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30 Days #1
30 dias
Algumas pessoas esperam a vida inteira para encontrar a sua alma gémea, mas não foi o caso de Alyssa Barrow. Conheceu Rob aos dezanove anos e deviam viver felizes para sempre até que ele adoeceu. Nos seus últimos dias, Rob pediu à sua linda e jovem mulher que não abandonasse a felicidade nem o prazer. Até lhe deixou um presente único, um jogo sensual para ajudá-la a seguir em frente: trinta cartões com instruções para trinta dias de paixão. «Saberás quando chegar o momento certo», dissera.
Passaram dois anos e quando Alyssa conhece o vizinho novo, o atraente Harrison Kemp, começa a pensar que o momento certo chegou... Desde as coxas esculpidas ao sorriso diabólico, Harrison é o tipo de homem que as mulheres querem. Antes que perca a coragem, Alyssa fala a Harrison dos seus cartões há muito ignorados... e pede-lhe que a ajude a pô-los em prática. É um favor que ele está mais do que disposto a fazer. Com o seu toque habilidoso e a pressão quente dos seus lábios contra a pele, Alyssa vê-se a despertar novamente para a vida - e para uma série de outras sensações.
Mas o que começou como uma diversão não tão inocente depressa se transforma em verdadeira intimidade e Alyssa percebe que está a abrir-se não apenas para o sexo... mas também para o amor. No que se refere a Harrison, o que lhe reserva o futuro?
Passaram dois anos e quando Alyssa conhece o vizinho novo, o atraente Harrison Kemp, começa a pensar que o momento certo chegou... Desde as coxas esculpidas ao sorriso diabólico, Harrison é o tipo de homem que as mulheres querem. Antes que perca a coragem, Alyssa fala a Harrison dos seus cartões há muito ignorados... e pede-lhe que a ajude a pô-los em prática. É um favor que ele está mais do que disposto a fazer. Com o seu toque habilidoso e a pressão quente dos seus lábios contra a pele, Alyssa vê-se a despertar novamente para a vida - e para uma série de outras sensações.
Mas o que começou como uma diversão não tão inocente depressa se transforma em verdadeira intimidade e Alyssa percebe que está a abrir-se não apenas para o sexo... mas também para o amor. No que se refere a Harrison, o que lhe reserva o futuro?
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First published July 28, 2015
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About the author
Christine d'Abo
65 books586 followersA romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over forty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.
My thoughts on any of my Goodreads reviews are only my opinion as a reader. I don't post anything here that I'd give less than three stars to.
My thoughts on any of my Goodreads reviews are only my opinion as a reader. I don't post anything here that I'd give less than three stars to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
March 24, 2016
4 stars. Review posted March 24, 2016
Alyssa, a thirty-five-year-old widow, hasn't had any fun for the last two years. The thought of going out, meeting a new guy, fooling around and enjoying life again is a rather foreign concept to her. But, since her late husband, Rob, wrote her sex cards and gives her the green light to move on and not feel guilty about it, she decides to embark upon a pretty daring journey and calls it Alyssa's 30 Days of Sex. And as chance would have it, a new guy moves into the complex, very close to her apartment. There is her gorgeous and sexylicious guinea pig. Right in front of her pretty nose.
“Are you okay?” He stepped into my personal space and took the bottle from my hand. “You seemed off at the barbecue, too. Is there a problem that you need help—”
“I need to have sex with someone.”
(...)
Harrison reached up and bracketed my face with his hands. I held my breath when he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss in the middle of my forehead. “I’m going to get a drink and then I suggest we go to the living room so we can sit and talk. Preferably in multiple sentences. With pauses. And breathing.”
Aww…how Harrison handled that situation was very sweet.
It goes without saying that Harrison and Alyssa need some rules. Both of them agree that they are in for one purpose only: Sex. Fun sex. Wicked sex. Experimental sex. Somewhat kinky sex. Outdoor sex. And please, let's not mention the R-word then. A relationship is a no-go.
“Rules. That’s the only way I can do this.” I’m sure I looked like a gaping fish. “But, you don’t have to. I wasn’t really going to do all the cards. Just some. And then have sex with someone random.”
Harrison shook his head. “No. Tomorrow night. Supper. Cards. Talk.” I rolled my eyes. “Caveman speak. Woohoo.”
“Alyssa.”
“Okay, okay. I didn’t have plans anyway. I’ll come over.”
“Good. Now I’m going to see you out so I can masturbate in peace.”
But you know how it goes…sometimes.
Ain't that the truth.
And this…
Word! And sometimes you need to broaden your horizons and make new experiences and put yourself in someone else's shoes to look at it from a different angle.
Not sure anymore, but did I mention the sex - all those fun and liberating sexventures?
I think so too, Alyssa With Three Syllables.
Their mutual path is riddled with hilarious and endearing interludes, passionate and heated sparks, but also with bumpy disagreements.
“This charming young man has been standing out here in the hall waiting for you to open up so he can apologize to you. It would help me tremendously if you could hear him out. If you don’t like what he has to say you have my permission to slap him.”
“Hey!” He pushed away from the wall. “That wasn’t part of our agreement.”
“You did something dumb. Not surprising because you are a man and you are genetically predisposed to upsetting women. It’s nature.”
Minor quibble
I would have liked to get more information about Harrison's job. It generated a couple unanswered questions.
You are still here? What do I have to say to convince you to give 30 Days a shot? How about...
ENTERTAINING
E Enter life after death
N New beginnings
T Try out new sex practices
E (to) Err is human
R Revelations
T Time will tell
A All ablaze
I In for a penny, in for a pound
N No guilt
I Irresistible, sexy yet sweet lover
N No regrets
G Gah. When is the next one due out?
So.
All in all a very pleasant, witty and sexy surprise. By the way, I loved Alyssa's Operation Star Wars.
Move your ass, whip out your wallet and download this ebook. I know it's somewhat pricey but it's worth every cent I paid for it. Frankly, I'd do it all over again because 30 Days features plenty of ingredients I enjoy in a romance book: it's really well-written and the characters are likable; it's humorous because it made me smile a lot and the sex left me hot and bothered. Yep. I want more and can't wait to get my hands on 30 Nights.
Recommended read.
P.S. 30 Days can be read as a standalone.
Alyssa, a thirty-five-year-old widow, hasn't had any fun for the last two years. The thought of going out, meeting a new guy, fooling around and enjoying life again is a rather foreign concept to her. But, since her late husband, Rob, wrote her sex cards and gives her the green light to move on and not feel guilty about it, she decides to embark upon a pretty daring journey and calls it Alyssa's 30 Days of Sex. And as chance would have it, a new guy moves into the complex, very close to her apartment. There is her gorgeous and sexylicious guinea pig. Right in front of her pretty nose.
“Are you okay?” He stepped into my personal space and took the bottle from my hand. “You seemed off at the barbecue, too. Is there a problem that you need help—”
“I need to have sex with someone.”
(...)
Harrison reached up and bracketed my face with his hands. I held my breath when he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss in the middle of my forehead. “I’m going to get a drink and then I suggest we go to the living room so we can sit and talk. Preferably in multiple sentences. With pauses. And breathing.”
Aww…how Harrison handled that situation was very sweet.
It goes without saying that Harrison and Alyssa need some rules. Both of them agree that they are in for one purpose only: Sex. Fun sex. Wicked sex. Experimental sex. Somewhat kinky sex. Outdoor sex. And please, let's not mention the R-word then. A relationship is a no-go.
“Rules. That’s the only way I can do this.” I’m sure I looked like a gaping fish. “But, you don’t have to. I wasn’t really going to do all the cards. Just some. And then have sex with someone random.”
Harrison shook his head. “No. Tomorrow night. Supper. Cards. Talk.” I rolled my eyes. “Caveman speak. Woohoo.”
“Alyssa.”
“Okay, okay. I didn’t have plans anyway. I’ll come over.”
“Good. Now I’m going to see you out so I can masturbate in peace.”
But you know how it goes…sometimes.
"But sometimes things don't go the way we anticipate. And love comes when we're not expecting it."
Ain't that the truth.
And this…
A person's perspective is shaped by their life's experiences.
Word! And sometimes you need to broaden your horizons and make new experiences and put yourself in someone else's shoes to look at it from a different angle.
Not sure anymore, but did I mention the sex - all those fun and liberating sexventures?
"Death by blow job. I somehow don't think I'd have too many people report me."
I think so too, Alyssa With Three Syllables.
Their mutual path is riddled with hilarious and endearing interludes, passionate and heated sparks, but also with bumpy disagreements.
“This charming young man has been standing out here in the hall waiting for you to open up so he can apologize to you. It would help me tremendously if you could hear him out. If you don’t like what he has to say you have my permission to slap him.”
“Hey!” He pushed away from the wall. “That wasn’t part of our agreement.”
“You did something dumb. Not surprising because you are a man and you are genetically predisposed to upsetting women. It’s nature.”
Minor quibble
I would have liked to get more information about Harrison's job. It generated a couple unanswered questions.
You are still here? What do I have to say to convince you to give 30 Days a shot? How about...
ENTERTAINING
E Enter life after death
N New beginnings
T Try out new sex practices
E (to) Err is human
R Revelations
T Time will tell
A All ablaze
I In for a penny, in for a pound
N No guilt
I Irresistible, sexy yet sweet lover
N No regrets
G Gah. When is the next one due out?
So.
All in all a very pleasant, witty and sexy surprise. By the way, I loved Alyssa's Operation Star Wars.
Move your ass, whip out your wallet and download this ebook. I know it's somewhat pricey but it's worth every cent I paid for it. Frankly, I'd do it all over again because 30 Days features plenty of ingredients I enjoy in a romance book: it's really well-written and the characters are likable; it's humorous because it made me smile a lot and the sex left me hot and bothered. Yep. I want more and can't wait to get my hands on 30 Nights.
Recommended read.
P.S. 30 Days can be read as a standalone.
July 22, 2015
4 Hit the Mark Stars * * * *
This worked for me... It had a plot worth thinking about; how does one recover and move on after a true love dies. He is dying from cancer and decides to help her after he is gone by giving her a path to learn about herself. He tells her there will be a time when she will be ready to move on... and gives this envelope to be opened then.
After two years, little by little our gal starts to see things which had been absent...and the trigger of noticing how nice her new neighbor's ass is.... causes her to remember the envelope. She steels herself for whatever her husband wrote... and opens it.
Inside is a brief letter telling her he wants her to try life again and move on... to try these things he has tasked her and to leave herself open to love. She sees 30 cards in the envelope and the first one states:
DAY ONE: MASTURBATE
She is a bit stunned but then takes a look at all of them and decides to think on all of this. Luckily she has a sister to confide in and with her blessings, our gal decides to venture forth on this journey.
Her life intertwines with this new neighbor and due to a couple of chance meetings... he becomes involved in her sexual re-awakening. He is perfect because he is only in her building for 3 months, so there will be no chance of this becoming anything more than just great sex.
I am not going to go into the entire story because this journey was so good. It was an engaging, teasing, involved read. It touched on the recovery from loss and how it can be filled with guilt, anger and longing. It talked of how the ones who come after may feel... trying to break through the image of the one lost.
It had amazing sexual play... humor and sensuality. There were scenes which made me giggle and then become a bit envious of what she was doing and having done.... The best was the humanness of it... Their sexual times felt real. She enjoyed sex and it showed.
This book was a surprise to me because I hadn't read anything by this author. My Mistake. I shall keep my eyes open for the next installment to this series...It should be another pleasure.
A gifted copy was provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
This worked for me... It had a plot worth thinking about; how does one recover and move on after a true love dies. He is dying from cancer and decides to help her after he is gone by giving her a path to learn about herself. He tells her there will be a time when she will be ready to move on... and gives this envelope to be opened then.
After two years, little by little our gal starts to see things which had been absent...and the trigger of noticing how nice her new neighbor's ass is.... causes her to remember the envelope. She steels herself for whatever her husband wrote... and opens it.
Inside is a brief letter telling her he wants her to try life again and move on... to try these things he has tasked her and to leave herself open to love. She sees 30 cards in the envelope and the first one states:
DAY ONE: MASTURBATE
She is a bit stunned but then takes a look at all of them and decides to think on all of this. Luckily she has a sister to confide in and with her blessings, our gal decides to venture forth on this journey.
Her life intertwines with this new neighbor and due to a couple of chance meetings... he becomes involved in her sexual re-awakening. He is perfect because he is only in her building for 3 months, so there will be no chance of this becoming anything more than just great sex.
I am not going to go into the entire story because this journey was so good. It was an engaging, teasing, involved read. It touched on the recovery from loss and how it can be filled with guilt, anger and longing. It talked of how the ones who come after may feel... trying to break through the image of the one lost.
It had amazing sexual play... humor and sensuality. There were scenes which made me giggle and then become a bit envious of what she was doing and having done.... The best was the humanness of it... Their sexual times felt real. She enjoyed sex and it showed.
This book was a surprise to me because I hadn't read anything by this author. My Mistake. I shall keep my eyes open for the next installment to this series...It should be another pleasure.
A gifted copy was provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 6, 2016
★★★★½
30 Days is an adult romance/erotica novel written by author Christine d'Abo. While terminally ill, Alyssa's husband gifted her a set of 30 handmade to-do cards meant for her to use as a way of reuniting with her sexuality once he is gone. Such a generous and selfless gift and one that Alyssa had no intention of opening and exploring due to her grief. But time heals most wounds and two years later, she glances through them. Hmmm...an eye-catching new neighbor may have had something to do with that.
I won't say any more but I do want to add this: 30 Days is by no means a "forget about my dead husband and jump into a hottie's pants" book. Alyssa is reacquainting herself with her sexuality after a grave amount of grief. She continues to reflect on her love for her husband while moving forward. Key words: move forward. This is healthy and normal and not to be looked down upon. I found myself cheering for Alyssa throughout this story as she processed this next stage in her life. Many people feel empty and lost after a terminally ill spouse or loved one has passed and watching Alyssa overcome some of this was an intimate experience for me as a reader. But remember, this is erotica in my opinion so be prepared for some amazing and very graphic scenes - some may even teach you something new...like using grapefruit...on a certain body part...while simultaneously - well nevermind. Let's just say that scene lead me to a YouTube tutorial I kinda wish I could unsee lol. Anyway, the scenes in general slowly build up in intensity and I usually find the sexual tension ends up being even more fun. Enjoy :)
Note: 30 Days focuses on Alyssa and the cards and does not spend much time showing her with her late husband. I did find this odd in the beginning but her present-day story heavily engaged me and it ended up not bothering me much in the long run.
My favorite quote:
"There's something to be said for new beginnings."
30 Days is an adult romance/erotica novel written by author Christine d'Abo. While terminally ill, Alyssa's husband gifted her a set of 30 handmade to-do cards meant for her to use as a way of reuniting with her sexuality once he is gone. Such a generous and selfless gift and one that Alyssa had no intention of opening and exploring due to her grief. But time heals most wounds and two years later, she glances through them. Hmmm...an eye-catching new neighbor may have had something to do with that.
I won't say any more but I do want to add this: 30 Days is by no means a "forget about my dead husband and jump into a hottie's pants" book. Alyssa is reacquainting herself with her sexuality after a grave amount of grief. She continues to reflect on her love for her husband while moving forward. Key words: move forward. This is healthy and normal and not to be looked down upon. I found myself cheering for Alyssa throughout this story as she processed this next stage in her life. Many people feel empty and lost after a terminally ill spouse or loved one has passed and watching Alyssa overcome some of this was an intimate experience for me as a reader. But remember, this is erotica in my opinion so be prepared for some amazing and very graphic scenes - some may even teach you something new...like using grapefruit...on a certain body part...while simultaneously - well nevermind. Let's just say that scene lead me to a YouTube tutorial I kinda wish I could unsee lol. Anyway, the scenes in general slowly build up in intensity and I usually find the sexual tension ends up being even more fun. Enjoy :)
Note: 30 Days focuses on Alyssa and the cards and does not spend much time showing her with her late husband. I did find this odd in the beginning but her present-day story heavily engaged me and it ended up not bothering me much in the long run.
My favorite quote:
"There's something to be said for new beginnings."
June 16, 2017
I thought 30 Days was going to be like PS I Love You, but this was so much better! It's funny, super sexy, and seriously HOT. There were even some parts where I needed a tissue for my eyes (I'll admit it).
When Alyssa's husband loses his battle against cancer, Alyssa thought she was never going to find love again. Her husband leaves her a loving letter urging her to move on. The letter involves a 30 day task to help her explore her sexual desires.
Two years later, Alyssa is ready to experiment with Harrison, her new neighbor. Harrison agrees to help Alyssa with the sexual tasks, but he lets her know that he is not looking for a relationship. Alyssa thinks being friends with benefits would be a good thing... until she gets attached. Will Alyssa get another chance at love?????
Dah... this book is so freaking hot!!!! Forget the tissue, I need a fan!
When Alyssa's husband loses his battle against cancer, Alyssa thought she was never going to find love again. Her husband leaves her a loving letter urging her to move on. The letter involves a 30 day task to help her explore her sexual desires.
Two years later, Alyssa is ready to experiment with Harrison, her new neighbor. Harrison agrees to help Alyssa with the sexual tasks, but he lets her know that he is not looking for a relationship. Alyssa thinks being friends with benefits would be a good thing... until she gets attached. Will Alyssa get another chance at love?????
Dah... this book is so freaking hot!!!! Forget the tissue, I need a fan!
July 11, 2023
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ובאנגלית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/30-י...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/30-י...
June 11, 2015
30 Days by Christine d'Abo is witty, sad, sexy and absolutely one of the better written erotic romance to come out this year.
I have been on this soapbox for awhile now about erotic novels. Yes I said erotic not just romance. What makes an erotic novel better than the cookie cutter releases that are flooding the market place right now? You know the ones. The rich billionaire, who has dominatrix attitude but a hurt and sensitive side, who just really needs to be hugged as he's delivering blow after blow. He's usually paired up with the naive and trusting girl who is struggling to pay her bills, the stripper with a heart of gold who still believes in the good in people even though she has been used and tossed aside by so many men! Or the secretary who has read way too many romance novels to know any better. Those books. Those poorly written, pathetically plotted, tales of sex whose main point seems to be: if I let him tie me up and whip me than he will fall completely in love with me and take me away to his beautiful castle in the sky! Really? Or those that are basically two hundred pages of endless mindless sex and if we throw in enough uses of the words, cock, cunt, and fuck then it will sell! If it was a video, it would be cheap porn in the discount table that goes 2 for $10.00.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against cheap porn, but let's not pretend its anything but that. If that's what you want then okay. But if you want erotica, real erotica, then its time to step up and take a seat at the adult table for a change.
30 days is erotica. It's heartfelt, desperate, scared, and incredibly real.
Alyssa Barrow has buried her husband but she cannot bury the memory of the love they've shared. She stood by him as the cancer took him away and now she is on her own, but not really ready to move on. Alyssa met Rob when she was still a teenager and he has been the only man she has ever been with. As she goes through what is left of her husband she finds a letter and some cards left by Rob. In the letter and the cards he left behind, Rob urges Alyssa to go on living. The cards cover thirty days and they are numbered. The first one begins with a simple word. Masturbate. Rob has left her a simple plan for pleasure and passion. But Alyssa can't consider them now and two years will pass before she finds herself ready. But she will need a partner.
Harrison Kemp moves across the hall from Alyssa and he is in the city for a short time, little over a month for work. Harrison is not interested in a relationship and when Alyssa shares with him, the thirty day plan, he agrees. But can they really do this and not begin to care for one another? Or will their emotional needs get in the way of the sex. Is it the act of sex that Alyssa truly desires, or the lost intimacy of a loving relationship.
30 days is erotica. Well written and insightful. It will move you as the characters deal with what at first seemed such a simple arrangement to a relationship neither of them may be ready for but yet, not ready to give up either.
d'Abo has written a gem here. Far superior to the current class of "romance' books out there. Step up to adult table and enjoy a terrific novel of lust, love, pain and tenderness.
A very good read.
I have been on this soapbox for awhile now about erotic novels. Yes I said erotic not just romance. What makes an erotic novel better than the cookie cutter releases that are flooding the market place right now? You know the ones. The rich billionaire, who has dominatrix attitude but a hurt and sensitive side, who just really needs to be hugged as he's delivering blow after blow. He's usually paired up with the naive and trusting girl who is struggling to pay her bills, the stripper with a heart of gold who still believes in the good in people even though she has been used and tossed aside by so many men! Or the secretary who has read way too many romance novels to know any better. Those books. Those poorly written, pathetically plotted, tales of sex whose main point seems to be: if I let him tie me up and whip me than he will fall completely in love with me and take me away to his beautiful castle in the sky! Really? Or those that are basically two hundred pages of endless mindless sex and if we throw in enough uses of the words, cock, cunt, and fuck then it will sell! If it was a video, it would be cheap porn in the discount table that goes 2 for $10.00.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against cheap porn, but let's not pretend its anything but that. If that's what you want then okay. But if you want erotica, real erotica, then its time to step up and take a seat at the adult table for a change.
30 days is erotica. It's heartfelt, desperate, scared, and incredibly real.
Alyssa Barrow has buried her husband but she cannot bury the memory of the love they've shared. She stood by him as the cancer took him away and now she is on her own, but not really ready to move on. Alyssa met Rob when she was still a teenager and he has been the only man she has ever been with. As she goes through what is left of her husband she finds a letter and some cards left by Rob. In the letter and the cards he left behind, Rob urges Alyssa to go on living. The cards cover thirty days and they are numbered. The first one begins with a simple word. Masturbate. Rob has left her a simple plan for pleasure and passion. But Alyssa can't consider them now and two years will pass before she finds herself ready. But she will need a partner.
Harrison Kemp moves across the hall from Alyssa and he is in the city for a short time, little over a month for work. Harrison is not interested in a relationship and when Alyssa shares with him, the thirty day plan, he agrees. But can they really do this and not begin to care for one another? Or will their emotional needs get in the way of the sex. Is it the act of sex that Alyssa truly desires, or the lost intimacy of a loving relationship.
30 days is erotica. Well written and insightful. It will move you as the characters deal with what at first seemed such a simple arrangement to a relationship neither of them may be ready for but yet, not ready to give up either.
d'Abo has written a gem here. Far superior to the current class of "romance' books out there. Step up to adult table and enjoy a terrific novel of lust, love, pain and tenderness.
A very good read.
July 26, 2015
Alyssa Barrow, met her husband Rob at nineteen, and they lived happily ever after—until he died. He knew he was dying of cancer, and he urged his young wife to go on and find love again, and wrote up some sexy cards to encourage her opening up her body and soul to someone else, when the time was right. Two years later, that time has come - the moment Harrison Kemp moves in next door. Harrison’s not into a relationship and Alyssa just wants to feel again, but you can’t stop romance when it happens.
Loved the premise : Something about second loves fascinate me from a romantic perspective. The process of moving on and finding love again is a trope that I think plays beautifully in most romance novels. Knowing that Alyssa lost her husband two years ago helped with believing that she was open to the possibility of falling in love again, although her love for Rob felt more in keeping with great friendship than passionate love. The cards and how they inspired Alyssa and Harrison’s relationship was great. The setting in Toronto was fun and Alyssa’s condo association meetings, and the little scenes with her neighbors, were funny and gave a good backdrop for this romance.
Good sexual chemistry : Harrison and Alyssa’s sexual relationship was certainly strong enough that I believed in the lust that they had for each other. Their love scenes were plentiful and I am so going to try out that grapefruit scene. I think as The cards left by Rob, Alyssa’s husband, really drove Alyssa to re-explore her sexuality, which brings me to this point - the book played more like erotic chick lit - it was all about Alyssa and her feelings and desires, but unlike most chick lit books, there’s plenty of sex.
Narrow first person POV : What held me back from really loving the book was the feeling of isolation, only seeing things from Alyssa’s fairly narrow viewpoint. Her reactions to Harrison usually came off as too over the top to me, and honestly, we barely get to know him except for how dirty he loves to talk (not a bad thing, but still). I really wanted to understand how they were transitioning to love from amazing sex. Sex is great, but that doesn’t mean real love automatically follows. All of their intense scenes played out strictly from her POV. Even towards the end, when Alyssa is declaring her love for Harrison, when the reveal of who has been calling him on the phone and what happened that drove Harrison to not want a relationship, felt rushed and cursory. It’s all about Alyssa, which made the romance pretty one-sided.
I liked it and read it quickly enough, though I wished more time had been spent on Harrison’s character to really elevate the romance. There is a second book, 30 Nights, which will feature another hero/heroine, and I would be open to checking it out.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
Loved the premise : Something about second loves fascinate me from a romantic perspective. The process of moving on and finding love again is a trope that I think plays beautifully in most romance novels. Knowing that Alyssa lost her husband two years ago helped with believing that she was open to the possibility of falling in love again, although her love for Rob felt more in keeping with great friendship than passionate love. The cards and how they inspired Alyssa and Harrison’s relationship was great. The setting in Toronto was fun and Alyssa’s condo association meetings, and the little scenes with her neighbors, were funny and gave a good backdrop for this romance.
Good sexual chemistry : Harrison and Alyssa’s sexual relationship was certainly strong enough that I believed in the lust that they had for each other. Their love scenes were plentiful and I am so going to try out that grapefruit scene. I think as The cards left by Rob, Alyssa’s husband, really drove Alyssa to re-explore her sexuality, which brings me to this point - the book played more like erotic chick lit - it was all about Alyssa and her feelings and desires, but unlike most chick lit books, there’s plenty of sex.
Narrow first person POV : What held me back from really loving the book was the feeling of isolation, only seeing things from Alyssa’s fairly narrow viewpoint. Her reactions to Harrison usually came off as too over the top to me, and honestly, we barely get to know him except for how dirty he loves to talk (not a bad thing, but still). I really wanted to understand how they were transitioning to love from amazing sex. Sex is great, but that doesn’t mean real love automatically follows. All of their intense scenes played out strictly from her POV. Even towards the end, when Alyssa is declaring her love for Harrison, when the reveal of who has been calling him on the phone and what happened that drove Harrison to not want a relationship, felt rushed and cursory. It’s all about Alyssa, which made the romance pretty one-sided.
I liked it and read it quickly enough, though I wished more time had been spent on Harrison’s character to really elevate the romance. There is a second book, 30 Nights, which will feature another hero/heroine, and I would be open to checking it out.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
January 28, 2021
A ideia está gira, mas... Faltou qualquer coisa...
April 7, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
When I saw the premise of this book was a 30-day sex pact, I was like . . .
HA! NOT! It was more like gimmegimmegimmegimmegimme.
Now that I’m finished I’ll be the first to admit I read it wrong. I’ll ‘splain to you where to look for an actual review at this end of this mess, but until then enjoy the picture show.
30 Days started out with a bit of a sad . . .
“Seriously, fuck cancer.”
When Alyssa’s husband died he left her a letter to read whenever she decided she was ready. Fast forward a couple years and Alyssa finally decides it’s time to open the package. What does she find? A note telling her it’s okay to move on and some “inspirational” cards to help aid in her getting her groove back.
Card 1 is simple enough – do the ditty to the little man in the boat, so Alyssa decides to give it a whirl. Which leads us to the meet/cute with new neighbor Harrison who hears Alyssa’s screams and assumes she’s being murdered. Oh, and he also looks something like this . . .
I would say “sploosh” or “boooiiiing” or something of the ilk here, but I’ll refrain . . . .
At first, Alyssa thinks Harrison is a bit of a douche, but then she smells him a couple of times . . . .
(Although it was more realistic than the usual “spring breezes and angel farts” that is the typical description of someone’s signature scent, this one still made me hardy-har-har). Anywho, Alyssa eventually comes to the conclusion that . . .
And presents Harrison with the proposition that he should be the one to share her “thirty days of passion.” Harrison is nothing if not acardboard cutout giver so he’s all . . .
But first, they have to make sure they have mass quantities of lube and plenty of . . . .
For his ginormo wang.
Which leads me to really with all the lube? The gals in these stories always seem to have plenty of grease in the gears if you know what I’m sayin’ so it seemed like overkill to me. But what do I know? I’m just a prudish old lady.
What really lost me with this story was the sex. I mean this was supposed to be ALLLLLLLL about sex (30 DIFFERENT WAYS – YIPPPPEEEEEEE!), but here was a Missionary Marge type leading lady all of a sudden having inner dialogue consisting of nothing but talk about . . .
Me no likey. And then they did stuff with a grapefruit that left me all . . .
PASS! (And also deleted from the Kindle before my husband could get any bright ideas.)
But like I said at the beginning, I read this one wrong. It happens. Lucky for all of you my friend Baba read it right and also writes way better reviews than I do. I’ve also come to a conclusion about Baba: Either (1) she IS my porny librarian even though she lives halfway across the world from me, or (2) my porny librarian orders whatever she likes. Either way it keeps me in free smut, so it’s awesome. Baba is one of my favorite users on Goodreads. Mainly because we both kind of have this type of reaction to jerkoffs . . .
When I saw the premise of this book was a 30-day sex pact, I was like . . .
HA! NOT! It was more like gimmegimmegimmegimmegimme.
Now that I’m finished I’ll be the first to admit I read it wrong. I’ll ‘splain to you where to look for an actual review at this end of this mess, but until then enjoy the picture show.
30 Days started out with a bit of a sad . . .
“Seriously, fuck cancer.”
When Alyssa’s husband died he left her a letter to read whenever she decided she was ready. Fast forward a couple years and Alyssa finally decides it’s time to open the package. What does she find? A note telling her it’s okay to move on and some “inspirational” cards to help aid in her getting her groove back.
Card 1 is simple enough – do the ditty to the little man in the boat, so Alyssa decides to give it a whirl. Which leads us to the meet/cute with new neighbor Harrison who hears Alyssa’s screams and assumes she’s being murdered. Oh, and he also looks something like this . . .
I would say “sploosh” or “boooiiiing” or something of the ilk here, but I’ll refrain . . . .
At first, Alyssa thinks Harrison is a bit of a douche, but then she smells him a couple of times . . . .
(Although it was more realistic than the usual “spring breezes and angel farts” that is the typical description of someone’s signature scent, this one still made me hardy-har-har). Anywho, Alyssa eventually comes to the conclusion that . . .
And presents Harrison with the proposition that he should be the one to share her “thirty days of passion.” Harrison is nothing if not a
But first, they have to make sure they have mass quantities of lube and plenty of . . . .
For his ginormo wang.
Which leads me to really with all the lube? The gals in these stories always seem to have plenty of grease in the gears if you know what I’m sayin’ so it seemed like overkill to me. But what do I know? I’m just a prudish old lady.
What really lost me with this story was the sex. I mean this was supposed to be ALLLLLLLL about sex (30 DIFFERENT WAYS – YIPPPPEEEEEEE!), but here was a Missionary Marge type leading lady all of a sudden having inner dialogue consisting of nothing but talk about . . .
Me no likey. And then they did stuff with a grapefruit that left me all . . .
PASS! (And also deleted from the Kindle before my husband could get any bright ideas.)
But like I said at the beginning, I read this one wrong. It happens. Lucky for all of you my friend Baba read it right and also writes way better reviews than I do. I’ve also come to a conclusion about Baba: Either (1) she IS my porny librarian even though she lives halfway across the world from me, or (2) my porny librarian orders whatever she likes. Either way it keeps me in free smut, so it’s awesome. Baba is one of my favorite users on Goodreads. Mainly because we both kind of have this type of reaction to jerkoffs . . .
September 22, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads.
Alyssa lost her husband Rob to cancer two years ago. She has been simply going through the motions with her life and trying to adapt to living without Rob. The two had been high school sweethearts and Alyssa had never known another boyfriend or lover before Rob and didn't think she could ever be with someone again.
Before Rob passed away he encouraged Alyssa to continue to live her life. He wanted her to find be happy and find someone when he was gone. Rob had made up Alyssa a package with a letter and some cards telling her to open when she felt attracted to another man again and felt she was ready to move on.
Two years after Rob's death Alyssa gets a new neighbor and for the first time in a long time she feels the attraction to a man. She then decides to open Rob's letter and finds he has made a challenge for her. 30 cards with 30 different sexual tasks on them and challenges her to go out and have some fun and attempt the things on the cards.
I absolutely loved this book. You can't help but feel for Alyssa and cheer her on in her tasks of discovering her sexuality without Rob and simply living her life and feeling again. Harrison also was an easily liked character with his sense of humor and his sensitivity to Alyssa.
There's obviously a lot of sex in a book with the topic being 30
days of sex but I quite honestly found this relationship more touching than a book that is meant to be romance only. Also rather erotic too so the best of both worlds.
Great characters, great story, highly recommend it.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Alyssa lost her husband Rob to cancer two years ago. She has been simply going through the motions with her life and trying to adapt to living without Rob. The two had been high school sweethearts and Alyssa had never known another boyfriend or lover before Rob and didn't think she could ever be with someone again.
Before Rob passed away he encouraged Alyssa to continue to live her life. He wanted her to find be happy and find someone when he was gone. Rob had made up Alyssa a package with a letter and some cards telling her to open when she felt attracted to another man again and felt she was ready to move on.
Two years after Rob's death Alyssa gets a new neighbor and for the first time in a long time she feels the attraction to a man. She then decides to open Rob's letter and finds he has made a challenge for her. 30 cards with 30 different sexual tasks on them and challenges her to go out and have some fun and attempt the things on the cards.
I absolutely loved this book. You can't help but feel for Alyssa and cheer her on in her tasks of discovering her sexuality without Rob and simply living her life and feeling again. Harrison also was an easily liked character with his sense of humor and his sensitivity to Alyssa.
There's obviously a lot of sex in a book with the topic being 30
days of sex but I quite honestly found this relationship more touching than a book that is meant to be romance only. Also rather erotic too so the best of both worlds.
Great characters, great story, highly recommend it.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
July 18, 2015
30 Days gets a sweet 3.5 stars. I read this in one sitting so it was an easy read. The overview is what drew me in and Harrison is what held me to the story. I liked Alyssa but I more than liked Harrison. I liked the story but didn't fall into like or love with it. It isn't super memorable and doubt I'll remember it in a few weeks.
Alyssa is a widow after losing her husband, only sex partner, to cancer. She goes through two years of being alone before she is ready to read the cards he left her to help her move on through sexual acts. She's sweet, kind-hearted, and a bit immature in the ways of dating since she had only really ever been with her husband. She was easy to like and sympathize with but not enough to really move you.
Harrison is just such a confident guy and I loved him. He was witty, clever, snarky, overbearing, and considerate. He made me laugh a lot with his smug attitude and snarky tone. He has misgivings about relationships but doesn't want to fight his attraction to Alyssa which leads them to a shaky and lusty affair. I really think Harrison made the story for me. He was just such an awesome character and so easy to really like.
Alyssa is a widow after losing her husband, only sex partner, to cancer. She goes through two years of being alone before she is ready to read the cards he left her to help her move on through sexual acts. She's sweet, kind-hearted, and a bit immature in the ways of dating since she had only really ever been with her husband. She was easy to like and sympathize with but not enough to really move you.
Harrison is just such a confident guy and I loved him. He was witty, clever, snarky, overbearing, and considerate. He made me laugh a lot with his smug attitude and snarky tone. He has misgivings about relationships but doesn't want to fight his attraction to Alyssa which leads them to a shaky and lusty affair. I really think Harrison made the story for me. He was just such an awesome character and so easy to really like.
May 5, 2023
Was halfway through reading a hotwife book (Alex Lee) and got a bit hot under the collar, angst etc so thought I'd read something without any cheating or sharing..glad I picked this up. Extremely good read about husband leaving his wife a widow, leaving her 30 sexual acts in the form of cards to follow, on the hope she'll eventually move on. With the help.of her neighboUr, she does just that. Easy peasy read..I believe a follow up so might give that a go.
October 25, 2023
⭐️2.5
Tohle není kniha pro mě, vůbec se mi nelíbil styl psaní.
Tohle není kniha pro mě, vůbec se mi nelíbil styl psaní.
November 10, 2022
Que linguagem tão má a deste livro! Poderia ser um pouco melhor se não fosse este facto, assim só me pareceu vulgar.
July 28, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked 30 Days by Christine d'Abo to read and review but I do know I got much more than I bargained for. A widow of 2 years senses a change in her life; like coming alive and opens a letter her husband left her for when she was ready to have sex again and inside she finds a letter and 30 days worth of sex suggestions/fantasies he wants her to try or at least think about. From the flashback scene of him giving her the letter and him telling her why he wants her to take it seriously to the moment she decides she's ready to her first experience to the very last scene I was so caught up in this story of this man's dying wish, a young widow's need to respect it and learn to move forward, a man's willingness to help despite his own problems, and the journey they take that is sweet, complicated, sensual, sexy, and so much more. This is a love story on a couple of different levels; a man's wish that his widow find happiness again and two people who despite them both thinking it isn't the right time in their lives for love finding intimacy and so much more despite their issues and yes a bit of craziness.
For the last two years Alyssa has learned to deal with the death of the man she loved, learned to grieve and accept, learn to no longer be a part of a couple and learned to keep moving forward. When a new man moves into her building he incites something in she hasn't felt in a long time...arousal and when he catches her right after a ummm....pleasurable moment alone she know that he should be the one to help her with the cards her husband so diligently wrote for her.
When Harrison meets his cute new neighbor he knows two things; one she's nervous around him and two she's as interested in him as he is in her. When she comes to his door to apologize after an argument and to propose he help her get back her sexual mojo he isn't about to say no especially since they are on the same page that it's about sex not a relationship but as things progress those lines get more and more blurry.
This was a very sexual book, no doubt about it because this is a 35 year old widow who married the only man she'd ever been with and was now trying to reclaim her sexual side after her husband's death. I loved that it wasn't easy for her to do, that it took a little time for her to be comfortable and she had to work at it. I admired Harrison's instance that they do the cards in order (at least at the start) which prolonged them from having actual intercourse until they'd spent some time getting to know each other's bodies in different ways; there were some very sexy and intimate scenes between them during this phase. Despite their agreement to not get attached and not develop feelings it happened anyway leading to several issues and confrontations. Despite the fact that Alyssa was ready to move forward she was still struggling with feelings from guilt to elation and Harrison wasn't without his issues as well. While this book does have a happily ever after it wasn't easy for them to get there but getting there was half the fun.
Interesting, sweet, sexy and life affirming 30 Days by Christine d'Abo was a joy to read not only because of its fresh plot but because of the three people that made it such a special story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked 30 Days by Christine d'Abo to read and review but I do know I got much more than I bargained for. A widow of 2 years senses a change in her life; like coming alive and opens a letter her husband left her for when she was ready to have sex again and inside she finds a letter and 30 days worth of sex suggestions/fantasies he wants her to try or at least think about. From the flashback scene of him giving her the letter and him telling her why he wants her to take it seriously to the moment she decides she's ready to her first experience to the very last scene I was so caught up in this story of this man's dying wish, a young widow's need to respect it and learn to move forward, a man's willingness to help despite his own problems, and the journey they take that is sweet, complicated, sensual, sexy, and so much more. This is a love story on a couple of different levels; a man's wish that his widow find happiness again and two people who despite them both thinking it isn't the right time in their lives for love finding intimacy and so much more despite their issues and yes a bit of craziness.
For the last two years Alyssa has learned to deal with the death of the man she loved, learned to grieve and accept, learn to no longer be a part of a couple and learned to keep moving forward. When a new man moves into her building he incites something in she hasn't felt in a long time...arousal and when he catches her right after a ummm....pleasurable moment alone she know that he should be the one to help her with the cards her husband so diligently wrote for her.
When Harrison meets his cute new neighbor he knows two things; one she's nervous around him and two she's as interested in him as he is in her. When she comes to his door to apologize after an argument and to propose he help her get back her sexual mojo he isn't about to say no especially since they are on the same page that it's about sex not a relationship but as things progress those lines get more and more blurry.
This was a very sexual book, no doubt about it because this is a 35 year old widow who married the only man she'd ever been with and was now trying to reclaim her sexual side after her husband's death. I loved that it wasn't easy for her to do, that it took a little time for her to be comfortable and she had to work at it. I admired Harrison's instance that they do the cards in order (at least at the start) which prolonged them from having actual intercourse until they'd spent some time getting to know each other's bodies in different ways; there were some very sexy and intimate scenes between them during this phase. Despite their agreement to not get attached and not develop feelings it happened anyway leading to several issues and confrontations. Despite the fact that Alyssa was ready to move forward she was still struggling with feelings from guilt to elation and Harrison wasn't without his issues as well. While this book does have a happily ever after it wasn't easy for them to get there but getting there was half the fun.
Interesting, sweet, sexy and life affirming 30 Days by Christine d'Abo was a joy to read not only because of its fresh plot but because of the three people that made it such a special story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I typically try to avoid books with main characters in their 30's. I do this because as a 20 year old, I tend to find that people in their 30's are at a different point in their lives. This is a point that I have yet to experience, nor want to at this juncture. Although in the grand scheme, age is rather arbitrary, I still gravitate towards books with college aged students. With that being said, I was shocked at how immature the main character was. Alyssa's narrative felt like that of a high school student rather than a widower in the midst of her career.
The writing itself wasn't bad, but there were several instances where "telling" vs "showing" was prevalent. Despite that, the pacing was decent, with a good flow and even rhythm.
One thing that really spoiled the book for me was the main character Alyssa. I really didn't care for her. She was hypocritical, obsessive, and downright annoying. I simply couldn't relate to her. She appeared so needy and naive, that she came off as unrealistic and overbearing. Her hypocrisy above all else drove me mad. Although any person in her position has the right to be confused, she constantly flipped her opinion from page to page.
Harrison on the other hand wasn't quite as bothersome, but he felt like a stranger the whole book. Alyssa falls for this "incredible" guy who makes her stop thinking about her dead husband, but he's a stranger. The book goes on, and Alyssa is more concerned with hypocritical thoughts, than learning about the guy who showed interest in her. I couldn't quite care for him, when he wasn't treated like a main character.
It all felt rather fake and exaggerated to me. Conversations didn't feel natural or even remotely realistic. I found myself rolling my eyes on several occasions, because situations seemed so outlandish. It wasn't the emotional journey I was expecting... While I opened this book expecting adult content, I was surprised by the book's singular focus. I felt like it was less about a grieving wife, trying to find a foothold back into normal life, then some saucy sexcapades. I wish there was more emotion, more character growth, and less insta-love.
While there were good aspects of the book, all of my dislikes seem to shine bright when looking back. This book simply wasn't for me. It didn't live up to the expectations I associated it with.
If you've read my review to the end, I hope you stop and take a second to read a few others. Go look at the rave reviews this book has gotten, because although I didn't like it, many others did. Its good to have both perspectives, it gives you a better idea of what you're getting into. Read the other reviews, compare them to this, and make a decision on your own. Don't make a choice solely based on my words, or the eloquent words of another, but from the research you've gathered from examining both. I hope you find this story more compelling than I did.
I typically try to avoid books with main characters in their 30's. I do this because as a 20 year old, I tend to find that people in their 30's are at a different point in their lives. This is a point that I have yet to experience, nor want to at this juncture. Although in the grand scheme, age is rather arbitrary, I still gravitate towards books with college aged students. With that being said, I was shocked at how immature the main character was. Alyssa's narrative felt like that of a high school student rather than a widower in the midst of her career.
The writing itself wasn't bad, but there were several instances where "telling" vs "showing" was prevalent. Despite that, the pacing was decent, with a good flow and even rhythm.
One thing that really spoiled the book for me was the main character Alyssa. I really didn't care for her. She was hypocritical, obsessive, and downright annoying. I simply couldn't relate to her. She appeared so needy and naive, that she came off as unrealistic and overbearing. Her hypocrisy above all else drove me mad. Although any person in her position has the right to be confused, she constantly flipped her opinion from page to page.
Harrison on the other hand wasn't quite as bothersome, but he felt like a stranger the whole book. Alyssa falls for this "incredible" guy who makes her stop thinking about her dead husband, but he's a stranger. The book goes on, and Alyssa is more concerned with hypocritical thoughts, than learning about the guy who showed interest in her. I couldn't quite care for him, when he wasn't treated like a main character.
It all felt rather fake and exaggerated to me. Conversations didn't feel natural or even remotely realistic. I found myself rolling my eyes on several occasions, because situations seemed so outlandish. It wasn't the emotional journey I was expecting... While I opened this book expecting adult content, I was surprised by the book's singular focus. I felt like it was less about a grieving wife, trying to find a foothold back into normal life, then some saucy sexcapades. I wish there was more emotion, more character growth, and less insta-love.
While there were good aspects of the book, all of my dislikes seem to shine bright when looking back. This book simply wasn't for me. It didn't live up to the expectations I associated it with.
If you've read my review to the end, I hope you stop and take a second to read a few others. Go look at the rave reviews this book has gotten, because although I didn't like it, many others did. Its good to have both perspectives, it gives you a better idea of what you're getting into. Read the other reviews, compare them to this, and make a decision on your own. Don't make a choice solely based on my words, or the eloquent words of another, but from the research you've gathered from examining both. I hope you find this story more compelling than I did.
August 10, 2015
Bittersweet is how this story tastes. It's a moving tale of a woman finally ready to move on after her husband dies. How he helps her from beyond the grave is priceless. These kind of stories always tugs my heartstrings because it speaks to the love of a person so great that he needs to take care of his beloved, even when he's gone. Alyssa is a woman who is living life in a haze. She's not exactly a zombie. Her emotions and feels are cut off because if she feels, she will be overwhelmed by the loss of her soulmate. Her high school sweetheart, Rob, died on her and she isn't going to let it go. No matter his deathbed wish that she not die with him.
Ms. D'abo takes a close look at what it means when lovers part before their time. This compassionate exploration of Alyssa's grief and denial is well done. The spark to animate her back into life will bring a smile to a reader's face. The catalyst is the new neighbor's ass. Harrison Kemp is new to the area and he will only be here on temporary assignment. He is done with marriage and relationships. All he needs is a good sexual partner with no strings attached. When Alyssa crosses his path, he is intrigued but makes no moves. When Alyssa asks him for help and he realizes how he must aid her, he is all for it.
The 30 days card is a kinky sweet idea to help a young widow join the singles pool again. This plot device is sweet. What it does make me think is, why didn't they do this when they had the chance? Why didn't Rob and Alyssa experience these 30 day challenges together whilst they still had time? It reminds me a little about the animated movie, Up! The old man never traveled the world with his wife. Sure they showed "reasons" why it never happened, but it always struck me as sad that people put off experiences with their loved ones until it is too late. This story motivates me to seize the day with my beloved. I hope it does the same for others.
The romance of this story really stayed in my mind. Even if the sex is erotic and a bit kinky, it's not as memorable as the relationship between Alyssa and her new man, Harrison. Their dynamic is fun to watch. It's so much hot/cold that it can make a reader dizzy. What I really liked is how it showed people make mistakes and given a chance, situations can turn around. The only time it can't is when a person dies. There is death in this story and it is a hard blow. If there is one thing to take away from this book is to never give up hope. Recommended for hopeless romantics who sigh when love is given a second chance.
*provided by NetGalley
Ms. D'abo takes a close look at what it means when lovers part before their time. This compassionate exploration of Alyssa's grief and denial is well done. The spark to animate her back into life will bring a smile to a reader's face. The catalyst is the new neighbor's ass. Harrison Kemp is new to the area and he will only be here on temporary assignment. He is done with marriage and relationships. All he needs is a good sexual partner with no strings attached. When Alyssa crosses his path, he is intrigued but makes no moves. When Alyssa asks him for help and he realizes how he must aid her, he is all for it.
The 30 days card is a kinky sweet idea to help a young widow join the singles pool again. This plot device is sweet. What it does make me think is, why didn't they do this when they had the chance? Why didn't Rob and Alyssa experience these 30 day challenges together whilst they still had time? It reminds me a little about the animated movie, Up! The old man never traveled the world with his wife. Sure they showed "reasons" why it never happened, but it always struck me as sad that people put off experiences with their loved ones until it is too late. This story motivates me to seize the day with my beloved. I hope it does the same for others.
The romance of this story really stayed in my mind. Even if the sex is erotic and a bit kinky, it's not as memorable as the relationship between Alyssa and her new man, Harrison. Their dynamic is fun to watch. It's so much hot/cold that it can make a reader dizzy. What I really liked is how it showed people make mistakes and given a chance, situations can turn around. The only time it can't is when a person dies. There is death in this story and it is a hard blow. If there is one thing to take away from this book is to never give up hope. Recommended for hopeless romantics who sigh when love is given a second chance.
*provided by NetGalley
July 14, 2016
Alyssa suffers a heartbreaking loss, when her husband and first (and only) love dies from cancer. Before he dies he tries to express to Alyssa that he wants her to live full life after he's gone. He leaves her with a letter and set of cards, that he tells her to open them when she starts to feel for another man. It takes a few years but eventually she gets a hot new neighbor that creates a spark of attraction she didn't see coming. This attraction prompts her that it is time to open the letter and cards.
As she gets to know her new neighbor, Harrison, she finds out that he will only be in town for short while on business. She decides that with their attraction and the fact that things can't get too serious given his temporary stay, he will be the perfect guy to explore the cards with. There's no fear of real commitment, just sexual exploration and finding herself again. This is until it isn't. At some point the sex becomes a deeper level of intimacy and feelings develop that she never saw coming.
I found this story to be so refreshing, raw and down right erotic. I haven't had the privilege of reading anything else Christine d'Abo has written up until this book but I can say that I will be reading more of her work in the future. I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that Alyssa and Rob's (her late husband) story wasn't really given too much time and attention. However, the deeper I got in the book the more I realized moments of Rob were woven throughout the story. Without being mentioned, directly, too often he was there all the time. I also found this was Alyssa's journey of finding herself and love after loss.
This is an erotic romance novel and it touched things I'd never even heard of and I LOVED IT! It was full of moments, God how I love moments in a book. It was witty, sweet, real and emotional and the characters were so well developed. I could picture them all, even the secondary characters played out like a movie in my mind. Kudos Ms d'Abo to a beautifully written book. I plan on reading the second book in the series very soon.
I received and ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
As she gets to know her new neighbor, Harrison, she finds out that he will only be in town for short while on business. She decides that with their attraction and the fact that things can't get too serious given his temporary stay, he will be the perfect guy to explore the cards with. There's no fear of real commitment, just sexual exploration and finding herself again. This is until it isn't. At some point the sex becomes a deeper level of intimacy and feelings develop that she never saw coming.
I found this story to be so refreshing, raw and down right erotic. I haven't had the privilege of reading anything else Christine d'Abo has written up until this book but I can say that I will be reading more of her work in the future. I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that Alyssa and Rob's (her late husband) story wasn't really given too much time and attention. However, the deeper I got in the book the more I realized moments of Rob were woven throughout the story. Without being mentioned, directly, too often he was there all the time. I also found this was Alyssa's journey of finding herself and love after loss.
This is an erotic romance novel and it touched things I'd never even heard of and I LOVED IT! It was full of moments, God how I love moments in a book. It was witty, sweet, real and emotional and the characters were so well developed. I could picture them all, even the secondary characters played out like a movie in my mind. Kudos Ms d'Abo to a beautifully written book. I plan on reading the second book in the series very soon.
I received and ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
Depois de uma opinião nada positiva traga-vos esta completamente oposta.
30 Dias foi o livro extra escolhido para leitura conjunta do mês de Agosto no Erotic Club. Nunca o tinha visto e nem fui ler a sinopse. Depois de ler o Cartas Picantes de Vi Keeland (livro principal do mês) peguei então este na última quinzena e... amei! Que livro, pessoal!
Tudo o que um livro erótico deve ser!
A primeira coisa que gostei foi do facto de se passar no Canadá, em Toronto. Se não vivesse em Portugal seria o meu segundo local de eleição para viver.
E a primeira que não gostei foi das palavras "rata"e "picha" que tantas vezes é dita ao longo dos dois livros. Será que não há melhor tradução para isto?
Logo no inicio dos livros temos cenas muito boas e muito engraçadas, que nos preparam então para o que vamos ter mais para a frente. Estes livros têm de facto muito erotismo e óptimas descrições, mas também ganham na categoria do humor entre casal e não só.
Gostei de ambas as personagens em ambos os livros terem o controlo mesmo não sendo submissos. Ou seja há igualdade de poder de ambas as partes mas eles são cavalheiros e respeitadores e dão algum controlo a elas. Adorei estas relações perfeitas e estes protagonistas perfeitos.
Apesar de haver sempre uma morte, também gostei de não haver muito drama. Ou demasiado drama. Sim há algumas questões delas que são transparentes no caso delas e algum mistério da parte deles mas nada que nos faça desviar a atenção do que se passa e do que importa, mas também não é nada vazio que tire "conteúdo" à histórias
Gostei mais do primeiro mas adorei que houvesse um segundo em que fizeram os cartões que no primeiro livro não fizeram. No final há promessa de um terceiro mas a autora ainda não o escreveu nem sei se vai escrever, o que é uma pena porque estes cartões ainda têm muito para dar.
Em ambos os livros também temos personagens secundários super interessantes com os quais ganhamos empatia, no primeiro temos uma casal de idosos tão queridos, e no segundo temos a melhor amiga de Glenna que contribui imenso para a história e cativa de igual maneira.
Em relação às classificações, acabei por dar mais ao primeiro, porque foi aquela surpresa de um livro que não esperava gostar tanto. No segundo já conhecia os cartões e já sabia para o que ía. Além disso gostei mais do Harrison, visto que o Eric acaba por ter ali uma carga emocional que não me convenceu tanto.
Foram dois livros comprados em segunda mão, mas que vou guardá-los e recomendá-los para sempre. Vou, sem dúvida, querer relê-los para o ano.
30 Dias foi o livro extra escolhido para leitura conjunta do mês de Agosto no Erotic Club. Nunca o tinha visto e nem fui ler a sinopse. Depois de ler o Cartas Picantes de Vi Keeland (livro principal do mês) peguei então este na última quinzena e... amei! Que livro, pessoal!
Tudo o que um livro erótico deve ser!
A primeira coisa que gostei foi do facto de se passar no Canadá, em Toronto. Se não vivesse em Portugal seria o meu segundo local de eleição para viver.
E a primeira que não gostei foi das palavras "rata"e "picha" que tantas vezes é dita ao longo dos dois livros. Será que não há melhor tradução para isto?
Logo no inicio dos livros temos cenas muito boas e muito engraçadas, que nos preparam então para o que vamos ter mais para a frente. Estes livros têm de facto muito erotismo e óptimas descrições, mas também ganham na categoria do humor entre casal e não só.
Gostei de ambas as personagens em ambos os livros terem o controlo mesmo não sendo submissos. Ou seja há igualdade de poder de ambas as partes mas eles são cavalheiros e respeitadores e dão algum controlo a elas. Adorei estas relações perfeitas e estes protagonistas perfeitos.
Apesar de haver sempre uma morte, também gostei de não haver muito drama. Ou demasiado drama. Sim há algumas questões delas que são transparentes no caso delas e algum mistério da parte deles mas nada que nos faça desviar a atenção do que se passa e do que importa, mas também não é nada vazio que tire "conteúdo" à histórias
Gostei mais do primeiro mas adorei que houvesse um segundo em que fizeram os cartões que no primeiro livro não fizeram. No final há promessa de um terceiro mas a autora ainda não o escreveu nem sei se vai escrever, o que é uma pena porque estes cartões ainda têm muito para dar.
Em ambos os livros também temos personagens secundários super interessantes com os quais ganhamos empatia, no primeiro temos uma casal de idosos tão queridos, e no segundo temos a melhor amiga de Glenna que contribui imenso para a história e cativa de igual maneira.
Em relação às classificações, acabei por dar mais ao primeiro, porque foi aquela surpresa de um livro que não esperava gostar tanto. No segundo já conhecia os cartões e já sabia para o que ía. Além disso gostei mais do Harrison, visto que o Eric acaba por ter ali uma carga emocional que não me convenceu tanto.
Foram dois livros comprados em segunda mão, mas que vou guardá-los e recomendá-los para sempre. Vou, sem dúvida, querer relê-los para o ano.
October 23, 2018
This is a super sexy story about dealing with loss and death. When Alyssa finally reads the cards her husband left her for after his death; what she finds is a new life and way to deal with that loss. Harrison is the guy that helps Alyssa accomplish her journey and turns out to be just what she was looking for. There are bumps in the road but overall a beautiful, super sexy journey.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
February 22, 2021
Tinha algumas expectativas para este livro, mas acabei por não gostar tanto como esperava. Achei que a história não teve nada de inovador, tornando-se até cliché e previsível. Existiram vários detalhes que também não foram do meu agrado, achei a narrativa muito pouco realista e com pouco conteúdo. Dentro do género, já li livros que me agadaram muito mais, não só pela temática em si como por toda a envolvência em redor. Não fiquei deslumbrada mas, ainda assim, foi um leitura rápida e agradável. No entanto, não fiquei com interesse em ler a continuação, pelo menos para já, pois parece que irá tratar-se apenas de uma repetição desta primeira história.
July 27, 2015
4.5 stars
Funny how sometimes you go into a book expecting one thing and it turns out to be different, in a good and unexpected way. i did that with 30 Days. I thought this would be a lot heavier than it was, but that is not saying it didn't have depth, because it did, it just pleasantly surprised me with the humor that was interspersed with the very real heartfelt subject of overcoming grief and moving on.
Alyssa was widowed at a young age, her husband and soulmate succumbing to cancer when she was in her early thirty's. That was two years ago and not a day has passed when she has not thought of Rob and how much she has missed him. Rob was her only sexual partner and left her a gift to be opened when she felt she was ready, a selfless gift of 30 cards, each with a task to help her move on and find love again. I can only imagine what losing your partner at such a young age would be like, and I thought the author portrayed the emotion of this situation realistically, making my connection to Alyssa easy and immediate. I felt the grief and the guilt when she was ready to take the step of opening the cards and following the path Rob and suggested. I felt the internal struggle between moving on and letting go. I felt the anticipation and eagerness once her passion was reignited. I thought the author injected well placed humor into this story while maintaining the emotional undercurrent of Alyssa's situation.
As I said, I found it easy to relate to Alyssa and the emotions she was going through. I admired her strength and courage when she approached Harrison. I loved the way she totally threw herself into the process, her enthusiasm was infectious and I enjoyed her escapades with Harrison. They were funny and realistic, but they were also hot, the chemistry between them obvious. Alyssa had a lot to work through and I enjoyed her transition and character growth, torn between her growing feelings for Harrison and the feeling that she was cheating on Rob. The way she dealt with the thought of moving on while honouring Rob's memory tugged at my heartstrings and elicited a few thoughtful moments about what I would be like in that situation. Her thoughts and emotions felt authentic.
Harrison was just delicious. Recovering from his own past hurts and not wanting to develop a serious relationship, he decided to help Alyssa find her passion again. He was understanding and patient with Alyssa, and I really loved the way he cared for and looked after Alyssa's emotional well-being while indulging in her quest to complete the cards tasks. I loved the no nonsense approach and laid back personality of Harrison. He was funny and honest, and when their relationship takes them where they were expecting, his honesty and baring of his soul to Alyssa made me love him even more. My heart broke for him at one point, well it actually broke for both of them and I wanted so much for them to find their HEA.
I ended up devouring this book. The sex was hot with a capital H. The texting, the skype sessions, the face to face moments were open and honest, sexy and very steamy. I loved the anticipation and build up to their encounters and the heat between them was palpable. I must admit, due to my own preconceived ideas about where this story would head, I was surprised with the humor early on, but I quickly got into the rhythm of the story and loved every page. I thought the author handled the subject with sensitivity, a mix of heartbreaking emotion and humor that, for me, was well balanced and thoughtful. It is a book that I would re-read and I don't re-read many books at all.
copy kindly provided by the author/publisher and Netgalley>/i>
Funny how sometimes you go into a book expecting one thing and it turns out to be different, in a good and unexpected way. i did that with 30 Days. I thought this would be a lot heavier than it was, but that is not saying it didn't have depth, because it did, it just pleasantly surprised me with the humor that was interspersed with the very real heartfelt subject of overcoming grief and moving on.
Alyssa was widowed at a young age, her husband and soulmate succumbing to cancer when she was in her early thirty's. That was two years ago and not a day has passed when she has not thought of Rob and how much she has missed him. Rob was her only sexual partner and left her a gift to be opened when she felt she was ready, a selfless gift of 30 cards, each with a task to help her move on and find love again. I can only imagine what losing your partner at such a young age would be like, and I thought the author portrayed the emotion of this situation realistically, making my connection to Alyssa easy and immediate. I felt the grief and the guilt when she was ready to take the step of opening the cards and following the path Rob and suggested. I felt the internal struggle between moving on and letting go. I felt the anticipation and eagerness once her passion was reignited. I thought the author injected well placed humor into this story while maintaining the emotional undercurrent of Alyssa's situation.
As I said, I found it easy to relate to Alyssa and the emotions she was going through. I admired her strength and courage when she approached Harrison. I loved the way she totally threw herself into the process, her enthusiasm was infectious and I enjoyed her escapades with Harrison. They were funny and realistic, but they were also hot, the chemistry between them obvious. Alyssa had a lot to work through and I enjoyed her transition and character growth, torn between her growing feelings for Harrison and the feeling that she was cheating on Rob. The way she dealt with the thought of moving on while honouring Rob's memory tugged at my heartstrings and elicited a few thoughtful moments about what I would be like in that situation. Her thoughts and emotions felt authentic.
Harrison was just delicious. Recovering from his own past hurts and not wanting to develop a serious relationship, he decided to help Alyssa find her passion again. He was understanding and patient with Alyssa, and I really loved the way he cared for and looked after Alyssa's emotional well-being while indulging in her quest to complete the cards tasks. I loved the no nonsense approach and laid back personality of Harrison. He was funny and honest, and when their relationship takes them where they were expecting, his honesty and baring of his soul to Alyssa made me love him even more. My heart broke for him at one point, well it actually broke for both of them and I wanted so much for them to find their HEA.
I ended up devouring this book. The sex was hot with a capital H. The texting, the skype sessions, the face to face moments were open and honest, sexy and very steamy. I loved the anticipation and build up to their encounters and the heat between them was palpable. I must admit, due to my own preconceived ideas about where this story would head, I was surprised with the humor early on, but I quickly got into the rhythm of the story and loved every page. I thought the author handled the subject with sensitivity, a mix of heartbreaking emotion and humor that, for me, was well balanced and thoughtful. It is a book that I would re-read and I don't re-read many books at all.
copy kindly provided by the author/publisher and Netgalley>/i>
June 16, 2016
Cela faisait un petit moment que je n'avais pas lu de résumé aussi tentant que celui de ce livre, aussi me suis-je jetée dessus dès que possible.
Alyssa est une jeune veuve de 35 ans. Elle a perdu son mari, Rob, 2 ans plus tôt, suite à un cancer. Avant de mourir, il lui a laissé des "instructions" pour quand elle serait prête à aller de l'avant et fréquenter d'autres hommes. Un peu à la manière des lettres dans [i]P.S I love you[/i], Rob laisse à sa femme une série de 30 cartes contenant toutes des actions coquines à réaliser, 30 cartes pour 30 jours de sexe et de de plaisir.
Seulement, Alyssa met du temps à refaire surface et n'est pas forcément prête à aller avec d'autres hommes, d'autant que Rob a été son unique amant.
Not having him by my side had forced me to slowly become a singular entity instead of a plural.
Pourtant, un jour elle va avoir un aperçu de son nouveau voisin et se souvenir des cartes de Rob.
Leurs premiers échanges sont assez tendus, mais rapidement, Alyssa va braver ses peurs et lui faire une proposition peu commune : explorer avec elle ces 30 cartes. Une fois les règles du jeu fixées, la partie peut commencer ! Et quelle partie ...
Avec Harrison, et par le biais de ces cartes, Alyssa réapprend à vivre, à (ré)écouter son corps et à prendre/donner du plaisir. Il n'y a rien d'excessif ou de dégradant dans ces cartes, et j'ai trouvé qu'elles étaient bien dosées. On avance à petites étapes, on passe par plusieurs stades, quoique que la 1ère carte qu'ils essaient ensemble arrive si vite que j'ai eu du mal à en croire mes yeux. Harrison est un partenaire attentif et attentionné, bien décidé à suivre scrupuleusement les cartes et les règles et à ne pas se laisser emporter. C'est un homme vraiment raisonnable, sur la réserve.
Il n'a pas une place facile, c'est l'homme "d'après", et, d'une certaine manière, Rob est toujours entre eux. De par les cartes d'abord, mais aussi parce qu'il est impossible pour Alyssa de ne pas penser à lui.
Ce qui commence comme une aventure sexy ludique se transforme évidemment en quelque chose de plus tangible, de plus sérieux, et cela est très bien amené par l'auteur. J'ai aimé la vraisemblance ce livre, ces héros tout à fait normaux, l'absence de rebondissements téléphonés, cette évolution simple des choses entre les personnages. J'ai trouvé qu'il y avait une vraie complicité entre eux, de la tendresse et un vrai niveau d'égalité, ce qui n'est pas toujours le cas dans les romans un peu érotiques.
Le récit est écrit du point du vue d'Alyssa, aussi on suit vraiment tout son cheminement et on est parfois comme elle, à se demander ce que pense/veut vraiment Harrison. J'avoue que j'aurais aimé quelques incursions dans la tête du héros, étant donné le caractère peu banal de leur relation.
Cette romance se lit d'une traite, l'écriture est simple et fluide et j'ai vraiment passé un bon moment. On a l'impression d'être dans une bonne comédie romantique, le genre qui nous fait soupirer, rire, râler et sourire, qu'on aurait envie de revoir plusieurs fois.
Alyssa est une jeune veuve de 35 ans. Elle a perdu son mari, Rob, 2 ans plus tôt, suite à un cancer. Avant de mourir, il lui a laissé des "instructions" pour quand elle serait prête à aller de l'avant et fréquenter d'autres hommes. Un peu à la manière des lettres dans [i]P.S I love you[/i], Rob laisse à sa femme une série de 30 cartes contenant toutes des actions coquines à réaliser, 30 cartes pour 30 jours de sexe et de de plaisir.
Seulement, Alyssa met du temps à refaire surface et n'est pas forcément prête à aller avec d'autres hommes, d'autant que Rob a été son unique amant.
Not having him by my side had forced me to slowly become a singular entity instead of a plural.
Pourtant, un jour elle va avoir un aperçu de son nouveau voisin et se souvenir des cartes de Rob.
Leurs premiers échanges sont assez tendus, mais rapidement, Alyssa va braver ses peurs et lui faire une proposition peu commune : explorer avec elle ces 30 cartes. Une fois les règles du jeu fixées, la partie peut commencer ! Et quelle partie ...
Avec Harrison, et par le biais de ces cartes, Alyssa réapprend à vivre, à (ré)écouter son corps et à prendre/donner du plaisir. Il n'y a rien d'excessif ou de dégradant dans ces cartes, et j'ai trouvé qu'elles étaient bien dosées. On avance à petites étapes, on passe par plusieurs stades, quoique que la 1ère carte qu'ils essaient ensemble arrive si vite que j'ai eu du mal à en croire mes yeux. Harrison est un partenaire attentif et attentionné, bien décidé à suivre scrupuleusement les cartes et les règles et à ne pas se laisser emporter. C'est un homme vraiment raisonnable, sur la réserve.
Il n'a pas une place facile, c'est l'homme "d'après", et, d'une certaine manière, Rob est toujours entre eux. De par les cartes d'abord, mais aussi parce qu'il est impossible pour Alyssa de ne pas penser à lui.
Ce qui commence comme une aventure sexy ludique se transforme évidemment en quelque chose de plus tangible, de plus sérieux, et cela est très bien amené par l'auteur. J'ai aimé la vraisemblance ce livre, ces héros tout à fait normaux, l'absence de rebondissements téléphonés, cette évolution simple des choses entre les personnages. J'ai trouvé qu'il y avait une vraie complicité entre eux, de la tendresse et un vrai niveau d'égalité, ce qui n'est pas toujours le cas dans les romans un peu érotiques.
Le récit est écrit du point du vue d'Alyssa, aussi on suit vraiment tout son cheminement et on est parfois comme elle, à se demander ce que pense/veut vraiment Harrison. J'avoue que j'aurais aimé quelques incursions dans la tête du héros, étant donné le caractère peu banal de leur relation.
Cette romance se lit d'une traite, l'écriture est simple et fluide et j'ai vraiment passé un bon moment. On a l'impression d'être dans une bonne comédie romantique, le genre qui nous fait soupirer, rire, râler et sourire, qu'on aurait envie de revoir plusieurs fois.
August 2, 2015
Alyssa already had what she thought would be her happily ever after, she married her first love and they were incredibly happy together until her husband, Rob, became ill. Knowing he was dying Rob made Alyssa promise that when she was ready she would move on and find happiness with someone else. Alyssa was sure she would never be able to get past Rob's death but now two years on she is finally starting to feel like she could move on with her life, she'll never forget Rob but she doesn't want to be alone forever either. Rob left Alyssa a letter for when she was ready and when she discovers it contains 30 cards with sexy instructions to help build her confidence she just needs to find someone to test them out with. Then Harrison moves into her apartment complex on a short term lease and she realises he's perfect, not only is he completely gorgeous but he'll be gone in three months so she doesn't have to risk getting her heart involved in a rebound relationship.
30 Days was a beautiful, heartfelt story that shows it is possible to move on with your life even after suffering the most terrible tragedy. It was obvious how much Alyssa had loved Rob and how hard she found even the thought of moving on but at the same time she deserved to find happiness again and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell both emotionally and sexually. She was obviously very young and inexperienced when she met Rob and it seemed like even though they were best friends and very compatible they never had enough time to fully explore each other sexually. Rob wanted Alyssa to be able to push her boundaries and find out what she really enjoys and the cards were his way of helping her move on. At first I thought it would be a bit weird having Rob's presence in her current relationship in the form of the cards but it was actually handled really well and I think Alyssa found Rob's continued support rather comforting.
Harrison was a great character too, he was obviously more than happy to let Alyssa experiment on him and I enjoyed the fun banter between the couple. He had his own secrets and reasons for keeping Alyssa at arms length and I would really have loved to be able to get inside his head and see exactly why he reacted the way he did sometimes. I think that would have helped me connect with them as a couple even more but even without it I still thought they fit well together and I believed that they would make a good couple. Christine d'Abo always writes great sex scenes and she didn't disappoint me here, 30 Days was a sweet and emotional story but it was also funny and hot as hell. The cards certainly gave me a few ideas that I'd like to try out in the future!
30 Days was a beautiful, heartfelt story that shows it is possible to move on with your life even after suffering the most terrible tragedy. It was obvious how much Alyssa had loved Rob and how hard she found even the thought of moving on but at the same time she deserved to find happiness again and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell both emotionally and sexually. She was obviously very young and inexperienced when she met Rob and it seemed like even though they were best friends and very compatible they never had enough time to fully explore each other sexually. Rob wanted Alyssa to be able to push her boundaries and find out what she really enjoys and the cards were his way of helping her move on. At first I thought it would be a bit weird having Rob's presence in her current relationship in the form of the cards but it was actually handled really well and I think Alyssa found Rob's continued support rather comforting.
Harrison was a great character too, he was obviously more than happy to let Alyssa experiment on him and I enjoyed the fun banter between the couple. He had his own secrets and reasons for keeping Alyssa at arms length and I would really have loved to be able to get inside his head and see exactly why he reacted the way he did sometimes. I think that would have helped me connect with them as a couple even more but even without it I still thought they fit well together and I believed that they would make a good couple. Christine d'Abo always writes great sex scenes and she didn't disappoint me here, 30 Days was a sweet and emotional story but it was also funny and hot as hell. The cards certainly gave me a few ideas that I'd like to try out in the future!
November 21, 2016
While the premise makes this book sound pretty intense, it's actually quite lovely. The heroine's husband has died of cancer two years before and Alyssa is just reaching a point where she could consider perhaps dating again. Harrison, the hero, has some hang-ups of his own that we don't fully understand until later in the book, but since it's first person from Alyssa's perspective, we're not as intimately aware of his struggles.
Alyssa's husband left her with some sexy index cards--things for her to try when she thought she might be ready to move on. And when she meets Harrison, she decides he's the guy to reenter the dating world with. This makes for some pretty hot sexytimes. But there's also a strong emotional component, both between Alyssa and Harrison and in Alyssa getting past all the complex emotions of having sex with someone other than the husband she adored. I thought the story could go one of two ways: hot sex or kind of a downer considering all the grief. But D'Abo managed the balance exceptionally well. She doesn't ignore the difficult aspects of the story she's telling, but it doesn't overwhelm it either. It ends up being a really upbeat and life-affirming, if poignant book. And also sexy. Really the best of what erotic romance can be. You can count me a fan.
The second book, 30 Nights, is pricier, but honestly? I already bought it. This was just such a strong effort that I couldn't resist. And I'm kind of a sucker for a shy girl finding her voice, which seems to be where the next one is headed. All the love.
Alyssa's husband left her with some sexy index cards--things for her to try when she thought she might be ready to move on. And when she meets Harrison, she decides he's the guy to reenter the dating world with. This makes for some pretty hot sexytimes. But there's also a strong emotional component, both between Alyssa and Harrison and in Alyssa getting past all the complex emotions of having sex with someone other than the husband she adored. I thought the story could go one of two ways: hot sex or kind of a downer considering all the grief. But D'Abo managed the balance exceptionally well. She doesn't ignore the difficult aspects of the story she's telling, but it doesn't overwhelm it either. It ends up being a really upbeat and life-affirming, if poignant book. And also sexy. Really the best of what erotic romance can be. You can count me a fan.
The second book, 30 Nights, is pricier, but honestly? I already bought it. This was just such a strong effort that I couldn't resist. And I'm kind of a sucker for a shy girl finding her voice, which seems to be where the next one is headed. All the love.
July 22, 2015
Reviewed on: Where the Night Kind Roam
I really enjoyed this book. It’s like an erotic P.S. I Love you. The beginning of the book had me in full tears and close to tears throughout the book. D'Abo grabs you right away with the story. Both characters were fun and supportive. The internal struggles of both Alyssa and Harrison were believable. Alyssa may have gotten in a bit too deep too fast for my tastes but given her inexperience with men and relationships it was pretty believable. I liked how D'Abo worked in the cards in a fun and legitimate way so it didn't seem as creepy as it could have. The cards took us on Alyssa’s sexu-cation and like a voyeur we got to watch as Alyssa got to explore some of her deepest fantasies, some of which she didn’t even know she had for herself. Harrison is an excellent guide who is both patient and demanding. If I was to have a sexual guide I’d want him to be like Harrison. The six pack wouldn’t hurt either! LOL
I've always enjoyed D'Abo's erotica novels and this one was no exception. I would totally read it again and even read the next in the series tho I was really hoping for Alyssa's sister HEA. She is a great side character that you really want to find love.
Received for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book. It’s like an erotic P.S. I Love you. The beginning of the book had me in full tears and close to tears throughout the book. D'Abo grabs you right away with the story. Both characters were fun and supportive. The internal struggles of both Alyssa and Harrison were believable. Alyssa may have gotten in a bit too deep too fast for my tastes but given her inexperience with men and relationships it was pretty believable. I liked how D'Abo worked in the cards in a fun and legitimate way so it didn't seem as creepy as it could have. The cards took us on Alyssa’s sexu-cation and like a voyeur we got to watch as Alyssa got to explore some of her deepest fantasies, some of which she didn’t even know she had for herself. Harrison is an excellent guide who is both patient and demanding. If I was to have a sexual guide I’d want him to be like Harrison. The six pack wouldn’t hurt either! LOL
I've always enjoyed D'Abo's erotica novels and this one was no exception. I would totally read it again and even read the next in the series tho I was really hoping for Alyssa's sister HEA. She is a great side character that you really want to find love.
Received for an honest review
June 10, 2015
After losing her husband to cancer two years prior, Alyssa is finally ready to move past the grieving point in her life. The grief of losing your soul mate seems impossible for Alyssa to move past, but fortunately for her.. Rob had a plan. He created a 30 days of sex game for Alyssa to help her move on once she is ready.
When Alyssa finds herself checking out her new neighbor, she decides to give Rob's cards a try.
Now if she can only get past day one and stick to the rules.
I love, love, loved this book! I honestly thought this would be more on the lines of P.S. I love you, but it wasn't!
This is a super sexy read. Harrison is smoking hot! The author did a good job with details.
I enjoyed the humor and playfulness of this book as well.
Will be adding this one to my favorites and looking for more books by this author in the future!
This is a 2015 MUST READ!
** I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
When Alyssa finds herself checking out her new neighbor, she decides to give Rob's cards a try.
Now if she can only get past day one and stick to the rules.
I love, love, loved this book! I honestly thought this would be more on the lines of P.S. I love you, but it wasn't!
This is a super sexy read. Harrison is smoking hot! The author did a good job with details.
I enjoyed the humor and playfulness of this book as well.
Will be adding this one to my favorites and looking for more books by this author in the future!
This is a 2015 MUST READ!
** I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
October 5, 2015
This was a maybe book for me. The premise sounded like it might work for me, but it might not either. I've had good luck with the author in the past, so I thought it was time to give it a go.
I will start out that this book has a lot of sex in it, but it needs to as it plays a big part of the story. In fact, it seems like sex should be a character itself.
I really liked that Rob left the cards for Alyssa, that he was sort of forcing her to move on. Alyssa's reaction to them was great and about what you thought would happen. I actually didn't think that she would go through with them. Harrison seemed to be just the catalyst needed to embrace the idea of the cards.
I thought Harrison was great for Alyssa, but did see where he got some of the issues he did. I was glad that both of Harrison and Alyssa were forced to confront their issues. Loved how the cards came back into play but in a whole different way.
I will start out that this book has a lot of sex in it, but it needs to as it plays a big part of the story. In fact, it seems like sex should be a character itself.
I really liked that Rob left the cards for Alyssa, that he was sort of forcing her to move on. Alyssa's reaction to them was great and about what you thought would happen. I actually didn't think that she would go through with them. Harrison seemed to be just the catalyst needed to embrace the idea of the cards.
I thought Harrison was great for Alyssa, but did see where he got some of the issues he did. I was glad that both of Harrison and Alyssa were forced to confront their issues. Loved how the cards came back into play but in a whole different way.
August 6, 2015
***4.5 STARS***
Alyssa Barrow's husband died after battling cancer, he left her a sexy game plan for 30 days with instructions for 30 days of passion.
"You'll know when the time is right." Wow what a beautiful strong message he left for his wife!!
2 years later she meets her HOT, SEXY new neighbour Harrison Kemp. She then asked him to help her to fulfil her husband's card game.... Wow, she's one brave lady!!
I thought it would be similar to the film I've watch - P.S I Love You as I enjoyed watching the movie.... How wrong was I??? This story is WAY better than the movie!! I was surprised as I didn't think it would but its erotic details really does it justice!
*Note: ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Alyssa Barrow's husband died after battling cancer, he left her a sexy game plan for 30 days with instructions for 30 days of passion.
"You'll know when the time is right." Wow what a beautiful strong message he left for his wife!!
2 years later she meets her HOT, SEXY new neighbour Harrison Kemp. She then asked him to help her to fulfil her husband's card game.... Wow, she's one brave lady!!
I thought it would be similar to the film I've watch - P.S I Love You as I enjoyed watching the movie.... How wrong was I??? This story is WAY better than the movie!! I was surprised as I didn't think it would but its erotic details really does it justice!
*Note: ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
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