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The Barter System
Research might be work...but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. Riya O'Connell goes straight to the source for her dissertation on male sexuality. She sets out on a journey that will take her all over the country...and deep into her own desires. *Thirteen thousand applications. *Eight chosen men. *One woman's heart. They provide information and ensure she reaches her next destination safely. In return, Riya gives them what they want - and helps them discover what they didn't realize they need. *Meet the subjects. *Push your inhibitions. *Experience the passion. Sean (37) Internet Entrepreneur - Florida Victor (31) Fisherman - Georgia Joshua (22) College Student - Texas Lucas (42) Rancher - Montana Ricardo (32) Police Officer - California Bobby (27) Musician - Massachusetts Micah & Max (34) Financiers - New York Step inside Riya's world right now. A contemporary erotic novel by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon. This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language (including D/s, menage, and same-sex) and is intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if explicit sexual content offends you.
610 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2012
85 people are currently reading
1538 people want to read
About the author
Shayne McClendon
82 books620 followersShayne McClendon is the author of more than fifty published books and over six hundred short stories (and counting).
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
November 14, 2013
DNF'ing this TRIPLE XXX PORN fest
This is just too much.. It's straight up porn, for that I shoulda just rented a porn flick with my boyfriend. There is no sustenance or dialogue.. Just straight up f*cking..
I need to be wine'd and dine'd before you start pounding my vajayjay..
Look I can appreciate a good smut book but it needs to have some kind of sustenance with likable believable characters.. But no way!!
Maybe I will pick it up later when I decide that i need to prime myself for my boyfriend..
This is just too much.. It's straight up porn, for that I shoulda just rented a porn flick with my boyfriend. There is no sustenance or dialogue.. Just straight up f*cking..
I need to be wine'd and dine'd before you start pounding my vajayjay..
Look I can appreciate a good smut book but it needs to have some kind of sustenance with likable believable characters.. But no way!!
Maybe I will pick it up later when I decide that i need to prime myself for my boyfriend..
July 19, 2014
So I put this book off for far too long. The reviews from friends were amazing, but I just did not think I could get into the theme/story. Boy was I wrong. I took my time reading this one - devoted all of my Saturday to this book - and that is a lot of time for me for one book, I read 3 just last night into the early am today. But shit - this book had moments of complete hotness and some parts that had you in tears.
Riya is has a secret adult oriented blog, writes erotica under a pen name and after having 2 horrible partners in her bed and a 3 year forced dry spell she decides to do her dissertation on sexual behaviors - seeking out the differences (or similarities) of men and woman when it comes to intimacy. She gets over 13,000 applicants and narrows it down to 8 men. She will stay with them for about a week - live with them, go out - let them take care of her - have sex with them - indulge in their fantasy and document their interaction. Each of the men lacking something that has led them to her site. While she is on this road trip of sexual experiences she finds out that as much as they are helping her - she is giving them something in return.
This story could have taken so many different roads to the finish - each subject would have made for a wonderful ending. Each one had something else to offer - and in the end it could have ended up with Riya with any one of them or just back to herself with much more knowledge about herself and the story still would have been perfect.
Sean is was hot. The sex was hot and even though he was the first encounter, you wanted her to stop right there. He was perfect. Then came Victor, the big guy with a simple mind and a huge heart. You loved him instantly and felt such sorrow for him at the same time. Joshua was a jack rabbit and the twist with this one was hot.
Lucas. Where to even begin. I do have to admit that being in my early 30's I have to dig way back into early works of Sam Elliot, but I do recall being of a certain age and watching him all dirty and biker like in Mask - then in Tombstone as a much older cowboy. I have always had a crush on him and thought he was smoking. I instantly was drawn to Lucas. His story and relationship with Riya was the most touching for me. I cried through this entire encounter. It broke my heart.
Ric was the sexy cop that had the hot fantasy of bad cop. He was just what was needed to bring you out of the depression of Lucas. Then we have Max & Micah. I was a bit intrigued and surprised as to what these 2 men would be. The early interactions were funny and hot. I actually found myself more involved in this aspect - it was a bit more taboo but scorching hot. The fact that they are drop dead gorgeous doesn't help, oh yeah and they have British accents.
Danny was horrible - but they needed this aspect of the subjects.
All in all the ending was amazing, I would have been happy with any alternative ending the author would have offered. I fell in love with each of them (except Danny) and I just wanted to be hugged between Max and Micah - if even for a second. Jesus, did I mention it was hot - they were hot?
I am so glad I gave in and read this one . It was brilliantly surprising and made you question your own sexual experiences and your inhibitions. Would you be daring enough?
Riya is has a secret adult oriented blog, writes erotica under a pen name and after having 2 horrible partners in her bed and a 3 year forced dry spell she decides to do her dissertation on sexual behaviors - seeking out the differences (or similarities) of men and woman when it comes to intimacy. She gets over 13,000 applicants and narrows it down to 8 men. She will stay with them for about a week - live with them, go out - let them take care of her - have sex with them - indulge in their fantasy and document their interaction. Each of the men lacking something that has led them to her site. While she is on this road trip of sexual experiences she finds out that as much as they are helping her - she is giving them something in return.
This story could have taken so many different roads to the finish - each subject would have made for a wonderful ending. Each one had something else to offer - and in the end it could have ended up with Riya with any one of them or just back to herself with much more knowledge about herself and the story still would have been perfect.
Sean is was hot. The sex was hot and even though he was the first encounter, you wanted her to stop right there. He was perfect. Then came Victor, the big guy with a simple mind and a huge heart. You loved him instantly and felt such sorrow for him at the same time. Joshua was a jack rabbit and the twist with this one was hot.
Lucas. Where to even begin. I do have to admit that being in my early 30's I have to dig way back into early works of Sam Elliot, but I do recall being of a certain age and watching him all dirty and biker like in Mask - then in Tombstone as a much older cowboy. I have always had a crush on him and thought he was smoking. I instantly was drawn to Lucas. His story and relationship with Riya was the most touching for me. I cried through this entire encounter. It broke my heart.
Ric was the sexy cop that had the hot fantasy of bad cop. He was just what was needed to bring you out of the depression of Lucas. Then we have Max & Micah. I was a bit intrigued and surprised as to what these 2 men would be. The early interactions were funny and hot. I actually found myself more involved in this aspect - it was a bit more taboo but scorching hot. The fact that they are drop dead gorgeous doesn't help, oh yeah and they have British accents.
Danny was horrible - but they needed this aspect of the subjects.
All in all the ending was amazing, I would have been happy with any alternative ending the author would have offered. I fell in love with each of them (except Danny) and I just wanted to be hugged between Max and Micah - if even for a second. Jesus, did I mention it was hot - they were hot?
