What do you think?
Rate this book
Desire Exchange #1
The Surrender Gate
New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice's first foray into erotic romance, The Flame, earned accolades from some of the genre's most beloved authors. "Sensual, passionate and intelligent," wrote Lexi Blake, "it's everything an erotic romance should be." J. Kenner called it "absolutely delicious," Cherise Sinclair hailed it as "beautifully lyrical" and Loreli James announced, "I look forward to reading more!" Now, Christopher returns you to the world first introduced in The Flame with an all new novel of The Desire Exchange…
Emily Blaine's life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has just told her he's leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There's just one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before it's too late. But finding Ryan won't be easy. He's been missing for years. He was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange. But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual fantasies?
It's a task Emily can't undertake alone. But there's only one man qualified to help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne. She's suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she's willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in New Orleans, Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily's attempt to uncover Jonathan's secret life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the clutches of one of Jonathan's most powerful and dangerous clients, they're forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.
When Emily's mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible, reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-NAVY Seal Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich turn their fantasies into reality, she will be forced to decide which one of her own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality. But as Emily, Jonathan, and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their destination isn't just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.
Emily Blaine's life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has just told her he's leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There's just one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before it's too late. But finding Ryan won't be easy. He's been missing for years. He was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange. But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual fantasies?
It's a task Emily can't undertake alone. But there's only one man qualified to help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne. She's suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she's willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in New Orleans, Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily's attempt to uncover Jonathan's secret life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the clutches of one of Jonathan's most powerful and dangerous clients, they're forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.
When Emily's mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible, reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-NAVY Seal Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich turn their fantasies into reality, she will be forced to decide which one of her own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality. But as Emily, Jonathan, and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their destination isn't just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2015
53 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Rice
37 books2,582 followersChristopher Rice is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and is the Amazon Charts and New York Times bestselling author of A Density of Souls; Bone Music, Blood Echo, and Blood Victory in the Burning Girl series; and Bram Stoker Award finalists The Heavens Rise and The Vines. An executive producer for television, Christopher also penned the novels Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra and Ramses The Damned: The Reign of Osiri with his late mother Anne Rice. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn, Christopher runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network TDPS, which can be found at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com. He lives in West Hollywood, California, and writes tales of romance between men under the pseudonym C. Travis Rice. Visit him at www.christopherricebooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 3, 2015
I've said before the challenge I often find with erotica is the lack of nuanced story-lines, dynamic and engaging characters, and a prose that keeps you reading well into the night. And I've also said before that Rice delivered all three of these elements in his first erotica offering, THE FLAME. He's done it again (and then some) in THE SURRENDER GATE.
Every single character in this book has something to offer. Emily is a heroine I found myself personally invested in (and not simply waiting for her to get some). Her friendship with Jonathan is as complex and rich as it is rooted in something that felt very real. Enter Marcus, who throws the entire story, and her world, into a tailspin, on the verge of her entering into something she knows she must do, but can't fathom how.
I also appreciate the sexual agency of all the main players here. Emily is not ashamed of her desires... nor should she be. She's confused by them, and when she finds herself falling in love, she's concerned by them, but that's no the same thing. Jonathan hasn't chosen this lifestyle because he's hard up on cash... he does it for the thrill it gives him, and for what it brings him nothing else can. And at the backbone of the story is the Desire Exchange, which exists not simply to help rich folks get off, but to help them seek an absolution they probably won't find elsewhere. Most of them didn't even know they were looking.
From the concepts to the characters, this is another phenomenal offering from Rice. Whip-smart dialogue, characters you actually care about, fluid, lyrical prose, and a plot point that will give and give and keep on giving as the series progresses. On, and sex. Very gratifying sex. What more could you ask for?
Every single character in this book has something to offer. Emily is a heroine I found myself personally invested in (and not simply waiting for her to get some). Her friendship with Jonathan is as complex and rich as it is rooted in something that felt very real. Enter Marcus, who throws the entire story, and her world, into a tailspin, on the verge of her entering into something she knows she must do, but can't fathom how.
I also appreciate the sexual agency of all the main players here. Emily is not ashamed of her desires... nor should she be. She's confused by them, and when she finds herself falling in love, she's concerned by them, but that's no the same thing. Jonathan hasn't chosen this lifestyle because he's hard up on cash... he does it for the thrill it gives him, and for what it brings him nothing else can. And at the backbone of the story is the Desire Exchange, which exists not simply to help rich folks get off, but to help them seek an absolution they probably won't find elsewhere. Most of them didn't even know they were looking.
From the concepts to the characters, this is another phenomenal offering from Rice. Whip-smart dialogue, characters you actually care about, fluid, lyrical prose, and a plot point that will give and give and keep on giving as the series progresses. On, and sex. Very gratifying sex. What more could you ask for?
August 11, 2016
This book is full of mystery. The reader knows there is something erotic and magic happening through the 'Desire Exchange' but is unsure what.
Mr. Benoit, Emily's benefactor, is near death. She will inherit everything. His last request is that she finds his estranged son. The trail leads Emily and her best friend since childhood, Jonathan, on an adventure into a secret club. Along the way other characters are introduced including their security Frank and Marcus. The storyline has elements of Louisiana culture, free love, romance, a bit of straight-for-you, family relationships, forgiveness, self-discovery, friendship, suspense and magic.
Overall, I found the story to be interesting. Some parts in the middle lost me for a minute, but the ending definitely found me. My favorite part was the last quarter or so. And I think what I most liked was the humor that came from Frank and Jonathan and the overall sexual male feel surrounding Jonathan and R. I hope to see more from them in a future book.
3.5 stars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Mr. Benoit, Emily's benefactor, is near death. She will inherit everything. His last request is that she finds his estranged son. The trail leads Emily and her best friend since childhood, Jonathan, on an adventure into a secret club. Along the way other characters are introduced including their security Frank and Marcus. The storyline has elements of Louisiana culture, free love, romance, a bit of straight-for-you, family relationships, forgiveness, self-discovery, friendship, suspense and magic.
Overall, I found the story to be interesting. Some parts in the middle lost me for a minute, but the ending definitely found me. My favorite part was the last quarter or so. And I think what I most liked was the humor that came from Frank and Jonathan and the overall sexual male feel surrounding Jonathan and R. I hope to see more from them in a future book.
3.5 stars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
January 16, 2019
I actually enjoyed this book very much, i am really looking forward to the next 3 to see where this is going. As far as erotica goes, this is a adult book, very tasteful and thrilling, but the erotica is supported by a equally thrilling story that got me to read this book in a day.
February 9, 2015
I’m going to be blunt about this one and say that you MUST READ THIS BOOK. I was first introduced to Christopher Rice through his 1,001 Dark Nights novella, The Flame. The Surrender Gate is the second offering in the Desire Exchange series and not only does it not disappoint, it pretty much floored me. I learned from The Flame that Rice has a truly captivating, sensual, evocative style. The imagery he creates through his lush descriptions makes you feel like you’re intimately present in each scene. Think 2D versus 3D, which is perfect for a series that utilizes the complex and rich locale of New Orleans, infused with more than a hint of the supernatural.
