House of Pleasure

There Was a House #1

by Caddy Rowland

Episode 1 of There Was a House saga, a continuing story of revenge and redemption.

Fueled by rage and disgust, Phoenix runs away from home. The situation there had become unbearable. In fact, things couldn't get any worse.

But they do. Betrayed in New York by a boy who she thought was a new friend, she finds herself taken prisoner by a low-class pimp. Then, when she thinks she's on her way to her first seedy trick, Phoenix winds up locked in a limo with no way out. She wakes up in an illegal brothel in New Orleans. Phoenix vows she will find a way to destroy Antoine, the owner of the brothel. Instead of being Antoine's prostitute, she'll become his lover, his confidante, and pretty soon, his manager. And then, when he least suspects it, she'll bring the entire house down.

She better be damn good.

There will only be one chance.

**Content Warning: This book contains adult themes and scenes that deal with a difficult topic.

Themes, places, etc in this book: abduction,sex trafficking, violence to women, abuse of gays,women's issues,gay issues, victimization, cost to society

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Amazon, Ebooks

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

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NOTE: Caddy also writes gay m/m romance under the pen name Sibley Jackson. To be notified of new gay m/m romances by email, sing up here: http://tinyurl.com/kwzlad8

The drama of humanity. We live, die, love, hate, win and lose in a never-ending variety of ways. Often those ways are heart-wrenching. Other times they are not.

Why do people make the choices they do? Why do some abuse power? How do the powerless learn to survive? Why do a few dare to be different, while others conform—and why are so many disturbed by those who don't? These are the questions that have always haunted author Caddy Rowland. Those questions keep her pounding away at her keyboard, creating novels for adults who color outside the lines.

Caddy has always been a nonconformist. She likes to push the proverbial envelope when it comes to characterization and world building. Heroes have warts; villains have soft spots. Main characters don't always learn their lessons because all too often we don't, either. There isn't always a happy ending, but sometimes there is. Otherwise she'd be predictable.

She writes for readers who like to think and feel; who like their stories to be raw, graphic, unpredictable, "real" and sometimes brutal. For readers who like their boundaries challenged; to be shown how rarely life decisions are truly black and white, but instead shades of grey.

Think of a carnival midway with books instead of rides. She asks you make sure you're the minimum height if you plan on riding alone. You must also leave prejudices and inhibitions behind the entry gate. If you can’t, Rowland's reads might be a tad much for you. Don't worry. There are plenty of safer reads out there. Just step out of the line and find a more appropriate book for your reading enjoyment.

No, Caddy Rowland's novels aren't for everyone. But then again, they just might be for you.

Reviews

[Grace Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Pleasure is not a read for the faint-hearted, but if you are prepared for the disturbing nature of a fictional work about vulnerable people being sold into sex-slavery, then Ms Rowland's book is a must-read. Quite how the author manages to balance the unsavoury subject matter in such a way that the protagonists keep their dignity, and integrity, is a marvel.
This is not a depressing read, but a story of human nature and the instinct for survival. Above all this is a story about compassion in surprising places, and about not underestimating those around you.
I was utterly enthralled and disappointed when the book finished, and definitely buying #2.

[Elizabeth Maher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Exploration!

This book is pornography that is supposed to be an alleged attack by the author for those who are involved in human trafficking, prostitution and pedophilia. Disgusting that a person would write a book and portray it as a tool for knowledge regarding the above topics.

[Jill Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sixteen-yr old Phoenix is out on the streets in NY working for a slum pimp. He sells her to Antoine Chevalier of New Orleans who kidnaps her to put her to work in his upcoming whorehouse. He treats her savagely for the first three months or so until she realizes she needs to play his game to gain his trust. She’s invaluable in the opening and running of Reve, an exclusive, high-class whorehouse with only four girls, casino and restaurant. As Antoine becomes more drunk and a cocaine addict, Phoenix is almost running the entire business while planning her revenge against Antoine and a select group of abusive patrons. What is very disappointing with this book is that the reader must read the next three books to find out how she gets her revenge. No bueno! This book was not that good that I’d spend money on three more installments to find out how Phoenix does it. This 1st installment could easily have been 400+ pages and the entire story told in one book. It would have kept my interest and much of redundancy in this first book could have been edited out. I feel duped by the author.

[Elizabeth Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

*applause*
For a story that deals with serious situations in real life such as sex trafficking, I think this author did a good job in giving the girls a worthy story. Phoenix's determination and perseverance was admirable throughout the story, and watching her grow from a (mentally) young and afraid girl to a strong and clever woman was epic. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading the next one.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a Romantic Escape Novel!

While the subject, human trafficking, is heartbreaking, the author has woven a complex thriller of suspense, mystery, and revenge. When Phoenix runs away from her abusive father, she ends up in NYC, where she innocently hooks up with a "recruiter" whom she mistakes for a boyfriend who will protect and take care of her. Instead, he turns her over to a pimp who sells her to a brothel owner in New Orleans. When Phoenix arrives in New Orleans, she is scared but defiant. Antoine, the new owner of the brothel (won in a card game), quickly dashes any hopes of escape. He cruelly "breaks her in" himself, and makes it clear if she persists in resisting, she will earn herself a starring role in a "snuff" film. Realizing there is no hope but compliance, Phoenix sets out to make herself invaluable to Antoine until she can bring him, his business, and his clients down. Having learned event planning from her mother, and working in the family's hospitality business, she quickly points out flaws in his business plan, and makes suggestions to turn a run of the mill "house of ill repute" into a first class, exclusive "club" for men of wealth and power to indulge their most perverse, debauched desires. Her long term plan is to become Antoine's trusted confidante, manager, and "exclusive girlfriend" until she can discover an opportunity to destroy him, and his customers; meanwhile, limiting the number of "girls" who are subjected to the trade, and protecting them as best she can. BEWARE: Not a stand alone book! You will have to read all four books to find out how or if she succeeds. GRAPHIC: language; subject matter: sexual depravity, child abuse, wanton cruelty, S&M, human trafficking, etc. Not your mama's romance novel! The heroine doesn't have a "heart of gold" and she does not fall in love with her abuser.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physiological Thriller with LOTS of Drama

If you've read the description of this book you already know this is a story about sex trafficking which is a real crime and actually a crisis in our world. Although this is not a warm and fuzzy subject I believe this author has written a believable story not only bringing this horrific taboo to light but also highlighting how easily these young people can be so easily led down this horrible and tragic path. A story that I hope will make each reader really think.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

House guests or something else

Definitely a mature reader choice. Examining human emotions and survival motives seemed at times like psychological definitions wrapped around different characters. Plot tried to show hopeless circumstances can be seen as only a temporary living circumstance.

[DesertReal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced book about the people that fall through the cracks...

...And the people that pay for them. It's written well enough & goes by quickly. I'd recommend this to people who have watched more than one Law and Order: SVU marathon in their day.

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

well their you go thought this would be really cheesy but far from it it was diff a page turner as you wanted to see how the girls managed and how they would get their retribution

[Alfred Antonelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sub-par writing with a big build-up by the author which leads to a cliff-hangar ending that never meets the promise. Less than fulfilling to say the least.

[Iris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book would be totally different. Written in a very amateurish manner. To state that it is a psychological is nonsense

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book was good I can't say I really liked it because the author ended the book with "To be continued " and that leaves it incomplete.

[Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action adventure as good as the big box office smashes.

[Robert Arehart]

Cute, but has some glaring errors or misconceptions. The editor also needs to learn the difference between "a while" and "awhile".

[Toni Spalding · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book one of four...and to reach full conclusion you must read all four.

I did find the subject based on authors into to be intriguing, having studied human trafficking, and expected somethings different from the book.

Just based on the information in book one, much indeed was repetitious without great success of tying that repetition to current or upcoming story. Further, knowing what I do now, I feel I could almost skip to the last book just to find out if and how the dream of freedom is resolved.

As an avid reader, I believe this storyline could have been improved by taking the four books, and not concentrating the goals of all the books into book one.

Book one should have concentrated on the entire street trade in human trafficking subject, in depth, dwelling a bit more on the broad range and variety of trafficking, running through the life and death of those not strong, or too strong, both in transport and activity, gradually introducing the storyline character of Phoenix. More of her personal life, interests (business, finance, decorating) could have been dwelled upon, tying in her experience at her family's business. Some logical tie between losing her mother, her brother going to school (and protecting her from what?), and her father's sudden turn on her ... as a maturing female, who cares that she is his daughter (she is, isn't she?)bringing his purchase into the forefront. Moving from Phoenix tho Antoine and the start of their relationship could have filled an entire volume.

The current Volume four, "the conclusion", could have shown a broad sweeping elaboration of how well Reve was doing, including dwelling on how upgrades had helped the business grow even more, but incorporating information from the human trafficking aspect again...how Reve got where it did because of that environment, tie the end to the start.

Meanwhile, the end should tie up the lose ends of the "hostages" uniting to find their "window of opportunity", true freedom, and if they are able to bring down the entire business to the ground, all the better.

That leaves books two and three ... or the subject matter between the start and the conclusion. Part two should have focused on the torture of the months leading up to Phoenix's submission...it didn't happen overnight but in some ways the cavalier way it is referred to makes what she went through sound not so bad that she flipped attitudes so completely and with no further ado, working alongside as well as over, under, and astride her new owner. After well developed attitude adjustment is in place and firmly established the next phase should have concentrated on the additional workforce.

Here is where developing each character through their private thoughts and habits when not working would be valuable, showing the reader a human side of each. Dwelling on their past, their present, and future dreams. Then the appropriate follow-up would be gradually more singular interface with Phoenix, more group discussions among the "whores", more outings with Phoenix, such as those to the bank, to lunch and shopping.

While this is a very difficult subject to write about, if it is undertaken it should be given its due with deliberate depth and startling revelation...making the reader squirm or gasp....feel the emotion and mentally acknowledge that they know nothing of this kind of pain, but now believe. Or it should be told as a story, with a start, storyline and a conclusion all in one book. Based on the content of this book, I would have preferred the latter.

[T. Giachetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debauchery in New Orleans

A tale of destiny , circumstances beyond control by young teens. If you are going to be forced into the sex trade against your will...make money and plot revenge to stay sane.

[Rachael Orman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plotline for this story was interesting while It is familiar with the many stories about women being grabbed off the street to be used for sex, there is a bit of a different spin to it.

Phoenix runs away from home because her father sodomizes her. She manages to make it to New York were she is friended by a boy, who ends up being the one who turns her over to a pimp. The pimp quickly sells her to another, more elite handler. Knowing there is nothing she can do to escape she ends up helping her captor build an high end whorehouse.

Antoine has tons of money that he inherited from his parents when they passed. He was always a failure in their eyes, so what better way to spend their money than on a whorehouse.

That's the plot, now for the parts that didn't work for me. It is mentioned that Phoenix is purchased for $5,000 and how EXPENSIVE it is. Repeatedly. For someone who is sold because of her amazing looks to be used in a HIGH END whorehouse, this is NOT much at all to me. In fact, she'd probably make that much back in a week or night at a place like the one they end up putting together. So it really didn't work for me.

Then there is the fact that they actually PAY the women that are used. I highly doubt that would happen as it gives them the means to escape and since they are captives, even with their loose confines, it still doesn't make sense.

If you look a bit into Phoenix's story, it left a few questions in my mind as well, it is said that her father thought of her as a 'sex object' but then he doesn't use her until MONTHS after her brother moves out. Her brother even beats up on her father to get him to back off, which doesn't make sense if he wasn't even touching her.

Lastly, the story just dragged on at some points. We got to hear the bartenders talking and other staff, which only slowed the story and made me start to skip parts. We also don't really hear from the girls side, until toward the end and then we get loooooong detailed chapters that were just unnecessary to me since we had already seen how they settled into the life. I suppose it was because for most of the book we bounce between Antoine and Phoenix third person POV and then we just get other views thrown in that just distract from the story.

Not to mention the story starts with 'tonight is the night' type scene, but we never make the full round back to it by the end of book one, which really left me disappointed.

Overall, however, the story was well put together and I came to wonder how Phoenix was going to get out with the other girls even though she simply just kept saying 'the opportunity would come'.

[Adrian Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

While House of Pleasure is not what I would consider an LGBT et al book, it certainly is a good book. (There is one gay character, but that character does not arrive until the end of the book.) House of Pleasure is about young Phoenix, who escapes from an abused home life only to be sold into sex trafficking. This extremely important topic needs to be discussed.

I especially appreciated the author’s forward and notes about human trafficking and how this is a relevant discussion today. I’ve long known that this is a part of the world I live in, the United States, but it is not something readily discussed.

As for the writing and the book itself, the writing is very well-done. The first part of the book moves quickly through Phoenix’s experiences in getting to Reve, the brothel she ends up running as a manager. The story begins just before it ends, meaning that we start two years in the future and then travel back to see how everything got to that place and time.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. What I did not enjoy was the second half. It seemed to become bland and more of a way to pass the time between year one of creating a brothel and year two of running one. The running of the brothel was not as exciting or interesting. There was a turn from having the story only in Phoenix’s POV to having other characters—which I don’t normally mind, but when it’s not done throughout the piece it seems a bit jarring.

Also, the characters are many. It seems as though the chapters become incredibly short and are vignettes on their lives and how they think. Phoenix clearly cared about the other girls working at the brothel, but I, as the reader, had yet to form any sort of opinion on them. So when it came time to read a few pages of their story, I was disinterested.

Overall this book is a great read. There is a strong female lead, which suckered me right in from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the rest in the series.

[Dayton Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caddy Rowland again dazzles us with her knowledge of unspeakable moments. This time it "Human Trafficking". What so many of us turn a blind eye toward, Ms Rowland delves into a storyline that is sadistic in nature. Yet she shows us that it is going on and is growing more popular in todays sex slave industry. Underage girls being forced into sex toys for the elite. Viewed as prostitution by law and therefore illegal, does nothing to slow its progress. If anything, it makes it more desirable. House of Pleasure is but an account of another victim sold into slavery. It is done with dignity. More descriptive for their plight into helplessness than for pleasure. This book is a must read for the ill-informed. While but a work of fiction, it reads true. This is happening. Bravo Caddy Rowland for stepping forward to embark us on another page turner into the lives of our heroines. May the series be merciful and even more entertaining than the Gastien series. Well done

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There Was A House, Caddy Rowland's House of Pleasure is a disturbing, graphic and at the same time an enthralling ride. A story where revenge never felt so good or well earned. But patience is everything.

This story is written for the good of young lives that have been destroyed by sex traffickers and abusers. Victims deserve a voice and a better outcome. These children deserve better options and redemption.

I love the sarcasm and the witty comments that takes the reader right in as if mind reading. Phoenix's inner voice is crucial to the story. The writing is done with ease and finesse.

This dark narrative has merit and depth. Not just a light read. The drama feels real and the message couldn't be any clearer.

Quote ~

"All she needed was the opportunity. One small window opened just a crack. She would see it, jump through it, and make it work to her advantage. She may be vigilant. It may only come once, and it may only be a flicker."

[Cindi Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story of strength built from hate and revenge. We do what we have to do to survive and this book about Phoenix and the adduction/sex slave industry does just that. You will learn to love her and hate the men and the situation that she must deal with. This is an eye opening exposure to human trafficking that is very real in our society but we tend to close our eyes or ignore it. It may be a little disturbing to read, but the author creates an amazing story that brings you in, right there in the moment, allowing you to feel the character’s pain and drive. Like me, you will be cheering her on! Thank you Caddy Rowland for bringing this subject into the open. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the remainder. Life is built like a house of cards and I am looking forward to watching this one fall.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not something I normally read. It has a good story line, but the theme of human trafficking of young girls is hard to read. This book is gritty and intense, with strong women who only want freedom and revenge on the men who have used them. Phoenix, who is only 16 at the time of her abduction, has to deal with things no girl or woman should ever have to deal with. She should be in high school, dating guys her age, going to prom, and thinking about college and her future; instead she is basically running a brothel against her will. I really hope in the next books of the series, the girls of Reve get their revenge and get out safely.

[Gbolahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring, mostly, with some scenes thrown in that led to erections, so i skipped them (and that seems to be getting to be a habit, i NEVER skipped sex scenes until i read 50 shades of grey...which i didn't finish...)
Don't get me wrong. The author's purpose, i believe, was not to arouse sexually but to brutally open up our minds to the despair of life as a sex slave.
That's why I'm giving this book 3 stars. The purpose behind the writing of the book. Speaking out against pimps, rapists and unrepentant actively engaging pedophiles.
The writing was boring, but the message was passed across.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

But disappointing to be left hanging. The characters developed well as did the story yet as I reached the end there was no end. I've read many authors that wrote series but never felt unfulfilled at the end like this. After spending so much time developing the story the ending was anticlimactic.

It is a very good but the reader must be committed to purchasing the succeeding books.

[MamaBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark read in the underground world of child sex trafficking. This is not a light read...it's an ugly read about an ugly aspect that takes place in our world.

Well written story, however this is book 1 of 4, of which the others are $4.99 each and from what I can tell each book ends in major cliffhanger.

This is not a light read, it's heartbreaking and maddening, so if you are not a fan of physiological thrillers, this one is not for you!!!

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting first of a four book series on human trafficking. It pitches a small, but widely varying group of victims against an almost bipolar moneyed addict in a fight for day to day control as well as long term revenge. Be prepared for some graphic sex scenes used by the author to bring reality to this story. A page turner from the beginning.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was really 2.5 stars for me. It wasn't a bad read in the least. I wanted Phoenix to get her revenge in this book. Seeing how I might not actually read the rest of the series. If you don't mind a story of rape, prostitution, and sex trafficking told in any particular way... I would recommend. Granted, she doesn't romanticize it. It's just seems exploitative.

[Jennifer Fredricks-scheele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was amazing...the character description was exceptional....i felt as if i was in the story...watching from the inside...i laughed..i cried...i wanted to actually be part of the characters life..Ms. Rowland has done it once again...she is an incredible writer...KUDOS!!!!

[Elayne Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, raw reality. In depth character descriptions that make you feel like you know each one of them personally. Caddy once again hits it out of the park with her new series. I can't wait for the next book.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agonizing and addictive

Human trafficking is one of America's biggest problems. After reading this story, one could only pray the victims find the fortitude to survive as did these characters. What a gripping story! Can't wait to read the next book!