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Immoral Virtue #1
The Mark
Be this a witch?
In 1600's New England, it was decreed thus: "Whoever lies with the beast will bear a mark that is insensible and in their most secret parts, and may be located only through diligent and careful search."
Accused of witchcraft, Abigail Prescott must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor's inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow.
Governor Jameson Foster has examined many before, but Abigail enchants him like no other. Before he succumbs to her sweet charms, he must uncover the dark truth of this bewitching.
Should she feel his prodding and respond to his touch, her innocence will be proven. And this night he will claim her. Should she resist, fail to cry out in pain or in pleasure, then all will know she is a witch who bears The Mark.
From the Author:
THE MARK, Book 1 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a highly erotic, non-romantic tale of sexual awakening and abandon, of the duty to submit vs. the desire to resist. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE MARK is intended for audiences 18 and over.
In 1600's New England, it was decreed thus: "Whoever lies with the beast will bear a mark that is insensible and in their most secret parts, and may be located only through diligent and careful search."
Accused of witchcraft, Abigail Prescott must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor's inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow.
Governor Jameson Foster has examined many before, but Abigail enchants him like no other. Before he succumbs to her sweet charms, he must uncover the dark truth of this bewitching.
Should she feel his prodding and respond to his touch, her innocence will be proven. And this night he will claim her. Should she resist, fail to cry out in pain or in pleasure, then all will know she is a witch who bears The Mark.
From the Author:
THE MARK, Book 1 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a highly erotic, non-romantic tale of sexual awakening and abandon, of the duty to submit vs. the desire to resist. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE MARK is intended for audiences 18 and over.
134 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
16 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Arla Dahl
3 books66 followersA New Yorker born and bred, Arla Dahl thrives on the rich diversity of her city - the languages, the foods, the cultures. By day she's an erotic author, avid reader, foodie with a taste for the exotic, photographer and animal rescuer. By night, she can often be found in some cozy jazz club since she is also a lover of music who simply melts at the sound of a smoky saxophone.
For her fiction, Arla turns to the daily headlines and is often surprised by how today's issues mirror those from the distant past. In her current work, the Immoral Virtue trilogy, which is set during the witch hysteria of the 17th Century, Arla twists that already-twisted bit of history into a daring erotic work of fear, submission, passion and pleasure.
Find Arla on FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/arladahl, TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ArlaDahlAuthor, Google+ - https://plus.google.com/+ArlaDahl, her blog: NOTES FROM ARLA - http://www.arladahl.com/notes, and her website: http://www.arladahl.com
Find Arla on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Google+, her website, and her blog (NOTES FROM ARLA - http://www.arladahl.com/notes)
For her fiction, Arla turns to the daily headlines and is often surprised by how today's issues mirror those from the distant past. In her current work, the Immoral Virtue trilogy, which is set during the witch hysteria of the 17th Century, Arla twists that already-twisted bit of history into a daring erotic work of fear, submission, passion and pleasure.
Find Arla on FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/arladahl, TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ArlaDahlAuthor, Google+ - https://plus.google.com/+ArlaDahl, her blog: NOTES FROM ARLA - http://www.arladahl.com/notes, and her website: http://www.arladahl.com
Find Arla on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Google+, her website, and her blog (NOTES FROM ARLA - http://www.arladahl.com/notes)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 8, 2014
In The Mark, book one of the Immoral Virtue series, Arla Dahl puts her own erotic twist on the witch trials era. Abigail is the first of six accused witches, brought before Governor Jameson Foster and the people of Wedick Colony, hoping to prove their innocence. Abigail chooses a private (rather than public) inspection by the Governor, who will subject every inch of her body to pleasure/pain in order to determine if she bears The Mark.
I adored the unique erotic spin on this period of history. I would have loved for this to be longer, so we could see how she came to be accused and what her history with the Governor is. The characters had great chemistry (although, little dialog) and the entire inspection is one HOT BDSM scene. I will definitely be reading book 2, The Accused.
I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a hot erotic historical BDSM novella with a bit of edge to it.
This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review.
I adored the unique erotic spin on this period of history. I would have loved for this to be longer, so we could see how she came to be accused and what her history with the Governor is. The characters had great chemistry (although, little dialog) and the entire inspection is one HOT BDSM scene. I will definitely be reading book 2, The Accused.
I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a hot erotic historical BDSM novella with a bit of edge to it.
This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review.
August 6, 2014
Very well written and I really wanted to love this story but it kind of drug on and on a bit. This is a short story that reads like one long sexual session. This book is set in a different time than most historical romances so that was interesting but they spent most of their time in a room inside the governor's home. Abigail is an accused witch and has to be able to feel different sensations both good and bad in order to prove she is not a witch. The governor is the guy who gets to do the testing. I think he enjoys his job a great deal :)
The writing is fine but their is no real interaction between the character past him testing her and it I started to lose interest about half way through. I think this book is just missing something but I can not put my finger on what it is.
This book was provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review.
The writing is fine but their is no real interaction between the character past him testing her and it I started to lose interest about half way through. I think this book is just missing something but I can not put my finger on what it is.
This book was provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review.
January 3, 2016
The entire book was just the Governor's test to see if Abigail was, indeed, a witch. There was no other plot or character development. He tested her with pleasure/pain, and that was it. I was disappointed. While I found some of it erotic, I felt a bit let down. So much could be done with this time period, and I did expect a bit more about why she was accused in the first place. Instead, there was a line of women, all accused and he just chose her to be tested first. Perhaps more will be offered in the next book, but I don't think I'll continue to see.
I did enjoy enjoy Ms. Dahl's writing style, "Night fought daybreak as the devil would fight a prayer." was just one of many lines I highlighted. However, I do wish the use of "reign"instead of "rein" would be fixed. It's a pet peeve of mine.
I did enjoy enjoy Ms. Dahl's writing style, "Night fought daybreak as the devil would fight a prayer." was just one of many lines I highlighted. However, I do wish the use of "reign"instead of "rein" would be fixed. It's a pet peeve of mine.
September 25, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a pretty good read that I read for a challenge. Abigail Prescott was accused of being a witch she must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor’s inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow. Abigail afraid and intensely attracted to Jameson who must probe her in the most intimate ways and with every part of himself until he is satisfied that she is unstained for a woman who has lain with the devil will find her any flesh touched by Satan dead to any sensations so all of her flesh must be probed. This is the first book in a new series too me. The sex scenes were hot. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
July 18, 2014
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Three caveats for this review:
1. I have a penchant for history and historical revisionism tends to set my teeth on edge.
2. This review treats the novel not as erotica in any form but as a narrative with erotic elements.
3. As this is the first book in a trilogy, my review will ignore the "incomplete" feeling that comes from such books.
I suppose I expected slightly more than I received in this story, but it was not at all unacceptable.
Characters: there are three NAMED characters. We have Abigail, the accused witch; Governor Jameson, the "inquisitor" who examines her; and, at the very end, Rebecca, the next accused witch to be inspected. Small cast of characters typically give the reader ample opportunity to become familiar, dare I say, intimate with the characters. We should expect to learn their motivations, their natures, and perhaps even develop some kind of empathy for them...or at least sympathy and understanding. This was not the case here. We know as much at the beginning of the narrative as we do at the end about all of the named characters. This is part of that feeling I received less than I expected from the plot.
Plot: Salem Witch Trials turned on their heads...Holy Inquisition with the lust being a positive instead of a negative.... I have read worse re-imaginings of the Burning Times (as neo-pagans call the witch hunts/Inquisition), so the plot was actually the best part even if my teeth ached from the reversal. Let me be clear: the author displays a true sense of the horror of the witch craze and I think that, with some better character development/growth, the plot would improve to a point where this novel COULD stand alone as well as begin a trilogy. My sense is that too much is going to depend on the second and third book to fill out Abigail and Governor Jameson.
Narrative structure: I absolutely positively and without reservation despise the omniscient narrator. It removes the reader from the story, never allowing the characters to give their own insights into the plot, and spoiling development because we know everything. It was the narrative structure itself that deprived this book of the fifth star. I can ignore the characters' lack of development, and I can accept that I expect more character-driven plot, but the fact that the reader can read the characters' minds pushes me away faster than anything.
