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House Of Pleasure #1
Simply Sexual
Surrender to page-turning sensuality in the explosive first book in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series. . .
Sexual Satisfaction
Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel left Lord Valentin Sokorvsky with an insatiable appetite for sex. Now the time has come for him to marry, but finding a woman who can satisfy his lustful desires proves a challenge. . .until he meets Sara and all he can think about is having her lie under his rock-hard body, begging him to taste and touch her. . .
Sensual Seduction
Sara Harrison knows she should be shocked and scandalized by Lord Sokorvsky's bold advances, but instead she is secretly aroused by this sensual, seductive man. For beneath her calm and composed manner is a wanton woman who longs for a man's intimate caress. She is most willing to be educated in the art of sensuality, to receive and give pleasure and to succumb to the wild desire that knows no limits. . .
"This book has something for hot sex scenes, a sexy hero with a tragic past, a smart and compassionate heroine, intrigue, danger and Regency London at its most decadent!" -- Romantic Times
"Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce is one of the most arousing and enigmatic historical novels I have read this year." -- Romance Junkies
"Intelligent characters, complex emotions and a plot that engaged my emotions to a rare high. Very highly recommended." -- Two Lips Reviews
Sexual Satisfaction
Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel left Lord Valentin Sokorvsky with an insatiable appetite for sex. Now the time has come for him to marry, but finding a woman who can satisfy his lustful desires proves a challenge. . .until he meets Sara and all he can think about is having her lie under his rock-hard body, begging him to taste and touch her. . .
Sensual Seduction
Sara Harrison knows she should be shocked and scandalized by Lord Sokorvsky's bold advances, but instead she is secretly aroused by this sensual, seductive man. For beneath her calm and composed manner is a wanton woman who longs for a man's intimate caress. She is most willing to be educated in the art of sensuality, to receive and give pleasure and to succumb to the wild desire that knows no limits. . .
"This book has something for hot sex scenes, a sexy hero with a tragic past, a smart and compassionate heroine, intrigue, danger and Regency London at its most decadent!" -- Romantic Times
"Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce is one of the most arousing and enigmatic historical novels I have read this year." -- Romance Junkies
"Intelligent characters, complex emotions and a plot that engaged my emotions to a rare high. Very highly recommended." -- Two Lips Reviews
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
497 people are currently reading
5723 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
161 books1,842 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
April 19, 2017
4 sexual decadence stars
Hot Damn! Now this is one historical that does not hold back on all things
Sexual.... anticipation, experience, fantasies, awareness, desires, freedom, imagination, appetite, boundaries...
It is dripping with it, every single page.
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky has an insatiable appetite, rescued sex slave from a Turkish Brothel, he deals with his past by feeding his darkest needs. Forced to marry, he sets his sights on a woman who may prove to be enough to satisfy his sexuality.... If she is up for the task.
Sara Harrison should be anything but aroused, but in Lord Valentin she may have finally found a teacher who can show her how to turn her fantasies into realities...
No limits, no judgment, the possibilities are endless, all you have to do is be bold enough to ask for what you want ... and if you can't then allow the one who sees through to your soul to take the burden off your shoulders and set you free.
Simply Sexual is a highly erotic regency novel, that knows no bounds. Throw in the emotional turmoil, vulnerability and self-loathing and you have yourself one hell of a book to sympathize with. I love my tortured hero, one who is highly skilled in pleasure and all things sexual and a woman who is a seductress in her innocence and inquisitiveness. Their sexual journey together is the main story, however there are other plot lines thrown in for thrills and suspense. I love historical's for their simplicity; for the time period, there really isn't much to focus on but your partner.
I know this book has been hit or miss with a couple of my friends, it's a bit much for some, certain scenes that may not be suited for all. But this is their journey of sexual discovery. Take it for what it is, for they too are exploring their boundaries ;)
Hot Damn! Now this is one historical that does not hold back on all things
Sexual.... anticipation, experience, fantasies, awareness, desires, freedom, imagination, appetite, boundaries...
It is dripping with it, every single page.
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky has an insatiable appetite, rescued sex slave from a Turkish Brothel, he deals with his past by feeding his darkest needs. Forced to marry, he sets his sights on a woman who may prove to be enough to satisfy his sexuality.... If she is up for the task.
Part of her, the wild, dangerous part she tried to suppress, was drawn to him; the rest wanted to run back to the safety of her boring life and hide.
Sara Harrison should be anything but aroused, but in Lord Valentin she may have finally found a teacher who can show her how to turn her fantasies into realities...
The depth of her sensuality complemented his perfectly.
No limits, no judgment, the possibilities are endless, all you have to do is be bold enough to ask for what you want ... and if you can't then allow the one who sees through to your soul to take the burden off your shoulders and set you free.
Simply Sexual is a highly erotic regency novel, that knows no bounds. Throw in the emotional turmoil, vulnerability and self-loathing and you have yourself one hell of a book to sympathize with. I love my tortured hero, one who is highly skilled in pleasure and all things sexual and a woman who is a seductress in her innocence and inquisitiveness. Their sexual journey together is the main story, however there are other plot lines thrown in for thrills and suspense. I love historical's for their simplicity; for the time period, there really isn't much to focus on but your partner.
I know this book has been hit or miss with a couple of my friends, it's a bit much for some, certain scenes that may not be suited for all. But this is their journey of sexual discovery. Take it for what it is, for they too are exploring their boundaries ;)
August 8, 2011
This was "OH MY GOD...WOW" hot!
I haven't read a huge amount of full blown erotica but this by far would be the most steamy, sexy, naughty, hot, hot, hot novel I have read.
I usually get bored with erotica because to be obvious...it is simply all just about sex and there are only so many ways to skin a cat (probably not the best visual when discussing erotica - sorry).
But Simply Sexual was very kinky and had absolutely no vanilla sex involved. You name it - it was happening.
And to top it off - there was actually an enjoyable storyline.
So two big thumbs up to Kate Pearce - great balancing act and will most definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I haven't read a huge amount of full blown erotica but this by far would be the most steamy, sexy, naughty, hot, hot, hot novel I have read.
I usually get bored with erotica because to be obvious...it is simply all just about sex and there are only so many ways to skin a cat (probably not the best visual when discussing erotica - sorry).
But Simply Sexual was very kinky and had absolutely no vanilla sex involved. You name it - it was happening.
And to top it off - there was actually an enjoyable storyline.
So two big thumbs up to Kate Pearce - great balancing act and will most definitely be reading the rest of the series.
March 2, 2021
DNF @ 10% Maybe I shouldn't rate this book because I read less than 50%, but I'm a moody, picky bitch so I'm going ahead and rating this. I'm slightly bitter because this author clearly has talent, and there was sexual chemistry between this couple but but but:
The H is established as a rogue, a rake, a manwhore in the v. beginning of this novel. Not just engaged to the heroine's sister, but the heroine discovers the H fucking her fucking maid. Like, witnesses it.
After the H confronts the heroine about this she has a betraying body. The betraying body trope typically doesn't
bother me. If you haven't had a betraying body in your life, than you haven't LIVED, lol it's the truth. That doesn't mean you won't have conflict in your inner most thoughts though....
This heroine had none. No inner angst about her feelings for this rogue. So here's the cheating rogue, who has admitted he has no qualms with infidelity to whoever he marries within the first 2 percent of this book, and the heroine quakes and begs for his attention after he shows he's interested in marrying her. She's beyond thrilled. No common sense next thoughts from the author while writing this heroine like the repercussions of becoming infatuated with someone your sister was engaged too, someone your own fucking maid was fucking that you witnessed.
....I never thought I'd be one of those reviewers....but this betraying body trope was too much for me.
