Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
While doing research for her new book, author Emma Sparks becomes intrigued with the BDSM lifestyle. When Emma meets Markus, a soft-spoken Dominate, he agrees to guide her through his world as she becomes more and more curious and as Emma and Markus' friendship deepens, she discovers that her deepest and darkest desires are beginning to surface. Emma suddenly realizes she not the person she thought she was and as she becomes increasingly restless in her marriage she struggles to find herself but is afraid it will destroy her picturesque life with her husband Daniel and two children. As Emma tries to resist her desires, Markus has other plans, he wants to bring her deeper into his world where he knows she belongs and he can make her his own.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2015

6 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Ava Bell

17 books212 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
35 (54%)
4 stars
17 (26%)
3 stars
7 (10%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
4 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Kara Pope.
93 reviews
December 9, 2015
I hate being an honest person sometimes, because I really do not want to hurt the authors feelings, with that being said, here goes. C/Curious was a good read, it grabbed my attention right away. It's not very long, but it's good. My issue was I found a few inconsistencies in it. Nothing major, just a color of a truck and a few other things, but it didn't turn me off. I am just a picky person and being a reviewer these things jump out at me. I story is good, and I like that Emma (the main character) is finding herself and what she really desires. I am looking forward to reading book 2. Don't let my review turn you off, because if you can get past the inconsistencies, I do believe you will like the book.
19 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2015
I got an Arc for an honest review... Ava Bell did a fantastic job on this book.. Emma is writing a book about BDSM. She gets a hold of Markus who is a dominate.. They hit it off right away. "Emma, I'm not your Knight in shining armor who wants to make all your fantasies come true, I'm just a man that has the ability to unlock the darkest part of your mind." Will Emma curiosity hand Markus over the key? Or will she stay in her so so married life? Ava pulled me In to this book. She has my curiosity wondering what Emma going to do. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Cassie.
370 reviews18 followers
September 2, 2015
C/Curious is not the typical BDSM fan-fiction type book. It is so much more. I really enjoyed that Ava Bell dove into the details of the whole world rather than jump into the “nitty gritty” of BDSM. I saw a whole new aspect of it with the online profiles, the chats, and Emma finding her way in this new adventure.

Speaking of Ms. Emma…she is the epitome of unhappy housewife. All the money, a loving but clueless and often absent husband, and she is no longer able to shake the feeling of dissatisfaction. After raising her children and deciding to try her hand at writing thanks to a fellow mom, she has decided to embark on a new adventure with her writing. Writing a BDSM novel. She dives in and never expects to be sucked further into it…she also doesn’t expect to like it.

Sir…aka the man Emma has been spending so much time conversing with…is well….just hot and mysterious. He seems to really enjoy his time with Emma despite her true intentions. It is nice to see the humanity in this dominate man in the beginning. To see that he is also just a person, rather than the typical tormented Dom. The real questions is…will he convince Emma to try out her deepest and darkest fantasies?

Emma’s two worlds seem to be increasingly crossing over each other. With the spark that has been set by sir and learning about the BDSM world her sex life with her husband seems to be renewed. Too bad Sir is the one she thinks about and sees during it. With all the secrets and lies about her double life…someone is bound to crack or find out.

I cannot wait for the next installment. Ava definitely set us up to be left….well curious. Her tastefulness in writing this series has been impeccable to date and I know she will continue this way. It is wonderful and refreshing to see an erotic novel with tact and wonderful character development.
Profile Image for Paula Harned.
35 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2015
WOW! That is all I can say about this book. Ava Bell is my new favorite author. This lady can write just about any genre and they are wonderful!

C/curious is not your usual BDSM book. This is way more than that. The way that Ava Bell has made her characters made me not want the book to end. It is about Emma, a new author who is interested in writing a new book with BDSM but doesn't know anything about it. She gets curious and finds out a lot about it and gets drawn into the atmosphere of it, until she meets Markus, the guy who lets her into his world. She realizes that her life isn't what she thought it was and her feelings for Markus and the BDSM world start to blossom. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what journey Emma and Markus end up on!
Profile Image for Bookish AF • Kris.
185 reviews23 followers
March 28, 2020
I was given the huge pleasure of reading C/curious by Ava Bell. I'm going to be honest I was not sure how I would feel about this book. I am not really into the whole "50 Shades" genre. I haven't read anything that has been of that genre until now. Ava's writing was spectacular!! She drew me right in. I didn't feel as though I was just reading a book.
You know how you sit and gossip with your closest friends. That is how reading this book made me felt. It was like Emma was my bestie and she was telling me about Markus. It felt as if Emma was letting me in on her secret. I could so see me and her sitting back with a cold one and her giving up the dirt.
Ava Bell draws you in so smoothly into the story that you might as well buy all three books at once so you can just binge read.
Thank you Ava for writing and sharing your talent with us. I'm looking forward to stalking you for many years.
Profile Image for Kali Cross.
Author 3 books54 followers
October 26, 2015
I read all my teasers. And a great teaser can get my attention and can compel--yeah, I can be inexplicably pulled to push that one-click from a sizzling cover or a sexy blurb. Even despite a lack of funds. I get excited when I find a great book and the writer’s voice is a strong one like it was in C/curious by Ava Bell.

I went in blind on this one and it was a delightful, intriguing, sensual surprise. Ava Bell crafted a highly relatable MC. The masterful flow of the narrative pulled me into the story, so close I felt she could be describing myself, my sister, or my best friend. From the kids complaining about the writing to the distracted husband, Ms. Ball crafted a likable mom, one who worked hard to take care of everyone else in her family, except herself. Like I said, a typical mother.

Emma describes her unfilled sex life, couple that with an exposure to erotica, spurned Emma to give writing a chance. Keeping the reader’s attention without a strong visual of the MC is risky, but it paid off for Ms. Bell. Her shoes were easy to slip on.

The chemistry flows off the page. It’s okay, Emma. He would have made me weak-kneed if he said that to me. I won’t spoil the fun for you, but it’s epic. I’ll just leave it at this - Ms. Bell has no problem building the sexual tension. Not a word is wasted. And honey? The emotions are raised, along with a few body parts.

I love the honesty in this book. I applaud her complete depiction of Emma. Flaws and all. Takes guts for a writer to handle what some feel is a taboo in romance. I have never understood why it’s taboo.

Her artful transitions surprised me. I wasn’t flooded with words showing me how someone got from point A to B. Succinct Clean. Judicious. It was mind-blowing.
Her novel is a classic example of a writer knowing the rules, just so you can break a few. The hitch? You have to do it well, or everybody and their dog, will call you out for it. Not to worry, Ms. Bell. Perfection.

She artfully depicts a D/s scene where the participants never touch each other, but he controls her every move. So hot – Dayum, girl! The best mind fuck I’ve ever read.

Great pacing. I never once started skimming – the first or the second time I read it. This book kept me on the roller coaster – just like I like it. Despite her clever spelling of the “The End,” I felt like I was tossed over the mother of all cliffs. Now, I ain’t mad…just get the next book out immediately.

Please.

Four and half kisses from Kali
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2016
Emma is the typical housewife and mother. She married young and had children and like most housewives, she puts herself on hold and does everything for her children. Including losing herself in the process. Emma discovers that she wants to become an author and starts researching into the BDSM lifestyle for the book. Feeling disconnected from her husband, what started out as research for the book became so much more for her.

Markus meets Emma through Fetlife, an online BDSM social networking site. After seeing Emma’s profile, Markus messages her and strikes up a friendship with her. Markus and Emma meet and the chemistry between them sparks.

The premise of the story has some uniqueness to it and the writing was good. You could feel a sense of connection with the characters and their emotions. You got a good sense of the progression in their relationship and could feel the sexual tension between them. The one thing I didn’t care for in the book was that Emma cheated on her husband when he was “perfect”. There were no problems that could be seen besides Emma wanting sexual things that he didn’t do. Overall though, the book was well written and kept you wanting to know what would happen next.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,027 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2016
C/curious was a different kind of story than Miles from Home but still as good.

Emma is a writer who’s life has been on the slow. Though she loves her husband and kids, she feels like something is missing. BDSM has always interest her so she decided to write a book about it and hope that her life would pick up. She goes on a website and that is where she meets Markus. Markus takes a liking to Emma. He teaches her about the lifestyle but there is definitely more brewing between the two. Emma realizes that this is where she is meant to be. But where will this all lead?

I was so intrigued with this story and can’t wait to see what will happen next. The relationship between Emma and Markus is electrifying. The more time they spend together, the more interesting it becomes. I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship and seeing the change in Emma. Ava’s writing is versatile and I’m excited to see where this story will go. How will this all end for Emma and Markus. A fascinating read.
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
October 18, 2015
This is a story of enlightenment and self discovery. Emma is in a loveless marriage, over the years her and her husband have grown apart. At age 36 she's lost. Emma has successfully written one book and decides to start her second. She decides on exploring an alternative lifestyle for her next book and for herself. She's drawn into to her research and soon creates a profile from which she meets Markus. Markus offers assist/her her and soon a relationship develops. Emma continually struggles with conscious, however she discovers a connection greater then herself. Markus goes out his way to pursue Emma. He's persistent and at the same time he shows great restraint.

I felt a connection with Emma, with her struggle. She's trying to discover her true nature. Her husband is content with the status quo that is in his favor. The character is well written. It's going to interesting to see how far Emma is going allow herself to be enlighten and explore her darkest desires. Can't wait for the next book.
278 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2015
Emma is a housewife that is beginning to write a book and needs some research. But her husband Daniel just may not feel the same way she does about her research and if he was to find out what would be do? Then you add Markus into the mix and well you have a wonderful love triangle. Emma needs to get information for the book she is writing pertaining to the BDSM world so whats the best way to get it but go to the source. Emma finds herself in a twisted life of lies and deceit. Does she still love her husband? Or does she want more? This book will take you on a ride and not even you can figure out where it is going with the next page turn. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a little twist to your love stories. And a little crazy with them as well because at times Emma thinks thats exactly where she is going is Crazy.
Profile Image for Ellie Masters.
Author 364 books1,620 followers
June 5, 2016
I'm thoroughly blown away by this book and anxiously diving into the second in this series. Ava Bell takes us on a journey into, through, and deep into the heart of a submissive. This is an erotic tale, an exquisite dance of one submissive's journey into the world of power exchange and trust. And while sensual and erotic, it's not bogged down with obligatory sex scenes. No...all the erotic play is within the mind of the reader, within the mind of the character...it is a brilliantly orchestrated story of one woman finding her path. If you are CURIOUS about the world of power exchange or interested in exploring the dynamics of a dominant/submissive relationship, then cuddle up with this book. Let the words speak for themselves, and settle back for an exquisite read. I definitely recommend this book be added to your library. FIVE amazing stars!
Profile Image for bookramblings1..
459 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2015
4-5 shining stars.
what a fabulous book. I hadn't read up on this book and when I had won a copy I was eager to dive in and what a lovely surprise it was.
when a author is looking to branch out in to the bdsm scene she decides what better way to get info than to join the fb of the bdsm world, but she wasn't expecting what happened next.
friendships forged on false information are never going to be a good basis right??
wrong. May be this could help build the relationship that Emma is craving unknowingly.

Yep I think I've said to much so ill leave you there add this book to your tbr list.
I hope there will be a follow-up die love to see if Emma can go through with the event ;) #gimmemore xx
Profile Image for Natalie Rhodes.
144 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2015
I received this book for an honest review!

I love love this author!! I haven't had the chance to read her prior book but curious had me from the beginning.

I was so interested where this story was going to go. Emma..I just fell in love with her...and she is just amazing. I love the two guys in this book as well Daniel and Markus...to me they we're polar opposites. It's amazing the life she lived with each of these men. How she could become a different person with each of them. She never realized how truly unhappy she was until reality hit her. I just couldn't get enough of this story and I cannot wait for book 2!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joseph Clay.
Author 2 books1 follower
February 23, 2016
I read all of the books in this series and one word comes to mind WOW. Excellent written books with glimpse into an alternate life style that few can understand and less dare to talk about. Filled with the struggles of everyday life a dedicated mom and wife tries to find herself, she feels she has a purpose once again as she begins on a journey of becoming an author. Her research leads her to an unknown world. While trying to balance the two she finds who she really is. Each book can be read with out needing to read the other two but to get the big picture take my advice and read all three. You will not be sorry, as the ending of the third book is a surprise.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
May 17, 2016
Curiosity can open new worlds

I enjoyed this book because I also have been curious.
Ava has decided to break up the boredom in her life by writing. Her relationship with her husband has dried up and as her children have grown she has more time to pursue other interests.
When she decided to research the BDSM lifestyle for her next book she is unprepared for where it leads. The characters are well developed and the story is very believable. I was impressed with the authors desire to also teach the reader.
This book is the first of the series and I have the others checked out with my Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for Thia Finn.
Author 27 books420 followers
October 30, 2015
Just the Beginning

I didn't know when I started it would be a cliff hanger but I'm glad the other books following this one are already out. I really don't like being kept in the dark at the end of a book.
With that out of the way, let me say the story is easy to read and follow. I could feel Emma's anxiety build as the story progressed and since it's done as a flashback, I know where it's headed. She's stuck in a difficult dilemma but has brought the problems on herself. I'm anxious to see where the D/s relationship goes.
Profile Image for Catherine Coffman.
751 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2016
Emma wants to write bdsm romance. She does her research and joins a group where she meets Marcus. She's married with two children but she's not happy anymore. Marcus and Emma become friends. There relationship starts to blossom but Emma doesn't know what to do she feels guilty that's she's married but wants to be with Marcus too. Will they take the next step as sub and master? This is a journey of discovery for Emma and what she really wants and needs in a lover. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what's going to happened between Marcus and Emma.
Profile Image for Kate Ryan.
Author 2 books53 followers
September 6, 2016
4.5 STARS

This is a very quick read and ends not knowing what lies ahead for Emma. For the married, committed and complacent with everything to lose, Ava spins a thought-provoking, well-researched, and a responsible tale of early exploration and C/curiousity about the BDSM lifestyle outside of the marriage. At this point I'm left hoping ... really, really hoping... Emma can bring what she needs into the dynamic of her existing marriage.

I downloaded 'Awakening' (part 2) and might be up for a while yet tonight.
Profile Image for Andrew Hess.
Author 37 books54 followers
February 23, 2016
When I first came across this book, I knew I needed to read it. Seeing the character Emma get lured into the world of bdsm by way of doing research was an interesting concept that was well executed by the author. I could feel the pull within Emma’s character and how it feel alive again. Everything about the book itself had me wanting to read the next page, and this was just the beginning. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Crawford-Gonzales .
37 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. It was sexy and intriguing. I loved the story line and the way that Ava Bell made her characters real people. It was funny and sad but mostly sexually hot. I can't wait for her book 2 to come out. Hands down if you're interested in reading a great book. This is the one. I give this book 5 stars!!
Michelle Crawford-Gonzales
Profile Image for Teresa Xls.
3 reviews
December 10, 2015
Ava is amazing. I couldnt put this down. The book is so sexy and aluring.The way the characters interact was capivating. Its a must read for anyone who enjoys romance and erotica.
Emma is so innocent and relatable for any woman who loves for life to get me more interesting and feels she is missing something.
Definite must read.
25 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2016
Amazing read

This was an amazing read. I expected your typical BDSM book but this was so different. Emma is researching the lifestyle and meets a Dominate who answers all her questions. This is a must read. Once I started this book, I had to finish it and get the next book in the series.
Profile Image for The.
Author 8 books13 followers
August 17, 2016
Careful when curious

Ava Bell has written a story that may hit close to home for some. What started out as research turned into curiosity that led to so much more. Emma has choices to make. Daniel is her husband but Markus has opened her Pandora's Box. What is to happen next? I head over to book 2 A/Awakening ...
Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,264 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2015
This is a fast paced read and I couldn't put it down. It's a well written story line with intriguing characters and I enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to read more of Markus and Emma's story.

Gifted a copy for an honest review
Profile Image for Toi.
4,248 reviews
September 9, 2015
Love love it

Marcus and Emma are amazing even if she is married to Daniel - I really want her to kick him to the curb, but being married that long it's hard to imagine her doing that - looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Candace.
1 review2 followers
June 16, 2016
I just finished C/curious. It was amazing. You have a way of writing that makes the reader feel like they are living the story right along with the characters. I will be purchasing more of your books as soon as possible. You are so talented, hope you continue writing for a very long time!
Profile Image for Christy.
66 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2016
Just as the title says...Curious

Wow Author Ava Bell why did I wait so long? I absolutely love this book! The questioning Emma has in her life, Markus whom she discovers that guides her. The growing curiosity, discovery, and confusion. This is a must read series! On to book 2!
Profile Image for Diane Hamilton.
132 reviews27 followers
March 25, 2016
This was my first Ava's read...I was C/Curious !!! I really enjoyed this installment, some parts sounded familiar to my pesronal life but I guess that's life!
I will defantiantly continue this series..
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.