When the author warned fans that this series wasn’t like her usual, lighter rom-coms she wasn’t joking around. Exhibitionism, voyeurism and other men and women joining in on the hanky panky gave this story plenty of kick as well as kink and while it’s not normally something I’d probably pick up normally unless I was in a particular mood, I really enjoyed it. There was still some of usual laughs and sarcasm scattered throughout this quick read that Tawna Fenske always does well, but the spice level was definitely ramped up a heck of a lot. Like, va va voooooom, put your e-reader down and check if anyone is watching you while you read kind of heat.
While this is a novella, the author still managed to throw a well-developed relationship in. Both main characters had their own hang-ups, ultimately just looking for acceptance for who they were (and in Kyla’s case, what she liked). The main couple, Aidan and Kyla, are neighbours with the former being able to see key parts of the latter’s house. Having only recently moved in, Kyla has noticed Aidan and the attraction is heavy between the two, even when they haven’t actually spoken to each other. When Kyla brings home a one-night stand and puts on a show for Aidan, he can’t believe his luck…until things go further and Kyla shows him in no uncertain terms that she likes an audience during smexy times, whether she has company or not (yep, there’s a good amount of self-love). Even better – she likes to watch him, too. While some readers might be a bit hesitant with the lead characters getting intimate with others both pre and post relationship, I’d still recommend you pick this book up (to be clear, it’s only one other female before Aidan and Kyla have properly gotten together and there’s a mmmf scene – all are aware of their kink and are into it themselves so the intimate scenes are very transparent). It’s not my thing either and I generally actively avoid any novels with other man/woman action at any stage in the story but it was done really well here. The author established a relationship built on trust, love and acceptance and not only was it a steamy, entertaining read, it was done respectfully and tastefully. It was really refreshing to have a female lead who loves sex and kink that was really written well without any shaming that normally gets dragged both wittingly and unwittingly in by authors. The consent factor was also done exceptionally well here, too.
There’s also a bit of role play and domination thrown in for good measure, but the main theme was exhibitionism which the couple embrace in safe and consensual ways. I loved how Aidan, in his own words, was secure enough to share, wanting pleasure for his partner and generally just a great character as he (as well as Kyla) approached their sex lives maturely and without jealousy. And even though others were involved a couple of times, the focus was still Kyla and Aidan. The book isn’t overly heavy on plot due to the short time span the relationship takes place within as well as the size of the book but it was an entertaining read, especially since it isn’t something I’d normally try. And my new favourite phrase: peen cuisine. Too good.