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Ready and Willing
At thirty-two, Abby’s pretty much got her shit together. She has a good job, a cozy home, a supportive family...and a biological clock that’s starting to feel more like a time bomb. Turned off the by the cold science of artificial insemination but wary of the complications that might come from enlisting a close male friend, Abby settles on a happy medium. She places an ad in a newspaper and goes in search of men willing to help her conceive the good old-fashioned way.
Believing she's got the best of all worlds, Abby selects two candidates—Noah, a fun, handsome man she instantly connects with, and Rob, a red-hot up-for-anything guy with body to die for. But Abby winds up with far more than the utilitarian, no-strings-attached sex she bargained for, including an impromptu threesome and an unexpected romance that threatens to ruin her best-laid plans.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Menage (m/f/m).
Believing she's got the best of all worlds, Abby selects two candidates—Noah, a fun, handsome man she instantly connects with, and Rob, a red-hot up-for-anything guy with body to die for. But Abby winds up with far more than the utilitarian, no-strings-attached sex she bargained for, including an impromptu threesome and an unexpected romance that threatens to ruin her best-laid plans.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Menage (m/f/m).
80 pages, ebook
Published August 31, 2010
10 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Cara McKenna
41 books2,241 followersSince she began writing in 2008, Cara McKenna has published nearly forty romances and erotic novels with a variety of publishers, sometimes under the pen names Meg Maguire and C.M. McKenna. Her stories have been acclaimed for their smart, modern voice and defiance of convention. She was a 2015 RITA Award finalist, a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner, a 2012 and 2011 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee, and a 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist. She lives with her husband and baby son in the Pacific Northwest, though she’ll always be a Boston girl at heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 28, 2015
This was so horrible!!!!
I have read 3 books by this author and I loved them..in fact I rated them all 5 stars so I could I go wrong with anything written by Cara McKernna.
What a surprise...a not so nice one at that. Because I found nothing that I liked about Ready and Willing!
Unlikable characters, silly plot and no erotica fabulosity!!!!!!
Abby is in her thirties and feels her biological clock is ticking away...I can understand that feeling...so she decides to go the sperm donor route!!! Now, she's not interested in a relationship, she she wants to get impregnated and move on without the hassles of a husband or a man in her life. Oh, she's going to use a sperm bank??? Wrong!!! This girl has a different idea altogether.
She chooses two men, who she finds fit the "bill" for creating a super baby. She discusses her proposal with the guys and they are quite happy to play the stud....and the added bonus is that she will pay them each time they have sex...so if you don't come right first time, try again and again...and continue making money out of this stupid woman. Why 2 men instead of 1??? This girl is smart...in case one of them "shoots" blanks then the other's sperm will swim upstream and voila...baby on the way!!!!!
What, you don't think this is weird???? Okay...it gets better!! One night, both guys pitch and what do you know....a threesome happens!!! That's right!!! Now, I am a fan of menage, but their menage was....so not sexy...more like
I found nothing remotely sexy about the two men...in fact they were even more irritating than idiotic Abby. And please can someone explain to me how it's possible for two men Acrobatics perhaps????
It was a good thing that it was a short read otherwise I would have given up halfway......though I did skim a lot of the pages near the end....
Now why would I continue reading if I was not liking it? Well, just in case there was going to be some redeeming part/s at the end....but believe me...there were none.
Don't be put off reading any other books by this author because of what I felt about this little story - she has some great books which should be read by anyone who likes good erotica.
Check out my reviews for the books I have read and loved by Cara McKenna
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
I have read 3 books by this author and I loved them..in fact I rated them all 5 stars so I could I go wrong with anything written by Cara McKernna.
What a surprise...a not so nice one at that. Because I found nothing that I liked about Ready and Willing!
Unlikable characters, silly plot and no erotica fabulosity!!!!!!
Abby is in her thirties and feels her biological clock is ticking away...I can understand that feeling...so she decides to go the sperm donor route!!! Now, she's not interested in a relationship, she she wants to get impregnated and move on without the hassles of a husband or a man in her life. Oh, she's going to use a sperm bank??? Wrong!!! This girl has a different idea altogether.
She chooses two men, who she finds fit the "bill" for creating a super baby. She discusses her proposal with the guys and they are quite happy to play the stud....and the added bonus is that she will pay them each time they have sex...so if you don't come right first time, try again and again...and continue making money out of this stupid woman. Why 2 men instead of 1??? This girl is smart...in case one of them "shoots" blanks then the other's sperm will swim upstream and voila...baby on the way!!!!!
What, you don't think this is weird???? Okay...it gets better!! One night, both guys pitch and what do you know....a threesome happens!!! That's right!!! Now, I am a fan of menage, but their menage was....so not sexy...more like
I found nothing remotely sexy about the two men...in fact they were even more irritating than idiotic Abby. And please can someone explain to me how it's possible for two men Acrobatics perhaps????
It was a good thing that it was a short read otherwise I would have given up halfway......though I did skim a lot of the pages near the end....
Now why would I continue reading if I was not liking it? Well, just in case there was going to be some redeeming part/s at the end....but believe me...there were none.
Don't be put off reading any other books by this author because of what I felt about this little story - she has some great books which should be read by anyone who likes good erotica.
Check out my reviews for the books I have read and loved by Cara McKenna
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
November 12, 2016
*3.5 stars*
Another good Cara McKenna novella. This time, we get a story that starts off as strictly erotica and moves into something approaching a romance. A hot scene that could have been even hotter with some more details. A nice, quicky read.
Another good Cara McKenna novella. This time, we get a story that starts off as strictly erotica and moves into something approaching a romance. A hot scene that could have been even hotter with some more details. A nice, quicky read.
September 17, 2012
The cover of this one is a wee bit misleading, as it gives the indication this will be a run of the mill romance. Of course, if you've ever read anything by Cara McKenna you know "run of the mill" is far from her norm.
I *love* Cara McKenna's books. She's an instant buy for me and after reading Willing Victim earlier this year I immediately downloaded her entire back catalog. Even in shorter fiction she manages to create rich, textured characters you can relate to and root for.
In this case we have Abby, an early-thirties "modern" woman who wants to have a baby but doesn't want to wait for Mr. Right. In any other circumstance this is the set-up for a lame rom-com (Ahem, "The Backup Plan"). But with McKenna at the helm we end up with a lovely, honest, story about a conflicted woman who doesn't want to let a budding romance get in the way of her no-strings-attached baby plan.
And the sex? Oh my! You can always count on amazing sex in a Cara McKenna novel, and this one didn't fail to deliver.
I *love* Cara McKenna's books. She's an instant buy for me and after reading Willing Victim earlier this year I immediately downloaded her entire back catalog. Even in shorter fiction she manages to create rich, textured characters you can relate to and root for.
In this case we have Abby, an early-thirties "modern" woman who wants to have a baby but doesn't want to wait for Mr. Right. In any other circumstance this is the set-up for a lame rom-com (Ahem, "The Backup Plan"). But with McKenna at the helm we end up with a lovely, honest, story about a conflicted woman who doesn't want to let a budding romance get in the way of her no-strings-attached baby plan.
And the sex? Oh my! You can always count on amazing sex in a Cara McKenna novel, and this one didn't fail to deliver.
October 25, 2014
A quick-reading novella. Ready and Willing is the story of a woman desperate to become pregnant. So she posts an ad in the newspaper, finds two incredibly hot male specimens for the job, does the medical and background checks, and gets down to business. Each man she meets separately everyday she's ovulating but her separate trists come colliding together when they all run into each other on the street. What's worse is male specimen one (Noah) and male specimen 2 (Rob) know each other from the gym. Will this blow her plans to pieces or up their game? We know that answer if we know most hot blooded men...it's all about being the best in the sack.
So when I say down to business, she wastes no time trying to get pregnant. The book is 95% smut. Cara McKenna write some seriously steamy smut and this one has a pretty hot MFM scene with a...how shall I say it...position, that I've never encountered in an erotic book. Hot hot hot. I'm kinda jealous of her. (Shit, did I say that?)
So if you're looking for a quick, porntastic read, this one delivers. Light on story, almost zero character development on the heroine, but I enjoyed it well enough.
So when I say down to business, she wastes no time trying to get pregnant. The book is 95% smut. Cara McKenna write some seriously steamy smut and this one has a pretty hot MFM scene with a...how shall I say it...position, that I've never encountered in an erotic book. Hot hot hot. I'm kinda jealous of her. (Shit, did I say that?)
So if you're looking for a quick, porntastic read, this one delivers. Light on story, almost zero character development on the heroine, but I enjoyed it well enough.
February 18, 2014
I didn't like this. Not that I thought that the execution was awful, but because I wasn't able to treat the decisions the characters make as purely fantasy material, and so they bothered me ethically. Which is a pretty ridiculous thing to say about a short erotic novella, I realize, but that's the kind of weirdo I am.
Premise: Abby is an early-30s lady with a career, a condo, no partner, and a desire to be a mom. So she does what any self-respecting erotic novella heroine would do and shuns the sperm bank as too clinical (also: too professional, too ethical, too sane... I am guessing.) and instead hires two dudes via Craigslist to get her knocked up. Her plan is that if she has two donors on deck, she'll never know which one did the deed, and neither will they, because Abby and her donors live in a world wherein basic DNA technology has never been developed, so there.
Her donors are Rob (hot but vaguely doltish) and Noah (hot and smart and sensitive) and she has some sex with each dude and then some sex with two of the same time, in a scene wherein I realized to my startlement that some people must really enjoy reading about two male parts being in one lady part at the same time. You learn something new every day.
The prose is fine. The book is very short, so there isn't a lot of time for character development, and nobody changes. I feel Scroogey complaining, but I had enough problems with what Abby was doing that the whole thing wound up not working for me at all. (People have gotten sued for child support if they donate sperm without going through a doctor's office; the two-dads, nobody will ever know which one it was thing struck me as not just stupid but unethical - surely the eventual baby has a right to know which person contributed half its genetic material... I could go on, in a boring, boring way.)
Anyway, I guess my bottom line is that I know this is fantasy, but I didn't like what the characters were doing so much that I just couldn't like it at all. Which is probably humorous, given that the other McKenna book I just read was about people with rape fantasies, and about that I was just like "Well, sure, people should do whatever, no judgment."
What can I say, I am pretty weird. Anyway - I disliked this book, but the author is very good, and I'll try more of her stuff in the future.
Premise: Abby is an early-30s lady with a career, a condo, no partner, and a desire to be a mom. So she does what any self-respecting erotic novella heroine would do and shuns the sperm bank as too clinical (also: too professional, too ethical, too sane... I am guessing.) and instead hires two dudes via Craigslist to get her knocked up. Her plan is that if she has two donors on deck, she'll never know which one did the deed, and neither will they, because Abby and her donors live in a world wherein basic DNA technology has never been developed, so there.
Her donors are Rob (hot but vaguely doltish) and Noah (hot and smart and sensitive) and she has some sex with each dude and then some sex with two of the same time, in a scene wherein I realized to my startlement that some people must really enjoy reading about two male parts being in one lady part at the same time. You learn something new every day.
The prose is fine. The book is very short, so there isn't a lot of time for character development, and nobody changes. I feel Scroogey complaining, but I had enough problems with what Abby was doing that the whole thing wound up not working for me at all. (People have gotten sued for child support if they donate sperm without going through a doctor's office; the two-dads, nobody will ever know which one it was thing struck me as not just stupid but unethical - surely the eventual baby has a right to know which person contributed half its genetic material... I could go on, in a boring, boring way.)
Anyway, I guess my bottom line is that I know this is fantasy, but I didn't like what the characters were doing so much that I just couldn't like it at all. Which is probably humorous, given that the other McKenna book I just read was about people with rape fantasies, and about that I was just like "Well, sure, people should do whatever, no judgment."
What can I say, I am pretty weird. Anyway - I disliked this book, but the author is very good, and I'll try more of her stuff in the future.
October 22, 2013
This book it’s a quick sexy and fun read!
It´s packed in perfectly, smut enough to totally melt your panties!
:D
June 23, 2016
I have written and then back spaced everything, a couple of times. I can't really explain this book in a way that wouldn't sound corny or lame. It's not what I expected. I didn't even read the blurb. I saw the author and though - good "I can go for this!"
Abby wants a baby and decides on two guys to assist with her goal. She figures two will up her chances of falling pregnant. What starts out as something fairly straight forward, turns out to be a little more complicated.
It's hot and definitely smutty and over before you know it!
3 1/2 stars
Abby wants a baby and decides on two guys to assist with her goal. She figures two will up her chances of falling pregnant. What starts out as something fairly straight forward, turns out to be a little more complicated.
It's hot and definitely smutty and over before you know it!
3 1/2 stars
October 27, 2011
Why I read it: Cara McKenna writes very non-traditional romance - in fact, I gather it is only a gamble as to whether you'll get a (hopeful or actual) HFN. For that reason, I've been fairly careful about which books of her's I read because I'm really in it for the HFN/HEA. I've only read Willing Victim of hers before which ended on a hopeful note (her alter ego Meg Maguire writes romance with the requisite HEA). Plus, I picked this up for 60% off at Fictionwise recently, so really there was no risk!
What it's about: Wow, what an interesting short story. It's told in first person from Abby's POV. She's a single lady who has decided to have a child and isn't interested in a sperm bank. She wants to conceive the "natural" way but without a relationship messing with things. So, she advertises in the Boston Globe and interviews potential candidates who (after medical tests including sperm motility) agree to have sex with her (for a fee) and then sign away any parental rights if she falls pregnant.
What worked for me: She chooses 2 men - Noah and Rob - she doesn't necessarily want to know the identity of the father. It doesn't sound all that sexy does it? But, it is. I really liked the way Ms. McKenna juxtaposed the encounters with Rob and with Noah to illustrate the different emotional relationships (for want of a better phrase) each "couple" had. With only a few words, she somehow painted very clear pictures of all three characters. I liked Noah quite a bit and appreciated that while he was accommodating and he was not wimpy. Even Rob wasn't entirely one dimensional.
What didn't: There was one particular sex scene which I found a little improbable on a number of levels but it was pretty darn hot.
What else: As a whole, I found the story strangely romantic (considering the plot) with a hopeful and appropriate (if somewhat simplistic) ending. Sexy and unusual and well worth my time. If you're after something short, different and hot, look no further.
Grade: B+
What it's about: Wow, what an interesting short story. It's told in first person from Abby's POV. She's a single lady who has decided to have a child and isn't interested in a sperm bank. She wants to conceive the "natural" way but without a relationship messing with things. So, she advertises in the Boston Globe and interviews potential candidates who (after medical tests including sperm motility) agree to have sex with her (for a fee) and then sign away any parental rights if she falls pregnant.
What worked for me: She chooses 2 men - Noah and Rob - she doesn't necessarily want to know the identity of the father. It doesn't sound all that sexy does it? But, it is. I really liked the way Ms. McKenna juxtaposed the encounters with Rob and with Noah to illustrate the different emotional relationships (for want of a better phrase) each "couple" had. With only a few words, she somehow painted very clear pictures of all three characters. I liked Noah quite a bit and appreciated that while he was accommodating and he was not wimpy. Even Rob wasn't entirely one dimensional.
What didn't: There was one particular sex scene which I found a little improbable on a number of levels but it was pretty darn hot.
What else: As a whole, I found the story strangely romantic (considering the plot) with a hopeful and appropriate (if somewhat simplistic) ending. Sexy and unusual and well worth my time. If you're after something short, different and hot, look no further.
Grade: B+
March 4, 2011
I waffled over this one a bit. It is really a 2.5 read for me.
I think I probably would have rated it a bit higher if I hadn't read another book by the author, Willing Victim that set a higher bar for me.
On it's own merits, though, this is a fine book. Except it is pure erotica when I was expecting a bit more. So this review is probably more a victim of my expectations that anything intrinsically wrong with the story. There is a plot, the main character Abby wants to have a baby. She has just broken up with a longtime boyfriend and she feels that finding just the right guy, fostering a relationship and having a baby out of said relationship will take too long. She's in her 30s and her clock is ticking. She places an ad for a sperm donor. Only she doesn't want to conceive the baby in a Dr.'s office she wants to do it the old fashioned way.
There are lots of sex scenes between her and the two guys she settles on -- Noah, a sweetly smart guy with whom she is immediately comfortable and Rob, the wickely handsome one who is a little more adventurous. Even though it is supposed to be no strings just so she can get pregnant, Abby does begin to create a connection with Noah.
This is where I think the book fails a bit for me. It is too short to really explore what she and Noah are feeling. As it is most of the book is given over to the sexcapades. Normally not a probably but I did want a bit more balance.
I think I probably would have rated it a bit higher if I hadn't read another book by the author, Willing Victim that set a higher bar for me.
On it's own merits, though, this is a fine book. Except it is pure erotica when I was expecting a bit more. So this review is probably more a victim of my expectations that anything intrinsically wrong with the story. There is a plot, the main character Abby wants to have a baby. She has just broken up with a longtime boyfriend and she feels that finding just the right guy, fostering a relationship and having a baby out of said relationship will take too long. She's in her 30s and her clock is ticking. She places an ad for a sperm donor. Only she doesn't want to conceive the baby in a Dr.'s office she wants to do it the old fashioned way.
There are lots of sex scenes between her and the two guys she settles on -- Noah, a sweetly smart guy with whom she is immediately comfortable and Rob, the wickely handsome one who is a little more adventurous. Even though it is supposed to be no strings just so she can get pregnant, Abby does begin to create a connection with Noah.
This is where I think the book fails a bit for me. It is too short to really explore what she and Noah are feeling. As it is most of the book is given over to the sexcapades. Normally not a probably but I did want a bit more balance.
Read
July 18, 2018I love it when I get to the end of the story and realize that the sex scenes were character development. In a nutshell, that's what makes for some good, emotionally-charged erotica or erotic romance. In Ready and Willing, a decision Abby makes at the end of the book wouldn't have happened without choices and powershifts she had made during previous sex scenes. Yay! Cool! Awesome!
I liked all three characters and felt their distinctness clearly and vividly, but I wished for more depth. I think that's what gets me with Cara McKenna's work (which I am otherwise enjoying a lot): I want to go deeper (oh gosh, sorry this is so unintentionally innuendo-y), because the impression that the characters are twisty and complicated people is THERE, but I want to know more about what that twisty complexity IS. Because without it, I'm left thinking, for example, Noah's reason for getting into this whole situation (that he wants to experience new things, and that a colleague alerted him to this opportunity) just seems silly and hard to believe. However, I was for the most part open to suspending disbelief for this story (because despite the eyebrow-raising premise, I did like the characters and wanted to find out the resolution to Abby's and Noah's mixing of emotions with sex), and I enjoyed it a lot. I just wanted another layer or two.
I liked all three characters and felt their distinctness clearly and vividly, but I wished for more depth. I think that's what gets me with Cara McKenna's work (which I am otherwise enjoying a lot): I want to go deeper (oh gosh, sorry this is so unintentionally innuendo-y), because the impression that the characters are twisty and complicated people is THERE, but I want to know more about what that twisty complexity IS. Because without it, I'm left thinking, for example, Noah's reason for getting into this whole situation (that he wants to experience new things, and that a colleague alerted him to this opportunity) just seems silly and hard to believe. However, I was for the most part open to suspending disbelief for this story (because despite the eyebrow-raising premise, I did like the characters and wanted to find out the resolution to Abby's and Noah's mixing of emotions with sex), and I enjoyed it a lot. I just wanted another layer or two.
June 2, 2011
This is more a 3 1/2 stars for me. And I would have rated it higher if it would have been a little longer.
But I've come to the conclusion that one of the main reasons why I love this author so much is because she makes her characters and storylines REAL. Even though most of her work are short stories, she doesn't rush them. She doesn't end the book with the H/h happily married with lots of babies with everything right and wonderful in the world. (Rainbows and unicorns and all that)
Ready and Willing is the perfect example of this. She didn't end the story with Noah and Abby sickly happy in love. I mean lets face it, it would have been really hard to believe that these 2 would just jump on the marriage wagon after only knowing eachother a couple of weeks. I like how at the end Abby and Noah decide to see where things will go. Now the only problem is.....I want to know WHERE IT GOES!!!! lol, this author always leaving me with wanting more!! And I want more NOAH!!
But I've come to the conclusion that one of the main reasons why I love this author so much is because she makes her characters and storylines REAL. Even though most of her work are short stories, she doesn't rush them. She doesn't end the book with the H/h happily married with lots of babies with everything right and wonderful in the world. (Rainbows and unicorns and all that)
Ready and Willing is the perfect example of this. She didn't end the story with Noah and Abby sickly happy in love. I mean lets face it, it would have been really hard to believe that these 2 would just jump on the marriage wagon after only knowing eachother a couple of weeks. I like how at the end Abby and Noah decide to see where things will go. Now the only problem is.....I want to know WHERE IT GOES!!!! lol, this author always leaving me with wanting more!! And I want more NOAH!!
January 30, 2013
I know what you're thinking. What the hell, twill? Five stars, really? You said you weren't going to give everything four and five stars any more! And for a dirty little book? Five stars? Are you cracked?
But...but...it's a short little book full of *whispers* S-E-X. (yes, I had to whispered AND spell it because I'm a nice girl. ;) But for what it is, it's perfect. It's quick and fun and sexy and for that, it gets five stars.
I was as immediately taken by Noah as as Abby. He gave be the tingles in the best ways. And while Rob didn't really do it for me (or for Abby) his parts were still steamy.
And even though their situation (baby batter for bucks) is an awkward one, the story isn't. And the hot was hot enough to make me miss my light rail stop. (Which has NEVER happened before. Stop laughing, I'm serious! ;)
But...but...it's a short little book full of *whispers* S-E-X. (yes, I had to whispered AND spell it because I'm a nice girl. ;) But for what it is, it's perfect. It's quick and fun and sexy and for that, it gets five stars.
I was as immediately taken by Noah as as Abby. He gave be the tingles in the best ways. And while Rob didn't really do it for me (or for Abby) his parts were still steamy.
And even though their situation (baby batter for bucks) is an awkward one, the story isn't. And the hot was hot enough to make me miss my light rail stop. (Which has NEVER happened before. Stop laughing, I'm serious! ;)
July 21, 2011
Abby wants to have a baby so she makes arrangements to pay 2 men to impregnate her. This is all business, no feelings, no strings. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans (pun intended)?
Noah is so sweet and caring that Abby just can't help herself but have feelings for him. He is the kinda guy I would want too.
I liked this story but I think Abby didn't really think things through and if she really just wanted this to be all business, she should have gone to a sperm bank. Also, I could see Rob's motivation for doing this but I just couldn't understand why Noah would.
Noah is so sweet and caring that Abby just can't help herself but have feelings for him. He is the kinda guy I would want too.
I liked this story but I think Abby didn't really think things through and if she really just wanted this to be all business, she should have gone to a sperm bank. Also, I could see Rob's motivation for doing this but I just couldn't understand why Noah would.
April 20, 2014
I liked this story of lucky Abby who is paying two men to impregnate her and both men just happen to be handsome. One is in it for the money, the other seems more into Abby
I loved the way the author wrote the developing relationship. The sex scenes are quite tame until the threesome!
Good sexy short story.
I loved the way the author wrote the developing relationship. The sex scenes are quite tame until the threesome!
Good sexy short story.
December 8, 2010
I really, really liked this story.
BUT PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give me an epilogue next time.
I have to have a HEA! Really I do, I crave it. Now I am never going to know if it is what's his name or Noah's...
BUT PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give me an epilogue next time.
I have to have a HEA! Really I do, I crave it. Now I am never going to know if it is what's his name or Noah's...
March 9, 2013
Loved, loved, LOVED this book! It's so sincere, sweet without being sappy, funny, and erotic enough to totally knock your socks off. Cara McKenna, you just landed yourself a new fan! I highly recommend this book!
January 2, 2013
um... don't read this on public transportation. or anywhere else that there might be an attractive human being that you'll throw yourself at to make a baby. or rub up against.
August 24, 2015
Very engaging, steamy (!) and somehow very sweet short novella. It's another novella I had my "doubts" about which were TOTALLY unfounded. I really enjoyed this one, especially the way it was concluded, the whole feel of it. I'm not a holiday person but if YOU are, read this on Christmas or whenever you feel festive :)
Abby is 32 years old and her biological clock started ticking, she is not in the right "mood" at the moment to wait to actually FIND Mr perfect, then the amount of time needed to make sure he actually fits the bill, she rather conceive a child "on her own" right now.
She has quite the plan, I gotta hand it to her! ;) She chose two men - Noah and Rob, she is paying both of them to have sex with her (she doesn't want just a sperm donation, it feels too strange for her..), she will pay the both of them if she gets pregnant so it won't be "obvious" which one of them is actually the father of the baby.
Surprisingly it works quite well with the both of them. I'm not sure what she expected, but it wasn't what she got from each of them in turn and from both of them together. She went on this journey on her own, depending on herself to make it work and THAT she did.
I was quite impressed with how she handled the whole situation, how she was determined to have her way, and do what was right for HER, yet she was very understanding and sweet to the two men (she was paying..) and though she seems so strong, she had her tender and fragile moments that only made me appreciate her more. Also the decisions she made in the end made a lot of sense to me, it's what I "hoped" for when this story started.
I don't want to write more, anything else I'll add will just ruin this short novella for you. Just grab it and read it :)
More Reviews HERE
Abby is 32 years old and her biological clock started ticking, she is not in the right "mood" at the moment to wait to actually FIND Mr perfect, then the amount of time needed to make sure he actually fits the bill, she rather conceive a child "on her own" right now.
She has quite the plan, I gotta hand it to her! ;) She chose two men - Noah and Rob, she is paying both of them to have sex with her (she doesn't want just a sperm donation, it feels too strange for her..), she will pay the both of them if she gets pregnant so it won't be "obvious" which one of them is actually the father of the baby.
Surprisingly it works quite well with the both of them. I'm not sure what she expected, but it wasn't what she got from each of them in turn and from both of them together. She went on this journey on her own, depending on herself to make it work and THAT she did.
I was quite impressed with how she handled the whole situation, how she was determined to have her way, and do what was right for HER, yet she was very understanding and sweet to the two men (she was paying..) and though she seems so strong, she had her tender and fragile moments that only made me appreciate her more. Also the decisions she made in the end made a lot of sense to me, it's what I "hoped" for when this story started.
I don't want to write more, anything else I'll add will just ruin this short novella for you. Just grab it and read it :)
More Reviews HERE
October 18, 2011
2.5, but I'll round up for this author.
So let’s get this clear. This is not a ménage romance. It’s not even really a “who will she pick” romance. It’s obvious from the beginning that the way Abby and Noah hit it off is important. Their chemistry is sweet and tangible, leaping off the page. I adored the first scene in the story where they meet up. It’s funny and charming, much like a lot of this author’s work. But unlike more traditional romances, Abby isn’t sexually exclusive to Noah. She can’t be. Her intention is to have sex with both men so nobody will know who the real father is, which means, sex with both men. It didn’t bother me since it seemed obvious that it was going to happen that way, but for some reasons, it might prove a stumbling block.
The disparity between the two is so blatant, however, that there’s not really a lot of tension. Abby doesn’t even come when she has sex with Rob. She has to get herself off afterward. Noah, on the other hand, is as into her needs as he is his own. Plus, he’s uncomfortable with the payment part of it. It all adds up to an easy choice. There’s a solid HFN as pay-off.
The one weakness in this, and it was a doozy for me, is that their sex talk is supposed to be hot and dirty. It just wasn’t for me. It felt forced and fake, like bad porn. That makes it really hard to get into the sex scenes. The erotica worked best for me when they weren’t trying to have sexy talk, when it was more organic and real. Unfortunately, that just didn’t happen often enough.
The story is told in 1st person, present tense, a choice that might put some readers off, but honestly, I thought worked great for this style of story. It lends Abby an air of relatability, especially since the author’s voice is so distinct. My only wish is that the rest of it had been as strong.
So let’s get this clear. This is not a ménage romance. It’s not even really a “who will she pick” romance. It’s obvious from the beginning that the way Abby and Noah hit it off is important. Their chemistry is sweet and tangible, leaping off the page. I adored the first scene in the story where they meet up. It’s funny and charming, much like a lot of this author’s work. But unlike more traditional romances, Abby isn’t sexually exclusive to Noah. She can’t be. Her intention is to have sex with both men so nobody will know who the real father is, which means, sex with both men. It didn’t bother me since it seemed obvious that it was going to happen that way, but for some reasons, it might prove a stumbling block.
The disparity between the two is so blatant, however, that there’s not really a lot of tension. Abby doesn’t even come when she has sex with Rob. She has to get herself off afterward. Noah, on the other hand, is as into her needs as he is his own. Plus, he’s uncomfortable with the payment part of it. It all adds up to an easy choice. There’s a solid HFN as pay-off.
The one weakness in this, and it was a doozy for me, is that their sex talk is supposed to be hot and dirty. It just wasn’t for me. It felt forced and fake, like bad porn. That makes it really hard to get into the sex scenes. The erotica worked best for me when they weren’t trying to have sexy talk, when it was more organic and real. Unfortunately, that just didn’t happen often enough.
The story is told in 1st person, present tense, a choice that might put some readers off, but honestly, I thought worked great for this style of story. It lends Abby an air of relatability, especially since the author’s voice is so distinct. My only wish is that the rest of it had been as strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2013
I got this by mistake since I'd mixed up the title with Willing Victim. If I'd read the summary I would probably have skipped it. I disliked pretty much everything about this short-story. The premise was annoying, Rob was repulsive, Noah had no sense of boundaries and none of the sex was actually sexy. I have read some seriously disturbing stuff over the years, but this kind of grossed me out. I felt dirty in a bad way after reading it, and I only skimmed the last fifteen pages to get it over with.
Most erotica that I've read has gotten a three-star rating from me. Cara McKenna is the first author that I've given a five-star rating, and now she's also the first one I've given a one star rating.
Most erotica that I've read has gotten a three-star rating from me. Cara McKenna is the first author that I've given a five-star rating, and now she's also the first one I've given a one star rating.
February 27, 2015
4.5 - you old romantic Cara! - stars
This unusual novella packs one heck of a punch! It's got a great back story, great characters and as always with a Cara McKenna read it's erotic as fuck!
Super hot, with a lovely HEA... can't ask for much more than that from a novella :)
This unusual novella packs one heck of a punch! It's got a great back story, great characters and as always with a Cara McKenna read it's erotic as fuck!
Super hot, with a lovely HEA... can't ask for much more than that from a novella :)
April 11, 2014
4 hot, sweet, quick-read stars!
May 31, 2025
2.75⭐️
Listen—if this had been in anyone else’s hands, I’d have tapped out faster than you can say “insemination consultation.” But Cara McKenna? She makes it work….somehow 😅
Abby, early-thirties, independent, a little jaded, and ready to be a mom—with or without the picket fence and Mr. Right. And while this premise has serious rom-com cheese potential (Backup Plan, we see you), McKenna keeps it grounded. Honest. Messy. Real.
This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a woman with a plan… and a libido. And oh, does that libido get attention.
Because let’s be honest: this is erotica, not a romance with a splash of spice. We’re talking 95% bedroom (and shower… and couch… and wherever else) and 5% “oh no, am I catching feelings?” The emotional arc is present, just not particularly developed. The connection’s there, but it’s overshadowed by the very enthusiastic physical chemistry.
And the sex? Classic McKenna. Dirty. Gritty. Intense. Always a little sweatier and more realistic than you expect—and that’s the magic. McKenna writes sex like it matters, even when the stakes are low-key.
That said, I’ve read better from her. This one lacked some of the emotional depth and narrative tension that makes her best work linger. It’s more of a fun, fast, filthy read than a story that’s going to haunt your soul—or even your TBR pile for long.
But the premise? Still gold.
And Abby? She’s that modern woman trope done right.
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you’re here for the smut and not for slow-burn romance feels.
Because make no mistake: the smut is smutting.
Listen—if this had been in anyone else’s hands, I’d have tapped out faster than you can say “insemination consultation.” But Cara McKenna? She makes it work….somehow 😅
Abby, early-thirties, independent, a little jaded, and ready to be a mom—with or without the picket fence and Mr. Right. And while this premise has serious rom-com cheese potential (Backup Plan, we see you), McKenna keeps it grounded. Honest. Messy. Real.
This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a woman with a plan… and a libido. And oh, does that libido get attention.
Because let’s be honest: this is erotica, not a romance with a splash of spice. We’re talking 95% bedroom (and shower… and couch… and wherever else) and 5% “oh no, am I catching feelings?” The emotional arc is present, just not particularly developed. The connection’s there, but it’s overshadowed by the very enthusiastic physical chemistry.
And the sex? Classic McKenna. Dirty. Gritty. Intense. Always a little sweatier and more realistic than you expect—and that’s the magic. McKenna writes sex like it matters, even when the stakes are low-key.
That said, I’ve read better from her. This one lacked some of the emotional depth and narrative tension that makes her best work linger. It’s more of a fun, fast, filthy read than a story that’s going to haunt your soul—or even your TBR pile for long.
But the premise? Still gold.
And Abby? She’s that modern woman trope done right.
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you’re here for the smut and not for slow-burn romance feels.
Because make no mistake: the smut is smutting.
April 20, 2025
The narrator did an awful job. Didn't like her style at all
DNF
DNF
July 23, 2025
Do I know what to expect from Cara McKenna? Am not sure, she has this imagination. Her books are just unexpectedly different. 🤔 I like her unique writing, most of the books are just unpredictable.
January 15, 2026
2.75⭐️
Audio Length: 03:20:00
Audio Length: 03:20:00
March 9, 2019
*** JANUARY 2, 2013 ***
kitty mckenna rocks my world, and she does it so. damned. predictably: as in, her stuff doesn't read rote, but she never fails to spank. that said, her strengths are predictably her strengths (character evolution, cohesion, and chemistry), and her weaknesses are . . . well, are not very apparent.
she's for sure more of a psychological study than a ThrillMaster, but that's not to say she can't plot. and this book relies perhaps a titch more on plot than some of her other works, reminding me of Caroly and Didier's story in mckenna's novella Curio. and in both of these works, as it happens, the protagonists meet All Business and wind up All Pleasure (well, not ALL pleasure, but friendship and pleasure and business and it's AWESOME).
so, add this to your long list of mckenna reads to devour, and be sure to thank me when you LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHRV them.
*** UPDATE: OCTOBER 4, 2013 ***
just as pleasing on a second read-through. mckenna preps us well to note and be impressed by the serendipitous way the hero complements the heroine. and she magically does it without making me feel manipulated or too broadly showing her hand. she's damned good at what she does, and that makes for some damned fine reads.
kitty mckenna rocks my world, and she does it so. damned. predictably: as in, her stuff doesn't read rote, but she never fails to spank. that said, her strengths are predictably her strengths (character evolution, cohesion, and chemistry), and her weaknesses are . . . well, are not very apparent.
she's for sure more of a psychological study than a ThrillMaster, but that's not to say she can't plot. and this book relies perhaps a titch more on plot than some of her other works, reminding me of Caroly and Didier's story in mckenna's novella Curio. and in both of these works, as it happens, the protagonists meet All Business and wind up All Pleasure (well, not ALL pleasure, but friendship and pleasure and business and it's AWESOME).
so, add this to your long list of mckenna reads to devour, and be sure to thank me when you LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHRV them.
*** UPDATE: OCTOBER 4, 2013 ***
just as pleasing on a second read-through. mckenna preps us well to note and be impressed by the serendipitous way the hero complements the heroine. and she magically does it without making me feel manipulated or too broadly showing her hand. she's damned good at what she does, and that makes for some damned fine reads.
April 7, 2012
I'm split up about this one. On the one hand I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. How Abby went about to become pregnant was kind of fun and original. Even if the story was written in first person and from her perspective, I never really connected with her. She seemed too distant.
I liked Noah. Didn't love him. But he had real potential. He did feel a littel under-developed. And I absolutely hated Rob. I get that Ms McKenna's style is as realistic as possible - but here was potential for three people to connect on a much deeper level and make it somehow work. Instead the relationship between Noah and Abby felt a little on the bland side, and adding Rob to the mix seemed to highlight the blandness even more.
And I'm sad to say that the threesome left me feeling lukewarm. With having read two other books by this author, and being left panting thanks to all the hotness - Ready and Willing feels a little disappointing.
I liked Noah. Didn't love him. But he had real potential. He did feel a littel under-developed. And I absolutely hated Rob. I get that Ms McKenna's style is as realistic as possible - but here was potential for three people to connect on a much deeper level and make it somehow work. Instead the relationship between Noah and Abby felt a little on the bland side, and adding Rob to the mix seemed to highlight the blandness even more.
And I'm sad to say that the threesome left me feeling lukewarm. With having read two other books by this author, and being left panting thanks to all the hotness - Ready and Willing feels a little disappointing.
October 6, 2018
*2.5 STARS*
Cara McKenna gained a fan in me with Willing Victim and I have read several of her books since that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Her books are unabashedly erotic and embrace the kink of her characters. I love that.
But this book just didn't do it for me. It was too short, the sex seemed to come out of nowhere (talking about the menage scene) and the ending wasn't satisfying either.
It just seemed that this one didn't work for me and i'm disappointed.
Cara McKenna gained a fan in me with Willing Victim and I have read several of her books since that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Her books are unabashedly erotic and embrace the kink of her characters. I love that.
But this book just didn't do it for me. It was too short, the sex seemed to come out of nowhere (talking about the menage scene) and the ending wasn't satisfying either.
It just seemed that this one didn't work for me and i'm disappointed.
August 19, 2012
For such a short book, the story is packed in perfectly. It's sexy, interesting, developed, and just a wonderful read. Some people might be put off by the semi-HEA ending, but I wasn't. It was too short a story to mash in a perfectly happy ending for Noah and Abby, it would have made the whole thing less real. It's something that I'm coming to love about Cara McKenna. Her characters are so HUMAN. Emotional, confused, excited, hesitant. They're not too dark or too light. They're always realistic and intriguing. Just perfect.
I loved this book. More more more!
I loved this book. More more more!
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