This is a very well-written novel from first time novelist (though her short stories can be found around) Donna Storey. Amorous Woman appeals very much to women who have strong sex drives and love the idea of the exotic.
The main character, Lydia, is a likeable woman--which is not as common a thing as one might think in erotica. That she is such an enjoyable person to follow helps to keep you in the story. While her exploits might raise an eyebrow or two (unless prostitution is pretty common in your home, I guess), the book never strays into clearly niche fantasies. For the most part, even someone without much experience of erotica could find this an approachable book.
While the sex scenes are duly lustful and eloquent, there are times when moving the story along seems to be more the goal than the sex itself. That will definitely be a good thing for those of us who enjoy a story as much as we like to get to the dirt, but there were a couple of times when you kind of wonder if you missed a page or two. I remember one scene wherein there was quite a buildup to Lydia having sex with a visiting American tourist and it got right to the point where they were ready to go upstairs...and then the chapter ended. And it was just that abrupt. It actually made me laugh out loud to realize that there really wasn't going to be so much as a flashback to the scene.
Other than that one little stylistic choice, this is a great book for a bit of nighttime reading. There is also enough diversity in the scenes played out that this book would work well for reading bits aloud to your partner in hopes of sparking your own play.
Focusing on sex in Japan is a great departure from the more usual erotic scenes and I certainly enjoyed getting a peek into such a different culture. Storey clearly has a love for and an interest in this land, and that comes through with her writing. A piece of erotica that works equally well story-wise and for an insight into a whole other life makes this a great addition to your erotic bookshelf. I have no doubt I'll be rereading this in the future.