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The Club #1
The Club
Welcome to The Club—leave your inhibitions and your everyday cares at the door and indulge yourself in an evening of anonymous, no-strings, woman-on-woman action.
For many of the women who visit The Club this is exactly what they are looking for and what they get. For others the emotions run high, and one night of sex can change their lives in ways they couldn’t have imagined. For Lou, her weekly visits to The Club enable her to set aside her shyness and loneliness and feel intimacy, however briefly. For Kath, caring for her mother at home, The Club is a welcome relief from her everyday toil; while Max needs distraction from her troubled relationship, even as she tries to tell herself she isn’t really cheating. Tania and Jacky find an outlet for a tricky block in their sex life. Cassie and Nina, bar staff at The Club, find themselves staying on after hours. And finally, Stephanie, struggling with her sexuality, finds her life changing in so many ways once she plucks up courage to enter.
The lives of these women intersect in ways they don’t realize, and watching over them all is Mandy— the owner, whose own ghosts play a pivotal role in the existence of The Club.
Themes: lesbian
For many of the women who visit The Club this is exactly what they are looking for and what they get. For others the emotions run high, and one night of sex can change their lives in ways they couldn’t have imagined. For Lou, her weekly visits to The Club enable her to set aside her shyness and loneliness and feel intimacy, however briefly. For Kath, caring for her mother at home, The Club is a welcome relief from her everyday toil; while Max needs distraction from her troubled relationship, even as she tries to tell herself she isn’t really cheating. Tania and Jacky find an outlet for a tricky block in their sex life. Cassie and Nina, bar staff at The Club, find themselves staying on after hours. And finally, Stephanie, struggling with her sexuality, finds her life changing in so many ways once she plucks up courage to enter.
The lives of these women intersect in ways they don’t realize, and watching over them all is Mandy— the owner, whose own ghosts play a pivotal role in the existence of The Club.
Themes: lesbian
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2016
108 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Brooks
23 books326 followersA.L. Brooks was born in the UK but currently resides in Frankfurt, Germany, and over the years she has lived in places as far afield as Aberdeen and Australia. She works 9–5 in corporate financial systems and her dream is to take early retirement. Like, tomorrow, please. She loves her gym membership, and is very grateful for it as she also loves dark chocolate. She enjoys drinking good wine and craft beer, trying out new recipes to cook, and learning German. Travelling around the world and reading lots and lots (and lots) of books are also things that fight for time with her writing. Yep, she really needs that early retirement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 6, 2016
The Club is a well-written and interesting story. I liked it more than I thought I would. The main character essentially is the club (or in flashbacks the concept of the club) itself. I often skip sex scenes in my readings because I find them repetitive and uncreative, in short -- boring. Not here. There were a lot of steamy scenes in this book, but they were not boring by any means. And they made perfect sense with everything else that was going on in this story -- lots of different characters with their own, individual problems and needs.
Overall, a good idea and good execution. I very much recommend The Club to anyone who enjoys this kind of stories.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Overall, a good idea and good execution. I very much recommend The Club to anyone who enjoys this kind of stories.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 24, 2016
Judging the book by the cover...again, I thought this was just another piece of porn and dismissed it outright. The blurb doesn't help either. Anonymous, no-strings sex? That's like, the antithesis of lesbian romance, lol. I'm not into erotica unless there's something more beyond the physical exertion. So if it weren't for Netty's enthusiastic 5 stars, I wouldn't have given the book a second glance.
The book features the erotic encounters of a few selected customers of The Club, a place where women meet up for anonymous lesbian sex and get to walk off with no questions asked, no goodbyes, and definitely no u-hauls. It is so low-profile, it doesn't even have a name. There are no signs, the almost invisible door is always locked, and the owner greets first time visitors with a cryptic: "Do you know where you are?" (Maybe because they don't have a permit to operate, lol. But seriously, don't they want business?) So, extra requirement for readers: check your logic at the door to enjoy this ride fully.
Like all anthologies and collections, not all the stories here are created equal. Some are more memorable or have more emotional impact than others. But unlike unrelated anthologies, there are recurring characters from one encounter to the next, so I had a bit of trouble recalling bit characters from a few chapters back, who pop up again as leads. This is when the search function of ebook readers come in real handy. Try doing that with a physical book!
The Club is founded and run by Mandy, whose own story is told through flashbacks sandwiched between the erotic chapters of her customers. From her own dismal experiences in dirty bathroom quickies, Mandy saw an unfilled niche--women craving for anonymous, no-strings sex, but in a safe space all their own. Mandy's story is probably the most compelling of all, but I wish it had more emotional depth. There was a lot of potential there but it was devoted instead to her rise as an entrepreneur. It's really kind of bittersweet actually. . Oh well, there's still a lot to enjoy. My personal favorites would be the stories of Max and Lou, though Max's seems to be unfinished.
But who reads erotica for the stories? (Me!) That's just a bonus. No erotica will ever pass muster without succeeding at what its supposed to do. And this one succeeds to the max. Even if some characters didn't click with me, their moves certainly did. Liberal use of 'dirty' words everywhere add to the raunchy appeal. Also gentle bondage, dom/sub situations and strap-ons add to the fun and variety. Despite the presence of the ominous red room, no extreme BDSM (the painful kind) was depicted in the book (phew!).
The loveliest thing about erotica titles is their unlimited re-usability and entertainment value. Always keep a few handy around the e-reader and whip them out for just the right occasions. This one is definitely a worthy addition to the collection.
