Man Frame by Emma Hillman

Man Frame

Emma Hillman
Erotic Romance

Lucy loves her new neighbor. One, because he's seriously hot; and two, because he leaves his window open while getting himself off. What she doesn't know however is that Nate can see her too. Every evening, he watches her undress, the blue film covering her window not enough to mask her silhouette. He's already half in lust with her body and that's before he knows what she looks like, apart from her round breasts and even rounder ass. Things accelerate when Nate takes matters into his own hands and invites her to his condo. It was only supposed to be some fun between two consenting adults but suddenly there's another man with them. A man who's invited himself to the party and who seems to really enjoy looking at her. Rodrigo likes it even more when he's touching her, making her lose control in a way she's never experienced before. He's not dupe though. He can see how his best friend is acting with her. There could be something good between these two and he pushes them further and further, until...

Short And Sweet...

I was lent this short story by Redd over at The Unbroken Wyld, with the warning that it was pretty hot. Aside from the eyebrow raising cover, I thought to myself "I'll give this a go. I love a good dollop of heat with my lovin'" and I must admit, straight away, the story delivers you some steam. My hubby loves trying to guess what I'm reading judged by my facial expressions and one look at my blush covered cheeks told him I was reading something saucy. He loves that I get embarrassed easily. I think he loves it more that when the book is over, I make him blush *grins*

MAN FRAME follows a pretty simple storyline. Girl sees guy across the building through her window and lusts HARD. Guy sees girl back and lusts HARD. Both masturbate as they "watch" each other and everyone is in voyeur heaven. But you couldn't leave the characters like that, right? No, Lucy and Nate just have to meet and get the hands on experience they've been fantasizing over. With a broken down air conditioner, Nate steps in and volunteers to help cool Lucy off... naturally at his house and he fully plans on turning up the HEAT! There are sparks flying between the two and it's obvious that there's enough chemistry between them that outside the bedroom, they could have the beginning of a great relationship. They get to kissing and "stuff" and this is where the story threw me for a loop... in swaggers Rodrigo - Nate's best friend.

Why Rodrigo feels he needs to step in is anybody's guess. Something had happened earlier, leaving him in some kind of funk and instead of heading down to the local bar to drink away his concerns, this sexy man decides to go gate crash the sex that his BFF is having and get his freak on with Lucy AS WELL. I was left just a little confused why it happened, how it happened and why Nate didn't grab Rodrigo by his shirt (or whatever was there to hold onto) and kick him out. You don't let another man touch your woman, especially when you're just starting out and you're obviously crushing hard over her. What happened to loyalty? What happened to asking your buddy if he minds you dipping your chip into the same dip as him? You ask first before you waltz in and take over.

I felt really bad for Nate because he kind of took a back seat as Rodrigo took over, pushing Lucy into different experiences and sensory overload. I wanted to slap Rodrigo upside the back of the head and say "Umm sweetie, can't you see your intruding?" and I was left wondering why the author included it. The story could've still packed the same kind of heat if it was the one on one with Nate and Lucy. Don't get me wrong - I love a little menage guy sandwich but it has to have some kind of relevance. It just seemed too weird for me.

One thing that I did miss and felt was missing (but then again, that's just me and it was a short story) was a connection with Nate and Lucy. There wasn't the kind of emotional spark that I enjoy seeing in the romance books I read. I understand this was the first in person encounter between the two but it just felt like something was missing. Maybe a little more time, talking and alot less time Rodrigo sticking it to Lucy might've made a difference. Heat is heat but when you add an emotional flavor to it... the story sizzles.

All in all, it was an ok read and one that was quick and fun. It was a great snapshot story and if you're wanting a little light reading, I definitely check it out. Happy reading!

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