Limecello’s review of Spin the Bottle by Elizabeth Scott
Erotic romance anthology released by NAL on 2 Oct 07
I read Elizabeth Scott’s (a.k.a. Janice Maynard’s) first book Naughty Housewives, and knew I wanted to read this book as well. This sexy, single-author anthology really pushes the envelop, and runs the gamut of intriguing, interesting experiences. If you like your books with a lot of heat, this is the book for you, because there’s a bit of something for everyone.
Master of the House
I’d have to say that this the novella I was least comfortable with in the anthology. The entire story is Paul playing the dominant to Rena’s submissive. Part of it may be that I only know a cursory amount of BDSM and that’s… not particularly my thing. Being somewhat familiar with Ms. Scott’s writing, I plugged on, and am glad I did.
At times, it felt that the characters took it a bit far. Paul punishes Rena for no reason, and accuses her of things she didn’t do, unreasonably. That bothered me a bit. And then he made her sleep in a dog bed, not having a safe word, things like that. I also couldn’t quite wrap my head around how being humiliated and treated badly would make Rena’s professional life better, but… ok. Still, what helped in the end was the genuine love and affection Paul and Rena have for each other, and the fact that… this was what Rena wanted. There was also a particularly sexy scene, ironically with a third character and Rena, with Paul rather out of the picture.
Grade: B+
Rena and Paul are respected and admired corporate big shots. But behind their clean-cut image is a down-and-dirty fantasy that drives Rena wild: being a slave to the anything-goes sexual demands of her merciless master. Punishment really can be its own reward.
Your Place or Mine?
By far my favorite novella in this book, and likely my favorite novella by Ms. Scott to date. Jackie and Rod’s story is sexy, fun, titillating, but also emotional. It has depth and substance, which is what drew me to Ms. Scott’s books in the first place. Jackie and Scott have had a bumpy relationship, but they’re finally in a good place, and are ready to work out some of their remaining issues. The way they do that is incredibly creative, and hot.
I loved that Rod was willing to help his wife overcome her hang-ups, and that it was clear both characters matured not only from the time they met each other, but throughout the course of the story. I’d say it’d be worth buying the book even just for this novella.
Grade: A+
Jackie and Rod‘s marriage crashed and burned a decade ago. Now together again, they have secret fantasies that may tear them apart once more, unless they can bare their souls and confess the shocking truth. Your place or mine?
Doctor, Doctor
Interestingly enough, while this is the tamest story, it wasn’t my favorite. I think maybe because due to the title and lead up, I was expecting something different. Ed and Charmaine have a great sex life, but when Ed’s uncle leaves him some property, including the office where his uncle had his medical practice, the couple decides to have some extra fun. I think because the scenes weren’t quite as believable. The couple role played, which was cute, but not as engrossing. There might be the minor issue that doctors and I are something like oil and water. That and, the characters were tired. The beginning is a bit slow, and what with the Ed and Charmaine being some what down, and exhausted, it felt like that mood carried through a bit. Also, it was the shortest novella, which might have had something to do with it. Still, the characters are definitely in love and care deeply for one another.
Grade: B+
Ed and Charmaine think their sex life is as thrilling as it gets – until, that is, they come upon the stimulating medical instruments that belonged to Ed’s late great-uncle. So many cold, hard toys at their disposal. So much potential. So many ways to play doctor.
The writing flowed perfectly. The stories while outrageous are believable, and I enjoyed this book very much. For some reason I thought this was Ms. Scott’s first book (I now know Naughty Housewives was first). Ms. Scott definitely takes her characters to the edge, but she does it for a reason. It makes sense, and works with the stories and personalities of the characters. The games all six characters play are perfectly suited to them. At no point did it feel that Ms. Scott put her characters through their paces just to be shocking or write something new. Nothing felt forced or fake, and I really appreciate that, especially with erotica. I definitely plan on reading Ms. Scott’s next novel, whatever it may be.
Overall Grade: A-
Book summary:
Three couples. The best of friends. Three nights at an oceanfront cabin. One sexy game of confession that’ll bring them all a lot closer. Six friends stripped of their inhibitions. Consider the possibilities.