4.25 stars
ARC from Netgalley/BEP/Ylva
P.S. I did mention earlier about checking your logic at the door. It has to do with all those things you don't want to think about when you read about anonymous hook-ups. Things like safe sex, diseases, and doing it in public. The typical room layout at The Club is a big room with a bar, and that's it. There are no privacy alcoves or cubicles or beds. Everyone is essentially having very public sex and being watched by everyone else who isn't. I didn't think the first timers could have 'let go' just like that. Also, ;)
The book features the erotic encounters of a few selected customers of The Club, a place where women meet up for anonymous lesbian sex and get to walk off with no questions asked, no goodbyes, and definitely no u-hauls. It is so low-profile, it doesn't even have a name. There are no signs, the almost invisible door is always locked, and the owner greets first time visitors with a cryptic: "Do you know where you are?" (Maybe because they don't have a permit to operate, lol. But seriously, don't they want business?) So, extra requirement for readers: check your logic at the door to enjoy this ride fully.
Like all anthologies and collections, not all the stories here are created equal. Some are more memorable or have more emotional impact than others. But unlike unrelated anthologies, there are recurring characters from one encounter to the next, so I had a bit of trouble recalling bit characters from a few chapters back, who pop up again as leads. This is when the search function of ebook readers come in real handy. Try doing that with a physical book!
The Club is founded and run by Mandy, whose own story is told through flashbacks sandwiched between the erotic chapters of her customers. From her own dismal experiences in dirty bathroom quickies, Mandy saw an unfilled niche--women craving for anonymous, no-strings sex, but in a safe space all their own. Mandy's story is probably the most compelling of all, but I wish it had more emotional depth. There was a lot of potential there but it was devoted instead to her rise as an entrepreneur. It's really kind of bittersweet actually. . Oh well, there's still a lot to enjoy. My personal favorites would be the stories of Max and Lou, though Max's seems to be unfinished.
But who reads erotica for the stories? (Me!) That's just a bonus. No erotica will ever pass muster without succeeding at what its supposed to do. And this one succeeds to the max. Even if some characters didn't click with me, their moves certainly did. Liberal use of 'dirty' words everywhere add to the raunchy appeal. Also gentle bondage, dom/sub situations and strap-ons add to the fun and variety. Despite the presence of the ominous red room, no extreme BDSM (the painful kind) was depicted in the book (phew!).
The loveliest thing about erotica titles is their unlimited re-usability and entertainment value. Always keep a few handy around the e-reader and whip them out for just the right occasions. This one is definitely a worthy addition to the collection.
4.25 stars
ARC from Netgalley/BEP/Ylva
P.S. I did mention earlier about checking your logic at the door. It has to do with all those things you don't want to think about when you read about anonymous hook-ups. Things like safe sex, diseases, and doing it in public. The typical room layout at The Club is a big room with a bar, and that's it. There are no privacy alcoves or cubicles or beds. Everyone is essentially having very public sex and being watched by everyone else who isn't. I didn't think the first timers could have 'let go' just like that. Also, ;)
September 21, 2021
I’m still – and will probably be for years to come – in the process of catching up on all the books I missed, and I want to thank authors who write follow-ups that give me an excuse to go back in time in between ARCs.
I’d heard a lot about The Club over the years, and it’s a favourite for many people I know. Still, I wasn’t prepared for it, not to enjoy it so much.
This review probably won’t add much to everything that’s been written since the book was released in 2016 so I’ll keep it short. I understand why so many people love The Club. I’m very impressed it was a debut. It’s insanely hot from first to last page, and there are also some very tender moments. And I’m now even more impatient to read The Club Revisited, which should be released in October.
I’d heard a lot about The Club over the years, and it’s a favourite for many people I know. Still, I wasn’t prepared for it, not to enjoy it so much.
This review probably won’t add much to everything that’s been written since the book was released in 2016 so I’ll keep it short. I understand why so many people love The Club. I’m very impressed it was a debut. It’s insanely hot from first to last page, and there are also some very tender moments. And I’m now even more impatient to read The Club Revisited, which should be released in October.
November 14, 2022
Audiobook review: 4 stars
I often enjoy erotica or erotic romances more via the written word rather than audio, depending on the narrator. (Give me Alexandria Wilde/Abby Craden all day long, however.) I found The Club to be smokin' hot when I read it, and while it still was in this format, I found it worked better for me in writing instead. All good - just a personal preference. Blame it on actor Emma D'Arcy for wanting to hear sexiness in their low, delicious English tone. lol
Hotness Wand Rating: 3
Original review: 5 stars
I'd heard so many great things about this book so moved it up on my reading list. Glad I did. Yes, it's erotica and VERY hot - but it's more than that. Part of its appeal is that it's not just one erotic vignette after another. We get to learn something about the women that frequent the "Club" and the woman whose dream it was to open it. Their stories are insightful and at times moving... and you learn just enough about them to whet your appetite for more. There's also a wide variety of characters included here, so most readers will find something that appeals to them. I was surprised to learn that this was Brooks' first novel because it seemed more polished than many firsts are. Brooks is a recent discovery for me and I'm enjoying making my way through her published work. Strong sexual content is not for everyone - but if it is, this is a deliciously spicy book to enjoy. There's some very light BDSM included but it's minimal. It certainly makes you curious about what visiting a club like that might be like (or maybe that's just me.) The ending left the door open for a sequel and I hope that happens. I would certainly be up for round two!
I often enjoy erotica or erotic romances more via the written word rather than audio, depending on the narrator. (Give me Alexandria Wilde/Abby Craden all day long, however.) I found The Club to be smokin' hot when I read it, and while it still was in this format, I found it worked better for me in writing instead. All good - just a personal preference. Blame it on actor Emma D'Arcy for wanting to hear sexiness in their low, delicious English tone. lol
Hotness Wand Rating: 3
Original review: 5 stars
I'd heard so many great things about this book so moved it up on my reading list. Glad I did. Yes, it's erotica and VERY hot - but it's more than that. Part of its appeal is that it's not just one erotic vignette after another. We get to learn something about the women that frequent the "Club" and the woman whose dream it was to open it. Their stories are insightful and at times moving... and you learn just enough about them to whet your appetite for more. There's also a wide variety of characters included here, so most readers will find something that appeals to them. I was surprised to learn that this was Brooks' first novel because it seemed more polished than many firsts are. Brooks is a recent discovery for me and I'm enjoying making my way through her published work. Strong sexual content is not for everyone - but if it is, this is a deliciously spicy book to enjoy. There's some very light BDSM included but it's minimal. It certainly makes you curious about what visiting a club like that might be like (or maybe that's just me.) The ending left the door open for a sequel and I hope that happens. I would certainly be up for round two!
