The Artist

Pleasure In The Dark

by Steli Simeonova

Every artist needs a muse, so what if I want to be his? He was supposed to teach me art, but how could I focus when he was a masterpiece himself?

Axel Flynn was the hottest person in the room, but instead of standing on the podium and posing for us, he was sitting behind the canvas and teaching. He was an artist in need of inspiration, and I was ready to become his muse no matter the cost.

Genres: Erotica, Smut, Novella, Forbidden Romance, Romance

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2024

About the author

Steli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.

Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.

In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).

Reviews

[Crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella that you will not put down once picked up.
The taboo of it all has you looking around to make sure no one is watching.

I will be picking up the rest of the series as soon as I can. This book was steamy and NSFW 🔞.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiverrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Muy bueno!!. Me encantó que hubiera period play. Aprobado

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Artist” is a 73-page artist/student and teacher with a 13-year age gap story. I must say that Author Steli Simeonova always seems to pack in a lot, no matter how many pages her stories are. In each of her books, something always stands out the most for me—with “The Artist,” it wasn’t the artist/muse factor or even the forbidden age gap aspect. Let me preface that I’m pretty desensitized towards TW/CWs. However, Steli Simeonova wrote the most memorable peri0d play scene I have ever read—and I have read many. I will leave it at that.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiara (h19), a curvy art student, becomes infatuated with her professor, Axel (32), and is determined to get his attention, even if it means stalking, lying, and seducing him. When the model for their art class cancels, Chiara sees an opportunity to pose for Axel and win him over. As she models nude, the tension between them builds, and they eventually cross the line and things heat up between the two. Their relationship is intense and passionate, with Axel introducing Chiara to new kinks, including praise, edging, orgasm denial, and period play. As they explore their desires, Chiara becomes Axel's muse, but their taboo relationship comes with risks, and Chiara must confront the consequences of her actions. Ultra-hot and steamy forbidden, age gap, curvy girl erotica exploring kinks and darker desires.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAMN girl!!!! I feel like I may have had an idea of what to expect but that got blown out of the water as soon as I started reading this book!! Axel is a filthy beast and I LOVE IT!!! Chiara is a sassy, confident young woman who gets what she wants. Every time I read one of your books it just gets better and I love that they each explore different kinks!!! Amazing book!!!

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Can Steli Simeonova write short erotic fantasy or what? Steli even was inspired and included some artwork for the fans. Chiara is 19 and has had Mr. Axel Flynn for her art instructor for the past two years. Axel happens to be about 13 years older than Chiara. Chiara decides, when the opportunity arises, to play the part of Axel's muse. That involves being a live nude model. “One of the most important things for future artists is to understand how the body works. That's why in today's lesson we will learn how to draw a real person.” Chiara was quite gutsy, took a chance, and went for what she wanted. The spiciest parts are after class is dismissed 🥵. There are some very specific kinks. I don't think I can even list the things they did here because I would be censored. Axel is certainly not the mild mannered art teacher he portrays for the class. In the end, I think they were each others muses. I guarantee Chiara passed art class 😉. If a reader isn't into erotic fantasy or romance this is not the book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stamatina Vatikioti · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was one of the lightest dark wrotic stories I've read from Steli Simeonova. I'm just saying that the first half is a lot innocent. A rich girl has a crush with her art teacher. We see her thoughts, and through her monologes, we learn about her life, her feelings, her experiences with boys, and her need for this man. We see her obsession, her stalking him in every way she can.... And we get the first chapter of him. His inner thoughts, his feelings for her, his obsession... And then the story begins, a delicious short and light dark erotica. We see them let themselves go, feel, touch, act their deepest desires...

From the triggers I was expecting something more dark, since I follow this author through all of her works(and believe me they are scandalous and dark,steamy to the roof, with many ****plays (knife, axe name it). For me, I say don't be discouraged by the triggers and give it a go if you like the tropes of age gape, student/teacher etc etc....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay i will admit there was things in this book that i wasn't expecting, but it was still a very good short story. Definitely read the content and trigger warnings, even i found something that made me feel a little weird reading it.

Chiara has been attending an art class for the past two years and has become a little obsessed with her art teacher. What will happen when she volunteers to be a model for the class, will it be her chance to make a move or is it a one sided love and obsession.

Axel has had eyes for her since she first started his class, but hold himself back due to the age gap between them. But will he be able to holdback when she makes bolder moves after the class finishes, or will he give into the temptation he's always wanted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brae Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof Steli has done it once again! Not censoring so you’re fair warned.
Warning: period play is involved towards the end.
The buildup, the characters, the ending was just so great.




Chiara is an art student that is in love with her professor. She graduates soon so she finally decides to take a chance. When his model cancels on him last minute, she uses that as her chance to win him over. As he is positioning her for her fellow students to draw, she keeps getting more turned on. Finally after everyone leaves she tells him to finish his painting of her. Well one thing leads to the next and he starts edging her until she finally explodes. After, he uses her period blood to finish the painting. Once they finish having sex, he uses their mixed fluids to add more to the painting.

[Amanda (edgybookvixen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start...

I will say 90% of the short stories, novelettes, and novellas that I've read (for free) were mid. ESPECIALLY the erotica genre due to 'little to no plot' in such a short story which made it hard to get invested. Very few made it past 3 stars which, for me, is equivalent to "it was okay".
This one? Erotic and disturbing but delightfully delicious. Okay, maybe delicious is the worst word to use. IYKYK.
I also want to make a big point in the graphic artwork that was provided! I was so surprised and that made everything all the more hotter! 🥵
I read the author's note and she's right. I'm sure it's hard to write about period kinks. But it was done exceptionally well. The artistic perspective made it an easy line to follow, I believe.

[Merlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for the professor/student trope.

This story is definitely worthy of a the few trigger warnings it has regarding blood but holy crap was it hot.

This is a good for anyone looking to dabble with darker themes because it's very light in terms of darkness. It's heavy of tabboo but it's not the same super messed up stuff you'll find in other dark romances.

It definitely reads like the author has a good understanding of how a lot of artists view the world around them. She's conveys these deeper themes of raw emotion in art without making wither character pretentious.

Very enjoyable and if you're looking for something a bit taboo this is a great story for it.

[Elise Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Steli. She did it again with another 5 star novella. I have read every novella so far and not a single one disappoints.

The artist was amazing. I love every detail that was in the book. I ever actually read another book like this. Even though I knew it was a novella, I couldn’t get enough of it. I think this would make a great novel. I love how spicy it was definitely 4 star. The blood play was well written. I loved the illustrations throughout the book.

[Johnna Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spicy read about a budding artist and her teacher. I absolutely love the sauciness of Chiara, who is deeply in love with her professor. The sparks and spice that filled the story hooked me in from the start. It’s a quick and captivating read that I couldn’t put down.

***As always, read the trigger warnings.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiara is an art student infatuated with her art teacher Axel, when the model for the class cancels Chaira steps up to take their place with ideas of getting what she wants with Axel. And when they cross that line bpi does it get hot and messy! Well written quick steamy off limits romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story is hot and messy, scandalous and exciting. The taboo-ishness from the student-teacher relationship only adds to the tension. However about the whole blood-deal I had to pretend I didn’t read that, cause that’s definitely not for me as it turns out. Without that, it would have been a 4⭐️-read.
3⭐️

[Earth Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick sexy read with a blissful ending. Two Artist's pinning for one another for 2 years unaware of the others attraction. Finally the opportunity presents itself to Chiara and she finally gets to seduce her art professor Axel only to discover he wanted her as much as she wants him. What a surprise for both of them. Happy reading everyone

[Petrascu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again I have the pleasure to be an arc reader for this kinky author 😻. I just finished reading and in the same time I am speechless and with a thousand praise word on my mind🥰 thank you for creating this amazing novella and sharing it with us ( who knew I have a 🩸kink🙊?? ).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um, wow?

I’ve enjoyed all 4 short stories preceding this one. I enjoyed this as well, one aspect definitely surprised me and just because it might be something someone else doesn’t want to read I’ll mention it as a TW (oral & penetration while she’s on her period). This was still a really cool erotic short story while in art class with a live nude model! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kayla P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few by this author and this is by far one of the better ones. Almost no spelling errors, the plot is as simple as it needs to be, and the spice is good. The fmc is still really cringe with awful dialogue but this is a really common things in this authors novels for some reason. My only complaint is the fmc has some really cringy dialogue

[valerieamanda09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. When I thought it was going to go one way it went another way. The mixing if fluids in this book left me speechless.
I can't wait to see what the author comes out with next

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a forbidden desire between Chiara and her Art tutor Axel.
I won't be giving any spoilers, you'll just have to read it.
It is short, hot, sometimes sweet and very very dirty 😜.
Loved it 🥰

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed the short story about axel and chiara I have to be honest I was expecting a little more Steam and kink than what was actually there. But I did enjoy the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda MARIE Pankow · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

But here's why...

This book was exactly the steamy and short pallet cleanser I was looking for. I look forward to reading more books by this author very soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never really know how to do the reviews justice for these short stories. This was really good, though, and phew 🥵 was it hot! Im always left feeling a little disappointed when these shorter books end, especially when they're well written like this one, because i just want more!

[Karen Fleckinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

WOW just WOW this was an amazing story. I need an Art teacher like that. I have read all 5 books so far and loved every one of them. If you love a good extra spicy books then this is one for you.

[Betty Minchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

art is bare

Eroticism at its best. Axel and Chiara are destined though he denies his dreams. Chiara dreams and schemes and finally takes the initiative to make it occur. Good plot and good HEA.

[Kim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick spicy read.... art teacher and student who have both secretly pined for each other for 2 years.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 years of desires brought to head by modeling in the nude to make him see that age is nothing but a number and desir3s are not only natural but a perfect place to start "the get to know each other" stage of any relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So freaking good. When C goes from student to muse to artist, we are all in for a treat. It’s a quick read that’s sure to get you 🔥

[Barb]

What a wonderful read really enjoyed this book
Keep up the good work
Can’t wait to read more of your books