Kathryn Jordan Hot Water

Hot Water

Kathryn Jordan

Berkley, Jan 2006, $13.00, 288 pp.

ISBN: 0425207579

Forty-six years old Minnesota French teacher using the pseudonym Julia Reeves is unhappy because her long term husband Ralph ignores her as he spends all his time on his fleet of land moving equipment. She learns about Hidden Springs Spa and resort in California where sexual fantasies occur. With the help of heir sister who will cover for her with Ralph, Julia plans to indulge herself. She also hires a male prostitute over the Internet whom she calls William.

At the spa, Julia and William enjoy a terrific time together. For her she reconsiders her marriage; for him his profession. As Ralph arrives looking for his wife, the lovers wonder if a weekend will prove adequate as their feelings may land both in HOT WATER.

This is an erotic romance that showcases a wonderful middle age protagonist (even if she is an adulteress) who has decided to go for the gusto after years of spousal neglect as he is wedded to his business. William is an intriguing protagonist though one must wonder why he is attracted to his client. Still this is a fine character study that looks closely at a person who decides that there must be more to life than duty and responsibility and has gone out to find it though many readers will condemn her approach as amoral.

Harriet Klausner