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Libellule's #3
The Doors We Open
With her divorce papers burning a hole in her handbag, respectable pay clerk and mother of two Eloise Carter can’t wait to escape the closeted life she’s lost herself in.
An exclusive club that caters to women opens Eloise up to a thrilling new world.
There, she discovers freedom, desire…and the mysterious Savannah Sloane.
Meeting the six-foot-tall woman, with her long black hair, seductive green eyes, and moves like a panther, Eloise becomes lost in a whole other way.
Their no-strings-attached arrangement seems perfect until Eloise finds out Savannah has some real-world connections with her daughter. There is no way she can keep seeing Savannah after that…no matter how tempting it is.
Fate may have other ideas.
A lesbian romance about finding your heart after coming out later in life.
An exclusive club that caters to women opens Eloise up to a thrilling new world.
There, she discovers freedom, desire…and the mysterious Savannah Sloane.
Meeting the six-foot-tall woman, with her long black hair, seductive green eyes, and moves like a panther, Eloise becomes lost in a whole other way.
Their no-strings-attached arrangement seems perfect until Eloise finds out Savannah has some real-world connections with her daughter. There is no way she can keep seeing Savannah after that…no matter how tempting it is.
Fate may have other ideas.
A lesbian romance about finding your heart after coming out later in life.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
38 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jay
39 books461 followersIn 2016, Donna Jay published her first sapphic romance. Since then, she has published eighteen more books, three of which made the number one spot in lesbian fiction.
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
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May 9, 2023Available now - https://books2read.com/u/47VVaR
March 20, 2023
This book is part of the Libelulle universe. It wasn't as intense as the other two books and had far less interesting and complex supporting characters. There were some loose ends that I wish were addressed . I think the book would have benefited from being a bit longer and exploring Eloise and Savannah's relationship in more depth.
February 23, 2023
One of the things I love the most about Donna Jay‘s books is how they are never the same. It’s like you are taken on a beautiful but different ride and will be surprised a few times until the end. At least that’s how I feel. Of course there are also things that will always be there like the beautiful way she describes her country New Zealand and her wonderful humour. Another thing I know is that I get to meet characters with lots of depth with whom I will fall in love with. Ok ok, it’s totally possible that once in a while there is a side character I hate from the bottom of my heart, but honestly I think that makes me love the other characters and cheer for them even more. ☺️
If I would have to tell you in a short way how I felt about it I would just say I adore it and I adore the characters. But of course I won’t only tell you in a short way how much I adore this story nope because that’s not me. And I’m going to start a bit differently than usual which means I start with a side character. What I mentioned above about hating one of them once in a while is totally what happened to me this time. The thing is without this character the book wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is, so yeah I’m even grateful for that one. ☺️
There is another side character I totally adored which is Eloise teenage daughter Mackenzie. I got attached to her right from the start and loved her interactions with her mum. You just feel what a close relationship they have. Of course also with their difficulties but all in all they know what they have in each other and they stick together. So and now you probably ask yourself when is she finally going to say something about the main characters. ☺️ Your wish is my command, but before I do that I wanna say that if you read the book you will understand why I pointed out two side characters.
So Eloise, I mean her name itself is already beautiful and I don’t think there is any way not to fall in love with her. As deeply insecure as she is at the beginning of the book, the way she grows including discovering her sexuality until the end is just wonderful and made me so happy. I don’t wanna reveal too much or give away any spoilers but I think what I can say is that her marriage definitely took its toll on her. I think her journey is a bit of a butterfly or more the journey of a caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly one day. 🥰
On her way to herself Eloise meets Savannah. What she didn’t plan is to see Savannah again after this one time, but in a small town it’s totally possible you stumble across each other again and if the pull is so strong it’s hard to ignore it. Without giving too much away I wanna say that I love how Donna Jay tackled some scenes. Like she went a different path than many most of other authors would have done. What she also did to me with Savannah‘s story was make me cry. She totally got me there and touched me deeply. I loved how the layers were slowly uncovered and I fell even more for this woman. What I have to say here that even if we only get Eloise POV, Donna was able to describe Savannah in a way I still felt like I knew her just as much as I did Eloise at the end. For me this something I definitely wanna point out, because that’s not an easy thing to do.
Because I really don’t wanna give away any spoilers I am going to stop my review here, but not before I tell you that you really need to read this story. This story deserves to be read. I already know that this will be one of my favourite stories this year and hope that many other readers will feel the same.
Donna Jay once again did an incredible job with this book and I couldn’t be more grateful for her storytelling.
If I would have to tell you in a short way how I felt about it I would just say I adore it and I adore the characters. But of course I won’t only tell you in a short way how much I adore this story nope because that’s not me. And I’m going to start a bit differently than usual which means I start with a side character. What I mentioned above about hating one of them once in a while is totally what happened to me this time. The thing is without this character the book wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is, so yeah I’m even grateful for that one. ☺️
There is another side character I totally adored which is Eloise teenage daughter Mackenzie. I got attached to her right from the start and loved her interactions with her mum. You just feel what a close relationship they have. Of course also with their difficulties but all in all they know what they have in each other and they stick together. So and now you probably ask yourself when is she finally going to say something about the main characters. ☺️ Your wish is my command, but before I do that I wanna say that if you read the book you will understand why I pointed out two side characters.
So Eloise, I mean her name itself is already beautiful and I don’t think there is any way not to fall in love with her. As deeply insecure as she is at the beginning of the book, the way she grows including discovering her sexuality until the end is just wonderful and made me so happy. I don’t wanna reveal too much or give away any spoilers but I think what I can say is that her marriage definitely took its toll on her. I think her journey is a bit of a butterfly or more the journey of a caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly one day. 🥰
On her way to herself Eloise meets Savannah. What she didn’t plan is to see Savannah again after this one time, but in a small town it’s totally possible you stumble across each other again and if the pull is so strong it’s hard to ignore it. Without giving too much away I wanna say that I love how Donna Jay tackled some scenes. Like she went a different path than many most of other authors would have done. What she also did to me with Savannah‘s story was make me cry. She totally got me there and touched me deeply. I loved how the layers were slowly uncovered and I fell even more for this woman. What I have to say here that even if we only get Eloise POV, Donna was able to describe Savannah in a way I still felt like I knew her just as much as I did Eloise at the end. For me this something I definitely wanna point out, because that’s not an easy thing to do.
Because I really don’t wanna give away any spoilers I am going to stop my review here, but not before I tell you that you really need to read this story. This story deserves to be read. I already know that this will be one of my favourite stories this year and hope that many other readers will feel the same.
Donna Jay once again did an incredible job with this book and I couldn’t be more grateful for her storytelling.
February 25, 2023
My heart always has a special place for Donna Jay’s book. I love her little quirk from here and there. This is a perfect book for the weekend. It’s Heartwarming, fluffy, and low angst. I love how it involves the Libellule’s universe(which is also my favorite series from Jay). Highly recommend!
June 13, 2023
The Doors We Open starts with a bang. Freshly divorced, Eloise treats herself to a session at Libellule’s, to explore her desires with both kinky sex and women. After a fantastic introduction to this new world by the super hot Savannah, Eloise can’t get her out of her mind. And because that would be too simple a plot, the next time Eloise sees her, she realizes that Savannah is also Ms Sloane, her daughter’s new soccer coach.
I love kink when it’s well-written and Donna Jay is a safe bet on that front. As I’ve stated before, we don’t have the same sense of humour and some of the funny stuff fell flat for me but that’s a very personal thing, and not enough to keep me away from the author’s books. The first book in this series – The Secrets We Keep – is my favourite book by Donna Jay and I enjoyed the second one – The People We Trust – a lot too so I had to read this third one. And I had a really good time with it.
Besides the kinky scenes, I liked the relationship between Eloise and her children very much, especially with her daughter Mackenzie. It’s in these moments, with her children, with her ex, that the character shows the most nuance, the complexities of parenting, of standing for one’s own and for one’s kids. Navigating the balance between keeping them safe and giving them space to think for themselves.
The romance works well too, I enjoyed the contrast between a very experienced, slightly younger woman and one who is finally allowing herself to be who she wants to be, albeit later in life. Both have baggage and want to give a relationship a chance in a way that is new to both of them. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s not, especially when one of the people involved is a sex worker, which brings a whole set of delicate situations to negociate. Respect and communication are key and – it bears repeating – sexy.
I have a couple of issues (some parts are too black and white, some are a bit rushed, and why invent a story about how they met when it would be very easy to say Savannah is Mackenzie’s soccer coach?) but all in all, this was an enjoyable read. And I love that it’s set in New Zealand, as usual, and that I get to travel and discover places and food and habits that are not familiar to me. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy through LezReviewBooks and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
June 4, 2023
Probably closer to 3.5. I didn’t feel a huge connection between the two MCs, so I struggled sometimes with the steamy scenes. I will say it’s a standard Donna Jay book aka expect some kink but it wasn’t overdone or as much as I’ve remembered from the other books of hers I’ve read. Still enjoyed it, was just wanting to read more about their feelings and connection.
March 25, 2025
3.5.
I’m really torn about this book.
I loved how Savannah and Eloise worked through their relationship issues—it was funny and sweet, and seeing Eloise’s friends and family support her coming out was heartwarming. It was refreshing to read a story about a woman coming out later in life, and I appreciated how it tackled the ignorant stereotype that bisexuals are just “confused lesbians.” On the downside, the mix of American and British terms was really distracting, and the ending didn’t wrap things up properly, leaving key issues unresolved, like Eloise’s strained relationship with her son. Also, the cover was a huge miss—the woman on it looked nothing like the characters, and she seemed way younger than they’re supposed to be. Stock photos aren’t always the way to go!
I’m really torn about this book.