August 26, 2016
The Club is a collection of short stories, that are parallel each other, about secret wishes, needs, insecurities or gaining new experiences in sex life. One thing have all these stories in common - place where is everything happening, the Club. Between these stories (6 in total) are chapters describing how Many came to own this lesbian sex club.
Weird thing about this book is that it starts with really hard erotica and proceed to 'soft' one. To be honest it freaked me out! I wanted to DNF it. This book was my first of this kind and it was... whoa, too much. But as I continued to read it was getting better. My favorite story was the last (softest) one,surprise. Maybe because I could relate to main character of this story, Stephanie. ;)
I can say I am an open-minded person but these first stories weren't really my thing. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were pretty hot and with detailed description so not lack of imagination here, but I didn't like them.
I will not read it again, once was enough, but I'm glad I didn't give up with this book.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Weird thing about this book is that it starts with really hard erotica and proceed to 'soft' one. To be honest it freaked me out! I wanted to DNF it. This book was my first of this kind and it was... whoa, too much. But as I continued to read it was getting better. My favorite story was the last (softest) one,
I can say I am an open-minded person but these first stories weren't really my thing. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were pretty hot and with detailed description so not lack of imagination here, but I didn't like them.
I will not read it again, once was enough, but I'm glad I didn't give up with this book.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
It has taken me some time to review and rate this book. I didn’t know what to think of it at the time and had mixed feelings about the construction of this book. The stories of Mandy and several people who visit her club ( each for a different reason) come together in this book. Although short, all these stories have enough narrative on their own to deliver a solid book and not just erotic shorts. That is a great accomplishment and makes this way more than only a steamy novel.
Let’s talk about the steamy parts. This is a very explicit book, just the way I like it, haha! Brooks managed to make my ears glow red more than ones. The Club is respectful to its patrons. Rules state that you can only engage when someone’s open to that. One can show that by standing by the wall of the room. The Club has three kinds of rooms, a “vanilla” room with no toys allowed, a room with toys allowed and a BDSM room. You will read about encounters in all of those rooms. Don’t worry about the BDSM room, also as a beginner to this type of play in books, you won’t be shocked.
After reading great feelings linger. A solid 4-star read.
Let’s talk about the steamy parts. This is a very explicit book, just the way I like it, haha! Brooks managed to make my ears glow red more than ones. The Club is respectful to its patrons. Rules state that you can only engage when someone’s open to that. One can show that by standing by the wall of the room. The Club has three kinds of rooms, a “vanilla” room with no toys allowed, a room with toys allowed and a BDSM room. You will read about encounters in all of those rooms. Don’t worry about the BDSM room, also as a beginner to this type of play in books, you won’t be shocked.
After reading great feelings linger. A solid 4-star read.
August 18, 2018
This is one interesting sexy read! I thought it was just all lust and erotica with not real story but boy was I wrong... Each character has a story to tell and each story/character is just so compelling. It’s such a page turner that when it comes to the last page, it had me begging for more stories on these women... Sigh. Wonder whether there’s a book 2 lurking somewhere? And what comes next for Crystal-Blue eye & Ms Green Eye.. 😉
Ratings - 4.25 ⭐️
Ratings - 4.25 ⭐️
July 20, 2016
4.5 steamy stars
Welcome to The Club indeed. What a story. Let me tell you this is far from another run of the mill story in the sea of e-books. It commanded my attention from start to finish. In fact, initially, I found myself back tracking a few times until I got a grip on who was who, not literally – more’s the shame.
The prologue kicks off in 1993 then jumps to present day, chapter 2 returns to 1997, then forward, then back to 2001… okay you get the picture, the story has a shifting timeline. It’s told mostly in present day but there are a number of flashbacks. Although Mandy is the main character, I think, many of the other ladies took up residence in my heart and soul.
For 65% I was sure this would be a 5 star read, then there was a scene with Mandy and her friend Rebecca that left me cold. Sure, it explained how she came about having the club, but in my humble opinion the scene needed to be expanded upon further, or ideally not so much. Cryptic I know but to say more would involve spoilers.
As the title suggests, the book is set in a club so there’s a lot of sex, but in saying that this is far from porn with plot, there’s a riveting story here as well. There’s voyeurism, exhibitionism, plenty of strap-on fun, mild BDSM. Or should I say domination and submission? After one D/s scene the heroine stated she avoided the red room as she wasn’t into BDSM, that con-fuddled me a little.
If you have an aversion to the C word it might pay to sidestep this one. I don’t mind the word Cunt or Clit, but I did start singing cunt, cunt, clit… clit, cunt, clit.
What makes a story a kick-ass read for me is one that gives me the ‘feels’, most people who read should know what that means. And this one had my heart a flutter, my girlie bits tingling, and pouting when I had to put my kindle down. I was totally invested in the characters and plot.
I highly recommend ‘The Club’ to readers who enjoy reading engaging ‘lesbian erotica’.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Welcome to The Club indeed. What a story. Let me tell you this is far from another run of the mill story in the sea of e-books. It commanded my attention from start to finish. In fact, initially, I found myself back tracking a few times until I got a grip on who was who, not literally – more’s the shame.
The prologue kicks off in 1993 then jumps to present day, chapter 2 returns to 1997, then forward, then back to 2001… okay you get the picture, the story has a shifting timeline. It’s told mostly in present day but there are a number of flashbacks. Although Mandy is the main character, I think, many of the other ladies took up residence in my heart and soul.
For 65% I was sure this would be a 5 star read, then there was a scene with Mandy and her friend Rebecca that left me cold. Sure, it explained how she came about having the club, but in my humble opinion the scene needed to be expanded upon further, or ideally not so much. Cryptic I know but to say more would involve spoilers.
As the title suggests, the book is set in a club so there’s a lot of sex, but in saying that this is far from porn with plot, there’s a riveting story here as well. There’s voyeurism, exhibitionism, plenty of strap-on fun, mild BDSM. Or should I say domination and submission? After one D/s scene the heroine stated she avoided the red room as she wasn’t into BDSM, that con-fuddled me a little.
If you have an aversion to the C word it might pay to sidestep this one. I don’t mind the word Cunt or Clit, but I did start singing cunt, cunt, clit… clit, cunt, clit.
What makes a story a kick-ass read for me is one that gives me the ‘feels’, most people who read should know what that means. And this one had my heart a flutter, my girlie bits tingling, and pouting when I had to put my kindle down. I was totally invested in the characters and plot.
I highly recommend ‘The Club’ to readers who enjoy reading engaging ‘lesbian erotica’.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2016
Well now. Isn't this an interesting concept and a fascinating read. I loved the idea of a no strings attached lesbian sex club with different rooms for different levels of encounters. It took a bit of work keeping track of timelines following Mandy's career path and eventual ownership of the club but this did not detract from the players involved in the action in the green, blue and red rooms of the club with no name.
I found this a very voyeuristic read. I cheered on the HEA's and wept for unrequited moments experienced by this small but memorable cast of characters.
Not my usual fare but well worth the read. If a book can stir up this old libido it's always a good thing.
I found this a very voyeuristic read. I cheered on the HEA's and wept for unrequited moments experienced by this small but memorable cast of characters.
Not my usual fare but well worth the read. If a book can stir up this old libido it's always a good thing.
December 29, 2016
The Club is so well written that I can’t believe it’s AL Brooks’s first book. The writing is clean and engaging, but the real strength is in how it’s structured. It almost straddles the line between full-length novel and short story collection, with each woman or couple’s story followed individually, threaded together through their interactions at the club. Mandy is the only character we see followed from the beginning to the end, and even that is through a series of flashbacks that tracks her journey to opening the club.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/club-...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/club-...
May 1, 2018
Over the past weekend for some reason I decided to look at reviews on Amazon instead of using the reviews of my goodreads friends. I have no idea why. The result was mixed. I read one series of erotica that was poor in my opinion. So I was worried when I started to read The Club as this one fell into the erotica category as well.
I really think erotica is hard to write. Well, GOOD erotica is hard to write. As an author of erotica, you are tasked with trying to write a shortish super steamy story. However, the hard part is making an effort to develop the characters in this shortish story. Many erotica authors are not successful or concerned with the character development part of the story. I guess some readers do not care about that part of erotica but I do. The Club, holds up that part of the bargain for me nicely.
The Club touches on many different types of women(butch, fem, soft butch, women still questioning, dominant, submissive etc) and also all type of body sizes. The sex runs the gamut as well. And I mean ALL KINDS OF SEX. So with that said, some of this book was not to my taste so to speak. But the great part of The Club was that although there was a ton of sex, the author did such a great job developing many of the characters that the story became as important as the sex, or more important in my opinion. So kudos to this author for checking all the boxes required for writing good erotica(FOR ME ANYWAY!)
I really think erotica is hard to write. Well, GOOD erotica is hard to write. As an author of erotica, you are tasked with trying to write a shortish super steamy story. However, the hard part is making an effort to develop the characters in this shortish story. Many erotica authors are not successful or concerned with the character development part of the story. I guess some readers do not care about that part of erotica but I do. The Club, holds up that part of the bargain for me nicely.
The Club touches on many different types of women(butch, fem, soft butch, women still questioning, dominant, submissive etc) and also all type of body sizes. The sex runs the gamut as well. And I mean ALL KINDS OF SEX. So with that said, some of this book was not to my taste so to speak. But the great part of The Club was that although there was a ton of sex, the author did such a great job developing many of the characters that the story became as important as the sex, or more important in my opinion. So kudos to this author for checking all the boxes required for writing good erotica(FOR ME ANYWAY!)
June 14, 2024
Great read for Brooks debut book. I’m impressed with her early writing skills. 5⭐️ for hotness!!!
August 6, 2016
This tale is a giving me a really hard time trying to describe it so please hang in there with me. In this story we are given a glimpse into several character's lives as they intertwine in a sex club. Easy enough right, just a lot of erotic and anonymous sex... well, yes but no.
There was a LOT of insanely hot, tingling and yummy sex right away but I felt like there was not too much in the way of a story However, I do know that Ylva Publishing only puts out quality work so I stuck with it. Am I ever glad I did. I was wrong, Ms Brooks was just laying down the foundation for what was to come... er um... moving on (blush)
The Club is owned by Mandy. The book takes us back in time as we learn who she is and why she opened this type of place. It is also set in the present as we meet a few of the women who visit this den of desire.
The characters in this tale are complex and compelling. Each woman has her own reason for going to the club, whether it be for mindless sex, exploring sexuality, to forget, to find... they all have a voice in this novel. There are such layers and circles... the story is sheer beauty in its dance as the women connected and parted...It was so easy to get involved in the drama. I found myself really invested in the characters, seeing their motivation, feeling their emotions, I'm at a loss for words, it is so well written and so gosh darn good! The ending was fantastic, I loved how it came full circle, leaving so many open possibilities for Mandy.
I am blown away that this is a debut novel and can not wait to see what the future holds for this promising author.
There was a LOT of insanely hot, tingling and yummy sex right away but I felt like there was not too much in the way of a story However, I do know that Ylva Publishing only puts out quality work so I stuck with it. Am I ever glad I did. I was wrong, Ms Brooks was just laying down the foundation for what was to come... er um... moving on (blush)
The Club is owned by Mandy. The book takes us back in time as we learn who she is and why she opened this type of place. It is also set in the present as we meet a few of the women who visit this den of desire.
The characters in this tale are complex and compelling. Each woman has her own reason for going to the club, whether it be for mindless sex, exploring sexuality, to forget, to find... they all have a voice in this novel. There are such layers and circles... the story is sheer beauty in its dance as the women connected and parted...It was so easy to get involved in the drama. I found myself really invested in the characters, seeing their motivation, feeling their emotions, I'm at a loss for words, it is so well written and so gosh darn good! The ending was fantastic, I loved how it came full circle, leaving so many open possibilities for Mandy.
I am blown away that this is a debut novel and can not wait to see what the future holds for this promising author.
June 15, 2024
Super spicy, sexy novel telling multiple, sometimes intertwined, stories that mainly center around a lesbian sex club in Manchester. The physical scenes are very much deepened by AL Brooks's focus on the characters and why they visit the club and what they do--and don't--get out of their experiences there.
TW: violent homophobia (at the story's opening), references to familial homophobia
TW: violent homophobia (at the story's opening), references to familial homophobia
July 21, 2020
DNF at 47%.
This book just wasn't doing it for me. There was barely any intimacy in it, so the emotional pull was pretty much nonexistent. As a result, I couldn't appreciate all the sex. It does try to be intimate in some parts, but with the lack of enough buildup to establish emotional attachment to these characters, I was finding myself unaffected by what they were doing and going through.
Maybe this only means I'm one of the few oddballs around here who didn't connect with this book, seeing as plenty of people I follow liked it. It happens 🤷🏻♀️
Anyway, I'll just go ahead and enumerate some more of the issues I had with it.
Hygiene
Hygiene in the club where all sexual activities happen to be exact—why wasn't this discussed at all? I'm obviously not privy to what goes on in a sex club, but if what I've read in this book is anything to go by, it's definitely not for me. Nonetheless, I don't judge those who are into it. You do you.
Privacy
It was curious how all these characters didn't bat an eye to the fact privacy is out of the question while engaging in the various activities within the club. Even Lou, the shy one, had no qualms about it. Jacky didn't even inform Kath (her friend who frequented the club) that she's going to visit the club with her wife. How the hell does the possibility of seeing your closest friend in a sex club not bother you? Not even a bit for it not to cross your mind 🤣 Tania wasn't even fazed when she thought she saw Lou, her CO-WORKER 🙈
The Married Couple
Jacky and Tania's discussions regarding what they plan to do in the club didn't touch the topic of how this could affect their relationship in the long run. Tania had reservations at first as expected, but as soon as she agreed to Jacky's proposition, the two didn't even talk about limits or fears. It was hard to believe a married couple, who are crazy about each other, didn't give this a thorough discussion before they decided to pursue it.
Compatibility
What if the person who approached you wasn't your type? Of course I already expected that everyone in this book would be hot and heavy for each other, but I think a mention about incompatibility merited a sentence or two given the protocol for these arrangements, don't you think? Max displayed her disinterest one time by "moving away from the wall" when an intimidating butch was eyeing her, but that's only because she was already satiated. It wasn't the hard pass I wanted to see when one was approached by someone she didn't fancy.
So what do you think? Am I overthinking these stuff? I absolutely am, aren't I? Lol! Just remember that I didn't finish the book, so take this review with a grain of salt. For all I know, these matters might've been addressed in the second half.
P.S. Can erotica authors please stop with these tacky covers? Books like this deserve some finesse and creativity too, you know.
This book just wasn't doing it for me. There was barely any intimacy in it, so the emotional pull was pretty much nonexistent. As a result, I couldn't appreciate all the sex. It does try to be intimate in some parts, but with the lack of enough buildup to establish emotional attachment to these characters, I was finding myself unaffected by what they were doing and going through.
Maybe this only means I'm one of the few oddballs around here who didn't connect with this book, seeing as plenty of people I follow liked it. It happens 🤷🏻♀️
Anyway, I'll just go ahead and enumerate some more of the issues I had with it.
Hygiene
Hygiene in the club where all sexual activities happen to be exact—why wasn't this discussed at all? I'm obviously not privy to what goes on in a sex club, but if what I've read in this book is anything to go by, it's definitely not for me. Nonetheless, I don't judge those who are into it. You do you.
Privacy
It was curious how all these characters didn't bat an eye to the fact privacy is out of the question while engaging in the various activities within the club. Even Lou, the shy one, had no qualms about it. Jacky didn't even inform Kath (her friend who frequented the club) that she's going to visit the club with her wife. How the hell does the possibility of seeing your closest friend in a sex club not bother you? Not even a bit for it not to cross your mind 🤣 Tania wasn't even fazed when she thought she saw Lou, her CO-WORKER 🙈
The Married Couple
Jacky and Tania's discussions regarding what they plan to do in the club didn't touch the topic of how this could affect their relationship in the long run. Tania had reservations at first as expected, but as soon as she agreed to Jacky's proposition, the two didn't even talk about limits or fears. It was hard to believe a married couple, who are crazy about each other, didn't give this a thorough discussion before they decided to pursue it.
Compatibility
What if the person who approached you wasn't your type? Of course I already expected that everyone in this book would be hot and heavy for each other, but I think a mention about incompatibility merited a sentence or two given the protocol for these arrangements, don't you think? Max displayed her disinterest one time by "moving away from the wall" when an intimidating butch was eyeing her, but that's only because she was already satiated. It wasn't the hard pass I wanted to see when one was approached by someone she didn't fancy.
So what do you think? Am I overthinking these stuff? I absolutely am, aren't I? Lol! Just remember that I didn't finish the book, so take this review with a grain of salt. For all I know, these matters might've been addressed in the second half.
P.S. Can erotica authors please stop with these tacky covers? Books like this deserve some finesse and creativity too, you know.
February 23, 2023
I couldn't get into this book. Yes, there were numerous hot, lustful scenes that weren't awkward or uncomfortable in any way but I just didn't feel any connection to any of the characters.
It felt like a collection of interconnected short stories about a lot of different people. Some had background stories, but most didn't. Some had a conclusion to their stories of sorts, but again most didn't.
I also didn't enjoy the audiobook as much. The intonation felt off at times and failed to deliver the certain emotion of the scene.
It felt like a collection of interconnected short stories about a lot of different people. Some had background stories, but most didn't. Some had a conclusion to their stories of sorts, but again most didn't.
I also didn't enjoy the audiobook as much. The intonation felt off at times and failed to deliver the certain emotion of the scene.
January 12, 2022
A little premise here...
I’m one of those people who you will never find changing clothes at a gym, naked at a public sauna… it took me years to even wear a bikini and just don’t give a crap on how I look. Yes, I’m also one of those who will turn her face staring at the wall if there are people changing or coming out of a shower at the gym. Someone told me the other day that I’m a “big softie”. I might be to the outside world. I’m shy in my own way. But I'm also a Scorpio... you get the idea.
That’s why when I started reading The Club, I gaped at the text and then I gaped again. I always had an insane attraction for strangers, but the attraction is more the need to know them, to know what kind of life they are having. Sharing intimacy with them? A kiss maybe. I hooked up with strangers in discos, but it was basically just a peck, never more than that. I don’t think I could let a stranger have their wicked way with me, just like that. I need as much as physical attraction as intellectual, emotional. I need to like, love, appreciate, esteem the person I share myself with. And that’s why I mostly never read “Erotica”. Yes, you might think: “How do you know if you have never tried it?”. Well, now that I’ve tried, I can tell you that a part of me was right and another part did misjudge this book from its cover.
When I’m reading, I need a storyline, a plot, something that would keep my interest alive. I need to see where the characters are going, what moves them, what is their life journey. I need to connect with them. That’s why when I started reading few chapters of The Club, I started doubting about it, and wondering if the whole book was just a retelling of one-night stands among strangers. Kiss (not even that in some cases), fuck and goodbye. I was like… Where’s the love?? Where’s the passion? Where’s the want?
Who are all these characters? Why there are so many? Is there more to this book?
I asked Jude (sorry for mentioning you 😉) and she reassured me that there was more into it, that I had to “Keep reading”. And so, I did, and I’m glad I followed her advice.
Reaching 40% of the book, I started noticing all these characters had been introduced on purpose and that they were all connected in a way or another. Some are friends, some are colleagues, some have connections outside The Club and some get connected through the club without even knowing it. Lives that intertwine, each of them carrying a story. There was indeed a story! Although… I hoped each character would get a full story (some don’t).
So, I started thinking (yes, I’m a thinker, unfortunately), what do I think is the author trying to tell me here? Why did she create such a network of characters, all gravitating around this club? All I could think about is that this book is like a little microcosm. You have many types of women: the shy one, the hornball, the cheating wife, the couple who’s trying to revive their sexual connection, the closeted lesbian and so on. And all of them have in common one thing: they are looking for a connection, to feel a body close to them. The loneliness of some of them is really excruciating, but they are also the characters that I loved the most: Cassie and Lou. Their storyline was so sweet (and hot, don’t get me wrong) to read and I was so happy to see this slowing down of the tempo in the prose. The first half of the book is so fast, I was about to get lost in it and then the second half it got slower and there was more of a build-up: tension, communication,and miscommunication, wanting, rejection and a lot of fears and acceptation of those fears.
What did I learn? I’m in no condition to judge anyone who decides to visit one of those clubs… whatever works for you, I say. But still, I would hope those people would find the very “special one” who rocks their world. The initial thrill might be intriguing, but I can’t see a person doing this for the rest of their life, while after loving someone or more than someone and sharing a true passion with them (even being kinky, BDSM or whatever you or they are into), you’ll never forget them. Saying this, I’m glad that there are places like this where women who are willing to explore it can do it in a safe and controlled environment. This reading did spike up the temperature in my room and gave me a few laughs, some rolls of eyes and giggling.
What an interesting mixing of women, in and out. But the ending?!! Do I have to read now The Club Revisited??!!!
Ps. I ended up taking quite a lot of notes while reading this book. You never know in life.
I’m one of those people who you will never find changing clothes at a gym, naked at a public sauna… it took me years to even wear a bikini and just don’t give a crap on how I look. Yes, I’m also one of those who will turn her face staring at the wall if there are people changing or coming out of a shower at the gym. Someone told me the other day that I’m a “big softie”. I might be to the outside world. I’m shy in my own way. But I'm also a Scorpio... you get the idea.
That’s why when I started reading The Club, I gaped at the text and then I gaped again. I always had an insane attraction for strangers, but the attraction is more the need to know them, to know what kind of life they are having. Sharing intimacy with them? A kiss maybe. I hooked up with strangers in discos, but it was basically just a peck, never more than that. I don’t think I could let a stranger have their wicked way with me, just like that. I need as much as physical attraction as intellectual, emotional. I need to like, love, appreciate, esteem the person I share myself with. And that’s why I mostly never read “Erotica”. Yes, you might think: “How do you know if you have never tried it?”. Well, now that I’ve tried, I can tell you that a part of me was right and another part did misjudge this book from its cover.
