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Wicked Fantasies #5
Assume the Positions
Book five of the Cougar Challenge series. Damn Cougar Challenge! Rachel’s thankful for the new friends she met while attending an erotica-book convention. They instantly connected and began sharing the relationship woes unique to older single women on their Tempt the Cougar blog. Then Monica issues that challenge… How is Rachel going to convince a younger man to have sex with her? Hell, even she doesn’t want to look at herself naked. To control her growing angst, she makes a list of eligible men then… Nothing. It’s been too long and her divorce was too painful. She’ll never be able to do this. Ethan, one of Rachel’s physical therapy patients, is pissed when he learns of the challenge. Not because he finds it silly—because he’s not on Rachel’s list! So he does what any self-assured young stud would do. The luscious police officer gives her a copy of the Kama Sutra then asks her to make a new list. And assume the positions…
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2009
About the author
Mari Carr
234 books4,021 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 17, 2011
How can an erotic romance also be hilarious without taking away from the erotic element? Well, it can. Assume the Positions has some really funny one-liners that had me laughing out loud, all by my lonesome as I read along. When reading, most times I just let out a puff of air in laughter, you know, a silent giggle, but not so with this little belter. It felt good to laugh so freely too. Thanks, Ms. Carr!
I identified with Rachel so much that she could almost have been me. She’s not some stick-thin woman confident with her body but what I’d consider a “normal” female, with a tummy and a backside and thighs that she wishes weren’t so fulsome. She’s been set a challenge—to bed a younger man—and, lucky for her, a man comes to her rescue. She’d thought she’d never be able to tell her friends on the Cougar Challenge blog that she was truly one of them, and now she can.
Ethan is that man, and he sends her something that she must study before he arrives at her house. Let me tell you, when she looks at herself in the mirror after receiving the “something”, I roared with laughter—laughter tinged with a little compassion because she was so like me that I knew what she was seeing in that reflection. Also, she would be imagining what she would look like when adopting the positions in that “something”, and I felt her mortification, her insecurities, and also her longing to at last have sex after a long time of abstinence.
The fact that she calls her ex Voldemort is so incredibly funny, when it’s dropped into the prose like a “normal” name, that it took me a moment to compose myself enough to continue reading. Assume the Positions tickled more than my funny bone—you dig?—and when I’d finished I felt I’d read a much longer book. Rachel’s emotions are explored so very well, and the conversational tone to the story was the icing on the cake.
Well worth reading. It’s like a cuddly blanket or a soft cushion. It surrounds you with feelings you understand, and given the realness of Rachel’s character, you feel like you’ve made a real-life friend in her.
I identified with Rachel so much that she could almost have been me. She’s not some stick-thin woman confident with her body but what I’d consider a “normal” female, with a tummy and a backside and thighs that she wishes weren’t so fulsome. She’s been set a challenge—to bed a younger man—and, lucky for her, a man comes to her rescue. She’d thought she’d never be able to tell her friends on the Cougar Challenge blog that she was truly one of them, and now she can.
Ethan is that man, and he sends her something that she must study before he arrives at her house. Let me tell you, when she looks at herself in the mirror after receiving the “something”, I roared with laughter—laughter tinged with a little compassion because she was so like me that I knew what she was seeing in that reflection. Also, she would be imagining what she would look like when adopting the positions in that “something”, and I felt her mortification, her insecurities, and also her longing to at last have sex after a long time of abstinence.
The fact that she calls her ex Voldemort is so incredibly funny, when it’s dropped into the prose like a “normal” name, that it took me a moment to compose myself enough to continue reading. Assume the Positions tickled more than my funny bone—you dig?—and when I’d finished I felt I’d read a much longer book. Rachel’s emotions are explored so very well, and the conversational tone to the story was the icing on the cake.
Well worth reading. It’s like a cuddly blanket or a soft cushion. It surrounds you with feelings you understand, and given the realness of Rachel’s character, you feel like you’ve made a real-life friend in her.
June 16, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A really delightful, short book about a divorced physical therapist who's pushing 40 and joins a "cougar club" with some of her other girlfriends. Our therapist is a list maker and one day when she's making a list about possible candidates for her cougar adventure (although she really doesn't think she could ever go through with it) one of her patients comes in for his appointment. The patient is a 30ish studly cop who was shot in the line of duty and has reluctantly been seeing our therapist as a requirement for getting back to work. While they've had a good banter type friendship, nothing physical has ever occurred.
The cop finds the therapist's list and is upset that his name isn't on it. She's floored. Never would she have believed he would be in the least interested in her. But he is and to prove it he has a copy of the Kama Sutra delivered to her house and tells her to pick out 10 of her favorite positions and makes a date with her.
As I said, its a very fun and good read.
The cop finds the therapist's list and is upset that his name isn't on it. She's floored. Never would she have believed he would be in the least interested in her. But he is and to prove it he has a copy of the Kama Sutra delivered to her house and tells her to pick out 10 of her favorite positions and makes a date with her.
As I said, its a very fun and good read.
February 6, 2022
Hilariously cute!
This one funny, sexy rom-com potential story.Love it....can picture this as a movie...hello Hollywood! Rachel and Ethan are both adorable. The humor, the chemistry and fun! I'm smiling coz I can picture them so cute together. Age difference be damn!
This one funny, sexy rom-com potential story.Love it....can picture this as a movie...hello Hollywood! Rachel and Ethan are both adorable. The humor, the chemistry and fun! I'm smiling coz I can picture them so cute together. Age difference be damn!
July 8, 2010
4.25 stars
Tells the story of down-to-earth, modest and sensible Rachel Bridges (37), physical therapist and stubborn, intuitive and competitive Ethan Russell (28), police officer
In this installment it’s Rachel’s turn to take up the cougar challenge. Normally she’s the happy-go-lucky one but a bit down lately as she would like to be more adventurous and daring/wild. She's been dealt a bad marriage card with an ex who used her to get through medical school and then dump her for a young, blond nurse. They say Mr. Right just doesn't come knocking on your door but in Rachel's case he came walking into her office at the right time. The challenge Ethan lays down for Rachel involves more than just plain having fun with a younger man, she has to make a list of Kama Sutra positions she’d like to try out with him.
This story was again pretty vanilla, with just the Kama Sutra to spice it up, but let me tell you: it was definitely spiced up! Not in the least because of Ethan. I must say he’s the hottest cougar victim of the bunch, with Kevin (Winters' Thaw, Dalton Diaz) and Lee (Cam’s Holiday, Ciana Stone) a close second and third. Even though this story too was told exclusively from the heroine’s (Rachel’s) POV it bothered me less than in Desiree Holt’s installment because I got to know Ethan’s character really well through Rachel and the sense of humor they both had. I really connected with Rachel! Maybe it's the age (37 too) and her love for lists which I vehemently share.
I loved the pace and the humorous, light undertone in the writing. Mari Carr has an agreeable and easy writing style that reads very smoothly. ASSUME THE POSITIONS is one of my favorites of the series. I loved everything about it and could’ve read hundreds more pages of Ethan and Rachel.
This book makes you wanna get the Kama Sutra and check out some of those positions. If you’re looking for truly the sexiest and spine tingling sex scenes, ASSUME THE POSITIONS won’t disappoint!
Tells the story of down-to-earth, modest and sensible Rachel Bridges (37), physical therapist and stubborn, intuitive and competitive Ethan Russell (28), police officer
In this installment it’s Rachel’s turn to take up the cougar challenge. Normally she’s the happy-go-lucky one but a bit down lately as she would like to be more adventurous and daring/wild. She's been dealt a bad marriage card with an ex who used her to get through medical school and then dump her for a young, blond nurse. They say Mr. Right just doesn't come knocking on your door but in Rachel's case he came walking into her office at the right time. The challenge Ethan lays down for Rachel involves more than just plain having fun with a younger man, she has to make a list of Kama Sutra positions she’d like to try out with him.
This story was again pretty vanilla, with just the Kama Sutra to spice it up, but let me tell you: it was definitely spiced up! Not in the least because of Ethan. I must say he’s the hottest cougar victim of the bunch, with Kevin (Winters' Thaw, Dalton Diaz) and Lee (Cam’s Holiday, Ciana Stone) a close second and third. Even though this story too was told exclusively from the heroine’s (Rachel’s) POV it bothered me less than in Desiree Holt’s installment because I got to know Ethan’s character really well through Rachel and the sense of humor they both had. I really connected with Rachel! Maybe it's the age (37 too) and her love for lists which I vehemently share.
I loved the pace and the humorous, light undertone in the writing. Mari Carr has an agreeable and easy writing style that reads very smoothly. ASSUME THE POSITIONS is one of my favorites of the series. I loved everything about it and could’ve read hundreds more pages of Ethan and Rachel.
This book makes you wanna get the Kama Sutra and check out some of those positions. If you’re looking for truly the sexiest and spine tingling sex scenes, ASSUME THE POSITIONS won’t disappoint!
October 10, 2010
I love friends before lovers stories. And I loved how Ethan pursued her. The "list" just gave him the perfect opportunity. The whole book was super sexy. I love it when a guy won't accept a woman's view of herself when his view of her is so completely opposite. Gotta give Ethan credit... he could easily have decided she was too much work, lol, but he had other things in mind.
December 5, 2017
A story for all ages. A reminder to us all that we're never to old or too young to enjoy life and try something new, whether that's taking a risk in the love department or trying a new position, or perhaps like our heroine a little bit of both. A well written story at felt well rounded with character I would love to see more off
February 18, 2012
I have to say I really enjoyed reading this one. Hot and sweet. I will be picking up some more from this series for sure.
I loved Ethan he is definately an alpha male but he also has a sweet side. I would have been even more pleased had it been longer.
I loved Ethan he is definately an alpha male but he also has a sweet side. I would have been even more pleased had it been longer.
April 26, 2020
Wow
Love love love this story. I can't believe how much these two are meant for each other. They are not only got but sweet at the same time. He might be younger but he makes up for his by his knowledge. She maybe older but her experience level puts her at his level. They are no longer wasting time trying to find the right fit, they find it in one hot night..
Love love love this story. I can't believe how much these two are meant for each other. They are not only got but sweet at the same time. He might be younger but he makes up for his by his knowledge. She maybe older but her experience level puts her at his level. They are no longer wasting time trying to find the right fit, they find it in one hot night..
March 2, 2021
This is my first book from the author and I like the way she writes. This one may be short but the pacing, the dialogue is just right reading it in one sitting is a breeze. She will definitely be on my radar from now on.
September 14, 2025
Wow sexy cop !
Wow this book was,really good , the age difference doesn't bother him , you most certainly need to read this. The author made this a interesting book .sex , learning things that she didn't no about !!Definitely one to read,!!🔥🔥
Wow this book was,really good , the age difference doesn't bother him , you most certainly need to read this. The author made this a interesting book .sex , learning things that she didn't no about !!Definitely one to read,!!🔥🔥
March 11, 2023
only one complaint
I wish this were longer! It’s a quick read with great characters. I wish there were more chapters to focus in this quick relationship!
I wish this were longer! It’s a quick read with great characters. I wish there were more chapters to focus in this quick relationship!
July 22, 2024
Moved too fast for me. Lacks a detailed plot. Just gets right down to two people having a bunch of sex.
March 2, 2025
Cute and spicy novella…a little humor mixed in and a little spice. A great little quick read that can be knocked out in an hour.
January 6, 2018
A humorous short fast read. Not really much substance to the story line other than the Karma Sutra!
An older woman finds romance with a younger man, only because he took the lead in hooking up. A man that knows his own mind.... An enjoyable funny short read.
An older woman finds romance with a younger man, only because he took the lead in hooking up. A man that knows his own mind.... An enjoyable funny short read.
August 5, 2011
My Review:
sexy cop+physical therapist+Kama Sutra= YOWZA, one seriously HOT book!
This is a series of books by different authors telling each Cougar's story. This particular book is #5... (I need to find/read the others in this series.) The premise is that a group of women meet at an erotic romance convention and challenge each other to engage in a cougar relationship.
Rachel is seriously stressed about living up to the challenge. She's had one lover her entire life, her ex-husband, and they divorced 6 years ago. To say that she is out of practice is putting it mildly. She's also a list-maker which Ethan, one of her her physical therapy patients, gives her endless hell over. (See story overview above.)
This book is hot and sweet and fun. I loved both Ethan and Rachel's characters. Ethan is ALL alpha male, while Rachel is dealing with tons of self-doubt and worry.
The whole reason that Ethan is seeing Rachel is because he's recovering from a gunshot wound and this has caused him to re-evaluate his priorities. This hot sexy 28 yo has been building his friendship with Rachel for 8 weeks. They are friends enough that he knows that he wants more. Now he just has to convince Rachel that this is more than a one-night fling. Gor-Geous!! I loved how relentless Ethan was in his pursuit of Rachel. She doesn't have the best self-esteem (her ex was an ass) and Ethan does everything in his power to help her see herself as he does...a gorgeous, hot, sexy woman.
Lots of mirror sex in this book, as well as some fun position experimentation. Just a fun, hot evening's read to spice things up. ;o)
This book is hot and after reading about the positions, I am thinking that an investment in the Kama Sutra may not be a bad thing.
sexy cop+physical therapist+Kama Sutra= YOWZA, one seriously HOT book!
This is a series of books by different authors telling each Cougar's story. This particular book is #5... (I need to find/read the others in this series.) The premise is that a group of women meet at an erotic romance convention and challenge each other to engage in a cougar relationship.
Rachel is seriously stressed about living up to the challenge. She's had one lover her entire life, her ex-husband, and they divorced 6 years ago. To say that she is out of practice is putting it mildly. She's also a list-maker which Ethan, one of her her physical therapy patients, gives her endless hell over. (See story overview above.)
This book is hot and sweet and fun. I loved both Ethan and Rachel's characters. Ethan is ALL alpha male, while Rachel is dealing with tons of self-doubt and worry.
The whole reason that Ethan is seeing Rachel is because he's recovering from a gunshot wound and this has caused him to re-evaluate his priorities. This hot sexy 28 yo has been building his friendship with Rachel for 8 weeks. They are friends enough that he knows that he wants more. Now he just has to convince Rachel that this is more than a one-night fling. Gor-Geous!! I loved how relentless Ethan was in his pursuit of Rachel. She doesn't have the best self-esteem (her ex was an ass) and Ethan does everything in his power to help her see herself as he does...a gorgeous, hot, sexy woman.
Lots of mirror sex in this book, as well as some fun position experimentation. Just a fun, hot evening's read to spice things up. ;o)
This book is hot and after reading about the positions, I am thinking that an investment in the Kama Sutra may not be a bad thing.
September 11, 2014
As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly
5 out of 5 Licks
I really enjoyed this sweet yet dirty story from Mari Carr. It's part of a series that I haven't read but that doesn't take anything away from this book. I just wasn't familiar with her friends but knowing them isn't necessary to enjoy this one. While there is a fair amount of sex in this short tale it still manages to show the connection between Rachel and Ethan. I found myself smiling almost the whole time I was reading. This one just left me with that overall happy feeling that I get sometimes after finishing a book. A great read that will heat you up a make you grin!
5 out of 5 Licks
I really enjoyed this sweet yet dirty story from Mari Carr. It's part of a series that I haven't read but that doesn't take anything away from this book. I just wasn't familiar with her friends but knowing them isn't necessary to enjoy this one. While there is a fair amount of sex in this short tale it still manages to show the connection between Rachel and Ethan. I found myself smiling almost the whole time I was reading. This one just left me with that overall happy feeling that I get sometimes after finishing a book. A great read that will heat you up a make you grin!
October 15, 2015
Great steamy cougar novella I found at ARe. I really enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors and will be checking out the other books in this multi-author series. Most of the book's I've read by Mari Carr have been novellas and she does a good job. Story has good detail. Both characters had a great sense of humor and Ethan is definitely a yummy book boyfriend.
August 5, 2019
Are you up to the Kama Sutra challenge?
Who knew lists could be so sexy!
A short, fun, sexy read, although it could have been longer.
You don't really get to know Rachel and Ethan very well but this is a light hearted, kinky read with plenty of laughter which makes up for this.
Do you have a Kama Sutra top ten......or do you need to take up the challenge?!
Who knew lists could be so sexy!
A short, fun, sexy read, although it could have been longer.
You don't really get to know Rachel and Ethan very well but this is a light hearted, kinky read with plenty of laughter which makes up for this.
Do you have a Kama Sutra top ten......or do you need to take up the challenge?!
December 3, 2013
Actually I should not complain about this book because deep inside I knew it would be about hot scenes.
I just thought that maybe would have a little more than just Hot scenes, but no...only hot scenes.
I would suggest for you to read the Kama Sutra and be done with it.
I just thought that maybe would have a little more than just Hot scenes, but no...only hot scenes.
I would suggest for you to read the Kama Sutra and be done with it.
September 12, 2014
I like nothing more than reading about a woman that finds herself and realizes her worth! Throw in smoking hot kama sutra sex positions and then the ability to laugh about some of those crazy positions and you have a perfect little read on your hands!
February 4, 2013
I am kinda iffy about the whole cougar series. It was a great idea but I felt like some of the stories were missing something.
Very steamy and hot reads!
Very steamy and hot reads!
September 23, 2011
Not as good as I wanted it to be.
January 4, 2012
I have to admit I hate books told from only one pov... that said, if it's a Mari Carr book I might actually overlook that detail. This book was hot, cute, fun and did I mentioned hot?
January 6, 2018
Omg. I am sooooo buying a Kama sutra book ASAP. totally hot and sexy. Loved the bit about the pair of tongs. You've got to read it.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
September 7, 2014
Quick, fun sexy, read! Will have to try a couple of others in this fun series.
March 27, 2015
Assume the Positions was filled with so much passion, caring,desire and love that grows that it leaves you breathless. I loved reading it.
Sweet, short and sexy.
Sweet, short and sexy.
May 18, 2016
Fast and to the point. Not much fluff.
June 14, 2010
One of the most comedy-filled books in this series.
January 2, 2011
You can not go wrong with Mari Carr.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews