It seems that Blyth Monroe, heroine of Sommer Marsden's Double Booked, just can't catch a break. First, she catches her boyfriend, Johnny, in flagrante delicto with another woman in the back of her own SUV. Then, she is pressured into a vacation at her friend’s beach condo, only to find that she won't be spending the two weeks there alone. Anthony, a secretive but undeniably sexy ladies' man, is also staying there, and isn't shy about having sex with a surfeit of girls with the door cracked.
And Blyth realizes that she isn't too shy about watching them in the act, either.
A twisted romance unfolds – one that certainly proves that the path of true love never does run smoothly. In fact, in the case of our heroine, the path is littered with the weight of regret, lost loves, vicious catfights – and plenty of delicious, unexpected sex.
Marsden tells her story with refreshing realism and humor not often found in erotica. The relationship between Blyth and Anthony is far from perfect, but few relationship ever are – and the chemistry between them gives hope to all of the readers/lovers out there who don't experience those picture-perfect beginnings. Anthony continues to sleep with other women after he's met Blyth, and he refuses to open up about his tumultuous past. Blyth lets cigarettes, wine, and jealousy rule her actions when it comes to handling Anthony's unpredictable moods. Moreover, the two aren't quite clear about how they feel about each other, nor do they understand the mutual attraction they feel. They might not last forever (do we really think Edward and Vivian will be able to work it out once the credits start to roll in Pretty Woman?), but what’s important is that they're willing to try.
And it helps that the sex is amazing. The characters’ emotions are already running high, so when Marsden throws in a little mutual masturbation, several bouts of voyeurism, and a tryst beneath a boardwalk, the sexual scenes are that much more intense.
Double Booked (which, if you're like me, is a title that may inspire false expectations of a threesome) is a fun, sexy read that will thrill readers who crave a bit of realism with their erotica.
Purchase a copy of Double Booked, by Sommer Marsden, at www.excessica.com for $3.99.
Originally published November 2008