Published by Carina UK on 30 August 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 249
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Tom, a widower and aspiring author (with a penchant for Hobnobs) is in need of a new start. Inspired by his therapist, the ‘Fifty Shades Phenomenon’, and his lack of literary success, he sets out to write an erotic novel – after all, how hard can it be?
But as writing erotica proves a challenge for a man more unsure than hardcore, Tom finds himself enlisting the help of an eclectic group of co-authors. Brought together by their authorial ambitions and fondness for innuendo, their project becomes a collaboration that will change lives, open minds … and prompt the purchase of an unfortunate PVC catsuit.
*I received a free ARC of Dirty Minds from Harlequin UK Limited / Carina UK via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.*
Dirty Minds is a very funny story about a professor and writer, Tom, who is working through the different stages of grief after his wife died two years ago. He has written a medieval story that was pretty bleak and violent, and his therapist suggests that he finds something a little lighter and more fluffy to concentrate on for his next book. He has the idea that because Fifty Shades of Grey has so much success, he should write something erotic, and possible have it in a historical setting. But he is sure he needs to get a female writer to work with him – because he thinks he is not able to write anything from a female point of view.
It is hilarious how he puts an ad in the paper to get a writing sample, and he receives six very different samples with erotic writing. At the same time, he starts to get to know Ros, one of his neighbors a little better, and she ends up being one of the writers who sent a sample to him. What ensues is a hastily put together weekend at a luxury hotel, thanks to Ros’ very rich friend Fonsie. And the story of Dirty Minds goes on to show how all the writers and their companions go on to rekindle or find true love, and a very big sexual appetite.
The way they talk about sex all day translates to their getting together once they get back to their rooms, and there truly is a real story, with sexual encounters sprinkled along to make the book project move forward as well. Dirty Minds is a fun, quick and hot read, even if there aren’t really any graphic sex scenes. The way Tom changed from the beginning of the story to the end was very well done, as he went from thinking he could never be happy again after his wife’s death to falling in love with Ros and feel hope for the future once more.
If you want to read a story with a real plot, and characters that have that real feel to them, and still have some nice fluffiness on the pages of your read, you should definitely pick up Dirty Minds. It was a truly enjoyable read, and I can only recommend it!
‘What? No… or maybe. I don’t know. The title’s not important. Just imagine the scene. You’re sitting on the train, reading porn. It’s a fairly safe bet you would get some very disapproving looks from your fellow commuters.’ ‘Well, I should think so, too.’ ‘That’s the point I’m trying to make. E-books give you anonymity. I’m sure that’s why Fifty Shades of Grey has sold so well.’
Bodices were indeed ripped, silk hose laddered and whalebone snapped. The men were, without exception, amazingly well-endowed.
Bud adopting an alias would be wise. If the book were to hit the headlines, then it might be better if the postman did not recognise him as the writer of a pile of filth. ‘Not filth, though, Noah. It’s erotica we’re purveying.’
‘First you have to swear, on whatever you hold dear, not to reveal a word of this to a living soul.’ They watched as he clutched his genitals and promised.
‘So you haven’t had sex for five, maybe ten, years. I am beginning to see why you might be interested in a book about historical sex. Can you at least remember anything about it?’
‘I never knew this writing business could be such a turn-on. Maybe I should read more.’ He gave her a wink and returned his attention to his plate.
Your review, plus the quotes have me giggling, Lexxie! 😉 I love the title of this book and I like what you’ve said about it even more. It seems very witty. I like the idea of a man trying to write historical erotica ~ and needing the help of a woman to do it. 😉 Gah! You are once again adding to my TBR.
I hope you’re having a lovely day, Lexxie! *hugs*
*Evil cackle* I made you add more books to your TBR!!!
Dirty Minds is really funny, and you’ll love it, I’m sure 🙂 Thanks for stoopping by, sweet Brandee *hugs*
Characters with the real feel sounds great to me!
Yes, that is definitely a big plus for me as well 🙂
The second-to-last quote made me laugh out loud. Glad you enjoyed the book and congrats on 3 COYER reviews so far!
There are lots more quotes like that one, Lark. I had to narrow it down a lot – I have seven pages of quotes on my kindle 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Fantastic review Lexxie!! Dirty Minds sounds like a hoot!! I love to read a book that has humour as well as romance, and this sounds like fun!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
It’s a winner, Naomi! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This sounds good. Loved the quotes. Grats on another COYER review.
Thanks Lacie. Yes, Dirty Minds is a really good book.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Lexxie
I’m the guy who wrote Dirty Minds. Thanks a lot for a great review. I had a whale of a time researching and writing Dirty Minds. Did you know: I wrote the whole thing in under a month? I’ve got a second book, The Room on the Second Floor coming out early in 2014. If you liked Dirty Minds I am sure you will like this one too. Thanks again.
Hi Trevor. Thanks for stopping by. Now I got all kinds of ideas about the way you did your research for Dirty Minds *grin*
Hi Lexxie
Book 2 has just been published. Title is The Room on the Second Floor. I would love it if you could do a review for me. It’s in a very similar vein to Dirty Minds. Still got a professor, still got a black dog and still some naughty goings-on in an English manor house. I can send you the NetGalley widget if you give me an email address. Thanks a lot. Trevor
That’s exciting news, Trevor 🙂 I sent you an e-mail 🙂