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A Casual Encounter
From the “master of creating compelling, beautiful, flawed characters” (Taylor Jenkins Reid) and author of the “brave” (Us Weekly) and “compelling” (PopSugar) It Happens All the Time, comes a seductive, nuanced novel about a seemingly average married couple exploring an unconventional arrangement—but at what cost?
You think you know your neighbors. But when it comes to Jake and Jessica Snyder, you have no idea what goes on behind closed doors.
Jake and Jessica Snyder are content. At least, that’s what they’ve have been telling themselves. Both successful professionals in their late thirties, they live in a comfortable home in a picturesque Seattle suburb, and are busy juggling their careers and raising two teenagers from Jessica’s first marriage. What more could they want?
But the Snyders have come to realize that contentment isn’t everything. One evening, they conclude a long-overdue date night with a detour into a crowded club, where Jessica is approached by an attractive stranger. On a whim, Jake urges her to dance with him. He watches as this other man touches his wife, seeing with new eyes just how alluring she is. Jessica is shocked by her husband’s response—and even more shocked by the arousal that lingers for both of them. Emboldened, they decide to test the boundaries of their discovery.
Jessica’s friends would never guess the secret behind her renewed marital passion. They have no idea that Jake is encouraging her to sleep with other men, as long as she follows a few agreed-upon rules to protect their marriage and safety. As her sexual confidence grows, her relationship with Jake becomes closer and richer than ever before. That is, until Jessica lets one liaison get out of hand, breaking their most important rule, and threatening to destroy their world forever.
A sexy and insightful look into the shifting definitions of marriage, fulfillment, and the complexities and consequences of desire, A Casual Encounter is a novel that will make you question everything you thought you believed about monogamy, and will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
You think you know your neighbors. But when it comes to Jake and Jessica Snyder, you have no idea what goes on behind closed doors.
Jake and Jessica Snyder are content. At least, that’s what they’ve have been telling themselves. Both successful professionals in their late thirties, they live in a comfortable home in a picturesque Seattle suburb, and are busy juggling their careers and raising two teenagers from Jessica’s first marriage. What more could they want?
But the Snyders have come to realize that contentment isn’t everything. One evening, they conclude a long-overdue date night with a detour into a crowded club, where Jessica is approached by an attractive stranger. On a whim, Jake urges her to dance with him. He watches as this other man touches his wife, seeing with new eyes just how alluring she is. Jessica is shocked by her husband’s response—and even more shocked by the arousal that lingers for both of them. Emboldened, they decide to test the boundaries of their discovery.
Jessica’s friends would never guess the secret behind her renewed marital passion. They have no idea that Jake is encouraging her to sleep with other men, as long as she follows a few agreed-upon rules to protect their marriage and safety. As her sexual confidence grows, her relationship with Jake becomes closer and richer than ever before. That is, until Jessica lets one liaison get out of hand, breaking their most important rule, and threatening to destroy their world forever.
A sexy and insightful look into the shifting definitions of marriage, fulfillment, and the complexities and consequences of desire, A Casual Encounter is a novel that will make you question everything you thought you believed about monogamy, and will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
150 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Amy Hatvany
16 books1,004 followersAmy Hatvany was born in Seattle, WA in 1972, the youngest of three children. She graduated from Western Washington University in 1994 with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist. In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on writing books.
The literary gods took kindly to her aspirations and THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU was published in 2000 by Bantam Doubleday. THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS was picked up by NAL in 2002. (Both titles published under "Yurk.")
Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)
The literary gods took kindly to her aspirations and THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU was published in 2000 by Bantam Doubleday. THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS was picked up by NAL in 2002. (Both titles published under "Yurk.")
Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 11, 2019
3.5 Stars. 💋
OK, First of all, I really didn't like this cover.
Like, who put that lipstic on? Kylie Jenner...? LOL 😬😂
It's a taboo book about marriage - it's forbidden, bold, wrong... But MY GOD, I couldn't put it down.
It felt like watching a train crash - I know how it's going to end, but couldn't look away. 😱💥
📚 "𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒙 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒏." 📚
Jessica and Jake have a good marriage. They love and respect each other, but like a lot of married couples, the busy life routine causes their love life to be pushed aside. 😬
One evening they go to a bar - and a stranger asks Jessica to dance. On a whim, Jake encourages her to agree... but Jessica finds herself enjoying to be touched by that stranger - and Jake is also enjoying the show. 🔥
This discovery leads them to open a door on a journey to spice their "boring" relationship. how? You have to read for yourself! 😂
Will it be wild and fun? Or will it end in a disaster...? 😱
📚 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏?”
𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅. “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.” 📚
They believe that honesty will not only get them to enjoy new experiences, but their relationship will become stronger... Until Jessica decides to keep a secret from Jake that could destroy everything. 😱
On the one hand, the writing and storytelling were great and allowed the plot to develop in a realistic way - I liked that the characters were deep, because I understood how they became the people they are. Also, the sex scenes were HOT - they were portrayed in a way that I was able to feel the passion, but they weren't cheap, despite the unusual situations... 🔥🔥🔥
But on the other hand, the secondary plot wasn't interesting enough, yet I was still curious... But what bothered me the most, was the ending. 😬
After everything that happened, I was expecting a crazy blast - but I felt that the crisis was dealt too fast, in a not so reliable way... And that last chapters kindda ruined the experience for me. 😫
📚 "𝑯𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓. “𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒚 . “𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕.” 📚
This is an erotic taboo story that pushes boundaries. 💥
As a married woman, it made me uncomfortable more than once... but it also opened my eyes about a lot of important things about marriage. 💋💋💋
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
Download your copy today 💋 → http://bit.ly/2rbe2pV
OK, First of all, I really didn't like this cover.
Like, who put that lipstic on? Kylie Jenner...? LOL 😬😂
It's a taboo book about marriage - it's forbidden, bold, wrong... But MY GOD, I couldn't put it down.
It felt like watching a train crash - I know how it's going to end, but couldn't look away. 😱💥
📚 "𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒙 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒏." 📚
Jessica and Jake have a good marriage. They love and respect each other, but like a lot of married couples, the busy life routine causes their love life to be pushed aside. 😬
One evening they go to a bar - and a stranger asks Jessica to dance. On a whim, Jake encourages her to agree... but Jessica finds herself enjoying to be touched by that stranger - and Jake is also enjoying the show. 🔥
This discovery leads them to open a door on a journey to spice their "boring" relationship. how? You have to read for yourself! 😂
Will it be wild and fun? Or will it end in a disaster...? 😱
📚 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏?”
𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅. “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.” 📚
They believe that honesty will not only get them to enjoy new experiences, but their relationship will become stronger... Until Jessica decides to keep a secret from Jake that could destroy everything. 😱
On the one hand, the writing and storytelling were great and allowed the plot to develop in a realistic way - I liked that the characters were deep, because I understood how they became the people they are. Also, the sex scenes were HOT - they were portrayed in a way that I was able to feel the passion, but they weren't cheap, despite the unusual situations... 🔥🔥🔥
But on the other hand, the secondary plot wasn't interesting enough, yet I was still curious... But what bothered me the most, was the ending. 😬
After everything that happened, I was expecting a crazy blast - but I felt that the crisis was dealt too fast, in a not so reliable way... And that last chapters kindda ruined the experience for me. 😫
📚 "𝑯𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓. “𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒚 . “𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕.” 📚
This is an erotic taboo story that pushes boundaries. 💥
As a married woman, it made me uncomfortable more than once... but it also opened my eyes about a lot of important things about marriage. 💋💋💋
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
Download your copy today 💋 → http://bit.ly/2rbe2pV
November 6, 2019
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"In that bedroom, I wasn't a mother or a wife. I was simply a woman. I was Jessica."
I love when a book is so different that it has me more turning the pages with wonder and curiosity than anything else. This one was riveting. I couldn't stop reading it and knew going in that it was already going to be one that tested not only my beliefs and understandings, but also my ability to see beyond the normal confines of others' directives on how a marriage should be lived. Let me tell you, I enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone with this book. Very much so.
I have always maintained my love of a triangle not only because of the forbidden aspect of someone stepping outside the relationship, but more of the exploration of one's emotional capacity, mentally and physically. That has always intrigued me. So many opinions about how you can't love more than one, or you can't fall for someone else if you're truly in love with your GF/BF/Spouse/etc. I love the discussions. I love to debate it, pros and cons. So when I had the opportunity to read this book after seeing it around FB, I knew that I was in for a ride. After reading, the title for this book was perfection in three words - it couldn't be more perfect.
I love that this book gave me another perspective on an otherwise closed subject. To be able to listen to opinions, thoughts, ideas and reasons - ones that give me a better idea about the subject at hand, with an open mind, definitely gave me a different insight. The discussion alone was animated, and this one gave me a lot to ponder. A lot to chat about with my husband conversationally and trust me, a lot of conversation was had about this book. I love that this book challenged my thought processes on a subject that has a black and white final answer for me , but definitely gave me plenty to think about and discuss. I loved the variables this storyline offered me, as well. The scenario gave a very thought provoking reality of how things can turn and what once was good could be toxic. I loved this dynamic. Again, so much to discuss. I am actually shocked at how much I enjoyed this one. Not that I doubted I would, but the truth of how much I did.
"My husband loved that I was a strong woman - I knew that side of me was much of why seeing and hearing about me having sex with another man turned him on."
The complexities alone for navigating this type of relationship - I cannot even begin to acknowledge my own inhibitions and thoughts, let alone think it could/would be something that could be a "put myself in her shoes" sort of thing. This book made me perfectly uncomfortable, but bewitched me at the same time. I honestly couldn't stop reading!! It was like watching a train wreck because I couldn't look away - total definition of morbid curiosity, but I couldn't help but not read in wonder, watch it as it played out. I enjoyed the highs, but the lows were rough. The best part about this one was that it was all plausible. It was all real and I could 100% see this all happening as it did.
It would do me good to remember that this was a blend between women's fiction and romance, and that it doesn't necessarily fall under the romance umbrella as a whole. Not in a bad way, but the focus wasn't necessarily on the romantic adventure of this couple, but centered around their entire life they've built and how this actually affected their relationship as a whole. There was plenty of romance, don't get me wrong. The eventuality of change, and the possibility of it straining your relationship was imminent from the beginning. Having said that, the only thing that really bothered me was the constant switch from current life - learning to explore with her husband, and the past and her upbringing that made her the type of person she was today. Not really bad....it just felt cumbersome in some parts. However, by the time it was over, it gave me some insight into her past (necessary to understand who she was now), but the back and forth felt awkward in some stages. Overall, all in all - this was a well rounded story and definitely gave me plenty to think about as I read it.
It was fascinating to watch the lives of this married couple navigate uncertain waters, but also the way in which they worked through it. It wasn't scandalous, but it did provide a very real truth to this kind of scenario. Some of the discussions of the repercussions were missing in that conversation, I feel, but who am I to judge how someone comes to an understanding on things? Because I'm not. I couldn't put this book down. This book is not for the judgmental ones that can't accept different lifestyles. This isn't for the ones that don't understand the need to explore. This book reminds me of a wildly true book that I read a few years ago that got so much flack because of the painful honesty that it delivered. And that was my favorite part. The realness of it - the fabricated truth in not only the outward appearances, but the underlying reality to it behind closed doors.
Maybe I didn't mention this before, but I couldn't put this book down.
"He was different than being with Jake, intoxicating in a way I'd never felt before.
~BEE
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"In that bedroom, I wasn't a mother or a wife. I was simply a woman. I was Jessica."
I love when a book is so different that it has me more turning the pages with wonder and curiosity than anything else. This one was riveting. I couldn't stop reading it and knew going in that it was already going to be one that tested not only my beliefs and understandings, but also my ability to see beyond the normal confines of others' directives on how a marriage should be lived. Let me tell you, I enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone with this book. Very much so.
I have always maintained my love of a triangle not only because of the forbidden aspect of someone stepping outside the relationship, but more of the exploration of one's emotional capacity, mentally and physically. That has always intrigued me. So many opinions about how you can't love more than one, or you can't fall for someone else if you're truly in love with your GF/BF/Spouse/etc. I love the discussions. I love to debate it, pros and cons. So when I had the opportunity to read this book after seeing it around FB, I knew that I was in for a ride. After reading, the title for this book was perfection in three words - it couldn't be more perfect.
I love that this book gave me another perspective on an otherwise closed subject. To be able to listen to opinions, thoughts, ideas and reasons - ones that give me a better idea about the subject at hand, with an open mind, definitely gave me a different insight. The discussion alone was animated, and this one gave me a lot to ponder. A lot to chat about with my husband conversationally and trust me, a lot of conversation was had about this book. I love that this book challenged my thought processes on a subject that has a black and white final answer for me , but definitely gave me plenty to think about and discuss. I loved the variables this storyline offered me, as well. The scenario gave a very thought provoking reality of how things can turn and what once was good could be toxic. I loved this dynamic. Again, so much to discuss. I am actually shocked at how much I enjoyed this one. Not that I doubted I would, but the truth of how much I did.
"My husband loved that I was a strong woman - I knew that side of me was much of why seeing and hearing about me having sex with another man turned him on."
The complexities alone for navigating this type of relationship - I cannot even begin to acknowledge my own inhibitions and thoughts, let alone think it could/would be something that could be a "put myself in her shoes" sort of thing. This book made me perfectly uncomfortable, but bewitched me at the same time. I honestly couldn't stop reading!! It was like watching a train wreck because I couldn't look away - total definition of morbid curiosity, but I couldn't help but not read in wonder, watch it as it played out. I enjoyed the highs, but the lows were rough. The best part about this one was that it was all plausible. It was all real and I could 100% see this all happening as it did.
It would do me good to remember that this was a blend between women's fiction and romance, and that it doesn't necessarily fall under the romance umbrella as a whole. Not in a bad way, but the focus wasn't necessarily on the romantic adventure of this couple, but centered around their entire life they've built and how this actually affected their relationship as a whole. There was plenty of romance, don't get me wrong. The eventuality of change, and the possibility of it straining your relationship was imminent from the beginning. Having said that, the only thing that really bothered me was the constant switch from current life - learning to explore with her husband, and the past and her upbringing that made her the type of person she was today. Not really bad....it just felt cumbersome in some parts. However, by the time it was over, it gave me some insight into her past (necessary to understand who she was now), but the back and forth felt awkward in some stages. Overall, all in all - this was a well rounded story and definitely gave me plenty to think about as I read it.
It was fascinating to watch the lives of this married couple navigate uncertain waters, but also the way in which they worked through it. It wasn't scandalous, but it did provide a very real truth to this kind of scenario. Some of the discussions of the repercussions were missing in that conversation, I feel, but who am I to judge how someone comes to an understanding on things? Because I'm not. I couldn't put this book down. This book is not for the judgmental ones that can't accept different lifestyles. This isn't for the ones that don't understand the need to explore. This book reminds me of a wildly true book that I read a few years ago that got so much flack because of the painful honesty that it delivered. And that was my favorite part. The realness of it - the fabricated truth in not only the outward appearances, but the underlying reality to it behind closed doors.
Maybe I didn't mention this before, but I couldn't put this book down.
"He was different than being with Jake, intoxicating in a way I'd never felt before.
~BEE
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February 14, 2020
"Here I am, on a Saturday night, in the arms of a man we found together. He is smart, funny. He understands our need for discretion.He knows that he is only a visitor".
A Casual Encounterby Amy Hatvany
My first major let down of 2020. It really isn’t a bad book, but this is not a domestic thriller, not at all and it really wasn’t my kind of book.
So "Tell me everything" is not awful. It just was not for me..no way. At all.
AND..My first skim to finish of 2020!
It is listed on GR under the title "Casual Encounters" but can be found on Amazon under the title "Tell me everything:.
The plot sounded great..Jake and Jessica have reached a bit of a rough spot in their marriage. Sex is infrequent these days, if at all. They do love each other. But that flush of new love, the PASSION..is gone.
One night they impulsively go for a drink at a nightclub where they find Will. Will is a corporate executive and shows strong interest in Jessica. Rather then be angry about that interest, Jake, her husband, seems turned on. So is Jessica. That night marks a new aspect of their relationship as they start to talk about entering the world of "swingers".
Of coarse there will be rules. No emotional entanglements. No crossing into romantic feelings or emotional affairs. Just straight up sex.
Both of them are amazed at how easily they fall into this arrangement. But as with all good things. with rules..what happens if the rules are broken?
I had high hopes for this. I am fascinated by couples who have this type of marriage. I could never do it. I am a one man kind of gal and I'd get pretty pissed if my hubby were having dates with other women even if there were rules.
I never however judge anyone. The problem with swinging, from everything I've read and seen is that USUALLY..it doesn't work. Emotional affairs and high drama..anger and envy..often enter the equation..just like in this book.
So why didn't I like this?
Because I thought..I really did..it was a domestic thriller. Predictably Jessica gets entangled with a guy who becomes obsessed.
But..that does not happen for about half the book. And I just did not like the style of this book. I felt it was thinly veiled erotica, not that there is anything wrong with erotica but there was nothing mysterious about this.
Sex scenes.. often graphic..dominate this book and at times almost rival 50 shades, a book I loathed. It is repititious sex too. In fact, it was so annoying I skimmed half the book. There was not much TO this except sex.
From the plot..I sort of expected a thriller along the same kines of "The Arrangement" which I adored. Not here. Plus, it was impossible not to get annoyed at all the participants in this story, including the Hubs who has his own role to play in what happens. I mean..if you tell your wife..go out on a date without me this time and I do not even want to know who he is, go with anyone you want..well then he is kinda asking for shit to happen I must say.
So this one fell flat for me. Recommended for fans of erotica not mysteries.
A Casual Encounterby Amy Hatvany
My first major let down of 2020. It really isn’t a bad book, but this is not a domestic thriller, not at all and it really wasn’t my kind of book.
So "Tell me everything" is not awful. It just was not for me..no way. At all.
AND..My first skim to finish of 2020!
It is listed on GR under the title "Casual Encounters" but can be found on Amazon under the title "Tell me everything:.
The plot sounded great..Jake and Jessica have reached a bit of a rough spot in their marriage. Sex is infrequent these days, if at all. They do love each other. But that flush of new love, the PASSION..is gone.
One night they impulsively go for a drink at a nightclub where they find Will. Will is a corporate executive and shows strong interest in Jessica. Rather then be angry about that interest, Jake, her husband, seems turned on. So is Jessica. That night marks a new aspect of their relationship as they start to talk about entering the world of "swingers".
Of coarse there will be rules. No emotional entanglements. No crossing into romantic feelings or emotional affairs. Just straight up sex.
Both of them are amazed at how easily they fall into this arrangement. But as with all good things. with rules..what happens if the rules are broken?
I had high hopes for this. I am fascinated by couples who have this type of marriage. I could never do it. I am a one man kind of gal and I'd get pretty pissed if my hubby were having dates with other women even if there were rules.
I never however judge anyone. The problem with swinging, from everything I've read and seen is that USUALLY..it doesn't work. Emotional affairs and high drama..anger and envy..often enter the equation..just like in this book.
So why didn't I like this?
Because I thought..I really did..it was a domestic thriller. Predictably Jessica gets entangled with a guy who becomes obsessed.
But..that does not happen for about half the book. And I just did not like the style of this book. I felt it was thinly veiled erotica, not that there is anything wrong with erotica but there was nothing mysterious about this.
Sex scenes.. often graphic..dominate this book and at times almost rival 50 shades, a book I loathed. It is repititious sex too. In fact, it was so annoying I skimmed half the book. There was not much TO this except sex.
From the plot..I sort of expected a thriller along the same kines of "The Arrangement" which I adored. Not here. Plus, it was impossible not to get annoyed at all the participants in this story, including the Hubs who has his own role to play in what happens. I mean..if you tell your wife..go out on a date without me this time and I do not even want to know who he is, go with anyone you want..well then he is kinda asking for shit to happen I must say.
So this one fell flat for me. Recommended for fans of erotica not mysteries.
Read
November 16, 2019Oh my. DNF at 14% after the female protagonist criticized her college-professor mother for having a career; shamed her ex-husband's current wife for having breast enhancements; and also shamed the same woman for apparently dressing like a 90s version of Jennifer Aniston. Oh and the male protagonist referred to a very young girl as a bitch (but not to her face! Does that make it okay? Funny? Not sure.) Maybe these characters have an epiphany later in the story. Not for me.
November 11, 2019
Jake and Jessica have the typical marriage. They love one another, but time has dulled the spark in their sex life, and the hustle of everyday life has eclipsed intimacy in their relationship. One innocent night out at a club changes everything though. Jessica is approached by a man who asks her to dance, and Jake is the one to suggest she do so. So he can watch. The less than innocent proposal leads to Jessica engage in these types of relationships, with Jake’s voyeuristic awareness. But Jessica��s decision to withhold information betrays a trust, heading them down a path that will change the dynamic in their relationship.
Amy Hatvany is a new to me author, but I found her writing to be extremely readable and her characters to be well rounded and well written. They were authentic and real, even if some of their actions did absolutely frustrate me. Jessica knew it wasn’t right to keep details of her relationship from Jake, as the agreement was to share the details to add spice to their own marriage. And the decision to keep this secret would have consequences that are damaging.
Sexy and thoughtful, I thought Tell Me Everything was a realistic look at marriage and relationships. At how the love remains even when the spark fades, and whether the feelings of newness and excitement are worth the price to be paid.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Amy Hatvany is a new to me author, but I found her writing to be extremely readable and her characters to be well rounded and well written. They were authentic and real, even if some of their actions did absolutely frustrate me. Jessica knew it wasn’t right to keep details of her relationship from Jake, as the agreement was to share the details to add spice to their own marriage. And the decision to keep this secret would have consequences that are damaging.
Sexy and thoughtful, I thought Tell Me Everything was a realistic look at marriage and relationships. At how the love remains even when the spark fades, and whether the feelings of newness and excitement are worth the price to be paid.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 23, 2020
As you may already know, Amy Hatvany is one of my favorite authors. When I heard about the topic of Tell Me Everything, I had some reservations at first, but then I knew that she would do something great with it...and she did! This novel cemented her place on my favorite author list even more.
Fair warning, this novel is not for the faint of heart. I like steamy scenes when I read novels, but there are quite a lot in this one and they go into graphic detail. I enjoyed this aspect of the novel, but I am aware that people might not have that same level of interest. Amy gives Christina Lauren, the late Sue Margolis, Stephanie Evanovich, and Helen Hoang a run for their money. This novel is like Forever by Judy Blume, but for adults (if that makes any sense). I was blushing so much while reading it, but I loved that her descriptions could do that for me. I would not recommend listening to the audio book if you normally do it while driving. (I did not do this, thankfully.)
There is an important message underlying the story and it is useful for opening discussions with teenagers in this day and age. Also, while you may not agree with everything someone does behind closed doors, this story reminds us that it's no one's business as long as everyone involved agrees to what they are doing and is being safe.
Jessica was a compelling character with whom I felt a connection, even when she was making decisions I didn't agree with (thanks to the synopsis, I knew what was in store). I wish the person who perpetrated revenge received more consequences for his actions, but unfortunately that probably wouldn't be realistic.
If you're looking for an intriguing and thought-provoking story, you should definitely check this one out!
HBO limited series casting ideas:
Jessica: Bethany Joy Lenz
Jake: Wes Bentley
Will: Trevor Donovan
Andrew: Steve Howey
Charlotte: Robyn Lively
Tiffany: Jessica Paré
Ella (teen): Mary Mouser
Fair warning, this novel is not for the faint of heart. I like steamy scenes when I read novels, but there are quite a lot in this one and they go into graphic detail. I enjoyed this aspect of the novel, but I am aware that people might not have that same level of interest. Amy gives Christina Lauren, the late Sue Margolis, Stephanie Evanovich, and Helen Hoang a run for their money. This novel is like Forever by Judy Blume, but for adults (if that makes any sense). I was blushing so much while reading it, but I loved that her descriptions could do that for me. I would not recommend listening to the audio book if you normally do it while driving. (I did not do this, thankfully.)
There is an important message underlying the story and it is useful for opening discussions with teenagers in this day and age. Also, while you may not agree with everything someone does behind closed doors, this story reminds us that it's no one's business as long as everyone involved agrees to what they are doing and is being safe.
Jessica was a compelling character with whom I felt a connection, even when she was making decisions I didn't agree with (thanks to the synopsis, I knew what was in store). I wish the person who perpetrated revenge received more consequences for his actions, but unfortunately that probably wouldn't be realistic.
If you're looking for an intriguing and thought-provoking story, you should definitely check this one out!
HBO limited series casting ideas:
Jessica: Bethany Joy Lenz
Jake: Wes Bentley
Will: Trevor Donovan
Andrew: Steve Howey
Charlotte: Robyn Lively
Tiffany: Jessica Paré
Ella (teen): Mary Mouser
December 30, 2020
Wow! What an intriguing and complex story!
On its face, it’s a hotwife story that goes off the rails. But it’s really about a community of relationship; principally married couples’ plus some “coming of age”. Yes, there’s some excellent sex, but there’s also some bad, and not in a good way.
There are actually four couples’ relationships at play, each with their own issues.
This author has woven an interesting tale, highlighting how the challenges of marriage are all different. Sometimes couples make good choices about how to continue their marriages, and sometimes poor choices are made. A critical question: can we fix our bad choices and what does our partner need to do to allow us to repair the damage?
In this story, the primary couple, Jessica and Jake, go down the hotwife road together. It goes off the rails when Jessica breaks the agreement she has with Jake for these activities. It starts with one little omission, which snowballs. Eventually the snowball explodes in front of everyone, to the embarrassment of all.
The story ends with ships being righted, but they’re fragile and in my mind ready for the next breaking wave of chaos.
The author has done an excellent job in nuancing the partnerships. She’s provided some great insights worth considering, and delved into couples’ differing sexuality.
To me, the characters and marriages rang true. I do wish we had better closure on Jessica’s parent’s relationship and how BFF Charlotte and her husband made out. I’m also not certain that Andrew would just disappear, so it would be nice to know what happened to him. I’ll look for more books from this author.
I will note that I was disappointed in the number of typos which were far too frequent for such a well written book. At the same time, I’d offer that the “About this Book” is as informative as they come.
On its face, it’s a hotwife story that goes off the rails. But it’s really about a community of relationship; principally married couples’ plus some “coming of age”. Yes, there’s some excellent sex, but there’s also some bad, and not in a good way.
There are actually four couples’ relationships at play, each with their own issues.
This author has woven an interesting tale, highlighting how the challenges of marriage are all different. Sometimes couples make good choices about how to continue their marriages, and sometimes poor choices are made. A critical question: can we fix our bad choices and what does our partner need to do to allow us to repair the damage?
In this story, the primary couple, Jessica and Jake, go down the hotwife road together. It goes off the rails when Jessica breaks the agreement she has with Jake for these activities. It starts with one little omission, which snowballs. Eventually the snowball explodes in front of everyone, to the embarrassment of all.
The story ends with ships being righted, but they’re fragile and in my mind ready for the next breaking wave of chaos.
The author has done an excellent job in nuancing the partnerships. She’s provided some great insights worth considering, and delved into couples’ differing sexuality.
To me, the characters and marriages rang true. I do wish we had better closure on Jessica’s parent’s relationship and how BFF Charlotte and her husband made out. I’m also not certain that Andrew would just disappear, so it would be nice to know what happened to him. I’ll look for more books from this author.
I will note that I was disappointed in the number of typos which were far too frequent for such a well written book. At the same time, I’d offer that the “About this Book” is as informative as they come.
December 17, 2019
I am so upset to be giving an Amy Hatvany novel a 1 star but I just couldn't get past the smut in this book. I am not a prude and don't care about sex scenes but there was no depth and this just wasn't a storyline I was interested in. Amy normally gives me stories that rocks me to the core and I think about for days afterwards including sobbing for hours. Maybe I'll return to this one later to try it again but I don't know I'm devastated and by the other reviews others don't feel this way.
November 6, 2019
Jessica and Jake Snyder are happily married. They are busy with their respective careers and co-parenting two teenagers along with Jessica's ex-husband and his wife. With the chaos of everyday life, their sex life has diminished a little in excitement and frequency. When they both realize that the idea of Jessica being with another man excites them both, they explore this kink in order to enrich their own sex life. They establish very strict rules about this in order to protect their marriage - - the most important rule is for Jessica to tell Jake everything about each encounter. Even the smallest omission can snowball into something bigger. That's exactly what happens when Jessica starts leaving out small pieces of information regarding a new man that they have allowed into their relationship. One secret (or omission of information) leads to another. Jessica's intent to tell Jake everything gets pushed aside. Jessica knows she's flirting with disaster by not being 100% forthcoming and it will ultimately catch up to her.
I found this book very interesting because I'm always fascinated at how couples can successfully navigate open marriages or those with "allowed exceptions." In this couple's situation, it really did amp up their sexual relationship because they both were turned on by it. Of course, I had my fears that this would eventually lead to issues in their relationship. I think "vetting" the other participant was critical, along with keeping very strict guidelines in place with that person. Once any form of the trust is violated in this complex relationship, everything is at risk.
Tell Me Everything is full of spicy and sexy scenes, but it also handles other issues as well through the ongoing storyline. After all, Jake and Jessica are still parents and as such have to guide their teenagers through tough decisions. Also, their interactions with their friends are hampered a bit as they don't really have anyone that they can share their intimate stories with other than each other. They fear what others, including their friends, would think of them if they knew. Also, many of their friends and neighbors are dealing with their own trials, such as aging parents, raising children and other personal issues.
Tell Me Everything teaches one very important lesson - - Always assume that your secrets could be exposed at any time. If you're prepared for this, you are taking back your power and you won't be as vulnerable to others.
**I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.**
I found this book very interesting because I'm always fascinated at how couples can successfully navigate open marriages or those with "allowed exceptions." In this couple's situation, it really did amp up their sexual relationship because they both were turned on by it. Of course, I had my fears that this would eventually lead to issues in their relationship. I think "vetting" the other participant was critical, along with keeping very strict guidelines in place with that person. Once any form of the trust is violated in this complex relationship, everything is at risk.
Tell Me Everything is full of spicy and sexy scenes, but it also handles other issues as well through the ongoing storyline. After all, Jake and Jessica are still parents and as such have to guide their teenagers through tough decisions. Also, their interactions with their friends are hampered a bit as they don't really have anyone that they can share their intimate stories with other than each other. They fear what others, including their friends, would think of them if they knew. Also, many of their friends and neighbors are dealing with their own trials, such as aging parents, raising children and other personal issues.
Tell Me Everything teaches one very important lesson - - Always assume that your secrets could be exposed at any time. If you're prepared for this, you are taking back your power and you won't be as vulnerable to others.
**I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.**
November 10, 2019
Jessica and Jake's marriage has veered into the plateau that all marriages eventually do, where the passion has waned and life has taken over. It's what they do to spice their bedroom up that differs from the norm, and takes them into a place they may not be able to come back from.
I really liked this exploration. That is what Tell Me Everything is - an exploration. An exploration of a marriage in trouble. An exploration of a woman's (and a man's) sexuality. An exploration of the ways humans can convince themselves that what they're doing is OK, is justified. It's riveting (and really hot) reading and I will most definitely be on the lookout for more from this author. I am hoping all her writing is as interesting and engaging as this story is!
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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August 24, 2020
A Different Kind of Hotwife Story
Amy Hatvany has written a totally different kind of hotwife story. She introduces the reader to a wide variety of characters before one of the couples decides to try out a hotwife lifestyle. Eventually, mistakes are made, trust is violated, and the long process of healing must begin.
Amy Hatvany has written a totally different kind of hotwife story. She introduces the reader to a wide variety of characters before one of the couples decides to try out a hotwife lifestyle. Eventually, mistakes are made, trust is violated, and the long process of healing must begin.
October 25, 2024
I have generally liked all of Amy Hatvany’s books. She takes difficult subjects and humanizes them. For me, this book was a disappointment. This time she took on empowering women’s sexuality, slut shaming, teenage sexuality, and toxic masculinity. Unfortunately, it’s not until the story is almost over, and after you read the acknowledgments, that these themes become clear.
“In the era of #Metoo and Time’s Up, we are finally having more honest conversations than ever about how women experience negative sexual encounters. As essential as these discussions are, it is equally essential that we talk about women having good sex. We need positive portrayals of women who take ownership over their sexuality, who embrace it as a very real and necessary part of their identity, and of partnerships in which female pleasure is valued as highly as male gratification. Without that, how can we ever hope to get to the root of such complex issues as toxic masculinity, sexual harassment, and rape culture?”
Otherwise, this is a very spicy, almost smutty book about a husband and wife who are exploring different avenues of sexual pleasure. It all goes well until the wife, Jessica, starts keeping secrets from her husband, Jake, and becomes too involved with another man who won’t let her go, with disastrous consequences. Jessica had issues with her sexuality as a teenager, but never really understood how they affected her as an adult woman. Combine that with her difficult relationship with her parents, trying to raise two teenagers in the age of social media along with a high stress job and she finds she has a lot of issues to deal with. Sex seems to be her best stress reliever. To paraphrase one character: “Thank goodness I made all my mistakes before social media existed.”
There is a really good story in here, but it gets sidetracked by all the very, very graphic sex scenes. I enjoy a good spicy story, but this went way beyond what I was expecting. I’m not saying that’s good or bad, it just didn’t work for me. It just detracted from the stronger parts of the story.
BTW: this is not a book you want to read while on the exercise bike at the gym. Just saying.
A funny quote :
“It’s not the size of your pencil,” I said with a smile. “It’s the signature you leave.”
“In the era of #Metoo and Time’s Up, we are finally having more honest conversations than ever about how women experience negative sexual encounters. As essential as these discussions are, it is equally essential that we talk about women having good sex. We need positive portrayals of women who take ownership over their sexuality, who embrace it as a very real and necessary part of their identity, and of partnerships in which female pleasure is valued as highly as male gratification. Without that, how can we ever hope to get to the root of such complex issues as toxic masculinity, sexual harassment, and rape culture?”
Otherwise, this is a very spicy, almost smutty book about a husband and wife who are exploring different avenues of sexual pleasure. It all goes well until the wife, Jessica, starts keeping secrets from her husband, Jake, and becomes too involved with another man who won’t let her go, with disastrous consequences. Jessica had issues with her sexuality as a teenager, but never really understood how they affected her as an adult woman. Combine that with her difficult relationship with her parents, trying to raise two teenagers in the age of social media along with a high stress job and she finds she has a lot of issues to deal with. Sex seems to be her best stress reliever. To paraphrase one character: “Thank goodness I made all my mistakes before social media existed.”
There is a really good story in here, but it gets sidetracked by all the very, very graphic sex scenes. I enjoy a good spicy story, but this went way beyond what I was expecting. I’m not saying that’s good or bad, it just didn’t work for me. It just detracted from the stronger parts of the story.
BTW: this is not a book you want to read while on the exercise bike at the gym. Just saying.
A funny quote :
“It’s not the size of your pencil,” I said with a smile. “It’s the signature you leave.”
July 31, 2025
He wanted her to see other guys she goes along with it but must tell hubby everything.. until she doesn't. Hubby pissed off but stays!! They stop but at the end of book seems it's back on! Nicely written book, bit different from usual wife sharing fare
November 3, 2019
Okay, I wasn't sure what to expect when diving into this. I hadn't read anything by this author before, and I'm glad I did.
So, we have a married couple Jake and Jessica, and they live a happy life and have a happy marriage. Jake is Jessica's second husband after she divorced her first, and her first is the father of her children.
Everything is great. But as a marriage can get, their bedroom game is way off. The kids and everything that comes along with them has put a damper on their sex life. This isn't uncommon, it happens.
On a night out, Jessica ends up dancing with another man. I mean it was innocent... Kind of. By her surprised, she found herself extremely turns on with another man, and even more surprising when Jake is turned on too. So when they realize this. They think, maybe spicing up the bedroom by adding another man into the picture would be a good idea... But is it? This could go either way. they could have the time of their lives or it could explode and create problems that are so much bigger than a stale sex life. What way will it go?
I liked it. This isn't the first book in this sub-genre/trope I have read, and I rather like them. They are hot,... Like really hot, and I am all for taboo and kink. If anything this is probably tamer than some of the stuff I have read. But in saying that, it was still an awesome read and I found myself devouring in only hours.
This wasn't just heat, and kinky sex, it held depth and substance and backstories and actually tackle some common problems in marriages these days. The author wrote this brilliantly in my opinion. I will be sure to check the rest of her work out!
4.5/5 Stars!
So, we have a married couple Jake and Jessica, and they live a happy life and have a happy marriage. Jake is Jessica's second husband after she divorced her first, and her first is the father of her children.
Everything is great. But as a marriage can get, their bedroom game is way off. The kids and everything that comes along with them has put a damper on their sex life. This isn't uncommon, it happens.
On a night out, Jessica ends up dancing with another man. I mean it was innocent... Kind of. By her surprised, she found herself extremely turns on with another man, and even more surprising when Jake is turned on too. So when they realize this. They think, maybe spicing up the bedroom by adding another man into the picture would be a good idea... But is it? This could go either way. they could have the time of their lives or it could explode and create problems that are so much bigger than a stale sex life. What way will it go?
I liked it. This isn't the first book in this sub-genre/trope I have read, and I rather like them. They are hot,... Like really hot, and I am all for taboo and kink. If anything this is probably tamer than some of the stuff I have read. But in saying that, it was still an awesome read and I found myself devouring in only hours.
This wasn't just heat, and kinky sex, it held depth and substance and backstories and actually tackle some common problems in marriages these days. The author wrote this brilliantly in my opinion. I will be sure to check the rest of her work out!
4.5/5 Stars!
November 3, 2019
I am always interested in stories about unconventional marriages. So, when I read the blurb to this one, I had to have it. This was a new author for me as well. The writing was spectacular.
This couple is very busy. Both of them essentially have their own businesses that take a lot of their time, and co-parent two children from a previous relationship.
There is that time in your life where keeping up with your kids activities and your own life is very challenging and something has to give. To Jessica's dismay, it's been her sex life that has suffering.
After an evening out, Jake and Jessica embark on broadening their boundaries in the bedroom. Some of these scenes were so hot, that I could feel myself getting heated up.
Things are going well, until a few parts of the rules are overlooked and everything takes a turn.... the parts of the story where you feel uncomfortable and you're not sure you can bear to keep reading, but it's like watching a car-wreck and you can't help it even though you know it's not going to be pretty. The story gets so real and then you realize that even with the best intentions, there's always some kind of price to pay. It's such a well told story that when you get to the end, it's absolutely believable.
This couple is very busy. Both of them essentially have their own businesses that take a lot of their time, and co-parent two children from a previous relationship.
There is that time in your life where keeping up with your kids activities and your own life is very challenging and something has to give. To Jessica's dismay, it's been her sex life that has suffering.
After an evening out, Jake and Jessica embark on broadening their boundaries in the bedroom. Some of these scenes were so hot, that I could feel myself getting heated up.
Things are going well, until a few parts of the rules are overlooked and everything takes a turn.... the parts of the story where you feel uncomfortable and you're not sure you can bear to keep reading, but it's like watching a car-wreck and you can't help it even though you know it's not going to be pretty. The story gets so real and then you realize that even with the best intentions, there's always some kind of price to pay. It's such a well told story that when you get to the end, it's absolutely believable.
November 5, 2019
Boundaries will be pushed. Lines will be crossed. Things will get heated. And one thing is for sure: you'll never look at your neighbors the same way again. Fantastic read!
November 5, 2019
4.5 Tell Me Everything by Amy Hatvany is a sexy tale of voyeurism, sexual exploration, and fantasy gone wrong. Jake and Jessica decide to explore an unconventional open-concept marriage. Jake wanted to watch Jessica with another man. Together, they carefully curated sexual partners for encounters. After every sexy playdate, Jessica has to tell Jake everything she was thinking and feeling. With Jake’s blessing, Jessica decides to swing out on her own. Emotional and physical boundaries are put to the test as her world dangerously spirals out of control. Will telling everything make it all too real?
This book was sexy, smart, and different for me. Tell Me Everything captured this couple’s relationship in vivid detail WITHOUT being “porny” (porn-ish + corny). Amy Hatvany did an incredible job developing characters, adding another level of depth to this cautionary tale of sexual awakening. One-click worthy!
This book was sexy, smart, and different for me. Tell Me Everything captured this couple’s relationship in vivid detail WITHOUT being “porny” (porn-ish + corny). Amy Hatvany did an incredible job developing characters, adding another level of depth to this cautionary tale of sexual awakening. One-click worthy!
October 28, 2019
Tell Me Everything by Amy Hatvany is a stand alone contemporary romance story with a high heat factor and nsfw scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. I started reading and couldn't put the book down. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters. And o boy, there's a lot happening.
Tell Me Everything is told in a single pov, tells Jake and Jessica's unique story.
I'm so glad I gave this new to me author a try. I liked the writing, the storyline and the words.
Tell Me Everything is told in a single pov, tells Jake and Jessica's unique story.
I'm so glad I gave this new to me author a try. I liked the writing, the storyline and the words.
November 16, 2019
This is one of my favorite books of 2019. Amy Hatvany weaves a sexy tale of marriage, lust, lies and trust. I absolutely adored this book. It was sexy without being crass, complex without being boring, and extremely thoughtful all the way around. It was sex positive and satisfying and I cannot stop thinking about Jessica and Jake, and testing the boundaries of a marriage.
December 17, 2019
Hot Wife Problems
When Jessica and her husband decide to “explore” more non-traditional sexual experiences, they find a whole new level of closeness in their marriage. Unfortunately, one mistake is all that’s needed to set them backwards in ways they never could’ve imagined. The pages turned quickly for me with this one!
When Jessica and her husband decide to “explore” more non-traditional sexual experiences, they find a whole new level of closeness in their marriage. Unfortunately, one mistake is all that’s needed to set them backwards in ways they never could’ve imagined. The pages turned quickly for me with this one!
December 30, 2019
Not perfect, but very compelling and well-written. I loved the deep dive into sexuality and relationships, particularly with the backdrop of a family dynamic.
May 23, 2024
Very good start. But the end was not very impressive.
Read
March 8, 2018Review to come
April 20, 2022
Yes...it was HOT....yes I knew she was playing with fire...and yet I could not wait to see how it would play out....
July 9, 2022
Solid writing. Could have a better ending, angst, and more interactions with the couple.
Read
November 23, 2019I’m not sure yet on my rating.... At first I thought it was going to be a 5-star but then I got kinda weird. I have to think it over.
December 20, 2019
A happily married couple. A dance with a stranger at a bar.
One night—one seemingly insignificant choice—can change everything.
Jessica and Jake Snyder love each other, and their life together. Successful in their chosen careers, they reside in the picturesque, though at times stifling, Seattle suburb of Queens Ridge as they parent teenagers Ella and Tucker.
As so often happens in marriage, their romantic life falls casualty to busy schedules and repetitive routine, until one night, a stranger asks Jessica to dance. On a whim, Jake urges her to say yes, saying that he wants to watch this other man touch her, something that surprises Jessica by arous-ing her like never before. A door opens for them then, into a realm of exploration neither of them knew existed.
They create rules to protect their marriage, and are thrilled when their relationship is strengthened and enriched by deeper levels of communication and trust brought about by this exciting, but ta-boo behavior. That is, until Jessica keeps a secret from Jake and embarks on a tryst with an intri-guing man from her past, who, when she tries to end things between them, decides to seek re-venge.
What happens after that will threaten to destroy their world—and them.
My Thoughts: Jessica, our first-person narrator in Tell Me Everything, boldly opens her story of sexual experimentation as part of her marriage, giving the reader a somewhat shocking introduc-tion to their reasons for these choices, while keeping us intrigued throughout. As I got to know the characters and their history, all of which led to these outlets for them, I had that niggling sense that nothing would end well for them. Not because of their nontraditional choices, but because the scene was set early on for everything to unravel.
The story did veer off into unexpected places, and the effects on Jessica, Jake, and their family led to a closer scrutiny of their choices. In the end, they had the opportunity to work on their issues.
An interesting look at how social media can exacerbate the challenges in relationships brought another layer to the story 4.5 stars.
One night—one seemingly insignificant choice—can change everything.
Jessica and Jake Snyder love each other, and their life together. Successful in their chosen careers, they reside in the picturesque, though at times stifling, Seattle suburb of Queens Ridge as they parent teenagers Ella and Tucker.
As so often happens in marriage, their romantic life falls casualty to busy schedules and repetitive routine, until one night, a stranger asks Jessica to dance. On a whim, Jake urges her to say yes, saying that he wants to watch this other man touch her, something that surprises Jessica by arous-ing her like never before. A door opens for them then, into a realm of exploration neither of them knew existed.
They create rules to protect their marriage, and are thrilled when their relationship is strengthened and enriched by deeper levels of communication and trust brought about by this exciting, but ta-boo behavior. That is, until Jessica keeps a secret from Jake and embarks on a tryst with an intri-guing man from her past, who, when she tries to end things between them, decides to seek re-venge.
What happens after that will threaten to destroy their world—and them.
My Thoughts: Jessica, our first-person narrator in Tell Me Everything, boldly opens her story of sexual experimentation as part of her marriage, giving the reader a somewhat shocking introduc-tion to their reasons for these choices, while keeping us intrigued throughout. As I got to know the characters and their history, all of which led to these outlets for them, I had that niggling sense that nothing would end well for them. Not because of their nontraditional choices, but because the scene was set early on for everything to unravel.
The story did veer off into unexpected places, and the effects on Jessica, Jake, and their family led to a closer scrutiny of their choices. In the end, they had the opportunity to work on their issues.
An interesting look at how social media can exacerbate the challenges in relationships brought another layer to the story 4.5 stars.
January 29, 2020
Jessica and Jake Snyder are enjoying a typical date night. Their teenage kids are at her ex’s house for the weekend and they are relishing an adult evening at a local dance/bar club in Seattle. Lately their lives are overbooked with work responsibilities, soccer games and basic family chores. It seems like they never have enough time for themselves as a couple, often too tired for anything more than a quick goodnight kiss. Frustrated, Jessica intends to bring back the spark she once treasured. A few drinks in, a handsome stranger asks Jessica to dance and Jake encourages it. After the dance the handsome stranger quietly slips them his business card and they can barely stumble to the car - let alone make it to their bedroom. This one simple act has them sexually aroused for weeks and Jessica is thrilled with their recharged intimacy. Weeks later when they decide to call this man and arrange a meetup, their lives are changed forever. The rules of marriage must be altered to suit this newfound excitement. Their number one promise to each other: honesty always. As this risky new lifestyle spirals out of control, it threatens their marriage and businesses. Everything Jake and Jessica cherish is at risk. This scandalous story explores marriage, parenting and the perils of the social media age. It originally published as A Casual Encounter with a very different cover and received little hype. Either way, I found this risqué story unputdownable and highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for a steamy fast paced read.
October 30, 2019
Feels 4
Steam 5
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey
Dang it all! Tell Me Everything was awesome. It was most definitely taboo and I can see where some readers will love it and others will hate it. I’m in the love it section. For sure. I’ve never read anything by Amy before and I have to say I’ve been missing out. Her writing is phenomenal! Not too wordy and too much filler content. But enough to hook you and not let go. Before this book I haven’t finished a book in weeks! Which isn’t like me at all. A book a day keeps the crazy away. But back to the book...it was awesome. I loved the characters. They fit. The back story had me reeling and I devoured this book. Laundry? Yeah, forget that. Supper...well, they had to eat but I read while cooking. It was great to read something that had me on edge and thinking to myself oh man...shit is going to hit the fan. And it does. Like wow!! So much steam that I was fanning myself a couple times. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. And not the very end. I felt like so much went into the back story and how they got to where they were and it ended kinda fast for me. It wasn’t rushed. I just wanted more. Other than that the book was spot on for me!
Steam 5
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey
Dang it all! Tell Me Everything was awesome. It was most definitely taboo and I can see where some readers will love it and others will hate it. I’m in the love it section. For sure. I’ve never read anything by Amy before and I have to say I’ve been missing out. Her writing is phenomenal! Not too wordy and too much filler content. But enough to hook you and not let go. Before this book I haven’t finished a book in weeks! Which isn’t like me at all. A book a day keeps the crazy away. But back to the book...it was awesome. I loved the characters. They fit. The back story had me reeling and I devoured this book. Laundry? Yeah, forget that. Supper...well, they had to eat but I read while cooking. It was great to read something that had me on edge and thinking to myself oh man...shit is going to hit the fan. And it does. Like wow!! So much steam that I was fanning myself a couple times. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. And not the very end. I felt like so much went into the back story and how they got to where they were and it ended kinda fast for me. It wasn’t rushed. I just wanted more. Other than that the book was spot on for me!
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