I am so glad I gave in and read this one . It was brilliantly surprising and made you question your own sexual experiences and your inhibitions. Would you be daring enough?
December 16, 2012
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THE BARTER SYSTEM
by Shayne McClendon
4.5 stars
Those who know me know I like my books hot. But there is a caveat - I want there to be story as well. This is not always easy to find especially when you learn a book has so many different encounters in it.
So I went into this book with a bit of trepidation, wondering how you could pull off encounters with different men and still have a story; well Ms McClendon proved me wrong in spades.
I don't often start my reviews with a summary but for this book I think it is necessary, as this not your traditional boy meets girl, couple falls in love story; though there is an end that melted my heart the path this is unique and well crafted.
Riya O’Connell creates a website called "The Barter System" in order to support her dissertation on male sexuality.
She narrows all of the submissions of willing men to eight, all across the country. The men agree to answer her questions and participate on her study and in return Riya will give them, whatever they want, yes anything and yes that is where the fun begins.
Honesty is one of primary things Riya screens for and she offers it in return, making no secret about the fact that she uses looks as a criteria in her selection. These men although different are striking and compelling for different reasons.
It is interesting to see the surveys created and the data she requests from each man. The author really laid out a fully developed concept.
As her project moves forward Riya realizes she selected men who would love and care for her and that she could easily love them in return. And this starts to affect her in ways she never imagined. This journey teaches her about herself while helping each man learn about themselves, truly building friendship with these subjects.
The affect these men have on Riya felt truthful and real; her affect on their lives was powerful and meaningful.
Sean, Victor, Joshua, Lucas, Ricardo, Max and Micah become real to the reader; they are described with such individual details and backstory allowing you to see each man as his own person and feel Riya's attraction to them. (and yes their stories are so powerful I just listed them from memory).
This book is hot, erotic and explores the nature of sexuality on so many levels but it is also emotional and powerful.
Ms McClendon managed to craft a story for each man, each encounter and Riya's bond to each is different. Riya's reaction to each is described so eloquently your heart will feel for her during and after each "subject."
She also manages to make each sexual encounter unique, Riya's approach to each and their reaction to her was enjoyable to read. And again yes, very steamy!
The ending of this book was masterful. Ms McClenden manages to provide tears of joy, tug at your heart strings and create a smile on your face for what the future holds for Riya and her chosen path.
No, I am not telling you or what Riya choses for her life, you have to read the book to find out how her story ends!
I highly recommend The Barter System to our followers who like well told stories with a lot of heat!
July 23, 2012
This book surprised me a lot. I had a lot of trouble getting past Riya's subject matter for her dissertation and her extremely casual viewpoint of sex. I came close to stopping this book several times during the beginning. But I found that I could not take my eyes away from this story....I almost felt like a voyeur watching two people having raw, hard sex with no emotional involvement. As her project went along, Riya began to feel some of the same emotions that I was feeling reading about her. By the time she came upon Lucas, I was hooked. Riya began to grow with each relationship she had and she shared a part of her heart in return. This book was amazing and insightful with emotions running high. To say that this book was hot is such an understatement. It was way beyond hot and well written. It was a great story and a great ending. I would highly recommend it.
October 30, 2012
Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!
I envy Riya, she found a legitimate way to have sex with men without being considered a slut! LOL I loved her! She was strong, sexual, confident, and sassy...the perfect heroine!
This book was smoking hot, lots of sex, but smart! Riya found herself leaving bits and pieces of her heart with each of her subjects but in the end, she found the pieces that made her feel whole again. The only thing I wish is that we could have read Riya's dissertation. It would have been interesting to see what she wrote about each of her subjects. However the story was still great, well written, and wrapped up nicely without leaving any unanswered questions. I will definitely read more by this author, she's very clever!
I envy Riya, she found a legitimate way to have sex with men without being considered a slut! LOL I loved her! She was strong, sexual, confident, and sassy...the perfect heroine!
This book was smoking hot, lots of sex, but smart! Riya found herself leaving bits and pieces of her heart with each of her subjects but in the end, she found the pieces that made her feel whole again. The only thing I wish is that we could have read Riya's dissertation. It would have been interesting to see what she wrote about each of her subjects. However the story was still great, well written, and wrapped up nicely without leaving any unanswered questions. I will definitely read more by this author, she's very clever!
October 22, 2012
Holy Twitching Panties Batman! I have never written a review for an erotic book before. So, in saying that, I am just going to tell you what I think. This book is AWESOME. I have read it twice! Shayne has a way with words that makes you feel what the character feels. I desperately want to be Riya. I laughed... I cried... "my toes curled" (the nicest way to say what I really feel). There is something for everyone in this book. So many erotic scenes are played out and all of it with class. It's like your imagination gone wild. Read the book and experience it yourself. You will not be disappointed! (This was the first recommendation I ever wrote and the first full work I ever read by Shayne McClendon... She is by far my favorite author and my hero! xoxoxox )
January 8, 2014
5 Stars
I loved everything about this book...the plot was totally intriguing...a girl doing her dissertation, living with 8 different guys for a week exploring human sexuality. This is the second book I have read by Shayne McClendon and let me tell you I am totally impressed with her. She can write a strong heroine....and she can write some erotica. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with all these guys and in the end I was just so happy!!!
I hope everyone picks this us to read....you will not be disappointed!
I loved everything about this book...the plot was totally intriguing...a girl doing her dissertation, living with 8 different guys for a week exploring human sexuality. This is the second book I have read by Shayne McClendon and let me tell you I am totally impressed with her. She can write a strong heroine....and she can write some erotica. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with all these guys and in the end I was just so happy!!!
I hope everyone picks this us to read....you will not be disappointed!
July 16, 2012
The Barter System by Shayne M. was absolutely fantastic!! The storyline was unique and interesting and the main character Riya was smart, sexy, and adventurous! I loved that the story gave me enough detail to vividly see each scene and character in my head. Also, this story is hot!!! I mean damn hot!!! I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys a good strong story with lots of hotness!!
January 26, 2013
Well this was absolutely unlike anything I have ever read. I found the premise to be quite interesting and intriguing and honestly the book did not disappoint.
Riya is a blogger/erotic romance novelist who is completing her dissertation. She creates the Barter System where she has chosen 8 subjects to complete her "study". So she embarks on a journey across the country to meet the subjects and collect data.
This is where things get interesting....Riya didn't realize the emotional impact all of these subjects would have on her and as she travels from subject to subject they each take a little piece of her with them. I absolutely loved all 8 subjects! And found myself falling for them too. A lot of the reviews mentioned the book being repetitive but I really didn't feel that way....they were all so different that they each brought a new experience.
