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theinkdrinker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mischievous_monkey's review
4.0
Improving Relations
What an unusual delight to read a book where the main characters have been together a long time. The main conflict in the story was very believable and I really appreciate how a big part of the resolution was improving communication.
What an unusual delight to read a book where the main characters have been together a long time. The main conflict in the story was very believable and I really appreciate how a big part of the resolution was improving communication.
lezreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
“My sex drive has been nearly non-existent. I’m terrified if I don’t find it, I’ll lose you.”
This was fun. Nothing special, but definitely fun. A middle aged lesbian couple going through a rough patch decide to spice things up by potentially looking for a third. The writing was extremely simple, and the author sort of continuously gave details that weren't really needed? Not for atmosphere or setting or plot and characterisation. But it was a nice distracting read with likeable characters and very steamy scenes.
One of the reasons I didn't connect with it so much is totally subjective. I don't really like second-chance romances so much, because what I like in romance is the newness of falling in love. But even in second-chance romances, there's usually some element of the couple having fallen out of love, or breaking up, and then getting back together. There wasn't any of that here. They had a rough patch, but they were together and pretty much happy for the entire story, and it was lovely, I definitely don't need a lot of angst or anything, but, IDK. For me, the best part of reading romance is seeing two people fall in love! Yvonne and Julie were never really out of love.
But yeah, that's totally subjective. Otherwise, it was a fun time.
This was fun. Nothing special, but definitely fun. A middle aged lesbian couple going through a rough patch decide to spice things up by potentially looking for a third. The writing was extremely simple, and the author sort of continuously gave details that weren't really needed? Not for atmosphere or setting or plot and characterisation. But it was a nice distracting read with likeable characters and very steamy scenes.
One of the reasons I didn't connect with it so much is totally subjective. I don't really like second-chance romances so much, because what I like in romance is the newness of falling in love. But even in second-chance romances, there's usually some element of the couple having fallen out of love, or breaking up, and then getting back together. There wasn't any of that here. They had a rough patch, but they were together and pretty much happy for the entire story, and it was lovely, I definitely don't need a lot of angst or anything, but, IDK. For me, the best part of reading romance is seeing two people fall in love! Yvonne and Julie were never really out of love.
But yeah, that's totally subjective. Otherwise, it was a fun time.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much about Arms Wide Open that is wonderful and new, so many subjects and themes that are underrepresented in erotic fantasy, I hardly know where to begin. Donna Jay is an author I always enjoy, and this is no exception.
Julie and Yvonne are a mature, married couple, together for over twenty years, who are dealing with issues of menopause, mismatched libidos, seemingly incompatible fantasies, and growing insecurities. What begins with a misunderstanding when Yvonne pops home for lunch and catches Julie masturbating to a female domination video turns into an honest and heartfelt exploration of fantasies, fetishes, and other partners.
Nothing here is rushed, allowing us to explore the thoughts and emotions behind the relationship before we get into anything intimate. Communication is key to the entire story, and Donna Jay really drives home what a difference it can make in a relationship. We see their love strained by doubts and fears borne of a lack of communication, and strengthened by honest and frank discussion of their sex lives.
There is a little power-exchange play to the story, most of it teasing and tentative, but it is not the fantasy that puts the spark back in their marriage. Instead, it is the exploration of an open marriage and the eventual decision to invite a third woman into their bed. It is not a snap decision, and it is not without consequences. There are a series of false starts and misadventures, some painful and others painfully amusing, but the slow dance between love and lust is an absolute delight.
Arms Wide Open is about more than opening arms - it is about opening minds, imaginations, and bedroom doors. It is character-driven erotic romance, with two women who are just wonderful, and a third who is a delight.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/12/arms-wide-open-by-donna-jay-lesbian.html
Julie and Yvonne are a mature, married couple, together for over twenty years, who are dealing with issues of menopause, mismatched libidos, seemingly incompatible fantasies, and growing insecurities. What begins with a misunderstanding when Yvonne pops home for lunch and catches Julie masturbating to a female domination video turns into an honest and heartfelt exploration of fantasies, fetishes, and other partners.
Nothing here is rushed, allowing us to explore the thoughts and emotions behind the relationship before we get into anything intimate. Communication is key to the entire story, and Donna Jay really drives home what a difference it can make in a relationship. We see their love strained by doubts and fears borne of a lack of communication, and strengthened by honest and frank discussion of their sex lives.
There is a little power-exchange play to the story, most of it teasing and tentative, but it is not the fantasy that puts the spark back in their marriage. Instead, it is the exploration of an open marriage and the eventual decision to invite a third woman into their bed. It is not a snap decision, and it is not without consequences. There are a series of false starts and misadventures, some painful and others painfully amusing, but the slow dance between love and lust is an absolute delight.
Arms Wide Open is about more than opening arms - it is about opening minds, imaginations, and bedroom doors. It is character-driven erotic romance, with two women who are just wonderful, and a third who is a delight.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/12/arms-wide-open-by-donna-jay-lesbian.html
probably_reading_right_now's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This wasn’t quite what I had expected it to be, but that’s ok because I ended up enjoying it. It was cute, which sounds weird to say about a book marked as erotica, but it was. I thought Julie and Yvonne were fun to read, and good together and their dynamic was really well written. A lot of the time conflicts in books can feel petty, or unnecessary, but the conflict felt genuine in this one. All around a really great story!
patricia71's review
4.0
I loved the fact that it was a married couple over 50 and that is was about their relationship and what happens when 1 wants to have sex more that the other. And the difference in the kind of sex they want. And there were a couple of hot scenes in there. But still...it wasn’t totally my book. It’s like something was missing. Maybe I wanted to see more of and with Brenda. I don’t know. 4 stars.
rougeang13's review
5.0
Wow!
This book had some firsts for me that I unexpectedly enjoyed! Firstly, a couple already together and in love but struggling with intimacy issues. Second adding a 3rd partner to the mix. Very well written. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a few of Donna Jay’s books. So far they’re hasn’t been repeating dialogs or story lines.
This book had some firsts for me that I unexpectedly enjoyed! Firstly, a couple already together and in love but struggling with intimacy issues. Second adding a 3rd partner to the mix. Very well written. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a few of Donna Jay’s books. So far they’re hasn’t been repeating dialogs or story lines.
rogue_lurker's review
4.0
3.5
This was a bit of change of pace - the two main characters are women in their early 50s (and the dreaded topic of menopause is addressed) in a long term relationship. The depiction of the relationship was pretty realistic with an easy rapport between that you would expect after being together for 20 odd years and the fact that they are both still invested in their relationship and willing to stretch out of their comfort zones. Enjoyable read and nice to see the spark doesn't fizzle once you hit your 50s.
This was a bit of change of pace - the two main characters are women in their early 50s (and the dreaded topic of menopause is addressed) in a long term relationship. The depiction of the relationship was pretty realistic with an easy rapport between that you would expect after being together for 20 odd years and the fact that they are both still invested in their relationship and willing to stretch out of their comfort zones. Enjoyable read and nice to see the spark doesn't fizzle once you hit your 50s.
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