DNF.
The H is established as a rogue, a rake, a manwhore in the v. beginning of this novel. Not just engaged to the heroine's sister, but the heroine discovers the H fucking her fucking maid. Like, witnesses it.
After the H confronts the heroine about this she has a betraying body. The betraying body trope typically doesn't
bother me. If you haven't had a betraying body in your life, than you haven't LIVED, lol it's the truth. That doesn't mean you won't have conflict in your inner most thoughts though....
This heroine had none. No inner angst about her feelings for this rogue. So here's the cheating rogue, who has admitted he has no qualms with infidelity to whoever he marries within the first 2 percent of this book, and the heroine quakes and begs for his attention after he shows he's interested in marrying her. She's beyond thrilled. No common sense next thoughts from the author while writing this heroine like the repercussions of becoming infatuated with someone your sister was engaged too, someone your own fucking maid was fucking that you witnessed.
....I never thought I'd be one of those reviewers....but this betraying body trope was too much for me.
DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2010
I’d give this book about a 3-3.5 because the story doesn’t connect well-enough for a 4, there’s too much sex without advancing the plot but it’s still generally well-written in terms of style for something that’s told in pieces or snippets. Like many erotic historicals there is a borderline creepy dark undertone for some reason and this is consistent throughout the book. There’s a minor sub-story that felt more like filler when the h/h weren’t having sex but I guess the author has to fill the pages with something.
Valentin Sokorovsky, a former sex slave in Turkey, needs sex to be able to get through the day. He’s very forward and not the most likable of people I thought because of his “frank” speech we’ll say. Sara Harrison, the daughter of the man who rescued Valentin from slavery, finds herself attracted to him even though she doesn’t want to be. She’s a true nympho though underneath it all. Valentin is engaged to her sister as a kind of payment to her father but the sister is scared witless of him so Sara agrees to take her place as his wife. Valentin is intrigued and the very upright/uptight Sara decides to let loose and go on an adventure of sexual awakening with Valentin as her very willing teacher. At the basis the story is pretty good but there’s too much sex and not enough emotional development between the characters. You really have to be in the mood for reading lots of sex to enjoy this read I think because that’s essentially what’ll you’ll be getting.
The story is told in an odd way that doesn’t really flow or connect like a regular novel. Almost like a kind of day in the life but on a regular basis. This isn’t necessarily bad or good just different. What’s missing is the emotion. Valentin is too remote and hides too much of himself so his eventual and inevitable proclamation of love just didn’t cut it for me. It was hard to get to know him. Sure you knew of his excesses and what he liked sexually but he ignored Sara a lot and the author kept having him excuse this with what happened to him in the past that I just couldn’t buy. As for Sara, she has moments where she tries to please a little too much and also where she tries to come into her own so her character was better developed. The two of them together though was neither here nor there. I didn’t feel the great love story that the author wanted you to believe in.
As for the steam, there’s lots of it and early on. The series is called House of Pleasure and there is a said house where lots of fantasies can take place. I’ve read better but it was alright.
It’s very hard to come by good erotic historicals, ones that mix a hearty dose of sex with a solid plot that moves along making you wish that the end never comes. I wanted this book to end because you could see that the story wasn’t really going to go anywhere apart from the couple just having more and more sex.
So the writing style is good if only the author had developed her characters more instead of overly playing up the sex part –a common “problem” in erotic historicals unfortunately. But then again, I don’t think it was entitled “Simply Sexual” for nothing.
Valentin Sokorovsky, a former sex slave in Turkey, needs sex to be able to get through the day. He’s very forward and not the most likable of people I thought because of his “frank” speech we’ll say. Sara Harrison, the daughter of the man who rescued Valentin from slavery, finds herself attracted to him even though she doesn’t want to be. She’s a true nympho though underneath it all. Valentin is engaged to her sister as a kind of payment to her father but the sister is scared witless of him so Sara agrees to take her place as his wife. Valentin is intrigued and the very upright/uptight Sara decides to let loose and go on an adventure of sexual awakening with Valentin as her very willing teacher. At the basis the story is pretty good but there’s too much sex and not enough emotional development between the characters. You really have to be in the mood for reading lots of sex to enjoy this read I think because that’s essentially what’ll you’ll be getting.
The story is told in an odd way that doesn’t really flow or connect like a regular novel. Almost like a kind of day in the life but on a regular basis. This isn’t necessarily bad or good just different. What’s missing is the emotion. Valentin is too remote and hides too much of himself so his eventual and inevitable proclamation of love just didn’t cut it for me. It was hard to get to know him. Sure you knew of his excesses and what he liked sexually but he ignored Sara a lot and the author kept having him excuse this with what happened to him in the past that I just couldn’t buy. As for Sara, she has moments where she tries to please a little too much and also where she tries to come into her own so her character was better developed. The two of them together though was neither here nor there. I didn’t feel the great love story that the author wanted you to believe in.
As for the steam, there’s lots of it and early on. The series is called House of Pleasure and there is a said house where lots of fantasies can take place. I’ve read better but it was alright.
It’s very hard to come by good erotic historicals, ones that mix a hearty dose of sex with a solid plot that moves along making you wish that the end never comes. I wanted this book to end because you could see that the story wasn’t really going to go anywhere apart from the couple just having more and more sex.
So the writing style is good if only the author had developed her characters more instead of overly playing up the sex part –a common “problem” in erotic historicals unfortunately. But then again, I don’t think it was entitled “Simply Sexual” for nothing.
September 28, 2008
Simply Sexual is an apt title for this book. Each page just oozes sexuality in some form or another.
At a young age, Valentin Sokorvsky and a friend were captured and enslaved in a Turkish brothel where they were forced to serve others - men and women - sexually. Val spent ten years as a sex slave before he was rescued by Sara Harrison's father. Since that time, Val has had some success in the shipping business, and Sara's father is in need of his help financially. In return, Mr. Harrison agrees to let Val marry one of his daughters. Everyone thought Val would pick young Charlotte, but instead, he is drawn to Sara, who he suspects has a deep well of passion. Soon the two are married and Sara uses Val's experiences to explore her sexual needs. From toys to body jewelry to group sex to Madame Helene's House of Pleasure, they try anything and everything together. But despite their heated chemistry together, Val's past lingers between them, and Sara knows she must help him overcome the memories that still haunt him, and beat a threat to their present.
This book is steaming HOT. I know the couple people on my GR friends list who read this book didn't like it, but I liked it a lot. It's not a lovey-dovey book. There's not a lot of attention to feelings and emotions among the characters. It's basically all about the sexual chemistry and exploration...but I still felt like, at the end, Val and Sara loved each other. It just wasn't a soft thing.
I enjoyed the fact that even though this is a Regency historical, Sara is a very sexual character. Often authors make females from that period much more timid...which fits, I suppose...but I liked reading a Regency female who went all out sexually. I also like the dynamics between the characters. Especially the addition of Peter to the group. I would have loved it if Pearce had decided to make them a full-fledged menage and not just a temporary group. Because it was fairly obvious that what went on between Val, Peter and Sara wouldn't be long-term...and I was right on that. Peter is getting his own book, to be released soon (Simply Sinful).
My one main story-related complaint was that Pearce never addressed what exactly happened to Val all those years ago that resulted in his capture. There is all this talk around it, accusations at Val's Dad, all this supposition, but Pearce never tells the story. So when I finished, I found myself rather annoyed that I was left wondering how - specifically - he was captured and enslaved.
Otherwise, this was a fun, hot book to read. I'd say it's not really for those of you who want to read a sexy romance because as I mentioned before, emotions aren't really the focus here. But if you want to read an erotic romance with oodles of sex that breaks way past the Vanilla boundaries, then you might want to give this one a try.
Warning, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit language, toys, body jewelry/piercing, voyeurism, exhibitionism, some f/f interaction, m/m interaction, group sex, anal sex, double penetration (of the less typical kind), light bondage, references to non-consensual sex...and probably some more stuff I'm forgetting!
At a young age, Valentin Sokorvsky and a friend were captured and enslaved in a Turkish brothel where they were forced to serve others - men and women - sexually. Val spent ten years as a sex slave before he was rescued by Sara Harrison's father. Since that time, Val has had some success in the shipping business, and Sara's father is in need of his help financially. In return, Mr. Harrison agrees to let Val marry one of his daughters. Everyone thought Val would pick young Charlotte, but instead, he is drawn to Sara, who he suspects has a deep well of passion. Soon the two are married and Sara uses Val's experiences to explore her sexual needs. From toys to body jewelry to group sex to Madame Helene's House of Pleasure, they try anything and everything together. But despite their heated chemistry together, Val's past lingers between them, and Sara knows she must help him overcome the memories that still haunt him, and beat a threat to their present.
This book is steaming HOT. I know the couple people on my GR friends list who read this book didn't like it, but I liked it a lot. It's not a lovey-dovey book. There's not a lot of attention to feelings and emotions among the characters. It's basically all about the sexual chemistry and exploration...but I still felt like, at the end, Val and Sara loved each other. It just wasn't a soft thing.
I enjoyed the fact that even though this is a Regency historical, Sara is a very sexual character. Often authors make females from that period much more timid...which fits, I suppose...but I liked reading a Regency female who went all out sexually. I also like the dynamics between the characters. Especially the addition of Peter to the group. I would have loved it if Pearce had decided to make them a full-fledged menage and not just a temporary group. Because it was fairly obvious that what went on between Val, Peter and Sara wouldn't be long-term...and I was right on that. Peter is getting his own book, to be released soon (Simply Sinful).
My one main story-related complaint was that Pearce never addressed what exactly happened to Val all those years ago that resulted in his capture. There is all this talk around it, accusations at Val's Dad, all this supposition, but Pearce never tells the story. So when I finished, I found myself rather annoyed that I was left wondering how - specifically - he was captured and enslaved.
Otherwise, this was a fun, hot book to read. I'd say it's not really for those of you who want to read a sexy romance because as I mentioned before, emotions aren't really the focus here. But if you want to read an erotic romance with oodles of sex that breaks way past the Vanilla boundaries, then you might want to give this one a try.
Warning, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit language, toys, body jewelry/piercing, voyeurism, exhibitionism, some f/f interaction, m/m interaction, group sex, anal sex, double penetration (of the less typical kind), light bondage, references to non-consensual sex...and probably some more stuff I'm forgetting!
March 5, 2021
Best erotic regency I've read* and that's the tea. Really impressed by the depiction of sexuality as a continuum, the specific scenarios, and the plot. Yes, the plot was one of the strongest I've read in a spicy work. I highly enjoyed the concept of the House of Pleasure, and I'm looking forward to knocking off the series.
*At the time I read this, that is! :P
*At the time I read this, that is! :P
September 15, 2011
A short but heartfelt review. I *love* Kate Pearce's writing, and this is the book which introduced me to her and made me a huge fan.
I'm not doing a summary recap, but I will say that I was enthralled with Lord Valentin Sokorsky. He came to the heroine with a lot of emotional baggage and a bit of denial. But, in the end, he faced it all just as he needed to. He and Sarah were beautiful together, and their relationship evolved over the course of the book.
This story might not be for everyone, but I encourage you to try it if you enjoy very steamy reads with a good dose of emotion. This book hit all the right buttons for me. In my opinion, Kate Pearce is a first-rate writer and an auto-buy for me. A very satisfied 5 stars from me!
I'm not doing a summary recap, but I will say that I was enthralled with Lord Valentin Sokorsky. He came to the heroine with a lot of emotional baggage and a bit of denial. But, in the end, he faced it all just as he needed to. He and Sarah were beautiful together, and their relationship evolved over the course of the book.
This story might not be for everyone, but I encourage you to try it if you enjoy very steamy reads with a good dose of emotion. This book hit all the right buttons for me. In my opinion, Kate Pearce is a first-rate writer and an auto-buy for me. A very satisfied 5 stars from me!
November 27, 2011
"What comes first in a relationship is lust - then more lust."
- by Jacqueline Bisset -
18 sex scenes…a dizzy concept.
About my rating:
The story started out as a 3.5 or 4 and then I subsequently downgraded it. Between 82 and 87 % it was down to a two-star rating. What happened "there" sealed the deal for me - porn movie vibes all along the way. There is this saying: To miss the forest for the trees. There was so much sex I couldn't even see the plot anymore! Actually…ehm...was there even a plot?
For a brief synopsis, please read the blurb. I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
Jeez, I was so thrilled to read Simply Sexual, but while I was reading this story, my excitement just petered out. I'm all for sizzling hot, graphic, and great sex scenes, but I want the hot sex combined with a decent storyline. And Simply Sexual provided the hot sex but certainly not the latter. Unfortunately. Be prepared for exhibitionism, verrry graphic sex (including oral and some anal play), voyeurism, group sex, and some BDSM elements (spanking, toys, piercings, jewelry). The "hero" likes to f*ck in any place and certainly in any way he pleases. At a certain point it got old and boring and I caught myself skipping lines. Near the end of the story I felt like I was watching a porn movie. Simply Sexual is not for the faint of heart! The book title fits perfectly though.
Val and Sara lusted after one another, but I couldn't feel their chemistry let alone their love. The sensuality was lacking as well, and the story had no depth at all. Sheesh, they were horny all the time and maybe I'm being mean when I say that it must be really painful to have a hard-on 24/7?! Val is so utterly single-minded…And he had certainly found his sexual equal in his own wife - they just deserved each other. Thank goodness!
I got it that Val had a bad childhood and he was traumatized by certain horrible 'events' that happened to him, and I feel sorry for him. However, it's just not only a bad childhood that defines us. It certainly influences us, but we are responsible to define ourselves, and we grow along the way. Avoiding proper communication and not talking about important issues is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Again, it was just too convenient for the author to use such dumb behavior to cause needless conflicts. I'm sorry to say it but I can't relate to Val's demeanor - he acted immature and childish. Why didn't he talk to Sara? He realized that he hurt her, however he did nothing to rectify his fault. If anything, it was Sara who took all the blame. Ridiculous! Gosh, I was so annoyed. I don't appreciate it when the heroine thinks she has to make up for something that wasn't basically her fault. Val even had the gall to be angry at Sara! Jeez, will I ever live this down? In the beginning of the story I liked Val. In the end I didn't even like him anymore.
What I truly enjoyed about Simply Sexual was my thread during my status updates. That was so much fun! Thank you Jill and Taryn for our enlightening 'discussion'. I appreciate it.
Jill, thank you for the recommendation and so many funny comments we could share while I was posting my updates. I won't hold it against you! Besides, while reading this book, I just knew that you didn't like it either. LOL
I'm not into gratuitous sex, therefore it seems to be a wise decision to not continue reading this series. If you're looking for a steamy story with LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of sex scenes, then Simply Sexual is the perfect choice and provides exactly that. Read this book for the erotic sex and not for the plot though.
- by Jacqueline Bisset -
18 sex scenes…a dizzy concept.
About my rating:
The story started out as a 3.5 or 4 and then I subsequently downgraded it. Between 82 and 87 % it was down to a two-star rating. What happened "there" sealed the deal for me - porn movie vibes all along the way. There is this saying: To miss the forest for the trees. There was so much sex I couldn't even see the plot anymore! Actually…ehm...was there even a plot?
For a brief synopsis, please read the blurb. I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
Jeez, I was so thrilled to read Simply Sexual, but while I was reading this story, my excitement just petered out. I'm all for sizzling hot, graphic, and great sex scenes, but I want the hot sex combined with a decent storyline. And Simply Sexual provided the hot sex but certainly not the latter. Unfortunately. Be prepared for exhibitionism, verrry graphic sex (including oral and some anal play), voyeurism, group sex, and some BDSM elements (spanking, toys, piercings, jewelry). The "hero" likes to f*ck in any place and certainly in any way he pleases. At a certain point it got old and boring and I caught myself skipping lines. Near the end of the story I felt like I was watching a porn movie. Simply Sexual is not for the faint of heart! The book title fits perfectly though.
Val and Sara lusted after one another, but I couldn't feel their chemistry let alone their love. The sensuality was lacking as well, and the story had no depth at all. Sheesh, they were horny all the time and maybe I'm being mean when I say that it must be really painful to have a hard-on 24/7?! Val is so utterly single-minded…And he had certainly found his sexual equal in his own wife - they just deserved each other. Thank goodness!
I got it that Val had a bad childhood and he was traumatized by certain horrible 'events' that happened to him, and I feel sorry for him. However, it's just not only a bad childhood that defines us. It certainly influences us, but we are responsible to define ourselves, and we grow along the way. Avoiding proper communication and not talking about important issues is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Again, it was just too convenient for the author to use such dumb behavior to cause needless conflicts. I'm sorry to say it but I can't relate to Val's demeanor - he acted immature and childish. Why didn't he talk to Sara? He realized that he hurt her, however he did nothing to rectify his fault. If anything, it was Sara who took all the blame. Ridiculous! Gosh, I was so annoyed. I don't appreciate it when the heroine thinks she has to make up for something that wasn't basically her fault. Val even had the gall to be angry at Sara! Jeez, will I ever live this down? In the beginning of the story I liked Val. In the end I didn't even like him anymore.
What I truly enjoyed about Simply Sexual was my thread during my status updates. That was so much fun! Thank you Jill and Taryn for our enlightening 'discussion'. I appreciate it.
Jill, thank you for the recommendation and so many funny comments we could share while I was posting my updates. I won't hold it against you! Besides, while reading this book, I just knew that you didn't like it either. LOL
I'm not into gratuitous sex, therefore it seems to be a wise decision to not continue reading this series. If you're looking for a steamy story with LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of sex scenes, then Simply Sexual is the perfect choice and provides exactly that. Read this book for the erotic sex and not for the plot though.
November 29, 2019
Spoilers ahead
Why was this so longggggg I mean sexy times can only hold my interest for so long before I become bored as hell
The H's past as a sex slave was very sad but his present as a rake (read manwhore) turned my stomach too much to truly enjoy this
It was interesting enough just not enough to keep me interested so I skimmed quite a bit
No cheating
H was a sex slave then a rake after the h he didn't want anyone else
Erotic romance and all it entails including m/f/m exhibitionism, voyeurism
Why was this so longggggg I mean sexy times can only hold my interest for so long before I become bored as hell
The H's past as a sex slave was very sad but his present as a rake (read manwhore) turned my stomach too much to truly enjoy this
It was interesting enough just not enough to keep me interested so I skimmed quite a bit
No cheating
H was a sex slave then a rake after the h he didn't want anyone else
Erotic romance and all it entails including m/f/m exhibitionism, voyeurism
September 21, 2012
Whoa! This is no historical romance like I've ever read before. Wowsa! This series is not for the faint of heart. It is hawt! Lordy. Siv, after surviving 7 years in a Turkish brothel as a sex slave is back home in London and marries an innocent. The scars and obsessions of his past as well as his fellow slave Peter battle these past demons throughout the book......in bed. Wow. Author has a fantastic way of taking scenes that many would find appalling and making them erotic as all get out. 4.5 stars easy! On to book 2 in series......
January 16, 2013
É um livro que se lê muito bem mas que apresenta algumas falhas.
Opinião completa em:
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
Opinião completa em:
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
April 16, 2013
Buddy Read with Aly
Our Valentine and Sara, after… you have to read and imagine for yourselves
Aly: Dear ladies and gentlemen, we've gathered here today to discuss Simply Sexual, the 1st novel in the "House of Pleasure" series, by Kate Pearce. Now Maru, what did you think of it?
Maru: OMG, it was the most intense book I´ve read in a while!! I couldn´t stop reading!! What about you?
Aly: The same! Besides that I love that the author didn't use the insta-love thing; It drives me insane reading books like that :)) Especially HRs or contemps, in PNR and, maybe, Romantic Suspense it can be more acceptable, but the others…
Maru: Yes!! I loved that!! They fall in love as the story develops, though I don´t mind the Insta love..that´s why it´s called fiction
Aly: Maybe, but I want it to feel a little bit real, not much, just some strokes of reality make it better.
The epilogue ;)
Maru: Agreed!!
Aly: What did you think of Valentin and Peter's past?
Maru: It was heartbreaking, and really didn´t see that one coming! What about you?
Aly: I didn't, either! I loved how the heroine took it though: no hysterics and "oh, what will the people thiiink??", she just thought of her husband.
Maru: Yes!! In her actions was reflected how deep her love for Val was. I really like Sara as a heroine, she wasn´t winy at all!
Aly: Yeah, she tried to solve her problems and didn't wait for divine intervention. I really like the bro-love between Val and Peter, you don't see that in many HRs
Maru: It´s like you´re reading my mind Aly...again!! Val and Peter´s relationship was really deep, I mean hallo they were slaves together.
Aly: My favorite part: what did you think of the inventive sex? I'll never look at pearls the same way EVER again!
Maru: I loved that about the book!! They were SUPER inventive...yeah me either...I was reading that part and I was like....she is doing what?? Didn´t know you could do that. I felt it was more contemp erotica than HR, the other HR we read weren´t like this at all!! And all the talking...my oh my....
Aly: :)))))) I know what you mean, I have no idea where the author researched it, bud am I glad?!
Maru: Hahaha, yeah me too!! I´ll take notes on the inventiveness
Aly: please share them :)))
Maru: What did you think about Val´s relationship with his father? ahahaha I will
Aly: dysfunctional.... I hope it'll get better, since both of them made mistakes.
Maru: yeah me too!! It broke my heart a little, it´s so important to have a good relationship with your family...well at least for me
Aly: For me as well . All in all we really liked it, no? I really wanted it to be longer though.
Maru: Yeah, it was a very promising start!! Since book 2 is about Pete, they may make an appearance...fingers crossed!
Aly: I second that! Your rating?
Maru: 4.5* stars, yours?
Aly: 4*
Our Valentine and Sara, after… you have to read and imagine for yourselves
Aly: Dear ladies and gentlemen, we've gathered here today to discuss Simply Sexual, the 1st novel in the "House of Pleasure" series, by Kate Pearce. Now Maru, what did you think of it?
Maru: OMG, it was the most intense book I´ve read in a while!! I couldn´t stop reading!! What about you?
Aly: The same! Besides that I love that the author didn't use the insta-love thing; It drives me insane reading books like that :)) Especially HRs or contemps, in PNR and, maybe, Romantic Suspense it can be more acceptable, but the others…
Maru: Yes!! I loved that!! They fall in love as the story develops, though I don´t mind the Insta love..that´s why it´s called fiction
Aly: Maybe, but I want it to feel a little bit real, not much, just some strokes of reality make it better.
The epilogue ;)
Maru: Agreed!!
Aly: What did you think of Valentin and Peter's past?
Maru: It was heartbreaking, and really didn´t see that one coming! What about you?
Aly: I didn't, either! I loved how the heroine took it though: no hysterics and "oh, what will the people thiiink??", she just thought of her husband.
Maru: Yes!! In her actions was reflected how deep her love for Val was. I really like Sara as a heroine, she wasn´t winy at all!
Aly: Yeah, she tried to solve her problems and didn't wait for divine intervention. I really like the bro-love between Val and Peter, you don't see that in many HRs
Maru: It´s like you´re reading my mind Aly...again!! Val and Peter´s relationship was really deep, I mean hallo they were slaves together.
Aly: My favorite part: what did you think of the inventive sex? I'll never look at pearls the same way EVER again!
Maru: I loved that about the book!! They were SUPER inventive...yeah me either...I was reading that part and I was like....she is doing what?? Didn´t know you could do that. I felt it was more contemp erotica than HR, the other HR we read weren´t like this at all!! And all the talking...my oh my....
Aly: :)))))) I know what you mean, I have no idea where the author researched it, bud am I glad?!
Maru: Hahaha, yeah me too!! I´ll take notes on the inventiveness
Aly: please share them :)))
Maru: What did you think about Val´s relationship with his father? ahahaha I will
Aly: dysfunctional.... I hope it'll get better, since both of them made mistakes.
Maru: yeah me too!! It broke my heart a little, it´s so important to have a good relationship with your family...well at least for me
Aly: For me as well . All in all we really liked it, no? I really wanted it to be longer though.
Maru: Yeah, it was a very promising start!! Since book 2 is about Pete, they may make an appearance...fingers crossed!
Aly: I second that! Your rating?
Maru: 4.5* stars, yours?
Aly: 4*
June 17, 2015
2 stars
This was a complete Did not finish.
Everything in this book was irking me, basically. It's a shame, really, because the writer is good when it comes to smut, but her actual plot? Nothing.
It's basically some details between ALL sex.
I don't know about you, but I like my stories with plot, I like that they have lives besides fucking, and I didn't feel that there was anything in this one. Also, again, why I avoid historical fiction is that I'm a history major. Therefore, the way they talked, the way Valentin acted, seem unreal to me. I'm not saying there couldn't have been a man like him in this historical age, but it seems... improbable.
Don't go to history kids, you'll never be able to read "historical" fiction again.
Thinking again. GO TO HISTORY. ahah
Don't recommend.
This was a complete Did not finish.
Everything in this book was irking me, basically. It's a shame, really, because the writer is good when it comes to smut, but her actual plot? Nothing.
It's basically some details between ALL sex.
I don't know about you, but I like my stories with plot, I like that they have lives besides fucking, and I didn't feel that there was anything in this one. Also, again, why I avoid historical fiction is that I'm a history major. Therefore, the way they talked, the way Valentin acted, seem unreal to me. I'm not saying there couldn't have been a man like him in this historical age, but it seems... improbable.
Don't go to history kids, you'll never be able to read "historical" fiction again.
Thinking again. GO TO HISTORY. ahah
Don't recommend.
February 21, 2021
It was hot hot hot but it wasn't for me sadly. It had m/f/m romance and it's not my cup of tea. I liked how our main couple were though. They cared and loved each other a lot
November 12, 2010
This is historical smut at it's best! I haven't read many historical romances because they tend to bore me a little with all the ins and outs of the ton...this one isn't your typical historical erotic novel. After hearing rave reviews from a few friends, I pulled it off the shelf-blew the dust off and dove into one hot little story.
If you plan to read this, you should prepare yourself for loads of sex--with a little kink, but nothing too extreme. The end of the story flopped a little for me, but overall it was an entertaining read.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie 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 Lending Group
If you plan to read this, you should prepare yourself for loads of sex--with a little kink, but nothing too extreme. The end of the story flopped a little for me, but overall it was an entertaining read.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie 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 Lending Group
October 10, 2010
Simply Sexual - WOW was this book hot! It's really rare to find a good historical erotic read, but this is one of the best I've read! Highly erotic and sensually stimulating with a intriguing cast of characters and a storyline that will keep your interest throughout the book. I am already in love with Peter, who stars in book 2 of this series, Something Sinful. I am truly looking forward to seeing where his story goes!
September 28, 2010
Excellent dialogue, lots of erotic sex, but average plot development in the last half of the book.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
While reading the first half of the book I wanted to give it 5 stars. The last half of the book felt more like 3 stars, so I used an average of 4. This writing has spark! Many times during the first half of the book, I was surprised and delighted. Val did things I didn't expect. Val and Sara said things I didn't expect. This was not typical, predictable, ordinary, churning-out-another-book dialogue. This was good. I didn't care for the events that developed the plot in the last half of the book, but that part was ok.
There are a lot of erotic sex scenes with some creativity there as well. There are sex scenes between two men and scenes with ménage a trios (2 men and 1 woman). There are rear door activities, sex toys and body piercings.
STORY BRIEF:
Val and Peter were sex slaves in a Turkish brothel for seven years. Sara's dad bought their freedom. For the next twelve years Val and Peter became wealthy as partners in a shipping company. The story begins with Sara's dad needing money and offering one of his daughters to Val in marriage. Val chooses Sara. Val still suffers from the slavery abuse but finds some relief through frequent sex. Sara turns out to be a willing partner and student. Someone has been stealing money from the shipping company and threatens to ruin the business by publicizing the sex slavery past.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Following are three excerpts to give readers examples of dialogue and writing, which I liked.
Before he met Sara, Val had sex with Sara's maid Daisy. Sara saw them together, was intrigued, and then ran off when Val turned his head and saw her watching. Val followed her and introduced himself. Val and Sara later got married. Sara is a virgin. Page 28: On their wedding night, Sara didn't want Daisy around and sent her home. Val said "Did you fear Daisy might offer you some unwanted advice?" Sara said "I have received enough advice from my mother and my aunts to send me screaming from you in horror."
Page 40: Val and Peter had been slaves in Turkey. Sara's dad paid for their freedom and brought them back to England. Val tells Sara "He saved our lives. I will always be grateful to him." "She sensed a lack of emotion in his carefully spoken words. Would he have preferred to be left to die? "I'm glad he saved you, too." Valentin swung around to stare at her, one eyebrow raised. "Because of this?" he glanced down at his ___. "Any man could give you this." Sara smiled "Actually I was thinking of my father. It makes me proud to be his daughter." "Touche, madam" " he said.
Page 55: Sara is in her room getting dressed. Val enters so Sara dismisses her maid. "Valentin paused by the bed and lifted up her dress. He smiled into her eyes. "Crimson is my favorite color. It reminds me of your ___." He brought the gown to her and tossed it over her head. Silk flowed around her body with the soft whisper of a shower of rose petals. She sucked in a breath as Valentin tied the laces at the back." (Reviewer's comment: I'm not used to thinking about a guy helping a girl get dressed by "tossing" it over her head.)
DATA:
Story length: 258 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 18. Length of sex scenes: 7 short scenes (1 page or less) 7 medium scenes (1.4 to 5 pages) 4 long scenes (10, 12, 18 and 28 pages). Total number of sex scene pages: 95. Setting: 1815 Southampton and London, England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Kate Pearce books.
Simply Series:
4 stars. Simply Sexual. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 10-02-08.
4 stars. Simply Sinful. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 11-01-08.
3 stars. Simply Shameless. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 5-26-09.
2 stars. Simply Wicked. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 4-15-10.
Other:
4 stars. Where have all the Cowboys Gone? Copyrt 2007. Review Date 11-24-08.
4 stars. Planet Mail. Copyrt 2006. Review Date 5-3-09.
3 ½ stars. Pleasurable Bargains. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5-26-09.
4 ½ stars. Some Like It Rough (in anthology Some Like It Rough). Copyrt 2010. Review Date 2-28-10.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
While reading the first half of the book I wanted to give it 5 stars. The last half of the book felt more like 3 stars, so I used an average of 4. This writing has spark! Many times during the first half of the book, I was surprised and delighted. Val did things I didn't expect. Val and Sara said things I didn't expect. This was not typical, predictable, ordinary, churning-out-another-book dialogue. This was good. I didn't care for the events that developed the plot in the last half of the book, but that part was ok.
There are a lot of erotic sex scenes with some creativity there as well. There are sex scenes between two men and scenes with ménage a trios (2 men and 1 woman). There are rear door activities, sex toys and body piercings.
STORY BRIEF:
Val and Peter were sex slaves in a Turkish brothel for seven years. Sara's dad bought their freedom. For the next twelve years Val and Peter became wealthy as partners in a shipping company. The story begins with Sara's dad needing money and offering one of his daughters to Val in marriage. Val chooses Sara. Val still suffers from the slavery abuse but finds some relief through frequent sex. Sara turns out to be a willing partner and student. Someone has been stealing money from the shipping company and threatens to ruin the business by publicizing the sex slavery past.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Following are three excerpts to give readers examples of dialogue and writing, which I liked.
Before he met Sara, Val had sex with Sara's maid Daisy. Sara saw them together, was intrigued, and then ran off when Val turned his head and saw her watching. Val followed her and introduced himself. Val and Sara later got married. Sara is a virgin. Page 28: On their wedding night, Sara didn't want Daisy around and sent her home. Val said "Did you fear Daisy might offer you some unwanted advice?" Sara said "I have received enough advice from my mother and my aunts to send me screaming from you in horror."
Page 40: Val and Peter had been slaves in Turkey. Sara's dad paid for their freedom and brought them back to England. Val tells Sara "He saved our lives. I will always be grateful to him." "She sensed a lack of emotion in his carefully spoken words. Would he have preferred to be left to die? "I'm glad he saved you, too." Valentin swung around to stare at her, one eyebrow raised. "Because of this?" he glanced down at his ___. "Any man could give you this." Sara smiled "Actually I was thinking of my father. It makes me proud to be his daughter." "Touche, madam" " he said.
Page 55: Sara is in her room getting dressed. Val enters so Sara dismisses her maid. "Valentin paused by the bed and lifted up her dress. He smiled into her eyes. "Crimson is my favorite color. It reminds me of your ___." He brought the gown to her and tossed it over her head. Silk flowed around her body with the soft whisper of a shower of rose petals. She sucked in a breath as Valentin tied the laces at the back." (Reviewer's comment: I'm not used to thinking about a guy helping a girl get dressed by "tossing" it over her head.)
DATA:
Story length: 258 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 18. Length of sex scenes: 7 short scenes (1 page or less) 7 medium scenes (1.4 to 5 pages) 4 long scenes (10, 12, 18 and 28 pages). Total number of sex scene pages: 95. Setting: 1815 Southampton and London, England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Kate Pearce books.
Simply Series:
4 stars. Simply Sexual. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 10-02-08.
4 stars. Simply Sinful. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 11-01-08.
3 stars. Simply Shameless. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 5-26-09.
2 stars. Simply Wicked. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 4-15-10.
Other:
4 stars. Where have all the Cowboys Gone? Copyrt 2007. Review Date 11-24-08.
4 stars. Planet Mail. Copyrt 2006. Review Date 5-3-09.
3 ½ stars. Pleasurable Bargains. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5-26-09.
4 ½ stars. Some Like It Rough (in anthology Some Like It Rough). Copyrt 2010. Review Date 2-28-10.
May 27, 2016
Una saga erótica histórica que disfrute mucho. Me encanta el estilo de Kate Pearce. Todos los personajes tienen un carácter complejo y hay una gran trama, no sexo sin sentido, algo que siempre me alegra encontrar en una novela erótica.
June 15, 2014
I asked for historical erotica with some kink, well…I got it!
Ten years after being sold to a Turkish brothel as a sex slave, Lord Valentin Sokorvsky was rescued and returned to his family. Now Valentin is a successful trader and agrees to pay off the debt of the man who freed him by agreeing to marry one of his daughters. For years, Valentin has sought is sexual needs at Madame Helene’s House of Pleasure. He has needs that no wife could ever fulfill alone and looks to marrying a complacent woman who will allow his his freedoms. But when he meets Sara Harrison, the eldest daughter, he finds she is an intelligent and opinionated woman with desires she is longing to explore…and he can’t wait to educate her.
Umm, WOW! This book was sexy and erotic and kinky and I loved every moment of it.
I LOVED Sara. She was smart and bold and refused to follow the expectations that society put on her. She didn’t put up with any of Valentin’s shit and didn’t hesitate to tell him what she thought…or throw a book at his head when he was being an ass (LOVED that scene).
I LOVED Valentin…as fucked up as he was. I was really worried that I would hate him; I never believed he would actually stay faithful to Sara and their marriage, so he really surprised me there.
I LOVED the Red Book. What an insanely sexy idea: to write your fantasies out and share them with your lover. I found myself excitedly anticipating each new entry.
I LOVED the mystery. Someone is stealing from and trying to blackmail Valentin and Peter. The mystery was by no means the prominent storyline, and the bad guy should have been obvious to me, but I was too tied up with the smexin’ to bother trying to figure it out.
I will easily admit I DO NOT LOVE menage in my romance, but sometimes it works for me. This just happened to be one of those occasions. Valentin and his best friend Peter have a complicated relationship. They were all each other had in those ten years they were held as slaves and both have used sex to manage their demons…until Sara makes it her mission to understand and decides its time for them to start healing.
Overall, I LOVED the sexual and emotional journeys that Valentin and Sara took to falling in love with each other…
I’m curious to know how Peter will now fit into Valentin and Sara’s marriage; I have a feeling he will remain an occasional bed partner. So I will definitely have to get around to reading Simply Sinful to find out.
4.5 stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Ten years after being sold to a Turkish brothel as a sex slave, Lord Valentin Sokorvsky was rescued and returned to his family. Now Valentin is a successful trader and agrees to pay off the debt of the man who freed him by agreeing to marry one of his daughters. For years, Valentin has sought is sexual needs at Madame Helene’s House of Pleasure. He has needs that no wife could ever fulfill alone and looks to marrying a complacent woman who will allow his his freedoms. But when he meets Sara Harrison, the eldest daughter, he finds she is an intelligent and opinionated woman with desires she is longing to explore…and he can’t wait to educate her.
“Have I displeased you? I forgot, I am supposed to be an innocent maiden who couldn’t possibly be interested in such matters.” ~ Sara
Umm, WOW! This book was sexy and erotic and kinky and I loved every moment of it.
I LOVED Sara. She was smart and bold and refused to follow the expectations that society put on her. She didn’t put up with any of Valentin’s shit and didn’t hesitate to tell him what she thought…or throw a book at his head when he was being an ass (LOVED that scene).
I LOVED Valentin…as fucked up as he was. I was really worried that I would hate him; I never believed he would actually stay faithful to Sara and their marriage, so he really surprised me there.
I LOVED the Red Book. What an insanely sexy idea: to write your fantasies out and share them with your lover. I found myself excitedly anticipating each new entry.
I LOVED the mystery. Someone is stealing from and trying to blackmail Valentin and Peter. The mystery was by no means the prominent storyline, and the bad guy should have been obvious to me, but I was too tied up with the smexin’ to bother trying to figure it out.
I will easily admit I DO NOT LOVE menage in my romance, but sometimes it works for me. This just happened to be one of those occasions. Valentin and his best friend Peter have a complicated relationship. They were all each other had in those ten years they were held as slaves and both have used sex to manage their demons…until Sara makes it her mission to understand and decides its time for them to start healing.
Overall, I LOVED the sexual and emotional journeys that Valentin and Sara took to falling in love with each other…
I’m curious to know how Peter will now fit into Valentin and Sara’s marriage; I have a feeling he will remain an occasional bed partner. So I will definitely have to get around to reading Simply Sinful to find out.
4.5 stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
May 16, 2012
This was a hot one, plain & simple. I probably was predisposed to like this as I adore historical fiction. Add in some extremely well done erotica & there's no way it could miss with me. I didn't have any particular expectations going into this book. I've never read anything by the author but the summary looked interesting & the price for a bundle of three on Kindle seemed like a reasonable enough gamble for me to take a chance. Having only read Simply Sexual (I really wish it had a better title, as I fell in love with the characters & the story was about so much more than that), I already feel that I've received my money's worth.
Valentin & Sara really bring the sexy & made me feel that I want my own little red book to share with my husband. Fabulous. I've read a few books that have been more considered erotica than romance & I have often been put off by the characterizations of the mains because they just don't engage me & then consequently, I don't care a whit about the sex they're having. Not so, with Sara/Valentin! I was truly invested in these characters & found them to be written in a well rounded & believable way. I bought both of them as individuals & as a couple & that made me love the story all the more. It took me longer to appreciate Peter but I think I just needed Valentin off the main stage for a bit to truly appreciate Peter (Valentin is a bit eclipsing) & I very much liked his friendship with Sara.
The B-story of who is trying to sabotage Valentin & Peter's business was a good backdrop that threaded through the story well. It's conclusion was not one I anticipated & I was glad to be surprised.
I was sad to get to the end with the characters. I'd love to spend more time with Sara/Valentin. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
Valentin & Sara really bring the sexy & made me feel that I want my own little red book to share with my husband. Fabulous. I've read a few books that have been more considered erotica than romance & I have often been put off by the characterizations of the mains because they just don't engage me & then consequently, I don't care a whit about the sex they're having. Not so, with Sara/Valentin! I was truly invested in these characters & found them to be written in a well rounded & believable way. I bought both of them as individuals & as a couple & that made me love the story all the more. It took me longer to appreciate Peter but I think I just needed Valentin off the main stage for a bit to truly appreciate Peter (Valentin is a bit eclipsing) & I very much liked his friendship with Sara.
The B-story of who is trying to sabotage Valentin & Peter's business was a good backdrop that threaded through the story well. It's conclusion was not one I anticipated & I was glad to be surprised.
I was sad to get to the end with the characters. I'd love to spend more time with Sara/Valentin. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
June 15, 2010
There are only few people who are talented enough to write historical erotica that are well-formed and stimulating (as in, the diction is not repulsive). I count Kate Pearce as one of those few.
Sara thought she was destined to be a spinster, but after witnessing Lord Valentin take his pleasure, a desire for the sensual grows in her. They end up getting married very early in the book, and Sara is immersed into the sensual arts. But, there's a shameful part of Valentin's past that has made him literally crave more sex than normal. So basically, he feels like his bride is too innocent for that type of debauchery and should not know his sordid past (as a sex slave at at Turkish brothel). Sara convinces him otherwise, after some pain and angst, and definitely more sex.
Sara is an intriguing character. With a generous nature and a high sex drive, she is the perfect foil for the damaged hero. Valentin is not perfect and tries to protect himself by pushing real relationships away, but Sara's attraction keeps making him come back for more. His pride has a way of adding some angst into the mix and it is a nice touch.
I loved the language in this book. It was not distracting with weird historical phrases or euphemisms. Everything was named as they would be in our century, with the perks of the 1800s.
Overall, a very sensual read, worthy to be recommended to anyone interested in historical erotica.
Sara thought she was destined to be a spinster, but after witnessing Lord Valentin take his pleasure, a desire for the sensual grows in her. They end up getting married very early in the book, and Sara is immersed into the sensual arts. But, there's a shameful part of Valentin's past that has made him literally crave more sex than normal. So basically, he feels like his bride is too innocent for that type of debauchery and should not know his sordid past (as a sex slave at at Turkish brothel). Sara convinces him otherwise, after some pain and angst, and definitely more sex.
Sara is an intriguing character. With a generous nature and a high sex drive, she is the perfect foil for the damaged hero. Valentin is not perfect and tries to protect himself by pushing real relationships away, but Sara's attraction keeps making him come back for more. His pride has a way of adding some angst into the mix and it is a nice touch.
I loved the language in this book. It was not distracting with weird historical phrases or euphemisms. Everything was named as they would be in our century, with the perks of the 1800s.
Overall, a very sensual read, worthy to be recommended to anyone interested in historical erotica.
November 12, 2011
Em vez de ser considerado um livro sensual, este livro deveria antes ser considerado como um livro pornográfico.
Não há romance, não há sedução e as cenas de sexo são tão explícitas que não resta nada com que apelar ao imaginário.
O mote do livro, um homem que foi escravo sexual num bordel turco, deveria ter tido outro rumo. A autora deveria ter optado por desenvolver os fantasmas deste passado, o sofrimento, a redenção, em vez disso concentrou-se no apetite sexual(quase sobre-humano)dos protagonistas. Ousado, provocante e lascivo são os adjectivos que mais se adequam ao livro. Chocante até, para mentes mais reservadas.
O conteúdo (para alem do sexual) é praticamente inexistente. Apesar haver ali um pequeno fragmento de mistério quanto às dificuldades dos negócios de Valentin, não é tema que seja explorado. Todo o livro é sexo frenético (e cansativo de ler) e são mesmo poucas páginas onde não o haja. Só no último capitulo a autora decidiu-nos presentear com uma cena de semi-acção que termina num insatisfatório toque de romantismo mas que ainda não serviu para convencer.
Não há romance, não há sedução e as cenas de sexo são tão explícitas que não resta nada com que apelar ao imaginário.
O mote do livro, um homem que foi escravo sexual num bordel turco, deveria ter tido outro rumo. A autora deveria ter optado por desenvolver os fantasmas deste passado, o sofrimento, a redenção, em vez disso concentrou-se no apetite sexual(quase sobre-humano)dos protagonistas. Ousado, provocante e lascivo são os adjectivos que mais se adequam ao livro. Chocante até, para mentes mais reservadas.
O conteúdo (para alem do sexual) é praticamente inexistente. Apesar haver ali um pequeno fragmento de mistério quanto às dificuldades dos negócios de Valentin, não é tema que seja explorado. Todo o livro é sexo frenético (e cansativo de ler) e são mesmo poucas páginas onde não o haja. Só no último capitulo a autora decidiu-nos presentear com uma cena de semi-acção que termina num insatisfatório toque de romantismo mas que ainda não serviu para convencer.
March 23, 2022
In the very beginning, Sara and Valentin get married. This book has A LOT of sex, but then that's to be expected with the title. However, I have read books that have had just as much sex that I enjoyed a lot more.
There wasn't enough space between the climax and resolution in my opinion. What happened to Evangeline too? I felt like the whole plot wasn't fully fleshed out.
Also, did Valentin and Peter put both their cocks at the same time in Sara? But not as a double penetration. See, that confused me.
I would have also liked Valentin to tell Sara more about his past as a sex slave in Turkey, instead of waiting till the very end. I thought she knew but then halfway through the book she seemed to learn that he was a sex slave??
There wasn't enough space between the climax and resolution in my opinion. What happened to Evangeline too? I felt like the whole plot wasn't fully fleshed out.
Also, did Valentin and Peter put both their cocks at the same time in Sara? But not as a double penetration. See, that confused me.
I would have also liked Valentin to tell Sara more about his past as a sex slave in Turkey, instead of waiting till the very end. I thought she knew but then halfway through the book she seemed to learn that he was a sex slave??
March 3, 2012
This is the first in Ms. Pearce's House of Pleasure series of erotic historical romances. Every aspect of this lovestory will have you enthralled, from the hero's tortured past and his struggle to not let it mold his life, to the heroine's eagerness and hunger to be the wife her husband desires. Though the sex is extremely explicit, each scene builds depth to the lives of these wonderful characters. Valentin and Sara grabbed me from the first pages, and I devoured their lovestory in one sitting. An excellent read!
January 25, 2014
This was a very hot book from the start. Valentin was held for ten years as a sex slave he was rescued along with his friend. Valentin has insatiable sex drive. He married the daughter of the man that rescued him. Sara is just as insatiable as he is Valentin is unsure if she will be able to handle his drive until she proves him wrong. The sex scenes in this book was hot as hell. The book did has some suspense although I did feel it could have went into Valentin relationship with his father. This was a good read.
August 19, 2021
Two words: smutty galore! I saw a lot of people recommended this series so I was curious. And I finally succumbed to my curiosity. The plot is very thin here. The hero, Val was supposed to have business and money problem, but can afford to pay Sara's father for her hand in marriage? He also can afford to lavish Sara and his ex-mistress some expensive jewelry? It just doesn't seem plausible to me. Furthermore, the whole sex slave thingy doesn't ring quite true. My advice is to read it for the smut, but don't expect too much. But hey, the book doesn't claim to be more than it is.
March 13, 2016
ETA 9/26/12 - I just reread this 18 months after the original read. I've read a lot of books since I first read this start to the series and it stands up over time. Really well-written smutty historical.
September 14, 2017
Enaguas calientes, de esos libros que lees sin esperar nada y te sorprenden, eso sí hot hot.
September 3, 2012
Este é o primeiro volume da série da Casa Do Prazer, "Escravos do amor" e penso que tanto o título como a capa não poderiam estar mais adequados ao conteúdo.
Na contra-capa do livro existe esta informação:
Aviso: Este livro pode conter descrições explícitas de cariz sexual.
É este o tipo de livro que vão levar para casa, se o escolherem.
Passemos então à história. . . Sara Harrison é uma jovem ingénua, bonita e determinada que conhece Lorde Valentin Sokorvsky e a sua vida muda.
Lorde valentin é um homem marcado por experiências passadas, experiências essas que vão influenciar toda a sua vida pessoal e todo o relacionamento com Sara. Teve um passado conturbado, e procura satisfação e aprovação por parte das mulheres. . . e não só.
Existe uma sedução constante por parte dos dois para assegurar que ambos dão e recebem prazer. Descrições explícitas percorrem toda a narrativa.
Há relações "alternativas" no livro e tal como a série é conhecida, existe uma casa do prazer, onde. . . bom. . . tudo mas TUDO é permitido. Há fantasias para todos os gostos e com vários intervenientes.
Há uma intriga que envolve toda a história desde o início, atraindo o perigo e incerteza para Lorde Valentin.
Podem haver supresas na resolução da intriga.
Concluindo, diria que, é um livro levezinho, para descontrair de leituras mais pesadas e diria ainda que, quem não tem uma mente aberta para o sexo, certas partes poderão ser mais difíceis de ler e podem repugnar e mesmo quem tenha essa mente aberta, certos aspectos de certas relações podem não atrair. . .
Eu gostei e cá aguardo o próximo volume da série.
Na contra-capa do livro existe esta informação:
Aviso: Este livro pode conter descrições explícitas de cariz sexual.
É este o tipo de livro que vão levar para casa, se o escolherem.
Passemos então à história. . . Sara Harrison é uma jovem ingénua, bonita e determinada que conhece Lorde Valentin Sokorvsky e a sua vida muda.
Lorde valentin é um homem marcado por experiências passadas, experiências essas que vão influenciar toda a sua vida pessoal e todo o relacionamento com Sara. Teve um passado conturbado, e procura satisfação e aprovação por parte das mulheres. . . e não só.
Existe uma sedução constante por parte dos dois para assegurar que ambos dão e recebem prazer. Descrições explícitas percorrem toda a narrativa.
Há relações "alternativas" no livro e tal como a série é conhecida, existe uma casa do prazer, onde. . . bom. . . tudo mas TUDO é permitido. Há fantasias para todos os gostos e com vários intervenientes.
Há uma intriga que envolve toda a história desde o início, atraindo o perigo e incerteza para Lorde Valentin.
Podem haver supresas na resolução da intriga.
Concluindo, diria que, é um livro levezinho, para descontrair de leituras mais pesadas e diria ainda que, quem não tem uma mente aberta para o sexo, certas partes poderão ser mais difíceis de ler e podem repugnar e mesmo quem tenha essa mente aberta, certos aspectos de certas relações podem não atrair. . .
Eu gostei e cá aguardo o próximo volume da série.
May 17, 2012
This was....different.
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky is a wealthy bachelor preparing to marry the timid daughter of the man who rescued him from a 7 year existence as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel. That is until he meets the sister of the girl he is due to marry, and decides he has to have her instead.
First off, this book has a lot of sex. A. Lot. Not that I am complaining, since I do love my kinky erotica after all. And I mean, what can you expect reading a book called Simply Sexual. But, towards the end of this story I was a little bit worn out by it all. Not just the sex scenes (which Pearce does for the most part handle well), but by all the rampaging angst among the three main characters. Because yes, there is another player in this kink-fest. His name is Peter and he was also being held at the brothel and has been in love with Valentin for years.
I have no problem with M/F/M stories. Far from it. It just seemed as though this one was a bit forced. Valentin spends much of the story trying to convince Sara that Peter's love is unrequited, and Sara spends a lot of time trying not to be jealous. Which is part of the reason that the resolution...if that's what you can call it...came off as well...odd. I seem to be in the minority feeling this way, though.
So, this was enjoyable as far as a quick, sex-filled romp goes. But, not so much when you try and make sense of certain aspects of the plot.
My YT Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Bookgasmic
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky is a wealthy bachelor preparing to marry the timid daughter of the man who rescued him from a 7 year existence as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel. That is until he meets the sister of the girl he is due to marry, and decides he has to have her instead.
First off, this book has a lot of sex. A. Lot. Not that I am complaining, since I do love my kinky erotica after all. And I mean, what can you expect reading a book called Simply Sexual. But, towards the end of this story I was a little bit worn out by it all. Not just the sex scenes (which Pearce does for the most part handle well), but by all the rampaging angst among the three main characters. Because yes, there is another player in this kink-fest. His name is Peter and he was also being held at the brothel and has been in love with Valentin for years.
I have no problem with M/F/M stories. Far from it. It just seemed as though this one was a bit forced. Valentin spends much of the story trying to convince Sara that Peter's love is unrequited, and Sara spends a lot of time trying not to be jealous. Which is part of the reason that the resolution...if that's what you can call it...came off as well...odd. I seem to be in the minority feeling this way, though.
So, this was enjoyable as far as a quick, sex-filled romp goes. But, not so much when you try and make sense of certain aspects of the plot.
My YT Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Bookgasmic
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
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