Judith’s review of Calling the Shots (Long Shots #4) by Christine D’Abo
He’s had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he’s determined to bring two friends together, and he’s willing to be a third wheel to move things along…
Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she’s equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she’s fantasizing about both men at once—and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter…
Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he’s attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it’s not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.
In the light of day, it’s clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?
Author Christine D’Abo caps off her erotic romance series with this fourth and final book, one that now features the experience of Josh Scott, best friend and catalytic presence in the romances of the siblings who own the coffee shop Pulled Long, and whose presence in the lives of a number of characters has run through the three previous stories. Now Josh has come to a point in his life where he wants something more for himself than just being the third “add-on” in a temporary threesome, or a stand-in when a partner is needed, or just a contract Dom for members of his his BDSM club. He has discovered that he is relentlessly drawn and attracted to his assistant manager, Beth, and his new bartender of four months, Oliver, is also posing a challenge to his libido. Yet they are his employees and his ethics seem to be getting in his way of acting on these powerful attractions. Add in the fact that Oliver has discovered that he is bi-sexual and submissive, and Beth is discovering her desires to have control as a Domme, and the story is already beginning to heat up.
Yet this story is not so much about the BDSM context of the club setting as it is about the inner struggles each of these three people must endure as they try to find their way in life, come to some peace in their own skin, and decide if the other two persons are willing to be in a long-term relationship. Even one night of powerful involvement doesn’t settle the question and ultimately these three are in for a very rough emotional ride. There is also a vandal/stalker who is attacking several of the BDSM clubs but seems bent on doing particular harm to Josh’s club. This story is alive with all kinds of tension, not the least of which is Josh’s own inner turmoil about his future and it must merge with his past. As one who has come out of a home where his parents’ relationship was lived out in anger and hurt, and his memories of the terrible judgmental diatribe launched against him when he came “out of the closet” as a bi-sexual man, Josh must not only watch the attacks on his dream and his future, but he must also decide if he can overcome the internal noise that the old memories keep causing.
All four of these novellas have been stories that highlight the struggles of what it means to be human, what it means to determine one’s own self and to celebrate one’s own unique nature and the people in one’s own life that help make that journey of discovery a positive or negative one. That is especially true with these three individuals as not only is Josh terribly conflicted over his past, Oliver must still deal with the wounds from his failed marriage and an ex-wife who not only left him for another man but who also stole his entire inheritance in the bargain. He doesn’t even know how to move on, yet he wants a life with Beth and Josh. Big troubles, that’s for sure.
So I would ask all who want an intense and erotic romance read to consider this novella as being right down your alley. It’s very mild on the BDSM side other than dealing with the nature of dominance and submission and discussion of the aspects of the lifestyle. Certainly no hardcore action here. It’s a wonderful read and a sequel to three really good stories. I hope you don’t miss it.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5
You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.
This book is available from Carina Press. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
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