Emily Blaine’s surrogate father, Arthur Benoit, is dying of cancer. He’s also the owner of a vast fortune that that she stands to inherit when he dies. He charges Emily with fulfilling his dying wish: to find his long estranged son, Ryan, and deliver a letter, the contents of which are not disclosed. Emily’s life has undergone more than a little upheaval in the last few weeks, learning that her gay best friend, Jonathan Claiborne, has likely been working as a high priced escort to the elite. When she stalks him to discover if the truth might help her in the task she’s been charged with, it sets off a chain of events that she never would have predicted. They must infiltrate The Desire Exchange, a secret organization purported to fulfill the sexual fantasies of the rich, with the hopes of finding Ryan. This is a dangerous proposition, with players that have a lot to lose. Marcus Dylan is an ex-Navy SEAL hired by Arthur to keep Emily safe as she and Jonathan work to complete the mission. He’s brawn with brains and heart. Emily can’t help but be captivated by his every move. In seeking Ryan, many questions remain unanswered. What exactly is the Desire Exchange? Who runs it? Can Emily’s and Jonathan’s friendship survive the tests they’ll face? Can Marcus prove to Emily he’s what she really needs and craves?
I love that I found it hard to categorize The Surrender Gate. It’s paranormal without being paranormal romance. It’s suspenseful, but not romantic suspense. It’s erotic, with a satisfying and emotional romance, but doesn’t follow many romance conventions. Three characters control the action, but it’s not a ménage. The plot is driven, fast-paced, unpredictable, and leaves unanswered questions that beg to be fleshed out in upcoming sequels. The sex runs the gamut from forbidden to somewhat kinky to conventional. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page during these scenes. I was completely drawn in, captive to each word and action. There’s an honesty to the sex that is refreshing, and a lack of apology for the enjoyment of unattached physical pleasure. These characters lack the angsty hang-ups that have been driving me crazy lately. The dialog is natural and sometimes hilariously funny. I truly liked all the main players. Marcus knows how to turn on a girl with a brain. He’s as seductive with his words as he is with his body. He worships Emily without being submissive and is deliciously dominant without being a Dominant. Emily is a strong, determined woman who has natural fears without being paralyzed by them. I couldn’t get enough and was genuinely sad when it was over. The contrasts, blurred genres, and beautiful prose make it a unique story that I can recommend to anyone who reads romance and could be a bridge to those new to romance in general.
*ARC provided by publisher
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
February 2, 2015
The Surrender Gate is the first novel in The Desire Exchange series by author Christopher Rice, the second release for 1,001 Dark Nights this year, and follows the world introduced to us in The Flame. Where The Flame was a delicious amuse-bouche, The Surrender Gate is a wonderfully prepared first course. I devoured it on one sitting and was completely drawn in by the relationships between the characters and the promise of a peek into a secretive supernatural world. It was amazing.
In a short amount of time, Emily Blane’s life has gone from relatively normal to anything but. The best friend she thought she knew had a whole secret side to his life, they’ve shared a night she never thought would happen, and she’s been thrown into a world she never thought imaginable while undercover and looking for her father figure’s long lost son. A secret world where nothing is as it seems. Where people are asked to open up and speak their deepest desires. A world that very few people knew of and a world that Emily couldn’t believe was actually trying to become a part of. Luckily her best friend was with her along the way, also undercover, and trying to breach the secret walls of this society of sorts. She also had another person on her side…Marcus. The guard tasked with keeping her safe by the man she considered a father.
As if all of that wasn’t enough to fill a girl’s plate, she finds herself growing seriously attracted to Marcus and soon she realized the feelings are mutual. But this wasn’t the time nor place to start any kind of relationship…not when she isn’t even sure she will get out of this mess alive.
Navigating the next few weeks will certainly be a test for Emily. She will experience emotions and pleasure like never before and will question her resolve more than once during this experience. Does she have to strength to endure it? Something tells her that having Marcus there with her for every step of the way she can…
Truly amazing. I am a huge fan of Christopher Rice’s work and have read his thriller work but, by far, my favorite of his writing is in this erotic suspense genre. Mr. Rice has such a beautiful and tantalizing way with words that truly bring the reader into every moment and allow you to feel the emotions alongside of the characters. This story has so many wonderful elements. There is the taste of paranormal with The Desire Exchange itself, the sexiness of the bedroom scenes, and the mystery of what has happened in the disappearance of a young man. But, hands down, my favorite part of this story is the ever-changing and evolving of the relationships between Emily, her best friend, and Marcus. What starts out one way, ends in a different direction, and the beauty of Mr. Rice’s writing is that I never once was unhappy or unsatisfied with how things were going. Relationships are complicated and messy at times in real life, and we delve into that head-on a few times within the story. I loved how real it felt. It was amazing to read and to accompany these characters on their journey.
I love that this book can cross so many genre lines and appeal to many different readers. I highly recommend it to fans of suspense, romance, paranormal, and of course, erotic romance. Thank you, Mr. Rice, for a beautiful and sensual story. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!
In a short amount of time, Emily Blane’s life has gone from relatively normal to anything but. The best friend she thought she knew had a whole secret side to his life, they’ve shared a night she never thought would happen, and she’s been thrown into a world she never thought imaginable while undercover and looking for her father figure’s long lost son. A secret world where nothing is as it seems. Where people are asked to open up and speak their deepest desires. A world that very few people knew of and a world that Emily couldn’t believe was actually trying to become a part of. Luckily her best friend was with her along the way, also undercover, and trying to breach the secret walls of this society of sorts. She also had another person on her side…Marcus. The guard tasked with keeping her safe by the man she considered a father.
As if all of that wasn’t enough to fill a girl’s plate, she finds herself growing seriously attracted to Marcus and soon she realized the feelings are mutual. But this wasn’t the time nor place to start any kind of relationship…not when she isn’t even sure she will get out of this mess alive.
Navigating the next few weeks will certainly be a test for Emily. She will experience emotions and pleasure like never before and will question her resolve more than once during this experience. Does she have to strength to endure it? Something tells her that having Marcus there with her for every step of the way she can…
Truly amazing. I am a huge fan of Christopher Rice’s work and have read his thriller work but, by far, my favorite of his writing is in this erotic suspense genre. Mr. Rice has such a beautiful and tantalizing way with words that truly bring the reader into every moment and allow you to feel the emotions alongside of the characters. This story has so many wonderful elements. There is the taste of paranormal with The Desire Exchange itself, the sexiness of the bedroom scenes, and the mystery of what has happened in the disappearance of a young man. But, hands down, my favorite part of this story is the ever-changing and evolving of the relationships between Emily, her best friend, and Marcus. What starts out one way, ends in a different direction, and the beauty of Mr. Rice’s writing is that I never once was unhappy or unsatisfied with how things were going. Relationships are complicated and messy at times in real life, and we delve into that head-on a few times within the story. I loved how real it felt. It was amazing to read and to accompany these characters on their journey.
I love that this book can cross so many genre lines and appeal to many different readers. I highly recommend it to fans of suspense, romance, paranormal, and of course, erotic romance. Thank you, Mr. Rice, for a beautiful and sensual story. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!
February 3, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
There is something really special about the way Christopher Rice tells a story and I’m not just purestdelightawardtalking about the way he can make me feel like I’m walking the streets of New Orleans or in the middle of some strange ritual in a tent in a bayou. Along with his uncanny ability to transport the reader into his books he adds in so much intrigue, suspense, sexiness and just the right amount of humor that I get completely lost in his words and his characters. The Surrender Gate is a special blue box offering from the publishers of the 1,001 Dark Nights novella series but it is a full novel and it is flat out phenomenal. The thing is I don’t even know where to begin to describe this book…is it a romance? Most definitely. Is it a suspense novel? Absolutely. Is it a paranormal? I’m not quite sure. Is it erotic?
Unquestionably. The one thing I can say is that while I knew it might take me out of my comfort zone after reading Christopher’s first foray into erotic romance, The Flame, I knew I had to read this one and I am once again blown away.
This book features three major players but it is not a ménage story. Emily Blaine is a woman who stands to inherit a large fortune when her surrogate father dies from the cancer that riddles his body. He has tasked her with delivering a letter to his son, Ryan, whom he hasn’t seen in over 10 years but gaining her inheritance isn’t dependent on her completing this task. Jonathan Claiborne who had a small part in The Flame is Emily’s best friend and he has been keeping a big secret from Emily. She has pretty much worked out what that secret is but in tailing him she puts both herself and Jonathan in an interesting situation but one that leads them to the information they need to find the man she is searching for. The third major player is the man Emily’s surrogate father sends to protect her from harm, ex-Seal Marcus Dylan, and a man who has wanted her from the first moment he saw her and a man who makes her feel things she hasn���t felt for anyone not even her best friend.
Finding Ryan comes with a hefty price tag and it’s not only monetary; Emily and Jonathan are stripped both literally and figuratively in order to gain admission into The Desire Exchange where it is rumored Ryan has been seen. What is the Desire Exchange? That’s something you are going to have to read and see for yourself because honestly, I can’t even begin to describe what it is or it isn’t. During all of this Emily and Dylan share their fears, their desires, and their fantasies and learn to trust each other implicitly. Emily’s acceptance of The Desire Exchange and what it can do for people is key to making a difference in her life and what she wants with Dylan and with Jonathan.
Mind blowing, supremely sexy, and completely captivating Christopher Rice’s The Surrender Gate is another amazing offering from this author who while new to the erotic romance genre is proving he has what it takes to please his readers.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
There is something really special about the way Christopher Rice tells a story and I’m not just purestdelightawardtalking about the way he can make me feel like I’m walking the streets of New Orleans or in the middle of some strange ritual in a tent in a bayou. Along with his uncanny ability to transport the reader into his books he adds in so much intrigue, suspense, sexiness and just the right amount of humor that I get completely lost in his words and his characters. The Surrender Gate is a special blue box offering from the publishers of the 1,001 Dark Nights novella series but it is a full novel and it is flat out phenomenal. The thing is I don’t even know where to begin to describe this book…is it a romance? Most definitely. Is it a suspense novel? Absolutely. Is it a paranormal? I’m not quite sure. Is it erotic?
Unquestionably. The one thing I can say is that while I knew it might take me out of my comfort zone after reading Christopher’s first foray into erotic romance, The Flame, I knew I had to read this one and I am once again blown away.
This book features three major players but it is not a ménage story. Emily Blaine is a woman who stands to inherit a large fortune when her surrogate father dies from the cancer that riddles his body. He has tasked her with delivering a letter to his son, Ryan, whom he hasn’t seen in over 10 years but gaining her inheritance isn’t dependent on her completing this task. Jonathan Claiborne who had a small part in The Flame is Emily’s best friend and he has been keeping a big secret from Emily. She has pretty much worked out what that secret is but in tailing him she puts both herself and Jonathan in an interesting situation but one that leads them to the information they need to find the man she is searching for. The third major player is the man Emily’s surrogate father sends to protect her from harm, ex-Seal Marcus Dylan, and a man who has wanted her from the first moment he saw her and a man who makes her feel things she hasn���t felt for anyone not even her best friend.
Finding Ryan comes with a hefty price tag and it’s not only monetary; Emily and Jonathan are stripped both literally and figuratively in order to gain admission into The Desire Exchange where it is rumored Ryan has been seen. What is the Desire Exchange? That’s something you are going to have to read and see for yourself because honestly, I can’t even begin to describe what it is or it isn’t. During all of this Emily and Dylan share their fears, their desires, and their fantasies and learn to trust each other implicitly. Emily’s acceptance of The Desire Exchange and what it can do for people is key to making a difference in her life and what she wants with Dylan and with Jonathan.
Mind blowing, supremely sexy, and completely captivating Christopher Rice’s The Surrender Gate is another amazing offering from this author who while new to the erotic romance genre is proving he has what it takes to please his readers.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 7, 2015
For being his first foray into romantic erotica (other have termed it the other way around but I feel this best describes the book), The Surrender Gate was a pretty damn good first time. It wasn’t what I expected but it was still a good and unique read.
The book had a little bit of everything from romance, sex, suspense, drama and action. It wasn’t your run of the mill erotica. While the main plot centered around trying to reconnect a father with his son, the deeper layer surrounding sexuality, relationships and our inhibitions and fears that affect them is what really runs this book. Christopher Rice’s writing was very insightful and thoughtful which brought a certain philosophical tone to meld with the sensuality and sexuality of the book. This was an unexpected but appreciated aspect of the book and what made it different from other books of this genre.
As much as I have praised the book, I can’t honestly say that I was blown away by it. I have a certain standard for books in the erotica genre which others have met and/or surpassed it. For me, its synopsis was a little misleading when it mentions the conflict between Elaine and her gay best friend Jonathan since I was expecting that storyline to play out more than just about one-fourth of the book. And, honestly, I was expecting a little more sex especially when this book is categorized as erotica. While I do appreciate the sensuality and the unabashed sexuality, I thought combining it with a little more sex would’ve added more to the book. Overall, Rice managed to write a very smart and thoughtful love story with some magic thrown into the mix. Being as this is the first book I’ve read from him, I’m looking forward to reading his other works if this book is anything to go by. It seems the writing gene was passed down from mother, Anne Rice, to son.
The book had a little bit of everything from romance, sex, suspense, drama and action. It wasn’t your run of the mill erotica. While the main plot centered around trying to reconnect a father with his son, the deeper layer surrounding sexuality, relationships and our inhibitions and fears that affect them is what really runs this book. Christopher Rice’s writing was very insightful and thoughtful which brought a certain philosophical tone to meld with the sensuality and sexuality of the book. This was an unexpected but appreciated aspect of the book and what made it different from other books of this genre.
As much as I have praised the book, I can’t honestly say that I was blown away by it. I have a certain standard for books in the erotica genre which others have met and/or surpassed it. For me, its synopsis was a little misleading when it mentions the conflict between Elaine and her gay best friend Jonathan since I was expecting that storyline to play out more than just about one-fourth of the book. And, honestly, I was expecting a little more sex especially when this book is categorized as erotica. While I do appreciate the sensuality and the unabashed sexuality, I thought combining it with a little more sex would’ve added more to the book. Overall, Rice managed to write a very smart and thoughtful love story with some magic thrown into the mix. Being as this is the first book I’ve read from him, I’m looking forward to reading his other works if this book is anything to go by. It seems the writing gene was passed down from mother, Anne Rice, to son.
December 5, 2016
As far as romance's go I enjoy them for the quick reads. I love the fact that Christopher tried his talent at something that wasn't a thriller from the start. As far as the details go, this novel borders ont he erotic side, and Rice's descriptions of this are quite exciting.
The plot centers around a secret society of people in a group unhibited by anything. They want to obtain their sexual desires at any cost. However, the characters will soon find out how far they must go in order to finally fulfill their desires and fantasies. The main character, Emily Blaine, discovers what she has wanted her whole life. Though part of this book is erotic in nature, Emily must also go between the secret society and her real world problems of dealing with inheriting and estate which comes with stipulations she's unsure she can fulfill.
Alongside her, Johnathon Claiborne, her best friend must help her as they navigate the circumstances in which they find themselves. This book is part thriller and romance. It's a fast read where you don't want to stop turning the pages and you'll be sad it ended.
The plot centers around a secret society of people in a group unhibited by anything. They want to obtain their sexual desires at any cost. However, the characters will soon find out how far they must go in order to finally fulfill their desires and fantasies. The main character, Emily Blaine, discovers what she has wanted her whole life. Though part of this book is erotic in nature, Emily must also go between the secret society and her real world problems of dealing with inheriting and estate which comes with stipulations she's unsure she can fulfill.
Alongside her, Johnathon Claiborne, her best friend must help her as they navigate the circumstances in which they find themselves. This book is part thriller and romance. It's a fast read where you don't want to stop turning the pages and you'll be sad it ended.
October 3, 2018
3.5 stars
After reading the novella set in the same universe, I immediately purchased the author's full-length novel. And while I enjoyed it for what it was, a paranormal romance with plenty of erotic moments, I wasn't as blown away as I was by my first experience with Rice's writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, from the main three to each of the supporting cast. This story also took the "paranormal" concept and added an interesting little spin -- the main hero and heroine are 100 percent human, and they are both experiencing the supernatural elements of this world together. However, though the supernatural gave Emily a bit of a nudge regarding her life, I think the relationship would have developed without the external influence. All the magic did was push along a bit of character development.
My largest quibble is the uneven tone. Moments of inappropriate levity that didn't fit the atmosphere the author had created. I think I'd happily read another book with these exact characters, but I'd rather it be a straight romantic thriller rather than the paranormal romance of this tale. Mashing in the paranormal gave me the impression of a cross-over fanfiction story rather than a wholly developed world, especially since very few answers about the not-quite-human characters are answered.
After reading the novella set in the same universe, I immediately purchased the author's full-length novel. And while I enjoyed it for what it was, a paranormal romance with plenty of erotic moments, I wasn't as blown away as I was by my first experience with Rice's writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, from the main three to each of the supporting cast. This story also took the "paranormal" concept and added an interesting little spin -- the main hero and heroine are 100 percent human, and they are both experiencing the supernatural elements of this world together. However, though the supernatural gave Emily a bit of a nudge regarding her life, I think the relationship would have developed without the external influence. All the magic did was push along a bit of character development.
My largest quibble is the uneven tone. Moments of inappropriate levity that didn't fit the atmosphere the author had created. I think I'd happily read another book with these exact characters, but I'd rather it be a straight romantic thriller rather than the paranormal romance of this tale. Mashing in the paranormal gave me the impression of a cross-over fanfiction story rather than a wholly developed world, especially since very few answers about the not-quite-human characters are answered.
December 29, 2018
This one turned out differently than I expected, but I very much enjoyed the story and characters. The three main characters were all well-drawn and interesting, and the whole Desire Exchange part of the story was intriguing. On to the next book!
July 23, 2018
It took me forever to read this book. I'm not even sure exactly why. The story was actually pretty good but for some reason I just could not get into it.
July 10, 2020
I enjoyed this book and did not want to put it down once I started reading. I would like more background on the Radiants, however. Otherwise it was a fast-paced interesting read.
February 12, 2015
m going to be blunt about this one and say that you MUST READ THIS BOOK. I was first introduced to Christopher Rice through his 1,001 Dark Nights novella, The Flame. The Surrender Gate is the second offering in the Desire Exchange series and not only does it not disappoint, it pretty much floored me. I learned from The Flame that Rice has a truly captivating, sensual, evocative style. The imagery he creates through his lush descriptions makes you feel like you’re intimately present in each scene. Think 2D versus 3D, which is perfect for a series that utilizes the complex and rich locale of New Orleans, infused with more than a hint of the supernatural.
Emily Blaine’s surrogate father, Arthur Benoit, is dying of cancer. He’s also the owner of a vast fortune that that she stands to inherit when he dies. He charges Emily with fulfilling his dying wish: to find his long estranged son, Ryan, and deliver a letter, the contents of which are not disclosed. Emily’s life has undergone more than a little upheaval in the last few weeks, learning that her gay best friend, Jonathan Claiborne, has likely been working as a high priced escort to the elite. When she stalks him to discover if the truth might help her in the task she’s been charged with, it sets off a chain of events that she never would have predicted. They must infiltrate The Desire Exchange, a secret organization purported to fulfill the sexual fantasies of the rich, with the hopes of finding Ryan. This is a dangerous proposition, with players that have a lot to lose. Marcus Dylan is an ex-Navy SEAL hired by Arthur to keep Emily safe as she and Jonathan work to complete the mission. He’s brawn with brains and heart. Emily can’t help but be captivated by his every move. In seeking Ryan, many questions remain unanswered. What exactly is the Desire Exchange? Who runs it? Can Emily’s and Jonathan’s friendship survive the tests they’ll face? Can Marcus prove to Emily he’s what she really needs and craves?
I love that I found it hard to categorize The Surrender Gate. It’s paranormal without being paranormal romance. It’s suspenseful, but not romantic suspense. It’s erotic, with a satisfying and emotional romance, but doesn’t follow many romance conventions. Three characters control the action, but it’s not a ménage. The plot is driven, fast-paced, unpredictable, and leaves unanswered questions that beg to be fleshed out in upcoming sequels. The sex runs the gamut from forbidden to somewhat kinky to conventional. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page during these scenes. I was completely drawn in, captive to each word and action. There’s an honesty to the sex that is refreshing, and a lack of apology for the enjoyment of unattached physical pleasure. These characters lack the angsty hang-ups that have been driving me crazy lately. The dialog is natural and sometimes hilariously funny. I truly liked all the main players. Marcus knows how to turn on a girl with a brain. He’s as seductive with his words as he is with his body. He worships Emily without being submissive and is deliciously dominant without being a Dominant. Emily is a strong, determined woman who has natural fears without being paralyzed by them. I couldn’t get enough and was genuinely sad when it was over. The contrasts, blurred genres, and beautiful prose make it a unique story that I can recommend to anyone who reads romance and could be a bridge to those new to romance in general.
ARC provided by the publisher
Posted at www.underthecoversbookblog.com
Emily Blaine’s surrogate father, Arthur Benoit, is dying of cancer. He’s also the owner of a vast fortune that that she stands to inherit when he dies. He charges Emily with fulfilling his dying wish: to find his long estranged son, Ryan, and deliver a letter, the contents of which are not disclosed. Emily’s life has undergone more than a little upheaval in the last few weeks, learning that her gay best friend, Jonathan Claiborne, has likely been working as a high priced escort to the elite. When she stalks him to discover if the truth might help her in the task she’s been charged with, it sets off a chain of events that she never would have predicted. They must infiltrate The Desire Exchange, a secret organization purported to fulfill the sexual fantasies of the rich, with the hopes of finding Ryan. This is a dangerous proposition, with players that have a lot to lose. Marcus Dylan is an ex-Navy SEAL hired by Arthur to keep Emily safe as she and Jonathan work to complete the mission. He’s brawn with brains and heart. Emily can’t help but be captivated by his every move. In seeking Ryan, many questions remain unanswered. What exactly is the Desire Exchange? Who runs it? Can Emily’s and Jonathan’s friendship survive the tests they’ll face? Can Marcus prove to Emily he’s what she really needs and craves?
I love that I found it hard to categorize The Surrender Gate. It’s paranormal without being paranormal romance. It’s suspenseful, but not romantic suspense. It’s erotic, with a satisfying and emotional romance, but doesn’t follow many romance conventions. Three characters control the action, but it’s not a ménage. The plot is driven, fast-paced, unpredictable, and leaves unanswered questions that beg to be fleshed out in upcoming sequels. The sex runs the gamut from forbidden to somewhat kinky to conventional. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page during these scenes. I was completely drawn in, captive to each word and action. There’s an honesty to the sex that is refreshing, and a lack of apology for the enjoyment of unattached physical pleasure. These characters lack the angsty hang-ups that have been driving me crazy lately. The dialog is natural and sometimes hilariously funny. I truly liked all the main players. Marcus knows how to turn on a girl with a brain. He’s as seductive with his words as he is with his body. He worships Emily without being submissive and is deliciously dominant without being a Dominant. Emily is a strong, determined woman who has natural fears without being paralyzed by them. I couldn’t get enough and was genuinely sad when it was over. The contrasts, blurred genres, and beautiful prose make it a unique story that I can recommend to anyone who reads romance and could be a bridge to those new to romance in general.
ARC provided by the publisher
Posted at www.underthecoversbookblog.com
February 15, 2015
When I read that one of my favorite authors was going to test the waters in erotica I was puzzled. Christopher Rice writing erotica hmmm...! Well I am here to say after reading the second book in The Desire Exchange series I am hooked with new found respect that he is a genre-less author. I have always thought Christopher Rice could write the phone book and it would be a masterpiece. But he has received new found respect from me as a author to not be pigeon holed into a specific genre to write the same stuff over and over. Kudos to him for going beyond the box and succeeding in drawing the readers into another realm he has created and made addicting.
The Flame, a novella that started this new world of awakening passion and delivering desire to go beyond the limits we place on each other. This new world gives shocks and twist I want to believe in. The stories of the "Feu de Coeur" a world that delivers an awakening of senses and sensuality brings the characters and readers to their knees. The world continues in "The Surrender Gate".
Emily Blaine is a restaurant manager and MBA graduate who opens the story with following her best friend who is hiding a secret. Jonathan Claiborne is the "gay" best friend and counterpart to Emily. They have grown up together and share life's ups and downs. Emily finds out what the secret Jonathan is hiding and puts herself in a peril situation that starts trouble for her and her best friend. A dirty and corrupt politician George Dugas that Jonathan is "working" for exhibits his sly strength to put Emily and Jonathan in a situation that Emily has longed for and shocks the other.
Emily is set to inherit a mass fortune from Arthur Benoit. She has been enlisted by Arthur to locate his son who disappeared a decade before. George Dugas believes he knows the location of the missing. Then Dugas offers the world of The Desire Exchange to Emily and Jonathan to find Benoit's long lost son. Immediately a new world and status is set up for Emily and Jonathan with new names and new twist. Enter the remarkable Marcus Dylan, a beautiful man who instantly stirs the folds of Emily's nether mound and causes doubt of what she ever believed in. All the twists and turns that happen next, you need to pick up the amazing novel to find out. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
The Desire Exchange offers a world of pleasure, sensuality, desire and very erotic sex. There is a hint of a supernatural twist in a place that seems all to real. Well I would want this to be real. Come on we would all do this if it was an real option and probably wouldn't get caught. I really like the humor in the novel as well. One blurb I never thought I would have ever read and had me reading over and over with laughter and turn on, " You're free to put a bullet in me if you'd like, and after it comes out the other side of me like a flattened quarter, I'll even let you have it back so you can make a necklace out of it. If you want, I'll even pretend the whole thing hurts a little. But only if it'll make your nipples hard." See makes you want to run and get a copy of this book.
I received this novel earlier because I was in a snowy situation for an honest review. This is my honest review. You will not be disappointed by Christopher Rice's new world. I am so looking forward to Christopher's continuation of the world of The Desire Exchange in "Kiss the Flame."
The Flame, a novella that started this new world of awakening passion and delivering desire to go beyond the limits we place on each other. This new world gives shocks and twist I want to believe in. The stories of the "Feu de Coeur" a world that delivers an awakening of senses and sensuality brings the characters and readers to their knees. The world continues in "The Surrender Gate".
Emily Blaine is a restaurant manager and MBA graduate who opens the story with following her best friend who is hiding a secret. Jonathan Claiborne is the "gay" best friend and counterpart to Emily. They have grown up together and share life's ups and downs. Emily finds out what the secret Jonathan is hiding and puts herself in a peril situation that starts trouble for her and her best friend. A dirty and corrupt politician George Dugas that Jonathan is "working" for exhibits his sly strength to put Emily and Jonathan in a situation that Emily has longed for and shocks the other.
Emily is set to inherit a mass fortune from Arthur Benoit. She has been enlisted by Arthur to locate his son who disappeared a decade before. George Dugas believes he knows the location of the missing. Then Dugas offers the world of The Desire Exchange to Emily and Jonathan to find Benoit's long lost son. Immediately a new world and status is set up for Emily and Jonathan with new names and new twist. Enter the remarkable Marcus Dylan, a beautiful man who instantly stirs the folds of Emily's nether mound and causes doubt of what she ever believed in. All the twists and turns that happen next, you need to pick up the amazing novel to find out. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
The Desire Exchange offers a world of pleasure, sensuality, desire and very erotic sex. There is a hint of a supernatural twist in a place that seems all to real. Well I would want this to be real. Come on we would all do this if it was an real option and probably wouldn't get caught. I really like the humor in the novel as well. One blurb I never thought I would have ever read and had me reading over and over with laughter and turn on, " You're free to put a bullet in me if you'd like, and after it comes out the other side of me like a flattened quarter, I'll even let you have it back so you can make a necklace out of it. If you want, I'll even pretend the whole thing hurts a little. But only if it'll make your nipples hard." See makes you want to run and get a copy of this book.
I received this novel earlier because I was in a snowy situation for an honest review. This is my honest review. You will not be disappointed by Christopher Rice's new world. I am so looking forward to Christopher's continuation of the world of The Desire Exchange in "Kiss the Flame."
December 18, 2015
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars.
I bought this one on kindle as it was 99c and even though I have never really clicked with Christopher's writing, I am a fan of him as a person (well the projection of him on Facebook anyway and I love the interchange between Christopher and his Mum, Anne Rice. What a marvelous relationship they have!). I was also keen to read erotica from a male POV.
On the plus side, this was a really quick read, not because it is particularly short but because of the way it was written, chapter length and all that technical stuff that I really am not qualified to comment on. So from a layperson - it was an easy read :-).
On the negative side (and I am purely commenting as a reader based on MY personal tastes here so save the bagging please - I love Chris too :-)),
* I didn't really like the characters at all. Superficial, money grabbing and worst of all - inconsistent....just when I think I have a character pegged, they go and do something out of character. I hated the lead female. There. I said it. Character development was weird and felt forced.
* Unbelievable story. I am not talking about the supernatural element here as that is probably the most realistic bit. Firstly, she falls in love up with a guy (in less than a day or two of meeting him) who has a track record with hooking up with his clients and doesn't question (especially as an heiress) whether he has an ulterior motive now she is super rich. The over the top coincidences such as her friend has a client who is probably one of the few people in the world who knows how to get into the desire exchange. The lost son story line - let us not go there especially the bit about the monster father who we are all happy to get his money. I didn't believe the motivation of a single character and that really bothered me. I want a clever storyline and Mr Rice as a thriller writer should have nailed that part of it. It is a missed opportunity and I was really excited by someone bringing that storyline plotting into an erotica book.
*Lastly, this is borderline erotica. There were so many missed opportunities when you snuggle into the couch hoping no one can read over your shoulder because a good bit is coming up, and then it either is glossed over or never actually happens. So many missed opportunities! Ahhhh. They should have reached the desire exchange much sooner (the middle of the book was quite slow and painful and I know it was to set up the relationship between the chick and the guy (forgot their names already), but that was never going to feel real given their backgrounds in that short time frame. Once they got to the desire exchange - that should have been very very padded out :-) :-) :-O. The first woman's story was over before it even started and even though I get the sweetness of the lead chick's "true" desire.....it was rather boring.
The desire exchange is a great concept, especially bringing in that supernatural element, but this is predominantly a miss for me, yet with a frustrated feeling of "this could have been sooooo good".
I bought this one on kindle as it was 99c and even though I have never really clicked with Christopher's writing, I am a fan of him as a person (well the projection of him on Facebook anyway and I love the interchange between Christopher and his Mum, Anne Rice. What a marvelous relationship they have!). I was also keen to read erotica from a male POV.
On the plus side, this was a really quick read, not because it is particularly short but because of the way it was written, chapter length and all that technical stuff that I really am not qualified to comment on. So from a layperson - it was an easy read :-).
On the negative side (and I am purely commenting as a reader based on MY personal tastes here so save the bagging please - I love Chris too :-)),
* I didn't really like the characters at all. Superficial, money grabbing and worst of all - inconsistent....just when I think I have a character pegged, they go and do something out of character. I hated the lead female. There. I said it. Character development was weird and felt forced.
* Unbelievable story. I am not talking about the supernatural element here as that is probably the most realistic bit. Firstly, she falls in love up with a guy (in less than a day or two of meeting him) who has a track record with hooking up with his clients and doesn't question (especially as an heiress) whether he has an ulterior motive now she is super rich. The over the top coincidences such as her friend has a client who is probably one of the few people in the world who knows how to get into the desire exchange. The lost son story line - let us not go there especially the bit about the monster father who we are all happy to get his money. I didn't believe the motivation of a single character and that really bothered me. I want a clever storyline and Mr Rice as a thriller writer should have nailed that part of it. It is a missed opportunity and I was really excited by someone bringing that storyline plotting into an erotica book.
*Lastly, this is borderline erotica. There were so many missed opportunities when you snuggle into the couch hoping no one can read over your shoulder because a good bit is coming up, and then it either is glossed over or never actually happens. So many missed opportunities! Ahhhh. They should have reached the desire exchange much sooner (the middle of the book was quite slow and painful and I know it was to set up the relationship between the chick and the guy (forgot their names already), but that was never going to feel real given their backgrounds in that short time frame. Once they got to the desire exchange - that should have been very very padded out :-) :-) :-O. The first woman's story was over before it even started and even though I get the sweetness of the lead chick's "true" desire.....it was rather boring.
The desire exchange is a great concept, especially bringing in that supernatural element, but this is predominantly a miss for me, yet with a frustrated feeling of "this could have been sooooo good".
June 14, 2015
THE SURRENDER GATE welcomes the reader into a magical place of lust, love, fantasies and desires, a place that I never want to leave.
Set to become one of the wealthiest women in New Orleans, Emily Blaine would trade it all if only her father-figure/benefactor Arthur Benoit wasn't dying. He's asked her only for one thing...to find his only son Ryan and deliver a deathbed letter to him. The only lead she has is a whispered name of a secret sex club...cult...place...EXPERIENCE...The Desire Exchange. But following the trail of this group is proving to be more difficult than she can manage without help, and Arthur agrees to allow her best friend Jonathan Claiborne to accompany her, but he also sends a private security expert, former Navy SEAL Marcus Dylan. The trials that Emily must go through to deliver on her promise to Arthur take her beyond her wildest fantasies and into uncharted waters, all three of them hoping to make it out alive.
I had the pleasure of reading The Flame, a novella in The Desire Exchange series by the uber talented Mr. Rice, and this first full length offering, THE SURRENDER GATE, is just as phenomenal. The writing just swirls around you like a living thing, making you FEEL it rather than just READ it. There are so many facets to this story, between the strangely sensual bond between Emily and Jonathan to the protective possessiveness Marcus feels for Emily or the unbridled lust that Jonathan feels for Ryan. I couldn't pick just one thing to grab onto in this book, every delicious bit of it offered me a new flavor to chew on for awhile, making the overall read a delectable experience.
The sexual encounters of all of the MC's were so erotic yet tasteful and sensual, a feat that takes a whole lot of skill and is rarely done so damn well. The otherworldly feel of the entire story took that paranormal side of the novel and turned it into more of a magical thing--beautiful instead of strange, stunning instead of unusual. I absolutely can not wait for more out of Mr. Rice and The Desire Exchange series, as it's truly a gift to lovers of erotic romance.
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
Set to become one of the wealthiest women in New Orleans, Emily Blaine would trade it all if only her father-figure/benefactor Arthur Benoit wasn't dying. He's asked her only for one thing...to find his only son Ryan and deliver a deathbed letter to him. The only lead she has is a whispered name of a secret sex club...cult...place...EXPERIENCE...The Desire Exchange. But following the trail of this group is proving to be more difficult than she can manage without help, and Arthur agrees to allow her best friend Jonathan Claiborne to accompany her, but he also sends a private security expert, former Navy SEAL Marcus Dylan. The trials that Emily must go through to deliver on her promise to Arthur take her beyond her wildest fantasies and into uncharted waters, all three of them hoping to make it out alive.
I had the pleasure of reading The Flame, a novella in The Desire Exchange series by the uber talented Mr. Rice, and this first full length offering, THE SURRENDER GATE, is just as phenomenal. The writing just swirls around you like a living thing, making you FEEL it rather than just READ it. There are so many facets to this story, between the strangely sensual bond between Emily and Jonathan to the protective possessiveness Marcus feels for Emily or the unbridled lust that Jonathan feels for Ryan. I couldn't pick just one thing to grab onto in this book, every delicious bit of it offered me a new flavor to chew on for awhile, making the overall read a delectable experience.
The sexual encounters of all of the MC's were so erotic yet tasteful and sensual, a feat that takes a whole lot of skill and is rarely done so damn well. The otherworldly feel of the entire story took that paranormal side of the novel and turned it into more of a magical thing--beautiful instead of strange, stunning instead of unusual. I absolutely can not wait for more out of Mr. Rice and The Desire Exchange series, as it's truly a gift to lovers of erotic romance.
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
February 27, 2015
After reading the blurb, I was intrigued. This is my first foray into the paranormal genre and I absolutely loved it! Emily Blaine's life is going to change, that may be the understatement of the year. Emily will be inheriting Arthur Benoit's estate. In order for her to feel worthy of receiving the enormous inheritance, Emily assists Arthur with contacting his long-lost son. After Emily literally falls into the middle of her friend Jonathon's date with George Dugas, their adventure begins.
Emily is a strong woman who thinks too much because she was raised to fear the world. Jonathon also suffers from what had occurred in his past. They are best friends, however they had confused their feelings for each other for something more. When Marcus Dylan is assigned to Emily to keep her safe, she discovers Marcus offers more than just safety. While on their quest to find Ryan Benoit (Arthur's son), they experience an encounter at the Desire Exchange. The Desire Exchange provides a mind opening, magical experience.
'The Surrender Gate' is an erotic, suspense-filled romance with a sensual touch of paranormal. I enjoyed how the relationships evolved. They have complicated pasts that give depth to their character. We follow Emily's story of self-discovery and acceptance while on a mission to reunite a father and son. She is joined by Jonathon, who is her safety net, and Marcus who draws her out. In the end it's the Desire Exchange assists in revealing Emily's truth. The journey isn't over yet! There are still many unanswered questions. I'm hooked!
For more romance reviews: http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Join me on facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ReadingKeeps...
Tweet me: @ReadKeepsMeSane
Emily is a strong woman who thinks too much because she was raised to fear the world. Jonathon also suffers from what had occurred in his past. They are best friends, however they had confused their feelings for each other for something more. When Marcus Dylan is assigned to Emily to keep her safe, she discovers Marcus offers more than just safety. While on their quest to find Ryan Benoit (Arthur's son), they experience an encounter at the Desire Exchange. The Desire Exchange provides a mind opening, magical experience.
'The Surrender Gate' is an erotic, suspense-filled romance with a sensual touch of paranormal. I enjoyed how the relationships evolved. They have complicated pasts that give depth to their character. We follow Emily's story of self-discovery and acceptance while on a mission to reunite a father and son. She is joined by Jonathon, who is her safety net, and Marcus who draws her out. In the end it's the Desire Exchange assists in revealing Emily's truth. The journey isn't over yet! There are still many unanswered questions. I'm hooked!
For more romance reviews: http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Join me on facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ReadingKeeps...
Tweet me: @ReadKeepsMeSane
February 26, 2015
The Surrender Gate is more a mystery suspense novel than it is erotica and romance. Emily Blaine was going to inherit Arthur Benoit's vast fortune upon his death and that would be sooner rather than later since he is apparently terminal. However, he does have one last request for Emily, that she find his long lost son and give him a letter for him. Because Emily is so very grateful for this man, who gave her dad a second chance and in turn, Emily a more stable childhood she couldn't turn him down. The inheritance was more of a burden for her and to actually be able to do something for Arthur makes it more worthwhile. She enlist the help of her bestfriend, Jonathan, who happens to be a male escort. Jonathan loves Emily and will help her find Ryan, Arthur's son. Unfortunately, the way she goes about asking for help was literally dropping on him while he was entertaining one of his clients. And this is where everything begins.
The Surrender Gate was surprisingly not what I expected, the plot point screams erotica, what with a title like that. The thing its actually the whole adventure of finding Ryan and being led on to this chase that is very mysterious and magical. Although everything centers around sexual fantasies, the novel is actually a bit more romantic in approach. The characters were all good with a strong female person in Emily and a sweet hero in Marcus and a sassy but sexy sidekick in Jonathan. As an erotica its quite tame but as a gripping romantic mystery it really is quite good.
*ARC provided by the publisher*
The Surrender Gate was surprisingly not what I expected, the plot point screams erotica, what with a title like that. The thing its actually the whole adventure of finding Ryan and being led on to this chase that is very mysterious and magical. Although everything centers around sexual fantasies, the novel is actually a bit more romantic in approach. The characters were all good with a strong female person in Emily and a sweet hero in Marcus and a sassy but sexy sidekick in Jonathan. As an erotica its quite tame but as a gripping romantic mystery it really is quite good.
*ARC provided by the publisher*
May 24, 2015
Well, hell.
I met Christopher at RT this year, and the guy is a gem - for real, total sweetheart. But if I'm being honest here, and I am, the synopsis for The Surrender Gate is going to be much longer than my review for it.
The Surrender Gate starts off pretty promising, as Erotica's go. The first sex scene happens some thirty pages in and it is DIRTY. Just how I like 'em in my erotica. I even sold it to another blogger by telling her one particular detail of said sex scene. It's not something you read often in books and fuck was it hot in all the secret fantasy type ways.
Secret fantasies is pretty much what The Surrender Gate is all about, a secret society - The Desire Exchange - takes people willing to pay the price and makes that fantasy come to life. Sounds yummy, right?
Here's the catch....
There is a shocking LACK of erotica in this erotica. When it does finally happen again, after that first delicious taste, it's tinged in this strange paranormalish curtain and I just didn't understand it. I couldn't get behind it.
There was one thing that kept me going. The humor. The witty banter between Emily and Marcus and even Emily and Jonathon, was great. I loved that part of The Surrender Gate. I was just really confused by so much of the rest of it.
I think Rice has a strong voice and will find his place in the literary world, but maybe not with this book.
I met Christopher at RT this year, and the guy is a gem - for real, total sweetheart. But if I'm being honest here, and I am, the synopsis for The Surrender Gate is going to be much longer than my review for it.
The Surrender Gate starts off pretty promising, as Erotica's go. The first sex scene happens some thirty pages in and it is DIRTY. Just how I like 'em in my erotica. I even sold it to another blogger by telling her one particular detail of said sex scene. It's not something you read often in books and fuck was it hot in all the secret fantasy type ways.
Secret fantasies is pretty much what The Surrender Gate is all about, a secret society - The Desire Exchange - takes people willing to pay the price and makes that fantasy come to life. Sounds yummy, right?
