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I have to applaud Cara McKenna for her ability to write such a different story with every book of hers that I’ve read, even when the premises are similar. She seems to reinvent with each new novel, which I don’t think is easy in the romance genre, particularly with erotica. Midtown Masters completely enamored me in a way its two predecessors did not, feeling deeply romantic and sweet for a ménage book, even as it was totally hot.
Suzy and Meyer have been earning money by having sex via webcam for a while now. They tried dating and, while the sexual chemistry was all there, the monogamy and romance didn’t work. They agreed to cam for a year, and remain exclusive during that time for financial reasons, but by the time the book opens, each seems to be growing bored with the arrangement. Meyer, a bisexual man, is eager to get back to seeing other men, and Suzy is craving more intimacy and romance. When one of their clients, with the screen name “Lindsay”, piques her interest, she and this mysterious person begin chatting away from on-camera time.
All she knows about “Lindsay” is that they usually like to watch more romantic encounters between Suzy and Meyer, with the emphasis on female pleasure. “Lindsay” also never shows their face. Suzy makes the assumption that the watcher is female and, even so, begins to feel an attraction to them through their chats. The more cynical Meyer mocks Suzy for the flirtations, but she can’t seem to stay away.
Suzy comes to learn that “Lindsay” is actually John Lindsay, a bestselling novelist who is watching the cam shows as research for his books. John is (almost) a virgin and, after reviewers rip apart the sex scenes in his books, his seeks out Suzy and Meyer to help him improve his writing. What starts as research turns into a fascination with Suzy… and Meyer.
Both John and Meyer remind me of people I know in my life, which is probably an odd thing to say about erotica, but it really speaks to McKenna’s skill for characterization. The initial romance between John and Suzy is so sweet that I just fell in love with him. Suzy has to coach him through his first sexual encounters and they don’t go perfectly or easily, which is how life goes. He’s nervous and things are awkward and the whole thing gave me big heart eyes. I just wanted to hug him. It was the most romantic scene I’ve read in any erotica in as long as I can remember.
Of course, this is a ménage story, so it doesn’t stop there. John admits that he has had sexual fantasies about other men and Meyer is all too happy to oblige. I did feel that the jump from John-the-virgin to John having sex with Suzy and Meyer happened a bit quickly; however, McKenna bolsters that transition through Meyer’s personality. He is pushy and greedy, almost to the point of being cold. As I said, I know someone like that, and I found it believable that they would be willing to push someone who was wanting, if a bit unwilling, until they gave in.
Tonally, Midtown Masters is unlike either of its predecessors in the Sins in the City series. I couldn’t like Crosstown Crush for various moral reasons, and Downtown Devil dealt a lot with the characters feeling conflicted, giving in, and deciding to not feel shame. This book, however, is much more about meeting someone, falling in love, and discovering the thrill of newfound sexuality together. I highly recommend it if you’re into steamy threesomes and can enjoy a bit of man on man action.
Grade: A
Book Type: Erotic Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 19/02/17
Publication Date: 02/2017
Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.
Haley K is a librarian-of-all-trades, book reviewer, writer, perpetual student, as well as a pretty crafty chick. She lives in Texas with too many pets and too little sleep.
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This book is positively sparkling. The dialog is such fun, witty, clever. I am sitting here with my Sunday morning coffee smiling, even laughing out loud and generally having the best time with this book. What a treat this author continues to be, no matter which story of hers I read.
I’m so bummed that McKenna is no longer publishing. She was one of my favorite writers.
Though, there is something to be said for the Leaving-them-wanting-more departure. I rather have a few stellar books by an author than many mediocre ones. I am presuming here, but when one realizes one has told all the stories one has to tell, it is rather brave to bow out than try to get the magic back one more time.
Agreed. Iirc, she commented that writing wasn’t fun anymore and went into a completely different job field.