Spring into Summer [Paperback]

It came as something of a surprise that I should consider reading, let alone actually to read a book of erotica, or what is more correctly described as 'literary erotica'. Perhaps it was that I'd come across the author, Eden Baylee [...], through her other activities on the web and social media, both literary and charitable. Whatever the reason, I read Spring into Summer from cover to cover. It is a book of four separate novellas and the sequel to her first book, Fall into Winter, which was published in 2011.

Each of the four novellas presents a completely different story, from a different part of the world, with very different, but well developed characters. Each story has its own unique appeal, which will peak the interest of anyone who reads the book; in other words there is something for everyone here. I know which is my favourite.

As for the sex, well it's in there, as you might expect from such a literary genre, but it's not gratuitous. It is rather more subtle, a little more beautiful and, like a thriller that builds the tension and expectation of the reader, so too the slow development of real-life relationships. One of the stories doesn't have any sex at all, well, at least not between the main characters in the live plot, other than by suggestion, but rather between corresponding confidantes... I'll reveal no more, other than to say this particular story has a special feeling about it that resonates with the heart-rending longings so beautifully written by Helene Hanff in her delightful book, based on a true story, 84 Charing Cross Road.

Eden Baylee is, therefore, not simply your ordinary purveyor of graphically described acts of sex and, clever though she is, you'll be pleased to hear, her writing is not hugely intellectual either. Her characters are, however, like the stories, very accessible, very believable and above all, the stories maintain a flow that rivets your attention and are therefore very readable.

I know which is my favourite of the four stories, but that could be to do with the fact that she dedicated it to poets, whom, she says, have influenced her perspective and were her inspiration for the story. So, if you've never read erotica - other than perhaps leafing through a book to find the most finger smudged pages ;-) - but are tempted to try, this book stands alone as a first class collection of novellas and you should buy it with the intention of reading it from cover to cover; you won't regret the experience. If you are a regular reader, an aficionado, of the genre, then buy this book. I am certain you will not be disappointed.

I was given this book as a gift and loaded it on my phone to glance at from time to time in interest. I have to say though that once I started reading I found it very difficult to stop. The tales tend to shy away from being overly erotic, concentrating on the emotional development of the character. This means that when you have the erotic scenes (and they are very erotic) they have that added impact. I found it both well written and steamy. The only issue I would have was a minor detail in the second story. As I have lived in Dublin all my life I found it odd that an Irish woman would refer to distance in 'blocks', we don't use that system here. Other than that, a good book that I would recommend to anybody.

I very much enjoyed Eden's brand of erotic offerings. Her characters are believable and likable; her prose are exquisite and elegant; there are plenty of actions which are both exciting and engaging; then her choice of locations are extremely exotic. Let's face it, if you are indulging your good self in romantic, erotic and sexy adventures, wouldn't you pick somewhere like London, Dublin, Cape Cod and Bangkok?

Being an Asian living in the UK, I love the British and Irish Capital cites, for obvious reasons, familiarity being one of them. It was fun for me to `stalk' Eden's characters and `share' their sexual fantasies. Oh no, I don't mean exactly sharing these fantasies per se, but I can easily identify where their innermost desires and raw emotions come from, and why they want to act them out, with real and imaginary partners.

Of the four novellas, my personal favourites are the first and the fourth. I keenly feel the love and loss in "A Season for Everything", as I know how deeply the theme of cancer resonates with the author herself, and many of us readers.

Again, it's my Asian roots which allow me to get inside the mind and body of Sierra Zhao, as she ventures to exotic Bangkok and beyond, in a tale which is sensual and intriguing. Thailand, her sights and sounds, and her people, becomes even more inviting when I came to the last page of "The Lottery'

Full review is available at [...].

Junying Kirk, Author of The Same Moon & Trials of Life, Journey to the West Trilogy