“Dirty Little Lies” By Clare James
Review by Wendy Dawn
“In Summation”:
Twenty-nine-year-old Stevie Sinclair has just lost everything: her boyfriend, her apartment, even her ugly bird named Free. (Yeah, she knows it’s stupid name, so don’t start.) But most importantly, Stevie’s lost herself.
As she shuffles through her days in worn-out Hello Kitty PJs—eating ice cream, sipping wine, and contemplating her next move—a magazine article catches her attention. Blaring black letters read: "How to Get Your Sexy Back in Six Easy Steps."
Stevie studies the article in the trashy magazine like the good student she is and immediately knows what she has to do. With the magazine article in hand, and a bottle of red in her bag, Stevie embarks on a journey to reclaim her life and win back her ex.
Until she meets Gabe Shannon. Gorgeous, single, and on a quest of his own, Gabe introduces Stevie to a lifestyle that is sure to help get her sexy back and then some. If she doesn’t chicken out … (Oh, you know where this is going.)
What follows is a story of self-discovery, romantic gestures, erotic encounters, and following one's heart--even if it leads in unexpected directions.
Note: Portions originally published online as The Club e-series, Dirty Little Lies now has 70% more content, chapters from Gabe's point of view, and a sizzling conclusion to this steamy tale.
“The Reviews are in”:
A truly moving book about a woman who has let her self-esteem and confidence bottom out. This is a novel most women can identify with at some point in their lives. From Stevie’s inner dialogue to her embracing her fears and pushing forward, you will laugh and cry…and be inspired!
Being in one of the longest relationships of her life, Stevie is in a rut. She sees Max, her live in boyfriend, as just another ‘Ken Doll’. He is visually appealing, they have a great friendship, but in the boudoir he can give her the big ‘O’ she needs.
However, she sticks with the safe relationship because she thinks she can’t do any better and it is what it is…she settles.
Yeah, my sex life with Max sucks balls. He knows it; I know it…
No, it wasn’t hot and heavy like I had with some guys, but it was comfort and love and security. Real grown-up stuff. And considering I turn thirty this year, I’d say it’s about time.
~Stevie settling and accepting her bad sex life and lack of orgasms
Finding condoms in Max’s travel kit, causes a confrontation between the two. He admits to sleeping with others. Yes plural OTHERS! Then doesn’t explain he leaves immediately for a business trip.
Wallowing is pity and doubt, what’s a modern girl to do? Turn to Cosmo of course. The article about getting your sexy back is right on the money for what Stevie needs right now.
As I read the article, one thing is glaringly true - my sexy has long left the building. But no more. My mind races, forming a plan and I go with it. I mean if Cosmo can’t help put my life on the right track, what can? ~Stevie planning to get her sensuality back after her split with Max
Staying at a hotel after moving from Max’s apartment, she meets Gabe. He is sexy and easy to talk to, especially since Cosmo said to flirt with a stranger and have a sexual adventure Stevie dives in batting her eyelashes.
Gabe is an interesting man. He oozes sexuality and confidence. It doesn’t take long for Gabe to agree with Stevie’s plan to get her sexy back. He even takes her to a private club to help her with her adventure.
“It’s Venus,” Gabe says.
Hence the name, I guess, but weird all the same. Venus watches over us and we approach.
Then Gabe reaches in his pocket, pulls out my panties, and drops them at the statue’s feet.
~Stevie and Gabe entering club Venus and leaving an offering to the Goddess of love
Seeing how Stevie grows as a character and regains her confidence is inspiring. Gabe also shows her that wanting something more than vanilla is normal; she just needs the right partner.
She dives into her adventure with little prodding from Gabe.
This is what I wanted - an adventure - and I say it’s go big or go home. ~Stevie getting into the spirit of her sexual adventure and embracing what club Venus offers
These characters will keep you on your toes wondering what is behind the next door. Both have agreed to the time allotted for the adventure. They will part as friends…but what if they want more?
Stevie started this to get her sexy back in order to take control of her relationships and gain Max back. Will she still want him after the sweet and attentive Gabe?
Sweet, sexy and inspiring, this novel doesn’t disappoint.
The Ratings*:
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Story/Plot/HEA: 4.75
*The rating system is based on 1-5, 5 being the best and 1 the worst.
Hero - The main male character of the story. Heroine - The main female character of the story. Story/Plot/HEA (Happy Ever After) - The over all story line and culmination of the main plot or theme.
No comments:
Post a Comment