Eroticism: The strange thing for me about this story was that the erotic elements almost became a distraction after a time. By the time both primary characters sate themselves on each other, it is almost anti-climactic (pun not completely accidental). He sees a "mark" but he doesn't. She is lying but she is not. She is "broken" but she is not. He wants her but he does not. She is wanton but she is not. He is carnal but he is not. I will not spoil the plot any more than I have here, but suffice that some of the things Governor Jameson does to her ARE right out of the Witch's Hammer, which (for me) actually makes the narrative better.
Overall, I recommend this book with the reservations of poor character development and the infernal omniscient narrator. I am strongly considering the sequel "The Accused" simply because I *do* want to see what happens with Rebecca, see if my prediction about Governor Jameson's behavior is accurate, and just because I do want to get more depth on Abigail's personality now that things have changed for her as a result of her examination.
Three caveats for this review:
1. I have a penchant for history and historical revisionism tends to set my teeth on edge.
2. This review treats the novel not as erotica in any form but as a narrative with erotic elements.
3. As this is the first book in a trilogy, my review will ignore the "incomplete" feeling that comes from such books.
I suppose I expected slightly more than I received in this story, but it was not at all unacceptable.
Characters: there are three NAMED characters. We have Abigail, the accused witch; Governor Jameson, the "inquisitor" who examines her; and, at the very end, Rebecca, the next accused witch to be inspected. Small cast of characters typically give the reader ample opportunity to become familiar, dare I say, intimate with the characters. We should expect to learn their motivations, their natures, and perhaps even develop some kind of empathy for them...or at least sympathy and understanding. This was not the case here. We know as much at the beginning of the narrative as we do at the end about all of the named characters. This is part of that feeling I received less than I expected from the plot.
Plot: Salem Witch Trials turned on their heads...Holy Inquisition with the lust being a positive instead of a negative.... I have read worse re-imaginings of the Burning Times (as neo-pagans call the witch hunts/Inquisition), so the plot was actually the best part even if my teeth ached from the reversal. Let me be clear: the author displays a true sense of the horror of the witch craze and I think that, with some better character development/growth, the plot would improve to a point where this novel COULD stand alone as well as begin a trilogy. My sense is that too much is going to depend on the second and third book to fill out Abigail and Governor Jameson.
Narrative structure: I absolutely positively and without reservation despise the omniscient narrator. It removes the reader from the story, never allowing the characters to give their own insights into the plot, and spoiling development because we know everything. It was the narrative structure itself that deprived this book of the fifth star. I can ignore the characters' lack of development, and I can accept that I expect more character-driven plot, but the fact that the reader can read the characters' minds pushes me away faster than anything.
Eroticism: The strange thing for me about this story was that the erotic elements almost became a distraction after a time. By the time both primary characters sate themselves on each other, it is almost anti-climactic (pun not completely accidental). He sees a "mark" but he doesn't. She is lying but she is not. She is "broken" but she is not. He wants her but he does not. She is wanton but she is not. He is carnal but he is not. I will not spoil the plot any more than I have here, but suffice that some of the things Governor Jameson does to her ARE right out of the Witch's Hammer, which (for me) actually makes the narrative better.
Overall, I recommend this book with the reservations of poor character development and the infernal omniscient narrator. I am strongly considering the sequel "The Accused" simply because I *do* want to see what happens with Rebecca, see if my prediction about Governor Jameson's behavior is accurate, and just because I do want to get more depth on Abigail's personality now that things have changed for her as a result of her examination.
January 25, 2016
Absolutely fab read, I loved this. Couldn't put it down!!!.
This is a very unusual take on 16th century torture of witches. Innocent women are stripped bare, degraded and subjected to "tests" to prove their innocence.
Their reactions to one man's extensive tests, determine whether they have been taken by the beast and are now in fact a witch.
The story follows one particular woman..Abigail, how she is tested by the governor, how she endures and responds to this unusual testing. But she has been attracted to this man for some time now. We see the testing from both Abigail's point of view and that of the governor.
The sex is so hot in this story!!
Loved the style of writing, easy enjoyable read. Will definitely be reading more!!!!
This is a very unusual take on 16th century torture of witches. Innocent women are stripped bare, degraded and subjected to "tests" to prove their innocence.
Their reactions to one man's extensive tests, determine whether they have been taken by the beast and are now in fact a witch.
The story follows one particular woman..Abigail, how she is tested by the governor, how she endures and responds to this unusual testing. But she has been attracted to this man for some time now. We see the testing from both Abigail's point of view and that of the governor.
The sex is so hot in this story!!
Loved the style of writing, easy enjoyable read. Will definitely be reading more!!!!
September 23, 2014
At the midnight moonrise six women accused of witchcraft stand naked and bound, shivering with cold and fear against a gnarled oak as the night mist that rose up like a baleful ghost around accused and accusers alike. Torch bearing townsfolk, the six's accusers, who had once been their neighbors, hissed and spat, declaring them marked, having lain with Satan and lusting for their sentence, demanding their governor, Jameson Foster find the Mark and once found, to mete out punishment that would befit a witch...
First to be examined by Governor Jameson Foster is Abigail, afraid, uncertain and intensely attracted to Jameson, who must probe her in the most intimate ways and with every part of himself until he is satisfied that she is unstained, for a woman who has lain with the devil will find her any flesh touched by Satan dead to any sensations, so all of her flesh must be probed...
Dahl has blown me out of the water with this the first of the Immortal Virtue series. This erotic novella left me breathless, my greedy fingers assaulting my kindle again and again as I ate up the pages through Abigail's seductions, her shame and pleasure she had never known at the hand... and other things... of Governor Jameson Foster. Forget cutting the blistering sexual tension in the story with a knife – her readers need a damn chainsaw! AND IT DOES. NOT. RELENT! You will moan, gasp and read this at stop signs and red lights. The second offering in this powerful novella series, The Accused, cannot come soon enough!
This is a most enthusiastic Petrarch Must Read.
First to be examined by Governor Jameson Foster is Abigail, afraid, uncertain and intensely attracted to Jameson, who must probe her in the most intimate ways and with every part of himself until he is satisfied that she is unstained, for a woman who has lain with the devil will find her any flesh touched by Satan dead to any sensations, so all of her flesh must be probed...
Dahl has blown me out of the water with this the first of the Immortal Virtue series. This erotic novella left me breathless, my greedy fingers assaulting my kindle again and again as I ate up the pages through Abigail's seductions, her shame and pleasure she had never known at the hand... and other things... of Governor Jameson Foster. Forget cutting the blistering sexual tension in the story with a knife – her readers need a damn chainsaw! AND IT DOES. NOT. RELENT! You will moan, gasp and read this at stop signs and red lights. The second offering in this powerful novella series, The Accused, cannot come soon enough!
This is a most enthusiastic Petrarch Must Read.
July 21, 2014
I received this book through the bdsm group on good reads in exchange for an honest review.
Abigail has been accused of being a witch. She's given two choices, allow the angry crowd to inspect her for the "mark" or submit to the Governor's more thorough inspection. Believing that the Governor's more thorough, but private inspection would be the lesser or the two evils Abigail makes her choice. After some mild public humiliation Abigail is taken into the Governor's mansion where she is very thoroughly inspected for the "mark'.
This novella is basically one long bdsm scene. I liked that it was all action and not much story. The only thing I wish had been explained, is what Abigail did to be accused. Since this is the first in a series perhaps the next book will explain. I think that the ending is a wonderful prelude to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Abigail has been accused of being a witch. She's given two choices, allow the angry crowd to inspect her for the "mark" or submit to the Governor's more thorough inspection. Believing that the Governor's more thorough, but private inspection would be the lesser or the two evils Abigail makes her choice. After some mild public humiliation Abigail is taken into the Governor's mansion where she is very thoroughly inspected for the "mark'.
This novella is basically one long bdsm scene. I liked that it was all action and not much story. The only thing I wish had been explained, is what Abigail did to be accused. Since this is the first in a series perhaps the next book will explain. I think that the ending is a wonderful prelude to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
July 27, 2015
This book is a twisted Salem history lesson written in the most beautiful prose.
Definitely not a story for the faint-hearted vanilla-lover.
Don't let the less-than-five-star reviews sway you. Not everyone can handle the imaginative words Arla Dahl has put on paper. I recommend this erotic series to the reader looking for something out of the ordinary to whet their appetite for a sensory overload. The sights, smells, and sensations will have you wondering all the while, Be This A Witch?
/ARCreview_The_Mark_Arla_Dahl/
Arla Dahl
Definitely not a story for the faint-hearted vanilla-lover.
Don't let the less-than-five-star reviews sway you. Not everyone can handle the imaginative words Arla Dahl has put on paper. I recommend this erotic series to the reader looking for something out of the ordinary to whet their appetite for a sensory overload. The sights, smells, and sensations will have you wondering all the while, Be This A Witch?
/ARCreview_The_Mark_Arla_Dahl/
Arla Dahl
August 14, 2016
As someone who typically doesn't like Historical Time Period Romances/Erotica I was overwhelmed at how amazing Arla Dahl's The Mark is. It is set during the Salem Witch Trials and follows The Governor Jameson Foster who is also a masterful Dom and one of the six accused witches Abigail. She crafts a spellbinding BDSM story of sexual tension and need that has you wondering what The Governor will choose to do next. He job is to search for the Devils Mark on Abigail, yet he becomes enthralled with her. A wonderful interpretation and take on The Salem Witch Trials with a highly Erotica Twist.
August 9, 2016
This book was very intense for a short book. I really enjoyed the writing style and I was on the edge of my seat to find out if there was going to be a mark or not on Abigail. It also gave a different look on the witch trials. I usually like a story with a happy ending but this ending left a lot for the future and the next installment of this series. If you like erotica, BDSM, and witch trials this is the book for you.
May 27, 2014
I only gave this 4 stars because at the beginning it kind of made it too slow. First couple of chapters while they were hot and got my visual mind going I was at first lost. Then it picked up and i was no longer lost and loved every minute of the book. The governor was a Dom after my own Heart. Arla did an awesome job. I can't wait for the next one in this series.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
May 27, 2014
Definitely for the 18 and over crowd! This store is an excellent example of mature sex story against the background of the witch trials. No real historical value - just straight up smut done correctly. This is not a cheesy fan fiction rendition or an idealized version of events. Well written and a good read.
August 5, 2014
Wow...ok that was great...
when is the second book coming out? Hurry arla!!!!
when is the second book coming out? Hurry arla!!!!
December 21, 2014
This was such a hot and intriguing read that I had to read it twice. I've always been fascinated by the Salem witch trials and I thought the hopelessness of the time period was beautifully portrayed in this story, even though very little about actual trials or witchcraft was mentioned. You just knew these people lived and acted with the fears of those times on there minds. You felt it as you read and I think that's why I found this fictional retelling of history so believable.
The premise is that an accused witch, Abigail, submits herself to an extremely humiliating and invasive examination by the governor of the colony. His job is to find the devil's mark on her body and he searches everywhere in every way. It's super hot mainly because even though you know Abigail doesn’t really want this, she goes along with it because she has to. But she doesn't just have to get naked. She has to get aroused. The governor is Jameson Foster and he wants to prove that she is innocent. He is gentle and aggressive and I think I love him. :-) The way he examines Abigail is sexy but also scary and even sometimes uncomfortable.
There was a real connection between these characters and if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I wish there was more affection between them, but that might have changed the believability of this story. I'm conflicted about that, but I loved every minute of this book and want to read book 2, The Accused, to see what happens next.
The premise is that an accused witch, Abigail, submits herself to an extremely humiliating and invasive examination by the governor of the colony. His job is to find the devil's mark on her body and he searches everywhere in every way. It's super hot mainly because even though you know Abigail doesn’t really want this, she goes along with it because she has to. But she doesn't just have to get naked. She has to get aroused. The governor is Jameson Foster and he wants to prove that she is innocent. He is gentle and aggressive and I think I love him. :-) The way he examines Abigail is sexy but also scary and even sometimes uncomfortable.
There was a real connection between these characters and if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I wish there was more affection between them, but that might have changed the believability of this story. I'm conflicted about that, but I loved every minute of this book and want to read book 2, The Accused, to see what happens next.
January 11, 2015
This was a short but super hot read. I love anything to do with witches and this kinky historical fiction hit all the right spots.
I really liked the setting, it was perfectly creepy. There was such a sense of atmosphere I could almost imagine myself there in the room. Hell, I wish I was in that room! This was definitely the stuff of fantasies and I'm sure it'll feature in some of mine.
I loved the governor. He was rather wicked despite his claims to be honerable and I enjoyed his debauchery.
The cropping scene in this book was super hot, as was the use of the oil. I really liked that even in such a puritanical setting, wicked men and women can get their kink on!
My only issue with this is I wish it were longer, if only her captivity had lasted a few days rather than an hour but at least I have book two to look forward to.
I received this along with the second in the series from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
I really liked the setting, it was perfectly creepy. There was such a sense of atmosphere I could almost imagine myself there in the room. Hell, I wish I was in that room! This was definitely the stuff of fantasies and I'm sure it'll feature in some of mine.
I loved the governor. He was rather wicked despite his claims to be honerable and I enjoyed his debauchery.
The cropping scene in this book was super hot, as was the use of the oil. I really liked that even in such a puritanical setting, wicked men and women can get their kink on!
My only issue with this is I wish it were longer, if only her captivity had lasted a few days rather than an hour but at least I have book two to look forward to.
I received this along with the second in the series from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
October 3, 2014
I was intrigued by the use of the witch trials as a setting for this story and wasn't sure how they would blend with erotica but, wow, was it incredible. Ms. Dahl captured the hopelessness of the times and somehow turned it into something sexy.
Fear runs through the entire book which is set inside the governor's chambers as he examines an accused witch for the devil's mark. He has to examine her entire body and she has to respond to his touches to prove that she isn't marked. Even though it's shameful in that puritan time, she has to let him see how aroused he makes her. If she doesn't then that means she's a witch because the devil's mark makes it so witches can't feel.
The governor does everything he can to make sure she does feel and it's all scary, super charged and incredibly hot (like boiling hot!), and the ending had me breathless for more.
Fear runs through the entire book which is set inside the governor's chambers as he examines an accused witch for the devil's mark. He has to examine her entire body and she has to respond to his touches to prove that she isn't marked. Even though it's shameful in that puritan time, she has to let him see how aroused he makes her. If she doesn't then that means she's a witch because the devil's mark makes it so witches can't feel.
The governor does everything he can to make sure she does feel and it's all scary, super charged and incredibly hot (like boiling hot!), and the ending had me breathless for more.
November 9, 2014
Accused of witchcraft, Abigail Prescott must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor’s inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow.
This sets the stage for a scorching hot read. No witches are burnt in the process, but I feared my kindle might com-bust!
I highly recommend this story for a quick smutty read, something I enjoy from time to time. However, I had hoped for so much more from this story.
There simply wasn't enough character or plot development to entice me to continue with the series.
That said, this story is well written, well edited, and I am sure many will love it. It just wasn't for me.
This sets the stage for a scorching hot read. No witches are burnt in the process, but I feared my kindle might com-bust!
I highly recommend this story for a quick smutty read, something I enjoy from time to time. However, I had hoped for so much more from this story.
There simply wasn't enough character or plot development to entice me to continue with the series.
That said, this story is well written, well edited, and I am sure many will love it. It just wasn't for me.
November 25, 2014
Provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
This was an interesting take on the time period. Well written short story. I will also be reading the next. I am not sure that I like them as separate stories however. They would be much more well received by me as a continuous novel length story.
This was an interesting take on the time period. Well written short story. I will also be reading the next. I am not sure that I like them as separate stories however. They would be much more well received by me as a continuous novel length story.
May 23, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this, but it wasn't this. It was just a weird story filled with sex. Don't get me wrong, the sex scene was okay, but it was done in such an uncomfortable way that it sort of made it hard to sit back and just enjoy it. Not for me.
June 27, 2014
This novella about a 17th century historical era witch hunt with an erotic twist. Abigail has to prove she is pure with no devil mark upon her body anywhere,and Governor Jameson make a very BDSM sexual inspection of her body to prove it. Hot read can't wait to read Book 2 The Accused.
September 23, 2014
The Mark, a beautifully written and captivating novella, kept me on the edge of my seat and completely spellbound. This original and thought-provoking piece of erotic fiction is part one of Arla Dahl's Immoral Virtue Trilogy. This is one book you’re going to want to read, both Sabine and I LOVED it...I mean, love, love, LOVED it!!!
Why did we love it? Because it is unique, we had no idea what to think or how to feel about it and when we talked about it after we both had a ton of questions. Which is good. The book takes place in 1682 during the Salem witch trials. Six women are accused of witchcraft have to prove their innocence. To do this they must undergo a thorough exam by Governor Jameson to make sure they don’t have the mark of the devil. This book is about Abigail Prescott’s exam.
Can you imagine how scary it would be to have every inch, nook and cranny of your body examined and how you respond determines your guilt or innocence. Plus, you’re totally hot for the guy doing the exam. Talk about a predicament!
When I started the book, I was nervous that the time period and language would be an issue and would pull me from the story but it only enhanced it and I didn’t even notice after the first few pages.
This book was an unexpected moisture maker!! I was surprised by its ability to turn me on, I almost felt guilty being turned on and getting so into this girls fear but it was really hot. I thought Jameson was caring, wanting to do the right thing and incredibly loving considering the circumstances. He's a dom and doesn't know it. So hot!! The twist at the end was awesome and made me want more.
Looking forward to the next two novellas and seeing where Arla takes these two characters!
Story: 4.5 (We'd give it 5 if it was a full length novel)
Moisture: 4
Why did we love it? Because it is unique, we had no idea what to think or how to feel about it and when we talked about it after we both had a ton of questions. Which is good. The book takes place in 1682 during the Salem witch trials. Six women are accused of witchcraft have to prove their innocence. To do this they must undergo a thorough exam by Governor Jameson to make sure they don’t have the mark of the devil. This book is about Abigail Prescott’s exam.
Can you imagine how scary it would be to have every inch, nook and cranny of your body examined and how you respond determines your guilt or innocence. Plus, you’re totally hot for the guy doing the exam. Talk about a predicament!
When I started the book, I was nervous that the time period and language would be an issue and would pull me from the story but it only enhanced it and I didn’t even notice after the first few pages.
This book was an unexpected moisture maker!! I was surprised by its ability to turn me on, I almost felt guilty being turned on and getting so into this girls fear but it was really hot. I thought Jameson was caring, wanting to do the right thing and incredibly loving considering the circumstances. He's a dom and doesn't know it. So hot!! The twist at the end was awesome and made me want more.
Looking forward to the next two novellas and seeing where Arla takes these two characters!
Story: 4.5 (We'd give it 5 if it was a full length novel)
Moisture: 4
May 27, 2014
When I received an ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review, I was not sure what to expect.
Set during the Salem Witch Trials, with an erotic twist, Arla Dahl put a new spin on a period in history that I completely did not expect. The author does an excellent job building the world and pulling us completely in, to the point where I completely bought in to the whole paradox.
In The Mark, witches are examined for The Mark of the devil, using BDSM techniques to ensure the accused was not a witch. The Governor is a Dom, and thoroughly in charge of the situation (as most Doms are). There are 6 women to be evaluated and, for the first time, there is a woman who pulls his attention immediately, making him want more. The accused woman is understandably terrified – no one knows what goes on with the Governor, and he holds their future in his hands – but she is slowly drawn into his erotic web, despite her terror. She is torn between responding and being terrified that her responses may actually damn her.
This is a highly charged erotic romance, with strong BDSM elements. I would have liked to see more development of the romance but the elements were all there. If you’re looking for a new take an “old” period of time, and an erotic twist on the time period, this is the book for you!
Set during the Salem Witch Trials, with an erotic twist, Arla Dahl put a new spin on a period in history that I completely did not expect. The author does an excellent job building the world and pulling us completely in, to the point where I completely bought in to the whole paradox.
In The Mark, witches are examined for The Mark of the devil, using BDSM techniques to ensure the accused was not a witch. The Governor is a Dom, and thoroughly in charge of the situation (as most Doms are). There are 6 women to be evaluated and, for the first time, there is a woman who pulls his attention immediately, making him want more. The accused woman is understandably terrified – no one knows what goes on with the Governor, and he holds their future in his hands – but she is slowly drawn into his erotic web, despite her terror. She is torn between responding and being terrified that her responses may actually damn her.
This is a highly charged erotic romance, with strong BDSM elements. I would have liked to see more development of the romance but the elements were all there. If you’re looking for a new take an “old” period of time, and an erotic twist on the time period, this is the book for you!
February 22, 2016
I read this in one sitting and loved it in ways I can't even explain. It was hot as hell, sexy as can be but also tense and dark.
I'm a salem witch trial junkie so the premise of this story caught my attention and held it. I felt the hopelessness of Abigail and I knew that no matter what she did or how she responded, she could damn herself.
In the real Salem, if the devil marked you, there would be a spot on your body where you coulnd't feel anything. In this story, the governor makes sure Abigail isn't marked by touching her everywhere and judging how she reacts. It's super sexy as he seduces her, but then gets scary when... I won't give spoilers but something happens and he starts to wonder if she marked him somehow.
I felt his fear but I also felt his passion for justice and for Abigail. This story had my heart racing not just from the sex but from the danger and the emotions. I really loved this book and am going right on to book 2 in the series.
I'm a salem witch trial junkie so the premise of this story caught my attention and held it. I felt the hopelessness of Abigail and I knew that no matter what she did or how she responded, she could damn herself.
In the real Salem, if the devil marked you, there would be a spot on your body where you coulnd't feel anything. In this story, the governor makes sure Abigail isn't marked by touching her everywhere and judging how she reacts. It's super sexy as he seduces her, but then gets scary when... I won't give spoilers but something happens and he starts to wonder if she marked him somehow.
I felt his fear but I also felt his passion for justice and for Abigail. This story had my heart racing not just from the sex but from the danger and the emotions. I really loved this book and am going right on to book 2 in the series.
May 28, 2014
As a person who has a soft spot in her heart (yes, heart!) for historical set erotica I was delighted to read Ms. Dahl story “The Mark”. As a former Born-Again Pagan I admit to being taken aback at the use of the Witch Trials as a place to tell of sensual delights, but Ms. Dahl ability to set a mood through engaging all the senses kept me reading. By the time I got to the shaving scene my reserve had dissipated.
Though short in read it was a nice forbidden lascivious romp for our two main characters. The only thing that would have made the story a little more engaging is if the character’s names were used in the beginning of a few paragraphs for a deeper POV (point of view). Nevertheless, it was a good read and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Though short in read it was a nice forbidden lascivious romp for our two main characters. The only thing that would have made the story a little more engaging is if the character’s names were used in the beginning of a few paragraphs for a deeper POV (point of view). Nevertheless, it was a good read and I look forward to reading the next installment.
July 19, 2018
The Mark was a unique twist on BDSM - an accused witch must willingly submit in order to prove that she is pure. As someone who enjoys historical, dark and BDSM tales, this was a potent blend. Despite its short length, there is a story here - and Abigail is a character one feels for. The Governor is a little too focused on himself for me - but there is time for him to change in the stories yet to come. Abigail's actions at the very end left me saying "Hmmmm...???" - but they were a useful plot device for moving the reader to Book 2 in the series.
November 28, 2014
I LOVED this book. I recieved this book and had it read within an hour of recieving it!
I couldn't put it down. It was an amazing story. I felt as if I were there, and it made me wonder what the Witch Trials would have been like if they did it this way, instead of water logging and burning. Hmm... I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
I couldn't put it down. It was an amazing story. I felt as if I were there, and it made me wonder what the Witch Trials would have been like if they did it this way, instead of water logging and burning. Hmm... I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
May 27, 2014
Truly erotic bdsm story. I loved Arlas writing style and her way of crafting the story. It was intriguing and very hot. I gave it only 3 starts because of the setting. I found witch trials to be of putting. Otherwise, a good read! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2014
First of all, a big thanks to Goodreads and their Firstreads. This book was well written. This is not for the feint of heart! Beware all the sexy torture that takes up most of the book. Emotional and sexy, you can really feel for one of the main characters.
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