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Apprivoisé #1
Dahlia
How do you fall in love in the modern world when you have a teenage
daughter and a codependent ex?
You seek out the owner of a fetish club, of course.
Dahlia was on the desperate side of lonely. Alex was on the jaded side of not any more. At his sister's urging, he sent Dahlia a text.
She texted back.
Dahlia's foolish expectations and Alex's poor impulse control sucks you into a romance that proves that love can be the easiest thing in the world.
Dishabille cleans the slate of the Ugly Cry and floods you full of Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Dopamine.
You might have to change your knickers.
daughter and a codependent ex?
You seek out the owner of a fetish club, of course.
Dahlia was on the desperate side of lonely. Alex was on the jaded side of not any more. At his sister's urging, he sent Dahlia a text.
She texted back.
Dahlia's foolish expectations and Alex's poor impulse control sucks you into a romance that proves that love can be the easiest thing in the world.
Dishabille cleans the slate of the Ugly Cry and floods you full of Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Dopamine.
You might have to change your knickers.
348 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2012
293 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
Arden Aoide
48 books198 followersSign up for the newsletter here: http://ardenaoide.com/connect/
Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.
She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.
She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.
Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.
She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.
She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.
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May 29, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (5/29/2015)
Series is complete
BLURB:
How do you fall in love in the modern world when you have a teenage
daughter and a codependent ex?
You seek out the owner of a fetish club, of course.
Dahlia was on the desperate side of lonely. Alex was on the jaded side of not any more. At his sister's urging, he sent Dahlia a text.
She texted back.
Dahlia's foolish expectations and Alex's poor impulse control sucks you into a romance that proves that love can be the easiest thing in the world.
Dishabille cleans the slate of the Ugly Cry and floods you full of Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Dopamine.
You might have to change your knickers.
http://www.amazon.com/Dishabille-Appr...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 400 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
February 1, 2020
didn't grab my attention
June 10, 2019
First Thoughts
I first ran into Dishabille in 2016: I was reading an anthology (and was shortly about to DNF said anthology) when I ran across Force Majeure (Apprivoisé, #3). LOVED it. Loved. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, I decided I wanted to read the rest. Popped the series on Mt. TBR and forgot about it. Then in 2018 I grabbed a copy of the (first part of the) series Tame when it was on sale for $0.99.
And here we are. Sadly, the author has changed the book titles to be less creative and more pedestrian. I get why she did it, but I wish she hadn't. I was excited to read Force Majeure...I would have passed on Evan. In fact, I probably wasn't in a big rush to start THIS read because wasn't excited about Dahlia.
After finishing
It was very cute. I adored the characters and I loved that it has a different feel than the standard "club" BDSM romances. At the same time, the way the couple met/fell in love felt both incredibly false and real at the same time.
I first ran into Dishabille in 2016: I was reading an anthology (and was shortly about to DNF said anthology) when I ran across Force Majeure (Apprivoisé, #3). LOVED it. Loved. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, I decided I wanted to read the rest. Popped the series on Mt. TBR and forgot about it. Then in 2018 I grabbed a copy of the (first part of the) series Tame when it was on sale for $0.99.
And here we are. Sadly, the author has changed the book titles to be less creative and more pedestrian. I get why she did it, but I wish she hadn't. I was excited to read Force Majeure...I would have passed on Evan. In fact, I probably wasn't in a big rush to start THIS read because wasn't excited about Dahlia.
After finishing
It was very cute. I adored the characters and I loved that it has a different feel than the standard "club" BDSM romances. At the same time, the way the couple met/fell in love felt both incredibly false and real at the same time.
November 24, 2012
Reviewed for http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....
Author supplied copy in exchange for an honest review
Dishabille is as much a love story about learning to love love your self for who you are and finding the right person who loves you that way as it is a love story between Alex and Dahlia. Both had shut part of themselves away in previous relationships and Dishabille is about both of them learning and discovering the Dom and Sub part of themselves. It was a smoking hot read, fun and delved into some of the reasons people hide the "kinky" side of themselves.
Both Dahlia and Alex are likable and have the perfect kink to complement the other, if I have a problem with this book at all it was that everything was too easy, too smooth and too fast. Dishabille is book one of a trilogy so it is entirely possible that the trial in the relationship will come in later books but this is a self contained story with the happily ever after at the end.
Author supplied copy in exchange for an honest review
Dishabille is as much a love story about learning to love love your self for who you are and finding the right person who loves you that way as it is a love story between Alex and Dahlia. Both had shut part of themselves away in previous relationships and Dishabille is about both of them learning and discovering the Dom and Sub part of themselves. It was a smoking hot read, fun and delved into some of the reasons people hide the "kinky" side of themselves.
Both Dahlia and Alex are likable and have the perfect kink to complement the other, if I have a problem with this book at all it was that everything was too easy, too smooth and too fast. Dishabille is book one of a trilogy so it is entirely possible that the trial in the relationship will come in later books but this is a self contained story with the happily ever after at the end.
February 7, 2014
OH MY, this one is hot, hot, hot!!!!! Dahlia and Alex starting a BDSM relationship after only a few texts was a bit of a stretch to me, so I made a leap of faith and trusted Dahlia's assessment of his character. And she was soooo right!!! I couldn't but fall in love myself for the most peculiar Dom in my literary world: he's strong and knows what he wants from Dahlia, but his weaknesses make him unique; I would have liked to know more about his background, for the sparse glimpses into his family life are quite intriguing. Club Dishabille is a nice and easy read reaffirming the idea that there's indeed someone out there for each and every one of us, so long as we keep our eyes and our minds open. I'm more than ready now for Morphose and Force Majeure!!!
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up
Phew...
That took some doing!
I cannot remember the last time it took me so long to rate a book I read.
In order for you to understand my dilemma I have to delve a little into the story, but I will try not to spoil too much of it.
Dahlia is interested in the BDSM lifestyle. She always had the feeling that something was missing in her life and now after being divorced for two years she wants to pursue her dream/passion/obsession.
Showing up spontaneously at Club Dishabille and the thought of getting spanked by a stranger makes her feel uncomfortable. She phones the club owner Miranda first and asks her some questions. Miranda in turn, invites her over to the club for a chat.
"Maybe I´m high maintenance, but I´d like a strong verbal relationship. The talking bit is my real kink, I think. It´s the one that I think is the hardest to pull off. A man with a way with words and whom I trusted, could probably talk me into anything, latex and torture devices included."
The reason Miranda invited Dahlia to the club was not because of some altruistic motives. Miranda wants to play the matchmaker and set her baby brother up with Dahlia. She gives him Dahlia´s phone number and they start to exchange massages...
This story was worth my time, but what really bothered me was the fact that I did not find Alex´s messages so dripping with eloquence. Not expecting messages full of Wordsworth poem´s, I thought it would take something more articulate to convince Dahlia to lie on the bed in her dark bedroom with only her pants on, on her stomach, waiting for Alex to have sex with her.
Without having seen him once!
After getting intimate, and when she finally does see him, she notices that he looks a lot younger than his age! She doesn´t say if she finds him overly attractive, if he is the most handsome man she ever laid eyes on, or anything else along these lines...
Nothing substantial.
It took some time to wrap my head around this!
The author created some really interesting characters here. Probably because half of them is on medication...:))
I plan to read the next installment, although BDSM is not really something I am deeply interested in. But this book thankfully only scratched at the surface of it.
There were some misspelled words and wrong tenses used in this book, but compared to some other self published books I have read lately, they were not so distracting as to pull me out of my reading.
January 4, 2014
Club Dishabille Morphoses Force Majeure I received this series of books from the author Arden and I was not disappointed (Thank you again so much for the privilege!) and I was thrilled because it sounded so intriguing from the description... "a novel that gives readers the hearts and flowers they expect and only the palest of pink bottoms". And it was exactly that. There really arnt any books that Ive found that explores the life style of BDSM for those who only thought about it before, and never finding the right person to try it with. I like that fact that you get to watch a couple (three of them actually in this series) come into there own sexual fantasies & desires. Everyone has their own kinks and wants in the bedroom, and this book just lets you realize theres nothing wrong with asking for what you want. I really liked the characters, granted Alex was a bit creepy to me at first but once I got to know him I loved him and wanted more of him. I think these books were written with the reality of the human condition along with expectations of a romance novel. Faults, flaws, and everything in between, made it more enticing. I couldn't put the books down, I believe I finished them in 3/4 days because I just wanted to see how these people were going to finally open up and give into what they really wanted. It was a interesting, funny at parts, hot new read. It definitely was a different take on this life style, and I really enjoyed it!
August 18, 2014
Club Dishabille is a beautiful tale about a woman seeking out what she has yearned for, for years. She wants to be desired. She wants to love another, truly, love them and be attracted to them sexually. Dahlia decides to just take the plunge so to speak, and talk with the owner of the local sex club, Miranda. She has many questions about how to go about finding a mate, or someone that will fulfill her desires. Miranda instantly likes her, which is a strange reaction for Miranda, and she immediately thinks about her brother Alex. Dahlia is not like most of the women that frequent Club Dishabille, wanting a steamy, one night of lust-filled abandon. She wants a worthy companion. And Alex may just be the right guy.
Alex is a computer nerd, so to speak. He is very intelligent and picky with his conquests. He rarely wanders down to the Club level for entertainment any more. It’s almost as though he has given up. Miranda is bold enough to give Alex’s number to Dahlia, explaining that if he instigates contact, most likely it’ll be through text. And thus begins the love affair that is Alex and Dahlia. They both enjoy similar sexual kinks but the main reason for Dahlia falling head over heels for Alex, is his mind, and vocabulary. She is completely turned on by his words.
I loved how both simple and complicated Alex and Dahlia were. There was nothing abnormal about their desires, and yet they were a little taboo. There are many, highly sexual scenes that will leave you panting, but the communication and relationship building is what got me excited.
5 SMOOCHES
Nicole
RCR Bloggerette
September 7, 2016
Okay, let me begin by saying that I knew this book was coming and I had no idea what I was getting into. Needless to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. This was a one-night read for me. About Ms. Aoide. I totally love her, because she's in the state that owns my heart lock, stock and barrel, and her feet have touched the beach (Galveston) that mine love to roam.
About her baby, Club Disabille, WOW!!!. I'm glad that my children took French and German, because I needed some help. LOL. This book was pretty hot on my hot meter, though I have to admit to wanting to slap the s**t out of Alex in the beginning, but when his masterful mastering showed up and out, I swooned. I wanted him to dominate me on every level. The story flowed very well. Loved the writing style and story of the two. I really fell in love with the relationship.
So after all the long talk. I loved it. Reading on. Thanks you Arden, great read.
About her baby, Club Disabille, WOW!!!. I'm glad that my children took French and German, because I needed some help. LOL. This book was pretty hot on my hot meter, though I have to admit to wanting to slap the s**t out of Alex in the beginning, but when his masterful mastering showed up and out, I swooned. I wanted him to dominate me on every level. The story flowed very well. Loved the writing style and story of the two. I really fell in love with the relationship.
So after all the long talk. I loved it. Reading on. Thanks you Arden, great read.
March 5, 2014
I absolutely love the charming, steamy, romantic, funny, and twisted kink out of this loveable story. Arden Aoide sated by sex-starved senses and brought out a few unquenchable thirsts I never knew I had in this sensual text-a-lot love affair.
Alex Marchand is so charming and loveable in his inexperience with BSDM, he struggles with his insecurities, gets easily sidetracked and has a dependency with riddlin, he also falls hard and way to fast. One thing he does know is that he is instantly smitten with a little curly headed, stacked brunette and can't wait to start teaching them both a lesson in the art of... everything.
Dahlia Warwick is a feisty kink starved vixen that didn't know what she was missing in her past relationship and seeks some advise and recommendation at Club Dishabille. She is about to find out her tastes, wants, and curiosity is all that she desired in the whirlwind that is Alex Marchand.
I want an Alex, my bottom is lily white and I need him to find the perfect shade of pink to decorate it with. Can't wait to read about Nick and Miranda in Morphoses, which is where I am headed right now....
Thanks Arden Aoide, it was wonderfully delightful!
Alex Marchand is so charming and loveable in his inexperience with BSDM, he struggles with his insecurities, gets easily sidetracked and has a dependency with riddlin, he also falls hard and way to fast. One thing he does know is that he is instantly smitten with a little curly headed, stacked brunette and can't wait to start teaching them both a lesson in the art of... everything.
Dahlia Warwick is a feisty kink starved vixen that didn't know what she was missing in her past relationship and seeks some advise and recommendation at Club Dishabille. She is about to find out her tastes, wants, and curiosity is all that she desired in the whirlwind that is Alex Marchand.
I want an Alex, my bottom is lily white and I need him to find the perfect shade of pink to decorate it with. Can't wait to read about Nick and Miranda in Morphoses, which is where I am headed right now....
Thanks Arden Aoide, it was wonderfully delightful!
April 7, 2016
*Was sent a free copy for review*
First off this is a very erotic love story that has a lot of sexy sex scenes that are very graphic, so if that is not something you like then this book is not a book for you.
When I say this is a love story I mean this is a love story from the very first text. That is how Dahlia and Alex get started. Through texting one another. I know it sounds dumb, but it is far from it. From the beginning they are both honest about what they want, and the author does a great job with the communication between them. It's fun, naughty, and witty. I had to alternate between giggling like a little girl, to fanning myself (blushing). In the span of two days and some mad crazy texting they realize they can't wait to meet one another and the rest, as they say, is history.
I loved the book and the characters. Most love stories have so much drama to them, but not Dishabille. Though there is one or two incidents they are cleared up pretty fast and not that big a deal. Can't wait to start the next book Morphoses.
First off this is a very erotic love story that has a lot of sexy sex scenes that are very graphic, so if that is not something you like then this book is not a book for you.
When I say this is a love story I mean this is a love story from the very first text. That is how Dahlia and Alex get started. Through texting one another. I know it sounds dumb, but it is far from it. From the beginning they are both honest about what they want, and the author does a great job with the communication between them. It's fun, naughty, and witty. I had to alternate between giggling like a little girl, to fanning myself (blushing). In the span of two days and some mad crazy texting they realize they can't wait to meet one another and the rest, as they say, is history.
I loved the book and the characters. Most love stories have so much drama to them, but not Dishabille. Though there is one or two incidents they are cleared up pretty fast and not that big a deal. Can't wait to start the next book Morphoses.
April 22, 2014
I have to say I was COMPLETELY surprised by this book! It was well written and kept me interested the entire time. It's about a guy named Alexander who is a dominant sex god (totally my description lol) that has been unlucky in love and doesn't feel he will find the one who can satisfy his sexual needs. Dahlia is a girl next door who up until that point was very subdued during sex but wants to slowly experience BDSM. The characters were relatable and believable. I loved getting to know Alexander! He was sweet but also had a sexy dominant side. And Dahlia was such an innocent girl with such a down to earth personality that I think most women will be able to relate to her in some way. I think the funniest part of the book is how Dahlia and her ex-husband Nick act towards each other and the relationship between Alexander and his sister Miranda. Having those four characters combined was amusing and extremely hot at some points. A great "Love" story for sure! Recommend this book to everyone. I'll definitely be checking out book 2!
February 23, 2014
This will have small spoilers I will try my best to keep it to where I don't give too much away.
Dahlia wants to find a master to her submission side. Nervous, she asked for help from the owner of Dishabille, Miranda. Miranda then thinks of her brother after talking to Alex Miranda forces Alex to take to Dahlia. After texting Dahlia and Alex meet. Arden can write some hot scenes and Alex is different from other Alphas I have read, where most want nothing to do with love, Alex wants ii but just a little hesitant afraid that he might scare off another women with his dom side. Dahlia and Alex grow as a dom and sub together, each learning what they really like and what works for each of them. I love this book,I love how Alex wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid that Dahlia has a teen daughter. I would recommend this book to anyone, Arden's write a beautiful story and some scenes are sexy and HOT. Get this book and thank me later.
Dahlia wants to find a master to her submission side. Nervous, she asked for help from the owner of Dishabille, Miranda. Miranda then thinks of her brother after talking to Alex Miranda forces Alex to take to Dahlia. After texting Dahlia and Alex meet. Arden can write some hot scenes and Alex is different from other Alphas I have read, where most want nothing to do with love, Alex wants ii but just a little hesitant afraid that he might scare off another women with his dom side. Dahlia and Alex grow as a dom and sub together, each learning what they really like and what works for each of them. I love this book,I love how Alex wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid that Dahlia has a teen daughter. I would recommend this book to anyone, Arden's write a beautiful story and some scenes are sexy and HOT. Get this book and thank me later.
June 12, 2013
**I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review**
This book was the story of Alex and Dahlia..
It's a short book. Easy to read and understand. I love the characters' personalities..
My only concern is that the main characters' relationship/feelings with each other easily developed even though they haven't seen each other yet.. But I like their story though..
(Note: Alex and Miranda are siblings. Nick and Dahlia are once married to each other, but still best friends even though they're divorced)
Can't wait for the next book and see what will happen to Miranda and Nick..
This book was the story of Alex and Dahlia..
It's a short book. Easy to read and understand. I love the characters' personalities..
My only concern is that the main characters' relationship/feelings with each other easily developed even though they haven't seen each other yet.. But I like their story though..
(Note: Alex and Miranda are siblings. Nick and Dahlia are once married to each other, but still best friends even though they're divorced)
Can't wait for the next book and see what will happen to Miranda and Nick..
November 13, 2012
Wow. Personally, love this one much more than 50 Shades of Grey.
June 2, 2017
Insta-Love w/ a twist of BDSM. Sold!!!
Moving on to the next.
Moving on to the next.
September 5, 2022
Finished Reading April 19, 2014
3.5 Stars
Erotica Romance
I remember loving the characters and wanting to read more in this series.
But like everything from years ago, it got lost in my shelves.
It's actually really cute with both characters learning some very new things about themselves at Club Dishabille. They are both very new to the scene.
I have added the 2nd book to my tracker and hope it's on sale soon!
I may need to create a new shelf for some of these books that I read years ago so I don't forget about them again. The question is, 'What should I name the shelf?'
Prch Amz April 19, 2014
3.5 Stars
Erotica Romance
I remember loving the characters and wanting to read more in this series.
But like everything from years ago, it got lost in my shelves.
It's actually really cute with both characters learning some very new things about themselves at Club Dishabille. They are both very new to the scene.
I have added the 2nd book to my tracker and hope it's on sale soon!
I may need to create a new shelf for some of these books that I read years ago so I don't forget about them again. The question is, 'What should I name the shelf?'
Prch Amz April 19, 2014
Want to read
September 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/18/2019)! 🎁
June 5, 2013
I rated this book 3 stars for the story only. It could've been a 4 star had the story flowed better or a 2 based on how it was written. I stumbled a bit in the beginning with story switching pov's without warning and not realizing it right away. There also seemed to be a few spots where it seemed like it switched from 1st person to 3rd and back again. other than that the story flowed quite well. i enjoyed this book. it's a nice love story about 2 people who find each other while exploring bdsm and discovering they are exactly what the other was looking for.
The story of Dahlia and Alex can seem a bit far fetched for those who don't believe in love at first sight or in their case text. I loved the texting back and forth. I also loved that Alex even said he felt like a teenage girl with how excited it made him :)That's how I felt while reading it. That build up and anticipation was wonderfully done. I like that they talk about expectations and that he even admits to her he's relatively new to the bdsm scene. Alex going to Annie's to catch his first glimpse of Dahlia and leave her a gift is very sweet. It is a bit hard to believe that a woman would willingly let a stranger into her apartment without meeting him first not only to see what he looks like but to make sure he's not a serial killer. but this is a story not real life so i can over look that cause we all wish for that love at first sight connection that this book is striving to reach.
I like that she's close to her ex but i would kill him for barging in and snapping a pic of me and my lover the first morning he stayed over! even though u don't really meet the daughter at least she's talked about thru the story so she feels real.
The book is 90% sex. I have a few comments about this. First, kudos to the author for writing a story that's almost all sex and every scene being diff! You kept me hot from scene 1 till the last one! That is hard to do when writing an erotica without repeating alot of stuff and you did it! Secondly, because of so much sex going on it causes some of the story to lack and character develop to be cut short. Don't get me wrong, you get a feel for who they are and kinda what they feel and what drives them. But for 2 characters who fall hard for one another is sure looks more like they are falling in lust than in love. Which brings me to the end of the story, him with the ring after 3 days....WTF desperate?! I could see that in like the 3rd book of your trilogy but i think it's a bit much in their story. But love at first sight extreme love story, i get it so i won't dwell on it.
I won't be reading the next story cause I'm not looking forward to reading about Nick and his ED hooking up with Alex's sex club running sister who hasn't been layed in years. doesn't do anything for me. Sorry.
Over all I enjoyed this story and it was a nice hot read to pass the time but not one that will stick with me. Had the characters been developed a bit more and it had a little more of a story i could put it up on my shelf with 50 shades, crossfire and blackstone. Unfortunately Alex whatever his last name is will never hit that shelf to sit with my many other book boyfriends :(
The story of Dahlia and Alex can seem a bit far fetched for those who don't believe in love at first sight or in their case text. I loved the texting back and forth. I also loved that Alex even said he felt like a teenage girl with how excited it made him :)That's how I felt while reading it. That build up and anticipation was wonderfully done. I like that they talk about expectations and that he even admits to her he's relatively new to the bdsm scene. Alex going to Annie's to catch his first glimpse of Dahlia and leave her a gift is very sweet. It is a bit hard to believe that a woman would willingly let a stranger into her apartment without meeting him first not only to see what he looks like but to make sure he's not a serial killer. but this is a story not real life so i can over look that cause we all wish for that love at first sight connection that this book is striving to reach.
I like that she's close to her ex but i would kill him for barging in and snapping a pic of me and my lover the first morning he stayed over! even though u don't really meet the daughter at least she's talked about thru the story so she feels real.
The book is 90% sex. I have a few comments about this. First, kudos to the author for writing a story that's almost all sex and every scene being diff! You kept me hot from scene 1 till the last one! That is hard to do when writing an erotica without repeating alot of stuff and you did it! Secondly, because of so much sex going on it causes some of the story to lack and character develop to be cut short. Don't get me wrong, you get a feel for who they are and kinda what they feel and what drives them. But for 2 characters who fall hard for one another is sure looks more like they are falling in lust than in love. Which brings me to the end of the story, him with the ring after 3 days....WTF desperate?! I could see that in like the 3rd book of your trilogy but i think it's a bit much in their story. But love at first sight extreme love story, i get it so i won't dwell on it.
I won't be reading the next story cause I'm not looking forward to reading about Nick and his ED hooking up with Alex's sex club running sister who hasn't been layed in years. doesn't do anything for me. Sorry.