Here's the catch....
There is a shocking LACK of erotica in this erotica. When it does finally happen again, after that first delicious taste, it's tinged in this strange paranormalish curtain and I just didn't understand it. I couldn't get behind it.
There was one thing that kept me going. The humor. The witty banter between Emily and Marcus and even Emily and Jonathon, was great. I loved that part of The Surrender Gate. I was just really confused by so much of the rest of it.
I think Rice has a strong voice and will find his place in the literary world, but maybe not with this book.
February 3, 2015
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
REVIEW:
Emily is a girl on a mission. Two mission: One to find out what the heck her best friend is up to when he leaves her. But what she finds is not exactly what she expected. And her time as a spy is interrupted with a crash though a skylight. And the second is to find the long lost son of her dad’s best friend. But in order to do that Emily is going to have to cross boundaries she has only ever dreamed of crossing.
I am a little on the fence about this story. It started off very interesting and then trailed off for me a bit then picked up again at the end. I enjoyed reading Emily’s journey into desire and her fantasies. But there was just a little something missing for me in this story. Mr. Rice has another Desire Exchange novella coming out later in the year, I look forward to reading it.
If you are looking for a hot steamy read that will take you on a journey of finding your hearts desire and making fantasy become reality. You should pick up a copy of The Surrender Gate.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
REVIEW:
Emily is a girl on a mission. Two mission: One to find out what the heck her best friend is up to when he leaves her. But what she finds is not exactly what she expected. And her time as a spy is interrupted with a crash though a skylight. And the second is to find the long lost son of her dad’s best friend. But in order to do that Emily is going to have to cross boundaries she has only ever dreamed of crossing.
I am a little on the fence about this story. It started off very interesting and then trailed off for me a bit then picked up again at the end. I enjoyed reading Emily’s journey into desire and her fantasies. But there was just a little something missing for me in this story. Mr. Rice has another Desire Exchange novella coming out later in the year, I look forward to reading it.
If you are looking for a hot steamy read that will take you on a journey of finding your hearts desire and making fantasy become reality. You should pick up a copy of The Surrender Gate.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
February 21, 2015
Chris' latest work is an absolutely wonderful tale of fear, and how it can hinder your ability to find, and accept, love. He uses unconventional choices in the story, which kept me on the edge of my seat until there was nothing left to read. as a writer I admire his ability to take rules of erotic romance and splice them with his own, creating a story that doesn't allow you to predict the outcome. The paranormal elements are strong, but they don't command the story. They're more of an undertone, masterfully employed to enhance the story...instead of overwhelming it. The true focus is the journey of the characters, and Chris did a beautiful job of drawing me into their dizzying world. I will definitely be reading it, again!
February 7, 2017
Why I didn't give the book 5 stars: Marcus’s point of view doesn’t show up until page 112. Before that it was mostly all Emily’s POV and the book was easy to put down (it was kind of slow, but interesting enough for me to keep reading). And the paranormal/magic portion was kind of meh. It's not really explained, but then it is the beginning of the series, so maybe it will be later.
Why I didn't give the book 3 stars: Marcus! Once I was able to see into his head, I wanted to keep reading. I would have loved for him to have shown up a little bit earlier, like maybe the first time he noticed Emily. Certainly would have perked up those first hundred pages.
It’s not all that erotic (although some people have labeled it such), just sexy. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
Why I didn't give the book 3 stars: Marcus! Once I was able to see into his head, I wanted to keep reading. I would have loved for him to have shown up a little bit earlier, like maybe the first time he noticed Emily. Certainly would have perked up those first hundred pages.
It’s not all that erotic (although some people have labeled it such), just sexy. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
June 3, 2016
Sometimes a writer and reader have a disconnect. That's the case with me and books by Christopher Rice (maybe this is a different Christopher Rice?). I've read 3 books by an author with this name--finishing only one. I came back again because the book blurb was appealing. Then I started reading and lost interest. Surrender Gate is part magic, supposedly erotic and romantic. I purchased both the ebook and audiobook. But none of it worked for me. I did not like it. I thought the narrator was awful and found reading preferable to listening but finishing this book was challenging and the ending flat.
May 27, 2015
I'm a fan of Rice's work... and I admit that I was a touch hesitant to venture into his "romantic" work... but I'm very glad I did. I fell in love with Emily and Jonathan immediately... their essence seemed to jump off the page at me so that I was experiencing their journey rather than simply reading about it. The rest of the characters in the book are just as fun. It was the mystery that originally drew me but what surprised me the most was the mystical aspects- very vivid. (I don't want to give anything away so I leave it at that.).
December 9, 2015
This novel was great. It was not as cheesy as some erotica out there and there is a riveting and page turning story in this novel, not just sex for sex's sake.
I am a huge fan of Mr. Rice, and was unsure how I felt about him branching into erotica, but I was pleasantly surprised as just how well it is done. He still has that raw, gritty style that he is known for in his other novels, a style I love. He develops characters well and he is able to move the story along at a pace that makes sense and never drags.
I highly recommend this novel.
I am a huge fan of Mr. Rice, and was unsure how I felt about him branching into erotica, but I was pleasantly surprised as just how well it is done. He still has that raw, gritty style that he is known for in his other novels, a style I love. He develops characters well and he is able to move the story along at a pace that makes sense and never drags.
I highly recommend this novel.
August 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this imaginative trip into a sensual universe of questions and answers, where sexual abandon leads to self-knowledge. I'm always on the search for erotica that is imaginative and fresh and it was a delight to find that here! (Plus it's a romance. I would've been fine with it being just a woman's discovery of the truths inside herself but I get why people want Romance with a capital R also!) I want to know more about the secret paranormal world we only really get glimpses of here, and I hope there will be more books in the series to fill that out.
February 6, 2017
Interesting storyline, and loved the dark, mysterious setting of New Orleans. People with big bucks can turn them over to a "witch" who uncovers their secret fantasies and make them come true.
February 11, 2015
I think Christopher Rice has found his comfort zone. It was very well done, a page turner a must read!!! I could not put it down until I read the last page of this beautiful written book. I loved the character's Jonathan and Miss Blaine. They were well developed, interesting,written for today's generation.
October 27, 2015
I have found a new favorite Author
I picked this book up after it was referred to me by another one of my favorite authors ( Lorelei James) and I'm so glad I listened, I absolutely love the writing, the story, and the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more books from the series. Keep up the good work, I loved it.
I picked this book up after it was referred to me by another one of my favorite authors ( Lorelei James) and I'm so glad I listened, I absolutely love the writing, the story, and the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more books from the series. Keep up the good work, I loved it.
January 13, 2016
Great story
I just loved this story. Jonathan was a second character but he was great, he was funny and lightened the mood when it got serious and some of those phrases he came up with had me laughing. I've read the others in this series and they were great also hated for it to be over. I just hope it continues. Marcus and Emily just complimented each other.
I just loved this story. Jonathan was a second character but he was great, he was funny and lightened the mood when it got serious and some of those phrases he came up with had me laughing. I've read the others in this series and they were great also hated for it to be over. I just hope it continues. Marcus and Emily just complimented each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews