Guilty Pleasures by Kitty Thomas

Guilty Pleasures by Kitty Thomas 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





rating:  ★★★★★
recommended for those who love dark erotica and BDSM

review:  ** spoiler alert ** 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 is 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.

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Beyond Eden by Kele Moon

rating:  ★★★★★
recommended for those who enjoy the dark side of romance, M/M, menage and BDSM

Review:

I want to start out by saying that I really loved this book. It wasn't your typical smut-tacular read. Now, don't get me wrong, it was packed full of deliciously hot, dirty hot and scary hot smut.

It was really tough for me to categorize this book...it's hard to explain the tone. The relationship between Evie-girl, Danny-boy and Paul-guy was not just a menage--no, it was way more complicated than that. I really hate giving away key plot details in a review, so it makes it more difficult. All I will say is that I can't remember reading a menage book where the characters involved in the menage have such distinctly different relationships--Eve & Paul, Eve & Danny, Paul & Danny and finally Eve, Danny & Paul. It was fascinating and frustrating, but not frustrating in a bad way--it frustrated me in a way that made me get sucked into the story even more! It would also be fair to say that I found it a little bit disturbing--but not in a way that turned me off and I would be hesitant to admit it turned me on.

I shelved this book as "smut not fluffy", because despite the fun looking cover, there was a lot of dark shit going on in this book. There were also a lot of fun and exciting situations the characters experienced. I felt like I was being told a story about the lives of these three very tortured and very interesting individuals. I felt it had a little bit of a Megan Hart kind of vibe to it.

If you are a fan of BDSM and like menage reads, then you should check this out. I will definitely read more by this author. I am looking forward to what she has in store for the future.




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Broken by Megan Hart

rating:  ★★★★★
recommended for those who enjoy romance without the fluff

review:  Megan Hart is a very emotional writer. When I pick up a book she has penned, I know many things before I even read the description. I know it will not be light and fluffy--I know it will probably not have a happy ending--i know there will be one or more tortured souls--I know there will be some smokin' hot sex--and finally, I know I am going to love it.

Broken is a heart wrenching story of a man and woman, very much in love. The man suffers a terrible accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. Hart brought tears to my eyes as she describes the feelings the couple experiences--love-hate-jealousy-remorse-just to name a few. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must be to have the person you love live with you and talk with you and physically be with you, but not able to really experience the life you live. How hard that must be for both parties involved.

Sadie needs an outlet, she needs someone to talk to and she finds her escape in Joe--a stranger who shares erotic stories of his one night stands with beautiful women. As Joe tells his stories, Sadie imagines herself as the women he speaks of.

Sometimes Hart surprises me with an unexpected ending. I thought Broken's ending was bittersweet. This was another emotional but fantastic book by Megan Hart.

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Monica's Secret (Erogenous Zones #1) by Saskia Walker

rating:  ★★★★★
recommended for those who love menage reads with psychic hotties and dominant men who interact sexually.

review:  I will be the first to admit that I am a total menage addict and find that as long as i am in the right mindset, I can find something positive in the smut I read. This book was a total surprise and was by far the best menage book I have read in a while...it really raises the bar for all my other smut ratings :-)

Monica is a psychic who reads sexual energy by touching people and objects people have come in contact with. She is the housekeeping manager in a posh hotel, so you can probably imagine how most of her days must be--flooded with erotic images on a very regular basis. As a result, she does her best to keep her hands to herself and pretty much keeps to herself. Monica is single and has few if any friends outside her 2 psychic sisters...that is until Owen and Alec charge into her life. From the second she meets them, she is pummeled with vivid images of their sexual experiences and exploits. These very hot, very domineering men make quick work of tearing down her defensive walls and building up her sexual appetite. Owen and Alec were one of the hottest same sex couples I have ever read about! Yum!

I was totally consumed from the very beginning of this book. Not only are the characters likable, smart and hot, their sexual encounters were off the charts...wow! The cherry on top was that there was actually a story I was interested in and I truly wanted to know the outcome. I just can't say enough great things about this book. I really encourage you to get it if you are even a little intrigued by menage reads.
 
M/M/F

Review: Party Games

rating:   ★★★★☆
recommended for the lovers of the taboo!

My Review: 

This was one of those unexpected finds...one that sounds good, but has no GR ratings and you are not exactly sure what it is about AND have never heard of the author! That about sums it up and I really enjoyed this one. It was hot and mysterious and if I am being honest, it freaked me out a little.

Basically, Stephanie goes to a "game" party with a guy she considers her boyfriend, but she has really only known him for 3 weeks...there was just a lot she didn't know from the beginning. I was definitely on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. There was a ton of debauchery and trickery going on and lots and lots of "games" with different people.

You really must read this if you are looking for a steamy quickie--this should do the trick! I do have to warn you that there is a variety of topics some may take issue with. If you have an aversion to any of the following, then steer clear of this one: non-con, forced seduction, non-con fantasy, kidnap...to name a few.

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On the Bus by Selena Kitt

rating:   ★★★★☆
recommended for the lovers of the taboo!

**THIS REVIEW IS OF THE ORIGINAL: ON THE BUS** The revised version depicts a relationship between step-siblings.  The original is no longer available, but the updated version is still hot!


review:  Twincest...that is what it's about. If you have an aversion to that, then do not pass go, do not collect $200.

What is wrong with me? I seriously am a normal person...why did I enjoy this book? Why was I rooting for the twins to have sex? Why on earth did that turn me on? I am just going to go with: It's Selena Kitt...she has a gift for making naughty stuff hot. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!





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Hot Head (Head #1) by Damon Suede

rating:  ★★★★★
recommended for those who are considering dipping into the M/M genre but have been timid about taking the plunge.

review:  I really loved this book...being my first m/m book I was very pleasantly surprised and I was very glad not to have to endure the unaccepting aspect. I was really dreading that part of the story--I thought for sure we would have to deal with haters in the fire department and haters in the Italian community and when we didn't, I was so relieved! I didn't feel as though I was cheated out of any drama by not having that be a part of the story. I feel like the point regarding discrimination was made thru Tommy's experience.

Of course, I can't imagine Dante's parents turning any of their children away for any reason... I thought it was a beautiful and well written story. I also think this is a great first time m/m read - at least it was for me. Of course m/m isn't exactly foreign to me since I read menage, but this was my first that didn't have any lovely ladies in the mix and I didn't miss the ladies at all ;-) I mean, how could you possibly miss the ladies with the beautiful men in the story?

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The Beach House by J.T. Harding

rating:   ★★★★☆
review: There was definitely a lot of emotional turmoil going on in this book that I wasn't expecting. This is more than just an erotic menage read.

Jenn is a beautiful, but beaten down woman...beaten down physically and beaten down emotionally. It sounds like she has always used sex as a way to make her feel good about herself...to the point of creating quite the reputation for herself. Living on an island where people vacation is the best thing for her because she can have her flings with no strings attached. That is until she meets Joe and Kim and her world changes forever on many levels. I was actually shocked at the depth of the story of this erotic read. I really enjoyed reading it.

And Holly Makes Three by Erica Sloane

rating ★★★★★
 review:   HOT! Whew! This was a short one about a couple who have a lively sex life, but have never brought a third into their bed. Then his birthday rolls around and she wants to pull out all the stops by bring her BFF into the mix. Well, let's just say Erica Sloane does a hell of a job laying out the particulars!

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Becoming sage (The Keyhole #1) by Kasi Alexander

rating:   ★★★★☆

recommended for those who love TPE, BDSM and Poly relationships
 
review: As I was reading this book, I was thinking it had a different tone or point of view and even now, I can't exactly put my finger on what in the content made it different. After reading the "author bio" at the end and learning that the author, Kasi Alexander is in a poly relationship and practices D/s, M/s in her relationship, it made me think: maybe that was the difference.

I wouldn't say this was necessarily a "dark" read, but it definitely wasn't fluffy! The story that unfolded described much of the conflict that I imagine would or could come into play in this type of relationship. I really enjoyed the story...as I am fascinated with this lifestyle. Though I never plan to live in a relationship such as this, I can appreciate the trials and tribulations the "family members" must face.

This is a recommended read for those of you who enjoy reading about poly relationships and the BDSM lifestyle.

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Boss Man by Sierra Summers

My rating: ★★★★☆

status	Read in July, 2011
format	ebook

Penny isn't sure if her boss realizes they knew each other in high school. She is sure he doesn't remember her...which means he also doesn't remember the ridiculous school girl crush she had on him. When she gets invited to a naughty party, she throws caution to the wind and ends up in a menage with 2 sexy strangers. Well, she thinks they are strangers until her blindfold is removed and she realizes that one of the men is none other than her boss. Mortified, she flees the party and the men...but once Dante has had a taste of her deliciousness, he has to have more!

This was a great story. I love it when the ugly duckling turns into a swan and finds the love of her life!



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Craving Perfect by Liz Fichera

rating	★★★★☆
status	Read in July, 2011
format	Kindle Edition
notes	Netgalley Advanced Readers Copy
recommended for	Lovers of Romantic Comedy Chic-Lit
review	"Did you see that chubby chick crash to the floor this morning?" KILL. ME. NOW. Seriously, that's all I have to say, just kill me now! That is exactly how Grace feels after she face plants at the gym while running on the treadmill...in front of her cutie crush, Max. Don't lie. I know you have thought it before...we have all thought it... If only I was 10 pounds lighter, a little taller, had a smaller nose, bigger boobs... You know what they say about the green grass on the other side? It just might not be as green and great as you thought... That is exactly what Grace discovers when her little tumble on the tread mill lands her in a parallel universe where all her dreams are her reality. Yeah, I know, treadmill time machine...hokey, but it works! To my knowledge, this is Liz Fichera's second book and I will definitely be looking for more by this author. Craving Perfect is a feel good, entertaining romantic comedy with a wonderful cast of characters. Along with a cute story, Fichera's story reinforces the timeless life lesson that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's a great reminder to be happy with what you have in your life and grab opportunities that are staring you right in the face!

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Provoke Me by Cari Quinn

rating	★★★★★
status	Read in July, 2011
format	ebook
updates	view all 3 status updates
review	"Either her panties melted off her body or he ripped them away..." Yes, this book is that hot! So, just a fair warning to wear your least favorite undies while reading this one because they are bound to self destruct with the heat Cari Quinn is bringing to this deliciously sexy read! The Book Nook bookstore is just too small for both Kelly and Spencer AND all the sexual chemistry they have going on. Kelly is headstrong and outspoken. Spencer is a straight laced business man and has no time for romance...that is until he runs into his sassy little bookstore manager at a local sex club. Hmmm...now that was unexpected and a most pleasant surprise, but Spencer is determined to keep things professional and declares that they never saw each other and work will be business as usual. The problem is, Spencer doesn't realize that once has a tiny taste of the passion Kelly permeates, he is going to be hooked! He won't be able to help himself...He's going to have to have more! The chemistry between all the characters is fantastic! I love it that Kelly is so feisty! Spencer is so dense that he actually thinks he can just dismiss Kelly--personally and professionally...Whoa! Does he have another thing coming! If you want to read something funny and sexy, you have got to get this book! A solid 5 star read!

Learning to Drown by Sommer Marsden

rating	★★★★☆
status	Read from July 26 to 28, 2011
format	ebook
recommended for	Lovers of D/s & kidnap fantasy books
review	"It had been amazing. Such a good surrender. Almost what I wanted. Almost. But then...it had waned. Every time after, the whole scenario was a little less. Not quite as bright or magical or surreal as that first time. I didn't come as hard. My heart didn't beat as fast. My surrender was less crisp and a little petulant." What happens when your fantasy is your reality and your reality is your fantasy? Hmmm...that got you thinking didn't it? Ember is an addict of sorts. Like all addicts, she is constantly chasing that blissful euphoric state that she only achieves through kidnap and non-consensual fantasies. She needs constant titration or in this case, escalation in order to achieve the same high. Along her journey, she uncovers a lot about herself and what she needs. She discovers that she has been going about things all wrong. In hindsight, of-course, it is glaringly obvious what she needs--it just takes a stranger to show her. I really enjoyed this book. The insight gained by allowing the reader into the mind of both the hero and heroine was crucial especially for those of us who have no first hand knowledge of the lifestyle. Learning To Drown is a little dark, okay, maybe more than a little dark. It contains elements of the BDSM culture like bondage, domination and submission to name a few, but nothing too extreme. It's also important to note that the main theme to this book is kidnap fantasy and non-con fantasy, so if that is a topic that bothers you , then you should steer clear. If you have no aversion to that, then you should enjoy this darkly sexy and romantic book. It is sure to add some spice and excitement to an otherwise boring night! There were a lot of great scenes with sexy lines in this book, but the following was really the epitome of domination...I must have read it a million times... "I don't mind being the bad guy. Bad guys have bigger guns, don't they? And they cheat. So go on, Ember, suck my gun."