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When the Siren Calls

by Tom Barry (Goodreads Author)

3.46 of 5 stars 3.46 · rating details · 224 ratings · 135 reviews

Restless and neglected, Isobel is suffocating in a stagnant marriage. Suave and charismatic Jay is fighting for survival. An invitation to visit Jay's resort in the hills of Tuscany sparks Isobel to imagine a life of freedom and excitement.
Dismissing her husband’s objections, Isobel pursues Jay to Tuscany on the pretext of searching for a holiday home. After fighting angu...more Restless and neglected, Isobel is suffocating in a stagnant marriage. Suave and charismatic Jay is fighting for survival. An invitation to visit Jay's resort in the hills of Tuscany sparks Isobel to imagine a life of freedom and excitement.
Dismissing her husband’s objections, Isobel pursues Jay to Tuscany on the pretext of searching for a holiday home. After fighting anguished guilt, she abandons herself in a passionate affair, with her controlling lover encouraging Isobel to push beyond her sexual boundaries.
But all is not as it seems in the idyllic Tuscan retreat, and Isobel finds herself trapped in a web of intrigue, deception, and betrayal. She is one player in a dangerous love triangle, unsure whether Jay is her saviour, or her nemesis. As her world falls apart, she must choose between the woman she thought she was, and the woman she has become.

"Tom Barry has a strong sense of irony and a nose for unearthing what
lies beneath the civilised facades we present to the world. It’'s
exciting to find a new writer who tells life like it is, but with a
delectable twist of romance,sex and humour." -
Stephanie J Hale, author, 'Millionaire Women, Millionaire You.'

“Witty, often deliciously self-conscious and smattered with the best sort of irony, it is both seductive and funny. If 'humourotica' is a genre then Tom Barry is its king; if it does not yet exist then he is its creator. Re O’Leighleis, author “Hooked”

"I loved this book! I am recommending it to all my friends who love smart, sensual stories with twists that keep you guessing. - Erin Potter, Shamrock Editing.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the way the strands come together as the novel pushes towards climax. - Matthew Branton, 'The Love Parade', Bloomsbury, 2002.

" A pacy, racy, romance novel that simultaneously feels like a critique of a particular social scene " - Tom Fletcher, 'The Leaping', Quercus, 2011.

A sexually-unfulfilled wife in a tricky situation and a handsome stranger coming to her rescue. Give me good old escapism any time.- Alana Woods, author, 'Imbroglio', Woodsforthetrees, 2012(less)

Kindle Edition, 17 pages

Published (first published February 26th 2012)

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When the Siren Calls
by Tom Barry (Goodreads Author)

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Feb 16, 2013 Nenia Campbell rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: x-2012s, i-burn-i-pine-i-perish, pr0n, netgalley, gorgeous-covers, cool-idea-poorly-executed, defenestrated, did-not-finish-or-skimmed, island-of-hype, kill-it-before-it-lays-sequels, repulsive-protagonist, reviewed, smells-like-pretentiousness, specialsnowflakes, the-pokeflute-failed, twiclones, bye-bye-self-respect, i-hate-you-please-die, ill-give-you-something-to-cry-about, icky-sex-fantasies, boo-you-whore

You can read more reviews at my blog, The Armchair Librarian!

An alternative title for this book could very well be "When Rich People Can't Keep It in Their Pants."

Initially, I was very excited to read this book. I applied for it about five times in the GR giveaway because the summary was so compelling. The original summary, that is. When it was changed to describe this book as Lady Chatterley's Lover meets Fifty Shades of Grey I grew concerned. When I noticed that several other book-bloggers who...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Megan - The Book Asylum rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read more reviews like this at The Book Asylum.

I received When the Siren Calls from NetGalley for an honest review. Upon seeing the beautiful cover, and then reading the synopsis I decided to take a chance on this one. Now, you know what they say about judging a book by its cover and the saying goes both ways… In this case, the cover was beautiful but the book just didn’t live up to it. I’m sorry to say I was disappointed with When the Siren Calls.

When the Siren Calls is told in the third person...more Read more reviews like this at The Book Asylum.

I received When the Siren Calls from NetGalley for an honest review. Upon seeing the beautiful cover, and then reading the synopsis I decided to take a chance on this one. Now, you know what they say about judging a book by its cover and the saying goes both ways… In this case, the cover was beautiful but the book just didn’t live up to it. I’m sorry to say I was disappointed with When the Siren Calls.

When the Siren Calls is told in the third person with each chapter changing focus to a different character. The main story follows Isobel, an unhappy housewife, and Jay, a womanizing sleaze-ball businessman trying to dig his way out of an upside down business deal.

Upon reading a few chapters and getting to know some of the characters a bit, one thing was glaringly apparent - I was not connecting with ANY of the characters. When I read, it is critical that I be able to relate in some way to at least one character. In When the Siren Calls, the emotional charge was just not there. It wasn’t there in the relationships; it wasn’t there in the sex. There was no spark of empathy, compassion, or any foreseeable prospect of me relating to any of the characters. They all seemed very drab and mundane to me, which is the exact opposite of the seemingly rich, glamorous, and exciting people I expected to encounter. The things that they all had in common were wealth, lies, deceit, sex, and cheating. Redeeming qualities? Nill. The only relationship that I enjoyed reading about was the friendship between Isobel and Maria. Unfortunately, I didn't even care for that until later in the book. Maria was herself a rich, entitled cheater, but she was straightforward and honest with Isobel – always; even if it seemed harsh and unsupportive.

Based on my review thus far, you'll understand that I had a very hard time getting through this book. I wanted to put it down several times but persevered and finished it with much relief that it did, in fact, get better in the latter third. At that point, the pace picked up and some interesting developments started to happen. Unfortunately, by that point the average reader has probably moved onto another book.

I wanted to like this book. It had all the right ingredients for a great read but it just didn’t deliver. In the end, the characters felt flat, the sex scenes too short and unexciting, the relationships flimsy, and the resolution anti-climactic. If you’ve read the book, I’d love to know your thoughts! (less)

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Nov 26, 2012 Jean Fisher rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After having a fight with her husband, Peter, striking out on her own in the marketplace in Marrakesh and being rescued by an attractive stranger named Jay, Isobel finds herself unable to get Jay out of her mind.

Soon an affair with the suave and gallant stranger, Jay, will propel Isobel into a dizzying world of corporate intrigue, sexual infidelity and outrageous morals.

READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW ON GATHER.COM AT: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.act...

It is available in both Kindle and paperback fo...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Bloggeretterized rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Bloggeretterized by: The Author

Shelves: netgalley, 3star-like

I got this book through Netgalley. Thank you very much Netgalley! ;)

First of all, I want to clear something up. It didn't take me 3 months to read this book. I actually read it in 7 days. It's just that I hadn't had much time to read, so, that's why my starting and ending dates are so far off. Considering that I read it in a week, I can say it's a fast paced book.

I didn't read any reviews before reading the book. I was drawn to it by the title and the cover! (those 9 months were worth it Tom Ba...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Marie Drake rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*My Review Gives Details of The Story That may Spoil The Ending*
Well Written But Couldn't Commit to Liking It
I 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...more

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Jan 12, 2013 cupcake rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am obsessed with Italy. It doesn't take much to stoke the fires, either. So when I learn that a book is set there, I'm already inclined to like it. But inclination only lasts so far. The book does need to be good - fun to read, interesting, entertaining.

When the Siren Calls does not disappoint on any level. Not with its Italian setting, not with its story and not with its characters.

In a fit of pique with her husband, Isobel heads out, unaccompanied, to a Marrakech marketplace, where things ge...more I am obsessed with Italy. It doesn't take much to stoke the fires, either. So when I learn that a book is set there, I'm already inclined to like it. But inclination only lasts so far. The book does need to be good - fun to read, interesting, entertaining.

When the Siren Calls does not disappoint on any level. Not with its Italian setting, not with its story and not with its characters.

In a fit of pique with her husband, Isobel heads out, unaccompanied, to a Marrakech marketplace, where things get a little complicated. The dashing Jay rescues her, and Isobel immediately is attracted to him. And he to her. Uninspiring though her marriage to the driven and successful Peter may be, however, Isobel is not one to cheat.

Well .... not quickly, anyway.

Jay is a developer, or involved in some sort of real estate developing, and has a property in Italy - a sort of time share thing for rich folks. Isobel and Peter head to take a look, and Jay convinces them to buy in. Peter has to return to work, though, which leaves Isobel rather alone. And Jay rather interested. Alas, Jay has a girlfriend - the hot, comely Lucy, who does not take to competition very well. (There is a hilarious scene in which she confronts Jay very publicly.) Oh, and Jay also has a wife, although she is safely ensconced in the US.

Jay, as you can see, is a lover. He enjoys the ladies (boy, does he ever), and he finds Isobel irresistible. She doesn't make it very difficult for him, nor does she struggle with guilt over cheating on Peter. Both Isobel and Jay share that commonality: they each feel somewhat entitled to pursue their concupiscent desires.

Dovetailing with the romance is a story of financial intrigue, sort of Bernie Madoff-esque in nature. Jay is not all he appears to be, but then again, neither is Peter. And Isobel is more than just the woman in the middle. She will frustrate you with some of her decisions, yet there are times you want to give her a high five for locating her backbone. Then there is Jay. When you read this, come back here and tell me what you think of him. I don't want to give away much, but Jay is ... complex.

This is a good book. Not great, not bad. I couldn't stop reading it, which says something, and I really wanted to know what would happen with the financial story line, as well as with Isobel and Jay. Tom Barry knows how to pull you in, and he develops his characters with humor and irony. Oh, and the sex scenes. They are HOT. Jay - well - Jay can get it done, people.

Published on cupcake's book cupboard. @VivaAmaRisata
Thanks to NetGalley for the preview.(less)

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Jan 12, 2013 Pam rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received When the Siren Calls from NetGalley for an honest review.
I heard that the book was a bit "50 Shades", which I have not read (I know, I'm one of the few) and was curious to see what all the hype was about.
I've never read anything by this author, and am always interested in expanding my horizons.
I'm not 100% sure I know how to feel about When the Siren Calls. While it was well written, the descriptions putting the reader right into the scenes, the characters were pretty controversial...more

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Dec 01, 2012 FicTalk Blog rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, reviewed-in-2012

Reviewed by Heather - 2.5 stars

This book took me quite a while to get into, and honestly I never really did. All the business aspects included made it very difficult for me to dive into the world created. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and when that happens, I find it very hard to enjoy reading.

First off, Jay...Jay was an insatiable asshole. He seemed to screw or want to screw every woman he came in to contact with. All he cared about was himself and had no redeeming qualiti...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The heroine of this story is Isobel Roberts. She is a wealthy, beautiful, but neglected woman who is bored and frustrated with her workaholic husband, and so when a charming stranger called Jay comes into her life and tells her of his plans for a luxurious new tourist development in Tuscany, she can’t resist fantasising about how her life might yet change. When the Siren Calls tells what happens next – a tumultuous, dramatic story of sexual awakening set beneath the Italian sun. The subject matt...more The heroine of this story is Isobel Roberts. She is a wealthy, beautiful, but neglected woman who is bored and frustrated with her workaholic husband, and so when a charming stranger called Jay comes into her life and tells her of his plans for a luxurious new tourist development in Tuscany, she can’t resist fantasising about how her life might yet change. When the Siren Calls tells what happens next – a tumultuous, dramatic story of sexual awakening set beneath the Italian sun. The subject matter of the book seems to be how wealth and security can lead to boredom, and how alluring the exotic becomes in these circumstances. To Isobel, Jay represents the exotic in two ways – the hot, romantic Tuscan life, and sexual experimentation. For me, the story was about Isobel and the love triangle that she finds herself in. But there are also fascinating sub-plots intertwined with the Isobel/Jay story. In particular there is Jay's tempestuous mistress, the smouldering seductress Lucy - who was actually my favourite character even though i think I was supposed to dislike her because of her naked ambition and lack of morals. But in a story set amongst almost all wealthy people, she is the girl next door, and I couldn't help being touched by her vulnerability.
Then there is the business intrigue, which was essential to the plot and, thankfully, kept very simple. I never really knew, or cared, what the skulduggery was all about,i just knew that innocent people were being cheated.

There is a lot of sex in the story, but none of it is gratuitous, and the author could, and I think would, have made it much more graphic if he wanted his story to be erotica. It is sensual, but never made me feel uncomfortable.

All in all, this is a pacy, racy, romance novel that also feels like a critique of the lifestyle of the wealthy. Generally, the pace of the novel is consistent and levels of tension and suspense are just right. Isobel’s deliberations about her marriage and Jay’s allure are convincingly handled, and the will-she-won’t-she dilemma is compelling in itself.
The backdrop for their story is a world that is populated by almost universally rich men and beautiful women. The men are mostly predatory adulterers, and the women are all adept at using their sexuality in order to manipulate the men.

The novel is beautifully written, very literary, but without slowing down the pace. If I could change anything about this book it would be to have a different ending. The ending left me totally gobsmacked. I thought there were only two ways this story could end, I was wrong, and I'm looking forward to the follow up.(less)

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Oct 13, 2012 Elizabeth Jasper rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story focuses on relationships: within marriage, between business partners, between friends and lovers - and describes how lies and discontent can ruin relationships and the lives of those involved.

Isobel, married for fifteen years to workaholic high-flier, Peter, has a chance meeting in Marrakech with Jay, a wheeler-dealer property investor, who is looking for funding for his dodgy tourist complex in Tuscany. While nothing happens between Isobel and Jay, she finds him hard to forget and,...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this reading copy from NetGalley.
It's not a bad book, by any means, but it is decidedly not what I expected from the marketing synopsis and the preview chapters. I find myself drawn to an analogy from the book itself; I feel like I was sold an Italian timeshare by Jay Brooke. (ok, maybe not quite that bad a swindle, but it still feels apt) The opening chapters are compelling--a disillusioned wife, Isobel, gets swept up and rescued in an exotic location by a charismatic man. But then i...more I received this reading copy from NetGalley.
It's not a bad book, by any means, but it is decidedly not what I expected from the marketing synopsis and the preview chapters. I find myself drawn to an analogy from the book itself; I feel like I was sold an Italian timeshare by Jay Brooke. (ok, maybe not quite that bad a swindle, but it still feels apt) The opening chapters are compelling--a disillusioned wife, Isobel, gets swept up and rescued in an exotic location by a charismatic man. But then it takes another 150 pages before they even meet again, at which point, rather than getting swept away in a torrid affair, we get completely embroiled in Jay's business scheming. I expected the romantic storyline to be much stronger, but the primary focus remains the Italian timeshare scheme, Jay's double dealings, and the noose slowly tightening around him. The best part of the book is actually when Isobel's husband starts his drive to take down Jay in revenge for being cheated.

So, if you're looking for a portrait of the machinations perpetrated by the financial movers and shakers of the world, it's a decent enough read, though rather shallow. But if you're looking for a romance, or anything remotely sensual, this is not it. Much is made of Isobel's "descent into depravity"--but there are so few details that it's hard to say how particularly depraved she ever got, beyond just the fact that she was conducting an affair and got a full bikini wax. I think there might have been an episode of anal sex, but it was so far buried in euphemistic language that I'm still scratching my head. I'm not saying that I particularly needed the salacious details, just that you need to either bite the bullet and really write the intimate scenes or give up on the concept entirely--half-baked flashbacks and a few vague references don't really build the picture to a level that allows you to identify with how the characters are supposedly feeling. It just comes across as immature and annoying, as though any experience other than missionary in the dark is supposed to shock us.

And really, it wasn't just that--the character development overall was pretty two-dimensional. You get told on occasion how characters are feeling (though most of that tended to center around sexual compulsion, which again, you've been given no solid basis to understand), but you never feel it with them. It's impossible to tell whether Jay is a cold, manipulative schemer, a big dreamer that just tends to get in over his head, or some combination of the two. I have no idea whether he genuinely cares for Isobel or if she's just one more of his conquests as he says the right words; he acts like he can't bring himself to give up Lucy while at the same time acting like he has no emotional attachment to her at all (apparently, she's really good in bed, but I can't say I was particularly given any proof of it--I guess her just walking in a door with lingerie, a tub of yogurt, and a pair of handcuffs was supposed to convey all that to me? Must be a guy thing.)(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 The BookWhisperer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When the Siren Calls is a sophisticated and challenging read. I was intrigued by the mystery from page one. With the terrifying episode in Marrakech I was spell bound to find out what was to come. Unfortunately, as the story continued I was frustrated and irritated by the characters. Isobel is understandably a lonely woman; in a marriage with a man that is more interested in his job than relationship, it is easy to understand this womans situation. As the story continues my sympathies began to w...more

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May 19, 2013 Krista rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story keeps you hooked from the beginning!! Isobel is so Beautiful, Peter is the husband, and Jay is snaky but Sexy!! I love how the author added real sub characters like Andy and Lucy! I really like how you learn stuff about these characters too and not just the main ones.When the story opens you feel really bad for Isobel and her ho-hum relationship with a guy who seems like he doesn't feel the same. Until Jay comes along to save her like a knight in shining armor leaving Isobel wanting m...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Amy H rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: could-not-finish, arc-netgalley

i wanted so badly to finish this book because i got it as an ARC, but in my heart and may days of looking at it and reading another 20% of the book it still didn't get my interest. i read a book a day and sometimes 2, but this book took me almost a week to read because i just couldn't feel it.

this book was in the third person and not to mention it was going all over the place. it had chapters upon chapters of different characters. i wish the author just spend the time writting about the 3 impor...more i wanted so badly to finish this book because i got it as an ARC, but in my heart and may days of looking at it and reading another 20% of the book it still didn't get my interest. i read a book a day and sometimes 2, but this book took me almost a week to read because i just couldn't feel it.

this book was in the third person and not to mention it was going all over the place. it had chapters upon chapters of different characters. i wish the author just spend the time writting about the 3 important people, but alas this is starting my book funk :( i loved cover and didnt get the chance to read any review so, i was taken in by the cover alone. i also read that is was like 50 shades so i was like ( IM IN!!!) boy was i wrong :(

This one is not a love story. This is a story of infidelity, lies, deception, betrayal, lust and desire. It also teaches you how not to fall in the trap of timeshare businesses in a foreign country.

Isobel had it all, yet she wasn’t content with it. She played the role of the desperate housewife that fell in the player’s trap. she has a best friend who also lives the same lifestyle. Carla isobel's best friend also has a man on the side and is trying to explain to isoble that is ok,and that every young women needs to stray when there husband is older and using them for arm candy. Well player doesn’t even cover it. Jay is the jerk, man-whore, douchebag. that makes Isobel want to change her lonely sexless life behind. jay involed with a flight attendant and also plays a part in the book because she longs for jay, but wants him to get divorced and change his ways for her. isobel is drawn to jay because he pays attention to her and most importantly LISTENS!!!

i am not going to lie i skipped to the ending because i had to find out what happends and it left me actually happy. because i feel everyone got what they had coming. i honestly wished this book got more exciting because it had potental to be a great book. i loved reading about italy and all the great places with the sun and the get-aways, but all in all this book was not for me.
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Jan 25, 2013 Nemisha Khosa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of I received When the Siren Calls from NetGalley for an honest review.Thanks to both the author Tom Barry and NetGalley for the copy.
And this is more of 2.5 stars.

The book is an intriguing read. Barry's style of writing for a debut author is very good(one of the strong feature about the books) You could picture the scenes with the words.There is sex in the story, however it is more sensual than erotic. Not overly-detailed or "too much", though the situation deemed more action but i guess...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Jenee Rager rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit

After trying to win this book several times through the goodsreads giveaways, the author offered me a free copy of the novel via netgalley.com. I appreciate his kindness and really enjoyed the book.

As I am not a world traveler there were a few situations that were slightly confusing to me, and I wish that Isobel had met Jay in England rather than Turkey as I think that is the one part of the book I really didn't enjoy that much. The rest is a well written noire. While the plot of the story is in...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Lara Kleinschroth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is from an eBook file, sent to me by NetGalley for review.

There is some seriously intense battle of the sexes going on in these pages! For some characters it's all business, for others all pleasure, and for still others a combination of both. Secrets, lust, passion, power and revenge become entangled in the sheets of many bedrooms, as business deals go south and love triangles (quadrangles?) implode. Jay Brooke is somewhat enigmatic - ruthlessly going after what he wants, but at the same ti...more

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Jan 09, 2013 April Reynolds rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Just received this book via Netgalley.com and got to reading it immediately. I got so deeply involved it only took me a few hours to finish the entire novel. I do not believe I have ever read a book so quickly. I am not a real big fan of love or lust novels but this was different there were so many different things going on I could not put the book down. The main characters in the story keep you captivated wandering what they will do next, what it will take to push them to a level they never tho...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Heather Forsythe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley, ebook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 13, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-book

Isobel Roberts leads a posh life devoid of passion. This lack of passion is suddenly becomes her sole focus after she meets Jay by chance. Months unfold before the two are reunited and able to explore her feelings.
I could not justifiably give this book anything less than four stars. It was well written, the pacing was flawless and I did manage to lose myself in it.

I read someone state that this book is the thinking woman's Fifty. I can agree to that. It is a much better written book. While not a...more Isobel Roberts leads a posh life devoid of passion. This lack of passion is suddenly becomes her sole focus after she meets Jay by chance. Months unfold before the two are reunited and able to explore her feelings.
I could not justifiably give this book anything less than four stars. It was well written, the pacing was flawless and I did manage to lose myself in it.

I read someone state that this book is the thinking woman's Fifty. I can agree to that. It is a much better written book. While not a love story, or even heavy erotica like Fifty was intended to be, the reader can not just lie back and let the events unfold. This is not something that the reader can just let wash over them. The author did heavy research and there is a fair amount of connecting the dots that the reader must do.
Also I might add, Jay for all of his flaws, is not a one note man like Christian Grey. The man certainly knows how to mix it up in the bedroom.

I spent 90% of the book hating Jay. It's only when he loses everything that I came to identify with the man. The same can be said of Isobel. During the final scene between her and the two men in her life I wanted to stand up and cheer for her. I knew how Isobel felt for Jay from her scenes in the book. However, the writer never lets us see Jays true motivation when it comes to her. For the other women it is perfectly clear what Jay wants from them. He has his wife, Rusty, for money and comfort. He fears divorcing her because of their prenup. Lucy is clearly around because of her looks and her sexual prowess. I think he has affection for Lucy but not enough to stop himself from stringing her along.

The scenes in Italy were by far my favorite. I hung onto every detail when the characters where romping around in this beautiful background. Everything seemed clearer when they were there. It was only when Isobel returned home that doubts would slip in. It becomes very clear that Jay is taking advantage of a lot of people throughout the book.
Overall, I found this book engaging and fun to read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a slightly erotic non-romance romance book. It is definitely worth a shot if you are tired of the plug and play contemp romances.
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Nov 15, 2012 Shona Lawrence rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

First up let me just thank the author Tom Barry and his publishers for sending me a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story begins with Isobel being chased through the streets of Marrakesh by the street kids in the hope she will give them money. She is rescued by a local shopkeeper who then tries to force her to buy something from his shop as payment for saving her. When things turn sour she is rescued by the handsome Jay, who just happens to be staying at the same hotel a...more First up let me just thank the author Tom Barry and his publishers for sending me a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story begins with Isobel being chased through the streets of Marrakesh by the street kids in the hope she will give them money. She is rescued by a local shopkeeper who then tries to force her to buy something from his shop as payment for saving her. When things turn sour she is rescued by the handsome Jay, who just happens to be staying at the same hotel as her. They have a chat/flirt at the side of the pool, say their goodbyes and go their separate ways. Isobel is unhappy with her marriage, her husband is so caught up with his work that he ignores her at every turn and soon she is dreaming of that day in the Souk and fantasising about what could have happened. At this point in the story i am hooked... when the story skips forward a few months I had anticipated a steamy affair had already been started but instead found they had shared an email or two where Jay had invited Isobel and her husband to come and look at his new investment opportunity in Tuscany. Which she finally agrees to simply so she can meet him again.

The entire premise of the book is thus... Jay is setting up a time share in Tuscany, he knows its not going to work the way he is marketing it, and has set up an old friend as a scapegoat so that when it all falls he can walk away scot free. His team encourage Isobel and her husband to buy not one, but two apartments at the unfinished complex, and even though Jay begins an affair with her he doesn't try to warn her that she will be losing a lot of money.. he even tries to get her husband to invest heavily in the scheme.

There seems to be a lot missing from this story. While I was more than happy with Barry's style of writing (its the only reason I continued to read if I'm honest) I found the story line itself lacking. I had made it to roughly 60% of the way through, and we had skimmed over sex scenes, making me go back and re-read them just to be sure it had actually happened. There was no sign of romance from Jay and his wife, Jay and his girlfriend, Jay and Isobel or Isobel and Peter. At this point I was very close to giving up, but it was at this point that the story kicked in and I found myself reading the last half of the book in one sitting (it has still taken me 5 days to finish though which is rather unusual for me). The ending seemed rushed and maybe I was too tired by the end but it didnt really have a conclusion, there didnt appear to be any repercussions for Jay from a legal standpoint. Isobel seemed tortured by her feelings about Jay trying to scam them and her passion for their relationship. Im actually really happy with her decision at the end of the book and feel it was the only option for her.

This is the first in a trilogy but i honestly dont know if i would bother picking up the second.

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Dec 07, 2012 Daphne (Winged Reviews) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley, contemporary, erotica

I was intrigued at first by the concept of this book, especially the notion of an older woman escaping to Italy for an affair. However, I would probably describe this as semi-erotica for several reasons. Firstly, it took far too long to get the premise of the book, the hook that was promised in the synopsis. Secondly, the book was focused too much on the issues to do with the business that the romance took a back seat. I knew a lot more about holiday home scams than who Jay actually is.

The char...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Natasha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

A book that is part romance, part erotica, and many parts business transactions.

I can't call When the Siren Calls a romance book nor can I call it erotica. There are parts of both in the book, but the book too heavily focuses on business. It's a shame really since the business parts are well written, but were quite unexpected due to the book's summary. The romance and any subsequent sex take a back seat to Jay's interactio...more

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Dec 11, 2012 a_tiffyfit rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Other reviewers said that this book was an incredible thrill ride of erotica, mystery, and romance. I wouldn't describe it as a thrill-ride at all. I didn't think the pace of the novel was one where I was rushing to read it in a gulp. Instead, it was a twisting, meandering road at a nice steady pace where each character was brought to light. Mr Barry's voice is rich, his characters three-dimensional, and the storyline full. You may outright reject Isobel, although she's the protagonist, because...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Danielle Redz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

*2.5 STARS*
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Let's start with the positive. The cover is absolutely gorgeous,I have a thing with covers involving water.
Writing style was great. Expressive and smooth- loved it.
The basic storyline was interesting and intriguing as well as the characters, who were well thought-out and unique.

However, I don't really think this book was for me. Some moments in the story I was literally rolling my eyes at what was b...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Cherryreads rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really wanted to like this book. I read some of the reviews and saw the cover (yes, I do judge my romance novels by their covers) and I was excited to read another captivating romance. I was not captivated. I had a very difficult time reading this book. There seemed to be so much going on at once and I often felt that some parts of the story lines were lacking. I am willing to admit that I haven't read a lot of literature from English authors so there might be some cultural idiosyncrasies tha...more I really wanted to like this book. I read some of the reviews and saw the cover (yes, I do judge my romance novels by their covers) and I was excited to read another captivating romance. I was not captivated. I had a very difficult time reading this book. There seemed to be so much going on at once and I often felt that some parts of the story lines were lacking. I am willing to admit that I haven't read a lot of literature from English authors so there might be some cultural idiosyncrasies that may not have come across well.
The author does do a wonderful job of describing Tuscany (the main setting of the story); I could envision the vineyards and the cobblestone streets as I was reading. He also has a vast vocabulary and I found myself every so often wishing that I performed better on my SAT's and didn't have to keep looking up different words to understand what he was trying to convey.
I found that most of the romantic entanglements seemed to be glossed over. Just when you think you are getting to the good bits, the author has fast forward to another scene. This was true with all of the romantic liaisons except for the one with Isobel and Jay in chapter 37. I don't know if this is the norm for all English prose, but as an avid reader of romance I want to be a voyeur. I want to be swept away by the passion and romance. When I am reading a great story, I am so caught up that the characters seem real. I have to know will happen next. I didn't feel that with this novel. I wanted there to be a happy ending I wanted there to be some redeeming quality to Jay. I wanted Isobel to find her true passion in a forbidden romance or maybe discover that there could be a deeper truer love with her husband Peter. I felt that was what I was promised by the brief description given, but that wasn't what was delivered.
I did find that the author seemed to find his footing a little more than halfway through the story. It was at that point that I felt drawn in. However, I was disappointed when it came to the ending. It seemed a little unrealistic that all of a sudden Isobel has a back bone, when there didn’t seem to be an indication that through her turmoil she found an underlying strength in the process.
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Mar 22, 2013 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-yo, allllll-mine

First off - received this book free from the author (I assume in exchange for an honest review)

I was hesitant about applying for this book from Firstreads. Not really interested in anything at describes itself as "Lady Chatterley meets Christian Grey". Then the author offered me an e-copy via NetGalley and I thought "What the hell! Why not"

Unfortunately I found it a really difficult read to get into.

"The dappled, shady cover of the oaks allowed her to survey the area before her nubile presence s...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, romance

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...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Libby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh what a tangled web we weave.....
This it folks - the full story!
It includes the 'When a Siren Calls - prequel' but not the 'Saving Jay - prequel' so you really need to read that one first. You don't have to but it will give you more of a background.
I am not going to recap the story as that always ruins it for me. Yes it is a love story with a bit of drama but it's not the 'hearts and flowers' kind. Not everyone gets their happily ever after.
Warning - if you don't like sex and infidelity then s...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Danielle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-books

I really wanted to like this book. It seemed to have it all: compellingsynopsis, beautiful cover, and intriguing title.Unfortunately, there was a lot that didn't work for me, and it just fell flat. First of all,it takes forever for Jay and Isobel to actually start their relationship and when they did, it didn't interest me. Second of all, the characters were not likable at all.Jay was a sleazeball and an asshole. He pretty much screwed anything with legs, not only cheating on his wife with one b...more

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About Tom Barry

About Tom Barry
When the pen is your sword

Five things about me…

- one of eight kids, lifestory is the classic immigrant tale of seeking to live up to parental expectations, while working to mark out your own trail.
- I have aspects of an obsessive personality, establishing a work-life balance was a major challenge.
- I gave up on my business career in my mid-forties, I just didn’t tell my boss! Find...more About Tom Barry
When the pen is your sword

Five things about me…

- one of eight kids, lifestory is the classic immigrant tale of seeking to live up to parental expectations, while working to mark out your own trail.
- I have aspects of an obsessive personality, establishing a work-life balance was a major challenge.
- I gave up on my business career in my mid-forties, I just didn’t tell my boss! Find something you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work another day.
- I tell my kids education is the best gift I can give them, it’s no weight to carry and no-one can take it off you.
- I believe almost everyone has an agenda; explore perspectives outside the mainstream, and beware suppliers bearing gifts.

When the Siren Calls

Tom’s first novel, “When the Siren Calls”, is published in two parts. The first, a “Prequel” is a stand alone short story which introduces the headstrong heroine, the rich and beautiful but neglected Isobel, and the moment her slumbering sexuality is awakened by the mysterious Jay. The second book, follows Isobel’s search for emotional fulfillment as she pursues Jay to Tuscany on the pretext of buying a holiday home, and abandons all her sexual inhibitions in the cinematic love affair of her dreams. But all is not as it seems, and Isobel finds herself trapped in a nightmare of deception and betrayal.

A published writer at University, Tom Barry spent 20 years in management consultancy with Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC, advising the Boards of leading global brands such as Apple, Disney, Toyota and Vodafone. His career prompted a specific interest in the art of persuasive communication. He is passionate about nurturing young talent and has supported a number of UK and overseas schools, including the Nordoff Robbins Centre for Music Therapy. He lives near London and is currently working with the Brit Writers’ Awards, a charitable initiative to promote creative writing in our schools. His debut novel, When the Siren Calls, is set in Tuscany and is both a sensual emotional drama and a page turning thriller.(less)

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