Batteries Not Required by Anara Bella
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (71 pgs)
Other: M/F, Very mild bondage
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Gillyflower
Wanted: One fling, orgasmic satisfaction guaranteed.
In Dana Appleby’s experience, really bad, boring sex and long-term relationships seem to go hand-in-hand. Enough is enough. She’s now on a mission and her main objective is finding excitement in the bedroom. And she knows just who she wants to give it to her: Reese Cooper.
Short-term relationships are Reese’s specialty—and so is sex. Dana’s proposal to have a little fling is right up his alley, but things go awry when he starts to realize short-term isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And suddenly the idea of Dana moving onto someone else doesn’t appeal one bit.
So, what’s a guy to do? The only thing he can do. Set out to show Dana that long-term doesn’t necessarily mean boring. Not with relationships—and definitely not with sex.
Warning: This book contains graphic sex, a scorching office quickie and the teensiest bit of newbie handcuff play. Please note: Batteries not included with this book. But don’t worry, you won’t need any.
Batteries may actually be required after you read this lusty tale of lovin’ from relative newcomer Anara Bella!
No-nonsense Dana Appleby has had it with boring sex, boring partners, and being dumped by men who are bored. Though not normally the risk-taking type, she decides to go all out to get a taste (or lots of tastes) of what great sex is all about—with a real man, batteries not required—and walk away from each man after one night.
As Dana puts it, she wants awesome, spine-tingling, knee-melting, mind-blowing sex—the kind you read about in romance novels. And she wants her first one-night stand to be with Reese Cooper, the sexy company playboy. Based on Reese’s reputation, and a scorching trial-run kiss, Dana decides he is just the man to show her the rollicking good time she has been missing; and she doesn’t mind throwing a couple of elbows at Reese’s arm candy du jour to get her plan off to a yummy start. Dana makes Reese—who has a well-earned reputation for avoiding long-term relationships—an offer he can’t refuse. But he does! Who knew Reese would grow a conscience and hold off to protect her? Not to be deterred, Dana pursues her goal. And what better way to a man’s heart than through his stomach. And, as the yummy cover suggests, some delicious lingerie. No wardrobe malfunctions here, folks!
Ms. Bella’s story is a delightful romp that is richer for having depth. Dana is a likable modern woman with whom many readers will be able to identify. Her tendency to blush as furiously red as her bustier is endearing. In her role as aggressor, Dana puts everything on the line but, facing numerous uncertainties, tries to protect herself too. She’s afraid to get too attached. Turns out Dana has some trust issues to confront.
Relationship-shy Reese is used to playing his cards very close to the vest, but has secretly been eyeing Dana for weeks. The only reason he hasn’t acted on his attraction is because he is sure that she is the hearts-and-flowers, serious-relationship type. Reese gets more surprises than he bargained for once he (literally) opens the door to Dana. Maybe he does need more than blow-up blondes? And maybe he won’t be bored after just one night.
I found myself liking and identifying with both Dana and Reese as they wrestled with their respective emotional conflicts—no doubt part of what made
Batteries Not Required such an enjoyable read. And there is a lovely, reflective moment between Reese and a mentor that is part of what makes Reese such a compelling character. Ms. Bella’s story could happen to any of us—well, we should be so lucky! But it isn’t rushed or contrived. This is a sparkling gem of a story. Oh, and the sex—is smokin’ hot!
Ms. Bella is now an auto-buy author for me and I highly recommend
Batteries Not Required. But you may want to have batteries, or your partner, on hand when you read it!
