What do you think?
Rate this book
The Marketplace #5
The Reunion
In previous books in the Marketplace series, listeners have gone behind the scenes at a slave auction, an owner's home, a trainer's house, and even the ephemeral world of the annual trainers' Academy. In The Reunion, we visit a vacation resort for a Marketplace "family" gathering, where slaves, former slaves, trainers, and their spouses, significant others and family members can relax, let their hair down, and connect with each other. But the "reunion" that matters most is that of Robin Cassidy (the slave from The Slave) and her first trainer, Chris Parker (the trainer from The Trainer).
Of course the vacation resort isn't just any resort, it's Kaleigh Castle, a centuries-old Irish castle that is now a luxury hotel and happens to be where Chris learned many of the skills and practices that have made him so sought-after in the Marketplace. And while everyone enjoys their two most favorite indoor sports—gossip and sex—trouble is afoot. A nosy tabloid reporter thinks he's onto something: a real-life international slave trading ring. Can Chris keep the world from learning the truth about The Marketplace, but accept the truth about his feelings regarding Robin, Anderson, and Jiro at the same time?
Of course the vacation resort isn't just any resort, it's Kaleigh Castle, a centuries-old Irish castle that is now a luxury hotel and happens to be where Chris learned many of the skills and practices that have made him so sought-after in the Marketplace. And while everyone enjoys their two most favorite indoor sports—gossip and sex—trouble is afoot. A nosy tabloid reporter thinks he's onto something: a real-life international slave trading ring. Can Chris keep the world from learning the truth about The Marketplace, but accept the truth about his feelings regarding Robin, Anderson, and Jiro at the same time?
640 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2003
26 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 30, 2017
I feel like the little boy stamping his feet to get what he wants. And what I want is another sequel of The Marketplace; not The Inheritor, because I read it just before rereading the entire series. I loved it, so I remember it too well to re-read it right away.
What's sad is that Mrs. Antoniou is working on something else than her Marketplace series. Doesn't she know that she has seduced us so much with this series that we expect nothing more from her than a sequel? :p
Got one little critique about The Reunion though. This novel jumps too much from one secondary character to another. I never liked these jumps between characters. NEVER ! Even when the authors are excellent and can make us love all their characters. It is even worse in this case, because I become fond of a few of them and I don't want to move to the next. And to be honest, the character in this series that I love most is Chris. I like Robin and Michael too; no doubt because Laura introduced them so well that they seem close friends now. ;)
I understand though that it was an attempt by the author to give us an overview of all the kinds of people we can meet in the Marketplace.
On the other hand, I loved several scenes. Particularly, the dressing table test and the final scene with Lord and Lady Southerby, Chris and Robin.
But there are still typos and other mistakes, especially in French sentences. Ex. Thérèse DOES NOT write Therése. The accents in French completely change the pronunciation and sometimes the meaning. You have to take great care in writing the right ones at the right places.
“Oui, oh, fias-moi jouir! Oh, s’il te plait, make me come! Je vais bientot jouire!” must be:
« Oui, oh, fais-moi jouir ! Oh, s’il te plaît, make me come! Je vais bientôt jouir ! » And in French, one puts a space before the exclamation mark.
That's just a few of them.
Some quotes from The Reunion:
If you say so... That’s the same thing when one writes in another language; one must try to do it correctly, don't you?
The word “collar” was missing in the book.
And my favourite:
I’d say that whoever understands perfectly this last quote truly understand Domination/submission.
Because of the many mistakes in English and in French, and because I find a little long the jumping from one secondary character to the other, I give this book 4 stars.
What's sad is that Mrs. Antoniou is working on something else than her Marketplace series. Doesn't she know that she has seduced us so much with this series that we expect nothing more from her than a sequel? :p
Got one little critique about The Reunion though. This novel jumps too much from one secondary character to another. I never liked these jumps between characters. NEVER ! Even when the authors are excellent and can make us love all their characters. It is even worse in this case, because I become fond of a few of them and I don't want to move to the next. And to be honest, the character in this series that I love most is Chris. I like Robin and Michael too; no doubt because Laura introduced them so well that they seem close friends now. ;)
I understand though that it was an attempt by the author to give us an overview of all the kinds of people we can meet in the Marketplace.
On the other hand, I loved several scenes. Particularly, the dressing table test and the final scene with Lord and Lady Southerby, Chris and Robin.
But there are still typos and other mistakes, especially in French sentences. Ex. Thérèse DOES NOT write Therése. The accents in French completely change the pronunciation and sometimes the meaning. You have to take great care in writing the right ones at the right places.
“Oui, oh, fias-moi jouir! Oh, s’il te plait, make me come! Je vais bientot jouire!” must be:
« Oui, oh, fais-moi jouir ! Oh, s’il te plaît, make me come! Je vais bientôt jouir ! » And in French, one puts a space before the exclamation mark.
That's just a few of them.
Some quotes from The Reunion:
"The Masters need to be a little less greedy and not stock an entire house with novices and pleasure slaves. That way, they can manage their slaves better. Any fool knows not to have a business full of people who can all basically do each other’s jobs, but have no clear expertise in one – why isn’t that clear in the Marketplace?”
“Service was so often its own reward; but it was even better when you could offer service to someone who excited you by looks and presence alone.”
“You guys have to remember that vanilla is also a spice.”
“When you even try to say something in another’s person language, you are saying they’re important to you.”
If you say so... That’s the same thing when one writes in another language; one must try to do it correctly, don't you?
“Oh sure, they’d put on the dog [collar sic] once in a while and pretend that thy lived like master and slave. But in reality, they were married couple playing make believe.”
The word “collar” was missing in the book.
“And I’ll tell you why, Major. I needed to be free to choose not to be free, get me? If someone told me I had to be a slave, ‘cause I’m a woman, or ‘cause I’m black, I’d fight like hell to be free. I need to know that everything is my decision. That’s what makes it OK.”
And my favourite:
“Mackenzie remembered how Chris' back was completely straight as he strode boldly into the China Room, and how elegantly he simply dropped to his knees, his entire body flowing in a bow which should have made him seem little, low, and insignificant. Instead, it had been like an offering, as though he was presenting a coronet on a velvet pillow, a chalice upon some mortal altar.”
I’d say that whoever understands perfectly this last quote truly understand Domination/submission.
Because of the many mistakes in English and in French, and because I find a little long the jumping from one secondary character to the other, I give this book 4 stars.
August 18, 2018
I love Laura ! All this series is full of beautiful and horny stuff. It's not just written to arouse you. There is a great world building and great characters. It's an author who know what servitude means and it's great. Each book is better than the previous one.
February 5, 2008
The Reunion, for me, was probably my favorite of the series. They are all fantastic but there was just something about this book that sucked me in more. The two main characters are from other books in the series Chris Parker and Robin who is trying to decide whether to stay in or get out after her previous owner Monica fell for another woman and didn't renew her contract. The Reunion is a weeks vacation for slaves, partners and children in Ireland. I enjoyed each of the characters introduced in the book and would love to find out more about all of them. They were developed really well. The interwoven plots of each of the characters just created a really great story. It isn't necessary to read the other books in the series first but I still recommend them as they are all very good reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
A variety of situations and interesting and exciting encounters.
September 30, 2019
This novel, at 634 pages, is a large, elaborate structure like the Irish castle (turned into a hotel) in which it takes place. The plot is a moment-by-moment account of a ten-day event sponsored by an international organization, introduced by the author in her novel The Marketplace, that trains and sells voluntary slaves. A reunion, a Marketplace tradition, is a social event for past and current slaves who are served by others for a change. The guests of honor are temporarily free to rest, enjoy the local sights, form relationships and renew old ones.
This novel could have been a series of interconnected stories like The Academy, Book 4 of the Marketplace series. However, The Reunion is more intricately knit together. While it is partly a series of anecdotes including sex scenes, it is also partly a whodunit.
Two subplots which run through the novel serve to sustain suspense, which mimics sexual tension. One of these plots has to do with a charismatic English lord and his beautiful, computer-savvy American wife, who appear to be mavericks among Marketplace trainers. Or are they? Their game is not revealed until the end of the novel. Even then, they keep a few cards up their sleeves.
The other subplot has to do with the voyeurism of the gutter press, which contrasts with the loyalty and discretion of the Marketplace slaves who are being stalked by a tabloid journalist. The mysterious identity of his "inside source" (disgruntled slave trainee? rebel trainer? appalled or greedy witness?) is revealed in a dramatic reversal of roles in which the spies are unmasked. The weasel on the trail of an "exclusive" proves to be less honest and more pathetic than the "perverts" he hopes to expose. The intrusion of the outside world into the secretive world of the Marketplace invites the reader to consider cases of exposure, harassment and legal persecution which have affected the BDSM community in the actual world.
Two major characters from the earlier novels, slave Robin Cassidy and her trainer, Chris Parker, who is drawn to service on various levels, are stars of The Reunion. Their personal attraction to each other (as distinct from their attraction to dominance and submission) blossoms in a "vacation" setting, but they are temporarily pulled apart by misunderstandings, by the unfolding subplots, and by the needs of the other characters, all of whom star in their own dramas.
Like the other novels in the series, this one seems to include every possible sexual orientation, and a scene for every taste. The cast of characters is so long that it is listed at the beginning of the novel, as in a play. The diversity of the characters and the complexity of events are described in a spare, straightforward style. One technique used to unify the narrative is the uncanny repetition of words (sometimes in dialogue) from one scene to the next.
This suggestion of central planning or directing behind the scenes is as close as the author comes to showing a narrative persona. The generally understated third-person style embodies the qualities that traditional Marketplace trainers try to instill in their trainees: patience, self-control, efficiency, and an ability to glide in and out of rooms without attracting attention. A few grammatical errors pop up regularly, like mildly annoying habits, but they hardly interrupt the storytelling. In a book of this size, it seems rare not to find a wasted word.
One little stylistic affectation is the heading at the beginning of each section of the novel (covering a day of the Reunion). These mini-introductions remind the reader of similar headings in long, realistic Victorian novels, written in a time when reading-matter did not have to compete with movies, television or the Internet. The section headings in The Reunion tease the reader by summarizing the plot, as follows:
The sixth Marketplace novel is already being written, and the series shows no signs of slowing down. Although the author herself seems to have no hope of seeing her work on a screen, the world of the Marketplace has a kind of cult following which is parallel to that of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy in the 1960s, which (for different reasons) was also considered unfilmable at the time. So stay tuned; time will tell. In the meanwhile, the novels make stimulating reading, and their subtle grey covers, featuring pictures of buildings like souvenir postcards, make them easier to carry discreetly in public than, say, the latest issue of Prometheus. Once you begin reading, it's hard to stop.
This novel could have been a series of interconnected stories like The Academy, Book 4 of the Marketplace series. However, The Reunion is more intricately knit together. While it is partly a series of anecdotes including sex scenes, it is also partly a whodunit.
Two subplots which run through the novel serve to sustain suspense, which mimics sexual tension. One of these plots has to do with a charismatic English lord and his beautiful, computer-savvy American wife, who appear to be mavericks among Marketplace trainers. Or are they? Their game is not revealed until the end of the novel. Even then, they keep a few cards up their sleeves.
The other subplot has to do with the voyeurism of the gutter press, which contrasts with the loyalty and discretion of the Marketplace slaves who are being stalked by a tabloid journalist. The mysterious identity of his "inside source" (disgruntled slave trainee? rebel trainer? appalled or greedy witness?) is revealed in a dramatic reversal of roles in which the spies are unmasked. The weasel on the trail of an "exclusive" proves to be less honest and more pathetic than the "perverts" he hopes to expose. The intrusion of the outside world into the secretive world of the Marketplace invites the reader to consider cases of exposure, harassment and legal persecution which have affected the BDSM community in the actual world.
Two major characters from the earlier novels, slave Robin Cassidy and her trainer, Chris Parker, who is drawn to service on various levels, are stars of The Reunion. Their personal attraction to each other (as distinct from their attraction to dominance and submission) blossoms in a "vacation" setting, but they are temporarily pulled apart by misunderstandings, by the unfolding subplots, and by the needs of the other characters, all of whom star in their own dramas.
Like the other novels in the series, this one seems to include every possible sexual orientation, and a scene for every taste. The cast of characters is so long that it is listed at the beginning of the novel, as in a play. The diversity of the characters and the complexity of events are described in a spare, straightforward style. One technique used to unify the narrative is the uncanny repetition of words (sometimes in dialogue) from one scene to the next.
This suggestion of central planning or directing behind the scenes is as close as the author comes to showing a narrative persona. The generally understated third-person style embodies the qualities that traditional Marketplace trainers try to instill in their trainees: patience, self-control, efficiency, and an ability to glide in and out of rooms without attracting attention. A few grammatical errors pop up regularly, like mildly annoying habits, but they hardly interrupt the storytelling. In a book of this size, it seems rare not to find a wasted word.