Over all I enjoyed this story and it was a nice hot read to pass the time but not one that will stick with me. Had the characters been developed a bit more and it had a little more of a story i could put it up on my shelf with 50 shades, crossfire and blackstone. Unfortunately Alex whatever his last name is will never hit that shelf to sit with my many other book boyfriends :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2014
This was really a good book. Best friends Dahlia and Nick married when she got pregnant at the age of 18 after a drunken night of Tequila. Although they are now divorced, they remain the best of friends who not only own their own accounting firm, but they live across the hall from each of other and raise their daughter together. This arrangement works perfect for them.
The primary reason for their divorce was the lack of intimacy and affection shown by Nick towards Dahlia. She suspected it was medically related, but Nick would never consider the possibility, so their marriage fell apart. Ready to move forward with her life and explore some of her hidden sexual interests, she emails Miranda, the owner of Club Dishabille and goes to meet with her. Dahlia explains some of her desires but expresses she mainly wants to meet someone who not only has similar interests, but who wants a real relationship, not just a sexual one. Miranda tells Dahlia she may know the perfect person.
Alex is Miranda's brother and she adores him. She knows he's been burned in the past but thinks that Dahlia might just be the perfect partner for him. After a little persuasion, Alex agrees to text Dahlia. The attraction is instant and they agree to meet and see each other. Their text conversations are wonderful and happen throughout the book. They are fun, flirty and at times really smutty. I just loved them! Watching these two people fall for each other was so sweet. They both want the same things and both feel they are moving fast but can't seem to slow down. It's a little strange at first for them to figure Nick's presence in their relationship, but everyone is willing to make it work. The sex scenes in this book are pretty hot. I adore Alex. He is so gentle and so protective of Dahlia, however he can also be stern and sexy. He worries that some of what he wants to do to her might run her off, but these two seem to meet every bump in the road and just roll right on over it.
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series about Nick and Miranda, and I'm excited to see more Alex and Dahlia.
The primary reason for their divorce was the lack of intimacy and affection shown by Nick towards Dahlia. She suspected it was medically related, but Nick would never consider the possibility, so their marriage fell apart. Ready to move forward with her life and explore some of her hidden sexual interests, she emails Miranda, the owner of Club Dishabille and goes to meet with her. Dahlia explains some of her desires but expresses she mainly wants to meet someone who not only has similar interests, but who wants a real relationship, not just a sexual one. Miranda tells Dahlia she may know the perfect person.
Alex is Miranda's brother and she adores him. She knows he's been burned in the past but thinks that Dahlia might just be the perfect partner for him. After a little persuasion, Alex agrees to text Dahlia. The attraction is instant and they agree to meet and see each other. Their text conversations are wonderful and happen throughout the book. They are fun, flirty and at times really smutty. I just loved them! Watching these two people fall for each other was so sweet. They both want the same things and both feel they are moving fast but can't seem to slow down. It's a little strange at first for them to figure Nick's presence in their relationship, but everyone is willing to make it work. The sex scenes in this book are pretty hot. I adore Alex. He is so gentle and so protective of Dahlia, however he can also be stern and sexy. He worries that some of what he wants to do to her might run her off, but these two seem to meet every bump in the road and just roll right on over it.
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series about Nick and Miranda, and I'm excited to see more Alex and Dahlia.
June 20, 2014
LOVED IT!!
Let me start by saying in a post FSOG (and I loved me some FSOG) world it is rare to read a 'light BDSM genre' that doesn't reflect the same basic story line. This one is different from the first page. Dahlia is not a freshly graduated college virgin, she has been married/divorced, has an almost grown daughter and is secure in her career as well as her womanhood.
Alex WORKS an IT job-yes there is money tucked away-BUT the fact that he has a job and moves his personal life around said work schedule is just enough 'realism' to find refreshing, There's no dashing off in his self piloted helicopter or Bentley limousine for Alex; rather a Volkswagen ;-)
I found the texting aspect of the storyline so much fun and SO HOT. Sort of reminiscent of FSOG emails but this worked SO much better.
Nick's (the ex-husband, father of previously mentioned daughter) disinterest in...well everything oddly made him a very interesting character. I loved the relationship that exists between he and Dahlia.
The story progresses quickly and hotly. The first couple days of texting between Alex and Dahlia was, well-just whew! Bring on the cold showers!!
Then there is the writing itself. AA does character description the way it's suppose to be done. I wasn't sure what Nick looked like until just about the end of the story but it didn't matter because his character was interesting enough that I hadn't bothered to notice. We've all read books where the authors try to give you a full run down of each characters appearance and attributes in the first chapter right? This book doesn't do that but you gets glimpses here and there from other characters perspective and IT WORKS! Love, love, loved AA's writing style.
You know when you don't want to finish a book because you don't want it to be over..well this one was like that for me.
One of the best free books of this genre I've ever downloaded (or purchased for that matter) and will by buying other works.
Enjoy!
Let me start by saying in a post FSOG (and I loved me some FSOG) world it is rare to read a 'light BDSM genre' that doesn't reflect the same basic story line. This one is different from the first page. Dahlia is not a freshly graduated college virgin, she has been married/divorced, has an almost grown daughter and is secure in her career as well as her womanhood.
Alex WORKS an IT job-yes there is money tucked away-BUT the fact that he has a job and moves his personal life around said work schedule is just enough 'realism' to find refreshing, There's no dashing off in his self piloted helicopter or Bentley limousine for Alex; rather a Volkswagen ;-)
I found the texting aspect of the storyline so much fun and SO HOT. Sort of reminiscent of FSOG emails but this worked SO much better.
Nick's (the ex-husband, father of previously mentioned daughter) disinterest in...well everything oddly made him a very interesting character. I loved the relationship that exists between he and Dahlia.
The story progresses quickly and hotly. The first couple days of texting between Alex and Dahlia was, well-just whew! Bring on the cold showers!!
Then there is the writing itself. AA does character description the way it's suppose to be done. I wasn't sure what Nick looked like until just about the end of the story but it didn't matter because his character was interesting enough that I hadn't bothered to notice. We've all read books where the authors try to give you a full run down of each characters appearance and attributes in the first chapter right? This book doesn't do that but you gets glimpses here and there from other characters perspective and IT WORKS! Love, love, loved AA's writing style.
You know when you don't want to finish a book because you don't want it to be over..well this one was like that for me.
One of the best free books of this genre I've ever downloaded (or purchased for that matter) and will by buying other works.
Enjoy!
June 9, 2013
Full disclosure, the author gave me a free copy to review. And here starts the dilema, as I know I want to give an honest review, but oh boy, that would mean posting on a public forum that I found it very HOT and that makes me blush a bit! Ha ha ha! I would however say that if you are a prude, this is definately not the book for you, it is full on erotica. For most of us it will be a bit farfetched, as how is it possible for two people to fall in love, when they have only communicated via text? But then I would say, this is the fanatasy that Arden Aoide sketches. What I liked about the story was that it shows that there is a mate out there for all. It does not matter what your prefrences are, there will be someone out there who fits in with your kinks.And now what I did not like so much, I know a lot of people will be cross with me for saying the following, it was a bit too much sex and not so much story line, I think the author could have written a longer version and coloured in more on the two characters,they are already very interesting and would have liked to know more about their psyche, rather than just mostly sex scenes. Even though the sex scenes were very.....
July 27, 2013
i received this book ARC for my honest review and i have to say i enjoyed the reading. this book has you hooked from the beginning. it starts with a woman as so many are in a lust and loveless relationship, we stay cause we think that it will get better. but dahlia decided that the best option for her and her husband and daughter was to get a divorce before she resented him. so they stayed friends. she now has this desire that she wants to dip into a life style that she has been curious to try. she emails an owner of an establishment that caters to fetishes of that life style. the owner miranda decides after talking to her that she would be perfect for her brother alex who is dying to find a true love that would love to dabble in Dom and submission. alex is skeptical due to the relationship he had with his long time girlfriend, he always wanted to try and find that one person that would love and except him has he was. needless to say he took a chance and text her, they had a connection right from the start. the passion they shared and the sex was flowing through the pages. you will enjoy and love this book. i can't wait to dab into book two.
February 24, 2020
Dishabille by Arden Aoide is the first book in her Apprivoise series. It is a perfect read for fans of 50 Shades of Grey. In fact, I’d say that the grey is a shade that pales in comparison.
Dishabille is a mature adult romance. It is incredibly refreshing to read a sexy romance about mature adults rather than 20-somethings who are in or have just graduated from college.
Dahlia married her best friend but eventually divorced (amicably) due to lack of passion. She wants passion. She wants someone who feels passionate about her.
Alex is an IT consultant. He’s intelligent and with his bad luck with girlfriends, he has given up hope of a relationship.
The characters are straightforward yet complex. The plot is realistic as Dahlia and Alex get to know one another and as they explore their sexual interests. The dialogue is natural, and the writing is superb.
Dishabille is a mature adult romance. It is incredibly refreshing to read a sexy romance about mature adults rather than 20-somethings who are in or have just graduated from college.
Dahlia married her best friend but eventually divorced (amicably) due to lack of passion. She wants passion. She wants someone who feels passionate about her.
Alex is an IT consultant. He’s intelligent and with his bad luck with girlfriends, he has given up hope of a relationship.
