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The Surrogate #1

The Sex Surrogate

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AVA has been suffering from sexual dysfunction for years. Tired of not being able to have a normal relationship with a man, she is steered in the direction of DR. CHASE HUDSON, a psychologist and sexual surrogate.

When she signed up for her sessions, she wasn't prepared for his god-like good looks or her instant, intense, and growing connection with him.

But as things heat up... and professional lines get blurred, she is forced to confront the question: What are you supposed to do when you start falling for your sex surrogate?


* There will be a companion novella from Chase's POV due out this winter with an extended epilogue. Stay tuned. *


Expanded/revised edition November 2015

* For possible triggers, go here: http://www.jessicagadziala.com/trigge... *

Paperback

First published September 13, 2015

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About the author

Jessica Gadziala

161 books5,383 followers
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...


xx

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Gadziala.
Author 161 books5,383 followers
September 24, 2015
Well, I wrote this... so I am going to go ahead and give it a big ole' FIVE stars.

And some smexy gifs to match the story.









Basically... its a really sexy story lol

Profile Image for Isabella. R.
1,007 reviews2,176 followers
July 25, 2023
4 Fake Love Stars ⭐

Believing this is the only way forward, Ava needs to swallow her pride and contain her anxiety if she wants to take the first step in gaining back her life. Tired of her inability to enjoy intimacy, she is seeking an alternative treatment, a sex therapist.

It was good in theory until she laid eyes on Dr Chase Hudson. As they take the initial steps in combating her fears, you instantly know he is more than capable of helping her. In fact he's a little too invested.

"I'm... frigid."

"Are you?" he asked, leaning forward and resting elbows on his knees, way too close. He was taking up all my space.

"Being frigid implies an absence of interest in sex and a lack of sexual fantasies."


Well put on your rose-colored glasses because therapy has never been sweeter or hotter. Ten sessions with the good doctor to work through Ava’s anxiety issues through exposure therapy.
What starts as a treatment plan quickly becomes confusing as the lines between professional and personal begin to blur as feelings get involved. Is it a case of transference?

We don’t get much insight from Dr Chase, so you never really know exactly what he is thinking or feeling, but you sense the spark immediately. This is seen in his acts of kindness that go beyond what you would deem as part of therapy. The man is a total babe with magic fingers!

"Because I really want to make you feel good. I want to watch you as I make you come. And just when you start to come down, I am going to drive you back up and make it happen again. Until your body can't take anymore."

The Sex Surrogate is a sexy little read as you watch this unorthodox relationship evolve before your eyes. It’s filled with emotion, sexual tension and compassion. My only criticism is that some of the sessions felt a little glossed over and unrealistic. I would have preferred them to be a little grittier and taboo.
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,410 reviews1,339 followers
November 26, 2015
★3.75 Sexy Stars★

“Anxiety doesn't exist in the moment. It is only in the past and the future. Just be in this moment.”

description

The Sex Surrogate is a sexy read centered on a girl struggling with a severe anxiety disorder. While seeking help for her insecurities, she finds so much more than what she was looking for!

description

"How long had it even been since I allowed myself to even want to get to know a man? Months? A year? Longer? It always seemed pointless to even let myself get to that point seeing as I always knew it was doomed to fail."-Ava

Ava is a young professional living a moderate life with good friends, an intrusive roommate, and a successful career. However, she lacks the courage to connect intimately with men. Although she has never experienced any type of sexual trauma, her anxiety disorder has left her in a continual state of being "red faced" and "legs crossed" through years of dates, parties, and other social situations. Feeling distraught, Ava makes the bold step to meet with a sex surrogate in hopes of turning her dry spell into a tsunami of passion!

"I would happily kiss him until the end of friggen time."-Ava

Dr. Chase Hudson is a Psychologist/Sexologist/Sexual Surrogate and is happy to take Ava on as his new client. The two begin therapy and through the development of several dates/sessions Ava begins to develop feelings for the dashing Dr. Hudson. (What girl wouldn't?) As the professional lines of medicine and an adulterated passion begin to blur, it is only a matter of time before feelings bloom, confusion flourishes, and nothing is what it appears to be.

description

"Nowhere had I read that a surrogate takes you out to eat after a session. That seemed to blur the lines of professionalism. So what was going on?"-Ava

The Sex Surrogate has endearing characters, witty dialogue, and the dates/sessions with Dr. Hudson would leave any girl salivating for more. Because the story is written solely in Ava's POV at times, I felt a bit cheated out of Chase's POV throughout the entire process. Although we experienced Ava's transformation and thought process, I felt left in the dark when it came to how he was progressing in the relationship. This caused a bit of a disconnect (and dare I say a touch of my own anxiety) because I was concerned about Chase's motives with Ava. Thankfully the sessions were quite steamy and kept me 100% engaged in following this journey straight to the end! When I got to the last page, I was quite pleased with the final result (and frankly relieved)!

description

"It felt like worship. He kissed down my spine, shifting slightly, kissing one of my ass cheeks, then down the leg to my ankle, then up the other leg, across that ass cheek, then up my spine again. Every inch of my body felt tingly. Light. Loved."-Ava

description

Overall, The Sex Surrogate was a good read. I certainly enjoyed Ava's character and I was certainly invested in her therapy with the good Dr! I would love for a follow up on these characters! I will certainly be on the lookout for more from this author! I am excited to see what Ms. Gadziala will bring us next!

