LauraJ’s review of By Appointment Only by Janice Maynard
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by NAL on 1 Jul 08

I first fell in love with Janice Maynard’s books when a friend of mine found a copy of Suite Fantasy. We were going to an author signing at a bookstore and Janice was one of the author’s there. I read the book before going so I could talk to her about the book a little. After that Janice Maynard became an automatic, must have the book as soon as it comes out, author. This latest book is probably my favorite of her books to date.

In this book, we begin by getting a glance at how the hero, Morgan met the heroine, Hannah. The second chapter starts just after they have become engaged so we are seeing the after the HEA instead of working to it. Morgan is all for marriage and Hannah is afraid that going through with the actual ceremony will ruin the relationship. Morgan wants her to set a date and Hannah is reluctant, but after reading an article in a bridal magazine of a sex-therapy program to help couples overcome obstacles in their relationships, Hannah suggest to Morgan that they do this but he agrees only if she will set a wedding date after they finish their counseling. The counseling includes to group sessions and private sessions with a chance for the couples to explore sex in their relationships. The sessions are held in private rooms where the scene is setup for the couples and they are given instructions as to their roles. After each session the couples fill out a questionnaire and the doctors decide on the plan for their next session.

There were so many things I liked about this book. Morgan was an amazing hero. I don’t know too many heroes (or even men in real life) that would be so patient. He didn’t try to hide his frustration from Hannah for not setting a wedding date, but at the same time he made it very clear that he understood why she was hesitant (and even more so after meeting her mother) and he would wait for her to be ready. He knew she loved him. Hannah was a deeply caring person. It showed in her profession and even in her relationship with Morgan. I think her background with her family would be enough to make anyone nervous about marriage.

During the story we are also introduced to two other couples that are with Morgan and Hannah for the group counseling sessions. Timmy and Rachelle, young married couple with a new baby and Shaun and Danita who have been married for 20 years and are experiencing empty nest syndrome. Ms. Maynard doesn’t leave us hanging with what is going on with these two couples, but we get to see their struggles during the group sessions and the private sessions.

As in Ms. Maynard’s previous books there is humor and heartache but ultimately a happy ending that you will love. She creates such wonderful, real characters that readers can relate to. I’m anxiously waiting for her next book due in January 2009.

Grade: A+

Summary:

A good marriage is based on love, commitment, and enough hot sex to last a lifetime…

Hannah loves Morgan enough to become his fiancée, but that doesn’t mean she wants to get married. In her experience, everything goes downhill after you say “I do”—and it all starts in the bedroom. For Morgan, marriage isn’t the end, it’s the beginning, and he’s aching to get started.

They find the perfect compromise with a new form of counseling—premarital sex therapy. Each private session brings them closer together, revealing the quirky, kinky sides of their deepest desires. As the role-playing sessions heat up, Hannah discovers that marriage might be the sexiest game of all.

Read an excerpt.