The Lure of Investments

When the Siren Calls by Tom Barry

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: Restless and neglected, Isobel is suffocating in a stagnant marriage. Suave and charismatic Jay is fighting for survival. An invitation to visit Jay's resort in the hills of Tuscany sparks Isobel to imagine a life of freedom and excitement.
Dismissing her husband’s objections, Isobel pursues Jay to Tuscany on the pretext of searching for a holiday home. After fighting anguished guilt, she abandons herself in a passionate affair, with her controlling lover encouraging Isobel to push beyond her sexual boundaries.
But all is not as it seems in the idyllic Tuscan retreat, and Isobel finds herself trapped in a web of intrigue, deception, and betrayal. She is one player in a dangerous love triangle, unsure whether Jay is her saviour, or her nemesis. As her world falls apart, she must choose between the woman she thought she was, and the woman she has become.

Review: A book that is part romance, part erotica, and many parts business transactions.

I can't call When the Siren Calls a romance book nor can I call it erotica. There are parts of both in the book, but the book too heavily focuses on business. It's a shame really since the business parts are well written, but were quite unexpected due to the book's summary. The romance and any subsequent sex take a back seat to Jay's interaction with Andy and other business associates. Later, Peter gets involved due to being suspicious of Jay and his investments.

There was a surprising lack of sex in this book. I don't remember there being more than five or six. There were some brief mentions to sexual activity, but not terribly many. This book was full of infidelity. Jay was the worst. He was cheating on his wife with Lucy and Isobel. How many other women were there? I highly disliked Jay and was glad when bad things happened to him. Isobel felt incredibly naive at times and didn't have much of a spine. Peter felt like a non-entity. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I was glad of Isobel's decision at the end since it seemed the best decision for her. 

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to those that enjoy thrillers (either with a business or psychological bent) with some spice.