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Hidden Grotto #1
House of Dark Delights
In this extraordinary debut, Louisa Burton extends an irresistible invitation to an erotic adventure that is quite literally out of this world. Youâ re hereby invited to spend a night youâ ll never forget in the . . .House of Dark Delights
Nestled deep in the French countryside, hidden from prying eyes, stands an infamous castle that for centuries has lured guests with its whispered promise to make any erotic dream come true. Inside its walls youâ ll discover a world of sensuality, magic, and mystery, courtesy of the chÃteauâ s residentsâ beautiful and reclusive immortals who strive to fulfill their guestsâ most secret desires even as they pursue their own insatiable gratification. Youâ ll meet a tall, seductive elf who can morph from male to female, a bewitching goddess from ancient Babylonia, a playfully lusty satyr, a djinni obligated to satisfy the unspoken appetites of any human he touches, and a vampire as sexually rapacious as he is bloodthirsty.
Within these pages are related the Houseâ s most scintillating encounters, past and present. A pair of modern lovers find themselves captivatedâ and transformedâ by the carnal demands of their hosts. An adventuress visiting with the notorious Hellfire Club stumbles from a black mass into a dungeon fitted out for restraint and discipline, where a brooding stranger turns her darkest longings into reality. A virginal female scientist is awakened by an invisible lover to the pleasures of the flesh. A young couple, forbidden to wed by an ancient taboo, finds hope in a sensual threesome. A journey into the realm of sexual love and erotic passion, House of Dark Delights is sure to leave you feeling enthralled, seduced . . . and utterly ravished.
Nestled deep in the French countryside, hidden from prying eyes, stands an infamous castle that for centuries has lured guests with its whispered promise to make any erotic dream come true. Inside its walls youâ ll discover a world of sensuality, magic, and mystery, courtesy of the chÃteauâ s residentsâ beautiful and reclusive immortals who strive to fulfill their guestsâ most secret desires even as they pursue their own insatiable gratification. Youâ ll meet a tall, seductive elf who can morph from male to female, a bewitching goddess from ancient Babylonia, a playfully lusty satyr, a djinni obligated to satisfy the unspoken appetites of any human he touches, and a vampire as sexually rapacious as he is bloodthirsty.
Within these pages are related the Houseâ s most scintillating encounters, past and present. A pair of modern lovers find themselves captivatedâ and transformedâ by the carnal demands of their hosts. An adventuress visiting with the notorious Hellfire Club stumbles from a black mass into a dungeon fitted out for restraint and discipline, where a brooding stranger turns her darkest longings into reality. A virginal female scientist is awakened by an invisible lover to the pleasures of the flesh. A young couple, forbidden to wed by an ancient taboo, finds hope in a sensual threesome. A journey into the realm of sexual love and erotic passion, House of Dark Delights is sure to leave you feeling enthralled, seduced . . . and utterly ravished.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
15 people are currently reading
1153 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Burton
7 books78 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Ryan.
Louisa Burton is a painter, writer, and collector of rare books who travels extensively, but whose home is in New York. She is a lifelong devotee of Victorian erotica, history, and mythology. Of particular interest to Louisa are the beings known by demonologists and mythologists as Sexual Demons: incubi, succubi, satyrs, djinn, and vampires, among others. With the Hidden Grotto series, beginning with House of Dark Delights, Louisa is weaving those passions together into an epic work of erotic fiction.
Louisa Burton is a painter, writer, and collector of rare books who travels extensively, but whose home is in New York. She is a lifelong devotee of Victorian erotica, history, and mythology. Of particular interest to Louisa are the beings known by demonologists and mythologists as Sexual Demons: incubi, succubi, satyrs, djinn, and vampires, among others. With the Hidden Grotto series, beginning with House of Dark Delights, Louisa is weaving those passions together into an epic work of erotic fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 23, 2008
Erotica with a hefty side of brains and plot that doesn't skip on the sex, both kinky and vanilla. Up until now, I had given up on a lot of erotica, as rarely did it stimulate my brain as well as my bits. But Burton has a real depth and richness to her characters that make them come (hah) alive on the page and her weaving of myth and historical setting is spot on. The story doesn't drag for an instant. I can't wait to read more!
May 12, 2009
I did not like this book at all. I'm a big fan of erotica and a big fan of fantasy but this book missed on all levels for me. Here's the two things that drove me nuts the most:
#1 the sex scenes-to me they're were about as titillating as dirty socks. Nothing new was added to the genre-just the same old sorry "scenarios" that are in a hundred other erotica books. Not even the scenes featuring more unique fantasy characters could save the whole mess. And seriously, what is it about almost being forced into sex with a nasty ugly beast thing is supposed to be exciting? He's slimy and his breath smells bad...uh gross!
#2 the characters themselves-you get no feeling or empathy for the main characters, I just didn't really care about them. The largest responce I could come up with was pity. Not exactly the emotion an erotica book should be shooting for.
With the opening of the romance subjects to fantasy erotica there was a huge influx of new ideas and stories. Going from reading those to this book is disappointing and leaves you feeling repulsed. I could only make it halfway through and then I had to quit.
#1 the sex scenes-to me they're were about as titillating as dirty socks. Nothing new was added to the genre-just the same old sorry "scenarios" that are in a hundred other erotica books. Not even the scenes featuring more unique fantasy characters could save the whole mess. And seriously, what is it about almost being forced into sex with a nasty ugly beast thing is supposed to be exciting? He's slimy and his breath smells bad...uh gross!
#2 the characters themselves-you get no feeling or empathy for the main characters, I just didn't really care about them. The largest responce I could come up with was pity. Not exactly the emotion an erotica book should be shooting for.
With the opening of the romance subjects to fantasy erotica there was a huge influx of new ideas and stories. Going from reading those to this book is disappointing and leaves you feeling repulsed. I could only make it halfway through and then I had to quit.
May 10, 2015
0/10
DE LOS PEORES LIBROS QUE LEI EN MI VIDA.
DE LOS PEORES LIBROS QUE LEI EN MI VIDA.
February 23, 2016
I am NOT a fan of romance. When I bought this book, I had no idea what I was getting in to. Yes, it's romance. But WOW! All of histories most mysterious and notorious mythical creatures are represented, doing naughty stuff... and at the same time, revealing themselves to be in many ways, human. I loved it so much I read all four in the series, then became more depressed than I wanted to admit that there were no more. READ THIS BOOK!!
September 14, 2025
AMAZING. I could see the parallels with Rice’s Beauty series, but I feel it was done beautifully, and still stands alone. I really enjoyed this.
November 22, 2017
normal . mas lado del malo que del bueno.
June 15, 2009
The first in the Hidden Grotto Series.
This book consists of four vignettes from the lives of 4 follets/mythical beings (an elf who also happens to be a transgendering incubus, a succubus, a satyr, a djinni) who have lived for thousands of years in a remote chateau in France.
This is straight erotica; not erotic romance or “romantica”.
Normally, regular erotica aint my cuppa since it usually features BDSM, which I have a low threshold for, and I usually find the treatment of the sex too detached and clinical for me to enjoy. Despite my avowed love of smut, I haven’t read too much straight erotica. Some Anais Nin. The Story of O. Justine by Marquis de Sade and My Secret Life. No Anne Rice Sleeping Beauty stuff (I did mention that BDSM scares me, right?)
I think Bantam is marketing HODD as “literary erotica.” When I think of literary erotica, I think of Anais Nin and to a lesser extent, Story of O, which was admittedly written in a lovely, clean style. HODD is not quite up to that level but it is an intriguing combination of smut mixed with various European mythologies and folklore, all done in surprisingly elegant prose (in a genre notorious for its laughably bad writing). I was just in the right mood to find it fresh and different.
The book starts in present day at the Chateau de la Grotte Cachee and features Elic, a 3000 year old Norweigian elf (think LOTR’s Legalos), who also happens to be by accident of mutation, an incubus who can change from male to female and back again. In a scene straight out of An American Werewolf in London (you can practically hear the bones cracking!), Elic changes from male to female and does his thing (which is to have sex with both halves of a genetically superior couple — not necessarily at the same time — and enhancing the seed that he transfer from the male to the female. Pregnancy is almost guaranteed).
The book then jumps to the 18th Century and the Hellfire Club, which is when Elic first meets Lili, a 4000 year old Babylonian succubus and the great love of his life. Unfortunately, with the way the mythology is set up, Elic and Lili can never consummate their relationship since Little Elic is only ‘happy’ around mortals. I am interested in how the author will resolve this situation, IF she will resolve it that is. Since this is erotica, there is no guaranteed HEA.
The third episode features the reclusive Darius, a shape-shifting djinn (genie). He also has the ability to become invisible as well as a miraculous healing touch. Darius hides away in a cave most of the time because any touch with a human compels him to fulfill that human’s deepest desires. An accidental touch with noblewoman who secretly wishes to be dominated and punished leads to the only flat out BDSM encounter in the book which was almost too much for me to stomach. I do find Darius the most compelling of the 4 follets and I am sure part of my affection for this book is because he gets the most face time after Elic.
The fourth episode goes back to 52 B.C. and reveals how Elic first came upon the area where the Chateau is and his part in establishing the long line of druid chiefs who still take care of the Chateau and serve the 4 follets to the present day. I liked how each episode was from a pivotal moment in the Chateau’s history and teased just enough about its complicated world to leave me begging for more. I hope Burton continues in this vein for the next book in the series, Bound in Moonlight, due 12/26/07.
Grade: B+
This book consists of four vignettes from the lives of 4 follets/mythical beings (an elf who also happens to be a transgendering incubus, a succubus, a satyr, a djinni) who have lived for thousands of years in a remote chateau in France.
This is straight erotica; not erotic romance or “romantica”.
Normally, regular erotica aint my cuppa since it usually features BDSM, which I have a low threshold for, and I usually find the treatment of the sex too detached and clinical for me to enjoy. Despite my avowed love of smut, I haven’t read too much straight erotica. Some Anais Nin. The Story of O. Justine by Marquis de Sade and My Secret Life. No Anne Rice Sleeping Beauty stuff (I did mention that BDSM scares me, right?)
I think Bantam is marketing HODD as “literary erotica.” When I think of literary erotica, I think of Anais Nin and to a lesser extent, Story of O, which was admittedly written in a lovely, clean style. HODD is not quite up to that level but it is an intriguing combination of smut mixed with various European mythologies and folklore, all done in surprisingly elegant prose (in a genre notorious for its laughably bad writing). I was just in the right mood to find it fresh and different.
The book starts in present day at the Chateau de la Grotte Cachee and features Elic, a 3000 year old Norweigian elf (think LOTR’s Legalos), who also happens to be by accident of mutation, an incubus who can change from male to female and back again. In a scene straight out of An American Werewolf in London (you can practically hear the bones cracking!), Elic changes from male to female and does his thing (which is to have sex with both halves of a genetically superior couple — not necessarily at the same time — and enhancing the seed that he transfer from the male to the female. Pregnancy is almost guaranteed).
The book then jumps to the 18th Century and the Hellfire Club, which is when Elic first meets Lili, a 4000 year old Babylonian succubus and the great love of his life. Unfortunately, with the way the mythology is set up, Elic and Lili can never consummate their relationship since Little Elic is only ‘happy’ around mortals. I am interested in how the author will resolve this situation, IF she will resolve it that is. Since this is erotica, there is no guaranteed HEA.
The third episode features the reclusive Darius, a shape-shifting djinn (genie). He also has the ability to become invisible as well as a miraculous healing touch. Darius hides away in a cave most of the time because any touch with a human compels him to fulfill that human’s deepest desires. An accidental touch with noblewoman who secretly wishes to be dominated and punished leads to the only flat out BDSM encounter in the book which was almost too much for me to stomach. I do find Darius the most compelling of the 4 follets and I am sure part of my affection for this book is because he gets the most face time after Elic.
The fourth episode goes back to 52 B.C. and reveals how Elic first came upon the area where the Chateau is and his part in establishing the long line of druid chiefs who still take care of the Chateau and serve the 4 follets to the present day. I liked how each episode was from a pivotal moment in the Chateau’s history and teased just enough about its complicated world to leave me begging for more. I hope Burton continues in this vein for the next book in the series, Bound in Moonlight, due 12/26/07.
Grade: B+
January 8, 2011
The characters in this book were likeable, relatable, and very mysterious. They left me wanting to know much more about them. All of the follets were well cast. As well, the historical content was fascinating and well researched I thought. And I liked how different the historical settings were, and how the human characters personalities altered in each. I thought the first two parts (the first chapter in the present with Larsson, and the 18th century part with the Hellfire Club) of the book were great, they were intense and interesting, but by the end the intensity kind of fizzled out.
The last parts were still fascinating, I learned a lot about the different characters, especially Elic and Darius, but the scenes became a bit hurried in my opinion. Overall it was an interesting story and I'm looking forward to the next one thanks to the hook dropped in the last chapter. The future of the follets has me intrigued.
The last parts were still fascinating, I learned a lot about the different characters, especially Elic and Darius, but the scenes became a bit hurried in my opinion. Overall it was an interesting story and I'm looking forward to the next one thanks to the hook dropped in the last chapter. The future of the follets has me intrigued.
Read
September 13, 2011Let's talk just for a minute about how much I love Louisa Burton's books. Oh. My. God. No, wait, let's talk about how my husband reads them over and over. He loves her work, too. This is the first book in the Hidden Grotto series. They are all good. If you like your erotica with history, paranormal, a lawless Victorian feel (ok, probably not Victorian, but that's why I don't write historicals), and storylines that interlock and fit together so well the books almost have a Pulp Fiction feel - then read this series. Really, you should.
August 4, 2012
Wow.
I really love erotic fiction, but I tend to read it in very short quantities, since I tend to get too hot and bothered to focus for very long (it inspires other, ahem, recreational activities). But despite how hot and bothered this book got me, I devoured it completely in just a few short days. I couldn't put it down, and I'm already on to the next one.
I really love erotic fiction, but I tend to read it in very short quantities, since I tend to get too hot and bothered to focus for very long (it inspires other, ahem, recreational activities). But despite how hot and bothered this book got me, I devoured it completely in just a few short days. I couldn't put it down, and I'm already on to the next one.
Read
August 11, 2016DNF 62%
Fails as a fantasy - little plot, very slow pacing. The immortal characters were dusty and underdeveloped.
Fails as erotic literature - scenes were dry and route. No tension, no drama.
If I were to finish it would probably be a 1.5-2.5 star, but I just didn't care enough to keep reading.
Fails as a fantasy - little plot, very slow pacing. The immortal characters were dusty and underdeveloped.
Fails as erotic literature - scenes were dry and route. No tension, no drama.
If I were to finish it would probably be a 1.5-2.5 star, but I just didn't care enough to keep reading.
July 21, 2011
I really wanted to like this novel. It seemed to be right up my alley but somehow it just didn't work out for me. I didn't really care about the characters and sometimes didn't even know what the heck was going on in the first place. Very disappointing.
December 1, 2016
This book is totally unlike anything I've ever read before, and I mean that in a good way. Louisa Burton combines mythology, history, sensuality and straight up weirdness to weave together several dark and delightful stories.
This book is very wordy and detailed, you need to be paying attention to get what is going on. Once I managed to get my head in gear I was very impressed. People seeking a typical romance should steer well clear because this is ALL succubus/incubus/beasties business and none of it is very conventional/for the faint of heart, to say the very least.
This novel was however, interesting, original and entertaining as hell.
My only real complaint about HoDD is the dialogue of the crass, big titted "Australians" at the start of the novel. I have never met or heard of anyone calling boobs 'yabbos.' It was a little cringy TBH. Still, Ms. Burton is a yank and she's far from the only person to step on that cultural rake so I didn't mind so much. Besides, HoDD is a wonderful and interesting novel and wonderful and interesting novels get a lotta leeway when it comes to slagging off my countrymen.
This book is very wordy and detailed, you need to be paying attention to get what is going on. Once I managed to get my head in gear I was very impressed. People seeking a typical romance should steer well clear because this is ALL succubus/incubus/beasties business and none of it is very conventional/for the faint of heart, to say the very least.
This novel was however, interesting, original and entertaining as hell.
My only real complaint about HoDD is the dialogue of the crass, big titted "Australians" at the start of the novel. I have never met or heard of anyone calling boobs 'yabbos.' It was a little cringy TBH. Still, Ms. Burton is a yank and she's far from the only person to step on that cultural rake so I didn't mind so much. Besides, HoDD is a wonderful and interesting novel and wonderful and interesting novels get a lotta leeway when it comes to slagging off my countrymen.
February 8, 2024
As a 20-something prude when this book was published, I have no idea how I came across it - but it was indeed a dark delight.
I had never watched p-rn, and I never knew this is book considered "erotica". (Told you, just call me Prudence.) From what I remember, I was surprised by the variety of encounters, from soft romance to bdsm (without spoiling much more).
This kind of thing may not be for everyone, and it may all be "played out" for older or more experienced folks. I still recall enjoying the creature fantasy of it - elves, vampires, etc. It added to the feeling of being transported someplace secret.
I actually never kept the book open on a shelf after I read it, as smut was not as casual as it has been since the popularity of series like Fifty Shades and A Court of Thorns and Roses. So... I think I'll take it out from the dark now.
This was a memorable, enjoyable, easy read.
I had never watched p-rn, and I never knew this is book considered "erotica". (Told you, just call me Prudence.) From what I remember, I was surprised by the variety of encounters, from soft romance to bdsm (without spoiling much more).
This kind of thing may not be for everyone, and it may all be "played out" for older or more experienced folks. I still recall enjoying the creature fantasy of it - elves, vampires, etc. It added to the feeling of being transported someplace secret.
I actually never kept the book open on a shelf after I read it, as smut was not as casual as it has been since the popularity of series like Fifty Shades and A Court of Thorns and Roses. So... I think I'll take it out from the dark now.
This was a memorable, enjoyable, easy read.
July 3, 2017
Oho, hidden grotto, where have you been all my [adult] life?!
This series is a great combo of history, mythology/supernatural - and of course, erotica (Victorian and otherwise). I burned through the first one (no pun intended), and then the next 2... see if you can read just one. This kind of loosely strung-together short stories (rather than consecutive chapters) is one of my favorite styles of storytelling.
It can be frustrating when the stories stray a bit far from sex sometimes (because, come on, that's why we're here), but that is the price you pay for it not being completely ridiculous and implausible (i know, i know... let's do argue about it).
Some really interesting mythological info and creatures happening here. And also totally hot varieties of sex, from basic to kin-kay.
I hope there will be more to come in this series!
This series is a great combo of history, mythology/supernatural - and of course, erotica (Victorian and otherwise). I burned through the first one (no pun intended), and then the next 2... see if you can read just one. This kind of loosely strung-together short stories (rather than consecutive chapters) is one of my favorite styles of storytelling.
It can be frustrating when the stories stray a bit far from sex sometimes (because, come on, that's why we're here), but that is the price you pay for it not being completely ridiculous and implausible (i know, i know... let's do argue about it).
Some really interesting mythological info and creatures happening here. And also totally hot varieties of sex, from basic to kin-kay.
I hope there will be more to come in this series!
November 26, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
I found House of Dark Delights by Louisa Burton randomly while browsing a used bookshop. It's been sitting on a TBR cart ever since. The other day, I decided I needed something different and finally grabbed it. Whoooooooooo boy!
😅
The spice in this book just about laid me out. While I have read spicier things, the topics in this book are what made the spice stand out. The story centers on the occupants of a chateau in France that are more than they seem. Satyrs, ancient goddesses, elves, and djinn roam these halls and bring your deepest desires to the surface.
🔥
The book spans centuries, and as you travel the years, you see how the inhabitants came to this place or how the tiniest thing will set in motion huge events for generations to come. I honestly didn't expect this. I thought this was a good old smútťy story collection from the early 2000s, I didn't think it would be a sensual, deep, emotionally woven tapestry of the human (and not ao human) condition. But don't worry, it's still totally smuťťy.
🖤
I'm hoping I can get my hands on the second book. It may be a bit of a hunt to find it, but I'm invested now.
I found House of Dark Delights by Louisa Burton randomly while browsing a used bookshop. It's been sitting on a TBR cart ever since. The other day, I decided I needed something different and finally grabbed it. Whoooooooooo boy!
😅
The spice in this book just about laid me out. While I have read spicier things, the topics in this book are what made the spice stand out. The story centers on the occupants of a chateau in France that are more than they seem. Satyrs, ancient goddesses, elves, and djinn roam these halls and bring your deepest desires to the surface.
🔥
The book spans centuries, and as you travel the years, you see how the inhabitants came to this place or how the tiniest thing will set in motion huge events for generations to come. I honestly didn't expect this. I thought this was a good old smútťy story collection from the early 2000s, I didn't think it would be a sensual, deep, emotionally woven tapestry of the human (and not ao human) condition. But don't worry, it's still totally smuťťy.
🖤
I'm hoping I can get my hands on the second book. It may be a bit of a hunt to find it, but I'm invested now.
June 16, 2024
DNF’d.
I love erotica and fantasy and mythology which is why I originally picked up the book. However, this was so dispassionate and the writing style felt archaic. Definitely not for me, thank you next.
I love erotica and fantasy and mythology which is why I originally picked up the book. However, this was so dispassionate and the writing style felt archaic. Definitely not for me, thank you next.
September 17, 2018
Kinda confusing at some parts, but honestly not a bad read. Be warned though, not for the sexually squeamish.
January 21, 2021
4/4.5 stars
January 4, 2023
A righteous good romp.
April 5, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this. Plenty of spice but a real story woven throughout. I liked the characters and even when the stories switched, I was still interested. Can’t wait to read the next book.
February 11, 2014
Louisa Burton must have had a wonderful time writing these books. While most authors' work is stuck in a single time period, the stories in these books range over two millennia. Ms. Burton skips through history, from the Victorian era to the Roman conquests, from the lecherous eighteenth century to the Roaring Twenties. Her tales are anchored by place rather than time, set in the environs of the mysterious and seductive Grotte Cachee, where magic and sensuality reign and nothing is as it seems.
The Grotte Cachee is tucked away in a valley in Auvergne (incidently, the birthplace of Anne Rice's vampire Lestat). It includes a cavern of volcanic origin known for its psychotropic vapors, a geothermal spring whose waters magnify and transmit emotional states, a sacred grove shaded by an ancient oak, and the luxurious Chateau where guests to the valley are accommodated and debauched.
Humans come and go over the centuries, but the long-term inhabitants of the Grotte Cachee are a group of immortal creatures - sexual demons or "follets" - who require the sexual energies of the human visitors in order to survive. There is Inigo the satyr, whose masculine endowment more than matches the Greek myths; Lili, an ancient Mesopotamian goddess who can mold her victims' perceptions to match their fantasies; Elic, a serial hermaphrodite who can take the form of a handsome man or an equally exquisite woman; and Darius, a shy, shape-shifting genie who cannot help fulfilling the expectations of the people whom he encounters. For two millennia the follets have been protected and kept satisfied by the mysterious Seigneur of the Chateau, and his administrateur, both unbroken lineages from pagan times. Ms. Burton's tales of the hidden grotto focus on the interactions between various humans and the immortals. There is the jaded eighteenth century countess whose guilt is expiated in a fierce sadomasochistic session with Darius; the desperate Regency era beauty, disowned by her minister father for choosing a lover outside her faith and forced to auction herself as a slave in order to survive; the hard-headed daughter of the Victorian mythologist, who is determined to remain a spinster until Inigo changes her mind. Occasionally we view the world from the follets' perspective, but more often the outrageous wonders of the grotto are revealed through human eyes.
Ms. Burton writes with skill and enthusiasm, brilliantly capturing the distinctive voices and mores of each time period. The human characters are fully-fleshed and distinctive. The immortals, surprisingly, seem less fully realized. I say surprisingly because they feature in every tale, and thus have more opportunity to reveal themselves. Yet none of the follets has much complexity (Darius seems to be the only one with any sort of internal conflicts) and none of them seems to change over the very long time span encompassed by the books. Inigo in the present is the same charming stud who posed for the Roman sculptors decorating the Grotto's pool. Elic and Lili share a love that can never be physically requited, but they hardly seem tortured by frustration.
I could not help comparing the world of the Grotte Cachee with Anne Rice's vampire chronicles. Both feature a cast of powerful and seductive immortals and range over centuries. In both worlds, the immortals become entangled with humans. Rice's creatures, though, are constantly experiencing spiritual crises, battling the ennui of immortality and questioning their own nature. Ms. Burton's demons have fairly sunny dispositions and rarely seem to be thinking of anything beyond their next conquest.
Of course, HOUSE OF DARK DELIGHTS and BOUND IN MOONLIGHT do not aspire to address spiritual or philosophical issues. They are intended to entertain, and they succeed admirably, with intelligence and humor. The books feature plenty of lively and varied sex, including some insightful explorations of BDSM relationships that I personally felt were among the best passages in the books. (I will not venture to guess whether this reflects Ms. Burton's interests, or my own individual tastes!)
Despite the title, do not expect darkness from these books. Ms. Burton views sex from an intensely positive perspective. Although the follets are styled as incubi and succubi, they do no more than temporarily exhaust their lucky victims. In the Hidden Grotto, no one is ruined by their sexual experiences. More often, they are redeemed.
The Grotte Cachee is tucked away in a valley in Auvergne (incidently, the birthplace of Anne Rice's vampire Lestat). It includes a cavern of volcanic origin known for its psychotropic vapors, a geothermal spring whose waters magnify and transmit emotional states, a sacred grove shaded by an ancient oak, and the luxurious Chateau where guests to the valley are accommodated and debauched.
Humans come and go over the centuries, but the long-term inhabitants of the Grotte Cachee are a group of immortal creatures - sexual demons or "follets" - who require the sexual energies of the human visitors in order to survive. There is Inigo the satyr, whose masculine endowment more than matches the Greek myths; Lili, an ancient Mesopotamian goddess who can mold her victims' perceptions to match their fantasies; Elic, a serial hermaphrodite who can take the form of a handsome man or an equally exquisite woman; and Darius, a shy, shape-shifting genie who cannot help fulfilling the expectations of the people whom he encounters. For two millennia the follets have been protected and kept satisfied by the mysterious Seigneur of the Chateau, and his administrateur, both unbroken lineages from pagan times. Ms. Burton's tales of the hidden grotto focus on the interactions between various humans and the immortals. There is the jaded eighteenth century countess whose guilt is expiated in a fierce sadomasochistic session with Darius; the desperate Regency era beauty, disowned by her minister father for choosing a lover outside her faith and forced to auction herself as a slave in order to survive; the hard-headed daughter of the Victorian mythologist, who is determined to remain a spinster until Inigo changes her mind. Occasionally we view the world from the follets' perspective, but more often the outrageous wonders of the grotto are revealed through human eyes.
Ms. Burton writes with skill and enthusiasm, brilliantly capturing the distinctive voices and mores of each time period. The human characters are fully-fleshed and distinctive. The immortals, surprisingly, seem less fully realized. I say surprisingly because they feature in every tale, and thus have more opportunity to reveal themselves. Yet none of the follets has much complexity (Darius seems to be the only one with any sort of internal conflicts) and none of them seems to change over the very long time span encompassed by the books. Inigo in the present is the same charming stud who posed for the Roman sculptors decorating the Grotto's pool. Elic and Lili share a love that can never be physically requited, but they hardly seem tortured by frustration.
I could not help comparing the world of the Grotte Cachee with Anne Rice's vampire chronicles. Both feature a cast of powerful and seductive immortals and range over centuries. In both worlds, the immortals become entangled with humans. Rice's creatures, though, are constantly experiencing spiritual crises, battling the ennui of immortality and questioning their own nature. Ms. Burton's demons have fairly sunny dispositions and rarely seem to be thinking of anything beyond their next conquest.
Of course, HOUSE OF DARK DELIGHTS and BOUND IN MOONLIGHT do not aspire to address spiritual or philosophical issues. They are intended to entertain, and they succeed admirably, with intelligence and humor. The books feature plenty of lively and varied sex, including some insightful explorations of BDSM relationships that I personally felt were among the best passages in the books. (I will not venture to guess whether this reflects Ms. Burton's interests, or my own individual tastes!)
Despite the title, do not expect darkness from these books. Ms. Burton views sex from an intensely positive perspective. Although the follets are styled as incubi and succubi, they do no more than temporarily exhaust their lucky victims. In the Hidden Grotto, no one is ruined by their sexual experiences. More often, they are redeemed.
October 20, 2014
Louisa Burton's House of Dark Delights series is both intelligent and erotic - a beautiful and rare combination. These stories focus on a group of mythological creatures whose powers and very existence are steeped in sex: a drop dead gorgeous succubus, a reclusive djinn, a complicated dusios and a rather well endowed satyr. Ultimately, the House of Dark Delights is more than a physical place for these creatures - it is both a haven and a mechanism of carnal nourishment.
Given the characters extraordinary longevity (like a couple of thousand years), the historical backdrop of this series is a panorama of time. The chronology spans pre-Roman Britain through to our own modern age and takes breaths at different moments in history: a dark ceremony run by the deviants of the HellFire club, a week of voluntary slavery in the latter days of the 17th century, a '60s orgy and a few other notable stops. As a result, Burton's stories are a collection of vignettes of the various mortals (both lucky and not so lucky) who - over centuries - have had the pleasure of interacting with the mysterious creatures of the Grotto.
Finally, in addition to the brilliant myth and character building, I really like that Burton's erotica doesn't abandon the concept of love. Despite how long they've lived, or suffered, there is more to the creatures of the Grotto than just appetite: they often form strong, loving attachments with their mortal visitors and with each other. Personally I found the relationship between Lily and Erik the most mystifying and bittersweet. I was impressed that even though their connection doesn't conform to the common framework of 'love' it is still eminently clear that love is present between them and it's Burton's daring and brilliance that make it work.
Given the characters extraordinary longevity (like a couple of thousand years), the historical backdrop of this series is a panorama of time. The chronology spans pre-Roman Britain through to our own modern age and takes breaths at different moments in history: a dark ceremony run by the deviants of the HellFire club, a week of voluntary slavery in the latter days of the 17th century, a '60s orgy and a few other notable stops. As a result, Burton's stories are a collection of vignettes of the various mortals (both lucky and not so lucky) who - over centuries - have had the pleasure of interacting with the mysterious creatures of the Grotto.
Finally, in addition to the brilliant myth and character building, I really like that Burton's erotica doesn't abandon the concept of love. Despite how long they've lived, or suffered, there is more to the creatures of the Grotto than just appetite: they often form strong, loving attachments with their mortal visitors and with each other. Personally I found the relationship between Lily and Erik the most mystifying and bittersweet. I was impressed that even though their connection doesn't conform to the common framework of 'love' it is still eminently clear that love is present between them and it's Burton's daring and brilliance that make it work.
July 26, 2016
What an interesting book. I went into it expecting an erotica book, which it definitely was. However, there was a paranormal twist to the entire thing that surprised be but which worked and made it different and very enjoyable. I'm not much of a paranormal fan, but this drew me in and actually seemed believable. The book is based in a chateau in the French countryside, a hotel for guests who want to keep their privacy. There is a sense of freedom and "anything-goes," which results in a lot of sensuality and magic. The immortals who live there participate and fulfill their guests' desires. These beautiful "people" include an elf who can morph from male to female, a goddess from ancient Babylonia, a playful satyr, a vampire, and a dijinni who must satisfy people's innermost desires. There are actually a series of stories, one set in modern day, one in the 1700's, and another in the late 1800's, and yet another in ancient times B.C. I enjoyed seeing the immortals within the same setting but in a different century. Although each story had a different main character, the immortals were secondary characters who really didn't change, just the timeframe changed and therefore people's responses to them were different, based on the beliefs of the time. The sexual scenes were steamy and varied. I look forward to reading more from this series.
February 23, 2011
Let me just start by saying that this book left me completely torn.
I very much enjoyed the mix of history and fiction. There is an obvious amount of research on the author's part to create such an elaborate weave. I liked the characters a great deal as well. Getting to know each one and learning each of their personal stories held my interest throughout the book.
However, this story line was very difficult for me to follow. I'm not a fan of the separate books within this book. I understand that the author is providing back story thru these mini-books, but it completely distracted me from the initial plot. And as for the erotica portions of the book, I was left totally cold. I think the descriptions of the satyr statues were more inspiring than the actual love scenes.
Overall, I think this is a great concept for a series. The characters, the setting, the story line all have so much potential. I'm still undecided as to wether or not I'll ever finish this series. For now, it's on the back burner...
I very much enjoyed the mix of history and fiction. There is an obvious amount of research on the author's part to create such an elaborate weave. I liked the characters a great deal as well. Getting to know each one and learning each of their personal stories held my interest throughout the book.
However, this story line was very difficult for me to follow. I'm not a fan of the separate books within this book. I understand that the author is providing back story thru these mini-books, but it completely distracted me from the initial plot. And as for the erotica portions of the book, I was left totally cold. I think the descriptions of the satyr statues were more inspiring than the actual love scenes.
Overall, I think this is a great concept for a series. The characters, the setting, the story line all have so much potential. I'm still undecided as to wether or not I'll ever finish this series. For now, it's on the back burner...
January 12, 2011
I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.
This was a very good book - very sexy, smutty in all the right ways.... But - I'm not an instant fan at least of the way the book/story is structured. Almost like smaller books within the main one.. Which (for me) adds enough "breaks" in the story to the point where I lost interest quickly between the first book and the second.
I have the second tee'd up to read but I'm going to hold off for a bit. Put it on my "maybe" shelf for another time. So often in situations like this, it's me the reader that gets in the way of connecting with a book.
This series comes highly recommended, but I just can't do the same yet. I would encourage you to take on the first book - you'll know if you connect with it right away - because again, it truly probably is just me.
This was a very good book - very sexy, smutty in all the right ways.... But - I'm not an instant fan at least of the way the book/story is structured. Almost like smaller books within the main one.. Which (for me) adds enough "breaks" in the story to the point where I lost interest quickly between the first book and the second.
I have the second tee'd up to read but I'm going to hold off for a bit. Put it on my "maybe" shelf for another time. So often in situations like this, it's me the reader that gets in the way of connecting with a book.
This series comes highly recommended, but I just can't do the same yet. I would encourage you to take on the first book - you'll know if you connect with it right away - because again, it truly probably is just me.
August 30, 2012
I had my reservations about this book at first. While it has everything I enjoy (erotica, fantasy elements, a French setting) I was hesitant. Maybe because I knew the book was fragmented into different stories and I have a hard time adjusting to new characters. Whatever the case, I am glad I finally put aside my trepidation. The book can be a bit difficult to ease into the first few pages but once you do, it's an all-consuming journey as you meet this amazing cast of characters. There isn't a single follet or human you don't feel for and end up rooting for. Honestly, I really want to get my hands on the sequels. I miss Elic, Adrien and Darius already.
May 24, 2013
This was well written but I found parts of it did not appeal to me. There are 3 stories wrapped into the main story. One deals primarily with Darius, who is bound to fulfill the desires of the humans he touches. This leads to some very disturbing BDSM scenes because the woman that accidentally touches him is guilty over the death of a child years earlier and wants to be cruelly punished. The second and third parts deal more with Elic/Elia - a sex-changing incubus/succubus. These were better stories and not so disturbing. Overall it was okay, but I won't be looking for the rest of the series.
December 3, 2007
Normally, I'm not a fan of erotica for the same reason I don't much care for porn- lack of plot. My imagination is vivid, and I like plot with my hot steamy sex thankyouverymuch. This book is well written with defined characters. There is an air of mystery to the location and the characters themselves; the book promises to be a series. The story travels through time and cultures, adding a sense of humanity. The sex scenes are believable and finely detailed. I look forward to reading the sequel to this book.
April 6, 2009
So, this book was officially my first foray into "erotica." I have read lots of NR-type smut, but a friend loaned me this book and I'm feeling a little dirty after reading it. I really liked the fantasy component, but it did honestly take me a while to figure out who all the characters were, as well as WHAT they were. Definitely not a book for the faint of heart, but worth checking out for those of you looking for something naughty. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. So is my husband.
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