There may be an abundance of sexual escapades on the beach in this anthology, a few of which are inventive and some just emotional in nature, yet every single one will touch you with its intense sincerity. In between these always steamy activities, there are numerous dilemmas to solve and personal choices to make. Although these three overlapping romances have common characters and related plots, each one tells about the current life of a single couple and what the future may hold for these compellingly dynamic individuals. Susan Lyons is a master at blending hot sex with genuine emotions, and her gift is evident all throughout each story. Overflowing with heartfelt feelings and scorching passions, SEX ON THE BEACH is gratifying on every single page.

“War of the Sexes”

Being a wedding planner can have its perks as Sarah McCann gets to travel to exotic locations, like her current assignment in Belize where she carefully prepares pre-wedding activities for the guests. Having the perfect wedding is a dream of all women, and while she is still waiting to meet her lifetime partner, the hunky man she meets at the bar does immensely rouse her feelings. When she learns the intriguing man is not only the best friend of the groom but also does not believe in marriage and hopes to get the wedding called off, Sarah knows she must make her innermost beliefs known to Freeman Lafontaine in order to change his mind. Although her responses to Free indicate he could become more than a pleasurable fling, she realizes they are both more than ready to battle over whether the upcoming nuptials will take place while also enjoying the pull between them.

An attraction of opposites is apparent almost from the start of this thought-provoking story. Sarah and Free may be sexually responsive to each other, but their long held views on marriage make for some entertaining conversations as they clash over their opinions. There are plenty of sexual encounters between this couple, where daring escapades add to the sizzling passions between them. These are two fun loving people, and Ms. Lyons lets their dissimilarities shine through to make them exceedingly genuine with honest reactions. “War of the Sexes” is packed with verbal debates and steamily blazing intimacy.

“Sex With the Proper Stranger”

Although model Tamiko Sato has traveled to Belize with a famous writer who is the uncle of the groom, there will be no sex between them as her dear friend hides his sexual orientation. Upon arriving at the tropical setting where the wedding will take place, she notices the owner of the resort, Ric Nunez, and actually wishes she did not have to pretend to be with someone so this awareness could perhaps be pursued. She has always believed romance is for others as her past makes her wary of men, yet agrees to spend some time with the handsome owner as the magnetism drawing them together is very powerful. Tamiko has always thought of herself as frigid when it comes to dating men, but maybe Ric is the one who can thaw her out and make the past fade away with his gentle desirous caring.

Even though the way they live their lives may be worlds apart, Tamiko and Ric prove their compassionate natures in numerous ways, and I was especially touched by how he reacted to her with such concerned thoughtfulness. Ms. Lyons has crafted a truly heartwarming story, as your emotions will be touched on a myriad of levels when confronted with so many affecting moments while also being heated by the fervent responses of these two. An ideal balance of loving feelings and scorching sex makes “Sex With the Proper Stranger” absolutely perfect. You cannot help but be moved by this stirring story.

“Sexy Exes”

Everything is going smoothly regarding the wedding of Giovanna Moncrieff’s daughter to a wonderful man in a striking Belize locale, with the exception of being near her ex-husband, James, for a whole week. They both get along well with their daughter, but her Italian temperament and his criticizing English persona led to too many incompatibilities for them to stay married. This couple has not talked in a long time, as arguments frequently crop up, so they plan to avoid each other in order for the wedding to not be memorable because of their behavior. However, when from the moment they are in close proximity, they quickly become aware the potent feelings thought long buried are alive and ready to surface.

With sparks flying from the instant they meet at the resort, sometimes fueled by irritation and others ignited by inner longing, the scenes featuring James and Giovanna are particularly explosive. This second chance romance is delightfully depicted with loads of creative dialogue, and the desire between this couple seems to have been simmering for years, just waiting for them to be together again. Filled with honesty and earnest feelings, “Sexy Exes” is a story to savor, especially for those of us who are not so young anymore. Susan Lyons combines enthusiastic desire and emotional issues to tell a charming story of love.

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