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The Marketplace #3
The Trainer
In Anderson's house, boundaries are tested and perfection is pursued.
"Laura Antoniou blends sharp humor, deep insight, and scorching intensity into a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling." — Erotica Readers & Writers Association
In the third installment of the acclaimed Marketplace series, Laura Antoniou once again invites readers to explore the intricate dynamics of power, pleasure, and personal growth within the secretive world of elite service.
Michael LaGuardia is a young handsome trainer—demanding, selfish, and confident. When he wins a coveted position learning advanced skills under the guidance of Anderson, the reclusive Trainer of Trainers, he’s faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Perhaps the greatest of these is the trainer Chris Parker, who is also in residence and tasked to oversee Michael’s education. Expecting a hedonistic life of dominance, Michael is instead forced to grapple with his own motivations and vulnerabilities, questioning everything he thought he’d known.
The Trainer is more than just a story about mastery and submission. It’s a deeply human tale of connection, trust, and the pursuit of excellence. With her trademark wit and unflinching honesty, Antoniou delivers a compelling narrative that is as engaging as it is provocative.
"A masterpiece of erotic storytelling. Antoniou's characters are vividly drawn, their journeys both raw and empowering." — Lambda Literary
Step into The Trainer and discover the world where boundaries are tested, trust is forged, and the pursuit of perfection is both an art and a discipline.
"Laura Antoniou blends sharp humor, deep insight, and scorching intensity into a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling." — Erotica Readers & Writers Association
In the third installment of the acclaimed Marketplace series, Laura Antoniou once again invites readers to explore the intricate dynamics of power, pleasure, and personal growth within the secretive world of elite service.
Michael LaGuardia is a young handsome trainer—demanding, selfish, and confident. When he wins a coveted position learning advanced skills under the guidance of Anderson, the reclusive Trainer of Trainers, he’s faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Perhaps the greatest of these is the trainer Chris Parker, who is also in residence and tasked to oversee Michael’s education. Expecting a hedonistic life of dominance, Michael is instead forced to grapple with his own motivations and vulnerabilities, questioning everything he thought he’d known.
The Trainer is more than just a story about mastery and submission. It’s a deeply human tale of connection, trust, and the pursuit of excellence. With her trademark wit and unflinching honesty, Antoniou delivers a compelling narrative that is as engaging as it is provocative.
"A masterpiece of erotic storytelling. Antoniou's characters are vividly drawn, their journeys both raw and empowering." — Lambda Literary
Step into The Trainer and discover the world where boundaries are tested, trust is forged, and the pursuit of perfection is both an art and a discipline.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
40 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 9, 2017
In fact, it's the third time I've read this novel and I've done it with just as much fun. It's better to read an excellent book several times than a bad one once, right? Yet, I rarely re-read a novel, even those I loved. That is to say that Laura knows how to amuse us (I smiled and laughed more than once) and communicate her vision of Domination/submission in a convincing way.
Michael really has a very limited view of slavery. From his point of view, it is only sex mixed with SM games. As long as the slave is handsome and knows how to make good blowjobs first thing in the morning and wiggles nicely when whipped, it is a good slave.
Those who read only the very first book in The Marketplace series and believe they know everything that needs to be known about it are mistakenly wrong. The first novel is far from the best. If the D/s interests you, more than the SM plays, you will love The Trainer as much as me.
Now, I'm going to reread The Slave. ;)
February 27, 2012
This third book in the Marketplace series answers several questions and asks several more. I did enjoy the author's world and characters. I did get frustrated with the many questions that are never answered - much like the characters in the book feel. It was well written but, as with the other two books, I had to push my through it. I'm done with this series even though there are two more books out. It isn't so much that the subject matter is difficult to read but that the world created has a depressive feel (at least to me), and I am ready to move on.
November 4, 2018
Ah ah! Michael made me laugh many times. Even though I don't know much about Domination-submission, I'd have done better than him.
Each book of this series is better than the previous ones.
Each book of this series is better than the previous ones.
May 6, 2012
my favorite of the marketplace series, this delves more deeply into chris, and also the hardships and deep responsibilities of being a trainer. being on the bottom is often so, so much easier.
September 21, 2012
3.75 *. I thought Mr LaGuardia was a bit annoying but loved seeing more of how Trainers were trained and seeing more of CP.
April 26, 2017
FIRST OFF: Laura Antoniou...I love you! Marry me!
Secondly: Chris Parker you gorgeous man! Marry Me! Be Part of my Polycule!
The book was amazing the character development is spot on and goes at a good pace. There were moments where I want to bang my head against wall because of certain characters being completely oblivious. (DUDE!! I WOULD BE BETTER AT THIS THAN YOU! AND I HAVE NO INTEREST IN IT!) But eventually seeing that change in them was worth the frustration. My favorite part has to be the learning to serve so you can learn how to top mentality. It's an important one, because there are too many young wannabe doms who insist that they NEVER have to learn what servitude is like because they're a "top". Its kind of like how businesses work, if you take the time to have a job that involves being at some person's beck and call, you learn what its like and that can make you into a more efficient leader. And this book from the series touches on that in relation to not just the "kid" but also Chris.
Secondly: Chris Parker you gorgeous man! Marry Me! Be Part of my Polycule!
The book was amazing the character development is spot on and goes at a good pace. There were moments where I want to bang my head against wall because of certain characters being completely oblivious. (DUDE!! I WOULD BE BETTER AT THIS THAN YOU! AND I HAVE NO INTEREST IN IT!) But eventually seeing that change in them was worth the frustration. My favorite part has to be the learning to serve so you can learn how to top mentality. It's an important one, because there are too many young wannabe doms who insist that they NEVER have to learn what servitude is like because they're a "top". Its kind of like how businesses work, if you take the time to have a job that involves being at some person's beck and call, you learn what its like and that can make you into a more efficient leader. And this book from the series touches on that in relation to not just the "kid" but also Chris.
March 5, 2013
The third book in the Marketplace series is about Michael LaGuardia, a trainer in training. I read the last two books a while ago and i wanted to give myself some time between each one because it was a lot to take in in book one. I have to say i enjoyed this one far more than the previous ones. I loved witnessing Michael and his slow change from being an arrogant little know it all to becoming who he truly was all along. Of course, the always present Chris Parker was awesome in this book also, but it was nice to see how this book played off the second book with the situation with Robin and when Chris went to her rescue, we got more insight on what happened and i was glad to read about it.
All in all a beautifully written book by Laura Antoniou. I love her writing style and the world she has created for us. Can't wait to read The Reunion, but The Academy comes next.
All in all a beautifully written book by Laura Antoniou. I love her writing style and the world she has created for us. Can't wait to read The Reunion, but The Academy comes next.
September 18, 2013
Definitely the best one of the three first books in this series. Antoniou unfortunately tries to introduce foreshadowing toward the end to link this story to the next one coming and it falls flat. However, the rest of the book is significantly better than the prior two and successfully weaves two stories together, Michael's past and Michael's present. Good story (for a fantasy) that actually has a plot. The best part is possibly that we learn of Chris' perspective on the rescuing Robin incident from The Slave. The ending is no surprise to anyone with a brain or any experience, but still worth a read if this is your thing.
December 28, 2017
Love this series. I appreciate how the author makes distinctions between bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadomasochism. While in its own way a sex-oriented urban fantasy, it creates a world of complicated, realistic characters. The myriad versions of the D/s dynamic are all given their moment, and such interactions in all of their subtle variants are convincing.
This was the book I liked the least of the series. The protagonist was so unlikable, even after his instance of self-realization, that I while I enjoyed reading about the world of the Marketplace, I kept wondering what they saw in him. Still, it was a good read.
This was the book I liked the least of the series. The protagonist was so unlikable, even after his instance of self-realization, that I while I enjoyed reading about the world of the Marketplace, I kept wondering what they saw in him. Still, it was a good read.
August 1, 2011
The 3rd book in the BDSM classic Marketplace series, and a very interesting story about Michael, a Trainer in Training at the Anderson House, with Chris Parker in attendance.
Lots of introspection; questions abound; and a twist in the tail....which I cottoned on to about 2/3rds the way through, and was quite pleased with by the end.
Lots of introspection; questions abound; and a twist in the tail....which I cottoned on to about 2/3rds the way through, and was quite pleased with by the end.
March 13, 2013
I learn something new each time I read this book. It reminds me that thinking things through is so important. Sometimes we don't know our path then suddenly it is clear to us. A lot of times it is not a quick process but one that takes experiences and lots of thought to get us to where we will know for certain.
March 19, 2008
I stopped reading the series after this one....
October 30, 2012
This woman really knows how to write this genre realistically.
May 8, 2024
This book was a solid 1 star for me until the final 6 chapters...out of a total 30 chapters. The unlikability of the main character Mike was the largest roadblock for me. The prior books in the series skirted that line of, "I hate this character but also see a glimmer of hope for them and am therefore intrigued and interested in their arc." This book didn't follow in its own footsteps to improve on this theme; it instead abused it (no pun intended) to the chagrin of its dedicated readers. If I wasn't invested in the overall series, there would've been
no reason
for me to continue reading this book; Mike's horrific POV was slow, seemingly endless torture devoid of hope for redemption. The occasional respites the readers get to hop into Chris' or Anderson's heads felt like devouring a sustainable meal after starving for a week. Speaking of, Anderson, wow! What a multifaceted, mysterious new character. I spent 300+ pages wistfully sighing at her while simultaneously trapped in as well as ignoring Mike's disgraceful commentary. I'm looking forward to any future stories that include her. Within the final 6 chapters,
So, 2 stars. This book deserves it despite everything because the author has such a talent for endearing me to the long-term characters. She gave us answers to some questions I've been asking since book 1, and just enough questions remain to be titillating. I also enjoyed the balance of backstory in this one more than in book 2, but maybe that is because of the insufferability of Mike throughout most of his time in Anderson's home; I enjoyed being in the past more than the present. My final comment is that I will echo something I said in my other reviews...This series is a commentary on the BDSM culture as a whole, which is a lot for erotica to accomplish, and this book had many moments that were rich in authentic leather tradition. Also, at the end of the day, Mike was an accurate reflection of every negative aspect of the scene. While it wasn't enjoyable, I have to admit it was impressive.
So, 2 stars. This book deserves it despite everything because the author has such a talent for endearing me to the long-term characters. She gave us answers to some questions I've been asking since book 1, and just enough questions remain to be titillating. I also enjoyed the balance of backstory in this one more than in book 2, but maybe that is because of the insufferability of Mike throughout most of his time in Anderson's home; I enjoyed being in the past more than the present. My final comment is that I will echo something I said in my other reviews...This series is a commentary on the BDSM culture as a whole, which is a lot for erotica to accomplish, and this book had many moments that were rich in authentic leather tradition. Also, at the end of the day, Mike was an accurate reflection of every negative aspect of the scene. While it wasn't enjoyable, I have to admit it was impressive.
May 18, 2021
Like the two prior stories, I seriously disliked the main characters; primarily for their arrogance and assumptions about that particular lifestyle - a life of service. The turn at the end was great and it was nice to see recurring characters. ...Really it's a story about service with a side of kink and not so much the other way around. The top paragraph on page 193 truly sums it up and again at the bottom of page 205: "...they learn to cope with performing whatever service is requested of them, to the best of their ability, and showing the proper attitude, despite what might be genuine revulsion toward their owner. That's because they are called to something higher...".
I think this is the first book in the series that is actually getting me to really like the series. It certainly is the least romanticized world of this lifestyle, and I mean that in a good way. Well worth the read, despite my prior reviews. ;)
I think this is the first book in the series that is actually getting me to really like the series. It certainly is the least romanticized world of this lifestyle, and I mean that in a good way. Well worth the read, despite my prior reviews. ;)
June 19, 2020
3.5/5
Third book in the series follows Michael as he arrives at the Master Trainers house to study to be a master trainer himself. I liked this one, but not as much as the previous two. Michael is a real shithead of a lead character, so I never really connected with him and became invested in his story. As a result this book seemed bit snooty in that it made you feel that unless you were interested in total no-holds barred slavery, then you were a lesser person. Which is an odd feeling to have as a reader who has dabbled. That said though, there is lots to like. Chris Parker is back and learning more about him and his journey, these three books are more about Parker as anything else. We also get a real glimpse into the training side of the Marketplace which is some solid world building. I'm glad I read it, and look forward to more. I just wish I cared for Michael more.
Third book in the series follows Michael as he arrives at the Master Trainers house to study to be a master trainer himself. I liked this one, but not as much as the previous two. Michael is a real shithead of a lead character, so I never really connected with him and became invested in his story. As a result this book seemed bit snooty in that it made you feel that unless you were interested in total no-holds barred slavery, then you were a lesser person. Which is an odd feeling to have as a reader who has dabbled. That said though, there is lots to like. Chris Parker is back and learning more about him and his journey, these three books are more about Parker as anything else. We also get a real glimpse into the training side of the Marketplace which is some solid world building. I'm glad I read it, and look forward to more. I just wish I cared for Michael more.
May 12, 2023
I really enjoyed the dynamics in this story, great chemistry between the characters and wonderful buildup to the conclusion.
There is more service in this story and less sex, I think?
I enjoyed getting more backstory of Chris Parker and how integral he is too so many. Some lovely banter between he and Anderson, their relationship is something I want to know more about.
The new character Michael was very well written, starting out as a standard spoilt rich boy that learns the hard way empathy and the value of serving others.
I find there is a warmth to this book that the previous two did not. I like that it is mostly set within a busy townhouse, you can feel the energy of it through the page.
A great read of an afternoon.
There is more service in this story and less sex, I think?
I enjoyed getting more backstory of Chris Parker and how integral he is too so many. Some lovely banter between he and Anderson, their relationship is something I want to know more about.
The new character Michael was very well written, starting out as a standard spoilt rich boy that learns the hard way empathy and the value of serving others.
I find there is a warmth to this book that the previous two did not. I like that it is mostly set within a busy townhouse, you can feel the energy of it through the page.
A great read of an afternoon.
November 16, 2017
Wow! The third one is the best until now.
Michael is a guy who believes he is a Dom with a big D and that slaves are only good for sex and a little spanking once in a while just to spice his intercourses. When he is accepted by Anderson to be trained to become a trainer, he learns one thing or two, e.g. that nothing is exactly what he thought. Chris is good at opening the eyes and reddening the bottom of stupid young men. lolll
And this story is so funny! :D
I will certainly read the next books.
December 2, 2016
I really want to give this book more than five stars. Once again Laura Antoniou has written a fantastic novel that I was instantly sucked into and did not want to leave. I love the world and these amazing characters that she has created. This series just keeps getting better and better with each book. I can't wait to continue with this series!
April 2, 2022
This is my least favorite of the first three, mainly because Michael is so despicable. I don't like him as a protagonist at all. I'm not particularly a fan of Anderson either, even with the extra stuff in the revised edition to explain her actions or make her more sympathetic or something. However, the climatic (sorry!) turning-point sex scene is phenomenal.
June 19, 2022
Lost opportunities here...
Read 100%, I nearly put it down in the first third.
Off-brand, well outside of expectations previously established for the Brooklyn house. Though there were a handful of gems sprinkled throughout that brought light to the curriculum. Could have been better.
- MrC1ark
Read 100%, I nearly put it down in the first third.
Off-brand, well outside of expectations previously established for the Brooklyn house. Though there were a handful of gems sprinkled throughout that brought light to the curriculum. Could have been better.
- MrC1ark
November 10, 2023
While I enjoy the world of the marketplace, I found the first half where the main character didn't quite 'get' what was happening to be much too long. I would have rather to have had more of the successful training and more encounters between the characters that were from that space rather than the kind of creepy and pretty predatory scenes towards the beginning.
April 13, 2020
Definitely read _The Marketplace_, then _The Slave_ before reading this book. Especially if you hate spoilers.
I recommend this book for those who like erotica, this who are interested in the BACK scene, and those like Anne Rice's "Beauty" stories.
I recommend this book for those who like erotica, this who are interested in the BACK scene, and those like Anne Rice's "Beauty" stories.
June 26, 2017
Round up to 4.5 stars. The books in this series seem to get better every time I read them. This third installment has so much depth and substance.
December 25, 2017
One of my favorite books in the Marketplace series, I really enjoy the focus that the book takes on Chris within Anderson's house.
February 12, 2018
Best in the series. Glad i stuck it out to here.
August 31, 2018
Another Exciting Chapter In My Quest To Learn
I am in love with her writing, and will gladly read each novel over time. She is an excellent writer, to say the lead!
I am in love with her writing, and will gladly read each novel over time. She is an excellent writer, to say the lead!
September 14, 2018
*4.5* I loved learning more about chris <3
February 24, 2018
Listened to audio narrated very well by Elizabeth Jasicki.
Michael seeks the trainer's Trainer and finds he needs to relearn everything he thought he knew about training slaves. Michael is arrogant, selfish, jealous of Chris and single minded about the sexual use of slaves. He's made so many mistakes and continues to do so for a good chunk of the story. The tension gets thicker and thicker between him and Chris until it explodes and Michael finally accepts what he really wants/needs and humbly accepts proper training.
A nice bonus to the story is seeing Chris' view of Robin's ordeal. Also fascinating how the BDSM community would view the Marketplace as unsafe and would raise red flags, but the Marketplace slaves find contentment.
Michael seeks the trainer's Trainer and finds he needs to relearn everything he thought he knew about training slaves. Michael is arrogant, selfish, jealous of Chris and single minded about the sexual use of slaves. He's made so many mistakes and continues to do so for a good chunk of the story. The tension gets thicker and thicker between him and Chris until it explodes and Michael finally accepts what he really wants/needs and humbly accepts proper training.
A nice bonus to the story is seeing Chris' view of Robin's ordeal. Also fascinating how the BDSM community would view the Marketplace as unsafe and would raise red flags, but the Marketplace slaves find contentment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 22, 2020We all read smut. There's no reason to deny it. But there's no reason to read bad smut when there is intelligent, well-written, complex, and engaging erotica like this on the market. Just because something sells a bajillion copies doesn't make it good. Quality matters, and what makes a good book, regardless of genre, is good writing. Laura Antoniou is a respected member of the BDSM community and clearly busts her ass to write a damned good book. I read the first Marketplace books (The Marketplace, The Slave and The Trainer) back in the 90's, and I loved them then. Since that time, Antoniou has continued the Chronicles of Chris and Robin (my unofficial title) through 3 more books (The Academy, The Reunion and The Inheritor). I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to meet the author in 2015 and started re-reading the series then. Due to (reasons), I wasn't able to finish at the time, but have finally finished the last two books this year. Like many fans have already howled about, there are some seriously gut-wrenching moments in the last book, but it is a satisfying, gratifying, earned and well crafted end to a fantastic series. I highly recommend getting this series on audiobook because the voice talent embellishes the high quality of writing with a gloriously dignified and sophisticated accent. Besides, who doesn't like hearing graphic sex scenes read in a wonderfully prissy British accent?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews