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Asking for It #1
Asking for It
“This is who I am. This is what I want. Now I need a man dangerous enough to give it to me.”
Graduate student Vivienne Charles is afraid of her own desires—ashamed to admit that she fantasizes about being taken by force, by a man who will claim her completely and without mercy. When the magnetic, mysterious Jonah Marks learns her secret, he makes an offer that stuns her: they will remain near-strangers to each other, and meet in secret so that he can fulfill her fantasy.
Their arrangement is twisted. The sex is incredible. And—despite their attempts to stay apart—soon their emotions are bound together as tightly as the rope around Vivienne’s wrists. But the secrets in their pasts threaten to turn their affair even darker...
Reader Advisory: Asking for It deals explicitly with fantasies of non-consensual sex. Readers sensitive to portrayals of non-consensual sex should be advised.
Graduate student Vivienne Charles is afraid of her own desires—ashamed to admit that she fantasizes about being taken by force, by a man who will claim her completely and without mercy. When the magnetic, mysterious Jonah Marks learns her secret, he makes an offer that stuns her: they will remain near-strangers to each other, and meet in secret so that he can fulfill her fantasy.
Their arrangement is twisted. The sex is incredible. And—despite their attempts to stay apart—soon their emotions are bound together as tightly as the rope around Vivienne’s wrists. But the secrets in their pasts threaten to turn their affair even darker...
Reader Advisory: Asking for It deals explicitly with fantasies of non-consensual sex. Readers sensitive to portrayals of non-consensual sex should be advised.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
409 people are currently reading
11530 people want to read
About the author
Lilah Pace
5 books531 followersLilah Pace is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author, so she can’t give away too much about herself here, but she has lived everywhere from Italy to the United Kingdom before putting down roots in the American South.
She’s addicted to Diet Coke, loves her dog, and daydreams about several British movie stars (though usually no more than two at a time).
And while it took her a long while to get up the courage to write books, now she hopes she’ll never stop.
She’s addicted to Diet Coke, loves her dog, and daydreams about several British movie stars (though usually no more than two at a time).
And while it took her a long while to get up the courage to write books, now she hopes she’ll never stop.
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May 25, 2015
4 stars. Full review posted May 25, 2015
"I could back you into that alleyway," he whispers. "Just a few feet away. Five steps and we'd be in the dark, where nobody could see you, and nobody could stop me."
"I'd scream."
Jonah's eyes darken. He likes it when I play along. "I wouldn't let you," he says, as two of his fingers slide up to cover my lips. "I could cover your mouth while I pinned you against the wall. That would leave me one hand free. So I could reach up under that little dress of yours. Pull your panties down."
It's dark when Vivienne's car breaks down with a blown tire. Changing the tire proves to be a challenge and when a dark and slightly dangerous stranger offers his help, she doesn't decline his assistance even though he makes her nervous. After the deed is done, he sends her off with the words…
"You should be more careful who you trust."
At a friends' party, Vivienne meets the stranger again. His name is Jonah Marks and he's a professor of seismology and volcanology. Vivienne's ex-boyfriend (who is actually a very nice guy) is gracing the party with his drunk presence and, while inadvertently spilling Vivienne's kinky fantasies, the embarrassing faux-pas encourages Jonah to make her a tempting offer.
"I want to tell you this now--tonight, while you're safe, and with your friends, and you know I'm not threatening you. What your ex said--if that's the fantasy you want, I can give it to you."
After the first shock wears off, Vivienne starts to think hard. Jonah even suggests to work out some details for her safety and to start slow in order to not overwhelm her or scare her off. Still, Vivienne dismisses Jonah. Though that little kinky seed has been sown and she can't stop thinking of him and their mutual fantasy. Of course she has to give in eventually. Vivienne contacts Jonah and they work out an agreement. But, what happens when the two strangers who happen to feed off of each other's rape fantasy seem to develop feelings that go beyond that detached agreement? How can they transcend from kinky and messed up games to a relationship, given the fact that both of them have a complex background with dysfunctional families and secrets to hide?
Friendly heads-up
Asking for It can't answer every question and, to be honest, I curse all those damn cliffhangers. I won't deny it, that cliffie here left me hanging yet at the same time I'm feeling terribly antsy to read the sequel Begging for It asap. There I checked out the blurb of Begging for It and I'm really hoping that
You shouldn't go into the story with wrong expectations. Asking for It is nothing like Willing Victim. It's different in the sense that the psychological angle is much more pronounced in Asking for It. Besides, the hero isn't a fighter. Asking for It is not set against a backdrop of a sweaty boxing ring either. No sports-themed kink can be found here but it's very good nonetheless. Jonah, the man, as well as his profession as a professor of seismology and volcanology are a treat. There's no denying it, dressed and especially undressed, Jonah cut a fine figure. And while Willing Victim was kind of a fun read, sprinkled with some great dirty talk, Asking for It is kind of somber and a bit oppressing. However, I don't know if 'dark' would be an appropriate word to describe the story. It's definitely not a lighthearted read because the subject matter is harder to digest.
Also, don't expect a romance either. Though, according to the blurb of Begging for It, it's obvious that Jonah's and Vivienne's kinky agreement will turn into love in the sequel. So I strongly assume that the author will incorporate some elements of romance throughout the sequel.
The rape fantasy, the sex in general and Vivienne's psychological issues were front and center in this first installment. But I do associate romance with intimacy. And while I knew I wouldn't be reading a romance, I'm hoping that my need and hunger for something more intimate, more heartfelt and profound will be assuaged in Begging for It.
How can anyone be this close and yet this distant?
I understand that some readers will be feeling uncomfortable reading this story. It's kinky. The sex is rough and, partially, violent. The rape fantasy is not for everyone but I say whatever floats their boat and all that, provided it's consensual.
A consensual rape fantasy doesn't bother me per se. But, there was something that made me feel uncomfortable. There was just something off about it but the more I read, the better the puzzle pieces fit. When Yet I stand corrected. There actually are I sure wasn't aware of that interesting information.
Another issue I had was that both main protagonists It was a little too easy, a little too neat. Maybe? Regardless, I could overlook that problem because the author really captured my attention, both through her good writing and the characterization of the main couple. While I did need a few percentages to get into the story, my interest was peaked from the beginning and it was well-written and engaging until the very last page. And, let's not forget that it's not over yet. The darkness that cloaks the somewhat mysterious character of Jonah has yet to be fully revealed in Begging for It. As I saw it, the author only scratched the surface of Jonah's messy background and personality.
It doesn't happen all that often that a new-to-me author manages to gain my attention. After all, I feel a tiny bit jaded after having eaten (or better yet, after having abandoned) the same flavored and stale books week after week. I will admit that I would have loved a little less smexin' and a little more story. But, I just know there will be more. Even though I actually dislike serials, I shall be rewarded with the sequel Begging for It. Like I said already, I beg to get my hands on that sequel. I, for one, can't wait to see what kind of craziness the author will unravel in the next installment.
Recommended read.
**************************************************
As a side note
I'm adding the links to my first two updates for the publisher because, unfortunately, they are linked to the paperback edition. I'm reviewing the kindle edition.
First update
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
Second update
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
It's very confusing and annoying that readers can't change the edition of a book after adding a preview (or after having shelved both editions).
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Berkley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
"I could back you into that alleyway," he whispers. "Just a few feet away. Five steps and we'd be in the dark, where nobody could see you, and nobody could stop me."
"I'd scream."
Jonah's eyes darken. He likes it when I play along. "I wouldn't let you," he says, as two of his fingers slide up to cover my lips. "I could cover your mouth while I pinned you against the wall. That would leave me one hand free. So I could reach up under that little dress of yours. Pull your panties down."
It's dark when Vivienne's car breaks down with a blown tire. Changing the tire proves to be a challenge and when a dark and slightly dangerous stranger offers his help, she doesn't decline his assistance even though he makes her nervous. After the deed is done, he sends her off with the words…
"You should be more careful who you trust."
At a friends' party, Vivienne meets the stranger again. His name is Jonah Marks and he's a professor of seismology and volcanology. Vivienne's ex-boyfriend (who is actually a very nice guy) is gracing the party with his drunk presence and, while inadvertently spilling Vivienne's kinky fantasies, the embarrassing faux-pas encourages Jonah to make her a tempting offer.
"I want to tell you this now--tonight, while you're safe, and with your friends, and you know I'm not threatening you. What your ex said--if that's the fantasy you want, I can give it to you."
After the first shock wears off, Vivienne starts to think hard. Jonah even suggests to work out some details for her safety and to start slow in order to not overwhelm her or scare her off. Still, Vivienne dismisses Jonah. Though that little kinky seed has been sown and she can't stop thinking of him and their mutual fantasy. Of course she has to give in eventually. Vivienne contacts Jonah and they work out an agreement. But, what happens when the two strangers who happen to feed off of each other's rape fantasy seem to develop feelings that go beyond that detached agreement? How can they transcend from kinky and messed up games to a relationship, given the fact that both of them have a complex background with dysfunctional families and secrets to hide?
Friendly heads-up
Asking for It can't answer every question and, to be honest, I curse all those damn cliffhangers. I won't deny it, that cliffie here left me hanging yet at the same time I'm feeling terribly antsy to read the sequel Begging for It asap. There I checked out the blurb of Begging for It and I'm really hoping that
You shouldn't go into the story with wrong expectations. Asking for It is nothing like Willing Victim. It's different in the sense that the psychological angle is much more pronounced in Asking for It. Besides, the hero isn't a fighter. Asking for It is not set against a backdrop of a sweaty boxing ring either. No sports-themed kink can be found here but it's very good nonetheless. Jonah, the man, as well as his profession as a professor of seismology and volcanology are a treat. There's no denying it, dressed and especially undressed, Jonah cut a fine figure. And while Willing Victim was kind of a fun read, sprinkled with some great dirty talk, Asking for It is kind of somber and a bit oppressing. However, I don't know if 'dark' would be an appropriate word to describe the story. It's definitely not a lighthearted read because the subject matter is harder to digest.
Also, don't expect a romance either. Though, according to the blurb of Begging for It, it's obvious that Jonah's and Vivienne's kinky agreement will turn into love in the sequel. So I strongly assume that the author will incorporate some elements of romance throughout the sequel.
The rape fantasy, the sex in general and Vivienne's psychological issues were front and center in this first installment. But I do associate romance with intimacy. And while I knew I wouldn't be reading a romance, I'm hoping that my need and hunger for something more intimate, more heartfelt and profound will be assuaged in Begging for It.
How can anyone be this close and yet this distant?
I understand that some readers will be feeling uncomfortable reading this story. It's kinky. The sex is rough and, partially, violent. The rape fantasy is not for everyone but I say whatever floats their boat and all that, provided it's consensual.
A consensual rape fantasy doesn't bother me per se. But, there was something that made me feel uncomfortable. There was just something off about it but the more I read, the better the puzzle pieces fit. When Yet I stand corrected. There actually are I sure wasn't aware of that interesting information.
Another issue I had was that both main protagonists It was a little too easy, a little too neat. Maybe? Regardless, I could overlook that problem because the author really captured my attention, both through her good writing and the characterization of the main couple. While I did need a few percentages to get into the story, my interest was peaked from the beginning and it was well-written and engaging until the very last page. And, let's not forget that it's not over yet. The darkness that cloaks the somewhat mysterious character of Jonah has yet to be fully revealed in Begging for It. As I saw it, the author only scratched the surface of Jonah's messy background and personality.
It doesn't happen all that often that a new-to-me author manages to gain my attention. After all, I feel a tiny bit jaded after having eaten (or better yet, after having abandoned) the same flavored and stale books week after week. I will admit that I would have loved a little less smexin' and a little more story. But, I just know there will be more. Even though I actually dislike serials, I shall be rewarded with the sequel Begging for It. Like I said already, I beg to get my hands on that sequel. I, for one, can't wait to see what kind of craziness the author will unravel in the next installment.
"Maybe we get better at this over time."
"Knowing people? Or loving them?"
"Both." His hand covers mine, and we fall into a comfortable silence.
Recommended read.
**************************************************
As a side note
I'm adding the links to my first two updates for the publisher because, unfortunately, they are linked to the paperback edition. I'm reviewing the kindle edition.
First update
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
Second update
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
It's very confusing and annoying that readers can't change the edition of a book after adding a preview (or after having shelved both editions).
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Berkley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
Thought provoking, evocative, erotic, and unlike anything I've ever read before. I am absolutely blown away by this book. I didn't know quite what to expect when I began reading it, but I never envisioned something like this. Aside from anything else, this book will make you think. It will take every line your mind never had thought to have crossed and burn them in one erotic blaze. Do not take the warning in this book lightly, because it's everything that it talks about. This is not a subject matter that will be for everyone. But if you're unsure whether you want to read it? I say dive in without a backwards glance because it will be one of the most unique books you'd ever have read. That much I can guarantee.
If you've read Willing Victim and/or Debt and wondering if this book is anything like that? The answer is a resounding no. The heroine is not bored with her sex life and looking to spice things up with one night of something rougher; she craves the darker fantasy with every fiber of her being. The heroine is also not one that's introduced to the rougher edge by the hero; they both equally crave it. And most importantly, at the core of this story it's not quite a romance....yet. It's definitely erotic with a slow building undercurrent of romance that floats right under the surface but never quite breaches it. I'm assuming the romance aspect we'll get in Begging for It.
Vivienne Charles is twenty-five year old graduate student at the UT Austin School of Art and a teaching assistant. She's also an artist that creates unique drawings. She's a regular woman, with regular friends, and regular boyfriends. But beneath all that is a woman that craves something darker. Something that she equal parts needs and brings her shame. Unable to orgasm with any of her previous boyfriends unless she fantasizes about being taken forcefully, bent to someone else's will and completely owned, Vivienne recognizes that what she needs during sex is anything but conventional. In therapy for many years because she understands the root of her desire, she's attempting to deal with it. But that doesn't mean that she can turn it off that easily. She just never thought she'd meet a man that could deliver them...
When she gets a flat tire driving home late one evening, a stranger that pulls over on the side of the road is able to induce the kind of reaction from her that her boyfriends never could with just his stare. Equally terrified of him and drawn to him, she never expects to see him again after he drives off once he's helped her. Little does she know that she'll soon not only meet him but find that he's been closer to her than she's ever known.
At a friend's party, Vivienne comes face to face with Jonah Marks; the same man that she's been fantasizing being taken forcefully by on the side of that road. Jonah is a research professor of Volcanology at the same university Vivienne attends. He's also quiet, mysterious and still manages to evoke the same reaction from her if not even stronger one. When Jonah overhears her boyfriend disclose her most private sexual desires, the last thing that she expects is for him to make her an offer that she's both been fantasizing about and terrified of.
What soon begins is the acting out of a mutual and consensual fantasy. A fantasy that they both crave but for very different reasons.
The author doesn't dance around the provocative subject of rape fantasies. She throws you right into the deep end and she does it flawlessly. The story is told only in Vivienne's POV while Jonah remains the enigmatic mystery that he is for most of the book. The only pieces you get of him is what Vivienne does, so you get to experience everything along with her. It truly allows the reader to get inside the heroine's head and get the full effect. You get this sense of 'it sounds like it should be wrong but it's oh so hot at the same time'. Knowing as little as you do about Jonah really makes that line between fear and arousal all that much bolder.
