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Hand Job
Jack Reed is a thirty-something handyman and aspiring erotic fiction writer with fantasies about Jodie, a barista at the coffee shop where he writes every day.
His dreams begin to materialize when Jodie offers him a quick palm reading, hinting at sex with her. She invites Jack to her boutique for a more complete session. Her reading predicts Jack's artisan hands will be pleasing to a woman. Their session interrupted, she invites him to her house that evening for further revelation.
Uncertain of Jodie's intentions, but drawn by her allure, Jack goes to her house expecting additional interpretation in exchange for handyman work. What he receives is far more than he bargained for.
His dreams begin to materialize when Jodie offers him a quick palm reading, hinting at sex with her. She invites Jack to her boutique for a more complete session. Her reading predicts Jack's artisan hands will be pleasing to a woman. Their session interrupted, she invites him to her house that evening for further revelation.
Uncertain of Jodie's intentions, but drawn by her allure, Jack goes to her house expecting additional interpretation in exchange for handyman work. What he receives is far more than he bargained for.
- GenresM F Romance
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
8 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Dryden
12 books16 followersSome men are born great, others strive for greatness; still others have greatness thrust upon them. Spencer Dryden is none of these men. In fact, he is so unimpressive, he leaves no footprints on newly fallen snow. He was trained in fiction writing on the job with the many sales reports he produced for his managers, winning the coveted “keep your job contest” three years running. His expense reports are still considered masterpieces of forgery by the bankruptcy trustee of his former employer. He lives an unremarkable life in a suburb of a northern city. His friends and family would drop dead in horror if they knew of his secret life as a writer of erotica. He hates the family cat but still loves to pet his wife
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 25, 2015
Note: A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an impartial review.
This M/F romance was a pleasant surprise. It’s fairly short but packed with plot.
Jack Reed is an aspiring writer who hangs out at the local coffee shop while he taps out his stories between jobs as a handyman. In his thirties, Jack is fit, good-looking, and a bit shy when it comes to flirting with the barista at his favorite shop. She, on the other hand, has no qualms about flirting with him. At least he thinks she’s flirting.
Jodie admires his hands one day, and caught off-guard, he responds with a joke. She then tells him that she reads palms and is trying to establish her own business but needs to work at the coffee shop to help finance her dream. She slips him her card and asks him to drop by on Saturday.
When he stops by, he’s surprised at how sexy and gorgeous she looks in her role as Madame Charise. Though she runs out of time to do a palm reading for him since he didn’t have an appointment, she invites him to her home instead, asking him to bring his handyman tools with him.
There he meets Jodie in another form—the sexy, forty-five year old woman who is hotter than even his vivid imagination had been able to conjure. One thing leads to another, and the evening turns out to be beyond both their dreams.
The story goes further with some interesting bits about the book Jack is writing and the fulfillment of a fantasy in the storage room with his “older” woman.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the story surprised me. I thought it might be PWP, but it was not. It was a fully developed story and very well written. If you like engaging characters who have some smoking hot sex in your M/F romances, this one is for you. There’s a chance your e-reader may short-circuit, but it will be well worth it.
3.5 stars, rounded up because it made me feel good at a time when I needed a pick-me-up.
This M/F romance was a pleasant surprise. It’s fairly short but packed with plot.
Jack Reed is an aspiring writer who hangs out at the local coffee shop while he taps out his stories between jobs as a handyman. In his thirties, Jack is fit, good-looking, and a bit shy when it comes to flirting with the barista at his favorite shop. She, on the other hand, has no qualms about flirting with him. At least he thinks she’s flirting.
Jodie admires his hands one day, and caught off-guard, he responds with a joke. She then tells him that she reads palms and is trying to establish her own business but needs to work at the coffee shop to help finance her dream. She slips him her card and asks him to drop by on Saturday.
When he stops by, he’s surprised at how sexy and gorgeous she looks in her role as Madame Charise. Though she runs out of time to do a palm reading for him since he didn’t have an appointment, she invites him to her home instead, asking him to bring his handyman tools with him.
There he meets Jodie in another form—the sexy, forty-five year old woman who is hotter than even his vivid imagination had been able to conjure. One thing leads to another, and the evening turns out to be beyond both their dreams.
The story goes further with some interesting bits about the book Jack is writing and the fulfillment of a fantasy in the storage room with his “older” woman.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the story surprised me. I thought it might be PWP, but it was not. It was a fully developed story and very well written. If you like engaging characters who have some smoking hot sex in your M/F romances, this one is for you. There’s a chance your e-reader may short-circuit, but it will be well worth it.
3.5 stars, rounded up because it made me feel good at a time when I needed a pick-me-up.
April 18, 2015
Steamy erotic m/f short about an older woman and younger man. Nicely done.
May 29, 2015
3.5 stars for Hand Job.
This book was provided free by the author for an honest review. I have to say I enjoyed this one more than I anticipated. I don't read much of the M/F genre anymore, but this was a nice change of pace. The short tale had a good plot, hot sexy bits and a HFN ending. What I liked most about this book was the fact that the heroine wasn't your typical, perfect, 20 something year old. Jodie was a mature woman, exploring her new found sexual freedom, now that her kids were old enough to leave the nest. If you're looking for a creative, short spicy read, this book may be just the thing for you. Thanks to Spencer Dryden for sharing his work with us.
This book was provided free by the author for an honest review. I have to say I enjoyed this one more than I anticipated. I don't read much of the M/F genre anymore, but this was a nice change of pace. The short tale had a good plot, hot sexy bits and a HFN ending. What I liked most about this book was the fact that the heroine wasn't your typical, perfect, 20 something year old. Jodie was a mature woman, exploring her new found sexual freedom, now that her kids were old enough to leave the nest. If you're looking for a creative, short spicy read, this book may be just the thing for you. Thanks to Spencer Dryden for sharing his work with us.
May 28, 2015
I have received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I've been almost strictly an MM book kind of girl. One of this year reading goals was to explore the m/f genre. I'm really glad I found this book. I've sort of been in my comfort zone of MM authors who also write M/F book. I quickly discovered if I truly want to accomplish my goals I need to step out of my comfort zone of authors.
Spencer Dryden is a completely new author to me. I admit that the cover was familiar to me in the mm world and I thought it was best to dip my toes into new author territory with this short. Since this read was short, things got to the point more quickly but seamlessly without losing the plot. I love how strong of character Jodie was in this story. She saw what she wanted and made it possible without being overbearing. The mini story we got from other MC Jack was funny but ridiculous and I honestly wouldn't mind reading it as a separate story. Overall I love this author's writing style. I highly recommend this short and will be looking for more work by this author.
I've been almost strictly an MM book kind of girl. One of this year reading goals was to explore the m/f genre. I'm really glad I found this book. I've sort of been in my comfort zone of MM authors who also write M/F book. I quickly discovered if I truly want to accomplish my goals I need to step out of my comfort zone of authors.
Spencer Dryden is a completely new author to me. I admit that the cover was familiar to me in the mm world and I thought it was best to dip my toes into new author territory with this short. Since this read was short, things got to the point more quickly but seamlessly without losing the plot. I love how strong of character Jodie was in this story. She saw what she wanted and made it possible without being overbearing. The mini story we got from other MC Jack was funny but ridiculous and I honestly wouldn't mind reading it as a separate story. Overall I love this author's writing style. I highly recommend this short and will be looking for more work by this author.
January 31, 2020
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yowzah! For a short story, this sure packs a helluva punch. Jack Reed, handyman/writer, frequents a coffee shop where barista Jodie offers him a "hand job" ...... a palm reading. Okay, now put your minds right back in that gutter, as Jodie invites Jack to her home, ostensibly to do some light repairs around her home. Add an artful seduction by Jodie, plus snippets of the delightfully cheesy James Bond-esque novel Jack is writing, and you have a novella that will leave you smiling ..... and wondering if perhaps you DO need the assistance of a skilled handyman ...
I've been reading mostly M/M lately, so it was somewhat strange to get back into M/F, especially in light of some less-than-sexy terminology Dryden used, but that is just some nitpicking.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Yowzah! For a short story, this sure packs a helluva punch. Jack Reed, handyman/writer, frequents a coffee shop where barista Jodie offers him a "hand job" ...... a palm reading. Okay, now put your minds right back in that gutter, as Jodie invites Jack to her home, ostensibly to do some light repairs around her home. Add an artful seduction by Jodie, plus snippets of the delightfully cheesy James Bond-esque novel Jack is writing, and you have a novella that will leave you smiling ..... and wondering if perhaps you DO need the assistance of a skilled handyman ...
I've been reading mostly M/M lately, so it was somewhat strange to get back into M/F, especially in light of some less-than-sexy terminology Dryden used, but that is just some nitpicking.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 17, 2015
4.5 stars rounded up because it FAR exceeded my expectations.