~ARC graciously provided by author in exchange for an honest review!~

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Profile Image for D.L. Howe.
Author 25 books601 followers
February 10, 2021
3.5 stars

It’s a thin line between love and hate. Apparently that same line exists between doing your job and doing what you want. Is it love? Is it transference? You know what would solve this quandary? Goddam communication. But than there would be no book and then where would we be?

What’s professional to a sex surrogate? What’s the difference between a sex surrogate and an escort?

Can you imagine having anxiety bad enough where you can’t be touched? And then the first time you’re comfortable to accept that touch. I bet it’s the most amazing feeling ever. Sometimes those caresses feel just as good as anything else.

Oh lord! When the good doctor gave the roommate a good ass chewing ... I think I fell in love!

I actually like Jake, I know I hate assholes but he sometimes has good intentions. It’s almost as good as a grumpy dude with a heart of gold. Part of me thinks Chase is too much of a yes man. He gives her too many compliments, yes that’s possible.

Oh my, the second session was phenomenally hot!

There’s a reason I compared sex surrogate to an escort. This story is so reminiscent of the book Escorted. Just heavier on the psychology aspect. I don’t think it’s a knock off and it doesn’t make me like this story any less. I’ll always love a good sex teaching story.

If this is transference, then he has it too. None of this seems professional, but would anyone prefer he be sterile and clinical? I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t help the anxiety at all. Yet again, it does seem like he’s crossed lines until they’re all blurred.

Oh well the money thing just kinda clenches how this is too much like Escorted. Like a lesser version of a book I adored.
Profile Image for Heather the Queen of (Smut)Books.
433 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2017
Re-reading again in preparation for the hardcover release. Still one of my favorite comforts reads. The remastered book adds a chapter to the beginning that explains the root of Ava's anxiety and why she chooses to take control and get help. Not all people who suffer from anxiety have them due to past trauma or experiences.

Thanks for letting me beta read, Jess. Dr. Chase Hudson remains one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends.



Better the 4th time....

Re-read in prep for Book 2.

Well hallooooo Doctor....its me. U can run but you can't hide. Yeah that's me. All stalkery.

Here's why.....

Dr. Chase Hudson



Uh huh. Look but don't touch bitches. He's all mine. I'm rubbing my dibs all over that face. I mean...Ahhh fuck it. I'm crazy. Deal with it.




This book completely hoovered my night. The minute I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I was up until 3 a.m (I had to get up at 5) salivating and devouring each page. And then I went back and read some parts of it again. Ya know, just to make sure I read it right the first time ;p


I absolutely, positively fell in lurrrve with this story. Why, you ask? What was so great about this story? What sets it apart from all the other ER that's out there....this is really truly HOT. Well for me it was. Sure it's corny and a bit cheesy here and there. And yes, nitpickers will have a field day with a few of the errors here and there. But DAMN...the slow burn, the carefully drawn out seduction, the nerves and butterflies, the sweetness, the embarrassment....I felt it all. Because I am Ava. Every thought that is going through her head would be going through mine. The anxiety, the shyness, the severe hyperventilating. Yeah, that's me. I haven't dated in 3 years....too many issues to name. In fact, I have come across sexual surrogacy in my research. Is this realistic? No. In real life the surrogacy takes place with a licensed sexual therapist in the room at all times. You are never alone with your surrogate. In fact, 98% of sexual surrogates are women and the other 2% are BUTT UGLY men. Sorry...rude I know, but I did look on the registry. There is no sexier than hell Dr. Chase Hudson on there. If there were I would rob a bank and get my surrogacy on. On repeat. Fo real doh. (I'm only partly kidding). Dr. Chase Hudson....now that's a man. Sweet, tender, patient, caring with a filthy mouth and Dom tendencies, WHOA MAMA!!!

This book touched something in me. I actually went back a few times to re-read the sessions. Ho boy!! The sessions! The main event doesn't actually occur until about 6 sessions in at about 60% on your Kindle but they do a whole lot in the other sections.

The book was sexy, sweet, funny, and absolutely fucking panty soaking. This isn't your usual Erotica, there isn't page after page of smut. But it's simplicity is what makes it exquisitely erotic.

The only flaw in the book was the overly quick ending. A little more background on Chase... a little more something. I swear, this is the only male POV I actually want to see. And you know how I hate it when a author publishes a book repeating the same shit through the man's eye's. I wanted a fucking epilogue...something.

Jessica??


Favorite quotes:

“Do you find me attractive?”

“I think the entire continental US would find you attractive,” I said, hedging the question. It was a skill I had learned early on, to answer, but not to include myself in the answer.

“That's wonderful,” he said, leaning toward me, “but I wasn't asking the entire continental US, I was asking you.”

Mother fucker. (Ava's head) "Yes"



“Hi,” he said, tilting his head, watching me.
I forced a wobbly little smile. “Hi.”

“I like these,” he said, running his hand down my hip, over my thigh, my calf, the sensation on the stockings so smooth and sensual, my body happily made the small leap into arousal. “Did you wear them for me?”

Hell yeah I did. (Ava's head)

"Yes"



“So my nudity is okay,” Chase observed, making my hand still guiltily.
“I guess,” I shrugged.
“Okay,” he said, reaching down and kicking his side of the blanket off his body. His hard, heavy cock was up toward his stomach, hovering slightly over his body. “Is this alright?”

It was fucking perfect is what it was.

“Are you going to eat or just keep pushing the lettuce around?” Chase asked, sounding amused.

I stabbed an enormous fork full and shoved the contents into my mouth, licking my lips slightly. “Happy?” I asked, trying to chew and struggling with how much I had jammed in my yap.

