When the Siren Calls: Prequel

By Tom Barry

Praise for ‘When the Siren Calls.”
For a full list of independent reviews of this novel visit the youwriteon website.

“The story drips with sexual tension, teasing you along with the promise of more to come. This is a book about craving and desire and the narrative has that in abundance...”
“Truly excellent writing and this is clearly a winning example of the genre: sultry and dangerous. The pacing is great - a rollercoaster ride from the beginning, as the neglected Isobel goes from one reckless moment to another.”
“The setting is vivid and alive. I could smell the mint tea and the bazaar spices and feel the oppressive sellers.”
“it captured my attention immediately and kept me interested. it read well and rolled along nicely. very readable, which is just what you want in this type of story.”
“It flows easily. Attractive, lonely, neglected married woman discovers her own sexuality and finds it almost insatiable.”
“The characters come across as real people with hopes and desires.”
“A nicely styleised and provocative piece of writing, well paced with intelligently drawn characters and an excellent setting.”
“I became totally engrossed in the story from the start. The build-up of tension is well-paced and very real - my adrenaline flowed. This is likely not the book to read last thing at night if one has insomnia.”
“This was fantastic. The pace was fabulous,”
“There's a hint of menace and danger from the opening page. The author then skilfully toys with your expectations.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tom Barry
• Release date: Jan 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466019799

Book preview

When the Siren Calls - Prequel

Published by Clarion House at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Tom Barry

www.tombarrywrites.com

The moral right of the author has been asserted. This book is a work of fiction and all characters and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. When the Siren Cries is available in ebook and paperback online and at your local bookstore.

Chapter one: 

Grasping hands tore at Isobel’s clothing and scraped her skin as she forced her way forward. She swung round to face the seething pack, the speed of her movement causing her handbag — too oversized, too glittering for these dusty lanes — to sweep with her in a defensive arc.

Go away, allez, allez! she shouted, trying to sound authoritative as the street urchins began to melt away. 

Free from the pressing bodies, she wove deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of endless, identical alleyways, slipping between the sacks and the stalls with a serpentine ease that masked her increasing panic. She felt as if every eye were upon her, eyes shrouded by swathes of headgear or set within sun-dried faces, all disapproving, some accusing. Every turn revealed idle and cocky gangs of youths who straddled their cycles, observing her distress with knowing smirks.

Isobel looked for an opening, any way out that might lead her back to the square and return her to some kind of safety and normality. But every likely exit from this terrible maze was blocked with the knee-high beggars who had followed the scent of her like sharks, ever since she had taken pity on a tiny girl who, with swimming eyes, had pleaded for a dirham. But as they closed in to encircle her, there were no more pleas, only orders. 

You give dirhams! they called at her, chanting their demand like a mantra. 

Yes, dirhams! she cried in a sudden and reckless change of tack. Dirhams for whoever can show me the way back to the square.

She pulled a single note from her purse and waved it before the outstretched hands. But the sight of money only fed the frenzy and the chorus of orphaned voices grew louder and more demanding, as ragged forms crashed against her legs and threatened to topple her with their combined force.

A barking voice cut through the chaos around her and her pursuers leapt back as if scalded. The sound of a wicker cane smacking against flesh was followed by shrieks of pain and the startled waifs scattered like stray cats. Isobel turned towards her saviour, overwhelmed with gratitude and close to tears. She guessed he was in his mid-forties, unmistakably Arabic, clean-shaven, and smartly dressed in Western clothes, his polo sporting one of the many designer labels that seemed to adorn even the cheapest t-shirts.

They mean no harm, the children, said the man. Do not think badly of them, perhaps they already saw you were a kind woman? The children, they see it in the face, if you are kind. So you must be very kind to attract so many children.

Thank you, said Isobel, her racing pulse beginning to slow, but I think it was the few coins I gave a little girl for sweets that was my mistake.

A mistake perhaps, but also the sign of a good heart, no?

Isobel smiled at the compliment.

You wish to go to the square I think? asked the man.

Yes, yes, I do. Is it near?

If you know where it is, it is near, if not… the man shrugged, if not it can be very, very far. Perhaps you will let me show you the way. No one will bother you if you are not alone.

Isabel hesitated. If you are sure you don’t mind. I said I would meet my husband there.

The man motioned toward the space behind the open shutters.

Please, wait inside for a few moments. I must get my son for he will mind the store. Please, this way, just a few moments.

Isobel

Reviews for When the Siren Calls

[ksiminski-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I am late on reviewing this book. I received it as an early release book or a member giveaway, I cannot remember. It was hard to get into the book, but at times it was hard to put the book down. It was well written I believe, but I have mixed feelings about the book. I felt like there was too much going on in the story and hard to keep up with at times. Perhaps it could have been a better read with more details to really get to know the characters and for plot description. I would like to read the sequel for clarity as well as to see what happens. In short, it took me a while to read and I have mixed feelings about this book.

[tinamariesays · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

*My Review Gives Details of The Story That may Spoil The Ending*Well Written But Couldn't Commit to Liking ItI was taken in by the description of this novel. When I began reading it, I didn't feel I was getting what was advertised. It was still well written though, and it seemed it could be a good book. There were parts of the story I found entertaining, but they were more about Lucy than Jay and Isobel. I found it quite comical when she showed up at Jay and Rusty's kids' school. I did not like Jay, who was cheating on his wife with Lucy, and eventually Isobel, and anyone else he could snag by the looks of it. He was immoral in his business dealings as much as his personal life, and the book focused on the business much more than I thought it would. It took forever to get to the point where Isobel and Jay got together, and then the relationship seemed of no real consequence. Jay didn't change his ways. Isobel was cheating on her husband, Peter, and he didn't seem to notice. Peter was a non factor until the end of the book when I thought, perhaps, he was going to take down Jay for his unscrupulous business and regain the attention and affection of his wife, which I would have loved to have read. Disappointingly, that did not happen. Isobel found out Jay was trying to cheat her and her husband financially, and she continued to sleep with him. She even saw how ruthlessly Jay treated Lucy by getting her drunk and abandoning her emotionally and physically to be taken advantage of by Eamon in order to have an excuse to end their affair. Still, she slept with him? Wake up Isobel. But then, perhaps that was the goal and end result of this book, since her final decision was to end her marriage and her affair. It didn't seem like it had closure though. To get that you will probably have to read the entire set of books. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[sita4u2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A very romantic and interesting read with an unexpected end, but i think the Author spent too much time elaborating the real estate deal, i started enjoying the Novel right at the middle, i also have a soft spot for Tuscany and Florence, i think they were lovely settings for the Novel.

[scubafiend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A complex story with interwoven subplots and a twist at the end. When The Siren Calls traces the twists and turns of a summer of deceit and betrayal as each of the characters tries to obtain their heart's desire. Set mostly in Tuscany and London, the story centers primarily around Isobel - the vaguely dissatisfied wife of a wealthy workaholic. On a visit to Tuscany she hopes to fulfill her dreams of a more romantic life and ends up with a much different end result than she expected.

[melissars-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won a copy of this book from LibraryThing, I was really excited to read it, since the description seemed interesting.I thought that the story was interesting, it pulled me in right away. I didn't really like some of the characters, but I thought that the story was well written. I don't really get why there is a comparison to Fifty Shades of Gray, which I can't finish because of how poorly written it is. I will be interested to see where the story goes from where it left off.