This new to me author, has restored my faith in a man's ability to write titillating erotica. Erotica that will appeal to both female and male readers.
Anyone who enjoys a well written story, with strong characters, a woman who knows what she wants and a man happy to oblige, will love this story.
Unique and fun plot, with smoking hot sex scenes. ***Fans self
Give me more MR Spencer!!
I received a copy of this story via Indio Marketing in exchange for an honest review
EDIT - As a side note, in the sea of e-books neither the cover or the title would have caught my attention. So please don't let either detract you from reading this wonderfully penned short story.
This new to me author, has restored my faith in a man's ability to write titillating erotica. Erotica that will appeal to both female and male readers.
Anyone who enjoys a well written story, with strong characters, a woman who knows what she wants and a man happy to oblige, will love this story.
Unique and fun plot, with smoking hot sex scenes. ***Fans self
Give me more MR Spencer!!
I received a copy of this story via Indio Marketing in exchange for an honest review
EDIT - As a side note, in the sea of e-books neither the cover or the title would have caught my attention. So please don't let either detract you from reading this wonderfully penned short story.
May 28, 2015
This is a short story but has quite a lot packed in and there was a good amount of character information/development. I liked Jack and I found his awkwardness endearing. I also liked the older woman, younger man angle.
The writing was good and easy to read although some of the words/phrases used: phallus, love juice, her chamber...*shudders*
It's a quick, easy read, leave your reality at the door and step right in.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The writing was good and easy to read although some of the words/phrases used: phallus, love juice, her chamber...*shudders*
It's a quick, easy read, leave your reality at the door and step right in.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2015
I received this book as an ACR for an honest review. I really liked this story. It is a nice short read when your needing entertainment and a quick read. I recommend this story to all erotic readers. Jodie is the kind of girl I want to be. Happy reading.
July 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
For a short story with pretty much no major plot other than sex, it was an OK story for me.
Jack is a clueless aspiring writer/handyman who has been visiting the coffee shop where Jodie works for the past 2 years. Out of the blue, Jodie basically propositions him and it leads to sex (despite the cluelessness of Jack who didn't seem to realize it). Jodie is a strong woman who seems to be finally going after what she wants after putting her family and kids first.
The story did strike me weird in spots that made me shake my head more than enjoy what was going on (for example, she makes a point of telling him that she needs to keep relationships outside of the coffee shop and then later takes him to the store room).
I tend to prefer books with more of a romance feel and a story that shows relationship, so this was a bit out of my norm. I was left wondering if there was any future between them beyond the sex or is that all there is for them. I would have enjoyed it more if there was some of that aspect to the story. This is my issue, though, not the author's. It was listed as erotica, and it matches that.
I would love to read Jack's book. It sounded fun, cool, and funny. :-)
For a short story with pretty much no major plot other than sex, it was an OK story for me.
Jack is a clueless aspiring writer/handyman who has been visiting the coffee shop where Jodie works for the past 2 years. Out of the blue, Jodie basically propositions him and it leads to sex (despite the cluelessness of Jack who didn't seem to realize it). Jodie is a strong woman who seems to be finally going after what she wants after putting her family and kids first.
The story did strike me weird in spots that made me shake my head more than enjoy what was going on (for example, she makes a point of telling him that she needs to keep relationships outside of the coffee shop and then later takes him to the store room).
I tend to prefer books with more of a romance feel and a story that shows relationship, so this was a bit out of my norm. I was left wondering if there was any future between them beyond the sex or is that all there is for them. I would have enjoyed it more if there was some of that aspect to the story. This is my issue, though, not the author's. It was listed as erotica, and it matches that.
I would love to read Jack's book. It sounded fun, cool, and funny. :-)
May 2, 2015
3.5
This erotic novella is told from the point of view of Jack, a handyman/writer. He frequents the coffee shop where Jodie is a barista and he is a bit enamored, to say the least. When Jodie offers him a palm reading, it’s pretty sexual in nature. An invitation to learn more ends up just as you’d think – sex!
The blurb really sums up the story. We do have some hot sex going on, with Jodie calling herself a cougar. She’s strong and independent and I liked that about her. Jack’s dialogue is very flowery, so either Jack talks like the erotic writer he is or else it’s very bodice ripper language. For me the description of Jack’s book was too long.
For a short story there was a decent amount of character development. And Jack’s supply room fantasy was my favorite scene! It’s a quick, hot erotic romp.
This erotic novella is told from the point of view of Jack, a handyman/writer. He frequents the coffee shop where Jodie is a barista and he is a bit enamored, to say the least. When Jodie offers him a palm reading, it’s pretty sexual in nature. An invitation to learn more ends up just as you’d think – sex!
The blurb really sums up the story. We do have some hot sex going on, with Jodie calling herself a cougar. She’s strong and independent and I liked that about her. Jack’s dialogue is very flowery, so either Jack talks like the erotic writer he is or else it’s very bodice ripper language. For me the description of Jack’s book was too long.
For a short story there was a decent amount of character development. And Jack’s supply room fantasy was my favorite scene! It’s a quick, hot erotic romp.
April 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Hand Job is a short, enjoyable read with lots of steamy sex and likable characters. It is well written, is easy to read and it is definitely entertaining.
Handyman Jack has been fantasising about barista Jodie for a while, but he thought the sexy older woman was out of his league. His fantasies become real when Jodie invites him to her house for a palm reading, which leads to some really hot encounters. I love Jodie, she is a strong woman and knows how to get what she wants.
This was a fun and sexy short read, and I give it four out of five stars.
Hand Job is a short, enjoyable read with lots of steamy sex and likable characters. It is well written, is easy to read and it is definitely entertaining.
Handyman Jack has been fantasising about barista Jodie for a while, but he thought the sexy older woman was out of his league. His fantasies become real when Jodie invites him to her house for a palm reading, which leads to some really hot encounters. I love Jodie, she is a strong woman and knows how to get what she wants.
This was a fun and sexy short read, and I give it four out of five stars.
June 27, 2015
I was given an ARC copy for an honest review. This is a quick and enjoyable read. To some it up fantasy enters real life and is combined in fiction. If you are looking for a fun hot & quick read. Give Hand Job a shot...lol no pun intended ;)
May 4, 2015
Hand Job was fast paced and straight to the steamy point. My husband had walked by my computer and stated ‘Oh My’. I said ‘what?’ Then he repeated the title to me. I chuckled and said she does palm readings get your mind out off the gutter, but boy that us where my mind should have been.
For it to be such a short story it packs a punch of an erotica author getting his palm read by a barista, but she has something else in mind, that couldn’t stop Jack from writing about it in his next book and going back for me.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Nessa's Book Reviews
For it to be such a short story it packs a punch of an erotica author getting his palm read by a barista, but she has something else in mind, that couldn’t stop Jack from writing about it in his next book and going back for me.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Nessa's Book Reviews
May 19, 2015
Super Hot Read
This was a super hot quick read - a first for me by this author and won't be my last.
This was a super hot quick read - a first for me by this author and won't be my last.
June 28, 2015
A well written, funny, sexy book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 22, 2015
With spring cleaning under way and getting the yard looking good, time is a precious commodity right now. Thankfully we have some talented authors who have provided us a way to still satisfy our need to read, enter the short story.
Hand Job by Spencer Dryden is one short story you are going to want to check out when you can grab some time for yourself. Something I find kind of funny is a couple friends and I were just talking about wanting to read stories with female characters who shall we say, have a bit more experience under their skirts, yes I mean older. Not grab the walker and hit the early bird special older but characters more our age. Hello Jodie!
Spencer you must have read our minds. LOL Jodie is just the kind of female character I was looking for. A good portion of Jodie’s thirties and forties has been spent taking care of her family and now it is her time. Jodie is a single mother, smart and takes care of herself and now she is going to go after what she wants. Hello Jack!
Jack is great and very believable. Jack is a regular guy, a handyman who takes pleasure in writing erotic fiction. He also takes pleasure in watching Jodie as he has coffee at a local coffee house where she works. With one whispered prediction Jodie turns Jacks fiction into reality or is it his imagination? Authors are known for their creative minds after all.
Hand Job is a wonderful story it doesn’t give you a definite HEA or HFN Spencer Dryden has left this story at a place where you can take it either way. So grab a nice cup of coffee and enjoy this story and your reading time.
To see the other fun stuff that goes with this review head over to http://talon-ps.com/books-n-cozy-spot...
Hand Job by Spencer Dryden is one short story you are going to want to check out when you can grab some time for yourself. Something I find kind of funny is a couple friends and I were just talking about wanting to read stories with female characters who shall we say, have a bit more experience under their skirts, yes I mean older. Not grab the walker and hit the early bird special older but characters more our age. Hello Jodie!
Spencer you must have read our minds. LOL Jodie is just the kind of female character I was looking for. A good portion of Jodie’s thirties and forties has been spent taking care of her family and now it is her time. Jodie is a single mother, smart and takes care of herself and now she is going to go after what she wants. Hello Jack!
Jack is great and very believable. Jack is a regular guy, a handyman who takes pleasure in writing erotic fiction. He also takes pleasure in watching Jodie as he has coffee at a local coffee house where she works. With one whispered prediction Jodie turns Jacks fiction into reality or is it his imagination? Authors are known for their creative minds after all.
Hand Job is a wonderful story it doesn’t give you a definite HEA or HFN Spencer Dryden has left this story at a place where you can take it either way. So grab a nice cup of coffee and enjoy this story and your reading time.
To see the other fun stuff that goes with this review head over to http://talon-ps.com/books-n-cozy-spot...
May 31, 2015
Hand Job is a pretty short story but it pleasantly surprised me in both steam and plot content. Jack is a handyman that moonlights as an aspiring erotic fiction writer. He writes at a local coffee ship where he can fantasize about his favorite barista, Jodie.
Jodie is isn't only a barista. She's a palm reader working at the coffee shop to pay the bills while getting her own shop, The Metaphysical Emporium set up and stable. What starts out as a hint about Jack's cock size and getting to use it soon, he finds himself at her shop for a quick palm reading. This, then, turns into much more than he anticipated.
I've now read two short stories by Spencer Dryden with the younger man/older woman coupling. I love them! As a female with a younger male spouse, it helps me relate to the characters a bit more than maybe I would otherwise. Spencer infuses humor and wit in his work, adding another great element to his highly erotic tales.
Hand Job is a quick story that flows along nicely. The story is engaging and the characters are interesting. The steam is hot, spicy, and realistically written. If you're looking for a short, erotic romance that actually has a plot, check out Hand Job (or Tricks of the Trade) by Spencer Dryden.
Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review -- all thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
Jodie is isn't only a barista. She's a palm reader working at the coffee shop to pay the bills while getting her own shop, The Metaphysical Emporium set up and stable. What starts out as a hint about Jack's cock size and getting to use it soon, he finds himself at her shop for a quick palm reading. This, then, turns into much more than he anticipated.
I've now read two short stories by Spencer Dryden with the younger man/older woman coupling. I love them! As a female with a younger male spouse, it helps me relate to the characters a bit more than maybe I would otherwise. Spencer infuses humor and wit in his work, adding another great element to his highly erotic tales.
Hand Job is a quick story that flows along nicely. The story is engaging and the characters are interesting. The steam is hot, spicy, and realistically written. If you're looking for a short, erotic romance that actually has a plot, check out Hand Job (or Tricks of the Trade) by Spencer Dryden.
Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review -- all thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
July 6, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Handjob should have been a quick read but it took me a while to get into the story. However, once things picked up between Jodie and Jack the pace really moved. Jodie is a barista at Jack's favorite coffee shop and she's also a palm reader. Jack is a writer but because his career hasn't taken off he's a handyman. Jodie and Jack aren't developed enough to feel any real connection to either one, but I loved how Jack incorporated Jodie's personality into the love interest for the hero in the book he's writing. I would liked for the story to be a little longer so we could see if Jack or Jodie could have a real relationship.
Handjob should have been a quick read but it took me a while to get into the story. However, once things picked up between Jodie and Jack the pace really moved. Jodie is a barista at Jack's favorite coffee shop and she's also a palm reader. Jack is a writer but because his career hasn't taken off he's a handyman. Jodie and Jack aren't developed enough to feel any real connection to either one, but I loved how Jack incorporated Jodie's personality into the love interest for the hero in the book he's writing. I would liked for the story to be a little longer so we could see if Jack or Jodie could have a real relationship.
June 27, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This story just didn’t work for me. I liked the fact that it was an older woman and younger man but I found the sex scenes and the language used to describe what the were doing, cringe-worthy. The lead female came across as sex starved and desperate and the male appeared to be spineless and just did as he was told - clearly being led by his junk. I realise that I am in the minority with my opinion of this but it was too far fetched. I didn’t feel a connection between the two M/C’s and I can’t say I liked either of them.
This story just didn’t work for me. I liked the fact that it was an older woman and younger man but I found the sex scenes and the language used to describe what the were doing, cringe-worthy. The lead female came across as sex starved and desperate and the male appeared to be spineless and just did as he was told - clearly being led by his junk. I realise that I am in the minority with my opinion of this but it was too far fetched. I didn’t feel a connection between the two M/C’s and I can’t say I liked either of them.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews