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The Devil on Her Shoulder
In the blistering heat, recently-divorced Sarah reclines on a sun lounger, relaxing for the first time in months. A two-week break in Cyprus couldn't be more welcome, offering much needed "me time". But Sarah craves excitement. More than that, she hungers for a taste of passion.
An attractive forty-two-year-old deserves some naughty fun, doesn't she? And where better to find romance than on an idyllic Mediterranean island? With clear skies, spotless beaches, and exotically balmy nights, Cyprus is the perfect location for fun, adventure and...well, who knows?
When Sarah spots Joe, she's immediately smitten. Charming and spirited with a stunning, toned body, he's Sarah's perfect fantasy man. But, with her confidence shaken by a painful divorce, is she brave enough to pursue a gorgeous, younger man and embark on a whirlwind holiday affair?
An attractive forty-two-year-old deserves some naughty fun, doesn't she? And where better to find romance than on an idyllic Mediterranean island? With clear skies, spotless beaches, and exotically balmy nights, Cyprus is the perfect location for fun, adventure and...well, who knows?
When Sarah spots Joe, she's immediately smitten. Charming and spirited with a stunning, toned body, he's Sarah's perfect fantasy man. But, with her confidence shaken by a painful divorce, is she brave enough to pursue a gorgeous, younger man and embark on a whirlwind holiday affair?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2017
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mags Hayward
17 books15 followersMags Hayward lives in the UK Midlands with her family and a lazy, cuddly rescue dog. Theatre administrator by day, she spends her free time creating character driven romances of all flavours, from sweet first-time crushes, to blossoming love, to shamelessly explicit erotic liaisons.
Mags gets distracted by anything and everything - especially the dog - so writes short stories and novelettes while daydreaming about writing a full length romance novel. She’ll pull herself together and do it, eventually.
Mags gets distracted by anything and everything - especially the dog - so writes short stories and novelettes while daydreaming about writing a full length romance novel. She’ll pull herself together and do it, eventually.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 29, 2017
A wonderful holiday read!
Ms Hayward has created a wonderful book, ideal for those long, lazy sun-lounger days. The characters are lovingly drawn, the dialogue crisp and believable, and the sex as hot as anything I have recently read.
Sarah, the protagonist and narrator, is a divorced mother of grown up twins who have pooled together to send their mum on a much-deserved holiday on the beautiful Greek island of Cyprus. Her friend, Jan, who joins her, is in a similar position and, it turns out, in a similar frame of mind. However, Jan's overindulgence leaves Sarah free to explore alone, free to take advantage of any romantic opportunities that arise. And arise is the key word... Can she quieten her nagging insecurities and listen instead to the devil on her shoulder?
Highly recommended, and not just as a summer read. Whatever the season, curl up on the couch and indulge yourself in a few hours of hot adult escapism. As I said at the very beginning: wonderful!
Ms Hayward has created a wonderful book, ideal for those long, lazy sun-lounger days. The characters are lovingly drawn, the dialogue crisp and believable, and the sex as hot as anything I have recently read.
Sarah, the protagonist and narrator, is a divorced mother of grown up twins who have pooled together to send their mum on a much-deserved holiday on the beautiful Greek island of Cyprus. Her friend, Jan, who joins her, is in a similar position and, it turns out, in a similar frame of mind. However, Jan's overindulgence leaves Sarah free to explore alone, free to take advantage of any romantic opportunities that arise. And arise is the key word... Can she quieten her nagging insecurities and listen instead to the devil on her shoulder?
Highly recommended, and not just as a summer read. Whatever the season, curl up on the couch and indulge yourself in a few hours of hot adult escapism. As I said at the very beginning: wonderful!
February 22, 2017
Sun, sea and sex aplenty but this debut novel is about much more than that cliche. Yes, an attractive divorcee in her early forties gets together with a virile and handsome young man. But, is this just a casual holiday fling? Is there more substance to their fledgling relationship or is it simply a case of lust-fueled romps on magical romantic nights beneath the stars? Mags Hayward skilfully leads us down winding paths of disbelief, surprises, nagging uncertainty, and astonishing heights of optimism. There’s gentle humour, exposure of human frailties, and torrid sex but, ultimately, it’s a story about hope and recognising that things can and do change. Read it, and cherish the feel-good factor.
December 13, 2023
Perfect spicy holiday read
When forty-two-year-old Sarah’s two children book her a holiday to Cyprus, she gets more than she bargained for. Rather than a quiet girly holiday with her friend, Jan, she meets the gorgeous twenty-four-year-old Joe and a steamy romance blooms.
This is a really easy read, yet it’s really well written and has lots of atmosphere; I could really picture Cyprus and feel the sticky heat, despite it being freezing here at the moment! Sarah is very likeable; with her not having been in a relationship or even a tryst since her divorce, she has some relatable insecurities, and it was nice to see her grow in confidence with Joe. Joe was also very likeable. I could easily picture the supporting cast, including George the bartender.
This is quite a spicy read and would appeal to Romance readers, who are happy to have a little steam. I think it’s a perfect getaway read for a beach holiday.
When forty-two-year-old Sarah’s two children book her a holiday to Cyprus, she gets more than she bargained for. Rather than a quiet girly holiday with her friend, Jan, she meets the gorgeous twenty-four-year-old Joe and a steamy romance blooms.
This is a really easy read, yet it’s really well written and has lots of atmosphere; I could really picture Cyprus and feel the sticky heat, despite it being freezing here at the moment! Sarah is very likeable; with her not having been in a relationship or even a tryst since her divorce, she has some relatable insecurities, and it was nice to see her grow in confidence with Joe. Joe was also very likeable. I could easily picture the supporting cast, including George the bartender.
This is quite a spicy read and would appeal to Romance readers, who are happy to have a little steam. I think it’s a perfect getaway read for a beach holiday.
February 27, 2023
Let me start by saying I read this book in a day and a half and I have three small children so that is some going for me! This book such an enjoyable, fun and positive read. I have read some heavy tear jerkers recently and this is exactly what I needed. Sarah's character is extremely likeable, she's not your usual confident, sassy and bold character. Sarah's been hurt by her ex, is feeling self conscious and hasn't felt loved for a while. As the reader, we see Sarah's confidence and zest for life slowly evolve and she experiences happiness, lust and the time of her life! I really like Joe's character, and what I loved most was how he made her feel. Whether this ended up being a fling, or the start of something more, Sarah felt wanted and desired and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to read more from this Author!
March 21, 2017
The first publication by an incredibly talented author.
This is more than just sex. Mags Hayward writes beautifully and it is easy to be drawn into her story and forget about your surroundings until the very last page.
Try it and see what I mean. It won't break the bank and I am sure you will be glad you did.
This is more than just sex. Mags Hayward writes beautifully and it is easy to be drawn into her story and forget about your surroundings until the very last page.
Try it and see what I mean. It won't break the bank and I am sure you will be glad you did.
December 3, 2023
I rate this book 3 stars for plot and 4 stars for writing, so 3.5 stars overall.
The story opens well with newly divorced 40-something Sarah on holiday in Cyprus with her friend, Jan. A much younger man catches Sarah's eye and, inevitably, they are both attracted, resulting in an intensely sexual liaison over the next few days. That is essentially the plot of this book, described as 'an erotic romance' – and there is certainly plenty of erotica, although not much romance. The sexual scenes are well written although some readers might find them too graphic. Overall, I found the plot lacking in surprises and tension, which disappointed me as author Mags Hayward writes very well. I kept hoping there would be something unexpected with one of the characters but every one of them was 'nice' and the ending was happy for Sarah. The quality of the writing hinted there could be a twist or two to come, but the author didn't take that route, which left me feeling rather unsatisfied. This is an undemanding read, ideal for a weekend or holiday, and will appeal to fans of erotic romance who fancy a bit of escapism.
The story opens well with newly divorced 40-something Sarah on holiday in Cyprus with her friend, Jan. A much younger man catches Sarah's eye and, inevitably, they are both attracted, resulting in an intensely sexual liaison over the next few days. That is essentially the plot of this book, described as 'an erotic romance' – and there is certainly plenty of erotica, although not much romance. The sexual scenes are well written although some readers might find them too graphic. Overall, I found the plot lacking in surprises and tension, which disappointed me as author Mags Hayward writes very well. I kept hoping there would be something unexpected with one of the characters but every one of them was 'nice' and the ending was happy for Sarah. The quality of the writing hinted there could be a twist or two to come, but the author didn't take that route, which left me feeling rather unsatisfied. This is an undemanding read, ideal for a weekend or holiday, and will appeal to fans of erotic romance who fancy a bit of escapism.
March 24, 2023
I read this in one sitting
Cute, romantic and very steamy! Forty-year old Sarah, recently separated, takes a holiday from her twin daughters in Cyprus. She catches the eye of a much younger, good looking man at the pool bar. As luck would have it, her roommate, Jan drinks too much and goes to bed early. Sarah meets up with Joe for some wild sex on the beach.
The next night Jan gets sunstroke and Sarah and Joe meet up again in the laundry room! The shower is right next door so they make use of it, after locking the door.
Joe’s last night at the hotel, he and Sarah meet up again. Their mutual passion is ignited once again. Sarah fears she’ll never see Joe again. He’s much younger and she isn’t confident that their fling is anything more than just that. She is sad he’s gone but will she ever see him again?
Cute, romantic and very steamy! Forty-year old Sarah, recently separated, takes a holiday from her twin daughters in Cyprus. She catches the eye of a much younger, good looking man at the pool bar. As luck would have it, her roommate, Jan drinks too much and goes to bed early. Sarah meets up with Joe for some wild sex on the beach.
The next night Jan gets sunstroke and Sarah and Joe meet up again in the laundry room! The shower is right next door so they make use of it, after locking the door.
Joe’s last night at the hotel, he and Sarah meet up again. Their mutual passion is ignited once again. Sarah fears she’ll never see Joe again. He’s much younger and she isn’t confident that their fling is anything more than just that. She is sad he’s gone but will she ever see him again?
June 6, 2023
This story was a fun and steamy romp with low stakes and a nice HFN ending. It was nice to see an older character than the usual (though certainly not old), and a reversal of the age gap trope (older woman, younger man). The main character was a divorcee and the love interest a young man accompanying his pregnant sister on a vacation. I liked that the romantic conflict was not insurmountable, nor did it seem petty or trite, but quite reasonable given the circumstances.
It was set in Cyprus at a resort, though was generic enough that it could have been anywhere.
I think the writing was tight, though not particularly elegant. There were several steamy scenes in several locations (not once in a bed haha). This story was cute, fun, and steamy, and a good choice for someone looking for a quick, fun read that will distract you for a couple of hours.
It was set in Cyprus at a resort, though was generic enough that it could have been anywhere.
I think the writing was tight, though not particularly elegant. There were several steamy scenes in several locations (not once in a bed haha). This story was cute, fun, and steamy, and a good choice for someone looking for a quick, fun read that will distract you for a couple of hours.
May 4, 2023
I found The Devil on Her Shoulder to be a decent read. The book is listed as Humorous Erotica, which I did not know there was such a thing. But it is more than that. Even though the main character is in her 40s, The Devil on Her Shoulder is a Coming of Age story, where the main character Sarah begins to realize things about herself that she didn’t know existed. Opening up a world of thrills and intrigue as she sucks up the sun on her vacation in Cyprus. The author does a great job at pacing, making the story a quick read. The story was entertaining at times, and I think it would be a good read for anyone looking for something quick to read and of course for those on the lookout for something steamy and erotic. And for anyone in need of a happily ever after, you will not be disappointed.
October 1, 2020
Holiday romance
An enjoyable read. A sexy, holiday romance with an older woman younger man. Sarah was a divorcee with twin teenage kids, she needed a break and got a lot more than she was expecting from her holiday in Cyprus.
An enjoyable read. A sexy, holiday romance with an older woman younger man. Sarah was a divorcee with twin teenage kids, she needed a break and got a lot more than she was expecting from her holiday in Cyprus.
April 24, 2017
This novella is way more than the blurb says. Yes, it's a rather nice feel-good story of a divorcee finding her confidence with the help of a delicious holiday fling. And she also finds a future friend-in-mischief with the woman she went with, but barely knew.
But I felt Mags clearly showed me Sarah's all-too-plausible lack of confidence, her hopes and fears, her ups and downs, and her excitement, and she painted enough of the scene around Sarah for my mind to fill in the background details.
I'll be keen to read more stories by Ms Hayward.
But I felt Mags clearly showed me Sarah's all-too-plausible lack of confidence, her hopes and fears, her ups and downs, and her excitement, and she painted enough of the scene around Sarah for my mind to fill in the background details.
I'll be keen to read more stories by Ms Hayward.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews