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Pleasure #2
Serving Pleasure
Hungry for a touch…
Rana Malik is over being her family’s resident black sheep. She’s on a mission: ditch the casual hook-ups, revamp her bad-girl image, and fall in love with a proper Mr. Right even her conservative mama can’t find fault with. Not on the menu? The beautiful, brooding Mr. Right Now who lives next door, and all the ways he whets her appetite.
Starving for love…
Artist Micah Hale had it all–women, success, friends and family–until his world changed in a single act of senseless violence. Now struggling to conceal his scars and get his life and career back on track, he knows he has nothing to offer a woman except his body. He’s not looking for love…but he can’t control his craving for the sexy bombshell voyeur he’s caught looking at him.
Just one bite.>
Their attraction boils over, and their defenses are stripped off along with their clothes. They promise they’ll walk away if it gets too hot. But it’s hard to do the right thing…when being wrong feels so good.
Rana Malik is over being her family’s resident black sheep. She’s on a mission: ditch the casual hook-ups, revamp her bad-girl image, and fall in love with a proper Mr. Right even her conservative mama can’t find fault with. Not on the menu? The beautiful, brooding Mr. Right Now who lives next door, and all the ways he whets her appetite.
Starving for love…
Artist Micah Hale had it all–women, success, friends and family–until his world changed in a single act of senseless violence. Now struggling to conceal his scars and get his life and career back on track, he knows he has nothing to offer a woman except his body. He’s not looking for love…but he can’t control his craving for the sexy bombshell voyeur he’s caught looking at him.
Just one bite.>
Their attraction boils over, and their defenses are stripped off along with their clothes. They promise they’ll walk away if it gets too hot. But it’s hard to do the right thing…when being wrong feels so good.
229 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 12, 2015
69 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
June 16, 2017
**** 4.5 'CUT A B**** FOR CHOCOLATE' Stars ****
Can be read as a standalone
"I wanted you to pose for me because you're you. You have this... intriguing mix of good and naughty. Silly and sexy.”
This was so hot! Phew!!! Not only was it steamy, but it was also funny and cute.
Rana is the only person without a college education in her family. Her mother keeps telling her to find a rich man as soon as possible because her looks aren't going to stay forever.
So, to keep her mama happy, she changes her lifestyle to find Mr. Right. She parties less and drinks less. No more 'Old Rana.' This is 'New Rana.'
The story begins with Rana spying on her new gorgeous neighbor. She has a view into his studio where he paints. From her observation, the handsome artist just never seemed to be satisfied with his work.
Micah gets angry when he realizes that his neighbor is constantly spying on him. He was going to confront his neighbor until he got a good look at her. He was mesmerized by her body and soul, and he fell under her spell.
Micah eventually asks her to be a model for him, and she agrees to do it as long as neither of them fell in love. Even though this is something 'Old Rana' would do, it was just something temporary to 'tide her over until she found someone right.'
I instantly fell in love with Rana's wittiness, attitude, and humor. She forever changed my views on muffins.
"Now she craved him frightfully, the way a person on a carb-free diet might crave a huge muffin. She needed that muffin. She wanted to make love to that muffin. She wanted to engage in acts of questionable legality with that muffin.”
"Your buttocks are worth two diplomas, at least.”
I just loved everything about the story. This is book 2 in the Pleasure Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Can be read as a standalone
"I wanted you to pose for me because you're you. You have this... intriguing mix of good and naughty. Silly and sexy.”
This was so hot! Phew!!! Not only was it steamy, but it was also funny and cute.
Rana is the only person without a college education in her family. Her mother keeps telling her to find a rich man as soon as possible because her looks aren't going to stay forever.
So, to keep her mama happy, she changes her lifestyle to find Mr. Right. She parties less and drinks less. No more 'Old Rana.' This is 'New Rana.'
The story begins with Rana spying on her new gorgeous neighbor. She has a view into his studio where he paints. From her observation, the handsome artist just never seemed to be satisfied with his work.
Micah gets angry when he realizes that his neighbor is constantly spying on him. He was going to confront his neighbor until he got a good look at her. He was mesmerized by her body and soul, and he fell under her spell.
Micah eventually asks her to be a model for him, and she agrees to do it as long as neither of them fell in love. Even though this is something 'Old Rana' would do, it was just something temporary to 'tide her over until she found someone right.'
I instantly fell in love with Rana's wittiness, attitude, and humor. She forever changed my views on muffins.
"Now she craved him frightfully, the way a person on a carb-free diet might crave a huge muffin. She needed that muffin. She wanted to make love to that muffin. She wanted to engage in acts of questionable legality with that muffin.”
"Your buttocks are worth two diplomas, at least.”
I just loved everything about the story. This is book 2 in the Pleasure Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
August 5, 2017
Serving Pleasure by Alisha Rai (new favourite author alert?) is a wickedly funny and scorching hot delight. There are so many things that are good about this, let me attempt to count the ways:
- Both of the leads are great people and interesting as individuals. Rana is wonderfully funny and confident lead character who still has her insecurities. Micah has been through trauma and is struggling at times. However, both of these people are mature and own up to their actions and take the initiative instead of just relying on the other person to motivate them. When stuff goes wrong, they apologise to each other. They communicate. Even the had a positive outcome for both Rana and Micah, as each of them was forced to examine what was important to them beyond being happy together. I was so happy when Micah . This is such a refreshing change from petty drama and unnecessary misunderstandings.
- As an extension of the previous point, both characters also have something in their life they are good at and which they enjoy doing BUT they are also striving for more. I love reading about people being competent at their jobs while still wanting to improve or do more. It sounds almost trivial but work is such a huge part of everyday life and I take pride in doing what I do well, so Rana and Micah's struggles in that area are very relatable to me. It makes both characters feel more grounded and real, too.