Sean--the Internet entrepreneur--my personal favorite
Victor--the fisherman--kind and gentle
Joshua--the college student--there is definitely something to be said for being 22!
Lucas--the rancher--his story was so sad and broke my heart
Ricardo--the police officer--holy motorcycle loving and dancing hotness!
Max and Micah--the financiers--oh to be loved by these two!!!
Bobby--the musician--there are no words to describe him!
Throughout the study Riya discovers things about herself as well as helping all of the subjects embrace their own sexuality and insecurities. The study changes Riya and she ends up giving her heart away completely to one of the subjects. The book almost read like a mystery. I couldn't stop--wanting to find out which subject she had chosen in the end. After every subject I would swear that was the one she chose. :)
I was happy with how things ended! This book was seriously HOT! Lots of steamy sex and a heart-warming love story to go all with it. I liked how we got an update on the remaining subjects after the study was complete. Definitely recommend especially if you're looking for something a little bit different!
Riya is a blogger/erotic romance novelist who is completing her dissertation. She creates the Barter System where she has chosen 8 subjects to complete her "study". So she embarks on a journey across the country to meet the subjects and collect data.
This is where things get interesting....Riya didn't realize the emotional impact all of these subjects would have on her and as she travels from subject to subject they each take a little piece of her with them. I absolutely loved all 8 subjects! And found myself falling for them too. A lot of the reviews mentioned the book being repetitive but I really didn't feel that way....they were all so different that they each brought a new experience.
Sean--the Internet entrepreneur--my personal favorite
Victor--the fisherman--kind and gentle
Joshua--the college student--there is definitely something to be said for being 22!
Lucas--the rancher--his story was so sad and broke my heart
Ricardo--the police officer--holy motorcycle loving and dancing hotness!
Max and Micah--the financiers--oh to be loved by these two!!!
Bobby--the musician--there are no words to describe him!
Throughout the study Riya discovers things about herself as well as helping all of the subjects embrace their own sexuality and insecurities. The study changes Riya and she ends up giving her heart away completely to one of the subjects. The book almost read like a mystery. I couldn't stop--wanting to find out which subject she had chosen in the end. After every subject I would swear that was the one she chose. :)
I was happy with how things ended! This book was seriously HOT! Lots of steamy sex and a heart-warming love story to go all with it. I liked how we got an update on the remaining subjects after the study was complete. Definitely recommend especially if you're looking for something a little bit different!
December 11, 2012
This book is everything I wanted and more. An emotional roller coaster had my stomach twisted in joy and pain through out the whole thing.
I fell in love each one of the men. Out of thousands of men that applied she narrowed it down to 8. I don't know how Riya did it. I fell in love with each and everyone of them. It broke my heart in little pieces when she left on after the other. It was fucking with my head thinking who the hell am I going to love even more then the last one. All of them have a special connection to her heart and theirs. Riya was helping each and everyone of them in their own way before she moved on to her next subject.
"That it is possible to fall in love with many people and give them a piece of yourself they earn from you...a piece they can never give back to you. Not that you want it back because it belongs with them now. That I somehow perfectly chose a handful of men out of thirteen thousand I could easily fall in love with and who would love me in return. That part is getting...painful."
Once she went to Max and Micah I adored them to pieces. Gosh both of those men are fucking hot as hell. I wanted her to stay with them. I didn't want her to leave at all. Being with two men would sound like a lot of work but damn they made it sounds so good. My heart melted for them. They are perfect DAMN IT....
Towards the end I was doing a Happy Dance.
Wonder book. I will have to re read this one over again for sure..... I want more :)
I fell in love each one of the men. Out of thousands of men that applied she narrowed it down to 8. I don't know how Riya did it. I fell in love with each and everyone of them. It broke my heart in little pieces when she left on after the other. It was fucking with my head thinking who the hell am I going to love even more then the last one. All of them have a special connection to her heart and theirs. Riya was helping each and everyone of them in their own way before she moved on to her next subject.
"That it is possible to fall in love with many people and give them a piece of yourself they earn from you...a piece they can never give back to you. Not that you want it back because it belongs with them now. That I somehow perfectly chose a handful of men out of thirteen thousand I could easily fall in love with and who would love me in return. That part is getting...painful."
Once she went to Max and Micah I adored them to pieces. Gosh both of those men are fucking hot as hell. I wanted her to stay with them. I didn't want her to leave at all. Being with two men would sound like a lot of work but damn they made it sounds so good. My heart melted for them. They are perfect DAMN IT....
Towards the end I was doing a Happy Dance.
Wonder book. I will have to re read this one over again for sure..... I want more :)
November 18, 2012
The Barter System just wasn't for me. Let me start off by saying that the quality of the writing (i.e. grammar and flow) is very good. Nothing lacking there.
The story itself was very unique and at first it was very interesting. However, as I went through each man, it felt as if I were reading about the same one over and over again. Girl meets guy, girl screws guy in every way possible, girl finds out guy secretly loves another woman that secretly loves him back, girl hooks up guy and girl then leaves. Also, I got bored with all the sex - I know, I know - it's erotica and it's meant to have a lot of sex but damn! Give me a little variety to the story. In addition, the main character is supposed to be very inexperienced in hot, satisfying sex, yet, she seems to have the knowledge of a porn star immediately and every guy seems to talk a ton during sex - even the shy ones.
If all you are looking for is page after page of sex, this one's for you! Personally, I found it hard to finish.
The story itself was very unique and at first it was very interesting. However, as I went through each man, it felt as if I were reading about the same one over and over again. Girl meets guy, girl screws guy in every way possible, girl finds out guy secretly loves another woman that secretly loves him back, girl hooks up guy and girl then leaves. Also, I got bored with all the sex - I know, I know - it's erotica and it's meant to have a lot of sex but damn! Give me a little variety to the story. In addition, the main character is supposed to be very inexperienced in hot, satisfying sex, yet, she seems to have the knowledge of a porn star immediately and every guy seems to talk a ton during sex - even the shy ones.
If all you are looking for is page after page of sex, this one's for you! Personally, I found it hard to finish.
November 9, 2012
What an incredibly fun and passionate story. I began this book with skepticism. How could the plot carry a heroine through a parade of eight sexual encounters and maintain any semblance of emotional depth? But it was executed fervently. I lamented Riya's good-byes as she concluded each one week liaison, at the same time finding myself vigorously enthusiastic about meeting the next guy. The biggest surprise was the complexity in which each man was constructed. Their unequaled identities, their colorful back stories and motivations, and their compelling bonds with Riya, made it impossible not to fall in love with every one of them. Poor Riya. Despite her full throttle in-your-face tenacity, I couldn't fathom how she would choose to end her tour. But her final decision was very satisfying. I highly recommend this unconventional, original, erotic story and will absolutely be reading more from Ms. McClendon.
December 31, 2012
Over the past couple of decades years I have only read non-fiction books and during the last aix months I have been working on four or five books simultaneously, without any of them sufficiently compelling to complete. I read “The Barter System” in three days !
I stumbled upon some of Shayne’s posts on Facebook via one of her profiles. I don’t recall what inspired me to download “The Barter System” because although I had received a collection of “erotic” stories years ago, I could never “get into it” and it continues to collect dust on the bookshelf. Additionally, my perception, however incorrect, of erotic writing was “romance novels,” i.e., damsels in distress rescued by chest-shaving, muscled men and although I don’t know for certain, I suspect that I am not Shayne’s target demographic, that is, I don't think she writes for me.
What kept me interested in “The Barter System” was not the sex scenes, which were steamy, but the character development, especially of the main character, Riya and the emotional turmoil she experienced throughout the story. “The Barter System” made me laugh in sections, tear up in others and even cheer!
Even if one is not a fan of erotica I wholeheartedly recommend “The Barter System” and anything else Shayne puts on paper/kindle/pc, et al, because the book is much more than that: I was moved by Shayne’s treatment of loss, depression and introspection, topics I did not expect to encounter in such a book.
I stumbled upon some of Shayne’s posts on Facebook via one of her profiles. I don’t recall what inspired me to download “The Barter System” because although I had received a collection of “erotic” stories years ago, I could never “get into it” and it continues to collect dust on the bookshelf. Additionally, my perception, however incorrect, of erotic writing was “romance novels,” i.e., damsels in distress rescued by chest-shaving, muscled men and although I don’t know for certain, I suspect that I am not Shayne’s target demographic, that is, I don't think she writes for me.
What kept me interested in “The Barter System” was not the sex scenes, which were steamy, but the character development, especially of the main character, Riya and the emotional turmoil she experienced throughout the story. “The Barter System” made me laugh in sections, tear up in others and even cheer!
Even if one is not a fan of erotica I wholeheartedly recommend “The Barter System” and anything else Shayne puts on paper/kindle/pc, et al, because the book is much more than that: I was moved by Shayne’s treatment of loss, depression and introspection, topics I did not expect to encounter in such a book.
December 23, 2012
This book was soo different. I would fall for the guys she was with so when it came fir goodbyes it was hard. Sometimes the sex right after was hard for me to. But what I love about this story is with each man she helped them, made their life better. I love how it ended didn't see that one coming. Read it!
August 27, 2014
The Barter System by Shayne McClendon
Riya & Hell, her subjects!
YOU WANT IT, YOU GOT IT AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!
Holy hell, this book is HOT HOT HOT!! In my 43 years, I have never, I mean NEVER read a book quite like this one and I'm pretty sure I never will again!! Some reviewers called this porn and gave it a shockingly bad review... Shame on you dorks!! You had to have read the synopsis... AND it clearly states in there.... NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language and is intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if intense sexual situations offend you... So what gives people... just about every damn romance/erotica book now-a-days has a certain amount of sex in it... this one just had a bit more!!! Hee!!
I'm here to tell you that I was intrigued by Riya's study and thought it was so fucking cool... I wish I thought of it when I was younger. It's absolutely brilliant!
Riya is not your typical girl. She's so much more and has an open mind regarding just about anything that comes her way! She's genuine and seems to jump in feet first into everything and everyone she does! She fiercely loves and protects what is hers and will go to great lengths to make sure those she loves around her are content and satisfied without regard for her own feelings. She's definitely one chick I'd keep in my arsenal of friends. Now, Tawny, her best friend, well that girly played such an instrumental part in keeping Riya on track and focused on the end game. Great friends are so hard to come by these days, but Riya knocked it out of the park with Tawny! Now Riya's daddio, well, he seemed nice enough, just made me want to punch him in the dick a few times, that's all!
So many supporting characters (mostly men) that I feel compelled to mention a little bit about all of them!!!! Here it goes... I'll start in order with Sean. I'll admit, I was a little freaked out about the "study" and how things were going to play out, but after plowing through his part in this magnificent story, I felt so much better. He's handsome, smart, and seems very passionate about taking good care of Riya.
Next up, Victor, one of my faves by far!!! He may just be a fisherman... but whoa... what a body!!! I mean 6'6" and everything BIG to go with that impressive height! Even his heart is BIG! I would equate him to the biggest, most handsome teddy bear I've ever met!
Third on my list is Lucas! When I say this man stole my heart, I mean he left just the box it came in and I don't want it back! His part in this adventurous story is one of heartbreak, denial, and trust. I was so engrossed in the story by the time I got to him, that I was blindsided by the emotions that bubbled up in me when he finally made his appearance! He will forever hold a special place in my heart!
The next hotty in my travels through The Barter System is Ricardo. Hells bells, that man is one hot piece of @$$!!! A tall drink a water sitting on top of a freakin' Harley for Godsakes AND he can dance like a mofo! I get moist just thinking about it!! LOL!! I'm still waiting for him to read me my rights... "You have the right to scream my name when I make you come. Anything on my body can and will be used against you. You have the right to beg for mercy. If you are too weak to beg for mercy, you will withstand further pleasure. Do you understand these rights?" I SURE DO RICARDO!!!
Now... let me tell you about the M's... Max and Micah...mmmm... I just love these guys! So beautiful inside and out that I find myself longing to touch them... to hug them.. to kiss them all over!!! I think Riya said it best, " Could you honestly pick just one? I must be greedy. I'm taking them both." They have it all... beauty, brains, compassion, and tons of ca$h!!
All in all, I felt very absorbed in this story... very much like a part of it... living it... it's not porn.. it's a hot, steamy, sexual love story that will take you to new heights and pound you down to new lows... it's approximately 375 (Kindle version) pages long and I'm surprised Shayne managed to fit it all into that! The pacing is perfect and the dialogue flows very nicely. Too many highs and lows to mention, but the climax will have you reeling for days... Onto "Hudson" now...
5 stars!
Riya & Hell, her subjects!
YOU WANT IT, YOU GOT IT AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!
Holy hell, this book is HOT HOT HOT!! In my 43 years, I have never, I mean NEVER read a book quite like this one and I'm pretty sure I never will again!! Some reviewers called this porn and gave it a shockingly bad review... Shame on you dorks!! You had to have read the synopsis... AND it clearly states in there.... NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language and is intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if intense sexual situations offend you... So what gives people... just about every damn romance/erotica book now-a-days has a certain amount of sex in it... this one just had a bit more!!! Hee!!
I'm here to tell you that I was intrigued by Riya's study and thought it was so fucking cool... I wish I thought of it when I was younger. It's absolutely brilliant!
Riya is not your typical girl. She's so much more and has an open mind regarding just about anything that comes her way! She's genuine and seems to jump in feet first into everything and everyone she does! She fiercely loves and protects what is hers and will go to great lengths to make sure those she loves around her are content and satisfied without regard for her own feelings. She's definitely one chick I'd keep in my arsenal of friends. Now, Tawny, her best friend, well that girly played such an instrumental part in keeping Riya on track and focused on the end game. Great friends are so hard to come by these days, but Riya knocked it out of the park with Tawny! Now Riya's daddio, well, he seemed nice enough, just made me want to punch him in the dick a few times, that's all!
So many supporting characters (mostly men) that I feel compelled to mention a little bit about all of them!!!! Here it goes... I'll start in order with Sean. I'll admit, I was a little freaked out about the "study" and how things were going to play out, but after plowing through his part in this magnificent story, I felt so much better. He's handsome, smart, and seems very passionate about taking good care of Riya.
Next up, Victor, one of my faves by far!!! He may just be a fisherman... but whoa... what a body!!! I mean 6'6" and everything BIG to go with that impressive height! Even his heart is BIG! I would equate him to the biggest, most handsome teddy bear I've ever met!
Third on my list is Lucas! When I say this man stole my heart, I mean he left just the box it came in and I don't want it back! His part in this adventurous story is one of heartbreak, denial, and trust. I was so engrossed in the story by the time I got to him, that I was blindsided by the emotions that bubbled up in me when he finally made his appearance! He will forever hold a special place in my heart!
The next hotty in my travels through The Barter System is Ricardo. Hells bells, that man is one hot piece of @$$!!! A tall drink a water sitting on top of a freakin' Harley for Godsakes AND he can dance like a mofo! I get moist just thinking about it!! LOL!! I'm still waiting for him to read me my rights... "You have the right to scream my name when I make you come. Anything on my body can and will be used against you. You have the right to beg for mercy. If you are too weak to beg for mercy, you will withstand further pleasure. Do you understand these rights?" I SURE DO RICARDO!!!
Now... let me tell you about the M's... Max and Micah...mmmm... I just love these guys! So beautiful inside and out that I find myself longing to touch them... to hug them.. to kiss them all over!!! I think Riya said it best, " Could you honestly pick just one? I must be greedy. I'm taking them both." They have it all... beauty, brains, compassion, and tons of ca$h!!
All in all, I felt very absorbed in this story... very much like a part of it... living it... it's not porn.. it's a hot, steamy, sexual love story that will take you to new heights and pound you down to new lows... it's approximately 375 (Kindle version) pages long and I'm surprised Shayne managed to fit it all into that! The pacing is perfect and the dialogue flows very nicely. Too many highs and lows to mention, but the climax will have you reeling for days... Onto "Hudson" now...
5 stars!
June 23, 2013
Love this book!!
The way it was written is magnificent. I fell in love with the subjects and each time Riya leaves one, I also feel like a piece of my heart goes with them. Such a unique story, lots of character development and recurring themes. There were times where I felt how I should read that part of the story. Like, when she was with Joshua, I had to read it fast, and I was exhausted after that. :)) The same happened when Lucas was chasing Riya in his house. And when Ric and Riya got back from the club that first night. The anguish that Riya felt when she had to leave Lucas was so real, it was like I can touch it straight from the book. Also the sex scenes were all hot and steamy. :)))
At first I thought she will be most attached to Sean, well because he's the first subject. Then I saw the others in the book. It was also great how she didn't intentionally match the guys before she left them. She's right, they probably would never get over her if she didn't do that. There lots of unrequited love, between Sean and his assistant, Victor and his sister's friend, Joshua and his roommate, Ricardo and his ex-wife. I'm glad it worked, they all did.
I felt the saddest in Lucas' chapters, because I felt his depression, bitterness, and sadness. It was the most emotional part of the book. He's in love with Riya but he let her go, because he knows she's meant to do more things. Other guys probably won't do what he did.
The part where I enjoyed the most was the one with Max and Micah. When I first read their names in the list in the first chapter, I thought they were twins so that will be really awkward. Then when I got to their chapter and in that first meeting with the two, I knew for sure that she won't be able to leave them, I knew she would fall for them. I was smiling the whole time I was reading that part. I don't even know what a menage is before, until this book. I love Max and Micah. They really are the best. I don't know why but when Max was described, I kept picturing Robin Thicke in my mind (he's my all time singer crush, and he's super hawt and sexxaaay.) I also like the other club members and the wives. Having two alpha males care for you takes a lot of courage and skill, and Riya is perfect for it. Specially if it's someone who's as hot, sexy, caring, and lovable as Max and Micah. They love Riya wholeheartedly.
I also love Riya's best friend- Tawny. She's super awesome and such a great friend. I was glad when she found two alpha males of her own.
Riya grew a lot in this book. She didn't think of her own emotions when she started the dissertation. She didn;t know that it would be that hard to leave them, let alone not fall for them. Max and Micah were right, any of those guys would have loved Riya just enough and they were really lucky to have her.
And though Bobby didn't really got to know Riya, he learned a lot from her as well. He's an asshole, but I'm sure he learned his lesson.
I understood Riya's dad's fear for her daughter, she went from being inside the house all the time to someone who's going around the country with different men. He's his father, he may be unreasonable but I say you can't blame him, it's his job to protect his daughter. Glad that he found love again after everything.
The wedding was perf. Almost. :") I'm excited for Riya's future with Max and Micah. She deserve's the love they are giving her. :)
The way it was written is magnificent. I fell in love with the subjects and each time Riya leaves one, I also feel like a piece of my heart goes with them. Such a unique story, lots of character development and recurring themes. There were times where I felt how I should read that part of the story. Like, when she was with Joshua, I had to read it fast, and I was exhausted after that. :)) The same happened when Lucas was chasing Riya in his house. And when Ric and Riya got back from the club that first night. The anguish that Riya felt when she had to leave Lucas was so real, it was like I can touch it straight from the book. Also the sex scenes were all hot and steamy. :)))
At first I thought she will be most attached to Sean, well because he's the first subject. Then I saw the others in the book. It was also great how she didn't intentionally match the guys before she left them. She's right, they probably would never get over her if she didn't do that. There lots of unrequited love, between Sean and his assistant, Victor and his sister's friend, Joshua and his roommate, Ricardo and his ex-wife. I'm glad it worked, they all did.
I felt the saddest in Lucas' chapters, because I felt his depression, bitterness, and sadness. It was the most emotional part of the book. He's in love with Riya but he let her go, because he knows she's meant to do more things. Other guys probably won't do what he did.