One little stylistic affectation is the heading at the beginning of each section of the novel (covering a day of the Reunion). These mini-introductions remind the reader of similar headings in long, realistic Victorian novels, written in a time when reading-matter did not have to compete with movies, television or the Internet. The section headings in The Reunion tease the reader by summarizing the plot, as follows:
"Day Eight - Thursday -- Amy has a plan ~ Farewells and more plans ~ Robin is sneaky ~ Amy has a new friend ~ Mackensie finds she and Trevor have something in common ~ Ryan assumes a philosophical attitude ~ Tequila's radar ~ Azziz is perturbed ~ Ryan needs to think some more ~ Pandemonium reigns ~ Vital decisions are made ~ It all comes together ~ It all falls apart ~ Night brings quiet, sadness, pleasure and visitors ~ Chris reveals his theory ~ Lord Southerby deals ~ Azziz gets an offer he should probably accept ~ A craik in the Oubliette ~ Do not cross the Irish Tourism Board."The atmosphere of the castle itself, complete with trainee slaves "below stairs," further contrasts Victorian tradition and modern explicitness. This contrast is especially clear in the sex scenes. In a kind of grand-finale scene, Robin is bound and whipped in a luxurious room by three trainers who admire her. Her reactions are described at length:
"Soon, the pain locked between her thighs became razor sharp, sheets of heat which exploded in a new branding sensation with every new whistling strike. She tried desperately to hold still, and was both ashamed and excited by her inability to do so. What seemed like the last part of her rational brain rejoiced. I'm not jaded. I'm not spoiled, not ruined, not over it all. Yes, yes, draw in the pain and surrender to it."
"She closed her eyes, and felt a strange sensation of being lifted out of her bonds, all the strains gone, the minor itches, the tension in her arms and calves, all vanishing, supplanted by the rhythmic cycles of pain, sharp and stinging, warm and glowing. Colors exploded before her tightly closed eyes, red and gold."Robin is praised by her tormentors for having an unusual depth of responsiveness. All the characters in the novel, however, have depth as well as heat.
The sixth Marketplace novel is already being written, and the series shows no signs of slowing down. Although the author herself seems to have no hope of seeing her work on a screen, the world of the Marketplace has a kind of cult following which is parallel to that of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy in the 1960s, which (for different reasons) was also considered unfilmable at the time. So stay tuned; time will tell. In the meanwhile, the novels make stimulating reading, and their subtle grey covers, featuring pictures of buildings like souvenir postcards, make them easier to carry discreetly in public than, say, the latest issue of Prometheus. Once you begin reading, it's hard to stop.
October 17, 2022
There are a few good scenes and a couple interesting new characters, but the vast majority of this book is just filler. There are too many characters and too many mysteries and too many pages. Would have been improved by some extensive editing.
March 25, 2014
Every year slaves are given the option for a Marketplace reunion, where they can reconnect with old friends and their true "family", people who understand and love them anyway. Former clients and currents all have the otion of coming together, and this years reunion is at a lovely old Irish castle, Kaleigh. Slaves in training working side by side with standard employees at the castle, and a tabloid reporter obsessed with exposing the Marketplace provide tension, yet the story revolves around the vacationing clients. Robin Cassidy, currently released from contract, is distraught and devastated. She befriends Tequila and Carol, a former slave at loose ends. The characters are so rich and complex, and kind and wonderful. Angry Desmond is soothed by sweet Billy Ray, Richard deals with his past, and incredible sex is had all around. They're all so upfront and honest, wicked and funny.... and finally, we get some quality time with Chris Parker. He's the trainer we first met managing slaves for Alex and Grendel and my absolute favorite person. I love Chris, and Robins' reaction to him in bed is priceless and powerful. The tabloid reporter is dealt with admirably, and all ends well. Another great Marketplace read....
October 23, 2013
A continuation and standalone novel in The Marketplace Series by Laura Antoniou. The Reunion takes us back into the world of the Marketplace with beloved and well known characters and introduces us to new characters. We are given a peek behind the curtain in The Reunion.
Within the extreme D/s world of The Marketplace everyday, yesterday, and today's issues are lived by current and former members of the Marketplace - family, abuse, culture shock. The most fun about The Reunion is learning right along with the other characters about their world. Why? Because the Marketplace Series pulls you up to the large glass windows but it's not until The Reunion that you begin to feel like maybe...just maybe... you are not completely an outsider looking in.
