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The Only Question That Matters
“Do I call this love already? I am almost disgusted with myself. How pathetic to fall so easily. Perhaps I was the cause of my past heartbreaks. Not stupid schoolboys or an arrogant rich man, but a gullible girl from a flower farm who opens her heart too readily and expects too much.”
Sofia is en route to Planet Paradiso, ready to start a new life after her divorce. But when she accepts Alexei’s dinner invitation on her final evening, she realises she’s in for more than she bargained for.
As the *AMS Celestial Dream* arrives at its destination, and their one-night stand draws to a close, Sofia must choose between a newfound possibility with Alexei and the freedom she so desperately craves.
Sofia is en route to Planet Paradiso, ready to start a new life after her divorce. But when she accepts Alexei’s dinner invitation on her final evening, she realises she’s in for more than she bargained for.
As the *AMS Celestial Dream* arrives at its destination, and their one-night stand draws to a close, Sofia must choose between a newfound possibility with Alexei and the freedom she so desperately craves.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2024
13 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Peridot
15 books84 followersJL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She's a qualified computer scientist, former web professional, amateur horticulturist, and sometimes illustrator. But most of the time, she's an author of romantic science fiction. She lives with her partner and fur-family in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country. Visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 15, 2018
*Guest Review by mom, romance fanatic, and (someday) published author Summer Raines!*
Recently I've accused myself of being cantankerous and overly critical of the books I've been reading. I chalked it up to old age setting in and trudged on, but I had a hard time finding a book that didn’t make me climb up on my soapbox to rant. SURPRISE! I didn't hate this one! It was a refreshing experience. I wasn't overwhelmed with the urge to snort in disgust or scream at my e-reader. I didn’t think “EW” with the descriptive words used in the sex scenes. I didn’t screech at my husband about how absurd the story was. No throwing my e-reader down on the counter because I couldn’t handle another sentence of the crap. Awesome!
The blurb dangerously hinted at Instalove, which I can’t stand, but the author handled it nicely in the book. Sofia and Alexei realize that this is attraction and lust, for both physical & emotional needs, but know they need to delve deeper if they want anything real to develop. (YES! Thank you.)
Here’s what I loved about this book:
I'm aware that our ex-love interests can negatively affect our self-image. (Been there a couple times myself.) When we’re involved with people who are selfish and/or abusive, us crazy humans can start to blame ourselves for their asinine behavior. That being said, I’m SO tired of reading about heroine's who can't see their own worth until a man convinces them how great they are. In this story, Sofia is full of self-doubt from years of being with the wrong men, but her friendship and one night stand with Alexei allows her to be a little more courageous and acquire power on her own. He’s the tool she uses to fix herself, not some God who cures her with the touch of his penis. (Sorry. Those story lines REALLY bother me!)
I did have a few issues:
1) I didn't feel like it should be classified as Erotic Romance. Erotica might be a better fit, although it does skirt the line. In my opinion, Passionate Ink's FAQ page states the differences in the sub-genres well and by their standards, this is Erotica. Mild Erotica... but it is.
2) There was a LOT of phrase repetition. I'm sure it was done for effect, but it didn't seem necessary and bothered me just a little bit. Maybe the character repeats herself and that’s how the author hears the voice. (Who am I to judge?) But I prefer it when you break it up a little and phrase it differently each time.
3) The ending. I enjoyed the writing style for the most part and getting to know these characters... until the end. The last part of the book was a bit confusing and felt random. I got what the author was trying to do (there WAS a purpose) but it was a bit hard to read.
4) Too flowery for my taste. I don’t know if that’s the right adjective. Flowery? Stilted? Unnatural? At first, I assumed it was due to the language pattern on Sofia’s home planet. The dialogue and inner voice would flow along and feel right, then suddenly a line or two would sound forced. It was easy enough to move past the handful of times that happened, though.
All in all, I felt like this book is worth reading. I’ll even be following this author’s career to see what they write in the future. I feel like authors “loosen up” the longer they write anyway. It seems like with more experience, words become fluid and more satisfying to the ears.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author, free of charge.
Don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for reviews, rants, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
Recently I've accused myself of being cantankerous and overly critical of the books I've been reading. I chalked it up to old age setting in and trudged on, but I had a hard time finding a book that didn’t make me climb up on my soapbox to rant. SURPRISE! I didn't hate this one! It was a refreshing experience. I wasn't overwhelmed with the urge to snort in disgust or scream at my e-reader. I didn’t think “EW” with the descriptive words used in the sex scenes. I didn’t screech at my husband about how absurd the story was. No throwing my e-reader down on the counter because I couldn’t handle another sentence of the crap. Awesome!
The blurb dangerously hinted at Instalove, which I can’t stand, but the author handled it nicely in the book. Sofia and Alexei realize that this is attraction and lust, for both physical & emotional needs, but know they need to delve deeper if they want anything real to develop. (YES! Thank you.)
Here’s what I loved about this book:
I'm aware that our ex-love interests can negatively affect our self-image. (Been there a couple times myself.) When we’re involved with people who are selfish and/or abusive, us crazy humans can start to blame ourselves for their asinine behavior. That being said, I’m SO tired of reading about heroine's who can't see their own worth until a man convinces them how great they are. In this story, Sofia is full of self-doubt from years of being with the wrong men, but her friendship and one night stand with Alexei allows her to be a little more courageous and acquire power on her own. He’s the tool she uses to fix herself, not some God who cures her with the touch of his penis. (Sorry. Those story lines REALLY bother me!)
I did have a few issues:
1) I didn't feel like it should be classified as Erotic Romance. Erotica might be a better fit, although it does skirt the line. In my opinion, Passionate Ink's FAQ page states the differences in the sub-genres well and by their standards, this is Erotica. Mild Erotica... but it is.
2) There was a LOT of phrase repetition. I'm sure it was done for effect, but it didn't seem necessary and bothered me just a little bit. Maybe the character repeats herself and that’s how the author hears the voice. (Who am I to judge?) But I prefer it when you break it up a little and phrase it differently each time.
3) The ending. I enjoyed the writing style for the most part and getting to know these characters... until the end. The last part of the book was a bit confusing and felt random. I got what the author was trying to do (there WAS a purpose) but it was a bit hard to read.
4) Too flowery for my taste. I don’t know if that’s the right adjective. Flowery? Stilted? Unnatural? At first, I assumed it was due to the language pattern on Sofia’s home planet. The dialogue and inner voice would flow along and feel right, then suddenly a line or two would sound forced. It was easy enough to move past the handful of times that happened, though.
All in all, I felt like this book is worth reading. I’ll even be following this author’s career to see what they write in the future. I feel like authors “loosen up” the longer they write anyway. It seems like with more experience, words become fluid and more satisfying to the ears.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author, free of charge.
Don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for reviews, rants, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
August 12, 2018
This book was freaking EVERYTHING. Seriously. JL Peridot is a damn poet. She paints an incredibly moving and erotic story about two characters who start out as a one night stand and end up with something so much deeper than either one expected.
Sofia was such an incredibly relatable and touching character. She's been through so much after a painful divorce, planning to start a new life on a new planet via the AMS Celestial Dream. She meets Alexei, a handsome man she's admired from afar for much of her journey. The final night of her journey, she decides to do something about the crush she's developed. With a single question, she kicks off an incredibly hot, emotional, and eye-opening night between them. The story chronicles their moments together, the incredible physical connection they share, and the tough decisions they face separately.
The sex scenes in this story were incredible. Like, otherworldly. JL Peridot has such an incredible way with words...it seriously reads as though the perfect words fell onto the page. Of course, I know it takes SO MUCH effort to reach that level of writing, which makes you realize just what an incredible writer she is. The physical connection between Sofia and Alexei wasn't just hot, it was deep. The author managed to inject equal amounts of sensuality and genuine emotion into their story--not an easy task at all.
And the ending...oh gosh, the ending! I won't give anything away, but it was something else. Can't wait to read more from this incredibly talented and gifted author!
Sofia was such an incredibly relatable and touching character. She's been through so much after a painful divorce, planning to start a new life on a new planet via the AMS Celestial Dream. She meets Alexei, a handsome man she's admired from afar for much of her journey. The final night of her journey, she decides to do something about the crush she's developed. With a single question, she kicks off an incredibly hot, emotional, and eye-opening night between them. The story chronicles their moments together, the incredible physical connection they share, and the tough decisions they face separately.
The sex scenes in this story were incredible. Like, otherworldly. JL Peridot has such an incredible way with words...it seriously reads as though the perfect words fell onto the page. Of course, I know it takes SO MUCH effort to reach that level of writing, which makes you realize just what an incredible writer she is. The physical connection between Sofia and Alexei wasn't just hot, it was deep. The author managed to inject equal amounts of sensuality and genuine emotion into their story--not an easy task at all.
And the ending...oh gosh, the ending! I won't give anything away, but it was something else. Can't wait to read more from this incredibly talented and gifted author!
October 28, 2018
Reviewed by Lori
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a short story that was set in the future. The sex scenes were hot and they both knew that this was just a fling and nothing more. Only it wasn’t just a fling for either of them, and they were both afraid to say anything least they sound desperate. I loved and hated this book because of this dynamic, but I also know that this is what happens in reality as well, and I know I wouldn’t want to look desperate either.
I like the different worlds and peoples that were not quite human, that were mentioned in this book. It’s fun to pretend what life will be like in the future. Kind of like the movie Back to the Future.
I enjoyed the book even though it was so short. I found myself feeling sorry for both Sofia and Alexei as they both have experienced rejection, and being hurt by someone they thought they loved and were loved by them.
In spite of the heaviness of the emotions within the book, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was well written, it entertained me, I liked both Sofia and Alexei and I rooted for both of them. It was bittersweet, and left me feeling as if my heart was as broken as the protagonists were, but in the best possible way.
The good news in my opinion is that there will be another book coming and the reader will find out more about these two lovers and I know for me, I can’t wait to find out what happens.
Give this book a try, the reader will love it and hate it at the same time, but will feel satisfied at the end.
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a short story that was set in the future. The sex scenes were hot and they both knew that this was just a fling and nothing more. Only it wasn’t just a fling for either of them, and they were both afraid to say anything least they sound desperate. I loved and hated this book because of this dynamic, but I also know that this is what happens in reality as well, and I know I wouldn’t want to look desperate either.
I like the different worlds and peoples that were not quite human, that were mentioned in this book. It’s fun to pretend what life will be like in the future. Kind of like the movie Back to the Future.
I enjoyed the book even though it was so short. I found myself feeling sorry for both Sofia and Alexei as they both have experienced rejection, and being hurt by someone they thought they loved and were loved by them.
In spite of the heaviness of the emotions within the book, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was well written, it entertained me, I liked both Sofia and Alexei and I rooted for both of them. It was bittersweet, and left me feeling as if my heart was as broken as the protagonists were, but in the best possible way.
The good news in my opinion is that there will be another book coming and the reader will find out more about these two lovers and I know for me, I can’t wait to find out what happens.
Give this book a try, the reader will love it and hate it at the same time, but will feel satisfied at the end.
August 10, 2018
Savaged by an ugly marriage, Sofia now speeds toward her new beginning aboard the AMS Celestial Dream. In the cold loneliness of space, she develops a very warm crush on Alexei, a man she has met onboard.
As Sofia approaches her final destination she accepts his dinner invitation, which then morphs into a one-night stand. Sofia agonizes with herself as she realizes that this isn’t just a fling. Should she give up her carefully planned quest for independence and a new life? Or pursue a future with Alexei, a man she barely knows, but for whom she surprisingly feels so much?
Through an examination of past relationships, we come to know Sofia. JL Peridot unerringly captures the feelings of angst we all experience when considering making ourselves so vulnerable to another. Sofia isn’t just a character in a book, but rather grows into a real woman whose struggles will strike a note with anyone who has had to restart their life
The physical attraction between Sofia and Alexei is explicitly expressed, but erotically so. Peridot offers so much more than a mere anatomy lesson. The scenes are beautifully crafted, and very moving.
This book is definitely worth taking the time to read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Sofia approaches her final destination she accepts his dinner invitation, which then morphs into a one-night stand. Sofia agonizes with herself as she realizes that this isn’t just a fling. Should she give up her carefully planned quest for independence and a new life? Or pursue a future with Alexei, a man she barely knows, but for whom she surprisingly feels so much?
Through an examination of past relationships, we come to know Sofia. JL Peridot unerringly captures the feelings of angst we all experience when considering making ourselves so vulnerable to another. Sofia isn’t just a character in a book, but rather grows into a real woman whose struggles will strike a note with anyone who has had to restart their life
The physical attraction between Sofia and Alexei is explicitly expressed, but erotically so. Peridot offers so much more than a mere anatomy lesson. The scenes are beautifully crafted, and very moving.
This book is definitely worth taking the time to read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2018
My guest review is posted on RomanceRehab.com-
http://www.romancerehab.com/blog/the-...
http://www.romancerehab.com/blog/the-...
December 16, 2024
Some people are convinced that sex and love are separate things. That’s the rationale, I suppose, for the popular distinction between erotic romance and erotica. Readers looking for warm, fuzzy forevers are supposed to choose the former genre. Those seeking the thrill of desire should select the latter. Meanwhile my own books tumble into the chasm between the two to languish largely unread. I’ve never been able to get my mind around the love/sex dichotomy.
Of course there are the clear cases: frantic, mindless lust at one extreme, platonic devotion at the other. Most of the time, though, in my books and in my life, I’ve found the love and sex to be intricately entwined. A sensual connection – that wonderful, elusive chemistry that sometimes draws two bodies together – amplifies the emotional bond between two people, while deep caring for another human being can transform sex from the instinctive scratching of an itch to an exercise in transcendence.
JL Peridot wrestles with these issues in her wonderful novella The Only Question That Matters. At one level, this opulently sensual story is a long description of a single one night stand. Sofia and Alexei are both passengers on the AMS Celestial Dream, traveling between the stars. Only twenty-four hours before Sofia is scheduled to debark on Planet Paradiso, they succumb to mutual attraction and end up in bed in Alexei’s cabin. They’re well-matched, each able to bring the other to multiple peaks of pleasure. The author lingers on each action, each sensation, drawing the reader deep into to their mutual passion.
But from the very first, their coupling goes beyond the physical. Though they’re almost strangers, their intuitions about one another have a sort of inevitability. Nuances of emotion accompany every caress. These sex scenes are the exact opposite of mindless. In each one, the characters are fully present, experiencing each other not just as bodies but as complete humans. Gradually they open to one another, sharing history, preferences and fears.
The story unfolds from Sofia’s point of view. She’s been damaged by a marriage that turned out to be a terrible mistake. Her flight to Paradiso is an attempt to escape to a new life. So she doesn’t need or want encumbrances. Having fallen once for a most inappropriate man, she is wary of love. And how can she be thinking of love, anyway, when she barely knows the man next to her and will be forced to say goodbye to him in a few hours?
And yet... and yet, it’s not just sex. It’s much more, for both of them, an interlude that will linger in their memories even if they do end up parting. A time together, body, mind and emotion, that will change them both forever.
These themes resonate so deeply for me, that it’s little wonder I loved this book. Add to that the graceful, observant prose and I have to say this is one of the best erotic stories I’ve read in quite a while. Because it’s romantic as well as erotic; it plumbs the depths of desire and thoroughly undermines the popular distinction between love and sex.
One final note: the edition I read, which was a pre-release version purchased from the author’s website, included a set of “out takes” – snippets discarded from the final book, mostly from Alexei’s point of view. These added a fascinating slant on the official story. I’m glad JL Peridot decided to tell the tale solely from Sofia’s perspective. I think that adds to the intensity and the mystery. However, the extra material makes it clear that the sense of intimacy and connection between the characters was not one-sided.
By the way, this book was finally released on Monday the 9th of December. If you’re like me, convinced that erotica and erotic romance don’t have to be separate genres, go get yourself a copy.
Of course there are the clear cases: frantic, mindless lust at one extreme, platonic devotion at the other. Most of the time, though, in my books and in my life, I’ve found the love and sex to be intricately entwined. A sensual connection – that wonderful, elusive chemistry that sometimes draws two bodies together – amplifies the emotional bond between two people, while deep caring for another human being can transform sex from the instinctive scratching of an itch to an exercise in transcendence.
JL Peridot wrestles with these issues in her wonderful novella The Only Question That Matters. At one level, this opulently sensual story is a long description of a single one night stand. Sofia and Alexei are both passengers on the AMS Celestial Dream, traveling between the stars. Only twenty-four hours before Sofia is scheduled to debark on Planet Paradiso, they succumb to mutual attraction and end up in bed in Alexei’s cabin. They’re well-matched, each able to bring the other to multiple peaks of pleasure. The author lingers on each action, each sensation, drawing the reader deep into to their mutual passion.
But from the very first, their coupling goes beyond the physical. Though they’re almost strangers, their intuitions about one another have a sort of inevitability. Nuances of emotion accompany every caress. These sex scenes are the exact opposite of mindless. In each one, the characters are fully present, experiencing each other not just as bodies but as complete humans. Gradually they open to one another, sharing history, preferences and fears.
The story unfolds from Sofia’s point of view. She’s been damaged by a marriage that turned out to be a terrible mistake. Her flight to Paradiso is an attempt to escape to a new life. So she doesn’t need or want encumbrances. Having fallen once for a most inappropriate man, she is wary of love. And how can she be thinking of love, anyway, when she barely knows the man next to her and will be forced to say goodbye to him in a few hours?
And yet... and yet, it’s not just sex. It’s much more, for both of them, an interlude that will linger in their memories even if they do end up parting. A time together, body, mind and emotion, that will change them both forever.
These themes resonate so deeply for me, that it’s little wonder I loved this book. Add to that the graceful, observant prose and I have to say this is one of the best erotic stories I’ve read in quite a while. Because it’s romantic as well as erotic; it plumbs the depths of desire and thoroughly undermines the popular distinction between love and sex.
One final note: the edition I read, which was a pre-release version purchased from the author’s website, included a set of “out takes” – snippets discarded from the final book, mostly from Alexei’s point of view. These added a fascinating slant on the official story. I’m glad JL Peridot decided to tell the tale solely from Sofia’s perspective. I think that adds to the intensity and the mystery. However, the extra material makes it clear that the sense of intimacy and connection between the characters was not one-sided.
By the way, this book was finally released on Monday the 9th of December. If you’re like me, convinced that erotica and erotic romance don’t have to be separate genres, go get yourself a copy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews