What do you think?
Rate this book
Swing Set
Shelly and her husband Steve dabble in internet pornography and sex clubs. Their enjoyment reaches heights they never could have imagined, and yet they keep pushing the boundaries. Soon they're involved in partner swapping and triads. Their journey of self-discovery takes them to some unexpected places, and they learn surprising new things about each other. Along the way three women come together and learn to support each other, amid deepening friendship and loyalty. Written in a style that is best described as Tom Perrotta meets Alison Espach, Swing Set shows from a woman's point of view how free-ranging sexual experimentation can affect a relationship, and how a hobby can become an obsession in a thoroughly modern, internet-savvy world where sex is simply another haute appetite.
- GenresErotica
298 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 25, 2016
Swing Set takes the reader on a journey into the world of swinging (the art of swapping partners for sexual acts), you are taken back stage into sex clubs, privy to internet searches looking for other swinging couples to match with and have some "fun" with potentially.
It's erotic, sexual and explicit in places, so not for everybody But it's not erotica, it very much tackles how this type of lifestyle impacts on a marriage, how it changes people, what is acceptable and what is not. It's quite thought-provoking.
Shelly and her husband Steve dabble in internet pornography and sex clubs. Their enjoyment reaches heights they never could have imagined, and yet they keep pushing the boundaries. Soon they're involved in partner swapping and triads. This journey of self-discovery takes them to some unexpected places, and they learn surprising new things about each other.
Shelly and Steve push on into the world of swinging, for them they have a set of rules that cannot be broken when participating, both partners need to be attracted to the opposite sex in the other couple otherwise sex does not go ahead. This is just where one of their many clashes begins, as lust for strangers takes hold.
It's a very readable book, it's written purely from Shelly's perspective, she grows sexually as a woman and in confidence too. Steve treats her terribly at times, putting her down in front of other people, teasing her and commenting on things that hurt her feelings. I wanted to give him a huge slap and tell her to ditch him and find someone better. He was an awful character.
At times I had to remind myself this was fiction, as it can read almost let a memoir, as Shelly tells their story. The try new things and reach heights of sexual pleasure they have never known before. The multiple female orgasm becomes a regular thing for Shelly. She's not complaining at the gorgeous men that come her way. As for Steve? He is all eyes for any busy blonde with a flirtatious wink.
Sometimes the matching of partners does not "click" and everything is put on stop. It's not just about lust, it's about finding others whom they can connect with. But what it is doing to their relationship over the course of the book is quite interesting. Something like this could really make or break a couple. Where will they end up?
3.5 stars for this one, easy to read, if not a tad repetitive in parts, it got me thinking, it opened my mind a bit and overall I enjoyed going on this journey with Shelly and Steve.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
It's erotic, sexual and explicit in places, so not for everybody But it's not erotica, it very much tackles how this type of lifestyle impacts on a marriage, how it changes people, what is acceptable and what is not. It's quite thought-provoking.
Shelly and her husband Steve dabble in internet pornography and sex clubs. Their enjoyment reaches heights they never could have imagined, and yet they keep pushing the boundaries. Soon they're involved in partner swapping and triads. This journey of self-discovery takes them to some unexpected places, and they learn surprising new things about each other.
Shelly and Steve push on into the world of swinging, for them they have a set of rules that cannot be broken when participating, both partners need to be attracted to the opposite sex in the other couple otherwise sex does not go ahead. This is just where one of their many clashes begins, as lust for strangers takes hold.
It's a very readable book, it's written purely from Shelly's perspective, she grows sexually as a woman and in confidence too. Steve treats her terribly at times, putting her down in front of other people, teasing her and commenting on things that hurt her feelings. I wanted to give him a huge slap and tell her to ditch him and find someone better. He was an awful character.
At times I had to remind myself this was fiction, as it can read almost let a memoir, as Shelly tells their story. The try new things and reach heights of sexual pleasure they have never known before. The multiple female orgasm becomes a regular thing for Shelly. She's not complaining at the gorgeous men that come her way. As for Steve? He is all eyes for any busy blonde with a flirtatious wink.
Sometimes the matching of partners does not "click" and everything is put on stop. It's not just about lust, it's about finding others whom they can connect with. But what it is doing to their relationship over the course of the book is quite interesting. Something like this could really make or break a couple. Where will they end up?
3.5 stars for this one, easy to read, if not a tad repetitive in parts, it got me thinking, it opened my mind a bit and overall I enjoyed going on this journey with Shelly and Steve.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
December 30, 2014
The synopsis of the book caught my eye immediately. What I thought would be tawdry tales of a married couple and their lovers ended up being a smartly written story of every side of swinging, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The characters are real, their situations are real. That's what I loved about this story. All too often we get wrapped up in the romance of erotica and the sometimes unrealistic expectations that it may bring.
The journey that Shelly and Steve go in in their quest to be swingers isn't all hot sex and hot couples. It's at times a mess. No attraction, too much attraction, no chemistry, too much chemistry...in other words, real life.
Steve isn't every woman's dream that has Shelly swooning over his every word. He's kind of a jerk. He could honestly be any one of our husband's. Shelly could be any one of us. At no time were you thinking he talked her in to this or vice versa...boundaries were set. Rules were made.
Joanna Kadish took a taboo subject and applied it to a real life setting, complete with all the feelings that would come with wanting to dabble in this lifestyle. It brings the phrase, Be careful what you wish for, to home.
A solid 4 star read for me and a book that is definitely one of the more well written reads that I have read over the years.
**I was gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review**
The characters are real, their situations are real. That's what I loved about this story. All too often we get wrapped up in the romance of erotica and the sometimes unrealistic expectations that it may bring.
The journey that Shelly and Steve go in in their quest to be swingers isn't all hot sex and hot couples. It's at times a mess. No attraction, too much attraction, no chemistry, too much chemistry...in other words, real life.
Steve isn't every woman's dream that has Shelly swooning over his every word. He's kind of a jerk. He could honestly be any one of our husband's. Shelly could be any one of us. At no time were you thinking he talked her in to this or vice versa...boundaries were set. Rules were made.
Joanna Kadish took a taboo subject and applied it to a real life setting, complete with all the feelings that would come with wanting to dabble in this lifestyle. It brings the phrase, Be careful what you wish for, to home.
A solid 4 star read for me and a book that is definitely one of the more well written reads that I have read over the years.
**I was gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review**
November 12, 2014
Novel about sexual adventures
This novel deals with a Jewish couple’s attempts to join the swinging lifestyle. The first half of the book deals mainly with their failure to find a compatible couple to swing with: either Shelley, the wife and narrator, is compatible with a man and Steve, her husband does not go for the accompanying woman or vice versa.
Shelley, the narrator, also relates how she sees her relationship with her husband suffering while her sexual appetite increases. Eventually they find some success in their swinging activities but you feel as if their marriage has suffered along the way.
If you are after a purely erotic hit, you will be disappointed. Although the sex scenes are quite graphic, they do not take up a major part of the book.
This novel deals with a Jewish couple’s attempts to join the swinging lifestyle. The first half of the book deals mainly with their failure to find a compatible couple to swing with: either Shelley, the wife and narrator, is compatible with a man and Steve, her husband does not go for the accompanying woman or vice versa.
Shelley, the narrator, also relates how she sees her relationship with her husband suffering while her sexual appetite increases. Eventually they find some success in their swinging activities but you feel as if their marriage has suffered along the way.
If you are after a purely erotic hit, you will be disappointed. Although the sex scenes are quite graphic, they do not take up a major part of the book.
January 12, 2015
This book was seriously like no other I've ever read. Strange with upds and downs, highs and lows. As a married woman myself who has played with the swinging lifestyle this book took my thoughts right out of my head and put them on paper. From my butterflies to the unpleasent down falls. I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more by this author. I never knew what was going to happen and that left me wanting more. Also, I related so much to the main female character as she checked her online life so often and craved that attention of men messaging her back. It goes way beyond that first contact of course, this book hit me hard and has kept my mind thinking.
November 12, 2014
I found this book an okay read. It is written purely from an adult women's viewpoint and is informative about the difficulties in relationships and attempts at 'swinging' to sort these out.
December 3, 2014
SWING SET was not what I expected. It is a story of a woman who has hit a rough patch in her marriage where ennui has set in. In an effort to get back to the days of her honeymoon she searches for something that will bring a spark back into her marriage and sex life.
This is a literary novel. It is well written and well researched. It was not a bodice-ripping romance. It is a woman who searches for solutions and discovers so much that has been undercover. She learns that she is not this bland, boring woman who will settle for the status quo. She tries sex classes to learn techniques unknown to her. She agrees to check out swinging sites online to see if having multiple partners will bring back the halcyon days of her early marriage. She discovers her husband has his fantasies and is willing to fulfill them with or without her.
I felt Shelly's pain. She is hurting. Her husband, Steve, does not help with his non-communication and his put-downs and belittlements. He is happy to have the chance with other women but he does not care about her needs in or out of the bedroom. He is insensitive. I do not know why she stayed with him. At times I wondered if he was having affairs. Shelly had some opportunities to leave him but she stayed. No matter what she did, it was never enough. I had to wonder why she put up with Steve's behavior and why she had such a hard time telling him about his behavior. I also wondered why she was so insecure about herself. She was successful in her career. She had friends and was able to make new friends. I wish she would have walked out on Steve.
Joanna Kadish has created characters you love or hate. There is no bland characters here. I liked that as Shelley explored her sexuality that she took the time to learn what was right, that she did not play at it. When she considered BDSM, Shelley studied and learned what was involved. She did not go in blindly. Ms. Kadish did her research well and conveyed that knowledge through her story.
If you are looking for a light BDSM romance, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a well thought out read of a woman learning who she is and what she wants this is the read for you.
This is a literary novel. It is well written and well researched. It was not a bodice-ripping romance. It is a woman who searches for solutions and discovers so much that has been undercover. She learns that she is not this bland, boring woman who will settle for the status quo. She tries sex classes to learn techniques unknown to her. She agrees to check out swinging sites online to see if having multiple partners will bring back the halcyon days of her early marriage. She discovers her husband has his fantasies and is willing to fulfill them with or without her.
I felt Shelly's pain. She is hurting. Her husband, Steve, does not help with his non-communication and his put-downs and belittlements. He is happy to have the chance with other women but he does not care about her needs in or out of the bedroom. He is insensitive. I do not know why she stayed with him. At times I wondered if he was having affairs. Shelly had some opportunities to leave him but she stayed. No matter what she did, it was never enough. I had to wonder why she put up with Steve's behavior and why she had such a hard time telling him about his behavior. I also wondered why she was so insecure about herself. She was successful in her career. She had friends and was able to make new friends. I wish she would have walked out on Steve.
Joanna Kadish has created characters you love or hate. There is no bland characters here. I liked that as Shelley explored her sexuality that she took the time to learn what was right, that she did not play at it. When she considered BDSM, Shelley studied and learned what was involved. She did not go in blindly. Ms. Kadish did her research well and conveyed that knowledge through her story.
If you are looking for a light BDSM romance, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a well thought out read of a woman learning who she is and what she wants this is the read for you.
May 8, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The writing and editing are superb. The detail and description that the author brings to the story creates a feeling of reality that swept me away.
We are privy to all Shelly's thoughts and feelings. Early in the story we learn that as a teenager she was afraid of sex due to a very religious and repressive mother, who even banned mirrors in the house to prevent vanity. When she met her husband her level of sexual experience was very limited. Steve was patient and with a therapist's help Shelly was able to overcome her fears. They had a very satisfying sex life for the first four years until boredom started to set in.
In Shelly's description of Steve we learn that he rarely opened doors or pulled out chairs for her, Never did he ask her how she was feeling. He resented her leaving a stressful, but high paying analyst position for a magazine job. He criticized her in front of their friends, grumbles when she buys clothes. Steve is obsessed about his mother. Shelly' grandfather was German. Steve's Russian born grandfather had been beaten to death by Nazis after weeks of torture at a slave labor camp. Even though Shelly has converted to Judaism she will never be accepted by Steve's Jewish family.
Joanna Kadish gives a vivid and very believable description of the internet porn sites, the sex clubs and the partner swapping. Will this couple who seem so ill-suited to each other find sexual happiness? You will enjoy reading about their journey of exploration in Swing Set.
We are privy to all Shelly's thoughts and feelings. Early in the story we learn that as a teenager she was afraid of sex due to a very religious and repressive mother, who even banned mirrors in the house to prevent vanity. When she met her husband her level of sexual experience was very limited. Steve was patient and with a therapist's help Shelly was able to overcome her fears. They had a very satisfying sex life for the first four years until boredom started to set in.
In Shelly's description of Steve we learn that he rarely opened doors or pulled out chairs for her, Never did he ask her how she was feeling. He resented her leaving a stressful, but high paying analyst position for a magazine job. He criticized her in front of their friends, grumbles when she buys clothes. Steve is obsessed about his mother. Shelly' grandfather was German. Steve's Russian born grandfather had been beaten to death by Nazis after weeks of torture at a slave labor camp. Even though Shelly has converted to Judaism she will never be accepted by Steve's Jewish family.
Joanna Kadish gives a vivid and very believable description of the internet porn sites, the sex clubs and the partner swapping. Will this couple who seem so ill-suited to each other find sexual happiness? You will enjoy reading about their journey of exploration in Swing Set.
December 12, 2014
I chose this title because the synopsis seemed interesting. While the book's plot is good and lifelike, the characters are so unlikable that I found myself disgusted at the end.
The husband is a verbally abusive, typically obnoxious, New York City d-bag. He is awful to his wife, clearly wants to start swinging to find something he thinks he's lost since getting married, makes a lot of money, but is as cheap as Scrooge. Basically, he's every NYC stereotype rolled into one and he smokes a lot of dope - which made me wonder how they stay so well off - has mommy/daddy issues, and no clue how to relate to his non-Jewish wife. He won't communicate with her unless he's high or insulting her.
Shelly, the wife and narrator, has no backbone, won't stand up to her husband, and uses swinging as a way to conduct multiple affairs in the form of one night stands and somehow neither one of these characters gets any kind of social disease, though it's not always clear that protection is being used. Shelly puts up with her husband's boorish to abusive behavior and it's not always clear why. Perhaps she's just a gold digger and likes a lifestyle that affords her the opportunity to do the occasional writing for a newspaper/magazine, plays tennis with her friends, and spends money.
While I thought the plot was very realistic, particularly the discussions of meeting people and the expectations and reality then colliding, this was not a very good book.
The husband is a verbally abusive, typically obnoxious, New York City d-bag. He is awful to his wife, clearly wants to start swinging to find something he thinks he's lost since getting married, makes a lot of money, but is as cheap as Scrooge. Basically, he's every NYC stereotype rolled into one and he smokes a lot of dope - which made me wonder how they stay so well off - has mommy/daddy issues, and no clue how to relate to his non-Jewish wife. He won't communicate with her unless he's high or insulting her.
Shelly, the wife and narrator, has no backbone, won't stand up to her husband, and uses swinging as a way to conduct multiple affairs in the form of one night stands and somehow neither one of these characters gets any kind of social disease, though it's not always clear that protection is being used. Shelly puts up with her husband's boorish to abusive behavior and it's not always clear why. Perhaps she's just a gold digger and likes a lifestyle that affords her the opportunity to do the occasional writing for a newspaper/magazine, plays tennis with her friends, and spends money.
While I thought the plot was very realistic, particularly the discussions of meeting people and the expectations and reality then colliding, this was not a very good book.
December 31, 2014
The synopsis of the book caught my eye immediately. What I thought would be tawdry tales of a married couple and their lovers ended up being a smartly written story of every side of swinging, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The characters are real, their situations are real. That's what I loved about this story. All too often we get wrapped up in the romance of erotica and the sometimes unrealistic expectations that it may bring.
The journey that Shelly and Steve go in in their quest to be swingers isn't all hot sex and hot couples. It's at times a mess. No attraction, too much attraction, no chemistry, too much chemistry...in other words, real life.
Steve isn't every woman's dream that has Shelly swooning over his every word. He's kind of a jerk. He could honestly be any one of our husband's. Shelly could be any one of us. At no time were you thinking he talked her in to this or vice versa...boundaries were set. Rules were made.
Joanna Kadish took a taboo subject and applied it to a real life setting, complete with all the feelings that would come with wanting to dabble in this lifestyle. It brings the phrase, Be careful what you wish for, to home.
A solid 4 star read for me and a book that is definitely one of the more well written reads that I have read over the years.
The characters are real, their situations are real. That's what I loved about this story. All too often we get wrapped up in the romance of erotica and the sometimes unrealistic expectations that it may bring.
The journey that Shelly and Steve go in in their quest to be swingers isn't all hot sex and hot couples. It's at times a mess. No attraction, too much attraction, no chemistry, too much chemistry...in other words, real life.
Steve isn't every woman's dream that has Shelly swooning over his every word. He's kind of a jerk. He could honestly be any one of our husband's. Shelly could be any one of us. At no time were you thinking he talked her in to this or vice versa...boundaries were set. Rules were made.
Joanna Kadish took a taboo subject and applied it to a real life setting, complete with all the feelings that would come with wanting to dabble in this lifestyle. It brings the phrase, Be careful what you wish for, to home.
A solid 4 star read for me and a book that is definitely one of the more well written reads that I have read over the years.
November 24, 2014
I received this book from netgalley in return for an honest review. This novel is very reminiscent of Scenes from a Marriage in its approach to marital intimacy, providing a linear story with random glimpses into the past of the two main characters and their families. Although the book is set in recent years, its flavor is of the late 1960's and early 1970's. The two main characters, Steve from Brooklyn (new money) and Shelly from California (Susie shiksa), are living in Northern New Jersey (what exit?). After four years of marriage and no children (voluntarily), they decide to embark on swinging to spice their relationship. Things do not go smoothly.
This book is written in the first person, which I found hard to track and much of the story is in the form of stream of consciousness. Shelly and Steve are about as narcissistic as they come and not likeable, so it is agonizing to learn how they react to each other. Also thrown into the plot is the impact of a mixed marriage (he is Jewish and she is a Jew by choice), along with the issue of Steve's aging parents continuing to reside in Brooklyn.
Although the book is listed in the erotica section, it is more about relationships than sexual behavior. I found it a very tough read.
This book is written in the first person, which I found hard to track and much of the story is in the form of stream of consciousness. Shelly and Steve are about as narcissistic as they come and not likeable, so it is agonizing to learn how they react to each other. Also thrown into the plot is the impact of a mixed marriage (he is Jewish and she is a Jew by choice), along with the issue of Steve's aging parents continuing to reside in Brooklyn.
Although the book is listed in the erotica section, it is more about relationships than sexual behavior. I found it a very tough read.
December 5, 2014
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
As expected, this book explored the world of swinging (sharing sexual experiences with your spouse along with other people). But there was more to these characters than first appeared as they looked to push the sexual envelope but got caught up in individual self-gratification rather than working together on their marriage. This lifestyle pointed out their differences and rather than face them, both Shelly and Steve opted to avoid their issues. We see the marriage mostly from Shelly's point of view, so she seems to be the more sympathetic character, but really both were at fault for their problems and neither was open enough or flexible enough to deal with them. I enjoyed the philosophical discussions between the characters, but they seemed a little out of place, but did add some interest and substance to the characters. The sexual scenes were good without going over the top, although it astonished me that people are willing to have sex with so many strangers. Interesting read and a look into a unique way of life.
As expected, this book explored the world of swinging (sharing sexual experiences with your spouse along with other people). But there was more to these characters than first appeared as they looked to push the sexual envelope but got caught up in individual self-gratification rather than working together on their marriage. This lifestyle pointed out their differences and rather than face them, both Shelly and Steve opted to avoid their issues. We see the marriage mostly from Shelly's point of view, so she seems to be the more sympathetic character, but really both were at fault for their problems and neither was open enough or flexible enough to deal with them. I enjoyed the philosophical discussions between the characters, but they seemed a little out of place, but did add some interest and substance to the characters. The sexual scenes were good without going over the top, although it astonished me that people are willing to have sex with so many strangers. Interesting read and a look into a unique way of life.
November 29, 2014
In this book we meet Steve and Shelly who seem to be at a very bad crossroads of their marriage. Instead of trying to work on their issues and themselves they start the "swinger" lifestyle, and their own self gratification. They have only been married for 4 years so it should not be like this. They should be happy; this leads to them both exploring and finding things in others that they are not finding in their spouse. I think that most people can connect with Shelly and Steve I am not saying that everyone turns to swinging, but this worked for them. I think Joanna did a good job on making both of the main characters come to life in a way that you don't see that often. You don't want to think that going outside of your marriage will fix it. For these two people it worked, it made them feel better even if they weren't dealing with their real problems. I am not sure I have ever read a book quite like this it was different in such a good way.
October 16, 2014
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Steve and Shelly are at a crossroads in their marriage where complacency abounds and they are seeking something new to revive this stagnant stage of their relationship. Both carry their own personal brand of low self-concept and insecurity which results in a speedy downward spiral for each poor choice they make. This story is a roller coaster of emotions for a young couple who are really still in the infancy of marriage (4 yrs), feeling their way through, searching for that ‘honeymoon euphoria’ and not wanting to settle for the evolution of married life. Even though it’s packed with emotional scenarios, I never felt like the main characters ever really ‘felt’ for anyone or anything. It’s an interesting read, chock full of descriptive alternative lifestyle options. Definitely worth the read!
Steve and Shelly are at a crossroads in their marriage where complacency abounds and they are seeking something new to revive this stagnant stage of their relationship. Both carry their own personal brand of low self-concept and insecurity which results in a speedy downward spiral for each poor choice they make. This story is a roller coaster of emotions for a young couple who are really still in the infancy of marriage (4 yrs), feeling their way through, searching for that ‘honeymoon euphoria’ and not wanting to settle for the evolution of married life. Even though it’s packed with emotional scenarios, I never felt like the main characters ever really ‘felt’ for anyone or anything. It’s an interesting read, chock full of descriptive alternative lifestyle options. Definitely worth the read!
January 14, 2015
3.5 stars -
This is one of the most erotic books I've read. Make no mistake - this book is erotica beginning on page 1. If you're questioning whether you should buy this book, know it is sex throughout. It is an explicit tale of swinging and the relationship of Shelly and Steve. The book is description - sometimes too much - and appears to be a realistic account of how swinging relationships can progress. For me, the story was slow in some places and rushed at the end. The characters were developed well, as they are ones you can visualize existing. For me, the book was okay. I am glad I tried a book outside my usual erotica storyline. For me, the overdescriptive nature of part of the story coupled with an ending that felt rushed and unbelievable were the difficult parts for me.
This is one of the most erotic books I've read. Make no mistake - this book is erotica beginning on page 1. If you're questioning whether you should buy this book, know it is sex throughout. It is an explicit tale of swinging and the relationship of Shelly and Steve. The book is description - sometimes too much - and appears to be a realistic account of how swinging relationships can progress. For me, the story was slow in some places and rushed at the end. The characters were developed well, as they are ones you can visualize existing. For me, the book was okay. I am glad I tried a book outside my usual erotica storyline. For me, the overdescriptive nature of part of the story coupled with an ending that felt rushed and unbelievable were the difficult parts for me.
November 14, 2014
Steve and Shelly are bored with their sex life after 4 years of marriage and agree to spice things up by some sexual exploration. As they explore this world they learn more about themselves as well as each other. This book takes you on an emotional sexy ride as they try to find themselves and find what they want out of marriage. I liked this book a lot and was able to connect with the emotions that Shelly was feeling.
August 19, 2014
The author packs plenty of eroticism in this book. The setting, the characterization and the plot keep you turning the pages. If you’re up for an erotic book, this book is for you. I rate this book a four-star read.
April 15, 2015
DNF 21%
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews