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Entropy #1
Entropy
Lisa is adrift—searching for connection on social media to compensate for the absence of love and attention in her marriage. But when a dominant married man entices her to become his online submissive, Lisa’s world starts to collapse around her. Could giving up all control be the secret to finding the serenity she longs to have? Cerebral and erotic, Entropy explores the murky depths of an online affair and how upheaval of the status quo reverberates through a woman’s life and sense of self.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
57 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Edward Smith
9 books56 followersJoshua Edward Smith is the author of five fiction novels in a variety of genres (the financial thriller ‟Singularity”, the award-winning contemporary women's fiction novel ‟Apotheosis”, and the erotic ‟Entropy” trilogy), several shorter works, and innumerable blog posts and tweets. He is also a technology executive, jazz musician, ballroom dancer, and father of three. He lives in central Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 7, 2016
4 the most complicated stars ever
"Cerebral and erotic, Entropy explores the murky depths of an online affair and how upheaval of the status quo reverberates through a woman’s life and sense of self."
W A R N I N G : potential SPOILERS
This was truly the most perplexed, complicated, complexed, intriguing, pushing on boundaries story I haven't read in a long, long time...
It's actually hard to tell it in a few simple sentences cause there's nothing fuckin simple about the story - it deals with the perception of an "affair" as we know it - is it an affair if it's not physical, I think on one level it is, if it harms and affects others around you, if it's destructable, then yes, I don't care if you cheat with your mind, body or soul, you still cheat BUT here, the lines are "effin" blurred and it messed with the concept I kept in my head - but the story pulls you into so much more intensity and chaos and messy and complicated stuff, emotional, sexual, mental...
The story evolves around Lisa - a mother of two grown children, a housewife in a lovless marriage, her husband Roger cheated on her twice, well that she knew of, and she forgave him, and had occasional sex with him too, so it was all a charade, in my opinion, or the lack of her guts working...so why did she stay in such an union, you'd ask, I asked myself that too, more than once...and all I got as an answer is "out of social convinience", i guess, or maybe I am wrong *shrugs* IDK, anymore...
Anyway, I didn't like Lisa, I think I still don't like her BUT she actually gets to you towards the end- she was almost fifty and she was still a shallow, superficial woman, obssessed with the outside features, her body, working out, fake boobs and of course the "attention", the "longing looks" from other men, she manupulated with her features and yet she was really not capable to set her life straight cause she has let her true inner self be shoved, pushed and stomped on. She's actually a very unhappy person and she doesn't even know it. She's also a social media junkie - FB, Twitter, you name it, she's on it...a lot! And one encounter leads from flirtation, into the crush, that enters another level of sinking into the D/s relationship on a pure emotional aspect and that eventually exceeds into the loving affair...
...she was flattered that he had interest in her.
This was a peculiar man, but he fascinated her. She wanted more. She wanted a lot more.
Sir was everything that her husband wasn't. And even more...
BUT the allure to that kind of connection was potent and high even if it had no prospect of ever becoming physical...well, at least we are lead to believe so....
Whether being sexually desired was important to her, or whether having someone just love her for her was more important. She wished she didn't have to choose.
She's in a constant mindwhirl of all this notions -wright/wrong, true/false, sincerity/lies, imaginary/real and she's struggling to get a hold of it all, through emotional breaks, then build ups, shattering collapses, lift-ups dealing with a huge span of emotions described through the BDSM tactical action where the power of the word takes her higher into the imaginary sexually exploit than she could ever feel on a physical basis...
their interaction is intense and highten to the unimaginable extent...it's all consuming, blinding and overpowering...it's disturbing and yet calming...they are "on and off", starting then ending it...caving in, breaking apart, staying away, searching...the neverending search
"It's like there is a hurricane of entropy around me. A circle of calm created by you. Order. Obedience. Appreciation. Validation. It's all there, driving away the entropy.
Her life takes a bad turn - disease, death, divorce - hit the fan shattering her to pieces...and helping her through out the process of gradually healing and salvaging what was always in her but never had the opportunity to fully being acknowledged and fulfilled - is the relationship that Sir holds her in, pulling her broken pieces into a submissive order so the compulsive desire and the painful need to be loved could be believable...
"Entropy is disorder. Randomness. Chaos.
Entropy doesn't go away on its own, but we can impart order.
The chaos is all around us, and it grows.
It can be very overwhelming.
It can deaden your senses to what's important.
But if we impart order on that chaos, everything changes.
You can find peace."
this book is very hard to present and stay on the right course, it had several triggers for me, personally and I really tried to look at it from a different angle, but to tell you the truth I don't think I would have done the same ordeal that Lisa has.
Actually i think I would have done just the opposite. I would have cut it all in the core and start again fresh...
so, thankfully I am not her, cause otherwise there wouldn't be any basis for this kind of story...LOL
the third person narration actually made the pace in just the perfect tone for the tempo of developments in Lisa's life, you could easily stay back and watch it unravel...
maybe if told in first person would have made a larger impact on a reader, hmmm, I could not say that with certainty...so I'll stick to the original feeling.
the only time the whole narrating process set a slower atmosphere was when all the "physics and math and smart stuff" were presented through Sir's words... that was just, well...not for me! LOL
All in all, tough, compelling, intriguing read...that makes you think
A Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I've had Joshua Edward Smith's Entropy series on my to-read list for over a year and an opportunity to read all three in a row was something I couldn't pass up. I spent my weekend in the intriguing world of Lisa and Sir, a world of internet BDSM that becomes something so much more than just internet. The characters embark on affairs with one another, unsatisfied in their marriages and seeking something that lets them escape from the norm. Entropy deals with blurred lines and the difficulties that come with keeping secrets while still trying to live a previous life. It's complicated, it's fairly dramatic, it's at times sexy and sad, and it's ultimately a heavy read.
I knew what I was getting into with Entropy, I went into this reading from a very open perspective, knowing I was going to be reading about cheating and a different type of book when it came to BDSM. Entropy is written in third person, which is sort of a relief when it comes to the characters. I never got into their heads, I never agreed with them at all actually, but I really enjoyed watching the entire book play out from an outside perspective. Lisa is a shallow, vain, mean character and more than anything, she's unhappy and she doesn't even know it. Sir is the man behind the screen, we don't know how he looks, we don't know his voice, but we know Lisa bends to him in every way. Smith takes Entropy a step farther than most books though, it's lengthy and tangled, especially as Lisa's life before Sir unravels. There's heartache, loss, health complications, and more. As complicated as real life is, Entropy wasn't really an escape from the norm, but rather a close up fictional study of how it works.
Smith's writing is different than the norm, when it comes to romance and BDSM novels readers aren't used to a more literary style. It's filled with words, descriptive, almost play-like. It's slow to read, but the pacing of the novel works, especially as it introduces you to the start of the next novel. Entropy is about a modern affair, one that maybe before wouldn't be called cheating, but absolutely is now. Smith takes on the subjects of human nature, self-discovery, death, and even psychology. Readers interested in a break from the norm of usual romance and erotica novels with find a nice escape with Entropy, but don't say I didn't warn you when you start to evaluate your own life and choices.
I've had Joshua Edward Smith's Entropy series on my to-read list for over a year and an opportunity to read all three in a row was something I couldn't pass up. I spent my weekend in the intriguing world of Lisa and Sir, a world of internet BDSM that becomes something so much more than just internet. The characters embark on affairs with one another, unsatisfied in their marriages and seeking something that lets them escape from the norm. Entropy deals with blurred lines and the difficulties that come with keeping secrets while still trying to live a previous life. It's complicated, it's fairly dramatic, it's at times sexy and sad, and it's ultimately a heavy read.
I knew what I was getting into with Entropy, I went into this reading from a very open perspective, knowing I was going to be reading about cheating and a different type of book when it came to BDSM. Entropy is written in third person, which is sort of a relief when it comes to the characters. I never got into their heads, I never agreed with them at all actually, but I really enjoyed watching the entire book play out from an outside perspective. Lisa is a shallow, vain, mean character and more than anything, she's unhappy and she doesn't even know it. Sir is the man behind the screen, we don't know how he looks, we don't know his voice, but we know Lisa bends to him in every way. Smith takes Entropy a step farther than most books though, it's lengthy and tangled, especially as Lisa's life before Sir unravels. There's heartache, loss, health complications, and more. As complicated as real life is, Entropy wasn't really an escape from the norm, but rather a close up fictional study of how it works.
Smith's writing is different than the norm, when it comes to romance and BDSM novels readers aren't used to a more literary style. It's filled with words, descriptive, almost play-like. It's slow to read, but the pacing of the novel works, especially as it introduces you to the start of the next novel. Entropy is about a modern affair, one that maybe before wouldn't be called cheating, but absolutely is now. Smith takes on the subjects of human nature, self-discovery, death, and even psychology. Readers interested in a break from the norm of usual romance and erotica novels with find a nice escape with Entropy, but don't say I didn't warn you when you start to evaluate your own life and choices.
September 25, 2017
This is book one in the Entropy series by Joshua Edward Smith.
This book introduces us to Sir and Kitty as they embark in to a BDSM love affair that takes place on-line while they are both still married. They are exploring BDMS together for the first times.
This book is really well written and draws you into the characters lives.
4 Stars
This book introduces us to Sir and Kitty as they embark in to a BDSM love affair that takes place on-line while they are both still married. They are exploring BDMS together for the first times.
This book is really well written and draws you into the characters lives.
4 Stars
August 9, 2016
Things are not always what they seem. We know this, we're told this. We experience it, we live it, but it is something that is very hard to accept for most people. We're designed to buy into all the social constructs that we are force-fed from childhood, and that deviating from these constructs is bad, immoral--and just shouldn't happen.
Lisa's marriage, to any outsider, was textbook perfect. Filthy rich, perfect kids, both in prime physical condition, both easy on the eyes. But that's just not their reality. Their reality of 25+ years of being incompatible on the most essential levels is what finally sets Lisa on a journey to discover who she is and what she needs. It fits no "normal" social construct, and some readers are going to find that a tough pill to swallow. But it is a fascinating journey that Mr. Smith so brilliantly leads the readers down, I guarantee it will be difficult to put down. (I certainly felt this way, seeing as how I started and could not fathom going to sleep until I'd read every last word.) The vast majority of us will not be able to draw perfect parallels in our own lives to those of the incredible characters Mr. Smith has created, but that's not the point.
The point is the discovery, and that it is okay to let go of things that are doing you an incredible disservice and to grasp onto things that allow you to be your best self. Things are rarely what they seem. There is no one way to love or to be loved, and this book showcases that flawlessly.
There is a smorgasbord of raw emotion, even rawer sexual tension, and it is so well-written and captured by the author, that when I read the last paragraph all I managed to do was say: "Yes, Sir."
Lisa's marriage, to any outsider, was textbook perfect. Filthy rich, perfect kids, both in prime physical condition, both easy on the eyes. But that's just not their reality. Their reality of 25+ years of being incompatible on the most essential levels is what finally sets Lisa on a journey to discover who she is and what she needs. It fits no "normal" social construct, and some readers are going to find that a tough pill to swallow. But it is a fascinating journey that Mr. Smith so brilliantly leads the readers down, I guarantee it will be difficult to put down. (I certainly felt this way, seeing as how I started and could not fathom going to sleep until I'd read every last word.) The vast majority of us will not be able to draw perfect parallels in our own lives to those of the incredible characters Mr. Smith has created, but that's not the point.
The point is the discovery, and that it is okay to let go of things that are doing you an incredible disservice and to grasp onto things that allow you to be your best self. Things are rarely what they seem. There is no one way to love or to be loved, and this book showcases that flawlessly.
There is a smorgasbord of raw emotion, even rawer sexual tension, and it is so well-written and captured by the author, that when I read the last paragraph all I managed to do was say: "Yes, Sir."
December 14, 2015
Mr. Smith gave me a copy of Entropy in exchange for an honest review.
Within the first few pages, I was immediately hooked, but as the story turned directions and the main character met a potential love interest, I wasn't sure I could keep reading. I'm not new to erotica and enjoy the genre from time to time; however, reading BDSM is out of my element a little. Because the writing was good, I continued. The pet names that they gave each other drove me crazy and the consistency in which the two main characters used them sometimes made me want to throw my phone. For somebody who is not well versed in BDSM, I assumed it was a normal "thing" in this type of relationship, and aside from that I really enjoyed the novel.
I found myself very invested in Lisa, the main character, and her journey to find her independence, and I appreciate the irony in the way it all played out. By the end, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would get what she wanted.
The story moves the reader effortlessly. It's well written and cleanly edited and a great first novel for Mr. Smith. Now if only I could get him to write me an epi-epilogue.
If you're into BDSM and unconventional relationships, or if you just want a good book that will educate you on some new *things*, you'll enjoy this book.
Within the first few pages, I was immediately hooked, but as the story turned directions and the main character met a potential love interest, I wasn't sure I could keep reading. I'm not new to erotica and enjoy the genre from time to time; however, reading BDSM is out of my element a little. Because the writing was good, I continued. The pet names that they gave each other drove me crazy and the consistency in which the two main characters used them sometimes made me want to throw my phone. For somebody who is not well versed in BDSM, I assumed it was a normal "thing" in this type of relationship, and aside from that I really enjoyed the novel.
I found myself very invested in Lisa, the main character, and her journey to find her independence, and I appreciate the irony in the way it all played out. By the end, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would get what she wanted.
The story moves the reader effortlessly. It's well written and cleanly edited and a great first novel for Mr. Smith. Now if only I could get him to write me an epi-epilogue.
If you're into BDSM and unconventional relationships, or if you just want a good book that will educate you on some new *things*, you'll enjoy this book.
May 7, 2018
This is, at least on the surface, an in-depth exploration of the world of BDSM, specifically something called TPE, which is Total Power Exchange (you’ll have to look it up as I did). In truth, it’s a love story, with poignant digressions that are the sorts of tragic things that happen to you in life while you are busy making plans. And it is full of wise observations about those unexpected experiences.
Yes, there is graphic sex in the book, but it’s not the focus, although there certainly is plenty of it. On occasion I actually found myself skipping a long sex passage so I could get back to the story (yeah, I’m just kinky that way). The real focus is the relationship between Sir (we never know his real name) and Lisa (known to Sir as Kitten). Lisa is an attractive 50 something woman in a dead, abusive marriage who seeks validation through her twitter connections, where she meets Sir. Add in the complex and dangerous husband Roger, and Thomas, a Dom friend at the gym, and her best friend Jean, and you have an authentic story that radiates love, hurt, sex, sadness, humor, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.
I know very little about BDSM but the description of the novel intrigued me. I’m glad I listened to my intuition. Although he is not himself a participant in the world of BDSM, Smith did a lot of research for this book so I believe that what I am reading reflects that world realistically. TPE is nothing like what you would imagine BDSM to be. Sex is in fact a small part of it. It’s about love, trust, kindness, and allowing oneself to be completely vulnerable. Without ever actually meeting, Sir and Lisa develop an intimacy that is rare in even the best marriages. I found myself in awe of the affection, courage, caring, and understanding between them. As Sir says at one point, “It’s beauty and light and truth”.
As for the sex (I guess I had to talk about it), i must admit that later in the book, the sex between _________ and _________ (no spoilers here, my friends) is damn hot, I repeat, damn hot. And the witty repartée between them is some of the funniest I’ve read in awhile. Smith’s sense of humor is highly evolved.
We have here a cautionary tale about how much better healthy communication is than just talking at each other. This story is a modern romance with a twist. Don’t be put off by the twist. Read it and you will be entranced by the realistic portrayal of the complexities of life, not to mention tantalized by the sex. And you will grow to love the characters, especially Sir and Lisa, just as I did.
It turns out that this is the first book in a trilogy. After you read the last sentence of this book, you will be unable to resist reading the next installment.
Yes, there is graphic sex in the book, but it’s not the focus, although there certainly is plenty of it. On occasion I actually found myself skipping a long sex passage so I could get back to the story (yeah, I’m just kinky that way). The real focus is the relationship between Sir (we never know his real name) and Lisa (known to Sir as Kitten). Lisa is an attractive 50 something woman in a dead, abusive marriage who seeks validation through her twitter connections, where she meets Sir. Add in the complex and dangerous husband Roger, and Thomas, a Dom friend at the gym, and her best friend Jean, and you have an authentic story that radiates love, hurt, sex, sadness, humor, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.
I know very little about BDSM but the description of the novel intrigued me. I’m glad I listened to my intuition. Although he is not himself a participant in the world of BDSM, Smith did a lot of research for this book so I believe that what I am reading reflects that world realistically. TPE is nothing like what you would imagine BDSM to be. Sex is in fact a small part of it. It’s about love, trust, kindness, and allowing oneself to be completely vulnerable. Without ever actually meeting, Sir and Lisa develop an intimacy that is rare in even the best marriages. I found myself in awe of the affection, courage, caring, and understanding between them. As Sir says at one point, “It’s beauty and light and truth”.
As for the sex (I guess I had to talk about it), i must admit that later in the book, the sex between _________ and _________ (no spoilers here, my friends) is damn hot, I repeat, damn hot. And the witty repartée between them is some of the funniest I’ve read in awhile. Smith’s sense of humor is highly evolved.
We have here a cautionary tale about how much better healthy communication is than just talking at each other. This story is a modern romance with a twist. Don’t be put off by the twist. Read it and you will be entranced by the realistic portrayal of the complexities of life, not to mention tantalized by the sex. And you will grow to love the characters, especially Sir and Lisa, just as I did.
It turns out that this is the first book in a trilogy. After you read the last sentence of this book, you will be unable to resist reading the next installment.
April 26, 2017
This book is unlike almost every other romance novel I have ever read. These characters aren't doing everything right. They aren't living lives that are pretty and neat. They are struggling through a bunch of choices and circumstances, just trying to get to place where they are happy. The depth and personality of the characters are so masterfully developed that you can hear their voices, the tone of their words, and envision the expressions on their faces as they speak to each other. Just a complicated and beautiful story of a woman's struggle to find herself and to have a life that makes sense to her. Can't wait to dive into Duality to see where these characters go.
September 15, 2017
Wow! Entropy captivated me from the first page and sent me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. In our everyday lives, we have a tendency to create mental walls within ourselves by the choices we make and that determines our happiness or sadness which sometimes builds roadblocks. I loved the science explanations, such as entropy and quantum entanglement that affects our lives.
Lisa is a typical middle aged bored housewife. She enjoys her social media and finds the attention she desires, especially through twitter. There she meets 'Sir' and their online D/s friendship begins. Can you obey or fall inlove with someone you have never met?
Sir has his code that he will not go against. Or will he?
The emotions in this book will have you grabbing for tissues. I felt a close connection with the well developed characters.
The bdsm is unique due to the relationship a dom needs to provide for his sub. Yes, there are some hot erotica scenes as well! Phew, fans herself.
Entropy is also about self discovery, divorce, tragedy, healing and trust.
The ending had my heart racing craving more. There is a cliffhanger and so well worth it.
I would strongly recommend this series!
Lisa is a typical middle aged bored housewife. She enjoys her social media and finds the attention she desires, especially through twitter. There she meets 'Sir' and their online D/s friendship begins. Can you obey or fall inlove with someone you have never met?
Sir has his code that he will not go against. Or will he?
The emotions in this book will have you grabbing for tissues. I felt a close connection with the well developed characters.
The bdsm is unique due to the relationship a dom needs to provide for his sub. Yes, there are some hot erotica scenes as well! Phew, fans herself.
Entropy is also about self discovery, divorce, tragedy, healing and trust.
The ending had my heart racing craving more. There is a cliffhanger and so well worth it.
I would strongly recommend this series!
September 28, 2017
I gave this Book a rating of 4 ✩’s
Title: Entropy
Series: Entropy Book 1
Genre: BDSM Romance
Author: Joshua Edward Smith
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Aug 18, 2015
I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from Hidden Gems
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Summary Paragraph:
Lisa is unhappy in her affluent life and wants more. She meets SIR through an online chat, Twitter, and they begin an affair.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: I liked the book and would have given it 5 stars except for the pace of it was fairly slow yet well written. This book tackles some of the aspects of a BDSM online based affair between a married woman and a man not married to her but who is also married. While in days past an online affair would not be considered cheating it is considered cheating now and that is also another reason for the 4 stars I generally don’t like books who have cheating in them but as it happens in real life it was pertinent to this series.
Title: Entropy
Series: Entropy Book 1
Genre: BDSM Romance
Author: Joshua Edward Smith
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Aug 18, 2015
I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from Hidden Gems
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Summary Paragraph:
Lisa is unhappy in her affluent life and wants more. She meets SIR through an online chat, Twitter, and they begin an affair.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: I liked the book and would have given it 5 stars except for the pace of it was fairly slow yet well written. This book tackles some of the aspects of a BDSM online based affair between a married woman and a man not married to her but who is also married. While in days past an online affair would not be considered cheating it is considered cheating now and that is also another reason for the 4 stars I generally don’t like books who have cheating in them but as it happens in real life it was pertinent to this series.
September 29, 2017
Lisa is married and lonely. When her marriage is leaving her desiring more, she stumbles upon "Sir" via Twitter. As her and "Sir" develop a relationship from afar, Lisa has to decide if being a submissive is something that she can handle. Entropy opens your eyes to the different aspects of the BDSM relationship that not only challenges the participants psychologically, buy emotionally. I thought the author did a wonderful job with the story and portraying the BDSM world in a respectful way. It will be interesting to see what happens with Lisa and "Sir" in the next book! I am giving Entropy 4 stars!
February 4, 2022
This book breaks the standard formula for a romance novel. First, the concept of an online romance is uniquely fantastic. To make things more interesting, it is a D/s relationship. Coincidentally, I had just first heard of the concept of an online D/s relationship a few days before I started reading the book. I felt like I was reading an entirely new genre, which was new and exciting.
The ebb and flow of the developing relationship is less linear than most romance novels. There are a number of issues that derail or set-back the progression of the relationship.
The depth of Lisa’s feelings grow incrementally throughout the book. The author never seems to make those unexpected leaps that ruins the believability of the book.
I fell in love with Lisa’s character when she starts tweeting from her hospital bed. (Hey, it’s in the first 20% of the book, which I’ve decided doesn’t count as a real spoiler). Her humor and strength completely endeared me to her.
Sir always says, “Excuse me?” when Lisa says something disrespectful. When I finished the book I screamed, “Excuse me!” Beware of cliffhanger.
The ebb and flow of the developing relationship is less linear than most romance novels. There are a number of issues that derail or set-back the progression of the relationship.
The depth of Lisa’s feelings grow incrementally throughout the book. The author never seems to make those unexpected leaps that ruins the believability of the book.
I fell in love with Lisa’s character when she starts tweeting from her hospital bed. (Hey, it’s in the first 20% of the book, which I’ve decided doesn’t count as a real spoiler). Her humor and strength completely endeared me to her.
Sir always says, “Excuse me?” when Lisa says something disrespectful. When I finished the book I screamed, “Excuse me!” Beware of cliffhanger.
October 10, 2017
Powerful Sexy and Engaging
This is one of those books that leaves me asking WTH did I just read - it borders the line on so many topics leaving me with more questions than answers
I received advanced readers copy for review consideration.
This is one of those books that leaves me asking WTH did I just read - it borders the line on so many topics leaving me with more questions than answers
I received advanced readers copy for review consideration.
September 26, 2017
WOW!!! I didn't know what to expect with this book. But I found it to be enlightening,entertaining and emotional. Learning about Lisa and her awakening has been a learning experience. The jury is still out on Sir. I guess I'll have to finish the series to see.
April 6, 2016
How many of us have ethereal friends living just behind our Liquid Crystal Display that physically exist both in our mind and deep within our heart? Unimaginable to our ancestors. Yet there is no denying that even I am one of the many social media users to have had my virginal Liquid Crystal popped while sharing a byte or two. This review as well as Mr. Smith's 'Entropy' is for those of us that have indulged in just such a digital dalliance as well as those that wonder what it would be like to experience something so delightfully interactive. The author has done quite extensive research in an effort to fill out the experiences both mentally and physically of his leading character as well as her corporeal and ethereal partners. Not simply a flirtation, Mr. Smith addresses this prime-time issue thoroughly and takes it across a few borders that we have all wondered about. Told through a palpable sexual haze, an almost 50 years young and beautiful Lisa maneuvers through marriage, children, husband, illness and all that real-life throws at you while clinging to a thread of self and sanity via a consistent flow of text from an intelligent, intoxicating and excruciatingly untouchable hand. Lisa is set on a course of self discovery that leaves her shocked and much more aware of the shadowed corners of human nature, and I must admit that some of this discovery left me shocked and much more aware of my contentment to wallow in the brightly lit areas! Nonetheless, this book will draw you in and make you think. Sex is in the mind.. that is to say that nothing works unless the brain is involved and we are all nothing more than large children that have learned with time when, how and with whom to summon a façade when necessary. Suffice it to say that in my opinion you will truly enjoy this book even though there are points at which you would give your right nipple ring to slap Lisa with the serrated edge of your chastity belt for some of the things she puts up with! But.. perhaps that simply makes it even more interesting, hehe.
Thank you, Mr. Smith, for my download and the pleasure it brought me!
Thank you, Mr. Smith, for my download and the pleasure it brought me!
August 29, 2015
Reading a synopsis immediately had me intrigued - and once I started, I had to find out how it ended. It's probably a book best not read while at work, but that's exactly what I did. I didn't want to put it down.
Lisa is definitely a flawed heroine. Her life, while seemingly perfect from the outside, is anything but. Loneliness and longing send her looking for something she didn't really know she wanted. What starts out as innocent fun and excitement quickly turns into something much deeper. When she is hit with a series of sometimes improbable trials and tribulations she seems to deal with her pain by exploring a side of her sexuality that excites her and scares her and brings meaning to her life. She seeks comfort through sexual release in a world of BDSM and a dominant submissive relationship.
The subject matter is at times uncomfortable. How far would you go to satisfy your desires? What truly makes you happy? Is it possible to live happily outside of societal norms? Where is that line between pain and desire? Love and fear?
Knowing that this was the author's first novel, I honestly went in with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing and the depth of the storytelling. Not only does he do a fabulous job at accurately portraying complicated relationships and deeply intimate encounters, the writing is also intelligent and witty. I'm already looking forward to reading what else he has to share.
Lisa is definitely a flawed heroine. Her life, while seemingly perfect from the outside, is anything but. Loneliness and longing send her looking for something she didn't really know she wanted. What starts out as innocent fun and excitement quickly turns into something much deeper. When she is hit with a series of sometimes improbable trials and tribulations she seems to deal with her pain by exploring a side of her sexuality that excites her and scares her and brings meaning to her life. She seeks comfort through sexual release in a world of BDSM and a dominant submissive relationship.
The subject matter is at times uncomfortable. How far would you go to satisfy your desires? What truly makes you happy? Is it possible to live happily outside of societal norms? Where is that line between pain and desire? Love and fear?
Knowing that this was the author's first novel, I honestly went in with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing and the depth of the storytelling. Not only does he do a fabulous job at accurately portraying complicated relationships and deeply intimate encounters, the writing is also intelligent and witty. I'm already looking forward to reading what else he has to share.
May 9, 2016
Upon reading the synopsis I guess I did not pay enough attention to the words “dominant” and “submissive” nor did I in any way connect it to BDSM, thinking that “social media” and “online affair” are the key words. Therefore, after reading a few pages, I was really surprised but also excited. The plot immediately caught my attention and I sank myself into the book.
From the very beginning I adored Lisa and I felt sorry for her many times, cursing the injustice and all the pains her life “endowed” her with. All I wished for was for her to be truly happy and content with her life. We both fell for Sir, with the slight difference that I also hated him for making Lisa so dependent despite knowing that this online affair was not likely to ever turn into something more.
The novel gives us an insight into a modern affair. It also demonstrates how people learn throughout life. We all should remember that we are never too old to learn something new and we should never stop our self-development. Joshua Edward Smith has an excellent writing style, characters are realistic and well-developed. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. I definitely recommend it!