The characters are straightforward yet complex. The plot is realistic as Dahlia and Alex get to know one another and as they explore their sexual interests. The dialogue is natural, and the writing is superb.
May 28, 2013
3.5 Stars
I recieved this book from the author for an honest review
I enjoyed Dalihla and Alex's story. I found their text conversations very fun and sexy, it felt very genuine and built up the tension for the first meeting.
I found the quick change of POV confusing in the begining but it got better as the book went on. Once the two meet there is lots of hot sex and I almost wish we had a bit more time to see these two get to know one and other in different ways as well. I would have liked to have a little more detail on what Alex looked like, I had a difficult time picturing him. Alex and Dalihla had great chemistry but it always bugs me when I love you's and marrige proposals come too soon. Overall I really liked these characters and if anything just wanted a little more of them :-)
I recieved this book from the author for an honest review
I enjoyed Dalihla and Alex's story. I found their text conversations very fun and sexy, it felt very genuine and built up the tension for the first meeting.
I found the quick change of POV confusing in the begining but it got better as the book went on. Once the two meet there is lots of hot sex and I almost wish we had a bit more time to see these two get to know one and other in different ways as well. I would have liked to have a little more detail on what Alex looked like, I had a difficult time picturing him. Alex and Dalihla had great chemistry but it always bugs me when I love you's and marrige proposals come too soon. Overall I really liked these characters and if anything just wanted a little more of them :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2016
When a blogger you respect recommends a book, you know it will be good.
I was thinking alpha male - Alex is sort of alpha, sort of Dom, but sort of totally sweet too.
Dahlia is submissive. She settled because it seemed the right thing but is unfulfilled.
Bring on an explosion of desire. An explosion of exploration.
The writing by Arden is quite unique for this genre. Third person and with extra perspective view points.
4.5 but because I HATE it when authors use "long minutes" and repetition, unless it adds to the story, annoys me. Still, I want to find out how the lovely Nick gets on.
I was thinking alpha male - Alex is sort of alpha, sort of Dom, but sort of totally sweet too.
Dahlia is submissive. She settled because it seemed the right thing but is unfulfilled.
Bring on an explosion of desire. An explosion of exploration.
The writing by Arden is quite unique for this genre. Third person and with extra perspective view points.
4.5 but because I HATE it when authors use "long minutes" and repetition, unless it adds to the story, annoys me. Still, I want to find out how the lovely Nick gets on.
January 15, 2013
I haven't rated a book this low in a long time. I was dissappointed because I had read so many other's good words on this book. I thought the story was pretty far fetched...I mean from going to texting to kinky sex in a matter of days and she has no idea what he looks like but leaves her door unlocked for him and is in a submissive pose for him when he shows? I don't know....wasn't a favorite of mine. I did finish the story but I really had to push myself through as I was hoping for more substance than I got.
May 11, 2013
A lovely story of a woman seeking purposefully a way to find a partner to satisfy her sexual desires. It is nowhere similar to the 50 shades, this story is more original.
Though the writing of Arde Aoide starts out a bit too elaborate, it develops in the book already to an agreeable reading experience. Her characters are very likable. The description of the enormous variety of sexual play is really good and nowhere offensive because it is all very consensual.
I already read the follow up Morphoses and that is an even better read.
Though the writing of Arde Aoide starts out a bit too elaborate, it develops in the book already to an agreeable reading experience. Her characters are very likable. The description of the enormous variety of sexual play is really good and nowhere offensive because it is all very consensual.
I already read the follow up Morphoses and that is an even better read.
June 10, 2013
I received a copy of Dishabille in exchange for a review.
I think it was a good concept, I was intrigued in the beginning to see where the story would go.. but the two main characters met and fell in love a bit too fast for me.. a week to be axact.
They met, started to text and the next day were already in bed together and we don't even know what Alex looks like! I never did get to know what he looked like besides looking young and wearing sneakers! :(
It needed more details and more story in between.
I think it was a good concept, I was intrigued in the beginning to see where the story would go.. but the two main characters met and fell in love a bit too fast for me.. a week to be axact.
They met, started to text and the next day were already in bed together and we don't even know what Alex looks like! I never did get to know what he looked like besides looking young and wearing sneakers! :(
It needed more details and more story in between.
July 26, 2013
Another hard to put down read! The author really held my interest in the beginning of this book by having the main characters text message each other before they met. This was the first time I had ever seen this done and enjoyed reading their back-and-forth conversation which was easy to follow and entertaining. I could definitely feel the chemistry building between the two just by reading their text messages. Everything progresses super fast in this book so you get a lot of bang for your buck. The best part is that this is just part one and there are more books to follow!
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