The part where I enjoyed the most was the one with Max and Micah. When I first read their names in the list in the first chapter, I thought they were twins so that will be really awkward. Then when I got to their chapter and in that first meeting with the two, I knew for sure that she won't be able to leave them, I knew she would fall for them. I was smiling the whole time I was reading that part. I don't even know what a menage is before, until this book. I love Max and Micah. They really are the best. I don't know why but when Max was described, I kept picturing Robin Thicke in my mind (he's my all time singer crush, and he's super hawt and sexxaaay.) I also like the other club members and the wives. Having two alpha males care for you takes a lot of courage and skill, and Riya is perfect for it. Specially if it's someone who's as hot, sexy, caring, and lovable as Max and Micah. They love Riya wholeheartedly.
I also love Riya's best friend- Tawny. She's super awesome and such a great friend. I was glad when she found two alpha males of her own.
Riya grew a lot in this book. She didn't think of her own emotions when she started the dissertation. She didn;t know that it would be that hard to leave them, let alone not fall for them. Max and Micah were right, any of those guys would have loved Riya just enough and they were really lucky to have her.
And though Bobby didn't really got to know Riya, he learned a lot from her as well. He's an asshole, but I'm sure he learned his lesson.
I understood Riya's dad's fear for her daughter, she went from being inside the house all the time to someone who's going around the country with different men. He's his father, he may be unreasonable but I say you can't blame him, it's his job to protect his daughter. Glad that he found love again after everything.
The wedding was perf. Almost. :") I'm excited for Riya's future with Max and Micah. She deserve's the love they are giving her. :)
July 16, 2012
Loved this story!!! I immediately loved Riya and loved watching her find a "zest" for life. The love scenes were steamy and sexy. The characters each had their own "special something" It ended how it needed to end. What more can you want in a book? I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read something hot and steamy with a storyline that is a little off the "main stream" which to me adds its own little splash of excitement.
May 4, 2013
When I started this book, I didn't expect to take me on the journey it did. I thought it would be a lot of sex, but I never expected this type of depth and emotion. I can honestly say that Riya changed my life. I have never read a character like her. She is the strongest, most wonderful heroine I have ever read about. Shayne has a gift for writing about strong female leads and wonderful alpha men. I have only read one ménage story before this one, but this story changed my love for this type of erotica. I couldn't get enough of all the male characters, every one of then unique and incredible in their own way, especially Max and Micah. Goodness, still fanning myself! I highly recommend this book!
September 23, 2013
Once in a while you come across a little pearl hidden among an ocean-full of empty oysters. This is how I felt when discovering Shayne McClendon's work. Again, in The Barter System, she has beautifully married the erotica style with grace and dignity. I truly appreciate the strong female role, Riya, who embraces her femininity and yet is able to appreciate what the male gender has to offer, both sexually and emotionally. With all the troubles and worries of our daily lives, it feels so good to dive into a piece of fiction that makes us feel a thousand times better when the last page is turned. Again, Shayne....Brilliant.
March 19, 2013
I loved this story! It's a super hot read if you're in the mood for something that isn't your typical boys meets girl story try this out. This book is hot (I think I already mentioned that) but that's not all. Riya is a smart well educated, strong female lead. The stories of the men that come into her life during her dissertation range from sexy to emotional to funny. I could read more about all these characters (the M's hello) but there wasn't a cliffhanger which I also really enjoyed. I hate when we're left hanging!
January 16, 2014
Wow. Wow. Wow. Was skeptical at first -- but after reading the first 2 subjects, I was close to obsessed. It is a different sort of book, so once you suspend your disbelief and judgements, you will want to stay with this story. It's sexy, emotional and at times, messy. But really worth it.
April 6, 2016
Holy hotness! I haven't read a book this hot in a loooooong time. Loved it!!!
December 16, 2013
I have no idea how I originally came across The Barter System over a year ago. I recall that I read the Amazon “sample” and was unable to put it down, so I bought the book so I could continue reading. I wanted to find out what happened with Riya and the first subject, Sean.
This is the first and only book that made me want to go back to college and work on a dissertation for a PHD. If male sexuality was available in my college, I would have taken more classes and continued my education! What woman doesn’t want to learn why men act so strange and only think with their head below their waist!?
This book made me take several showers throughout the day, but it is not just smut. There is a story here where after each week Riya has to leave and deal with the heartache of leaving a good man, one that she can see herself being happy and having a good life with. Each man brings something out of Riya and each guy also learns something about how to deal with a woman. For Victor, he realizes he needs the woman that makes him act like a horny thirteen year old. I now think dirty thoughts every time I see peaches!
Be Forewarned: There will be one “subject” that will really break your heart. I had the ugly cry and the way that Shayne writes makes you personally feel the heartache that Riya suffered. I still think about Lucas. Being a city girl at heart, I would trade city for country in a second for him! Lucas has a heart of gold that just brings out the nurturing side of you. I just wanted to take his pain away and show him how a good woman should take care of a good man. When you meet Lucas you will understand why I would be willing to give up city life!
This story has great alpha males! Each man is so different from one another—you get to see all the different types of men in our daily lives (Nerdy Shawn, Shy Victor, Young and Energized Joshua, Rancher Lucas, Protector Ricardo, Survivors Micha & Max, and Musician Bobby). Even though you know there are eight subjects to interview I just want her to stop and have a full time relationship with each of them.
The Barter System was the first book that I read about ménage…and I love ménage now because of Max and Micha. It opened my eyes to the benefits of having an open relationship with two men… If one man isn’t romantic, the other one is, and if one hates cooking, the other man may enjoy cooking. Plus, which one of us hasn’t fantasized about being with two men giving their attention to one woman at the same time?!
If you haven’t read any of the many books by Shayne McClendon, start with The Barter System, you will not be disappointed.
This is the first and only book that made me want to go back to college and work on a dissertation for a PHD. If male sexuality was available in my college, I would have taken more classes and continued my education! What woman doesn’t want to learn why men act so strange and only think with their head below their waist!?
This book made me take several showers throughout the day, but it is not just smut. There is a story here where after each week Riya has to leave and deal with the heartache of leaving a good man, one that she can see herself being happy and having a good life with. Each man brings something out of Riya and each guy also learns something about how to deal with a woman. For Victor, he realizes he needs the woman that makes him act like a horny thirteen year old. I now think dirty thoughts every time I see peaches!
Be Forewarned: There will be one “subject” that will really break your heart. I had the ugly cry and the way that Shayne writes makes you personally feel the heartache that Riya suffered. I still think about Lucas. Being a city girl at heart, I would trade city for country in a second for him! Lucas has a heart of gold that just brings out the nurturing side of you. I just wanted to take his pain away and show him how a good woman should take care of a good man. When you meet Lucas you will understand why I would be willing to give up city life!
This story has great alpha males! Each man is so different from one another—you get to see all the different types of men in our daily lives (Nerdy Shawn, Shy Victor, Young and Energized Joshua, Rancher Lucas, Protector Ricardo, Survivors Micha & Max, and Musician Bobby). Even though you know there are eight subjects to interview I just want her to stop and have a full time relationship with each of them.
The Barter System was the first book that I read about ménage…and I love ménage now because of Max and Micha. It opened my eyes to the benefits of having an open relationship with two men… If one man isn’t romantic, the other one is, and if one hates cooking, the other man may enjoy cooking. Plus, which one of us hasn’t fantasized about being with two men giving their attention to one woman at the same time?!
If you haven’t read any of the many books by Shayne McClendon, start with The Barter System, you will not be disappointed.
December 15, 2013
The book that keeps on giving!
Sex sells. That's the goal behind a lot of erotica pieces and a lot of the works that are being produced these days: sell, sell, sell.
Shayne McClendon created something entirely about sex that transcended that prerogative by so far that the scales would break if I tried to measure The Barter System up against other things I've read with similar themes. The book might be about a sex study. It might literally -not figuratively- be about the study of sex.
But.
It was about far, far more than that.
This book was about the human experience.
Riya truly comes to learn what it means to love, to lose, and to be a person who can remain wholly herself while offering all that she is to someone else at the same time. That's an amazing journey to undertake. I feel unimaginably grateful that I got to go on this journey with Riya; that I had the opportunity to experience passion that comes from more than lust, more than love, more than chance; that I took a chance on a recommendation from a friend to read a book that sounded as if it would be nothing more than one more sex fest.
The Barter System made me feel in a way that I find my own vocabulary inadequate to describe. All the words are there for me, yet I can't string them together well enough to encompass how much this book "did it" for me.
It's the book that keeps on giving! Every chapter was one more story, one more adventure, one more love affair, and one more chance at love or heartbreak.
If I were given the opportunity to recommend one erotica to anyone and I could only offer them one option, this would be my vote.
I sincerely hope that you take a chance on it because this is not simply a book: this is a remarkable feat of literature which deserves to be classified as a part of modern literary classics.
Thanks so much, Shayne for sharing your work with the world. I'm very grateful to go for a ride anywhere you want to go next, lady.
Sex sells. That's the goal behind a lot of erotica pieces and a lot of the works that are being produced these days: sell, sell, sell.
Shayne McClendon created something entirely about sex that transcended that prerogative by so far that the scales would break if I tried to measure The Barter System up against other things I've read with similar themes. The book might be about a sex study. It might literally -not figuratively- be about the study of sex.
But.
It was about far, far more than that.
This book was about the human experience.
Riya truly comes to learn what it means to love, to lose, and to be a person who can remain wholly herself while offering all that she is to someone else at the same time. That's an amazing journey to undertake. I feel unimaginably grateful that I got to go on this journey with Riya; that I had the opportunity to experience passion that comes from more than lust, more than love, more than chance; that I took a chance on a recommendation from a friend to read a book that sounded as if it would be nothing more than one more sex fest.
The Barter System made me feel in a way that I find my own vocabulary inadequate to describe. All the words are there for me, yet I can't string them together well enough to encompass how much this book "did it" for me.
It's the book that keeps on giving! Every chapter was one more story, one more adventure, one more love affair, and one more chance at love or heartbreak.
If I were given the opportunity to recommend one erotica to anyone and I could only offer them one option, this would be my vote.
I sincerely hope that you take a chance on it because this is not simply a book: this is a remarkable feat of literature which deserves to be classified as a part of modern literary classics.
Thanks so much, Shayne for sharing your work with the world. I'm very grateful to go for a ride anywhere you want to go next, lady.
March 11, 2013
Wow, what can I say loved this book. totally loved all the subjects but one of course. yet, Victor and Lucas are the ones who stile my heart. felt tears in my eyes when she arrived to Victor. he was so polite and caring and totally concerned with her needs and didn't want to hurt her. how could anyone not fall in love with him. then, oh then came Lucas. once again my heart breaking for his situation. he was so loving and compassionate. I loved how he was the one to tell her that he loved her. not I could fall for you he point blank told her that he loved her. Loved it. a must read
June 4, 2015
4 stars
August 12, 2017
4.5 star rating
This was one book full of emotions that was one provocative read! Now one might think that this was a porn-fest, but there was definitely so much more to this story. A young woman who is a psychiatrist in the final leg of acquiring her phD, begins the task of doing research to write her dissertation. She has selected eight men out of three thousand to participate in a study to see what emotions and thoughts really affect their lives with sexual intimacy coming into play also. This was one unique story idea from the author! I've never read anything like it! It was an enjoyably entertaining read! It included a cast of deliciously extraordinary men who cause Riya, with each encounter, to leave a little piece of her heart behind. It was very overwhelming for her and under no circumstances does she make any of her choices lightly. It ends up to be one powerful book! The only reason for my not rewarding it 5 stars, is that it was pretty long and I needed to see what happened in the end more quickly. Each of the eight men were totally different, and Riya's quest to help them sexually, was geared towards that particular man. Variety was totally the spice of life! Hotter than HOT!!! My God, they were so special that I can't even pick a favorite! Sean, Victor, Max and Micah were my favorites! Oh wait! What about Lucas, Ricardo, and Joshua??? Oh, damn!!! But, does Riya find her HEA? Well you just have to read it see how everything ends up for her. With a little bit of drama, some romance, lots of support from a good friend, and tons of steam and explosive sex explored, I thoroughly was intrigued by Ms. McClendon's writing talent to tell Riya's story! Looking forward to reading more from this author...
This was one book full of emotions that was one provocative read! Now one might think that this was a porn-fest, but there was definitely so much more to this story. A young woman who is a psychiatrist in the final leg of acquiring her phD, begins the task of doing research to write her dissertation. She has selected eight men out of three thousand to participate in a study to see what emotions and thoughts really affect their lives with sexual intimacy coming into play also. This was one unique story idea from the author! I've never read anything like it! It was an enjoyably entertaining read! It included a cast of deliciously extraordinary men who cause Riya, with each encounter, to leave a little piece of her heart behind. It was very overwhelming for her and under no circumstances does she make any of her choices lightly. It ends up to be one powerful book! The only reason for my not rewarding it 5 stars, is that it was pretty long and I needed to see what happened in the end more quickly. Each of the eight men were totally different, and Riya's quest to help them sexually, was geared towards that particular man. Variety was totally the spice of life! Hotter than HOT!!! My God, they were so special that I can't even pick a favorite! Sean, Victor, Max and Micah were my favorites! Oh wait! What about Lucas, Ricardo, and Joshua??? Oh, damn!!! But, does Riya find her HEA? Well you just have to read it see how everything ends up for her. With a little bit of drama, some romance, lots of support from a good friend, and tons of steam and explosive sex explored, I thoroughly was intrigued by Ms. McClendon's writing talent to tell Riya's story! Looking forward to reading more from this author...
