The Rental by Rebecca Berto Publisher: Self-Published on September 22, 2014
Genres: Erotica, Romance
Pages: 258
Format: eBook
Source: Review Request
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
At first, Rick Delaney watched Vee Wyland with the hungry eyes of a fox as if she were a rabbit … his rabbit. But one day, he slunk away without notice.
Months away from graduating high school, Vee’s life is on the verge of crumbling. At home, dire finances and long hours test her family. Her boyfriend hardly pays attention to her. And she can’t shake her feelings for his older brother, Rick.
Then, all in one night, tragedy tears her teetering life into shreds.
When Rick and Vee reunite, the sparks fly. However, she unwittingly signs away a future for both of them. In his world, a place called The Rental, she becomes Victoria and Rick becomes Rhett. One part of her watches with fascination, while the other unfurls and embraces her sexual awakening. It began as a game, but the consequences are real.
Following their heart’s desire is forbidden, but walking away could strip their hope for a future.
The Rental is an erotic romance that explores how sex isn’t purely physical; sometimes, it’s a gateway to your soul.
At A Glance
So interesting, but a little odd.
The Good
The concept is what drew me. So, a whole bunch of dramatic crap happens to the protagonist, blah, blah, blah, then the fun begins. Having few choice’s, Vee gets a job as a Rental. People hire her (or others) to sexually please them in a variety of ways. But there are rules. Like no penetration. It’s more like an erotic game of touch-no touch that gets the client off. What a fine line between sexual exploration and prostitution, right? I loved that. I didn’t know if I should be appalled or horny!
The scenes between Rick and Vee were amazing. Vee loves/hates her new job as she gets to sample an erotic world she never thought possible, while Rick hates/loves seeing her with other people. But despite their uncertainties, they set fire to the pages as they watch, touch, and taste each other in every possible way. The combo of lust and jealousy was just delish!
I liked the dark, mysterious feel to the novel, and how open the ending was. So many possibilities!
The Bad
The writing was a bit odd. I sometimes found myself confused on what was really going on in a scene. It felt all over the place with not much direction, though this got better as the story went on.
The concept is interesting, but the whole story was a little disjointed. As in it felt really random and thrown together.
The Snuggly
I wanted some more intimate, lovey-dovey moments between Rick and Vee. But the sex was interesting and exciting for sure! Definitely in the erotic zone when it comes to heat level.
Final Thoughts
I actually enjoyed The Rental for the most part, but I wouldn’t actively go out to find book 2. But if it fell into my lap, I would read it. You know what I mean? Recommended.
Quotes
“His kiss was light but lingering, like smoke from shivering lips on a freezing winter morning.”
“When I’d remember this night in weeks, months, or even years, it wouldn’t be the sex. Sex would fade and so would the need to be filled with him, but right now I felt him inscribe his soul around my chest, and the reminder would be there with every beat for as long as I lived.”
Red Iza
A perfect read for a cold winter day 😉
Jennifer Bielman
hehe, yup!
Lekeisha
KMSL at if you should be appalled or horny! LOL! Erm, so yeah, this is definitely kinda odd. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
I can’t help it, this book was so odd but interesting.
Braine Talk Supe
Yup, cool concept but the writing might make or break it for me. I expect it to be quite the emotional story for Vee since she’s conflicted. I’ll file this under MAYBE
Jennifer Bielman
Hmm, I would say the writing is the down point of this book. It’s hard to explain, but it just didn’t convey the story as it should have.
Christy
Oooo la la .. this sounds yummy. Kind of hesitant about the writing though.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I really wish the writing was better, because the concept is super sexy fun!
Melliane
it’s too bad about the points that bothered you but in a whole it sounds interesting and I confess that the idea is intriguing. Maybe one day.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it was worth the read. So unique.
Manisha
Paulo Coehlo’s book explored something on a similar line. How sex is not a physical thing but a divine experience. Though you can never compare his to an erotic fiction! 😀
Escaping through Ink
Jennifer Bielman
Hmm, I will have to try him out. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Despite the weird writing..the premise has me oh so curious and I am glad you liked this odd little gem
Jennifer Bielman
I am sill weird about this one because the writing irks me but I still loved the story.
Jaclyn Canada
The concept is different, but disjointed writing can get very hard to read. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I get what you mean about not actively seeking out the next one. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it’s weird how I can like a book but not really want to read book 2.