When I’m reading, I need a storyline, a plot, something that would keep my interest alive. I need to see where the characters are going, what moves them, what is their life journey. I need to connect with them. That’s why when I started reading few chapters of The Club, I started doubting about it, and wondering if the whole book was just a retelling of one-night stands among strangers. Kiss (not even that in some cases), fuck and goodbye. I was like… Where’s the love?? Where’s the passion? Where’s the want?
Who are all these characters? Why there are so many? Is there more to this book?
I asked Jude (sorry for mentioning you 😉) and she reassured me that there was more into it, that I had to “Keep reading”. And so, I did, and I’m glad I followed her advice.
Reaching 40% of the book, I started noticing all these characters had been introduced on purpose and that they were all connected in a way or another. Some are friends, some are colleagues, some have connections outside The Club and some get connected through the club without even knowing it. Lives that intertwine, each of them carrying a story. There was indeed a story! Although… I hoped each character would get a full story (some don’t).
So, I started thinking (yes, I’m a thinker, unfortunately), what do I think is the author trying to tell me here? Why did she create such a network of characters, all gravitating around this club? All I could think about is that this book is like a little microcosm. You have many types of women: the shy one, the hornball, the cheating wife, the couple who’s trying to revive their sexual connection, the closeted lesbian and so on. And all of them have in common one thing: they are looking for a connection, to feel a body close to them. The loneliness of some of them is really excruciating, but they are also the characters that I loved the most: Cassie and Lou. Their storyline was so sweet (and hot, don’t get me wrong) to read and I was so happy to see this slowing down of the tempo in the prose. The first half of the book is so fast, I was about to get lost in it and then the second half it got slower and there was more of a build-up: tension, communication,and miscommunication, wanting, rejection and a lot of fears and acceptation of those fears.
What did I learn? I’m in no condition to judge anyone who decides to visit one of those clubs… whatever works for you, I say. But still, I would hope those people would find the very “special one” who rocks their world. The initial thrill might be intriguing, but I can’t see a person doing this for the rest of their life, while after loving someone or more than someone and sharing a true passion with them (even being kinky, BDSM or whatever you or they are into), you’ll never forget them. Saying this, I’m glad that there are places like this where women who are willing to explore it can do it in a safe and controlled environment. This reading did spike up the temperature in my room and gave me a few laughs, some rolls of eyes and giggling.
What an interesting mixing of women, in and out. But the ending?!! Do I have to read now The Club Revisited??!!!
Ps. I ended up taking quite a lot of notes while reading this book. You never know in life.
August 27, 2016
I liked it more than I thought I would, especially since I don't care for the cover. But since a couple of reviewers I trust liked it, I took a chance. There are good stories some better than others, but over all they are all well done. I liked that characters make appearances in the different stories with Maddie the owner as the cornerstone. Max is also mentioned or featured in a few of the stories, but I agreed with one of the reviewers that in spite of that her story felt unfinished. One character's feature story is near the end and I didn't realize until later she was prominent in an earlier story. I will have to read a few stories again now that I know little more about some of them. It's a sacrifice I'm happy to make.
August 20, 2016
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've never heard of this author before and I prefer a good old romance more than erotica. But after reading some good reviews I decided to give it a shot and I'm happy I did.
Basically the book connects the lives of different women who find themselves involved in anonymous sex in The Club. The plot intertwines their stories and eventually the reader discovers each of the characters' motives and desires. Very well written and edited, which is a good plus.
Overall, a good read on the genre if you like lesbian erotica with a plot. I'll definetely read more by this author in the future.
I've never heard of this author before and I prefer a good old romance more than erotica. But after reading some good reviews I decided to give it a shot and I'm happy I did.
Basically the book connects the lives of different women who find themselves involved in anonymous sex in The Club. The plot intertwines their stories and eventually the reader discovers each of the characters' motives and desires. Very well written and edited, which is a good plus.
Overall, a good read on the genre if you like lesbian erotica with a plot. I'll definetely read more by this author in the future.
December 20, 2022
The Club reads like a selection of short stories with a main thread that keeps it all together - Mandy and The Club. I really enjoyed the stories of each character and the steamy scenes were so incredibly hot. 🔥🥵🔥🥵
This is one of those books though that I wish I read rather than listened to in audio. This is a rare complaint for me, but the narrator's inflections at times was a tad off-putting and didn't gel with the storyline. I would've loved it if the audio version instead featured a sultry voice to fit better with the novel, but that might just be a personal preference.
A great novel though and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel in the new year.
This is one of those books though that I wish I read rather than listened to in audio. This is a rare complaint for me, but the narrator's inflections at times was a tad off-putting and didn't gel with the storyline. I would've loved it if the audio version instead featured a sultry voice to fit better with the novel, but that might just be a personal preference.
A great novel though and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel in the new year.
July 13, 2017
Very well written, really interesting story lines, loads of different emotions, topped off with lots of hot sex.
October 22, 2020
Oooweeee this was hot.
I love the whole six degrees of separation thing happening too.
I love the whole six degrees of separation thing happening too.
February 7, 2019
Half erotica and half story to connect all the little threads together. Nothing too kinky, some light bdsm only. Well I suppose other than the whole sex club thing. I guess that’s not super vanilla to start with.
July 27, 2018
WOAH….this was HOT!!!
I loved this book. It was erotic yet sensual and carried a lot of meaning rather than just focusing on nitty gritty details and being filled with sex. Each character had background and personality, their story explored in just enough detail for you to connect with them as a reader.
Mandy and her club act as a focal point for this book, tying what are separate events and lives together to make an enjoyable story. Also the concept of Mandy’s club is very unique, and therefore gives a memorable edge to the stories being told.
I found this very easy to read and not easy to put down. It is very addictive!
It’s written extremely well and will have you feeling a range of emotions with the characters (especially in Chapter 10!).
A would highly recommend this book, even if you don’t think it is your thing there are great stories to be heard within!
I loved this book. It was erotic yet sensual and carried a lot of meaning rather than just focusing on nitty gritty details and being filled with sex. Each character had background and personality, their story explored in just enough detail for you to connect with them as a reader.
Mandy and her club act as a focal point for this book, tying what are separate events and lives together to make an enjoyable story. Also the concept of Mandy’s club is very unique, and therefore gives a memorable edge to the stories being told.
I found this very easy to read and not easy to put down. It is very addictive!
It’s written extremely well and will have you feeling a range of emotions with the characters (especially in Chapter 10!).
A would highly recommend this book, even if you don’t think it is your thing there are great stories to be heard within!
July 26, 2016
I liked this one... It's not meaningless erotica story, but it nicely connects the characters all the way through the book. The scenes are superb, the characters are well written. I'd gladly recommend this book for erotica genre readers.
August 27, 2016
A.L. Brooks where have you been all my life? Super hot cover and the story inside did not disappoint. Erotica at its best. Hoping to see some sequels where more character's lives are explored.
Net Galley Arc received for an honest review.
Net Galley Arc received for an honest review.
December 3, 2022
The Club by A.L. Brooks is hot! Is there much more that needs to be said? If it’s not clear by the front cover then it will be by the first chapter.
Getting into the story was easy enough, the action starts on the first page. And pretty quickly the reader is introduced to a large cast of characters. At first, I worried there were too many, but it works well. I won’t go into each individual story, but Brooks has her work cut out for her, ensuring each character has her own story arc, and she manages perfectly as the character development throughout is brilliant.
As the title suggests, the story revolves around a club, The Club to be precise. A place where women can go to hook up, have sex, be dominated, submissive, explore fantasies, and anything else one could hope to find, in a safe environment.
As a piece of erotic fiction, The Club has it all. And it’s never awkward, or uncomfortable, just very, very hot. And then there are the romances and personal stories that intertwine and weave throughout, giving the reader time to catch their breath.
And how awesome that we don’t have to say goodbye to all of these characters just yet. I can’t wait to check out book two.
Getting into the story was easy enough, the action starts on the first page. And pretty quickly the reader is introduced to a large cast of characters. At first, I worried there were too many, but it works well. I won’t go into each individual story, but Brooks has her work cut out for her, ensuring each character has her own story arc, and she manages perfectly as the character development throughout is brilliant.
As the title suggests, the story revolves around a club, The Club to be precise. A place where women can go to hook up, have sex, be dominated, submissive, explore fantasies, and anything else one could hope to find, in a safe environment.
As a piece of erotic fiction, The Club has it all. And it’s never awkward, or uncomfortable, just very, very hot. And then there are the romances and personal stories that intertwine and weave throughout, giving the reader time to catch their breath.
And how awesome that we don’t have to say goodbye to all of these characters just yet. I can’t wait to check out book two.
July 24, 2018
Eclectic
I've enjoy reading this, mainly because sitting down to read for an extended time is not on the cards at the moment and the way this book breaks down into the stories of different characters in each chapter has made dipping in and out fairly easy.
This isn't a read for the feint of heart, it's fairly explicit with lots of intimacy throughout...another tick in the box for me though!
I've enjoy reading this, mainly because sitting down to read for an extended time is not on the cards at the moment and the way this book breaks down into the stories of different characters in each chapter has made dipping in and out fairly easy.
This isn't a read for the feint of heart, it's fairly explicit with lots of intimacy throughout...another tick in the box for me though!
August 19, 2016
3.5 stars
While I did enjoy this story, I wish some of the story arcs had been more completed. In this story we are introduced to a club that is run by Mandy. We get to see Mandy’s backstory of how she came to own the club which I did really enjoy. What we see is the many lives of the different women that come through the club, overlap and converge on one another since they all frequent the same place. Although we are introduced to about 10-15 different characters, it’s really only 4-5 that we get background on, and an ending for.
I would’ve liked to have seen what happened with Max’s relationship after that first time at the club, given how she feels about her experiences and her current relationship, but we never get that. I would’ve also liked a little more story around the girls who actually work there. We get about one chapter from each of them and then they disappear from the story, except to be a background person in someone else’s POV, but it doesn’t further their story by any means.
I also really enjoyed reading about Lou. She is super shy and can only find an outlet at the Club. Where she can be whoever she wants to be without judgement.
Really this book is a lot of mini vignettes about a lot of different people. Almost a short story collection that all parallel each other. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Copy received for free from Ylva Publishing, in exchange for my honest review.
While I did enjoy this story, I wish some of the story arcs had been more completed. In this story we are introduced to a club that is run by Mandy. We get to see Mandy’s backstory of how she came to own the club which I did really enjoy. What we see is the many lives of the different women that come through the club, overlap and converge on one another since they all frequent the same place. Although we are introduced to about 10-15 different characters, it’s really only 4-5 that we get background on, and an ending for.
I would’ve liked to have seen what happened with Max’s relationship after that first time at the club, given how she feels about her experiences and her current relationship, but we never get that. I would’ve also liked a little more story around the girls who actually work there. We get about one chapter from each of them and then they disappear from the story, except to be a background person in someone else’s POV, but it doesn’t further their story by any means.
I also really enjoyed reading about Lou. She is super shy and can only find an outlet at the Club. Where she can be whoever she wants to be without judgement.
Really this book is a lot of mini vignettes about a lot of different people. Almost a short story collection that all parallel each other. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Copy received for free from Ylva Publishing, in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2016
I'm not a big erotica reader (for certain reasons) but this book really stayed with me and I loved reading it.
The characters back stories are compelling, the prose is clear and flows nicely, the characters feel real and the sex scenes are both hot AND well-written.
A note about the characters. As I said, they feel like real people in a way which is rare, I think. I'd say that the main reason for that is that not only do their struggles feel real and familiar, the outcome of those struggles (positive and negative) feel real too. There's no Hollywood glitz and perfection, just realistic women and realistic events that tie them together.
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