Review: Short Yet Sensual Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 24, 2014
In just a few pages Nona Raines has given us older women a decadently delightful way to spend the afternoon.  From its realistic heroine, to the fantasy-like feel that permeates most of the story before reality rudely enters the picture, this story sucks you in and leaves you wishing for your own afternoon delight.Blaise is a woman in her early forties who found her life comfortable, if a bit unexciting.  She likes order and routine and the small family she's surrounded herself with through this routine bring her comfort.  With her daughter's upcoming nuptials though she sees a future of loneliness where she'll be firmly on the spinster shelf and seeks one last moment of craziness.  Seeing a sexy younger man on the bus lights her fire and fate contrives to bring them together in a bookstore over their mutual love of erotica which leads to a night of sensual delights.  This encounter is extremely empowering to her and has her fully embracing the moment.  She'd love more than this one night but self-doubts have her walking away.  Like any good romance though fate once again intervenes in an unexpected way.....This story is told from Blaise's POV and her self-esteem issues are easy to relate to.  She's self-deprecating and brutally honest at times but that made her even more likable.  It was refreshing seeing an older woman take control and I hope to see more stories like this.  My only issue with Blaise is her tendency to assume the worst when it comes to men and fidelity, but considering her background it's understandable but still a bit frustrating.  We don't get to know the hero quite as much unfortunately.  We learn some tidbits about Guy but it's not until late in the story that his background is fully disclosed in a surprising twist of events.  He's definitely sexy and charming and just what Blaise needs at this point in her life.This was ultimately a story of female empowerment that I enjoyed.  The character was one to admire and her journey to HEA both steamy and believable.  Ms. Raines crafted a story that was like chocolate in that this small package was a decadent delight that leaves me craving more from her in the future.