A little background first… Lily Harlem is one eighth of the fantastic Brit Babes. She has an amazing variety of books in her back catalogue and also writes as Harlem Dae with Natalie Dae. Phew! So many books to read and lots of books due for release this year too.

I’ve just finished reading Lily’s book ‘The Silk Tie’ and it’s left me with an ache in my chest. You know the ones you get when you finish a book and you didn’t want it to end? I loved this book. It’s a keeper and will be re-read in its entirety, and sometimes in parts (you know which bits I’m talking about *wink*), over and over again.

I love reading about different kinks and finding new ones that I didn’t know about, expanding my sexual knowledge so to speak; but sometimes I just need to read a book that explores my own fantasies and kinks.

Well, let’s just say ‘The Silk Tie’ stimulates pretty much every nerve-ending for me. Bisexual menage, voyeurism, lots of M/M action, female dominating both men (pegging)…. is it hot in here?!

Lily writes bisexual menage with flair. The sex scenes are explicit and dirty. The dialogue is filthy, they watch each other fuck and talk about it. That’s one of my most favourite things and Ms Harlem does it with style. So many menage stories leave me feeling nothing because it’s A put his dick in that hole then B put his dick in that hole then C sucked A… you get the picture.

A large part of the menage fantasy for me is the voyeuristic aspect; watching the action as well as being part of it. But it’s not just the visual is it? I want to know what they feel about what they see; I want to hear them verbalise it too.

So tell me, in as filthy a way as possible, please. Lily does that in this book. She had me squirming and flushed. Winner!

It’s always interesting to see how an author deals with the existence of a third in a menage relationship. The emotions involved are complex, I think, and some menage stories overlook them. You get a real sense of the soul-searching involved for this couple, before they invite the third into their relationship and during it’s early stages. I did feel it was a little unrealistic that Haley felt no jealousy when she discovered her husband had feelings for another person. I certainly would have, even if I found the thought of it exciting and arousing. In the main, it’s a small criticism.

There is a definite sequence of events that keeps the story moving at a good pace and develops the relationships between the three central characters. We see a little of their daily working lives which rounds the characters out nicely, but for the most part the book is all about the events leading to the sex: which is exactly how I wanted it! No skim reading to the good bits because there’s plenty of them.

The thing with erotica is, you can recognise quality writing but still not love the book, still not get turned on by the words. When you find one that makes you feel it, each and every filthy, lusty word, it’s a little bit of heaven.

For me, great erotica is about an emotional connection with the characters as well as a physical response to their story. ‘The Silk Tie’ gave me that and more. So I’m giving it 5 very shiny stars ***** a highly recommended read.

‘The Silk Tie’ is self-published and only available on Amazon.

Find Lily’s book list and future releases at www.lilyharlem.com Keep up with her on twitter @lily_harlem and Facebook