Librarian Eliza Coleman thought her happy ending was solidified when she married her high school sweetheart and rode off into the suburban sunset, but after four babies and with midlife rapidly approaching, she finds herself increasingly inhibited and depressed. With a push from her devoted husband, Jack, Eliza begins to unravel how her conservative Catholic upbringing has suppressed her sexuality -- and ultimately, her true self.
From finding body confidence at a nude beach (Jack's idea) to exploring their personality dynamics through BDSM play (her idea), Eliza begins to awaken her innermost desires. Stumbling across a group of surprisingly sensible swingers, Eliza and Jack realize they can make their own rules when it comes to relationships -- but isn't until Eliza fulfills Jack's exhibitionist fantasies at a sex resort in Jamaica that she envisions how her dreams could be made real, too.
Back home in Midwest America, Jack and Eliza open up their marriage so Eliza can explore her attraction to women, but practicing non-monogamy doesn't go quite as planned. Sure, she lands the gorgeous girlfriend of her dreams and is having her best sex ever with Jack, but Eliza also gets deeply ensnarled in the marriage of a narcissistic co-worker and his endearing wife. As secrets mount and feelings flare, Eliza is finally forced to confront the hard truths of who she is and what she wants out of life.
Pretty Kinky for a Love Story is just that -- a quirky, spicy story of modern relationships and manifestations of love. A raw, soulful, passionate account of an achingly average woman's midlife quest for presence, purpose, and pleasure. And a delight to read.
