In Too Deep [Kindle Edition]

This is my first book from this author and to be honest I have mixed feelings about it. I'm new to reading erotic fiction and this is only the second book I've read.

When I first started reading I was really disappointed as I wasn't very keen on the writing style because it didn't seem to flow very well. It felt quite disjointed. Also, I found that the erotica was quite tame and not as steamy as the last book I read so in this respect I was definitely disappointed. The story starts with a sexy note from the library suggestion box and introduces you to the lead characters Gwen and Professor Hottie and for me personally I felt like it was taking too long for the story to build up and get anywhere. In parts it seemed like it had so much promise to make it all a bit more exciting but more often than not I found the book very frustrating.

However, on the positive I quickly got used to the style of writing and the story became quite gripping. It wasn't perfect or as steamy as I'd hoped for but I'm glad I persevered. If you are looking for a gripping plot this is your book but if you want something that pushes the boundaries a bit and widens the eyes then this book probably isn't for you as like another reviewer says it is mildly erotic.

All in all I probably won't buy anymore erotic fiction from this author as it just didn't really tick enough boxes for me but definitely a gripping storyline.

Portia da Costa never fails to deliver a damn good romp-fest in her books, so I expected nothing less from In Too Deep. What I wasn't expecting, however, was for it to be so good that it overtook one of her previous novels to become my favourite! But it did! In Too Deep is officially my favourite of Portia's book - a fantastic erotic romance.

The novel is the tale of librarian Gwendolyne Price. One of her regular tasks is to empty the suggestion box in the library and make sure the suggestions are read and actioned, if necessary. However, one day, Gwen finds a letter to her in the box. It is an indecent proposal... a mystery man is sending her sexy prose and it appears he'd like to action his own suggestions! His ideas are outrageous, but arouse Gwendolyne none the less. The writer seems to have reached into her head and stolen her thoughts.

The letters alone are enough to spin Gwen's erotic imagination out of control. It doesn't help that a celebrity is currently making use of the library to do some research... a very hot celebrity. Gwen has had a crush on Daniel Brewster for quite some time now and is delighted that she now gets to ogle him as he spends time in the building where she works. Daniel and Gwendolyne embark on a friendship which has erotic intent bubbling away under the surface, particularly when Gwen decides she can trust Daniel enough to tell him what has been going on between her and her mystery correspondent.

It's clear that Daniel, too, is aroused by the suggestions the mystery author is making. The pair continue their flirtation, and after a while, Gwendolyne begins to wonder whether Daniel might be the mystery man. He's got easy enough access to the suggestion box, he sees her every day, and he's as hot as hell! Deep down, Gwen wants it to be Daniel, as she knows now that she wants this real man badly, and if he feels the same, she wants to act on it!

The mystery unravels, and has many twists and turns along the way - complete with a fabulous ending. What I liked best about this book wasn't just the plot, but the characters. They really are excellent. Portia has taken the stereotype of a librarian and turned it completely on its head. Gwen is a very sexual woman, and takes action to get what she wants. I love how she's portrayed as a curvy woman, but utterly sexy at the same time. The character of Gwendolyne will give any woman who's paranoid about her body a real confidence boost - and I loved that!

Daniel Brewster is the stuff dreams are made of - he's a fictional character, and I fancied him! Portia has really hit the nail on the head with these two characters - women will want to be Gwendolyne and want to sleep with Daniel! A great book that 'real' people will identify with... and of course it will get them feeling hot! Erotica fans - buy this now!

I was instantly gripped by the 'mysterious messages from a stranger' device. He seems to be able to read Gwendolyne's mind - especially her sexual fantasies.

She is a very likeable heroine. Not some glamorous young 'stunna', but a somewhat 'well-padded' lady who is a bit 'richer in years'. Gwendolyne isn't financially rich, yet is being hassled by her ghastly 'ex' for money she can ill afford. It's no wonder that on the first evening we meet her she seeks consolation in three 'indulgences': a cake, a glass of wine and masturbation. She's a normal woman who just wants to be valued and appreciated - and no one seems to want to do that.

Then 'Professor Hottie' enters her library and her life. He's an engagingly mysterious character - is Daniel just the polite and highly civilised academic - or is he the decidedly sexually adventurous 'Nemesis'?

Unlike a lot of fictional 'sex romps', the 'love scenes' are described with style and sensitivity. The descriptions of Gwendolyne's orgasms - especially how they 'take her out of herself' - are some of the finest I've read.

I sympathize with the reviewer who is disturbed by sadism - I don't like that either (despite my moniker). But in this case I reckon it's more play-acting than the full-blown sordid thing.

Plus the author has a great sense of the absurd (something usually sadly lacking in erotic fiction). Her account of the Chief Librarian nearly catching Gwendolyne and the Prof when she's just performed fellatio on him in the bookstacks is wildly funny.

Very well done, Portia!