Review: Erotically-Charged Read With Likable Characters and Realistic Issues
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
Amber's Fantasy reveals a woman's journey of discovering the value of reality versus fantasy.  Amber's life is one of unpleasantness and disappointment from an indifferent brother and a sister on a destructive path.  She's desperate to succeed to make a better life for her sister which leaves little time for play or finding her own happiness.  The romance novels she reads promises something carefree, offering time for fun without the need to be in control.  The books represent the woman she'd love to be for a little way, a woman opposite to the one wearing nondescript clothing and working lots of overtime.  I admired Amber and her devotion to her family though they don't deserve it.  I could see myself in her in that all of us long for an escape with books being the perfect form of travel.Ray too is devoted to his family and willing to give up lots of spare time to care for them.  He's drawn to Amber and her secretive side and finds the idea of a ménage intriguing and just wants to give Amber whatever she wants.  Their relationship evolves as a slow burn that builds the sexual tension until it explodes in a super steamy interlude that seems perfect with just the two of them.  Ray exudes sexuality in a surprising way for a geeky tech guy and I enjoyed seeing his sexy confident side away from work.The ménage plays out differently than either expected and as other romance stories make it appear.  It felt clunky and the third person seemed like an afterthought.  The incident also brought out issues of jealousy that neither counted on.  Discovering that reality is better than fantasy, and the importance of their being together, has them rethinking their future and doing what must be done to reach their HEA in a satisfying conclusion.  From beginning to end this was a well-written story that flowed at a nice pace.  The characters are likable with issues dealt with realistically.  This was my first time reading Ms. Anthony but won't be my last.