Under the pseudonym of Devine La Fleur, Joey writes erotic romance novels for a publisher who demands as much heat as she can possibly deliver. The problem is, Joey can't deliver any. Every time she sits at her keyboard and prepares to write another sex scene, she thinks about Mike, her ex husband, and her libido shrivels away into nothing. Joey sees only one cure to what's ailing her: a trip to Hawaii to reenergize her mind and body. She's looking for a vacation, but finds much more. The moment she sees Gray Hawk, she realizes that hands-on research for her books may be just what the doctor ordered...

In this pleasant, fast read, Ms. Wilde explores a real problem experienced by many women in an emotionally abusive relationship with sensitivity and lots of heat. Joey doesn't consider herself beautiful, or worthy of a man like Gray Hawk, and it's uplifting to see her self-image blossom under Gray Hawk's expert attention. The sex scenes are absolutely scorching and innovative, each wilder than the last as Joey and Gray Hawk "research" sexual scenarios for Joey's novels. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the main characters is only limited to the bedroom. While Joey and Gray Hawk have sex in every conceivable way and location, their emotional bond never quite occurs outside the bedroom. I turned the last page unconvinced that what they felt for one another was anything more than lust, likely to fizzle out as quickly as their relationship started.

This contemporary erotic novel should satisfy readers looking for steamy and creative sensual scenes, but those craving a deeper level of satisfaction from a believable relationship may not find what they're looking for in By The Book.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Belle Dessler
January 2, 2006