Key Takeaways
1. Erin's Fitness Journey Sparks Unexpected Desires
Not that she needed to before—she had genes that let her get away with doing nothing and still look good—but after two kids, she’d started feeling self-conscious about the softer parts of her body.
Post-baby body image. After having two children, Erin becomes self-conscious about her body and starts working out with a personal trainer. This decision leads to her getting into the best shape of her life, which in turn sparks unexpected desires and insecurities in her husband, Tom.
Physical transformation. Erin's dedication to fitness results in a significant physical transformation, making her more attractive than ever. This newfound allure draws attention from other men, fueling Tom's jealousy and triggering his hidden fantasies.
- Slimmer face
- More pronounced curves
- Toned body
Shifting dynamics. Erin's transformation alters the dynamic of their marriage, as Tom begins to see her in a new light. He grapples with feelings of jealousy and lust, struggling to reconcile his traditional views with his growing fascination with the idea of other men desiring his wife.
2. Jealousy Unveils Hidden Fantasies
You actually get to see it.
Lucas's influence. A conversation with their friend Lucas plants the seed of doubt and jealousy in Tom's mind. Lucas's crude remarks about Erin's attractiveness and the attention she receives at the gym trigger Tom's latent insecurities and awaken his hidden fantasies.
The green-eyed monster. Tom's jealousy intensifies as he imagines other men lusting after Erin. He begins to fixate on her workouts, her interactions with her personal trainer, and the possibility of her being hit on at the gym.
- Imagining her in tight workout clothes
- Wondering if her trainer finds her attractive
- Picturing other men fantasizing about her
Emerging desires. Amidst the jealousy, Tom discovers a surprising arousal at the thought of other men desiring his wife. This realization throws him into turmoil, as he struggles to reconcile his traditional values with his newfound desires.
3. The Introduction of AJ Complicates Matters
Sure, if you’re okay with me and AJ…
A new personal trainer. Erin hires a male personal trainer named AJ, further fueling Tom's jealousy and intensifying his fantasies. AJ becomes a symbol of the outside attention Erin is receiving, and Tom begins to fixate on their interactions.
The male gaze. Tom's imagination runs wild as he pictures AJ working with Erin, touching her body, and flirting with her. He becomes obsessed with the idea of their physical proximity and the potential for something more to happen.
- Imagining AJ's hands on her hips
- Picturing them stretching together
- Wondering if she finds him attractive
Unspoken tension. The tension between Tom and Erin escalates as AJ's presence looms larger in their lives. Tom struggles to express his feelings, fearing that he will reveal his forbidden desires and jeopardize their relationship.
4. A Friend's Visit Ignites a Dangerous Game
Maybe he’d even be into it.
Jo's influence. The arrival of Erin's free-spirited friend Jo further complicates matters. Jo encourages Erin to embrace her sexuality and explore her desires, pushing Tom to confront his own hidden fantasies.
A night out. Erin goes out to a club with Jo, leaving Tom at home to grapple with his conflicting emotions. He imagines her dancing with other men, being hit on, and potentially engaging in sexual encounters.
- Imagining her in a little black dress
- Picturing her dancing with strangers
- Wondering if she'll give her number to another man
Confessions overheard. Tom overhears a conversation between Erin and Jo, in which they discuss the attention Erin received at the club and the possibility of Tom being "into it." This revelation pushes Tom to the brink, forcing him to confront his true desires.
5. Confessions and a New Level of Intimacy
I told you, I’m not jealous. In fact, I think it’s kind of hot, too.
Truth revealed. Tom confesses his hidden fantasies to Erin, admitting that he finds the idea of other men desiring her arousing. This confession leads to a new level of intimacy and experimentation in their relationship.
Exploring boundaries. Tom and Erin begin to explore the boundaries of their relationship, pushing each other to confront their deepest desires and fears. They engage in role-playing, teasing, and explicit conversations, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
- Imagining AJ's hands on her body
- Wondering if she's thinking of AJ during sex
- Pushing each other to admit their desires
A dangerous game. Their exploration of these forbidden desires becomes a dangerous game, as they risk jeopardizing their relationship in pursuit of sexual excitement. They struggle to maintain control, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
6. The Fantasy Becomes Reality
You want to hear all about how turned on I get with another man’s tongue in my mouth, don’t you?
Crossing the line. Erin takes the game to a new level by openly discussing her attraction to AJ and fantasizing about him during sex with Tom. She pushes Tom to the brink, testing his limits and reveling in his jealousy.
Power dynamics. The power dynamics in their relationship shift as Erin takes control, dictating the terms of their sexual encounters and pushing Tom to embrace his submissive side. She revels in her newfound power, using it to fuel their passion and excitement.
- Teasing him with details of her interactions with AJ
- Demanding explicit confessions
- Dictating the terms of their sexual encounters
A new level of arousal. Tom finds himself increasingly aroused by Erin's boldness and her willingness to explore their forbidden desires. He becomes addicted to the thrill of the game, even as he fears the potential consequences.
7. The Triathlon: A Test of Trust and Desire
You’re a naughty one, Tom.
The ultimate test. The triathlon becomes the ultimate test of Tom and Erin's relationship, as they navigate the complexities of their desires and insecurities. The race serves as a backdrop for their exploration of jealousy, trust, and the boundaries of their love.
AJ's intentions. Tom learns that AJ has been actively pursuing Erin, setting the stage for a potential affair. He grapples with the knowledge that his wife is being actively courted by another man, further fueling his jealousy and arousal.
- AJ's plan to seduce Erin
- His belief that she's "ready"
- His desire to "reel her in"
A choice to make. As the race approaches, Erin and Tom must decide whether to embrace their forbidden desires or pull back from the brink. They must confront their fears and insecurities, and ultimately choose whether to trust each other or succumb to temptation.
8. Confronting the Truth and Embracing the Unknown
I’m the same girl you’ve always known. You just forgot about this side of me.
The race day decision. On the day of the triathlon, Erin and Tom reach a crossroads. They must decide whether to follow through with their plan, allowing Erin to potentially sleep with AJ, or to pull back and reaffirm their commitment to each other.
A final confession. Erin admits that she has been fantasizing about AJ and that she is tempted to act on those desires. She reveals that she has been enjoying the attention and the power she wields over Tom.
- Her attraction to AJ
- Her enjoyment of Tom's jealousy
- Her desire to explore her sexuality
Embracing the unknown. In the end, Tom and Erin choose to embrace the unknown, allowing Erin to make her own decision about whether to sleep with AJ. They trust each other enough to navigate the complexities of their desires and to accept whatever outcome may come.
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Review Summary
Training to Love It is a highly-rated erotic novel about a married couple exploring hotwife fantasies. Readers praise the realistic character development, slow-burn tension, and hot sex scenes. The story follows Tom and Erin as they gradually embrace non-monogamy, centered around Erin's gym trainer AJ. Many reviewers appreciate the thoughtful exploration of emotions and communication within the relationship. While some found the pacing slow, most enjoyed the build-up and payoff. The book is part of a trilogy that readers are eager to continue.