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A review by mxsallybend
The Temp by Donna Jay
5.0
Donna Jay is one of my favorite authors of lesbian (WLW) fiction. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on the erotica or romance end of the spectrum, she consistently weaves compelling stories of wonderful characters and deep, sincere, meaningful relationships. You feel like you know her characters, like you’ve been following their story for years, and become fully invested in their lives and loves.
With The Temp, she sprinkles in a bit of erotica (and some softcore BDSM), but this is a romance novel – an office romance, in fact, with a power imbalance where personalities subvert roles (and the age gap). It’s Carla, the younger temp in question, who is the aggressor, the tease, the pursuer, and the seductress, pushing Vivienne’s buttons with ease. Vivienne may be the boss, but she’s hesitant, all too aware of office consequences whether things go well or not, and while she may be a leader behind the desk, she’s a submissive in the bedroom.
The chemistry between the two of them is hot, right from the start, as a night of speed-dating pushes buttons, excites minds, and sets expectations that quickly have to be confronted and explored when Carla shows up the next day as Vivienne’s new office temp. There’s a cat-and-mouse aspect to their flirting, a delicious play of double entendres and inappropriate touches, all hidden in plain sight behind Carla’s joking admissions of romance. Their dialogue is absolutely sparking, and the way each touch is described is wonderful.
This is a story about so much more than just office flirtation, though. It’s a story about the weight of past loves, the obligations of family, and the need for human connection. It’s when the women get out of the office and into each other’s lives that the sweet part of the story blossoms . . . and where the sorrowful moments of hurt and regret sting the most. Donna Jay always makes her characters work to explore their innermost selves, to discover their wants versus their needs, and whatever obstacles she puts in their way are there to make them stronger.
The Temp is such a good story, a sexy, heart-warming romance with a sense of fun throughout. It’s got a few surprises before the end, but all part and parcel of finding our happily ever after.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/08/08/book-review-the-temp-by-donna-jay-romance-lesbian/
With The Temp, she sprinkles in a bit of erotica (and some softcore BDSM), but this is a romance novel – an office romance, in fact, with a power imbalance where personalities subvert roles (and the age gap). It’s Carla, the younger temp in question, who is the aggressor, the tease, the pursuer, and the seductress, pushing Vivienne’s buttons with ease. Vivienne may be the boss, but she’s hesitant, all too aware of office consequences whether things go well or not, and while she may be a leader behind the desk, she’s a submissive in the bedroom.
The chemistry between the two of them is hot, right from the start, as a night of speed-dating pushes buttons, excites minds, and sets expectations that quickly have to be confronted and explored when Carla shows up the next day as Vivienne’s new office temp. There’s a cat-and-mouse aspect to their flirting, a delicious play of double entendres and inappropriate touches, all hidden in plain sight behind Carla’s joking admissions of romance. Their dialogue is absolutely sparking, and the way each touch is described is wonderful.
This is a story about so much more than just office flirtation, though. It’s a story about the weight of past loves, the obligations of family, and the need for human connection. It’s when the women get out of the office and into each other’s lives that the sweet part of the story blossoms . . . and where the sorrowful moments of hurt and regret sting the most. Donna Jay always makes her characters work to explore their innermost selves, to discover their wants versus their needs, and whatever obstacles she puts in their way are there to make them stronger.
The Temp is such a good story, a sexy, heart-warming romance with a sense of fun throughout. It’s got a few surprises before the end, but all part and parcel of finding our happily ever after.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/08/08/book-review-the-temp-by-donna-jay-romance-lesbian/