I received a digital copy of this book via Member Giveaway on LibraryThing in an exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning I adored Lisa and I felt sorry for her many times, cursing the injustice and all the pains her life “endowed” her with. All I wished for was for her to be truly happy and content with her life. We both fell for Sir, with the slight difference that I also hated him for making Lisa so dependent despite knowing that this online affair was not likely to ever turn into something more.
The novel gives us an insight into a modern affair. It also demonstrates how people learn throughout life. We all should remember that we are never too old to learn something new and we should never stop our self-development. Joshua Edward Smith has an excellent writing style, characters are realistic and well-developed. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. I definitely recommend it!
I received a digital copy of this book via Member Giveaway on LibraryThing in an exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
A dark, distributing and twisted story about two Internet strangers that quickly turns to a story of obsession, control and trust. Raw, explicit sexuality threads the entire book in an alarming way, one shocking scene after another. Although I couldn't possibly disagree with the sexuality and lifestyles depicted in this book any harder, the consistency of tone and content is tightly constructed with an air of intelligence that's impossible to ignore.
The writing by the author is so masterfully executed that I barely noticed myself being disturbed by the content on a regular basis. The time and space is so carefully controlled and presented that I couldn't help but turn page after page, wondering what these depraved people would do next, one of them almost entirely a mystery. Their lust is so wild and magnetic, yet full of rules, limits and boundaries. To me, it almost read like a horror story because of how graphic the content and psychology was, and the suspense of everything unraveling pushed me to keep reading. It is a testament to the quality of a book when I find the content absolutely deplorable and yet can't stop reading it.
The ending was both satisfying and left me wanting more, leaving me no choice but to explore the sequel to see what happens next and see if so many of my questions get answered.
The writing by the author is so masterfully executed that I barely noticed myself being disturbed by the content on a regular basis. The time and space is so carefully controlled and presented that I couldn't help but turn page after page, wondering what these depraved people would do next, one of them almost entirely a mystery. Their lust is so wild and magnetic, yet full of rules, limits and boundaries. To me, it almost read like a horror story because of how graphic the content and psychology was, and the suspense of everything unraveling pushed me to keep reading. It is a testament to the quality of a book when I find the content absolutely deplorable and yet can't stop reading it.
The ending was both satisfying and left me wanting more, leaving me no choice but to explore the sequel to see what happens next and see if so many of my questions get answered.
April 27, 2016
I found this book fascinating for a number of reasons. First, our protagonist Lisa is older- decades of marriage under her belt and two grown children fresh out of the nest- but the sort of intense psychological journey and sexual awakening she experiences is typically reserved for doe-eyed twenty year olds. What a refreshing and daring choice from the author.
Secondly, there is an ordinariness to Smith's storytelling, a steady and methodical account of the information that is a perfect contrast to the turbulent tangle of events that ensue. But do not take this to mean 'dull'. Entropy is anything but. The author simply presents the details in the most uncluttered light, and does not goad the audience into what to think or how to feel. This stripped down narrative allows you to step in and out of the story, to indulge as a spectator or a participant. It is the kind of book you will want to reread because a shift in perspective will transform it into something else entirely.
Entropy is dark and hopeful and thought provoking. There were times when I wanted to slap Lisa, and other times when I wished I could give her a hug, but nonetheless, her story stirred something in me. I'm definitely looking forward to reading book 2, Duality.
Secondly, there is an ordinariness to Smith's storytelling, a steady and methodical account of the information that is a perfect contrast to the turbulent tangle of events that ensue. But do not take this to mean 'dull'. Entropy is anything but. The author simply presents the details in the most uncluttered light, and does not goad the audience into what to think or how to feel. This stripped down narrative allows you to step in and out of the story, to indulge as a spectator or a participant. It is the kind of book you will want to reread because a shift in perspective will transform it into something else entirely.
Entropy is dark and hopeful and thought provoking. There were times when I wanted to slap Lisa, and other times when I wished I could give her a hug, but nonetheless, her story stirred something in me. I'm definitely looking forward to reading book 2, Duality.
November 16, 2016
Never before have I read a book like this. The story captures you from the start as something different, but also a reflection of life for some of us. Lisa has a pretty typical life, living how we all planned. But something is missing. Something she didn't realize until life was underway (sound familiar? Yeah, me too). Along comes Sir, a man like she's never known before. His presence awakens a part of her that she never knew existed but once realized, there's no turning back. The story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. It's erotic, but more importantly, REAL. As a submissive woman who has experienced the connection that can be found in emotional & psychological submission without physical contact, so many aspects rang true to life. While this part of the lifestyle is scoffed at by many as not real D/s, the author nails it with accuracy and even more importantly, respect. It's a book I will highly recommend to any newcomer in the lifestyle.
October 7, 2016
Good Morning, Kitten! Good Morning, Sir! Not many conversations start out like this, but when Sir speaks, he expects to be answered.
This story was nothing like I expected! From the first page of this book, I was taken along on a journey that I never expected to take. Although the subject matter was something that I was not familiar with, it did intrigue me. I loved reading about how the progression of Lisa and Sir came to be. Lisa, a woman like so many of us, finds herself in situations that many of us have been through. I found that I could easily relate to her. Sir was exactly as I expected. I could see where this story could actually happen in real life. Through the ups and downs of everyday life, the love between Sir and Lisa transcends. I can't wait to read the next book. Kuddos Joshua Edward Smith!!
This story was nothing like I expected! From the first page of this book, I was taken along on a journey that I never expected to take. Although the subject matter was something that I was not familiar with, it did intrigue me. I loved reading about how the progression of Lisa and Sir came to be. Lisa, a woman like so many of us, finds herself in situations that many of us have been through. I found that I could easily relate to her. Sir was exactly as I expected. I could see where this story could actually happen in real life. Through the ups and downs of everyday life, the love between Sir and Lisa transcends. I can't wait to read the next book. Kuddos Joshua Edward Smith!!
January 16, 2016
I was initially intrigued by the subject of this book because the characters meet on Twitter. The idea appealed to me and I reached out to the author on Twitter and asked him a few questions about the book (which he answered promptly and politely). I ordered the paperback on Amazon and started reading it the minute it was delivered. I plowed through it; I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the plot is amazing. There is always something happening and I couldn't read it fast enough. I talked it up to all my friends and now have four friends waiting to read it. I would recommend it over and over. It's beautifully written and I would read another book by Mr. Smith without hesitation.
April 27, 2016
I don't know what to say about this book. They meet on Twitter. They are both unhappily married. They decide to start a long distance D/s relationship and it's hot as hell. Did I mention they never meet? Read it because I can't explain it and I couldn't put it down.
June 4, 2016
My first D/s novel. Very eye opening and ... ahem informative in more than one way. I give it a five on the the heat scale.
April 20, 2016
Review to come.
May 12, 2017
Entropy is the introductory novel exploration of Lisa and Sir. Lisa is a middle-aged stay at home mom who finds herself lost when the kids move on, less needy, and her husband is lost in his own career and extra martial activities. She finds herself in a downward spiral in need of a transformation to regain control of herself and forge forward to where she needs to go in order to live a rich fulfilling life. Sir, on the other hand, is living in a marriage filled with potholes and a lack of unconditional physical and emotional support. They are simply going through the surface level social motions and expectations placed by society. Entropy is the beginning of a journey towards learning how to love oneself and opening oneself towards something far more rewarding.
Joshua Edward Smith explores the rejuvenation of life through the eyes of the middle-aged trope. He examines this journey through self-actualization both physically, with sexual freedom, and emotionally, as both Lisa and Sir set out to figure out who they are and where they need to go. Smith’s use of online relationships and the BDSM world is an interesting weave into the design of the journey his characters set out to travel. Entropy is the first in the trilogy and is an amazing stepping stone into the trope of middle-age change and the exploration of needs and wants as one grows older.
Joshua Edward Smith explores the rejuvenation of life through the eyes of the middle-aged trope. He examines this journey through self-actualization both physically, with sexual freedom, and emotionally, as both Lisa and Sir set out to figure out who they are and where they need to go. Smith’s use of online relationships and the BDSM world is an interesting weave into the design of the journey his characters set out to travel. Entropy is the first in the trilogy and is an amazing stepping stone into the trope of middle-age change and the exploration of needs and wants as one grows older.
March 16, 2016
Entropy isn't your typical romance novel. It's not about sex, though there are very well-written (and steamy!) sex scenes. It's not about love, though it takes an intimate look at love in our modern age from more than one perspective. It's not about thermodynamics, but you're going to learn about that, too. The book is extremely thoughtful, well-written and compelling. A fast read that hooks you right from the start, Entropy takes a journey with the main character, Lisa, a married middle-aged woman, as she falls for a man she's never met in person. You see her grow as she learns more about herself and faces and explores her desires. A great first book by Joshua Edward Smith and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
January 16, 2016
An interesting look at modern affairs. The author has developed realistic characters based of similarities seen on the Internet. The writing flows easily between characters and then into Lisa's imagination of what Sir can and will do. Simple yet complex. Anyone who is online has seen or knows people like these characters or is hiding the fact they are one of the characters themselves. Look forward to the next book!
March 2, 2018
2.5 Stars From Underground Book Reviews
Be warned, the relationship in ENTROPY is mostly online and written via chat, so it may leave readers uncomfortable and/or confused. Still, this could be a good read for those who enjoy an odd touch of romance, erotica, and light BDSM.
…read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
Be warned, the relationship in ENTROPY is mostly online and written via chat, so it may leave readers uncomfortable and/or confused. Still, this could be a good read for those who enjoy an odd touch of romance, erotica, and light BDSM.
…read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
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