Title: Toys 4 Us
Author: S.L. Carpenter
Published in December 2003 by Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
ISBN: 1-84360-752-2
Dana was not used to thinking of herself as a sexual creature, but the new adventure she has undertaken, that of being a representative of the Pleasure Parties Company, has changed her view permanently. She not only finds herself counseling the women who attend the parties about the toys and joys they could have by themselves or with their partners, but she is herself, opening to the senses and experiences she hasn’t had before. Her life has been one of distinct negatives up to now. Her staid day job, oppressive in its policies about their employee’s lives outside of work, and the jerk of a boyfriend who referred to her as an ignorant and inadequate lover, won’t cut it anymore. She knows that there are more things in life, and more experiences for her to have. Well, there are things she is learning about herself, and she wants to share them with someone. Well, not just anyone either. She has much to look forward to in experimenting with her new sensuality, and there are places for her to start. She has made some interesting acquaintances at her parties, and some have even become friends.
Never before would Dana have dreamed of the night that she spent with Kris and her boyfriend, Adam. Kris was lovely, feminine and assured, and Adam a hunk out of every woman’s dreams and fantasies. Dana can hardly believe her ears when he tells her that he is hers for the evening. She can’t believe that Kris is here encouraging her as well as Adam, and the result is an experience like she has never had before. Knowing about Kris and her relationship with Adam, the way they had started as friends and progressed to lovers, made Dana think of Derrick again, and wonder what would have, what could have happened between them if they’d had the chance. Maybe she should take Kris’ advice, and the next time she sees Derrick, just go for broke. The thought won’t leave her alone. Once again the idea has sown the seeds of desire in Dana, and it has rooted well. When Derrick shows up at Dana’s door one evening, it bursts into full bloom, and from there…
He was very disgusted at the little wimpy friend, well so-called friend. Derrick really cares a lot for Dana, and the fact Ronald treated her so shabbily doesn’t sit well with him. The problem for him was that at the time, he was involved with someone else. Now, the situation is completely different, and Derrick is sure that he can count on Dana for friendship and a place to get away from a roommate that is beyond overbearing. It started out as a perfectly reasonable arrangement, but things have a habit of going from bad to worse when Derrick can’t get privacy for a date, or when the jerk makes passes at his girlfriend. Things, like his usually steady nerves, really are wearing thin, and Derrick needs someone to talk to about the problem. He needs someone who will understand, and commiserate with him, someone like Dana who will help him to feel better. There is one thing that Derrick is sure of, and that is Dana’s friendship.
When Derrick gets to Dana’s place, he is not exactly sure of himself. He is faced with a very different girl than what he remembered. This Dana is much more assured of herself and her surroundings. She has subtly changed, grown somehow, and the improvements are not lost on him. The surprise comes when she suggests that they forget about just being friends and discover if there truly is something more between them then just a wild attraction. Derrick is not about to turn down such an offer. He has harbored a passion for Dana that went way back, and only other boyfriends or girlfriends in their lives kept him from acting on his impulses. Well, Derrick has none of those impediments now, specially since his Neanderthal roommate drove his last girlfriend away. Derrick knows that for most guys it would be a hokey feeling, but there is one thing that he would never forget. He has a deep and abiding respect for Dana, and he would not do anything to make her uncomfortable or hurt her in any way. She has been hurt enough. He knows Dana is free, and it seems as though he finds himself without a girlfriend at the moment, so…why not go for it?
S.L. Carpenter takes us into a rich and rewarding tale that is tingling, titillating, and that shows that just maybe not all men are beasts. The couples that we meet in Toys 4 Us are adventuresome and full of fun. For the most part, they are uninhibited and find joy in themselves and in each other. From the time we meet Dana, we know she needs and is looking for a special someone that can respect her for who she is, someone who can explore her passions with her and not put her down. The man of her dreams just happens to be available, and as the sparks fly, we learn that they’re truly suited for each other.
From the opening party circle to the final page, Toys 4 Us is packed full of excitement, wonder, and a sense to the way things should be. There is a reverence here for womankind, and a feeling they really play a special part in more than just the story. Toys 4 Us is a racy, fun-filled romp into the world of one pleasure party hostess, and the ways that she copes, and wins happiness for herself and her friends. It is the adventure that she embarks on, her journey into her own sensuality. It is also the story of the man who decides he wants to go along and be a part of her life as well. It is a tale of love, romance, sex, and the bond that two people can share on all the intimate levels. Join Dana and Derrick on this journey of exploration and self-discovery. Available now from Ellora’s Cave, Toys 4 Us is a book that you will not want to miss out on reading. S.L. Carpenter has provided us with another truly delightful and excellent read.
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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