Category Archives: Christine d’Abo

October 8, 2012 · 3:56 am

Review: Calling the Shots by Christine d’Abo

Title: Calling the Shots by Christine d’Abo
Long Shots Series, Book Four
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM, Ménage
Length: 68,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He’s had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he’s determined to bring two friends together, and he’s willing to be a third wheel to move things along…

Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she’s equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she’s fantasizing about both men at once–and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter…

Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he’s attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it’s not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.

In the light of day, it’s clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?

68,000 words

The Review:

Fans of the Long Shots series will be delighted to finally uncover all the fascinating secrets about the enigmatic character who so intrigued us in the first three installments of this captivating series. In Calling the Shots, Christine d’Abo delivers the much anticipated story of sex club owner Josh Scott. And WOWZA, what a story it is!

Matchmaker Josh Scott is at it again. He not only sees the sexual attraction between his employees Beth Norris and Oliver Stephenson, he throws them into situations where they are forced to acknowledge their passion for one another. What Josh does not realize is that Beth and Oliver reciprocate the intense desire he also feels for them.

I have been fascinated by Josh since his introduction in Double Shot. It was obvious right from the start there were hidden depths to his character but Josh is not one to give up his secrets willingly. Josh clearly maintains a close emotional connection to Paul Williams and in Calling the Shots we finally discover what brought the two men together. The answer to why Josh opened Mavericks lies in his very complicated relationship with his ultra-religious mother. My heart just ached for the emotional scars he carries from the traumatic events he experienced as a teenager.

Beth Norris and Oliver Stephenson are also dealing with their respective issues. Both were badly hurt in previous relationships and they are each dealing with low self-esteem. Oliver is also faced with his newfound attraction to another man, and Beth learns to embrace new aspects of her sexuality.

The relationship between Beth, Oliver and Josh is quite complex. The three definitely click on a sexual level. The chemistry between them is sizzling hot and the resulting sex is explosive. The sex scenes are explicit and quite erotic. The sex between Oliver and Josh is deliciously sexy and the ménage scenes are exquisitely sensual. The BDSM aspect of the storyline is fairly tame so if you are a newcomer to this genre, Calling the Shots is a good introduction.

A secondary storyline adds a bit of suspense and mystery to Calling the Shots. What first begins as attacks on all sex clubs quickly becomes personal when Mavericks becomes the main target. The vandalism to Mavericks brings up unpleasant and unresolved memories from Josh’s past.

What I like the most about Calling the Shots is the willingness of all of the characters to step out of their sexual comfort zones. They explore the different facets of their sexuality and they are comfortable with where their explorations lead.

Calling the Shots is a wonderful addition to the Long Shots series. The series is quite innovative with Christine d’Abo giving each of the books varied and unique plots. While they can be read as standalone stories, it is best to read the entire series to get the full effect of the various relationships and their dynamics.

To read my reviews of the other books in the Long Shots series, click HERE.

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Filed under BDSM, Calling the Shots, Carina Press, Christine d'Abo, Contemporary, Erotic, Menage, Rated B, Review, Romance

December 12, 2011 · 3:14 am

Pulled Long by Christine d’Abo

Title: Pulled Long by Christine d’Abo
Long Shots Series, Book 3
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: M/M, Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 30,000 words
Book Rating:

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For months, coffee shop owner Ian Long has fantasized about a customer he knows only as “Blue Eyes.” Until he learns Blue Eyes is in the midst of a divorce—the last thing Ian wants is to be the rebound experiment of a straight guy. Giving in to lust, he invites the man into the café after hours and they indulge in a little exhibitionist play, but Ian is unwilling to get involved.

When he’s forced to see Jeff again to return his briefcase, Ian finally agrees to go out on a date. Dinner quickly becomes an erotic encounter in a special room at the sex club Mavericks, and Ian realizes Jeff satisfies desires he didn’t know he had. The more he gets to know Jeff as a person, the harder it is to resist falling for him.

Jeff makes it clear he’s interested in more than just sex. He wants to go public with their relationship in more ways than one. But can Ian open his heart, when he fears it will be broken?

Book 3 of the Long Shots series.

30,000 words

The Review:

The third installment in the Long Shots series, Pulled Long by Christine d’Abo is a sinfully sexy yet emotionally complex novella. Following his discovery that the man he is attracted to is in the middle of a divorce, Ian Long ends his long time flirtation with coffee shop customer “Blue Eyes” aka Jeff Carson. A few months later, while working late, Ian and Jeff indulge in some very steamy and semi public sex. With baggage from his past and doubts about Jeff’s sexuality plaguing Ian, the outcome of this couple’s future is far from certain.

Behind Ian’s fun loving, happy façade lays a wealth of emotional pain and self-doubt. He has yet to come to terms with his complicated relationship with his father. A past entanglement with a former lover plays a defining role in his budding relationship with Jeff. It is not until he is able to share his secrets with Jeff and his sister Paige that Ian finally frees himself of the guilt and burdens of his past.

Jeff is comfortable with his bisexuality and he is confident in his feelings for Ian. He is eager to explore his sexuality and newfound relationship with Ian. He is reluctant to give up on Ian and although he is persistent, he also knows when to back off to give Ian the time he needs to deal with his issues.

As with the other books in the Long Shots series, family support plays a crucial role in Ian’s relationship with Jeff. Ian and Jeff also pay a visit to Mavericks where they fulfill an extremely erotic sexual fantasy. Ms. d’Abo provides yet another tantalizing glimpse of Mavericks owner Josh.

There is an amazing amount of emotional depth to this engaging novella. The potent chemistry between Ian and Jeff leads to incredibly hot and slightly risqué sexual encounters. With Pulled Long, Christine d’Abo saves the best story for last, and it was well worth the wait for Ian and Jeff’s story.

Read my review of Book One Double Shot HERE and Book Two A Shot in the Dark HERE.

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Filed under Carina Press, Christine d'Abo, Contemporary, Erotic, Long Shots Series, M/M, Pulled Long, Rated B, Romance

November 7, 2011 · 4:00 am

A Shot in the Dark by Christine d’Abo

Title: A Shot in the Dark by Christine d’Abo
Long Shots Series, Book 2
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotic, BDSM
Length: 30,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Carter is one of the hottest men ever to walk into Paige Long’s coffee shop. The attraction is mutual, and when Carter reveals himself to be a Dom, the submissive in Paige is aroused. Yet she brushes him off—her last relationship was abusive and she’s unwilling to get involved with another Dom.

But when Carter returns the next day—in his firefighter uniform—Paige’s fantasies really heat up. She can’t resist his offer to get to know him over a drink at Mavericks, a local sex club. Their conversation quickly escalates to a session in one of the private rooms, and Paige is both thoroughly satisfied by Carter’s skills in domination, and impressed with his selflessness as a lover.

Paige is ready to move on with her life. But can she trust in herself and submit to happiness?

The Review:

A Shot in the Dark, Christine d’Abo’s second installment in the Long Shot series, is an intense journey into the world of BDSM. Following her escape from an abusive D/s relationship, Paige Long has dedicated herself to the family owned coffee shop. Her meeting with dominant Carter West sparks her desire to once again explore her submissive side.

The oldest of the Long siblings, Paige’s submission in the bedroom is a sharp contrast to the control she exhibits in other areas of her life. Her first submissive relationship crossed that fine line that exists between pain for pleasure and abuse. Three years later Paige has a better understanding of her sexual desires, and her chance encounter with Carter brings her the submission she craves and incredibly satisfying sex.

Carter is definitely an alpha male, but his need to dominate Paige is underscored by respect and caring. He puts Paige’s satisfaction and needs ahead of his own wants and desires. He is also incredibly protective of her when she is confronted by her past.

The same strong family connection from Double Shot (reviewed here) is also present in A Shot in the Dark. Ian’s advice and support plays a strong role in Paige coming to terms with both her past and present relationships. Intriguing glimpses of Josh, the owner of Mavericks, keeps me hoping Ms. d’Abo will someday tell us his story.

A Shot in the Dark is a highly sensual read and provides readers with valuable insight into the BDSM lifestyle. I enjoyed getting to know Paige and Carter, and I am impatiently awaiting Ian’s story Pulled Long which will be available December 12.

If you are looking for a series that is fresh, unique and incredibly sexy, then you should give the Long Shots series a try.

4 Comments

Filed under A Shot in the Dark, Carina Press, Christine d'Abo, Contemporary, Erotic, Long Shots Series, Rated B, Romance

October 3, 2011 · 3:00 am

Double Shot by Christine d’Abo

Title: Double Shot by Christine d’Abo
Long Shots Book 1
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Erotic, Ménage, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 29,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Coffee shop owner Sadie Long has been lusting after her good friend Paul Williams for years. So she’s more than a little intrigued when he invites her to a business meeting at Mavericks, the sex club where he works. While catering an event at the club is not quite the proposition she was hoping for, her business could use the boost. And she can’t resist the chance to work closely with Paul in such a sexually charged atmosphere. Enter the club’s hot owner, Josh, and suddenly Sadie’s fantasizing about being part of a threesome.

Paul has always wanted Sadie, but never thought she’d see him as anything more than a friend. On the night of the party, he and Josh tempt Sadie to reveal her deepest desire—a desire both men are eager to help fulfill.
Giving in to her sensual side, Sadie enjoys a night of mind-blowing sex. But in the light of day, will she lose Paul as a friend, or gain him as a lover?

Book 1 of the Long Shots series.

The Review:

Take a walk on the wild side as Sadie Long unleashes her most secret fantasies in Double Shot by Christine d’Abo. Long time friends Sadie Long and Paul Williams push the boundaries of their friendship when Paul hires Sadie to cater an event at Mavericks. His introduction of Sadie to Josh Scott, his close friend and owner of Mavericks, takes this couple into forbidden territory when Sadie confesses her desire for a threesome.

Double Shot is an excellent beginning to Ms. d’Abo’s Long Shots trilogy featuring the Long siblings. Sadie is the middle sister who tends to be overshadowed by her more outgoing siblings Paige and Ian. They own a coffee shop together and their relationship with one another is warm and supportive.

Told in third person from Sadie’s point of view, Double Shot is an engaging novella with appealing protagonists. Sadie and Paul enjoy a close and comfortable relationship with both of them secretly longing for the other. Ms. d’Abo keeps the sexual tension high as Sadie’s fantasies keep popping into her head at inopportune moments.

Josh is an intriguing character. He and Paul are long time friends who share a complicated past. He is very mysterious and über sexy. I am crossing my fingers that Ms. d’Abo has plans to expand on his character in future works.

Double Shot is a fast paced and compelling story. The sex is explosive as Sadie pushes her boundaries and explores her sexuality. The romance between Paul and Sadie is sweet and completely realistic as these friends turned lovers take their relationship to a deeper level.

Christine d’Abo leaves her readers eagerly awaiting A Shot in the Dark, the next installment of the Long Shots trilogy.

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Filed under Carina Press, Christine d'Abo, Contemporary, Double Shot, Erotic, Long Shots Series, Menage, Romance