Guest Review: Calling The Shots by Christine d'Abo - 3.5 Wine Glasses!

Calling The Shots 
(Long Shots #4)
by Christine d'Abo 
ebook, 180 pages
Published October 8th 2012 by Carina Press
ISBN13 9781426894473
Courtesy of NetGalley

He's had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he's determined to bring two friends together, and he's willing to be a third wheel to move things along...
Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she's equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she's fantasizing about both men at once—and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter...
Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he's attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it's not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.
In the light of day, it's clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?

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Crystal L.’s Thoughts:
Josh Scott, owner of the sex club Mavericks, has had a tough ride in his life concerning acceptance from those who should love him over his bi-sexuality. He's also had the misfortune of falling in love with someone who didn't feel the same for him. These things have caused Josh to end up jaded about relationships for himself, but he is more than willing to try and play matchmaker for two of his employees Beth and Oliver. Besides, if he can hook Beth and Oliver up, then he won't have to dwell on the feelings that he has for both of them.


Beth Norris has been burned badly by her last boyfriend Mitch. Because of his infidelity she second guesses her desirability and doubts that others truly want her. Not to mention that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost her job over it. She's spent the time after the bad break up in a shell not letting anyone to close in the hopes that she won't get hurt again. But her lusty feelings are starting to overwhelm her for her two friends Josh and Oliver, who happened to also be her co-workers. She dreams about both of them sexually in a ménage relationship. But those dreams can't really come to fruitation can they?

Oliver Stephenson has also been burned in love. He had a wife that he adored beyond all reason, until she cheated on him, cleaned out his bank accounts and then left him for another man. Now Oliver hides behind emotional walls while trying to rebuild his life from emotional and financial ruin. He also struggles with the new found desires he has for his boss Josh, and his co-worker Beth. He's a straight man, so he can't possibly rely on these feelings he's having for Josh. He's also equally not ready to open his heart to another woman who could hurt him.

Will these three work past their emotional obstacles to find their way to each other?

The characters of this story are touchable. I felt their pain, their insecurity, and because of that I fell into the story a little. However there was something missing from this story that would make me want to stand up and shout, "Read this book!". So I waffled back and forth between a three wine glass and four wine glass toast. Because of what I felt were a few admirable things in this story I think it earns a three and a half wine glass toast.

Here's what I thought was admirable: I loved that Josh's dad supported him in his bi-sexuality. I wished that every person who has an alternative lifestyle had this kind of support in their life. I also liked that the characters had very real problems and insecurities that were situations that you could find in everyday life.

So, three and a half wine glass toast, and those that like naughty stories with ménage between two men and one woman, read on and enjoy for a quick afternoon read!

Rating: 3.5 Wine Glasses