Sex, Lies & Hot Tubs [Kindle Edition]

Elissa Ambrose (Author)

Book Description

Meet Ellen Dunwell, doting wife, loving mother, high school teacher extaordinaire. She's worried that her husband, the respected Dr. Jeffrey Dunwell, successful dermatologist, wonderful father, great lover, is having another affair. A man of many interests, Jeffrey also dabbles in real estate. But Ellen won't confront him about what she's sure is his latest interest, his perky new lab assistant, Keeley Wilder. She doesn't want to sound like a shrew, but worse, what if she's right? As if that's not bad enough, her friends don't understand her, her neighbor's son is a Peeping Tom, and her angst-ridden teenage daughter is stashing pot in her room and dating a control freak. When Jeffrey suddenly disappears, Ellen nearly slips over the edge. Instead, she pulls herself together and sets out on a mission to find him--only to get caught up in a web of intrigue and danger, where nothing is as it seems and the stakes are her life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What a great, fun story this was! It had it all − romance, adultery, comedy, mystery, spying, teenager problems, secrets, more comedy. Whew!" ~ Susan Schleicher, The Book Bag
 
"Elissa Ambrose is a pure genius when it comes to grabbing your attention." ~ Stefany Thode, ToBeThode
 
"This novel is full of surprises and keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat just wanting to read more." ~  Kerry-Ann McDade, Reading a Little Bit of Everything
 
"The fun has only just begun ... a great women's fiction novel. Plenty of drama, mystery, and much more." ~ Nikki Barrett, Storm Goddess Book Reviews
 
"Author Elissa Ambrose weaves an intriguing tale told in the first person narrative by the quirky protagonist Ellen Dunwell, who takes the reader along for the ride as her crazy marital life story unfolds before her eyes ... A fast-paced witty story that has enough comedy, mystery, romance, and real-life drama that will keep you hooked until the surprising and shocking ending!" ~ Kathleen Anderson, Jersey Girl Book Reviews
 
"You know you are engrossed in a story when you have your Kindle balanced on your laptop so you can sneak in sentences while working! A big 5 star review for me" ~ Samantha March, Chick Lit Plus

Product Details

• File Size: 462 KB
• Print Length: 273 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Muttsoft, Inc. (February 14, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0079OSS2M
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,541 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Book! April 24, 2012

By Happy Mom

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Shortly after her 50th birthday, Ellen begins to believe her husband of twenty-eight years is cheating on her - again. Late nights, aloof behavior, missing dinners - they all lead up to an increase in suspicion that weighs heavily on her mind as she wonders whether or not she should trust her instincts. She doesn't know what to do or how to handle the situation and her friends are no help. One friend advises her to go have an affair, while another tells her she's being paranoid and is driving him away. Who to believe? In the midst of all this, she has a teenage daughter who's acting out, and Ellen is overwhelmed trying to keep her family together and her sanity in place... Then Jeffrey disappears. From that moment on, Ellen feels her world crashing down around her, and everything she thought she knew about her family proves to be just the surface of a very deep iceberg.

This book was outstanding, well-written and fast-paced. Ellen was so realistic that I could relate to her every decision, her fears, frustration and helplessness as though these emotions were my own. I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the stunning ending, and I felt I was right in the midst of the drama as it played out.

Can you overcome the loss of trust following a cheating spouse? In Ms. Ambrose's realistic portrayal of Ellen's situation, you can understand how a woman would feel following an affair, how difficult it is to regain the trust that has been severed, and how dramatically it impacts an entire family. Written with a touch of humor, you can't help but sympathize with Ellen's insecurities and laugh at her foibles.... In addition to the very real situations, there was an intense element of suspense as Ellen struggled to find out what Jeffrey was up to, and you're anxiously turning pages to get to the shocking end. I can't recommend this book highly enough, for it definitely left an impact with me. If you're looking for a fast, lifelike piece of women's fiction, look no further. You won't regret it. Read more ›

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read April 24, 2012

By BJ

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ellen Dunwell has a lot to be thankful for. She has her health, a beautiful teenage daughter, nice cars and homes and is married to a successful dermatologist. Yes, she has a lot to be thankful for. At least that's what her friends keep telling her.

Reaching fifty is a major milestone in any woman's life, and Ellen has just hit it. Two years ago, her husband, Jeffrey, had an affair. Ellen did what she felt was best and forgave him. She could see no point in breaking up her family over his indiscretion.

But as hard as Ellen tries to trust him again, the gap in their marriage remains. When Jeffrey starts coming home late and not answering his cell, she becomes increasingly suspicious that he is having another affair. Her friends tell her she is being paranoid and to appreciate what she has. This forces Ellen to take a hard look at her life. Her seventeen-year old daughter holds little, if any respect for her. And her husband is...well not there for her, emotionally or physically.

Then one day, Jeffrey goes missing and Ellen sets out to find what has become of her husband. Small clues, and overheard conversations lead her deeper and deeper into a mystery. Her sleuthing abilities are not polished, and hilarity usually ensues as she tries to find him. Her quick wit and quips made me laugh.

The plot moves along at a good pace and I found myself reading quicker to be able to get to the next page.

All in all it was an enjoyable read.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific Read April 7, 2012

By Laura F.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I couldn't put down this novel! It was a surprising--and sexy--read. I really enjoyed Ellen Dunwell's funny way of looking at the world. Great voice. Unique Arizona setting. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't be able to put it down! December 20, 2012

By Ilil R. Arbel

Format:Kindle Edition

To say that this book is good is an understatement. It is delicately, professionally crafted, with a perfectly written plot that never lets the tension stop. Is it a book about relationships? Yes, since it involves the complex relationship between a cheating, domineering husband and a wife who lives in denial. Is it a mystery? Absolutely, because when the husband disappears, the situation and the wife's determination to unearth the evidence is a classic detective story at its best. Is it a psychological drama? No doubt. The psyche of the wronged wife, the husband, and the daughter are thoroughly examined and the author brings to light the incredibly complex human nature of all three.

The characters are entirely three-dimensional, complex, flesh and blood human beings. They are delineated with such skill that the author has achieved something with me that most modern authors do not. I actually liked the protagonist, even though she is the type of woman I usually dislike, or even despise. And yet, I liked her. I sympathized with her, and so would you, no matter how you would feel about her behavior.

It's a wonderful book. Don't miss it. And it's the perfect Christmas present for any intelligent woman you want to give a book to.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It! October 21, 2012

By Samantha J

Format:Kindle Edition

Elissa Ambrose is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Sex, Lies & Hot Tubs. What a book! You know you are engrossed in a story when you have your Kindle balanced on your laptop so you can sneak in sentences while working! I think that is the definition of "not being able to put a book down." I had a great time with this book and the characters that filled the pages. Ellen Dunwell is our MC, a mother, a wife, a friend, and a high school teacher. She stumbled upon her husband's - a dermatology doctor- affair in the past with his receptionist, and now she has a suspicion that he is back to his usual ways. When he goes missing, the mystery is amped. Did her really take off with a new girlfriend? What about his shady new side business Ellen thinks he got involved in - could something have taken a wrong turn in that aspect? Ellen is also dealing with a hormone-charged, angst-ridden teenage daughter calling for attention, as well as her students, her friends, and a Peeping Tom neighbor.

There is a lot going on in this book, but I never felt confused or unable to get into a sub-plot. Ambrose gives readers mystery, humor, suspense, sex, and a quick-pace that made me finish this within two days. I really don't want to give anything away because there is plenty of shock-able moments, but I can't recommend this book more. A big 5 star review for me, and another to add to my Favorites List!

More About the Author

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Elissa has been a donut maker, a librarian, a computer programmer, and an editor − but always a writer. She and her husband now live in Arizona. (Yes, it's hot, but it's a dry heat. And you can't shovel heat.)