Foreplay on Words
by E.L. Kosa
Published by Cherry Publishing
Book 1 in the Words Series
Sometimes even writers need help finding the words…
Sex sells. Chase Rodgers has based her entire career as a romance novelist on that exact premise. She’s one of the best in the business at making a reader’s pulse race. This is precisely why she is called in to consult on a novel that can’t quite manage to get it up.
Despite building his career on carefully crafted, suspenseful thrillers, Evan Stineman has no clue how to harness his character’s sexuality in his upcoming novel. Increasingly desperate as his deadline looms, he has no other choice but to accept a helping hand from a pro.
When Chase and Evan meet, their chemistry is immediate and undeniable. The two novelists embrace their mutual attraction to get Evan’s new book off to the publisher with a newfound sex appeal.
As Evan finally starts to open up to Chase, an unwelcome visitor returns from his past. Will this surprise appearance derail all their plans, or will he don his trusty black leather pants and manage to get the girl?
Sometimes even writers need help finding the words…
Sex sells. Chase Rodgers has based her entire career as a romance novelist on that exact premise. She’s one of the best in the business at making a reader’s pulse race. This is precisely why she is called in to consult on a novel that can’t quite manage to get it up.
Despite building his career on carefully crafted, suspenseful thrillers, Evan Stineman has no clue how to harness his character’s sexuality in his upcoming novel. Increasingly desperate as his deadline looms, he has no other choice but to accept a helping hand from a pro.
When Chase and Evan meet, their chemistry is immediate and undeniable. The two novelists embrace their mutual attraction to get Evan’s new book off to the publisher with a newfound sex appeal.
As Evan finally starts to open up to Chase, an unwelcome visitor returns from his past. Will this surprise appearance derail all their plans, or will he don his trusty black leather pants and manage to get the girl?
Genre:
Contemporary Romance - BDSM
Foreplay on Words by E.L. Koslo is the first book in her Words series. It is a dual POV romance, centering on Chase Rodgers and Evan Stineman, both popular writers in their respective genres. When Evan has trouble incorporating steamy scenes in his mystery novel, his editor suggests getting help from a successful romance author. After seeing Chase's picture, he had to learn more, so he read her books, and requested her. While reluctant, she travels to his secluded house to help him learn the tricks of the trade, and finds a lot more than she bargained for. Incredibly handsome, sweet and shy, she doesn't expect a whirlwind romance, or for them to collaborate on their own book. Research into their book is hot, and they quickly become attached to one another, but when someone from Evan's past shows up at a book event, will it ruin his relationship with Chase?
This book wasn't originally on my TBR, but I came across is while applying for an ARC for a future book in the series ... and I really should have read this book before applying for the ARC. Not because its terrible or anything. The writing is good. The plot is good. The characters are interesting and the banter fine - if a bit forced at times. The chemistry between the two is ... meh. The sex is fun. But its ... bland. It's wayyyyyy too long. Over 400 pages for a contemporary romance with elements of BDSM is a lot. A lot. I got really bored, and ended up needing to skim, because there was just no epic problem in this book. There is a couple of chapters where Evan freaks out over an ex girlfriend, but after that - smooth sailing.
While I am DNFing the rest of the series, and not going to accept the ARC, it's not because the writing is terrible. It actually started out quite promising. But I needed a bit more of a slower burn, a chance for these characters to really develop chemistry between one another. I needed for there to be more substance than sex. I do, however, think this is a good book for readers who want to venture into a bit more of a "taboo" genre. It's very "elementary" BDSM, not too graphic or uncomfortable. Just two people playing with each other in a fun, unpainful way.
Chase: “None? Not even a hot scene with the protagonist nailing someone out of frustration or because they were in danger?”
That seemed to be a popular one in more than one mystery or suspense book. When in danger, fuck a stranger. Evan: “You sent me a box of erotic novels?”
Adrian: “They’re not all erotic — OK, some of them are. But it’ll give you an idea of the material they write.”
Evan: “What if I don’t like any of them?”
I hadn’t had time to read for recreation in years. I wasn’t sure I had the attention span to sit through a whole box of books. I always had too many characters itching to get written to focus on reading.
Adrian: “Those chapters need total rewrites. You need help or you need to get some hands-on experience to draw from,”
he raised his voice and huffed over the line. I knew I was becoming a source of frustration for him.
Evan: “I’m not going to go have rough sex with a random stranger.”
His deep laugh resonated through the speaker and I was so glad he got amusement out of my situation.
Adrian: “Any sex with a stranger would probably help.”
Evan: “Dick,”
Adrian: “Yes, you supposedly have one, go use it,”
he laughed.
Evan: “How you are considered a grown professional is beyond me.”
Adrian: “You love me,”
Evan: “No, I really don’t.” I tapped my finger on the link to see her books, and heat surged through me as the thumbnails of her book covers popped up. ‘Candace was still reeling from her divorce when her friends signed her up for an online dating website. Will young Marc help her get back out there?’
Evan: “Looks like it from the cover.”
It showed a barely clothed, very muscular man embracing a woman who looked like she was in her forties. Damn. ‘Retired rodeo cowboy, Luke, settles down on a dude ranch as a horse trainer to escape after a devastating injury. Will the ranch owner’s daughter help him with his recovery?’
Evan: “Doesn’t seem too injured to me,”
I muttered. This cover featured a shirtless cowboy bending a young woman in a cowboy hat backwards over his arm. Oh god, don’t think about masturbation while she’s standing two feet in front of me. These shorts hid nothing. Chase: “I’m sorry, I’m not usually this awkward,”
she laughed a little and rolled her eyes.
Evan: “I am.”
It was the goddamn truth. Chase: “I should probably get going. Have to get some sleep before I come back tomorrow to whip you into shape.”
She laughed as I felt my cheeks turn pink at the images her words conjured in my head. My mind strayed to a particularly graphic scene she’d written between Michael and Kayla involving a flogger.
Evan: “Hopefully, you’ll take mercy on me,”
I chuckled as I looked over at her naughty smile.
Chase: “Oh, don’t you worry, I’ll be gentle.”
I sure hope not. Oh god, he just kept dropping the bait. Be good Chase, don’t pick it up. Chase: “Where would you like to begin?”
Evan: “I don’t know. Do you want to explain to me how it all happens?”
His voice was sharper today, more nervous. This really took him out of his comfort zone.
Chase: “Well...when a boy and a girl decide the other one is attractive, they take off all their clothes, but not always, and then...”
Evan: “Stop,”
he looked up at me with mild panic, waving his hand.
Evan: “No...god. I know how that works.” I bit my bottom lip, waiting for the blush to go nuclear. There it is. Chase: “It’s your book,”
Evan: “I know, but if it got published today the critics would eat me alive.”
Chase: “That’s why you’ve got reinforcements. We’ll pop this cherry and make a man of you yet.”
I shook my head at her, laughing as I pulled my laptop onto my legs and propped it up by placing my feet up on the bricks.
Chase: “My erotic literary virginity is delicate, you promised to be gentle.”
I loved listening to her laugh. She made me feel funny, charming in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was easy to just say what I was thinking to her without worrying about filtering it.
Chase: “That I did,”
she promised, her lip quirking into an amused smile. Adrian: I take it you two are playing nice?
Evan: Yes, I am capable of being nice to people...unlike someone I know.
Adrian: You love me ;)
Evan: No, I really don’t. Holy shit. Evan wanted to write a sexy book with me about bondage. It’s always the quiet ones. I groaned as she slapped my ass on her way down the hallway.
Chase: “You might want to hydrate, we’ve still got a lot of material to cover,”
she giggled as she disappeared out of sight. Cue the instant erection. Chase: “You put those away.”
I laughed as she continued to scowl at me.
Evan: “Put what away?”
She spread her arms apart, using her palm to gesture at my face and my crotch.
Chase: “Those fuck me eyes and that thing in your too-tight pants.” Evan: “There’s coffee on the counter,”
I told her, pointing back at the paper carrier on the countertop.
Chase: “Oh, I love you...”
she cooed. Did she just...? When I turned around, she was holding the caramel latte up to her face and inhaling it with her eyes closed. Oh...she loved the coffee. Of course.
Evan: “Do I need to give you two some privacy?”
I smiled as she took a big gulp and cradled the cup to her chest.
Chase: “It’s fine, we don’t mind an audience,” Evan: “Obviously, I’ll be doing the grocery shopping alone from now on.”
Chase: “Fine...fine...I’ll be good,”
Evan: “I doubt that...but I’ll still feed you anyways.” Chase: “Put down the snacks,”
I warned him. You did not come between a girl and her candy stash. That was just not OK.
Evan: “But these are garbage.”
Chase: “Don’t care. They’re mine,”
I shook my head as I reached for the packages.
Evan: “You’re impossible,”
he sighed as he shook his head.
Chase: “You mean impossibly awesome. Now step away from the snacks. I don’t judge your phallic snacks. You leave mine alone.”
Evan: “Phallic snacks? They’re carrot sticks.”
Chase: “If you want to put tiny orange dicks in your mouth, then you can’t judge my Twizzlers.”
Evan: “Fine. Keep your junk food. Now you’re definitely going running with me.”
Chase: “As long as you’re the one in the lead,”
I teased as I pinched his ass. Kelly: “Loved the book by the way. I read the pre-release copy Adrian sent me. Damn you guys are hot!”
Evan: “I’m not talking to you about this.”
I shook my head. It was already weird for her to have read my last book; this was just mortifying. And exactly why I had a pen name. We got in the elevator to go to the parking garage after my suitcase came through.
Kelly: “So, how many sex toys do you own now?”
she asked with an entirely straight face as she popped her trunk.
Evan: “I’m just gonna go walk into traffic,”
I sighed as I pulled the handle on my suitcase back out and pretended to walk away.
Kelly: “Ain’t no shame in the game,”
she laughed, pulling me back by my shirt. Once we had my luggage loaded, I decided to turn the tables on her.
Evan: “So, have you met any nice guys lately?”
Kelly: “Touché.“ Kelly: “You’re gonna be fine. Just stop sweating. You don’t want to be like Ross in Friends with those leather pants,”
Evan: “I was hoping you didn’t notice them,”
I told her as I pulled at the leather covering my thighs.
Kelly: “Oh, I already snapped a pic of you in them to send to Mrs. Elkins.”
Evan: “I hate you.” His other hand slowly slipped around my waist, running the tips of his fingers up my spine. I moaned a little against his mouth and he pulled me closer, biting at my bottom lip and then soothing it with firm strokes of his tongue.
Christine: “Do you have a spray bottle? They’re eating each other again.” Chase: “Are you sure you’re not the Romance writer?”
she teased as she ran her thumb over my knuckles.
Evan: “Pretty sure. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be putting tab A into slot B. B being my hand.”
Her laughter filled the car, and she laid her head against my shoulder.
Chase: “You can put your tab into my slot any day.”
Line in book Evan highlights for Chase: “I’d die for you if it meant you got to live, but I’d happily live forever with you if we get the chance...”