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House of Lustz #1

Mikhail's Playhouse

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Mikhail has everything he could possibly want. A successful business, a beautiful home, friends, and all the companionship he could ever want. He’s able to live out his desires in his club, the House of Lustz. What more could he wish for? He doesn’t know, and his time away doesn’t reveal what has him so dissatisfied with his life. It’s not until he returns and has a chance encounter with a woman, Tajah, that he begins to understand what it is that he needs.

Tajah is at the House of Lustz to observe and soak in all there is on display. Her goal is clear. She’s there to get a true understanding of the various pleasures of the patrons. It’s all to make her latest book series stand out. After all, romance authors do research.

However, Mikhail doesn’t trust anyone who writes, so her membership is revoked upon his return. Only after consideration Mikhail proposes a deal to Tajah. She can return, but only if he becomes her mentor. She may have a no-touch, no-play policy, and her research is purely hands-off, but it doesn’t mean she can’t observe and learn. Things will be calm. Or they are until things heat up between her and Mikhail.

Mikhail finds the thing that’s missing from his life. Something he never expected to want or need━Tajah. As he takes her on a journey of discovery and lets her meet his beast, a whole new world is opened up to both of them. However, it’s not all smooth sailing, and they do have obstacles to overcome if they want a chance at forever together.

Welcome to the House of Lustz, where carnality, passion, and love unite. Enter at your own risk and prepare to be forever changed.

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2024

272 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Ciara St. James

101 books923 followers
An avid reader with a passion for romances that finally got the chance to write one of her own. The rest is history. Not what anyone thought for someone who has been a nurse and in healthcare management for years.

I sit writing as my two fur babies, my pugs Kujo and Khaos, impatiently wait for me to get done so they can lay on me as their human sofa!

My children are finally considered to be adults, so it's me, the hubby and the dogs.

I'm a iced tea drinking fiend who has insomnia, more ideas than I know what to do with, and a need to write them down.

Not too bad for a girl from rural Ohio in the foothills of Appalachia that grew up in a town of about 4000 people.

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5 stars
276 (69%)
4 stars
82 (20%)
3 stars
25 (6%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Paige Wuerdemann.
502 reviews22 followers
June 21, 2024
Ciara St. James is always an author whose books I will read. When I found out she was branching out into a different type of book, of course I had to pick it up.

We were introduced to the House of Lustz in a previous book- Payne’s Goddess and since she announced this one I’ve been eager to read it!

I loved the relationship between Mikhail and Tajah- the fact that she wanted to understand the life by immersing herself in it. Kudos to Ciara for this book!

The next story cannot come soon enough because I need to know more about Cady and Hoss!
1,228 reviews14 followers
August 2, 2024
I’m really sorry but I didn’t enjoy it at all, At times it was boring and at others it was cringy.

Oh wow. I can’t believe that I didn’t enjoy this at all. As I loved Paynes book which is partly set in Lustz. In fact I hated it it that much I skimmed through a lot of it, especially the sex scenes.

Tajah is a romance author who is writing a book about sex clubs. As she has no experience she asks her friends brother to take her to Lustz so she can research it properly. When Mikhail the owner finds out who she is he throws her out, and bans her from returning. As he has had really bad experiences with reporters before. After speaking to his manager or co-owner, (No clue which it is as it doesn’t say!) he realises he’s been harsh and agrees to let her back, as long as she agrees to his terms. One of his terms is that he’ll be her mentor.

Of course they fall in love and start having wild sex. I have to say that I really hated the sex scenes. I love wild sex scenes but these are cringy and he’s supposed to be a master dom. 😂 He tells Tajah that he’s a primal, and he likes wild animal sex and his beast likes a chase and her to fight him. 😂😂 I’m sorry but I couldn’t get on with it. Tajah bites, scratches and head butts him and he loves it. Eeeeew!! It seemed really forced and weird. He’s supposedly a master dom and he doesn’t do anything apart from chase her and pull her hair to subdue her, oooh sexy. Not!

I actually thought at one point he was a wolf shifter which I would have liked more as he talks about his ‘beast’ all the time. There’s one scene which apart from being stupid is dangerous, with Tajah running though a pitch black forest while he chases her. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It’s so bad.

There’s a tiny tiny bit of danger, and it’s written really badly, and it’s over way too quickly and that’s it. The rest of it is about the sex club and the endless sex scenes.

I’m really sorry as I have read all this authors books and I’ve enjoyed 99% of them. This one wasn’t enjoyable and I’m sad about that.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
June 25, 2024
I've read all of this author's books and was looking forward to this new series. However, it was tough to read, not sure why. I started it the day before, kept putting it down, then switched to a different book. The same kept happening today. Mikhail was meh...Tajah slightly more interesting, but not enough to keep me reading. In the end this one isn't for me.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,921 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2024
Like any grand adventure, you must explore!

Mikhail's Playhouse (House of Lustz Book 1) by Ciara St. James is this author's first foray into the BDSM/kink world. She nailed it in her engaging style of writing. The characters are believable as well as engaging, not to mention interesting. The storyline held my attention throughout and the heat generated by the setting is five alarm fire HOT!
Mikhail is equal parts dominant, alpha protector and sweet romantic as he attempts (usually succeeding!) to sweep Tajah off her feet. Tajah is determined to learn everything she can about this intriguing world and persists until she succeeds even after Mikhail ups the ante and exploration becomes the name of the game then relationship neither one expected.
Mikhail's backstory, I think, is connected to another series (a little easter egg for her fans :) and I'm hoping will come into play in the future. His coworkers are intriguing and their stories are probably going to knock our socks off. Tajah and her backstory is equally interesting and I have to say, I just adore her mom! I hope I grow up to be her one day (lol).
Overall, I highly recommend giving Mikhail's Playhouse a try! A fun read with some extra heat. Let's just say the BDSM scenes are not for the faint of heart, they really turn the heat up a few thousand degrees. Best of all, and as most romance readers expect, Mikhail and Tajah find their way to a promising and loving HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Profile Image for Surrender2silk.
1,692 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2024
Book one in the House of Lustz series. Mikhail is the owner of a kink club. With it comes desires. Fantasy. When he rescues tajah from another dom. He finds out she’s a writer and he kicks her out without explaining. Now that he knows she writhing a book not an article, his mind is set. He wants her. I love how he can have anybody he wants but he needs her. He doesn’t know why but he needs to touch her , feel her. He shows her what it feels to be free. They share a connection like no other. She has her doubts. He’s there to make sure they are meant to be. New series. Don’t know how Mrs James did it .. it was just perfect. She showed us how beautiful kicks can be with the love that sets you free. No shame just love.
769 reviews
June 20, 2024
This is my First BDSM book! It was all kinda of hot. 🥵 I couldn’t put it down. I never thought I’d like or enjoy reading a BDSM but let’s just say some of Mikhails kink definitely got me interested.

I love the play between Tajah & Mikhail. It was well written. Action in & out of the bedroom. Left you in suspense who was behind all the things going wrong.

But it still had the spicy scenes between Mikhail & Tajah that left you 🥵 wanting more! Was a great opening book to the series. That I can’t wait for more of my man Hoss!
Profile Image for Tina Belliveau.
21 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2024
I LOVED this book!!! I have read all of this author’s books, which are AMAZING, so I was excited to give this new series a try and she did not disappoint!!! This new series is SUPER HOT with the kink at HOUSE OF LUSTZ!!! I really loved the idea of a romance author looking to do a little research! I was also excited to see some of the characters from Ciara’s other books making cameos in this series.

If you are new to this author, I highly recommend reading her other series, starting with Terror’s Temptress, which is book 1 of the Dublin Falls Archangel’s Warriors MC series.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,649 reviews76 followers
June 27, 2024
This was CSJ's best book yet! The insane chemistry between Tajah and Mikhail was off the charts! Of course, to start, Mikhail puts his foot in his mouth and has to make it up to her. Tajah makes him put in the work but she cannot deny the attraction she has. They quickly work their way to a relationship and we get to experience their connection growing ever stronger. The spice is through the roof, it was incredibly hot! This is such an amazing new world for us to explore here and I cannot wait to see what this author dreams up next!!
154 reviews
June 22, 2024
Hot!!🔥🔥

This is the first book in a new series, and it started off with a bang! Mikhail found his match in Tajah she was so accepting of his lifestyle and willing to explore her kinky side with him. There is so much to learn in this lifestyle, and I'm really glad the author educated herself she's done a very good job. I can’t wait for the next book. I'm sure it'll be as hot as this one!
Profile Image for Deborah Dickey-Anderson.
250 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
Mikhail Playhouse, House of Lists Book 1

Ciara St. James has literally blown my mind! Her first Book exploring the alternate life style of the BDSM, KINK and the FETISH communities is an addicting eye opener. Her characters are caught up in a tale of exploration, acquiring knowledge and so interesting plot twists. I couldn't put this book down. Anticipating Book,2, I'm sure Ciara will edge us perfectly.
Profile Image for Jodie Mihas.
520 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2024
Hot hot hot 🔥

The first instalment of the House of Lustz series is wickedly hot. Tajah is doing research at the Mikhail’s place of work and when they meet the fireworks begin and keep going. Lots of spicy scenes, great backstories for both of them and a fantastic storyline make Ciara’s foray into the BDSM world a fantastic one. Great reading that I highly recommend to everyone ❤️🖤
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
472 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2024
A very different type of book for the author

but it was very good. The whole BDSM scene is written with a non sensationalistic touch which made it much better to read than others I've read. I liked both Mikhail and Tajah and the journey they travelled to their HEA wasn't easy but believable and the supporting characters are very interesting including Mikhails cousin.
I'm looking forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Nancie Blume.
640 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2025
Mikhail and Tajah

This book was AMAZING! I've read nearly all of Ciara's books, and this series is just as captivating. The idea of a romance author exploring the world of kink at the House of Lustz had me hooked from the start. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good cameo from previous characters from other series? Mikhail and Tajah's story is a wild ride, full of steamy scenes and heartwarming moments. Five stars, hands down!
43 reviews
June 20, 2024
Wow

What a fantastic book, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. I love how the story started and wished it hadn’t ended. I love the House of Lustz and remember it from Paynes story. So glad that you started this series. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Way to start another great series Ciara.
Profile Image for Rena Graves.
216 reviews
June 20, 2024
Great start to the new series!

Wonderful book. I think this is a great story and a wonderful way to start this new series. The characters are interesting and funny. It had some suspense and a lot of sex. I like how she mentioned some of the characters for her other books. Just great!
Profile Image for Renae.
1,160 reviews
June 21, 2024
Welcome to the House of Lustz

I like a bit of spicy reads, but I didn't know how my "vanilla" self would do reading this book. I have to say this is one of the best BDSM stories I've ever read! I'm sure House of Lustz is going to get spicier, but this 1st book was a damn good introduction! I can't think of a word to describe it overall besides Classy!
Profile Image for Catherine Marie Meyer.
525 reviews
December 11, 2024
Tajah and Mikhail

They met because she was wanting to start a story series about BDSM and he owned a BDSM club. They started out not getting along because he had misgivings about her being a writer and telling the story wrong, but she wasn't looking to say bad things just wanted to see true representation of BDSM. Good story.
Profile Image for Amanda Sherman.
117 reviews
June 20, 2024
Extra spicy!!!!

I love Mikhail and Taja!!! They aren't a traditional BDSM love story they grow together and experience new ways to show their love and affections! Ciara brought something new and different and it is amazing!
107 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2024
loved it!

Brilliant read I can’t wait for more in this series.
This book has taught me about some kink I’d never heard of before and I read a lot of books. It made a change from your typical dom/sub book which tend to focus on spankings and being tied up.
Profile Image for Renee Reynolds thompson.
9 reviews
June 22, 2024
5 Stars for Ms. St. James

Was excited to see how these characters would compare to her other books and she didn’t disappoint. Good storyline, relatable characters and an array of emotions. Couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,447 reviews
June 22, 2024
I love a good BDSM read.

I really like how he was quick to apologize and she was quick to accept it.

Great flow, a wonderful couple, interesting secondary characters and the perfect wacko to round it all out.
173 reviews
November 23, 2024
25 Stars

The ratings for this stiff is horrible. They should really make it up to like 30 stars!!!
This was a wonderful book and I know this series will continue to be amazing. I loved the entire thing and tried to read it in one night.
Ciara you amaze me!!!
Profile Image for Debbie Sanchez .
239 reviews
November 23, 2024
Awesome

This is the first story in an incredible series. Well written, a story that will pull all your emotions throughout, characters that are so very human, and a happy ending after some tough struggles and unexpected betrayals.
141 reviews
October 2, 2025
Mikhail's Playhouse

What a great book to start a new series.
A romance author gets to interact with the owner of The House of Lustz. She wants to observe the sex club for a new series she's writing
What could go wrong... or oh so right? 🤔
597 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2024
Wow

Wow!!! Awesome start to a new series! This book was smoking hot! I loved how she called him her dragon so sexy. Can t wait to see how Cady gives Hoss a run for his money
640 reviews
June 21, 2024
About this book

Love this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read about romance and bdsm and Ciara St James is an awesome writer
507 reviews
June 22, 2024
WOWZA!!!!!

I am so loving this series already and can’t wait for the next one! This book was one heck of a ride, and she did outstanding work with it!
Profile Image for Lisa Dinger.
451 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2024
Amazing

I am not surprised that this book is absolutely amazing. She is a wonderful author. She does research on topics that she doesn't know about.
Profile Image for Amanda Brake.
257 reviews
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed it.

I wasn't sure at first. But I love your writing so much. It was a wonderful book. And you were right about understanding the giveaway after reading the book.
28 reviews
June 26, 2024
Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more! I read thru for books so fast and hate having to wait on the next one but they are always worth the wait
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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