I don’t read a lot of short stories. And I don’t read a lot of erotic fiction. But Ember Leigh’s Carlos and Casey is both of those things and I thought it was a refreshing change of pace.
Former lovers Carlos and Casey haven’t seen one another is several years. Neither are currently romantically attached, Casey having married and divorced and Carlos remaining single. They don’t live near one another, so accidentally bumping into each other isn’t a routine happening. But Casey’s business trip takes her to Carlos’s hometown and, rather than stay in a hotel for the evening, Carlos offers his home and hospitality.
From the beginning pages, Ember Leigh infuses her text with a simmering sensuality. In such a short story, she expertly sets the scene: the low-level sexual tension between the pair and the little details like body language and turns of phrase that they use to flirt and tempt one another.
Carlos and Casey is a quick read, tallying only 25 pages, but it’s memorable. I feel like I got a solid story in those pages. Ember Leigh created characters who felt real and accessible. The dialogue seemed natural and sparkling with wit and innuendo that was perfectly tantalizing for the reader. Overall, I liked the diversion from my mysteries and contemporary fiction.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this short story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl with Book Lungs 