Lynda Aicher

After Hours
4 Stars

Quiet and reserved, Avery Fast is shocked yet intrigued when she stumbles across an intense sexual encounter in her office building. Executive Carson Haggerty has noticed Avery before but decided to keep his distance. However, after seeing Avery's obvious curiosity and arousal, he changes his mind and actively seeks to broaden her horizons and awaken her sexual desires. The only problem is his "no string attached" policy is soon put to the test when he realizes that he wants more than just a few casual encounters with Avery.

Avery and Carson's characters are well-developed and their opposing personalities, his liberal and open, and hers conservative yet inquisitive, make for some intense interactions. They have an excellent physical and emotional connection, and the naughty/forbidden aspects of their romance only add to their attraction.

Aicher's writing and pacing are smooth and engaging. The only minor issue is the conflict at the end, which feels somewhat contrived, and Avery's feelings of hurt and betrayal are an overeaction given the trivial nature of Carson's "mistake".

The basic premise of "The Boardroom" is very intriguing, and I look forward to continuing the series and meeting the men and women involved in the sessions.… (altro)

I'm very much in the minority here in not raving over this book. I did not read the other books in this series but I cannot see that it would have made a difference as this read like a stand alone. The author's premise for this story was a good one. Rock is a closeted ex-military man with tons of sexual identity doubts. Carter is a high priced escort that Rock hires in hopes of getting laid. Carter had a boat load of self esteem insecurities over his chosen profession. Almost all of the story was a series of "dates" with Rock struggling with his sexual identity and Carter playing the ever patient pal while struggling with his own problems. Now while Carter is a nice guy, I can't see a high priced escort, who is NOT getting paid, helping Rock overcome his insecurities. I was bored enough with the endless baby steps to wonder why the hell it was so important that Rock identify as gay. I felt that the pace of the story was very slow and there was not enough meat to the plot to keep my attention. I believe that this story would have made a much better short story.… (altro)

I found this a strangely beautiful novel. Under the surface of some in you face erotica (female) was a touching love story.

Matt, the ex-soldier, now businessman has devoted himself to sole parenting for 10 years - and then he meets a woman, Kennedy, who entices him to begin dating. The two have a extra-ordinary connection, and both have the insight to realise it's way more than sex.

Matt's first wife wanted him to be controlling in all parts of his life. He reflects on how he unwittingly let himself become that person - the controller. He doesn't want that again, so his attraction to Kennedy is because she's strong, confident, bold - it will mean a more equal partnership.

It's Matt's insights and self-reflection, his willingness to be a different person, his frankness, his honesty, his vulnerability, that drives the novel. It's powerful stuff.… (altro)

Grady is a white water rafting guide, and his cousin invites him to join up with his company. On his first trip in the new job, Grady's raft hits a submerged log, killing a man and putting his cousin in a coma.
Grady is overwhelmed with guilt, and currently waiting to hear if his name is cleared or if he is going to jail. In the meantime, he is visiting his cousin in hospital and trying desperately just to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Micah has experience with comas, and enjoys reading to coma patients. When he meets Grady, he offers to help him by answering some questions, talking things through and generally being a friend. But Micah works at a leather bar frequented by most of the guys that work at Grady's job. The last thing Grady needs is for any of those dominant men to find out he has a submissive streak. No way can he work with them once they know that, they'll never respect him.

This book was emotionally intense, and I got sucked in by both the main characters. They both have secrets and issues, which makes for a really well balanced book. Both characters grew and evolved over the course of the book, and both had to learn to accept themselves as they were and fight through their obstacles. Neither one was magically 'healed' of their issues, rather they had to learn to embrace themselves and figure out how to make their relationship work with those issues.

I'm not into the BDSM scene, but these characters are not heavily into it either. They're more on the fringe of it. There are some scenes, but the actual relationship between the two men is very equal (which I liked). I think the next book will be heavier on that side of things, as the main character in the next book has already admitted to being a sadist. Whether the book is accurate about such things, I can't say, you'll have to form your own opinion.… (altro)