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Secret Lives and Desires

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Warning: This novella contains graphic adult material. Some may find words and actions offensive.

Ever wanted to star in a reality show? Meet Nick and Barb, millionaire screenwriters. They know all the right people in the biz. When Nick and Barb decide for kicks to star in a reality show the network agrees to tape a pilot. Life couldn’t get any better for this dynamic couple.

There’s more to Nick and Barb than people suspect. They love to party hard with strangers. Is it safe to star in a reality show? What if their secret life is exposed? Things heat up when they plan a pirate party with sexy guys and gals. If you’re a fan of role-play, multiples (M/M/F), voyeurism and erotic men laced with sexually explicit content, this novella will satisfy your desires.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

63 people want to read

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K. Cat

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for James McCormick.
Author 19 books63 followers
May 29, 2014
Secret Lives and Desires’ dual protagonists, Barb and Nick, are millionaire writers and a couple who enjoy salty snacks in the kitchen (you’ll have to read this for yourselves to find out what this means) role playing and orgies.

As erotic fiction it certainly delivers with the action starting almost immediately as the libidinous pair are too aroused to make it upstairs. The following chapter almost matches the first whilst the pirate orgy is so grand in scale it needs two chapters all to itself.

There are basically two plot lines, the main one featuring Barb and Nick and their reality TV show and a sub-story featuring the maid Meredith and her light fingered approach to Barb’s jewellery.

Secret Lives and Desires is well written throughout but if one is to judge its literary merits in terms of story-telling then it is the supporting story line that proves superior. There is real conflict and pathos here, a traceable character arc and narrative structure that reaches a satisfying conclusion. In contrast I found Barb and Nick almost impossible to empathise with nor do they have much of a storyline. There was potential in the way they set about trying to become an argumentative, dysfunctional couple who have blazing rows for the benefit of the cameras and in the way Barb at one point finds fantasy and reality blurring but this never went anywhere. Their story actually doesn’t end but seems more like a penultimate chapter with them worrying about attracting unwanted attention to their unconventional lifestyle.

Fans of erotic fiction will most certainly enjoy this however for as mentioned above it does deliver the sizzle factor and then some, the well-crafted prose capturing the racier scenes in full graphic glory.
Profile Image for D.j..
4 reviews
May 19, 2014
This book is awesome. Fast. Fun. Hot. Racy. And exciting.
Profile Image for Mike Robbins.
Author 9 books224 followers
November 29, 2014
K. Cat’s erotic novella starts rather well. A couple are having an argument. Except that they’re somehow not. After a page or so you realize that what this wealthy, successful screenwriter couple, Nick and Barb, are really doing is practicing for a reality show they’ve been asked to star in, a no-holds-barred, warts-and-all about their lives. Except that their lives are a little too happy.

“Have you any eating disorders... Do you like to binge and purge, what’s your fancy then?” the director asks Barb. She doesn’t. “Pity, you’ll have to make one up. It won’t be as natural.” The couple cooperate in the deception. What they don’t tell the TV crew is that, when the latter aren’t around, they hold orgies. And a few days later they hold another one, with a pirate theme, lots of drugs and an awful lot of explicit sex. The TV crew, cynical as they are, do not suspect the bigger story going on under their nose.

Meanwhile, there is a sub-plot – the couple’s maid and general help, Merry, has been stealing Barb’s jewelry to try and pay her son’s college fees. In fact, Barb has noticed the missing jewelry. What Barb does about this, and why, is one of the best parts of the novella.

Secret Lives and Desires is erotica, and much of the book is sex. However, it isn’t the best part of the book. A lot of the sex is over-explicit and a bit porny. It’s also a bit difficult to suspend disbelief sometimes; the couple have, apparently, raised three children who are now adult, and one wonders if they’d really still have the energy, or the desire, to behave as they do. But there are two very good plotlines here – the fakery behind the “reality” show, and the couple’s relationship with Merry. Less sex, and more development of those plotlines, would have improved this novella a lot.

People who like their erotica very explicit will probably enjoy this (and at under a dollar, it’s a good-value Kindle download). I did enjoy parts of it. But the sex was a bit crude for me. More important, I couldn’t help feeling that there was a much better book struggling to get out.

(I was given an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Diamond Drake.
Author 3 books107 followers
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May 22, 2014
Unfortunately, this one wasn't a hit for me. I did find it entertaining at times but not for the reasons I should have. I laughed a lot because the majority of Secret Lives and Desires read like someone really young and inexperienced wrote it . . . like a kid playing at being an adult. This will probably come across as too much information, but I remember being fourteen and my best friend and I overheard her nineteen-year-old brother and his girlfriend having a "passionate" moment. We found the types of things they said hilarious because even at that young age we knew it didn't sound natural. That's all I thought about as I read Secret Lives and Desires and it tickled me to no end.

The first thing that kept this from being hot and steamy, for me, was all the step-by-step motions. I understand what it means to get undressed so being told about EVERY item of clothing being removed made those scenes drag on unnecessarily. However, it was the dialogue that killed it. I'm already not a big fan of couples who chat a lot when they're supposed to be getting it on but it was especially off putting in this case because they sounded like kids! Barb often sounded like a spoiled child having a tantrum! "Cock, cock, cock," she moaned, as she shuddered and thrashed. "More, more, more!" "Now, now, now!" I just didn't find that sexy in the midst of the overkill of words. It seemed as if every sentence stated that one or both of them were groaning, moaning, and thrashing. And that was after they'd finished slurping, sucking, licking, and lapping. Those words are fine individually but together it was just too much, in my opinion. I also grew tired of Nick and Barb constantly saying, "Yummy and tasty" and giving a description of how each other's cum tasted.

I realize that this has more to do with personal taste and what some find unappealing, others will love. I'm sad to say that Secret Lives and Desires wasn't a story that I found erotic or sexy . . . but that's just me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emma Jaye.
Author 49 books682 followers
July 12, 2014
I have just read an updated version of this book (July 2014) and there are some significant improvements, mainly around the language used. The story is still the same a couple is trying to provide an entertaining reality show whilst hiding their kinky sides.
The female lead is rather dominant, but has help from her husband to punish on of the guests of their orgy who takes advantage of her. Some rather frantic pool action is included.
There is room for a sequel, and after the rewrite I'm far more interested in what happens to the main characters and the light fingered maid.

40 reviews
May 28, 2014
I think this author needs to read a great deal more erotica, and to discover a thesaurus before dipping a toe into publishing.
The plot is minimal, language very repetitive and the sex scenes unpleasant rather than steamy, and I enjoy erotica. Slurping, slamming and the heroine shouting 'cock cock cock' throughout made me glad this was only a few pages long.

“Now,” Barb shouted as Nick spurted white love juice into her mouth. “I
want you to shove it in me now, hurry,” she panted.
Profile Image for Crystal Schroth.
316 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2014
Meet Nick & Barb they are eccentric millionaires who star in a reality show. Also they keep a secret of wild sex parties on the side. This book contains alot of explicit sex of variety just giving you a heads up.
Profile Image for G.J. Griffiths.
Author 13 books88 followers
July 8, 2014
Asked to review a book described as “erotica” or “adult fiction” can often give the prospective reader the impression that they are about to enter a literary world of pornography and obscenity, full of explicit language, crude profanities and expletives. At this point eager followers of this genre (far too flattering a word for it in my opinion) would expect me to say I was not “disappointed” when I started reading Secret Lives and Desires – but I was. I was disappointed to find that it was indeed full of the frequent use of such crude expressions and descriptions. There they were throughout the narrative and the dialogue, detracting completely from any kind of artistic merit or quality of this so-called “novella” – or short story.

My first impression of the “story” was that it consisted of page after page of squirming, squatting, squeezing and squirting during various acts of coitus. After three or four more pages I realised that my first impression was almost correct, but that there was also a lot of squashing, squealing and squelching of yet more bodily fluids to come. And then it was more and more of the same - for page after boring page! Despite the rather high-minded aims of K Cat, to reveal the secrets behind closed doors of the “interesting people” she dresses (or rather undresses) “for success”, it seems quite obvious that this crude and clunky tale of a cynical and amoral couple is meant to appeal to the lowest common denominator amongst the public. What could that be, and why do it, I wonder?

There is no doubt that K Cat can expertly apply the rules of spelling, punctuation and grammar when using the English Language in her literary efforts. But if you seek strong character and plot development, with compelling dialogue, and a story that might keep you guessing or feel genuine emotions, then this is not for you. Facile, puerile, titillating and aimed at immature and unsophisticated minds this short story seems to be a waste of the author’s talents. Whatever happened to subtlety and metaphor, or even a hint of a suggestion of sensuality?

Having received a free copy in exchange for a review I still feel short-changed somehow?
Profile Image for Peter Diggins.
Author 8 books8 followers
July 23, 2014
Review Summary: This is quite a graphic erotica novella. If you can imagine the love and devotion of Gomez & Morticia Addams mixed with the sexual deviance of Caligula… this novella brings it together. Interesting...

Review in a bit more detail:

I received this novella for free in exchange for an honest review.

This is K. Cat’s first novella. I’m not a fan or erotica or romance, but I found that this one was generally quite well written.

Barb & Nick are a rich Hollywood couple with grown-up kids that adore each other, but who also have a fairly open relationship when it comes to partying. They want to star in their own reality show, but they wonder if by doing so, their ‘secret’ may be revealed. Like any good action story, this one starts with a bang. Except this isn’t an action story and well… you can guess what happens.

The novella is 80 pages, but it sets quite a wild scene for such a small length. Barb & Nick have the appetites and endurance of a much younger couple. Supporting cast includes the occasionally invasive film crew, Meredith the housemaid and the rest who are chauffeured in and out of the pool party (keep an eye out for Johnny, he really takes one for the team).

Personally, I think the sex scenes were a little too detailed. The sub-plots that were going on in support of the gratuitous sex would be great if expanded into a full-length book - very much in the vein of a Jackie Collins Hollywood sex-scandal type of book. And it could probably be done without Nick inserting his Cialis-enhanced and throbbing manhood into every crack and opening in sight.

Having said that, K. Cat uses dialogue well to advance the story and builds an interesting tale. There’s an awful lot going on. But I found that (like the descriptions of the bodily fluids) it all flowed quite well. Pun intended.

I found it interesting and enjoyable at times.

Pete Diggins
20 July 2014
Profile Image for Sharon Bradley.
36 reviews15 followers
Read
May 28, 2014
On the blurb, there were two questions that gave me an idea of what to expect and those are: Is it safe to star in a reality show? and What if their secret life is exposed? Neither was answered by the book, for me.

Is it safe to star in a reality show?
I couldn't tell from the story, because there was no hint of their secret being revealed. Neither of the producers or any of the staff had any idea about their 'secret life'. I don't think their longtime helper, Meredith, even had a clue. So, maybe it is indeed safe to star in a reality show, and but that just takes away the thrill from the story.

What if their secret life is exposed?
I don't know. Until the end of the book, I was still wondering, 'what if?' Like I've said before, their secret life was not under any threat to be discovered in the book. It was far from being exposed in any angle.

If I could make a suggestion, this book could be prolonged and Johnny could be used as the threat for Nick and Barb's secret being revealed. He seems like the only one viable for the role, and it would definitely make things more interesting and give the story a direction. It would be thrilling, for me.

Anyway, since Meredith was given her moments during the book (though I'm still unsure why), I'd have to say that her story was touching. It actually made me slow down reading to take in her sentiments.

All-in-all, the book was entertaining for some parts, despite the points that I've cited above. :-)
Author 2 books3 followers
July 20, 2014
This is a quick read that fans of the genre should find interest in, but there's not a lot going on to really sink your teeth into. Other than sex - which there is a lot of - hardly anything is developing character wise.

Our main characters, Barb and Nick, are not altogether unlikable, but they're not particularly interesting. Other than their desire to star in their own reality TV show and indulge in orgies, there doesn't seem to be much going on.

The most intriguing character was Merry, and her story-line had the potential to take center stage, but failed to deliver. I think the author could have developed her journey further, rather than allowing everything to fit so snugly so quickly all of a sudden at the end. If she's going to be in the book, then what is her purpose really? To steal, and then to be forgiven? I think her presence as is seems unnecessary, other than to make Barb reevaluate herself and look charitable towards the end of the novel. Personally, it doesn't work for me.

I think the stage has been set for a good story, but the pieces are not working in the right way. And because I enjoy a good story, this one wasn't for me, but it is a fun quick read.
Profile Image for Denise Jewell.
Author 2 books16 followers
October 8, 2014
This book was about Nick and Barb, a happily long married rich couple who loves to have sex all the time and have sex/orgy parties. That's basically all to this story and I had wished there was more. One scene consisted of Barb exacting revenge on a paid sex slave at one of their parties by having him "RAPED". I almost stopped reading the book at that point. That was not hot, not funny but Barb got hot off of it. Up until that point I didn't really have any feeling about this couple at all because there was no character development to them but after that scene I hated them. The little side or sub story about the maid didn't fit, I assume it was supposed to show that Barb had a good side but it just didn't fit at all in this story.

Erotica is not my genre of choice because I always feel let down by not getting a real story and just a bunch of sex thrown in on every other page. Though this was a short story I still feel the same, just a bunch of sex with no real story and a short story doesn't mean you can't have a real story.
Profile Image for Penny Ross.
Author 13 books17 followers
August 12, 2014
This graphic, erotic novella is well written, with an interesting premise for a story line. Two good plot lines carry the story forward. The first one is Barb's relationship with their maid Merry who has been stealing jewelry from Barb. The second one is the reality show Barb and Nick hope to develop based on relationships, communication and staged fake arguments.

This short novella (80 pages) packs a lot in with dynamic dialogue, plenty of action (mostly sex) and an interesting plot. It reminded me of books written by Harold Robbins (although his novels are much longer). A friend recommended this book and I'm glad I read it. It's a quick read with plenty of sex, intrigue, interesting characters and it's written at a fast pace. Check it out if you're over 18. Otherwise you'll be hiding it from your parents like I did when I read Harold Robbins.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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