Dawn Sims has made a name for herself writing romantic fiction online. When she’s pushed to try her hand at publishing, she thinks she has everything figured out. The only problem? She’s never been in a relationship, especially one that has led her to finding The Big O.
So much for writing what you know.
Warner Green has had Dawn in his sights since she walked into his class in seventh grade. She broke his teenage heart not once, but twice, so seeing her in his night class at the local community college was an unexpected surprise.
Accidentally reading her bad erotica on her laptop was a blessing from the Smut Gods themselves.
It’s clear she has no idea what she’s writing about, but Warner does. In fact, he knows so much that he’s willing to offer her his services. The deal is simple: teach the good girl from high school everything she needs to know to write from experience. If he gets to live out a fantasy or two that he’s been harboring for almost a decade, then there’s no harm in that either.
The lessons turn more heated, and Dawn begins to question where Warner has learned his skills, but he’s not ready to talk, until his past comes back to haunt him at the worst possible time.
It shouldn’t matter when it’s for authentication purposes only.
Shifting a little to look at him, I resisted the urge to kick him in the nuts and lick his neck at the same time. I mean he looked pretty hot sitting in my chair eating that muffin. Stupid handsome face and fornication hair paired with what I assumed were dirty jeans and a plaid flannel.“Fine. I’m going to buy a vibrator with the money you gave me. Happy?”
His smile was in full force now. “Hell yeah, I’m happy. Ecstatic, even.” He chewed around the pastry in his mouth and laughed. “I’ll come with you to make sure you get the right one.”
“Oh, hell no. Being with you in a porn shop is on my list of Things to Never Do before I Die.”
Robin’s Review
Amber L. Johnson continues to show her diversity as a writer in her most recent novel titled For Authentication Purposes. I have now read six novels written by Johnson, and I find myself impressed by the variety of topics and genres in which she writes. Young Adult. New Adult. Contemporary Romance. And now erotic romance. The improvement in her writing is noticeable as she continues to publish stories that she has written over the last few years. Johnson has labeled this story “humorotica,” which is entirely appropriate because For Authentication Purposes is funny. Really, really funny!
Dawn Sims and Warner Green met in the eighth grade. It didn’t take long for them to give each other nicknames. Bunny and Wardo. They have a colorful past. Warner was always hanging around. Looking at Dawn. Sitting in front of her in class. Warner was good-looking. He hung around with the bad crowd and always got into fights. Every girl wanted his attention, but not Dawn. She wanted nothing to do with him. She wanted credibility. She was all about the books. In high school, Dawn finally understood Warner’s reputation. All of the girls just loved the bad boy. She knew Warner liked her. Warner knew Dawn hated to like him. Dawn and Warner even went to prom together.
Now its ten years later, and Dawn has decided to take night classes towards an English degree. She is in the process of writing a novel, and she wants to have some credibility when she submits her manuscript to a publisher. Once again, Warner and Dawn have end up in the same class, where he sits nearby and continues with his usual harassment. When Dawn excuses herself to go to the ladies room, Warner reads a portion of the historical romance she is writing, and he recognizes it is bad. Very bad.
Warner gives Dawn plenty of grief. He tells her she writes terrible porn – think “love buttons” and “pink pebbled peaks”. Dawn has no idea how to write sex because of her inexperience, so of course, Warner makes her an offer she can hardly refuse. He offers to show Dawn the ropes for research purposes, so her writing will be authentic. For authentication purposes. After all, you can only write about what you know.
I discovered Johnson after receiving a recommendation to read Puddle Jumping. Puddle Jumping was one of my favorite novels that I read during 2014. It’s considered a young adult or mature young adult novel. I almost always feel more comfortable reading novels from these genres, but I will occasionally read an erotic romance upon recommendation. I admit I was curious to see how Johnson would fare in this genre. And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed this story – something which is extremely important to me when I read erotic romance. For Authentication Purposes is hot! It’s erotic in the best kind of way, but there is also an intriguing story buried beneath the surface which slowly unfolds with each chapter. All of these things, combined with Johnson’s witty humor and excellent writing, kept me turning the pages until the end. I’m giving For Authentication Purposes a 4.5 star rating. I can’t wait to see what is next from Amber L. Johnson!
A true child of music, Amber’s parents surrounded her with the loudest beats they could find, molding her into a girl who found inspiration and meaning in lyrics and chords. Raised on John Hughes movies, Luck Dragons, and pirate ships, she dreamed of love and adventure. When Amber began to create her own world, she envisioned a place where Happy Ever Afters do exist. Since then, she has authored several romance novels, all of which focus on songs and the way they can touch people’s lives. Music may not be able to fix a broken heart, but it can provide one hell of a soundtrack for healing.A full-time wife and mother with a full-time job, Amber finds her muse in everyday life and the people who bring her inspiration.
Be sure to look for Amber’s other books!
Saucy Southern Readers 