Kindle Edition Download to your Nook (eBook) Amazon Category:  Romance Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Type: Fiction Pages: 366 Copyright: Nov. 18, 2018 ISBN-13: 9781509223169 Price: $3.99 (eBook) Letting him inside could be her salvation…or her undoing. Clara Martelli clings to Book Nirvana, the Oregon bookshop she and her late husband Jared built together. When rising rents and corporate competition threaten its survival, her best hope is their extensive erotica collection, locked behind a red door. In dreams and signs, her dead husband tells her it's time to open that door and move on. When a dark and handsome stranger's powerful magnetism jolts her back to life and he wants a look at the treasures of that secret room, she can't help but want to show him more. Professor Nick Papadopoulos is looking for historical erotica. Book Nirvana's collection surpasses his wildest dreams, and so does its lovely owner. A widower, he understands Clara's battle with guilt, but their searing chemistry is too strong to resist. Besides, he will only be in town for two weeks, not long enough for her to see beyond the scandal that haunts his past.     Excerpt The amber flecks in his eyes danced in the candlelight. Their glow drew the truth out of her like a magnet tugging metal. Deep breath. Just ask. He won’t bite. “Nick, how did you know when it was time?” “Time?” “To move on. To let someone in.” He shifted away, but the saggy sofa cushion slid him back against her thigh. “Can’t fight gravity.” He chuckled and draped his arm across her shoulders. “Honestly, my body was ready before my heart was. Even if the heart is withered, nearly dead, the body goes on—eating, breathing, feeling, wanting.” He fingered a strand of her hair, his gaze far away. “A friend saw how closed off I’d become, and she…helped me.” “How?” “By seducing me. There was wine involved, and music. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.” He cupped her shoulder. “And I’m so glad she didn’t.” Avoiding his penetrating gaze, Clara focused on the flickering candles. “Did you love her?” “Not really. And yet—yes, very much.” “Huh?” “You see, I’ll never love anyone the way I loved Diana. She was unique in all the world. But she wouldn’t want me to spend the rest of my life pining for her, miserable, alone. My friend helped me see it’s okay to enjoy my life. She helped me realize that one day I might even love again. She told me it’s not something you can rush, but it will come in time if you relax and open your heart.”

Literary Erotica
This book is in a class by itself.

The high level of eroticism in it is undeniable... from the graphic descriptions of the erotica collection that's locked in a room of widow Claire's bookstore to the hot-hot-hot interactions she has with a certain hot-hot-hot widowed professor with an intellectual interest in that collection... oh yeah, this book has definitely got a lot of heat. But the eroticism, as titillating as it may be, is only a part of what makes this book tick.

What elevates this book is the excellent writing, the memorable characters, and the captivating story. PLUS... yes! There's MORE... some parts of it are verrrry funny. I mean laugh-out-loud funny. There are also some very touching parts, too. Parts that'll bring tears to your eyes.

All in all, it makes for a very enjoyable read. It'll definitely keep you warm on a cold winter's evening. Four and a half stars, rounded up to five. Reviewed by Susan Flett Swiderski on November 20, 2018

Sensual, Romantic, Steamy, Engaging
Through the Red Door covers all the bases—it’s sensual, romantic, and steamy, with an engaging plot, likeable characters, AND it’s well-written. How often can you find all that in one book? Spoiler alert—almost never.
This debut novel drew me in from the first pages with the portrait of a grieving widow on the brink of moving on, but wavering, uncertain and ambivalent about her future. If she goes on with her life is she betraying the passionate relationship she shared with the husband she loved and still loves? Is it even possible to move on?
Clara ( is both relatable and intriguing as a character. She runs a book store with a secret back room where her late husband’s stock of erotica beckons a visiting professor who specializes in that subject.
The descriptions of the back-room stock are vivid and alluring, giving the reader a real window into the history of carnal arts—and the way love and lust have been portrayed in centuries past.
This book is sensual and erotic without ever crossing into feeling ‘dirty.’ There’s a rhythm to the way the story unfolds, kind of like waves on a shore, as Clara approaches and retreats from the hunky professor and the nerdy school teacher who pursue her. I was engaged and intrigued to the very end. Highly recommend. Reviewed by PLM on November 17, 2018

Thoughtful, realistic, and well-written
This is one of the most innovative and interesting story concepts I’ve read in a long time. I glanced at other reviews and found one that called this a literary erotic story. That feels like a perfect summation of the book. It’s obvious the author has done a lot of research. It’s a thoughtful, realistic, well-written story about recovering from grief. The love feels real, as does Clara’s confusion as she navigates her way back to a full and vibrant life. And Nick. Yowsa. Gentle and strong at the same time. And uber-hot. Wow. This is a recommended read from me.