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Strictly Research

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Falling for a fantasy... or two....

"If it doesn't melt your panties, I'm not doing my job."

My name is Monica and I'm a romance author. My readers all think I'm tearing up the sheets with one hot hunk after another.

Yeah, right. Only in my dreams, and in my books. My bed sees less action than Sunday night at the bingo hall.

So what's a newly-single romance author to do?

Two weeks of whatever, and whoever, I can get my hands on in Amsterdam, that's what. It's time to unleash my inner heroine, no strings attached, tax-deductible, intellectual, and purely sexual. You know... RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.

I expect to experience a wild week or two, acquire some knowledge so I can write what I know, so I don't feel like a fraud. I never dreamed that I would meet two drop-to-your-knees-gorgeous men who would make my fantasies a reality or fall for me as quickly as I fell for them.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2016

3 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

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Terry Towers

171 books627 followers

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5 stars
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15 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sassy .
422 reviews40 followers
February 2, 2016
4.5 STARS - Strictly Research (Kindle Edition) by Terry Towers.

The heroine of this story (Monica) is an author that writes erotic romances but she has never experienced the erotic scenes she writes about. Monica is currently single and has just left a very boring relationship deciding she wants to experience some of the things she writes about, and decides to take a trip to Europe.

During her flight she sits next to an extremely handsome man by the name of Mitchell. They talk very little during the flight and part ways upon landing in Amsterdam.

The following day she ventures to the lobby asking the concierge where she might find a certain area of interest and ventures off to a local area in the Red Light District. She finds a brothel that looks like it might be what she is looking for hoping to meet some men that she may be able to experience some of the sexual scenes she writes about in her books. She is shocked to find Mitchell there. After sitting together for awhile, she admits to Mitchell that she is wanting to experience things she writes about, in particular, a menage. Mitchell admits that he has a friend named Xander that also works at the same establishment and he offers to introduce Monica to him.

I won't go any further and spoil the story, but I really did enjoy this great story about the relationship that evolves between Monica, Mitchell and Xander.

** I was given a copy of this book by the Author for an Honest Review **
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Profile Image for Heather.
1,433 reviews24 followers
January 25, 2016
Monica makes her living as an erotic writer but has never really experienced anything close to what she writes about and decides she needs to conduct some research. On her way to Amsterdam, she meets Mitchell and spends the flight getting to know him. Once she lands in Amsterdam she heads off to the Red Light District to begin her research. Her goal for the night is to be with two male escorts. When one of the men ends up being Mitchell, she gets more than she ever hoped for. Feelings quickly develop between Monica, Mitchell and Xander but because of their profession, the men know there can be no future for them. Or at least not until they change occupations.
While this was a steamy ménage romance, there was also a story with an enjoyable plot. So often the storyline relies just on the sex but this time there was a story.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
January 28, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

In this book we meet Mitch, Xander, and Monica. Monica has just gotten out of a relationship she has had for the last year. One that she knew if she didn't get out of she would die of boredom. So to treat herself she plans a trip through Europe for herself. Her first stop is in Amsterdam and while she is there she is going to make sure and let her hair down and have some real fun. So after asking where she can find this fun she is off to the red light district. While there she finds the man from the plane that she sat next to. Mitch is still as hot as he was when he first sat down next to her and she thinks what is wrong with having a little fun with him now that they are on the same page. So when he asks her what she is looking for she says 2 men and he knows just who to include.

Mitch finds this attractive woman on the plane from New York to Amsterdam. He wants to know all there is to know about her but isn't willing to share much about himself. When he sees her again at the club he knows he must have her. Though he wants her all to himself he knows that what the client wants the client gets. So when he needs to ask another he knows who he would trust with her none other than his best friend Xander. Mitch is shocked by how much he wants to spend more time with this woman and not just in bed but he knows this will only end one way and that is with her on a plane to New York and him still in Amsterdam. So he trys to keep it all casual though every-time he thinks of her with another it makes him want to scream.

Xander takes one look at the woman Mitch has told him a little about and finds that very quickly he is starting to have feelings for her. Not just the in the playboy I want to get you into bed as much as possible, but the I want to have dinner and talk feelings. Xander knows that Mitch saw her first and if he says he wants her he will back off to not destroy their friendship but when Mitch gives him the green light there is no going back.