The questions of why? what about? All too often met with you wouldn't understand. The Reunion delves deeper into the Marketplace than we have ever gone and leaves us salivating for more! Even the bad guys are interesting! More than a keeper, the Reunion is a RE-READer.
Within the extreme D/s world of The Marketplace everyday, yesterday, and today's issues are lived by current and former members of the Marketplace - family, abuse, culture shock. The most fun about The Reunion is learning right along with the other characters about their world. Why? Because the Marketplace Series pulls you up to the large glass windows but it's not until The Reunion that you begin to feel like maybe...just maybe... you are not completely an outsider looking in.
The questions of why? what about? All too often met with you wouldn't understand. The Reunion delves deeper into the Marketplace than we have ever gone and leaves us salivating for more! Even the bad guys are interesting! More than a keeper, the Reunion is a RE-READer.
June 23, 2014
As with the other books in this series, there's an excellent balance between the sex scenes and the characterization. I've said this before, but this book is a very good example of how a really "hot" sex scene isn't just an inventive collection of who put what where, but one that illuminates and defines the characters.
And we get a treasure trove of characters in The Reunion. Current slaves, former slaves, spouses and partners of slaves, trainers, and civilians, all with individual realistic emotions and motivations, which surface at a reunion vacation at an Irish castle. They even tackle some difficult issues such as parenthood and race in addition to the BDSM/slavery topics.
In addition, there's a bit of a mystery included when someone on the inside is feeding information to a sleazy photographer.
All in all, a well-written, engrossing read.
And we get a treasure trove of characters in The Reunion. Current slaves, former slaves, spouses and partners of slaves, trainers, and civilians, all with individual realistic emotions and motivations, which surface at a reunion vacation at an Irish castle. They even tackle some difficult issues such as parenthood and race in addition to the BDSM/slavery topics.
In addition, there's a bit of a mystery included when someone on the inside is feeding information to a sleazy photographer.
All in all, a well-written, engrossing read.
November 15, 2010
Laura Antoniou's Marketplace series gets more interesting with every installment. The Reunion brings back some familiar characters, and introduces new ones. The highlights of the story are the current and former denizens of The Marketplace. Unfortunately, the journalist's subplot is contrived and the effect is irritating.
I read this series years ago, but have recently read them again before loaning them out to a friend. The books are unique and compelling contributions to the genre. I especially enjoyed Antoniou's handling of gender and identity within the stories. It's a shame that the author has yet to produce her long-promised sequel, The Inheritor.
I read this series years ago, but have recently read them again before loaning them out to a friend. The books are unique and compelling contributions to the genre. I especially enjoyed Antoniou's handling of gender and identity within the stories. It's a shame that the author has yet to produce her long-promised sequel, The Inheritor.
June 24, 2022
Stoya's Book Club
4.5/5
Every book in this series has been solid, but I found this one to be the best one yet. Old and new character reconvene in a posh castle hotel in Ireland for a reunion. There's a hangout pace to this that was really irresistible, to the point where the dives and explorations in the characters and their motives/reasons for entering the lifestyle is as interesting as the sex play, which is as hot as ever. This is the book where we really get to learn about Master Trainer Chris Parker, a character so well written that you want to continue to learn more about him. Add into this explorations into race and gender play into Master/Slave BDSM roles, it leaves you with lots to think about as well. I'm looking forward to reading book 6.
4.5/5
Every book in this series has been solid, but I found this one to be the best one yet. Old and new character reconvene in a posh castle hotel in Ireland for a reunion. There's a hangout pace to this that was really irresistible, to the point where the dives and explorations in the characters and their motives/reasons for entering the lifestyle is as interesting as the sex play, which is as hot as ever. This is the book where we really get to learn about Master Trainer Chris Parker, a character so well written that you want to continue to learn more about him. Add into this explorations into race and gender play into Master/Slave BDSM roles, it leaves you with lots to think about as well. I'm looking forward to reading book 6.
April 22, 2020
A threat to the privacy of the Marketplace and possibly it's existence arises.
Chris Parker and Robin meet at a Marketplace sponsored reunion of retired "clients" and those who are on short sabbatical from their Owners. Unfortunately, an investigative reporter heard rumors of the Marketplace and spies on the Reunion with the intent of sensationally exposing it to the world.
Chris Parker and Robin meet at a Marketplace sponsored reunion of retired "clients" and those who are on short sabbatical from their Owners. Unfortunately, an investigative reporter heard rumors of the Marketplace and spies on the Reunion with the intent of sensationally exposing it to the world.
September 28, 2020
Mostly good
I was not happy at all with the touch on race play. Or the attempt at explaining what it might be like for black people in America who identify as slaves. Although I do appreciate what she was trying to do.
I was not happy at all with the touch on race play. Or the attempt at explaining what it might be like for black people in America who identify as slaves. Although I do appreciate what she was trying to do.
February 23, 2025
I love this series but I've tried to read this book more times than I can count and I've never finished it.
It's just not holding my attention. I get about half way through and then I'm off to another book.
What's funny is that I love this series so much that I'm gonna try again.
It's just not holding my attention. I get about half way through and then I'm off to another book.
What's funny is that I love this series so much that I'm gonna try again.
August 28, 2020
Welcome back to The Marketplace!
This is the fifth installment in the series and is primarily centered on a group of slaves who are vacationing at "A Reunion". A Reunion is a gathering of folks where they can let down their hair for a bit. As part of all the slave contracts in slaves currently in service are allotted some time off and they can choose to spend that time at a gathering with other slaves. Additionally those who've left service or retired are also allowed to enjoy the hospitality of a Reunion. We pick up this installment 5 years after the end of The Trainer and, I'm guessing, a couple of years after the end of the primary story in The Acadamy.
This Reunion is at Kaleigh Castle, a picturesque castle in Ireland. Chris has been ordered to take time off and when he balked at doing so Tetsuo said he could go to a Reunion for a week or spend the week in Tokyo Disneyland providing ample daily pictures of him enjoying Disney. I have to agree with Chris, a Reunion over being an adult alone at a Disney theme park. While he's there he also needs to convince Lord and Lady Southerby to join the Regents.
Tangentially we see a cast of characters from all over also enjoying the vacation and struggling with a few inner demons. We also are sucked in to a plot by the nefarious Nigel Pepper who wants to expose those in The Marketplace as freaks and engaging in an international slave trade.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series!
This is the fifth installment in the series and is primarily centered on a group of slaves who are vacationing at "A Reunion". A Reunion is a gathering of folks where they can let down their hair for a bit. As part of all the slave contracts in slaves currently in service are allotted some time off and they can choose to spend that time at a gathering with other slaves. Additionally those who've left service or retired are also allowed to enjoy the hospitality of a Reunion. We pick up this installment 5 years after the end of The Trainer and, I'm guessing, a couple of years after the end of the primary story in The Acadamy.
This Reunion is at Kaleigh Castle, a picturesque castle in Ireland. Chris has been ordered to take time off and when he balked at doing so Tetsuo said he could go to a Reunion for a week or spend the week in Tokyo Disneyland providing ample daily pictures of him enjoying Disney. I have to agree with Chris, a Reunion over being an adult alone at a Disney theme park. While he's there he also needs to convince Lord and Lady Southerby to join the Regents.
Tangentially we see a cast of characters from all over also enjoying the vacation and struggling with a few inner demons. We also are sucked in to a plot by the nefarious Nigel Pepper who wants to expose those in The Marketplace as freaks and engaging in an international slave trade.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series!
November 1, 2021
Not for the faint of heart
She is an awesome writer but only for those who have an interest. Thank you for sharing your talent and knowledge
She is an awesome writer but only for those who have an interest. Thank you for sharing your talent and knowledge
February 9, 2024
I loved this book so much! A bit long for me though.
August 20, 2024
After the Academy, you'll start or have had fallen in love with Chris Parker. Plot + character development continues. You're vested now in this series; so keep going!
Read
July 22, 2020We all read smut. There's no reason to deny it. But there's no reason to read bad smut when there is intelligent, well-written, complex, and engaging erotica like this on the market. Just because something sells a bajillion copies doesn't make it good. Quality matters, and what makes a good book, regardless of genre, is good writing. Laura Antoniou is a respected member of the BDSM community and clearly busts her ass to write a damned good book. I read the first Marketplace books (The Marketplace, The Slave and The Trainer) back in the 90's, and I loved them then. Since that time, Antoniou has continued the Chronicles of Chris and Robin (my unofficial title) through 3 more books (The Academy, The Reunion and The Inheritor). I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to meet the author in 2015 and started re-reading the series then. Due to (reasons), I wasn't able to finish at the time, but have finally finished the last two books this year. Like many fans have already howled about, there are some seriously gut-wrenching moments in the last book, but it is a satisfying, gratifying, earned and well crafted end to a fantastic series. I highly recommend getting this series on audiobook because the voice talent embellishes the high quality of writing with a gloriously dignified and sophisticated accent. Besides, who doesn't like hearing graphic sex scenes read in a wonderfully prissy British accent?
May 27, 2021
Maybe 3.5. This was long to me. The premise of a Reunion for slaves was fantastic and allowed the introduction and stories for a wide cast of lovable characters. The mystery and drama over the secret of the Marketplace was fine, it helped move the story along. But I found myself skimming this once I got halfway. I wanted to know how it ended, but didn’t really care. There were quite a few typos, which is always distracting. The sex scenes were well written as always, but I didn’t particularly care and skimmed a lot of hose as well. The long conversations among the slaves about submission got tedious. Robin, who had seemed so strong and put together in the other books, wasn’t evident here until towards the end. Her supposed submission to Chris seemed more weakness and an inability to make a decision, then the submission by choice, which is the premise of the series. Lots more information on Chris, but it’s making him seem more and more unreal - a superhuman amongst mere mortals, as opposed to the man of mystery he was before.
August 10, 2016
All of Laura Antoniou's Marketplace stories are amazing and this one is no different. It flashes between people attending the reunion while still telling the main narrative. All the characters are unique (I would expect nothing less from the author) and despite its length it was a very quick read! I didn't want to put it down! I will note the kindle edition did have the occasional grammar/spelling/formatting issue but that's easily overlooked with such a great story.
Even if you aren't kinky, these are amazing books and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Even if you aren't kinky, these are amazing books and I can't wait for the next instalment.
December 4, 2023
Of course, after a "convention" of Trainers, logic would dictate that Antoniou would follow up with a "convention" of slaves.
The author is prolific in her writing: that is a given. This book was the only time that that slowed things down for me. There were subplots where I knew where this was going, yet it took too long to get there.
As always, Chris was head-and-shoulders above all of the drama. He lost none of his swagger or bite. It was good to see how he and Robin progressed. Yes, I am into this story!
The author is prolific in her writing: that is a given. This book was the only time that that slowed things down for me. There were subplots where I knew where this was going, yet it took too long to get there.
As always, Chris was head-and-shoulders above all of the drama. He lost none of his swagger or bite. It was good to see how he and Robin progressed. Yes, I am into this story!
November 19, 2013
OMG... Laura has outdone herself with this installment of The Marketplace series! The characters have come into their own with a few wonderful twists that had me yelling at Chris and others to just deck him or her!!!! And I can see in Chris's Master, in his own quirky way, approving... lol. Can not wait for the Inheiriter to come out!!!!
May 1, 2013
Pretty good book. You learn a lot about what it's like to get out of the lifestyle then return back to it. I loved the way Chris and Robin moved forward with things. Looking forward to the final book.
May 1, 2016
While Antoniou's style is better than ever, and the characters pretty much do exactly what the reader wants (and how!), unfortunately I think it could have all been said in 200 less pages. While there are a number of unaswered questions at the end, this is still the best in the series so far.
January 7, 2017
This book contains one of my favorite scenes in the whole series.
The main arc of the book follows a group of Marketplace employees contemplating the future at a retreat, interlaced with shorter stories that further introduce the new characters and delve further in to established ones.
The main arc of the book follows a group of Marketplace employees contemplating the future at a retreat, interlaced with shorter stories that further introduce the new characters and delve further in to established ones.
December 30, 2017
Long and elaborate, with many meandering story lines and many many characters. Got lost a lot, but just kept going and eventually got to know the different characters. Still love following Chris Parker's progression, slavehood, and romance with Robin Cassidy.
October 29, 2015
This one is patchy. I know this is cliche, but there is quite a bit of plot getting in the way of the sex. But, I think this is definitely a better read than The Slave or The Academy.
May 15, 2014
Just like every other book in this series, The Reunion was amazing. I highly recommend it!
October 5, 2016
Best book I've read this year. I love Laura Antoniou.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews