I first learned of this book from having listened (online) to an interview the author gave BBC Radio London last summer. What she said about her book, "THE SEX LIVES OF ENGLISH WOMEN: Intimate Questions and Unexpected Answers" was enough to pique my curiosity and induce me to buy the book. I read it at a leisurely pace over several months and came to appreciate the candor with which the women in the book spoke about their sex lives and views on sexuality. Among the women interviewed were: a nun, a lesbian, a transexual, a student, a trapeze artist in her 30s, a veiled Muslim woman in her 20s, a burlesque dancer, a feminist into BDSM, a pianist, and a 94 year old widow (who, before marriage, admits to have had a variety of enjoyable sexual experiences as a land girl in Britain's Land Army during World War II).

Frankly, I think any man who wants to understand women as they really are would benefit from reading "The Sex Lives of English Women." It reinforced my belief that a man can never know enough about women. Indeed, a man should value, cherish, and appreciate the relationships he has with them, either in the bedroom or outside of it. That means making an effort to establish meaningful connections with women, provided they are receptive to him. What's more, there is a quote from one of the women interviewed for this book that really stood out for me, and it is this: "Sex is a massive risk and adventure because you don't know who you're going to reveal in yourself."

I first learned of this book from having listened (online) to an interview the author gave BBC Radio London last summer. What she said about her book, "THE SEX LIVES OF ENGLISH WOMEN: Intimate Questions and Unexpected Answers" was enough to pique my curiosity and induce me to buy the book. I read it at a leisurely pace over several months and came to appreciate the candor with which the women in the book spoke about their sex lives and views on sexuality. Among the women interviewed were: a nun, a lesbian, a transexual, a student, a trapeze artist in her 30s, a veiled Muslim woman in her 20s, a burlesque dancer, a feminist into BDSM, a pianist, and a 94 year old widow (who, before marriage, admits to have had a variety of enjoyable sexual experiences as a land girl in Britain's Land Army during World War II).

Frankly, I think any man who wants to understand women as they really are would benefit from reading "The Sex Lives of English Women." It reinforced my belief that a man can never know enough about women. Indeed, a man should value, cherish, and appreciate the relationships he has with them, either in the bedroom or outside of it. That means making an effort to establish meaningful connections with women, provided they are receptive to him. What's more, there is a quote from one of the women interviewed for this book that really stood out for me, and it is this: "Sex is a massive risk and adventure because you don't know who you're going to reveal in yourself."

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'By My Side' is a well written medical romance with a unique twist. Authentic medical references give the story a realistic edge.

There are two stories in 'By My Side'. The first adds a fascinating dimension, yet is so simple it doesn't detract from the complex medical romance of the second story.

Lena is at a crossroads in her young life. Emotionally scarred she finds attending a funeral with her mother very difficult until left to her own devices she meets an enigmatic stranger who senses Lena is troubled and tries to help by telling how she met the love of her life after a funeral. Lena likes her new friend who knows and speaks well of her mother and gradually becomes enthralled in the story that she tells.

Katy is an A&E nurse, a likeable character who often speaks before she fully engages her brain. Adam is an Orthopaedic consultant who is dedicated and good at his job but struggles with his people skills. This flaw is a nice authentic touch. Damaged by his past Adam doesn't want to like Katy but she starts to get under his skin. Their love story is full of twists and tragedy but the romance is heart warming.
The ending is surprising, poignant and hopeful.

The perfect read if you like medical romance with strong, emotional characters and are prepared to open your mind to new possibilities.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.








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The last military list of my Veterans' Day tributes is for the men and women of the Army. 

 

In no particular order, great romances featuring a hero or heroine who is or was in the Army. 

 

1. To Desire a Devil (Legend of the Four Soldiers, #4) by Elizabeth Hoyt

2. Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways, #5)  by Lisa Kleypas

3. Reckless by Ruth Wind 

4. A Soldier's Heart by Kathleen Korbel

5. The Substitute Bridegroom by Charlotte Louise Dolan 

6. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

7. The Perfect Stranger by Anne Gracie

8. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

9. Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

10. The Songbird and the Soldier by Wendy Lou Jones

 

A Soldier's Heart by Kathleen Korbel is a very special romance which I urge you to read. It explores a Vietnam War Era nurse's experience in that war. 

 

I would love to know what your favorite romances are featuring soldiers. If you would like to vote for the best of the best, please visit the Goodreads list: Army Men and Women of Romance. 

 

There is a lot to like about this book: it's charming and the opening scene is very engaging. My criticisms of it stem largely from what it *doesn't* do, rather than for things it does wrong.

 

It feels ungrounded in its setting - we're in 1924 but you'd barely know it, and the Wales we're given could be England. It lacks tension in places. Wilfred and Grace don't speak. When a conversation would solve a character's problems (or move the plot forward) there needs to be a good reason why it doesn't happen - or more of an impact of it not happening.

 

I felt it left one of the story lines dangling. I'm not a reader who demands everything be tied up neatly, quite the opposite, but this felt rather *too* unresolved maybe because the major confrontation happens offstage.

 

The first half was better than the second and I read the whole thing quickly, so it's three stars, but only just.