Review: A story about a couple exploring their sexuality in order to save their marriage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 29, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: A story about a couple exploring their sexuality in order to save their marriage.Opening Sentence: They'd chosen Letterman.The Review:After eight years of marriage, Leila and Seth are in a rut.  Kids and jobs have taken precedence over their love life.  Now they must decide if it is time to call it quits because they can no longer ignore their mutual unhappiness.  As a last ditch effort, they make the decision to go to the Ranch, an exclusive BDSM retreat, for three days of guilt-free sex and games.  At the end of that time, if they can rediscover the spark that brought them together in the first place, they will stay together; otherwise, they will go their separate ways once and for all.Seth Carlo works long hours at his job so that he can support his wife and kids.  But he wasn't always such a straight laced guy.  At one time, he was in a garage band and free with his sexuality; dominate and promiscuous.  He put those days behind him when he met his inexperienced wife.  He never wanted her to see that darker side of him; now he thinks he made a mistake keeping it from her.  When Seth finds out just how unhappy Leila is, he decides that the best course of action is giving her access to all the fantasies she is constantly reading about in her novels.  Though Seth is completely in love with his wife, is it enough?  Can he truly put aside his own ego and feelings and do what is necessary to make Leila happy?  If she does decide to leave, will he quietly let her go or will he fight for her?Leila has only been with one man her whole life; her husband, Seth.  So after eight years of marriage, she is beginning to feel restless.  When she agreed to give Seth control over their weekend at the Ranch, can she really handle all the implications?  While her husband gave her carte blanc, can she truly take control of her own sexuality and desires?  Fantasies and reality are two different things and she is scared to break out of her shell of ignorance.  And while she really likes the idea of newer and kinkier things, does she want a new partner to experience it with?While I applaud these two for trying new things instead of throwing in the towel, I think that most couples don't have to go to such extremes.  Most of the issues between Leila and Seth could have be resolved much earlier if they had only communicated.  It is important in any relationship or marriage to talk with your partner, especially about things in the bedroom.  I understand the reluctance to do so, but I suppose that is part of the reason why we have such a high divorce rate in the US.  Leila and Seth were able to save their marriage and live a more fulfilling life by discussing and being open to new things.The most important fact to walk away from this novella is to be open and honest with your partner about everything, including your fantasies.  Who knows, maybe it may also lead to a happily ever after for you as well.  Overall, this is a nice and steamy novella that can be enjoyed with or without reading the rest of the series, though I would recommend the other books for their smut-tastic scenes and sensual prose.FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley Heat graciously provided me with a copy of Still into You.  No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review.  The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys.