Synopsis: Nick and Kirsten are an attractive couple in their early 20’s and share an apartment. To the outside world they are perfectly matched, but behind closed doors things are not so straightforward.
Nick’s appetite for sexual experimentation goes beyond what Kirsten will allow. Kirsten’s love for Nick is pushed to the limit, however, she confides in a friend and takes a course of action that nobody would have expected – least of all her boyfriend.
The couple find themselves in a world where they will both see fantasy become reality, but at what cost?
Review: This is the third book I have read by Tom Benson and once again, there is a standard to his writing, real elements of perfection that readers will appreciate.
Give and Take certainly is an adult book, never shying away from themes that many people would find eye popping. This isn't such a bad thing in itself - too often we are in our comfort zone, we really should test those elements far more often than we actually do.
For those of us who could not see us actually doing any of the things in this book, at least we can let it play out in the actions of our main characters, Nick and Kirsten.
I don't wish to generalise or demonise the male sex, but 20 something Nick is aggressive when it comes to sex, and it seems that his demands dominate those of poor Kirsten. I don't think this makes Nick a bad guy. After all, when I was in my early twenties, I was pretty much the same in the company of attractive women. I don't think the hormonal rage calms down so much as it changes somewhat as we age.
But Kirsten is not finding things easy with Nick. That is not to say she wants love without considering the idea of experimentation, it is just that she feels the reality is not so attractive to her. But Nick won't be told that.
Some women readers will like the idea of a strong male knowing what he wants in the bedroom. For my viewpoint, there didn't seem to be a valve on Nick, he wanted it all, he wanted it now, and he wanted it, again and again.
Some elements really will turn readers off. It is an explicit book that let's you into Nick's head - you may not want to be there all the time!
That said, as befitting an author of Tom Benson's standard, this tale of erotica rises above a lot of the awfully written smut out there. The genre is not my favourite, but the author, I believe, could write almost any genre and be perceived as an authority on it. I'm yet to read a Tom Benson book that hasn't worked for me, and I strongly recommend you give this book a chance.
In the end, the story is much more about relationships and understanding than unusual sexual demands. Will Nick and Kirsten stay together? Will she tire of him, yet find something has awoken in her, to the point that these desires need to be experienced for real?
The book teases us with these possible scenarios and gives us a satisfying ending.
There are other characters in the book too. My favourite alongside Kirsten, was Lauren. If you add in the structure to the book, where chapters like The Red Room and The Green Room will start to take on new meanings for you ( I mean, I have had a Red Room for years, but it's not like anything in this book - am I missing out on something?!)
This book is way above other tales of erotica (with the exception being the author's 'Coming Around') and will titillate some, make others smile, and educate some others. Overall it is an enjoyable read that doesn't take the themes too seriously in themselves, but is seriously well written. having read this, I'll be looking for another book by this talented author.
