Review: Sexy, sweet menage story
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2012
3.5 stars.Samantha Ann King's debut novel Sharing Hailey is an erotic ménage romance that is sexy and sweet. Following her breakup with her abusive boyfriend, Daniel, Hailey Anderson is ready for a fun-filled two week vacation in Hawaii. Joining her and her brother, Jake, are her brother's best friends and her longtime crushes, Mark Allen and Tony Adamo. When Mark and Tony propose a committed ménage, the threesome eagerly explores their new relationship.The longstanding history and close friendship of Hailey, Mark and Tony provides an easy transition from friends to lovers. The sexual chemistry between the three is sizzling and their sex scenes are extremely sensual and quite erotic.While the story is well written, there were a couple of things I struggled with. Given the fact that Hailey just ended a long term relationship and the ménage was just beginning, all three immediately proclaiming their love for one another felt premature. I understand there is a shared history between the three of them, but as soon as they had sex, the "I love yous" were exchanged.I also did not like the fact that Hailey immediately (and repeatedly) considered herself a slut for having sex with two men. She also worried that her brother and strangers would think she was a slut for being in a relationship with two men. This part of the plot seemed pointless and rather immature.What really worked for me was the domestic abuse part of the storyline. Ms. King does a brilliant job highlighting the fact that domestic violence takes many different shapes and forms. Rich or poor, educated or not, domestic abuse does not discriminate. ANYONE can be a victim. I thought Hailey's reactions were realistic as she dealt with this part of her past.All in all Sharing Hailey is an enjoyable read. It is a fast paced novel with an interesting storyline. I like Samantha Ann King's writing style, and I will definitely read her future novels.Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley.