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The Sex Therapist Next Door
Diana Kelley is a couple's sex therapist with a problem: it’s her job to convince her clients of the importance of sexual and emotional intimacy, but after surviving a toxic relationship with an abusive ex, she's sworn off love and can’t fathom ever making herself vulnerable again. When her best friend Ava is injured the night she is scheduled to assist with a hands-on sexual education workshop, Diana is forced to find a short term replacement. The last thing she wants is a new lover, even a paid one.
After a year of living in the apartment next door, all Jude Monaco knows about her neighbor Diana is that she’s a gorgeous, older woman and the inspiration for more dirty fantasies than she cares to admit. So when Diana knocks on her door with a shockingly delicious favor to ask, Jude seizes the opportunity to learn more.
Their professional relationship is supposed to be a clinical erotic arrangement between a sex therapist and her assistant, but at the intersection of sex and intimacy, anything is possible. Even love.
After a year of living in the apartment next door, all Jude Monaco knows about her neighbor Diana is that she’s a gorgeous, older woman and the inspiration for more dirty fantasies than she cares to admit. So when Diana knocks on her door with a shockingly delicious favor to ask, Jude seizes the opportunity to learn more.
Their professional relationship is supposed to be a clinical erotic arrangement between a sex therapist and her assistant, but at the intersection of sex and intimacy, anything is possible. Even love.
302 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
205 people are currently reading
2439 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,150 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
November 2, 2018
4.5 Stars. This book was hot with a capital H. O. T. I’m a big O’Brien fan, have been for a while. However, I must admit I was a little reluctant about this book. While I liked her last book, I thought it was heavy on sex, little on actual plot. O’Brien mostly writes steamy romances or erotic romances, but they have a romantic plot. O’Brien might be the queen of wlw sex scenes, but she is also a good story teller. That good mix is why I enjoy her so much. Anyway, I’m happy to say that while yes this book had numerous and steamy as hell sex scenes, it had a story and characters I actually cared about. This was much better than I expected and I’m a happy camper.
I have to give a friendly warning that this is not a book you really want to read in public. Not when you are sitting in a waiting room, or at your desk on a lunch break, this is an at home on the couch with a glass of wine or in your bedroom kind of book. Saying this book is hot feels like I’m just mildly scratching the surface.
The story is about Diana who is a sex therapist. Besides counseling she gives classes that are live demonstrations of different sexual acts and techniques to spice things up for lesbian couples. When her partner in the class, she uses for demonstration purposes, is injured Diana reaches out to her younger and enthusiastic next door neighbor Jude for help keeping her business afloat. Jude has always had a crush on Diana so this job seems like a dream come true. But what happens if Jude can’t keep her heart from falling for a woman that is all business?
This book covers a wide arrange of different sexual techniques. I guess you could say it covers some very light BDSM. There is some dominance and submission, and even light spanking, but the book doesn’t really delve deeper into BDSM than that. It really is such a wide range of sex scenes that there really is something in this book for everyone. And even with numerous sex scenes, because they are all so different, you don’t feel bored and tempted to skim any of them.
Beyond the spiciness and great sex scenes, this book is about two characters that were affected by their past. This is about a character that is scared to be loved and another that just wants to be loved. O’Brien delved pretty deeply into flaws and made me really care about these characters. Heck I found myself crying during one of the bigger emotional scenes. O’Brien sure can write more than just fantastic sex scenes.
If you are looking for a book that will spice up your night, grab this. While O’Brien’s books may not be for everyone, they are pretty damn good anyway.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
I have to give a friendly warning that this is not a book you really want to read in public. Not when you are sitting in a waiting room, or at your desk on a lunch break, this is an at home on the couch with a glass of wine or in your bedroom kind of book. Saying this book is hot feels like I’m just mildly scratching the surface.
The story is about Diana who is a sex therapist. Besides counseling she gives classes that are live demonstrations of different sexual acts and techniques to spice things up for lesbian couples. When her partner in the class, she uses for demonstration purposes, is injured Diana reaches out to her younger and enthusiastic next door neighbor Jude for help keeping her business afloat. Jude has always had a crush on Diana so this job seems like a dream come true. But what happens if Jude can’t keep her heart from falling for a woman that is all business?
This book covers a wide arrange of different sexual techniques. I guess you could say it covers some very light BDSM. There is some dominance and submission, and even light spanking, but the book doesn’t really delve deeper into BDSM than that. It really is such a wide range of sex scenes that there really is something in this book for everyone. And even with numerous sex scenes, because they are all so different, you don’t feel bored and tempted to skim any of them.
Beyond the spiciness and great sex scenes, this book is about two characters that were affected by their past. This is about a character that is scared to be loved and another that just wants to be loved. O’Brien delved pretty deeply into flaws and made me really care about these characters. Heck I found myself crying during one of the bigger emotional scenes. O’Brien sure can write more than just fantastic sex scenes.
If you are looking for a book that will spice up your night, grab this. While O’Brien’s books may not be for everyone, they are pretty damn good anyway.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
July 5, 2024
Meghan O'Brien is...dare I say...back? Okay, she's been steadily writing, but I'm the most satisfied with this end product than I have been for her last few works. The Sex Therapist Next Door embodies all the qualities of a bona fide O'Brien Smut-O-Verse: the celebration of consent, the constant horny thoughts/dialogue, the gorgeous leading ladies, the inward discoveries, and, of course, the smoking hot sex scenes. Wow! She's back!
Amongst quite a few issues from an abusive previous relationship (don't worry, no gory details there), worries about their age difference is what holds back Jude Monaco, a twenty-six-year-old writer, and Diane Kelley, a thirty-nine-year-old sex therapist. Now, the hand-wringing (Diane's, specifically) over their age difference gets tiresome, but I get it? Diane had been through a hellish past relationship and the thought of a happily ever after with someone so fresh and un-dramatic can really affect one's self esteem. With that, the age difference is quite yummy. I'd let Diane whisk me away, too.
Both leads sounded hot. I'm not sure if I developed a crush on either of them for this one, but I was thoroughly convinced of their attractiveness. O'Brien hit the ground running on this one in the sex department. While my tastes err more for push-and-pull before all that, I forgo that for this book because this is the O'Brien universe. You know what you've signed up for. Instead, the push-and-pull is more about emotional attachment than the physical, which is refreshing in its own way.
This is a smorgasbord of smut, people. It's fantastic. Her dirty talk and femmedom scenarios had me fanning myself, my goodness.
Also, I must mention how the last two books I've read mentions The Great British Bake Off! I adore that show! Looks like it was in all our Netflix queues.
I, for one, really needed another foray into Meghan O'Brien's erotic world. More like these, please! Five stars.
Amongst quite a few issues from an abusive previous relationship (don't worry, no gory details there), worries about their age difference is what holds back Jude Monaco, a twenty-six-year-old writer, and Diane Kelley, a thirty-nine-year-old sex therapist. Now, the hand-wringing (Diane's, specifically) over their age difference gets tiresome, but I get it? Diane had been through a hellish past relationship and the thought of a happily ever after with someone so fresh and un-dramatic can really affect one's self esteem. With that, the age difference is quite yummy. I'd let Diane whisk me away, too.
Both leads sounded hot. I'm not sure if I developed a crush on either of them for this one, but I was thoroughly convinced of their attractiveness. O'Brien hit the ground running on this one in the sex department. While my tastes err more for push-and-pull before all that, I forgo that for this book because this is the O'Brien universe. You know what you've signed up for. Instead, the push-and-pull is more about emotional attachment than the physical, which is refreshing in its own way.
This is a smorgasbord of smut, people. It's fantastic. Her dirty talk and femmedom scenarios had me fanning myself, my goodness.
Also, I must mention how the last two books I've read mentions The Great British Bake Off! I adore that show! Looks like it was in all our Netflix queues.
I, for one, really needed another foray into Meghan O'Brien's erotic world. More like these, please! Five stars.
March 29, 2019
This was a very steamy read. I'm a fan of Meghan O'Brien and this book hit some of my favorite tropes: age gap and boss & employee. Even though this book is full of sex there's still plenty of plot to make it a great read.
October 24, 2018
Jude Monaco has had a crush on her neighbour, Diana Kelley, for a year when one evening Diana knocks on her door with an unusual request. Diana is a sex therapist and runs workshops for women but her usual co-demonstrator has been injured and she needs a replacement or she’ll have to cancel. Aware of Jude’s enjoyment of sex, if the sounds through their adjoining bedroom wall is anything to go by, she hopes Jude will take Ava’s place for the workshop on oral sex. Given Jude’s crush on Diana, she doesn’t even need to think about it.
Initially I thought the concept was pretty entertaining but as the story developed, and I became invested in Jude, the less entertaining I found the scenario. And I liked that. I liked that I was becoming involved and that what started out as a clever vehicle for an erotic romance became a story with depth. An abusive ex has left Diana damaged emotionally so while she enjoys sex and friends with benefits, she won’t allow herself to become involved emotionally with Jude. Diana’s fear and lack of trust is understandable but it doesn’t make her very easy to like.
Jude, on the other hand, I found easy to like and root for when she realised her need to protect herself. Diana’s character wasn’t’ static and I came to like her too, it just took longer. As an erotic romance there are numerous sex scenes with lots of variation which O’Brien has written really well. There’s even the occasionally injection of humour.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Initially I thought the concept was pretty entertaining but as the story developed, and I became invested in Jude, the less entertaining I found the scenario. And I liked that. I liked that I was becoming involved and that what started out as a clever vehicle for an erotic romance became a story with depth. An abusive ex has left Diana damaged emotionally so while she enjoys sex and friends with benefits, she won’t allow herself to become involved emotionally with Jude. Diana’s fear and lack of trust is understandable but it doesn’t make her very easy to like.
Jude, on the other hand, I found easy to like and root for when she realised her need to protect herself. Diana’s character wasn’t’ static and I came to like her too, it just took longer. As an erotic romance there are numerous sex scenes with lots of variation which O’Brien has written really well. There’s even the occasionally injection of humour.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
3 Stars for a Meghan O’Brien erotic romance.
I knew what I was getting when I picked up this book only I was expecting more. Not more sex (frankly it would be difficult to have more) but I wanted to like one of the characters more. Diana is a sex therapist in a bind. She has a group sexual education workshop but her BFF and assistant, Ava is injured. Desperate, Diana asks her neighbor if she would be willing participate in the hands on demonstration. Jude has a crush on her beautiful, older neighbor and agrees. The book starts off great. In fact before I knew it, I read a third of the book, when I had intended to just read the first chapter to see what it was like.
Diana really needs to see a therapist herself. She was in a long term abusive relationship that she has yet to recover. She is determined not to allow anyone close again. She also has a problem getting over the age difference between her at 39 and 26 yr old Jude. Other than Jude’s promiscuity, she is mature and has been on her own since she was 17. As for her promiscuity, she pretty much stopped seeing anyone after agreeing to assist Diana and she falls hard for Diana.
I wish Meghan would return to write a book or two with plots that are not centered on sex. I really loved her earlier books such as Wild, Battle Scars and Infinite loop. I haven’t read her novella, Delayed Gratification because of the mixed reviews. But I’m in the minority of her readers who think this. I just think she has the skills to write stories that isn’t about how much sex she can include in a book. I know, I know this isn’t what her fans want or expect in a Meghan O’Brien book.
I knew what I was getting when I picked up this book only I was expecting more. Not more sex (frankly it would be difficult to have more) but I wanted to like one of the characters more. Diana is a sex therapist in a bind. She has a group sexual education workshop but her BFF and assistant, Ava is injured. Desperate, Diana asks her neighbor if she would be willing participate in the hands on demonstration. Jude has a crush on her beautiful, older neighbor and agrees. The book starts off great. In fact before I knew it, I read a third of the book, when I had intended to just read the first chapter to see what it was like.
Diana really needs to see a therapist herself. She was in a long term abusive relationship that she has yet to recover. She is determined not to allow anyone close again. She also has a problem getting over the age difference between her at 39 and 26 yr old Jude. Other than Jude’s promiscuity, she is mature and has been on her own since she was 17. As for her promiscuity, she pretty much stopped seeing anyone after agreeing to assist Diana and she falls hard for Diana.
I wish Meghan would return to write a book or two with plots that are not centered on sex. I really loved her earlier books such as Wild, Battle Scars and Infinite loop. I haven’t read her novella, Delayed Gratification because of the mixed reviews. But I’m in the minority of her readers who think this. I just think she has the skills to write stories that isn’t about how much sex she can include in a book. I know, I know this isn’t what her fans want or expect in a Meghan O’Brien book.
November 19, 2018
Oh my. Meghan O’Brien does know how to make erotica fun again. Read one of her books and in the words of Jude, it’s hard to “harness your inner horn dog”. Impossible not to get hot and bothered in the first half of this story. This is how erotica should be written. Women with real lives and real emotions not just a couple of crash test dummies with breasts and zero personality banging away like mechanics. It heightens the hotness for the reader and makes it so easy to role play right along with these wonderful (fictional) women.
I was enthralled with the first half of this read but did bog down a bit in the second half with the expected relationship challenges and need on Diana’s part to keep her interactions with Jude on a strictly business basis. Diana might be a sexy seductress but her constant fretting about how much older she is than Jude and her lousy track record does wear after a while. Jude makes up for Diana’s caustic side with her unfailing crush and wonderful positive attitude.
Lovely read to get your libido fired up and put a twinkle back in your eye (and other places).
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
I was enthralled with the first half of this read but did bog down a bit in the second half with the expected relationship challenges and need on Diana’s part to keep her interactions with Jude on a strictly business basis. Diana might be a sexy seductress but her constant fretting about how much older she is than Jude and her lousy track record does wear after a while. Jude makes up for Diana’s caustic side with her unfailing crush and wonderful positive attitude.
Lovely read to get your libido fired up and put a twinkle back in your eye (and other places).
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 2, 2018
The Sex Therapist Next Door gives you more sex than you can shake a stick at but you already know that when you decide to read Meghan O'Brien. I was intrigued after reading the blurb on Goodreads and decided to give it a go.
It started out good but gradually you come to know what an enormous tool sex therapist Diana really is. Her emotions switching between hot and cold gave me whiplash and it really messed up poor Jude so much that I began to dislike this character… a lot.
I see that this is where O’Brien creates her conflict in a plot that otherwise has not much to offer (other than sex). But it does not work for me because that same character flaw (Diana is emotionally crippled because of a bad relationship in her past) is a theme on repeat throughout the whole book. Ugh!
And what’s with the age hang-ups? Diana was 39 and Jude 26. So what? With all the fooferah Diana made about it you would think she was in her late 60ies.
So yeah, there are copious amounts of hot sex, some anal as well, the slow unravelling of sweet Jude and a giant tool named Diana.
f/f explicit
Themes: Jude is wetter than Niagara falls, casual sex is never as casual as you think, is Diana not afraid of STD’s? she never asked Jude (who slept with a lot of different women) if she was tested, so much drama-rama, Diana should have just stayed next door to be honest.
3.4 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
It started out good but gradually you come to know what an enormous tool sex therapist Diana really is. Her emotions switching between hot and cold gave me whiplash and it really messed up poor Jude so much that I began to dislike this character… a lot.
I see that this is where O’Brien creates her conflict in a plot that otherwise has not much to offer (other than sex). But it does not work for me because that same character flaw (Diana is emotionally crippled because of a bad relationship in her past) is a theme on repeat throughout the whole book. Ugh!
And what’s with the age hang-ups? Diana was 39 and Jude 26. So what? With all the fooferah Diana made about it you would think she was in her late 60ies.
So yeah, there are copious amounts of hot sex, some anal as well, the slow unravelling of sweet Jude and a giant tool named Diana.
f/f explicit
Themes: Jude is wetter than Niagara falls, casual sex is never as casual as you think, is Diana not afraid of STD’s? she never asked Jude (who slept with a lot of different women) if she was tested, so much drama-rama, Diana should have just stayed next door to be honest.
3.4 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
November 5, 2018
This book is going to be tricky to rate. Pardon my math but I loved 1/2 of it, liked 1/4 of it and hated the final 1/4.
Despite what the title may suggest, this book has a great smut vs. plot ratio. There are plenty of really hot and sexy scenes with enough dirty talk to make a porn star blush. Though the book features several sexual acts, it only lightly touches on the subject of BDSM.
As for the main characters, I really connected with Jude. Just like her I too had a major crush on my hot older neighbor. I even told my best friend the same thing Jude told her cousin: “She’s going to break my heart, Kat. I know she will.” At least things worked out for Jude in the end.
Diana.. oh Diana, the amount of inner demons this woman has can only be cured by an exorcist or a witch doctor.. or both.. at the same time.. while someone dunks a bucket of holy water on her head. She and her awful and sometimes manipulative behavior is the only reason I haven't given this book a higher rating. She even made it into my top 3 of most hated main characters.
There were some minor issues with the book that bugged me a little. The main one being Diana's hang up on everyone's age. Religion is not a subject in this book but the amount of preaching Diana does would make you think otherwise.
The other minor thing that bugged me was the lack of safe sex or even the discussion of it. For a sex therapist Diana doesn't seem to care whether or not Jude has a clean bill of health. How has this topic not been brought up even once in this book?
This get's an overall 3,5* rating.
TW: mentions of physical and emotional abuse.
*Do not attempt to read this in public unless you're sitting on a block of ice. (Although it's a great excuse for why your pants got wet.)😉
Despite what the title may suggest, this book has a great smut vs. plot ratio. There are plenty of really hot and sexy scenes with enough dirty talk to make a porn star blush. Though the book features several sexual acts, it only lightly touches on the subject of BDSM.
As for the main characters, I really connected with Jude. Just like her I too had a major crush on my hot older neighbor. I even told my best friend the same thing Jude told her cousin: “She’s going to break my heart, Kat. I know she will.” At least things worked out for Jude in the end.
Diana.. oh Diana, the amount of inner demons this woman has can only be cured by an exorcist or a witch doctor.. or both.. at the same time.. while someone dunks a bucket of holy water on her head. She and her awful and sometimes manipulative behavior is the only reason I haven't given this book a higher rating. She even made it into my top 3 of most hated main characters.
There were some minor issues with the book that bugged me a little. The main one being Diana's hang up on everyone's age. Religion is not a subject in this book but the amount of preaching Diana does would make you think otherwise.
The other minor thing that bugged me was the lack of safe sex or even the discussion of it. For a sex therapist Diana doesn't seem to care whether or not Jude has a clean bill of health. How has this topic not been brought up even once in this book?
This get's an overall 3,5* rating.
TW: mentions of physical and emotional abuse.
*Do not attempt to read this in public unless you're sitting on a block of ice. (Although it's a great excuse for why your pants got wet.)😉
November 25, 2018
Jesus. Let me wipe the sweat from my brow. I actually listened to the audiobook. It was rough going at first but the narrator seemed to find herself and it really flowed then. Meghan's book Wild is still my fav of them all but this comes to a close second. Somehow its smoking hot and then tender in places. There were even a few funny moments. I loved the characters and wanted to know more. Then, again I always do. Plus, it was blistering hot. The more Jude and Di got to know each other the more intense and intimate the sex became. I think that was a nice bit of writing to bring that out. I think some readers see Meghan's writing as all sex but there is nuance if you take your time and open yourself to it. Again, not every writer can pull that off. Kudos. Brava. Shit was good.
October 28, 2018
Diana Kelley is a sex therapist with emotional intimacy issues who needs to find a replacement for her impending hands-on sexual education workshop. She decides to ask Jude Monaco, her younger next door neighbour who secretly has a crush on Diana. As the workshop progresses, both women's feelings and fears start to unravel. Would it lead to something deeper as Jude craves?
Meghan O'Brien is one of the best lesfic writer of erotica. There's no doubt that she can write hot, different and wide-raging erotic scenes. 'The sex therapist next door' is a prime example of this. The best parts of the book are the erotic ones while the rest is just average; sometimes repetitive, others plain melodramatic.
Sex therapist Diana is a hard to like character, she comes across as self-absorbed, distant and sometimes manipulative person. At 39 years old, she refers herself as a 'middle age' woman but sometimes she is very immature. She plays the age-gap card (of 13 years) continuously though most of the time Jude seems the mature one. Jude is more likeable though her transformation into a needy character feels more like a plot device rather than the expected development of her relationship with Diana. Both characters spend a long time in their heads and some of Diana's arguments for why she shouldn't get involved with Jude are so repetitive that cause more irritation than empathy. However, there is a good subplot between Ava, Diana's best friend, and Katrina, Jude's cousin.
Having said all this, if you are looking for good quality, lesbian erotica and you don't mind much of the rest of the plot, this books is right for you. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Meghan O'Brien is one of the best lesfic writer of erotica. There's no doubt that she can write hot, different and wide-raging erotic scenes. 'The sex therapist next door' is a prime example of this. The best parts of the book are the erotic ones while the rest is just average; sometimes repetitive, others plain melodramatic.
Sex therapist Diana is a hard to like character, she comes across as self-absorbed, distant and sometimes manipulative person. At 39 years old, she refers herself as a 'middle age' woman but sometimes she is very immature. She plays the age-gap card (of 13 years) continuously though most of the time Jude seems the mature one. Jude is more likeable though her transformation into a needy character feels more like a plot device rather than the expected development of her relationship with Diana. Both characters spend a long time in their heads and some of Diana's arguments for why she shouldn't get involved with Jude are so repetitive that cause more irritation than empathy. However, there is a good subplot between Ava, Diana's best friend, and Katrina, Jude's cousin.
Having said all this, if you are looking for good quality, lesbian erotica and you don't mind much of the rest of the plot, this books is right for you. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
November 28, 2018
4.2 stars.
Meghan O'Brien writes one of the best sex scenes in the genre so expect hotness turned to the max. The varied kinks and fetishes combined with enough plot to keep the book engaging made this deeply erotic read enjoyable for me.
One of the main leads Diana becomes quite unlikable at some points in the book and it's understandable why. She was traumatized deeply by her past experience. But even though it makes complete sense narratively Diana sometimes being a complete twat did lower my enjoyment and hence the rating of the book.
Otherwise, not much to comment on. The other lead Jude is a lovely character. There is a nice and more importantly developed secondary cast in the form of Diana's best friend and Jude's cousin.
The book is mostly HOT public sex so if that's your thing, go for it. I might have discovered a new fetish myself.
Meghan O'Brien writes one of the best sex scenes in the genre so expect hotness turned to the max. The varied kinks and fetishes combined with enough plot to keep the book engaging made this deeply erotic read enjoyable for me.
One of the main leads Diana becomes quite unlikable at some points in the book and it's understandable why. She was traumatized deeply by her past experience. But even though it makes complete sense narratively Diana sometimes being a complete twat did lower my enjoyment and hence the rating of the book.
Otherwise, not much to comment on. The other lead Jude is a lovely character. There is a nice and more importantly developed secondary cast in the form of Diana's best friend and Jude's cousin.
The book is mostly HOT public sex so if that's your thing, go for it. I might have discovered a new fetish myself.
October 30, 2018
Well, now that was something…
Jude has been having fantasies about her next door neighbour since she moved in so when her neighbour, Diana knocks on her door asking her to be a stand in at her Sex workshop for her therapy group, Jude is elated. All she has to do is sit back and endure earth shattering orgasm after orgasm. The only rule is, she must not fall in love… How hard could it be right?
This. Book. Is. Amazing!!! It’s got all the usual Meghan O’Brien naughty bits but she has ramped up the angst and It was the perfect combo.
Firstly, lets talk tropes because this book has everything. Age gap, friends to lovers, boss and employee, a little bit of the ice queen and eroticism… and it’s all fan-bloody-tastic!!!!
Diana has an emotional past, as does Jude but Diana’s is keeping her from finding love and Jude is the biggest temptation ever when it comes to letting her guard down. Jude has been imagining having sex with Diana for a while now so when the object of her affection wants to give her all her fantasies on a silver platter, who wouldn’t jump in with both feet. Problem is, Jude is falling for Diana fast but knows it’s not part of the arrangement which is making her feeling worse. These two are so lovely and deserve each other in so many lovely ways. I just kept wanting more.
I really love how Meghan O’Brien writes such depth and emotion for her characters. I don’t think I have ever read one of her books and not loved the protagonist and the journey they take.
The sex was, as always, off the chart in the hotness department. Meghan O’Brien writes my favourite sex scenes hands down and her level of detail is just amazing. Her sex scenes are so vivid it’s like it’s happening right in front of me.
Again, another erotic masterpiece from the pen of Meghan O’Brien….
5 stars!!
Jude has been having fantasies about her next door neighbour since she moved in so when her neighbour, Diana knocks on her door asking her to be a stand in at her Sex workshop for her therapy group, Jude is elated. All she has to do is sit back and endure earth shattering orgasm after orgasm. The only rule is, she must not fall in love… How hard could it be right?
This. Book. Is. Amazing!!! It’s got all the usual Meghan O’Brien naughty bits but she has ramped up the angst and It was the perfect combo.
Firstly, lets talk tropes because this book has everything. Age gap, friends to lovers, boss and employee, a little bit of the ice queen and eroticism… and it’s all fan-bloody-tastic!!!!
Diana has an emotional past, as does Jude but Diana’s is keeping her from finding love and Jude is the biggest temptation ever when it comes to letting her guard down. Jude has been imagining having sex with Diana for a while now so when the object of her affection wants to give her all her fantasies on a silver platter, who wouldn’t jump in with both feet. Problem is, Jude is falling for Diana fast but knows it’s not part of the arrangement which is making her feeling worse. These two are so lovely and deserve each other in so many lovely ways. I just kept wanting more.
I really love how Meghan O’Brien writes such depth and emotion for her characters. I don’t think I have ever read one of her books and not loved the protagonist and the journey they take.
The sex was, as always, off the chart in the hotness department. Meghan O’Brien writes my favourite sex scenes hands down and her level of detail is just amazing. Her sex scenes are so vivid it’s like it’s happening right in front of me.
Again, another erotic masterpiece from the pen of Meghan O’Brien….
5 stars!!
February 18, 2019
I just want to slow clap for Meghan O’Brien because this book is wonderfully done. The Sex Therapist Next Door is exactly what erotic romance should be. There is a LOT of sex in this book and every single instance is necessary because it fuels story, character, or relationship development. Sometimes we join Diana and Jude partway into an encounter or a scene breaks before everyone’s had their orgasms, and that works because this is more than just porn (which has its place, but is distinctly different in its purpose and goals). This is a romance with fully developed characters who have deep, emotional journeys, and the sex is central in a way that we don’t typically see in other types of romance.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/sex-...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/sex-...
November 22, 2018
Wow, what a hot story! Porn with plot! I really liked it... though Diana was unbelievably pigheaded.
August 13, 2019
I hesitated getting this b/c I don't always have the best luck with this author. I have been pleasantly surprised, but have also DNF'd. She can be too explicit in some situations to be a turn on for my own personal tastes, but also can be incredibly tender in her dialogue. When this one came out, it didn't really interest me, but I decided to go for it on a sale.
It started off incredibly titillating. What a unique premise! The sex therapist, Diana, needs a last minute replacement for her "hands on" sex workshops, and due to the very thin walls separating her and her promiscuous neighbour, Jude, she takes a chance to ask her to fill in. Jude is only too happy to comply, as Diana happens to be her secret crush. Jude is never fully described though, which was hard for me to envision, though this appears to be the first femme/femme couple I have read by this author, something I really really enjoy. Points! Diana, I had no trouble finding my perfect vision of her. Me-Ow.
The good: the unique sexual experiences in front of an audience. Not only was in a teaching aspect, and Diana patiently explained things that many women do find intimidating and shameful, but she presented each in a safe, sexy, non-judgmental manner. I even learned stuff! Educational AND tingly bits! There is a moment between a silver short haired butch and Jude that made my heart ache. I just found this part so new and refreshing, something I always look for in lesfic.
The bad: how much the age difference was repeated again and again and again. "The younger one, the older one," Jude's 26 and Diana is 39. I dunno guys, is this a big deal? Celine Dion married her manager who was 25 years older (and a dude, so, gross. Maybe a poor example). Look at Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor! It works! Mention it once or twice and be done with it, but literally every chapter has numerous references and it got old real fast. Especially b/c Jude makes no bones about her love of having lots and lots of sex and has had many partners, giving her a load of experience in this area, and she also doesn't lack on life experience either. I would have liked more backstory on her for more depth, but we get a sense that shit got real for her in the past.
Diana started off so strong! So assertive! So demandingly hot and sensuous and put-together. And wow does she ever lose it half way through. She becomes angry, immature, weepy, and contradictory. She says one thing and does the other. She says awful things to both her best friend and Jude, things that cut to the core and would take a shit ton long time to forgive. What she does after Jude's first time doing that thing (those of you who read it will know what I mean) was reprehensible. SO CLOSE to throwing the book out the window for the goddamned raccoons to tear apart in their lair to make beds for the multiple babies that seem to be delivered daily. Yes, I suppose Jude has to take some of the blame, but fractionally IMO. If ever there was a couple that I actually rooted for NOT getting together in the end, this would be it. They fell apart so spectactularly it was mind-blowing. I so wanted Jude to just move out and move on, seriously.
So it's a hard one to rate, because it was fun and unique and sexy as hell and educational and all the things for the first half then.....meh. I'll do an even middle of 2.5/5.
It started off incredibly titillating. What a unique premise! The sex therapist, Diana, needs a last minute replacement for her "hands on" sex workshops, and due to the very thin walls separating her and her promiscuous neighbour, Jude, she takes a chance to ask her to fill in. Jude is only too happy to comply, as Diana happens to be her secret crush. Jude is never fully described though, which was hard for me to envision, though this appears to be the first femme/femme couple I have read by this author, something I really really enjoy. Points! Diana, I had no trouble finding my perfect vision of her. Me-Ow.
The good: the unique sexual experiences in front of an audience. Not only was in a teaching aspect, and Diana patiently explained things that many women do find intimidating and shameful, but she presented each in a safe, sexy, non-judgmental manner. I even learned stuff! Educational AND tingly bits! There is a moment between a silver short haired butch and Jude that made my heart ache. I just found this part so new and refreshing, something I always look for in lesfic.
The bad: how much the age difference was repeated again and again and again. "The younger one, the older one," Jude's 26 and Diana is 39. I dunno guys, is this a big deal? Celine Dion married her manager who was 25 years older (and a dude, so, gross. Maybe a poor example). Look at Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor! It works! Mention it once or twice and be done with it, but literally every chapter has numerous references and it got old real fast. Especially b/c Jude makes no bones about her love of having lots and lots of sex and has had many partners, giving her a load of experience in this area, and she also doesn't lack on life experience either. I would have liked more backstory on her for more depth, but we get a sense that shit got real for her in the past.
Diana started off so strong! So assertive! So demandingly hot and sensuous and put-together. And wow does she ever lose it half way through. She becomes angry, immature, weepy, and contradictory. She says one thing and does the other. She says awful things to both her best friend and Jude, things that cut to the core and would take a shit ton long time to forgive. What she does after Jude's first time doing that thing (those of you who read it will know what I mean) was reprehensible. SO CLOSE to throwing the book out the window for the goddamned raccoons to tear apart in their lair to make beds for the multiple babies that seem to be delivered daily. Yes, I suppose Jude has to take some of the blame, but fractionally IMO. If ever there was a couple that I actually rooted for NOT getting together in the end, this would be it. They fell apart so spectactularly it was mind-blowing. I so wanted Jude to just move out and move on, seriously.
So it's a hard one to rate, because it was fun and unique and sexy as hell and educational and all the things for the first half then.....meh. I'll do an even middle of 2.5/5.
January 12, 2023
Well, this book officially ruined the word 'turgid' for me. Turgid nipples, turgid clits...so much turgidity, so little time. Seriously! They're hard. We get it. Please make it stop 😭
After the number of people that recommended this specific O'Brien book of all the O'Brien books, I was pretty surprised that this just didn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, the plot was kinda hot (though, exhibitionism 🤷🏼♀️ meh) and there were definitely some really hot scenes, *conceptually*. I did really enjoy the communication, education, and overall healthy attitude toward sex and sexual exploration. So yay for pushing back against that taboo label 🔥
BUT I hated the language in this one. That's very much a personal opinion thing, but there were waaaay too many unsexy (even cringe-worthy) words and descriptions for my part. On top of that, I didn't care for the MCs or their romance - it just felt super shallow (maybe I expect too much from something under the erotica umbrella?).
**Note: the rest may be more rant than review**
One concession I'll make on this is that I may have enjoyed it more were it not for the genuinely awful narration. This is one of those narrators that reads books like they're reading poetry, with random mid-sentence pauses and weird inflection when they try too hard to sound seductive. THIS ISN'T IAMBIC PENTAMETER, JUST F*CKING READ IT NORMALLY! Also, please learn the difference between 'emphatic' and 'empathic' - they are not interchangeably pronounced - and choose a pronunciation for 'turgid' and stick with it. Great, thanks! (unfortunately I only had access to the audio version, not the text version 🤦♀️ but I still wanted to try)
Please do read other reviews because I know I'm an outlier in not liking this one (hell, a ton of my GR friends recommended this to me and even some random folks 😂).
The Sex Therapist Next Door, this isn't going to work out...but I guess it's not you, it's me 😭
After the number of people that recommended this specific O'Brien book of all the O'Brien books, I was pretty surprised that this just didn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, the plot was kinda hot (though, exhibitionism 🤷🏼♀️ meh) and there were definitely some really hot scenes, *conceptually*. I did really enjoy the communication, education, and overall healthy attitude toward sex and sexual exploration. So yay for pushing back against that taboo label 🔥
BUT I hated the language in this one. That's very much a personal opinion thing, but there were waaaay too many unsexy (even cringe-worthy) words and descriptions for my part. On top of that, I didn't care for the MCs or their romance - it just felt super shallow (maybe I expect too much from something under the erotica umbrella?).
**Note: the rest may be more rant than review**
One concession I'll make on this is that I may have enjoyed it more were it not for the genuinely awful narration. This is one of those narrators that reads books like they're reading poetry, with random mid-sentence pauses and weird inflection when they try too hard to sound seductive. THIS ISN'T IAMBIC PENTAMETER, JUST F*CKING READ IT NORMALLY! Also, please learn the difference between 'emphatic' and 'empathic' - they are not interchangeably pronounced - and choose a pronunciation for 'turgid' and stick with it. Great, thanks! (unfortunately I only had access to the audio version, not the text version 🤦♀️ but I still wanted to try)
Please do read other reviews because I know I'm an outlier in not liking this one (hell, a ton of my GR friends recommended this to me and even some random folks 😂).
The Sex Therapist Next Door, this isn't going to work out...but I guess it's not you, it's me 😭
November 21, 2018
My oh my what an erotic romance. More erotic than romance to some extent. Jude Monaco is a women with a messed up family life but an awesome cousin that steps up and provide not only family but security. Diana Kelley, recovering from a tragic relationship by putting a shield around her heart. The two meet under circumstances that seem near impossible to believe yet intriguing. There is an age gap which is a concern for one of the characters but not so much for the other. Diana is sexy and wants to be in control. Jude is open and very upbeat about life considering her crappy family life. When the two meet, the reader gets to ride along a hot and sexy roller coaster that has you feeling good in many places. There is an entertaining subplot between Ava, Diana's best friend, and Katrina, Jude's cousin.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
November 6, 2018
Whew. Hot Hot Hot. I can't say that I've been in slump because I've read some books recently that I liked, but it seems like it's been awhile since I've loved something. Consider this book loved. It's sexy, explicit, sweet, angsty, a little bit of everything.
I loved both characters and I'm glad that we got Diana's backstory. Often times with someone emotionally unavailable we don't always get to see their motivations for their feelings. Both Katrina and Ava served as good secondary characters. While I don't think the situation is realistic, Jude's evolution of feelings seems absolutely believable.
My only gripe: Diana's age hangup. Good lord, you're 39 not 79, woman!
Read this asap, but make sure no one is reading over your shoulder. So many sexy times.
(Book received from NetGalley and BSB for an honest review)
I loved both characters and I'm glad that we got Diana's backstory. Often times with someone emotionally unavailable we don't always get to see their motivations for their feelings. Both Katrina and Ava served as good secondary characters. While I don't think the situation is realistic, Jude's evolution of feelings seems absolutely believable.
My only gripe: Diana's age hangup. Good lord, you're 39 not 79, woman!
Read this asap, but make sure no one is reading over your shoulder. So many sexy times.
(Book received from NetGalley and BSB for an honest review)
November 6, 2020
So I struggled with this. I generally like Meghan O'Briens stuff, but I actually find I like her older stuff far more, for some reason.
I basically loathe the character of Diane in this. She's toxic, manipulative and spoiled. Yeah we're supposed to feel sympathy for her because of her past trauma, but honestly I couldn't. How she treats Jude is just disgusting and deplorable and I ended up disliking Jude for even entertaining her after various outbursts and rants she would make putting her down. I thought WTF kind of abusive BS is this? Holy unhealthy relationship batman! You actually see Jude go from being a confident woman, into a shell of her former self, and it's not pretty to witness.
Not to mention how Diane also treated her good friend Ava, as well. I was starting to think Diane has a sex addiction, and not in a good way. She's constantly either masturbating or trying to fuck her best friend who is lying in pain with a back injury. Plus the way she responds when her friend wants to have a relationship with someone NOT her, is inexcusable. She's just a disgusting human being. There was no redemption here for her character. Also the fact she has NO other friends, says a lot.
Now yes there are some hot sex scenes, but to me the plot for them was flimsy at best. I don't claim to know a lot about sex therapy, but I couldn't help but think the whole group session 'live demo' thing was implausible - not to mention the way it came across was far more voyeuristic than educational. Most of these 'sex therapy' sessions where they are supposed to be 'educating' a paying customer base were literally just them fucking for an audience, and not really giving much instruction except for "look at how wet Jude's pussy is!?" as the audience gets themselves off. If I had paid good money to a session that was supposed to be education and that's what I got, I'd be highly pissed off. (And uncomfortable I'll admit.)
It honestly made me uncomfortable that the author used sex therapy as a legitimiser for what was happening. A sex club would have been far more realistic, in my view, for what was going on here. Since clearly all the audience wanted was a show to get down with.
I can only imagine a legit sex therapist would cringe and be extremely mad at their profession being portrayed this way.
I basically loathe the character of Diane in this. She's toxic, manipulative and spoiled. Yeah we're supposed to feel sympathy for her because of her past trauma, but honestly I couldn't. How she treats Jude is just disgusting and deplorable and I ended up disliking Jude for even entertaining her after various outbursts and rants she would make putting her down. I thought WTF kind of abusive BS is this? Holy unhealthy relationship batman! You actually see Jude go from being a confident woman, into a shell of her former self, and it's not pretty to witness.
Not to mention how Diane also treated her good friend Ava, as well. I was starting to think Diane has a sex addiction, and not in a good way. She's constantly either masturbating or trying to fuck her best friend who is lying in pain with a back injury. Plus the way she responds when her friend wants to have a relationship with someone NOT her, is inexcusable. She's just a disgusting human being. There was no redemption here for her character. Also the fact she has NO other friends, says a lot.
Now yes there are some hot sex scenes, but to me the plot for them was flimsy at best. I don't claim to know a lot about sex therapy, but I couldn't help but think the whole group session 'live demo' thing was implausible - not to mention the way it came across was far more voyeuristic than educational. Most of these 'sex therapy' sessions where they are supposed to be 'educating' a paying customer base were literally just them fucking for an audience, and not really giving much instruction except for "look at how wet Jude's pussy is!?" as the audience gets themselves off. If I had paid good money to a session that was supposed to be education and that's what I got, I'd be highly pissed off. (And uncomfortable I'll admit.)
It honestly made me uncomfortable that the author used sex therapy as a legitimiser for what was happening. A sex club would have been far more realistic, in my view, for what was going on here. Since clearly all the audience wanted was a show to get down with.
I can only imagine a legit sex therapist would cringe and be extremely mad at their profession being portrayed this way.
November 19, 2018
Won't you be my neighbor?
I don't know why I decided to read this one. I'm not a huge fan of erotica. But the reviews said there was more of a storyline and people seemed to enjoy it so...
Glad I did. There was definitely something exciting reading about the workshop encounters that played out on front of an audience.
I also really liked the characters. Now I can't say that I relate to their promiscuity and non-issue with exhibition. But I did find myself envious how open and free they were with sexuality.
They talked a little rough for me. I get talking dirty in bed. But even during regular conversations they we're quite blunt and crass. Everyone.
Anyhow, I really liked this. It was a page Turner for me. Always wanting to know how far they would go. Sexually and emotionally.
I don't know why I decided to read this one. I'm not a huge fan of erotica. But the reviews said there was more of a storyline and people seemed to enjoy it so...
Glad I did. There was definitely something exciting reading about the workshop encounters that played out on front of an audience.
I also really liked the characters. Now I can't say that I relate to their promiscuity and non-issue with exhibition. But I did find myself envious how open and free they were with sexuality.
They talked a little rough for me. I get talking dirty in bed. But even during regular conversations they we're quite blunt and crass. Everyone.
Anyhow, I really liked this. It was a page Turner for me. Always wanting to know how far they would go. Sexually and emotionally.
September 23, 2020
Kudos to Meghan O'Brien for coming up with the ideal scenario for an erotic romance. Sex therapist Diana Kelley has to find a new assistant to help her facilitate "erotically charged sexual instruction for women" workshops after her previous assistant hurts her back. In a time crunch with a class coming up that night, she needs someone who would act as her sexual partner to demonstrate with a "hands-on, interactive approach" various topics each week - anything from cunnilingus, to foreplay, role playing, etc. The idea is to provide a safe, judgment free environment for couples to learn techniques and be inspired to improve their sexual lives. Diana lives right next door to a younger, beautiful lesbian who she knows enjoys sex because she has many sexual encounters, often hearing them through their shared bedroom wall.
Though Diana is terribly embarrassed to approach Jude Monaco to see if she'd be willing to step into the role, it's either that or lose the thousands of dollars her clients paid for these workshops plus the rental fees for the space.When Diana knocks on her door, she almost chickens out. Jude doesn't know what Diana does for a living, only that she is gorgeous and at least a decade older than her mid-20s. But what Diana doesn't know is that Jude has been lusting after her for months. When she hears Diana explain what she needs in an assistant, Jude sees this as something of a fantasy come true. What's the worst that can happen? She'll get to have sex with Diana, actually help lesbian couples improve their sex lives AND make some nice money doing it. Being comfortable with her body and sexuality, Jude doesn't see a problem participating, and agrees to the terms. But what happens when feelings start coming into play and lines are blurred?
I'll just say this: JEEEZUSSSS! On a scale from 1 to 10 chili peppers, this was a TWELVE! Though it initially starts with Diana only needing Jude to fill in for one night, her friend's injury will require her to be out for an extended period so Jude agrees to participate in all six weekly sessions. So that means, six encounters - all scorching.
Erotica isn't for everyone. But if you enjoy it, this is one of the hottest I've ever read. I'm glad to have experienced this in paperback because imagination goes a long way with stories like these. For an audiobook to have the same effect (or improve upon it) the narrator has to be just right. Might check that out one of these days. This is right up there with Meghan's best!
Though Diana is terribly embarrassed to approach Jude Monaco to see if she'd be willing to step into the role, it's either that or lose the thousands of dollars her clients paid for these workshops plus the rental fees for the space.When Diana knocks on her door, she almost chickens out. Jude doesn't know what Diana does for a living, only that she is gorgeous and at least a decade older than her mid-20s. But what Diana doesn't know is that Jude has been lusting after her for months. When she hears Diana explain what she needs in an assistant, Jude sees this as something of a fantasy come true. What's the worst that can happen? She'll get to have sex with Diana, actually help lesbian couples improve their sex lives AND make some nice money doing it. Being comfortable with her body and sexuality, Jude doesn't see a problem participating, and agrees to the terms. But what happens when feelings start coming into play and lines are blurred?
I'll just say this: JEEEZUSSSS! On a scale from 1 to 10 chili peppers, this was a TWELVE! Though it initially starts with Diana only needing Jude to fill in for one night, her friend's injury will require her to be out for an extended period so Jude agrees to participate in all six weekly sessions. So that means, six encounters - all scorching.
Erotica isn't for everyone. But if you enjoy it, this is one of the hottest I've ever read. I'm glad to have experienced this in paperback because imagination goes a long way with stories like these. For an audiobook to have the same effect (or improve upon it) the narrator has to be just right. Might check that out one of these days. This is right up there with Meghan's best!
August 13, 2019
This book got me thinking that maybe, erotica isn't for me.
To start with, the beginning of this book just confirmed what we already know from reading the synopsis without preamble.
Reaching 1/3 of the story, it seemed to me that the development of Jude’s feelings toward Diana is unfounded. Having a crush on someone you barely know is okay, but immediately drawing a conclusion of falling for that person after only two major encounters, and purely sexual ones at that, felt shallow. Despite how many times it was mentioned that Diana and Jude had this hot chemistry going on between them, as a reader, it felt lacking. I didn't feel the chemistry.
Then after trudging on the subject of age gap for far too long (as it keeps popping up on most of the chapters), I just got tired of hearing about it.
Even though they are just side characters, Ava and Katrina's flirtation and banter amused me more than those of the leads'. Maybe it's because of the wisdom in her pieces of advice that Katrina quickly became my favorite character.
I know this is an erotica, but must it really be the case that all Diana and Jude seem to think and talk about is sex? Especially Diana, to the point where it sort of became infuriating.
Some of the drama were also weird because there were times a character's tear shedding seemed out of place. I found myself asking, “What? Why is she suddenly crying?”
Maybe I'm the only one who finds this problematic, but the book only revolves around these facts: (1) Diana is much older than Jude, (2) Diana developed a fear of commitment due to a trauma from a past relationship, and (3) Jude wanted more from their casual agreement. Throughout the entire story, nothing new was added to stir all the drama that occurred.
To start with, the beginning of this book just confirmed what we already know from reading the synopsis without preamble.
Reaching 1/3 of the story, it seemed to me that the development of Jude’s feelings toward Diana is unfounded. Having a crush on someone you barely know is okay, but immediately drawing a conclusion of falling for that person after only two major encounters, and purely sexual ones at that, felt shallow. Despite how many times it was mentioned that Diana and Jude had this hot chemistry going on between them, as a reader, it felt lacking. I didn't feel the chemistry.
Then after trudging on the subject of age gap for far too long (as it keeps popping up on most of the chapters), I just got tired of hearing about it.
Even though they are just side characters, Ava and Katrina's flirtation and banter amused me more than those of the leads'. Maybe it's because of the wisdom in her pieces of advice that Katrina quickly became my favorite character.
I know this is an erotica, but must it really be the case that all Diana and Jude seem to think and talk about is sex? Especially Diana, to the point where it sort of became infuriating.
Some of the drama were also weird because there were times a character's tear shedding seemed out of place. I found myself asking, “What? Why is she suddenly crying?”
Maybe I'm the only one who finds this problematic, but the book only revolves around these facts: (1) Diana is much older than Jude, (2) Diana developed a fear of commitment due to a trauma from a past relationship, and (3) Jude wanted more from their casual agreement. Throughout the entire story, nothing new was added to stir all the drama that occurred.
January 1, 2024
3 ★ | God that Diana is a nasty piece of work. Toxic. To the MAX. I am furious right now. Furious. Author is skilled evoking these kinds of emotions from me that’s for sure. Like pulling blood from a stone. But with my mounting hatred towards Diane I struggled to route for her happiness. God I wanted to so, so badly. I simply CANNOT when she conducts herself in this way.
How could I route for a character so cruel. Emotionally manipulative. And foul mouthed? I’m conflicted. The writer undoubtedly has skill to evoke such a strong emotional reaction from myself. That emotion should have been used as a device between Jude and Diane. Not between myself and Diane. Leaving me with no choice but to want to reach through the pages and slap her silly!
Reshuffle in terms of emotional angst. That being said, I feel this author has it in them to create fine specimens of romance so I won’t hesitate to give another book a go in the future.
How could I route for a character so cruel. Emotionally manipulative. And foul mouthed? I’m conflicted. The writer undoubtedly has skill to evoke such a strong emotional reaction from myself. That emotion should have been used as a device between Jude and Diane. Not between myself and Diane. Leaving me with no choice but to want to reach through the pages and slap her silly!
Reshuffle in terms of emotional angst. That being said, I feel this author has it in them to create fine specimens of romance so I won’t hesitate to give another book a go in the future.
January 2, 2019
I actually enjoyed this book and think it is one of my favorites by O’Brien. I would have never picked this one up based on title and cover, but other reviews made me decide to try it out. Once you get past the crazy way the two main characters come together their story is really good. Ava and Katrina as secondary characters made the story a lot more enjoyable. I also liked the main characters. From the title and cover a reader would assume it is filled with sex, and while there is a lot, O’Brien has several other books that have a lot more of it. I thought the scenes that were added were good, and not nearly as uncomfortable as I had imagined they would be. They actually added elements to Diana and Jude’s relationship, which is a huge win in this type of book. A solid read for me, and actually one I may reread in the future.
August 8, 2021
I just finished this masterpiece and I’m honestly still speechless. Just wow! I couldn’t put this book down and even right now it’s past 4AM but I needed to reach the end so that I could finally breathe peacefully lol It had a lot of everything, smut and angst and romance and honestly, everything that makes a wlw book excellent in my opinion. Jude and Diana’s relationship was very complicated and rightfully so but they end up together and that’s all that matters. I’m a sucker for a happy ending and I loved this one. I loved how real and loyal to the characters’ stories it felt. Just so so so good! This book has honestly just become my favorite wlw book of all time. 100% recommend. And I legit can’t wait to reread it again because PERFECTION!!
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Reread 08/08/2021 - I just love this book so much that I had to reread it again and just wow!! It was even better than I remembered. Meghan truly is one of the best writers out there. This book is simply perfection!! I give it infinite starts ⭐️
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Reread 08/08/2021 - I just love this book so much that I had to reread it again and just wow!! It was even better than I remembered. Meghan truly is one of the best writers out there. This book is simply perfection!! I give it infinite starts ⭐️
December 2, 2020
I’ve been re-reading books or listening to Audiobooks lately and haven’t gotten into any of the holiday romances or recent releases - for no apparent reason, mind you. I just felt like reading something from my wish list that I kept putting off… and boy, oh boy, am I glad I clicked on The Sex Therapist Next Door.
I think I’ve finally recovered enough to give a short review, so here goes:
This is my third Meghan O’Brien book, and I haven’t been disappointed so far - she is truly talented in erotic storytelling - I know this because my blush-o-meter went through the roof from beginning to end.
There are some common themes explored including an age gap (13 years), ice queen(ish?) with a broken heart/trust issues from a previous relationship (the sex therapist, of course) and a quick jump from lust to love for Jude, the 26 year old eager to assist her older neighbor with her hands-on sex therapy group classes.
I can see why some readers may not appreciate this book, but it certainly worked for me. I don’t think it’s as good as Wild, but it’s damn close. The other O’Brien book I’ve read is The Night Off, and I think this beats it (maybe because I’m not the biggest insta-love fan!)
4.5 stars for me!
I think I’ve finally recovered enough to give a short review, so here goes:
This is my third Meghan O’Brien book, and I haven’t been disappointed so far - she is truly talented in erotic storytelling - I know this because my blush-o-meter went through the roof from beginning to end.
There are some common themes explored including an age gap (13 years), ice queen(ish?) with a broken heart/trust issues from a previous relationship (the sex therapist, of course) and a quick jump from lust to love for Jude, the 26 year old eager to assist her older neighbor with her hands-on sex therapy group classes.
I can see why some readers may not appreciate this book, but it certainly worked for me. I don’t think it’s as good as Wild, but it’s damn close. The other O’Brien book I’ve read is The Night Off, and I think this beats it (maybe because I’m not the biggest insta-love fan!)
4.5 stars for me!
March 1, 2019
Updated 2nd read - Still FIRE!!!!
Total FIRE!!! I had really high hopes for Meghan O’Brien’s lastest and she delivered!!! I loved the story line of emotionally damaged Sex Therapist (Diana) comes together with neighbor (Jude) who happens to love sex because her normal assistant/lover/best friend (Ava) is injured and can’t assist with her couple therapy class.
The chemistry between Diana and Jude is amazing, the sex is delicious and the book is well written. I loved that this book analyzed both MCs and gave us a good idea of who these characters are. This books is about more than sex. And if you love a book with agnst you will get that too. This was just a wonderful and totally hot read.
I would suggest you don’t read this at work (of course I did) because it will have you squirming in your seat.
Total FIRE!!! I had really high hopes for Meghan O’Brien’s lastest and she delivered!!! I loved the story line of emotionally damaged Sex Therapist (Diana) comes together with neighbor (Jude) who happens to love sex because her normal assistant/lover/best friend (Ava) is injured and can’t assist with her couple therapy class.
The chemistry between Diana and Jude is amazing, the sex is delicious and the book is well written. I loved that this book analyzed both MCs and gave us a good idea of who these characters are. This books is about more than sex. And if you love a book with agnst you will get that too. This was just a wonderful and totally hot read.
I would suggest you don’t read this at work (of course I did) because it will have you squirming in your seat.
December 30, 2019
“The Sex Therapist Next Door” was a rare disappointment for a Meghan O’Brien book.
Yes, there was lots of sex, which was expected and appreciated, but I didn’t find either of the MCs particularly likable, and I really disliked them being role models for sex being a substitute for love and intimacy.
MC Diana conducts sex therapy workshops for couples, but not believing in love, the workshops are pretty much sterile how-to sessions on physical acts. MC Jude is somehow fixated on her older neighbor and jumps at the chance to be her clinical sex partner for the workshops.
I just never bought into their relationship becoming anything more than a “here’s some money for me to fuck you in front of my clients” thing. There’re better romances out there, and better porn. 2.5*
Yes, there was lots of sex, which was expected and appreciated, but I didn’t find either of the MCs particularly likable, and I really disliked them being role models for sex being a substitute for love and intimacy.
MC Diana conducts sex therapy workshops for couples, but not believing in love, the workshops are pretty much sterile how-to sessions on physical acts. MC Jude is somehow fixated on her older neighbor and jumps at the chance to be her clinical sex partner for the workshops.
I just never bought into their relationship becoming anything more than a “here’s some money for me to fuck you in front of my clients” thing. There’re better romances out there, and better porn. 2.5*
October 17, 2018
Meghan O'Brien is an amazing writer. I'm sharing this book as a five star because of the subject matter. Meghan does a fantastic way to share about intimacy issues and how a broken heart can shut down living a wonderful life. The plot is what it is, so the story is woven around a sex therapist and her next door neighbor. There is lots of sex, but at the core of the story, it's about intimacy. However, be prepared that sex is a good majority of the book, not romance.
ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.
ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
Another glowing 5-star experience from the incredibly talented Meghan O'Brien. She doesn't just write erotica; she crafts stories that resonate deeply on an emotional level, making the romantic journey just as captivating as the spice. By far, O'Brien delivers the most deliciously tantalising sapphic erotica I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Absolutely loved the narration by Brittni Powers.
Absolutely loved the narration by Brittni Powers.
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