The details…
- Title: The X Ingredient
- Author: Roslyn Sinclair
- Narrator: Anastasia Watley
- Publisher: Tantor Audio
- Release date: January 28, 2020
- Listening length: 11 hours, 7 minutes
- Genre: erotic romance
- Themes: women loving women, finding happiness, learning to accept oneself
- Tropes: age-gap, workplace, boss/employee, ice queen, coming out
The blurb from the publisher…
Laurie Holcombe is out of a job, out of luck, and out of time. When a prestigious law firm hires her as an assistant to one of its senior partners, it feels like she might finally get back on her feet. All she has to do is put up with the whims of her infuriatingly icy boss, Diana. How hard could that be?
Diana Parker is Atlanta’s top lawyer and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it. She’s driven, ruthless, demanding, and stuck in a failing marriage. Too bad she can’t run her personal life as well as she runs her ordered office.
When a young assistant shows up with bright blue eyes, a cute Southern accent, and a streak of pink hair, Diana’s sure she’s all wrong for the job. And yet something seems to be pulling her and Laurie Holcombe together, drawing them into a secret, thrilling dance that’s far too dangerous for a boss and employee.
Can they make rules for this powerful attraction, a way to keep each other at arm’s length? But how do you resist the irresistible?
A smart, sexy lesbian romance about facing the truth about your desires…and risking everything.
My thoughts…
The X Ingredient is sinfully delicious and extremely hot!!! There is no way any hot blooded, erotic romance fan could resist this! Once listeners push play, they will get lost in the silky, sensual voice of Anastasia Watley. I read the paperback some time ago and loved it, but Watley’s narration takes Sinclair’s storytelling to the next level. The partnership of these two talented ladies should be commended. Be forewarned though: This should not be listened to at work, especially chapter 23!! 🔥🔥🔥
Sinclair originally penned this story as a fanfic set in The Devil Wears Prada fandom. The leading ladies change shape a bit in this version, but the theme still holds true; the young beautiful subordinate melts the ice queen boss with her charm and intelligence. The ice queen becomes undone and unravels before she realizes what has hit her. Their relationship is the best bad idea, and MirAndy shippers will consume Sinclair’s narrative with fevered gusto.
The writing is solid and the sexy scenes are well done. Sinclair adds an enthralling plot to hold the erotic interludes together nicely, giving the story substance. It has teeth; this isn’t a “plot? what plot?” piece of fiction. Furthermore, Sinclair alternates points of view between Diane and Laurie, illuminating the inner workings of these characters perfectly. It’s smart writing and it works to not only build tension but add interest. This, paired with Watley’s narration, makes the storytelling jump off the page.
I found both of Sinclair’s main characters very appealing. Diane and Laurie are well written and well characterized. Laurie is an uninhibited and strong-willed free spirit. Diane is the preverbal “ice queen” and is very buttoned up. Through Laurie, Sinclair is able to tease out Diane’s vulnerability and compassion, giving her a softness that is alluring and attractive. Together these ladies have incredible chemistry. Listeners will no doubt find it engrossing as well as compelling.
Final remarks…
The X Ingredient is well written, well constructed and throughly entertaining. As far as the narration, Watley more than delivers. Her smooth, inviting voice pulls the listener in swiftly, firmly and without distraction. This is top-shelf entertainment; I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a steamy, ice queen/age-gap romance.
Strengths…
- Well-written
- Well-narrated
- Compelling
- Entertaining
- Steamy
This audiobook is available from…
A bit about the author…
Roslyn Sinclair was born in the southern USA, but she’s now enjoying the Northeast and its beautiful fall weather—not so much the colder winters! She loves to travel and has gotten writing inspiration everywhere from Kansas City to Beijing.
Roslyn began her writing career in fanfiction under the pen name Telanu. Since then, she’s been lucky enough to transition into professional publishing. Some of her favorite and most well-known themes are age-gap romance, ice queens, and characters who fight their attraction to each other tooth and nail—until they can’t anymore.
Roslyn lives with her wife in the greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about her, check out her website and social media.
A bit about the narrator…
Anastasia Watley is a romance and erotica audiobook narrator. She says it’s a wickedly fun job, but someone’s gotta do it. If you would like to learn more about her work, check out these links below.
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