In the Calyx

by Libre Paley

What kind of woman swaps routine reality for erotic adventure?

Charlotte is exhausted from juggling the demands of work and home. Until one steamy summer day she steps out of her workplace and into an anonymous black car sent to collect her.

She wakes up in the in the opulent setting of “The Estate” to meet its owner, the formidable and enigmatic ‘Mrs. K’. Charlotte’s host presents her with the chance to participate in the Calyx Programme, designed to play out a woman’s most secret fantasies, reviving her erotic desires and pleasures.

Charlotte embarks on an adventure that is often demanding, sometimes tender, and always deeply satisfying. Along the way she meets Grigori, her night-time angel. Grigori has the looks and intellect to attract any woman he chooses, but has opted to be alone. That is, before Charlotte arrives in his life.

As her time in the Calyx reaches its conclusion, Charlotte experiences her most unexpected and fulfilling night of all. Can she return to the real world without a backward glance, or will going home prove harder than expected?

Shamelessly sensual, often candid without being crude, In the Calyx is an expressive and provocative novel with a romantic story arc, a contemporary update on chateau erotica. Containing sexual scenes and language, this literature is for readers over eighteen only.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2017

About the author

LIBRE PALEY is the author of sensual, intelligent romance and erotic romance, often with a psychological edge. She currently lives and works in England, but spent many years residing in a number of countries overseas before returning to her roots. Her home is overlooked by the windswept and sometimes wild moorlands in rural North Lancashire, a brooding and stark landscape from which she derives much inspiration. A life-long book-lover, Libre writes out of sheer enjoyment. The type of romance and erotica she prefers is honest and sensory. She believes that women need to fantasise and to cast off any sexual shame. Libre is a nickname given in childhood, deriving from her ‘Sunday best’ name of Elizabeth, used when she is not on her best behaviour.

Reviews

[D. Thrush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is a harried wife and mother. On the eve of her wedding anniversary, a black car pulls up outside her office. She’s whisked away to the Estate which is run by the mysterious Mrs. K who tells her she’s been chosen for treatment in the 6-day Calyx Programme to rediscover her sense of self by acting out her sexual fantasies as a form of therapy. Her work and personal life have been taken care of and she can stop at any time. She agrees. This book is lush with details of the environment, sometimes too detailed. The erotic scenes are descriptive though almost uncomfortable as Charlotte pretty much passively accepts every elaborate scenario. And then there’s the elusive Grigori who finds himself drawn to her though he must remain detached. I thought it was odd that Charlotte didn’t seem to think about her husband much. I found numerous minor errors throughout which are distracting and I also thought it ended a bit abruptly. How had she changed? Despite these small flaws, Paley is an adept writer who spins words in a beautiful poetic way.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would like to read more.

I initially had mixed feelings about this book. I found the descriptions of the house, it's grounds and Charlottes introspection so detailed, it felt boring and repetitive. This almost spoiled my enjoyment of the book, when the sex/fantasy scenes were played out, they were over with quite quickly, confusing, as so much description went into every other aspect of the story. I wasn't a fan of Gizel, I found her selfish in her manner towards others. She had her agenda and manipulated everyone I to fitting into it. As for Grigori, I loved him and find myself hoping there's another book in which he finds his happiness with Charlotte.

[Victoria Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hot read and I really enjoyed it. Well written with a good plot and sexy heroes: the story about love, lust, and finding out about our inner selves. I do not read erotica so much, but I have to say it was cool experience & some way addicting. You give romance a ‘steamy name’, Libre!
Full detailed review I’ll post on my blog during April.