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Her Best Friend's Sister
At twelve years old, Claire Barker developed a massive crush on her best friend Sarah’s older sister, the handsome, butch Alex Williams. Now twenty-seven and a successful entrepreneur, Claire’s interest hasn’t waned—despite Alex’s fashion photography career keeping her overseas for months at a time. When Alex moves home unexpectedly, she and Claire end up enjoying a surprise, wine-fueled reunion that alters their relationship forever.
Are Claire’s dreams about to come true, or will real life prove to be more complicated than her fantasies?
Are Claire’s dreams about to come true, or will real life prove to be more complicated than her fantasies?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2017
196 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,148 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
June 26, 2017
For those not yet initiated into Meghan O'Brien reads, they're basically porn. Depending on the book, you may get more or less plot, kind of like the side of veggies you get with your entree. But, make no mistake, the entree is erotica.
'Her Best Friend's Sister' is no exception. On my e-reader, which has the book at a total of 376 pages, the first 121 pages are one extended love scene. Yeah, pretty incredible, really. And then once that scene is officially over we get a half dozen more of similar ilk, but definitely with new variety, throughout the book. It's all well done, though.
Some other readers had a problem with the lack of build up to the first scene or the twirling the mustache villain ex-girlfriend or even lack of plot...
I didn't have the same experience. I thought O'Brien did a decent enough job getting the backstory into the opening pages to feel for Claire's POV, at least. And crazy does exist so the ex-girlfriend, though extreme, isn't exactly unrealistic, either. Maybe I've met too many crazy people. And by crazy people, I don't disparage the mentally ill...I'm talking about the walking personality disorders that never get help and make everyone else's life miserable.
I was actually pleasantly surprised on where O'Brien took the plot because I could see the set up for a lot of tropes that were immediately quelled, taking us in a refreshing direction. She did this by making Alex (Claire's love interest and the sister of her best friend) the most honest and forthright character I've seen in lesfic.
So, what the read delivers: erotica, romance (that mainly takes place in the bedroom ::points back at 'erotica'::), a realistic best-friend jealousy situation when Claire starts dividing her time between the two sisters, a meddling crazy ex-girlfriend, set ups for angst that are short-lived, and of course, a happily ever after...
It's almost too squee. Well, actually, yes it's heavy on the syrup.
If that sounds up your alley, it's well written, and a smooth ride...I mean read.
'Her Best Friend's Sister' is no exception. On my e-reader, which has the book at a total of 376 pages, the first 121 pages are one extended love scene. Yeah, pretty incredible, really. And then once that scene is officially over we get a half dozen more of similar ilk, but definitely with new variety, throughout the book. It's all well done, though.
Some other readers had a problem with the lack of build up to the first scene or the twirling the mustache villain ex-girlfriend or even lack of plot...
I didn't have the same experience. I thought O'Brien did a decent enough job getting the backstory into the opening pages to feel for Claire's POV, at least. And crazy does exist so the ex-girlfriend, though extreme, isn't exactly unrealistic, either. Maybe I've met too many crazy people. And by crazy people, I don't disparage the mentally ill...I'm talking about the walking personality disorders that never get help and make everyone else's life miserable.
I was actually pleasantly surprised on where O'Brien took the plot because I could see the set up for a lot of tropes that were immediately quelled, taking us in a refreshing direction. She did this by making Alex (Claire's love interest and the sister of her best friend) the most honest and forthright character I've seen in lesfic.
So, what the read delivers: erotica, romance (that mainly takes place in the bedroom ::points back at 'erotica'::), a realistic best-friend jealousy situation when Claire starts dividing her time between the two sisters, a meddling crazy ex-girlfriend, set ups for angst that are short-lived, and of course, a happily ever after...
It's almost too squee. Well, actually, yes it's heavy on the syrup.
If that sounds up your alley, it's well written, and a smooth ride...I mean read.
June 30, 2017
Whatever you do, don’t read "Her Best Friend’s Sister” in public, and don’t play the audio in your car with the windows down! We’re introduced to MC Claire telling her best friend’s cat
What Claire doesn’t know is that her best friend’s older sister, MC Alex, has just arrived and is listening to her! Things heat up dramatically from there, and the first third of the book+ is virtually non-stop steamy and explicit sex. For a ten-hour book, that’s A LOT of action!!
The rest of the book introduces a bit of plot, and allows the characters to interact outside of the bedroom (and the sofa, and the shower, and….!)….while introducing even more varied and entertaining sex between the MCs!
For the most part, Claire, Alex and sister/BFF Sarah are very likable. Alex’s ex-gf Vanessa is written so over-the-top stalkery that she’s very entertaining. One GR friend described her as being two laughs shy of being a Disney villainess!
“Her Best Friend’s Sister” was published about six weeks after Meghan O’Brien’s short story “The Client”, which also features hot sex between two women who are reunited after having known each other for a decade. With the longer format, HBFS allows MO’B to further describe the MCs, and explore their relationship with friends, family and each other outside of the bedroom.
For the most part, the expanded format worked. The characters are all insecure, and they do what is so often missing from lesfic: they talk with each other about their insecurities and they learn to balance attraction with those insecurities. If anything, perhaps the book was TOO long, as the insecurity issues arose over and over and over. At some point I wondered if Alex might give up on Claire ever believing her sincerity. Alex was the most believable of the three. Claire was surprisingly empathetic and skilled at talking for someone presented as a socially anxious super smart computer geek. My favorite quote from Claire was during the first morning-after, when Alex asked if she regretted the night before:
Sarah was a mixed bag, though that was somewhat explained toward the end. Early in the book, Sarah walked in on Alex and Claire’s doggystyle strapon play, and then encouraged them to have fun as long as they didn't break each other’s hearts. Pretty understanding, eh? Later, she was goofier than the ex-gf with her anger and jealousy at no longer being central in Claire’s life. Errr….single women sometimes go a bit nutty at becoming a third wheel….but married women? Oh well, that drama and angst was pretty minor.
Even more unrealistic was Alex’s featured photographs at her exhibit. Really? In our easily available graphic porn on the internet world, people are really going to pay lots of money for closeup vjay photos? Well, as they say, nice work if you can get it ;)
Faith Clarke is the same narrator as MO’B used for “Camp Rewind”, and I liked her even better here! What a perfect voice for an erotic novel!!! 4* for the storyline, 5*+ for the very enjoyable action scenes, 5*+ for the narration: 5* overall for one of the steamiest books I’ve ever listened to!
”I’ve got a hot date with my hands this evening that I simply can’t miss”
What Claire doesn’t know is that her best friend’s older sister, MC Alex, has just arrived and is listening to her! Things heat up dramatically from there, and the first third of the book+ is virtually non-stop steamy and explicit sex. For a ten-hour book, that’s A LOT of action!!
The rest of the book introduces a bit of plot, and allows the characters to interact outside of the bedroom (and the sofa, and the shower, and….!)….while introducing even more varied and entertaining sex between the MCs!
For the most part, Claire, Alex and sister/BFF Sarah are very likable. Alex’s ex-gf Vanessa is written so over-the-top stalkery that she’s very entertaining. One GR friend described her as being two laughs shy of being a Disney villainess!
“Her Best Friend’s Sister” was published about six weeks after Meghan O’Brien’s short story “The Client”, which also features hot sex between two women who are reunited after having known each other for a decade. With the longer format, HBFS allows MO’B to further describe the MCs, and explore their relationship with friends, family and each other outside of the bedroom.
For the most part, the expanded format worked. The characters are all insecure, and they do what is so often missing from lesfic: they talk with each other about their insecurities and they learn to balance attraction with those insecurities. If anything, perhaps the book was TOO long, as the insecurity issues arose over and over and over. At some point I wondered if Alex might give up on Claire ever believing her sincerity. Alex was the most believable of the three. Claire was surprisingly empathetic and skilled at talking for someone presented as a socially anxious super smart computer geek. My favorite quote from Claire was during the first morning-after, when Alex asked if she regretted the night before:
“Definitely not! You’re about to discover that this shy exterior has been perfectly crafted to conceal a downright filthy sexual appetite”
Sarah was a mixed bag, though that was somewhat explained toward the end. Early in the book, Sarah walked in on Alex and Claire’s doggystyle strapon play, and then encouraged them to have fun as long as they didn't break each other’s hearts. Pretty understanding, eh? Later, she was goofier than the ex-gf with her anger and jealousy at no longer being central in Claire’s life. Errr….single women sometimes go a bit nutty at becoming a third wheel….but married women? Oh well, that drama and angst was pretty minor.
Even more unrealistic was Alex’s featured photographs at her exhibit. Really? In our easily available graphic porn on the internet world, people are really going to pay lots of money for closeup vjay photos? Well, as they say, nice work if you can get it ;)
Faith Clarke is the same narrator as MO’B used for “Camp Rewind”, and I liked her even better here! What a perfect voice for an erotic novel!!! 4* for the storyline, 5*+ for the very enjoyable action scenes, 5*+ for the narration: 5* overall for one of the steamiest books I’ve ever listened to!
September 2, 2017
Ohhhhh my lord, I dare you to try and find a hotter new release this year. I mean, for sure Meghan O’Brien has written some of the steamiest books I’ve ever read, and Her Best Friend’s Sister tops them all. I think part of why her erotic romances are so satisfying is that they’re as heavy on the romance as they are on the erotic side of things, so I end up fully investing in the relationships and am always cheering for her couples by the end of their books. The sex in Her Best Friend’s Sister is varied in terms of both acts as well as Alex and Claire’s behaviours. This means that the “what” and “how” changes as their relationship progresses and Claire gains confidence, which works very well and ensures that the sex is never just there to fill pages.
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/best-...
Full review (Smart Bitches Trashy Books): http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/best-...
Full review (Smart Bitches Trashy Books): http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
September 26, 2018
This book is in my recommended books of the month
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
First of all, a word of warning for those readers who haven't read anything by this author. This book could be categorised as erotica as much as romance. Putting it in the romance category as the publisher did could be misleading for those readers who don't know Meghan O'Brien as the excellent f/f erotic writer that she is. This book won't disappoint her fans as more than half of the book describe sex scenes: they are varied, explicit and, of course, hot. The main characters, Alex, a butch photographer, and Claire, a femme software developer, have great sexual chemistry. I would have rated this book higher if this chemistry would have transferred to the romantic aspects of the plot. The romance was lacking. Additionally, the secondary characters are portrayed with different success: while Alex's sister is multilayered and authentic, the ex girlfriend is a bit stereotyped and unrealistic.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Overall, an entertaining erotica read.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
First of all, a word of warning for those readers who haven't read anything by this author. This book could be categorised as erotica as much as romance. Putting it in the romance category as the publisher did could be misleading for those readers who don't know Meghan O'Brien as the excellent f/f erotic writer that she is. This book won't disappoint her fans as more than half of the book describe sex scenes: they are varied, explicit and, of course, hot. The main characters, Alex, a butch photographer, and Claire, a femme software developer, have great sexual chemistry. I would have rated this book higher if this chemistry would have transferred to the romantic aspects of the plot. The romance was lacking. Additionally, the secondary characters are portrayed with different success: while Alex's sister is multilayered and authentic, the ex girlfriend is a bit stereotyped and unrealistic.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Overall, an entertaining erotica read.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 18, 2017
I actually had trouble finishing this!
