“That’s the thing about sex. It can mean the world to one person and nothing to the other.” -Biljana Stevens
Billie continued her trek to exotic countries with the hope of healing from the loss of her one true love. Her journey takes her to a lesbian bar in Chile, a Shibari Master in Japan, and a tantric sex guru in India. But does it help?
Jasmin is torn between two men. A heavily connected mobster, fresh out of prison, and her mild mannered boss, the consummate professional. What will win out, the desire for insatiable pleasure or true love? Will she even have a choice?
Vicky had it all. The perfect husband, a great job, and beauty. Until cracks in the foundation appear. Mistrust, betrayal, twists in the road. Could it get any worse?
Life goes on for the three best friends as they navigate incredible highs and crippling lows. There is pleasure, at times very kinky pleasure, and there is pain.
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Bio: I know I was born with D/s in my blood. It wasn’t nurture; it was nature – embedded in my DNA since day one. During my formative years there was no internet (for the masses, anyway). I scoured magazines like Penthouse or Playboy, searching for any article I could find on BDSM. Later, I got my hands on ‘The Story of O’, and a smattering of other kinky novels. I began to understand the difference between consensual and non-consensual, the eroticism of bondage and discipline, the necessity of limits and a safeword, etc. There’s a great quote from Paul Valery, “I write half the poem; the reader writes the other half”. These early novels including the Beauty series by Anne Rice spurred my own imagination in ways that movies (such as 9 and a ½ Weeks) could not. Reading lets you add your own interpretive spin on the story or fantasy, imagining it your own unique way. Times have changed, and now there are hundreds of kinky novels out there – and a great number of educational websites, etc. I hope my work moves others in the same way that previous BDSM books moved me.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. I started this book at a major turning point in my life and had to put it down for a little while. A little while turned into a couple months, so I finally re-read it and I am happy to share this review with you now.
3.75 Stars
Immediately following PPP1, Pain picks up with the three friends held captive in Chile by a band of thugs. Though the event was harrowing the girls pick up their lives and seem to be better for it. Billie, though still mourning her loss, continues to take trips and finds that the spontaneous adventures have begun healing her. She also begins to welcome love and friendship back into her world, reconnecting with those she had previously shut out. Vicky, determined to make her marriage work, begins a new type of sexual relationship with Andrew, spicing up their married life. She can't seem to let go of her distrust and life is about to throw a major curve ball her way where dependency and trust is a must. Jasmin is torn between her adventurous, submissive side she shares with Diego and the intense attraction and emotions she has towards her boss, Gladstone. As the pressures of life, career, and the future bear down on her she has to make a decision.
Pain is a stunning follow up in the Pleasure, Pain, and Purpose series. The three women whose lives the reader follows are written in such a way that it is impossible not to find a connection with them in some way. Their lives, though occasionally exaggerated from what may be believable, are similar to the lives many women lead. They are driven women who are sexual, emotional, independent, and most of all loyal, fierce friends. Pain focuses around several turning points in each woman's life, specifically around pain. The pain for each woman is not the same however and that is what the novel's plot is based around.
I loved revisiting each women and was thrilled Pain picked up immediately from the events in Pleasure, I must admit I hate series that have time jumps. I found myself opening my arms up to Billie, previously having given her the cold shoulder. She evolved so much as a character and I really look forward to her closure in Purpose. Jasmin is...Jasmin. At times I adored her tenacious spirit and at other moments I shook my head. She's a bit over the top, but I know others who love that about her. Vicky and I felt like mirror images during reading, it was painful to see parts of my life in a character's life. At the same time, Vicky is the reason why I continued to read Pain despite how much it tugged at my emotions. For me, her story was the most closely related to reality and I will admit I am a bit desperate for the rest of her story in Purpose. Like Pleasure, the three women's stories are revealed through their separate POV's and rolled together when the friend's interact. I like this style of writing, because it allowed me to give each character individual attention, but also look at the events from another character's perspective. It is a unique way to write a novel and I think Al Daltrey is very successful in bringing the reader into the story and keeping them a captive audience.
While I really enjoyed Pain and found myself enjoying the characters even more than I originally did in Pleasure, the writing pace felt hurried at times. There are moments, particularly in Billie's POVs, that I wish more time and development had been given. Her character development was exactly what I wanted in a character, but I felt like I missed some turning moments that brought about her changes. She opened up as a character, but I couldn't really pinpoint the moments that the shift occurred.
I do want to mention that parts of this book won't necessarily be every reader's "thing." Al Daltrey has written three very unique character's and their lives each take different paths. I found that the scenes that weren't my "thing" didn't bother me as much as one first expects, but rather flowed with that individual character's story and just gave me an insight into a part of who that character really is. It is written in such a way that the scenes are not in your face, though detailed they are also not overly graphic. For this, I applaud him and hope other readers will pick it up despite the content.
Pain is an incredible addition to the PPP series and I am looking forward to the release of Purpose. Al Daltrey's characters, Billie, Jasmin, and Vicky, are stunning heroines dealing with realistic life drama that every reader will connect to in one way or another. With just Purpose left to release, I am anxiously waiting for the final chapter of these three friends and their stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Pain…pain really sucks. Life is fucking hard at times.
I’m doing this fresh with heartaches and tears…
PPP2 is a continuation after the first book left in a heart stopping event where the girls were captured by Los Locos Locos. Their fates left to the hands of this local gang and they’re either be raped, or get killed. I won’t get on with that as I’m poor with telling what happens, and I’d rather get on with what I think of this book.
After the revelations with the girls, I don’t think they can take more but they always come out strong and tight as ever. I always admire their friendship and the events that happened with their capture made me thinks of my friends, and well, who will act who and who will do who. I’m laughing, but kidding aside, the fierce protectiveness they had for each other is something we all do want. And the way they handle the events in their lives, even though they sometimes act petty and childish, they just act being human.
I usually hate narrations in books I read, but surprisingly, Al Daltrey’s style in writing just draws me in and makes me crave more to what will happen to these girls I’ve come to love and enjoyed. This book shouldn’t be read in one sitting but best read in small doses as it will make you reflect upon your life and the realities you’re living. We often go to books to escape reality but when we do read something that is so close to reality, it makes us assess how we live our lives and the actions we had made and the consequences of our decisions.
I just admire the three girls: Billie, Vicky and Jasmin. They are alike most women, some a mix of both, others just similarly like them, and what they experience through the book happens in one way or another. Billie who lost a dear loved one and in the road of healing, Vicky whom life just give a big fuck you and Jasmin who’s a badass but still a woman with her wants and needs. There are lot of lessons to be learned, and reflections about everything: life, relationships, friendship, and random strangers we met along the way.
My last reaction upon reaching the end of the book is an actual ’oh shit’ because of two reasons. One, the girls are having a hard time and I cannot wait of where life would take them, and two, well you know, it makes me think if I want a Diego in my life or a Chad waiting for me. P.S. Gladstone is a douche!
If you’re looking for a meaningful read, then this one is for you. It opens up to discovering someone’s sexuality, pushing boundaries and that life will never be perfect.
Pleasure, Pain or Purpose (must be read in order):
Pain is book 2 and takes place where book 1 leaves off. Please make sure you've read book 1 before you start this one.
Once again, we are taken on a journey through the lives of 3 different women (Billie, Jasmin & Vicky). Although, they are each experiencing life very differently, they have an unbreakable friendship and are a source of support for each other. Billie is still searching for a missing piece in her life, Vicky is learning to trust in her marriage with bumps along the way and Jasmin is trying to see which man her heart tells her to follow. Billie has the most exotic life of the three, but each story line will hold your attention. And each for a very different reason.
I'm continually surprised by Al Daltrey. There's so much going on in this book, but each part is told in a way that keeps you wanting more. The chapters alternate between characters, which can very easily cause a disconnect within the story. But not here. It all flows from one chapter to the next as the plot continues to build. I could sympathize with Vicky the most out of all the characters, but each woman has a story that will keep you vested.
Al has proven, once again, that he is a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see where he goes with book 3.
Pain (Pleasure Pain or Purpose #2) continues where Pleasure (PPP #1) left off. The continuation of the lives of three women; Biljana, Vicky and Jasmin. Pleasure ended with the women being held captive by a band of thugs in the mountains in Chile.
BILJANA/BILLIE - Billie continues her journey. She stays in Chile a bit longer and then comes home to Miami. She is mostly healed from her loss. Billie thinks she is ready to have sex again but needs reassurance. She takes off to India to learn about tantric sex. Billie meets a fascinating meditation guru who helps her see what she is really looking for. Back in Miami again. Billie is finding the need to leave home less each time she comes back. She knows that before she settles home again, she has to go back to Japan to make things right with her friend Reike. While there, she gets to practice the art of Shibari. In between these trips Billie has once again connected with Chad. The more time they spend together, the more she wonders if she can move on from David. What will the future bring Billie?
VICKY - While being held captive in Chile, Vicky realizes how much she loves Andrew and is not ready to give up on their marriage. She comes back more determined than ever to make her marriage work. She even starts thinking about having babies. If only, she could forget about the past. Vicky does things to test his loyalty. Things she is not proud of but she can't stop herself. Not long after returning from a romantic trip to Vegas, Vicky finds some damning evidence against Andrew. While trying to come to terms with the situation and deciding on whether or not she trusts him, Vicky's starts having health issues. After weeks of putting it off she finally goes to the doctor. What will the doctor tell her?
JASMIN - Jasmin gets an unexpected surprise at the airport when she comes back from Chile. She also learns that Diego is a free man. They continue to see each other and have grown close. She puts him to a test. She wants revenge on the two thugs in Chile and she needs Diego to find them for her. He is also suing the police department and is worried that the information he found hacking into the police computers will jeopardize Jasmin's career. Her feelings for Gladstone are also growing stronger. Jasmin has wicked, sexy, sensual fantasies about both men. One of them goes out of his way to protect her and show her how much he cares. The other she is not sure how he feels about her. She has to make a decision. Who will she choose? Will she choose the right man?
Jasmin, Vicky and Biljana are three strong characters. They are not weak, sit back and do nothing women. I didn't go into details above but they all have a variety of intense sexual encounters on their journeys. They all have different sexual preferences. Each of their needs are fulfilled and described erotically by the Master himself, Al Daltrey.
Al Daltrey is in the top of his class when it comes to writing erotic stories. The plots are well thought out, the characters are realistic and superbly portrayed. Once again, I felt my own sense of loss when the book was finished. I want to know what happens to the trio. Does everyone get their happily ever after? If they do, what is it going to take to get them there. I guess that will be revealed when Purpose (Pleasure Pain or Purpose #3) comes out.
All seems to be well for the girls. Billie is living in Chile for the moment. She feels that she needed visit the sight where David passed and live there for a while until she can find herself again. She invites the girls down and rents a cabin for the weekend. Billie has been living there for a while and forgot all about the fact that there are dangerous gangs roaming the hills of Chile. A gang busts in the cabin and takes over. They don't want money. They just want to eat, wash their clothes, get clean, and a little American Entertainment. Billie and Jasmin think fast and get the leader, Miguel, to agree to a little girl on girl action between the two and lie about Vicky not being about to participate being pregnant. Miguel agrees and it keeps the girls from getting raped, almost. While Jasmin sneaks her phone to the bathroom and Billie questions Miguel about his reaction every time she's mentioned David's death, Raoul sneaks Vicky into the bedroom and starts removing her clothes. Miguel comes back in just in time as well as Jasmin's sneaky call to her boss back in Miami. Jasmin and Vicky have never been so glad to get back to Miami even though they love Billie. Billie is hiding from her pain. By jumping from country to country, staying away from men, participating in a Domme/sub relationship, she finds out in India while speaking with a yoga Guru. She knows that she's not ready to allow a man back into her life, but at least she's ready to open the door. Jasmin lands back in Miami only to find her boss waiting for her which makes her heart flip. Even though he's so professional she's sure they would never have a chance. Now she knows that Deigo is free and suing the Police force, including her, technically. She feels every bit that he deserves to be compensated after being set up. The City attorney is stonewalling and it's causing trouble for Jasmin. Her heart is breaking and she can't stop it. Vicky decided to give her husband another chance, but not before she dangled fresh meat in front of his face. She hired a trainer at the gym to go above and beyond and he refused! She was so proud of her husband, she thought that maybe her insecurities could be gone. But will this be short-lived or will Vicky's insecurities always be forefront.
After I finished Pleasure, I dived right into Pain, and enjoyed it immensely. Pain picks up where Pleasure left off. Billie is still traveling, trying to find herself after the death of her fiance. Jasmin is fighting her feelings for two men in her life. Vicky is trying to trust her husband after a betrayal. Through it all, all three friends continue to support each other, offering advice, or just being there and listening. Each friend finds themself facing a difficult struggle, but nothing could prepare them for the most difficult struggle they help one friend cope with. I hope the third book releases soon. I need to know what happens next with these friends.
All seems to be well for the girls. Billie is living in Chile for the moment. She feels that she needed visit the sight where David passed and live there for a while until she can find herself again. She invites the girls down and rents a cabin for the weekend. Billie has been living there for a while and forgot all about the fact that there are dangerous gangs roaming the hills of Chile. A gang busts in the cabin and takes over. They don't want money. They just want to eat, wash their clothes, get clean, and a little American Entertainment. Billie and Jasmin think fast and get the leader, Miguel, to agree to a little girl on girl action between the two and lie about Vicky not being about to participate being pregnant. Miguel agrees and it keeps the girls from getting raped, almost. While Jasmin sneaks her phone to the bathroom and Billie questions Miguel about his reaction every time she's mentioned David's death, Raoul sneaks Vicky into the bedroom and starts removing her clothes. Miguel comes back in just in time as well as Jasmin's sneaky call to her boss back in Miami. Jasmin and Vicky have never been so glad to get back to Miami even though they love Billie. Billie is hiding from her pain. By jumping from country to country, staying away from men, participating in a Domme/sub relationship, she finds out in India while speaking with a yoga Guru. She knows that she's not ready to allow a man back into her life, but at least she's ready to open the door. Jasmin lands back in Miami only to find her boss waiting for her which makes her heart flip. Even though he's so professional she's sure they would never have a chance. Now she knows that Deigo is free and suing the Police force, including her, technically. She feels every bit that he deserves to be compensated after being set up. The City attorney is stonewalling and it's causing trouble for Jasmin. Her heart is breaking and she can't stop it. Vicky decided to give her husband another chance, but not before she dangled fresh meat in front of his face. She hired a trainer at the gym to go above and beyond and he refused! She was so proud of her husband, she thought that maybe her insecurities could be gone. But will this be short-lived or will Vicky's insecurities always be forefront.
First let me make sure you have read the first book. If you haven’t, go do it! So this book picks right up where the first one left us. The girls ( Jasmin, Vicky, and Billie) are being held captive in Chili. But these ladies are strong, and find their way out of trouble. But being forced to face the pain they have suffered, they each move through their own journey.
Billie is still trying to find out what life will be like after the loss of her true love. She moved to Chile to find answers, and maybe a little meaning. She ends up finding some relief in a lesbian relationship, and learns that pain has so many rewards.
Vicky has to see if she can get over the ultimate betrayal of her husband. She knows she loves him, but will that be enough. She tests him, herself, and the limits of their relationship.
Jasmin wants two men, but do they want her. In the last book she meets a man that challenges her. But she also likes her boss. How will she choose, or will their really be a choice for her.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I was so excited to see how they got away from the horrible men. I also wanted to see if they could find some happiness in the lives that they are living. Now I Have to wait to see if they each get a happily ever after.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
Al did an amazing job writing this book because he kept me fully engaged the entire time that I was reading this book. The other thing that's he's getting really good at is reaching into my chest and squeezing the crap out of my heart. O far while reading this series I have cried so hard while reading both books. I love these characters so much I am completely invested emotionally. Biljana learns so much more about herself during her travels on a quest she has to find peace and self healing. She needs to learn how to let go of David to heal. She's learning humility and how to apologize as well, which is such an amazing thing for anyone to master. Jasmin...oh this girl sure does know how to have fun, but soon finds herself in quite the predicament. What do you do, or more like how do you react when life as you know it is threatened? When all you have worked for, your blood, tears, and sweat would be for nothing because it could all be taken away. And once you react, what would the after effects be like? And poor little Vicky, does the married life go back to bliss after taking such a hard blow like her's did with the small bout of infidelity that blew up during PPP1? Vicky's life changes, I will trust Al enough to BELIEVE that everything happens for a reason. I will be waiting anxiously on pins and needles for the final piece of this story. Please...pretty please Al, do not tear my heart out with the final book.
Billie is still traveling, trying to find herself after the death of her fiancé. Will she or forever heartbroken? Jasmin is fighting her feelings for two men in her life. Who will she be with? Can she make that decision and choose only one? Vicky is trying to trust her husband after he's betrayal. Will she ever find it in herself to forgive? Would you? So many questions right!!! Well Pain starts where Pleasure ended. Even tho all three have got so much going on in there separate lives, all three friends continue to support each other, offering advice or just being there and listening has BFF do but each one finds them facing a difficult situation. Nothing could prepare them for the struggle they are facing and how each one helps another cope though it. Looking forward to Purpose the last book and hoping they all find what they truly want and deserve.
I really like these three women and I feel connected to their story in a big way. This novel was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. All of the women experience a great deal of both in the course of the book and their journey isn’t over yet.
Mr Daltrey has a way of writing a scene that you can really feel yourself in, like you’re in the corner of the room really watching what you’re reading. The 3 friends, Billie, Jasmin & Vicky, are all battling their own demons while trying to help each other battle theirs as well.
** Billie is still living out of a suitcase and trying to find something, but what that is she still isn’t sure.
** Jasmin is caught between two men and doesn’t know which is better for her and for her future.
** Vicky is trying to find her trust in her husband and goes to some extremes that I am not sure of.
I can’t wait to read the final book in the trilogy and find out how the women’s journeys continue and see where life takes them.
I absolutely love the characters that Al Daltrey creates in his stories. Book 2 is no exception! But reader, be warned, you must read book 1 in order to understand and follow the story and journey of best friends Jasmin, Vicky, and Billie. That said, book 2 was far more intense and poignant. It picks up right at the end of book 1. As the scene unfolds, the bonds of their friendship is tested and how they handled a certain situation was absolutely smart and sexy! All three have their own stories to tell and feelings to share but no matter what, each was accepted by the other two unconditionally. Book 2 delves deeper into their own personal struggles and their journey of self discovery. Each has used their sexual expression as a means to an end. But is that enough? Pain…pain really sucks. Life is fucking hard at times… And we have a cliffhanger. Hurry up book3!!❤️
Life's ups and downs. These three girls certainly have their fair share. Yes, they get into a crazy and sometimes unbelievable situations, but that's what kept me interested. I like to get lost in a world different from my own. Turn the page, turn the page, can't wait to see what is next in store for them. I'm going to ask the author as I know he has it mapped out. Nah, maybe I'll wait, suspense is the spice of life. So is the book.
This is the second book, and after reading the one I was excited to read this one. This review will be short and to the point. I do love the friendship that these girls have. They are more like sister then friends and I feel that it makes us reader truly connect on a different level.
We pick up where the last book left off which was on a crazy bond for these friends. Through out the book we learn more about each of them and we are taken for a bigger ride.
Billie still broke my heart. I liked seeing her contuine to grow from what has happened in her life and I was a little shocked at some choice but they were done in a way I was able to enjoy.
I love seeing how Vicky is coping with what she went through. It was a big struggle to read; but I felt that her making her marriage work was super important to her and the lengths she was taking were enjoyable to read.
Jasmine is crazy, but I love her. She might just be my favorite of the 3 women.
Overall, I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. This one had me slack jawed a few times and swearing out loud. Don't read this book unless you can devote the time to it, you won't want to put it down. Sorry this review doesn't do the story justice, but if you enjoyed the first book then you will this one too. 4 stars #2OCCJD
I really enjoyed this book. It picks up where the first left off. Our three friends are in a house in Chile being held hostage. After their rescue, the three friends go their separate ways, having their own adventures. But they're always still there for one another, through thick or thin. Choices will need to be made. Will they be the right ones and will they be in time? Read and see.
Pain takes place immediately following the events at the end of Book 1 – Pleasure. We get to see how the three women handle the situation they’re in and how they deal with the aftermath. I must say that after reading such extreme D/s in Al's other works, I've thoroughly enjoyed this series that is so focused on the well-being of these 3 women and how their relationships with each other give them strength. There's definitely a whole load of girl power going on in this book and I really appreciate how Al writes his female characters. Well done!
Billie continues to trek around the world and realizes that she is truly starting to heal and move on from her husband’s death a few years before. She begins working in a lesbian bar in Chile and finds even more of herself that she felt she had lost along the way. I’ve really enjoyed seeing Billie continue to grow and move on from her ordeal. You can definitely see her becoming a stronger individual.
Jasmin has been lusting after two men; the dangerous and well connected mobster, and her stoic but reliable boss. Jasmin finally figures out what she wants, after so much back and forth in her head, but is she too late to grab the reins of her life and find her own happiness? The ending of her story int his book is definitely a big part of what makes me want to read book 3 as soon as possible. I really want to see how all parties deal with it and what happens. She goes from two good men to zero in a matter of hours.
Vicky is still struggling with her husband’s emotional infidelity and we see her through this story try to come to terms with what her husband has told her, and her own insecurities of who she is as a wife and woman. I actually have no idea how I would deal with being in Vicky’s situation. I think the thing that frustrates me the most is her husband’s “explanation” of how at some point men need to know they can still “throw in the line and get a catch”. What complete and utter BS. That comment alone probably would’ve been enough for me to be done with the relationship. I mean, if either party is feeling like they need to get needs met by someone else, that should be coming from the spouse, then that should pretty much tell you that there’s been problems for a long time. He doesn’t feel masculine and needed. And she doesn’t feel feminine and needed.
Oh the drama….and I can’t wait for it to continue!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Book one left me hanging and I hate waiting for anything. But Pleasure Pain or Purpose book two Pain was definitely worth the wait! From the opening of chapter one I was sucked right back into the lives of these three best friends. Before I get into the rest of the book let me just say chapter one had me on the edge of my seat as the fate of the three women at the hands of the Los Locos Locos unfolded.
Author Al Daltrey takes us on a journey deeper into the lives of these women. The more I get to know about them the more I like them and identify with their life struggles. I won't spoil the book for any readers but book two unveils more about each of these women and their desires, wants and needs. All three continue their search for what is lacking and missing in their relationships. This book will have you cheering on these women during their ups and downs. Book two Pain is like the cream between an Oreo cookie! You know the best part. I hated seeing this book end. Once again we are left with a cliff hanger. But this ending will pull at your heart. One click this one and I promise you won't be disappointed. Oh wait...I forgot the hot, sexy, kinky scenes! Oh come on. It's a book from Al Daltrey of course we get our dose of kink. I promise you the scenes are hot!
Not much to say but Wow! After reading Pleasure and waiting for Pain to come out I certainly wasn’t disappointed, Al Daltrey really dives into the minds of these three women and makes you feel like you are on the journey of their lives with them. You feel everything they go through with their ups and downs and can feel how close they are as friends and rely on each other. As always the kinky sex never disappoints and now waiting for the third book to see where else Al Daltrey can take the readers on this amazing journey.
“Pain...pain really sucks. Life is f%#%ing hard at times...”
*****5 provoking painful stars*****
**Highly recommended read! Best to start at the beginning with book one, Pleasure.** Billie, Jasmine, and Vicky are back to continue the tales of their own individual stories. Each painfully unique in circumstances; their close bonded friendship has them leaning on each other. Emotional, physical, and mental pain are portrayed in book two of Al Daltrey’s series. Growth of the characters is beautifully and sometimes erotically displayed, showing how their painful situation has effected them and the steps taken in dealing. I’m eager to see how each continues on in the search for Purpose!
What a tailspin these 3 women are in! I really enjoyed the read and all the action in this one. Will these ladies ever figure it all out? I had several cringe worthy and laughable moments, well done. I also liked that this story is a mix of erotica and self discovery, as well as the voyage one can take to achieve an inner peace of sorts. Again, I moved right on to book 3 with hopes for all 3.
Wow! Just WOW! This book draws you in from the very beginning, and takes you on a journey like no other. The story is about 3 very different women, all who are NOT wallflowers, but are looking for something missing in their lives. You are drawn into each story as if you are travelling along right with them, feeling their emotions, sharing their joy, despair, heartache, yearning and quite possibly love.
Well this is Book 2 and we continue on the journey of Billie, Vicky and Jasmin. Billie is still working on getting past her husbands death. Vicky is trying to figure out if her husband is the man for her. Jasmin is still working on her police career. Plenty of sexy time for all our ladies. Also crazy things happen to each and we see them deal with the aftermath of it. This book leaves you hanging, one of the ladies gets troubling news and you don’t find out what happens till the next book.
Billie, Jasmin and Vicky survive a harrowing incident to come into more bad times in their lives. One for all and all for one is their motto as they work through their issues with their best friends support. Looking forward to Book 3.
After the clifhanger ending of part one I'm so glad I didn't have to wait to read part 2. The friends are all following their own separate paths in life that will lead them to where they need to be but there are a lot of twists and turns before they will reach their own destinies.
Overall an interesting second book to the series. There were some slow points. The relationship between Diego and Jasmin has been rather fascinating considering who they both are. Honestly I think I liked the end the best.
Reviewed by Tracey Lou on behalf of Kindle Friends Forever
The long awaited book two of the Pleasure, Pain or Purpose series. I say long awaited because I've been looking forward to getting my hands on this book for quite a while, and getting reacquainted with Billie, Vicky and Jasmin who I call Sistas from another Mista! Although not blood related, they are as close as.
Book two starts by taking us on an overseas trip. All three ladies decide to rent a cabin in the secluded hills off Chile. What started out as a peaceful trip soon became otherwise … Tut tut that's all I'm saying. Can't give it all away now, can I? Needless to say, the girls pulled together and stayed strong for each other and lessons were learnt from this experience. It also made them realise what is most important in life; in their life.
Vicky, still battling her own insecurities regarding her marriage to Andrew decides to test his loyalties by trying to trap him on several occasions. He passes with flying colours and Vicky realises she needs to move forward and trust her husband. An out of town trip to Vegas works wonders!
Jasmin is still torn between two men. The goody or the baddie? One gives her something that she craves for sexually and is sexually attracted, too. And the other is her boss. Can she cross the boundaries that are set in place with a work colleague? Has she left it too late when she finally comes to realise which one she wants?
Billie. Unable to settle, she decides to take herself off overseas again. Feeling the loss of David, she can’t seem to let him go. She finds other ways to channel her grief though. While not comfortable with making love with another man, being a submissive opens up opportunities for her. Decisions need to be made and plans need to be put in action.
As per usual, Al Daltrey has delivered a compelling and well written story. I couldn’t find fault with it at all and am still in love with his characters. Each one so individually different in personalities, but they all seem to fit.
Let's start with Vicky. I like her. I can understand how she feels concerning her trust issues with Andrew, but I do agree it's now time for her to get over them and move on. Otherwise she will lose him.
Jasmin. She is one feisty chick. Takes no shit from anyone either! Brains, beauty and a kickass attitude is a perfect combination for an undercover cop who excels in her job.
Billie. I call her the Nomad. Can't settle, always on the move. I envy her the ability to just up sticks and go wherever she wants. However, enough is enough and she needs to sort her life out.
I look forward to book three, Purpose, and to catching up with the ladies and all their exploits. Thank you Al Daltrey for a most excellent read which merited five well-deserved stars.
Mr Daltrey was gracious enough to send me an ARC copy for an honest review. As in book 1 (Pleasure) most of the story is told in 3rd person POV, which I kind of enjoyed because it's different from most of the other books I've read. I also liked that this book started where book 1 left off (which was with a cliffy that left me wanting book 2 immediately). I was able to re-read the last chapter in Pleasure and jump right into Pain, remembering everything that happened before.
Pain continues the story about love, loss and friendships, but it goes deeper into the relationships that Billie, Jasmine and Vicky have. The troubles they face, the fun they have, the relationships they make. As I was reading along, I felt the emotions the girls were portraying. The heartbreak, the love, the sensual moments and the fears they were feeling. This book has all 3 characters going on separate adventures yet coming back together again and reliving their stories with one another. They were always there for each other no matter what. I loved seeing the bond they had. And let's not forget the hot, sexy scenes of lust and sexual attraction. HOT HOT HOT! A few parts were, whoa...bring on the fan! LOL
Al Daltrey is very detailed in his writing, so I was able to picture everything I was reading, which I do like most of the time. There were parts that weren't my thing, but that didn't deter me from reading further. It's interesting to see where he takes his characters and the different adventures they have been on. Billie hops on a plane and travels to other countries trying to find herself, Jasmine has to figure out the feelings she has for two different people and then there's Vicky's struggle with her marriage to Andrew. All very real like stories.
Although there were parts in this book that normally wouldn't interest me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it & am anxiously waiting to find out the conclusion to their lives in hopes that they get their happily ever after in book 3, Purpose.
Book two continues with the lives and adventure of three best friends, Billie, Jasmin, and Vicky. We watch them navigate through a broken heart, complications in love and marriage and a few other surprises. Can Billie’s broken heart heal? Will Jasmin figure out who is her one love and find some happiness? Will Vicky be able to deal with the blows that come her way?
What I Loved About This Book I was anxiously awaiting book two in this series to see what was in store for these best friends. This book did not disappoint. I have read all of Al’s books and loved each one and for all different reasons. He continues to grow as a writer and this was evident in this book. The raw emotion with all of these characters was penned in such a way that I felt it to my core. I was on the journey with them and feeling everything they went through. I love how Al is able to write from a female perspective. He does a fantastic job at conveying the thoughts, feelings, issues, etc. these women are experiencing. I love these characters. They are very relatable and it’s easy to find small pieces of yourself within each character. I love the friendship these ladies share. They are truly always there and 100% supportive and that is the way friendship should be. You can’t help but to cheer these ladies on and hope they get all the happiness they want and deserve.
What I Didn’t Love About This Book In all honesty there was only one thing I didn’t love and that was Vicki and her constant internal conflict. I get it and even understand it happens, but it drove me a little crazy as it kept going. I will not get into details because I do not like any spoilers in my reviews.
Overall I think Al Daltrey has done an amazing job with this read and I will anxiously be waiting for book three. I am sad this series will be coming to a close and I am enjoying being along for the adventures of these three ladies who now feel like friends. I give this book five stars and happily would recommend this to readers.
Part two was such a ride. From start to finish I was lost in the stories of these three women. Each going through so much in their own lives as well as together. I was ecstatic to start this second part, but talk about a roller coaster. so many things were going on at the same time that I was a bit disoriented. But soon I was grounded in remembering where we left off. My favorite out of the three women is Jasmin. Her life as a cop as well as her feistiness is what draws me to her. Also the fact that she is torn between two men. And just when you think what she is going to do, the opposite happens. Meanwhile Billie is stuck in her depression, running from her feeling by visiting places at random and then moving on to the next. But then a small light enters her life when she least expects it. I'm hoping that her eyes will be open to see what is in front of her. Vicki is torn between her past and her future. Losing the trust in those you love is hard to let go of. But slowly building it back takes time. While her husband tries his hardest to prove he is worthy she struggles with living in the now. But this latest news threatens to tear her whole world apart.
What lays in store for these three women. Can they manage to handle all that is being thrown at them. Or will the pressure crush them. Apart they struggle to stay standing, but together they are stronger than ever! To say I was screaming at my kindle by the end is an understatement. I wanted to throw it across the room, but scared to lose my books. LOL All I have to say is Al Daltrey better have started writing the next part to this!!