December 14, 2013
Riya O’Connell has a plan. After spending over a year narrowing down her choices, she’s now prepared to break free from her life and her inhibitions and take the ultimate trip of self-discovery.
In order to complete her dissertation on Male Sexuality and truly discover how men and women separate sex and emotion, Riya has decided to experiment, choosing eight men out of thousands who applied on her website. Each will get a week with her, allowing her to get as much information from them as she wishes.
Her research subjects in return will be allowed whatever they want from her.
It doesn’t take long for Riya to discover that her project isn’t as simple as she had expected it to be. Neither she nor her subjects find sex to be a simple, casual matter and as she moves on, she finds that bonds remain.
Little parts of her heart endure with each of the men she meets, and in turn, they leave small pieces of themselves with her.
Her education in sex may be diverse and powerful, but what she learns about love turns out to be subtle and far more complicated than she ever thought.
Unable to leave heartache and emptiness in her wake, Riya uses every tool in her arsenal to heal the broken and damaged souls that she comes across, all the while becoming more and more unsure of what she’s doing.
With the end of her research in sight, Riya hits an obstacle she never anticipated, something that could change everything. She had known that one of her subjects might fall in love with her. She never expected that she might be the one who fell in love.
‘The Barter System’ is a sleek, sexy read by Shayne McClendon, author of ‘Damaged’ and ‘In The Service of Women’. You’ll laugh, you may cry and without question, you will tingle as you flip pages.
A must read book that will become a must re-read in your favorites collection.
In order to complete her dissertation on Male Sexuality and truly discover how men and women separate sex and emotion, Riya has decided to experiment, choosing eight men out of thousands who applied on her website. Each will get a week with her, allowing her to get as much information from them as she wishes.
Her research subjects in return will be allowed whatever they want from her.
It doesn’t take long for Riya to discover that her project isn’t as simple as she had expected it to be. Neither she nor her subjects find sex to be a simple, casual matter and as she moves on, she finds that bonds remain.
Little parts of her heart endure with each of the men she meets, and in turn, they leave small pieces of themselves with her.
Her education in sex may be diverse and powerful, but what she learns about love turns out to be subtle and far more complicated than she ever thought.
Unable to leave heartache and emptiness in her wake, Riya uses every tool in her arsenal to heal the broken and damaged souls that she comes across, all the while becoming more and more unsure of what she’s doing.
With the end of her research in sight, Riya hits an obstacle she never anticipated, something that could change everything. She had known that one of her subjects might fall in love with her. She never expected that she might be the one who fell in love.
‘The Barter System’ is a sleek, sexy read by Shayne McClendon, author of ‘Damaged’ and ‘In The Service of Women’. You’ll laugh, you may cry and without question, you will tingle as you flip pages.
A must read book that will become a must re-read in your favorites collection.
January 2, 2014
The Barter System
Shayne McClendon
5 stars
This was a wonderful book of self discovery! It begins with Riya who is a college student that is working on her PhD. She is studying male sexuality. What better way to write your dissertation than to experience it yourself. Riya embarks on a journey that will have her spend one week with each one of the eight male subjects that she has chosen. These men have been carefully selected by Riya and have also agreed to the terms of her contract. She will spend the week with each of them and ask questions regarding their past relationships and sexual habits in the bedroom. She is trying to come to a better understanding of how men and women separate sex from emotion. She also realizes that as shallow as it sounds that she must also find these men physically attractive before she can consider them as a candidate. They are also aware that a sexual relationship may ensue during that week if so desired by both parties. Riya soon discovers that on each new adventure that this project is not going to be as simple as she once thought. She begins to use what she has learned to attempt to heal each man's emotional scars. Riya feels that with each departure she leaves a small piece of herself behind. She had often thought that one of these men may fall in love with her but had never considered that the same may hold true for her. I must say that I fell in love with a part of each man that she visited. You will laugh, cry, be surprised and certainly be fanning yourself during the steamy sex scenes. This was an emotional rollercoaster that was well worth the ride!!
~~Michele~~
Shayne McClendon
5 stars
This was a wonderful book of self discovery! It begins with Riya who is a college student that is working on her PhD. She is studying male sexuality. What better way to write your dissertation than to experience it yourself. Riya embarks on a journey that will have her spend one week with each one of the eight male subjects that she has chosen. These men have been carefully selected by Riya and have also agreed to the terms of her contract. She will spend the week with each of them and ask questions regarding their past relationships and sexual habits in the bedroom. She is trying to come to a better understanding of how men and women separate sex from emotion. She also realizes that as shallow as it sounds that she must also find these men physically attractive before she can consider them as a candidate. They are also aware that a sexual relationship may ensue during that week if so desired by both parties. Riya soon discovers that on each new adventure that this project is not going to be as simple as she once thought. She begins to use what she has learned to attempt to heal each man's emotional scars. Riya feels that with each departure she leaves a small piece of herself behind. She had often thought that one of these men may fall in love with her but had never considered that the same may hold true for her. I must say that I fell in love with a part of each man that she visited. You will laugh, cry, be surprised and certainly be fanning yourself during the steamy sex scenes. This was an emotional rollercoaster that was well worth the ride!!
~~Michele~~
July 23, 2014
UPDATED REVIEW: This book has re released with a massive update. It has gone from 375 pages to 686!!!!I read The Barter System when it first came out. I thought it was a fantastic story then but Shayne McClendon has outdone herself! Shayne has done something with this update that just blew my mind! I loved the original concept of this story and was wondering how she would improve on it. The new depths that she takes each encounter with the subjects just amazed me. I was so impressed with the way she rounded out each subject and showed us a little more of what Riya was thinking. As the story progressed I couldn’t wait to see what she would do with the next subject. Each time I thought ”Oh, she can’t possibly top that!” SHE DID!! There were a couple of moments that I actually yelled OMG!! I don’t want to give spoilers so all I will say is this is a MUST read!! You will never be the same after reading this story!
Whew!! I don't even know where to start! The characters in this book are so well written I feel as if I know them personally. The emotions she brings out with each and every one of the many characters is astounding! And HOT barely begins to describe this book!
Whew!! I don't even know where to start! The characters in this book are so well written I feel as if I know them personally. The emotions she brings out with each and every one of the many characters is astounding! And HOT barely begins to describe this book!
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