Spring Into Summer

by Eden Baylee

In Spring into Summer, a collection of emotionally-charged erotic novellas, four women explore their sexual limits, marked by love, lust, and loss.

Life for Claire Pelletier is changed forever when she meets a professor who teaches her a most important lesson in "A Season for Everything."

Evelyn Sutton goes in search of a man in "Unlocking the Mystery" and discovers the key to her own heart.

With an open mind, Ava Connors attends a party but wonders if reality can ever live up to her hottest fantasies in "Summer Solstice."

In "The Lottery," Sierra Zhao sacrifices herself to numerous men to help a friend, fully aware of the consequences.

With locations in London, Dublin, Cape Cod, and Bangkok, these four women will seek pleasure to alter their lives and push their sexual boundaries.

Genres: Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2012

About the author

Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to write. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual and literary.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel--a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.

Reviews

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mapping of Desire

'Spring into Summer' encapsulates the author's recurring themes of travel, encounters with different cultures and the sometimes obscure nature of sexual attraction.

Although the book comes under an 'erotica' classification, it is more a literary exercise in sensuality, longing and loss.

'A Season for Everything' - probably my favourite in the collection - tells of the doomed love affair between Claire, a young Canadian visiting London, and a much older Professor of English Literature. I found this tale especially moving; the pain inherent in the narrative simply and tellingly conveyed. Ms Baylee's own love affair with art and poetry informs the writing.

In 'Unlocking the Mystery', the author lives up to her title as the Cartographer of Desire by tracing the progress of a long-distance love affair between two hopeless romantics on either side of the Atlantic.

'Summer Solstice' and 'The Lottery' have more exotic cultural interactions than the other two stories, each in their own way dealing with the redemptive power of sexual love.

If in buying 'Spring into Summer' you are simply looking for pornographic content you are going to be frustrated - probably in more ways than one. However, for those new readers of Ms Baylee who come to this book prepared to open their minds to the literary potential of erotica, they will find this collection a good introduction to the writer's work. Ms Baylee's regular readers will not be disappointed.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! Being the man that I am, I usually read erotica for the sex and hope for romance as well as I am also a hopeless romantic. These stories, especially the first one, "A Season for Everything" and the last one "The Lottery" really tugged at my heartstrings. Since I was hoping for romance, that was present in these two stories.

Claire and Stephen demonstrate what true love is in "A Season For Everything" I was so taken with their love for one another that I felt I was sharing their joy and in Claire's case, heartbreak as well.

"The Lottery" was more subtle withe the emergence of the romance, as Sierra and Theo started as business partners and with a "show" by Sierra as part of the deal. But as the story progressed, this reader could feel the change from business to romance and was feeling Sierra's pain, then elation. Another wonderful romance.

The third story, "Summer Solstice", was also wonderfully crafted with a heroine whose emotions I could certainly feel. Ava was left at the alter and was still not sure about getting back out socially until she was invited to a party with pagan rituals. It was there that she was finally able to not only live out one of her fantasies, but also find the confidence and strength she desperately needed.

However, I was absolutely blown away by the 50 year romance between Catherine and Shane in "Unlocking the Mystery" with simply letters. Heck, they didn't even progress to e-mail as the letters were still on paper in 2010 and 2011. Thiers was truly a deep, committed love to continue with writing these letters, some extremely erotic. Also, the woman who delivers the last letter, Evelyn, even gets a reward of her own...or at least it appears that way. And no, not sex...something even better.

This was not simply erotica - this was fine literary writing with sexy erotic scenes that were an essential part of the story, not just added for the thrill of it. Bravo to Ms. Baylee for writing such moving and touching stories. Every character with an important role in every story was realistic, honest, and someone who you wished you knew (with the possible exception of Stewart after he left Ava at the alter!) This is a book that you will want to read, whether you like good literature, good erotica or heck, even good sex. It has all of those qualities.

[Lisa Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a rare and wonderful thing when erotica is not only hot, but also beautifully written. Spring into Summer is a delightful treat!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring into Summer is a passionate collection of four novellas that reflect the change of seasons with two of the stories set in the Spring, and the other two in the Summer. Each story focuses on one of four women, who just like the seasons, are in a state of transition in their lives.

While this collection of novellas is labeled under the erotica genre, I think they are so much more than your typical erotic story. Each of the stories are beautifully written and has a mixture of romance and passion that draws the reader into each of the women's journey. Author Eden Baylee weaves four wonderful short stories that are moving and poignant, she engages the reader with her fine writing style that expresses the beauty of romance with sexy erotic scenes that enhances the stories.

In A Season for Everything, Claire finds the meaning of true love with Stephen. The poignancy of the love that they shared was so passionate, it touched my heart and brought out the romantic in me.

In Unlocking the Mystery, the beauty of Catherine and Shane's fifty year romance simply stole my breath away. Their romance bonded through letters over a span of a lifetime showed a commitment to each other that only one could ever hope to have.

In Summer Solstice, Ava is left at the altar and unsure how to get back into the social swing of things until she attends a party with pagan rituals that awakens her most hidden sizzling fantasies and regains her confidence.

In The Lottery, Sierra and Theo's relationship progresses from a business partnership to romance. I really enjoyed the mixture of romance and sizzling erotic scenes in this story.

Rich in detail and vivid descriptions that entices the reader's imagination and senses; with settings in exotic locations that transports the reader around the globe; and characters that you can't help but embrace; Spring into Summer is a collection of evocative novellas that will engage your senses and satisfy your appetite for love, lust, passion and desire.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review, and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.

http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....

[Diantha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring into Summer is a wonderful erotic novella featuring four short story romances that you won’t soon forget. The writing was superb, the pacing kept me interested and the characters were refreshing with the perfect amount of drama.

I can’t begin to tell you how much the first story “A Season for Everything” touched me. It was so poignant and passionate that it stayed with me throughout the entire book. I loved this story, and it guaranteed this book got four stars. It pulled at my heart strings making me realize I’m more of a romantic than I thought I was. The love between Claire and Stephen was just so real and I felt it in every part of me. I mean, it truly was the best story in my eyes. I read it three times because I just couldn’t let it go. Call me a sap, because this story was wonderful.

“Unlocking the Mystery” was so, so sweet and beautifully written. I loved the premise of a romance formed through letters and maintained over a lifetime. There were kind of two romances in one in this story and I loved how they overlapped making it feel like where one ended, the other began. It was darling.

I have to say “Summer Solstice” was my least favorite. I understand that the purpose of this book is to go from “hot to sizzling”, and even though it sizzled, it was like the bacon with no eggs. Incomplete. If it had had a bit more romance, I probably would’ve liked it more. As it stands, it wasn’t a bad story, just not that great.

“The Lottery” was good. It was the most erotic story, but it had just the perfect touch of romance which made it complete. The setting was unique and how the tale unfolds is definitely not something you come across every romance novel. It was a good way to end the book, and honestly, I wanted more when I reached the finish line.

Overall, Spring into Summer was a great read and I recommend it to romance lovers who aren’t afraid to let Baylee access their more raw side.

[Tracy Riva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring into Summer
by Eden Baylee
Paperback ISBN 13: 978-1478257677,$12.99, Kindle ASIN B008IJ4BNM, $4.99

Refreshing is the word that comes to mind when describing Eden Baylee’s erotica collection Spring into Summer. It made me believe in hot, sexy love all over again. I found Eden reached deep within herself while writing her short stories and touched her feminine heart and just poured it out on the page. I felt the intoxication of the characters, laughed with them, cried with them, heard the poetry of the Romantics whispered in my waiting ear and felt a yearning that went beyond the merely physical and touched a soul that was filled with more than just lust.

While Baylee’s writing is absolutely everything that erotica should be hot, intense, passionate, it is so much more. Her depictions of her characters are so well done you can picture the shiver of anticipation that races through a woman’s core, hear the deep tones of impassioned speech, picture the sweat on the entwined bodies, feel the struggle to believe in love. To hope that what you see, hear and feel is real and to discover you have a power you never dreamed you possess.

Baylee’s male characters are all strong leading characters in their own right, but it is in the depiction of her female characters that she excels. They are not wimpy, needy, clinging women, but strong, passionate and possessed with a sense of their own power. They are feminine, with all of the wonderful traits that term truly engenders, and she paints accurately, the full spectrum of behavior from women who know what they want and who don’t feel threatened in going after it.

I enjoy good erotica, but Baylee’s tales are so much more than simply good erotica. They are stunning slices of humanity laid bare at their most vulnerable moments and shared with her readers. I cannot recommend Spring into Summer, or Baylee’s talent highly enough.

[Junying · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Eden’s brand of erotic offerings. Her characters are believable and likable; her prose are exquisite and elegant; there are plenty of actions which are both exciting and engaging; then her choice of locations are extremely exotic. Let’s face it, if you are indulging your good self in romantic, erotic and sexy adventures, wouldn’t you pick somewhere like London, Dublin, Cape Cod and Bangkok?

Being an Asian living in the UK, I love the British and Irish Capital cites, for obvious reasons, familiarity being one of them. It was fun for me to ‘stalk’ Eden’s characters and ‘share’ their sexual fantasies. Oh no, I don’t mean exactly sharing these fantasies per se, but I can easily identify where their innermost desires and raw emotions come from, and why they want to act them out, with real and imaginary partners.

Of the four novellas, my personal favourites are the first and the fourth. I keenly feel the love and loss in “A Season for Everything”, as I know how deeply the theme of cancer resonates with the author herself, and many of us readers.

Again, it’s my Asian roots which allow me to get inside the mind and body of Sierra Zhao, as she ventures to exotic Bangkok and beyond, in a tale which is sensual and intriguing. Thailand, her sights and sounds, and her people, becomes even more inviting when I came to the last page of “The Lottery’.

I have given it 4.5 stars on my blog - read my full review on my Author Page on GR or at http://www.junyingkirk.com/?p=2771.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spring Into Summer" by Eden Baylee is a selection of four erotic short stories that transcend the limits of the genre by adding literary quality and substance to the sexiness.
Spring, usually associated with hope and new beginnings, is 'represented' in the book by two short stories that have quite opposite themes in that regard but it makes all sense in the end and makes the stories all the more powerful.
The summer stories are much 'hotter' and as far as the symbolism of the seasons is concerned, Baylee did a splendid job at illustrating both seasons in a unique colouring.
The book contains very explicit sex scenes but, as in life, sexuality is a mere expression of onself and a representation of one's persona. Who and what the four women in these stories are expresses itself in their sexual habits and experiences and leaves this reader impressed and fascinated by the characters and their stories.
It is hugely rewarding to read books that use sex as ingredient for deeper stories instead of writing a story around the sex. Whether you like erotica or not, the stories are worth reading for other reasons, too.
A sensual, thought provoking and fascinating collection, written with elegance and style. Very impressive.

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eBook copy from the author for review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

This is a book comprised of four novellas, each which focuses on a woman in transition. Each woman is at a distinct point in her life where a change is welcome, and a connection with another human being helps to set her on a new path forward. As the seasons move from the promise of spring into the heat promised by summer, each story moves forward in the same way: allowing the characters to bloom under the action of the erotic connections they develop.

As a quick pick-me-up read this book is fabulous. Since each novella stands on its own, there are 4 little moments of ‘ooh’ to entice your imagination and stir your senses. The writing is polished and clever, details show an attention to scene and emotion, and the stories read beautifully. Far from centering solely on the erotic content, these stories manage to create an emotional investment in each woman’s life for the time we spend with them. This is the companion piece to her Fall into Winter collection, although it stands alone as being a successful story compilation.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden Baylee's Spring Into Summer is a must-read pleasure for any season. Four women, four situations, four opportunities for Ms. Baylee to explore not only the feelings and desires of her characters, but also their surroundings, their choices, and their intellect. This book is satisfying because it's well-researched and expertly presented, in addition to just being hot as hell. The stories almost demand repeated readings.

I'm a fan of Ms. Baylee and very much enjoyed Fall Into Winter, her earlier book of four interesting and erotic short stories that I've read over and over. But with this newer volume, Spring Into Summer, Ms. Baylee has grown as a writer, giving us more complex characters and stories, and moments to wonder about and contemplate in addition to the sexy scenes. Ms.Baylee has a real gift, and I look forward to more of her writing, erotic and otherwise.

Intelligent, erudite erotica. Highly recommended!

[Dannie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Into Summer is the second book I’ve read by author Eden Baylee. She has such a way with words that I will read anything she writes.

Spring Into Summer is four erotic tales but I put them in a literary class all their own.
Eden Baylee’s proses are so vivid I felt each heartbeat of her characters. Each tale put me in a different place and filled me with emotions I never expected. I didn’t want the stories to end.

The author’s talent is such that it is hard to choose which tale I enjoyed the most. I think the story that touched my heart more than any was Unlocking the Mystery. It is a story of mysterious feelings enticing Evelyn to finally take a leap of faith to meet the man she was meant to meet.

Through the talent of Eden Baylee I was there at each location; feeling the heat of Thailand, the mist of Ireland, hear the ocean waves lapping the shore, and the excitement of London.

Spring Into Summer is a book you will want to read and come away wanting more!

[Solitaire Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spring Into Summer" by Eden Baylee is a compilation of four Novellas that move chronologically with the seasons. Erotic Literature is not a genre I generally read...however, I was curious, and thank God for my curiosity, because these Novellas were engaging, heartwarming and sexy! Eden's technique is smooth, and so believable, that I found myself trying to read faster to find out what was going to transpire next. I forgot I was reading Erotic Literature, and just got pulled into the story without realizing it was happening. Each story gave good closure, and made me want to continue. I was surprised to find that the erotic parts of the book were there to enhance the feelings that the stories were trying to portray. Not to overtake them. To say that I'm impressed with "Spring Into Summer," and Eden Baylee would be an understatement. Simply superb!

[Tony McManus]

A cocktail of fine romance and vivid, spicy sex.

This is the third book of Eden Baylee's that I've read and for me the best. Comprised of four novellas it is pure delight. Her ablilty to weave love and romance, and often moving romance, with vivid, explicit, hard driving sex scenes that turn the reader on, is amazing: it's a skill, a talent, I suspect few have. My two favourites were: A Season For Everything, and The Lottery.
Miss Baylee is a gifted writer. She also has imagination. Her stories are original and well plotted, her characters come off the page fully developed and real: no stick figures here. I really fell for Sierra, the young Chinese/Canadian girl in The Lottery.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre. They won't be disappointed.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

To call this erotica is, in my opinion, an insult to Eden Baylee's immense talent. These are not one-dimensional stories about sex. These are stories about love, loss, passion, and self-discovery. The journeys are beautiful and heart wrenching. Yes, there are erotic sex scenes. But beyond that are stories that struck me deep and will stick with me for a very long time.

If you're looking for nothing more than arousal, these stories probably aren't for you. With this collection, Eden Baylee gives us an emotional connection, flawless writing, and a fully captivating experience.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

She outdid herself. Four sexy, well crafted novellas full of well rounded female characters. Her best book yet.

[Cassandra Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, hot, and evocative set of four stories. The stories are independent of each other, but that doesn't make them any less enjoyable.

[John McCaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping stories, with great characters, pacing, and well-thought-out plots. A fast and fun read with lots of wisdom on romance, relationships and everything in between.

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Into Summer is a spicy collection of smart, sexy, revealing stories filled with human interaction where sex is not the only highlight. There is more to these tales while still being stunningly sexy.

Season for Everything is a realistic story about Claire, a young woman that needs to get out more. She has doubts and insecurities but an instant attraction to Stephen who was practically a stranger but stirred feelings in her that she didn't expect. This is a spicy read but takes a little  time to work up to it but when the time comes... Pow!

Crisp, well-written and plays out visually on the pages. A touching, erotic, romantic story with depth. Captivating.

Quote ~

"And so I began the love affair I knew could not possibly have a happy ending. I dove into it with my eyes open, my mind alert, yet I was blind and unaware. The only thing I prepared myself for was a broken heart-of this, I had no doubt."

Unlocking the Mystery by Eden Baylee is another scrumptious, decadent tale by this well-accomplished writer. So nicely done, as a reader I can glide from page to page without much effort at all. There is something sharp about the authors prose. Raw, passionate, delicate and definitely erotic. There is strength in her choice of words. Exquisite and yet surprising at the same time. Great attention to even the smallest of details.

This is a beautiful story, romantic, tantalizing, unexpected and sentimental. A provocative escape into the unknown. An easy book to cozy into. Something I would expect from this author.

Quote ~

"Before going to bed each night, Evelyn pulled out a year or two's worth of letters and reread them, trying to figure out why she held the key. Though she was not a believer in fate, she sensed Carolyn entrusted her with this intimate part of her life for a reason. Was she trying to tell her something? Did she have unfinished business? Or was Rachel right, was all of this simply a coincidence?"


The Lottery by Eden Baylee, a novella tastefully done and passion driven. This smooth story grabbed my attention and had me reading with great enthusiasm and curiosity.

This tale of sacrifice moved me and took me in. Though I have never been to Thailand, this book transported me there, instantly. It took me outside myself and to a place I only dream about discovering on my own.

The Lottery touched me, satisfied me and filled me with warmth and sexual tension to boot. More than anything, the friendships the author writes about are more beautiful than any painting I have ever seen. I could have kept reading as I was so immersed in this tantalizing story.

Quote ~

"The sisters walked arm in arm like I used to do with my best friend when we were kids. I was a bit uncomfortable when Jade took my arm but soon realized many of the girls I saw did the same. An interesting cultural difference, I thought. It did get the attention of foreign men though, some who ogled us shamelessly. Their lecherous looks bothered me, but the girls didn't seem to notice."


"Who would it be tonight?
Brawny Gerard Butler? Swaggering Johnny Depp? Or some complete stranger?"

Summer Solstice is another surprising tale by the author who knows how to get right to the point. This story centers around thirty-something Ava who was withdrawn due to a tragedy over the summer. For her to get back to her old self she would need to make an asserted effort. After all, she wasn't getting any younger!


Be prepared for aggressive sexual storytelling. The authors direct style is gripping, strong and forceful. Hard to walk away from these well developed, enticing erotic stories. I was captivated from the beginning. All the way through to the last sentence. There is magic in the words and this author doesn't waste any of them. She uses them carefully and delicately and then... Aggressively or as in this case, the other way around. Nothing left out for the imagination so it's a good thing I like it that way. Summer Solstice takes you for a ride like no other. A Big Bang!

Quote ~

"The candlelight mixed with the hot steam created a thick fog. It floated toward the open bathroom door like a long drag released from a cigarette."

[Eden Baylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author adding it as 'read'