I've owned this book for ages, but somehow it got packed away in my old apartment, never saw the light of day at our old house, and was only just unearthed a few months ago while unpacking books at the new house. This was a happy turn of events, as I have been looking for light reads to help me ease back into reading physical books. (I've been reading mostly audiobooks or e-books lately, and not nearly as many as in years past.)

Private Party is a quick, light read with some very hot sex. Nothing kinky, just straight-up vanilla hot. There was a review on Goodreads that mentions size, which cracked me up but is also definitely worth mentioning. Hey, it's erotica, right? Chris is big without being laughably big. Every time I read about a 12-incher, I roll my eyes. 9 is nothing to scoff at, to be sure, but not unrealistic either.

Unlike some of the erotica that I have read recently - I'm lookin' at you, Fifty Shades! - this one actually has a decent story. Poor Julie discovers her brand-new husband banging his secretary at their wedding reception, and she decides to throw off the shackles of her old life and go after what she truly wants for once. This lands her in the hotel room of Chris, her husband's brother and an old crush. Needless to say, this get steamy fast. Chris leaves in the morning to get back to his regularly scheduled life, but Julie hasn't quite had enough. She follows him back to his resort on St. Thomas - not as stalkerish as it sounds, I promise - in hopes of enticing him back into her bed. Sexy hijinks ensue. Chris is a little macho but not IN YOUR FACE ALPHA DOUCHEBAG so it totally works.

I know a few people will have problems with how much Julie allows her family's expectations to rule her life, but let me just say this: When you come from a family that has traditionally made these decisions for everyone, high society or not, it's tough to realize that you are actually allowed to make your own decisions. So long as you can live with the consequences, of course. I was proud of her for finally taking her own path. ( )

Really enjoyable erotic romance. I am taking off one star for the label whore moments, which made me feel as if I were watching one of the shows from the Karsashian franchise. Describing pretty clothes is all well and good, but making overt references to Chloe and Jimmy Choo is so new money. The main character is held up as a paragon of good breeding and elegance. As such, while she may buy Dior, she would never discuss having done so. Also, no one wears 4 inch heels for a walk on the sand. That would be dangerous and it would destroy the shoes.

One issue I often have with these sorts of books is that the authors and editors (if any exist) are unable to compose a good sentence or string together a proper paragraph. Often I find improperly used words, which makes my teeth hurt. (I recently read a book where the author repeatedly used the word "shuttered" rather than "shuddered." I could not finish the book.) No matter how good the story, I find it painful to read things that appear to have been written in the author's 14th language. Jami Alden can write. I haven't done any research, but I would not be surprised to learn she teaches people to write. Private Party is light, fluffy, romantic, sexy, relatable (sort of), well-written; What's not to like? ( )

I need to find more books by this author! This was great! ( )

I need to find more books by this author! This was great! ( )

I need to find more books by this author! This was great! ( )