"What differentiates between human and machine when technology cheats death?"

At what point is a human being no longer considered human? That question is at the heart of this story. In far-future Earth, medical technology has enabled people who would normally die to survive by the use of artificial organs and other parts. "Mechos" as they're called, are becoming second-class citizens in Newcity. One such mecho, Gemma, works as a Recreational Intercourse Operative, a RIO.

Gemma wasn't consulted before surgeons turned her into a mecho, but being alive is better than dead. Too bad her husband didn't feel the same way. Eight years after her transformation, Gemma still hurts over the cold rejection she received. Working as a RIO is nice, with lots of extra perks. As a RI operative, Gemma is one of many who tests pleasurebots for malfunctions. Having sex for recreation on the job is a strict no-no. Sexual intercourse is work, plain and simple.

When Gemma spots a PSSN-M standing alone at a Lovehut on her patrol, she is drawn to him. Some of the Passion Models have a malfunctioning ignition, which has to be tested for. If a PSSN-M were to malfunction with a partner, the pleasurebot could literally screw the client to death because it can't turn off. This Passion Model is obviously a custom order, with his dark hair and eyes. Testing him will not be a hardship. However, Declan isn't quite what Gemma thinks. He's not a pleasurebot, he's human.

Events quickly spiral out of control as Gemma gets caught up in intrigue that swirls around Declan. He wants to keep seeing Gemma after the misidentification, but will she risk her career for him? And Declan has secrets that could cost Gemma her job -- or even her life.

Ms. Hart has created a believable world one thousand years in the future. I truly feel that Declan and Gemma are in love by the end of PASSION MODEL. The supporting characters are fully fleshed out, with Kaelyn the fairy stealing the show at times. Told in first person, the story isn't for everyone, but fans of the science fiction romance genre should definitely check it out. They won't regret it.

Sensuality: Rated Hard R by the publisher. Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 8.

Reviewed by Denise Powers
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted December 27, 2003

Also available in paperback (ISBN 1592798950).

Summary

When Recreational Intercourse Operative GMMA 03271971 drags a PSSN-M model Pleasurebot to an inspection station to check for a faulty ignition, she doesn't expect his lovemaking to send her over the edge into the most explosive climax she's ever had. But what she really doesn't expect is to find the handsome bot is really a man. Declan has a secret, one that could get Gemma fired from R.I.O, or worse...maybe even killed.

Publisher rating: Hard R.