Tell Me a Story: Episode #1

Story Serial #1

by Tamara Lush

A flirtatious reading of erotica blossoms into something deep and tender in the steamy Florida heat...

Tell Me a Story...

Emma, a free-spirited bookstore owner in Orlando, keeps her business afloat with innovative ideas. Her most popular evening event is Story Brothel, where customers can pay writers to read aloud to them in a story-time for two, complete with cocktails. Despite the name, the event is usually tame. But things take a steamy turn when a handsome, urbane businessman hires Emma for a session in a private cabana. Daringly, she shares with him a reading of her erotica. Soon both of them are feeling the effects ... and Emma's wondering what kind of lover is underneath his expensive suit.

Caleb may be a billionaire real estate mogul, but he's never been captivated by a woman as he is by the lovely, quirky Emma. Her rockabilly vintage dresses make him long to strip them off and do very wicked things to her. And her refusal to share her personal life only makes him more curious.

Soon the couple are spending every available moment together. But Emma's building is in danger of being razed out from under her bookstore ... and worse, Caleb may be behind her problems. Can she trust him with her life as she does with her body? Or will the prickly walls built during her harsh past keep them apart?

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Adult

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

Tamara Lush writes steamy and emotional contemporary romance stories set in tropical locations. Her book Constant Craving was a 2018 RWA RITA® finalist in erotic romance.

She's married and lives near a beach in Florida. For many years, she was an award-winning newspaper journalist. In 2017, she was one of 24 writers chosen by Amtrak to ride around the United States on a train and write fiction. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Tara Lush.

Tamara's a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, coloring books, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and journalism.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

"a fantasy is what the heart whispers to silence a busy mind.”

Tell Me a Story is an adult bed time story, taking place in a Story Brothel. It's all done for fun and the love of all things books, but for Emma and Caleb it intimately connects them as the "reader" and the writer. The setting and the tone ups the anticipation and the tease, pulling me right in. As funny as it might sound, I wish it was even more drawn out, there is nothing hotter than need and want stretched out to the breaking point. It's hard to keep the momentum going after desires are given in, especially when the story takes a turn. The other aspect of the story I could have done without, since I was perfectly content with just the tease of it all. I enjoyed the man Caleb is but Emma had reservations that annoyed me just a bit. This is an insta story so fair warning to those who don't care for the fast fall. Regardless it was a good read, great start and a future made of possibilities.

ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

***Quote(s) above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Good start to this 5 part serial. Well written and sexy as hell. I liked both characters. Though the heroine got on my nerves a tiny bit. I enjoyed it enough that I will probably continue on to the next book.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Manipulating the Sexiest Organ
* * * 1/2
Did my title catch your eye... think I was about to talk about some huge member and how it was so friggin' hot...Well, you would be wrong this time... because we readers all know the largest, sexist organ is our brain...and we exercise it every time we allow ourselves to be part of a story...thinking of all the delicious things that are happening to those characters on the page or screen...

In Tell Me a Story (The Story Series: Episode One) by Tamara Lush we have a bit of a modern day Scheherazade bookstore owner. She is talented in writing and doing an event where she and others read to patrons privately to raise money for charity. It is a way to bring the community together and highlight her bookstore along with all the other businesses in their shared building.

Emma is captivating; dark haired, curvy and strong willed. She is the first in her extended family to go to college and actually own her own business. She came from poverty, dealt with the hardships, made her way and now had her place in the world. She loves her friends, bookstore and with her unique style... has made it all work. Oh, things weren't always easy...but overall she held strong.

It was at this event, a man she would usually run the other way from, intrigued her and piqued her curiosity. This man in his expensive suit and piercing eyes matched her in bantering about authors and obscure quotes...Emma was a bit intrigued and agreed to read for him one of her new pieces...an erotic one...

As Emma reads to Caleb, there is snap, crackle and pop in the air and in her mind...Saying the words she has written out loud makes them feel more intimate than she had imagined...and Caleb is wanting more from her.... more words and time...

These two embark on a journey of "Insta-Lust" to quote Emma...as it is the only way she will believe in it... it can't be real... he is not like her... this real estate developer...and yet ... he wants her and she cannot resist.

There is another part of this tale...a conflict which becomes a huge hurdle to over come for the both of them...She needs to realize her walls need to come down and asking for assistance is not a weakness.

This was a quick read... a first part. It had its moments, some unrealistic parts yet still entertaining enough to wonder what comes next. The good news is NO CLIFFY AT ALL. Should you wish to end with this entry, you will be happy. If you wish to go on... then there is more of the couple to follow.
And one can wonder, what other stories will she spin.....

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
'Tell Me a Story' is Episode One in the "The Story" Series. This is a book about 110 pages so an easy breeze read!
This is the story of Emma and Caleb. Emma is a romance writer and owns a bookstore. Emma takes part in the Story Brothel time activity.
Caleb comes to the Story Brothel to have Emma read to him part of her erotica book that she has.
They both are attracted to the other and her story reading heat things up for sure!

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

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[Vasiliki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

ARC kindly provided by Broad Universe via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

This is the story of Emma and Caleb and it was supposed to be only a reading!

I totally loved this book! I loved the idea of Story Brothel, of reading sexy erotica to someone else. I also loved the setting of the old bookstore. Everything spoke to my heart. The writing was really nice and the book was said by Emma's POV! Although there were no twists as I'd figured out pretty much everything before end, I still loved the way the story moved. Ms. Lush brought me to a beautiful new world!

Emma is an amazing heroine, although her pride was a bit over the top! I totally agree not to ask for help but when you know someone who can give you a good advice, I think it's just silly not to ask for it! Anyway, I also loved that she wasn't perfect and she knew it! I actually loved her more for it!

Caleb is a great guy! I never thought about it, but I actually agree that an older guy has more to offer and Caleb sure does! I loved his discreet way of making his wishes coming true and how much control he had. I also loved the way he was looking at Emma!

My favorite part of the book was the chemistry among Emma and Caleb! When she was reading to him, when they were speaking or touching...Everything felt so real and honest to me! I really loved it!

The end was great as well! I would have a like a bit more of Emma and Caleb at this point but I understand that there is another book coming that I really would love to read it! I need more of Emma and Caleb!

I definitely recommend this short story to everyone who loves a nice erotic romance!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

3.5 stars

Great start to the series. It was nice to have a happily ever after...for now instead of a cliffy. It's a nice build up in their relationship with lots of hot sex. Emma did annoy me with refusal to tell Caleb about her building problems or her past. There are four more parts to their story and hopefully none of them end in a cliffy either.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! This was short, sweet, sexy, and yes, a love story!

Emma, who owns her own bookstore, and is an author of romance novels, including erotica, is determined to save her store and those of the business owners in her building from a developer who is looking to takeover and demolish it. In an effort to build business, she begins holding special nights at the bookstore, including “Coloring Book” nights for adults, storytelling for children, and “Story Brothel” night where the author reads a book to the customer. I loved the whole premise of this book and that was what made me want to read it in the first place.

Caleb is a rich businessman. He comes to Emma’s store one night and hires her to read him a story. Gah! Not only was he incredibly hot and sexy, but his intelligence and kindness (and his love for reading) made him even more sexy! The chemistry between him and Emma was hot and steamy, like really hot and steamy! Did I say hot and steamy?!? I loved it!

I did not realize when I started this book (which is pretty much a serial) that there were more to the series, but I will definitely continue with it because I fell in love with Emma and Caleb and I need more!!

If you are looking for a sweet, SEXY, short book, with substance, I highly recommend this one!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for an honest review!

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read from Tamara Lush and so I didn't know what to expect. Although this installment was short, it was interesting and quite steamy. If this is what I have to look forward to in this series, then it's off to a good start.

I liked the premise of the story because it was unique (to me). Emma was a bookstore owner/erotica writer who particiapted in an event in which she reads aloud to a "reader" for charity. Her "reader" on this particular day was Caleb. As she read to him, the sexual tension seemed to leap from the pages.

With her own brand of insta-feelings (primarily lust from my viewpoint), the author gave a great introduction to these characters.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginning to a 5 part series. For being episode one, I love the fact that the author didn't end on a cliffhanger. If you really want to stop at episode one you could, but I think you'll love Caleb and Emma enough to want to continue their story. I know I do! This is one of those couples that started out as ok. They met in a unique way, but then the more I read, the more I wanted to read about them. Their first time together was very well written and hot! I must leave this review with a qoute from Caleb that just made me melt.

"If you're falling, I'm falling faster. Which means I'll be there to catch you at the bottom."

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review



**Please Note: This review is for the Complete Novel of Tell Me A Story**

A sexy, titillating erotic emotional journey that will heighten your senses. Tamara Lush awakens readers to take notice in her ability to create a story that will pull readers in sensually as well the raw vulnerability of her characters. I loved that the author showcased the progression of character growth in both Caleb and Emma. So if you are looking for a story that blends eroticism, insta-love, romance, and emotional undertones then this book might be for you.

[Zaaali Zaaali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, the hero was so mature and heroine was so real, loved her curves.She was such a strong and complete woman, so real and genuine.
I loved the guy who was so well-read
There are so many new ideas in the book.
The book is a great romance.

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Tell Me a Story generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

5 "Sounds like an adventure." Stars

I'm so excited about this new episodic series from Tamara Lush, a new author discovery for my reading life. The storytelling in this first erotic episode, told from the first person POV of the heroine, grabbed me from the very start. The plot of the book is quite unique in how Lush went about introducing her appealing characters and how their instant attraction leads to excellent sexual tension and passion.

Caleb King and Emma Price are the hero and heroine in this contemporary erotic tale. Each hailing from two different backgrounds and current life situations there's no denying the connection and chemistry between these two. Who they are currently and how they meet was something fresh and new for the romance reading world, I was more than intrigued and it was super HOT. Lush paces readers nicely through the build of their passionate tension, friendship, and overall relationship through witty banter, sexy story time, and intelligent dialogue. Each of these characters aren't blatantly in your face with who they are but rather comfortably set forth for you to sink easily into their story. And Caleb, for me, was a perfectly written hero and I can't wait for further exploration of his character especially.

The writing here captured me and the characters engaged me throughout. Caleb and Emma created visceral reactions as they both slowly reveal themselves to each other, vulnerabilities and strengths alike. I understood each of their plights, motivations, wants, and desires. Tamara Lush convinced me from the beginning. I'm quite thrilled I was given the opportunity to read this installment and very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I think it says a lot about an author's ability with prose if they can make you completely forget the, most of the time hard to buy, insta-love/lust they've written into their story because the passion between the leads is to electric and powerful! Tamara Lush made that possible for me in Tell Me A Story.
The story-line is fresh. It's new and it's unconventional ... who even thinks a story-time trope would even work with adults. I honestly thought I was about to read the most ridiculous story ever. I like it when I'm wrong :)
The story is fueled by the sexual nature of Emma and Caleb's journey, but it is also laced with so much humor you just will not be able to put it down. It's a short read but it not lacking by any means. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, sexy entertaining good time :) #TRUST

ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for blog tour review

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know for a fact I read this book this year but I didn't mark it. Smh.

Well if I remember correctly I actually liked this book. Wasn't the best book ever, but still a pleasure to read

4.0 star rating

[~Mandi~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ✨

Tell Me a Story: Episode One
Tamara Lush

The beginning of the Emma and Caleb story. Great start to what seems is going to be an awesome series.

Emma is a bookstore owner in Orlando. She does certain events to draw customers in to try and save her bookstore. One of her events is called a Story Brothel. It is where a person can pay another to read them a story. But things take a steamy turn when a handsome, urbane businessman hires Emma for a session in a private cabana. Daringly, she shares with him a reading of her erotica. Emma’s wondering what kind of lover is underneath his expensive suit.

Caleb is a real estate billionaire. And has decided that Emma is who he wants. They spend all their time together, with him opening up to her. But Emma can't seem to share her past of growing up poor with him.

Are they gonna be able to move past this hurdle?



Definitely will continue the story with the next book Tell Me a Desire: Episode Two

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, solid 3.5 star read that was FREE via Radish (free app or WWW.RADISHFICTION.COM)!

[Kimberly Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read by Tamara Lush and I am now a big fan.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 stars

This was was a book that gave you a unique plot with fresh ideas. Characters that you couldn't help but love but it was not your typical love story. It'd be a full five stars for me if the ending didn't happen so abruptly. I'm not sure what else I wanted from it but I felt a little empty.

Emma--I love her quirky retro flare. I love the fact that she own a bookstore and was the opposite of what you'd expect a guy like Caleb to find attractive.

Caleb--He is one hot older man. I never expected to be "attracted" to man in his 40s but for him I would! lol! He's got everything you need to love him plus a ton load of money but I loved the fact that he was down to Earth regardless and Emma didn't care about the money.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance as a genre is still pretty new to me, and I'm finding that much of it just isn't to my taste. But when I find something I love, I really really love it. This has everything I want: a bookish and curvy heroine, a strong and sensitive hero, hot sex, and a happily-ever-after. Will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

One of my favourites of 2016, in the category 'Best Romance About a Writer':
http://www.kirstylogan.com/best-books...

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was super hot but it still portrayed more than just sex.

**** re-read on August 2018****

4 stars.

I liked this story. It was interesting but even when it was sexy, I didn't find it mind blowing. I've discovered that personal intimacy is way better than the physical one.

I want to read about the characters and hopefully I'd continue to like the story.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell Me a Story by Tamara Lush takes a page out of the legend of Sheherazade and the 1001 tales of the Arabian Nights and blends it with the tried and true formula of rich man/poor girl hot sex mix that is so popular in today's erotica. While hanging herself with using such a formulaic story might have normally doomed Lush's (which by the way is a cool name for a writer of erotica) her gift of storytelling elevates this book above the crowd.

Emma is a book store owner who is struggling to keep her business going, but has come up with new and inventive ways to attract customers. One of her more popular is an evening event called Story Brothel. This is an event where customers pay writers to read aloud to them privately, including cocktails. The client and writer go into a private cabana where they can relax and have privacy. This is usually a very quiet time, but this time a handsome businessman hires Emma and she decides to read to him from her new book of erotica. It doesn't take them for the story to effect the both of them, but before anything can happen they are interrupted.

Caleb, Emma's businessman client is a real estate mogul who is often out of the country to work on his investments. But he cannot get Emma out of his mind. She is unlike anything he has ever experienced before and he finds himself drawn to her. They begin to share her stories and one another. But Caleb cannot break through to who she really is. Emma is a closed book when it comes to her personal history.

When Emma finds her bookstore in danger of being destroyed, can she trust Caleb? Or worse, when she finds out that he may actually be behind it?

In summary, this story seems to be very much like all the deluge of erotica (or women's fiction depending on your ability to be honest with yourself) that is in the marketplace. Rich guy. Poor or struggling to make ends meet girl. Hot sex. Some romance. Traumatic past and trust issues. You can basically pick up any book in the genre and find that this is the backbone of the story. Pretty much like a steady drumbeat that runs not through one song, but every song that the band has ever done.

So what makes this one so much more? Tamara Lush's writing and her ability to create characters that refuse to be defined by the genre raise this book above its normal fair. Caleb is not the rich man who is closed off to the world and is only interested with how he makes his fortune and who he can control with it. The early interaction between Caleb and his sister show a man whose responsibilities weigh heavily upon him. A man who has not really allowed himself to experience joy and happiness.

Emma is driven. Whether its in saving her bookstore or enjoying her life. But she is day to day and as such this mantra serves to protect her from emotional attachments as well as lead her to disastrous results. No matter how she tries to succeed. She is inwardly convinced that she is not worthy of success or love.

In all this is the romantic and erotic relationship they develop. It takes take and moves along at a pace that is not only extremely hot, but very secure. The reading has a voyeuristic sense to their foreplay and it is what brings the emotional attachment to the forefront of their sex.

If you enjoy erotica, and there is no reason not to, this is a good read.

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Tell Me a Story
Author: Tamara Lush
Series: The Story Series
Publisher: Tamara Lush
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Genre(s): Romance, Humorous
Page Count: 102 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

A flirtatious reading of erotica blossoms into something deep and tender in the steamy Florida heat...

Tell Me a Story

Emma, a free-spirited bookstore owner in Orlando, keeps her business afloat with innovative ideas. Her most popular evening event is Story Brothel, where customers can pay writers to read aloud to them in a story-time for two, complete with cocktails. Despite the name, the event is usually tame. But things take a steamy turn when a handsome, urbane businessman hires Emma for a session in a private cabana. Daringly, she shares with him a reading of her erotica. Soon both of them are feeling the effects … and Emma’s wondering what kind of lover is underneath his expensive suit.

Caleb may be a billionaire real estate mogul, but he’s never been captivated by a woman as he is by the lovely, quirky Emma. Her rockabilly vintage dresses make him long to strip them off and do very wicked things to her. And her refusal to share her personal life only makes him more curious.

Soon the couple are spending every available moment together. But Emma’s building is in danger of being razed out from under her bookstore … and worse, Caleb may be behind her problems. Can she trust him with her life as she does with her body? Or will the prickly walls built during her harsh past keep them apart?

Review:

This is a short story and the first of a series, I thought that this was an interesting fun story.

The plot revolves around an independent bookstore owner using interesting ideas to attract patrons to her bookstore. At a charity event, Story Brothel, sexy businessman, Caleb hires Emma to read to him. Not only is Emma a bookstore owner, but she also writes erotic romance. In a playful mood, Emma decides to read Caleb her erotic story. As the chemistry heats up Emma and Caleb start a romantic relationship. This book is fast and concise. I have read 400 page books that left me with far less than this short story. Loved the ending as well as the character development. This book really leaves you feeling like you read a full novel.

SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars




Review Copy of Tell Me a Story provided by the Tamara Lush and Give me books for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Tami Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many novellas and full-length novels where the characters fall instantly for each other as soon as their eyes meet, and Tell Me a Story, Tamara Lush’s newest release, is one of those novellas. Despite the length of this story, Tamara has once again entrapped me delivering a well-written and enticing romance.

Emma is a quirky bookstore owner and to help make ends meet, offers to the community different projects, one of which is that customers can pay to have stories read to them. When a gorgeous businessman comes in seeking to have Emma read to him, they are both instantly swept away into lust and passion as she recites the words from her erotic novel. Though they are quickly drawn together, Emma continues to tell herself it will be nothing more than one night of shared desire as she remains protective of her heart which has never truly recovered from the past hurt she has suffered. However, a single evening of shared unadulterated passion which has never been equaled for either Emma or Caleb is never going to be enough. But when Emma’s unrelenting fears that Caleb is simply another man who is hiding things seem to become a reality she turns him away. Will Emma ever be able to let go of the past and learn to put her complete trust in Caleb?

To be honest I was a bit hesitant in the beginning the way Caleb and Emma seemed to lust so quickly for each other but as the pages flew by I found myself so completely engrossed in their overwhelming joint allure, I was no longer focusing on the haste of their connection. Instead I was completely mesmerized by the depth to which they seemed to connect despite the limited time they had known each other. It was as if they had always belonged together and as soon as their souls were united they became intertwined and were destined to remain that way. Tamara, as always, also provides an abundance of detail and background to her characters giving me great insight into their lives and into their hearts.

This is the third book I have read from Tamara Lush and once again she has delivered characters that I found instantly likable who quickly took over my mind. Tell Me a Story was a fast-passed novella which delivered hot, sparks flying moments and was sexy as hell and left me fanning myself and in search of a tall glass of ice water to extinguish the flames.

[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

Rating: 4.5/5

Tell Me a Story was an interesting story to read, the synopsis had me completely hooked from the very beginning.

The first episode (book 1) revolves around Emma, a book owner who is a hosting a charity event called Story Brothel. This event is unique, because it attracts people from all over town and they get to donate money and get author to read them one of their stories one-to-one. As soon as Caleb, a successful businessman comes to the event, he is immediately attracted to Emma, that he hires her to read him one of her novels. Soon she is reading him one of her erotic stories to him, and that's when the story truly begins. Their chemistry is instant and playful that Emma can't help but to feel a pull towards that she has never felt before. As the two start to spend more time together, the more they start to realize that they might just be falling in love. But things start to get in the way of their relationship, and it will be up to them to figure out whether they have a future or not.

I enjoyed reading the story, the author did a good job developing the story that you can read it as a stand-alone too. The characters are complete opposites, but they work well together. Their chemistry is off the charts, and as the two start to confide on each other the more they want to be with one another. One of the things that I liked about the story was how the author was able to add little scenes of Emma's actual erotic romance within the overall the story. It really helped the book, that made it hard to put down. Overall, if you're looking for a quick romantic story with a twist than I would highly recommend reading this book. :)

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***

[eclipsiis · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review~

My first ARC, yay!

Since Tell Me a Story was my first Tamara book, I didn't know what to expect of her writing, but I ended up loving it! In this book, our character has a character, she wrote a story and read it for the H, so there was a story inside the story. I particularly like the whole "read me a story" thing because I have never read about something like that before. Well, there's always a first time for everything and this was quite the first time.

The H... Oh, the H... I love that no matter how many books I read with this kind of hero, I never get tired of them. They're tall, dark and hot as hell, what else could we want? Oh, yeah, the fact the he loves the heroine above it all! WHAT ELSE COULD WE WANT?

The heroine was a tease, so automatically I liked her, and, boy, did she tease. I loved how the H teased back and their first sex scene played out beautifully.

This is so not the first book I read that is in Florida... That's gotta be a sign. Gonna go down there and meet the dolphins and potentially my H, cause we all need one.

For me it's a 4.5 stars because, well, the H was amazing but in the story our heroine wrote, the sex was... how can I say this without sounding like a pervert? It was rougher and I after that I kept waiting for their sex to be like that, so I was a bit dissapointed when that didn't happened. Don't get me wrong, the get togheter was amazing, I was just expecting a little more.

Looking forward to read the second book, though. We have a glimpse of it in the end of this one, which was super cool.

[Abby Varghese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted in Abby's Shelves: https://goo.gl/8t8Ajt

Did someone turn up the temperature in here? I sure can feel the heat!

'Tell Me a Story' is Episode One in the "The Story" Series. It’s a great start for the 5 Part serial.
This is the story of Emma and Caleb. Emma is a smart, single bookstore owner in Orlando, keeping her business afloat with innovative ideas. Emma takes part in the Story Brothel time activity. Caleb comes to the Story Brothel to have Emma read to him who falls in “insta-lust” with her curves and stories.

Loved the idea of Emma organizing “Story Brothel”. Loved both MC. Emma was frustrating at times by her continued insecurities. The sex was hot. The emotions are high. This story was pure, courteous and sexy. Flawless.

Tamara Lush has exceeded my expectations, a real storyteller.

If there's one complaint a can think about, it's that it's all over too soon. Waiting to read the rest in series.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawless from the beginning to the end. Perfect story. I love how novellas are long these days. Tell Me a Story is about a writer who reads stories in a Story Brothel and who also own a bookstore. The story started smoothly and a perfect flirtatious when a rich man with steel-blue eyes came in and asked Emma for a read. Smitten by him and him by her, these two clicked immediately and took their time to tease each other with erotica stories and mystery that their game became too hot (even for me). Caleb and Emma are perfect for each other. He is maybe rich but he is humble. Emma is a strong willed person because of her upbringing. This story was pure, courteous and sexy. Flawless.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For honest review. While Emma is at a read at the story brothel . Emma reads her story to calab .This story is beautiful story told in a story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting book. It is a nice reading even though I don't agree on everything but ... I certainly like it.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A guys perspective...

I picked up Tell Me a Story free from Amazon because I was intrigued by the notion that opens the book: “Story Brothel, where customers can pay writers to read aloud to them in a story-time for two, complete with cocktails.” Wouldn’t that be fun?

I knew going it in it would be a romance. That’s ok. I genuinely like chic flicks. Judging from the cover it was probably going to feature some sex. Fine. I’m not a prude. It is a romance. It does feature sex. EXPLICIT sex. A lot of it. Is this typical of women’s romance? Wow!

After getting over the shock, Tell Me a Story is an engaging though predictable read. Girl meets boy. Instant attraction. Planned one night stand moves quickly to budding relationship. Big misunderstanding and sense of betrayal. Make-up scene. The end. Emma is well drawn and fun. Friend Sarah, perfect. I wish she’d featured more. Caleb, fantasy perfect I suspect for the female crowd. For me too superficial. Needed some character flaws/rough edges for dimension. As is, I hated him.

Overall the book is well written and paced. I’ve really have only two issues with it. First, “The tease” couples engage in when circling each other at the beginning of a relationship is recurring theme. For me Emma and Caleb’s tease ends too soon. I would have liked to see the author play with the Story Brothel concept more to draw the opening tease out longer. A slower burn vs quick flame. Second, the sex scenes could use some editing. Ms. Lush does a good of communicating the sensual aspects of Emma and Caleb’s couplings but too often insists on also providing an unnecessary anatomical photograph—her round this, his chiseled that. We get after the first few descriptions how Emma is beautiful and Caleb is built. Every touch does not need this detail. Location is enough. Focus on how it feels. Leave the reader to fantasize the details. Ms. Lush’s writing between the sex scenes is better in this regard, focused on dialogue and emotion with only enough detail to set the scene.

Three stars for the concept, overall story, Emma and Sarah. Deduct one for the issues above and the too perfect, lacking in dimension Caleb.