That was a big surprise! I've read several other books by Meghan and loved all of them (except for Infinite Loop which I started ages ago and did not finish). In fact I've read Thirteen Hours twice and plan on reading it again, this time leaving a review and changing its rating to 5*.
Having read the blurb of this book I had high hopes but once I started it, I realized very quickly that this was just not going to work for me. It felt like there were a few chapters or even a prologue missing at the beginning of the book to establish the relationship and even more important, set up the chemistry between Alex and Claire. Instead we're immediately thrown into a long and extensive sex scene right after them catching up after dinner.
The other main thing that just downright irritated me was the "crazy ex girlfriend". I mean this woman is two evil laughs away from being a Disney villain and in my opinion was just thrown in to create an insane type of drama. Even going so far as to saying something to Claire in an angry bout that I would rather not even repeat here, although i'm sure those of you who have read the book know exactly what I'm talking about.
Last but not least and this part is purely based on my personal preference so try not to kill me for this.
That was a big surprise! I've read several other books by Meghan and loved all of them (except for Infinite Loop which I started ages ago and did not finish). In fact I've read Thirteen Hours twice and plan on reading it again, this time leaving a review and changing its rating to 5*.
Having read the blurb of this book I had high hopes but once I started it, I realized very quickly that this was just not going to work for me. It felt like there were a few chapters or even a prologue missing at the beginning of the book to establish the relationship and even more important, set up the chemistry between Alex and Claire. Instead we're immediately thrown into a long and extensive sex scene right after them catching up after dinner.
The other main thing that just downright irritated me was the "crazy ex girlfriend". I mean this woman is two evil laughs away from being a Disney villain and in my opinion was just thrown in to create an insane type of drama. Even going so far as to saying something to Claire in an angry bout that I would rather not even repeat here, although i'm sure those of you who have read the book know exactly what I'm talking about.
Last but not least and this part is purely based on my personal preference so try not to kill me for this.
July 6, 2018
This is an erotic romance with the first 30% being one extended sex scene. A reasonable story follows but if you want a slow build-up and a strong plot culminating in the characters' expression of love, this is not the book for you.
Claire has been in love with her best friend Sarah's sister, Alex since she was twelve. Now a renowned photographer, Alex has decided to return home for the foreseeable future so Claire, successful in her own right, might just get her chance to express her feelings.
O'Brien is a good writer of erotica but I would have liked a little more plot but I'm okay with what was there. I discovered I have a new pet peeve, though. Alex referred to Claire as Claire-Claire and it irritated me beyond measure that I nearly removed a star from my rating. We all call our partners stupid pet names but I really don't like them on paper or in a novel. All it did was make her seem like she was 12 again when in fact a five year age gap when you're 27 and 32 is not really a gap at all.
Claire has been in love with her best friend Sarah's sister, Alex since she was twelve. Now a renowned photographer, Alex has decided to return home for the foreseeable future so Claire, successful in her own right, might just get her chance to express her feelings.
O'Brien is a good writer of erotica but I would have liked a little more plot but I'm okay with what was there. I discovered I have a new pet peeve, though. Alex referred to Claire as Claire-Claire and it irritated me beyond measure that I nearly removed a star from my rating. We all call our partners stupid pet names but I really don't like them on paper or in a novel. All it did was make her seem like she was 12 again when in fact a five year age gap when you're 27 and 32 is not really a gap at all.
June 4, 2017
Well I usually do my reading while receiving hospital treatment which usually takes about 3-5 hours depending how busy they are. WOW! am I glad I read this one at home. It should come with a warning. Even at home I was looking around checking no one was reading over my shoulder. Steamy is an understatement. I also found it hard going to stay concentrated. Ok, put those thoughts away, but I found it a little over the top. Maybe I'm getting old.
The story itself was pretty good. You know the crush when you were a kid suddenly becoming a living thing. Also, trying to keep your best friend happy while accomplishing all your desires which have been simmering for years.
I may be one of a few but this is actuaslly my first book by this author. So yes it was a surprise, but after reading other reviews on O'Brien I found that this was normal. I admit I nearly did not finish it. But I am very stubborn and hate leaving things half way through. So i continued. I am glad I did because as the story developed I became more involved and actually liked the main characters alot.
If you like sex scenes this book is definately for you. But if you like a sweet desire filled story then read this. Yes I would recommend it. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The story itself was pretty good. You know the crush when you were a kid suddenly becoming a living thing. Also, trying to keep your best friend happy while accomplishing all your desires which have been simmering for years.
I may be one of a few but this is actuaslly my first book by this author. So yes it was a surprise, but after reading other reviews on O'Brien I found that this was normal. I admit I nearly did not finish it. But I am very stubborn and hate leaving things half way through. So i continued. I am glad I did because as the story developed I became more involved and actually liked the main characters alot.
If you like sex scenes this book is definately for you. But if you like a sweet desire filled story then read this. Yes I would recommend it. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
June 21, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was almost my first DNF by this author. I've read most of Meghan's stories, including her online stuff, but this one, on the heels of Camp Rewind, has me rethinking this policy. If she writes an actual romance (which this was billed as) then I might give it a go, but this is straight up erotica.
I'm also not a fan of the use of the 'p' word (I assume I can't use the actual word in a review), I know everyone is different, and it may not bother some, used sparingly it doesn't bother me that much either, I'm not a prude, it just does nothing for me. But it's in this book a lot, which I found off-putting.
And to be honest, I found nothing 'erotic' or 'sexy' about showing a woman naked pictures you've taken of other women, yourself, and yourself having sex with an ex. Yeah, we'll call that a no. There's also insta-love declarations, which, even though the characters have known each other for years, I found a bit much.
After that, it's pretty much sex, sex and more sex. This is interspersed with Alex's ex being a bitch, Alex and Claire being bitches to Alex's sister, Alex's ex being a bitch again, and the two of them revisiting their insecurities (although mostly Claire's) over and over. I also found Alex's job a bit... I don't want to say sleazy, because she is a professional photographer, but I for sure would not want to date a woman who regularly asks for (and receives) naked photos of other women. Just no.
This is probably one of my least favourite O'Brien books, I think I'll have to take a 'read the reviews first' policy before reading one of her books again, I enjoy a bit more plot than she's provided in the last two I've read.
This was almost my first DNF by this author. I've read most of Meghan's stories, including her online stuff, but this one, on the heels of Camp Rewind, has me rethinking this policy. If she writes an actual romance (which this was billed as) then I might give it a go, but this is straight up erotica.
I'm also not a fan of the use of the 'p' word (I assume I can't use the actual word in a review), I know everyone is different, and it may not bother some, used sparingly it doesn't bother me that much either, I'm not a prude, it just does nothing for me. But it's in this book a lot, which I found off-putting.
And to be honest, I found nothing 'erotic' or 'sexy' about showing a woman naked pictures you've taken of other women, yourself, and yourself having sex with an ex. Yeah, we'll call that a no. There's also insta-love declarations, which, even though the characters have known each other for years, I found a bit much.
After that, it's pretty much sex, sex and more sex. This is interspersed with Alex's ex being a bitch, Alex and Claire being bitches to Alex's sister, Alex's ex being a bitch again, and the two of them revisiting their insecurities (although mostly Claire's) over and over. I also found Alex's job a bit... I don't want to say sleazy, because she is a professional photographer, but I for sure would not want to date a woman who regularly asks for (and receives) naked photos of other women. Just no.
This is probably one of my least favourite O'Brien books, I think I'll have to take a 'read the reviews first' policy before reading one of her books again, I enjoy a bit more plot than she's provided in the last two I've read.
May 18, 2017
Detailed score: 4.0
Overall, I thought this was actually really well done for its genre (erotic romance) and IMHO undeserving of its (currently) low average waiting (in the low 3s as I write).
Having said that, it won't be for everyone. Here are some points that might help make the decision.
- the book has a lot. A. Lot. Of pwoarrr scenes -- even by O'Brien's standards (which is saying something!). O'Brien is v good at mixing it up though so it's rarely pwoarrr just for the sake of it -- and if you don't like one scene, chances are there's one you do like just around the corner
- the dynamic is very butch/femme. Lots of 'good girl' and 'boi' references. Having said that, this isn't my favourite dynamic to read yet there was enough background to the characters that I could still enjoy the interaction(s)
- this is definitely an erotic romance, but the romance is there
- For a relatively short, erotica-centered, book I thought the secondary character of Sarah was well done and added some nice depth to what could have been a one note book
Finally, I echo the warning of an earlier reviewer... do not start reading this book in a public place!!
Overall, I thought this was actually really well done for its genre (erotic romance) and IMHO undeserving of its (currently) low average waiting (in the low 3s as I write).
Having said that, it won't be for everyone. Here are some points that might help make the decision.
- the book has a lot. A. Lot. Of pwoarrr scenes -- even by O'Brien's standards (which is saying something!). O'Brien is v good at mixing it up though so it's rarely pwoarrr just for the sake of it -- and if you don't like one scene, chances are there's one you do like just around the corner
- the dynamic is very butch/femme. Lots of 'good girl' and 'boi' references. Having said that, this isn't my favourite dynamic to read yet there was enough background to the characters that I could still enjoy the interaction(s)
- this is definitely an erotic romance, but the romance is there
- For a relatively short, erotica-centered, book I thought the secondary character of Sarah was well done and added some nice depth to what could have been a one note book
Finally, I echo the warning of an earlier reviewer... do not start reading this book in a public place!!
March 25, 2021
This book had me gripped from the start of chapter one. From the moment this book begins it’s just nothing but sexual tension and exploration… and boy did I enjoy it! It was filled with all the things I love about Meghan O’Brien’s books which are filled with Sex, Love and intimacy. I have never read an author that writes a sex scene like Meghan O’Brien. It’s like she goes into my brain and pulls out my highest sexual desires.
If you’re interested in a fairy tale romance with no ups and downs and with very little sex till the end, then this book is not for you. You may want to check out something a little less sexually driven.
The book was written completely from Claire’s point of view. Meghan O’Brien wrote it extremely well, leaving no doubt in the readers mind about Alex’s feelings for Claire however (and this is my only negative) I would have appreciated Alex’s point of view when she was interacting with the secondary characters, especially her sister and her ex girlfriend.
We have two main protagonists in this book, Claire and Alex. Claire has been in love with her best friend’s sister Alex for most of her adult life. When one night Alex invites Claire to stay for an innocent dinner her whole life changes when the night takes a turn for the better.
Claire doesn’t think she deserves Alex from the get go but these woman are made for each other. At times you wonder why Claire has such wild insecurities about Alex but then Meghan O’Brien writes these moments that give you a little background about Alex’s life Pre-Claire and I myself would feel certain insecurities about my relationship.
Alex is the ultimate butch, you could even say the complete butch package but she has these moments where she is unguarded, insecure and sensitive which adds another element to her dynamic that I just adore. It also gives more detail about Alex because the book is written solely from Claire’s point of view.
The connection both protagonists have from the beginning is undeniable but the love Alex has for Claire is truely beautifully written. She leaps over every hurdle to be with Claire while continuously reassuring Claire of her love and desire.
Meghan O’Brien can create such erotic scenes with such a high level of intimacy and love. This is something not many authors can do. I read a lot of erotic romance and normally you either get great erotic sex scenes or great love scenes, not often is an author able to produce both. The sex talk between the characters from the beginning really had my heart pumping and the dialogue was oozing sexiness.
she also creates characters with real insecurities that make them feel more life like. I would love to hang out with all of her characters although I'm not sure my wife would trust me alone with some of them and Alex tops the list.
I adore this novel and it will head to my favourite list along with so many Meghan O’Brien books. The only thing I’d change is the writing style as I would have enjoyed more of Alex’s point of view. If you like novels with erotic love scenes, angst and love then this is for you.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
If you’re interested in a fairy tale romance with no ups and downs and with very little sex till the end, then this book is not for you. You may want to check out something a little less sexually driven.
The book was written completely from Claire’s point of view. Meghan O’Brien wrote it extremely well, leaving no doubt in the readers mind about Alex’s feelings for Claire however (and this is my only negative) I would have appreciated Alex’s point of view when she was interacting with the secondary characters, especially her sister and her ex girlfriend.
We have two main protagonists in this book, Claire and Alex. Claire has been in love with her best friend’s sister Alex for most of her adult life. When one night Alex invites Claire to stay for an innocent dinner her whole life changes when the night takes a turn for the better.
Claire doesn’t think she deserves Alex from the get go but these woman are made for each other. At times you wonder why Claire has such wild insecurities about Alex but then Meghan O’Brien writes these moments that give you a little background about Alex’s life Pre-Claire and I myself would feel certain insecurities about my relationship.
Alex is the ultimate butch, you could even say the complete butch package but she has these moments where she is unguarded, insecure and sensitive which adds another element to her dynamic that I just adore. It also gives more detail about Alex because the book is written solely from Claire’s point of view.
The connection both protagonists have from the beginning is undeniable but the love Alex has for Claire is truely beautifully written. She leaps over every hurdle to be with Claire while continuously reassuring Claire of her love and desire.
Meghan O’Brien can create such erotic scenes with such a high level of intimacy and love. This is something not many authors can do. I read a lot of erotic romance and normally you either get great erotic sex scenes or great love scenes, not often is an author able to produce both. The sex talk between the characters from the beginning really had my heart pumping and the dialogue was oozing sexiness.
she also creates characters with real insecurities that make them feel more life like. I would love to hang out with all of her characters although I'm not sure my wife would trust me alone with some of them and Alex tops the list.
I adore this novel and it will head to my favourite list along with so many Meghan O’Brien books. The only thing I’d change is the writing style as I would have enjoyed more of Alex’s point of view. If you like novels with erotic love scenes, angst and love then this is for you.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
August 9, 2024
Explicit!!!
Yep, it's everything you'd expect from M O'B...a well written and very hot novel in which the characters are well developed and a storyline that belies its explicit content to genuinely convey a solid, believable plot.
Yep, it's everything you'd expect from M O'B...a well written and very hot novel in which the characters are well developed and a storyline that belies its explicit content to genuinely convey a solid, believable plot.
May 8, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I'm a huge O'Brien fan. No one, and I mean no one writes such steamy, hot, lesfic sex scenes, consistently book after book. O'Brien's last book Camp Rewind, was an easy 5 stars for me. I loved it. So I admit, I found myself surprised that I didn't not love this book as much. The sex scenes were great like always, but I didn't connect with the rest of the story.
A little warning. I decided to start this book at work, on my lunch break. I thought I could read the first few chapters at my desk. A big mistake that was. There was no time for a build up, this book starts hot and heavy right away. I had to stop reading until I got home, don't make the same mistake I did:)
Maybe that was part of my problem with this book. Since there was no build up, I didn't get to know the characters before the first hot sex scene started. As great as the scene was, I felt a little off balance wondering were could the story go from here. That ended up being the problem for me, besides the fantastic sex scenes, there was not enough story for me to dive into. I liked the book, I was never bored, but I felt like I was reading it just for the sex scenes. The thing about O'Brien's sex scenes, is she always changes it up. While they may not always be to everyone's tastes, there is plenty of variety and they are never boring or repetitive.
By the time I finished this book, I felt like it may have been better served to make one or two erotic shorts, instead of a book. The first few chapters would have have made a great erotic short especially, I just felt like I wasn't left with enough story for a whole book.
If you are looking for a hot erotic story with great sex scenes, this book is for you. If you are a fan of O'Brien, like me, you will enjoy this. It just didn't have the meat of a story like Wild, Battle Scars, Infinite Loop or even Camp Rewind. I'm never disappointed by O'Brien, this is just not one of my favorites.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
A little warning. I decided to start this book at work, on my lunch break. I thought I could read the first few chapters at my desk. A big mistake that was. There was no time for a build up, this book starts hot and heavy right away. I had to stop reading until I got home, don't make the same mistake I did:)
Maybe that was part of my problem with this book. Since there was no build up, I didn't get to know the characters before the first hot sex scene started. As great as the scene was, I felt a little off balance wondering were could the story go from here. That ended up being the problem for me, besides the fantastic sex scenes, there was not enough story for me to dive into. I liked the book, I was never bored, but I felt like I was reading it just for the sex scenes. The thing about O'Brien's sex scenes, is she always changes it up. While they may not always be to everyone's tastes, there is plenty of variety and they are never boring or repetitive.
By the time I finished this book, I felt like it may have been better served to make one or two erotic shorts, instead of a book. The first few chapters would have have made a great erotic short especially, I just felt like I wasn't left with enough story for a whole book.
If you are looking for a hot erotic story with great sex scenes, this book is for you. If you are a fan of O'Brien, like me, you will enjoy this. It just didn't have the meat of a story like Wild, Battle Scars, Infinite Loop or even Camp Rewind. I'm never disappointed by O'Brien, this is just not one of my favorites.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
September 27, 2017
Hot and steamy! Meaghan OBrien books are always full of good sex and this is no exception. If you don't like reading lesbian sex than don't try this book. I actually got it as an audiobook. Sure glad I don't ride in a carpool. 😬 I'd be in a constant blush! I liked the story. Always fun when a long time crush is finally acknowledged.
April 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Claire Barker has had a crush on her best friend’s sister since she hit puberty. Now an adult and running a successful tech business with her best friend, Sarah, Claire is still the geeky woman more comfortable with code than with gorgeous women.
Claire doesn’t know that the hot and handsome big sister, Alex, has been fantasizing about Claire since reading a glowing article about her in Wired Magazine. So when Alex, comes home for good after working overseas as a fashion photographer, it seems fate that the two of them will connect.
O’Brien is well known for her hot and steamy sex scenes, and this book is no different. About half the book ripples with sex. O’Brien is creative and explicit in her depictions of sex, and mostly it works really well. Speaking with authors, most will admit that sex scenes are really hard to write. Clearly O’Brien has no problem with it, and does it better than most authors. The scenes are creative, and the interplay between the characters is well written.
To be more explicit, for those of you who need it, there is some light BDSM, but mostly it is butch/femme with some use of toys. There is a lot of dirty talk in this, which seemed appropriate for the characters as written. I do hate the use of derogatory terms though, and ‘sl*t’ was used occasionally. It always feels like a bucket of cold misogyny to me, even though it is used here by a female character. There is also a power imbalance at the start, with the teacher/student dynamic at play.
The first 40% of the book would have been 4 stars for me, despite the teacher/student thing, which doesn’t work for me. However, once O’Brien starts on the basic narrative, the book is less strong. The characters started to feel brittle and less real as the rest of their lives impinge on their bedroom antics. There are issues with the sister/best friend Sarah, that aren’t strong enough to hold up to the role in the creation of tension in the book. Perhaps part of the problem for me is that the characters really felt older than their stated years in some ways, and younger in others, and this dichotomy made it hard to see them as real. They didn’t hold up well in the daylight, let me put it that way.
O’Brien is one of the best erotica writers in the f/f market. This is well worth a read, particularly if you like f/f erotica, or her many other books in the genre.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Claire Barker has had a crush on her best friend’s sister since she hit puberty. Now an adult and running a successful tech business with her best friend, Sarah, Claire is still the geeky woman more comfortable with code than with gorgeous women.
Claire doesn’t know that the hot and handsome big sister, Alex, has been fantasizing about Claire since reading a glowing article about her in Wired Magazine. So when Alex, comes home for good after working overseas as a fashion photographer, it seems fate that the two of them will connect.
O’Brien is well known for her hot and steamy sex scenes, and this book is no different. About half the book ripples with sex. O’Brien is creative and explicit in her depictions of sex, and mostly it works really well. Speaking with authors, most will admit that sex scenes are really hard to write. Clearly O’Brien has no problem with it, and does it better than most authors. The scenes are creative, and the interplay between the characters is well written.
To be more explicit, for those of you who need it, there is some light BDSM, but mostly it is butch/femme with some use of toys. There is a lot of dirty talk in this, which seemed appropriate for the characters as written. I do hate the use of derogatory terms though, and ‘sl*t’ was used occasionally. It always feels like a bucket of cold misogyny to me, even though it is used here by a female character. There is also a power imbalance at the start, with the teacher/student dynamic at play.
The first 40% of the book would have been 4 stars for me, despite the teacher/student thing, which doesn’t work for me. However, once O’Brien starts on the basic narrative, the book is less strong. The characters started to feel brittle and less real as the rest of their lives impinge on their bedroom antics. There are issues with the sister/best friend Sarah, that aren’t strong enough to hold up to the role in the creation of tension in the book. Perhaps part of the problem for me is that the characters really felt older than their stated years in some ways, and younger in others, and this dichotomy made it hard to see them as real. They didn’t hold up well in the daylight, let me put it that way.
O’Brien is one of the best erotica writers in the f/f market. This is well worth a read, particularly if you like f/f erotica, or her many other books in the genre.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
I wish I had read this book before I read the Sex Therapist next door. The rating on this one is likely a 3.5. It was a good read but just not my favorite by O'Brien.
April 8, 2017
This is definitely another solid book from the author. It's not my favorite, but it was still highly enjoyable. Meghan always does a great job of balancing the erotica and romance. I liked both Claire and Alex. I think the reason I didn't rate this higher was because I got a little tired of the whole Vanessa thing. Other than that, this a good read that kept me interested.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
June 5, 2017
Steamy story. The premise of the book was interesting and caught me since the begining. You know the younger women with a hugh crush in her older best friend's sister is king of appealing to be honest. But i would have like a little bit more of story: about their younger times, about how Alex stop seeing Claire just as her annoyed sister's friend, the building up to finnaly being together. I think it would have beeing a great story. But in the end it's just a steamy story to pass an afternoon.
November 30, 2017
I love Meghan O’Brien. I really do. She is hands down the best erotica writer I have read. This is a sweet romance and it, of course, has the requisite sex scenes for an O’Brien novel. I think that’s enough said.
February 5, 2024
Meghan doesn't disappoint 🥵 *fanning face*. Loved Claire and Alex's story, I enjoyed the pace, the plot and the whole story in general!
**Edit** couldn't get past the bits of heterosexual vibes in this one, I thought if I slept over it I'd forget about it but nope. So 3 stars instead 🫠. Still a decent read though... If you can get past or aren't put off by "a tan phallus."
**Edit** couldn't get past the bits of heterosexual vibes in this one, I thought if I slept over it I'd forget about it but nope. So 3 stars instead 🫠. Still a decent read though... If you can get past or aren't put off by "a tan phallus."
April 13, 2021
Plenty of racy steamy sex scenes.. maybe 50% or so of the book are sex scenes which are so explicitly described; scenes in a bedroom, on the couch, sex tape, photos, dildo, harness... well you get the idea. And like most, if not all of O’Brien’s book, probably best to not read this in public...
And hey... there’s actually a plot amidst all the sex scenes... Insecurity, that seemed to be the common theme here, among the 2 MCs and BF.
3.5 ⭐️
And hey... there’s actually a plot amidst all the sex scenes... Insecurity, that seemed to be the common theme here, among the 2 MCs and BF.
3.5 ⭐️
April 25, 2017
Although this book is listed as a romance, I would have listed it as romance/erotica. There is certainly a lot of hot, graphic sex. Ms. O’Brien does a very good job of writing sex scenes, and I consider her one of the best authors for erotica. However, this book seemed to be lacking a well-developed story line.
There are three main characters. Claire Barker is a software/computer whiz who is in a partnership with her best friend, Sarah, the marketing/sales expert in the company. Their company is extremely successful and has made it to top in the field. Sarah’s sister, Alex Williams is the other have part of the lovefest. She is a world-renowned fashion photographer who has spent years traveling overseas. However, Alex is looking for a change and wishes to do more artistic photography which she can present in shows. Claire has always had a major crush on Alex so when Alex returns home a sexual whirlwind begins.
I did not feel there was much of a story line. In fact, I thought this book had the weakest story line of all of O’Brien’s books. A reader could open the book to any chapter and find some degree of sex taking place between Clare and Alex.
The character development was a little weak. Claire’s character is a femme who is insecure when she is around her life-long crush. Alex is a strong-butch character who is very experienced in sex. Also, I had a problem with some of the language.
I rate this book 2-1/2 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC from NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books in return for a fair and honest review.
There are three main characters. Claire Barker is a software/computer whiz who is in a partnership with her best friend, Sarah, the marketing/sales expert in the company. Their company is extremely successful and has made it to top in the field. Sarah’s sister, Alex Williams is the other have part of the lovefest. She is a world-renowned fashion photographer who has spent years traveling overseas. However, Alex is looking for a change and wishes to do more artistic photography which she can present in shows. Claire has always had a major crush on Alex so when Alex returns home a sexual whirlwind begins.
I did not feel there was much of a story line. In fact, I thought this book had the weakest story line of all of O’Brien’s books. A reader could open the book to any chapter and find some degree of sex taking place between Clare and Alex.
The character development was a little weak. Claire’s character is a femme who is insecure when she is around her life-long crush. Alex is a strong-butch character who is very experienced in sex. Also, I had a problem with some of the language.
I rate this book 2-1/2 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC from NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books in return for a fair and honest review.
May 7, 2017
It just wasn't my kind of book. On the first page masturbation was discussed several times and that's what the whole book was about - talking about sex, having sex masturbation and a very weak storyline in between. If somebody enjoys erotica I guess they would enjoy this book but I just don't enjoy this genre.
November 17, 2024
There are a lot of sex scenes, and normally I wouldn’t mind, but some of them—and the "dirty talk"—just felt a bit cringeworthy😬
September 4, 2017
2,8 HOT HOT HOT Stars
Disclaimer: ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Oh oh gurl, Meghan for sure knows how to write sexy times, I mean this books is basically that, sexy time, so if you are not up for that, not for you. In my experience with steamy reads, I never get really turned on, or affected by the sexy reads, my body and brain are just not quite connected, but hell, this book ended that. Did I mention HOT?! The author is so good at describing the scenes and making them so vivid.
Sadly, there wasn´t much plot or story to follow, yes the main love interest was the best friend's sister, but it wasn't exactly an obstacle in the story, to be honest. The arguments that were proposed were repeated continuously, making it boring and not very catching. I followed because I liked the characters (slightly biased by the name Alex) and the chemistry between them. But yeah, at some point it felt a little bit insta lovy, because the attraction for so many years was ignited after one drunk night, and how fast the words 'I love you' left their mouths. I wished the author had incorporated little scenes of their past in which justified their attraction in past moments.
One excellent point that I would like to highlight is the consent in this book, all the sexual activity has consent in capitals, they were always worried that the other was comfortable and was sure about continuing on whatever activity they were doing. Just as it should be always, sadly not always seen.
Overall too much sexy time not enough story.
Disclaimer: ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Oh oh gurl, Meghan for sure knows how to write sexy times, I mean this books is basically that, sexy time, so if you are not up for that, not for you. In my experience with steamy reads, I never get really turned on, or affected by the sexy reads, my body and brain are just not quite connected, but hell, this book ended that. Did I mention HOT?! The author is so good at describing the scenes and making them so vivid.
Sadly, there wasn´t much plot or story to follow, yes the main love interest was the best friend's sister, but it wasn't exactly an obstacle in the story, to be honest. The arguments that were proposed were repeated continuously, making it boring and not very catching. I followed because I liked the characters (slightly biased by the name Alex) and the chemistry between them. But yeah, at some point it felt a little bit insta lovy, because the attraction for so many years was ignited after one drunk night, and how fast the words 'I love you' left their mouths. I wished the author had incorporated little scenes of their past in which justified their attraction in past moments.
One excellent point that I would like to highlight is the consent in this book, all the sexual activity has consent in capitals, they were always worried that the other was comfortable and was sure about continuing on whatever activity they were doing. Just as it should be always, sadly not always seen.
Overall too much sexy time not enough story.
May 29, 2017
I was looking for romance and found erotica instead. While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, I was put off by phrases such as "wrinkled folds" and convoluted explanations about how they got into position. That being said, just because it wasn't up my alley, it doesn't mean it won't be up yours.
February 20, 2018
HOT...!!!
October 22, 2025
*** 3.44 ***
This is all about the erotica and the story is way, way back on the author's mind. As such, it is fun and sexy, but I wish we had either stuck with the non-stop sex, or leaned into the story, because both kind of suffered in this particular combination. Still, Ms. O'Brien knows how to write a sex scene, no question! It could have been much shorter and not watered down by kind of a pointless backstory...
This is all about the erotica and the story is way, way back on the author's mind. As such, it is fun and sexy, but I wish we had either stuck with the non-stop sex, or leaned into the story, because both kind of suffered in this particular combination. Still, Ms. O'Brien knows how to write a sex scene, no question! It could have been much shorter and not watered down by kind of a pointless backstory...
November 15, 2023
3 erotic masc/fem books in just a couple days…period hitting me harder than i thought
April 12, 2017
So...if you've read some of Ms O'Brien's work before here's the short version; not quite as holy-fucking god a-fucking-mazing as The Night Off, it's still pretty pretty fucking awesome. If you haven't read any of Meghan O'Brien's books yet but your delicate sensibilities are offended by the number of times I cursed in my first sentence; go and read another fucking book.
While the top/bottom or domme/sub roles are not as clearly defined in this book as they are in the afore mentioned The Night Off, the fact that Alex (the titular best friend's sister) is a "butch goddess" is very definitely a key element here. This is not something I'd be into in real life but it really works as the hotness is cranked up in the opening third of the novel. Unlike most lesbian romances, where our leads dance around each other for a few hundred pages before exchanging saliva, these two dive right in leaving the emotional fallout to make up the meat of an enthralling work of fiction.
...ok so it's a little reminiscent of Thirteen Hours but it's still brilliant and you should definitely read it!
While the top/bottom or domme/sub roles are not as clearly defined in this book as they are in the afore mentioned The Night Off, the fact that Alex (the titular best friend's sister) is a "butch goddess" is very definitely a key element here. This is not something I'd be into in real life but it really works as the hotness is cranked up in the opening third of the novel. Unlike most lesbian romances, where our leads dance around each other for a few hundred pages before exchanging saliva, these two dive right in leaving the emotional fallout to make up the meat of an enthralling work of fiction.
...ok so it's a little reminiscent of Thirteen Hours but it's still brilliant and you should definitely read it!
May 24, 2017
I said to a friend of mine this morning as I started this, "Christ, they're shagging at the 10% mark. No good comes when they're shagging that early. There has to be a break up planned. Ugh. I hate that."
That's not a spoiler folks, it was obvious from the get go where this was going. Yes there was a lot of sex, but if the reader pays attention, it's an evolution over the course of the novel that is very nice to see.
The ex story arc? Woa. I'm not going to get into it, but there's ex's and there's EX'S... Holy crap everyone out there needs to pray they never have that level of crazy leveled against them.
I'll quit now. I love Meghan's books. Well 99% of them. So... shrug. It's worth your time.
That's not a spoiler folks, it was obvious from the get go where this was going. Yes there was a lot of sex, but if the reader pays attention, it's an evolution over the course of the novel that is very nice to see.
The ex story arc? Woa. I'm not going to get into it, but there's ex's and there's EX'S... Holy crap everyone out there needs to pray they never have that level of crazy leveled against them.
I'll quit now. I love Meghan's books. Well 99% of them. So... shrug. It's worth your time.
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