But it was worth it to watch Chase throw his head back and laugh like a little kid. The sound so happy and amused that it made my belly flip flip again. He reached out with his thumb, brushing my lips. I imagined, wiping some stray dressing. Then he brought his thumb to his mouth and licked it off.

I mean...Panties. Soaked.




“Tonight's session,” he started and I felt myself stiffen against him, but he only wrapped his arms tighter, “is about masturbation.”

Oh
good
god.

Seriously?



“Are the nerves better?” he asked, pulling me on my side to face him.

“A little,” I admitted. Because they had been. Though they were quickly coming back. He was going to touch me. Soon.

“Good,” he said, leaning closer and brushing the hair off my neck a second before his lips went down there, making me sigh at the contact, “Because I really want to make you feel good. I want to watch you as I make you come. And just when you start to come down, I am going to drive you back up and make it happen again. Until your body can't take anymore.”

Oh
what
the
fuck
Where did he learn to talk like that?


4.5 "I want a Dr. Chase Hudson of my own" stars.
Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
947 reviews1,157 followers
December 9, 2015
4.5 "In the Moment" Stars!

 photo The Sex Surrogate - Jessica Gadziala_zpsfsf3g6ia.png

I decided to read this book because the theme was different from any other that I have read. And it did not dissapoint, this was fantastic! Defenitely different but still good.

The Sex Surrogate is a novel written by Jessica Gadziala and it tells the story of Ava (a woman who is struggling with anxiety and as a consequence she is not able to relax and enjoy sexual relationships) and Dr. Chase Hudson (a sex therapist and sex surrogate who will forever change the protagonist's life).

“So, why are you here?”
“I'm... frigid.”
“Are you?” he asked, leaning forward and resting elbows on his knees, way too close. Taking up all my space. “Being frigid implies an absence of interest in sex and a lack of sexual fantasies.”
“Oh,” I breathed the word out.


There is defenitely sparks from the first moment between these two. But let's start with something else: the term 'sex surrogate'. I actually had to search for it and well it is obviously a 'different' kind of doctor LOL Sex surrogates talk with and touch the patient. That caught my attention a lot!

However, it is obvious that Chase is not behaving as a normal doctor would. At least, it was quite obvious to me (not to Ava hahah). These two are hot for each other and the doctor does some things (like go to Ava's apartment or have dinner with her) that make you think he is interested in Ava as a woman and not only as a patient.

“This is my spot,” I declared, tapping his chest with my hand.
His other arm went around me, his lips kissing the top of my head. “Yeah, baby, it is,” he agreed.
“Safest place in the world,” I murmured, drifting slowly off to sleep.


I thought Ava and Chase were so sweet and, even tough it was a little bit weird to read this, I really enjoyed the story! Also, the secondary characters (Shay and Jake) are so freaking funny! So there is a little bit of everything, which you know I like.

“The moment,” I cut in, surprising myself.
“I'm sorry?” Chase asked, his hands stilling.
“Someone once told me to be in the moment,” I explained. “I think that was pretty good advice,” I said, resting my head back against my safe place.


Therefore, my rating for Jessica's novel is 4.5 STARS because I very much liked the story but I found it a little bit odd and the end was a little bit fast (I really wanted an epilogue!). Still, I think many people can enjoy The Sex Surrrogate so I recommend you give it a try, guys! :)

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Profile Image for Iqra.
706 reviews6,143 followers
June 28, 2024
Idk how she wasn’t bothered that he was still gonna be working with other clients while being with her but hey, to each their own 💗 (so when he said he quit, it was kinda satisfying ngl)

Also why did chase feel so one dimensional?? I never got to see his life outside of the practice except for him giving Ava jump scares at restaurants lmao. And I was actually scared at one point that he’d say the feelings were one sided bc he was so disconnected from the story sometimes. I could never get a genuine read on the guy.

Ava was cute but then she really frustrated me as well. Her inner monologue was eating at my brain.

I literally couldn’t care less about the chapters where the main characters weren’t together. I skimmed them lol.

And the ending felt a little too rushed?? They hashed it out in one conversation and then BAM the book is over like whaaaa?!

I see there’s a novella for Chases pov and I’m hoping his inner monologue is gonna be better than this one🤞🤞
Profile Image for S.M. West.
Author 38 books1,241 followers
December 15, 2015
3.75STARS

The synopsis of this book really intrigued me yet I’ll admit that I went in with trepidation. I had no clue what a sex surrogate was! And even after I found out and started reading this story, I had so many questions about the good doctor and believe you me, he is GOOD.

 photo sex surrogate_zpsrfqe0owt.jpg

Ava is a young woman with severe sexual issues and anxiety who seeks out the help of a sex surrogate, Dr. Chase Hudson, to overcome her fears. While Ava hasn’t had any specific trauma to cause or influence her fear and insecurities, she’s not able to relax or give into any kind of intimacy. This is where Chase takes his time with Ava and slowly, as their “dates” or sessions progress, Ava grows and develops, as does her feelings for Dr. Chase.



This was a sexy read and while I found the beginning to be a bit slow, it didn’t take too long to pick up and once it did, the relationship and chemistry that unfolded between Chase and Ava was hot.



Overall, I enjoyed this and I did like that it pushed my boundaries too. I had my moments of unease as I worried about Chase’s motives as the lines between professional and personal became blurred. Even when all indications pointed to perhaps Chase also being more invested than was professional, I still worried about what was he doing in all his other patient/client appointments? Having sexy times like he did with Ava? As much as I liked Chase, all of these unanswered questions held me back from fully connected or falling for him.

I’m glad to hear Jessica will be giving us Chase’s POV and I’m looking forward to it!

**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for * Meli Mel *.
856 reviews671 followers
December 6, 2015


♥ ♥ ♥ 4.25 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥




●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“Do you have any idea what men would do to possess beauty like this?" he asked, shaking his head. "And, here I am, holding it."

Holy lord.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●



After a friend of mine suggested I give this a read, I decided to read the blurb. And then I found out what exactly a sex surrogate does and I was like "What the what?". It definitely caught my attention and that is putting it mildly. I was so intrigued that I could not wait to begin.




●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Fuck me," he said, bringing a hand up to the side of my face for a second. "You're perfect just how you are, okay? Don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise." He paused. "Not even yourself."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Ava is finally seeking the professional help that she needs. She is a young woman that is doing pretty well for herself. She lives with an annoying and very nosy roommate named Jake, and has a career. So, for the most part her life is good. Well except when it comes to her sex life. Ava hasn't gone through a traumatic event or anything like it, yet still she suffers from a disorder where she gets anxiety and can't seem to sexually connect with anyone when is start to get real. She is tired of not being able to feel aroused with a man, let alone come. Now she will have Dr. Chase Hudson to help her out.

Chase is a sex therapist and sex surrogate. His job is to teach Ava how to become comfortable in her own skin in front of any man she chooses. He tries to help her anxiety lessen until it's non existent. As soon as Ava and Chase meet, however, you can feel the attraction between them. With each session they have, where Chase makes Ava finally feel something from just kissing and touching, lines begin to blur for Ava. She starts to develop feeling for Chase, and there are moments that seem like he may feel the same way.




●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“This is my spot,” I declared, tapping his chest with my hand.
His other arm went around me, his lips kissing the top of my head. “Yeah, baby, it is,” he agreed.
“Safest place in the world,” I murmured, drifting slowly off to sleep.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

The story itself was unlike anything I had ever read, which is what made it all the more interesting to me. It began a bit on the slow side for me, but soon after things picked up and I really enjoyed it. I loved the connection between them but it did happen a little too fast for me. I also definitely enjoyed the sensuality of their sessions. It was well written--well except for a few typos-- that it never became awkward or uncomfortable. I liked watching Ava grow and become more sexually sure and just overall more confident. Seeing Ava fall for Chase was really great, I just wish she would have said how she felt sooner. But I became quite engrossed in the story that I didn't want to put it down. I also really liked the secondary characters that added a humourous element to the story. Jake, her roommate, was such a jerk at times, but it was great to see him grow as well and become a better friend to Ava. Overall, this was a very enjoyable and unique read. The only thing I can say is I wish it were longer, and that we could have had at least one chapter in Chase's POV to get to know him better. I also would have liked an epilogue or something to see how what the future held for them. But other than that, I was great.

Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews767 followers
November 23, 2015
4.5 ~5 stars

This is not a solid 5 star book for me and I wanted it to be so much!!! Even after the book ends, there are burning questions that are left unanswered. What happened with Shay and Jake, Ava’s best friends? What’s Chase’s story. How long has he been practicing sex surrogacy? What are his true feelings during his sessions with Ava? Is he having sex with other clients at the same period he’s having the sessions with Ava?

Leaving behind these second thoughts of mine, I want to focus on all those reasons that made me adore this book and fall in love with sexy Dr. Chase Hudson!!

Ava is a young woman who decides to work with psychologist and sex surrogate Dr. Chase Hudson in order to work through the panic attacks she’s been experiencing since her first sexual encounter every time she tries to get intimate with men. Her sexual dysfunction has brought her anxiety, loneliness, depression and frustration. Unwilling to continue living like this any more, she’s determined to trust verified surrogate Chase Hudson to provide her with treatment. Her first appointment with him is beyond her expectations. Chase is extremely handsome and strictly professional but also very direct and honest with her.

Gradually, Ava surrenders to him, not only physically, but also emotionally. She lets him in and liberates herself from her fears. He’s gentle, kind, comprehensive, passionate and expansive. He’s all she needs and desires.


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The sexual tension is all about the lead-up and oh my god Chase is so good at his job! He builds a valuable chemistry, makes her feel that “spark”, that fission of sexual excitement that comes when we meet that somebody special. And Ava soon realizes that love is special. That Chase is special!

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Great character development.

Loved the two main characters.

The story hooks you in right away and doesn't let go.

Congrats to you, Jessica. Love your writing!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,632 reviews173 followers
January 3, 2016
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*

I need a lil bit of Dr Chase Hudson



Ava is havin a hard time she's a very anxious person an as been in therapy 4 a while but she suffers from anxiety when bein intimate with a man she isn't a virgin an as tried 2 fight it but it's not getting better an she wants 2 get help this is where the gorgeous an very sexy Dr Chase Hudson comes in he is goin 2 b her sex surrogate she did think that he was goin 2 so sexy she thought a older an not attractive man would come out but she got a shock when she saw who her doc was she is goin 2 have 2 try hard an try an keep it 2gether she was goin 2 have sex with this man



This book was so good I really enjoyed the sexy time was hot they were hot 2gether even with Ava an her anxiety they just connected God that sounds cheese but it is true he got her 2 b so calm once they started the sessions Ava did start getting more confident an started standin up 4 herself with her roommate who is a bit of a handful but she had enough of bein a doormat 2 him I did luv it though when Chase had a few words with him it was great haha



I found Chase a really calm character he never really went mad or crazy Ye he was protective an showed how he cared an there was so many signs there that he liked her but cause of Ava's confidence bein so low it was hard 4 her 2 take compliments that he gave her an he gave her loads I really need some time with Dr Hudson the way he gets her 2 open up an is there when she needs him I m not surprised she started fallin 4 him I think I did 2



I thought this story was good the way it was written I liked a lot the way we got 2 know where the story was at as in during an after the session was great this is a very sexy book an I would recommend it we al like a bit of hot sexy time hot men an a good story an this had it xxx

Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews768 followers
January 18, 2021
3.5 sexual healing stars

Ava has suffered from anxiety for as long as she can remember. Allowing people touch her; getting close; holding her; and engaging in sex have been difficult for her as a result. She has been seeing a psychiatrist for years, but she has not been able to engage in intimacy with a man without suffering a panic attack; therefore, her doctor has referred her to Dr. Chase Hudson: sex surrogate. Even thinking about what this might involve, Ava is nervous, but when the man with the doctorate in psychology and sex therapy walks through the door and she realizes he resembles a Greek god, she is floored. How on earth is she ever supposed to feel comfortable about intimacy and sex with a man that if she saw him in public, she would never approach him in a million years because she would be immeasurably intimidated?

But Ava is out of options, so she decides to make the most of the therapy with Chase (as he asks her to call him from the start). The first session is just kissing, so that can't be too hard, right? But as each session progresses, Ava starts to find herself feeling more strongly for her therapist than a patient should. It's just transference, right? Even when Chase shows up to check on her in her home when she drunk dials him - he's just being a good doctor. And when he takes her to dinner outside "office hours," it's something he does with everyone, right?

When the line between doctor/patient and man/woman start to blur, Ava feels she must protect herself from the inevitable heartbreak once their sessions come to a close. With Chase, she has made leap and bounds, so that should work with other men... shouldn't it? And when the therapy concludes, she will be certainly get over her fake feelings... won't she?

What I liked:
--- Both MCs were likeable - Ava was relatable, and Chase was the kind of beta hero dreams are made of
--- The roommate was amusing even when he was a dick
--- GOOD LORD, the steamy goodness! Very, very hot!

What I didn't like as much:
--- Chase did not behave at all like a therapist would behave - sex surrogate or not; he called her "baby" from the get go, and clearly went over the line MANY times (his favorite phrase when he saw her if she looked hot was "fuck me" which is clearly super professional), so I had to suspend any sense of reality there early on
--- The friend from work kind of felt weird bc
--- There is a sequel to this book from Chase's perspective, so I am going to check it out, but

Overall, a quick and fun erotic read if you are willing to completely throw what a therapist actually does out the window long enough to enjoy the ride! I am looking forward to reading Chase's POV bc there are several unanswered questions about his behavior/perspective that I am interested to see how they are explained.

Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5
Violence --- none
Language --- yeah (f-bombs away!)
POV --- 1st (Ava)

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Profile Image for Ash.
383 reviews39 followers
October 18, 2015
4.5
I read this via Kindle Unlimited!

Whoa. Thats....about all I can come up with at the moment. Like seriously....damn.
I loved this book! It was awkward, and funny, and HOT, so fucking hot. And it was sweet, and adorable, and sad. I pretty much loved everything about it.

After reading the description, [and seriously, with a name like The Sex Surrogate, how was I not going to see what it was about...?] I was pretty positive I was going to like it. And HEY! I was right. The only thing that would have killed it for me would have been the writing, and I think the author did a fantastic job on that front. This book was really easy to get in to. The main characters were great, and the few other characters that were involved were also very likable.

I loved Ava and all her awkwardness towards sex. LOVED HER! We could totally be friends. AND CHASE HUDSON - hello! Yeah, I need me some of that. BLACK HAIR & BLUE EYES.............My favorite combo!!! [Thanks Will Herondale...]

I had 2 [minor] problems....which is why its not a full 5 stars.
1) the editing wasn't the WORST, but I mean, with so few characters, you would think the editors would catch when the main males name is wrong. There was like 3 instances where Chase Hudson was Chase Hunter....*rolls eyes*
2) as much as I loved the 2 characters....

annnnnnnnnyway............go read this :)

come find me:
www.facebook.com/ReadsAsh
IG: ash.reads Twitter: @ReadsAsh
Profile Image for Rayne.
485 reviews148 followers
January 25, 2024
This one took me by surprise. I though it was going to be just a smutty book but I really enjoyed all aspects of it. Yes there were spicy scenes, but they were also intimate. I also liked the formatting. It alternated one chapter being one of their sessions and the next being in between their sessions. It did leave some things a little rushed or lacking a realistic approach but it also made it a very quick and fun read. Now I need to read the second book which is this story but the MMC’s POV!
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews399 followers
September 24, 2015


*** 4 stars ! ***

WHOAAAA......DR.CHASE HUDSON, I NEED THERAPY, STAT!






When this book popped up on my news feed,I was kinda frown for the title. Sex Surrogate is not a usual in my country. Um, not even legal.
So...some of my friends knows that lately I don't read too many MF books. And took a chance to read this one just because the title only. Jessica generously sent me the copy.
And I read.

At first, it made me cringed a little (My country is very strict, remember?). A sex surrogate? For a lack of sexual interest. I can say, 'Hey, read romance, baby, and you'll cured'.
And romance is what the author gave us.
About this sexy doctor and his patients.
Seeshh...I think I took the wrong major, not Family Doctor like now, but a Sex Therapist instead. Oh well ignore my regrets!

