Review: Stage 1 - Lust; This book does it great!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 20, 2013
Three Stages of Love: Lust by TC Anthony is a distinctive novel which turns the tables on a typical romance novel.  The heroine, Eva, is a ball-breaker, hard-core, successful business woman, who is capable of balancing her personal life with her professional persona.  She fights to maintain control of every aspect of her life.  This is a control she is unwilling to sacrifice.  Eva doesn't feel that she can "have it all" with her career and a relationship that is emotionally and physically gratifying.  Her character is easy to dislike, but underneath the veneers is a woman dealing with overwhelming choices.  She encounters Alexander Mason, who she imagines as her "knight" and she is consumed by lusty fantasies of this man and the idea of real passion that she felt.  Her world is flipped on its head, when this handsome, sexy venture capitalist turns out to be her new boss.I really enjoyed the pace of this story and the characters.  The characters are multi-faceted.  Eva is a tough lady and I found myself teetering between admiring and disliking her.  At face value she seems to be indecisive and a commitment-phobe, but that this is her plan to maintain control and to avoid heartbreak.I enjoyed the unique perspective that TC Anthony brought to this erotic romance genre.  The sex was scorching hot and I loved that Eva knew exactly what she wanted and wasn't afraid to ask for it.  Alex knew how to push Eva's buttons.  He knew when to give in and he knew when to give it back.  Will Eva be regretful for pushing away true love with her actions and behavior?  She gains in her career and loses in love.  Surprisingly getting what she wants and asks for isn't what she expects. Three Stages of Love: Lust shows us the mistakes a woman can make and will Alex forgive her or has he been pushed away for good?  I am left deliberating how this story is going to play out as it is continued in the next book of the series.  Overall I really enjoyed this story and the writing of TC Anthony.  This book was a refreshing change for me.  I particularly liked the sexy scenes and Alex's reactions to exploring Eva's desires.  The only fault I could find with this story was Alex's `giggling'.  I found it emasculating and out of character.  This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a new version of contemporary romance.  Keep on reading and give it a try!  4.0 Stars