This is very much a slow burn. It's erotic, that's for damn sure. There's also the potential for romance that sizzles right under the surface but it never comes out. I appreciate that the author did that because it really allows the reader to get to know the characters and truly get what makes them tick. Adding any clear element of romance into this book would have ruined the effect. It wouldn't have fit.
I loved Lilah Pace's writing style. That would made this book as provocative as it was. Although everything that goes on is very much consensual, she's also able to weave in that little bit of an edge. You feel the struggle that Vivienne has with craving what she does and her shame of it. You also get to feel her question whether or not she should fear it. It was brilliantly handled.
I loved the depth that both of these characters had. Though they have one thing in common, their reasons for it are very different. I never expected this book to be quite as deep as it was. (no pun intended). It's not thoughtless smut and acting out a dark and kinky fantasy. It's so so much more.
You know how sometimes you read a book and you really don't see how it couldn't just be one longer one? Or that the cliffhanger that was thrown in was done for pure shock value alone? This book is neither of those things. If ever there was a story that needed to be told in two parts, this is it. I can appreciate that the reader needs that clear division of getting to know the characters and then getting their love story. It's what made this book was it was. And while it does end in a place where you know book two will follow, it wasn't a shocking cliffhanger either; more of a to be continued. I appreciated that as well. The author could have gone there had she wanted to, but she stayed true to the story and didn't. I can definitely tell you that Lilah Pace now has a huge fan in me and she's going straight to my auto-buy list. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this story and can't wait to see how it all resolves.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
You can have neat, tidy, and safe. You can have tame. Or you can have what you really want. But you can't have both, Vivienne. And I think we both know which one you're going to choose."
Thought provoking, evocative, erotic, and unlike anything I've ever read before. I am absolutely blown away by this book. I didn't know quite what to expect when I began reading it, but I never envisioned something like this. Aside from anything else, this book will make you think. It will take every line your mind never had thought to have crossed and burn them in one erotic blaze. Do not take the warning in this book lightly, because it's everything that it talks about. This is not a subject matter that will be for everyone. But if you're unsure whether you want to read it? I say dive in without a backwards glance because it will be one of the most unique books you'd ever have read. That much I can guarantee.
If you've read Willing Victim and/or Debt and wondering if this book is anything like that? The answer is a resounding no. The heroine is not bored with her sex life and looking to spice things up with one night of something rougher; she craves the darker fantasy with every fiber of her being. The heroine is also not one that's introduced to the rougher edge by the hero; they both equally crave it. And most importantly, at the core of this story it's not quite a romance....yet. It's definitely erotic with a slow building undercurrent of romance that floats right under the surface but never quite breaches it. I'm assuming the romance aspect we'll get in Begging for It.
Vivienne Charles is twenty-five year old graduate student at the UT Austin School of Art and a teaching assistant. She's also an artist that creates unique drawings. She's a regular woman, with regular friends, and regular boyfriends. But beneath all that is a woman that craves something darker. Something that she equal parts needs and brings her shame. Unable to orgasm with any of her previous boyfriends unless she fantasizes about being taken forcefully, bent to someone else's will and completely owned, Vivienne recognizes that what she needs during sex is anything but conventional. In therapy for many years because she understands the root of her desire, she's attempting to deal with it. But that doesn't mean that she can turn it off that easily. She just never thought she'd meet a man that could deliver them...
When she gets a flat tire driving home late one evening, a stranger that pulls over on the side of the road is able to induce the kind of reaction from her that her boyfriends never could with just his stare. Equally terrified of him and drawn to him, she never expects to see him again after he drives off once he's helped her. Little does she know that she'll soon not only meet him but find that he's been closer to her than she's ever known.
At a friend's party, Vivienne comes face to face with Jonah Marks; the same man that she's been fantasizing being taken forcefully by on the side of that road. Jonah is a research professor of Volcanology at the same university Vivienne attends. He's also quiet, mysterious and still manages to evoke the same reaction from her if not even stronger one. When Jonah overhears her boyfriend disclose her most private sexual desires, the last thing that she expects is for him to make her an offer that she's both been fantasizing about and terrified of.
What soon begins is the acting out of a mutual and consensual fantasy. A fantasy that they both crave but for very different reasons.
The author doesn't dance around the provocative subject of rape fantasies. She throws you right into the deep end and she does it flawlessly. The story is told only in Vivienne's POV while Jonah remains the enigmatic mystery that he is for most of the book. The only pieces you get of him is what Vivienne does, so you get to experience everything along with her. It truly allows the reader to get inside the heroine's head and get the full effect. You get this sense of 'it sounds like it should be wrong but it's oh so hot at the same time'. Knowing as little as you do about Jonah really makes that line between fear and arousal all that much bolder.
This is very much a slow burn. It's erotic, that's for damn sure. There's also the potential for romance that sizzles right under the surface but it never comes out. I appreciate that the author did that because it really allows the reader to get to know the characters and truly get what makes them tick. Adding any clear element of romance into this book would have ruined the effect. It wouldn't have fit.
I loved Lilah Pace's writing style. That would made this book as provocative as it was. Although everything that goes on is very much consensual, she's also able to weave in that little bit of an edge. You feel the struggle that Vivienne has with craving what she does and her shame of it. You also get to feel her question whether or not she should fear it. It was brilliantly handled.
I loved the depth that both of these characters had. Though they have one thing in common, their reasons for it are very different. I never expected this book to be quite as deep as it was. (no pun intended). It's not thoughtless smut and acting out a dark and kinky fantasy. It's so so much more.
You know how sometimes you read a book and you really don't see how it couldn't just be one longer one? Or that the cliffhanger that was thrown in was done for pure shock value alone? This book is neither of those things. If ever there was a story that needed to be told in two parts, this is it. I can appreciate that the reader needs that clear division of getting to know the characters and then getting their love story. It's what made this book was it was. And while it does end in a place where you know book two will follow, it wasn't a shocking cliffhanger either; more of a to be continued. I appreciated that as well. The author could have gone there had she wanted to, but she stayed true to the story and didn't. I can definitely tell you that Lilah Pace now has a huge fan in me and she's going straight to my auto-buy list. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this story and can't wait to see how it all resolves.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
June 5, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Asking for It” was a very unique, intriguing, unconventional, taboo read. Since I’m a reader who loves something different I knew this was 'the perfect' read for me, especially since I love taboo reads. Reading some of my friends’ reviews, my expectations for this one were very high. Well, I’m glad to say “Asking for It” lived up to them. It was a thought-provoking, erotic book, gripping from the start to finish and I’m sure some readers will enjoy it as much as I did. However, I have to say due the sensitive subject matter I don't think this book is for everyone.
Vivienne is the heroine is this erotic novel. She’s an art graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Texas-Austin. She’s also an artist, creating unique drawings. At first sight, you would say Vivienne is like other women. But Vivienne wants and needs something different that most women need and want,
...something darker, something she hates about herself, something she tried to change many times – she doesn’t get off unless she’s imagining being raped. She has a good ‘reason’ to have these fantasies and she understands very well that what she needs is not ‘normal’.
Vivienne meets Jonah Marks for the first time when she gets a flat tire driving home late one evening. She’s drawn to him, but she’s afraid of him as well. She wants him and she even fantasizes about being raped by this stranger. Coincidence or not, at a friend’s party she meets Jonah again. Jonah is a research professor of Volcanology at the same university Vivienne works in. At the party there’s an incident and Jonah finds out about Vivienne’s fantasy. The mysterious professor makes her an offer she wants to refuse, but she can’t – to be her rapist during their ‘games’.
What comes next is a series of many erotic encounters where they act out their fantasies.
The story is entirely told from the heroine’s POV and honestly I don’t know if I liked it or if I would have preferred a dual POV. Maybe the author choose to write this novel only from her POV for a reason. We shall see. Anyway,...Vivienne was a heroine I really sympathize with. She’s easy to like. She’s a great friend, she’s hard working, talented and despite the fact that she’s ashamed of her desires, she knows what she wants and who she is.
She’s a well, developed, complex character and I must say it was captivating to be in her head. I’m not an expert, but IMO the psychological aspect also was done really well here and I really appreciated the author did her research. Lilah Pace portrayed Vivienne’s character in a very vivid way. She’s fucked-up and you can tell this from the beginning and even feel it, but you can also feel her shame and guilt.
Jonah was a mystery in this first book in the series. And if you are like me and love a broken male character, than for sure you will like this enigmatic man. From the beginning is very clear that Jonah has his own issues, his own tragic past. I try to guess what happened with him, but fortunately (and unfortunately) for me I didn’t figure it out exactly. Personally I found Jonah’s past more...interesting. But this doesn’t mean I didn’t feel bad for Vivienne. Of course I did. I was more intrigued by him (his character and his past) than Vivienne's character. Maybe because this was my first time reading about something like that.
Jonah, like Vivienne, is a complex character and IMO, he’s even more fucked-up than her. He’s intelligent, at times he’s sensitive and overall a very nice man. I liked the way he is with Vivienne outside the bedroom. He is thoughtful and considerate, gentle and even caring. And most of all, he always put Vivienne first – she’s always in control no matter what. He’s not as developed as Vivienne since the story is told only from her POV), but it was enough for me to want to know more about him.
The sex scenes are kinky and rough, at times even violent, but there were hot as fuck. They were well written, detailed and I enjoyed every minute of them. (I’m feeling a little bad for how I felt, but they were so, so hot. )
This was not a dark read IMO, but it wasn’t a light read either. Like I mentioned in the beginning of my review, it’s an unconventional, taboo read. I’m really glad this book it’s correctly labeled. In this case erotica. And not erotic romance. As you can guess the romance aspect is not very developed in this first book. And I was totally ok with it.
While I really enjoyed this read I have two issues with it. First, Vivienne’s realization that she wants more with Jonah felt a little…sudden IMO. I don’t know exactly why..but it's how I felt. Anyway, I wasn’t bothered too much by it. I must admit they really felt good together and they clearly were perfect for each other. (for obvious reasons) Secondly, I would have preferred a little more interaction outside the bedroom. Maybe I would have felt differently about my first issue. Who knows?
Overall, this was fantastic, provocative read and I can’t wait for the second book!
“Asking for It” was a very unique, intriguing, unconventional, taboo read. Since I’m a reader who loves something different I knew this was 'the perfect' read for me, especially since I love taboo reads. Reading some of my friends’ reviews, my expectations for this one were very high. Well, I’m glad to say “Asking for It” lived up to them. It was a thought-provoking, erotic book, gripping from the start to finish and I’m sure some readers will enjoy it as much as I did. However, I have to say due the sensitive subject matter I don't think this book is for everyone.
“My fantasies always begin normally...but no matter how explicit and erotic the kaleidoscope gets, it never ever gets me off. Only one fantasy does that.”
Vivienne is the heroine is this erotic novel. She’s an art graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Texas-Austin. She’s also an artist, creating unique drawings. At first sight, you would say Vivienne is like other women. But Vivienne wants and needs something different that most women need and want,
...something darker, something she hates about herself, something she tried to change many times – she doesn’t get off unless she’s imagining being raped. She has a good ‘reason’ to have these fantasies and she understands very well that what she needs is not ‘normal’.
“This is who I am. This is what I want. Now I need a man dangerous enough to give it to me.”
Vivienne meets Jonah Marks for the first time when she gets a flat tire driving home late one evening. She’s drawn to him, but she’s afraid of him as well. She wants him and she even fantasizes about being raped by this stranger. Coincidence or not, at a friend’s party she meets Jonah again. Jonah is a research professor of Volcanology at the same university Vivienne works in. At the party there’s an incident and Jonah finds out about Vivienne’s fantasy. The mysterious professor makes her an offer she wants to refuse, but she can’t – to be her rapist during their ‘games’.
“You want that fantasy. You want it more than you’ve ever wanted anything else.”
What comes next is a series of many erotic encounters where they act out their fantasies.
The story is entirely told from the heroine’s POV and honestly I don’t know if I liked it or if I would have preferred a dual POV. Maybe the author choose to write this novel only from her POV for a reason. We shall see. Anyway,...Vivienne was a heroine I really sympathize with. She’s easy to like. She’s a great friend, she’s hard working, talented and despite the fact that she’s ashamed of her desires, she knows what she wants and who she is.
“I don’t feel ashamed. Not at all. Even sore and bruised as I am, I’ve never felt better. Jonah is exactly what I always wanted.”
She’s a well, developed, complex character and I must say it was captivating to be in her head. I’m not an expert, but IMO the psychological aspect also was done really well here and I really appreciated the author did her research. Lilah Pace portrayed Vivienne’s character in a very vivid way. She’s fucked-up and you can tell this from the beginning and even feel it, but you can also feel her shame and guilt.
Jonah was a mystery in this first book in the series. And if you are like me and love a broken male character, than for sure you will like this enigmatic man. From the beginning is very clear that Jonah has his own issues, his own tragic past. I try to guess what happened with him, but fortunately (and unfortunately) for me I didn’t figure it out exactly. Personally I found Jonah’s past more...interesting. But this doesn’t mean I didn’t feel bad for Vivienne. Of course I did. I was more intrigued by him (his character and his past) than Vivienne's character. Maybe because this was my first time reading about something like that.
Jonah, like Vivienne, is a complex character and IMO, he’s even more fucked-up than her. He’s intelligent, at times he’s sensitive and overall a very nice man. I liked the way he is with Vivienne outside the bedroom. He is thoughtful and considerate, gentle and even caring. And most of all, he always put Vivienne first – she’s always in control no matter what. He’s not as developed as Vivienne since the story is told only from her POV), but it was enough for me to want to know more about him.
The sex scenes are kinky and rough, at times even violent, but there were hot as fuck. They were well written, detailed and I enjoyed every minute of them. (I’m feeling a little bad for how I felt, but they were so, so hot. )
This was not a dark read IMO, but it wasn’t a light read either. Like I mentioned in the beginning of my review, it’s an unconventional, taboo read. I’m really glad this book it’s correctly labeled. In this case erotica. And not erotic romance. As you can guess the romance aspect is not very developed in this first book. And I was totally ok with it.
While I really enjoyed this read I have two issues with it. First, Vivienne’s realization that she wants more with Jonah felt a little…sudden IMO. I don’t know exactly why..but it's how I felt. Anyway, I wasn’t bothered too much by it. I must admit they really felt good together and they clearly were perfect for each other. (for obvious reasons) Secondly, I would have preferred a little more interaction outside the bedroom. Maybe I would have felt differently about my first issue. Who knows?
Overall, this was fantastic, provocative read and I can’t wait for the second book!
"...he’s the only one who stands still, the only one who’s looking at me. The only one who knows who I am.”
August 15, 2017
★★★★! Asking for It, book 1 of 3. Vivienne’s taboo fantasies of being raped is fulfilled by the mysterious & composed Jonah!
“We could fuck every night for a year and I still wouldn’t have run out of fantasies for him to fulfill.”
Books in Asking for It series should be read in order:
Book 1: Asking for It
Book 2: Begging for It
Book 3: Asking for More
Imagine having a handsome stranger overhear your taboo desires of being violently raped. And what if he then offers for fulfill your forbidden fantasies? That happens to graduate student and artist Vivienne Charles while at a party in the opening of Asking for it (book 1).
“And so here I am, twenty-five years old, only able to come when I think about being raped.”
Story goes on to follow her and University professor, explorer and heir to an empire, Jonah Marks as they act out her every violent erotic fantasy. They push each other sexually, while trying to stay detached until real life has other ideas.
Vivienne gets off on being dominated, violated, humiliated, feeling fear and ultimately losing control, more on that to be explored. But Jonah, the soft-spoken, haunted and private Jonah keeps his reasons closer to his heart...
Nine words to describe Jonah Marks: Quiet, hot-cold, haunted, private, accommodating, fearless, discreet, reserved and composed.
Seven words to describe Vivienne Charles: Sweet, timid, lonely, private, closed-off, determined and loyal.
Asking for it, told from Vivienne's POV, is a candid account starting off as sexy, erotic, forbidden, but quickly turning complex and emotional with hidden pasts and secrets they rather keep. Ending leads right to book 2, Begging for It for the continuation of their story.
Explosive sex! Excellent character development! Dreamy Jonah!
“Jonah’s the only one who knows me like this. The only man who’s ever fucked me the way I wanted to get fucked.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
May 21, 2015
3.5-4 stars!
I remember a friend telling me about this book a few months ago saying it’s exactly the kind of story I’d enjoy and she was mostly right. I’ve always been drawn to darker, unconventional, taboo love stories and this book fit that description exactly. I did have a couple of issues with it, but overall this story is a captivating debut about two complex, dynamic characters with tastefully done erotic scenes.
“My fantasies always begin normally...but no matter how explicit and erotic the kaleidoscope gets, it never ever gets me off. Only one fantasy does that.”
The heroine Vivienne is an art graduate student who has rape fantasies and can only feel satisfied if she’s taken by force. Her desires stem from an early childhood trauma and in a twisted way only she can relate to, uses these fantasies to cope with her very real fears. Right off the bat, I immediately felt a kinship with Vivienne. I think her multifaceted feelings about her fantasies – first the shame that comes with even fantasizing about rape in an erotic context and then the desperate need for that fantasy – are feelings I can relate to as well. Depending on how the author wrote this story, I could’ve totally ended up judging Vivienne and feel disgusted by her but I wasn’t. I felt sympathy and the same kind of hopelessness she felt as it’s not something she can just turn off – her body is wired and conditioned this way ever since her traumatic early-teen ordeal.
“I hate this about myself. I hate it. I’ve tried to change so many times; I’ve always failed...maybe it doesn’t matter. Lots of people have sexual fantasies they’d never act on, whether they’re violent or perverse, silly or flat-out biologically impossible. If it’s all in my head, and it makes me come, what’s the harm?”
Except it ends up not just being in her head. Through pure luck and a series of coincidences, Vivienne meets the hero Jonah, an earth sciences professor and to her, a kindred soul. There is a dark past Jonah hides and as the story progresses it’s obvious that his past is what drives his savage craving to take a woman by force – never rape, always consensual...the perfect man to satisfy every desire of Vivienne’s.
“With a boyfriend you can pretend – but it’s a joke really. A game. Not the fantasy you really want. Me? I’m nearly a stranger. I can do more than fuck you. I can scare you a little. Just a little. Enough to make it what you really want...it’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often – two people twisted in the exact same way.”
What happens next is a series of interludes – thrilling, erotic sex scenes where they act out their fantasies that – not going to lie – are pretty hot! For a brief moment I felt shame as the reader for even finding these scenes titillating because they originate from something ugly and causes real-life trauma but then I thought part of what this book has done is to reveal that yes, there are people out there that have these twisted fantasies, and no, that doesn’t give others a reason to judge them harshly for it. It’s a very eye-opening reading experience, and although Vivienne’s POV can be mundane at times, it’s more or less fascinating to get in the head of a woman with morally conflicting desires that gets her panties in a twist – literally! ;)
The first half of this book was a solid 4.5 star read for me. What surprised me the most was that there was zero romance in that part, and yet I was still intrigued and enthralled by the story. It made this book atypical to me, like an oddity that needed to be appreciated, and combined with the bold premise I was completely hooked. Then after the halfway mark, feelings started to roll in (which I am not complaining about at all because I get that with sex comes some intimacy, plus it’s so hard to separate fantasy from reality, etc...) and then the story became predictable in a sense. Of course the heroine and hero slowly start to reveal their pasts that explain why they cling to their fantasies. Of course these feelings they have for each other blossom into love (well, eventually). So what started as an unpredictable, thrilling erotic discovery for both characters turned into an ordinary romance by the end and well...I didn’t exactly lose interest but I was slightly bummed that such a bold and radical premise was wasted on just an average romance storyline. Mind you, compared to other romance books, there is definitely way less romance going on here, but the sudden jump from erotica to romance around the 50% mark left me less than impressed.
In any case, this is still a book I’d recommend as it made me think, even made me feel (to me, this quote is the most meaningful especially in context) –
“Amid the brilliantly colored t-shirts and jackets of the students around us, Jonah stands alone…he’s the only one who stands still, the only one who’s looking at me. The only one who knows who I am.”
In the current book market, there are too many books that feature ‘broken’ or ‘damaged’ characters just for the sake of it with hardly any kind of character development that supports that aspect. What I found truly refreshing about this story is that the author has written two broken and damaged characters that are 3-dimensional. They have their quirks and complexities and very sound reasons to why they are the way they are. They live up to their broken and damaged title. And despite me not liking how fast the story went from erotica to romance, I have to admit that as a romantic it touches me that the author is aiming for Jonah and Vivienne’s story to turn more towards a romance than erotica...I love that two characters such as them who will probably always be condemned by many in society for having twisted sexual fantasies can have happiness too. I’m very much looking forward to reading the sequel and seeing where Jonah and Vivienne’s story goes next :)
Asking for It is the provocative first book in this series and is not a standalone. In my opinion there’s no cliffhanger; it’s just an unresolved ending. The way the author ends the story the characters know what’s gonna happen next, and you know what’s gonna happen...it just needs to be written ;)
ARC provided by Penguin Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I remember a friend telling me about this book a few months ago saying it’s exactly the kind of story I’d enjoy and she was mostly right. I’ve always been drawn to darker, unconventional, taboo love stories and this book fit that description exactly. I did have a couple of issues with it, but overall this story is a captivating debut about two complex, dynamic characters with tastefully done erotic scenes.
“My fantasies always begin normally...but no matter how explicit and erotic the kaleidoscope gets, it never ever gets me off. Only one fantasy does that.”
The heroine Vivienne is an art graduate student who has rape fantasies and can only feel satisfied if she’s taken by force. Her desires stem from an early childhood trauma and in a twisted way only she can relate to, uses these fantasies to cope with her very real fears. Right off the bat, I immediately felt a kinship with Vivienne. I think her multifaceted feelings about her fantasies – first the shame that comes with even fantasizing about rape in an erotic context and then the desperate need for that fantasy – are feelings I can relate to as well. Depending on how the author wrote this story, I could’ve totally ended up judging Vivienne and feel disgusted by her but I wasn’t. I felt sympathy and the same kind of hopelessness she felt as it’s not something she can just turn off – her body is wired and conditioned this way ever since her traumatic early-teen ordeal.
“I hate this about myself. I hate it. I’ve tried to change so many times; I’ve always failed...maybe it doesn’t matter. Lots of people have sexual fantasies they’d never act on, whether they’re violent or perverse, silly or flat-out biologically impossible. If it’s all in my head, and it makes me come, what’s the harm?”
Except it ends up not just being in her head. Through pure luck and a series of coincidences, Vivienne meets the hero Jonah, an earth sciences professor and to her, a kindred soul. There is a dark past Jonah hides and as the story progresses it’s obvious that his past is what drives his savage craving to take a woman by force – never rape, always consensual...the perfect man to satisfy every desire of Vivienne’s.
“With a boyfriend you can pretend – but it’s a joke really. A game. Not the fantasy you really want. Me? I’m nearly a stranger. I can do more than fuck you. I can scare you a little. Just a little. Enough to make it what you really want...it’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often – two people twisted in the exact same way.”
What happens next is a series of interludes – thrilling, erotic sex scenes where they act out their fantasies that – not going to lie – are pretty hot! For a brief moment I felt shame as the reader for even finding these scenes titillating because they originate from something ugly and causes real-life trauma but then I thought part of what this book has done is to reveal that yes, there are people out there that have these twisted fantasies, and no, that doesn’t give others a reason to judge them harshly for it. It’s a very eye-opening reading experience, and although Vivienne’s POV can be mundane at times, it’s more or less fascinating to get in the head of a woman with morally conflicting desires that gets her panties in a twist – literally! ;)
The first half of this book was a solid 4.5 star read for me. What surprised me the most was that there was zero romance in that part, and yet I was still intrigued and enthralled by the story. It made this book atypical to me, like an oddity that needed to be appreciated, and combined with the bold premise I was completely hooked. Then after the halfway mark, feelings started to roll in (which I am not complaining about at all because I get that with sex comes some intimacy, plus it’s so hard to separate fantasy from reality, etc...) and then the story became predictable in a sense. Of course the heroine and hero slowly start to reveal their pasts that explain why they cling to their fantasies. Of course these feelings they have for each other blossom into love (well, eventually). So what started as an unpredictable, thrilling erotic discovery for both characters turned into an ordinary romance by the end and well...I didn’t exactly lose interest but I was slightly bummed that such a bold and radical premise was wasted on just an average romance storyline. Mind you, compared to other romance books, there is definitely way less romance going on here, but the sudden jump from erotica to romance around the 50% mark left me less than impressed.
In any case, this is still a book I’d recommend as it made me think, even made me feel (to me, this quote is the most meaningful especially in context) –
“Amid the brilliantly colored t-shirts and jackets of the students around us, Jonah stands alone…he’s the only one who stands still, the only one who’s looking at me. The only one who knows who I am.”
In the current book market, there are too many books that feature ‘broken’ or ‘damaged’ characters just for the sake of it with hardly any kind of character development that supports that aspect. What I found truly refreshing about this story is that the author has written two broken and damaged characters that are 3-dimensional. They have their quirks and complexities and very sound reasons to why they are the way they are. They live up to their broken and damaged title. And despite me not liking how fast the story went from erotica to romance, I have to admit that as a romantic it touches me that the author is aiming for Jonah and Vivienne’s story to turn more towards a romance than erotica...I love that two characters such as them who will probably always be condemned by many in society for having twisted sexual fantasies can have happiness too. I’m very much looking forward to reading the sequel and seeing where Jonah and Vivienne’s story goes next :)
Asking for It is the provocative first book in this series and is not a standalone. In my opinion there’s no cliffhanger; it’s just an unresolved ending. The way the author ends the story the characters know what’s gonna happen next, and you know what’s gonna happen...it just needs to be written ;)
ARC provided by Penguin Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2015
4.5 stars!
WARNING: Some minor spoilers ahead.
This book is one of the most—if not the most thought-provoking book I’ve read this year. Even if you end up not loving the book or even if it makes you uncomfortable, I guarantee it’ll still make you think. It’s definitely not for everybody. It deals with a very sensitive subject. But what sets this apart from the dark romance books that it’s in the market right now is that everything that happened is consensual.
Vivienne is an art graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Texas-Austin. She’s also an artist who creates unique etchings. On the outside, she’s like any other normal young woman. But Vivienne is keeping a dark fantasy. Her fantasy? Rape. She can’t get off during sex without imagining herself being raped. Then she meets Jonah Marks at a friend’s party. He was also the mysterious stranger who helped her with her car late one night. When Vivienne’s ex-boyfriend let the cat out of the bag at that party, she was embarrassed and humiliated. But guess who comes up with a proposition? Jonah Marks.
Jonah is a natural sciences professor at the same university Vivienne works in. His aloof and very private with skeletons in his closet he’s desperate to hide from the world. Like Vivienne, he also has a dark secret fantasy. His fantasy is at the opposite extreme of Vivienne’s. His proposition was simple: he will be her rapist during their play. She sets the boundaries and he gives her the freedom to stop anytime if she feels threatened or uncomfortable with any of it.
Both of their fantasies come from a very dark place. Vivienne was raped by her sister’s boyfriend when she was 14. She had been innocent. Jonah’s fantasies is as fucked up as Vivienne’s. And the two of them finding each other and fulfilling each other’s fantasy scares the crap out of Vivienne.
This wasn’t an easy read to be sure but Lilah Pace did a great job of handling a very tough subject with sensitivity. She gave Vivienne’s character a lot of agency in this book. She was the one in control of her fantasy. I could feel her struggle, her shame, her guilt and her vulnerability of giving someone permission to fulfill her fantasy. She was also one of the most self-aware heroines I’ve read in a while.
One of the things that always made me leery of reading a dark book involving rape, fantasy or otherwise, is that the heroines are not the ones in control. They are always at the mercy of some guy. It didn’t happen here. Yes, Vivienne had to be vulnerable. There were times when she got scared (and for good reason) but the power lies with her. She had the power to stop at anytime. You have no idea how that made a big difference to me as reader.
Jonah is also an excellent character. He’s broken, intelligent, mysterious and sensitive. I loved how he took his time putting Vivienne at ease. Clearly, his fantasies, like I said, come from a very dark place but I liked how the author juxtaposed his violent fantasy with the sensitive and caring guy who went out of his way to make Vivienne feel safe. He knows and respected Vivienne’s limits.
I wouldn’t call Asking For It straight up romance, at least not yet. But the connection between Jonah and Vivienne is palpable throughout the book. I have a bit of a problem with the pacing towards the end but it’s a small hiccup in my opinion. In terms of the storytelling, I thought this was very well done. And while there are a lot of brutally sexy scenes, it didn’t feel gratuitous. It’s clear that the author really put a lot of thought into this sensitive subject and I, for one, am looking forward to where Ms. Pace is taking this story.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. It’s not a brutal one, and I think it’s a good call because you really need to process this book first before starting the next chapter of Vivienne and Jonah’s story. I am anxiously waiting for the second book, Begging For It. It will probably be even more brutal than this one because the choices they made in this book will have huge repercussions in the next book.
So if you’re like me who likes their dark reads with clear boundaries and limits, I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
WARNING: Some minor spoilers ahead.
This book is one of the most—if not the most thought-provoking book I’ve read this year. Even if you end up not loving the book or even if it makes you uncomfortable, I guarantee it’ll still make you think. It’s definitely not for everybody. It deals with a very sensitive subject. But what sets this apart from the dark romance books that it’s in the market right now is that everything that happened is consensual.
Vivienne is an art graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Texas-Austin. She’s also an artist who creates unique etchings. On the outside, she’s like any other normal young woman. But Vivienne is keeping a dark fantasy. Her fantasy? Rape. She can’t get off during sex without imagining herself being raped. Then she meets Jonah Marks at a friend’s party. He was also the mysterious stranger who helped her with her car late one night. When Vivienne’s ex-boyfriend let the cat out of the bag at that party, she was embarrassed and humiliated. But guess who comes up with a proposition? Jonah Marks.
Jonah is a natural sciences professor at the same university Vivienne works in. His aloof and very private with skeletons in his closet he’s desperate to hide from the world. Like Vivienne, he also has a dark secret fantasy. His fantasy is at the opposite extreme of Vivienne’s. His proposition was simple: he will be her rapist during their play. She sets the boundaries and he gives her the freedom to stop anytime if she feels threatened or uncomfortable with any of it.
Both of their fantasies come from a very dark place. Vivienne was raped by her sister’s boyfriend when she was 14. She had been innocent. Jonah’s fantasies is as fucked up as Vivienne’s. And the two of them finding each other and fulfilling each other’s fantasy scares the crap out of Vivienne.
This wasn’t an easy read to be sure but Lilah Pace did a great job of handling a very tough subject with sensitivity. She gave Vivienne’s character a lot of agency in this book. She was the one in control of her fantasy. I could feel her struggle, her shame, her guilt and her vulnerability of giving someone permission to fulfill her fantasy. She was also one of the most self-aware heroines I’ve read in a while.
One of the things that always made me leery of reading a dark book involving rape, fantasy or otherwise, is that the heroines are not the ones in control. They are always at the mercy of some guy. It didn’t happen here. Yes, Vivienne had to be vulnerable. There were times when she got scared (and for good reason) but the power lies with her. She had the power to stop at anytime. You have no idea how that made a big difference to me as reader.
Jonah is also an excellent character. He’s broken, intelligent, mysterious and sensitive. I loved how he took his time putting Vivienne at ease. Clearly, his fantasies, like I said, come from a very dark place but I liked how the author juxtaposed his violent fantasy with the sensitive and caring guy who went out of his way to make Vivienne feel safe. He knows and respected Vivienne’s limits.
I wouldn’t call Asking For It straight up romance, at least not yet. But the connection between Jonah and Vivienne is palpable throughout the book. I have a bit of a problem with the pacing towards the end but it’s a small hiccup in my opinion. In terms of the storytelling, I thought this was very well done. And while there are a lot of brutally sexy scenes, it didn’t feel gratuitous. It’s clear that the author really put a lot of thought into this sensitive subject and I, for one, am looking forward to where Ms. Pace is taking this story.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. It’s not a brutal one, and I think it’s a good call because you really need to process this book first before starting the next chapter of Vivienne and Jonah’s story. I am anxiously waiting for the second book, Begging For It. It will probably be even more brutal than this one because the choices they made in this book will have huge repercussions in the next book.
So if you’re like me who likes their dark reads with clear boundaries and limits, I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2015
4.5 Stars
”It’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often – two people twisted in the exact same way.”
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Lilah Pace’s debut novel had me reading nonstop today. This book was not only well written but was completely consuming and had a truly honest feel. The author clicked so many boxes for me delivering a gripping tale that was so much more than an erotic read. She added secondary characters with ease and mysterious backgrounds for both of the main characters. Ohh what I wouldn’t do for one chapter in our hero’s pov!!
Vivienne Charles is a twenty-five year old graduate student, a devoted friend, artist and is a truly likable main character. We find that she has some interesting fantasies when it comes to her sexual appetite that she continues to explore with her therapist along with her feelings of shame and guilt about said desires.
”I don’t get off unless I’m imaging being raped.”
A chance meeting on the side of the road with a sexy stranger and surprisingly the same stranger is introduced at a party as Jonah Marks, a professor of seismology and volcanology at the same university our heroine attends and this story just captured by full attention. During this meeting he overhears a conversation Vivienne has with her ex Geordie and a very hot proposition is made.
”What your ex said- if that’s the fantasy you want, I can give it to you.”
Jonah and Vivienne navigate being in this type of fantasy relationship safely and ohh so yummy… I‘ll be honest these scenes were hot.
”Jonah knows how my mind works. Without my ever having to tell him, he knows how to be the dark dangerous man of my fantasies. How many scenarios could he play out? I want them all.”
Vivienne and Jonah act out some of their darkest fantasies while battling their secrets and past hurts and slowly realize that outside of the fantasy they are interested in attempting to pursue a relationship all the while they skirt around their family's and their pasts.
This story is a dark and erotic read that brilliantly brought very real feelings of guilt, shame and according to the good Dr. Doreen is more common than society chooses to believe. The story ends in a bearable cliffhanger and my calendar is already marked for book two’s release. A truly a wonderful job Ms. Pace!!
”It’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often – two people twisted in the exact same way.”
[image error]
Lilah Pace’s debut novel had me reading nonstop today. This book was not only well written but was completely consuming and had a truly honest feel. The author clicked so many boxes for me delivering a gripping tale that was so much more than an erotic read. She added secondary characters with ease and mysterious backgrounds for both of the main characters. Ohh what I wouldn’t do for one chapter in our hero’s pov!!
Vivienne Charles is a twenty-five year old graduate student, a devoted friend, artist and is a truly likable main character. We find that she has some interesting fantasies when it comes to her sexual appetite that she continues to explore with her therapist along with her feelings of shame and guilt about said desires.
”I don’t get off unless I’m imaging being raped.”
A chance meeting on the side of the road with a sexy stranger and surprisingly the same stranger is introduced at a party as Jonah Marks, a professor of seismology and volcanology at the same university our heroine attends and this story just captured by full attention. During this meeting he overhears a conversation Vivienne has with her ex Geordie and a very hot proposition is made.
”What your ex said- if that’s the fantasy you want, I can give it to you.”
Jonah and Vivienne navigate being in this type of fantasy relationship safely and ohh so yummy… I‘ll be honest these scenes were hot.
”Jonah knows how my mind works. Without my ever having to tell him, he knows how to be the dark dangerous man of my fantasies. How many scenarios could he play out? I want them all.”
Vivienne and Jonah act out some of their darkest fantasies while battling their secrets and past hurts and slowly realize that outside of the fantasy they are interested in attempting to pursue a relationship all the while they skirt around their family's and their pasts.
This story is a dark and erotic read that brilliantly brought very real feelings of guilt, shame and according to the good Dr. Doreen is more common than society chooses to believe. The story ends in a bearable cliffhanger and my calendar is already marked for book two’s release. A truly a wonderful job Ms. Pace!!
June 10, 2015
4.25 do you want to play stars
How could you hate and want the same thing? How could you fantasize and fear in the very same breath ? How far would you go to blur the lines between dreams and reality before it no longer exists?
For Vivienne it's no game, it's a reality, one she has to face every second of every day. It's not play, it's survival and her chance encounter with Jonah may be the very thing she's been looking for; a dark soul who can give her everything she needs and more. The only one standing in her way is herself, she needs to let the hate for herself go long enough to be able to give into her ultimate fantasy...Jonah.
It's so easy getting caught up in their game, after all it's the only time they feel free. Acting out their inner demons, suiting each other so well. There is no shame or judgment; only fear, passion and painful pleasure.
Everyone has their limits, and they are playing with fire with the secrets they are keeping. The only thing that is true and honest is their sexual relationship. There is too much to fear, too many walls to break down, imprisoned in their twisted fantasy ... they find their selves asking, do I stay or do I go?
Asking For It is a provocative and intriguing story about two twisted souls finding each other. There is no right or wrong answer, so go into this story with an open mind, and let it share it's story. In my opinion the story isn't a dark read, it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable to read through, it mainly focuses more on the emotional repercussion of tragic events, and how different people deal / heal in different ways. The reader advisory is a fair warning to those who are sensitive to certain subjects.
The story is told from Vivienne's POV, so we are in her head, feeling her disgust and shame, while it isn't the most pleasant experience it was needed to connect with her and understand from where she is coming from. Jonah, this man was a mystery, never knowing from where his desires stem from, was it from a similar situation or something more sinister? The dynamic between the two worked until they were no longer able to step in and out of the role they played without wanting more. The games they played were exciting, intense and tastefully done. Being a romantic at heart, you know I was rooting and wishing for a HEA, and while their story continues on, it is a promise of a better tomorrow and did not end in a drastic cliffhanger.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
I don’t just fuck you...I bare my soul to you.
How could you hate and want the same thing? How could you fantasize and fear in the very same breath ? How far would you go to blur the lines between dreams and reality before it no longer exists?
For Vivienne it's no game, it's a reality, one she has to face every second of every day. It's not play, it's survival and her chance encounter with Jonah may be the very thing she's been looking for; a dark soul who can give her everything she needs and more. The only one standing in her way is herself, she needs to let the hate for herself go long enough to be able to give into her ultimate fantasy...Jonah.
Me? I’m nearly a stranger. I can do more than fuck you. I can scare you a little. Just a little. Enough to make it what you really want.”
It's so easy getting caught up in their game, after all it's the only time they feel free. Acting out their inner demons, suiting each other so well. There is no shame or judgment; only fear, passion and painful pleasure.
I do want to play rough. I want the dirtiest, filthiest brutality, and I want it badly. Wanted it for so long.
Everyone has their limits, and they are playing with fire with the secrets they are keeping. The only thing that is true and honest is their sexual relationship. There is too much to fear, too many walls to break down, imprisoned in their twisted fantasy ... they find their selves asking, do I stay or do I go?
Asking For It is a provocative and intriguing story about two twisted souls finding each other. There is no right or wrong answer, so go into this story with an open mind, and let it share it's story. In my opinion the story isn't a dark read, it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable to read through, it mainly focuses more on the emotional repercussion of tragic events, and how different people deal / heal in different ways. The reader advisory is a fair warning to those who are sensitive to certain subjects.
The story is told from Vivienne's POV, so we are in her head, feeling her disgust and shame, while it isn't the most pleasant experience it was needed to connect with her and understand from where she is coming from. Jonah, this man was a mystery, never knowing from where his desires stem from, was it from a similar situation or something more sinister? The dynamic between the two worked until they were no longer able to step in and out of the role they played without wanting more. The games they played were exciting, intense and tastefully done. Being a romantic at heart, you know I was rooting and wishing for a HEA, and while their story continues on, it is a promise of a better tomorrow and did not end in a drastic cliffhanger.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
January 1, 2023
4 Tamed the Untamable Stars ⭐
Asking For It was an honest portrayal of a kink many would frown upon. What makes this so readable is the contradiction between shame and satisfaction that both Vivienne and Jonah experience. Because a rape fantasy isn't exactly the norm...
I hate this about myself. I hate it. I’ve tried to change so many times; I’ve always failed. While I wish I could say I don’t know why I’m wired this way . . . I do.
Vivienne and Jonah may have met in passing but it's a moment of humiliation that binds them. What Vivienne craves is everything Jonah can provide. However trust is key, so could you give it up to a stranger?
“It’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often— two people twisted in the exact same way.”
The author put a lot of thought into this story. This isn't a smutty romp about people exploring kink. It's actually about two individuals who don't really function sexually without it. And when you find that person that gets you? It's hardly a choice.
“Harder. And use your fucking hands. Do me like you mean it.”
These two may initially hook up in many creative ways (and it gets rough) but it's clear that Jonah wants Vivienne to get her fix as much as he does. It's consensual and exactly what she requires. Except when it becomes more than sex, they might have to change it up. Plus there's the dreaded crossroad of admitting where this all stems from.
Jonah Marks has screwed me hotter and dirtier than any other man ever has— and yet my heart flutters like a girl’s as he holds my hand for the first time.
I really liked all the interactions between Jonah and Vivienne. He provided a balance and healing that she desperately needed. I personally wish for more stories like these. Erotic romance filled with depth, emotion and desire. The right side of taboo. Something to sink your teeth into but it does end on a cliffhanger!
Asking For It was an honest portrayal of a kink many would frown upon. What makes this so readable is the contradiction between shame and satisfaction that both Vivienne and Jonah experience. Because a rape fantasy isn't exactly the norm...
I hate this about myself. I hate it. I’ve tried to change so many times; I’ve always failed. While I wish I could say I don’t know why I’m wired this way . . . I do.
Vivienne and Jonah may have met in passing but it's a moment of humiliation that binds them. What Vivienne craves is everything Jonah can provide. However trust is key, so could you give it up to a stranger?
“It’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often— two people twisted in the exact same way.”
The author put a lot of thought into this story. This isn't a smutty romp about people exploring kink. It's actually about two individuals who don't really function sexually without it. And when you find that person that gets you? It's hardly a choice.
“Harder. And use your fucking hands. Do me like you mean it.”
These two may initially hook up in many creative ways (and it gets rough) but it's clear that Jonah wants Vivienne to get her fix as much as he does. It's consensual and exactly what she requires. Except when it becomes more than sex, they might have to change it up. Plus there's the dreaded crossroad of admitting where this all stems from.
Jonah Marks has screwed me hotter and dirtier than any other man ever has— and yet my heart flutters like a girl’s as he holds my hand for the first time.
I really liked all the interactions between Jonah and Vivienne. He provided a balance and healing that she desperately needed. I personally wish for more stories like these. Erotic romance filled with depth, emotion and desire. The right side of taboo. Something to sink your teeth into but it does end on a cliffhanger!
February 7, 2017
Lilah Pace took a huge risk with this one and you know what, it paid off. Bold and unapologetic, ASKING FOR IT delves deep and explores the juxtaposition of -
Despite the sensitive subject matter, which is most likely not to everyone’s tastes - a woman that acts on her fantasies of being taken by force - there’s no denying the author handles things in such a tasteful way. She makes it easy to sympathize with the two broken characters at the center of this provocative read.
Told solely through the eyes of the woman in question, Vivienne, we get to see her struggle with what she considers to be her weakness. Her flaw. The shameful part of herself that she’s tried so hard to keep hidden. Until she meets her perfect playmate, Jonah.
I have to warn you though, be prepared to jump right into the next one. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is guaranteed to leave you begging for more Jonah and Vivienne.
* THANK YOU to Berkley and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
hard vs. softHad I known how utterly addictive and thought-provoking this story would turn out to be, I would have picked it up way before now. Passionate, intense and different on so many levels, I tore through the pages.
lying by omission vs. baring your soul
perverse fantasies vs. healthy kink
villan vs. playmate
fear vs. arousal
Despite the sensitive subject matter, which is most likely not to everyone’s tastes - a woman that acts on her fantasies of being taken by force - there’s no denying the author handles things in such a tasteful way. She makes it easy to sympathize with the two broken characters at the center of this provocative read.
Told solely through the eyes of the woman in question, Vivienne, we get to see her struggle with what she considers to be her weakness. Her flaw. The shameful part of herself that she’s tried so hard to keep hidden. Until she meets her perfect playmate, Jonah.
My fantasies always begin . . . normally. Whatever normal is.If erotica isn’t your thing or if rape is a trigger, I would avoid this with a ten-foot pole. For those readers that love to dabble in the darker side of romance, don’t make the same mistake I did, pick up this book!
I have to warn you though, be prepared to jump right into the next one. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is guaranteed to leave you begging for more Jonah and Vivienne.
* THANK YOU to Berkley and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2015
"You can have neat,tidy,and safe.You can have tame or you can have what you really want.But you can't have both,Vivienne.And I think we both know which one you're going to choose"
Vivienne is driving home late one night when she gets a flat tyre and has to pull over.She's obviously scared and even more so when a stranger offers to help her.Along with her fear,though,she also has other feelings and somehow feels drawn to him.She meets the same man again at a friend's party.Jonah is a Professor at the same University Vivienne works at.Her ex is also there and after too much to drink starts apologizing to her for not being able to act out her rape fantasy.She is totally humiliated but Jonah heard everything and offers to make her fantasy a reality as he has the same desires.
She rejects his offer but can't stop thinking about it and eventually contacts him.They agree that it will be just sex and not to get to know each other but somewhere along the way feelings start to get involved.Both Vivienne and Jonah have daemons from their past and it's clear early on in the book what triggered Vivienne's fantasy but it's not until the end you get to know Jonah's reasons.
This book captivated me.It's extremely well written and thought provoking.Some people have described it as Dark but I didn't really find it particularly dark.Yes the subject is a very emotive one,but I didn't feel uncomfortable reading the sex scenes here ( in fact I found some of them highly erotic ).Unlike actual rape where the victim is totally at the mercy of their attacker,Vivienne actually had the power and could stop the assault at any time.
I normally prefer stories told from a dual POV, but this is just told from Vivienne's POV,but I think it had to be that way here and Jonah still remains a bit of an enigma
I think,the book did end on the right note, after what happened towards the end with secrets being revealed and the last scene with Vivienne and Jonah, and I just cannot wait for the next one.
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.......
September 1, 2015
You never really know when your next read will turn out to be a favorite. I think that's the most compelling part for every bookaholic -myself included- who picks up a new book. Aren't we all waiting for a story to sweep us off our feet?
And yes, i fell in love with this book, faults and all, utterly and irrevocably. I know its story is not for everyone but it was just perfect for me.
Wholesome and yet with a very fitting cliffhanger in the end, along with interesting and unique characters both main and secondary and a writing that started with a few awkward points but ended up flowing effortlessly and brilliantly.
Vivienne and Jonah share a twisted and raw sexual need that no one ever could fulfill until their chance meeting. Making a mutual agreement in order to feed this need will not turn the way they initially planned. Feelings will get in the way, secrets about their past will surface and a unique bond that is not only sexually oriented will be formed.
Jonah, is a highly magnetic and alluring character, but the epicenter of the story is Vivienne's psychological struggle with her fantasy and her relationship with her family and of course Jonah. The author does an amazing job, bringing in everything that is needed to make the story believable and whole, a little shame, material to ponder after and a few of the hottest sex scenes ever.
Oh, and a great hopeful ending like i already mentioned above.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- All the secondary characters have their own stories, they are not just filler.
- I hated her mother.
- A perfect debut.
- I will do anything i have to in order to get an ARC of the next one..
- Compelling, intriguing, well written.
- Jonah's past was a big, heartbreaking surprise and still the way it was introduced in the story was very respectful.
- I haven't read such a good book in a long time.
And yes, i fell in love with this book, faults and all, utterly and irrevocably. I know its story is not for everyone but it was just perfect for me.
Wholesome and yet with a very fitting cliffhanger in the end, along with interesting and unique characters both main and secondary and a writing that started with a few awkward points but ended up flowing effortlessly and brilliantly.
Vivienne and Jonah share a twisted and raw sexual need that no one ever could fulfill until their chance meeting. Making a mutual agreement in order to feed this need will not turn the way they initially planned. Feelings will get in the way, secrets about their past will surface and a unique bond that is not only sexually oriented will be formed.
Jonah, is a highly magnetic and alluring character, but the epicenter of the story is Vivienne's psychological struggle with her fantasy and her relationship with her family and of course Jonah. The author does an amazing job, bringing in everything that is needed to make the story believable and whole, a little shame, material to ponder after and a few of the hottest sex scenes ever.
Oh, and a great hopeful ending like i already mentioned above.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- All the secondary characters have their own stories, they are not just filler.
- I hated her mother.
- A perfect debut.
- I will do anything i have to in order to get an ARC of the next one..
- Compelling, intriguing, well written.
- Jonah's past was a big, heartbreaking surprise and still the way it was introduced in the story was very respectful.
- I haven't read such a good book in a long time.
July 13, 2015
4.5 Deliciously Dark Stars
Asking for It is part of a series. You must read it in order.
I will be honest. I didn’t think anything of this book. I knew there were some “warnings”, but I read a lot of dark books. Anyhow I started it and WOW.
If you are a dark lover, love taboo and kind of different reads. Asking for It is for you.
Did I want to read a book about the Heroine actively seeking to be raped? Yes and oh boy I got what I was looking for.
Vivienne is not your typical girl. Yes, she’s has boyfriends and yes she’s had sex, but she can’t climax like a normal person. She needs it rough, she needs it hard, she needs to be taken over and she doesn’t know how to accomplish her fantasies.
Until she meets a stranger. A stranger that shares her dark desires and is willing to “play” with her.
Jonah is your typical guy. If you saw him in the street, you would think he’s a sexy average person. He isn’t though. When he finds out what Vivienne truly wants. He offers to give it to her. As a sex only relationship, Jonah and Vivienne agree to play with each other.
Where Jonah rapes Vivienne.
I didn’t cringe during the sex scenes. Most of the scenes were in controlled environments where Vivienne and Jonah have it planned. I found these super kinky and super steamy and super awesome. I couldn’t get enough of it. I wanted more! I found Vivienne just fascinating. We know Vivienne goes to a therapist for her issues, but we don’t really know what her issues are. We just know this is the only form of sex she likes.
Jonah is mysterious and oh my, I want him! When they make the arrangements to play Jonah is full on. He plays the character so well. If Vivienne wants to be raped in her home, he does that for her. If she wants to be chased down in the woods, he does that for her. If she wants to be raped in a car, he does that for her. He also ties her up, slaps her around and gives it to her hard. It’s crazy awesome.
We don’t know much about Jonah, but we do know that he is completely into the arrangement. Slowly the relationship builds and Vivienne becomes attached. She has her secrets though and doesn’t want to let Jonah know. Then we soon find out Jonah has his past too and it’s CRAZY.
I was instantly hooked from the first page. I found it all very taboo, but addictive. I loved how multilayered Vivienne and Jonah were. I loved that there was a cause to everything. Even though the series continues the ending will leave you very satisfied.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
Asking for It is part of a series. You must read it in order.
I will be honest. I didn’t think anything of this book. I knew there were some “warnings”, but I read a lot of dark books. Anyhow I started it and WOW.
If you are a dark lover, love taboo and kind of different reads. Asking for It is for you.
Did I want to read a book about the Heroine actively seeking to be raped? Yes and oh boy I got what I was looking for.
Vivienne is not your typical girl. Yes, she’s has boyfriends and yes she’s had sex, but she can’t climax like a normal person. She needs it rough, she needs it hard, she needs to be taken over and she doesn’t know how to accomplish her fantasies.
Until she meets a stranger. A stranger that shares her dark desires and is willing to “play” with her.
Jonah is your typical guy. If you saw him in the street, you would think he’s a sexy average person. He isn’t though. When he finds out what Vivienne truly wants. He offers to give it to her. As a sex only relationship, Jonah and Vivienne agree to play with each other.
Where Jonah rapes Vivienne.
"I can’t think of anything else to say. I’ve almost never been this scared, and I know I’ve never been this turned on."
I didn’t cringe during the sex scenes. Most of the scenes were in controlled environments where Vivienne and Jonah have it planned. I found these super kinky and super steamy and super awesome. I couldn’t get enough of it. I wanted more! I found Vivienne just fascinating. We know Vivienne goes to a therapist for her issues, but we don’t really know what her issues are. We just know this is the only form of sex she likes.
"You destroy me every time. Completely."
Jonah is mysterious and oh my, I want him! When they make the arrangements to play Jonah is full on. He plays the character so well. If Vivienne wants to be raped in her home, he does that for her. If she wants to be chased down in the woods, he does that for her. If she wants to be raped in a car, he does that for her. He also ties her up, slaps her around and gives it to her hard. It’s crazy awesome.
We don’t know much about Jonah, but we do know that he is completely into the arrangement. Slowly the relationship builds and Vivienne becomes attached. She has her secrets though and doesn’t want to let Jonah know. Then we soon find out Jonah has his past too and it’s CRAZY.
I was instantly hooked from the first page. I found it all very taboo, but addictive. I loved how multilayered Vivienne and Jonah were. I loved that there was a cause to everything. Even though the series continues the ending will leave you very satisfied.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
June 9, 2015
3.5 stars
Asking for It by Lilah Pace is one of those rare books that are straight up my alley. It deals with rape-play and the dark underbelly of human sexuality and what makes us who we are and what we crave in the bedroom. It's gritty, raw, at times equal measures disturbing and equal measures hot. I love the blend of the physical and the psychological, the pushing of boundaries. As full disclosure, one of my favorite novellas ever is Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, and since then I've been craving another book brave enough to deal with this particular kink and do it as well as that book did.
This book may deal with the same theme but it really is very different in its approach. Willing Victim was a delicious piece of kinky literature with a to-die-for hero and top quality dirty talk. It was shameless in its indulgence. It was pure bliss.
Asking for It by Lilah Pace is, for one, a full length novel and it's highly intent on exploring the psychological aspect of it. The writing is of excellent quality although for some reason the sex scenes did not have the same visceral impact that the ones in Willing Victim did for me. These were always tainted by some sort of disconnect. I think a lot of that stemmed from the heroine's own disconnect to the hero. The whole point of most of the book was leavig Jonah, the hero, as a mysterious character of whom we know little and see little personality to really entice. It's intentional that he remain mostly a stranger to supposedly make the sex "hotter". Hence the sex is fully centered around Vivienne's kink and her own psychological need for that frisson of danger. She's hot for him because he's good looking, but to me there was no real appeal to Jonah beyond that. And that's it... I'm not sure this author nailed that piece of the psychology. Doing this with a stranger isn't hot...it's genuinely scary. It's the safety of knowing and trusting a partner fully that allows you to fully let go.
Maybe I'm being unfair in comparing this book so much to Willing Victim but I feel like there's no choice when so very little literature like this exists. There were two major aspects that I was disappointed by here:
1. The perpetuation of the idea that this kind of kink stems from psychological trauma as a child. In this particular case . Not only did that sour the sex scenes for me, making them more unpalatable. But it also made me wonder WHY CAN'T A CHARACTER JUST BE KINKY BECAUSE THEY'RE KINKY PERIOD. Without this major trauma or tale of woe as the cause. Vivienne is even seeing a shrink all throughout the book. Because the shame is so vivid, so big in her, we get to feel that same sense of shame through the entire book. The kink is very much focused in that light.
2. Jonah's big reveal at the end. I already had a bit of a disconnect to his character being that he's was portrayed as so reclusive, cold and distant. But that big reveal? Felt contrived, forced and made it hard to suspend disbelief. WHY CAN'T A CHARACTER JUST BE KINKY BECAUSE THEY'RE KINKY PERIOD.
That brings me to my main peeve throughout this whole book. In a status update I said I could rename this book "A series of fortunate coincidences." As good and compelling as the writing was, especially in the first half, there were way too many convenient coincidences to propel the story along. Enough to pull me out of the story and make it seem inorganic. By the last reveal I simply rolled my eyes and snorted. And said "But of course."
It's not a 3 star rating because I wasn't indifferent to the story. But I must admit that by the halfway point something started falling flat for me. It just fizzled out. But it was unique enough that I feel comfortable with a 3.5 star rating. I still much prefer Willing Victim and its utterly shameless indulgence on the edge play. Sometimes you just don't want all the psychobabble and the forced, tacked-on uber emotional overload. Sometimes you just want kink. My kink may not be your kink, but it's Safe, Sane and Consensual and that's all that matters. I get to indulge in a shameless fantasy because of that.
P.S. Way too many secondary characters that, as well drawn out as they were, felt more like unnecessary filler than anything else.
That's all!
Asking for It by Lilah Pace is one of those rare books that are straight up my alley. It deals with rape-play and the dark underbelly of human sexuality and what makes us who we are and what we crave in the bedroom. It's gritty, raw, at times equal measures disturbing and equal measures hot. I love the blend of the physical and the psychological, the pushing of boundaries. As full disclosure, one of my favorite novellas ever is Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, and since then I've been craving another book brave enough to deal with this particular kink and do it as well as that book did.
This book may deal with the same theme but it really is very different in its approach. Willing Victim was a delicious piece of kinky literature with a to-die-for hero and top quality dirty talk. It was shameless in its indulgence. It was pure bliss.
Asking for It by Lilah Pace is, for one, a full length novel and it's highly intent on exploring the psychological aspect of it. The writing is of excellent quality although for some reason the sex scenes did not have the same visceral impact that the ones in Willing Victim did for me. These were always tainted by some sort of disconnect. I think a lot of that stemmed from the heroine's own disconnect to the hero. The whole point of most of the book was leavig Jonah, the hero, as a mysterious character of whom we know little and see little personality to really entice. It's intentional that he remain mostly a stranger to supposedly make the sex "hotter". Hence the sex is fully centered around Vivienne's kink and her own psychological need for that frisson of danger. She's hot for him because he's good looking, but to me there was no real appeal to Jonah beyond that. And that's it... I'm not sure this author nailed that piece of the psychology. Doing this with a stranger isn't hot...it's genuinely scary. It's the safety of knowing and trusting a partner fully that allows you to fully let go.
Maybe I'm being unfair in comparing this book so much to Willing Victim but I feel like there's no choice when so very little literature like this exists. There were two major aspects that I was disappointed by here:
1. The perpetuation of the idea that this kind of kink stems from psychological trauma as a child. In this particular case . Not only did that sour the sex scenes for me, making them more unpalatable. But it also made me wonder WHY CAN'T A CHARACTER JUST BE KINKY BECAUSE THEY'RE KINKY PERIOD. Without this major trauma or tale of woe as the cause. Vivienne is even seeing a shrink all throughout the book. Because the shame is so vivid, so big in her, we get to feel that same sense of shame through the entire book. The kink is very much focused in that light.
2. Jonah's big reveal at the end. I already had a bit of a disconnect to his character being that he's was portrayed as so reclusive, cold and distant. But that big reveal? Felt contrived, forced and made it hard to suspend disbelief. WHY CAN'T A CHARACTER JUST BE KINKY BECAUSE THEY'RE KINKY PERIOD.
That brings me to my main peeve throughout this whole book. In a status update I said I could rename this book "A series of fortunate coincidences." As good and compelling as the writing was, especially in the first half, there were way too many convenient coincidences to propel the story along. Enough to pull me out of the story and make it seem inorganic. By the last reveal I simply rolled my eyes and snorted. And said "But of course."
It's not a 3 star rating because I wasn't indifferent to the story. But I must admit that by the halfway point something started falling flat for me. It just fizzled out. But it was unique enough that I feel comfortable with a 3.5 star rating. I still much prefer Willing Victim and its utterly shameless indulgence on the edge play. Sometimes you just don't want all the psychobabble and the forced, tacked-on uber emotional overload. Sometimes you just want kink. My kink may not be your kink, but it's Safe, Sane and Consensual and that's all that matters. I get to indulge in a shameless fantasy because of that.
P.S. Way too many secondary characters that, as well drawn out as they were, felt more like unnecessary filler than anything else.
That's all!
June 6, 2015
4.5 STARS
This fantastic read has suspended my book slump...even if only for the moment. After reading Kulti, I couldn't find anything worth reading. It actually became depressing, until Feifei suggested this. And thank you, Feifei! I loved this book. It was different, dark and atmospheric. As soon as I started I knew I would love it. It was equal parts sensual, exciting and shameful. It made me think, made me wonder and made me feel.
I loved the heroine, Vivienne. She was just a normal woman who unfortunately underwent not so normal circumstances that created an everlasting effect on her life. Her shame over what happened and what she craved were such a burden to her. She was such a good friend, a caring person that what she suffered was wholeheartedly saddening. Don't even get me started on her family.
Jonah Marks was such an interesting character. He exuded danger, a raw sexuality and yet couldn't hide his vulnerability. I loved him with Viv, I truly hope they find a way to make it work.
But above all that, I loved how wonderfully this was written. This is sensitive stuff, consent not withstanding. The author handled the topic brilliantly, weaving fact within an addictive narrative. This truly wasn't just another dark read. It was intelligent and thought provoking. What else can I say? I loved it and can't wait for the next book!
This fantastic read has suspended my book slump...even if only for the moment. After reading Kulti, I couldn't find anything worth reading. It actually became depressing, until Feifei suggested this. And thank you, Feifei! I loved this book. It was different, dark and atmospheric. As soon as I started I knew I would love it. It was equal parts sensual, exciting and shameful. It made me think, made me wonder and made me feel.
I loved the heroine, Vivienne. She was just a normal woman who unfortunately underwent not so normal circumstances that created an everlasting effect on her life. Her shame over what happened and what she craved were such a burden to her. She was such a good friend, a caring person that what she suffered was wholeheartedly saddening. Don't even get me started on her family.
Jonah Marks was such an interesting character. He exuded danger, a raw sexuality and yet couldn't hide his vulnerability. I loved him with Viv, I truly hope they find a way to make it work.
But above all that, I loved how wonderfully this was written. This is sensitive stuff, consent not withstanding. The author handled the topic brilliantly, weaving fact within an addictive narrative. This truly wasn't just another dark read. It was intelligent and thought provoking. What else can I say? I loved it and can't wait for the next book!
June 15, 2015
“Not all fantasies are things we want in reality.”
I’d like to think of myself as a reader with very few boundaries when it comes to picking my next book, only a few things in life triggering emotions I choose not to feel while indulging my mind with its next great escape. So, when I came across this book, my mind tingled from the get-go, yelling at me to dive into this story blindly and see where it would take us. And what an exciting ride this has been! A perfectly written, masterfully assembled storyline that captures your attention with its brutal honesty, somehow making the unthinkable sexy—this is a book that I devoured in its entirety and would urge anyone to sneak a taste of it before dismissing it at first sight. Its entire premise might turn many people away, but nothing about this story glamorises what it shouldn’t, dealing with a problematic theme capably, sensitively, with purpose rather than for kicks, often pausing to reflect on scenes rather than forging ahead thoughtlessly. I am drawn to the taboo, that I will admit, but I never lose the magnifying glass, the critical eye with which I read these stories because in order to enjoy them I need to perceive them as love stories rather than stories of the forbidden, and this book never crossed that line. It intrigued me, fascinated me, owned me start to finish with its beautiful prose, and it left me pondering on it long after it ended.
“I wanted the dirtiest, filthiest brutality, and I want it badly. Wanted it for so long.”
Vivienne Charles is a twenty-five-year-old woman with a secret. While in possession of a healthy sexual appetite, she is incapable of experiencing sexual gratification unless a certain scenario is met—Vivienne needs to imagine being raped. But while her sexual fantasies have always remained just that—fantasies—a random encounter with a handsome stranger on a deserted highway changes everything, turning into an unexpected offer to fulfil each other’s dirtiest fantasies with no strings attached.
“You like to play one role. I’d like to play another… On your terms, and within your limits. But I think we could . . . satisfy each other.”
Vivienne’s handsome stranger might be exactly what she has always dreamed of finding in a man, intuitively sensing all her darkest desires, and satisfying them one by one, but Jonah Marks has also found exactly what he’s been looking for in the woman whose body he reads so well. Their fantasies complement each other perfectly, igniting a purely sexual relationship that inevitably leads to more, becoming the most honest and gratifying relationship either of them have ever had. They feed each other’s dirtiest fantasies, fulfil each other’s most repressed desires, their role-plays becoming the only way to silence the memories that both of them fight to forget.
“This fantasy that dominates me—it’s sick, and it’s twisted, but it’s not going away. Fighting it hasn’t done any good. So I’m giving in. Surrendering.”
But once they grow closer to one another and the unspoken secrets between them start itching to come out in the open, the very reason Vivienne and Jonah connected in the first place becomes the wedge that eventually drives them apart.
“Each of us assumed the other was simply indulging a kinky fetish, when in fact we were shepherding each other through our nightmares.”
Since Vivienne’s inner voice is the only one we get to hear, her character is the one we feel closest to, her doubts, fears, and insecurities adding a very ‘real’ element to a story that can be at times difficult to relate to. The author has gone to great lengths to make us understand Vivienne’s mind and the way it has somehow merged rape and arousal into one, making her unable to peel them apart anymore, and eventually turning the very event that has changed her sexual nature altogether into her ultimate sexual fantasy. Given great character introspection, we are able to perceive Vivienne and Jonah’s relationship as a romance, albeit a very dysfunctional one, but a romance all the same. The guilt and the shame associated with their respective fantasies and the unveiling of the events they stemmed from play a vital role in this first part of their story, setting the scene for so many possible outcomes, and inevitably leaving us gasping for more. This was such an unexpected treat, a story I never expected to delve so deep into the human condition, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone with an open, judgement-free mind and an occasional taste for a darker, out-of-the-box kind of love story.
“It’s your fantasy, and mine. Chances like this don’t come along often—two people twisted in the same exact way.”
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June 4, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
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Asking For It by Lilah Pace was unlike any book that I have read. Consuming, hypnotic, thought-provoking, erotic, sensual and a slow burn emotional heart-tugging read that will push the boundaries. It was such a mind-blowing read that had me craving, wanting, and needing more. This book dealt with a dark, raw sexual matter that Ms. Pace eloquently and beautiful written. The fantasy to be raped.
Though this book might not be a book for most readers but the way Ms. Pace written and told the story was done brilliantly. The author not only pushed our sexual boundaries with these characters but she was able to interweave a slow burn story filled with so many raw emotions and vulnerabilities. Asking For It is one of those stories that was told at an excellent pace for the readers. This book was able to capture a raw pure uninhibited dark sexual fantasy that both Vivienne Charles and Jonah Marks needed, craved, and wanted. A secret consensual relationship where two of them can act out their fantasies without hurting others. In such a spellbinding read, I was able to get lost in with these characters as they battle their needs, desires, secrets and past.
Asking For It can be simply be summed up as CONSUMING. Ms. Pace is a master storyteller who was able to handle and write a tough subject with such sensitivity. She gave readers a better understanding of who Vivienne and Jonah are and why their fantasies comes from such a dark place. This book was indeed dark, gritty, raw, and erotic but it was also beautiful, emotional, touching, and promising. I went into thinking that this book would simply be a standalone but I am so relieved that there is a next book because in truth, the story of Vivienne and Jonah cannot be simply told in one book. Their story is a relationship built on layers. And slowly and very delicately, Ms. Pace will unravel and expose those layers allowing the readers to get to the real of heart of the matter. She will indeed have us begging for it.
So if you are looking for a book that was tangible, palpable, and hypnotic then I highly recommend you to read Asking For It. Be prepared to get lost in a story filled with characters that are so complex and yet leaves you emotionally raw.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Lilah Pace
[image error]
Asking For It by Lilah Pace was unlike any book that I have read. Consuming, hypnotic, thought-provoking, erotic, sensual and a slow burn emotional heart-tugging read that will push the boundaries. It was such a mind-blowing read that had me craving, wanting, and needing more. This book dealt with a dark, raw sexual matter that Ms. Pace eloquently and beautiful written. The fantasy to be raped.
Though this book might not be a book for most readers but the way Ms. Pace written and told the story was done brilliantly. The author not only pushed our sexual boundaries with these characters but she was able to interweave a slow burn story filled with so many raw emotions and vulnerabilities. Asking For It is one of those stories that was told at an excellent pace for the readers. This book was able to capture a raw pure uninhibited dark sexual fantasy that both Vivienne Charles and Jonah Marks needed, craved, and wanted. A secret consensual relationship where two of them can act out their fantasies without hurting others. In such a spellbinding read, I was able to get lost in with these characters as they battle their needs, desires, secrets and past.
Asking For It can be simply be summed up as CONSUMING. Ms. Pace is a master storyteller who was able to handle and write a tough subject with such sensitivity. She gave readers a better understanding of who Vivienne and Jonah are and why their fantasies comes from such a dark place. This book was indeed dark, gritty, raw, and erotic but it was also beautiful, emotional, touching, and promising. I went into thinking that this book would simply be a standalone but I am so relieved that there is a next book because in truth, the story of Vivienne and Jonah cannot be simply told in one book. Their story is a relationship built on layers. And slowly and very delicately, Ms. Pace will unravel and expose those layers allowing the readers to get to the real of heart of the matter. She will indeed have us begging for it.
So if you are looking for a book that was tangible, palpable, and hypnotic then I highly recommend you to read Asking For It. Be prepared to get lost in a story filled with characters that are so complex and yet leaves you emotionally raw.
[image error]
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Lilah Pace
Read
September 9, 2015Calling it quits at 56%. I'm sad to say I skimmed through most of the book up to this point. I might of liked it better if I could of gotten out of Vivienne's head and into Jonah's. I don't know. I can't seem to make myself care to find out any more about either of them any longer. I really didn't like Vivienne from the beginning. Ugh! I'm so disappointed because I was really wanting to read this one and waited for book 2 to come out before I started this one. Oh well...off to something else now.
September 6, 2016
short review
3 stars! I really did enjoy this, although RP ain't really my thing. I definitely want to know what happens with Jonah and Vivienne and will continue reading the series. Not a 4 or 5 because I didn't love it/wouldn't reread it.
ALSO I am convinced that Lilah Pace is Sylvia Day. So many similarities.
3 stars! I really did enjoy this, although RP ain't really my thing. I definitely want to know what happens with Jonah and Vivienne and will continue reading the series. Not a 4 or 5 because I didn't love it/wouldn't reread it.
ALSO I am convinced that Lilah Pace is Sylvia Day. So many similarities.
September 11, 2015
3.75 Silver stars!
Imagine that you've had some car trouble. It's the middle of the night, and you're completely alone on a deserted road with no cell phone. A Good Samaritan then pulls over to help you out. He is attractive, yet your main concern is just getting home and being safe. Well Vivienne Charles thinks this way, however, deep down she wants her "rescuer" to take advantage of the situation and have sex with her...by force.
Vivienne knows these thoughts are extreme, but it's what she craves. In fact, she cannot get off without imagining that she's being raped. When she confides to her (ex)boyfriend that this is something she desires, he doesn't feel comfortable performing the act and they end up breaking up. During a party, this ex gets drunk and blurts out his frustrations with not being able to do this for her. Although completely mortified, a stranger overhears and is interested in giving Vivienne exactly what she's been needing.
The proposal is definitely worth considering. Jonah Marks is the perfect man to fulfill these dark thoughts. He has a cool, calm, and seductive way about him that makes him seem like the perfect partner to indulge in.
Once the rules are set, Vivienne and Jonah begin to "play".
But there are some skeletons in Viv's past that make her have these cravings. Unbeknownst to her, Jonah also has his own issues that make him get off on overpowering a woman.
Straddling this fine line can make things difficult for the pair. When you experience something so intimate and private, feelings start to muddle in with all the intense sex. When truths come out, will it be possible for this couple to survive?
I can imagine it's quite difficult to write about a tragedy and turn in into a desire. I thought the author did a great job with this subject matter. As a reader, I find I have rare "hard limits", so it wasn't a difficult read for me. When I saw that there was a book about this darker fantasy, I knew I had to check it out.
There were a couple of things that I was a little bothered about at first, but after reading the book in its entirety, I can see why the author did it a certain way. At first I kept anticipating Jonah's POV. I was definitely intrigued to get his thoughts about his forceful ways. After all was said and done, I liked that he was more of a mystery.
I also thought the first few "scenes" were very tame, and didn't consider them extreme. The word "no" was never said, and there was no struggle. It seemed like it was more role-play than mock rape. I didn't think that these scenarios would be able to satisfy the deep needs that both MC's had. The "playing" did get rougher though. And if this situation was real, I can see why you would need to gain trust in your partner and ease into things. So by the end of the book, I was satisfied with how things went down.
The reason for this not being a 5 star read, mainly was the heroines voice (probably another reason I wished for male POV). I cannot put my finger on it, but I'd say she kind of annoyed me throughout 3/4 of the book. After some time, she did end up growing on me and I got used to her. My other issue had to do with Jonah's past. It. Was. Awful. Not that Vivienne's wasn't bad, but his made me sick to my stomach. It wasn't so much reading about his past (ok, maybe a little), but it was more about my personal feelings after it was revealed. I looked at him in a different light, and felt incredibly creepy and dirty for thinking some of the things they did were hot. I knew he would have some sort of reason for having his fantasies, but I was not expecting something so terrible.
Overall I did like this. It's a complicated type of read, but I think it was well done.
Vivienne and Jonah's story will continue in Begging for It, and I will definitely be reading this sometime in the near future. If you'd like an unconventional story, I'd give this a shot.
The only possible partner for these games is someone as bent as I am.
Imagine that you've had some car trouble. It's the middle of the night, and you're completely alone on a deserted road with no cell phone. A Good Samaritan then pulls over to help you out. He is attractive, yet your main concern is just getting home and being safe. Well Vivienne Charles thinks this way, however, deep down she wants her "rescuer" to take advantage of the situation and have sex with her...by force.
Vivienne knows these thoughts are extreme, but it's what she craves. In fact, she cannot get off without imagining that she's being raped. When she confides to her (ex)boyfriend that this is something she desires, he doesn't feel comfortable performing the act and they end up breaking up. During a party, this ex gets drunk and blurts out his frustrations with not being able to do this for her. Although completely mortified, a stranger overhears and is interested in giving Vivienne exactly what she's been needing.
The proposal is definitely worth considering. Jonah Marks is the perfect man to fulfill these dark thoughts. He has a cool, calm, and seductive way about him that makes him seem like the perfect partner to indulge in.
Once the rules are set, Vivienne and Jonah begin to "play".
But there are some skeletons in Viv's past that make her have these cravings. Unbeknownst to her, Jonah also has his own issues that make him get off on overpowering a woman.
Straddling this fine line can make things difficult for the pair. When you experience something so intimate and private, feelings start to muddle in with all the intense sex. When truths come out, will it be possible for this couple to survive?
I can imagine it's quite difficult to write about a tragedy and turn in into a desire. I thought the author did a great job with this subject matter. As a reader, I find I have rare "hard limits", so it wasn't a difficult read for me. When I saw that there was a book about this darker fantasy, I knew I had to check it out.
There were a couple of things that I was a little bothered about at first, but after reading the book in its entirety, I can see why the author did it a certain way. At first I kept anticipating Jonah's POV. I was definitely intrigued to get his thoughts about his forceful ways. After all was said and done, I liked that he was more of a mystery.
I also thought the first few "scenes" were very tame, and didn't consider them extreme. The word "no" was never said, and there was no struggle. It seemed like it was more role-play than mock rape. I didn't think that these scenarios would be able to satisfy the deep needs that both MC's had. The "playing" did get rougher though. And if this situation was real, I can see why you would need to gain trust in your partner and ease into things. So by the end of the book, I was satisfied with how things went down.
The reason for this not being a 5 star read, mainly was the heroines voice (probably another reason I wished for male POV). I cannot put my finger on it, but I'd say she kind of annoyed me throughout 3/4 of the book. After some time, she did end up growing on me and I got used to her. My other issue had to do with Jonah's past. It. Was. Awful. Not that Vivienne's wasn't bad, but his made me sick to my stomach. It wasn't so much reading about his past (ok, maybe a little), but it was more about my personal feelings after it was revealed. I looked at him in a different light, and felt incredibly creepy and dirty for thinking some of the things they did were hot. I knew he would have some sort of reason for having his fantasies, but I was not expecting something so terrible.
Overall I did like this. It's a complicated type of read, but I think it was well done.
Vivienne and Jonah's story will continue in Begging for It, and I will definitely be reading this sometime in the near future. If you'd like an unconventional story, I'd give this a shot.
April 9, 2016
4 Dark Fantasy Stars!
"I can do more than fuck you. I can scare you a little. Just a little. Enough to make it what you really want."
Seems like this book made some pretty huge waves. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I needed to read it immediately. And with a blurb like that, who could resist?!
Well, I have to say, for the most part, the hype is well-deserved. I'm always drawn to the darker, taboo stories, with lots of edge. The trouble with the sub-genre nowadays is that it is filled with a bunch of shock-factor, dark-for-the-sake-of-dark garbage. That was truly not the case here.
There were three things that made this book stand out for me:
1. Writing - I found Pace's writing to be amazing. It has a quiet grace and elegance to it that was truly captivating. She has a beautiful way with words that kept me engaged throughout this entire story.
2. The way that the taboo subject matter of rape was dealt with -
I have to say, the rape theme is MASSIVELY overdone in romance books today whether it be NA, CR, dark romance...whatever. Isn't there any other terrible thing that a girl can be put through? It's to the point that I have become desensitized to the crime which in itself is a terrible thing. But I thought this book did a fantastic job of dealing with the long-term impact of rape and what it can manifest into for a young woman. I found it to be fascinating. We know the usual, because we've read it a million times, right? So we expect the detachment, introverted behavior, feelings of shame, ugliness, disgust, self-loathing... and Vivienne feels all of those things, but so much more. I thought her case was psychologically fascinating and I wonder if cases like this one can be found in real life. So this book took a theme that I am to the point of all out rolling my eyes on, when I see in books lately, and instead, made me really think about it in a whole new way.
3. Jonah- OMG, Jonah. is. incredible!! He almost seems to distinguished and smart to be called BBF material but, that he is!! From his general demeanor to his protective nature, to his raw sexuality, to the fact that he's a volcanic studies professor...how fuck hot is that? I was grossly drawn to him whenever he was on the page and I want to know more. My heart broke for him many times (for both of them). Because while he exudes power and strength, little by little, we begin to see how wounded and vulnerable he really is.
The book did lull in the middle for me a bit which is the only thing that kept it from being a 5-star read for me. I felt like we were just doing the same thing over and over again, and not really progressing. But, it sped up toward the end and left the story in a good place. Yes, there was a cliffy ending, but I really couldn't imagine the book ending any other way for now, and still being realistic.
If you've read Cara McKenna's Willing Victim (first of all, if you haven't... READ IT!!!) please know that yes, there is the sole similarity of rape fantasy but that is about it. Whereas Willing Victim presents this subject matter in a fun, kinky way, Asking for It is more about a fierce desire...almost obsession...with it, and the use of it as a coping mechanism. This book goes way deeper and far darker.
Cannot wait to read Begging for It to learn the conclusion of Jonah and Vivienne's story!!! September can't be here soon enough!
"You destroy me every time. Completely."
"I can do more than fuck you. I can scare you a little. Just a little. Enough to make it what you really want."
Seems like this book made some pretty huge waves. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I needed to read it immediately. And with a blurb like that, who could resist?!
Well, I have to say, for the most part, the hype is well-deserved. I'm always drawn to the darker, taboo stories, with lots of edge. The trouble with the sub-genre nowadays is that it is filled with a bunch of shock-factor, dark-for-the-sake-of-dark garbage. That was truly not the case here.
There were three things that made this book stand out for me:
1. Writing - I found Pace's writing to be amazing. It has a quiet grace and elegance to it that was truly captivating. She has a beautiful way with words that kept me engaged throughout this entire story.
2. The way that the taboo subject matter of rape was dealt with -
I have to say, the rape theme is MASSIVELY overdone in romance books today whether it be NA, CR, dark romance...whatever. Isn't there any other terrible thing that a girl can be put through? It's to the point that I have become desensitized to the crime which in itself is a terrible thing. But I thought this book did a fantastic job of dealing with the long-term impact of rape and what it can manifest into for a young woman. I found it to be fascinating. We know the usual, because we've read it a million times, right? So we expect the detachment, introverted behavior, feelings of shame, ugliness, disgust, self-loathing... and Vivienne feels all of those things, but so much more. I thought her case was psychologically fascinating and I wonder if cases like this one can be found in real life. So this book took a theme that I am to the point of all out rolling my eyes on, when I see in books lately, and instead, made me really think about it in a whole new way.
3. Jonah- OMG, Jonah. is. incredible!! He almost seems to distinguished and smart to be called BBF material but, that he is!! From his general demeanor to his protective nature, to his raw sexuality, to the fact that he's a volcanic studies professor...how fuck hot is that? I was grossly drawn to him whenever he was on the page and I want to know more. My heart broke for him many times (for both of them). Because while he exudes power and strength, little by little, we begin to see how wounded and vulnerable he really is.
The book did lull in the middle for me a bit which is the only thing that kept it from being a 5-star read for me. I felt like we were just doing the same thing over and over again, and not really progressing. But, it sped up toward the end and left the story in a good place. Yes, there was a cliffy ending, but I really couldn't imagine the book ending any other way for now, and still being realistic.
If you've read Cara McKenna's Willing Victim (first of all, if you haven't... READ IT!!!) please know that yes, there is the sole similarity of rape fantasy but that is about it. Whereas Willing Victim presents this subject matter in a fun, kinky way, Asking for It is more about a fierce desire...almost obsession...with it, and the use of it as a coping mechanism. This book goes way deeper and far darker.
Cannot wait to read Begging for It to learn the conclusion of Jonah and Vivienne's story!!! September can't be here soon enough!
"You destroy me every time. Completely."
December 26, 2021
3,5 stars
Buddy Read with K.
Wow, 5 days later and I'm still a bit lost at how to rate it.
It's a story about consensual non-consent, so if you are not okay with this kind of thing, stay away from it. Really. Go away and don't look back.
If not, prepare yourself to be wrecked and then put together. Because this author did it wonderfully. Or not - I'm still not sure. I will probably spoil some stuff for you, but if you start the book, those spoiled moments will be pretty heavily hinted at from the prologue...
°°° My feelings.
It was fantastically written, funny one moment - devastatingt the next; with smooth transitions in-between. The language, the art, the characters - they felt real and genuine.
Vivienne was a hardcore and a badass heroine, she was vulnerable, yet strong. I adored every art reference here! With Vivienne being an artist, author did a fantastic job, portraying her as a good one. And Jonah... Ohmygod, Jonah was a delicious combination of strength, intelligence, gentleness and vulnerability.
He looks like a work of a sculptor who didn't believe in polishing rough edges, who wanted you to see exactly where the chisel had struck.
- For me as a visual person, this description was everything.
And yet there's that hunted, haunted quality to him too - and strength within me, which Jonah must sense. He wouldn't trust me to handle this fantasy otherwise.
- Together, they melted my heart. Two people, so perfectly damaged and broken, finding something precious in each other.
°°° My thoughts.
Damn, I wasn't comfortable with the term "rape fantasy".
Rape has nothing to do with the ravishment or non-con fantasy, people, NOTHING. Not one person, getting off on such fantasies, wants to be actually raped, so getting rid of the word would be nice. (Just as much as Daddy-kink has nothing to do with paedophilia, just sayin'.)
I understood though, how the heroine's traumatic experience led her to be ashamed of the fantasies, and I got her willingness to get rid of them in order to become "normal"... so yeah, the back and forth, the questioning of one's sanity were well done here. I loved the word of reason, presented through the heroine's therapist - that lady rocked.
I guess it's fresh to read about someone who went through trauma and still was brave enough for such fantasies... Yet for me, it felt way too therapeutic at times. The way the heroine tried to guess what experience may have led the hero to have the same fantasies wasn't necessary. A little bit more subtlety would be appreciated, the obvious wish to connect everything to everything felt like an overkill.
It was still beautifully written and my heart broke at times... But to be completely honest with you, there are better (and hotter) books about the ravishment fantasy out there. I did end up reading the second part, because this one was left a bit open at the end - and here are my thoughts on it if you're interested.
Buddy Read with K.
Wow, 5 days later and I'm still a bit lost at how to rate it.
It's a story about consensual non-consent, so if you are not okay with this kind of thing, stay away from it. Really. Go away and don't look back.
If not, prepare yourself to be wrecked and then put together. Because this author did it wonderfully. Or not - I'm still not sure. I will probably spoil some stuff for you, but if you start the book, those spoiled moments will be pretty heavily hinted at from the prologue...
°°° My feelings.
It was fantastically written, funny one moment - devastatingt the next; with smooth transitions in-between. The language, the art, the characters - they felt real and genuine.
Vivienne was a hardcore and a badass heroine, she was vulnerable, yet strong. I adored every art reference here! With Vivienne being an artist, author did a fantastic job, portraying her as a good one. And Jonah... Ohmygod, Jonah was a delicious combination of strength, intelligence, gentleness and vulnerability.
He looks like a work of a sculptor who didn't believe in polishing rough edges, who wanted you to see exactly where the chisel had struck.
- For me as a visual person, this description was everything.
And yet there's that hunted, haunted quality to him too - and strength within me, which Jonah must sense. He wouldn't trust me to handle this fantasy otherwise.
- Together, they melted my heart. Two people, so perfectly damaged and broken, finding something precious in each other.
°°° My thoughts.
Damn, I wasn't comfortable with the term "rape fantasy".
Rape has nothing to do with the ravishment or non-con fantasy, people, NOTHING. Not one person, getting off on such fantasies, wants to be actually raped, so getting rid of the word would be nice. (Just as much as Daddy-kink has nothing to do with paedophilia, just sayin'.)
I understood though, how the heroine's traumatic experience led her to be ashamed of the fantasies, and I got her willingness to get rid of them in order to become "normal"... so yeah, the back and forth, the questioning of one's sanity were well done here. I loved the word of reason, presented through the heroine's therapist - that lady rocked.
I guess it's fresh to read about someone who went through trauma and still was brave enough for such fantasies... Yet for me, it felt way too therapeutic at times. The way the heroine tried to guess what experience may have led the hero to have the same fantasies wasn't necessary. A little bit more subtlety would be appreciated, the obvious wish to connect everything to everything felt like an overkill.
It was still beautifully written and my heart broke at times... But to be completely honest with you, there are better (and hotter) books about the ravishment fantasy out there. I did end up reading the second part, because this one was left a bit open at the end - and here are my thoughts on it if you're interested.
September 1, 2015
“We promised to stay strangers.”
4 STARS
Genre: Erotic romance – 'Rape Kink' – Angst
Cover: 5/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 8/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 5/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person. 1st in the series, 2nd book out Sept 2015.
Graduate student & teaching assistant, Vivienne is afraid of her own desires, she's ashamed by her deep rooted sexual fantasies that all involve her being taken by force.
After a chance encounter with the mysterious Jonah ends with him discovering her secret, he makes an offer: they will remain near-strangers to each other, and meet in secret so that he can fulfill her fantasy, multiple times in multiple ways.
As both delve deeper into each other, secrets from their pasts threaten to turn their affair even darker.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Asking for It was mostly a 4 star read for me up until the end, I think that added touch of drama and revelations really stepped it up a notch.
The author definitely did her research, the depth things like the scene setting, their jobs and the kink itself; was fun and interesting to read at points. It was well written and a little dark, it drew me in immediately.
I wouldn't say it was fabulous, but it was enjoyable and definitely kept me interested all the way through, the sex was hot and the characters likeable, if they had been lovable also, then that would have knocked it up to 5 stars.
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
April 27, 2019
Es war verstörend, erschreckend und schockierend. Ich wollte das Buch erst abbrechen, hab es dann aber durchgezogen. Ab der Mitte hat es mich dann doch nicht mehr losgelassen und ich musste es in einem Rutsch lesen. Die Triggerwarnung im Buch ist absolut angebracht und notwendig! Nichts für schwache Nerven, aber trotzdem sehr lesenswert!
June 10, 2015
You will get lost in this book ... One of the best books I have ever read, period...
What an incredible story! What an engaging read!
What an incredible story! What an engaging read!
October 3, 2021
“Only a whore would let me do this,” Jonah whispers as I start to pant. By now the sensation is almost overwhelming. “You want it now, don’t you? I knew I could make you want it.”
Warmth ripples through me in waves. My body tightens. I’m on the brink.
Jonah’s breath is hot against the side of my face. “Don’t worry. You’re going to get it.”
September 19, 2015
3.5 ★'s
Rape...it's a fantasy that brings two broken people together. It pulls them deep into some type of a relationship that they are desperately trying to figure out. But will it be strong enough to keep them together?
So, I will admit that I was drawn to this book because of the rape fantasies and the way the couple got together. I'm not really big into violence or actually rape but I have definitely read much more intense books than this...and I think I was a little disappointed because of it.
Vivienne is a grad student majoring in art and...seeing a therapist. She's trying to deal with her rape fantasies that have evolved out of an actual rape.
She meets Jonah when she has a flat tire and he offers to change it for her. It doesn't help that all she can think about is him forcing himself on her. Fast forward a week or two and they see each other at a party. Turns out he's a earth science professor at her college. He just happens to overhear Vivienne's ex-boyfriend talking about her fantasies and offers his "services".
They get together to set up some parameters. It's a little awkward and Jonah is not the warmest person around but they make do. I think it would really have helped to get his POV!
At first, the interactions between the two are limited to the fantasies but they both want more. What that more is, they both aren't sure but they definitely try. The problems start when Vivienne isn't honest.
This is where I had some issues. You would think they would sit down and discuss some things about themselves. I would definitely want to know why someone would want that particular fantasy fulfilled! But of course, they don't and that leads to all kinds of drama.
Jonah is an interesting character and you do eventually get his horrible story. But I enjoyed his soft side the most and I know that Vivienne does too. I would really love some type of breakthrough for her.
The book is left open ended...I wouldn't say a cliff hanger but things are definitely unresolved. I've heard that Begging For It is not as good as people had hoped. However, at this point, there's no way that I cannot read it!
Favorite quote:
♥ "I'll never forget you."
Rape...it's a fantasy that brings two broken people together. It pulls them deep into some type of a relationship that they are desperately trying to figure out. But will it be strong enough to keep them together?
So, I will admit that I was drawn to this book because of the rape fantasies and the way the couple got together. I'm not really big into violence or actually rape but I have definitely read much more intense books than this...and I think I was a little disappointed because of it.
Vivienne is a grad student majoring in art and...seeing a therapist. She's trying to deal with her rape fantasies that have evolved out of an actual rape.
She meets Jonah when she has a flat tire and he offers to change it for her. It doesn't help that all she can think about is him forcing himself on her. Fast forward a week or two and they see each other at a party. Turns out he's a earth science professor at her college. He just happens to overhear Vivienne's ex-boyfriend talking about her fantasies and offers his "services".
They get together to set up some parameters. It's a little awkward and Jonah is not the warmest person around but they make do. I think it would really have helped to get his POV!
At first, the interactions between the two are limited to the fantasies but they both want more. What that more is, they both aren't sure but they definitely try. The problems start when Vivienne isn't honest.
This is where I had some issues. You would think they would sit down and discuss some things about themselves. I would definitely want to know why someone would want that particular fantasy fulfilled! But of course, they don't and that leads to all kinds of drama.
Jonah is an interesting character and you do eventually get his horrible story. But I enjoyed his soft side the most and I know that Vivienne does too. I would really love some type of breakthrough for her.
The book is left open ended...I wouldn't say a cliff hanger but things are definitely unresolved. I've heard that Begging For It is not as good as people had hoped. However, at this point, there's no way that I cannot read it!
Favorite quote:
♥ "I'll never forget you."
February 23, 2016
Ladies And Gentlemen,
I am pleased to announce that this is the book that has gained my first ever five star review.
This book absolutely blew me out of the water.
Honestly, I've been having so much trouble putting my thoughts into words about this, because I don't feel that anything I write can accurately portray the beauty and depth that this book contains.
In simple terms, this is an erotic novel. But to describe it as such really does it a disservice, because it is so much more than that. It is a character study, it is an exploration of sexuality, psychology and healing from trauma. It is erotic, it is taboo and it is thrilling.
I don't think I have ever felt so many emotions as when I was going through this book. I was flustered, I was turned on, I was scared, I was heartbroken, often all at once. This book gave me the feels. All of them.
This book deals with some heavy topics including but not limited to, rape, sexual assault and child abuse. How would you feel if you were only able to orgasm if you fantasized about being raped? Would you feel ashamed? Would you feel dirty? Would you be frustrated that you couldn't just be "normal?" That is what this book is about.
Vivienne can only reach orgasm if she fantasizes about being raped. This book delves into the how's and why's, I won't elaborate here because it is a story that you need to read for yourself, and then she meets Jonah, who, for his own reasons, offers to play the villain of her fantasies.
Their chemistry is off the charts. This is role playing, taken to the next level. While I was reading some of their "play" scenes, I honestly thought I was going to combust into flames, and this was going through my head a lot:
Vivienne. She was a big steaming bag of shame about herself and her fantasies at the start of this, but as the novel progressed, she faced and fought her demons, and ended up in a better place as a result. Watching her grow, watching her flourish, watching her come to terms with her desires and overcome the shame, was wonderful.
Jonah. What an intricate character you are. Powerful, domineering, fantasy fulfiller, with a horrific and traumatic past that, I feel, dwarfed Vivienne's, your softer side, the way you always asked if Vivienne was OK after the "play" and kissed her like she was the most precious thing in the world... My heart, you have it.
I read this in a single day. I absolutely devoured it, and once I was finished I wanted to go right back to the start and read it all again. It was wonderful.
So wonderful that the use of the "c word" didn't bother me. Not even a tiny bit. It just, worked.
Sometimes you go looking for a little bit of kinky smut, and you get whacked in the face with a wonderful, complex piece of smut like this, that is deeper than you expect. It makes you stop, it makes you think, all while it turns you on and steals your heart.
Amazing. I love it. I give it all the stars.
Bring on September. I need the sequel.
5 i-need-to-change-my-panties Stars
Buddy Read with Aileene and Brynne Thanks for the great read and discussion ladies!
I am pleased to announce that this is the book that has gained my first ever five star review.
This book absolutely blew me out of the water.
Honestly, I've been having so much trouble putting my thoughts into words about this, because I don't feel that anything I write can accurately portray the beauty and depth that this book contains.
In simple terms, this is an erotic novel. But to describe it as such really does it a disservice, because it is so much more than that. It is a character study, it is an exploration of sexuality, psychology and healing from trauma. It is erotic, it is taboo and it is thrilling.
"Rape fantasies are among the most common sexual fantasies women have."
I don't think I have ever felt so many emotions as when I was going through this book. I was flustered, I was turned on, I was scared, I was heartbroken, often all at once. This book gave me the feels. All of them.
This book deals with some heavy topics including but not limited to, rape, sexual assault and child abuse. How would you feel if you were only able to orgasm if you fantasized about being raped? Would you feel ashamed? Would you feel dirty? Would you be frustrated that you couldn't just be "normal?" That is what this book is about.
Vivienne can only reach orgasm if she fantasizes about being raped. This book delves into the how's and why's, I won't elaborate here because it is a story that you need to read for yourself, and then she meets Jonah, who, for his own reasons, offers to play the villain of her fantasies.
Their chemistry is off the charts. This is role playing, taken to the next level. While I was reading some of their "play" scenes, I honestly thought I was going to combust into flames, and this was going through my head a lot:
Vivienne. She was a big steaming bag of shame about herself and her fantasies at the start of this, but as the novel progressed, she faced and fought her demons, and ended up in a better place as a result. Watching her grow, watching her flourish, watching her come to terms with her desires and overcome the shame, was wonderful.
"You saw something in me that I've always hated and made me feel less ashamed of it for a while."
Jonah. What an intricate character you are. Powerful, domineering, fantasy fulfiller, with a horrific and traumatic past that, I feel, dwarfed Vivienne's, your softer side, the way you always asked if Vivienne was OK after the "play" and kissed her like she was the most precious thing in the world... My heart, you have it.
"But don't you see? I don't just fuck you, Jonah. I bare my soul to you."
I read this in a single day. I absolutely devoured it, and once I was finished I wanted to go right back to the start and read it all again. It was wonderful.
So wonderful that the use of the "c word" didn't bother me. Not even a tiny bit. It just, worked.
Sometimes you go looking for a little bit of kinky smut, and you get whacked in the face with a wonderful, complex piece of smut like this, that is deeper than you expect. It makes you stop, it makes you think, all while it turns you on and steals your heart.
Amazing. I love it. I give it all the stars.
Bring on September. I need the sequel.
5 i-need-to-change-my-panties Stars
"I feel a wave of almost inexpressible tenderness for this strong man hiding so much vulnerability, so much pain. Maybe that's what he sees when he looks at me."
Buddy Read with Aileene and Brynne Thanks for the great read and discussion ladies!
Read
November 11, 2016
Don't do it gorgeous, never follow urges unless sexual xo
Oh god, no. These words didn't come out from my mother's mouth (I wish she was that groovy though!) but from a very VERY naughty *mouths* and kinky friend of mine. It made me smile when she said it to me and still does.
Reading this book made me remember it again.
Sexual urges, the author gave a whole different meaning to it. As a matter of fact, lots of references that've been used here that I don't think I can use them the same way again.
“I was in a place beyond words.” whilst reading this and definitely after. As mentioned Ms Pace is excellent on taking things to the next level. This book is similar to discovery channel where it opens a wide variety of things. You see, this is NOT JUST about sexual urges, rape cases or some twisted effed up power tripping. No, it's beyond that. The depth, the effectiveness, the complexity of the characters and story just blew me away and left me reeling and quiet for days.
And to reciprocate the same level of quality of this book by giving a top notch review - I can't do it. And no matter how I tried (coz I did try my hardest) my review won't be able to give justice to what the author has given her readers.
This. This book. This is one unsurpassable story. And touched me in so many different levels
I have given 5 stars rating before. I even dished out 5+++ stars. And for this? No amount of stars is enough. Once, I said: I have yet to have a book that I would be lost in it-and never wanted to be found.... and I found it. Yes, I’ve FOUND it. I hit the threshold. I’m here. Lilah Pace has put me in that place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story also made me remember this favorite song of mine.
"Flightless Bird, American Mouth"
I was a quick-wet boy
Diving too deep for coins
All of your street light eyes
Wide on my plastic toys
Then when the cops closed the fair
I cut my long baby hair
Stole me a dog-eared map
And called for you everywhere
Have I found you?
Flightless bird, jealous, weeping
Or lost you?
American mouth
Big pill looming
Now I'm a fat house cat
Nursing my sore blunt tongue
Watching the warm poison rats
Curl through the wide fence cracks
Pissing on magazine photos
Those fishing lures
Thrown in the cold and clean
Blood of Christ mountain stream
Have I found you?
Flightless bird, grounded, bleeding
Or lost you?
American mouth
Big pill stuck going down
The once controversial song for its unfathomable lyrics. For me it's lyrical imagery has inspired a sensation of the loss of youthful innocence and embracing the mature love with all of its challenges and rewards. It's a metaphor for the journey from naivety in romance to maturity.
And the final lyric - it's so fitting to the ending of the story. Did they found each other or found just to lose each other?
“Only when we reach the edge of the park does Jonah speak again. “I’ll never forget you.”
Goddammit, now I’m going to cry. “I won’t forget you either. Like I ever could.”
This made me cry A LOT and feel sad. I felt an overwhelming love for characters that are fictional but who made my heart ache.
........Me too, I won't forget you Jonah and Vivienne
Verdict: HIGHLY recommended
Rating: Goodreads stars are not sufficient for this book
Buddy read with Jess and Brynne.
Many thanks girls - it was an awesome pick!
Oh god, no. These words didn't come out from my mother's mouth (I wish she was that groovy though!) but from a very VERY naughty *mouths* and kinky friend of mine. It made me smile when she said it to me and still does.
Reading this book made me remember it again.
Sexual urges, the author gave a whole different meaning to it. As a matter of fact, lots of references that've been used here that I don't think I can use them the same way again.
“I was in a place beyond words.” whilst reading this and definitely after. As mentioned Ms Pace is excellent on taking things to the next level. This book is similar to discovery channel where it opens a wide variety of things. You see, this is NOT JUST about sexual urges, rape cases or some twisted effed up power tripping. No, it's beyond that. The depth, the effectiveness, the complexity of the characters and story just blew me away and left me reeling and quiet for days.
And to reciprocate the same level of quality of this book by giving a top notch review - I can't do it. And no matter how I tried (coz I did try my hardest) my review won't be able to give justice to what the author has given her readers.
This. This book. This is one unsurpassable story. And touched me in so many different levels
I have given 5 stars rating before. I even dished out 5+++ stars. And for this? No amount of stars is enough. Once, I said: I have yet to have a book that I would be lost in it-and never wanted to be found.... and I found it. Yes, I’ve FOUND it. I hit the threshold. I’m here. Lilah Pace has put me in that place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story also made me remember this favorite song of mine.
"Flightless Bird, American Mouth"
I was a quick-wet boy
Diving too deep for coins
All of your street light eyes
Wide on my plastic toys
Then when the cops closed the fair
I cut my long baby hair
Stole me a dog-eared map
And called for you everywhere
Have I found you?
Flightless bird, jealous, weeping
Or lost you?
American mouth
Big pill looming
Now I'm a fat house cat
Nursing my sore blunt tongue
Watching the warm poison rats
Curl through the wide fence cracks
Pissing on magazine photos
Those fishing lures
Thrown in the cold and clean
Blood of Christ mountain stream
Have I found you?
Flightless bird, grounded, bleeding
Or lost you?
American mouth
Big pill stuck going down
The once controversial song for its unfathomable lyrics. For me it's lyrical imagery has inspired a sensation of the loss of youthful innocence and embracing the mature love with all of its challenges and rewards. It's a metaphor for the journey from naivety in romance to maturity.
And the final lyric - it's so fitting to the ending of the story. Did they found each other or found just to lose each other?
“Only when we reach the edge of the park does Jonah speak again. “I’ll never forget you.”
Goddammit, now I’m going to cry. “I won’t forget you either. Like I ever could.”
This made me cry A LOT and feel sad. I felt an overwhelming love for characters that are fictional but who made my heart ache.
........Me too, I won't forget you Jonah and Vivienne
Verdict: HIGHLY recommended
Rating: Goodreads stars are not sufficient for this book
Buddy read with Jess and Brynne.
Many thanks girls - it was an awesome pick!
May 14, 2015
Oh, this book. It is so, so, SO much. It was more than enough, but never too much. It deals with very difficult and volatile subject matters. It contains scenes of consensual sex that are portrayed as rape, and it contains a flashback to actual rape. This may make it difficult for some readers, I'm sure.
However, the book was so much more than this label. The characters are deep. This is not just hot sex with an obligatory story sprinkled in. Although, there is hot sex. Raw, gritty, violent, hot, hot sex, that made me want to call my husband home from work. I can't help it; this book was a huge turn on despite the subject matter.
Maybe it's in the way he holds her after these consensual trysts that show he is more than the role he's playing for her pleasure. Or the way they begin to build a relationship outside of these anonymous trysts. Or the fact that there is complete trust between the characters; one little word, that's all she has to say, and it's over. That level of trust between these two people is beautiful.
Regardless, there was more to this book than all of that. There was great character development, as they work together to be more than the fantasy, to grow and accept themselves. There were well developed secondary characters, each of whom played important roles in the main character's life. This was a wonderfully written book, one I absolutely could not put down, and I am on edge waiting for the next installment! ~ George, 5 stars
However, the book was so much more than this label. The characters are deep. This is not just hot sex with an obligatory story sprinkled in. Although, there is hot sex. Raw, gritty, violent, hot, hot sex, that made me want to call my husband home from work. I can't help it; this book was a huge turn on despite the subject matter.
Maybe it's in the way he holds her after these consensual trysts that show he is more than the role he's playing for her pleasure. Or the way they begin to build a relationship outside of these anonymous trysts. Or the fact that there is complete trust between the characters; one little word, that's all she has to say, and it's over. That level of trust between these two people is beautiful.
Regardless, there was more to this book than all of that. There was great character development, as they work together to be more than the fantasy, to grow and accept themselves. There were well developed secondary characters, each of whom played important roles in the main character's life. This was a wonderfully written book, one I absolutely could not put down, and I am on edge waiting for the next installment! ~ George, 5 stars
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