Piper and Michael Collins live a lifestyle as swingers, they are intrigued. Jason can't stop thinking about it and much to her horror, neither can Caroline. The Strattons have always enjoyed a healthy sex life and never thought anything was missing. But the thought of watching another couple, of touching another couple has Jason excited, but Caroline, with her strong Southern guilt, isn't sure what she feels.
They fantasy about sharing their sexual adventures with another couple cut cannot let it be their neighbors. But in talking with Piper, Caroline is told about another couple who share the lifestyle. They agree to meet with Emma and Pete at a dinner date that quickly turns erotic and leads to an opportunity to watch the new couple make love in the parking lot. Though Caroline is very much into how this makes her feel, she cannot shake the sense that what she is doing is immoral and will destroy her marriage. But she cannot stop and soon they agree to visit Emma and Pete for a night of adventure and exploration, that though very exciting, may lead to the destruction of their marriage. How far is too far?
There is a lot of erotica out in the market and there has always been. The massive success of Fifty Shades of Grey just took it mainstream. Sex sells. Not matter what the medium, sex sells. There is nothing wrong with this, sex, erotica, porn...has always been a pillar of civilization since we all step out of the caves. If you look at some of the artwork in those caves, you can say it happened even before then.
The view or thought process that sex is somehow bad or dirty is actually very new to humanity and that is too bad. But its this sense of guilt when you enjoy sex, that may not be what we were raised to think of as "normal" or "vanilla", as it is so often refereed to, that is the theme of this book. Not the sex. Its the coming to grips with her own sexuality; that is the journey that Caroline is on. Not the voyeurism or wife sharing. Those are simply the means to her journey that really takes place in her heart and mind and not just between her legs.
There is a lot of bad erotica out there. There is a lot of mediocre erotica out there. But every so often there are the gems. The books that want to do more than shock or titillate you. The books that tell the stories and dare to make their characters about more than just their bodies and their orgasms. Books that deserve not to be missed.
What Caroline Wants is one such book.
November 21, 2022
All Buildup With No Bang
Good grief. Talk about your slow burn. This is all slow without much burn.
The MC, the wife, thinks she might want to explore her sexuality but is so restrained she just never quite gets there. The author gives us several hundred pages of her inner turmoil and angst. The husband is more than patient and understanding. I would have just told her to give up and shut up.
I was actually enjoying what seemed to be the very realistic portrayal of what a wife might go through before actually attempting to be a hotwife. But that was while I was still expecting her to actually take the plunge. The book ends without her ever being with another man.
This is a three book series and one would expect the story would continue but when you read the author’s blurbs of the next two books they seem to be about two different couples.
So I’m not sure what the author was trying to do with this book. I mean the writing is excellent but what’s the purpose.
There are some hot sex scenes between the husband and wife but that’s all. It could have easily been a five star story if there had been a normal story arc with the expected resolution.
Good grief. Talk about your slow burn. This is all slow without much burn.
The MC, the wife, thinks she might want to explore her sexuality but is so restrained she just never quite gets there. The author gives us several hundred pages of her inner turmoil and angst. The husband is more than patient and understanding. I would have just told her to give up and shut up.
I was actually enjoying what seemed to be the very realistic portrayal of what a wife might go through before actually attempting to be a hotwife. But that was while I was still expecting her to actually take the plunge. The book ends without her ever being with another man.
This is a three book series and one would expect the story would continue but when you read the author’s blurbs of the next two books they seem to be about two different couples.
So I’m not sure what the author was trying to do with this book. I mean the writing is excellent but what’s the purpose.
There are some hot sex scenes between the husband and wife but that’s all. It could have easily been a five star story if there had been a normal story arc with the expected resolution.
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May 29, 2017
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May 26, 2015
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
What drew me to What Caroline Wants?
What drew me to What Caroline Wants?
It's about a married couple! I've not read many in fact I can only think of one book I read about a married couple. Most romances (at least the ones I read) are couples getting together and working toward a HEA. So What Caroline Wants was a refreshing read for me. I loved seeing how a happily married couple worked through their sexual needs as a couple.
After being married for so long your sex life can get a little boring if you don't work at it. And Caroline and Jason really worked!
After I was pulled into reading What Caroline Wants, I kept reading until 1am because of the characters. I really connected with Caroline and Jason. Here you have a married couple that's been together for nine years and married for five of those years. They love each other so much and it comes through in Abbott's writing.
Caroline was brought up in a very religious house and has all kinds of guilt about sex. Even after being with Jason for nine years he is still having to slowly bring out her sexuality. Jason is much more open about sex so he balances out Caroline very well.
Like many people Caroline has fantasy that she thought would never be played out. But through her loving relationship with Jason her needs are met and she is brought to a whole new level of living but it's an emotional ride for the couple as they deal with their guilt after one amazing night with another couple.
I won't spoil you but just so you know there is no spouse swapping or group orgies in What Caroline Wants. So if you are looking for a romance between a married a couple that's seeking a little supplement in their sex life then you will enjoy Caroline and Jason's journey into a new world of pleasure. And if you enjoy hot sex scenes with real emotion you should give What Caroline Wants a read.
August 3, 2015
I didn't particularly care for this book but I don't think I would warn anyone against reading this one. I think this was just not my thing, even though it IS an erotic romance. It felt more like erotic women's literature than erotic romance to me, though. There was a lot of Sexy Time but there was even more Seriously Heavy Emotions Time.
I started off liking Caroline. She's a Southern Girl (my caps) and has some old-timey Southern values. She had a difficult time with sex when she was first married due to her guilt issues. Her husband has brought her out of her shell a bit but whenever they do anything adventurous, she suffers tremendous guilt and self-recriminations. I understood all that and was glad that she was working through it. But by the end of the book, the guilt she was feeling was about to drive her insane. I was disappointed in what a coward she turned out to be.
Jason was a frigging saint. He had no guilt over sexual issues and was up for whatever Caroline was willing to try. I had to fight my natural bias against Jason because he's a handsome, fit, former high school and college football star and those types of guys just do not do it for me. I have a LOT of negative connotations that go along with high school/college football stars. But that's me and I've never admitted that I was totally normal! ;) Either way, Jason was so amazing and his football career was barely mentioned that it was very easy to love him. He was a really stand-up guy and definitely a family-guy so I can't imagine readers not loving him.
The Sexy Time was super hot and extremely plentiful but that was only a small portion of the story. I really loved Caroline and Jason's relationship. They loved each other so much and it was obvious and about swooned every time they were in a room together! Jason was totally in love with and devoted to Caroline and it was the same with Caroline. It felt really refreshing to see a married couple who were still so much in love. I also liked that Jason sort of doted on Caroline a bit. Yeah, it was occasionally a little bit over the top but it was so sweet that I didn't mind it one bit!
This was a very good book but it just wasn't my thing. Caroline's issues with the kind of sex she liked were very serious and deep seated. I wouldn't say that this was a fun book to read but it was fascinating. I was right there, in her head, for most of Caroline's thought processes and it was a difficult road for her. There's not really many laughs and no action or mystery - just drama, loads and loads of drama. Even though this wasn't for me, I think this would be a great book for fans of women's literature who want to explore a little of the kinkier side of life.
I started off liking Caroline. She's a Southern Girl (my caps) and has some old-timey Southern values. She had a difficult time with sex when she was first married due to her guilt issues. Her husband has brought her out of her shell a bit but whenever they do anything adventurous, she suffers tremendous guilt and self-recriminations. I understood all that and was glad that she was working through it. But by the end of the book, the guilt she was feeling was about to drive her insane. I was disappointed in what a coward she turned out to be.
Jason was a frigging saint. He had no guilt over sexual issues and was up for whatever Caroline was willing to try. I had to fight my natural bias against Jason because he's a handsome, fit, former high school and college football star and those types of guys just do not do it for me. I have a LOT of negative connotations that go along with high school/college football stars. But that's me and I've never admitted that I was totally normal! ;) Either way, Jason was so amazing and his football career was barely mentioned that it was very easy to love him. He was a really stand-up guy and definitely a family-guy so I can't imagine readers not loving him.
The Sexy Time was super hot and extremely plentiful but that was only a small portion of the story. I really loved Caroline and Jason's relationship. They loved each other so much and it was obvious and about swooned every time they were in a room together! Jason was totally in love with and devoted to Caroline and it was the same with Caroline. It felt really refreshing to see a married couple who were still so much in love. I also liked that Jason sort of doted on Caroline a bit. Yeah, it was occasionally a little bit over the top but it was so sweet that I didn't mind it one bit!
This was a very good book but it just wasn't my thing. Caroline's issues with the kind of sex she liked were very serious and deep seated. I wouldn't say that this was a fun book to read but it was fascinating. I was right there, in her head, for most of Caroline's thought processes and it was a difficult road for her. There's not really many laughs and no action or mystery - just drama, loads and loads of drama. Even though this wasn't for me, I think this would be a great book for fans of women's literature who want to explore a little of the kinkier side of life.
May 18, 2015
This book needs to come with a warning- it will scorch your fingertips ladies.
You know sometimes when you read about folk you start to wonder, are they really that happy – well this pair are and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the spark alive.
They have been married for years and have the picture perfect relationship but can a little bit of experimentation improve on their perfection – well you never know until you try!
Caroline and Jason have a very candid conversation with their close friends and neighbours Piper and Michael and are surprised to hear that what goes on behind closed doors isn’t always between just the two of them. But can they take what they have been told and make it work for them, can they draw their lines in the sand and accept that whatever they decide, at their core they belong to each other.
This is a huge step to take and one that Caroline especially ( why was that no surprise?) really isn’t willing to jump into with both feet, she is tiptoeing precariously around the whole idea and the thought of what they have to lose if it all goes wrong has her on tenterhooks.
From the get-go the book is not shy at flaunting is sexiness – in fact it was difficult to put down, it will have you completely engrossed.
It was a situation that intrigued me, and no – mind out of the gutter ladies! – not because I fancied giving it a try but because it was portrayed in such a way that was so real that it almost made me want to take a look out of my window and look at the doors in the street and imagine the possibilities of what was happening in my own neighbourhood.
The connection and relationship between Caroline and Jason was beautiful – they were a great couple and while Caroline was a bit on the back foot and Jason was effectively chomping at the bit to get started – he loved his woman and because of that he was more than willing to take things at her pace, he talked everything through first to her satisfaction and eventually I could see that this was never really about him just wanting to get it on – he really did just want to make Caroline happy and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that his woman was happy.
The secondary characters that were also in the book are characters that we will come to know more of in future books and I have to say that I really liked them, I am looking forward to seeing what their stories hold in store.
You know sometimes when you read about folk you start to wonder, are they really that happy – well this pair are and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the spark alive.
They have been married for years and have the picture perfect relationship but can a little bit of experimentation improve on their perfection – well you never know until you try!
Caroline and Jason have a very candid conversation with their close friends and neighbours Piper and Michael and are surprised to hear that what goes on behind closed doors isn’t always between just the two of them. But can they take what they have been told and make it work for them, can they draw their lines in the sand and accept that whatever they decide, at their core they belong to each other.
This is a huge step to take and one that Caroline especially ( why was that no surprise?) really isn’t willing to jump into with both feet, she is tiptoeing precariously around the whole idea and the thought of what they have to lose if it all goes wrong has her on tenterhooks.
From the get-go the book is not shy at flaunting is sexiness – in fact it was difficult to put down, it will have you completely engrossed.
It was a situation that intrigued me, and no – mind out of the gutter ladies! – not because I fancied giving it a try but because it was portrayed in such a way that was so real that it almost made me want to take a look out of my window and look at the doors in the street and imagine the possibilities of what was happening in my own neighbourhood.
The connection and relationship between Caroline and Jason was beautiful – they were a great couple and while Caroline was a bit on the back foot and Jason was effectively chomping at the bit to get started – he loved his woman and because of that he was more than willing to take things at her pace, he talked everything through first to her satisfaction and eventually I could see that this was never really about him just wanting to get it on – he really did just want to make Caroline happy and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that his woman was happy.
The secondary characters that were also in the book are characters that we will come to know more of in future books and I have to say that I really liked them, I am looking forward to seeing what their stories hold in store.
May 18, 2015
Caroline and Jace have a wonderful marriage and a great sex life; but after hearing about their best friends more adventurous sex lives they both become intrigued. Getting another couple involved whether it’s having a foursome, watching them or each other have sex, Caroline and Jace want to see if this is what they need to spice up their sex just that little bit more. But Caroline has always struggled with guilt when it comes to doing anything outside of the missionary position. Will she be able to give into both her and Jace’s desires? Or will their attempt to try something new ruin their marriage?
“You know I love it when you talk dirty to me. And this takes the fucking cake. If I could get away with it, I’d haul you onto my lap at this light and drill myself into you and make you come against this steering wheel.”
This is a hot, sexy and sweet, short story; a great little read to pass away a few hours on a little erotica. It’s not just the sex that makes this story good however, it’s also the sweetness in Jace and Caroline’s relationship; the way they both love each other so much and how obvious it is that they are perfect for each other, will put a smile on your face.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured into her hair, stroking her back. “It’s never going to happen again. I’m perfectly happy to just do our thing. I love you, Care. None of this is worth risking you or our life together.”
The sex scenes are hot and something a little different to what I’ve read before, due to the element of another couple watching. There’s also a surprised added element of laughter. Caroline’s best friend is bold, funny, caring and says what ever is on her mind, which most of the time is quite hilarious!
“Our husbands have given us a great gift, but they’ve also given us a curse. They’ve gifted us ultimate pleasure, but it’s a drug, and like any drug, you need a bigger dose each time you take it.”
This book is just that though; about a couple trying something new for their love life. So it isn’t packed full of drama, suspense or diverse story line BUT it is a great, hot, sexy, little story to pass the time!
~Bethany
“You know I love it when you talk dirty to me. And this takes the fucking cake. If I could get away with it, I’d haul you onto my lap at this light and drill myself into you and make you come against this steering wheel.”
This is a hot, sexy and sweet, short story; a great little read to pass away a few hours on a little erotica. It’s not just the sex that makes this story good however, it’s also the sweetness in Jace and Caroline’s relationship; the way they both love each other so much and how obvious it is that they are perfect for each other, will put a smile on your face.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured into her hair, stroking her back. “It’s never going to happen again. I’m perfectly happy to just do our thing. I love you, Care. None of this is worth risking you or our life together.”
The sex scenes are hot and something a little different to what I’ve read before, due to the element of another couple watching. There’s also a surprised added element of laughter. Caroline’s best friend is bold, funny, caring and says what ever is on her mind, which most of the time is quite hilarious!
“Our husbands have given us a great gift, but they’ve also given us a curse. They’ve gifted us ultimate pleasure, but it’s a drug, and like any drug, you need a bigger dose each time you take it.”
This book is just that though; about a couple trying something new for their love life. So it isn’t packed full of drama, suspense or diverse story line BUT it is a great, hot, sexy, little story to pass the time!
~Bethany
May 21, 2017
Caroline & Jason Stratton are a happily married couple, but their cosy world takes a dramatic turn when their neighbours and friends Michael and Piper admit that they sometimes have fun with other couples, which sparks a surge of interest in Jason & Caroline. After a drunken girlie afternoon with Piper where the two girls consume copious amounts of wine it leads to Jason having sex with his wife in front of Piper before she goes home. When Caroline sobers up she is overcome with guilt stemming from her very southern upbringing, which is a huge problem for her, her husband, the reader and just about everyone else on the planet.
This is not really a hotwife/cuckold book, more of a long and at time tedious journey of sexual discovery for Caroline and for the reader that journey verges on the torturous. The massive guilt Caroline feels about enjoying sex is the integral part of the story, it gets so big that the characters are almost incidental to Caroline’s guilt. I felt that it got too big and took over the book and stopped the story being about Caroline and Jason sexual discovery. Caroline comes across as an annoying, selfish and deeply troubled woman who is very lucky to have a loving husband and a wonderful friend in Piper who both put up with her guilt and try to understand her deep lying issues, I doubt if most people would be quite so understanding.
It is in fact Piper who is the star of the show and the scene where she rescues Caroline after her mini breakdown is the best part of the book. At times the dialogue is very clunky and does not flow in the way a conversation should. While the book is perfectly readable the standard of writing is not particularly great and none of the characters come to life except for the notable exception of Piper. I was glad to get to the end.
This is not really a hotwife/cuckold book, more of a long and at time tedious journey of sexual discovery for Caroline and for the reader that journey verges on the torturous. The massive guilt Caroline feels about enjoying sex is the integral part of the story, it gets so big that the characters are almost incidental to Caroline’s guilt. I felt that it got too big and took over the book and stopped the story being about Caroline and Jason sexual discovery. Caroline comes across as an annoying, selfish and deeply troubled woman who is very lucky to have a loving husband and a wonderful friend in Piper who both put up with her guilt and try to understand her deep lying issues, I doubt if most people would be quite so understanding.
It is in fact Piper who is the star of the show and the scene where she rescues Caroline after her mini breakdown is the best part of the book. At times the dialogue is very clunky and does not flow in the way a conversation should. While the book is perfectly readable the standard of writing is not particularly great and none of the characters come to life except for the notable exception of Piper. I was glad to get to the end.
July 3, 2015
Caroline and Jason have a good marriage but since they've been together for a few years, things have gotten predictable in the bedroom. Then one night their neighbors tell them about how they spice up their ten year marriage. Caroline swings between feeling guilty for even thinking about it and feeling turned on at the thought of what her neighbors have been doing. Jason is definitely interested in indulging some of his fantasies, but he leaves it up to Caroline.
What follows is mostly Caroline trying to resolve her feelings of guilt over wanting to experiment sexually, and her desire to do so. The story does a nice job of not beating this too hard, and gives what I thought was a realistic depiction of all the different thoughts going through Caroline's head in this situation.
I would have liked it more had her husband been more developed. I was curous about what inner conflicts or guilt he might have had. He just seemed a little too much "whatever you want, Caroline" for me. His reactions to Caroline's doubts toward the end of the book seemed a bit extreme, too.
I was very curious how the author was going to introduce the other characters in this and maintain a HEA. I was pleasantly surprised and I liked that the story was more about Caroline exploring her sexual desires rather than her struggling with guilt and other negative emotions.
Overall, I liked this and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series. It's sexy and deals with a alternative lifestyle with sensitivity and respect. It made me ask myself what I might do in Caroline's situation, and I liked that about the book.
This review and others are also on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/
What follows is mostly Caroline trying to resolve her feelings of guilt over wanting to experiment sexually, and her desire to do so. The story does a nice job of not beating this too hard, and gives what I thought was a realistic depiction of all the different thoughts going through Caroline's head in this situation.
I would have liked it more had her husband been more developed. I was curous about what inner conflicts or guilt he might have had. He just seemed a little too much "whatever you want, Caroline" for me. His reactions to Caroline's doubts toward the end of the book seemed a bit extreme, too.
I was very curious how the author was going to introduce the other characters in this and maintain a HEA. I was pleasantly surprised and I liked that the story was more about Caroline exploring her sexual desires rather than her struggling with guilt and other negative emotions.
Overall, I liked this and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series. It's sexy and deals with a alternative lifestyle with sensitivity and respect. It made me ask myself what I might do in Caroline's situation, and I liked that about the book.
This review and others are also on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/
May 14, 2015
I was both intrigued and skeptical by the synopsis of What Caroline Wants, but I thought I'd give it a try. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The writing is very good and the sex scenes are off the charts! Caroline and Jason are extremely happy in their marriage. They aren't looking for more, but when they hear that their best friends participate in extracurricular marriage activities their interests are perked. They have no intention of sharing each other, but they think adding a little spice might add to their already amazing sex life. Caroline is from the south and is full of guilt over her decision to possibly participate in something outside of her marriage with Jason. They want to take it slow and see if it's something they can handle. Will Caroline be able to get over her guilt and just try? I really loved Jason. He's an amazing man and husband and totally supportive. The secondary characters were all fantastic also!
"If I thought you were stupid, we never would've come this far in our friendship. Stupid people make me rashy and bitch-slappy."
"I get off on your pleasure. When you find your thing, it makes me feel out of control."
"If I thought you were stupid, we never would've come this far in our friendship. Stupid people make me rashy and bitch-slappy."
"I get off on your pleasure. When you find your thing, it makes me feel out of control."
July 6, 2015
This book is scorching, but although the sex scene's are seriously hot, there is a lot more to this book than just sex. This is about a couple who are madly in love and have been married for a few years and are trying to spice up their married a little by fulfilling some of their fantasies. Caroline is a southern girl, bought up in old fashioned ways. Her husband is much more open minded. They risk what they have by trying out these fantasies in very small baby steps and this is their story. The banter between Caroline and Pippa her next door neighbour is very funny and entertaining when they are having their "little talks" together. Like I said the sex scene's are really off the scale hot but it is still a lovely romantic book at heart. Totally enjoyable, and a must read !!!!
October 23, 2015
First, I want to say I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Jace the main man, however, I could not get past Caroline's character. She was so indecisive. I realize the decision's she was making were huge for her but her constant "yes I'm okay with it" to "no I can't do this" got old. After her 1st episode of all but having a nervous breakdown I don't think they should have entered into another such escapade. That being said, I will be buying her other books. This book is a stand alone, but there are 2 other books that talk about Emma and Piper (Caroline's new acquaintance and her best friend). I would love to read "What Piper Needs" as I adored Piper in this book.
January 21, 2016
Sigh. I read too many sexy books. This wasn't quite hot enough for me. I thought I was going to get some hot MMF action and it was laughable what actually transpired. Plus, Caroline and her "southern belle" attitude annoyed me. I also hate when authors make a big deal of describing how beautiful and "perfect" looking the heroine is. Repeatedly. Seriously, it was mentioned just about every other sentence. SMH. I liked Emma, Pete and Piper though so that's the only reason I upped the rating from one stars to two.
July 20, 2015
Totally relatable story that I loved. I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to this story of love, trust, honesty, and self discovery.I am excited to have found another new author and look forward to the next book. A hot, steamy read, great cover with likeable characters.
July 3, 2018
Wow
Ok I don't give spoilers but I really enjoyed how Caroline and Jason explored their relationship as a couple and where it led them! There are many authors now writing stories with adult themes and sometimes they don't get it right because they concentrate on shocking and explaining graphic sex scenes. Where this book gets it right is there is a story of a loving couple behind it and you get to know them before getting to know about their sexual habits! Well written, easy to follow and believable characters. Cannot say enough about how this book made me feel on my daily commute...!
Ok I don't give spoilers but I really enjoyed how Caroline and Jason explored their relationship as a couple and where it led them! There are many authors now writing stories with adult themes and sometimes they don't get it right because they concentrate on shocking and explaining graphic sex scenes. Where this book gets it right is there is a story of a loving couple behind it and you get to know them before getting to know about their sexual habits! Well written, easy to follow and believable characters. Cannot say enough about how this book made me feel on my daily commute...!
November 15, 2017
Interesting
I loved the book, but Caroline was a bit whiny and I didn't like that at all. However, the details were sexy. But in future a suggestion would be to not have repetition of someone whose whiny and it be like the same thing continuously because I about stopped reading for that sole purpose but overall a good story
I loved the book, but Caroline was a bit whiny and I didn't like that at all. However, the details were sexy. But in future a suggestion would be to not have repetition of someone whose whiny and it be like the same thing continuously because I about stopped reading for that sole purpose but overall a good story
February 11, 2018
Fucking amazing book
Could stop reading once I started it was detailed and I can't wait to read book 2 and so on
Could stop reading once I started it was detailed and I can't wait to read book 2 and so on
May 20, 2018
Brilliant
Really loved this book, now on to book 2 and hope that's as good as this one. Not read this author before but will be checking her other books out
Really loved this book, now on to book 2 and hope that's as good as this one. Not read this author before but will be checking her other books out
June 4, 2021
Trying to figure it out.
Still on the fence about what happened. Didn't expect it and still curious. Definitely will read the bonus scenes. Wow.
Still on the fence about what happened. Didn't expect it and still curious. Definitely will read the bonus scenes. Wow.
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