The Startup

The Erotes Circle #2

by Chloe Slate

Picking up the story six months after the conclusion of The Mansion, Vi and Emma are a happy couple (well, they’re happy, but calling them a couple could be a stretch…) exploring the world of sensuality and pleasure.

The Startup moves the story into the larger world beyond the walls of Brenda and Wendy’s mansion, and introduces us to the curvy and seemingly strait-laced (and straight!) Kim, Vi’s boss and friend from college. When Kim hears of Vi and Emma’s peculiar hobbies, Vi discovers a side to her friend she’s never seen before, with the most delightful results.

But, when events shake up Vi, Emma, and Kim’s lives outside of the bedroom, the three hatch a plan to turn their pleasures into profits, and forge a new path into self-discovery and confidence that the world will have a hard time ignoring.

Big egos, big paydays, and big feelings all await you as Vi and Emma take on THE STARTUP.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Adult, BDSM, Queer, Polyamory, LGBT

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Chloe Slate is an author of steamy sapphic romance stories and novels. She is deeply committed to write stories that are fun, edgy, over the top, and inclusive of people of the LGBTQ+ spectrum in all forms. A former music journalist and academic, Chloe lives in Indianapolis with her wife.

Reviews

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another captivating and intriguing book by Chloe. The book follows Vi through a challenging period in her professional life, as she unfortunately loses her job. However, when Emma introduces her to her boss for a potential new job opportunity, it serendipitously turns out that Kim, the boss, is Vi's old best friend from college.

The plot is straightforward and quite steamy. I genuinely enjoyed the characters in this book. Kim is a vivacious and beautiful woman who is sassy and confident. We get to see Wendy and Brenda again when Emma and Vi visit them in the mansion for some 'fun'.

I genuinely enjoyed the development of Vi and Emma's relationship throughout the series. Their connection has grown immensely since the first book, and the palpable attraction and sexual chemistry between them adds a captivating element to the story.

I recommend this book, as well as Chloe's other works. If you enjoy reading steamy books that explore BDSM & power dynamics, then these books are an excellent choice for you.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Dizzy Disobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Chloe Slate that I have read. I really enjoyed it.

I really liked the characters in this book. I don’t think I could choose a favourite. They’re all so great and relatable in their own ways.

Watching their relationship grow was a beautiful thing to read. The connection between the characters was amazing.

The book itself was well-written and had me completely hooked. The spice and chemistry were wonderful to read.

I can definitely see myself reading the first book in this series as well as other books written by Chloe Slate soon. I can’t recommend this book enough. Definitely worth the read.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. More so than book one! The writing was good and so was the story. As also, plenty of spice! 11 scenes if you were curious 😉. It was great to see Vi again, as well as characters from book one. Was also nice to get some of Vi’s back story and her coming out.
I listened to the audiobook with this and the narrator did an amazing job capturing all the different characters voices, very impressive!

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read! The book follows Vi and Emma from her previous book. Extremely spicy, just like The Mansion, but with more of a plot.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

*check tw’s*
I had the time of my life reading this... I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series. This book had my giggling, cheesing, laughing and blushing. The characters are some of my fav and I was so happy to see Yara, Brenda, Wendy along side are main character (Vi) and LI's.

This one more smut and plot compared to the mansion which was smut and vibes but tbh I didn’t mind either one.

In the famous words of Vi, “well I don’t speak for everyone on my side of things, but... to a lot of women, what are negatives to men are enthusiastic positives to lesbians...”

Thank you Chloe for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

With less spice than the last book but such a wonderful storyline with amazing character building, I once again dub thee 5⭐️ just like the first book in the series! I loved getting to know two of my favorite characters even more, watching them grow as we meet a new character which is no less fabulous than the whole crew! So much love and exploration paired with diversity and liberation from societal norms. This book is truly delightful and I can NOT wait to read the next book in the series, especially since the author is planning on a total of SEVEN!! Eeeeeek! I am head over heels in love with the author’s immersive writing style, paired with the feel good vibes while speaking truly to readers of all kinds! I am so excited to see The Erotes Circle grow!

[Lindsay McDella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐️

Just like The Mansion, The Startup is pure smut with only the thinnest layer of plot holding it together. If you’re going in looking for character depth or a strong storyline, this probably isn’t it—but if you’re just here for the spice, it fully delivers on that front.

The scenes are hot and frequent, with just enough setup to keep things moving. Unfortunately, the narrator once again made it harder to stay immersed—the delivery felt flat and awkward at times, which pulled me out of the story.

Overall, The Startup is another solid pick if you’re after something quick, filthy, and fun, but not if you’re craving emotional connection or world-building.

[Yvon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

To me, this didnt feel like a book, but rather someone coming up with hot scenarios before bedtime (I would know).

It was too idealistic, and the execissve amount of sex scenes made it kinda boring. It cut off from the excitement.

As a positive, the characters didnt feel flat at all. I can see how it might be enjoyable to others.

[ARR62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Satisfying

I don't want to ruin the fun of this book so I'll just say, worth it! It helps to read the first book, The Mansion, but it can be read as a stand alone easily. If you know what you like then you're in for a treat! Enjoy!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Again. SO delicious. I liked it more than the first one because there was more of a story weaved throughout the smut. Like the first one, some of the dialogue felt a bit cringey but still a great story!

[Reader Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe did it again!! The spice is there, the characters are relatable and interesting. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Chloe if you’re reading this: My wife and my 😻😻 thank you. Xx 😘

[Michelle Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Startup

A fun, steamy book by Chloe Slate. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the MCs. I hope we get to see more from the characters here or from the Mansion.

[☆KittyKatsBooks☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy!!!!!! I freaking loved this book! If you're looking for a sapphic erotica story, this series is for you! Set my lady bits on fiiiire

[Karmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy!

This book is nothing but great spice and great friendship!! It was so spicy, I had to put it down a few times to see the regular world again.

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I love this book!

[Ian Sellers · Rating 2 out of 5]

marginally better since there was a plot. but still it my bag

[Becs 🌻 (The Mood Reader)]

Pure filth. Literally need a hose for this 😭