I loved how Savannah and Eloise worked through their relationship issues—it was funny and sweet, and seeing Eloise’s friends and family support her coming out was heartwarming. It was refreshing to read a story about a woman coming out later in life, and I appreciated how it tackled the ignorant stereotype that bisexuals are just “confused lesbians.” On the downside, the mix of American and British terms was really distracting, and the ending didn’t wrap things up properly, leaving key issues unresolved, like Eloise’s strained relationship with her son. Also, the cover was a huge miss—the woman on it looked nothing like the characters, and she seemed way younger than they’re supposed to be. Stock photos aren’t always the way to go!
March 16, 2023
The Doors We Open by Donna Jay is a coming out in later life steamy romance that deals with family, love and life.
Eloise has been in the closet all her life. But now she’s divorced, her kids are older and she’s ready to have some fun.
After booking an appointment at Libellule’s an exclusive club that caters to women, she discovers what she’s been missing. Just one visit is all she needed, or so she thought. But after spending an hour with the gorgeous Savannah she realises that she may need more. But then she finds out that Savannah has ties to her teenage daughter and Eloise isn’t sure that she’s ready for any complications, she just wants fun doesn’t she?
However when she keeps crossing paths with Savannah the pull is to strong to resist, there’s something there, a spark, chemistry! And if Eloise and Savannah are brave enough there might just be a happy ending.
I think this is one of my favourite Donna Jay books so far. I loved the storyline and the characters. I really enjoyed that we got to see the journey Eloise and Savannah go on to become a happy couple. This book is low on anguish and high on heat (this is not a book you can read at work, or in the hairdressers, as o discovered lol). It’s sweet and fun and one of those books that just takes you away from reality. The author does a great job at navigating Eloise’s thoughts and feelings while coming out in later life- it’s not all drama and she doesn’t struggle with it, she’s a strong independent woman who knows what and who she wants and even though she has moments of insecurity, she deals with them and is brave enough to overcome them. I really liked getting to know her and felt honoured to share her journey.
This book has a great balance of super steamy scenes, moments of navigating family dynamics and fun with friends and family! It’s a book to cheer you up and give you hope.
I totally recommend this if your looking for some spice with out the drama and want to feel all warm and fuzzy after you’ve read it .
Eloise has been in the closet all her life. But now she’s divorced, her kids are older and she’s ready to have some fun.
After booking an appointment at Libellule’s an exclusive club that caters to women, she discovers what she’s been missing. Just one visit is all she needed, or so she thought. But after spending an hour with the gorgeous Savannah she realises that she may need more. But then she finds out that Savannah has ties to her teenage daughter and Eloise isn’t sure that she’s ready for any complications, she just wants fun doesn’t she?
However when she keeps crossing paths with Savannah the pull is to strong to resist, there’s something there, a spark, chemistry! And if Eloise and Savannah are brave enough there might just be a happy ending.
I think this is one of my favourite Donna Jay books so far. I loved the storyline and the characters. I really enjoyed that we got to see the journey Eloise and Savannah go on to become a happy couple. This book is low on anguish and high on heat (this is not a book you can read at work, or in the hairdressers, as o discovered lol). It’s sweet and fun and one of those books that just takes you away from reality. The author does a great job at navigating Eloise’s thoughts and feelings while coming out in later life- it’s not all drama and she doesn’t struggle with it, she’s a strong independent woman who knows what and who she wants and even though she has moments of insecurity, she deals with them and is brave enough to overcome them. I really liked getting to know her and felt honoured to share her journey.
This book has a great balance of super steamy scenes, moments of navigating family dynamics and fun with friends and family! It’s a book to cheer you up and give you hope.
I totally recommend this if your looking for some spice with out the drama and want to feel all warm and fuzzy after you’ve read it .
June 28, 2024
This is the third (and final?) book in Donna Jay's series about the workers and clientele of Libellule's, a beauty parlour that fronts a discreet "club" run by women for women, where a range of intimate and kinky services are available for a price.
Eloise is a recently divorced mother of two. She is gay and has always known, but she accepted her ex-husband's proposal when she fell pregnant. Their daughter was born, and a son soon after, and she stayed in a less-than-happy marriage for many years for the sake of the kids. Now, her daughter (16) lives with her, and her son (15) lives with his father, her ex-husband.
Eloise has come to Libellule's to experience sex with a woman, something she has always wanted and never had.
This is the story of Eloise's sexual self-discovery and of her "coming out" to family and friends. It is the story of the woman she meets at Libellule's, who she again meets in her family life, and how their sex-worker/client relationship evolves through dating into love. It is also the story of how Eloise's marriage finally broke down and how she deals with the effect of that breakdown on each of her children.
Donna Jay's writing brings feels, heat, and a particular flavour of New Zealand to her stories. It's all here, with a touch of kink for good measure.
Each of the books in this series stands alone, and this book can be enjoyed without knowledge of the two previously published books.
Eloise is a recently divorced mother of two. She is gay and has always known, but she accepted her ex-husband's proposal when she fell pregnant. Their daughter was born, and a son soon after, and she stayed in a less-than-happy marriage for many years for the sake of the kids. Now, her daughter (16) lives with her, and her son (15) lives with his father, her ex-husband.
Eloise has come to Libellule's to experience sex with a woman, something she has always wanted and never had.
This is the story of Eloise's sexual self-discovery and of her "coming out" to family and friends. It is the story of the woman she meets at Libellule's, who she again meets in her family life, and how their sex-worker/client relationship evolves through dating into love. It is also the story of how Eloise's marriage finally broke down and how she deals with the effect of that breakdown on each of her children.
Donna Jay's writing brings feels, heat, and a particular flavour of New Zealand to her stories. It's all here, with a touch of kink for good measure.
Each of the books in this series stands alone, and this book can be enjoyed without knowledge of the two previously published books.
February 26, 2023
I had no idea this book is book 3 of the Libellule’s series. I remember reading book 1 and enjoying it a lot! And I enjoyed this one as well. Not as intense, but good nonetheless. And loved that it had almost no angst. A nice afternoon read.
February 9, 2023
I always enjoy Donna Jay novels and this one is great.
The is the third book in Libellule’s world. Each book can be read separately but it’s great to read them so you get to know how it all comes together.
Eloise is a woman who wants a change after her divorce is final and boy does she find it. Savannah is Eloise’s ticket to that change. But nothing is simple even when you keep telling yourself it is. The heat between these two women is scorching hot. As Eloise is trying to find her way on what she feels and wants from Savannah, they find themselves in some rather amusing situations.
This has everything you expect from a Donna Jay novel, great characters, hot sex and a solid story. Do yourself a favour and grab this one.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a frank review.
February 25, 2023
This is another well written book in the Libellule world. If you haven't read the others yet, you need to. Not to connect with this book, just because they are wonderful. Eloise is a newly divorced mother. She has 2 teenage children. The daughter stayed with her. Her son went with her ex-husband. Eloise was always attracted to females, but life happened. Savannah works at Libellule. Eloise's first foray back into the lesbian lifestyle is an appointment with Savanah. They connect in a good way. And Donna takes them on adventure from there. She always has wonderful characters, I wish I could know them for real. I love learning more about the New Zealand country. Also, the language. I find it enjoyable. I always look forward to a new entry in the Donna Jay library. I highly recommend this book. And all of Donna's books.
February 25, 2023
Awesome story
This was a great book. It was unique and enjoyable to read.
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
This was a great book. It was unique and enjoyable to read.
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
February 26, 2023
This is the third installment of the Libellule series and IMHO the best one! This time the story is told in the client’s POV. You are absolutely going to fall in love with Eloise and Savannah. They meet in Libellule and the attraction is instant. Eloise swears she won’t be back…Savannah knows otherwise. Eloise finds out that Savannah is her daughter’s coach. Find out how that goes. You’ll definitely want to go on this journey with them.
Donna has outdone herself once again…I don’t know how she keeps doing that! The Doors We Open has become one of my favorite books…not just of Donna’s…but of all the books I’ve ever read! Donna has created two of my favorite characters…I’m sure they’ll be yours as well! I highly recommend this book!
Donna has outdone herself once again…I don’t know how she keeps doing that! The Doors We Open has become one of my favorite books…not just of Donna’s…but of all the books I’ve ever read! Donna has created two of my favorite characters…I’m sure they’ll be yours as well! I highly recommend this book!
February 26, 2023
Loved it!!🥰
WoW!! So it's finally finish 😥
This was such an amazing read. This is book 3 from the "Libellule's Series'" by Donna Jay. It does mention briefly of other characters from the 2 previous books, but this one was sweet, yet spicy at the same time. Eloise who is divorced with 2 pre-teens & an ex-husband comes out later in life. Savannah who is six foot tall, long black hair & moved like panther. I loved how the story of Eloise & Savannah wasn't rushed & you could really connect with them. Eloise is hilarious & awkward at times throughout the book, but most of these are just her thoughts which made me laugh & also giggle like a teenager again of what goes through her head. I love her relationships with both her children MacKenzie & Jack. But I have to say their mother & daughter relationship is sweet & funny. This is one of my favorite books I've read this year & would highly recommend it, I won't have any spikers in my review apart from apart of the book which made me laugh. Go buy it & I can guarantee you won't be disappointed, just sad it's finished & now I want more 🥰
“Hi, Mrs Carter.”
“Hi, Bobby. Nice to see you.”
“Can I tell her?” Mackenzie asked. Eloise nodded. “Mum just came out,” she said in a rush.
“Out of where?”
“The closet.”
Bobby’s eyes went wide. “You put your mother in a closet?”
“No!” Mackenzie sounded exasperated. Bobby bumped her shoulder. “I get it.”
She turned to Eloise. “Congrats.”
WoW!! So it's finally finish 😥
This was such an amazing read. This is book 3 from the "Libellule's Series'" by Donna Jay. It does mention briefly of other characters from the 2 previous books, but this one was sweet, yet spicy at the same time. Eloise who is divorced with 2 pre-teens & an ex-husband comes out later in life. Savannah who is six foot tall, long black hair & moved like panther. I loved how the story of Eloise & Savannah wasn't rushed & you could really connect with them. Eloise is hilarious & awkward at times throughout the book, but most of these are just her thoughts which made me laugh & also giggle like a teenager again of what goes through her head. I love her relationships with both her children MacKenzie & Jack. But I have to say their mother & daughter relationship is sweet & funny. This is one of my favorite books I've read this year & would highly recommend it, I won't have any spikers in my review apart from apart of the book which made me laugh. Go buy it & I can guarantee you won't be disappointed, just sad it's finished & now I want more 🥰
“Hi, Mrs Carter.”
“Hi, Bobby. Nice to see you.”
“Can I tell her?” Mackenzie asked. Eloise nodded. “Mum just came out,” she said in a rush.
“Out of where?”
“The closet.”
Bobby’s eyes went wide. “You put your mother in a closet?”
“No!” Mackenzie sounded exasperated. Bobby bumped her shoulder. “I get it.”
She turned to Eloise. “Congrats.”
March 5, 2023
In this new book from Donna Jay, we meet Eloise, unshackled from a loveless marriage, mother of two teenagers, wanting to finally embrace the lesbian inside herself that she knew of and is now free to act on. On a dating app she meets up with someone who brags that she is a gold star lesbian and then mocks the newbie lesbian Eloise. No way is being insulted going to inhibit Eloise’s intentions to spread her wings.
Even though this book is not a sequel to the Libeluelle series, we do meet a new employee when, you guessed it, Eloise, amusingly happy that she’ll never have to sleep with another man, boldly and determinedly books a session with a gorgeous sex worker, Savannah, a strikingly beautiful and sexy six foot tall woman with jet black hair, green eyes, an arm of tantalizing tattoos and completely dressed in black.
Eloise and Savannah have a budding relationship, and the intrigue begins when everyone realizes that Savannah has a role in Eloise’s daughter’s life. How they know each other and how it affects everyone provides for very interesting and fun reading, as both of these ladies had many layers that would take time to unearth and learn about each other.
There are some other important characters in this book.
MacKenzie, Eloise’s delightful 15 yr old daughter, lives with her mum. They have a very special relationship.
And Jack, her 14 yr old son, lives with his father, who is a bitter, disruptive, misogynist man.
This book had some laugh-out-loud moments and some touching moments that tugged at my heartstrings. The Doors We Open is very well-done and I absolutely enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for what’s next.
I love reading Donna Jay’s books because her writing is just so smooth. The stories unfold easily and her clever, witty comments and puns keep me smiling.
Donna, thank you for sharing your brilliant and entertaining words with us.
Even though this book is not a sequel to the Libeluelle series, we do meet a new employee when, you guessed it, Eloise, amusingly happy that she’ll never have to sleep with another man, boldly and determinedly books a session with a gorgeous sex worker, Savannah, a strikingly beautiful and sexy six foot tall woman with jet black hair, green eyes, an arm of tantalizing tattoos and completely dressed in black.
Eloise and Savannah have a budding relationship, and the intrigue begins when everyone realizes that Savannah has a role in Eloise’s daughter’s life. How they know each other and how it affects everyone provides for very interesting and fun reading, as both of these ladies had many layers that would take time to unearth and learn about each other.
There are some other important characters in this book.
MacKenzie, Eloise’s delightful 15 yr old daughter, lives with her mum. They have a very special relationship.
And Jack, her 14 yr old son, lives with his father, who is a bitter, disruptive, misogynist man.
This book had some laugh-out-loud moments and some touching moments that tugged at my heartstrings. The Doors We Open is very well-done and I absolutely enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for what’s next.
I love reading Donna Jay’s books because her writing is just so smooth. The stories unfold easily and her clever, witty comments and puns keep me smiling.
Donna, thank you for sharing your brilliant and entertaining words with us.
February 28, 2023
Anew life with a new door of possibilities to be yourself.
Eloise has lived her life to please everyone but her. A new door of life for her to walk through. It is not going to be a walk in the park. Part of that new door is Savannah, who will help her explore the person she wants to be.
I just really dislike ex husband and that Jack is not told much truth as he chose to live with the manipulation of Dad. It affects so much and doing a number on relationships. Of course it makes for one amazing story with so many feels. Hot connections for the MC'S, some teenager's trying to navigate life being more adult then some adults. I really loved the coming out late story that was just so much more. I closed the book wishing Jack had someone in his corner that helped him work through some tough emotions. I loved this romance between two very strong women who found themselves ad each other!!
Eloise has lived her life to please everyone but her. A new door of life for her to walk through. It is not going to be a walk in the park. Part of that new door is Savannah, who will help her explore the person she wants to be.
I just really dislike ex husband and that Jack is not told much truth as he chose to live with the manipulation of Dad. It affects so much and doing a number on relationships. Of course it makes for one amazing story with so many feels. Hot connections for the MC'S, some teenager's trying to navigate life being more adult then some adults. I really loved the coming out late story that was just so much more. I closed the book wishing Jack had someone in his corner that helped him work through some tough emotions. I loved this romance between two very strong women who found themselves ad each other!!
June 4, 2023
Donna Jay is, hands down, one of my favorite authors of lesbian romance. She always tells a wonderful story, populated by realistic characters, and she does so with both emotional and physical intimacy. In reading her books, you feel what these characters are feeling, but you also feel for them.
While The Doors We Open isn't a direct sequel to The Secrets we Keep or The People we Trust, it is connected to them by Libellule's, the exclusive club for women looking to indulge their fantasies with other women. It's here that Eloise meets Savannah, but what was only meant to be a one-time celebration of her newfound freedom threatens to grow into something more - an awkward prospect for two women who aren't looking for relationships.
Donna sets the mood beautifully in that first erotic encounter, balancing sexuality against sensuality, and confidence against awkwardness. There's a lot of erotic power to the scene, but there's a lot of personality too. We get to know a little something about these women, and we see a dynamic there that we can't help but want to see develop. For all their professionalism and confidentiality, Eloise and Savannah have serious chemistry. We know it won't be their only meeting, and we're eager to discover how and when they'll meet again.
In many ways, this is a book about contrasts - characters, themes, relationships, and more. There's an erotic flair beneath the sweet romance, which is surrounded by heartfelt family drama, and that in turn carries its shadows of grief and loss. I don't want to oversell that, because this is a happy, hopeful story, but the reality of our pasts and how the choices we made shape who we've become is important to the story.
I felt such a kinship for Eloise, such sympathy for her whole life experience. She's a strong, selfless woman, and how she comes out as a lesbian after a broken marriage is admirable. I'm not sure I could find such courage or self-confidence in myself. Savannah is admirable as well, for different reasons, but where I felt kinship for Eloise, Savannah elicited heart-racing desire. Whether it's as a Mistress, friend, or lover, she has a way of taking charge and . . . well, not necessarily controlling, but perhaps leading the moment. I could my heart and soul to her.
The Doors We Open doesn't overstay its welcome trying to tie up every single loose end, but rather leaves the story at a natural conclusion for Eloise and Savannah. I'm sure some readers may be left with questions about Eloise's ex-husband, but this isn't his story, and his fate has no bearing on that of the women with whom we've fallen in love. It's a beautiful book, and one I highly recommend.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/...
While The Doors We Open isn't a direct sequel to The Secrets we Keep or The People we Trust, it is connected to them by Libellule's, the exclusive club for women looking to indulge their fantasies with other women. It's here that Eloise meets Savannah, but what was only meant to be a one-time celebration of her newfound freedom threatens to grow into something more - an awkward prospect for two women who aren't looking for relationships.
Donna sets the mood beautifully in that first erotic encounter, balancing sexuality against sensuality, and confidence against awkwardness. There's a lot of erotic power to the scene, but there's a lot of personality too. We get to know a little something about these women, and we see a dynamic there that we can't help but want to see develop. For all their professionalism and confidentiality, Eloise and Savannah have serious chemistry. We know it won't be their only meeting, and we're eager to discover how and when they'll meet again.
In many ways, this is a book about contrasts - characters, themes, relationships, and more. There's an erotic flair beneath the sweet romance, which is surrounded by heartfelt family drama, and that in turn carries its shadows of grief and loss. I don't want to oversell that, because this is a happy, hopeful story, but the reality of our pasts and how the choices we made shape who we've become is important to the story.
I felt such a kinship for Eloise, such sympathy for her whole life experience. She's a strong, selfless woman, and how she comes out as a lesbian after a broken marriage is admirable. I'm not sure I could find such courage or self-confidence in myself. Savannah is admirable as well, for different reasons, but where I felt kinship for Eloise, Savannah elicited heart-racing desire. Whether it's as a Mistress, friend, or lover, she has a way of taking charge and . . . well, not necessarily controlling, but perhaps leading the moment. I could my heart and soul to her.
The Doors We Open doesn't overstay its welcome trying to tie up every single loose end, but rather leaves the story at a natural conclusion for Eloise and Savannah. I'm sure some readers may be left with questions about Eloise's ex-husband, but this isn't his story, and his fate has no bearing on that of the women with whom we've fallen in love. It's a beautiful book, and one I highly recommend.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/...
February 28, 2023
Beautiful
This book is once again a wonderful story told with care by the author. Eloise mother of two teenagers is devorced finally free from a man who needs to burn in hell not only does he lie to his children but is cruel to their pet, anyway back to the book Eloise comes to terms with the fact that she is Gay!!and goes to a club to explore her desires. Enter Savannah the beautiful Domme with a heart of pure gold, what happens next is a beautiful chemistry between the two, both are left wanting more. Eloise's children Mackenzie and Jack are thrown into the mix the result a story that will make you cry, laugh and scream at some point but in the end Ms Jay will leave you with lots to think about, She handles difficult subject's as well as love in it's prueist form enjoy!!!!!
This book is once again a wonderful story told with care by the author. Eloise mother of two teenagers is devorced finally free from a man who needs to burn in hell not only does he lie to his children but is cruel to their pet, anyway back to the book Eloise comes to terms with the fact that she is Gay!!and goes to a club to explore her desires. Enter Savannah the beautiful Domme with a heart of pure gold, what happens next is a beautiful chemistry between the two, both are left wanting more. Eloise's children Mackenzie and Jack are thrown into the mix the result a story that will make you cry, laugh and scream at some point but in the end Ms Jay will leave you with lots to think about, She handles difficult subject's as well as love in it's prueist form enjoy!!!!!
October 1, 2023
The Doors We Open
I love Donna Jay books. They are passionate, fun, and sexy. She creates wonderful characters. This was low angst. I look forward to more books in the future.
I love Donna Jay books. They are passionate, fun, and sexy. She creates wonderful characters. This was low angst. I look forward to more books in the future.
March 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It’s my first Donna Jay book but it was very good.
February 13, 2023
Fabulous story! Great characters!
I love stories where you can feel the characters and get to know them. Donna Jay develops characters I want to know and creates dialogue that draws me in and keeps me invested. I was hooked from the first line to the last. Eloise is a fabulous character, btw. Jay created such a complex character and I enjoyed getting to know her story.
This isn’t a part of her series centered in Libelulle’s, but it does play an essential part in the main character’s story.
I’m never disappointed with a story from Donna Jay for so many reasons. The Doors We Open is no exception. And I had so much fun reading it. From characters I loved to dislike, to her awesome humour, to hot and sensual scenes—Jay took this one to another level of fabulous. No spoilers found here, but if you want a story that will keep you engaged, entertain you, make you feel all the emotions all with great dialogue and in the ideal location, then this is the book for you. Just sayin’.
I love Jay’s Kiwi-isms and her love of her country is evident in the words she uses to portray both characters and locations. This is a wonderful story. But don’t take my word for it, grab your own copy.
I love stories where you can feel the characters and get to know them. Donna Jay develops characters I want to know and creates dialogue that draws me in and keeps me invested. I was hooked from the first line to the last. Eloise is a fabulous character, btw. Jay created such a complex character and I enjoyed getting to know her story.
This isn’t a part of her series centered in Libelulle’s, but it does play an essential part in the main character’s story.
I’m never disappointed with a story from Donna Jay for so many reasons. The Doors We Open is no exception. And I had so much fun reading it. From characters I loved to dislike, to her awesome humour, to hot and sensual scenes—Jay took this one to another level of fabulous. No spoilers found here, but if you want a story that will keep you engaged, entertain you, make you feel all the emotions all with great dialogue and in the ideal location, then this is the book for you. Just sayin’.
I love Jay’s Kiwi-isms and her love of her country is evident in the words she uses to portray both characters and locations. This is a wonderful story. But don’t take my word for it, grab your own copy.
March 3, 2023
I really enjoy this author. She finds the right balance between emotional and erotic connections. As usual, the main characters are normal everyday people who are making their way through life, overcoming obstacles and searching for happiness. In this story, the characters are wonderful, warm, and share a preference for some light kink. Living in a small town, that can be tricky, and DJ explores these issues in depth, while not piling on the angst. Some of the secondary characters were great too: the daughter, the best friend. While the more antagonistic players were not exaggerated - I've run into these people.
I really liked that the story started with a hot and humorous sex scene. And there were several more scenes throughout the story - no skimping on sex here.
As noted in other reviews, there were a couple of things I would have liked to explore further.
New Zealand is described as beautifully as it really is, even as fall turns to winter.
I look forward to more stories from DJ.
I really liked that the story started with a hot and humorous sex scene. And there were several more scenes throughout the story - no skimping on sex here.
As noted in other reviews, there were a couple of things I would have liked to explore further.
New Zealand is described as beautifully as it really is, even as fall turns to winter.
I look forward to more stories from DJ.
February 11, 2023
That was so hot and sweet and for me already my favorite among the Libellule's books!
The description of Savannah Sloan as an elegant woman who moves like a panther in the blurb is extremely accurate, because that's how I imagined her the whole time.
Elegant, dominant and totally in control.
Eloise is fascinated by her from the first moment on, because she's having her first experience with a woman, with a black-haired, six foot tall goddess!
She is in the process of finding herself and finally wants to be herself.
A woman who loves women and finally wants to experience her own preferences and desires.
As a mother of two, several aspects of her life took a backseat and now that's over.
This romance between Eloise and Savannah starts with hot, but timid scenes and gradually turns into a wonderful dominant and submissive relationship with beautiful, but not crass aspects of BDSM. Bondage, rope play, impact play etc.
It develops into so much more, than just a relationship between a submissive and the Mistress at Libellule's!
But I don't want to reveal much more. You have to read it :)
High heat - definitely, but also highly sweet and funny.
The description of Savannah Sloan as an elegant woman who moves like a panther in the blurb is extremely accurate, because that's how I imagined her the whole time.
Elegant, dominant and totally in control.
Eloise is fascinated by her from the first moment on, because she's having her first experience with a woman, with a black-haired, six foot tall goddess!
She is in the process of finding herself and finally wants to be herself.
A woman who loves women and finally wants to experience her own preferences and desires.
As a mother of two, several aspects of her life took a backseat and now that's over.
This romance between Eloise and Savannah starts with hot, but timid scenes and gradually turns into a wonderful dominant and submissive relationship with beautiful, but not crass aspects of BDSM. Bondage, rope play, impact play etc.
It develops into so much more, than just a relationship between a submissive and the Mistress at Libellule's!
But I don't want to reveal much more. You have to read it :)
High heat - definitely, but also highly sweet and funny.
March 3, 2023
I really liked this sweet (and spicy), low angst story.
And by low angst, I don't mean placid. Things happen; conflicts and misunderstandings but each is dealt with maturely and people move on. In fact, that is one of my favorite aspects of the two main characters; they acknowledge their mistakes but don't castigate themselves or each other for them.
Eloise doesn't even castigate her ex, which I respect as well. As someone whose parents divorced when I was a teenager, a lot of the family dynamics in the book rang true to my experience. I appreciated that much of the story was about Eloise's efforts to maintain loving and healthy relationships with her children without letting their moods or opinions dictate her behavior or life choices.
Her choice to set foot in Libellule was one I appreciate her making and I can see myself revisiting this story in the future to experience it again.
And by low angst, I don't mean placid. Things happen; conflicts and misunderstandings but each is dealt with maturely and people move on. In fact, that is one of my favorite aspects of the two main characters; they acknowledge their mistakes but don't castigate themselves or each other for them.
Eloise doesn't even castigate her ex, which I respect as well. As someone whose parents divorced when I was a teenager, a lot of the family dynamics in the book rang true to my experience. I appreciated that much of the story was about Eloise's efforts to maintain loving and healthy relationships with her children without letting their moods or opinions dictate her behavior or life choices.
Her choice to set foot in Libellule was one I appreciate her making and I can see myself revisiting this story in the future to experience it again.
March 21, 2023
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2023 🌈✨: Unicorn board - Unusual first date
3 stars. I love the way Donna Jay writes. This is only my second book by her—the first being the first book in this series—and her writing just shines. It’s so good. While I didn’t end up loving this one the writing kept me going. My issues were that I felt no type of connection to any of the characters. I felt like I didn’t really get to know them. Especially Savannah. The romance between her and Eloise was fine and there were some hot scenes but yeah this overall just felt like something was missing for me to give it a higher rating.
3 stars. I love the way Donna Jay writes. This is only my second book by her—the first being the first book in this series—and her writing just shines. It’s so good. While I didn’t end up loving this one the writing kept me going. My issues were that I felt no type of connection to any of the characters. I felt like I didn’t really get to know them. Especially Savannah. The romance between her and Eloise was fine and there were some hot scenes but yeah this overall just felt like something was missing for me to give it a higher rating.
August 23, 2023
Captivating
This is a beautiful, sexy, steamy, light-kink romance filled with characters, main and supportive, of depth, who are realistic, and relatable.
While it delves into deceit, betrayal, family relationships, and friendship, it's also about new beginnings, being true to yourself, learning to trust, loyalty, growth, taking risks, and healing.
Donna Jay captures you and whets your curiosity from the opening sentence with an enthralling story with wonderful pacing, which is exciting, funny, and endearing.
This is a beautiful, sexy, steamy, light-kink romance filled with characters, main and supportive, of depth, who are realistic, and relatable.
While it delves into deceit, betrayal, family relationships, and friendship, it's also about new beginnings, being true to yourself, learning to trust, loyalty, growth, taking risks, and healing.
Donna Jay captures you and whets your curiosity from the opening sentence with an enthralling story with wonderful pacing, which is exciting, funny, and endearing.
August 9, 2023
I devoured this book! I fell in love with Eloise right out the gate… apprehension, embarrassment and excitement all bottled up in that one moment when she met Savannah! I’m a fan of the dom/sun relationships and I really enjoyed seeing the lighter user friendly version of throng instead of just jumping in head first.
I would have loved for the ex to really get his after all the crap he pulled!
If there’s ever a book two… sign me up!!
I would have loved for the ex to really get his after all the crap he pulled!
If there’s ever a book two… sign me up!!
September 10, 2025
Eloise Carter meets dominatrix Savannah Stone at a exclusive covert brothel, and is instantly smitten. They have a intense sexual session, and Eloise books a second one...
Only to find out Savannah is her daughters soccer coach. Awkward!
But Savannah is interested in her, and talks her into a date, then two. At the same time Eloise deals with coming out, finally, as well as her daughter revealing she's bi.
Weirdly wholesome for a book with BDSM.
3.5 stars out of 5.
Only to find out Savannah is her daughters soccer coach. Awkward!
But Savannah is interested in her, and talks her into a date, then two. At the same time Eloise deals with coming out, finally, as well as her daughter revealing she's bi.
Weirdly wholesome for a book with BDSM.
3.5 stars out of 5.
March 23, 2023
Sweet & Spicy!
'The Doors We Open' is a fantastic addition to Donna Jay's steamy "Libellule's Series." Even though it was not as intense as Book 1, which is one of my 5-star reads last year, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it and appreciated the fine balance between romance and erotica in it!
'The Doors We Open' is a fantastic addition to Donna Jay's steamy "Libellule's Series." Even though it was not as intense as Book 1, which is one of my 5-star reads last year, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it and appreciated the fine balance between romance and erotica in it!
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