In this book we find 3 people who are looking for love and feeling like no matter what they might be feeling there will always be a time limit on it. They may all want more but are they brave enough to shoot for more or will they always wishing they can have that time back. They also find that they are all looking for someone to accept them just as they are not what someone can make them into. I would highly recommend this book. The dynamic of the feelings these characters have is ones that everyone has had a one time or another. We all want more but are we brave enough to go after it?
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,617 reviews147 followers
August 1, 2016
3.25 stars. This was a pretty good, quick read. This is the story of Monica, Mitch and Xander. Monica is an erotic romance author who travels to Amsterdam in order to to research for her writing by partaking in their red light district, where prostitution is legal. She meets Mitch on the plane and feels an attraction to him, but they part ways after the flight. She is shocked to see him in the escort club, but they are both happy to give into their attraction. Mitch invites his best friend and co-escort, Xander, to join them when Monica describes that is her fantasy. Both Xander and Mitch like Monica and feel a connection to her, but they are working as escorts to put themselves through med school so they can't pursue a relationship with her. They spend a month together though and when Monica goes back home to NY, they keep in touch daily. 10 months later, Mitch and Xander surprise Monica by showing up at her home and they all embark on a relationship together. There's some hesitation as they work through how to handle a menage relationship, but it all works out in the end.

I liked Xander, Mitch and Monica. There was not a ton of depth to their characters, but they were likable and had realistic emotions. I thought their relationship moved at a believable, not too fast pace, once Mitch and Xander moved to New York. I did wish they had a discussion on how they got the money they needed to start school in one year, instead of the two they originally planned. And I did wish that there was a discussion on what had happened in the year they were apart, as far as Mitch and Xander's escort job and I wanted them to tell Monica how what they sleeping with her was had more meaning and was different than what they had done with all their clients. But, overall, it was a light, easy, sexy read with an original story line and I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for  Nancy.
1,288 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2016
I truly loved this story, of an erotic romance author who sets out to escape her life after a relationship breakup under the belief that she would do some research for her writing. On the plane to Amsterdam, she meets a dark and handsome Mitchell, who she is attracted to, but she does not get his number or his story. Monica goes on to explore Amsterdam and the red light district and can't believe her luck at finding Mitchell and his best friend Xander.

"In reality, I was a woman who didn't have wild romps for entertainment, I was the kind of girl who fell in love and expressed it."

"You don't need to be shy, love. You're beautiful. And we're gong to make you feel like you're the goddess you are," he whispered, his words flowing through me like molten lavea, heating my core and bringing me back to a state of need."

"The need within me rose until the pain was forgotten, and I was once more swept up in a tidal wave of pleasure, unlike anything I'd ever experienced before."

"To me, you've found someone special when you're willing to put yourself out there and do things that you normally wouldn't do, just to see that other person smile."

Ths story was definitely original; I love to read about a sensual and loving menage relationship and this one was definitely that. Excellent writing and another fabulous book by a Canadian author, Terry Towers.

This book was gifted by the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Terri.
100 reviews
January 24, 2016
Monica writes erotic romances yet she hasn't experienced most of the activities she writes about. When she finds herself single, after getting out of a boring relationship, she decides this is the time to experience some of those things, so she takes off for Europe.

On the plane, she sits next to Mitchell, a very handsome and nice man. They part ways at the airport in Amsterdam.

She works up her courage and ventures into the Red Light District to visit a brothel where she hopes to meet some men to help her experience the things she writes about. She is shocked to find Mitchell there. When she tells him she wants to see what it's like with two men, Mitchell enlists the help of his friend, Xander.

The next day she runs into Mitchell and they spend the day together sight seeing. That night she finds herself back at the brothel having a drink with Xander.

Katy tells them that she wants a friendship without sex for the rest of her visit. The three of them become inseparable, until she leaves.

A year later the run into each other again.

This is a great story about the relationships these three find themselves in. I couldn't put it down!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,730 reviews529 followers
April 25, 2016
I devoured this book! I couldn't get enough of Monica Mitchell and Xander.

Monica is an erotic romance novelist unfortunately she has never experienced the things she writes about first hand. So what's a newly single woman to do about that? Head to Europe of course! Monica's first stop is Amsterdam her goal is to go to the Red Light District to find a male escort or two to help her out...For Research Purposes Only.

Little did Monica know that she would run into Mitchell the totally hot man she was seated next to on the fight from New York. Well, the surprises didn't stop there. All I can say is who knew Research could be so much fun!

Strictly Research by Terry Towers
Strictly Research by Terry Towers

ARC image
1,955 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2016
Monica has broken up with her last boyfriend and has decided to travel through Europe on the flight there she meets a gorgeous man who makes her realise that she needs this adventure. Little do they know that they will bump into each other again but in a very different setting, Mitchell works in a sex club and Monica needs to do research for her new book and she wants to experience two men.
Mitchell gets his best friend Xander to join them and this is a start of a beautiful story. It has its ups & downs and all three will learn more about each other than they ever thought possible. It could never last or could it? Can they find a balance or will it be too much for Monica?
Who wouldn't want 2 gorgeous men with you in bed, they are both so different yet all they want to do is shower you with intense feelings and love.
A great story that made me smile and laugh. I am happy to recommend to my friends as it is such a well written story about a fantasy that most of us would love. I received a copy via the author.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,295 reviews21 followers
February 5, 2016
This book is a sizzling, scorching, well written, wonderful, sensual, love story. Once I started reading this book by Terry Towers, there was no stopping. I had to keep reading. Monica is an erotica romance writer that has taken a trip which starts out in Amsterdam. She goes to the red light district to get two male escorts to do "some research". She wants to do a menage and experience DP for the first time, all in the name of "research" of course. Here she finds Mitch, who she had actually met on the plane, and his friend, Xander. What happens in the brothel is way up to the top on the heat meter, but what happens outside of the brothel is friendship and possibly a little more, but when Monica leaves Amsterdam, she does not think she will ever see these two sexy men again. I do not want to give out any spoilers, so I will just say you need to buy this book yourself to see what happens. I received this book from the author in return for an honest review, and I very much recommend it.
Profile Image for Becky.
324 reviews2 followers
Read
January 25, 2016
Fun, fast, oh so sexy read! What does an author of erotica do, when her experience is lacking and her imagination just needs a boost? She travels to Amsterdam to experience, and get her experience. Monica was on her way to Amsterdam when she met Mitchell. Sexy, funny and all together interesting. They chat on the plane, have a nice time and part ways when the plane lands. Monica finds her hotel, cleans up from her trip and heads out in search of research. She heads to the red light district, and the brothel suggested by the concierge. And who does she run into but Mitchell, who is an escort, and his best friend Xander. They help her with her "research" not only this time but again, and perhaps again. They find themselves intrigued with this American author and she in turn with them. When her time in Amsterdam is over, she heads out to finish her vacation, knowing her time with these wonderful men is done......or is it? Another fabulous sexy read from Terry Towers!
4,820 reviews16 followers
January 27, 2016
Monica Evans was an erotic story author. After a year in a dead relationship, she decides to take some time to spread her wings in Europe. Her first stop is Amsterdam where she plans on doing some up close and personal research for her books. When she goes to the red light district, she sees Mitchell, the man who sat next to her on the plane. When she finds out he’s on the menu, he introduces her to his best friend Xander and thus begins her research.
Do Not Read Without A Fan!!!! This story really made me want to become an author and do my own research!!! Really though, it was a really good story. It’s mostly in Monica’s POV but we also get a little bit of insight into Xander’s and Mitchell’s POVs and understand a little bit about why they do what they do. It’s definitely a story in many women’s fantasies but you can’t help but wish it were happening to you. I highly recommend to anyone that likes this genre.
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Daria.
1,996 reviews42 followers
Read
February 14, 2016
I imagine being a writer of best selling erotic novels, which Monica is. But fans can be oh so fickle. The only way to keep on top is that what you write stays on top. Unfortunately Monica is lacking the experience to back up her pantie wetting scenes she writes about.

So she’s on her way to Europe, Amsterdam to be exact. Once in the red light district she meets a Mitchell, a gorgeous as sin male that sat next to her on the plane over. And Mitchell has a drop dead sexy friend in Xander. For Monica its strictly research or so she thinks. She has the chance to broaden her experience and double her pleasure.

Its all fun and sexy games until feeling pop up. What a cool little story fun and fast, just a good mix of detail and smexy, to keep you interested. Before long you done and you have an aw, moment. A erotic writer and escorts seemed doomed at the beginning or can they make it more than just about research.
1,097 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2016
Given to me for an honest review. If you don't like sex with 3 people, skip this book. A erotic romance writer kicks her boyfriend to the curb (figuratively). He has all attributes of a good boyfriend or husband, but the biggie that Monica can't fix in this relationship is the need for more than vanilla sex. Now would be a good time to visit Amsterdam's red light district and other European countries. After sitting in the correct airplane seat, Mitchell wants to talk and Monica hides her ereader because she likes reading BDSM smut (her words, not mine). She's going to a place the concierge recommends. She wants to experience things that she writes about but has never experienced. She arrives and Mitchell, the airplane guy, strolls over. Will she get her new experience or will she chicken out?
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
January 24, 2016
What erotic romance author doesn’t need to do a little research once in a while? This was fabulous research to experience with Monica as she ventures to Amsterdam to visit a brothel to have an erotic experience with 2 men to help her with her writing. She is shocked when the man from the airplane is the man at the club, Mitchell, yet comforted by his presence. Mitchell’s best friend Xander also works at the club which sets the wheels in motion for Monica’s research. I love how this story then extends beyond her research as the men decide to show Monica the sights in Amsterdam. Can this threesome find something real outside of the bedroom? Terry Towers surprised me with where this story went and gave me a great erotic romance to devour. I received a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Colleen.
694 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the different careers for the males in this book. It was definitely not what I was suspecting, but it worked. I love hearing authors writing their female as an author. I feel that we get a little bit of insight into the author's actual world, one we wouldn't know about.
Monica is an author who feels like a fraud in regards to the sex scenes she writes, so she heads to Amsterdam hoping to do a bit of hands-on research.
In Amsterdam, she meets Mitchell and Xander. These two soon fulfill one of her sexual fantasies. Due to the guys' current occupation, they decide to stay friends until they leave their jobs. After that, who knew what might happen.
Profile Image for Buffy.
356 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2016
So much better than I thought it would be. The cover and title made me think it might not be so great, but then again it is a Terry Towers book and the description sounded good, so I kept an open mind and started reading away.
Mitchell was my favorite, I could easily fall in love with him. There didn't seem to be much of a connection between Xander and the reader IMO, but he was still sweet.
I loved the concept of 2 escorts and a book author. It was definitely a get lost in the story and setting kind of book. Lately books have been dragging out for me and I get bored at like 75%, this book did not do that. I couldn't put it down.
Definitely worth the read, it was fun and sexy! Go grab your copy now!
Profile Image for MamaBear.
198 reviews
May 10, 2016
This is a light n fluffy MFM erotic romance fun read! Monica, an erotic writer, travels to Amsterdam to further her research for her erotic novels as she has limited experience. She finds a local brothel and finds her sexy neighbor from Her flight over is an escort there. She takes him up on his offer although she request a a second man as she has never had a threesome before. He enlists his best friend Xander to join in the fun...what turns out to be a night of explosive passion continues for a few for visits from Monica prior to heading back home. They 3 struggle a little with the dynamic they eventually figure out how to make it work once the men leave their escort profession behind an join her in NY.

This story contains MFM threesome and a few MF scenes - there is no MM scenes.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2016


Monica, Mitchell and Xander are a perfect match. This book was a blast to read and very enjoyable. Well written with a storyline that will blow your mind.

On a trip to Amsterdam, Monica decides to let go of herself and experience some of the things she writes about. She runs into Mitchell again after meeting him on the plane. They hit it off instantly. Xander makes their group complete and she quickly finds herself falling for these two gorgeous men.

When her trip is over and she returns to the states, her life goes back to normal until these two men enter her life again.

This book is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,128 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2016
I received this book for an honest review.
I could not put this book down.
Monica was in a NO WHERE relationship that ended. She was part to blame due to her career as a writer, but he wasn't all there either.
So she took a trip to Europe. First was Amsterdam...and hot damn! Not only one, but two hunks fall for her. But they work in a brothel. But they are working to save money for school to become surgeons. Mitchell and Xander are yummy.
Now Monica can really write and possibly have her dreams come true at the same time.
Profile Image for Blanca.
604 reviews
June 3, 2016
This book has two outstanding novels by this author. I was pleasantly surprised by the first story Strictly Research and even more so after reading the second short Forbidden Indulgences. I have just recently started reading the menage genre and I find it very stimulating. Thank goodness this author is imaginative and has a great writing style. I find the characters believable and interesting. A MFM trio can be considered unlikely but Terry Towers makes me believe it can happen. So I have to highly recommend this book and probably this author. Looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Kimkbries.
1,730 reviews
January 24, 2016
Once you start you won't want to put this one down. Monica, an erotica romance writer, has never done anything like what she writes about. Deciding she wants to practice what she writes for research purposes, she heads to Amsterdam looking for someone to show her. Going to a brotheral, she meets Mitch and then she meets Xander. Enjoy this very steamy yet sweet story as all three discover each other and maybe even find happiness along the way.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,600 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read that I enjoyed. Monica was a relatable character, and it was fun seeing her adventures in Amsterdam. And I LOVED both Mitch and Xander. It would be impossible for me to choose a favorite between them. They both had their good points, and were adorable in their own ways. No spoilers, but I was really happy to see them all get their HEA.
Profile Image for Helen.
607 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2016
Great read, Monica is an erotica writer who has very little experience. After being dumped by her latest boyfriend, she decides to go to Amsterdam. Come to find out she is there to have two weeks of sex with anyone she can find. Her first stop is the red light district where she enters a brothel. This story was so entertaining and well written. I loved it. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon Davison.
1,386 reviews11 followers
January 23, 2016
Wow, what a steamy read. She takes a trip to Amsterdam to experience some of the erotic things she writes about. She gets more than she ever dreamed of. Definitely putting Terry Towers on my favourite authors list.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ruth Evans.
31 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2016
I picked up this book and did not put it down in till I was done. Mitchell & Xander made this book a true steamy book with a HEA
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,139 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2016
Loved this book! I wish it was longer. Everything was pretty hot and heavy but had a nice story to go along with it. Loved Mitchell and Xander. They kind of equalled each other out.
Profile Image for Denise.
267 reviews17 followers
August 2, 2016
Romantic and very sexy! I really enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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