LauraD’s review of Swap by Jenesi Ash
Erotic romance released by Penguin Heat 2 Sep 08

I’ve discovered that one of the great things about hanging out here in The Pond (e.g. TGTBTU) is that sometimes you end up reading – and reviewing – a book you might otherwise have not paid any attention to. To quote the great Martha Stewart, that’s a good thing. For instance, I doubt I would I have picked up a copy of Jenesi Ash’s latest, Swap; but Sybil felt that I was due for some quality smut, and so she sent it my way.

Jamie and Mia are best friends and roommates who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Jamie is a free spirit, sexually adventurous, and totally independent. Mia is much more shy and reserved, and very naïve; she’s only had one lover and he’s her current boyfriend, Aiden. Jamie is getting ready to move away and leave everything behind, including her lover Caleb. Separately, the men and women get together and decide to stir things up a bit by swapping partners, just once before their group is separated by Jamie’s departure. But “just once” turns into a long weekend, and the weekend changes everything.

I liked Swap. I think Jenesi Ash has picked one of the more believable premises for an erotic romance that I’ve read lately, and I really appreciated that there was a good story and character development to go along with the sex. There is plenty of hot stuff, and of course both girls get their own ménage experience – and a couple of kinky games of hide and seek get played as well.

What makes me really glad I read this book is the growth the characters have as a result of their weekend together. The author has her lovers talk to each other, not just play drama games. It makes for a very satisfying and believable ending. I will say I didn’t actually like all the characters – I found Aiden to be a bit whiney and manipulative. He somewhat redeemed himself by the end, but I still wanted to kick him in the balls at one point.

If you are in the mood for a hot, character-driven erotic novel, Swap is a fine choice. I’ll be happily looking out for more titles by Jenesi Ash.

Grade: B

Summary:

This is the weekend that four best friends at the crossroads of their relationships have decided to do something different. They will consider a dare-and explore every one of its possibilities. But as sexual partners shift, Jamie, Caleb, Mia, and Aidan will discover more about themselves and each other than they ever imagined.

Read an excerpt.