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The exotic dancers and employees of the Queen of Clubs walk a fine line, with only wits, beauty, and market savvy to keep them from toppling into the shark pit. Ride shotgun through lapdances, romance, and sexual awakenings. Don't worry, these girls won't ask what your hands are doing under the tip rail. Cora, an adventurous student, finds herself auditioning for a stripping gig...and it comes with more than the asking price, including a very attractive DJ. Queen of Clubs is intended for mature readers, and contains adult themes and content.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2014
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Katie de Long
50 books82 followersKatie de Long writes steamy and dark New York Times and USA Today bestselling romances. She publishes paranormal romance as K. de Long, flirty, daring contemporaries as Lila Vega, and dark, sensuous romantic thrillers and dark romance as Tiger Tarantino. Her books blend the bloody punch-to-the-gut spectacle and wit of a David Fincher movie with kink, chemistry, and edgy, angsty romance.
Katie lives in the Pacific northwest, realizing her dream of being a crazy cat-lady. As a kid, she flagged the fade-to-blacks in every adult book she encountered, and when she began writing, she vowed to use cutaways sparingly. After all, that’s when the good stuff happens. And on a kindle, no one asks why there’s so many bookmarks in her library.
Stay in touch with Katie:
DeLongKatie.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 23, 2017
*ARC copy was provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
For the full review go to Bookaholic Raves
I think few words are needed to explain this novella, complete with strippers, lapdances, private rooms, and a hookup, but this sums it up quite nicely.
I usually don't like novellas because they are so short, and I really like a good plot line with twists and turns. I loved the chemistry between the two characters, and I liked that neither of them were super rich with money to blow, only hooking up because they were bored. Instead of the guy dropping hundreds of dollars on stuff for her, he saved up his money for what he really wanted, and was up front with her about everything. No lies or backstabbing. I really wanted this to be longer, but I guess I can hope for more stories about these character in a follow up at some point.
I recommend this for anyone who has a short plane ride, or just a few hours to kill when taking a break between doing things. Or just wants a really dirty read.
For the full review go to Bookaholic Raves
I think few words are needed to explain this novella, complete with strippers, lapdances, private rooms, and a hookup, but this sums it up quite nicely.
I usually don't like novellas because they are so short, and I really like a good plot line with twists and turns. I loved the chemistry between the two characters, and I liked that neither of them were super rich with money to blow, only hooking up because they were bored. Instead of the guy dropping hundreds of dollars on stuff for her, he saved up his money for what he really wanted, and was up front with her about everything. No lies or backstabbing. I really wanted this to be longer, but I guess I can hope for more stories about these character in a follow up at some point.
I recommend this for anyone who has a short plane ride, or just a few hours to kill when taking a break between doing things. Or just wants a really dirty read.
October 20, 2014
2 stars
Queen of Clubs: Cora is a short story about a girl who is trying to find herself, and what started out as a way to help pay for college, turned out to be something so much more. Learning the ropes, finding her grove, Cora finds that not only does she feel alive, but under Kirk watchful gaze does she blossom. This was a so-so read for me, nothing made it really stand out and I didn't get what I was expecting from the blurb. I finished it because it was short enough to, but if it was longer I can't really say if I would have continued or not. The characters where just one dimensional to me, didn't even catch my interest with their descriptions to make me want to get to know them. Sadly, this is one of those that I don't think I will be continuing on with.
ARC kindly provided by Victory Editing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
Queen of Clubs: Cora is a short story about a girl who is trying to find herself, and what started out as a way to help pay for college, turned out to be something so much more. Learning the ropes, finding her grove, Cora finds that not only does she feel alive, but under Kirk watchful gaze does she blossom. This was a so-so read for me, nothing made it really stand out and I didn't get what I was expecting from the blurb. I finished it because it was short enough to, but if it was longer I can't really say if I would have continued or not. The characters where just one dimensional to me, didn't even catch my interest with their descriptions to make me want to get to know them. Sadly, this is one of those that I don't think I will be continuing on with.
ARC kindly provided by Victory Editing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
October 21, 2014
I received this book for my honest review from NetGalley.
Wow. There's really not much I can say on this one, certainly not enough for a full out review like I usually do.
The gist of the story ~ girl becomes stripper, girl meets DJ to set up her songs, girl and DJ fall madly in lust, they talk, they joke, he buys a private dance, they had dinner, they have sex ~ the end!
That was this book, plus two pages about Oreo pies and milkshakes. I love Oreo anything, but really?! The writing was all over the place, sometimes I had to read things a few times to ty to figure out what was being said. The change from 1st person to 3rd without any kind of punctuation really threw me for a loop for a few minutes. Long long rambling conversations that made no baring on the over all story. It's just a poorly written, dull book.
I gotta start looking at GoodReads before I request a book from NG. This book is as bad as all the previous ratings have said. Will not be continuing with other books.
Wow. There's really not much I can say on this one, certainly not enough for a full out review like I usually do.
The gist of the story ~ girl becomes stripper, girl meets DJ to set up her songs, girl and DJ fall madly in lust, they talk, they joke, he buys a private dance, they had dinner, they have sex ~ the end!
That was this book, plus two pages about Oreo pies and milkshakes. I love Oreo anything, but really?! The writing was all over the place, sometimes I had to read things a few times to ty to figure out what was being said. The change from 1st person to 3rd without any kind of punctuation really threw me for a loop for a few minutes. Long long rambling conversations that made no baring on the over all story. It's just a poorly written, dull book.
I gotta start looking at GoodReads before I request a book from NG. This book is as bad as all the previous ratings have said. Will not be continuing with other books.
May 25, 2015
Queen of Clubs: Cora is an interesting short erotic novella that centers around a young college student entering the world of strippers. The story follows her for just a few days as she does her thing.
The author did a splendid job of making the characters come to life giving each very distinct personalities. The storyline moves along very quickly and before you know it, the end is right there and you are done! This would make a terrific full length novel as the club, characters, and story are interesting enough and written so well they could easily be carried by the author. I don't want to give anything away about the story so you'll have to read the book to learn more!
All in all, this was a fun fast read. It leaves the door open for many more promising books by the author and I'm looking forward to checking them out.
The author did a splendid job of making the characters come to life giving each very distinct personalities. The storyline moves along very quickly and before you know it, the end is right there and you are done! This would make a terrific full length novel as the club, characters, and story are interesting enough and written so well they could easily be carried by the author. I don't want to give anything away about the story so you'll have to read the book to learn more!
All in all, this was a fun fast read. It leaves the door open for many more promising books by the author and I'm looking forward to checking them out.
March 11, 2019
** Book provided by NetGallery in exchange for an honest review **
Madeline Kahn. A woman who made me laugh as a child as I watched Blazing Saddles with my dad. It made me smile reading that part, and took me back to that point in my life...
Other than that, *huff*
I'm still confused about this plot... mainly because I can't see one.
I get the impression that Cora was shy.... but then I read that she was always trying to get her flesh out on show from a young age ... I'm thinking you can't be that shy.
While at college she joins the strip club.
Her first day shift she meats the DJ, Kirk, and they have a few stolen looks and smiles.
During her first night shift... he buys her time.
They do little other than some of what her job entails but I'm baffled about seeing any chemistry between them... NOTHING!
stuff like that needs to be felt by the reader.
It was my first Katie de Long book.... and unfortunately my last.
Madeline Kahn. A woman who made me laugh as a child as I watched Blazing Saddles with my dad. It made me smile reading that part, and took me back to that point in my life...
Other than that, *huff*
I'm still confused about this plot... mainly because I can't see one.
I get the impression that Cora was shy.... but then I read that she was always trying to get her flesh out on show from a young age ... I'm thinking you can't be that shy.
While at college she joins the strip club.
Her first day shift she meats the DJ, Kirk, and they have a few stolen looks and smiles.
During her first night shift... he buys her time.
They do little other than some of what her job entails but I'm baffled about seeing any chemistry between them... NOTHING!
stuff like that needs to be felt by the reader.
It was my first Katie de Long book.... and unfortunately my last.
November 3, 2014
Queen of Clubs - Cora
"What's the point in finding out who I am, if I'm never allowed to be that person?”
ARC given by the author/publisher via Netgalley, in exchange of honest review.
"For all the whores, sluts, and bad girls I've known who turned those names into compliments."
Yap, first i want to give thumbs up to the Dedication part. So much meaning behind it and i totally second that.
Cora Meridano. The heroine. A pole dancer stripper newbie with theater background. Naughty naughty girl since little. Exhibitionist tendency.
" I didn't think I was especially pretty, and I'd never felt at home in my body. But dressing provocatively, daring the world to stare at me and accept me, gave me a safe space to accept myself."
Kirk. DJ. Lanky frame. Awkward guy. Rough edges.
A contemporary romance. Not an erotica, at least for me. The timeline back and forth, between now and then. Heroine POV. Self-rediscovering. Starts with the usual tutor time for a newbie.
"Who would have thought being a stripper would be this expensive?"
I dont feel the attraction, hell ofc not the chemistry also. Well this insta-lust thingy usually accompanied by so much sexual tension, craving, and want poured out of the two MC. But no, i actually dont feel it here. Maybe that heightened by the minimal description of Kirk physical feature. It is hard to be attracted to someone who i couldnt imagine how he looks like. But i do love their flirting. Its different. Kinda smarty.
On the other side, Cora character was fully developed. Cora is a tough heroine who knows exactly what she wants and fully owned her sensuality. And thats a rare thing in this nowadays romance world where helpless heroine take the biggest cake.
" A part of me wanted to give in to it, to revel in someone who so plainly appreciated my sensuality, rather than punishing me for it. I was in a dry spell, mainly because I was tired of boyfriends enjoying the sight of my cleavage, then snapping at me when someone else eyed it while we were out and about."
The theme is guiding us to be open-minded, to see the Stripper world from a different and unique light. From someone like Cora, who strips because she needs to do it as self-appreciating method. Then, never ever i thought it like that, that the strippers got their strippers name not to hide their identity, but to protect themselves from customer rejection. Instead of questioning urself, u could just blame it to ur plain stripper persona.
Come to think about it, actually this book has a lot more of heavy stuff, quote worthy conversation than the romance or even the erotica itself. And IMO, that kind of thing are too heavy to be a small talk in strip-club backroom. Easily concludes this, the book is too philoshophist for a stripper book storyline.
Not lots description (of body, of face, of building, of size), but lots of action.
"What's the point in finding out who I am, if I'm never allowed to be that person?”
ARC given by the author/publisher via Netgalley, in exchange of honest review.
"For all the whores, sluts, and bad girls I've known who turned those names into compliments."
Yap, first i want to give thumbs up to the Dedication part. So much meaning behind it and i totally second that.
Cora Meridano. The heroine. A pole dancer stripper newbie with theater background. Naughty naughty girl since little. Exhibitionist tendency.
" I didn't think I was especially pretty, and I'd never felt at home in my body. But dressing provocatively, daring the world to stare at me and accept me, gave me a safe space to accept myself."
Kirk. DJ. Lanky frame. Awkward guy. Rough edges.
A contemporary romance. Not an erotica, at least for me. The timeline back and forth, between now and then. Heroine POV. Self-rediscovering. Starts with the usual tutor time for a newbie.
"Who would have thought being a stripper would be this expensive?"
I dont feel the attraction, hell ofc not the chemistry also. Well this insta-lust thingy usually accompanied by so much sexual tension, craving, and want poured out of the two MC. But no, i actually dont feel it here. Maybe that heightened by the minimal description of Kirk physical feature. It is hard to be attracted to someone who i couldnt imagine how he looks like. But i do love their flirting. Its different. Kinda smarty.
On the other side, Cora character was fully developed. Cora is a tough heroine who knows exactly what she wants and fully owned her sensuality. And thats a rare thing in this nowadays romance world where helpless heroine take the biggest cake.
" A part of me wanted to give in to it, to revel in someone who so plainly appreciated my sensuality, rather than punishing me for it. I was in a dry spell, mainly because I was tired of boyfriends enjoying the sight of my cleavage, then snapping at me when someone else eyed it while we were out and about."
The theme is guiding us to be open-minded, to see the Stripper world from a different and unique light. From someone like Cora, who strips because she needs to do it as self-appreciating method. Then, never ever i thought it like that, that the strippers got their strippers name not to hide their identity, but to protect themselves from customer rejection. Instead of questioning urself, u could just blame it to ur plain stripper persona.
Come to think about it, actually this book has a lot more of heavy stuff, quote worthy conversation than the romance or even the erotica itself. And IMO, that kind of thing are too heavy to be a small talk in strip-club backroom. Easily concludes this, the book is too philoshophist for a stripper book storyline.
Not lots description (of body, of face, of building, of size), but lots of action.
March 2, 2015
Queen of Clubs: Cora is a fast paced and sensuous erotic romance story that is told in the first person narrative by Cora Meridano, a college student who auditions for a stripper's job at The Queen of Clubs strip club. Cora whets the reader's interest in describing her first day on the job as "Angel," learning the ropes as an exotic dancer: a two song set, pole dancing, lap dances, and a private room session. What she didn't expect was her attraction to Kirk, the club's daytime DJ, who is also attracted to her. Cora finds that the experience of dancing for men has opened a new world for her, she feels that she has made the right decision, feels alive, sheds her inhibitions, and is at peace with herself. On her first night shift, Kirk buys time with Cora in the champagne room, the club's private room, where their mutual attraction develops with flirtatious banter and sexual innuendos, eventually leading up to a sensuous night spent together at Kirk's apartment.
Author Katie de Long easily whets the reader's interest with this sassy little erotic romance novella. The author provides just enough of the behind the scenes intriguing practices of the strip club that briefly describes the exotic dancer's routine and the services provided at the strip club, but alas the reader is left wanting more. But not to worry, the author does provide a nifty glossary of strip club terms at the end of the book that will spark the reader's interest in reading the rest of the series.
The main focus of the story is the development of the mutual attraction and romantic / sexual relationship between Cora and Kirk. The development of their relationship flowed seamlessly from the initial attraction at the club to a steamy night of sex at Kirk's apartment. Cora is a sassy girl, who through deciding to dance at the strip club discovered herself. I loved Cora and Kirk's playful banter and mutual attraction, the sparks from their connection led to a very pleasurable night that left me smiling.
Queen of Clubs: Cora is an enjoyable and sexy erotic romance story that will leave you wanting more. It is the first book in the Queen of Clubs Series, but can be a stand alone read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....
Author Katie de Long easily whets the reader's interest with this sassy little erotic romance novella. The author provides just enough of the behind the scenes intriguing practices of the strip club that briefly describes the exotic dancer's routine and the services provided at the strip club, but alas the reader is left wanting more. But not to worry, the author does provide a nifty glossary of strip club terms at the end of the book that will spark the reader's interest in reading the rest of the series.
The main focus of the story is the development of the mutual attraction and romantic / sexual relationship between Cora and Kirk. The development of their relationship flowed seamlessly from the initial attraction at the club to a steamy night of sex at Kirk's apartment. Cora is a sassy girl, who through deciding to dance at the strip club discovered herself. I loved Cora and Kirk's playful banter and mutual attraction, the sparks from their connection led to a very pleasurable night that left me smiling.
Queen of Clubs: Cora is an enjoyable and sexy erotic romance story that will leave you wanting more. It is the first book in the Queen of Clubs Series, but can be a stand alone read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....
February 11, 2015
As a reader who likes her romances steamy I found this one the perfect fit as it wrapped me in a sensual blanket from the first page to the last. It's an unconventional read though dealing with the empowerment of a woman through acceptance of her body in a world where looks are valued above all else. It's not a straight-forward romance, but Cora's choice in mixing business with pleasure furthers her empowerment as she finds a man who understands her wholeheartedly. Their connection is one of acceptance, non-judgemental, and sweet in the early stages of getting to know one another. It's also teeming with sensuality with the sexual tension growing stronger the more intimate they become amidst lap dances and pieces of Oreo pie.
Cora and Kirk are memorable with strong and open-minded beliefs and their compatibility is clear. Cora knew from an early age that her body was something to be on display instead of hidden. Her mother's views were oppressive but Cora remained strong-willed and is now a woman who goes after what she wants, trusting in herself. Kirk sees many gorgeous women every day but has never wanted to be with one outside of the club. He's a genuinely nice guy and I found him utterly delightful. They connect on many levels and he always lets her know she's got the power which made for an insta-love bond that felt believable. Their interactions were sweet and playful but quickly morphed into a steamy encounter that left me parched. The club environment is vividly depicted with the rules made clear and a brief glimpse of the denizens that made everything seem more real. While there's no definitive conclusion here, since this is a serialized set of stories, there's definite joy between Cora and Kirk with their feelings quite clear with hope for their future. I look forward to more sensual stories being told as we dig even deeper into this gritty world as Ms. de Long has whetted my appetite through this tantalizing tale.
Cora and Kirk are memorable with strong and open-minded beliefs and their compatibility is clear. Cora knew from an early age that her body was something to be on display instead of hidden. Her mother's views were oppressive but Cora remained strong-willed and is now a woman who goes after what she wants, trusting in herself. Kirk sees many gorgeous women every day but has never wanted to be with one outside of the club. He's a genuinely nice guy and I found him utterly delightful. They connect on many levels and he always lets her know she's got the power which made for an insta-love bond that felt believable. Their interactions were sweet and playful but quickly morphed into a steamy encounter that left me parched. The club environment is vividly depicted with the rules made clear and a brief glimpse of the denizens that made everything seem more real. While there's no definitive conclusion here, since this is a serialized set of stories, there's definite joy between Cora and Kirk with their feelings quite clear with hope for their future. I look forward to more sensual stories being told as we dig even deeper into this gritty world as Ms. de Long has whetted my appetite through this tantalizing tale.
January 1, 2015
Queen of Clubs is an erotic novella with some highs and lows. Cora, a college student, auditions to work in a strippers club and from then on the story begins.
One thing I liked about the story, and I think it’s one of its strong points, is Cora. She has an interesting personality. She's the first feminine character who wants to show her body and dance for men just because she enjoys it. I loved it!!! I'm tired of women who ended up as strippers or porn stars because they had difficult childhood or a non-existing male figure in their lives. She is totally honest when she says that simply she loves sex, the attention and she is super comfortable with her body.
Of course, being under the erotic category (at least for Netgalley) there is sex in the story. For me the problem was not that it came too fast, it's a novella after all. The issue was that there was no tension, no foreplay. It was just sex.
Overall, it's a good read. If you want a fast and enjoyable story with mature content I think this one is a good choice.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review. ***
One thing I liked about the story, and I think it’s one of its strong points, is Cora. She has an interesting personality. She's the first feminine character who wants to show her body and dance for men just because she enjoys it. I loved it!!! I'm tired of women who ended up as strippers or porn stars because they had difficult childhood or a non-existing male figure in their lives. She is totally honest when she says that simply she loves sex, the attention and she is super comfortable with her body.
Of course, being under the erotic category (at least for Netgalley) there is sex in the story. For me the problem was not that it came too fast, it's a novella after all. The issue was that there was no tension, no foreplay. It was just sex.
Overall, it's a good read. If you want a fast and enjoyable story with mature content I think this one is a good choice.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review. ***
May 10, 2015
I'm not sure what I just read. That had to have been one of the most rushed, pointless, and anticlimactic stories that I have ever read.
To sum the whole story up a college student becomes a stripper (though she always saw herself becoming one when she grew up), she met the DJ, he paid for some of her "private time", they went to a diner after work, then they wrapped it all up having sex. That's it, all there was!
While I've read some fabulous novellas, this one was way too short and way too rushed to be entertaining. Even the sex scene was rushed, one minute their sitting on the couch and the next their having sex. There's no kissing, no fondling, or foreplay of any kind... which pretty much sums the entire story up.
*I received a e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
To sum the whole story up a college student becomes a stripper (though she always saw herself becoming one when she grew up), she met the DJ, he paid for some of her "private time", they went to a diner after work, then they wrapped it all up having sex. That's it, all there was!
While I've read some fabulous novellas, this one was way too short and way too rushed to be entertaining. Even the sex scene was rushed, one minute their sitting on the couch and the next their having sex. There's no kissing, no fondling, or foreplay of any kind... which pretty much sums the entire story up.
*I received a e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
October 20, 2014
Although I realise that this is a novella and therefore short, I just couldn't get into this book.
I found it strange that there are no chapters at all - it's all just one long piece - but more frustrating is that the paragraphs are not separated out at all. This left me having to go back to see where the situation, location, day etc changed. It just didn't flow nicely for me.
It also felt a little too rushed and therefore not believable and I didn't feel any connection to either character at all.
There's extremely minimal background on either Cora or Kirk and I found them to be one dimensional. There's not much of a description of either character either, so no sense of who they are.
I'm sorry but this novella just wasn't for me but I wish the author the best of luck with the release.
I found it strange that there are no chapters at all - it's all just one long piece - but more frustrating is that the paragraphs are not separated out at all. This left me having to go back to see where the situation, location, day etc changed. It just didn't flow nicely for me.
It also felt a little too rushed and therefore not believable and I didn't feel any connection to either character at all.
There's extremely minimal background on either Cora or Kirk and I found them to be one dimensional. There's not much of a description of either character either, so no sense of who they are.
I'm sorry but this novella just wasn't for me but I wish the author the best of luck with the release.
October 24, 2014
I didn't realize how short a read this one was!! I really wanted more. This could have been so much more. Cora is a woman who is trying to find her way. She is learning the ropes and finds Kirk the daytime DJ! So he decides to stay and watch her dance..pay for her time! They hit it off and she sees him differently. Cora seems like she has it put together. She needs to fit in somewhere. Kirk sounds sexy and I would like to see where this goes. Will we get that chance??? Hmm..I don't know! Well, I am in to the next!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. than You, Net Galley!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. than You, Net Galley!
February 6, 2015
I received this book as an arc for a honest review. This is a fun short read about Cora (Angel) a college coed stripper. Cora doesn't know what she wants to do with her life even though she promised to finish college so she is a college student by day and stripper by night. She had always been an exhibitionist so she decided she wants to try stripping at the Queen of Clubs. There she meets the hot DJ Kirk, he plays the music for the strippers. Pole dances and lap dances abound in this book. Give this sexy book a try.
December 11, 2014
NetGalley Free Book
This book was too short to even enjoy. Cora needed a job and she is a dancer. She takes a job at the strip club Queen of Clubs, meets the DJ and the rest is history.
I could not really get my teeth into this novellet. There was no juicy tidbits about the characters or any history about the two that made me connect with them. The sex scenes were also very short as this review will be.
This book was too short to even enjoy. Cora needed a job and she is a dancer. She takes a job at the strip club Queen of Clubs, meets the DJ and the rest is history.
I could not really get my teeth into this novellet. There was no juicy tidbits about the characters or any history about the two that made me connect with them. The sex scenes were also very short as this review will be.
July 22, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Fictional Mens Room...
READ AND REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF FICTIONAL MENS PAGE FOR BOOK HOS
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READ AND REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF FICTIONAL MENS PAGE FOR BOOK HOS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fictio...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
January 3, 2015
Quick, easy, fun read. As much development as possible in amount of space given, and for the time frame
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews