(1 review)
$7.99
Traces of Desire (Drawing the Line Book 1)
by Big Ed Magusson
Language: English
Categories: Fiction » Erotica » Contemporary
Content Rating: Extreme Contents
The first strokes are the hardest.
Mike’s traditional background didn’t prepare him for the whole new world of college. Sexy women flashed him. His new roommate regularly charmed ladies into his bed. Meanwhile, Mike dreamed about his roommate’s sister.
Then the sight of green panties started him down the path to a life he’d never imagined.
As he eased into this open-minded world, he had to learn: where would he draw the line?
Traces of Desire follows the first steps of Mike’s journey as he draws the picture that will become his life.
Note: this is a seven book series and the sex is minimal in Book One.
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Reader Reviews
Joe Long
What is there without commitment?
Reviewed it on July 18, 2025
When love, lust, and loyalty collide, the only thing certain is that nothing will ever feel simple again. Things seemed so simple to Mike when he arrived at CU Boulder — even as his father worried he’d be corrupted by the university’s famously liberal mindset. But almost immediately, Mike struggles not to be overwhelmed by all the people, personalities, and lifestyles he encounters, which forces him to question his upbringing and what he truly wants in life. Mike begins his first year of college just wanting a girlfriend — hoping to recapture the closeness he’d felt with his now-ex, who’s gone to school in California. But he’s quickly swept up by the possibilities, as each woman he meets has her own unique story and complications. When it finally clicks with the one he’s been waiting for, he must confront whether their deeply ingrained worldviews can be reconciled — or if they’re destined to drive each other apart. I was struck by how skillfully the author seeded all the story elements early on, letting them bloom naturally rather than dumping exposition. The characters are distinct and well-developed, each with their own believable flaws and motivations. The pacing lags a bit in the middle as Mike moves from one experience to another. Drama comes when social groups mix and expectations clash, with misread signals leading to hurt, but the emotional intensity ramps up at the end as questions are answered — just as Mike thinks he’s found what he’s been looking for. Overall: ★★★★½ — Plot, characters, and writing are all first-rate, on par with or better than much of what’s on the mainstream commercial market today. Thoughtful, realistic, and deeply human — highly recommended.