16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A hot, delicious read for today's sexy woman!, December 17, 2006
This review is from: Open Invitation (Mass Market Paperback)
If you have not read Jasmine Haynes, go buy her book now. Stop. Do not pass go. Instead, take a moment to press that buy button. Then when you get her book, curl up in your favorite chair and get ready for a sizzling hot, delicious read. The words that go through my mind when reading her anthologies (Twin Peaks with Susan Johnson, Somebody's lover, or this book) are believable characters, sexy, and total satisfaction. Jasmine Haynes effectively motivates the characters to the point that even if that character or the hero doesn't have the exact physical characteristics I'm typically attracted to, I'm still seduced along with her heroine. I completely buy into the motivations and reactions she gives her characters. Plus, she sets up the stories wonderfully so that her novellas have intertwining story lines and have heroines who are sexy women I can identify with; not just twenty-something ingénues. It's rare that I read a book with an older character (a real woman; not just someone in their late teens as in historical romances or in their twenties or early thirties at the most) who I can identify with, is well motivated, and I still think is sexy. Authors seem to forget that pre-menopausal over 35 are still interesting protagonists.
In Open Invitation, the first story follows the sexual awakening of a Debbie Carter, who's been in a sex-less, passion-less marriage. She and her two friends go to a sex club with the superficial purpose of celebrating her one friend's impending fourth time down the aisle. She comes to learn that she deserves love, passion, respect, and someone who is committed to her happiness - that mediocrity and "oh, well" attitude is not enough. She's worth more.
The second story follows the adventures of Debbie's friend, Virginia, who, after 3 marriages, wants nothing more than a business partnership type of marriage; a relationship based on mutual respect and meeting each other's needs. She desires a stable, even-keeled relationship with no hint of jealousy, possessiveness, or in-depth investment in the other person. A nice superficial relationship with an occasional ok tumble in bed, is all she's looking for in this marriage. Needless to say, Virginia deserves much more than that and her fourth husband helps Virginia and him achieve a combustible, healthy, passionate, loving relationship.
The last story focuses on the sexually jaded friend, Stacy, who is built like a bombshell and has gotten used to directing all of the action with her young bucks. Little does she realize that hotter things are to come and her sexual satisfaction is just beginning with an older, more experienced man.
Bottomline. Fantastic read. I devoured it all in one setting. Did I mention that this book is HOT in addition to well plotted? Jasmine Hayne's latest offering is like premium truffle: delicious, in-depth flavoring, satisfying. Enjoy!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Women are like Wine, they get better as they age ..., December 7, 2006
This review is from: Open Invitation (Mass Market Paperback)
Many people say that 40 is now the new 30. Well in Open Invitation, it is true. This novel is definitely HOT and SPICY. It starts with a Bachelorette Party between forty-something friends and then moves on to the romantic and sexy adventures that happen after. Jasmine Haynes, who is also Jennifer Skully, has done it again with another anthology of steamy contemporaries. I definitely recommend having a cold Aquafina on hand when you read this anthology, it's fun and it sizzles.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bravo!!, January 17, 2007
This review is from: Open Invitation (Mass Market Paperback)
In what I think is probably Jasmine Haynes best, and hottest, title yet, "Open Invitation" will thrill women everywhere.
In these three stories, tied together by their experience at "The Sex Club", excitement, real living and spontaneity don't begin until after turning forty. With failed marriages, turning forty, lack of self confidence, sexual hunger, Jasmine Haynes brings real life issues to the forefront that many women today face. With realism, identifiable characters, as well as hot, steamy love scenes, Open Invitation delivers ten-fold.
There was no one particular favorite for me in this anthology. Debbie, Virginia and Stacy are all women I could identify with-even though I haven't hit forty myself-but they all wanted the same thing that most women want - the one man to settle down with (finally!), have a healthy, loving and active sex life, be accepted for who they are and the chance to enjoy life. These are all things that Ms. Haynes consistently and wonderfully pens in this anthology. It comes through loud and clear.
Open Invitation is a memorable read. Bravo to Ms. Haynes for writing a story women can really identify with.
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