Being over thirty is not an issue for Corey Paige. Being frigid and a virgin, however, is a huge problem for the only son of a newspaper magnate. No matter the risk, Corey’s intent on resolving both problems in one go.
Enter Lucian Allard, a wealthy hedonist with a notorious reputation at club Boudoir—and an unconventional sexual mentoring program for those who suffer from dysfunctions. As the two men begin a sensual journey to awaken Corey’s libido, Corey’s frigid body isn't all that begins to melt. His untouched feelings also spark to life.
Though a family emergency puts a halt to awakening Corey’s senses and desires, Corey and Lucian grow closer as friends. Then an unexpected kiss from Lucian in Corey’s most desperate hour changes everything. Now Corey must decide if the program is still an aid or an obstacle to two lonely men trying to maintain a professional detachment but falling hopelessly in love.
Professional Reviews
5 Stars - Liza's Review
Two total opposites - Corey a self-confessed frigid virgin and Lucian, a hedonistic slut (his words). Unlikely to ever have a connection and yet when Corey is sent to Lucian to help him overcome his problem, Lucian has a unique way of helping Corey to feel.
The dancing in the dark scene was such a beautiful idea. The scene in the bedroom was sensual in the way it was described - no sex, but definitely sensual. This book, the conversations between Lucian and Corey, were like a smorgasbord of sensual thoughts as Lucian tries to get Corey to understand about his feelings. Getting in touch with what it was like to feel. That moment when Corey sees Lucian as more than a therapist, but as a sexual being in his own right.
Truly beautiful. In comparison, Corey's inner dialogue about himself is definitely not flattering and I guess that was part of Corey's problem.
Heather House was a lovely addition to a lovely story. A home for LGBT youths, run by Lucian, had Corey learning to feel in other ways, and it was precious the way it was described.
This is a powerful story about growth for both Lucian and Corey. Both men had to overcome the reasons they had built walls around themselves, in order for them to come together in a romantic rather than a professional sense. What I loved about the love/sex scenes were the flashes of humor that were sprinkled throughout. It wasn't all perfect and wonderful - it was real and wonderful and Susan Laine has managed to express that subtle difference beautifully.
Overall this is a perfect book for a wet rainy day, or basically any day of the week. A book that reminds you that differences don't define us and that it is always possible to evolve. I learned quite a few new facts, historical and sexual, thanks to Lucian's lectures but what I take away from this book most of all was the gift of love. It is a gift and it should be cherished. This book is now in my favorites pile, and I strongly recommend you put it in yours.
5 Stars - Angie's Review
I will admit this book started off slow for me; however, the buildup was worth it. I was feeling some of the same things Corey was feeling during this book, I wanted to scream at Lucian to hurry it up!!! I understood why things went as slow as they did and don’t get me wrong, it was worth it but just like everyone else this day in age, we all want instant gratification and we didn’t get that in this book. There was so much buildup. I did end up appreciating that build up and thought it was worth it. By the time the book was over I was sad because I fell in love with Corey and Lucian and loved how they were together and didn’t want it to end. This is one book that I wish there were pictures, some of the scenes I would have loved to have seen in real life.
4 Stars - Jennifer's Review
This book hit a number of firsts for me: my first review for The Novel Approach Reviews, my first book from the author, Susan Laine, and my first incredibly character driven novel. When I got this book to review, I pretty much hit the jackpot on those accounts, because this book took me for a serious ride.
As I said, this book is very much character driven. Corey and Lucian are complex characters that complement each other perfectly. As the title suggests, one is a hedonistic sensualist and the other is literally untouched – a self-professed frigid virgin. It might not sound like the perfect match, but believe me when I tell you it isn’t.
Told through both Corey and Lucian’s perspectives, the novel starts with Corey going to a psychologist for help with his frigidity. The help he gets is rather unconventional, as he is sent along to Lucian, who is a sexual mentor. Throughout the novel Lucian works hard at opening Corey up to the sensual side of life, and introduces him to all that is sensual: sounds, smells, taste, touch. Please note, I did say sensual and not sexual. Not everything is always about sex, though most of the time the end goal is getting Corey to reach that point.
If you’re looking for a fast paced story, this is not it. It is slow because of how character driven it is; however, I don’t think that takes away from the story. It actually enhances it. The detail to every setting is incredibly written. I was placed time and again in each room with Corey and Lucian, whether they were at Lucian’s penthouse, Corey’s apartment, Heather House, or Boudoir. I started to see, smell, and feel everything Corey felt. I even wanted to be there in person experiencing those things with him.
Susan Laine is a talented author. The level of detail is astounding and clearly researched. It makes me wonder if she knew all of these things beforehand, or if it was researched just for the book. If the latter, then this was an unbelievable undertaking.
I highly recommend this book. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slower plot, give this one a chance. It might just win you over with the beautiful details and overall…sensuality.
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