Simply Voracious

House Of Pleasure #8

by Kate Pearce

Lucinda Haymore is still reeling from the cruel betrayal of a vile seducer. Softly, irresistibly, his profession of love disguised his truer, baser intentions. With the knowledge that her reputation is at stake, she is happy to accept a proposal of marriage in name only from her best friend since childhood...

While Paul St. Clare has no interest in consummating his marriage with Lucinda, he has every intention of allowing her to enjoy true physical ecstasy in the hands of another. It's no surprise that he finds an agent more than willing to accommodate his needs in the House of Pleasure. What he doesn't expect is how perfectly the arrangement satisfies everyone's desires...

Genres: Historical Romance, Erotica, Historical, Romance, Erotic Romance, M M F, Menage

345 pages, Trade Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[TinaNoir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stick a fork me in. I think I am done with this series. I really liked the first several books but the misses are missing harder than the hits. And last couple of books I really disliked.

My biggest problem with this one is that this had to be the boringest menage ever.

We are supposed to believe that Lucky (Lucinda) has been in love with Paul forever. Paul is of course mostly into men. So these two are doomed from the start. They have a marriage of expedience and the chemistry between them never gets past lukewarm even though they have these supposedly hot sexy times at the Pleasure house.

Both of them have a thing for Con who swings both ways but prefers women. Paul is actually majorly in love with Con, while Lucky feels a very strong connection to him. I actually thought Lucky and Con had great chemistry and would have enjoyed the book so much more if those two has been allowed to blossom into just a duo. But Paul kept getting shoe-horned in. It didn't feel right or organic to the story. it just felt awfully forced. A much better menage dynamic that somewhat mirrored this story was Peter, Abigail and Beecham in Simply Sinful. That story had the heart and soul this one sorely lacks.

Also, Paul was not a great choice as a the main hero here. He first appeared in this series in Simply Forbidden(a really good installment, btw) where he's pining after Gabriel (the hero in that book). I thought he was a bit needy and clingy. My opinion of him hasn't changed with this book. He felt needy and clingy here as well.

Not a keeper at all.

[Corandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Paul. I really did. But this story just didn't do it for me. For the type of story I am used to in this series, this was surely lacking. It was actually quite boring with a capital BORING! I dont know what happened between this book and the last 7 in the series. It had no focus ... it was like a lot of this were happening, but nothing at all. As for the intensity of the 'romance', what a letdown! The words were written in the sex scenes, but you couldn't feel them. It was written that Lucinda and Paul were best friends, but you couldn't feel it. It was written that everyone 'loved' everyone else, but you couldn't feel anything. And a lot of things just didn't make any sense to me (SPOILER ALERT) ......... like why would Lucinda even contemplate leaving her option open to Jeremy ... um, he raped you, are you serious?!?!?!?! If Lucinda and Paul were 'best friends', why was there always 'white lies' and 'untold whole truths'? they had more arguments about their so called truth relationship, it got annoying. Why did Lucinda even care where Jeremy was or why the letter got returned to her? .. again, he RAPED you AND went so far as to TELL you he would mistreat you after you were married AND steal all your money...SERIOUSLY? ... It was really hard to like Lucinda.
I guess my highest let down was the lack of sexual exploration between Con, Paul and Lucinda. We only get one encounter and then BAM, the last page of the book. It just wasn't a Kate Pearce novel I am used to reading :(

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off ok and I thought the plot was turning in to a rather good one until about 75% in the whole thing just went bad. Lucinda went from one of my favorite females of the series to my least favorite in the matter of a few paragraphs. It became a huge cluster-f**k and really let me down. All of the stuff with Con was pointless and everything just became too ridiculous... even for this series.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've loved the House of Pleasure series by K pearce, but this book has been my least favorite. The characters are flat and uninspired, there's no dialogue or action that gives their backstory, only verbage from the author which doesn't always make sense timeline or personality wise. There's no way a young girl still in the schoolroom, daughter of the duke's heir, is going to be allowed to attend a severely wounded young man in the sickroom. If Lucinda had half the balls the author says she does, none of the story would have happened. One moment L is "oh no, whatever shall I do!?", then she's traversing London in a hack to visit the man who soiled her. She's kind of an idiot. so, while the sex was enjoyable, the book itself isn't one I'll keep

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
“Simply Voracious” by Kate Pearce is an erotic historical romance that is part of her ‘House of Pleasure’ series that is tied to a certain elite brothel known as Madame Helene’s Pleasure House. Lucinda (Lucky) Haymore is violently compromised by a fortune hunter but the solution proposed by her longtime friend Paul St. Clare is terribly awkward given her unrequited feelings for him and his prospects as her father’s heir to the dukedom. That does not even begin to address his predilection for male companionship and blossoming love affair with a new lover. Under the aegis of Madame Helene Delornay and the influence of various facets of the notorious salon that she runs, Lucky and Paul work on a compromise that they both can live with and contemplate an unconventional arrangement that will allow them to pursue happiness.

This is a very spicy regency romance that is a bit of a dichotomy for me. I have enjoyed other titles in this series and I like the overall story but there are quite a few jarring notes for me. Lucinda’s erratic recovery from her attack is a bit unbelievable to me as she quickly morphs from someone who jumps whenever touched to a person who is willing to explore her sexuality in a brothel and then proposes entering into an intimate relationship with a virtual stranger. Paul’s conflicting desires and shifting love interests seem a little disingenuous as he is willing to sacrifice himself to the altar of propriety and nurse yet another broken heart then suddenly seems to be devoted solely to becoming a conventional lord. It is difficult to conceive how Lucinda’s best friend is ignorant of what truly happened to her and Lucinda’s refusal to acknowledge the possible repercussions of her attack is contrary to her steadfast honesty about other aspects of her life and her knowledge of Paul who also seems to be deliberately blind to possible repercussions. There are quite a few very sensual scenes and nice cameos by other members of the ‘House of Pleasure’ but this is not my favorite of the series.

© Night Owl Reviews


I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for Simply Voracious does the book a great disservice by implying that there’s no romantic or sexual relationship between Lucky and Paul. It’s no spoiler to reveal that Paul and Constantine’s relationship develops (and breaks off) before Paul’s marriage to Lucky. Nor is it a spoiler to say that Lucky and Paul’s romantic and sexual relationship develops in all respects before they sort out what they really desire (namely, a three person relationship).

Simply Voracious is a true M/M/F book, where all three protagonists – Lucky, Paul, and Con – are romantically and sexually involved. Kate Pearce always delivers an engaging, erotic romance with complex characters and Simply Voracious is no exception.

[mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This book just wow. The writing was light and fast paced or perhaps that was just me since I stayed up late to finish this book. I couldn't wait what would happened next.

To be honest, I had never before turned on by M/M. Please don't misunderstood my meaning, I like gay people, I support them. I have a lot of gay friends and I love them for who they are. Besides, I enjoyed reading the M/F, M/F/M, and M/M/F/F too.

It's just that in this book, affection and passion between Paul and Constantine were so amazing and very intense. I felt another sparks of chemistry between Constantine and Lucky too. Love all over but the sad thing is I didn't feel anything between Paul and Lucky but passion.

I can't wait for the next in the series!

Read on your own peril.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the characters in this story, especially the heroine who was strong and honest with herself. Another excellent addition to the series.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
5 Kisses, 2 1/2 Peppers (M/M, M/F, M/M/F, M/F/M/F, oral, anal, & public sex)

I just have to say, I’m a huge fan of the House of Pleasure series by Kate Pearce and was so thrilled to be reading Simply Voracious, Paul's story, that I could barely contain my excitement. I wanted to read it slowly so I could savor it, but I ended up devouring it in less than a day. I may even break my own unspoken rule and re-read this one.

Lady Lucinda Haymore, daughter of the Duke of Ashmolton, was assaulted and abandoned in the garden of the ball she was attending. Her date told her she was a tease for kissing him and decided he wasn't going to stop at kissing, whether she was willing or not. Now she feels not only violated, but also scared about how this will affect her future and her family's reputation. She's ruined and may even be pregnant. She can't imagine how any man could possibly want her now.

Paul St. Clare is Lucinda’s second cousin and next in line for the Duke of Ashmolton. He has been Lucinda's best friend since childhood. In an interesting twist of fate, Paul's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Constantine Delinsky, was the one who helped Lucinda (or Lucky, as Paul affectionately calls her) after her ordeal in the garden. Interestingly, he's bisexual and while he prefers women, he has always been attracted to Paul.

When Lucky finally confides in Paul about the assault, he offers to marry her even though that will cause a variety of problems, not the least of which is the fact that his feelings for her are mostly brotherly. Also at issue is the fact that he's still primarily attracted to men, despite his recent attempts to learn how to pleasure women. But honor and his sincere desire to help Lucky demand that he do whatever it takes to rescue her.

Paul decides he'll have to be honest with Lucky about his sexual preference, and knows he has to break things off with Constantine. He also knows he'll need to show her his true nature and let her see the kind of sex he enjoys, so she can decide if she wants to marry him. What neither of them expects is Lucky’s reaction to the world of unconventional sex that Paul prefers, or how much Paul will end up enjoying a physical relationship with his beloved cousin and best friend.

It was so hard to put this book down! Lucky couldn't find a more patient, selfless, loving man to help her get past her traumatic experience. Paul is amazing, as fans of this series already know. His honor is unparalleled and there’s never any question that he will help his best friend, Lucky. But Lucky is amazing in her own way, too. She is able to look past her fears and see that sex can be good when it's with the right person, especially if that person cares about you. And she has loved Paul forever, so it takes very little effort for her to trust his guidance in this journey.

Constantine Delinsky – what a delicious addition to this story. I like that Paul and Lucky don't just jump impulsively into a physical relationship with him; they take each other's feelings into consideration how it will affect all of them. And it’s good. It’s very, very good.

Fans of the series will love Simply Voracious, and if you haven’t read the series yet, you really need to. Ms. Pearce is a brilliant storyteller, and you��re guaranteed to fall in love with her books.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of us had been waiting for Paul's story for a long time. I wondered how, after "Simply Carnal" Ms. Pearce was going to resolve Paul's story. The direction Paul's life went is absolutely brilliant. Lucinda's character is really the best part of the story. Her bravery, curiosity and acceptance is a steadying and sweet influence on Paul who seemed to be losing his ability to find real intimacy in his life. Events converge and Paul meets Constantine Delinsky who is one of the few human beings who touches the heart of Paul rather than just his lust. It takes all three of them to find that perfect combination that makes something magical. There's lots of conflict and the resolutions are surprising. I loved this story.

[Siobhan Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story all the way up till the end which seemed a little rushed in a "and then they all died" sort of way. I particularly liked the side story going on with Delinisky and his missing wife. There was a very nice twist that brought the two story arcs together very closely. This whole series has been a joy to read and I highly recommend it to anyone new to Kate Pearce. I have my favorites (Valentin, his brother Anthony, Madame Helene, and Peter), but all the stories have characters you can fall in love with.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little bias since I totally LOVE Kate Pearce, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have since read it twice. And While it might not have the....steaminess of the other books in the series, Ms. Pearce does her thing! The chemistry between Con and Paul *fans self* and with Lucky thrown in for extra loving, I was totally hooked. Though I agree the ending wasn't what I expected, Simply Voracious is a book you should read and judge for yourself. FYI I liked Paul and could really fall for Con, but Valentine will always be my favorite ;)

[Karry · Rating 4 out of 5]

For each individual book I give an average of 4 stars. The series as a whole I give 3stars. I kept hoping for each story to get a wrap up of all the loose strings that just never came. The books were each steamy, sexy, controversial , and freeing. Yet so much was left undone and unanswered. I loved each character. I enjoined reading about their struggles and triumphs. I am just a stickler for a complete wrap up, with a bow and everything. All in all I liked the series. I would still recommend it to others since not everyone is like me in the needs of the books they enjoy.

[Mom23greatboys · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading all the reviews, I was actually dreading reading this book but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. While I can see some of the complaints were valid, it really was a good read. Many mentioned these characters did not seem to have the chemistry seen in her other books- particularly her earlier works in the series. I do believe the lust was more muted but I actually felt the sincerity of their love really showed through. I liked "Lucky" and even though she made mistakes it was believable, not over done and we saw such a metamorphosis in her character.

[Airaseem · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very strange because everyone is trying to make each other happy while sacrificing themselves. The three main character were well put together. They make a lovely couples. But is was like the same thing over. One minute it's yes and something happens and it's back to no. Make up your mind already. Almost done with this series and I feel like it's letting me down instead of going off with a bang it's a wiper.

[Maureen C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series and have to say I hope this is a fluke since it's the second to the last book in the series. Really didn't have the relationship dynamic of the other books. It was an OK read but lacked the pull of the other books in the series.Just didn't make me want to go back and re-read it like the others.

[antropy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in the series where I genuinely did not get anything from the M/F pairings. Huge, huge problem. If I have to ask myself, "Why is this F in this FMM?" the F probably should just be removed. I felt bad for her.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply , this series gets better and better

Such fun unraveling and raveling this story. Well-written with an intriguing cast of characters. Nice to have characters from previous books show up for a quick hello and update on their happily ever after . On to book 9

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul marries Lucky after she's been raped and blackmailed, giving up his new lover Constantine. He was never going to marry given his preference for men but he's always loved Lucky and it turns out they both like Constantine.

[Viktoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going on a bit of a rant...please be patient with me. I have absolutely no idea why this book has such a high rating. I've read many of the reviews and there is something HUGE missing from them. If you are familiar with the House of Pleasure series, all the stories involve men who sleep with other men for a variety of reasons (ex sex-slave, glutton for punishment, power/control, etc.). It was a little hard to get used to at first, but I eventually did. Here's whats wrong with this book. Paul St. Clare is not bi-sexual. He is without a doubt 100% gay (p.s. I have no problem with that!). I can't tell you how many times it's written that he PREFERS men. Does he sleep with men because he is a tortured soul who was held as a sex slave and forced to sleep with other men? No. Does he sleep with other men because he feels tainted and thinks he deserves the pain from rough sex? No. Can he physically screw his wife? Yes. But how many gay men marry and have children? Every time he slept with Lucky, I kept thinking, "Is he thinking of you or Con?". I think you all know the answer. While he "loved" his wife (they were old friends), he was IN LOVE with Con. There is a passage in the book where Paul tenderly touches and gazes into Con's face during sex and you realize that Lucky will never experience that with Paul. That was hard for me to stomach. Then, during their threesome, Con becomes a little concerned with actually sleeping with Lucky. The conversation goes something like this:

Paul: Make love to my wife.
Con: Umm...don't you think you should discuss with your wife why I have reservations? Most husbands take issue with who's planting their seed where.
Paul: So?

HE DOESN'T EVEN CARE IF HE HAS CHILDREN WITH HER! Yes, her reputation was saved by the marriage, but Paul got it all. He was able to quiet society's rumors by marrying a woman and got Con in the marriage bed. Oh, look, I'm not gay! I married a woman. See! See! Honestly, Lucky and Con (who prefers women/was married/had a child) had more passion that she did with her own husband! Lastly, I realize this is fictional erotica but the fact that Lucky (who was sexually assaulted) becomes so comfortable with having her husband's lover in her bed is SO unrealistic, it's idiotic. No jealousy. REALLY? *Insert EYEROLL* The only reason I gave this a two star rating was because of Con.

[Paola Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Mejora ligeramente respecto al anterior, tiene personajes más interesantes.

Conocimos a Paul St. Clare en el libro de Lisette y Gabriel, es un teniente que fue compañero de Gabriel en la guerra, también a Lady Lucinda su prima debutante (su eterna enamorada) y a Constantine Delinsky – Teniente coronel Se conocieron en época oscuras.

A raíz de una situación comprometedora Una violación – Mal trago para mí Lucinda se verá obligada a comprometerse con Paul quien terminara sacrificándose para salvar su reputación. Decidirá entonces ser sincero y fiel por lo que corta su relación con Con.

Un libro más “humano” incluso algo crudo, ella tendrá que retomar su confianza en las relaciones físicas y a mi parecer Paul lo hará bien sin exigir ni presionar. Aunque él prefiere algo más a los hombres no le es imposible estar con mujeres. Además siente un cariño especial por Lucinda que poco a poco ira convirtiéndose en amor.

Ella al ver todo el sacrificio hecho por Paul buscara compensarlo, por lo que decide entregarle algo de libertad para que busque un amante. Al enterarse de su relación pasada con Con querrá reunirlos nuevamente. Ella lo conoció del pasado él fue quien la auxilio después del abuso, al tratar de juntarlos se dará cuenta que ella también tiene sentimientos por él. En un momento incluso Con les propondrá una relación de los tres.

Para mi sorpresa la relación de los tres no me disgusto Aunque se sintió más de dos. – Con no es que haya participado mucho.

En cuanto a los personajes fueron interesantes, aunque me pareció que usaron mucho a Delinsky, me hubiera gustado algo mejor para él. Si van a tener una relación es necesario una base de confianza. En ocasiones Lucinda tenía momento desesperantes. Al no querer aceptar ayuda de nadie comete varias equivocaciones – Es de sabios aceptar ayuda No son personajes planos tienen sus personalidades que no siempre me gustan. [Se notan sus sentimientos: nervios, dudas, intransigencia.]

Son libros algo crudos como acostumbra la autora.

Vamos a por el último.

[Wordsworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

It's good for Paul to get his HEA here.

Unfortunately it has the same problems in scenes of dialogue as other books in the series: scenes meant to get them from point A to point B don't actually do their job, and the characters talk past each other and react seemingly irrationally because the necessary conflicts aren't built right, aren't justified with a logical progression of the arguments. Emotionally tense scenes are somewhat muted by having pure dialogue exchanges without body language or getting into the characters' heads until afterward. Complicating this, or perhaps because of it, we have some weird pacing issues, incompletely developed character dynamics, and a fucked up relationship between Lucky and Jeremy. It's clear she's been left entirely without sex ed and is brainwashed into self-blame and wacky expectations of parental rights by the 19th c. rape culture and oppression of women, but even so her relentlessly analytical, even-keeled mind becomes utterly senseless when it comes to dealing with that man.

Finally, we spend the entire story building up expectations of hot sex between Con and Lucky, but somehow that never materializes. This is a gripe about what kinds of things can be included or excluded to break out of or reinforce certain taboos, and this book disappointed me. We just get lots of hot sex between Con and Paul, and Paul and Lucky, and once Con penetrates Paul while Paul penetrates Lucky. But never, despite all the advertising to expect it, do we break certain taboos by having the heroine a) cuckold her husband, b) accept DP, c) be penetrated by Con, d) risk pregnancy by Con-- despite having already dealt with the real physiological and emotional complications resulting from rape. In all, an odd choice leaving me disappointed that the author reinforced these expectations of exclusive fidelity only on the part of the woman. We don't need sexist double standards in kinky, queer erotica.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

No estuvo mal, y hasta puedo reconocer q me gustó, pero pudo estar mejor.
Lo que me gustó: el planteameinto de la trama es bueno, Paul&Lucky&Con es una relación de a tres, no un simple trío eventual, como otros q hemos visto en otros libros de la serie. Me gustó el enfoque de que, a pesar q Paul es 100% gay, termina enamorado de Lucky y de Con a partes iguales; es una historia q ayuda en cuanto a que el amor es universal y si amas a alguien, independientemente a tu inclinación "natural" sea ésta homo o hetero.
Lo q no me gustó: no hubo un reparto de protagonismo equitativo. Nos preocupamos demasiado por Lucky y su reacción hacia algunas verdades de la vida, lo q nos deja a tres cuartos del libro sin haber entrado en materia sobre la verdadera relación q importa: Paul&Lucky&Con, y de esa forma, al menos a mi parecer, todo queda como q entre los tres se "enamoran" solo para q Paul tenga lo mejor de dos mundos xq a todas luces, él parecer ser el único q gana. También creo q el drama matrimonial de Con fue innecesario, al menos con ese final; y de hecho, mejor no hablar de finales, xq me dio grima. En serio era necesario cortarla ahí mismo?? Después de todo lo q ese pobre soldado tuvo q pasar, se merecía un threesome en toda regla.
Y Ambrosse y Emily?? Esa no la vi venir. Solo por ellos creo q va valer la penal el siguiente...espero q no me decepcione.

[ayooo6767 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had the potential to be great but ugh, it just wasn't. Paul and Lucky's romantic relationship just wasn't that believable, and I was good with that since Paul wasn't the most compelling male lead. Lucky was good in the beginning but just descended to whiny stupidity halfway through. Furthermore, the author didn't follow through with Lucky, Paul, and Con as a throuple literally until the the last 20 pages. If she would have wasted less time with the BS and showcased their relationship (which seemed good for the 5 pages it was shown), this would've been a 3.5-4 star book. However, her ridiculous desire for this to be a more threesome style book rather than a throuple book fell flat since none of them together were compelling enough as a couple. Also, Lucky running away and whining just ruined the book for me, especially since she makes the situation (including the ending of their ménage scenes or lack thereof) just ridiculously annoying. Just UGH

[Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.
I loved most of the previous installments in this series but this one.... I don't even know where to start. I think we can all agree that we waited for one particular thing that never happened despite Kate Pearce's shameless foreshadowing (not sure if it can even be called that since nothing significant happened). Besides being the most boring ménage a trois I've ever come across in any book at all, the characters were not very likeable to me. The first portion started out fairly okay, but it ended up being nothing more than an epic fail. I will never read this again, that's for sure. Let's hope the next book in the series isn't as ridiculous as this one.

[Smutty19 · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books I swear. Paul prefers men but was convinced to give women a go. Why? Just because. Then his best friend is raped, ruined, and is being blackmailed to marry. Paul steps in and offers to marry her instead as protection. Lucky has always imagined she would marry Paul but not like this. She’s nervous about his sexual needs and getting over her trauma.
The spice is there, I was concerned about the scandal coming out, but really I couldn’t make myself feel anything towards the lovers. Because I’m used to MF romances the idea of an open relationship stresses me out.
Overall book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serie con altísimo contenido erótico muy explicito, eso lo primero.

Pero analiza los sentimientos de los personajes, quizá porque no hay tabúes en las escenas y el vocabulario.

Paul decide que hacer con su vida, Lucky descubre que hay algo más que el cariño y Con los complementa

[shelly shells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Thoroughly enjoyed Paul and Lucinda with Con thrown into the mix, this series has been rye opening and wonderfully written. The author blends the storyline to fit the characters involved..

[Sara Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The further the series gets from the Sokorvsky/Delornay circle of characters, the less I like it :(. These characters just aren’t captivating me like the ones in the first five books did. Taking a break from it and might read the final book sometime later.