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The Dining Club #1
The Dining Club: Part 1
Welcome to the Dining Club. If you fail the challenges we set, you will go no further. If you pass, a world of pleasure awaits.
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies, to delicious and forbidden delights. Grace is shocked, this isn't her scene - but her body seems to think otherwise, and deep down she knows that to keep this man she will have to explore his darker side . . .
Let yourself indulge in the sumptuous delights of The Dining Club: Part One
The Dining Club is now available as a complete volume, in both paperback and ebook.
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies, to delicious and forbidden delights. Grace is shocked, this isn't her scene - but her body seems to think otherwise, and deep down she knows that to keep this man she will have to explore his darker side . . .
Let yourself indulge in the sumptuous delights of The Dining Club: Part One
The Dining Club is now available as a complete volume, in both paperback and ebook.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Marina Anderson
67 books188 followersMarina Anderson is the pseudonym of British author Margaret Bingley, whose novels have been published all over the world. Margaret uses this pseudonym for her series of erotica novels. She also publishes erotica for women under the pseudonym Fredrica Alleyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 6, 2016
The first installment of The Dining Club series is a short (35 page) teaser to get the reader interested in continuing the series. Alas, I remain unhooked.
This is an erotic serial about the Dining Club, where David is taking his clueless girlfriend of six months, Grace for the weekend. However, as David explains once Grace is safely locked in their room,
Here's why I remain unmoved:
First, with a mere thirty-five pages, everything must be crisp and perfect if you hope to dazzle the reader enough to move forward. Unfortunately there were two glaringly obvious mistakes.
1. In the first pre-coital conversation between Grace and David, the scene begins with both parties naked in bed contemplating a shower, yet ends in a car on the way back to Grace's house. How did they get from A to B in the span of a short conversation?
2. Continuity. David alludes to "the other night in your flat, after you'd thought you were too tired for more sex" when that scene clearly took place at David's flat. We never see further than Grace's front door in the entire 35 pages of this book.
Secondly (and most importantly for me) the whole complication of Amber at the club and her interaction with David. It was too much too soon in a plot which didn't need another twist yet. I'm sure that particular plot line will be a lovely addition to the rest of the series, but it immediately turned me off of Davids character to know that he had been cheating on Grace throughout their relationship, and was manipulating her into staying despite her misgivings.
This book series simply wasn't for me, which is odd considering my previous enjoyment of various sex-club type books. If you feel the same and are looking for something better in this sort of genre, look up Submission the first book in the nine-part Plume Series. It's free on iTunes, it's longer, smarter, and you won't immediately pity the female lead.
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This is an erotic serial about the Dining Club, where David is taking his clueless girlfriend of six months, Grace for the weekend. However, as David explains once Grace is safely locked in their room,
"This club isn't really a dining club, It's a club for people with specialized sexual needs and desires. They come here so that they can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they're surrounded by like-minded people."To be fair, it is an interesting premise, and I can see how this series could be amusing, especially with David's pillow talk:
"I only want to please you, darling."However it fell short for me.
Here's why I remain unmoved:
First, with a mere thirty-five pages, everything must be crisp and perfect if you hope to dazzle the reader enough to move forward. Unfortunately there were two glaringly obvious mistakes.
1. In the first pre-coital conversation between Grace and David, the scene begins with both parties naked in bed contemplating a shower, yet ends in a car on the way back to Grace's house. How did they get from A to B in the span of a short conversation?
2. Continuity. David alludes to "the other night in your flat, after you'd thought you were too tired for more sex" when that scene clearly took place at David's flat. We never see further than Grace's front door in the entire 35 pages of this book.
Secondly (and most importantly for me) the whole complication of Amber at the club and her interaction with David. It was too much too soon in a plot which didn't need another twist yet. I'm sure that particular plot line will be a lovely addition to the rest of the series, but it immediately turned me off of Davids character to know that he had been cheating on Grace throughout their relationship, and was manipulating her into staying despite her misgivings.
This book series simply wasn't for me, which is odd considering my previous enjoyment of various sex-club type books. If you feel the same and are looking for something better in this sort of genre, look up Submission the first book in the nine-part Plume Series. It's free on iTunes, it's longer, smarter, and you won't immediately pity the female lead.
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
July 20, 2014
ARC provided on behalf of Forever (Grand Central Publishing) from NetGalley
This was the first book of an upcoming series. Grace and David have been seeing each other for six months, but he has yet to let her in on his eclectic tastes in sex. But that is all about to change when he takes her to The Dining Club to test her limits and their relationship.
This was a short installment, that hinted at some kink to come. But it was that length that kept you in limbo. Unable to commit myself to the characters but a little intrigued to see just what happens. The writing flowed well, but I am not sure if there was enough to bite on to overall, I hope that the second installment isn't too far off. The lack of any real climactic moment might not be enough to keep a reader holding out if the second book is too far off.
This was the first book of an upcoming series. Grace and David have been seeing each other for six months, but he has yet to let her in on his eclectic tastes in sex. But that is all about to change when he takes her to The Dining Club to test her limits and their relationship.
This was a short installment, that hinted at some kink to come. But it was that length that kept you in limbo. Unable to commit myself to the characters but a little intrigued to see just what happens. The writing flowed well, but I am not sure if there was enough to bite on to overall, I hope that the second installment isn't too far off. The lack of any real climactic moment might not be enough to keep a reader holding out if the second book is too far off.
August 19, 2013
David needs more from Grace. Their relationship is great, from her perspective, but David's kind of love is far more challenging, and far more darkly lustful. He invites her to a special club where he can be himself, The Dining Club. There, she will face her erotic trial. If she passes, she will remain with David in his world, and get all of the bliss that him and the club have to offer.... But if she fails, she loses it all.
----
Desire: The Dining Club: Part One is the first short story in an eight part series. Since this is a short story, this review will be brief.
I don't really have much to say about it. The writing isn't awful, but it grows a bit redundant, vocabulary-wise (for example, David says a lot of things quietly).
My main issue is as follows: nothing happens in this first book. It feels like someone took the first chapter of a novel and released it independently. This first part only discusses what the club is, and that Grace is to visit. You don't really learn about the characters much and they come off as cold.
This novella gets two stars based on the concept. I'd very much like to see how this goes. However, I'm not going to collect pieces of eight like it's some kind of literary trading card. I'd rather just wait until they're all out and read them as one full length book than sit through snippets like this. I'd very much recommend that other readers do the same.
Thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my copy in exchange for an honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
----
Desire: The Dining Club: Part One is the first short story in an eight part series. Since this is a short story, this review will be brief.
I don't really have much to say about it. The writing isn't awful, but it grows a bit redundant, vocabulary-wise (for example, David says a lot of things quietly).
My main issue is as follows: nothing happens in this first book. It feels like someone took the first chapter of a novel and released it independently. This first part only discusses what the club is, and that Grace is to visit. You don't really learn about the characters much and they come off as cold.
This novella gets two stars based on the concept. I'd very much like to see how this goes. However, I'm not going to collect pieces of eight like it's some kind of literary trading card. I'd rather just wait until they're all out and read them as one full length book than sit through snippets like this. I'd very much recommend that other readers do the same.
Thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my copy in exchange for an honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
November 16, 2014
ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
3.5 Intriguing stars
Grace and David have been dating for six months. But whenever it feels like things are getting too close, Grace feels David pull away. That is until he invites her away for the weekend to The Dining Club. Once there, David tries to explain why they are there, which scares Grace. Will things proceed or will Grace fail?
I don't dislike this as much as everyone seems to. I guess I'm intrigued as to where the story is going. I'm not sure I approve of David's interaction with Amber, since he's been seeing Grace for six months. But I will suspend my judgement for now.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
3.5 Intriguing stars
Grace and David have been dating for six months. But whenever it feels like things are getting too close, Grace feels David pull away. That is until he invites her away for the weekend to The Dining Club. Once there, David tries to explain why they are there, which scares Grace. Will things proceed or will Grace fail?
I don't dislike this as much as everyone seems to. I guess I'm intrigued as to where the story is going. I'm not sure I approve of David's interaction with Amber, since he's been seeing Grace for six months. But I will suspend my judgement for now.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
October 6, 2019
This was a little quick read. It sets the story up for the next installment. Basically the sex club has a dinner club where you move up the levels. Every table represents a table. Every visit means you go up a level until you don't want to anymore or you can't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2013
I am struggling to rate a small novella of only 34 pages. And, it's even more difficult because absolutely nothing happens in part one except for their arrival to the Dining Club. I do know that I am not impressed with these characters so far... I don't find David to be an appealing or even likeable character. He has a thing for biting and forcing pleasure through pain... not really a fan of that... just FYI in case anyone else is curious about the content. I am also not into the sharing thing... and it sounds like there may be some sharing going on later in the book.
This is the first of a series of 8 novellas... and for the life of me I don't understand why we can't just get the whole book instead of waiting for eight novellas to be published. The first one has not really peeked my curiosity enough to continue.
My advice?? Wait till' they are all published... and, more than likely it can be a whole book at once instead of having to read it in pieces.
ARC provided by Forever Publishing via netgalley.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
This is the first of a series of 8 novellas... and for the life of me I don't understand why we can't just get the whole book instead of waiting for eight novellas to be published. The first one has not really peeked my curiosity enough to continue.
My advice?? Wait till' they are all published... and, more than likely it can be a whole book at once instead of having to read it in pieces.
ARC provided by Forever Publishing via netgalley.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
September 24, 2013
Buddy read with Ange
2.5 stars
Desire is the first instalment of an eight part serialized novel called The Dining Club. Each of these instalments are fairly short (around 30 pages) so don't expect to get a full story in any of them, you really are going to have to read all eight parts to reach what will hopefully be a satisfactory conclusion (I can't confirm that either way just yet because I've only read this first part!). The story will be released as a complete novel in January 2014 so if you might prefer to wait until then to read it if you don't like the idea of waiting between instalments.
I really like the idea of reading a serialized novel so you get a bite sized part of the story that is easy to read in a single sitting even if you don't have much time to spare. What I don't like about it is that it works out so much more expensive overall than it does if you wait for the full length novel. For example, the first part is currently £0.99 on Amazon.co.uk with the remaining seven parts being £1.49 each so you'll pay a total of £11.42 for the 8 ebooks that make up the whole story when the paperback version of the complete book can currently be pre-ordered for just £5.24. As a consumer that really upsets me and if I hadn't been given free review copies of the first four instalments from the publisher via Netgalley then I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money on them.
Now, to look at this first instalment in a bit more detail I have to say that Desire was much better written than the other serialized novels I've tried. We are introduced to the main characters Grace and David who have been dating for six months. Grace is happy with the way things are going between them, they get on well, have fun together and their sex life is fantastic but although she is on the verge of falling in love with him she feels that David is holding himself back. When David offers to take her away for the weekend she thinks it is the next step for them becoming more serious about each other, little does she know that David is taking her to a sex club, one where she must pass a series of tests if she wishes to continue seeing him.
Now the idea of the club and the different challenges Grace will face intrigues me, I have to say that if they had discussed it in advance and it was something that they were both interested in trying together I would have felt much better about it though. What bothers me is that David pretty much gives Grace and ultimatum that if she doesn't pass the any of the tests or isn't willing to try whatever he wants her to do then their relationship is over. He has played the perfect boyfriend for six months, waited until she is in love with him and then he pushes her into something that isn't necessarily what she wants. I don't have a problem with him enjoying the club (we don't really know what is going to happen there yet - we'll have to wait for part two to get any details - but it's definitely some kind of BDSM club) but I do have a problem with his deception and the fact that he has been visiting the club on a monthly basis behind her back without telling her about it. I think it's important to be upfront in a relationship, if you have a kink that's fine but you should let the other person know about it and let them decide if it's something they're willing to participate in before they fall in love with you.
Issues aside I'm still curious enough to want to know what happens next. I'm sure Grace is going to find she enjoys things she never would have even considered before, I just wish she'd been given more of a choice about whether she wished to try them! I already have the next 3 parts so I'll be reading at least that far to see how things progress between them. Hopefully we'll get to know more about David's motivations and why he went behind Grace's back for so long before introducing her to his darker side.
2.5 stars
Desire is the first instalment of an eight part serialized novel called The Dining Club. Each of these instalments are fairly short (around 30 pages) so don't expect to get a full story in any of them, you really are going to have to read all eight parts to reach what will hopefully be a satisfactory conclusion (I can't confirm that either way just yet because I've only read this first part!). The story will be released as a complete novel in January 2014 so if you might prefer to wait until then to read it if you don't like the idea of waiting between instalments.
I really like the idea of reading a serialized novel so you get a bite sized part of the story that is easy to read in a single sitting even if you don't have much time to spare. What I don't like about it is that it works out so much more expensive overall than it does if you wait for the full length novel. For example, the first part is currently £0.99 on Amazon.co.uk with the remaining seven parts being £1.49 each so you'll pay a total of £11.42 for the 8 ebooks that make up the whole story when the paperback version of the complete book can currently be pre-ordered for just £5.24. As a consumer that really upsets me and if I hadn't been given free review copies of the first four instalments from the publisher via Netgalley then I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money on them.
Now, to look at this first instalment in a bit more detail I have to say that Desire was much better written than the other serialized novels I've tried. We are introduced to the main characters Grace and David who have been dating for six months. Grace is happy with the way things are going between them, they get on well, have fun together and their sex life is fantastic but although she is on the verge of falling in love with him she feels that David is holding himself back. When David offers to take her away for the weekend she thinks it is the next step for them becoming more serious about each other, little does she know that David is taking her to a sex club, one where she must pass a series of tests if she wishes to continue seeing him.
Now the idea of the club and the different challenges Grace will face intrigues me, I have to say that if they had discussed it in advance and it was something that they were both interested in trying together I would have felt much better about it though. What bothers me is that David pretty much gives Grace and ultimatum that if she doesn't pass the any of the tests or isn't willing to try whatever he wants her to do then their relationship is over. He has played the perfect boyfriend for six months, waited until she is in love with him and then he pushes her into something that isn't necessarily what she wants. I don't have a problem with him enjoying the club (we don't really know what is going to happen there yet - we'll have to wait for part two to get any details - but it's definitely some kind of BDSM club) but I do have a problem with his deception and the fact that he has been visiting the club on a monthly basis behind her back without telling her about it. I think it's important to be upfront in a relationship, if you have a kink that's fine but you should let the other person know about it and let them decide if it's something they're willing to participate in before they fall in love with you.
Issues aside I'm still curious enough to want to know what happens next. I'm sure Grace is going to find she enjoys things she never would have even considered before, I just wish she'd been given more of a choice about whether she wished to try them! I already have the next 3 parts so I'll be reading at least that far to see how things progress between them. Hopefully we'll get to know more about David's motivations and why he went behind Grace's back for so long before introducing her to his darker side.
April 18, 2018
Desire, being the first part in a serialized novel, is a little hard to discuss on it’s own. It’s an introduction, to the characters and to the set-up of the weekend at The Dining Club. I’ll talk a little about my thoughts in these short thirty-odd pages.
Grace and David have been together for six months and Grace believes she’s starting to fall in love. David’s courteous, attentive, loving, and the sex is fabulous; however she realizes that David isn’t quite in the same place as her. He’s holding something back and she’s not quite sure what.
David cares about Grace a lot, and wants to take their relationship to the next level so he suggests a weekend at The Dining Club, an exclusive club at which he’s a member. Here he’ll finally be able to tell her, show her, the things he’s been holding back. Honestly, I find the chemistry between Grace and David a little…forced. I feel like they’re both saying the right things, thinking the right things, but it just doesn’t feel right to me. At first I wondered if this wasn’t going to be a story where she showed up with one person and ended up with another but now I doubt that.
As you might have guessed, The Dining Club is a place where sexual fantasies can be carried out. A place for members to bring their significant others and be safe in finding out if they can fulfill each other’s sexual needs. They meet once a month and there’s only ever one ‘newbie’. This month is Grace. If they work out on this first visit, they’ll come back to go through several more ‘tables’.
Have I mentioned how much I dislike deception? Six months they’ve been together and the implication is that David has still been going to his club every month. I kind of have a problem with this. There isn’t anything in the text about them promising exclusivity, but it’s kind of been implied, and then there’s the scene with the woman at the club just before he goes to pick up Grace.
Look, I like some of the ‘more unusual sexual needs,’ as David puts it, but I also like openness and honesty in a relationship. I like that a lot. In fact it’s kind of one of my must-haves. I’m reserving a bit of judgment on this, but it did bother me here.
My other problem is the treading-the-line of manipulation that David pulls out near the end to convince Grace to stay. Maybe I’m a bit more sensitive to it because I’ve been in that sort of relationship. The ‘if you love me…’ and ‘I thought you’d want to do this for me…’ sort of comments roll off me badly.
Because of the format, serialized, these sorts of things can make or break a story. Because I have the next three installments I’m reserving my thoughts until I’ve read a bit further – and as they’re so short, it could be I do a complete 180 on my feelings for David, and Grace. But this is one of the downfalls of this format. The first one has to set the tone, and right now I’m not too happy with one of the main characters.
Grade: Due to my personal issues, I’m going to grade this in two different ways:
Writing: B
Story/Characters: C-
Buddy read with Sarah
Grace and David have been together for six months and Grace believes she’s starting to fall in love. David’s courteous, attentive, loving, and the sex is fabulous; however she realizes that David isn’t quite in the same place as her. He’s holding something back and she’s not quite sure what.
David cares about Grace a lot, and wants to take their relationship to the next level so he suggests a weekend at The Dining Club, an exclusive club at which he’s a member. Here he’ll finally be able to tell her, show her, the things he’s been holding back. Honestly, I find the chemistry between Grace and David a little…forced. I feel like they’re both saying the right things, thinking the right things, but it just doesn’t feel right to me. At first I wondered if this wasn’t going to be a story where she showed up with one person and ended up with another but now I doubt that.
As you might have guessed, The Dining Club is a place where sexual fantasies can be carried out. A place for members to bring their significant others and be safe in finding out if they can fulfill each other’s sexual needs. They meet once a month and there’s only ever one ‘newbie’. This month is Grace. If they work out on this first visit, they’ll come back to go through several more ‘tables’.
Have I mentioned how much I dislike deception? Six months they’ve been together and the implication is that David has still been going to his club every month. I kind of have a problem with this. There isn’t anything in the text about them promising exclusivity, but it’s kind of been implied, and then there’s the scene with the woman at the club just before he goes to pick up Grace.
Look, I like some of the ‘more unusual sexual needs,’ as David puts it, but I also like openness and honesty in a relationship. I like that a lot. In fact it’s kind of one of my must-haves. I’m reserving a bit of judgment on this, but it did bother me here.
My other problem is the treading-the-line of manipulation that David pulls out near the end to convince Grace to stay. Maybe I’m a bit more sensitive to it because I’ve been in that sort of relationship. The ‘if you love me…’ and ‘I thought you’d want to do this for me…’ sort of comments roll off me badly.
Because of the format, serialized, these sorts of things can make or break a story. Because I have the next three installments I’m reserving my thoughts until I’ve read a bit further – and as they’re so short, it could be I do a complete 180 on my feelings for David, and Grace. But this is one of the downfalls of this format. The first one has to set the tone, and right now I’m not too happy with one of the main characters.
Grade: Due to my personal issues, I’m going to grade this in two different ways:
Writing: B
Story/Characters: C-
Buddy read with Sarah
September 29, 2013
I'll give Marina Anderson's "Desire", the first installation of "The Dining Club" serial novel, the benefit of the doubt. It intrigues me enough to continue, and the writing is much better than many serial novels of its type, but I'll admit I'm not taken by the story yet, because it's not vetted enough in its beginnings.
I'll admit the way that I personally read a serial novel is much like my experience trying out a TV drama (or TV show in general) for the first time - the pilot has to have enough to hook me, even when I may not know much about where the story will go. For example, in the ABC series "Revenge" - Emily Thorne (real name: Amanda) is a young woman who takes on another name to get revenge on the family she holds responsible for her father's death - the Graysons. It gives you a character to identify, a palpable conflict, a motivation to move against said conflict, and something of an ending to leave it standing on its own, but yet giving a branch point to move into something that adds to the conflict.
A serial novel in its initial turns that's done well usually has my utmost respect because it's very difficult to fit these elements in - the pressure's to keep the reader pulled in for the next installation. Matter in point, people who do this well know how to economize their words to fit in a limited space, but give the reader enough to gain and hold their interest through the narrative. Anderson does a great job with the turns of natural dialogue in this work and setting up the scenario, but I'll admit I wasn't necessarily pulled into the characters and their motivations here. It wasn't as threadbare as some titles of this genre I've picked up, but it wasn't developed as much as it could've been for stakes and conflict.
Grace and David are the couple we start following in this story, and I'll admit neither one of them really stood out for a beginning. For an erotic story, I think conveying intimacy (not just physical intimacy) is important in terms of the character experience. I got the measure that Grace is happy with her life and she loves David, but is thrown by the fact that he's unsatisfied with their sexual relationship. That may be all well and good for conflict, but given David's personality, he comes across as a shallow jerk, and it's difficult to see what Grace sees in him, and he to her given his brash reactions. Grace is hurt by him uprooting to take her to this well-to-do club called "The Dining Club" to explore their sexual options, but somehow - I'm still trying to find what the story was in this particular beginning. I think it could've been much stronger than what it was, despite me being pulled along by the flow of the dialogue and the descriptions.
I have up to part five of this respective series, and I bought this off Amazon so that I could have an idea of where this began. I think the start could've been a bit stronger, but I'm willing to see where it goes from here.
Overall score: 2/5 stars
I'll admit the way that I personally read a serial novel is much like my experience trying out a TV drama (or TV show in general) for the first time - the pilot has to have enough to hook me, even when I may not know much about where the story will go. For example, in the ABC series "Revenge" - Emily Thorne (real name: Amanda) is a young woman who takes on another name to get revenge on the family she holds responsible for her father's death - the Graysons. It gives you a character to identify, a palpable conflict, a motivation to move against said conflict, and something of an ending to leave it standing on its own, but yet giving a branch point to move into something that adds to the conflict.
A serial novel in its initial turns that's done well usually has my utmost respect because it's very difficult to fit these elements in - the pressure's to keep the reader pulled in for the next installation. Matter in point, people who do this well know how to economize their words to fit in a limited space, but give the reader enough to gain and hold their interest through the narrative. Anderson does a great job with the turns of natural dialogue in this work and setting up the scenario, but I'll admit I wasn't necessarily pulled into the characters and their motivations here. It wasn't as threadbare as some titles of this genre I've picked up, but it wasn't developed as much as it could've been for stakes and conflict.
Grace and David are the couple we start following in this story, and I'll admit neither one of them really stood out for a beginning. For an erotic story, I think conveying intimacy (not just physical intimacy) is important in terms of the character experience. I got the measure that Grace is happy with her life and she loves David, but is thrown by the fact that he's unsatisfied with their sexual relationship. That may be all well and good for conflict, but given David's personality, he comes across as a shallow jerk, and it's difficult to see what Grace sees in him, and he to her given his brash reactions. Grace is hurt by him uprooting to take her to this well-to-do club called "The Dining Club" to explore their sexual options, but somehow - I'm still trying to find what the story was in this particular beginning. I think it could've been much stronger than what it was, despite me being pulled along by the flow of the dialogue and the descriptions.
I have up to part five of this respective series, and I bought this off Amazon so that I could have an idea of where this began. I think the start could've been a bit stronger, but I'm willing to see where it goes from here.
Overall score: 2/5 stars
September 12, 2013
Quick read. Received from Netgalley for honest review. Thank you.
That said, it was an easy, quick read. Very little character development considering it was a short book. More a novella than a book. From reading first two books, it appears that each weekend at the "Dining Club" will be a new book. The first book sets up the backstory of the couple. After dating six months, David decides to take Grace to the private club to expand her sexual p,ensures and hopefully enrich their relationship. This book did not provide enough connection of the characters to become too engrossed in them, this I felt it was a little far fetched when reading book.two (Bound) to truly believe the story line. At the end of book two, I was pretty much done with David, the lead character. Excuse me, take your girlfriend to a wild weekend and then leave her at the door with "I will call you sometime this week"? Really? And she put up with that? Not thrilled with these characters.
Otherwise, the story seemed well written. Think the premise is good, but don't
Ike the direction of the characters. Now, if Grace drops David for Andrew, then we have a better story!
That said, it was an easy, quick read. Very little character development considering it was a short book. More a novella than a book. From reading first two books, it appears that each weekend at the "Dining Club" will be a new book. The first book sets up the backstory of the couple. After dating six months, David decides to take Grace to the private club to expand her sexual p,ensures and hopefully enrich their relationship. This book did not provide enough connection of the characters to become too engrossed in them, this I felt it was a little far fetched when reading book.two (Bound) to truly believe the story line. At the end of book two, I was pretty much done with David, the lead character. Excuse me, take your girlfriend to a wild weekend and then leave her at the door with "I will call you sometime this week"? Really? And she put up with that? Not thrilled with these characters.
Otherwise, the story seemed well written. Think the premise is good, but don't
Ike the direction of the characters. Now, if Grace drops David for Andrew, then we have a better story!
October 23, 2013
3 out of 5 for this reader folks!
Okay I am intrigued. Desire by Marina Anderson is the first short story of a series about a man named David who wishes to bring his girlfriend Grace to a special club (called the Dining Club), which is a "discover your sexual fantasies" to see if she will entertain a rather darker side of their sexual relationship. David is depicted as a DOM and has laid the cards out on the table for Grace finally after 6 months of sleeping with her, that he needs more sexually if this relationship has a chance to survive. Believing that Grace has undiscovered sexual needs, David reveals the details of The Dining club and requests that Grace attempt this adventure.
David kind of came across a little creepy to me, but in the short amount on time that we are given in this first part, I will give him a chance as he does really seem to care for Grace and really wants this work. Grace on the other hand comes across sincere and I really hope that David takes care with her.
Guess we'll find out in the second part called BOUND.
HAPPY READING! :)
Okay I am intrigued. Desire by Marina Anderson is the first short story of a series about a man named David who wishes to bring his girlfriend Grace to a special club (called the Dining Club), which is a "discover your sexual fantasies" to see if she will entertain a rather darker side of their sexual relationship. David is depicted as a DOM and has laid the cards out on the table for Grace finally after 6 months of sleeping with her, that he needs more sexually if this relationship has a chance to survive. Believing that Grace has undiscovered sexual needs, David reveals the details of The Dining club and requests that Grace attempt this adventure.
David kind of came across a little creepy to me, but in the short amount on time that we are given in this first part, I will give him a chance as he does really seem to care for Grace and really wants this work. Grace on the other hand comes across sincere and I really hope that David takes care with her.
Guess we'll find out in the second part called BOUND.
HAPPY READING! :)
November 26, 2013
Desire is part one of a series called The Dining Club which is made up of eight separate novellas. This story was sexy no question, but didn’t have the length needed to get me hooked. I’m not sure if this prevented me from connecting with David and Grace, or if I just didn’t like them. I thought it was kind of sleazy of him to invite her to the super secret members only club for freaky sexy times without at least a subtle heads up. Something like "hey, pack your nice panties because strangers might see them."
Grace seemed like a strong independent woman who turned into a wuss in David’s presence. Maybe had the novella had a little more meat I would have a different POV. At $1.99 an installment (for a less than a 50 page novella) I doubt I’ll read more.
It looks like this may be turned into a full length novel that will be published in January 2014. I truly think this will read better as a full length novel.
Note to self: Words like length and meat read super pervy when reviewing erotica. Check thesaurus for alternate wording next time.
Grace seemed like a strong independent woman who turned into a wuss in David’s presence. Maybe had the novella had a little more meat I would have a different POV. At $1.99 an installment (for a less than a 50 page novella) I doubt I’ll read more.
It looks like this may be turned into a full length novel that will be published in January 2014. I truly think this will read better as a full length novel.
Note to self: Words like length and meat read super pervy when reviewing erotica. Check thesaurus for alternate wording next time.
August 30, 2013
Grace, an up and coming theater director has been in a relationship with David for six months. He invites her for a weekend getaway to a private club, the Dining Club.
This first installment is pretty intriguing. For a short story, it's well written and totally mysterious. I'm very curious, enough to grab the next installment. I like Grace and David is an enigma at this point.
Job well done in 32 pages.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
This first installment is pretty intriguing. For a short story, it's well written and totally mysterious. I'm very curious, enough to grab the next installment. I like Grace and David is an enigma at this point.
Job well done in 32 pages.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
September 16, 2013
A short erotica with to be continue adventure.
David and Grace have been going out for 6 months and David decided that it time to take their relationship into next step, that is to go with his taste of sex.
Since the story continues in 8 parts, this one becomes blurry and I really didn't connect with the characters.
On top of that, after that adventure, David leaves Grace hanging! Blimey!
**ARC provided by publisher**
David and Grace have been going out for 6 months and David decided that it time to take their relationship into next step, that is to go with his taste of sex.
Since the story continues in 8 parts, this one becomes blurry and I really didn't connect with the characters.
On top of that, after that adventure, David leaves Grace hanging! Blimey!
**ARC provided by publisher**
September 15, 2013
I was not impressed with this book. I found that the writing style was very rigid and formal. Hopefully the next book in this series comes close to making me want to continue reading this story. I kept asking myself why am I reading this, I was bored and the story just progressed at a snails pace.
*ARC received through publisher
*ARC received through publisher
March 15, 2017
Garrrh! I feel so bad writing a low review but....GARRRRH!!!!
I actually bought this book in its whole series format, but I'm not actually sure how far I got to before I decided enough was enough and I simply couldn't read anymore.
If anyone reads my other reviews or my blog, they'll know that I'm not ashamed to say that I love a bit of smut. The smut was fine. the smut earned it a star...the story...not so much.
Grace is a supposedly strong, independent woman. She is eager to spend her life with the boyfriend that she's known for about 9 months, so he takes her to the next stage of the relationship...showing her his fantasies in an exclusive club that he is a member of (or maybe owns, I don't fully know).
...that's fine. Each to their own, and good old Grace is a good team player and gives it a go, which I'm sure most readers who read this book would...this book isn't really one for people who are squeemish about such things.
My first issue is that David, Grace's dearly beloved, is an absolute asshole. He's groping some other woman in the first few pages. He then threatens to dump Grace if she doesn't enjoy or adhere to his ways of the bedroom. I don't know what anyone else but I'm pretty sure I'd have a smart remark back to him if he said that to me.
The only likable character was Andrew, for me. Yet reading ahead on a few other synopsis, he sounds like he turns into a bit of a tool too. Reading up until where I did (I think it was seduce), I was actually rooting for Grace to take a shine to Andrew and dump David's sorry ass.
I may come back to this book at some point and try to read on, because the idea of this story is fab. It's just not as catching for me as I thought it would be.
I actually bought this book in its whole series format, but I'm not actually sure how far I got to before I decided enough was enough and I simply couldn't read anymore.
If anyone reads my other reviews or my blog, they'll know that I'm not ashamed to say that I love a bit of smut. The smut was fine. the smut earned it a star...the story...not so much.
Grace is a supposedly strong, independent woman. She is eager to spend her life with the boyfriend that she's known for about 9 months, so he takes her to the next stage of the relationship...showing her his fantasies in an exclusive club that he is a member of (or maybe owns, I don't fully know).
...that's fine. Each to their own, and good old Grace is a good team player and gives it a go, which I'm sure most readers who read this book would...this book isn't really one for people who are squeemish about such things.
My first issue is that David, Grace's dearly beloved, is an absolute asshole. He's groping some other woman in the first few pages. He then threatens to dump Grace if she doesn't enjoy or adhere to his ways of the bedroom. I don't know what anyone else but I'm pretty sure I'd have a smart remark back to him if he said that to me.
The only likable character was Andrew, for me. Yet reading ahead on a few other synopsis, he sounds like he turns into a bit of a tool too. Reading up until where I did (I think it was seduce), I was actually rooting for Grace to take a shine to Andrew and dump David's sorry ass.
I may come back to this book at some point and try to read on, because the idea of this story is fab. It's just not as catching for me as I thought it would be.
September 9, 2013
Title: The Dining Club; Desire, Bound, Crave
Author: Marina Anderson
Publisher/Year: Grand Central Publishing. 8/20/13 - 9/3/13
Length: 30+ Pages
Series: The Dining Club (#s 1-3)
Overview
Part One: Desire
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies to erotic challenges. If she passes the tests, she is promised ecstasy beyond her wildest fantasies. If she fails, she's forbidden to ever set foot in the exclusive club again. But even as David's seductive commands make Grace feel more daring than ever before, she begins to fear for their future. What if she fails one of the Club's tantalizing trials? Will David still want her or will she lose him forever?
Part Two: Bound
Grace has surprised herself by falling hard for the breathtaking financier David. But now she knows that in order to keep this man, she will have to explore his darker side.
Grace is shocked by her body's instinctive response to the private club David has introduced her to: the Dining Club-a secret society where members can explore their most forbidden fantasies. David got her through the Club's exclusive doors-but to stay she must pass a series of erotic trials.
Wrapped in a luxurious dress of chiffon and lace that David gave her for her first challenge, Grace is anxious and excited to enter into the heart of the Dining Club. Little does she know that one of its members, the dazzling and domineering Amber, has every intention of keeping David all to herself . . .
Part Three: Crave
Grace has had her first taste of the Dining Club . . . and she's already addicted. Now, as she counts down the days until her next erotic challenge at the Club, she can't stop thinking about David's stamina and the earth-shattering pleasures that await her.
When a stunning red dress arrives from David, Grace feels more ready than ever to meet the Club's next test. But the new challenge that awaits her is more dangerous than decadent-dazzling Club member Amber is more eager than ever to win David's affection, and Grace must do whatever it takes to keep him.
My Thoughts
When i read the pre-cursor that it would be similar to 50 Shades or Bared to You, i thought that this was right up my alley. I've also learned along the way that i tend to really enjoy books that are written in a novella format where we get a few more chapters each week so that it keeps you wanting a bit more. In this case, i stumbled upon the series when there were 3 installments out so i've gotten a pretty decent taste of what's to come.
At the onset of the story, we meet Grace and David who are in a pretty decent length relationship. It seems from the surface that all is well, they enjoy each other quite physically and what's nice about this story's beginning is that it seems like both have their separate lives and aren't reliant on the other (yet). David is a successful financier from what we gather and Grace is a play producer of sorts. Once we learn that they are in a well standing relationship, David throws in the curve-ball of an invitation to a private club known as the Dining Club. As you can expect from this genre, i'm sure that it's a BDSM club of sorts.
At the club, we are then introduced to Amber (whom actually confused me for a second since i wasn't quite sure why she was introduced quite so quickly) but anyhow, she's the hostess at The Dining Club and has some type of relationship with David.
This story takes us through the path of David needing to see if Grace can conform to his rather kinky tastes, and Grace fighting it every step of the way since she's quite 'vanilla' yet she doesn't want to lose David. The other piece here is that Amber considers David to be 'hers' and that makes for an interesting dimension of the relationship. Grace starts to pick up on this and that's makes the story even more interesting.
so, the question that we'll have to keep reading on to find is what lengths will Amber go to in order to out-do Grace, and will she succeed? The other question is whether Grace will actually ever let go enough to enjoy herself and see that maybe David's tastes aren't quite so 'kinky'.
To be completely honest though, there's a flaw that i found in this story. While it's a different character dynamic than other series in this genre, there's something that i feel is kind of lacking. It feels quite clinical sometimes, with the scenes that they engage in, and while i want to feel heat and passion since that's what's being written, i'm just not. I hope that as we see these folks grow together in the next installments, that my feeling will change. I also wish that we knew a little bit more about Grace and David since they seem very 2 dimensional. I'm more accustomed to series like this that draw you into a deeper emotional / psychological bond at least from one of the mains. We'll just have to wait and see if that happens.
Author: Marina Anderson
Publisher/Year: Grand Central Publishing. 8/20/13 - 9/3/13
Length: 30+ Pages
Series: The Dining Club (#s 1-3)
Overview
Part One: Desire
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies to erotic challenges. If she passes the tests, she is promised ecstasy beyond her wildest fantasies. If she fails, she's forbidden to ever set foot in the exclusive club again. But even as David's seductive commands make Grace feel more daring than ever before, she begins to fear for their future. What if she fails one of the Club's tantalizing trials? Will David still want her or will she lose him forever?
Part Two: Bound
Grace has surprised herself by falling hard for the breathtaking financier David. But now she knows that in order to keep this man, she will have to explore his darker side.
Grace is shocked by her body's instinctive response to the private club David has introduced her to: the Dining Club-a secret society where members can explore their most forbidden fantasies. David got her through the Club's exclusive doors-but to stay she must pass a series of erotic trials.
Wrapped in a luxurious dress of chiffon and lace that David gave her for her first challenge, Grace is anxious and excited to enter into the heart of the Dining Club. Little does she know that one of its members, the dazzling and domineering Amber, has every intention of keeping David all to herself . . .
Part Three: Crave
Grace has had her first taste of the Dining Club . . . and she's already addicted. Now, as she counts down the days until her next erotic challenge at the Club, she can't stop thinking about David's stamina and the earth-shattering pleasures that await her.
When a stunning red dress arrives from David, Grace feels more ready than ever to meet the Club's next test. But the new challenge that awaits her is more dangerous than decadent-dazzling Club member Amber is more eager than ever to win David's affection, and Grace must do whatever it takes to keep him.
My Thoughts
When i read the pre-cursor that it would be similar to 50 Shades or Bared to You, i thought that this was right up my alley. I've also learned along the way that i tend to really enjoy books that are written in a novella format where we get a few more chapters each week so that it keeps you wanting a bit more. In this case, i stumbled upon the series when there were 3 installments out so i've gotten a pretty decent taste of what's to come.
At the onset of the story, we meet Grace and David who are in a pretty decent length relationship. It seems from the surface that all is well, they enjoy each other quite physically and what's nice about this story's beginning is that it seems like both have their separate lives and aren't reliant on the other (yet). David is a successful financier from what we gather and Grace is a play producer of sorts. Once we learn that they are in a well standing relationship, David throws in the curve-ball of an invitation to a private club known as the Dining Club. As you can expect from this genre, i'm sure that it's a BDSM club of sorts.
At the club, we are then introduced to Amber (whom actually confused me for a second since i wasn't quite sure why she was introduced quite so quickly) but anyhow, she's the hostess at The Dining Club and has some type of relationship with David.
This story takes us through the path of David needing to see if Grace can conform to his rather kinky tastes, and Grace fighting it every step of the way since she's quite 'vanilla' yet she doesn't want to lose David. The other piece here is that Amber considers David to be 'hers' and that makes for an interesting dimension of the relationship. Grace starts to pick up on this and that's makes the story even more interesting.
so, the question that we'll have to keep reading on to find is what lengths will Amber go to in order to out-do Grace, and will she succeed? The other question is whether Grace will actually ever let go enough to enjoy herself and see that maybe David's tastes aren't quite so 'kinky'.
To be completely honest though, there's a flaw that i found in this story. While it's a different character dynamic than other series in this genre, there's something that i feel is kind of lacking. It feels quite clinical sometimes, with the scenes that they engage in, and while i want to feel heat and passion since that's what's being written, i'm just not. I hope that as we see these folks grow together in the next installments, that my feeling will change. I also wish that we knew a little bit more about Grace and David since they seem very 2 dimensional. I'm more accustomed to series like this that draw you into a deeper emotional / psychological bond at least from one of the mains. We'll just have to wait and see if that happens.
October 5, 2014
1-1/2 stars.
I'm not sure what to say about this story. I'll start with what I like--the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love it and definitely want to know what's behind that door.
I'm not sure if I'm glad I did find out.
Grace, a young, up-and-coming theater director, has been dating David for six months. Even though she's not totally sure if it's love (or even if they're exclusive), she definitely smitten:
After a tryst in which David is a little more rough than usual, he tells her he'd like to take her away for the weekend to a club that is managed by his friend, Andrew. Once they get to the beautiful location, David asks her:
After they've been there a little while, David explains what the true purpose of the weekend is.
So. The idea for this story is very intriguing, yes? I definitely think so. It's the characters that I don't like.
David is manipulative and rude. He tells Grace that if she isn't successful here at the Dining Club that there is no future for them, but he doesn't promise that there's a future for them if she does. He doesn't tell her that he loves her, just that he could if she enjoys herself here.
From the moment David mentions taking her away for the weekend, Grace becomes a seriously annoying petulant child. Her whining about the requirements and what type of club it is take up half of this novella. Honestly, if I were David, I would have told her nevermind.
Add the overuse of exclamation marks(!) and some gross words, like channel, and I'm not sure why I'm going to keep reading.
Desire is a very short novella--only 34 pages. I'm curious enough about the upcoming trials to keep going, but I'm not expecting anything amazing. I'll let ya'll know.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
I'm not sure what to say about this story. I'll start with what I like--the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love it and definitely want to know what's behind that door.
I'm not sure if I'm glad I did find out.
Grace, a young, up-and-coming theater director, has been dating David for six months. Even though she's not totally sure if it's love (or even if they're exclusive), she definitely smitten:
...he was the most attractive, charismatic and charming man she'd ever been in a relationship with. He was also an incredible lover, easily the most thoughtful and attentive one she'd ever had. Her pleasure always came first, and unlike other men who'd been in her life and bed, he never left her unfulfilled while he satisfied himself.
After a tryst in which David is a little more rough than usual, he tells her he'd like to take her away for the weekend to a club that is managed by his friend, Andrew. Once they get to the beautiful location, David asks her:
"I'm so pleased you decided to come. I wonder, would you do anything for me, Gracie? Anything I asked?
After they've been there a little while, David explains what the true purpose of the weekend is.
"This club isn't really a dining club. It's a club for people with specialized sexual needs and desires. They come here so that they can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they're surrounded by like-minded people."
...
"Tonight you and I will sit at table one. If the evening goes well, and you want to come back next month, we'll sit at table two."
...
"Everyone gets pleasure from the dining trials. Sometimes people fail, or choose to stop something one evening, and then of course they're free to go. They can't come back to the Dining Club, there is only ever one chance to succeed at all the levels, but I promise you that women can get more pleasure here than they have ever imagined in their wildest dreams."
So. The idea for this story is very intriguing, yes? I definitely think so. It's the characters that I don't like.
David is manipulative and rude. He tells Grace that if she isn't successful here at the Dining Club that there is no future for them, but he doesn't promise that there's a future for them if she does. He doesn't tell her that he loves her, just that he could if she enjoys herself here.
From the moment David mentions taking her away for the weekend, Grace becomes a seriously annoying petulant child. Her whining about the requirements and what type of club it is take up half of this novella. Honestly, if I were David, I would have told her nevermind.
"You'll find out when we get there, but it's not a long way to travel. Better take a couple of evening dresses though, they've got a very strict dress code for the dining room."
Grace looked at him in genuine horror. "Evening dresses? I don't possess an evening dress of any kind! I've got some very smart trousers and tops, but..."
"Sorry, but it's evening dresses for the women, suits and ties for the men."
"Well," muttered Grace as she left the apartment and followed her lover to his car, "I hope it's worth all this fuss and money."
"It will definitely be worth it," David assured her, closing the passenger door behind her and walking round to the driver's seat. "If you like it as much as I hope you will, we'll go there again, so the money you spend on dresses won't be wasted."
Add the overuse of exclamation marks(!) and some gross words, like channel, and I'm not sure why I'm going to keep reading.
Desire is a very short novella--only 34 pages. I'm curious enough about the upcoming trials to keep going, but I'm not expecting anything amazing. I'll let ya'll know.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
November 15, 2013
1-1/2 stars.
This review also appears on Steamy Guys After Dark.
I'm not sure what to say about this story. I'll start with what I like--the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love it and definitely want to know what's behind that door.
I'm not sure if I'm glad I did find out.
Grace, a young, up-and-coming theater director, has been dating David for six months. Even though she's not totally sure if it's love (or even if they're exclusive), she definitely smitten:
After a tryst in which David is a little more rough than usual, he tells her he'd like to take her away for the weekend to a club that is managed by his friend, Andrew. Once they get to the beautiful location, David asks her:
After they've been there a little while, David explains what the true purpose of the weekend is.
So. The idea for this story is very intriguing, yes? I definitely think so. It's the characters that I don't like.
David is manipulative and rude. He tells Grace that if she isn't successful here at the Dining Club that there is no future for them, but he doesn't promise that there's a future for them if she does. He doesn't tell her that he loves her, just that he could if she enjoys herself here.
From the moment David mentions taking her away for the weekend, Grace becomes a seriously annoying petulant child. Her whining about the requirements and what type of club it is take up half of this novella. Honestly, if I were David, I would have told her nevermind.
Add the overuse of exclamation marks(!) and some gross words, like channel, and I'm not sure why I'm going to keep reading.
Desire is a very short novella--only 34 pages. I'm curious enough about the upcoming trials to keep going, but I'm not expecting anything amazing. I'll let ya'll know.
This review also appears on Steamy Guys After Dark.
I'm not sure what to say about this story. I'll start with what I like--the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love it and definitely want to know what's behind that door.
I'm not sure if I'm glad I did find out.
Grace, a young, up-and-coming theater director, has been dating David for six months. Even though she's not totally sure if it's love (or even if they're exclusive), she definitely smitten:
...he was the most attractive, charismatic and charming man she'd ever been in a relationship with. He was also an incredible lover, easily the most thoughtful and attentive one she'd ever had. Her pleasure always came first, and unlike other men who'd been in her life and bed, he never left her unfulfilled while he satisfied himself.
After a tryst in which David is a little more rough than usual, he tells her he'd like to take her away for the weekend to a club that is managed by his friend, Andrew. Once they get to the beautiful location, David asks her:
"I'm so pleased you decided to come. I wonder, would you do anything for me, Gracie? Anything I asked?
After they've been there a little while, David explains what the true purpose of the weekend is.
"This club isn't really a dining club. It's a club for people with specialized sexual needs and desires. They come here so that they can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they're surrounded by like-minded people."
...
"Tonight you and I will sit at table one. If the evening goes well, and you want to come back next month, we'll sit at table two."
...
"Everyone gets pleasure from the dining trials. Sometimes people fail, or choose to stop something one evening, and then of course they're free to go. They can't come back to the Dining Club, there is only ever one chance to succeed at all the levels, but I promise you that women can get more pleasure here than they have ever imagined in their wildest dreams."
So. The idea for this story is very intriguing, yes? I definitely think so. It's the characters that I don't like.
David is manipulative and rude. He tells Grace that if she isn't successful here at the Dining Club that there is no future for them, but he doesn't promise that there's a future for them if she does. He doesn't tell her that he loves her, just that he could if she enjoys herself here.
From the moment David mentions taking her away for the weekend, Grace becomes a seriously annoying petulant child. Her whining about the requirements and what type of club it is take up half of this novella. Honestly, if I were David, I would have told her nevermind.
"You'll find out when we get there, but it's not a long way to travel. Better take a couple of evening dresses though, they've got a very strict dress code for the dining room."
Grace looked at him in genuine horror. "Evening dresses? I don't possess an evening dress of any kind! I've got some very smart trousers and tops, but..."
"Sorry, but it's evening dresses for the women, suits and ties for the men."
"Well," muttered Grace as she left the apartment and followed her lover to his car, "I hope it's worth all this fuss and money."
"It will definitely be worth it," David assured her, closing the passenger door behind her and walking round to the driver's seat. "If you like it as much as I hope you will, we'll go there again, so the money you spend on dresses won't be wasted."
Add the overuse of exclamation marks(!) and some gross words, like channel, and I'm not sure why I'm going to keep reading.
Desire is a very short novella--only 34 pages. I'm curious enough about the upcoming trials to keep going, but I'm not expecting anything amazing. I'll let ya'll know.
October 2, 2013
This review was posted at Tsuki’s Book Blog on September 22, 2013.
I have this major issue with long serials. Inevitably the first part is all set-up with little story or explanation so I can't justify spending money on a part that does nothing for the story. I would rather see part one and two combined just so there was a little something to bring the reader in. While this serial suffers with this problem, let's summarize it first.
Meet Grace. She's some hot theater manager who has been sleeping with David for six months. David is perfect but she knows he doesn't love her...yet. David invites her to 'the dining club' one weekend and the reader is introduced to sexy-time club through the eyes of David's something. Amber wants David but doesn't view Grace as a threat. Grace doesn't know about Amber so...yeah. David takes Grace to the house and explains the Dining Club is some big sexual test. Each week she'll sit at a table with him and some 'expert' on sex. She'll be tested and if she goes through and comes back the next week then she moves to the next level.
Seems simple enough right? WRONG! I had to read that explanation three times to understand exactly what was happening. David felt the best way to explain would be to get her sexually frustrated, bite her, and then go 'oh yeah this is a test and if you can't hack it then we're done. No pressure though." What a dick! Seriously who does that to a girl. "Oh yeah I'm not satisfied with you as you so I'm going to turn you into something else sexually then we'll be good".
That's a pet peeve of mine in erotic romances. A lot of times the guy is super-dominant or inclined to that effect. The issue is it becomes about molding the woman to being what he wants. The woman may be inclined to submission or even embrace it but so rarely does the man have to do any adapting. I can't speak to this serial since I've only read part 1 of 8. I just hope it has some of David adjusting. She was so surprised and hurt to be told she wasn't enough as she was. Maybe he needs to change in order to deserve Grace.
Also I didn't care for Amber's section. It was short but at the end of the day it was irritating. I was confused by the sudden switch to her and very little was told about her. Is she David's submissive? Lover? Booty Call? Who is she to David? Basically I just found it annoying and the brief sexual scene between them to be tasteless. If he is sleeping with Amber without having come clean to Grace then it is ridiculous for Grace to even attempt the test. She's been lied to for months! Seriously what is up with this?
It's sort of a flat start to a serial but I'm going to see where it goes. At this time I have five of the eight parts. I will be looking for the final three parts. This is a short serial (only 8000 words per section) so it is a quick read. Problematically they are each .99 to 1.99 in price. That would be sixteen dollars for a Harlequin Superromance size (about 300 pages) mass market. The price isn't all that cost-effective for the average buyer. If you have a chance, check it out though.
3 Stars (For an Average start)
Published by Hatchette Digital
August 20, 2013
35 Pages
Provided by--NetGalley
I have this major issue with long serials. Inevitably the first part is all set-up with little story or explanation so I can't justify spending money on a part that does nothing for the story. I would rather see part one and two combined just so there was a little something to bring the reader in. While this serial suffers with this problem, let's summarize it first.
Meet Grace. She's some hot theater manager who has been sleeping with David for six months. David is perfect but she knows he doesn't love her...yet. David invites her to 'the dining club' one weekend and the reader is introduced to sexy-time club through the eyes of David's something. Amber wants David but doesn't view Grace as a threat. Grace doesn't know about Amber so...yeah. David takes Grace to the house and explains the Dining Club is some big sexual test. Each week she'll sit at a table with him and some 'expert' on sex. She'll be tested and if she goes through and comes back the next week then she moves to the next level.
Seems simple enough right? WRONG! I had to read that explanation three times to understand exactly what was happening. David felt the best way to explain would be to get her sexually frustrated, bite her, and then go 'oh yeah this is a test and if you can't hack it then we're done. No pressure though." What a dick! Seriously who does that to a girl. "Oh yeah I'm not satisfied with you as you so I'm going to turn you into something else sexually then we'll be good".
That's a pet peeve of mine in erotic romances. A lot of times the guy is super-dominant or inclined to that effect. The issue is it becomes about molding the woman to being what he wants. The woman may be inclined to submission or even embrace it but so rarely does the man have to do any adapting. I can't speak to this serial since I've only read part 1 of 8. I just hope it has some of David adjusting. She was so surprised and hurt to be told she wasn't enough as she was. Maybe he needs to change in order to deserve Grace.
Also I didn't care for Amber's section. It was short but at the end of the day it was irritating. I was confused by the sudden switch to her and very little was told about her. Is she David's submissive? Lover? Booty Call? Who is she to David? Basically I just found it annoying and the brief sexual scene between them to be tasteless. If he is sleeping with Amber without having come clean to Grace then it is ridiculous for Grace to even attempt the test. She's been lied to for months! Seriously what is up with this?
It's sort of a flat start to a serial but I'm going to see where it goes. At this time I have five of the eight parts. I will be looking for the final three parts. This is a short serial (only 8000 words per section) so it is a quick read. Problematically they are each .99 to 1.99 in price. That would be sixteen dollars for a Harlequin Superromance size (about 300 pages) mass market. The price isn't all that cost-effective for the average buyer. If you have a chance, check it out though.
3 Stars (For an Average start)
Published by Hatchette Digital
August 20, 2013
35 Pages
Provided by--NetGalley
August 27, 2013
Synopsis:
For fans of New York Times bestselling authors E. L. James, Sylvia Day, and J. Kenner comes the first part of international bestselling author Marina Anderson's erotic series The Dining Club.
Part One: Desire
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies to erotic challenges. If she passes the tests, she is promised ecstasy beyond her wildest fantasies. If she fails, she's forbidden to ever set foot in the exclusive club again. But even as David's seductive commands make Grace feel more daring than ever before, she begins to fear for their future. What if she fails one of the Club's tantalizing trials? Will David still want her or will she lose him forever?
(10,000 words)
My Thoughts:
I’m not a big fan of serials, so I don’t know what came over me when I requested this via Netgalley. I think it was the blurb that got to me. Since this is the first installment of the serial it was very brief. It took me about 20 minutes to get through the 35 pages. Being so short, it’s rather hard to give a complete review because you’re only reading bits and pieces of the story.
We are introduced to Grace and David in this first installment. There wasn’t very much depth or background into their characters. We are told that they’ve been together for a while and now David decides to invite Grace to a weekend at his private club called The Dining Club. The Dining Club is a club for people with specialized sexual needs and desires. They come there so that they can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they’re surrounded by like-minded people. Of course, this is David’s test to see if Grace shares his sexual tastes. If she doesn’t pass the test then it’s over between her and David.
While reading, nothing really grabbed me about this part. The characters were dull and I’m not sure how I feel about David yet. He kind of gave me the creeps. The Dining Club was a bit intriguing, but to be honest I’m not even sure I want to know what goes on behind closed doors at The Dining Club.
Overall, since this was only the first installment I’m not too sure about my feelings regarding this one. Perhaps if I read more of the installments or the whole novel, I’ll get a better grasp of my feelings and where I stand with this story.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For fans of New York Times bestselling authors E. L. James, Sylvia Day, and J. Kenner comes the first part of international bestselling author Marina Anderson's erotic series The Dining Club.
Part One: Desire
Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.
Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies to erotic challenges. If she passes the tests, she is promised ecstasy beyond her wildest fantasies. If she fails, she's forbidden to ever set foot in the exclusive club again. But even as David's seductive commands make Grace feel more daring than ever before, she begins to fear for their future. What if she fails one of the Club's tantalizing trials? Will David still want her or will she lose him forever?
(10,000 words)
My Thoughts:
I’m not a big fan of serials, so I don’t know what came over me when I requested this via Netgalley. I think it was the blurb that got to me. Since this is the first installment of the serial it was very brief. It took me about 20 minutes to get through the 35 pages. Being so short, it’s rather hard to give a complete review because you’re only reading bits and pieces of the story.
We are introduced to Grace and David in this first installment. There wasn’t very much depth or background into their characters. We are told that they’ve been together for a while and now David decides to invite Grace to a weekend at his private club called The Dining Club. The Dining Club is a club for people with specialized sexual needs and desires. They come there so that they can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they’re surrounded by like-minded people. Of course, this is David’s test to see if Grace shares his sexual tastes. If she doesn’t pass the test then it’s over between her and David.
While reading, nothing really grabbed me about this part. The characters were dull and I’m not sure how I feel about David yet. He kind of gave me the creeps. The Dining Club was a bit intriguing, but to be honest I’m not even sure I want to know what goes on behind closed doors at The Dining Club.
Overall, since this was only the first installment I’m not too sure about my feelings regarding this one. Perhaps if I read more of the installments or the whole novel, I’ll get a better grasp of my feelings and where I stand with this story.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2013
So excited to start this one!
I mean look at all of the covers in the series! So mysterious and sexy!
Big series, too!!
Book starts with a sex scene. That's a good sign!
Hmmmm, a club, eh? I like where this is going...
Girl, don't start being a prude now! Just go in and get your groove on!
Wait... That can't be right...
My kindle indicates that I have finished the story...
But... Nothing happend.
They haven't even done anything!
What the hell are the tables?
Is he cheating with the matrre'd or is she going to get involved??
WTF?
I'm still intrigued, but I'm pretty happy I didn't have to pay for this...
Not cool.
David, stay sexy! I have to go get the next book, Bound...
I know, I was irritated with Book 1, why would I get Book 2? But-but-but... The title!!! It sounds so sexy!!
I mean look at all of the covers in the series! So mysterious and sexy!
Big series, too!!
Book starts with a sex scene. That's a good sign!
Hmmmm, a club, eh? I like where this is going...
Girl, don't start being a prude now! Just go in and get your groove on!
Wait... That can't be right...