[chazzarcturus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this e-book from the author as part of LibraryThing's Member Giveaway Program. The author requested a review.Minor whinge: The e-book provided was in pdf format which is a royal pain to read on a smartphone unless it has been specifically sized for the device. I hope epub will be considered for future offerings.It is difficult to categorize this book. No one _really_ loves anyone else (although there is quite a bit of narcissism) so it really isn't good romance. The sex scenes, while plentiful, stop short of being titillating so it isn't erotica. Almost everybody is screwing (physically and financially) almost everybody else so it isn't really intrigue. The best description I can come up with is "a modernized Regency-style romance with extra sex".Besides stopping short on the sex scenes, other things are cut a bit short: The author doesn't quite sell the beauty of Tuscany; Isobel lusts for Jay but she doesn't quite love him; Jay is a brilliant schemer but he doesn't quite get off scot-free; Andy is an intelligent, diligent, wealthy businessman, but not quite ... and so forth. There is plenty of avarice, lust, two-timing, corporate spying, and general douchebaggery for those who like to figuratively peek in the windows of the wealthy and powerful.There is a sequel which allegedly involves the reformation of Jay. It might be interesting to see who or what can bring him around.

[omf_4 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

First I like to thank the author for the book and the trust.The story of the book can be described with a few words. Rich couple finds nice holidayhome and in the process wife finds sexy lover.The sex-scenes are written very clearly, ie no invention of flowery words, but are cut short every time. The people in the story, not only the protagonist and its counterpart, are described as double-dealing, deceitful but not being consistent.So, this book is nothing whole and nothing half.Reasonably interesting characters in an finance-wishy washy-story. Maybe the subsequent book will be better.

[haymaai · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received When the Siren Calls as a Goodreads Giveaway book, and I was curious about this romance novel, as it was written by a male author, in contrast to all the female romance novelists whose works I’d read. What I discovered was that Tom Barry, the author of this novel, presents an intriguing and entertaining story about an unhappily married woman, Isobel, who becomes involved in a love triangle in which she walks a fine line between her marriage to a management entrepreneur, Peter, and her charismatic, virulent lover, Jay. The story takes place at a lovely villa resort in Tuscany, as well as London, which are perfect settings for romance. I loved the element of duplicity in this novel, and I really hadn’t sorted out the intrigue until it was resolved at the end. Although I thought that the author portrayed the characters rather well, at times I felt that he relied on the reader to infer what was occurring, rather than being more specific. When I had to reread portions of the text to clearly realize the plot, I felt that those instances detracted from the flow of the story and my resulting interest. For that reason, I gave the story 3 stars, rather than 4, but it was an enjoyable novel, nonetheless.

[staceykathleen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this story but at times felt like too much time was spent describing minute details about the Italian vacation property. I realize this story is one in a series, but I felt a little bit like I was hanging at the end of this book.Tom did a nice job of carrying the reader through a period in the life of Isobel and her struggles with identity and a self evaluation.

[bella55075 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

To be honest it took me a little longer to read this book than normal. I had a hard time relating to the characters. I'm not sure why. The plot line is good and there is enough sex to keep you interested. I just couldn't get the feel for the story. Some stories you get so involved in that you can't put them down. This one was a struggle for me.

[kerrymarsh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whilst there were no unexpected twists to the plot, it was still riveting and kept me glued to the book unable to put it down. I fell in love with Tuscany as much as the characters. I cant wait to get my hands on the second book.

[reneemy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of this book through Members Giveaway on Library Thing. The plot of the book seemed very interesting to me, but I ended up being a little disappointed. To me, the author brought in several different characters and topics throughout the story, but none of them were developed enough for me. One of the main subjects in the story was Jay's business scheme. So much discussion was put onto the scheme and not enough on the development of Jay's character, or any of the others for that matter. I really wanted to like or dislike him, but I didn't know enough about him to truly make a decision. Even though I feel the story was a little underdeveloped, I did enjoy it enough to want to read the next story in the series when it comes out. I just hope we learn more about the characters.

[windsorqueen · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I would have stopped reading this book early on but felt an obligation to review it. So, I steeled myself with determination to finish it. The "action" didn't occur until perhaps 60% into the book. The story involves a businessman named Jay Brooke, a former rising star in a company who had been let go. Jay is a smooth operator involved in shady real estate deals, leaving others "holding the bag" and running off with the money. He juggles a mistress named Lucy while married to a rich older wife from Dallas. He later becomes involved with a neglected wife of a rich businessman looking to purchase a vacation apartment in Tuscany. There is a lot of talk involving the business machinations that becomes boring to keep reading about. The characters are not particularly likable, and nothing about the story "moved" me. I couldn't wait for the story to end so I could move on to something more meaningful to read.

[kcody03 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An intriguing read that delved into the darker side of society. This was not the type of story that I usually read, but it was one that caught my attention and got me thinking. The setting was the perfect set up for a typical woman who is just tired of the same old issues day after day. I actually felt that Isobel had the stereotypical mid life crisis. Although she did take things a bit too far in my opinion I can certainly empathize with her feelings of being stuck in a rut. I believe many of us do at some point even when we are younger. It was interesting to see how she handled all of this and some of the dangers of living life on the edge.The book was fast paced and was full of intrigue and a bit of a mystery. It was hard to tell who was friend or foe many times in this book and I felt this perfectly portrayed how people can feel when they get in over their heads.The characters were relatable and believable which helped to make them be more lifelike in my mind. I really enjoyed seeing how everything turned out even when I was afraid for them at times.All in all this was a provocative read that really put you through a rollercoaster ride of emotions.Find out what happens when you give in to temptation.

[willoughby_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book nails a lot of the things that make a romance/erotica fun to read: The characters live a lavish life (but don't have perfect lives), thrilling locations are visited, and a diverse cast of characters keeps things hopping. The only reason I don't rank it more highly is because when the author strayed from the romance angle (which he does for quite some time) the story really started to drag. While the marriage in jeapordy was both well-handled and engrossing, the business deal going south and the Chick Guy Dates Before The Real Chick (tm) was too shallow for me to relate to. Mind you, that was simply who the characters was - she was a well-drawn shallow character. It was just a turn off for me. Those minor faults aside, this is still a light, fun, faced-paced read.

[carramel0705 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

it was an interesting read, but i was expecting it to be more like 50 Shades series from the reviews i had read. I liked this book and can't wait to read more of the trilogy.bored unhappy housewife has an affair with a unscrupulous business man.

[dzdnconf247 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Let me begin with this book was nothing like what I had expected. To be honest, I'm not even sure what I had expected in the first place. With that said, When The Siren Calls constantly had my head spinning in attempt to keep up with the ever changing faces and hearts of this stories thrilling characters. Tom Barry definitely knows how to create a wide pool of characters so different from one another but with similar needs and interests. In most books you either love or hate the primary and minor characters, but this author conflicts your feelings towards his characters by making you love and hate them all at the same time for different reasons. Whenever you think you know for sure what one person in the story is all about, some other new element arrives keeping you on your toes and turning the pages as fast as you can. I know some reviews of When The Siren Calls state that the business side of the story was either to heavy or lengthy and lost some of its readers. I found that the author balanced these scenes perfectly within other more racy or active scenes. Also they were a necessity to the plot and the building conflicts between its characters.Now pertaining to the racy side of the story, the scenes gave you just enough juicy details to keep you in the loop without it being an actual adult or erotic romance. With that said, keep in mind if you are easily offended by racy material... this is not the book for you then. The intimate parts of this novel lean from the more sensual side to the extra racy side while not going into too much detail. The author gives you the details you need to understand the sexual relationships between the different characters as these encounters play important influences on the actions and choices of the characters throughout the novel.All in all I really enjoyed When the Siren Calls, especially the constant twists that kept you wondering what could possibly happen next. It's a fun, racy, emotional circus for the characters and a fast engrossing read for Tom Barry's readers.

[kmt01_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book free from Library Thing to read and review. This is the story of Isobel, the lonely wife of the industry mogul Peter. She encounters Jay, who is a con artist, while traveling with her husbnd. Peter is working to develop and sell a time-share resort area in Tuscany. Isobel is immediately pulled into him and his life. Because she persuades him of the resort's value, Isobel and Peter express interest in the time-share, and then find things are not as they have been presented to be. The plot follows all the ins and outs of their adventure, interactions with Jay and a myriad of others who are involved in the same time-share, and conclusions about the whole experience. Isobel is definitely looking for someone or something to fulfill her, as Peter does not. Jay, to whom she turns, is not really the answer, but she very quickly is in too far to really get herself out easily or quickly. This is the story of the rich and well-heeled and how they live. There really isn't very much of a plot, other than to show how Isobel's, Jay's and Peter's lives affect and are affected by others and their world. Some of the sex in the story is a bit explicit, but not overpowering. I felt sorry for the characters Isobel and Peter. She was totally unfulfilled by Peter in their marriage and was consequently looking for someone (Jay). Peter was a businessman so totally involved and caught up in his business that he failed to see Isobel or his marriage to her and what they could mean to him. Jay was a real rake, faithful to no one, conning or trying to con everyone, even his best friend Andy, and becoming involved with Isobel and Lucy at the same time--and looking at Gina for later involvement. Of course, he could turn on his charm whenever needed. How could anyone feel sorry for him or even like his character? This is an interesting story that flows well and moves along well, though there is no real mystery or exciting plot to keep the reader focused--which means the author knows how to write well.

[lpaddycake · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I read this book because I received it for free and thank god I didn't pay for it! It was labeled as a thinking mans Fifty Shades and that is what intrigued me to pick it up. This book was authored by a man and what should have been steamy sex scenes were very simple, boring, lacking any detail and were over in a few paragraphs. Not the type of swoon worthy, turn up the AC scenes I got from the Fifty Shades. Also for being a romance/erotic book it read like a business magazine. I wanted the story to keep me interested and instead I learned the back business side of nonworking timeshares. Not the topic I want on my nightstand. The other confusing this about this book is that the author is English not American and therefore as an American I had trouble following sometimes because of word differences. For example I didn't understand the reference at first to a costume until the rest of the scene painted the picture that he was meaning a swim suit. There were a few other instances like that where it would take scene filler for me to follow. Over all this book took me almost a week to read (not normal for me, I normally finish in 1-3 days). I tried to keep reading thinking it would get better when in reality I should have put it down and never turned back.

[lost_lenore · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Review for members giveawayI have conflicted feelings about this book. I like it and the plot, even a current one, is cleverly and beautifully written. I must say that for a new author, Tom Barry, has a poetic way of telling the story that really catch your attention. Congrats for that.I didn't feel empathy for any of the characters or even a small likeliness because, for me, something was missing. Their entire world was full of lies, betrayal, sex and money and they seemed, maybe Isobel is some sort of exception, doted with a lack of remorse or even consciousness. For me, this novel is a satire and I can't put a label on it but. All in all, it was an interesting reading.

[cindyholdmann · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I see that this says it's only the Prequel (which is all that I received) yet everyone seems to have been able to read the whole book! I only got a few chapters. Although this is not normally the genre I read, it was well written and intriguing but I wish I could have read the whole book to give it a fair review

[melaniehope · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very fun book to read. Isobel, feeling neglected and disregarded in her marriage, is literally saved by handsome, charismatic Jay in a market in Morocco.Jay is involved in a time share operation in Tuscany. Isobel eventually convinces her husband that they need to check out the location as a potential investment. By this time, Isobel is unable to stop herself from beginning a torrid affair with Jay. Jay is also in a loveless marriage, but unknown to Isobel, he also has a headstrong mistress.Eventually Isobel and her husband begin to suspect that all is not as it seems with the time share and it begins to look as though Jay will be exposed as dealing in a shady business venture. Meanwhile Isobel has become to struggle with choosing between her husband and her lover.I enjoyed the story because of the characters and the reckless lives they were leading. Sometimes it is just fun to read about people messing up their lives, living with secrets and trying to cheat others financially while only caring about how they will come out on top in the process.I received a complimentary e-book from Netgalley.com

[nickinickuhn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. The inner look at relationships. A deep view into the personal lives of the characters. Their unhappy marriages, still unhappy while cheating, unhappy in business. It's interesting to see how each person handles their situation. The author has an amazing insight to their feelings, and how they deal with them. Very interesting book. I'd absolutely recommend it.

[lulu150 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received When the Siren Calls from NetGalley for an honest review. Overall the book was a good read. For me it seemed to start out slow but did pick up a little as it went on. I really did not see any comparison of this book to 50 Shades of Grey. The book is an erotic romance book but I think seemed to lack some of the passion that others have. Jay is definitely a playboy and Isobel the lost and lonely wife and there is the big mess of the business deals. Not sure yet if I liked the ending but now I may have to read the second book.

[mariedrake · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

*My Review Gives Details of The Story That may Spoil The Ending*Well Written But Couldn't Commit to Liking ItI was taken in by the description of this novel. When I began reading it, I didn't feel I was getting what was advertised. It was still well written though, and it seemed it could be a good book. There were parts of the story I found entertaining, but they were more about Lucy than Jay and Isobel. I found it quite comical when she showed up at Jay and Rusty's kids' school. I did not like Jay, who was cheating on his wife with Lucy, and eventually Isobel, and anyone else he could snag by the looks of it. He was immoral in his business dealings as much as his personal life, and the book focused on the business much more than I thought it would. It took forever to get to the point where Isobel and Jay got together, and then the relationship seemed of no real consequence. Jay didn't change his ways. Isobel was cheating on her husband, Peter, and he didn't seem to notice. Peter was a non factor until the end of the book when I thought, perhaps, he was going to take down Jay for his unscrupulous business and regain the attention and affection of his wife, which I would have loved to have read. Disappointingly, that did not happen. Isobel found out Jay was trying to cheat her and her husband financially, and she continued to sleep with him. She even saw how ruthlessly Jay treated Lucy by getting her drunk and abandoning her emotionally and physically to be taken advantage of by Eamon in order to have an excuse to end their affair. Still, she slept with him? Wake up Isobel. But then, perhaps that was the goal and end result of this book, since her final decision was to end her marriage and her affair. It didn't seem like it had closure though. To get that you will will probably have to read the entire set of books. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[dyarington_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I write this review as payment for a free kindle book. My first reaction to the book was that it was a 300 page plus soap opera. I didn't feel there was any plot at all until two thirds into the book. It was sex sex sex, from whore houses to strip joints to sex clubs to conversations with friends and finally and most abundantly sex in the bedroom and other quiet places. It is a book I would have enjoyed reading and learning from as a seventeen year old virile male. I've not read the Shades of Grey books so I can not compare. Also I am not a "romance" reader. Basically, I thought it was a bad book, easy to write and slim, at best, of plot. I don't know why I kept reading to the end--I guess because I promised an honest review. But, I'm sorry, it was just not a good book. The sex was tittilating, no pun intended, but otherwise--people get cheated out of their decision to invest in a "resort' in Tuscany.So what? Even the Italian angle was boring. Isobel and Jay, the rake, are largely forgetable individuals.

[rivergen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The opening of the book in Marrakesh grabbed my attention right away, and I was anxious to read on. However, I found myself disappointed with the book overall. I found it hard to sympathize with the characters, and difficult to understand their reasons for behaving the way they did. I needed more of their thoughts and inner debates to be able to root for them and wish them well. Especially Jay, a character who surely had some redeeming qualities that could have earned him some sympathy, but whose portrayal led me to dislike him tremendously. I get the feeling that the book may have been over-edited - like some critical details had been cut out that might have enriched the story and character development. That being said, Tom Barry has quite an enjoyable writing style and this kept me engaged and interested despite my misgivings. There were parts that were indeed quite riveting, and kept me reading well past my bedtime. All in all, I'm not certain whether I'd recommend the book to my friends or not...[NOTE: I won this book on Librarything in exchange for a review]

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is not a genre that I have read much so I thought it would be nice to try something different. When the Siren Calls is an erotic romance book with substance. It follows Isobel, a woman who is unhappy with her marriage and is driven into the arms of Jay, a handsome (and married) businessman. This book alternates its point-of-view throughtout the book between the main characters. I felt that the point-of-view changes mostly added to the story. However at times it felt like there was too much going on. I felt like I would have rather just read about mainly the relationship between Isobel and Jay, or about the relationship between Jay and Lucy and not all the added drama between Jay and Andy. My favorite part of the book was Isobel's growth throughout the book. I really enjoyed the ending of the book and how everything unfolded. Overall I thought this was a good book but that it felt a bit busy at times. I would recommend this to friends and family.[I received this book from a Librarything Member's Giveaway. The content of my review is in no way affected by that.]

[rretzler_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Isobel is a wealthy and beautiful woman who is emotionally neglected by her successful workaholic husband. At a point in her life when she realizes that there must be something more, she meets Jay and is instantly attracted to him. Jay is married and also has a very cunning mistress who is trying to keep him from breaking up with her. Jay convinces Isobel and her husband to invest in a timeshare which he is managing and selling, and which he convinced an old college friend to become the major investor. We as the reader are soon faced with the questions: What does Isobel really want? Is Jay merely a good salesman trying to seduce for either sex or money? I thought that this book was very well written. The dialog rang true and there were descriptive passages, but not enough to overwhelm the reader. I felt that there was enough action in the book that certainly kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next. I'm usually a good judge of where the plot is headed, but I must admit, this one kept me guessing right up to the very end. The author was able to get inside Isobel's head and accurately portray the emotional turmoil that a woman would have in the circumstances. It was amazing that he was able to capture female emotions so well, and I am willing to bet that there are a lot of women out there who may recognize themselves in Isobel. For most women, I think Isobel will be easy to identify with, despite her wealth and beauty.I honestly have not figured out if I was actually rooting for Jay or against him with all of the problems that he created for himself - Isobel, the timeshare, his mistress...At times the author portrayed him as being genuine but out for all he could get, and at other times just a heartless scumbag! I believe he is followed in the sequel, so I have not made up my mind whether I am going to read it or not. There were some seduction and sexual scenes and they were very tastefully written, but this is still an adult book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre because it is very well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat.I was given this book through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[richhayes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

NOTE: I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.This book, although well written, was not one that this reader could get interested in. It was not one that you would start and just have to see what happened the next day no matter what the time was. Again for this reader it was start to read, read a paragraph or two or page or two, stop and do something else and if I hadn't received a copy for a review and feeling honor bound to read and review; I would have probably quit reading it but it would not surprise me if many readers disagreed with me and if they do, great for them.The main characters are Jay and Isobel. They first meet when he "rescues" her from being lost in and berated by a salesman in the market in Marrakech and helps her get to the hotel she and her husband are staying at. It turns out that Jay is also staying there and they meet again later at the swimming pool. There she finds out about a party in England, which later she decides to attend and meeting Jay again where he tells her about a resort he is building in Tuscany Italy. She and her husband go there and later she and Jay becomes lovers.In this book this reader was asking, who is Jay and what are his true feelings toward Isobel? Is he a real believer in the project? Does he have real feelings toward Isobel or is he just after her money? As for Isobel, does she have real feeling towards Jay or is she just bored in her marriage? And the project, is it something real or just a scam?In a star rating I would give the book 4 stars just because it was well written and maybe other readers will enjoy it more than I did.A warning, there is sex in the book and while it is not explicit, it is there and perhaps the book should not be read by anyone younger than 17.