- POC lead characters - Alisha Rai is obviously drawing from her personal experience and I love how her characters navigate the world of family dynamics and cultural expectations. I love how Devi's Indian background and her complex relationship with her mother are something that have uniquely shaped her and but it is not the main thing that makes her as a character. I just loved the "The Order of Samosa. We have a handshake and everything." scene, everything about Rana's identity feels so natural and definitely a change from the usual cookie cutter contemporary romance mould. Same goes for Micah, who is mixed-race but again, this is not a big deal. Just part of who these people are, the way it should be.
- The sisterhood between Rana, Leena and Devi was also an integral part of Rana's background and I just enjoyed reading about their tight bond. Sibling connections are a common element in romance novels but this one felt really special, and it definitely also brought something more than the inevitable sequel potential to the table. It felt genuine and real and made me miss my sister and just hanging out with her.
- I greatly enjoy Alisha Rai's writing. Rana's voice was just hilarious and made me love her right from the start. It was simply a joy to read.
- Ok there is no good reason why I put this last, I basically wanted to open this review screaming that THE SEX SCENES WERE SO HOT OMG. OMG. Seriously, wow.
Definitely one of my highlights of the year so far and now I am waiting for Leena's story. Waitingggggggg.
- Both of the leads are great people and interesting as individuals. Rana is wonderfully funny and confident lead character who still has her insecurities. Micah has been through trauma and is struggling at times. However, both of these people are mature and own up to their actions and take the initiative instead of just relying on the other person to motivate them. When stuff goes wrong, they apologise to each other. They communicate. Even the had a positive outcome for both Rana and Micah, as each of them was forced to examine what was important to them beyond being happy together. I was so happy when Micah . This is such a refreshing change from petty drama and unnecessary misunderstandings.
- As an extension of the previous point, both characters also have something in their life they are good at and which they enjoy doing BUT they are also striving for more. I love reading about people being competent at their jobs while still wanting to improve or do more. It sounds almost trivial but work is such a huge part of everyday life and I take pride in doing what I do well, so Rana and Micah's struggles in that area are very relatable to me. It makes both characters feel more grounded and real, too.
- POC lead characters - Alisha Rai is obviously drawing from her personal experience and I love how her characters navigate the world of family dynamics and cultural expectations. I love how Devi's Indian background and her complex relationship with her mother are something that have uniquely shaped her and but it is not the main thing that makes her as a character. I just loved the "The Order of Samosa. We have a handshake and everything." scene, everything about Rana's identity feels so natural and definitely a change from the usual cookie cutter contemporary romance mould. Same goes for Micah, who is mixed-race but again, this is not a big deal. Just part of who these people are, the way it should be.
- The sisterhood between Rana, Leena and Devi was also an integral part of Rana's background and I just enjoyed reading about their tight bond. Sibling connections are a common element in romance novels but this one felt really special, and it definitely also brought something more than the inevitable sequel potential to the table. It felt genuine and real and made me miss my sister and just hanging out with her.
- I greatly enjoy Alisha Rai's writing. Rana's voice was just hilarious and made me love her right from the start. It was simply a joy to read.
- Ok there is no good reason why I put this last, I basically wanted to open this review screaming that THE SEX SCENES WERE SO HOT OMG. OMG. Seriously, wow.
Definitely one of my highlights of the year so far and now I am waiting for Leena's story. Waitingggggggg.
July 13, 2015
Serving Pleasure is a very strong romance – I’ve been so impressed with Alisha Rai’s stories recently. I hope she writes more and more.
Micah Hale was a successful artist in London, but after a vicious attack where he almost died, he lost his energy and passion. He moves to the US for a fresh start, but becomes a hermit. Rarely leaving his house or socializing, he has tried to get his painting back on track. We’ll come back to Micah in a minute.
Rana’s family owns a restaurant and she takes turns working in it with her sisters. Rana has dated a lot and has decided, with a push from her controlling mother, to really focus on dating lawyers and doctors and to not sleep around anymore. Pressure from her family is one area Rana has a hard time with. Rana’s one guilty pleasure in life is to sneak peeks at her hottie neighbor through his window. She doesn’t know his name or much about him, except he rarely leaves his house and he paints at all hours of the night. She becomes very obsessed with spying on him. Although he is a stranger to her, she starts to make up his personality in her head. She calls him her “muffin” because she is trying to stay away from hottie guys who her parents would frown upon, and muffins are her guilty pleasure.
One night she catches him sans clothing and pleasuring himself.
But he was naked. Fully, delightfully naked.
He held a towel in his hand and used it to finish blotting his wide chest before he tossed it into the bathroom.
Even knowing he leaves wet towels on the floor doesn’t diminish his sex appeal.
Feeling extremely guilty that she watched his – she tells herself she will no longer ogle him through his window. But when she sees him leaving in his car, she follows him and ends up at his art show. Unknown to Rana, Micah knows she has been watching him, and put on the pleasuring show for her enjoyment. When he sees her at his art show, he makes a move to take her back to his place. Let the sexy times begin!
While this book has really great sexual tension and very, very hot sex scenes, it also features a really strong and sexy heroine. I love Rana. She is confident and independent, yet lets her mother’s disappointment seep into her blood and she lets her sisters boss her around. When it comes to family, she is vulnerable. When she is with Micah though, she is not ashamed of anything. He worships her body and she lets him.
He walked toward her until his chest was a few inches from hers. She wanted to breathe harder so her nipples could brush against him.
Damn. She’d had sex with this man? Go her.
Micah is very intense and serious. Rarely smiles or laughs, it has been very hard for him to move past the trauma of his attack. He scoffs at the idea of a therapist and would rather live alone and closed off to the world. Rana is a tornado of energy that storms into his life and he starts to crave her. She reawakens his sexual desires. She makes him food. She models for him and allows Micah to remember how fun life can be.
And this book is damn sexy. I’ll prove it in one sentence:
“Make me suck it,” she whispered.
Highly recommend this book.
Grade: B+
Micah Hale was a successful artist in London, but after a vicious attack where he almost died, he lost his energy and passion. He moves to the US for a fresh start, but becomes a hermit. Rarely leaving his house or socializing, he has tried to get his painting back on track. We’ll come back to Micah in a minute.
Rana’s family owns a restaurant and she takes turns working in it with her sisters. Rana has dated a lot and has decided, with a push from her controlling mother, to really focus on dating lawyers and doctors and to not sleep around anymore. Pressure from her family is one area Rana has a hard time with. Rana’s one guilty pleasure in life is to sneak peeks at her hottie neighbor through his window. She doesn’t know his name or much about him, except he rarely leaves his house and he paints at all hours of the night. She becomes very obsessed with spying on him. Although he is a stranger to her, she starts to make up his personality in her head. She calls him her “muffin” because she is trying to stay away from hottie guys who her parents would frown upon, and muffins are her guilty pleasure.
One night she catches him sans clothing and pleasuring himself.
But he was naked. Fully, delightfully naked.
He held a towel in his hand and used it to finish blotting his wide chest before he tossed it into the bathroom.
Even knowing he leaves wet towels on the floor doesn’t diminish his sex appeal.
Feeling extremely guilty that she watched his – she tells herself she will no longer ogle him through his window. But when she sees him leaving in his car, she follows him and ends up at his art show. Unknown to Rana, Micah knows she has been watching him, and put on the pleasuring show for her enjoyment. When he sees her at his art show, he makes a move to take her back to his place. Let the sexy times begin!
While this book has really great sexual tension and very, very hot sex scenes, it also features a really strong and sexy heroine. I love Rana. She is confident and independent, yet lets her mother’s disappointment seep into her blood and she lets her sisters boss her around. When it comes to family, she is vulnerable. When she is with Micah though, she is not ashamed of anything. He worships her body and she lets him.
He walked toward her until his chest was a few inches from hers. She wanted to breathe harder so her nipples could brush against him.
Damn. She’d had sex with this man? Go her.
Micah is very intense and serious. Rarely smiles or laughs, it has been very hard for him to move past the trauma of his attack. He scoffs at the idea of a therapist and would rather live alone and closed off to the world. Rana is a tornado of energy that storms into his life and he starts to crave her. She reawakens his sexual desires. She makes him food. She models for him and allows Micah to remember how fun life can be.
And this book is damn sexy. I’ll prove it in one sentence:
“Make me suck it,” she whispered.
Highly recommend this book.
Grade: B+
March 17, 2017
Either by society's standards or their families', Micah and Rana were considered to be wrong. In Micah's case, it was his inability to move on from a violent event in his past. For Rana, it was her wild child lifestyle. So in fear of appearing less than in the eyes of those they cared about most, Rana and Micah chose to shut themselves, their true selves, down until no apparent flaws were visible to the discerning eye. But the one person they found that they couldn't and didn't hide from was each other.
Micah didn't restrain Rana's naturally passionate nature, and in fact reveled in her larger than life persona, so different from his own. Rana never once saw Micah as broken and instead saw him as the person, artist and survivor he truly was. The constant shifting of power plays worked so well for them. Usually there's a more dominate person in the relationship, be it vanilla or otherwise, but here, it really felt like Micah and Rana were complete equals. They just instinctively knew what the other needed at any given moment and brought out the very best in each other. And while their individual epiphanies at the end may have read a tad bit cartoon lightbulb suddenly coming on over their heads, sometimes it takes a kick in the proverbial ass, such as finding someone who accepts and loves you for just the person you are and losing them, to get your shit together so you're ready to love. And boy was I bawling when Rana and Micah both finally realized this.
Sobssssssssssssss.
I actually wish I could better articulate every emotion and feeling this book gave me but I'm not sure it's even possible. Alisha Rai pulled on every heartstring I possess and I loved every moment of it. And on a final random end note, I was so glad to see the bond between the three sisters expanded upon more so than it was in the previous book.
"What was it he'd said when they met? They brought out something wrong in each other? She had been bad. She'd been bad to watch him, bad to pose for him, bad to fuck him.
God, but it still felt so good."
Micah didn't restrain Rana's naturally passionate nature, and in fact reveled in her larger than life persona, so different from his own. Rana never once saw Micah as broken and instead saw him as the person, artist and survivor he truly was. The constant shifting of power plays worked so well for them. Usually there's a more dominate person in the relationship, be it vanilla or otherwise, but here, it really felt like Micah and Rana were complete equals. They just instinctively knew what the other needed at any given moment and brought out the very best in each other. And while their individual epiphanies at the end may have read a tad bit cartoon lightbulb suddenly coming on over their heads, sometimes it takes a kick in the proverbial ass, such as finding someone who accepts and loves you for just the person you are and losing them, to get your shit together so you're ready to love. And boy was I bawling when Rana and Micah both finally realized this.
""I don't want to be someone's step, Micah. I want to be someone's destination. I want to be their ending. I...I deserve that. I'm worth that."
"You do. You are.""
Sobssssssssssssss.
I actually wish I could better articulate every emotion and feeling this book gave me but I'm not sure it's even possible. Alisha Rai pulled on every heartstring I possess and I loved every moment of it. And on a final random end note, I was so glad to see the bond between the three sisters expanded upon more so than it was in the previous book.
August 5, 2020
Officially a favorite book ever.
May 26, 2021
(I reviewed this for The Book Vixen back in 2015(!!) but failed to post my review here.)
In a nutshell: I really enjoyed this book. Great chemistry between Micah and Rana.
Why I read this: I loved Alisha Rai's A Gentleman in the Street and was very excited when I heard about this new story.
What I liked: I liked that Micah and Rana had this connection and chemistry even before they met. I think that just made it even more obvious they needed to be together.
I'm also a fan of the whole "we'll just have sexy times but not get emotionally involved" thing. Because it always goes wrong--in a good way!
I also liked that they each had their own problems but didn't barge into the other's life/family/etc and try to fix the problem. They were there for each for support but weren't expecting and didn't need the other to fix anything--they did it themselves. Because they were stronger when they were together even if they didn't acknowledge they were a couple/team.
I liked that I could read and get a lot out this story without reading the first in the series. While this is part of a series, I didn’t feel like I missed a big part of Rana and Micah’s story by not reading about Rana’s sister, Devi, in Glutton for Pleasure. I have the first book to read but am not as drawn to it.
Overall impression: great read. I loved the connection and chemistry between Micah and Rana. I'm a sucker for "we'll just have sex and not fall in love" that inevitably turns into more. I recommend this book to fans of hot romance. I also highly recommend Rai’s erotic romance A Gentleman in the Street.
Babs' rating: 4 frogs
In a nutshell: I really enjoyed this book. Great chemistry between Micah and Rana.
Why I read this: I loved Alisha Rai's A Gentleman in the Street and was very excited when I heard about this new story.
What I liked: I liked that Micah and Rana had this connection and chemistry even before they met. I think that just made it even more obvious they needed to be together.
I'm also a fan of the whole "we'll just have sexy times but not get emotionally involved" thing. Because it always goes wrong--in a good way!
I also liked that they each had their own problems but didn't barge into the other's life/family/etc and try to fix the problem. They were there for each for support but weren't expecting and didn't need the other to fix anything--they did it themselves. Because they were stronger when they were together even if they didn't acknowledge they were a couple/team.
I liked that I could read and get a lot out this story without reading the first in the series. While this is part of a series, I didn’t feel like I missed a big part of Rana and Micah’s story by not reading about Rana’s sister, Devi, in Glutton for Pleasure. I have the first book to read but am not as drawn to it.
Overall impression: great read. I loved the connection and chemistry between Micah and Rana. I'm a sucker for "we'll just have sex and not fall in love" that inevitably turns into more. I recommend this book to fans of hot romance. I also highly recommend Rai’s erotic romance A Gentleman in the Street.
Babs' rating: 4 frogs
August 7, 2020
I was not in the mood for this erotica dressed up as a romance. There were a lot of graphic sexual descriptions and I spent the first half of the book with my nose wrinkled in distaste. The guy is so typical, a broody alpha-male type with wide shoulders and muscles who just needs the right woman to warm his cold heart (and bed) and show him what it is like to love again. It started with a peeping tom/voyeur meet-cute. There was a lot of jealousy posturing (I hate that. Jealousy IS. NOT. SEXY).
Ugh.
But, there was representation without being in your face about being an SJW. There were some great boundary and expectation conversations.
At about the 75% mark it stopped being an erotica and started being a romance and I was a lot more into it. Like, into it. Small turns of phrase started making me tear up.
"For the first time in a year, Rana breathed."
"I don't want to be somebody's step, Micah. I want to be someone's destination."
So overall, I kind of liked it.
Ugh.
But, there was representation without being in your face about being an SJW. There were some great boundary and expectation conversations.
At about the 75% mark it stopped being an erotica and started being a romance and I was a lot more into it. Like, into it. Small turns of phrase started making me tear up.
"For the first time in a year, Rana breathed."
"I don't want to be somebody's step, Micah. I want to be someone's destination."
So overall, I kind of liked it.
August 7, 2018
→ rana is one of my new favourite characters!!
→ Indian-American heroine with sisters😍
→ biracial Hawaiian/black hero with PTSD (affects his eating)
→ voyeurism
→ sexy af but also emotional af (i actually cried... a lot)
→ Indian-American heroine with sisters😍
→ biracial Hawaiian/black hero with PTSD (affects his eating)
→ voyeurism
→ sexy af but also emotional af (i actually cried... a lot)
July 9, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
About 5 1/2 years ago one of the first ménage books I read was Glutton for Pleasure by author Alisha Rai and I fell in love with the characters of that book including the heroine's two sisters. I remember writing to Ms. Rai and asking her if she ever planned on writing their stories and she said yes but that it would be awhile. Now years later, she has written Serving Pleasure and I have to say it was worth the wait. I never reviewed Glutton for Pleasure so I'm including a short review at the end of this review on it; it is still a favorite of mine for a number of reasons but I have to say that over the years Ms. Rai has honed her craft and it really shows in this story. The road to happily ever after was hard fought in this story as two people who have been damaged; one physically which has affected him mentally and one emotionally, find comfort, desire, pleasure, and yes even love together as they work their way through the issues that have shaped their lives.
Having a wide variety of friend from many different cultures and backgrounds I applaud this author for her mutlicultural/mutli-race books. It's not often we find that in romance and I very much enjoy reading about couples who struggle to be the independent people they've become while also trying to please their parents or grandparents by not disregarding their culture. It's a hard line to walk and I think for women, especially in some cultures, it is even harder which is why I loved Rana Malik so much. Rana has always tried to live her own life on her own terms but a year ago she decided she wanted something more out of life; she wanted love, possibly marriage and most of all she wanted her mother to look at her with pride not shame. So for the past year Rana has dated what she knows are "suitable" men by her mother's standard which is why it's been that long since she's had sex but she also finds herself drawn to her sexy new neighbor who she sees clearly through her bedroom window at night.
Micah Hale wanted to be mad at the woman who watches him from her window but he just can't seem to stop himself from giving her a show. He knows he's probably gone too far but when she shows up at his art show he knows it is time to make a move; he just hopes he doesn't scare her off with the scars from the attack that changed his life forever.
From the moment they meet the heat between these two boils over on the page but it is also evident that they are each mesmerized by each other and that goes deeper than sexual attraction. While Rana claimed she only wanted sex from this man she was clearly taken with his art and wondered about his anger but understood that although he'd obviously gone through something horrific he didn't want to talk about it and I admire her greatly for giving him time and not pushing. In Rana, Micah found a woman who didn't judge him, one that wanted him for him not for his fame and one that made him enjoy life again.
The fact that Micah enjoyed every little thing about Rana; her bluntness, her sassiness, her sexuality, her thoughtfulness, her bright mind, and her ability to size up a situation quickly made it clear she was more to him than a play thing or even a model.
While they insisted they didn't want permanence, they did enjoy the time they spent together and I'll warn you now that their sexy times were H-O-T, like scorching. They are both very sensual and sexy people and they enjoy each other thoroughly over and over and over again. However, it was those in between times; the times where he was sketching her, the times they laid together talking that they connected on a much deeper level despite all their talk of a short term arrangement.
So many good things came out of this story but the biggest one was Rana and her sisters Leena and Devi forging a bond and making some big decisions about their relationship as they move forward with their lives. In the first book and throughout a good part of this one they were disconnected so I loved seeing this happen for them all.
With both Rana and Micah's issues, this was not a pretty or easy romance but it was quite beautiful to watch them both come to terms with their own lives in order to accept what they wanted from each other. Complex, emotional, and so very sexy Serving Pleasure was worth the wait and an excellent addition to this series.
4.5 Stars
About 5 1/2 years ago one of the first ménage books I read was Glutton for Pleasure by author Alisha Rai and I fell in love with the characters of that book including the heroine's two sisters. I remember writing to Ms. Rai and asking her if she ever planned on writing their stories and she said yes but that it would be awhile. Now years later, she has written Serving Pleasure and I have to say it was worth the wait. I never reviewed Glutton for Pleasure so I'm including a short review at the end of this review on it; it is still a favorite of mine for a number of reasons but I have to say that over the years Ms. Rai has honed her craft and it really shows in this story. The road to happily ever after was hard fought in this story as two people who have been damaged; one physically which has affected him mentally and one emotionally, find comfort, desire, pleasure, and yes even love together as they work their way through the issues that have shaped their lives.
Having a wide variety of friend from many different cultures and backgrounds I applaud this author for her mutlicultural/mutli-race books. It's not often we find that in romance and I very much enjoy reading about couples who struggle to be the independent people they've become while also trying to please their parents or grandparents by not disregarding their culture. It's a hard line to walk and I think for women, especially in some cultures, it is even harder which is why I loved Rana Malik so much. Rana has always tried to live her own life on her own terms but a year ago she decided she wanted something more out of life; she wanted love, possibly marriage and most of all she wanted her mother to look at her with pride not shame. So for the past year Rana has dated what she knows are "suitable" men by her mother's standard which is why it's been that long since she's had sex but she also finds herself drawn to her sexy new neighbor who she sees clearly through her bedroom window at night.
Micah Hale wanted to be mad at the woman who watches him from her window but he just can't seem to stop himself from giving her a show. He knows he's probably gone too far but when she shows up at his art show he knows it is time to make a move; he just hopes he doesn't scare her off with the scars from the attack that changed his life forever.
From the moment they meet the heat between these two boils over on the page but it is also evident that they are each mesmerized by each other and that goes deeper than sexual attraction. While Rana claimed she only wanted sex from this man she was clearly taken with his art and wondered about his anger but understood that although he'd obviously gone through something horrific he didn't want to talk about it and I admire her greatly for giving him time and not pushing. In Rana, Micah found a woman who didn't judge him, one that wanted him for him not for his fame and one that made him enjoy life again.
The fact that Micah enjoyed every little thing about Rana; her bluntness, her sassiness, her sexuality, her thoughtfulness, her bright mind, and her ability to size up a situation quickly made it clear she was more to him than a play thing or even a model.
While they insisted they didn't want permanence, they did enjoy the time they spent together and I'll warn you now that their sexy times were H-O-T, like scorching. They are both very sensual and sexy people and they enjoy each other thoroughly over and over and over again. However, it was those in between times; the times where he was sketching her, the times they laid together talking that they connected on a much deeper level despite all their talk of a short term arrangement.
So many good things came out of this story but the biggest one was Rana and her sisters Leena and Devi forging a bond and making some big decisions about their relationship as they move forward with their lives. In the first book and throughout a good part of this one they were disconnected so I loved seeing this happen for them all.
With both Rana and Micah's issues, this was not a pretty or easy romance but it was quite beautiful to watch them both come to terms with their own lives in order to accept what they wanted from each other. Complex, emotional, and so very sexy Serving Pleasure was worth the wait and an excellent addition to this series.
August 15, 2020
(Realistic rating: definitely not quite 4.5 stars, but a very, very strong 4! So much of this felt very satisfying and real in ways I really enjoy my romance.)
Oh, I liked this so much more than Glutton for Pleasure! I don't know if it's that Alisha Rai's writing and approach to romance has improved with time, or gotten more to my taste, or if this particular premise is just more to my taste to begin with, or some combination of the above -- but I went into this expecting a trash read after how little I liked the prequel, and I instead came out totally pleased with the handling of nearly every aspect of it. The plot, the romance, the characterization, the family elements -- it's all handled so well here, and I really enjoyed it!
It's always difficult, I think, for romance novels to set up conflict serious enough to feel realistic, but not so serious that the resolution feels rushed or haphazard or inadequate, both on a personal and a romantic front. In this case, I think it worked perfectly -- both Rana and Micah's issues felt realistic and full, and I felt like they were both slowly building to the realizations that let them start to heal and become fuller, happier people, which was so necessary before they were able to come back together. Their romantic conflict felt a little forced and deliberate-misunderstanding-y, but I do think that it read like the time apart to properly heal was necessary for them before they could commit to being together for real. Their initial attraction, too, felt a tad manufactured (lots and lots of "this person is more attractive/magnetic/compelling/better at sex than anyone I've ever been with" with no real reason given for why that would be, which I often hate), but the sex was VERY hot, and I really liked the two of them together. I didn't necessarily get the certainty I sometimes do with couples, that only they would do for one another, but they fit together very well and very realistically, and I felt confident that they could make it work -- and really, that's all I want out of stories like this, so I'm very content with that. The resolution to both of their issues felt very realistic -- I loved Micah's conversation with Paige and I ADORED Rana's conversation with her sisters (where?? is Leena's book???) -- and it made the end feel extremely satisfying on both personal character and romantic levels, which is the best possible outcome all around.
Oh, I liked this so much more than Glutton for Pleasure! I don't know if it's that Alisha Rai's writing and approach to romance has improved with time, or gotten more to my taste, or if this particular premise is just more to my taste to begin with, or some combination of the above -- but I went into this expecting a trash read after how little I liked the prequel, and I instead came out totally pleased with the handling of nearly every aspect of it. The plot, the romance, the characterization, the family elements -- it's all handled so well here, and I really enjoyed it!
It's always difficult, I think, for romance novels to set up conflict serious enough to feel realistic, but not so serious that the resolution feels rushed or haphazard or inadequate, both on a personal and a romantic front. In this case, I think it worked perfectly -- both Rana and Micah's issues felt realistic and full, and I felt like they were both slowly building to the realizations that let them start to heal and become fuller, happier people, which was so necessary before they were able to come back together. Their romantic conflict felt a little forced and deliberate-misunderstanding-y, but I do think that it read like the time apart to properly heal was necessary for them before they could commit to being together for real. Their initial attraction, too, felt a tad manufactured (lots and lots of "this person is more attractive/magnetic/compelling/better at sex than anyone I've ever been with" with no real reason given for why that would be, which I often hate), but the sex was VERY hot, and I really liked the two of them together. I didn't necessarily get the certainty I sometimes do with couples, that only they would do for one another, but they fit together very well and very realistically, and I felt confident that they could make it work -- and really, that's all I want out of stories like this, so I'm very content with that. The resolution to both of their issues felt very realistic -- I loved Micah's conversation with Paige and I ADORED Rana's conversation with her sisters (where?? is Leena's book???) -- and it made the end feel extremely satisfying on both personal character and romantic levels, which is the best possible outcome all around.
August 14, 2022
FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed this book, although I didn't find it or the characters particularly deep. It reads more like a novella, but certainly a good one.
THE STORY: Rana Malik has promised her mother to find a proper possible husband rather than continue her history of sexual relationships. Just at this moment, Rana is tempted by her neighbor, who Rana watches through his uncovered windows. Micah Hale is hiding. After being a victim of violence, Micah left his home and family and has come to town intending to try to get his career as an artist back on track. He certainly doesn't want to get involved with his sexy next-door neighbor, although he cannot help but watch her watch him.
OPINION: These characters had an interesting setup and I liked them and their relationship. They were well set for a short book. There is not much depth to them beyond their quick description: an artist suffering from PTSD and a woman who is being slut shamed by her mother attempting to be the "good girl". Everything is a stereotype of what would be expected. We get the support of the woman -- "you shouldn't be ashamed of having many sexual partners," and the hero gets therapy to deal with his issues. How everything worked out was banal and exactly what you would expect.
So there was nothing novel or great about this book. I really liked the relationship between Rana and Micah. I thought it was supportive and very sexy. There were some really great moments in the story that definitely were great. Because the story went so fast, I would recommend it.
WORTH MENTIONING: The book deals with post-traumatic experiences after a violent attack.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SERVING PLEASURE is the second book in the Pleasure series. It is not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this one. (I haven't read the first book).
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
THE STORY: Rana Malik has promised her mother to find a proper possible husband rather than continue her history of sexual relationships. Just at this moment, Rana is tempted by her neighbor, who Rana watches through his uncovered windows. Micah Hale is hiding. After being a victim of violence, Micah left his home and family and has come to town intending to try to get his career as an artist back on track. He certainly doesn't want to get involved with his sexy next-door neighbor, although he cannot help but watch her watch him.
OPINION: These characters had an interesting setup and I liked them and their relationship. They were well set for a short book. There is not much depth to them beyond their quick description: an artist suffering from PTSD and a woman who is being slut shamed by her mother attempting to be the "good girl". Everything is a stereotype of what would be expected. We get the support of the woman -- "you shouldn't be ashamed of having many sexual partners," and the hero gets therapy to deal with his issues. How everything worked out was banal and exactly what you would expect.
So there was nothing novel or great about this book. I really liked the relationship between Rana and Micah. I thought it was supportive and very sexy. There were some really great moments in the story that definitely were great. Because the story went so fast, I would recommend it.
WORTH MENTIONING: The book deals with post-traumatic experiences after a violent attack.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SERVING PLEASURE is the second book in the Pleasure series. It is not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this one. (I haven't read the first book).
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
August 25, 2018
I'm being really generous with my rating. I really wanted to like this book. I did but I DNF at 70% and I even skipped chapters to get to the more exciting parts but something about this book wasn't working for me. Maybe its the story which I thought lacked a certain ommph because it was a very cliche story. The thing I definitely enjoyed the most was the character Rana I thought she was genuinely spunky and kind of hilarious whereas her love interest was the same broody and alpha type of guy which again contributed to me not finishing because it was everything I have seen before and it honestly felt like a chore to go through.
May 28, 2021
Nuanced characters, lots of steamy times and a fun sexy neighbor theme. Family dramas and delightful sister bonding time. It was a double journey for hero and heroine who emerged having made adult decisions to move forward. I appreciated that they are in their thirties.
June 1, 2017
So very good! This was really what I needed today. The characters are fantastic and the writing superb. <3
January 11, 2018
Rating: 3.5 Stars
June 4, 2025
This was great. Definitely enjoyed it much more than the first book.
April 17, 2017
smoking hot
September 22, 2017
Very sweet and romantic at the end, for such a dirty book :) I liked that there was actual humour. When your hero is a troubled, manbunned artist named Micah, you can't take yourself too seriously.
June 13, 2015
If I could only use two words to sum up Serving Pleasure, they would definitely be smoking hot.
Rana is the eldest daughter of a traditional Indian mama that just wants to see her daughter curb her free-spirited ways and settle down with an Indian doctor or lawyer. Tale as old as time. And bless her heart, Rana has been trying so hard to make her mama happy. But the dark pull between her and Micah is just too strong:
Watching Rana waking up to her self worth is what makes her wake Micah up from his self-imposed prison.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"How many orgasms do you think you can have before you pass out?" he murmured. "That's how many times I want to make you come."
Oh, God, he was a prince among men. A leprechaun riding a unicorn holding a fairy.But as scorching as the sexy times are between Rana and Micah, this was so much more than a bad case of insta-lust. Even with the hotness that is brooding British artist Micah, you will find yourself falling in love and cheering for Rana first.
Rana is the eldest daughter of a traditional Indian mama that just wants to see her daughter curb her free-spirited ways and settle down with an Indian doctor or lawyer. Tale as old as time. And bless her heart, Rana has been trying so hard to make her mama happy. But the dark pull between her and Micah is just too strong:
Do you think there's something wrong with me? Because I had the best sex of my life last week with this weird hermit guy who lives less than a hundred feet from me. We agreed it would be a one-night thing, but I can't stop thinking about him, and I'm scared Old Rana's going to grab a hold of me and I"ll march over to his door and demand more. DId I mention that we met because I was spying on him? Yeah, I could have been arrested for that shit. It was as pervy as hell. How do you think Mama would feel about all of this? Like, would she disown me right away, or wait ten minutes?Again, I have to state that I'm a huge fan of romances with characters of color. But my biggest pet peeve is when a character's race/ethnicity is used as a gimmick. Not so here with Rana, whose breezy personality and out-of-control internal monologue elevates her beyond the stereotypical daughter trying to please her Old World immigrant family. The scene where she put the businessmen sexually harassing a young timid waitress was pure gold. As I read it, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do more: cheer for Rana or go out for Indian food.
Watching Rana waking up to her self worth is what makes her wake Micah up from his self-imposed prison.
I don't want to be someone's step, Micah. I want to be someone's destination. I want to be their ending. I...I deserve that. I'm worth that.I vaguely recall reading Rana's sister Devi's book Glutton for Pleasure a while ago but I found Devi too wishy-washy and promptly forgot about it (If two hot men want you, then just shut up and go for it, girl). It wasn't until I started reading that I realized they were sisters. Rana, Devi and middle sister Leena's drunken sisterly showdown was so awesome that I forgave Devi and really hope that uptight Leena gets her own story soon.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2015
Rana Malik is a new woman. After her little sister Devi found love with not just one man but two (Glutton for Pleasure, book one in the Pleasure series and currently free), she decided it was time to make some changes in her life. No more impulsive dates or casual affairs with "unsuitable" men, she is dating with a purpose. While she doesn't want to date any of her mother's handpicked candidates from Indian matrimonial sites, she is determinedly looking to date the right kind of man, the kind you marry. However she is supplementing her diet of boring dates and a year of celibacy with some voyeuristic perving on her new artist neighbor. Every night she settles in to her bed darkened room to watch him paint in his curtain-less studio. She know it is wrong, but she can't stop doing it.
Micah Hale feels shredded. It has been two years since an attack stole his appetite for life and quite possibly his art. He has moved an ocean away from his friends and parents to escape their watchful wary gazes. But there is one person's gaze he inexplicably doesn't mind. He spotted her watching him weeks ago and instead of outraging him it arouses him. Instead of buying curtains or confronting her, he decides to provoke her.
When Micah and Rana finally meet face to face, they are combustible, fueled by naked, raw desire. They know that they have crossed lines, they have inflamed each other's lusts, and they can't turn away from each other. I love the " we are all wrong for each other, so this is just a fling" stories, because they tend to be stories of discovery. Micah and Rana think they know what they want, what they need and what they can give but as they spend time with each other they discover they might have been all wrong.
Alisha Rai writes fun, emotional and scalding erotic romance that explore themes of identity, perception and acceptance. In Serving Pleasure, Rai takes a couple from a lustful collision to burning love. They build intimate emotional bonds with each other despite their determination not to. They have to confront and evaluate the way they think about themselves and how they have let how they think others see them define and control how they behave. She unpacks these complex relationships with humor, wit and sexiness. I love that two people who thought they brought the worst in each other are pushed to become their better selves.
I received a review copy of Serving Pleasure from Alisha Rai via NetGalley.
Micah Hale feels shredded. It has been two years since an attack stole his appetite for life and quite possibly his art. He has moved an ocean away from his friends and parents to escape their watchful wary gazes. But there is one person's gaze he inexplicably doesn't mind. He spotted her watching him weeks ago and instead of outraging him it arouses him. Instead of buying curtains or confronting her, he decides to provoke her.
When Micah and Rana finally meet face to face, they are combustible, fueled by naked, raw desire. They know that they have crossed lines, they have inflamed each other's lusts, and they can't turn away from each other. I love the " we are all wrong for each other, so this is just a fling" stories, because they tend to be stories of discovery. Micah and Rana think they know what they want, what they need and what they can give but as they spend time with each other they discover they might have been all wrong.
Alisha Rai writes fun, emotional and scalding erotic romance that explore themes of identity, perception and acceptance. In Serving Pleasure, Rai takes a couple from a lustful collision to burning love. They build intimate emotional bonds with each other despite their determination not to. They have to confront and evaluate the way they think about themselves and how they have let how they think others see them define and control how they behave. She unpacks these complex relationships with humor, wit and sexiness. I love that two people who thought they brought the worst in each other are pushed to become their better selves.
I received a review copy of Serving Pleasure from Alisha Rai via NetGalley.
November 27, 2016
After my lukewarm review of Glutton for Pleasure and needing to find books that finished up a series for a challenge, I broke down and purchased this book. I really wish I hadn't!
Micah was too focused on his tragedy and he had not fully mentally healed from it. I felt he had no business starting an intimate artist's relationship between model/artist, never mind starting a romantic one! While he never actually became abusive to Rana, he also wasn't in a good position to be the emotional rock she needed.
Rana followed Devi's footsteps a bit, in so much as she couldn't stand up to her mother. Eventually, she does, but it comes at a time where emotional blow after blow begins hitting Rana. I felt that the mother was definitely emotionally abusing the three sisters, but most especially Rana! It also didn't help that Rana's self-esteem was pretty much non-existent during all of this.
All things considered, I doubt I will read the final book in the series, if and when it comes out, nor do I think I will continue reading the author's work.
Micah was too focused on his tragedy and he had not fully mentally healed from it. I felt he had no business starting an intimate artist's relationship between model/artist, never mind starting a romantic one! While he never actually became abusive to Rana, he also wasn't in a good position to be the emotional rock she needed.
Rana followed Devi's footsteps a bit, in so much as she couldn't stand up to her mother. Eventually, she does, but it comes at a time where emotional blow after blow begins hitting Rana. I felt that the mother was definitely emotionally abusing the three sisters, but most especially Rana! It also didn't help that Rana's self-esteem was pretty much non-existent during all of this.
All things considered, I doubt I will read the final book in the series, if and when it comes out, nor do I think I will continue reading the author's work.
November 15, 2017
I loved this book! The main characters help each other with loving themselves (while beautifully, sensually, and passionately falling in love each other.)
Rana is a super-extroverted “people person.” Micah is a reclusive, tortured artist. I simply adored Rana. Her POV chapters are filled with absolutely fantastic inner monologue. The relationship dynamic between her and her family, particularly her sisters, is wonderfully portrayed and is absolutely key to showing who Rana is as a person. Micah’s character is largely shaped by past trauma. I really like the fact that the story doesn’t present the love of a good woman as the cure-all for whatever ails the hero.
I purchased this book in 2015, but didn’t read it until 2017. Why? I’m a series completionist, this is the second book in the series, and book one (Glutton for Pleasure) is a menage romance with twin brothers. Poly romances are included in the mixed bag of what I read, but I often have trouble getting into stories that involve siblings in poly relationships (and pairs of brothers seem particularly popular in menage books). When I finally read book one, I enjoyed it (4 stars). If that type of manage isn’t your thing and/or you aren’t a series completionist, Serving Pleasure can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Rana is a super-extroverted “people person.” Micah is a reclusive, tortured artist. I simply adored Rana. Her POV chapters are filled with absolutely fantastic inner monologue. The relationship dynamic between her and her family, particularly her sisters, is wonderfully portrayed and is absolutely key to showing who Rana is as a person. Micah’s character is largely shaped by past trauma. I really like the fact that the story doesn’t present the love of a good woman as the cure-all for whatever ails the hero.
I purchased this book in 2015, but didn’t read it until 2017. Why? I’m a series completionist, this is the second book in the series, and book one (Glutton for Pleasure) is a menage romance with twin brothers. Poly romances are included in the mixed bag of what I read, but I often have trouble getting into stories that involve siblings in poly relationships (and pairs of brothers seem particularly popular in menage books). When I finally read book one, I enjoyed it (4 stars). If that type of manage isn’t your thing and/or you aren’t a series completionist, Serving Pleasure can absolutely be read as a standalone.
April 15, 2019
What I’ve come to expect and appreciate from Alisha Rai’s writing is there will be eye-opening (at least for me!) love scenes and her characters are not one note. Meaning they’re just as interesting with their clothes on and when they’re describing how they feel taking them off. I did not read the first book in this series but Serving Pleasure can be read as a stand-alone albeit there is some reference to the first book but not so much the reader gets lost.
Micah and Rana are next door neighbors who start a benefits-only relationship and they’ve sworn to not fall in love with each other. Ha!
Rana’s mother is pressuring her to find Mr. Right and Micah is recovering from an attack that left him for dead. He’s more than a tortured artist and she’s more than her “bad girl” lifestyle. It’s not long before someone catches feelings and one more time turns into forever.
Micah and Rana are next door neighbors who start a benefits-only relationship and they’ve sworn to not fall in love with each other. Ha!
Rana’s mother is pressuring her to find Mr. Right and Micah is recovering from an attack that left him for dead. He’s more than a tortured artist and she’s more than her “bad girl” lifestyle. It’s not long before someone catches feelings and one more time turns into forever.
July 4, 2016
This... is a great romance. Obstacles that felt real and not overdone. Likeable leads who are anything but cookie cutter romance fare. Perfect handling of the slut shaming that is so pervasive in our culture, and even in this genre. Wonderful balance of drama and funny. I'm still giggling about a couple of lines. I really loved both of the main characters, who were great together. Just an outstanding romance. Can't wait to read about the final Malik sister.
Update July 4, 2016: Perfect romance is still perfect.
Update July 4, 2016: Perfect romance is still perfect.
June 19, 2015
I picked up this story, as soon as I was done with Glutton of Pleasure.
I have to say: Wow. Just wow.
The story was everything I liked, and hoped to see in a Interracial, and multicultural themes.
Sassy, and witty heroine- Check
Tormented hero- Check.
Real problems- check.
Writing, dialogue, and most of all flow. Check, check and double check. Overall I couldn't be happy. I was elated.
It goes into my re-reads list.
I have to say: Wow. Just wow.
The story was everything I liked, and hoped to see in a Interracial, and multicultural themes.
Sassy, and witty heroine- Check
Tormented hero- Check.
Real problems- check.
Writing, dialogue, and most of all flow. Check, check and double check. Overall I couldn't be happy. I was elated.
It goes into my re-reads list.
March 6, 2016
The hot artist next door that she’s been spying on calls her bluff and now Rana is posing nude for him. Well, it’s obvious where this is going and I love the way it goes there. Rana and her sisters run a restaurant and their relationship is loyal but complicated, and Alisha Rai is excellent at showing very real and yet entertaining family dynamics, personal growth for all the characters, and amazing hot sex!
July 20, 2015
Sometimes two wrongs do make a right. Sensually wicked delights infuse this romance as two dynamic and damaged protagonists who consider themselves disappointments find the peace and acceptance they crave in each others bodies and hearts. A rich plotline only serves to further enhance the erotic overtones.
January 25, 2016
I can't believe it - another contemporary I liked! Alisha Rai is so good at writing family... rounded characters with layered relationships. I think the family relationships in this one (and also the first in the series) shine more than the romance, and it's particularly impressive that she can do that with all that steaminess going on! Lots of small moments, but thoughtful, smart ones.
June 15, 2015
Loved it! I love these sisters! And I loved how Micah and Rana helped each other to feel more whole. That is how love should be! I only wish there had been a little touch of Jace and Marcus from the first book! Can't wait to read Leena's story!
June 18, 2015
I think I love every book of this author a tiny bit more than the last one. Her heroines are some of the strongest in Romanceland. <3
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