In the mood for a book that will give you some hot, steamy sex scenes but will also gut you emotionally (but it’s OK b/c you know it has to happen)? If so, look no further than Calling the Shots by Christine D’Abo. Calling the Shots gives you some steamy menage action along with an awesome plot line, where one of the heroes has to come to terms with his past, and in doing so will break your heart, in order to get his HEA.
He’s had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he’s determined to bring two friends together, and he’s willing to be a third wheel to move things along…
Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she’s equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she’s fantasizing about both men at once—and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter…
Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he’s attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it’s not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.
In the light of day, it’s clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?
Calling the Shots is really book 4 of a series. To be honest, I really had no clue it was part of a series, as I never felt lost or confused. There is reference to other couples, friends of Josh and his role in either setting them up or in “playing” with them as a three-some. But I never got the sense I was really missing out on any major issue from a previous book that I needed to know in order to really enjoy and understand what was going on in Calling the Shots. Thus, if you’re like me and haven’t read the first 3, go ahead and pick up Calling the Shots. You shouldn’t have any problems, other than maybe wanting to immediately go buy the other three for some more steamy smex ha ha!
Calling the Shots moved as there are two big issues going on throughout. First, you have some vandal that at first seems to be randomly vandalizing BDSM clubs in the area; but as things move along, you learn the vandalism is more focused/targeted to Josh’s club. Second, you know Josh has some big issue from his past that must be dealt with, that makes him have some insecurities that are interfering with Josh allowing himself to really be happy, to let himself fall in love. So, when you aren’t dealing with one, you’re dealing with the other….or getting some smexy time with the trio. Yeah, I’ve got no reason to complain *G*.
I really enjoyed Calling the Shots. All the elements of a good contemporary/erotica novel are present. You get some great smexy time, turmoil regarding either the hero/heroine (in this case both heroes as Oliver also has his pending divorce to deal with) emotional inaccessibility and some unseen/unknown “baddie”. If you’re in the mood for a fairly quick read that will leave you feeling super satisfied on all these levels, I definitely recommend picking up Calling the Shots.
