Sex on the Beach by Susan Lyons
Contemporary Romance- Anthology Jan. 5th, 2010
4 stars

Susan Lyons has written a delicious anthology which will be sure to be a rare treat for winter readers who long for a hot, exotic get away! Unlike many anthologies that are completely separate stories or that are loosely connected, I was happily surprised to find this novel has a cast of characters that closely interplay with each other. This book tells the romances of 3 couples that come together for a wedding on a resort in Belize . Their stories are intrinsically intertwined and often affect the outcome of the next story. It was fun to read the different points of view on the same incident and how one event caused varying outcomes. Each story can be read separated but I highly recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate them!

The first story is concerns the exhausted wedding planner, Sarah. All her plans for the wedding are running smoothly. So she decides to take a much need break and have a fling. But she discovers Free, her hot fling is the best man! To make matters worse Free is determined to break up the wedding. Both main characters are at odds with each other and the sparks fly!

In the 2nd story super model Tamiko hides a past of pain and vulnerability while she ‘dates’ a famous writer, Zane. However, it is all an act because Zane is secretly gay. When Zane notices her attraction to Ric, the resort owner, he tries to act as matchmaker. But Ric is wary, not only does he have his reputation, (he doesn’t want to get involved with a guest) but he has been burned by his 1st wife. Plus Tamiko’s past makes it difficult for her to have a healthy relationship. Can they overcome these obstacles to find love?

In the final installment, divorced parents of the bride reunite for their daughter’s wedding. James and Giovanna are still attracted to each other but misunderstanding and a tempestuous relationship crumbled their marriage. This was a wonderful story because the maturity of each of the characters made for a deep read. Both characters never realized their true potential or looked to really understand the other person. Each must realize their past mistakes before their love can be fully realized.

This book has it all. I loved the feeling of being in a lush and beautiful resort. Each story builds on the other and there is something for every reader. As each relationship and character is revealed I grew more invested in their lives and absorbed with their romance. There was never a dull moment in the fast-paced and very racy read!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club ( )