My kindle indicates that I have finished the story...
But... Nothing happend.
They haven't even done anything!
What the hell are the tables?
Is he cheating with the matrre'd or is she going to get involved??
WTF?
I'm still intrigued, but I'm pretty happy I didn't have to pay for this...
Not cool.
David, stay sexy! I have to go get the next book, Bound...
I know, I was irritated with Book 1, why would I get Book 2? But-but-but... The title!!! It sounds so sexy!!
September 1, 2013
You can find this review at My Favorite Things
Desire by Marina Anderson is first in the eight part serial "The Dining Club".
Set in London, Grace is a theatre director in love with a financier, David. She knows he's not the type of man that falls in love and hasn't told him how she feels, even though they have been seeing each other for about 6 months. This book introduces us, not only to Grace and David, but to The Dining Club it's hostess, Amber and another employee, Andrew.
This story appears to have an interesting twist and a refreshingly different plot from anything I've read before.
I enjoyed what I have read so far and will definitely be reading Bound next.
Desire by Marina Anderson is first in the eight part serial "The Dining Club".
Set in London, Grace is a theatre director in love with a financier, David. She knows he's not the type of man that falls in love and hasn't told him how she feels, even though they have been seeing each other for about 6 months. This book introduces us, not only to Grace and David, but to The Dining Club it's hostess, Amber and another employee, Andrew.
This story appears to have an interesting twist and a refreshingly different plot from anything I've read before.
I enjoyed what I have read so far and will definitely be reading Bound next.
He was watching her very closely, his expression tender and yet also watchful. She’d never seen that look on his face before.
Now you’ll have the opportunity to experience ecstasy beyond your wildest dreams.”
September 11, 2013
Reviewed for Sara at www.HarlequinJunkie.com
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
Desire is Book 1 of a new series by Marina Anderson. Although, say that Desire is a "book" is really stretching the bounds of what a book is. 35 pages doesn't a book make, if you know what I mean...
First of all, comparing this novella to the likes of E. L. James, Sylvia Day, and J. Kenner is really overreaching. The subject matter may be similar but I think that's where the comparisons should end.
I didn't really care for this novella and it isn't only because of the length. Some consideration should be given since this is really just an introduction to the world and to the characters. I don't have any issues with the writing; I think the writing is actually quite good. I didn't even realize that this was a novella until it ended! I think everything felt real and the characters were pretty well developed.
I liked the heroine decent enough. I don't find myself interested in the fact that Grace is a "Young, ambitious theatre director" but that's just me. But she seemed like a nice, normal person who could anyone's friend or sister. What I didn't like what the hero. David seemed like a jerk. And I know that Doms and alpha males are supposed to come off as commanding and all that but I didn't think David came off as commanding. To me, it seemed like he was hiding not just a part of himself (which he attempts to justify) but he was hiding the intent of their weekend away together. In the six months they've been dating, he has never hinted at his hidden kink. When he plans this weekend away for them, he doesn't tell her ANYTHING about what is coming. To me, he came off as a big liar and as extremely deceitful. I actually found myself worried for Grace and not trusting him one bit.
As much as I enjoyed the writing and the heroine, I don't think I'll be checking out the rest of this series. Especially if David is truly the hero. If Grace meets a proper Dom, instead of David, I might try again. But if not, I think its safe to say that I'm finished with this series.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
Desire is Book 1 of a new series by Marina Anderson. Although, say that Desire is a "book" is really stretching the bounds of what a book is. 35 pages doesn't a book make, if you know what I mean...
First of all, comparing this novella to the likes of E. L. James, Sylvia Day, and J. Kenner is really overreaching. The subject matter may be similar but I think that's where the comparisons should end.
I didn't really care for this novella and it isn't only because of the length. Some consideration should be given since this is really just an introduction to the world and to the characters. I don't have any issues with the writing; I think the writing is actually quite good. I didn't even realize that this was a novella until it ended! I think everything felt real and the characters were pretty well developed.
I liked the heroine decent enough. I don't find myself interested in the fact that Grace is a "Young, ambitious theatre director" but that's just me. But she seemed like a nice, normal person who could anyone's friend or sister. What I didn't like what the hero. David seemed like a jerk. And I know that Doms and alpha males are supposed to come off as commanding and all that but I didn't think David came off as commanding. To me, it seemed like he was hiding not just a part of himself (which he attempts to justify) but he was hiding the intent of their weekend away together. In the six months they've been dating, he has never hinted at his hidden kink. When he plans this weekend away for them, he doesn't tell her ANYTHING about what is coming. To me, he came off as a big liar and as extremely deceitful. I actually found myself worried for Grace and not trusting him one bit.
As much as I enjoyed the writing and the heroine, I don't think I'll be checking out the rest of this series. Especially if David is truly the hero. If Grace meets a proper Dom, instead of David, I might try again. But if not, I think its safe to say that I'm finished with this series.
August 23, 2013
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...
My rating: 3 of 5 ⭐
Grace and David have been seeing each other for about six months and Grace can feel herself falling for him, but is pretty sure her feelings are not necessarily mutual at this point. She has never had a lover like David before, he is fabulous, but he doesn't tend to linger much after sex.
David has a darker sexual side that he has not exposed Grace to yet. He plans to introduce her to his preferences and invites her for a weekend at The Dining Club. A club where members can bring guests and challenge them to sexual exploration and discovery.
Grace is excited about the prospect of spending a weekend with David, but when she discovers her weekend is actually a test, one that can be the beginning or the end of a future with David, fear sets in.
***
The promise of some provocative fireworks!
An interesting short introduction to what are sure to be tantalizing erotic explorations in this promising new series, The Dining Club.
Too brief an introduction to make any kind of connection with the characters, however, I already don't feel too sympathetic toward David, who feels the need to subject his date of six months to some sort of qualification process in order to establish if she passes muster. Based on the outcome he will decide whether she is worthy to invest more time and energy in..........yeah. Bite me!!
I sure hope he has some serious redeeming qualities lined up in the next few instalments, or he is on my shit list!
Grace, girl, I know good orgasms are hard to find, but when a guy wants to put you through a battery of tests with the prospect of kicking you to the curb when you fail, you don't participate......no. You flip him the bird!
May Grace grow some.....big ones!!
✨Call it an 'amuse-bouche'!!✨
**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing in return for an honest review.**
My rating: 3 of 5 ⭐
Grace and David have been seeing each other for about six months and Grace can feel herself falling for him, but is pretty sure her feelings are not necessarily mutual at this point. She has never had a lover like David before, he is fabulous, but he doesn't tend to linger much after sex.
David has a darker sexual side that he has not exposed Grace to yet. He plans to introduce her to his preferences and invites her for a weekend at The Dining Club. A club where members can bring guests and challenge them to sexual exploration and discovery.
Grace is excited about the prospect of spending a weekend with David, but when she discovers her weekend is actually a test, one that can be the beginning or the end of a future with David, fear sets in.
***
The promise of some provocative fireworks!
An interesting short introduction to what are sure to be tantalizing erotic explorations in this promising new series, The Dining Club.
Too brief an introduction to make any kind of connection with the characters, however, I already don't feel too sympathetic toward David, who feels the need to subject his date of six months to some sort of qualification process in order to establish if she passes muster. Based on the outcome he will decide whether she is worthy to invest more time and energy in..........yeah. Bite me!!
I sure hope he has some serious redeeming qualities lined up in the next few instalments, or he is on my shit list!
Grace, girl, I know good orgasms are hard to find, but when a guy wants to put you through a battery of tests with the prospect of kicking you to the curb when you fail, you don't participate......no. You flip him the bird!
May Grace grow some.....big ones!!
✨Call it an 'amuse-bouche'!!✨
**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing in return for an honest review.**
September 6, 2013
**Originally posted @SinfulReads Blog
REVIEW: I must say, the name, the book cover and the blurb was what got me interested. I am a sucker for sensual, seductive and teasing kind of Erotica. The one that leaves you panting after reading it. Desire is part one of a series of chapters that tell the story of Grace a young woman trying to thrive as a theater director. Desire serves as an introduction, exposing us to these two sexy and young characters who while very different in terms of sexual experiences but quite similar in terms of desires and needs.
Grace is in-love with David, a man who is very much in control or his life, his business and his sexual appetite. While I am not one hundred percent sold on Grace’s character I like how willing and curious she is about learning David’s desires. I enjoyed how nice and interesting the story started, I also liked how different from others I read. While I am a bit taken aback by Grace’s needy persona I am also willing to sit back and enjoy her submission into the sinful secrets and promises of pleasures from The Dining Club. What I find interesting is David’s ultimatum about his needs and wants, he seem oblivious about Grace’s concerns and at times didn’t show to care much for her feelings. I understand it is important to set boundaries and at times imperative to make your expectations and needs known, David’s way of manifesting his sexual escapades, lifestyle and needs to Grace made him seem cold and selfish. Giving his needs more importance over his feelings for Grace made him seen immature, selfish and calculating.
While I think both characters will enjoy and benefit from the adventure I think Grace will have a hard time connecting with David’s life style. I like David, he is sensual and sexy, a bit deep and persuasive, and even a bit arrogant.
A good start - let's hope it maintains the heat.
REVIEW: I must say, the name, the book cover and the blurb was what got me interested. I am a sucker for sensual, seductive and teasing kind of Erotica. The one that leaves you panting after reading it. Desire is part one of a series of chapters that tell the story of Grace a young woman trying to thrive as a theater director. Desire serves as an introduction, exposing us to these two sexy and young characters who while very different in terms of sexual experiences but quite similar in terms of desires and needs.
Grace is in-love with David, a man who is very much in control or his life, his business and his sexual appetite. While I am not one hundred percent sold on Grace’s character I like how willing and curious she is about learning David’s desires. I enjoyed how nice and interesting the story started, I also liked how different from others I read. While I am a bit taken aback by Grace’s needy persona I am also willing to sit back and enjoy her submission into the sinful secrets and promises of pleasures from The Dining Club. What I find interesting is David’s ultimatum about his needs and wants, he seem oblivious about Grace’s concerns and at times didn’t show to care much for her feelings. I understand it is important to set boundaries and at times imperative to make your expectations and needs known, David’s way of manifesting his sexual escapades, lifestyle and needs to Grace made him seem cold and selfish. Giving his needs more importance over his feelings for Grace made him seen immature, selfish and calculating.
While I think both characters will enjoy and benefit from the adventure I think Grace will have a hard time connecting with David’s life style. I like David, he is sensual and sexy, a bit deep and persuasive, and even a bit arrogant.
A good start - let's hope it maintains the heat.
August 23, 2013
As this is the first of eight installments in a serialized novel, it’s only 30-odd pages, which makes it a bit hard to give a complete review. While nothing major happens, you’re introduced to Grace and David. They have been together for six months; she’s starting to fall in love with him but knows he’s not in love with her yet. Needing more from Grace, David invites her to The Dining Club a place where he can let his guard down and be himself while experiencing all his erotic fantasies. If Grace fails at The Dining Club, it’s over between her and David.
Desire opens with Grace and David lying in bed after having sex and ends with them arriving at the Dining Club. Nothing else really happens, (expect for biting--lots of biting,) and and due to the brief introduction to the characters, they feel like two cold fish flopping around on the ground waiting for someone to throw them back in the water.
As with all serialized novels, the first part was like reading chapter one of a novel, it only takes the reader so far before ending.
Desire was tame for an erotic novel although it gives you a snippet of wilder things to come in the installments to follow. I have to admit I wasn’t overly thrilled with David’s desire to achieve pleasure through pain. His propensity for biting Grace had me wondering if he would have made a better vampire. If I’m being honest, kind of found David a little creepy and have a feeling that his creepiness will only continue once The Dining Club is explored a little more.
Overall, I’m not sure about this yet. Once I have read the entire novel, perhaps I will be able to figure out whether or not this serialized novel is for me.
The Dining Club will be published in 8 installments—one out each week—and will continuing through October 1st.
Desire opens with Grace and David lying in bed after having sex and ends with them arriving at the Dining Club. Nothing else really happens, (expect for biting--lots of biting,) and and due to the brief introduction to the characters, they feel like two cold fish flopping around on the ground waiting for someone to throw them back in the water.
As with all serialized novels, the first part was like reading chapter one of a novel, it only takes the reader so far before ending.
Desire was tame for an erotic novel although it gives you a snippet of wilder things to come in the installments to follow. I have to admit I wasn’t overly thrilled with David’s desire to achieve pleasure through pain. His propensity for biting Grace had me wondering if he would have made a better vampire. If I’m being honest, kind of found David a little creepy and have a feeling that his creepiness will only continue once The Dining Club is explored a little more.
Overall, I’m not sure about this yet. Once I have read the entire novel, perhaps I will be able to figure out whether or not this serialized novel is for me.
The Dining Club will be published in 8 installments—one out each week—and will continuing through October 1st.
September 8, 2013
Grace has been in a relationship with David for a couple of months now. She loves that he is attentive to her needs, but doesn't know much about him.
David decides to be fully honest to Grace about his lifestyle so he decides to take her away for a weekend to see if they have a future together before they get more attached than they already are becoming.
This installment introduces us to David and Grace along with their needs and desires. it was easy for me to lose myself in this short story and forget that there was more to it than what was brought to the page. I was curious to know more about both characters and Marina Anderson did manage to please me a bit in that regard.
The author did a great job in drawing me into the story by luring me with bits of information and glimpses into each of the character's personalities. Behind her tough façade of an up-an-coming theater director laid a vulnerable woman who was afraid to open her heart to David. She was already falling in love and didn't trust herself not to lose herself in him. And David, well he did come across as hard and unyielding, but I'm curious to see how it would play out with him. At least he was being honest about testing if Grace was the right woman for him before he invested himself emotionally. Got to give him a little credit for that at least. We'll see.
There's not much to say aside from the fact that I am intrigued by what's going to happen next. I'm looking forward to the upcoming text to see what it all entails and how Grace fares.
All in all, Desire was a hot, little sexy read that left me intrigued to know more about the happenings at The Dining Club.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
David decides to be fully honest to Grace about his lifestyle so he decides to take her away for a weekend to see if they have a future together before they get more attached than they already are becoming.
This installment introduces us to David and Grace along with their needs and desires. it was easy for me to lose myself in this short story and forget that there was more to it than what was brought to the page. I was curious to know more about both characters and Marina Anderson did manage to please me a bit in that regard.
The author did a great job in drawing me into the story by luring me with bits of information and glimpses into each of the character's personalities. Behind her tough façade of an up-an-coming theater director laid a vulnerable woman who was afraid to open her heart to David. She was already falling in love and didn't trust herself not to lose herself in him. And David, well he did come across as hard and unyielding, but I'm curious to see how it would play out with him. At least he was being honest about testing if Grace was the right woman for him before he invested himself emotionally. Got to give him a little credit for that at least. We'll see.
There's not much to say aside from the fact that I am intrigued by what's going to happen next. I'm looking forward to the upcoming text to see what it all entails and how Grace fares.
All in all, Desire was a hot, little sexy read that left me intrigued to know more about the happenings at The Dining Club.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
September 20, 2013
Being that the description of this book makes reference to authors like E.L. James and Sylvia Day, I almost didn’t want to touch this one. There aren’t many things that’ll turn me off from a book as much as taking two “huge” names in a given genre, and throwing it as an attention grabber in a description. Despite this, I was intrigued by the part of the description that was actually about the book, and I’m glad I did.
From reading enough excerpts of Fifty Shades, I’m confident in saying that this book is not comparable to that series. Anderson has a very well written and well thought out story to it. There’s not much to this part of the full story, but the author was able to get a good start to the development of the characters and what the overall story will be.
The main female character, Grace, is set up nicely and I liked that she’s a strong woman, but has a softer side that plays well with the male lead, David. I have a feeling that as I read more parts of The Dining Club series that these characters will only become more complex, as will the story.
My only real complaint about this is simple: It’s part one of (so far I can see) eight. It’s not a story one or book one. It’s just part one, and it ends with you wanting more. This isn’t normally an issue for me, as for the most part this does wrap up the conflict of this section, but it also cuts off at a point just before more action will start. I’ll probably be reading part two in the next day or so because of the urge to keep going, but I have a feeling that I’d rather have had this as one complete collection instead of as a serial novel.
From reading enough excerpts of Fifty Shades, I’m confident in saying that this book is not comparable to that series. Anderson has a very well written and well thought out story to it. There’s not much to this part of the full story, but the author was able to get a good start to the development of the characters and what the overall story will be.
The main female character, Grace, is set up nicely and I liked that she’s a strong woman, but has a softer side that plays well with the male lead, David. I have a feeling that as I read more parts of The Dining Club series that these characters will only become more complex, as will the story.
My only real complaint about this is simple: It’s part one of (so far I can see) eight. It’s not a story one or book one. It’s just part one, and it ends with you wanting more. This isn’t normally an issue for me, as for the most part this does wrap up the conflict of this section, but it also cuts off at a point just before more action will start. I’ll probably be reading part two in the next day or so because of the urge to keep going, but I have a feeling that I’d rather have had this as one complete collection instead of as a serial novel.
August 2, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for these books
Review also published here: http://jj13.booklikes.com/post/593528...
I read these first 5 parts straight after each other and now I'm not sure what happened in what part, so I'm just gonna review them all together...
Grace and David have some wicked chemistry, when they're on the same page and not questioning motives, desires, and the future.
I love how Grace is embracing and exploring this new side of her sexuality, although the setting of The Dining Club is highly controlled and intimidating. But I'm not a fan of how David seems to have become more distant since their first visit to the club.
Even more, I HATE David's double standards! Complaining about how his mother used his father's love for her to control him, stopping him from doing the things he loved & doing what she wanted, a slow manipulation over time. He swears he will never let a woman do that to him. However, David knows exactly how Grace feels about him, and he's using that as a weapon against her, to manipulate & pressure her into completing the challenges at The Dining Club.
Yes, she does end up enjoying the things she experiences, but that doesn't make it ok for David to pull the "if you love me" & "you're doing it for us" bullshit. If it's ok for him, then Grace too has a right to do the same.
Although this isn't completely blowing me away, I still want to finish off the last 3 parts in this series.
Review also published here: http://jj13.booklikes.com/post/593528...
I read these first 5 parts straight after each other and now I'm not sure what happened in what part, so I'm just gonna review them all together...
Grace and David have some wicked chemistry, when they're on the same page and not questioning motives, desires, and the future.
I love how Grace is embracing and exploring this new side of her sexuality, although the setting of The Dining Club is highly controlled and intimidating. But I'm not a fan of how David seems to have become more distant since their first visit to the club.
Even more, I HATE David's double standards! Complaining about how his mother used his father's love for her to control him, stopping him from doing the things he loved & doing what she wanted, a slow manipulation over time. He swears he will never let a woman do that to him. However, David knows exactly how Grace feels about him, and he's using that as a weapon against her, to manipulate & pressure her into completing the challenges at The Dining Club.
Yes, she does end up enjoying the things she experiences, but that doesn't make it ok for David to pull the "if you love me" & "you're doing it for us" bullshit. If it's ok for him, then Grace too has a right to do the same.
Although this isn't completely blowing me away, I still want to finish off the last 3 parts in this series.
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