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The Experiment

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What would you do for one thousand dollars? For five thousand?Damaged by love and determined not to be hurt again, Zoe Alexander receives an invitation to take part in a bizarre behavioral experiment conducted by a handsome and mysterious millionaire known only as "The Doctor". Though it's the pay that first attracts her to his private laboratory, she's soon deeply involved in a situation that challenges her very idea of who she is and what she's capable of. Zoe finds that the experiment changes her life in ways she'd never imagined, transforming her into a woman of intense passion and transcendent love.She becomes obsessed with only one thing—the one thing she can never be told—the shocking purpose of The Experiment itself.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2006

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110 people want to read

About the author

Elliot Mabeuse

21 books72 followers
Dr. Mabeuse is an award-winning author with four books published by Ellora’s Cave, including Overcoming Abigail, nominated for a 2005 Cupid and Psyche Award for BDSM from the Romance Studio and A Game of Dress-Up, winner of a 2006 EcataRomance Critic’s Choice Award. He’s also published with Renaissance, eXtasy, and makes his debut with Harlequin in May of this year.

Of his biography, Dr. Mabeuse says:

“Everyone connects to the world in some way, and I seem to connect through sex. I’m drawn to the extreme and the extraordinary in all things, and I like to explore the farther edges of passion and desire in what I write. What interests me now is not so much the things people do, but how they feel about what they do—male and female dynamics, how we connect to ourselves and each other and to the world at large. I tend to be intense and my writing shows that, but I really value my sense of humor above all, and I expect it to sustain me should the fires of sexual passion ever burn out.”

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5 stars
81 (27%)
4 stars
74 (24%)
3 stars
78 (26%)
2 stars
40 (13%)
1 star
26 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].
874 reviews222 followers
September 3, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

My Elliot Mabeuse addiction continues...

I don’t know why I didn’t read The Experiment earlier but this one seemed to push almost all the right buttons for me... At least in some places just too well. I know EM’s stories have weird elements, elements I don’t necessarily agree with. Even then, this novella was done pretty nicely.

Zoe is heartbroken and has been alone for a while. She’d been a party girl almost all her life and has been praised for her good looks. But all changed when she got attached to this man that lasted longer than usual. The guy was a jerk, no doubt and used Zoe in various ways, one major thing was, to show her off to his friends. Zoe, thinking in love with him, did almost everything he asked for, including some FF actions with one of his best friend’s GF. The man even let his friends touch and fondle her. He wasn’t faithful to her and Zoe knew it. Anyway, Zoe finally put her foot down when he decided to share her with some friends. I’m not sure why on earth she stick to this guy, as any sensible girl would run from this creep. After the creep threw her out of his house, Zoe’s world seemed like crumbling down. She lost interest in sex and dating, always keeping to herself and not trusting anyone…

And that’s where the fun comes in when she’s invited by a stranger to take part in an experiment.

When the invitation came, Zoe had no idea what this was all about. The whole invitation process was interesting IMO. The secretary of the man, who calls himself The Doctor, won’t divulge much but that the Doc would explain her himself. And if she wants to walk away, she can do it anytime. But... BUT, she’d be compensated for her time with big chunks of money. This man had plenty of it without a doubt. Money is a necessity and I sort of empathized with her inner reactions; all the doubts fighting with her curiosity. Quite realistic. She comes in for the next session and finally meets the Doc, but the man won’t show himself. The setting was done is a semi-dark room, with the spotlight on Zoe as if she’s a performer. Zoe likes the man’s voice but this enigma of a man also speaks in riddles about this experiment he’s doing, the reasons behind it etc. A few times, Zoe wanted to give up and walk out but her curiosity won over.

The experiment, it seems like, holds an array of sexual adventures that ranges from voyeurism to FF actions. Zoe never knows what is next for her. Don’t get me wrong but Zoe didn’t have that many sessions and the Doc himself, never took part in any of it, unless the role of a voyeur as he needed ‘the data’. It was a big mindf*ck and seemed like one subtle manipulation after another... the psychological aspects baffled me as it did Zoe. Zoe would be shocked and embarrassed by the out and out deeds she was asked to perform with strangers (with one F/F, which is the only scene I skimmed through as I don’t find it hot) or in front of the Doc himself, sometimes even hiding behind a mask. But no matter what, Zoe would come in for her next session. It seems like the Doc somehow is healing her too, from her depression and reluctance to sex.

After a while, Zoe’s curiosity shifts to the Doc. Actually it was always there but the craving got intense. All the mysteries surrounding him begin to beacon her. Now she wants him. Even though she knew that they have already bonded in a way and have some respectful boundaries, Zoe can’t wait. At this point, she would do anything he asks of her. She basks in his praise and whatever reaction she can feel coming from him. There is quite a misunderstanding when she finally makes it known that she wants to get laid (FYI: penetration sex wasn’t a part of this experiment as per the rules) and soon. Zoe was sure the Doc, this time, would relent. But that doesn’t happen...

I found the last bit of the story very arousing as they finally come together. I thought the reasons behind this experiment would never be revealed, just like many of EM’s stories end; in a very open-ended way, leaving the readers to form their own meanings and opinions. But we get to learn a lot about the Doc, the experiment itself and I ended up wishing that this was longer, for more of the Doc’s background and what the future holds for them.

Honestly, I’ve grown into liking these ‘Docs’ EM has portrayed so far, and the fact that all of them seem to wear a beard and in their late 40s or early 50s doesn’t matter anymore. I like the way he portrays the intensity of his characters. The Experiment didn’t have his usual style sex scenes. No, sex scenes were very HOT but they seemed different to me somehow. No BDSM, heavy or otherwise, also a common theme in EM’s writing.

4 stars.


Warning: Might not be for people who aren’t comfortable with voyeurism and F/F actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristy.
17 reviews14 followers
January 4, 2012
Let me first say that I almost didn't finish reading this book because I wasn't sure that I even liked it. It felt like all the story was about was sex, but the more in depth your read, you could see the psychological aspect of it. During certain points of the book, you want to slap some sense into Zoe and ask why the heck are you doing this?

Zoe is a waitress who has had her heart broken in the past. It has taken her almost a year to get over her ex throwing her out. She now has some self esteem issues and is quite lonely. She was invited to participate in an experiment, but wasn't really sure what was expected of her; she just knew that she was being paid quite handsomly for her time and that she could quit at any point that she wants.

The "Doctor" sits in the dark to hide his identity and offers her money to do different things. In Zoe's mind, the doctor has made her into his slut and she comes to depend on his presence. He has made her realize that she is still a sensual/sexual woman and that she has a talent helping others with their so called problems. When her emotions are running high, Zoe feels the need to know what the doctor looks like and who he really is.

Will the "Doctor" live up to Zoe's expectations? Will the real reason behind his experiment send her packing? Read on to find out...
Profile Image for Holly Blackstone.
Author 12 books73 followers
February 23, 2016
Not super impressed. The book was too short - we were told about her broken heart, how she sat in her window seat, alone and depressed, but it had little impact. I never SAW how badly she was wounded so her metamorphosis was lost on me, the catharsis wasn't meaningful. I didn't see how poorly she was treated, so I couldn't empathise and extrapolate to understand her pain and revel in her freedom.

She also spent too little time with the Doctor and too few words were exchanged to make me believe she She was alternately surly and liberated, nervous and hyper-slutty, and the change wasn't believable despite the often too long inner monologue. Some of that is useful but it can be overdone, and it was here - inner exposition is not always a good substitute for experiencing and seeing something with the character.

She too easily slipped into her role and it seemed exaggerated, as did her dialogue whilst she The ending was a bit of a whimper, and I thought it was a bit silly to go the extra mile and not only make him a doctor, but one

It was fairly well written but sometimes the sex scenes also felt more clinical and practiced then realistic and erotic. The idea had a bit of potential, execution was a bit off.
4 reviews
February 16, 2013
It was ok... Was slow to get into and seem a little redundant. The plot was good but did not flow fast enough for me.
Profile Image for Flow.
296 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2015
Well, that wasn't even a little bit interesting.... some experiment that was... geez....
Profile Image for Katherine.
Author 2 books80 followers
Read
July 24, 2011
I don't even know how to rate that. It was weird... Not in a bad or good way, just kinda weird. I was laughing when I was sure it wasn't supposed to be a funny part.

Zoe's one young waitress with a broken heart. She's chosen to be part of a sexual experiment (Being paid). She doesn't know who's running the show, or what's the purpose. Only thing she knows is that she need the money, and is curious about the "Doctor" who coordinates it all. As time goes by, the Doctor make her perform in sexual situations she wouldn't normally. Always in the shadows, the only thing she knows about him, is his voice and hands.

Zoe acts as a child in one moment, and as a Porn Star in other... I just don't get her "flippant" personality. As to the Dr... Blue pills, dude.

Best quote EVER:
She wasn't a whore. She was a therapist.
Profile Image for Rita Ames.
Author 11 books350 followers
April 17, 2015
I blew hot and cold on this book all the way through. There were some really tense sexual moments which I liked. It plays with the readers morals on a few occasions and I loved the whole idea of the experiment.

A good read but the ending was a little too quick and predictable for me. I would like to have seen a longer twist to the end and a little more depth to the characters.

On the whole this is worth a look.
Profile Image for Kim .
278 reviews
July 25, 2016
Hmm lets just say, I've never had a do not finish but this was super close. I was like ok what am I'm reading? oh wait a sicko and I wouldn't even classify as erotica ~ then no epilogue I wouldn't recommend to anyone even if u see it free somewhere. Thumbs down. The only thing I was left with was wtf did I just read
278 reviews
September 27, 2014
Parts of this book I really liked. It has an interesting story, different. I just didn't feel as if the characters were developed enough. Not enough interaction between then to justifiy the attraction or bond. Would have loved more to make it seem real. Good start and rushed ending.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,063 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2015
An unusual storyline, but highly erotic in a deviant voyeuristic way. A fab read throughout, I would highly recommend.
11 reviews
February 5, 2016
Wonderful and heart throbbing

I enjoyed the anticipation and great sex! A very fulfilling ending, I can't wait to read another of his work.
Profile Image for Aalok Wyckid.
158 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2016
Well written and occasionally hot, but I expected more from the setup.
Profile Image for Deborah.
31 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2016
definitely worth a read ..
533 reviews
June 3, 2016
Wow

The feeling s expressed by the doctor regarding impotency are true. Prostate cancer leaves one exactly that way. No man can explain it better.
9 reviews1 follower
Read
May 13, 2017
interesting and good erotica text.....reccomend
286 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2018
By 3 stars, I really mean 2.5.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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