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Pleasure House #1
Guilty Pleasures
"Kitty Thomas is a one-click author for me!" -Anna Zaires, NYT Bestselling author of Twist Me
She was a bored housewife until she was taken and trained for the pleasure of the highest bidder.
Vivian Delaney’s life seems privileged on the outside, but behind closed doors she’s trapped in a gilded cage. Her loveless marriage soon drives her into the arms of a charming and seductive Russian who says all the right things and knows exactly how to touch her.
But Anton is more than he seems.
After gaining her trust, he lures her to a secret estate in the middle of nowhere where she will be trained and sold to the highest bidder. Suddenly all of her fantasies have gotten just a little too real. Can she surrender to the ruthless desire of the man who will claim her as his?
All the books in the Pleasures House series are interlocking standalones and can be read in any order.
She was a bored housewife until she was taken and trained for the pleasure of the highest bidder.
Vivian Delaney’s life seems privileged on the outside, but behind closed doors she’s trapped in a gilded cage. Her loveless marriage soon drives her into the arms of a charming and seductive Russian who says all the right things and knows exactly how to touch her.
But Anton is more than he seems.
After gaining her trust, he lures her to a secret estate in the middle of nowhere where she will be trained and sold to the highest bidder. Suddenly all of her fantasies have gotten just a little too real. Can she surrender to the ruthless desire of the man who will claim her as his?
All the books in the Pleasures House series are interlocking standalones and can be read in any order.
Paperback
First published December 14, 2010
About the author
Kitty Thomas
53 books4,745 followers😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈
NEW RELEASE:
🐻 MATING SEASON: A Bear Shifter Captive Romance: 🐻
You're a woman alone in the forest. Would you rather meet a strange man or a bear? What if the bear is a shifter who thinks you're his fated mate?
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9CMVC8J
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/mating-s...
"Love a Kitty Thomas story. Her stories are FAST, and resolve quickly, which makes them fun and easy reads. This is no exception. We get a romance, danger, and a happy ending in a book you can read in one sitting.” -Brooke, Goodreads
"So my inner voice was telling me that if I were in Rosalie’s running shoes, I would eyes-to-heaven be thanking the universe and riding hot and sexy Cooper as if my last quarter was permanently stuck in the pony ride.” -Buffyanna, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
NEW RELEASE:
🐻 MATING SEASON: A Bear Shifter Captive Romance: 🐻
You're a woman alone in the forest. Would you rather meet a strange man or a bear? What if the bear is a shifter who thinks you're his fated mate?
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9CMVC8J
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/mating-s...
"Love a Kitty Thomas story. Her stories are FAST, and resolve quickly, which makes them fun and easy reads. This is no exception. We get a romance, danger, and a happy ending in a book you can read in one sitting.” -Brooke, Goodreads
"So my inner voice was telling me that if I were in Rosalie’s running shoes, I would eyes-to-heaven be thanking the universe and riding hot and sexy Cooper as if my last quarter was permanently stuck in the pony ride.” -Buffyanna, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
June 14, 2011
Ms. Thomas, you are a crazy woman and I fear for the people around you. If you can come up with intense training and crazy ass punishments like in this book, then you are a sadistic if clever bitch.
Now that I've railed at Ms. Thomas, I'll try to put into words how I feel. This book was intensely overwhelming for me. I was warned I'd never like massage therapy again. Fortunately, I go to females only so I won't have this issue. This book was bad for me in many ways. I was angry at Vivian at first. She is such a dumb bitch. She played the trophy wife. She could have done so much more.
Michael, ah, Michael - the loving dumbass husband. Was I all surprised at the ending? No, if the ending didn't go as I expected, I probably would have written a nasty email (okay, maybe several) to Ms. Thomas. (BTW, I guessed the ending after the first chapter but my suspicion was confirmed by the locked door.) FUCK! This book messed up my mind badly. I have to say this is so far the sweetest and most romantic book from Ms. Thomas. (Hard to believe? Then try her next two books
and
) I guess that makes sense since it's her first book and every girl has romance in them until it's beaten out of them. I digress.
I hated Michael. I really did. Even at the end, I'm not sure I could reconcile the entire story. I understand why it happened and honestly, it's a pretty hot fantasy. One that I've had many times myself. My problem is how they forced her into it. She didn't even know. I think the most telling for me was the episode in the gym, after her workout with that bastard Brian. Honestly, are all these men stupid? Did they not realize that she had to make a choice, not be forced into a choice through blackmail? Fucking neanderthals. Maybe it works with some women, but it doesn't work with her.
I confess; I wish she had immediately gone to her husband at the first abuse. I would have. But then again, it wouldn't have gotten that far for me because I'd had broken every finger in that person's bones for touching me. Then again, I'm not a repressed frigid cunt like Vivian. The way she treated Michael at the beginning of the story horrified me. She was mean and cruel in the most hurtful of ways. Her lack of adequacy equated to her abusive behaviour to him. How he loved her, I will never understand. This once again goes back to the three things I tell anyone who is getting married.
*** Warning lengthy preaching ***
1. Honestly discuss sexual desires and expectations before you get married. If you don't match, don't get married. It won't work. I guarantee it. One of you will cheat and both of you will be miserable.
2. Figure out the finances. If you can't agree on how money is spent, you will be fighting all the time. Many couples get angry and try to outspend each other. Stupid much?
3. Decide if your child raising methods are the same. If not, either get on the same page or don't have kids. The last thing in a marriage needs is to have fighting parents due to kids playing one off the other. You'll lose your spouse and the kids will be fucked up with separation anxiety or mommy/daddy desertion issues.
*** End of lengthy preaching ***
Anyway, the top two definitely show how it can all go wrong in Ms. Thomas's guilty pleasure. Her book is named so right. I'm still messed up over this book. I don't know when I'll get over it. I recommend this to all lovers of BDSM. This is truly an emotionally riveting book.
Now that I've railed at Ms. Thomas, I'll try to put into words how I feel. This book was intensely overwhelming for me. I was warned I'd never like massage therapy again. Fortunately, I go to females only so I won't have this issue. This book was bad for me in many ways. I was angry at Vivian at first. She is such a dumb bitch. She played the trophy wife. She could have done so much more.
Michael, ah, Michael - the loving dumbass husband. Was I all surprised at the ending? No, if the ending didn't go as I expected, I probably would have written a nasty email (okay, maybe several) to Ms. Thomas. (BTW, I guessed the ending after the first chapter but my suspicion was confirmed by the locked door.) FUCK! This book messed up my mind badly. I have to say this is so far the sweetest and most romantic book from Ms. Thomas. (Hard to believe? Then try her next two books
and
) I guess that makes sense since it's her first book and every girl has romance in them until it's beaten out of them. I digress.I hated Michael. I really did. Even at the end, I'm not sure I could reconcile the entire story. I understand why it happened and honestly, it's a pretty hot fantasy. One that I've had many times myself. My problem is how they forced her into it. She didn't even know. I think the most telling for me was the episode in the gym, after her workout with that bastard Brian. Honestly, are all these men stupid? Did they not realize that she had to make a choice, not be forced into a choice through blackmail? Fucking neanderthals. Maybe it works with some women, but it doesn't work with her.
I confess; I wish she had immediately gone to her husband at the first abuse. I would have. But then again, it wouldn't have gotten that far for me because I'd had broken every finger in that person's bones for touching me. Then again, I'm not a repressed frigid cunt like Vivian. The way she treated Michael at the beginning of the story horrified me. She was mean and cruel in the most hurtful of ways. Her lack of adequacy equated to her abusive behaviour to him. How he loved her, I will never understand. This once again goes back to the three things I tell anyone who is getting married.
*** Warning lengthy preaching ***
1. Honestly discuss sexual desires and expectations before you get married. If you don't match, don't get married. It won't work. I guarantee it. One of you will cheat and both of you will be miserable.
2. Figure out the finances. If you can't agree on how money is spent, you will be fighting all the time. Many couples get angry and try to outspend each other. Stupid much?
3. Decide if your child raising methods are the same. If not, either get on the same page or don't have kids. The last thing in a marriage needs is to have fighting parents due to kids playing one off the other. You'll lose your spouse and the kids will be fucked up with separation anxiety or mommy/daddy desertion issues.
*** End of lengthy preaching ***
Anyway, the top two definitely show how it can all go wrong in Ms. Thomas's guilty pleasure. Her book is named so right. I'm still messed up over this book. I don't know when I'll get over it. I recommend this to all lovers of BDSM. This is truly an emotionally riveting book.
October 11, 2015
KITTY THOMAS MARATHON!
** 3,5-4 STARS **
“Tell me little sl*t, does your c*nt belong to you?”
“No, Sir.”
“Who does it belong to, then?”
“THE HOUSE.”
Would have been a perfect 5-star read if I wasn't such a weirdo and had to go see the twist coming from the first 20% of the book. *sigh*
July 2, 2015
Have you ever seen the movie "The Game" with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn? Well, this is like an erotic, BDSM version of that movie...sort of...
I haven't heard much about this book, probably because everyone couldn't seem to talk enough about K.T.'s Comfort Food...which was also a great read, but this one is FANTASTIC! Oh! I freaking loved this book! Now, you have to go in to this book knowing that it is not light and fluffy. It is on the dark side, but when you look at the story overall once you have finished, there is so much more to it than that, really delving into the psychological aspects of D/s relationships and other relating factors.
I don't really like to spoil the story for those who haven't read the book, even when I have indicated spoilers, so I will do my best here... The story sucked me in right away and quickly progressed to paint a picture of a couple who once loved each other, but have lost the spark...well, Vivian has lost the spark. In the beginning, I really wanted to slap Vivian. She had this wonderfully attentive husband who wanted no one but her but she was repulsed by him and did everything she could to push him away. After a series of "encounters" with people her husband referred her to, she finds herself in a situation where she must make a deal with the devil in order to hold on the the life she has been accustomed to...when, just 5 minutes ago, she wasn't even sure she wanted that life. Of course, it didn't take long for me to begin to feel sorry for her...she was, seemingly, in a no win situation.
Guilty Pleasures was provocative in the sense that this situation could really happen! When I look back at the logistics of Vivi's descent into this world, layer by layer it is a totally plausible situation. I figured out how it was going to end fairly early in the book, but it didn't ruin the story for me at all. Kitty Thomas is to darkness as Selena Kitt is to taboo...crafty at weaving the story and sucking you in - even when you think there must be something wrong with you for loving such a story. I was very pleased with how this story wrapped up and I wouldn't have change a single word of it!
If you like stories that skirt the edge of sanity a bit and touch on taboo topics such as dubious-consent (not non-con, because she has a choice in the matter), kidnap and forced slavery, then read this little gem, I promise, you won't be disappointed.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
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I haven't heard much about this book, probably because everyone couldn't seem to talk enough about K.T.'s Comfort Food...which was also a great read, but this one is FANTASTIC! Oh! I freaking loved this book! Now, you have to go in to this book knowing that it is not light and fluffy. It is on the dark side, but when you look at the story overall once you have finished, there is so much more to it than that, really delving into the psychological aspects of D/s relationships and other relating factors.
I don't really like to spoil the story for those who haven't read the book, even when I have indicated spoilers, so I will do my best here... The story sucked me in right away and quickly progressed to paint a picture of a couple who once loved each other, but have lost the spark...well, Vivian has lost the spark. In the beginning, I really wanted to slap Vivian. She had this wonderfully attentive husband who wanted no one but her but she was repulsed by him and did everything she could to push him away. After a series of "encounters" with people her husband referred her to, she finds herself in a situation where she must make a deal with the devil in order to hold on the the life she has been accustomed to...when, just 5 minutes ago, she wasn't even sure she wanted that life. Of course, it didn't take long for me to begin to feel sorry for her...she was, seemingly, in a no win situation.
Guilty Pleasures was provocative in the sense that this situation could really happen! When I look back at the logistics of Vivi's descent into this world, layer by layer it is a totally plausible situation. I figured out how it was going to end fairly early in the book, but it didn't ruin the story for me at all. Kitty Thomas is to darkness as Selena Kitt is to taboo...crafty at weaving the story and sucking you in - even when you think there must be something wrong with you for loving such a story. I was very pleased with how this story wrapped up and I wouldn't have change a single word of it!
If you like stories that skirt the edge of sanity a bit and touch on taboo topics such as dubious-consent (not non-con, because she has a choice in the matter), kidnap and forced slavery, then read this little gem, I promise, you won't be disappointed.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic eBook Exchange
July 30, 2020
Scorching hot and satisfyingly twisted.
Despite guessing the twist from the off (since there's plenty of foreshadowing), I still absolutely loved this book. The richness and enjoyment of watching, of experiencing, Vivian's battles with her submission was captivating. Added to that wondering just how the twist would play out, how Vivian would react to the revelation had me on edge too. This is very much a story of forced submission, if that doesn't float your particular boat then this might not be for you. Vivian, however, is a very repressed submissive though, so her conflict comes much less from what she is subjected to and much more from allowing herself to accept her feelings and desires.
As is so very common in a Kitty Thomas book, this is unusual in that there isn't a clear "hero" character, nor is there a traditional HEA. Not really a HFN. In fact I think we need a new acronym of KVOHEAWTHGWSN - "Kitty's Version Of Happy Ever After Where The Heroine Gets What She Needs." I found my feelings of Michael, Gabe, Lyndsay and Anton very much reflected how Vivian felt about them, because we only have her perspective, her feelings and emotions to guide us on both characters and events. It's capture/rape fantasy at it's finest, a smorgasbord of everything our lusting little hearts and minds could desire. Those who don't have these kind of fantasies, or who are as in denial about it as Vivian is, might feel that this is abuse, that it is degrading and criminal. As Vivian learnt, there should be no guilt or embarrassment in admitting and indulging in those baser desires, however "wrong" society tells us they are.
In terms of captive romances this was not as harsh or violent as some. Gabe, Anton and Lyndsay might torment and punish Vivian, but no more than one would expect from a consensual BDSM relationship. That line of consent is incredibly smudged and blurry, it is crossed but at the same time it isn't crossed. Vivian may have had options but they were very much a Hobson's choice of between the devil and the deep blue sea. What is clear is that her "true" self is fully onboard, but social conditioning and moral obligations hold her back.
The sex scenes are scorching hot, kinky and depraved, and even when she was punished the men made sure she was never scared. This quote here nicely sums up the feel, the ethos one could say, of the book.
Talk about killing with kindness, though this was more breaking down inhibitions and repression with pleasure and orgasms.
I've now got a complete hankering to read the next book in this series... but then I do find Kitty Thomas' work to be utterly addictive.
Her panties were soaked again. She wasn't in the best position to make a rational decision. Most people weren't when they were that horny, or they wouldn't make half the stupid sexual choices they made.
Despite guessing the twist from the off (since there's plenty of foreshadowing), I still absolutely loved this book. The richness and enjoyment of watching, of experiencing, Vivian's battles with her submission was captivating. Added to that wondering just how the twist would play out, how Vivian would react to the revelation had me on edge too. This is very much a story of forced submission, if that doesn't float your particular boat then this might not be for you. Vivian, however, is a very repressed submissive though, so her conflict comes much less from what she is subjected to and much more from allowing herself to accept her feelings and desires.
As is so very common in a Kitty Thomas book, this is unusual in that there isn't a clear "hero" character, nor is there a traditional HEA. Not really a HFN. In fact I think we need a new acronym of KVOHEAWTHGWSN - "Kitty's Version Of Happy Ever After Where The Heroine Gets What She Needs." I found my feelings of Michael, Gabe, Lyndsay and Anton very much reflected how Vivian felt about them, because we only have her perspective, her feelings and emotions to guide us on both characters and events. It's capture/rape fantasy at it's finest, a smorgasbord of everything our lusting little hearts and minds could desire. Those who don't have these kind of fantasies, or who are as in denial about it as Vivian is, might feel that this is abuse, that it is degrading and criminal. As Vivian learnt, there should be no guilt or embarrassment in admitting and indulging in those baser desires, however "wrong" society tells us they are.
In terms of captive romances this was not as harsh or violent as some. Gabe, Anton and Lyndsay might torment and punish Vivian, but no more than one would expect from a consensual BDSM relationship. That line of consent is incredibly smudged and blurry, it is crossed but at the same time it isn't crossed. Vivian may have had options but they were very much a Hobson's choice of between the devil and the deep blue sea. What is clear is that her "true" self is fully onboard, but social conditioning and moral obligations hold her back.
The sex scenes are scorching hot, kinky and depraved, and even when she was punished the men made sure she was never scared. This quote here nicely sums up the feel, the ethos one could say, of the book.
"I'm not going to hurt you. That's not the point of this exercise. I'm training you to like this, not be terrified of it for the rest of your life."
Talk about killing with kindness, though this was more breaking down inhibitions and repression with pleasure and orgasms.
I've now got a complete hankering to read the next book in this series... but then I do find Kitty Thomas' work to be utterly addictive.
July 14, 2019
Two sad stars. I really wish I liked it.
Also, SPOILERS!
Let me just get this out of the way first; I think Kitty Thomas is a talented writer. Even when I felt like the story was incredibly stupid, it was a well told stupidity. But an intriguing premise / a promising beginning sadly crumbled into a bit of a mess as the story went on.
Okay, basic plot info for you - Vivian Delaney lives a life of luxury. She and her extraordinarily handsome husband are basically swimming in money. But when it comes to the bedroom, things are hardly rosy. Vivian finds herself unable to bear her husband's touch. Sex is a joyless chore for her, a reality she seems to have accepted will never change.
He reached out to touch her again, and she couldn’t stop the instinct to pull away. His answering look of contempt made her feel dirty for having had sex with her own husband.
When her husband Michael suggests a therapist, Vivian is resistant to the idea - she loves Michael, but discussing her sex life is not something she's been itching to do. She does end up going - the story would have ended in the second chapter if she'd simply said fuck no and saved everyone a lot of trouble.
And from the moment Vivian begins receiving 'help' from this 'therapist', the story starts to fall apart.
I still think the beginning of the book had oodles of potential. I really liked that it focused on someone who was having mental and physical trouble getting satisfaction. It feels really fresh, because A LOT of smut has a problem with characters, especially heroines, orgasaming faster than the speed of sound.
I was looking forward to a smutty tale of sexual reawakening and Vivian discovering what she really wanted. Unfortunately, the book has some very shitty issues with consent. It makes an attempt to acknowledge them, but doesn't make any ground addressing these issues. Vivian is repeatedly sexually assaulted, blackmailed, raped, and imprisoned. Then she's repeatedly told that it was her fault, that she likes this.
“It’s too hard to live both ways. Feeling like property and also feeling like a guest. You’ve made my situation clear."
Coercion wasn’t consent.
For a book that literally contains the above sentence, the coercion and imprisonment of Vivian is treated so lightly. The story constantly justifies it, saying she liked it, that she had so many chances to back out. Which is total bullshit! Blurring the lines of consent in erotica is a shitty shitty move when you simultaneously sexualize and/or excuse the abuse.
And yeah, I get that this is fiction, but if your fiction is grounded in the real world (e.g., a book where the heroine is trafficked to be a sex slave,) you aren't automatically exempt from the context of the real world. If most of your male characters kidnap, train, and sell women as part of a sex slavery ring, there are real life implications to that. It doesn't matter that these men are all good looking to a statistically unlikely degree or that she gets sold back to her husband eventually. It's still a blatantly romanticized account of abuse.
Also, the whole Micheal thing was predictable. Like from the very beginning, it was obvious that he was involved in the whole therapist / masseuse plot. Then as soon as they mentioned selling her? I mean come on, helloooo giant flashing neon sign.
A few final thoughts:
Vivian and her neighbor watch Secretary together, which I think was supposed to be a big hint to Vivian being into submission. But it felt too inauthentic to really fit into the story. Also...kinky people can watch other stuff. Like I am 1000% sure there is a dominatrix out there who just chills out after work and watches Parks and Rec.
Secretary is a fantastic movie though.
I need to point out that Flower is a dumb pet name; all I can think of is the cute lil skunk from Bambi.
Finally, I hate when anyone's ass is referred to as 'globes'. Sorry, but I can't take a book seriously when I'm imagining a literal globe just spinning around and around where an asscheek should be.
God this was a long ass review, written at the end of a long ass week. Hallelujah both are over! I firmly believe a good book rant is cathartic, and it's what I needed to do to put Guilty Pleasures behind me. I won't write Kitty Thomas off, especially when it comes to freebies, because the actual writing of this was good. But when it comes to the world of the 'The Pleasure House' (excuse me while I barf at that name), I'm happy to have it in my rear-view mirror.
Also, SPOILERS!
Let me just get this out of the way first; I think Kitty Thomas is a talented writer. Even when I felt like the story was incredibly stupid, it was a well told stupidity. But an intriguing premise / a promising beginning sadly crumbled into a bit of a mess as the story went on.
Okay, basic plot info for you - Vivian Delaney lives a life of luxury. She and her extraordinarily handsome husband are basically swimming in money. But when it comes to the bedroom, things are hardly rosy. Vivian finds herself unable to bear her husband's touch. Sex is a joyless chore for her, a reality she seems to have accepted will never change.
He reached out to touch her again, and she couldn’t stop the instinct to pull away. His answering look of contempt made her feel dirty for having had sex with her own husband.
When her husband Michael suggests a therapist, Vivian is resistant to the idea - she loves Michael, but discussing her sex life is not something she's been itching to do. She does end up going - the story would have ended in the second chapter if she'd simply said fuck no and saved everyone a lot of trouble.
And from the moment Vivian begins receiving 'help' from this 'therapist', the story starts to fall apart.
I still think the beginning of the book had oodles of potential. I really liked that it focused on someone who was having mental and physical trouble getting satisfaction. It feels really fresh, because A LOT of smut has a problem with characters, especially heroines, orgasaming faster than the speed of sound.
I was looking forward to a smutty tale of sexual reawakening and Vivian discovering what she really wanted. Unfortunately, the book has some very shitty issues with consent. It makes an attempt to acknowledge them, but doesn't make any ground addressing these issues. Vivian is repeatedly sexually assaulted, blackmailed, raped, and imprisoned. Then she's repeatedly told that it was her fault, that she likes this.
“It’s too hard to live both ways. Feeling like property and also feeling like a guest. You’ve made my situation clear."
Coercion wasn’t consent.
For a book that literally contains the above sentence, the coercion and imprisonment of Vivian is treated so lightly. The story constantly justifies it, saying she liked it, that she had so many chances to back out. Which is total bullshit! Blurring the lines of consent in erotica is a shitty shitty move when you simultaneously sexualize and/or excuse the abuse.
And yeah, I get that this is fiction, but if your fiction is grounded in the real world (e.g., a book where the heroine is trafficked to be a sex slave,) you aren't automatically exempt from the context of the real world. If most of your male characters kidnap, train, and sell women as part of a sex slavery ring, there are real life implications to that. It doesn't matter that these men are all good looking to a statistically unlikely degree or that she gets sold back to her husband eventually. It's still a blatantly romanticized account of abuse.
Also, the whole Micheal thing was predictable. Like from the very beginning, it was obvious that he was involved in the whole therapist / masseuse plot. Then as soon as they mentioned selling her? I mean come on, helloooo giant flashing neon sign.
A few final thoughts:
Vivian and her neighbor watch Secretary together, which I think was supposed to be a big hint to Vivian being into submission. But it felt too inauthentic to really fit into the story. Also...kinky people can watch other stuff. Like I am 1000% sure there is a dominatrix out there who just chills out after work and watches Parks and Rec.
Secretary is a fantastic movie though.
I need to point out that Flower is a dumb pet name; all I can think of is the cute lil skunk from Bambi.
Finally, I hate when anyone's ass is referred to as 'globes'. Sorry, but I can't take a book seriously when I'm imagining a literal globe just spinning around and around where an asscheek should be.
God this was a long ass review, written at the end of a long ass week. Hallelujah both are over! I firmly believe a good book rant is cathartic, and it's what I needed to do to put Guilty Pleasures behind me. I won't write Kitty Thomas off, especially when it comes to freebies, because the actual writing of this was good. But when it comes to the world of the 'The Pleasure House' (excuse me while I barf at that name), I'm happy to have it in my rear-view mirror.
June 27, 2015
3.5 stars
Dark and twisted, Kitty Thomas is a great story teller.
This is about Vivian. A woman who has been detached from her sexuality and her husband for years.
When her husband as had enough of her cold demeanor, he suggests for his wife to seek a sex therapist. Underneath it all, he still loves her.
Her therapist recommends she visit a spa where she will be treated with a massage that may help in opening her up. She agrees to give it a try. Vivian didn't expect the massager to be an Adonis that was able to put a crack in her walls.
Although she wouldn't admit it, she has become addicted to the sexual desire he has awakened in her.
But that was just the beginning....
Whoa! Just when I thought everything was as it seemed, and it was a battle of how Vivian felt about having these desires for a stranger over her husband, the whole story tilted. I should have known Kitty Thomas would have something up her sleeve.
Let's face it, Vivian wasn't very likable. You could tell that her husband loved and respected her, yet she was basically a piece of furniture in their rich home. She was ungrateful, paranoid, and above all, a cold fish.
Even though I was put off by the heroine, I still enjoyed the story and the turn it took. I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I hadn't known the outcome. While checking out some ratings on this, a particular review caught my eye, and basically the first sentence SPOILED what had taken place. Not cool!! It would have been nice to read this going in more blind, as the blurb is particularly vague.
Because this was ruined for me, I'm not going to say anything else about the book. I thought the plot was well executed and written. I look forward to more from this author.
Would recommend if you like a shmexy read that hovers over the dark side.
Dark and twisted, Kitty Thomas is a great story teller.
This is about Vivian. A woman who has been detached from her sexuality and her husband for years.
When her husband as had enough of her cold demeanor, he suggests for his wife to seek a sex therapist. Underneath it all, he still loves her.
Her therapist recommends she visit a spa where she will be treated with a massage that may help in opening her up. She agrees to give it a try. Vivian didn't expect the massager to be an Adonis that was able to put a crack in her walls.
Although she wouldn't admit it, she has become addicted to the sexual desire he has awakened in her.
But that was just the beginning....
"Your world is over. You're in ours now."
Whoa! Just when I thought everything was as it seemed, and it was a battle of how Vivian felt about having these desires for a stranger over her husband, the whole story tilted. I should have known Kitty Thomas would have something up her sleeve.
Let's face it, Vivian wasn't very likable. You could tell that her husband loved and respected her, yet she was basically a piece of furniture in their rich home. She was ungrateful, paranoid, and above all, a cold fish.
Even though I was put off by the heroine, I still enjoyed the story and the turn it took. I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I hadn't known the outcome. While checking out some ratings on this, a particular review caught my eye, and basically the first sentence SPOILED what had taken place. Not cool!! It would have been nice to read this going in more blind, as the blurb is particularly vague.
Because this was ruined for me, I'm not going to say anything else about the book. I thought the plot was well executed and written. I look forward to more from this author.
Would recommend if you like a shmexy read that hovers over the dark side.
March 31, 2016
4.5 Dirty, Filthy Stars!
WARNING: I loved this book for what it is, and that is a dark, extremely controversial, taboo, envelope-pushing read!! It's very, VERY dirty and a mind-fuck. I loved it but it is definitely NOT for everyone, AND it is fiction!! If this actually happened to someone that I knew, I would not be okay with it, at all!
Wow!!! Ended up staying up 'til almost 3 am to finish this one. Dark and dirty but oh-so-good!!! This is easily the dirtiest book I have ever read, and believe me, that is saying a lot!! Vivi and her husband Michael are in a 7 year slump in their marriage. Someone else had compared this book to the film "The Game" with Sean Penn and Michael Douglas...sooo true, only this is like the hot sex version of it. Yes, it is really dirty and there is a ton of sex and some of it is a bit disturbing because our main character is so lost, but it wasn't just sex scenes for the sake of sex....there is a reason that everything is leading up to. The only thing that I didn't like was the humiliating sex acts...but I guess that was all part of the mind games that are played in this book.
This book has a fantastically unique concept too. Anytime that an author uses their imagination to think of a fresh, new concept, instead of recycling something for the hundredth time, they get at least an extra star from me!
To me, a book is only as good as its ending and this book's ending was fantastic!!! Quick but dark read that will suck you in! This was my second book by the author, after Comfort Food, which I LOVED and she is quickly becoming one of my faves!!
WARNING: I loved this book for what it is, and that is a dark, extremely controversial, taboo, envelope-pushing read!! It's very, VERY dirty and a mind-fuck. I loved it but it is definitely NOT for everyone, AND it is fiction!! If this actually happened to someone that I knew, I would not be okay with it, at all!
Wow!!! Ended up staying up 'til almost 3 am to finish this one. Dark and dirty but oh-so-good!!! This is easily the dirtiest book I have ever read, and believe me, that is saying a lot!! Vivi and her husband Michael are in a 7 year slump in their marriage. Someone else had compared this book to the film "The Game" with Sean Penn and Michael Douglas...sooo true, only this is like the hot sex version of it. Yes, it is really dirty and there is a ton of sex and some of it is a bit disturbing because our main character is so lost, but it wasn't just sex scenes for the sake of sex....there is a reason that everything is leading up to. The only thing that I didn't like was the humiliating sex acts...but I guess that was all part of the mind games that are played in this book.
This book has a fantastically unique concept too. Anytime that an author uses their imagination to think of a fresh, new concept, instead of recycling something for the hundredth time, they get at least an extra star from me!
To me, a book is only as good as its ending and this book's ending was fantastic!!! Quick but dark read that will suck you in! This was my second book by the author, after Comfort Food, which I LOVED and she is quickly becoming one of my faves!!
August 31, 2018
3.5* for my pleasure STARS!!
Somehow cheating is a hard limit, but Kitty Thomas managed to make it 'different'. Guilty Pleasures introduce a new level of hedonism non-official relationship. Sometimes pleasurable things could lead us forget ourselves. Hmm.. feels so right yet so wrong ;)
This thing happened to Vivian. She's your regular housewife outside but inside, never satisfied. Her make love session with her husband, Michael never bring her into orgasm. She turns into insecure woman about herself, Michael and their marriage. What I could say? She's very emotional and blame her husband with... almost everything. When Michael try to help her with a therapist, she is already fallen into 'rabbit hole'.
Her doctor introduce Vivian to a massage therapist, Anton who awakened her deepest desire. Anton has many ways to blackmail Vivian so she couldn't run. Michael is still a devoted husband and always support Vivian. On the other hand, Vivian grew desperate because what she wants is so wrong, dirty and cheating from her husband. As time goes by, her needs defeat his love for Michael. Just for a while. So, Vivian's sexual journey begins with Anton and a sex mansion.
I couldn't judge both of Vivian and Michael. They have problem with their intimate session. I thought they just grew cold in the marriage and need some spices into their marriage. It turns out Vivian has dirty little secret and ashamed that she likes to be dominated. I expected both of them about to learn some soft BDSM or kinky things but nope. That's not the point. I know that Vivian would want those kinky sex. They have lack of communication and so guarded so they never have chance to express their needs into each other although they love each other. Vivian's journey turns into forced submission. She was guide to be a devoted slave just to please her future Master. In the end, multiple sex happened and A LOT. *I skipped the F/F scene because it's not my cuppa*
Oh gosh, the ending... I didn't see it coming. This is not dark romance but very fucked up emotional and definitely psychological situation. Kitty Thomas succeeded delivery this terrific story. Well written with steady paced. The ending isn't typical HEA but I enjoyed Vivian's life in the mansion. Because Guilty Pleasures is about a journey of married woman to search her 'true nature'. If this could be a little longer, I would love to give 5 stars rating *grins*
Somehow cheating is a hard limit, but Kitty Thomas managed to make it 'different'. Guilty Pleasures introduce a new level of hedonism non-official relationship. Sometimes pleasurable things could lead us forget ourselves. Hmm.. feels so right yet so wrong ;)
"You're making a bargain with the devil. I will ask increasingly more from you as time goes on. And you will give it to me. You might lose your soul in the process."
This thing happened to Vivian. She's your regular housewife outside but inside, never satisfied. Her make love session with her husband, Michael never bring her into orgasm. She turns into insecure woman about herself, Michael and their marriage. What I could say? She's very emotional and blame her husband with... almost everything. When Michael try to help her with a therapist, she is already fallen into 'rabbit hole'.
Her doctor introduce Vivian to a massage therapist, Anton who awakened her deepest desire. Anton has many ways to blackmail Vivian so she couldn't run. Michael is still a devoted husband and always support Vivian. On the other hand, Vivian grew desperate because what she wants is so wrong, dirty and cheating from her husband. As time goes by, her needs defeat his love for Michael. Just for a while. So, Vivian's sexual journey begins with Anton and a sex mansion.
I couldn't judge both of Vivian and Michael. They have problem with their intimate session. I thought they just grew cold in the marriage and need some spices into their marriage. It turns out Vivian has dirty little secret and ashamed that she likes to be dominated. I expected both of them about to learn some soft BDSM or kinky things but nope. That's not the point. I know that Vivian would want those kinky sex. They have lack of communication and so guarded so they never have chance to express their needs into each other although they love each other. Vivian's journey turns into forced submission. She was guide to be a devoted slave just to please her future Master. In the end, multiple sex happened and A LOT. *I skipped the F/F scene because it's not my cuppa*
Oh gosh, the ending... I didn't see it coming. This is not dark romance but very fucked up emotional and definitely psychological situation. Kitty Thomas succeeded delivery this terrific story. Well written with steady paced. The ending isn't typical HEA but I enjoyed Vivian's life in the mansion. Because Guilty Pleasures is about a journey of married woman to search her 'true nature'. If this could be a little longer, I would love to give 5 stars rating *grins*
November 25, 2020
Guilty Pleasures was a joy to read the first time,and i enjoyed it even more when i re-read it.
The journey that a closet submissive has been forced to take to save her marriage is every bit as deliciously dark as it was the first time.
Only now,knowing all of the men after reading their stories,it’s got just that little extra.
A story i know i can read time and time again without it losing it’s magic!
Welcome to Kitty Thomas’ The Pleasure House.
Leave your old life by the door.
We will teach you how to embrace your deepest,darkest desires.
Vivian isn’t happy. She feels,no she doesn’t.
Michael,her husband,tries to make her feel,but the distance between them is growing every day.
So,he sends her to a friend of his,a sexual therapist,called Lindsay.
He sends her to a massage therapist,Anton,but what happens there is a shock to her system.
Before long,she feels ashamed and guilty,as he makes her feel more and more each time.
But he leaves her no choice,but to return each time,convincing her that if she stops,he’ll tell her husband what happens when he touches her.....
When Michael leaves for a business trip,Anton takes it even further.
He takes her to the Pleasure House,to be trained as a slave.
Can Vivian accept her new life?
What happens to her,can she ever be free?
Kitty Thomas’ Pleasure House is a wonderful place,with beautiful people.
A place i wouldn’t mind visiting.....i know i’d love it there!
The journey that a closet submissive has been forced to take to save her marriage is every bit as deliciously dark as it was the first time.
Only now,knowing all of the men after reading their stories,it’s got just that little extra.
A story i know i can read time and time again without it losing it’s magic!
Welcome to Kitty Thomas’ The Pleasure House.
Leave your old life by the door.
We will teach you how to embrace your deepest,darkest desires.
Vivian isn’t happy. She feels,no she doesn’t.
Michael,her husband,tries to make her feel,but the distance between them is growing every day.
So,he sends her to a friend of his,a sexual therapist,called Lindsay.
He sends her to a massage therapist,Anton,but what happens there is a shock to her system.
Before long,she feels ashamed and guilty,as he makes her feel more and more each time.
But he leaves her no choice,but to return each time,convincing her that if she stops,he’ll tell her husband what happens when he touches her.....
When Michael leaves for a business trip,Anton takes it even further.
He takes her to the Pleasure House,to be trained as a slave.
Can Vivian accept her new life?
What happens to her,can she ever be free?
Kitty Thomas’ Pleasure House is a wonderful place,with beautiful people.
A place i wouldn’t mind visiting.....i know i’d love it there!
July 21, 2014
Erm.. So.. Here it goes;
I normally enjoy more books from the Fantasy/scifi/Dystopian category, with the occasional YA thrown in there for brain candy.
Sometimes I enjoy reading books that are out of my comfort zone, just because, HEY they might just end up rocking your world and I consider myself to be fairly open minded in that regard.
Though I'm not a seasoned S&M/Erotica reader, I have now read enough of the genre to get a basic overview of it all.
Some have been shockingly bad, some quite entertaining, even mind blowing in their own way; some have even forced me to think outside the box!
Anyhoo--here's my review of this particular one.
I'll break it down for you:)
THE GOOD:
-This book was actually surprisingly well written for an erotic novel!
I believe that some Erotica Authors actually think that subpar writing is perfectly fine for this particular genre?
I have no idea why?
I really believe that no matter the content, lousy writing and flow definitely detract from the story as a whole.
-There were some interesting ideas thrown about in the story, some of them even made me think!
Basically the premise of the story is that these big, muscly, paid S&M gigolos run a "supposedly sexy" BDSM style sex-slave mansion (think Big Brother but with less sex and torture, Amirite? They even have the video cameras and chronic masturbaters,) lol>_<
Anyway, these "Doms" (criminals) actually believe that what they are doing, is helping the slaves to open their eyes to their own sexuality and embracing their submissive sides.
I found myself wondering if this was really the hallmark of their belief system--or simply something else to help justify their abhorrent actions?
There was more internal questioning but I don't have the space here:)
THE BAD:
Some parts were just unintentionally hilarious!!
Like the sexy mansion resident shrink, who is 'treating' (abusing) our protagonist (victim), asking her questions like-
"How is the BDSM sexy mansion experience for you?"
"Has anyone overstepped their boundaries?"
"How does this make you feel??
"Oh DON'T worry you're safe and I'm sorry about what I did earlier!" (Trust me when I say you don't even want to know.)
In the very next breath, he tells her to "Get on your knees and suck my cock like the dirty little cock-sucking slut that you are."
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lue...
I am for real realz, in the VERY NEXT BREATH!!
At this point, I was taken waaaay out of the story context, and this only served to highlight just how ludicrous this whole book had become!
Am I supposed to be turned on?
Am I supposed to believe this psychologist cares about her emotional state??
Is he really even a doctor???
WTF is going on here????
Psychology, you're doing it WRONG dude!
-I could also predict the "twist" ending right from the very beginning of the book.
To quote Patty Bouvier from 'The Simpsons' (regarding her sexuality.)
"You could see it from space!"
THE UGLY:
The worst thing about this book was that I didn't find it sexy--at all!
For a supposedly sexy book, this is bad news bears,
boo:(
I've discovered something about myself in the process of reading this, and it is that I need some real chemistry or emotion between the characters, if I am to find their sexual acts even remotely sexy!
The way the author has set this up, is that the women are all coerced with dubious consent/blackmail, and the men are all paid; it's their JOB to have sex with these manipulated women!
There is no love, no infatuation and as a result, NO real chemistry--at all!
It had this whole awkward, clinical vibe going for it, kinda like watching a bad episode of Embarrassing Bodies, except at least Dr.Christian Jessen has the decency to use lube--and he also seems to have far more chemistry and emotional attachment to his victims than these guys do!
If you want aloof, emotionless sex, beatings, tonnes of torture and really bad acting just watch an S&M porno, (or even the Twilight movies) at least then you get some sort of visual accompaniment.
In future I'll try and steer myself more toward erotica that is more sexy to me; the kind with at least a hint of love, romance, infatuation or a significant bond/connection between the characters; I would also enjoy a more feasible plot/world building if possible....
Or maybe I'll just give this genre a big old miss altogether for a while!
It won't be any great loss I don't think:)
--Jessie out
I normally enjoy more books from the Fantasy/scifi/Dystopian category, with the occasional YA thrown in there for brain candy.
Sometimes I enjoy reading books that are out of my comfort zone, just because, HEY they might just end up rocking your world and I consider myself to be fairly open minded in that regard.
Though I'm not a seasoned S&M/Erotica reader, I have now read enough of the genre to get a basic overview of it all.
Some have been shockingly bad, some quite entertaining, even mind blowing in their own way; some have even forced me to think outside the box!
Anyhoo--here's my review of this particular one.
I'll break it down for you:)
THE GOOD:
-This book was actually surprisingly well written for an erotic novel!
I believe that some Erotica Authors actually think that subpar writing is perfectly fine for this particular genre?
I have no idea why?
I really believe that no matter the content, lousy writing and flow definitely detract from the story as a whole.
-There were some interesting ideas thrown about in the story, some of them even made me think!
Basically the premise of the story is that these big, muscly, paid S&M gigolos run a "supposedly sexy" BDSM style sex-slave mansion (think Big Brother but with less sex and torture, Amirite? They even have the video cameras and chronic masturbaters,) lol>_<
Anyway, these "Doms" (criminals) actually believe that what they are doing, is helping the slaves to open their eyes to their own sexuality and embracing their submissive sides.
I found myself wondering if this was really the hallmark of their belief system--or simply something else to help justify their abhorrent actions?
There was more internal questioning but I don't have the space here:)
THE BAD:
Some parts were just unintentionally hilarious!!
Like the sexy mansion resident shrink, who is 'treating' (abusing) our protagonist (victim), asking her questions like-
"How is the BDSM sexy mansion experience for you?"
"Has anyone overstepped their boundaries?"
"How does this make you feel??
"Oh DON'T worry you're safe and I'm sorry about what I did earlier!" (Trust me when I say you don't even want to know.)
In the very next breath, he tells her to "Get on your knees and suck my cock like the dirty little cock-sucking slut that you are."
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lue...
I am for real realz, in the VERY NEXT BREATH!!
At this point, I was taken waaaay out of the story context, and this only served to highlight just how ludicrous this whole book had become!
Am I supposed to be turned on?
Am I supposed to believe this psychologist cares about her emotional state??
Is he really even a doctor???
WTF is going on here????
Psychology, you're doing it WRONG dude!
-I could also predict the "twist" ending right from the very beginning of the book.
To quote Patty Bouvier from 'The Simpsons' (regarding her sexuality.)
"You could see it from space!"
THE UGLY:
The worst thing about this book was that I didn't find it sexy--at all!
For a supposedly sexy book, this is bad news bears,
boo:(
I've discovered something about myself in the process of reading this, and it is that I need some real chemistry or emotion between the characters, if I am to find their sexual acts even remotely sexy!
The way the author has set this up, is that the women are all coerced with dubious consent/blackmail, and the men are all paid; it's their JOB to have sex with these manipulated women!
There is no love, no infatuation and as a result, NO real chemistry--at all!
It had this whole awkward, clinical vibe going for it, kinda like watching a bad episode of Embarrassing Bodies, except at least Dr.Christian Jessen has the decency to use lube--and he also seems to have far more chemistry and emotional attachment to his victims than these guys do!
If you want aloof, emotionless sex, beatings, tonnes of torture and really bad acting just watch an S&M porno, (or even the Twilight movies) at least then you get some sort of visual accompaniment.
In future I'll try and steer myself more toward erotica that is more sexy to me; the kind with at least a hint of love, romance, infatuation or a significant bond/connection between the characters; I would also enjoy a more feasible plot/world building if possible....
Or maybe I'll just give this genre a big old miss altogether for a while!
It won't be any great loss I don't think:)
--Jessie out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2020
Enjoyable. Entertaining. Erotic.
BDSM. And that plot twist!
Excellent book!
This is my first time reading from the author.
I am now a new fan of Kitty Thomas!!
There was a pool scene that made me blush like a naughty, little girl. ♡ Oh, and I am strangely drawn to that Brian character so, I will absolutely continue delving into the "Pleasure House" series!
BDSM. And that plot twist!
Excellent book!
This is my first time reading from the author.
I am now a new fan of Kitty Thomas!!
There was a pool scene that made me blush like a naughty, little girl. ♡ Oh, and I am strangely drawn to that Brian character so, I will absolutely continue delving into the "Pleasure House" series!
January 18, 2015
I had had this on my TBR too long and am so glad I got around to reading it at last.
Vivian Delaney, trophy wife with too much time on her hands, switched off sexually, doesn't understand why her feelings and sexual turn ons are turned off with her good looking and wealthy husband.
When things come to a head between husband Michael and Vivian he arranges a visit to a sexual psychologist, Dr. Lindsey, but her assumption that she is seeing a woman is very wrong. This meeting leads her on a journey, albeit a semi reluctant journey to find out about her sexual leanings as identified by a group of men.
There were a few things I thought strange and led me to the conclusions as the story turned out; and I made the right ones.
Some strange things though, maybe not realistic. First, the locked door in her own home...show me a woman who would casually disregard that and HAVE to find out!
I loved what happened to Vivi and her awakening to herself sexually. I disliked Brian, but neither could I see how he was allowed to treat her as did even as gym instructor seeing as how cameras were everywhere.
I was glad the end was, as I surmised...but felt something was missing in their relationship, responses, what was known about each other too. Who would have thought a wife of so many years wouldn't know who her husbands friends and associates were even as poker playing buddies. I also think that Vivi's response would have been a lot more reactionary than was and that Michael would need assert dominance even more than did. Let down a little here hence one star dropped.
However, I now have a desire to go read the new story by Kitty Thomas, Broken Dolls, as its set in the place where Vivian was is also revisited; though mostly with other characters I assume, bar the men:)
I like the way Ms Thomas explores people's psychological issues, hang ups, past experiences all affect us and this has been most interesting.
Four solid stars from me.
Vivian Delaney, trophy wife with too much time on her hands, switched off sexually, doesn't understand why her feelings and sexual turn ons are turned off with her good looking and wealthy husband.
When things come to a head between husband Michael and Vivian he arranges a visit to a sexual psychologist, Dr. Lindsey, but her assumption that she is seeing a woman is very wrong. This meeting leads her on a journey, albeit a semi reluctant journey to find out about her sexual leanings as identified by a group of men.
There were a few things I thought strange and led me to the conclusions as the story turned out; and I made the right ones.
Some strange things though, maybe not realistic. First, the locked door in her own home...show me a woman who would casually disregard that and HAVE to find out!
I loved what happened to Vivi and her awakening to herself sexually. I disliked Brian, but neither could I see how he was allowed to treat her as did even as gym instructor seeing as how cameras were everywhere.
I was glad the end was, as I surmised...but felt something was missing in their relationship, responses, what was known about each other too. Who would have thought a wife of so many years wouldn't know who her husbands friends and associates were even as poker playing buddies. I also think that Vivi's response would have been a lot more reactionary than was and that Michael would need assert dominance even more than did. Let down a little here hence one star dropped.
However, I now have a desire to go read the new story by Kitty Thomas, Broken Dolls, as its set in the place where Vivian was is also revisited; though mostly with other characters I assume, bar the men:)
I like the way Ms Thomas explores people's psychological issues, hang ups, past experiences all affect us and this has been most interesting.
Four solid stars from me.
December 18, 2010
This story ticked all the right boxes for me. The syle is classy, the story was for me a 'proper story' with a reason, an action and a conclusion and everything that takes place is in there for a reason,it has a purpose. I felt this was an intelligent read, and although the subject matter is not vanilla there is a 'quiet modesty' in the way the story is told.....that's not to say it's not explict, it is, but as I mentioned before it's a classy read!!
Without giving too much away this is the story of Vivian, Vivian is a woman who feels in conflict with her married life, unfulfilled yet unable to convey her feelings to her husband her frustration both with herself and with him makes her bitter and tense. In a step to heal their marriage her husband refers her to a therapist and thats' when Vivian journey into her secret previously unlocked world begins. Only to culminate in a fate she could never of dreamed of.
Readers who enjoy darker erotica will enjoy this.
BDSM
Without giving too much away this is the story of Vivian, Vivian is a woman who feels in conflict with her married life, unfulfilled yet unable to convey her feelings to her husband her frustration both with herself and with him makes her bitter and tense. In a step to heal their marriage her husband refers her to a therapist and thats' when Vivian journey into her secret previously unlocked world begins. Only to culminate in a fate she could never of dreamed of.
Readers who enjoy darker erotica will enjoy this.
BDSM
December 2, 2017
One of my all time favorite reads on sale for 99cents!
Go grab it up while you can! You won't be disappointed!
https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Pleasur...
Go grab it up while you can! You won't be disappointed!
https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Pleasur...
February 9, 2011
Why do I like Kitty Thomas's books? I don't know. Do I have a hidden dark side? I don't know.
I've been known to read and enjoy horror books that have killers mutilating bodies or doing other unpleasant activities. However, I don't plan on mutilating bodies anytime soon.
I've been known to read and enjoy time traveling books but I have yet to find my circle of stones and travel through time. Nor would I want to time travel because I'm sure I'd just screw it up the 2nd time around.
However, reading an erotica novel where there is the suggestion of rape/kidnapping, and the possibility that the woman enjoyed the forced domination, sets everyone running for the hills.
I'm curious as I am a reader not a participant. I'll keep enjoying novels that push the envelope (really who comes up with these sayings) and I won't sit back and judge myself for it.
4 out of 5 stars and a thank you to Kitty Thomas for her dark erotica.
I've been known to read and enjoy horror books that have killers mutilating bodies or doing other unpleasant activities. However, I don't plan on mutilating bodies anytime soon.
I've been known to read and enjoy time traveling books but I have yet to find my circle of stones and travel through time. Nor would I want to time travel because I'm sure I'd just screw it up the 2nd time around.
However, reading an erotica novel where there is the suggestion of rape/kidnapping, and the possibility that the woman enjoyed the forced domination, sets everyone running for the hills.
I'm curious as I am a reader not a participant. I'll keep enjoying novels that push the envelope (really who comes up with these sayings) and I won't sit back and judge myself for it.
4 out of 5 stars and a thank you to Kitty Thomas for her dark erotica.
Want to read
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July 31, 2012
Disclaimer: I am a fan girl when it comes to Kitty Thomas.
Guilty Pleasures is aptly named; it was a pure pleasure to read and my guilt comes from not reading it sooner.
Vivian is a bored wife, unable to have a satisfying relationship inside or outside of the bedroom with her husband Michael.
"She wasn’t even sure it was his fault anymore. She wasn’t sure it was anyone’s fault."
Vivian is sent on a journey of discovery not one of self discovery from the start because it was not her choice but ultimately the choice is made.
From the first meeting with Dr. Smith you realize that Vivian is missing something, a something she isn’t aware of or even knows she wants. It’s a good thing she goes to therapy then right?
“Mrs. Delany?”
“Yes?”
"You’re going to lose all your inhibitions.”
When Vivian walks in to Dome she gets introduced to her deepest desires and her deepest fears mixed together in the form of one man, Anton. The world that he shows her is one she doesn’t want but one she cannot stay away from.
Guilty Pleasures is not a book I can review without giving away its secrets and they must stay a secret for the reader’s enjoyment. Being inside Vivian's head and you are with her every step of the way; every submission and every fear or want conquered though it may seem unreal.
"The more she explored, the more she felt like Alice down the rabbit hole. A stoned caterpillar wouldn’t have shocked her at this point, and she would have gladly requested some of whatever he was smoking."
The end of this book was absolutely perfect and one I was hoping for. The epilogue ties up everything nicely and gives you the closure you need. Kitty Thomas has a way with words and I just love how she uses them to end a story. They evoke the emotion from all that you just read and echo in your head after you are through.
"The moment the blindfold came off, things got complicated, as he’d known they would. But either way, he would always have that moment. Where it was real. It made the entire fucked-up thing worth doing all over again."
Guilty Pleasures is aptly named; it was a pure pleasure to read and my guilt comes from not reading it sooner.
Vivian is a bored wife, unable to have a satisfying relationship inside or outside of the bedroom with her husband Michael.
"She wasn’t even sure it was his fault anymore. She wasn’t sure it was anyone’s fault."
Vivian is sent on a journey of discovery not one of self discovery from the start because it was not her choice but ultimately the choice is made.
From the first meeting with Dr. Smith you realize that Vivian is missing something, a something she isn’t aware of or even knows she wants. It’s a good thing she goes to therapy then right?
“Mrs. Delany?”
“Yes?”
"You’re going to lose all your inhibitions.”
When Vivian walks in to Dome she gets introduced to her deepest desires and her deepest fears mixed together in the form of one man, Anton. The world that he shows her is one she doesn’t want but one she cannot stay away from.
Guilty Pleasures is not a book I can review without giving away its secrets and they must stay a secret for the reader’s enjoyment. Being inside Vivian's head and you are with her every step of the way; every submission and every fear or want conquered though it may seem unreal.
"The more she explored, the more she felt like Alice down the rabbit hole. A stoned caterpillar wouldn’t have shocked her at this point, and she would have gladly requested some of whatever he was smoking."
The end of this book was absolutely perfect and one I was hoping for. The epilogue ties up everything nicely and gives you the closure you need. Kitty Thomas has a way with words and I just love how she uses them to end a story. They evoke the emotion from all that you just read and echo in your head after you are through.
"The moment the blindfold came off, things got complicated, as he’d known they would. But either way, he would always have that moment. Where it was real. It made the entire fucked-up thing worth doing all over again."
April 26, 2019
4.75 stars
First book I've read from Kitty Thomas and all I can say is, OMG - WHAT THE F@#K DID I JUST READ! After finishing the book I still couldn't wrap my mind on what the heck just happened. It was a great book to read.
Vivian at times, got on my nerves and I just wanted to slap her. Some of the decisions she made, she knew were wrong, but did them anyways.
Michael, I had a feeling he had a dominance persona to him. From the way he reacts to his wife and the way he carried himself. If I were in Vivian's place, I would be pissed at him for what he did. I can see his reasons behind his secrecy, but I still think he should of gone a different way of approaching his wife.
The men that Vivian interacted with, Anton, Lindsey, Gabe and Brian...hmm...what can I say about them. Each of these men, had a tender side to them, besides Brian. Anton, Lindsey and Gabe would show their tender side, but yet be domineering at times and exercise their dominance over Vivian. Brian on the other hand, I don't think he had any tenderness to him.
Overall, it was such a great book to read. My mind after finishing, was still trying to understand what happened. A book I would recommend to readers that love a really good mind-f@#k.
First book I've read from Kitty Thomas and all I can say is, OMG - WHAT THE F@#K DID I JUST READ! After finishing the book I still couldn't wrap my mind on what the heck just happened. It was a great book to read.
Vivian at times, got on my nerves and I just wanted to slap her. Some of the decisions she made, she knew were wrong, but did them anyways.
Michael, I had a feeling he had a dominance persona to him. From the way he reacts to his wife and the way he carried himself. If I were in Vivian's place, I would be pissed at him for what he did. I can see his reasons behind his secrecy, but I still think he should of gone a different way of approaching his wife.
The men that Vivian interacted with, Anton, Lindsey, Gabe and Brian...hmm...what can I say about them. Each of these men, had a tender side to them, besides Brian. Anton, Lindsey and Gabe would show their tender side, but yet be domineering at times and exercise their dominance over Vivian. Brian on the other hand, I don't think he had any tenderness to him.
Overall, it was such a great book to read. My mind after finishing, was still trying to understand what happened. A book I would recommend to readers that love a really good mind-f@#k.
December 31, 2013
4.5 intriguing stars
I have to agree that this is an erotic version of the movie The Game.
That being said, it was still a dark read in Kitty's amazingly compelling style.
I swear she had me at the Disclaimer!
This was all that Michael wanted from Vivian...
The question is will he get it?
What a journey! I loved it.
http://cariads-sizzling-pages.blogspo... - come visit me!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
I have to agree that this is an erotic version of the movie The Game.
That being said, it was still a dark read in Kitty's amazingly compelling style.
I swear she had me at the Disclaimer!
This was all that Michael wanted from Vivian...
The question is will he get it?
What a journey! I loved it.
http://cariads-sizzling-pages.blogspo... - come visit me!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
May 15, 2015
3.5 Dirty-Wicked-Stars!
Well, well, Michael.. What a surprise!!
I have no idea you're so wicked!
I lied. To be honest, ever since Vivi's been "captured", I always expecting Michael will be the buyer. But thinking again, I doubt that thought of mine because I'm not sure what kind of man will take his wife back if he saw the footage of her "doing" on that house. SO, I banished that thought.
BUT then... He surprised me in the end!!
Well, damn. That was kind of brilliance of the author for never giving a clue. And, so very wicked of you, Michael..
Very well played, Michael! And well done, Kitty Thomas!!
Well, well, Michael.. What a surprise!!
I have no idea you're so wicked!
I lied. To be honest, ever since Vivi's been "captured", I always expecting Michael will be the buyer. But thinking again, I doubt that thought of mine because I'm not sure what kind of man will take his wife back if he saw the footage of her "doing" on that house. SO, I banished that thought.
BUT then... He surprised me in the end!!
Well, damn. That was kind of brilliance of the author for never giving a clue. And, so very wicked of you, Michael..
Very well played, Michael! And well done, Kitty Thomas!!
October 10, 2020
This is my first Kitty Thomas book. I’m well aware that she is an expert at dark. This was in fact, really dark. I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it.
It was just something to kill time I’d say.
It was just something to kill time I’d say.
December 30, 2010
This review was originally posted at Zelda's Bookshelf.
In Guilty Pleasures, Kitty Thomas’ second novel, she has once again produced a wickedly arousing tale of nonconsensual submission that turned me on, satisfied me and left me wanting for more.
Trapped in an unsatisfying marriage, Vivian has not enjoyed sex or achieved an orgasm in years. The passion she and her husband had felt when newly married had been fleeting and long since been replaced with disgust and regret. When her husband sends her to a sex therapist out of frustration, Vivian must know in her heart that this is the end, but what she finds is only just another beginning.
Vivian’s journey to submission and slavery is an unconventional one. While her circumstances find her blackmailed, kidnapped and forced into submitting to Anton and his staff, she also discovers her latent desire to be dominated. Her discovery starts slow and is accompanied by a great deal of shame – both in dealing with disgust over her newfound desires as well as for her complicit role in her infidelity to her husband. Vivian’s internal struggle is an interesting one throughout. Most individuals discovering their submissive tendencies go through similar insecurities and upheavals, however, the fact that Vivian’s are accelerated and out of her control adds a definite element of arousing coercion to her adventure.
What I loved most about Guilty Pleasures is the element of force and nonconsent. Of course, as is clearly stated in Thomas’ disclaimer at the beginning of the book, it is a work of fiction and she does not endorse or condone any activities done to an individual without his or her consent. But, from the perspective of an active submissive who has fantasized about kidnapping, captivity and torture from a very young age, reading a book about just that is quite titillating. But Guilty Pleasures is less about evil people doing bad things than it is a tale of undeniable sexual allure. It is the equivalent of forcing someone to take a sip of the best hot chocolate in the world (oh, the torture) and then luring them in with a “you know you like hot chocolate… why don’t you follow me into my lair where you can have all the hot chocolate your heart desires?” Who could resist?
That being said, to truly appreciate Guilty Pleasures, I think that it is important that the reader suspend their moral outrage over the aspect of nonconsent and simply submit, as does Vivian, to their feelings — to submit to the hedonistic pleasure of sex and arousal that Vivian finds in the house, to submit to being out of control along with Vivian as she proceeds in her journey.
Aside from the aspects of nonconsent (more an element of titillating fantasy than horror) and the glamorized reprisal of Kitty’s “mansion of kink,” Kitty Thomas has done an especially good job at making Vivian’s adventures and the characters in them believable and realistic, even to an audience well-versed in kink. Vivian is lost and confused as one would expect a sheltered housewife to be under these extraordinary circumstances. Her reactions and emotions are very real. Her responses to captivity, pain, seduction, arousal… all are very believable. My favorite metaphor in the book is the repeated reference to Vivian’s banshee – her superego self – freaking out inside her head. At the risk of sounding schizophrenic, I also often refer to my own superego as if it’s an entity unto itself… one that, much like Vivian, I have my own struggles to calm and control.
In addition to this, Vivian’s husband comes off as just the right mixture of helpless, aloof and irritated over the situation with his estranged wife, and the treatment that Vivian and the other submissives in the house receive from the various dominants is also very believable. Specifically, Anton, Lindsay and Gabe are the perfect combination of heartless bastard and sensitive romantic that, at least for me, is the recipe for the perfect dominant.
All in all, I found Guilty Pleasures to be a great and titillating read. I enjoyed Vivian’s ride to submission and am hopeful that Kitty Thomas’ decides to keep the story alive so that we can learn more about Vivian’s life with her new Master.
In Guilty Pleasures, Kitty Thomas’ second novel, she has once again produced a wickedly arousing tale of nonconsensual submission that turned me on, satisfied me and left me wanting for more.
Trapped in an unsatisfying marriage, Vivian has not enjoyed sex or achieved an orgasm in years. The passion she and her husband had felt when newly married had been fleeting and long since been replaced with disgust and regret. When her husband sends her to a sex therapist out of frustration, Vivian must know in her heart that this is the end, but what she finds is only just another beginning.
Vivian’s journey to submission and slavery is an unconventional one. While her circumstances find her blackmailed, kidnapped and forced into submitting to Anton and his staff, she also discovers her latent desire to be dominated. Her discovery starts slow and is accompanied by a great deal of shame – both in dealing with disgust over her newfound desires as well as for her complicit role in her infidelity to her husband. Vivian’s internal struggle is an interesting one throughout. Most individuals discovering their submissive tendencies go through similar insecurities and upheavals, however, the fact that Vivian’s are accelerated and out of her control adds a definite element of arousing coercion to her adventure.
What I loved most about Guilty Pleasures is the element of force and nonconsent. Of course, as is clearly stated in Thomas’ disclaimer at the beginning of the book, it is a work of fiction and she does not endorse or condone any activities done to an individual without his or her consent. But, from the perspective of an active submissive who has fantasized about kidnapping, captivity and torture from a very young age, reading a book about just that is quite titillating. But Guilty Pleasures is less about evil people doing bad things than it is a tale of undeniable sexual allure. It is the equivalent of forcing someone to take a sip of the best hot chocolate in the world (oh, the torture) and then luring them in with a “you know you like hot chocolate… why don’t you follow me into my lair where you can have all the hot chocolate your heart desires?” Who could resist?
That being said, to truly appreciate Guilty Pleasures, I think that it is important that the reader suspend their moral outrage over the aspect of nonconsent and simply submit, as does Vivian, to their feelings — to submit to the hedonistic pleasure of sex and arousal that Vivian finds in the house, to submit to being out of control along with Vivian as she proceeds in her journey.
Aside from the aspects of nonconsent (more an element of titillating fantasy than horror) and the glamorized reprisal of Kitty’s “mansion of kink,” Kitty Thomas has done an especially good job at making Vivian’s adventures and the characters in them believable and realistic, even to an audience well-versed in kink. Vivian is lost and confused as one would expect a sheltered housewife to be under these extraordinary circumstances. Her reactions and emotions are very real. Her responses to captivity, pain, seduction, arousal… all are very believable. My favorite metaphor in the book is the repeated reference to Vivian’s banshee – her superego self – freaking out inside her head. At the risk of sounding schizophrenic, I also often refer to my own superego as if it’s an entity unto itself… one that, much like Vivian, I have my own struggles to calm and control.
In addition to this, Vivian’s husband comes off as just the right mixture of helpless, aloof and irritated over the situation with his estranged wife, and the treatment that Vivian and the other submissives in the house receive from the various dominants is also very believable. Specifically, Anton, Lindsay and Gabe are the perfect combination of heartless bastard and sensitive romantic that, at least for me, is the recipe for the perfect dominant.
All in all, I found Guilty Pleasures to be a great and titillating read. I enjoyed Vivian’s ride to submission and am hopeful that Kitty Thomas’ decides to keep the story alive so that we can learn more about Vivian’s life with her new Master.
December 26, 2010
My thoughts go out to my GR friends who threw me into a cockpit with this read and wanted to know what I thought of it before they read it themselves.Mmmmhmmmm....ya'll know who you are.
Well for starters,I had a lot of mixed feelings on it.I had a very hard time rating it,so writing a review was a little difficult as well. So these are just my feelings and what I thought of the book.
Alrighty! It lost one star,cause for those of you who know me well, ya'll know I'm a terrible guesser on predicting what's next. I knew what was gonna happen before it happened.
It lost one more star,cause although I like novels with BDSM in them,this book had me wincing & gnawing at the little that was left of my fingernails.I actually felt sorry for the woman.I didn't find it arousing at all =( I felt like she was being beaten! LOL! I know it's not funny but I've read more arousing punishments then that! ahahaha....
Now for the 3stars,I liked the concept of the story & Of course all the Smutty men mmmmmhmmmmm....yummy! ahahahaha.....although I gotta say I'll keep loving them as long as I'm not the one under their hardcore toys *flinches* *shudders* LMAO!!!
Otherwise,Enjoy! Now I can't wait to see what others thought of this book. If anyone gives it a higher rating, then I can point out your Smexy Kink! ahahahaha.......
Well for starters,I had a lot of mixed feelings on it.I had a very hard time rating it,so writing a review was a little difficult as well. So these are just my feelings and what I thought of the book.
Alrighty! It lost one star,cause for those of you who know me well, ya'll know I'm a terrible guesser on predicting what's next. I knew what was gonna happen before it happened.
It lost one more star,cause although I like novels with BDSM in them,this book had me wincing & gnawing at the little that was left of my fingernails.I actually felt sorry for the woman.I didn't find it arousing at all =( I felt like she was being beaten! LOL! I know it's not funny but I've read more arousing punishments then that! ahahaha....
Now for the 3stars,I liked the concept of the story & Of course all the Smutty men mmmmmhmmmmm....yummy! ahahahaha.....although I gotta say I'll keep loving them as long as I'm not the one under their hardcore toys *flinches* *shudders* LMAO!!!
Otherwise,Enjoy! Now I can't wait to see what others thought of this book. If anyone gives it a higher rating, then I can point out your Smexy Kink! ahahahaha.......
April 6, 2011
I didn't really know how to rate this book. I am really not even certain how to review it. I liked it. I hated it. It annoyed me. It entertained me.
One of my biggest problems with non-con books is that the women give in so fast. And when they give in it is permanent - there is no rethinking or true resistance at a later date. Not only do they give in but they suddenly have earth shattering orgasms with every sexual encounter. Yes, yes, yes...Okay, it is erotic fiction and it is written to make you sweat and squirm but just once I want to read a book that seems realistic in that regard esp. non con. "Give in or I won't let you orgasm." "Fine, just don't take away my chocolate." But, I digress from my review.
I figured out the ending of this book early on and I thought it was a fun idea. I just don't know about a husband who would subject his wife to kidnapping and non con sadistic sex to "fix" her. If he was going to show up at the end he should have been involved in the "training" in some regard. I think it would have made the ending more satisfying if she had actually rediscovered love for her husband instead of just being a sub to him.
And then on the last page of the book the author couldn't resist turning all that she went through into a downer when the husband is thinking something along the lines of - Oh well, she will revert to being a cold witch but I will enjoy it while it lasts.
One of my biggest problems with non-con books is that the women give in so fast. And when they give in it is permanent - there is no rethinking or true resistance at a later date. Not only do they give in but they suddenly have earth shattering orgasms with every sexual encounter. Yes, yes, yes...Okay, it is erotic fiction and it is written to make you sweat and squirm but just once I want to read a book that seems realistic in that regard esp. non con. "Give in or I won't let you orgasm." "Fine, just don't take away my chocolate." But, I digress from my review.
I figured out the ending of this book early on and I thought it was a fun idea. I just don't know about a husband who would subject his wife to kidnapping and non con sadistic sex to "fix" her. If he was going to show up at the end he should have been involved in the "training" in some regard. I think it would have made the ending more satisfying if she had actually rediscovered love for her husband instead of just being a sub to him.
And then on the last page of the book the author couldn't resist turning all that she went through into a downer when the husband is thinking something along the lines of - Oh well, she will revert to being a cold witch but I will enjoy it while it lasts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2015
Wow!! 4 guilty stars!!
So I thought I knew who was behind everything and what was gonna happen. Then I realized Nope, not what I thought. This was my first Kitty Thomas book but it won't be my last!! This was defiantly erotica with some dark elements but I wouldn't classify as dark.
Vivian is a stay at home wife who doesn't care if she has sex with her husband anymore. It feels more like a chore then pleasure to her. After her husband suggests that Vivian sees a sex therapists and the therapist sends her to Anton the magical massage therapist who likes to keep his clients "happy" and "satisfied". This is the point where I thought I had the story figured out and who was behind what. But after michael (the husband) leaves for a company trip I realized I had no idea where this story was going!! This is where it turned a bit dark and defiantly more erotic. I don't want to say too much cause you need to enjoy the ride!!
So I thought I knew who was behind everything and what was gonna happen. Then I realized Nope, not what I thought. This was my first Kitty Thomas book but it won't be my last!! This was defiantly erotica with some dark elements but I wouldn't classify as dark.
Vivian is a stay at home wife who doesn't care if she has sex with her husband anymore. It feels more like a chore then pleasure to her. After her husband suggests that Vivian sees a sex therapists and the therapist sends her to Anton the magical massage therapist who likes to keep his clients "happy" and "satisfied". This is the point where I thought I had the story figured out and who was behind what. But after michael (the husband) leaves for a company trip I realized I had no idea where this story was going!! This is where it turned a bit dark and defiantly more erotic. I don't want to say too much cause you need to enjoy the ride!!
May 1, 2017
Interesting
This was the first book I had read by this author and I really enjoyed it, very different from anything I have read lately I just fancied something a trifle dark while still having an emotional element to it, this ticked all the boxes loved all the different characters Vivian, Gabe, Lindsay and Anton and loved the ending really great read.. looking forward too reading broken dolls and finding out more about Brian next.
This was the first book I had read by this author and I really enjoyed it, very different from anything I have read lately I just fancied something a trifle dark while still having an emotional element to it, this ticked all the boxes loved all the different characters Vivian, Gabe, Lindsay and Anton and loved the ending really great read.. looking forward too reading broken dolls and finding out more about Brian next.
September 1, 2019
I will start off saying that this is not a romance novel. If you've never read anything from this author, she writes some really dark stories. They are the type of stories you will either enjoy or you won't. When I read other people's reviews of this author, they either love her writing or think she's nuts, I don't think I've ever seen anyone say she is just okay. She does push a lot of boundaries, that's what I love about her work.
This story starts with a married couple who are going through the motions of marriage. The husband makes a ton of money and the wife stays home, gets manicures and reads fashion magazines. She does take care of the house and cooks only because "maids are nosey". Sex has become a part of the relationship that is something to check off the to-do list.
The book opens to a very poor sex scene, where the wife, Vivian, is counting the seconds for her husband, Michael, to finish and leave her alone. I'm sure there are many marriages in real life like this one. Michael and Vivian have a fight and he decides she needs to see a therapist, Dr. Lindsay Smith. He pretty much forces her to go to the sex therapist.
Well, Dr. Lindsay Smith is a male and this makes Vivian extremely uncomfortable. He recommends that she get a massage to relax her and make her more comfortable in her own body. This is where things take a twisted turn. Through a series of blackmail, the massage therapist, Anton, starts to do more and more with Vivian where she is getting happy endings with her massages. But it won't end there.
This story is filled with hot men, some intense sex scenes and BDSM. Ms Thomas pushes the envelope on many things with this book. There is coercion, kidnapping and Vivian is blackmailed into doing things that she wouldn't have done on her own. If you like dark stories with a Master/slave relationship, this is a great book for you.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
This story starts with a married couple who are going through the motions of marriage. The husband makes a ton of money and the wife stays home, gets manicures and reads fashion magazines. She does take care of the house and cooks only because "maids are nosey". Sex has become a part of the relationship that is something to check off the to-do list.
The book opens to a very poor sex scene, where the wife, Vivian, is counting the seconds for her husband, Michael, to finish and leave her alone. I'm sure there are many marriages in real life like this one. Michael and Vivian have a fight and he decides she needs to see a therapist, Dr. Lindsay Smith. He pretty much forces her to go to the sex therapist.
Well, Dr. Lindsay Smith is a male and this makes Vivian extremely uncomfortable. He recommends that she get a massage to relax her and make her more comfortable in her own body. This is where things take a twisted turn. Through a series of blackmail, the massage therapist, Anton, starts to do more and more with Vivian where she is getting happy endings with her massages. But it won't end there.
This story is filled with hot men, some intense sex scenes and BDSM. Ms Thomas pushes the envelope on many things with this book. There is coercion, kidnapping and Vivian is blackmailed into doing things that she wouldn't have done on her own. If you like dark stories with a Master/slave relationship, this is a great book for you.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
January 15, 2012
Not sure why I waited so long to read this but whateva'. I really enjoyed it! The idea of it is hot - especially given the ending. I liked how she gradually came to realize what she wanted and who she was. Kitty Thomas is becoming one of my most favorite authors!
January 28, 2020
❤️One of my all time early favs! .99 cents FALT 1/28/20 ❤️
December 17, 2010
Kitty Thomas takes the reader into an exploration of one woman's path to self understanding and knowledge and she does this with a grace and poetry that many erotic novels never achieve.
Vivian is a lady who is stuck. She is at a bad place in her life and her marriage and she really has no clue about how to move out of the colorless, bland rut her life has become. She is really hurting inside, and the worst part is she is so out of tune with herself and her life that she is almost totally numb and completely depressed. She is frustrated, angry and unable to do anything about it. She feels and acts totally frigid. She is basically going through the motions of living and not being particularly gracious about it.
Her husband insists she goes to therapy sessions to try to recover her lost responsiveness to sex/pleasure and maybe find some happiness in life again. She grudgingly goes and the therapist recommends massage therapy. When she starts with the massage therapy she is horrified to find the masseuse forcing her into a sexual situation she doesn't want and then further horrified to find that even as she feels violated and abused, she is really getting aroused with the whole force scenario and all of the sudden her world explodes into color. The conflict of the story starts when Vivian is torn between the way the forced sex makes her feel good and the pain and angst caused because she is being coerced and blackmailed. Eventually she is kidnapped and taken to a place where she will be trained as a sexual slave and sold to a Master.
All the while Vivian is trying to assimilate the way the training makes her feel--happy, orgasmic and alive and reconcile those feelings with the shock, shame and fear of what is happening to her--being kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery. The disparity of the feelings engendered and Vivian's attempts to resolve her inner conflict and guilt is the driving force in this story of non-consensual abduction and sexual enslavement.
The reader goes through the story with Vivian, it is almost entirely in her pov. The emotions flow freely throughout the book. You are right there with Vivian as she learns about her own need to submit and begins to take joy in who she is as well as the guilt/shame she struggles with because she thinks she shouldn't want what she does. The outcome of the story is positive and IMO yes it is a HEA, not without some salt, but Vivian is definitely in a better, more hopeful (dare I say happy) place as she figures out what she needs and wants and finally begins to understand herself.
The sex is exotic and erotic. The scenes are well done and while parts may shock, there is nothing truly heinous or particularly brutal or vicious. No one is being held down in a dark alley in this book. Overall the story is one of passion, hope and discovery and you won't be sorry you took the time to check in on the dark side with Ms. Thomas' creation.
Vivian is a lady who is stuck. She is at a bad place in her life and her marriage and she really has no clue about how to move out of the colorless, bland rut her life has become. She is really hurting inside, and the worst part is she is so out of tune with herself and her life that she is almost totally numb and completely depressed. She is frustrated, angry and unable to do anything about it. She feels and acts totally frigid. She is basically going through the motions of living and not being particularly gracious about it.
Her husband insists she goes to therapy sessions to try to recover her lost responsiveness to sex/pleasure and maybe find some happiness in life again. She grudgingly goes and the therapist recommends massage therapy. When she starts with the massage therapy she is horrified to find the masseuse forcing her into a sexual situation she doesn't want and then further horrified to find that even as she feels violated and abused, she is really getting aroused with the whole force scenario and all of the sudden her world explodes into color. The conflict of the story starts when Vivian is torn between the way the forced sex makes her feel good and the pain and angst caused because she is being coerced and blackmailed. Eventually she is kidnapped and taken to a place where she will be trained as a sexual slave and sold to a Master.
All the while Vivian is trying to assimilate the way the training makes her feel--happy, orgasmic and alive and reconcile those feelings with the shock, shame and fear of what is happening to her--being kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery. The disparity of the feelings engendered and Vivian's attempts to resolve her inner conflict and guilt is the driving force in this story of non-consensual abduction and sexual enslavement.
The reader goes through the story with Vivian, it is almost entirely in her pov. The emotions flow freely throughout the book. You are right there with Vivian as she learns about her own need to submit and begins to take joy in who she is as well as the guilt/shame she struggles with because she thinks she shouldn't want what she does. The outcome of the story is positive and IMO yes it is a HEA, not without some salt, but Vivian is definitely in a better, more hopeful (dare I say happy) place as she figures out what she needs and wants and finally begins to understand herself.
The sex is exotic and erotic. The scenes are well done and while parts may shock, there is nothing truly heinous or particularly brutal or vicious. No one is being held down in a dark alley in this book. Overall the story is one of passion, hope and discovery and you won't be sorry you took the time to check in on the dark side with Ms. Thomas' creation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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