The Book of the Most Precious Substance

Nothing kills arousal like reading throbbing member or fire in the loins. 

Fortunately, in Sara Gran’s deft hands, the sex scenes in The Book of the Most Precious Substance are hot, kinky, and, ahem, tasteful. 

The main character, Lily Albrecht, is an author and rare book dealer desperately searching for a 17th-century manual on sex magic.

In pursuit of this rare and powerful grimoire, Lily travels from New York to L.A. to New Orleans and Paris, immersing herself in sensual pleasures—sumptuous food, hotels, clothing, and, yes, feverish sex. 

But the book isn’t just about eroticism, power, and pleasure. It’s about intimacy. The intimacy with books—how they unveil life’s mysteries. The curious intimacy we share with strangers. The intimacy with our partners and passions until they become a burden.

It’s also about taking extraordinary measures to reclaim one’s life when dealt an unexpected hand, like the debilitating illness of a husband. And, of course, it’s a book about books. 

Like the sought-after grimoire, the novel itself is a type of magic. From the foreplay to the climax to the afterglow (and inevitable letdown),  Gran’s clever sorcery leaves us satisfied and wanting more. 

Follow Sara on Instagram @sara__gran.

Dreamland Books on X @Dreamland108