I was afraid that the author would make me 'uncomfortable' with jealousy when Chase doing therapy session with another patients, but I'm glad, it was off page. I can kiss Jessica for this one only!
Hey! I'm a jealous girl ! :)

I liked that 'the therapy' sessions running smooth with Ava and Chase. Even it still felt like an insta love for me. But that's okay, you can't not falling for 'that kind' of doctor, I tell you.
Chase is easy on the eyes,, easy to like with his charming personality and all. And of course, he really 'care' about one particular patient. (wink).



Overall, if you're into erotica (Damn, doctor Chase is 'that good' !), hot doctor who can do sexing with you and some steamy read for a weekend, girls...read this one !
It's very 'entertaining'. (You know what I mean!)



' ARC generously given by Author. Thanks Jessica!


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


While I'm reading I'll leave you with these... Go figure :)





Profile Image for Yesmina.
634 reviews34 followers
October 18, 2024
This was unexpectedly sexy and sweet!

Ava has some trouble having sex. She's not frigid. She feels sexual attraction and can get turned on. However she has a severe case of anxiety and a poor self image. Whenever a man touches her, she feels trapped, nauseous and extremely numb.

Since she never had a traumatic experience with any sort of sexual abuse, she wants so badly to get better and hopes to enjoy sex one day. Her therapist referred her to Dr. Chase Hudson: a psychologist/ sexologist and a sex surrogate.

In a nutshell: his job is to make her feel gradually comfortable with sex. 10 sessions: and every session deals with an advanced layer of intimacy: From kissing to sex.

However: feelings got mixed up from both parties and I don't want to spoil anything further. It's just so romantic and all the smut is balanced and meaningful. The MMC was so sweet and careful with her fragile heart.

BUT, I couldn't get past his job. I don't believe that's an ethical job even though it apparently exists in USA. I would have preferred him being some sort of male escort that she rented to explore her sexuality.
Plus, the author never talked about them being exclusive during the sessions. I mean, she never said that Chase is having other female patients and potentially doing the same sexy things with them. But that fact was pure and simple. He did not take one patient at a time and the fact that he had other clients kept nagging on my mind even though there is no other women drama in the book.
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,784 reviews5,037 followers
July 28, 2017
2.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: I liked this premise, but unfortately I think it failed. I wanted more depth with the characters since I felt we only skimmed their surface. I think that the fact that we only got Ava's POV made it really hard to connect to Chase. I didn't feel like I knew him at all -- other than my being annoyed by his use of "baby" all the time. I also needed more time with them as an actual couple. Physical chemistry was there for sure, but any other chemistry I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't realize that there was another book, Dr. Chase Hudson, that has Chase's POV. I'm not going to jump into this right now, but I might end up reading it to feed my curiosity...not sure yet.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ava and Chase's story. Ava struggles with intimacy and sex, so she hires a sex psychologist and surrogate to help her. The attraction is instant, but she has a lot to work through. They have 10 sessions with each getting more and more intimate, but deeper feelings start to develop and the line between patient and Dr. is threatened. After some breakthroughs, some steamy times, and some sweet moments the couple get their HFN ending.

POV: This was told in Ava's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I felt like the ending coulee been handled better because I ended up asking "that was it?" when it was done. I didn't skim and it did flow well though.

Instalove: No, but the story is covering a short period of time.

H rating: 2 stars. Chase. He was pretty hot, but his constant use of "baby" (which typically doesn't bother me) drove me crazy and had me rolling my eyes. It wasn't until the very end that he revealed his feelings, and I felt like it was too late for me as a reader to connect to him.

h rating: 4 stars. Ava. She had major anxiety issues that I can only imagine are horrible to deal with. I liked her willingness to work to get better. She was pretty sweet too.

Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues.

Heat level: Moderate/high. This focused on her being ok with sex and intimacy-- so of course it was on the higher end.

Descriptive sex: Yes.

Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used.

OW/OM drama: No!

Sex scene with OW or OM:

Cheating:

Possible Triggers:

Closure: This didn't have enough closure for me. I wanted time with them as an official couple. I would call it a HFN ending.

How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.

Safety: Safe with exception
Profile Image for Nuki.
111 reviews77 followers
January 10, 2016
4.75 "A Little Come Drunk" Stars

I pretty much inhaled this book. It was that good. It was light & entertaining and very very Sexy! Ava was having issues in the S.E.X department. After years of counselling she is refereed to a Sexual Surrogate as a last straw.

Meet Dr.Chase Hudson - THE Sexual Surrogate

description

My Ava

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The rest leads to some angsty, funny and sexy times with an enduring quality to it.

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Alot of touching, alot of feeling..needless to say that confusing times becomes blurred lines.. Love? or transference?

description

"There was a swelling in my chest, strong, unmistakable. Even if someone had ever felt it before, they knew it when it happened. A warmth, a fullness. Foreign yet somehow familiar. Love. It was love. I was sooooo in Fake Love with Dr. Chase Hudson."


I really enjoyed the flow of Jessica's writing. The plot did not have too much depth and apart for small inaccuracies the emotional build up between the characters were enduring and I thought Ava's reactions and internal chatters to be somewhat realistic given her condition. Although I think Chase did overstep Doctor/patient boundaries from time to time and I loved every moment of it. Also, the good doctor would know that any backdoor action always required some lubrication! =D This could have easily been a 5 star read if there was nice short epilogue to send these two off to the sunset. But it was still good!

So a swoon worthy Hero with slight qualities of a dominant & dirty talk with a sweet awkward Heroine, what more do you need? Get Reading Peeps!


Profile Image for Sabrina.
432 reviews29 followers
December 9, 2015
4.5 I-need-this-kind-of-therapy Stars

description

Panties.

Soaked.

description

"Sex Surrogate" was a new concept for me and imagine my surprise when I found out that lots of therapists in the US do practice sexual surrogacy (mainly women).

So, Ava goes looking for one for her anxiety disorder that prevents her for having a normal sexual relationships. I was really moved by her, as someone who gets a full body flush when shes nervous, I cant even imagine having panic attacks just by kissing.

Now, the doctor... O.M.G DR. CHASE HUDSON
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Well, Chases oozes sex! And its OBVIOUS that lines start to blur for both of them.

At first I was upset that we didn't get Chases´s POV (seriously, Mrs. Gadziala pampered me in previous books having dual POVs) but then it slowly faded because Ava´s POV was really intense and we needed to fully understand her fears.

All sessions had me
description

And per usual... Shay and Jake were HILARIOUS!! LONG LIVE AWESOME SECONDARY CHARACTERS!!!
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
October 24, 2018
I put off reading this one even though I love Jessica Gadziala’s writing because I thought it just wouldn’t be my cuppa. But I was wrong. I loved this one. Dr. Chase Hudson was HOT!! Even without his POV I could tell he had feelings for Ava. And I actually really loved Ava too. She has so much growth throughout this book. Not just with Chase but with others in her life. Starting the second book right away.
Profile Image for J.
3,104 reviews50 followers
May 6, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A totally different story from Ms. Gadziala. The first two I read were romance/action/adventure. This was about basically two people, a sexual surrogate and his patient, a woman who was uncomfortable with sex and had been told (and felt it about herself) that she was "frigid."

The surrogate, Chase, was, of course, handsome and debonair and the patient, Ava, was an attractive girl, but I loved the characters and naturally kept by fingers crossed that they would find love with each other, not someone else.

The surrogacy aspect was handled well. He only took on one actual physical surrogacy case a year which eliminated the "manwhore" question and I never felt weird about them actually having sex.

The lack of action/adventure slowed the pacing of the story down compared to the other books I read. This one did get a little slow here and there but Ms. Gadziala's writing makes me, the reader, feel like I'm right there with the characters and even though we never heard much of Chase's POV, I never had any doubt in my mind what he was thinking and feeling (even though Ava did on occasion).

A lovely story.
Profile Image for Viri.
1,306 reviews462 followers
May 20, 2017
ADICTIVO.
En eso se define este libro. Porque mientras lo leía sabía que no era un libro muy bueno, sin embargo no pude parar de leer hasta terminar. Quería saber que pensaba Chase, que hacía Ava... como avanzaba la historia. Todo.

Si, tiene demasiado sexo.
Si, no es lo que esperaba.
Yo creía que sería algo más bien romántico y con todo el rollo psicológico más desarrollado. No fue así.
Y es que el tema era demasiado "diferente" a todo lo que había leído así que creo que me hice ideas preconcebidas que ni al caso.

Estuvo pasable. Desde luego no es una historia de amor. Ni típica ni nada. Aquí su romance va más bien hacia lo físico sin ser algo sórdido. Pero tiene elementos que hacen la lectura ágil y rápida.

Me hubiera encantado un POV del Dr. Chase pero ahora que vi que hay un libros suyo creo que solo leeré las partes importantes Haha (me pasó todo el sexo) y voy a sus pensamientos muajajaja.


Un libro prescindible pero que te hace pasar un rato entretenido.
Profile Image for *TANYA*.
1,002 reviews428 followers
November 23, 2015
4.5 A very good read. I was really taken aback at how much I loved this book. Loved it. But I wanted more from the ending. I just needed more. I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews481 followers
October 11, 2015
3 stars!

Uh... What is wrong with me. Maybe i should go to sex surrogate? Because i don't find this book appealing. Yes, the title was intrigued me. I even don't know if sex surrogate really exist? Hmm... let's find out.

description

Ava has several problem about herself. From anxiety, panic attack until she claimed that she's frigid or unable to perform sexuality. Because of this she has to meet Dr. Chase Hudson, a psychologist and sexual surrogate. Of course she's in lust at the first sight with Chase. He's very attractive man. Each of their therapy sessions was really intense because Ava still couldn't control her anxiety around man. Chase is helping her through her issues patiently and gentle.

Beside his great physical appearance and charming personality, Idk why Chase has mixed aura of Christian Grey (FSoG) and Jesse Mard (This Man). Chase is very concern about Av. Sometimes he could be bossy, possessive and dominant. He cursed a lot which is remind me of someone. I never know about his professional side being a psychologist and sexual surrogate. But he seems like a person who could do mind reading especially with Ava.

I couldn't blame Ava because maybe some of us has issue like her. She has right to feel that after her previous encounter that make her uncomfortable with man. Ava really like Chase because he's the only person in her entire life who treat her like a queen. Well, it's understandable that she could be in love with him. But she didn't want to go there because it couldn't be real. C'mon, she pay Chase with sessions that require intimacy which is she never have. Ava thinks it's his responsibility, so she decide to buried her feeling towards Chase.

The Sex Surrogate told from Ava's POV and we could know what's on her mind. Sometimes it was frustrated because she couldn't express her feeling. The premise is predictable. Nicely written. Could I protest because too many 'meaningless' sex? I know it's her sessions with Chase but... no chemistry. It was like they're in lust and need to scratch each other itch. There is no deeper emotion between them. That's make me skipped some of the sex scenes. In the end, it was predictable. Nothing special for me and quite cliche (overused 'baby, babe,etc' words). Honestly, it was an mediocre read and sexy enough. Maybe "it is me not you" case.

description
Profile Image for Miss Rail.
502 reviews82 followers
January 21, 2016
Shouldn't there be a difference between a sex surrogate and an escort?
I know next to nothing about surrogacy but Chase and Ava's relationship was nowhere near professional almost right away.
He's supposed to be not only a surrogate but a psychologist!
Saying I didn't like him is putting it mildly!
Halfway through their sessions he shows her his negative test results for STDs, long AFTER they had oral sex.
ARE YOU FOR REAL?
THAT SUBJECT SHOULD BE DISCUSSED BEFORE YOU START EVERYTHING ELSE!!
description
Psychologist/Sex therapist/Surrogate my ass!
And the first time they have sex?
Remember she's in THERAPY for serious anxiety issues.
Let's see:
▪ He tells her she can make him stop at any time saying the safe word "RED". WHY? Saying "Stop" is outdated nowadays? This is not BDSM! In this context a safe word sounds ridiculous!!
▪She's not a virgin, she’s had intercourse already 4 times in her life and her sex session with Jack is described like he's deflowering her. Sounds ridiculous. Again.
▪ She's emotionally affected after the intercouse so she runs to the bathroom obviously distraught and takes a shower to "regroup". He saunters in and what does he do? He doesn't approach her with caution, he doesn't assess the situation for what it is. The Psychologist/Sex therapist/Surrogate gets in the shower with her, like that's the most natural thing in the world.
Yeah. He's an expert, a luminary.
▪ Then she runs home completely instable and he follows her. They lay on her bed and she's crying, her best friend enters and he talks with said friend about the details of Ava's therapy like she's not in the room.
description
description
WHAT IS THIS THING?!?
RIDICULOUS and HORRIBLY DONE.
The only character fun to read about was Ava's best friend Shay. That girl was great.
Everything else was terribly handled and all over the place.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Profile Image for Reader.
1,195 reviews91 followers
November 1, 2015
Ava can't have sex, she gets aroused but when it comes to getting down and dirty she freezes. At 27 she thinks it's about time she sorts it out. So she pays thousands of dollars for a series of appointments with Dr. Chase Hudson, psychologist/ sexologist/sexual surrogate.

I'm sorry to say that this story didn't work for me. There were too many unanswered questions, Ava was never asked to have any tests prior to seeing the doctor surely her sexual health would have been a priority. Neither does Ava question the doctors sexual health, after all he's having sex with his patients, not just her. Neither does it ever occur to Ava who else was he having sex with while she was having her appointments with him! Surely she didn't think she was his only one. She seems to be completely blinded where he's concerned. The reader is never told the root of Ava's inability to have sex other than she's loses confidence once it gets to undressing. Was there a situation that happened to make her like this, that was never explained.

The story followed a very predictable path, with what I found was a rushed ending.
Profile Image for Cami.
1,662 reviews76 followers
September 28, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!! It takes you through all the emotions. It is erotic yet it will make you laugh out loud. I love a book that can make you laugh out loud. I enjoyed this book so much I will absolutely read more Jessica Gadziala's books and at this rate she will be one of my favorites along with Mia Sheridan, Ginger Scott & Colleen Hoover.
Profile Image for Katerina.
799 reviews320 followers
August 17, 2017
In this book the heroine has sexual anxiety. The root of this anxiety is unexplained, however she cannot bear intimacy. With four past lovers, and clocking out when it gets down to business, Ava has a therapist, who then refers her to a sexual surrogate named Dr. Chase Hudson.

A sexual surrogate for all intents and purposes is what I would describe to be a glorified psychologist-escort version of a doctor, paid to assist those with intimacy problems increasing sexual contact per session. There is an element of seediness that I can't look past. Yes, that makes me judgemental, but no less truthful. It is a legal, legitimate profession, and thus the hero's profession was completely unpleasant to me: engaging in sex, building intimacy, showing women how to reciprocate or shut down a man, and last but not least fulfilling her kinks/fetishes ranging from anal sex, to threesomes. He's a consummate professional, but it is disturbing to think it would work without resulting in love, which results in the telling of our subsequent story.

POV: Ava's
Separation: 7 days
Safety: With exception considering his profession. Unclarified whether he has multiple clients. During separation, he has 1 session with a new client which includes light contact.
Opinion: He was very sweet, and she was fleshed out, but his job naturally left a bad taste in my mouth. Families or pasts weren't actually delved into.
HEA: abrupt HFN.
P.S. Jake was the most unnecessary character ever.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,727 reviews526 followers
November 17, 2015
This book was so much more then I hoped for. I was concerned about Ava and why she didn't enjoy sex, I was hoping it wasn't that she was molested or raped as a child and thankfully that wasn't the reason. Once it came out about why she didn't enjoy sex I was pulling for Dr. Chase to be able to help her. I had different thoughts all throughout the book, wondering if Jake, her roommate, was going to ever help her out or just be a jerk, whether or not Shay, her friend and co-worker, was going to talk some sense into Ava, and the biggest one of them all did Chase feel the same way Ava did. I have to say each and everyone of the three I mentioned played a big part in helping Ava with her anxiety about sex.

This was a great read and the first book that I have read from Jessica Gadziala, I look forward to reading more of her work.


***I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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