Jamie Craig - Writing on the Edge of Erotic Romance

 

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Freelance writer, Monica is trapped in her home by acute agoraphobia. Tired of being alone, she finds an online escort service that seems less sleazy than most and dares to hire a companion for an evening.
Ryan is a college student trying to keep financially afloat. Working for Labors of Love sounds like an easy gig.
Can a relationship based on a business contract blossom into real romance? Can Monica overcome her paralyzing panic attacks and venture into the outside world when true love is at stake?

Reviews

Joyfully Reviewed, Reviewer Ley
Ryan and Monica are two people trying to make it through life the best way they know how. It isn’t an easy road for them and I think that’s what kept me interested in Home Bound, that and the hot sex.

Dionne Galace
“I just really enjoy how emotionally flawed Ms. Dee’s characters are and how she deftly avoids sticking them in situations that just reek of plot contrivance. If you want to read an original, heart-warming piece about two real people who reach out for each other and find love together, definitely check this book out.”

Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 Angels - Reviewed by Anita
"Bonnie Dee has embraced two very touchy subjects that are difficult and very infrequently talked about, agoraphobia and escort services. Together, Ryan and Monica show that love can occur in even the strangest situations, if one is willing to take a chance on romance."

The Romance Studio - 5 Hearts - Reviewed by Ellen
"The sex scenes with Monica and Ryan are beautifully written and SO HOT. This story sheds a great deal of light on the condition of agoraphobia and people living with it in a compassionate way."

Enchanted in Romance - 5 Unicorns - Reviewed by Anita
"Monica and Ryan will jump off the pages with their realistic situations and emotions."

The Readers Connection - 4 Stars - Reviewed by Sarah Silversmith
"This is a compelling story. It packs a lot of emotion, character building and hot sex into the pages."

Romance Reviews Today - Reviewed by Jennifer Bishop
"HOME BOUND is an appealing story dealing with a very serious issue. It packs quite a punch, and is a book to look for."

Just Erotic Romance Reviews - 4 Stars - Reviewed by Mireya Orsini
"Both main characters have flaws and vulnerabilities that make them feel real. Home Bound is one wonderful contemporary story."

May Reviews - 4 Stars - Reviewed by Polly
"This is a thrilling story from the beginning. I hated to put it down although I had to for a short time to work. It was waiting with its engine running for my return."

Excerpt:

He had taken a look at the Labors of Love website and seen the other providers—God how he hated that word—and he knew what he was supposed to look like. What they had, he didn’t have. Okay, maybe his body was fit. He admitted that. But his face, which this woman had chosen above all those other guys, was certainly nothing special.

“You can’t sit here forever,” he told himself. “Go. Now.”

He opened the door, slowly got out of the car and walked up the cement path to the dark green painted front door. He rang the bell, offering a silent prayer that Monica not be too homely, even though he had no right to ask because he was about to perform an illegal, immoral act.

His pulse, pounding in his ears, was deafening as the moment of waiting dragged out. He wiped damp hands on the sides of his jeans and cleared his throat so his voice wouldn’t crack when he spoke. He had an insane desire to sniff his pits and make sure he smelled okay and he laughed at the image he would present if she opened the door and caught him doing that. Thus, he was standing there grinning like a fool when the door finally opened.

At first Monica was featureless, a female silhouette against the brightly lit doorway. Ryan blinked and wiped the shit-eating grin off his face. He resisted the urge to back away–or maybe even bolt. Then she moved under the glow of the porch light and Ryan could see her clearly He was so relieved that he just stood there staring for a moment.

She was a cutie. Short. If she stepped into his arms, he could rest his chin on top of her head. She had curly dark hair pulled loosely back into a ponytail. Her features were sharp in a way that reminded him of a fox or cat—something small, quick and clever like that. Her nose was little and slightly pointy, her face heart-shaped. Wide, dark eyes fringed with black lashes gazed at him from under quizzically up-tilted brows. He stared into them mutely and watched her expression melt from nervous anticipation to increasing self-doubt with each silent moment that passed.

He shook himself and stuck out a hand. “Hi. I’m, uh, Ryan, your ... your date.”

She extended a hand and he accepted it, shaking firmly. What an idiot. He should be kissing her hand and telling her how beautiful she was, not pumping it up and down like they had just concluded a business agreement.

“Monica,” she replied, extricating her hand from his grip.

“Sorry. I’m kind of new at this,” he muttered, then realized that it was inappropriate to admit his inexperience. He was supposed to be sweeping her off her feet and giving her the romantic night of a lifetime not bumbling and stammering.

“Let me start over.” He took a deep breath. “Good evening. I’m Ryan, your escort for the evening. It is such a pleasure to meet you. And may I say that you look stunning in that outfit?” He’d deepened his voice into a foreign accent that sounded vaguely like Dracula with a Scottish burr.

Monica’s face lit up, a smile stretched her lips and then she began to laugh.

Ryan grinned back. This was going to be okay. He could do this. Hell, for the first time he thought he might have a lot of fun doing this