Behind The Door

Hidden Motives #1

by A. Gavazzoni

When Lara dies at the hands of a Manhattan lawyer during a sex game, his defense attorney, Carl, hires Simone, a psychiatrist, professor and author of books on sexual behavior to help him buttress his argument that Lara’s death was accidental.

To help his defense, Carl’s client has written a detailed account of his steamy, year-long relationship with Lara. Carl gives the text to Simone for analysis. While evaluating the presumed killer’s writing, Simone continues to receive psychiatric patients with sexual disorders and unusual fantasies, and to research strange sexual behavior for her next book.

Meanwhile, Simone’s clinical partner, friend and research colleague, Edward, is working with the police to capture a serial killer who is torturing and killing women.

From hot and unusual sex and interesting psychiatric patients, to the swing houses of New York and Paris, this fast-paced page-turner is a blend of mystery, suspense, humor, romance and erotica.

Genres: Thriller, BDSM, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Dark, Suspense, Mystery

269 pages, ebook

First published July 6, 2016

About the author

A. Gavazzoni is a Brazillian Multi-Award-Winning Novelist of five published literary works within two novel series titled, 'Hidden Motives' and 'Where The Road Goes.'

Adriana has become a critically acclaimed popular steamy romance fiction writer of light erotic with cross-genres of steamy murder mystery suspense, historical romantic thrillers, coming-of-age, and women's gripping crime fiction. Adriana's break-out debut of "Behind The Door" book one of the "Hidden Motives" series firmly placed her on the literary map nationally and internationally. All her novels are available on Amazon Books, Amazon Kindle, and Kindles available within Kindle Unlimited. All her novels are featured on online literary book sites, Book Stores, and literary magazines.

Born and raised in Brazil, she is of full Italian lineage. By day she is a Brazillian lawyer, former professor of law, and also writes legal books. She speaks four languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. When she is not practicing law or writing her next novel, she enjoys many interests as a very active person and is an avid reader.

Adriana loves to dance, especially the (Tango), she enjoys cooking and enjoys good food and good wine. She believes in exercising along with living a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys traveling and visits New York often, but her "Happy Place" is always spending time with her big happy family and her pets as a passionate animal lover. Adriana continues to work and reside in Brazil.

Novel Awards & Achievements For A. Gavazzoni

"Where The Road Goes Novel Series" Book One - Sketches of Life - Gold Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Honorable Mention-Los Angeles Book Festival 2021 - Finalist - Book Excellence Awards

Book Two - Life Has Other Plans - Gold Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Book Excellence Award - Finalist - Eric-Hoffer Award - NIEA - National Indie Book Award - Honorable Mentions - Hollywood Book Festival 2022 & Paris Book Festival 2022...

**All Novels Awarded 5-Star Reader's Favorite Editorial Book Reviews and Multiply Awards Won For All Three Novels In The "Hidden Motives" Series.**

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Mystery
Dual POVs
Triggers: Yes! Breathplay, rape.

Carl is a criminal law attorney who propositions psychiatrist Simone Bennet in order to get her professional analysis on a case. He finds her expertise in "sexual behavior disorders" the perfect qualification to assist him in a case involving a woman who died while engaging in a sexual act. In addition to Simone's demanding work schedule, her close confidant and business partner, Edward, is assisting the local police department with catching a serial killer.

I loved the premise of this story and Simone's one-on-one sessions with her clients were highly entertaining, but the writing style felt very stilted to me. As a result, the pace of the story also felt very slow and I did not connect with the main characters. However, the flashback scenes transitioned well between the present-day scenes and the story was intriguing enough to hold my interest. The suspense level really ignited towards the finale and made for an interesting ending!

**Author kindly gifted a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone is a psychiatrist specializing in clients with sexual behavior problems. She's spent her whole career studying and learning how she can help those who don't be able to help themselves.

An unusual request comes Simone's way. A young woman, Lara, was killed during a sex game. The man who was with her is being charged with murder. Carl, a defense attorney, wants to hire Simone to help him defend his client, who is also a friend. To help his defense, Carl’s client has written a detailed account of his steamy, year-long relationship with Lara and he wants Simone to read and give him her opinion regarding his guilt or innocence.

Meanwhile, Simon's clinical partner, Edward, is working with the police in trying to catch the serial killer responsible for torturing and killing women.

Someone is targeting Simone .... one of her patients? The serial killer still running loose?

BEHIND THE DOOR is an erotic thriller that will keep the reader glued to the chair from the very first page to the surprising ending. There is so much more to this book than "just" sex or highly sexual situations. It's more like a murder mystery on steroids with colorful characters, on both sides of the couch.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of BEHIND THE DOOR. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book packs a wallop with the mystery and the sex appeal. Never expecting the next big scene it kept me reading wanting to know more. I was not sure what to expect as it is tagged as a sexual thriller, but it did not offend me, it only lured me into the story that was so uniquely woven.

A great first book from A. Gavazzoni. I will read more from here as soon as they are available.

[Rich · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author I have read. the first 50 or pages were not bad but the book kept going down hill at a steady pace from there. I thought this could have been a good book but it was just not there. There were way to many sex scenes that added nothing to the book and to be real they were not that good. At times the story felt very superficial I thought the was a lot of padding top the story . I did not care about the main character or any of the secondary characters and some of them were just a waste. I thought the story dragged on at times and just became more flaky. I thought the ending was real weak. I Thought this book had a good premise but fell way short. I can not say give it a spin I say pass and find another book.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve had the privilege of reading by this author. I say privilege because it is the perfect blend of thrilling, sexy and utterly filled with erotic excitement. Yes, it does have triggers, so please check on these, via the author’s mention, prior to reading. However, if you’ve passed the triggers, knowing this is something you’re into, then you will not be let down. This book is hot. So. Hot.

The characters are created very well and really commit to the style of writing and fetish that the book promises. Each has their own characteristics, which lead to exciting times and great connections, or those that maybe don’t work…you’ll see. The main character is excellent and really connects you to the book, which I loved.

The pace of the read is brilliant, as it really follows the pace I expected from an erotic read and the sexual encounters that go with it. That made it so easy to fall into the book and really become completely absorbed by what was happening. I truly could not put it down, for fear I might miss out on the feeling you get from the intense build-up in book like this. Trust me, you deserve that one extra chapter with this book ;)

Overall, a very interesting and exciting read. This is one I truly recommend if you want something both thrilling and hot.

**Arc provided for review.

[Catherine Townsend-Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, Sexy, Thrills, and MURDER ~ Wow what a BOOK!

For her first debut novel, Brazilian Author, A. (Adriana) Gavazonni has come out of the Romance' literary gates swinging with "Behind The Door."

Now I love book promoting, but I don't like spoiling or giving away a great read, so I can tell you this, the storyline draws you in immediately, keeps your interest and her writing style is exceptional. All the characters are unique, realistic and believable.

There is nothing like a fast past page turner thriller with many twists and drips "sexy" like no other I have read in quite some time, and I'm not talking (porn) erotica either...
However, there is strong language and sex swingers, but it goes with the flow of this steamy murder mystery that includes death by a sex game and is a "whodunit." ...

Excellently well written, because when a book makes you "feel" a wide range of emotions?
The writer and author did her job well and with passion!

I Highly Recommend this one Romance Thriller readers ... Can not wait for the next one. Well worth your time romance thriller readers.

[James Kubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted psychological thriller. It’s not a comfortable romance to read drinking a bear. It’s written to disturb, twist your brains and arouse your senses. It would be an excellent movie.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... I didn't know what this story would be about when I started it. I am so glad I decided to do so anyways because it was amazing and wonderful. It was dark.. it was high.. it was low.. it was all over the place.. my feelings were invested so much that I kept reading until it was over and then I was left wishing I had more. It was wonderful. The writing was deep and complex and it was a roller coaster ride of emotions. The writing was erotic, thrilling and sensual.. it made you think... and made you wonder about what was happening next and there were a lot of surprises. Totally amazing story by Gavazzoni and I recommend it if you enjoy a dark, thrilling and suspensful story.

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you start to read this well written story you find yourself becoming captivated and eager to turn the pages. The story line seems so real that you just cannot stop yourself from falling head over heels with it all. This is truly a thrilling, sensual and erotic read and trust me; you won't want to put it down!!

[Paul stepson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising Novel!
I was surprised , I was expecting a new 50 shades...It´s so much more deep and interesting. - erotic of course -but funny, inteligent and delicious.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and sexy would be the best way to describe the novel! Great well developed characters. The pace of the novel is soo great that you cant put it down for fear of missing out of something definitely a great read!!

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone has excelled in her career as a sexual therapist, and is brought in to advise on the "accidental" death of a woman during sex play. Soon, Simone finds herself surrounded by more murders than one old case.

I won a copy of this book during one of the author's giveaways.
With Simone's speciality, I kinda expected something that was mainly sex, or a dark romance; but this book is a really solid thriller, which pleasantly surprised me.
I have to say, after the first few chapters, I was completely hooked.

There are two storylines:
The tragic story of Mark and Lara is told in a diary "manuscript" form, where Mark writes about all his dealings with Lara and their tumultuous relationship. It's really bittersweet in places, because you know that eventually, he kills her. And it is highly graphic about their sex life.
Lara is an absolute goddess, and excessively in charge of her life and choices, all to overcome the psychological horror that is her history. With each revelation, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her, and admire her strength.
Mark is such a steady character, but tries to be open-minded as he introduces the reader to the sordid world and sexual extravagances that Lara insists on. He is the only one that sees through Lara's pain; he is whatever Lara needs him to be, a lover and a friend. You can't help but love him.

The second story is that of Simone, the psychologist that has been brought on to give a professional opinion on whether Mark is a murderer, or victim. Simone has her own problems, as a recent spate of murders suddenly become linked to her, as a body is left on her doorstep.
Her colleague is a psychological advisor for the police, and keeps her informed on the hunt for the killer.
The story dances between suspects, and various threats, building up the tension to boiling point.
I didn't manage to correctly guess the killer, but it all made sense, which is another thing I highly approve of!

The two storylines worked really well together, the heat of Mark and Lara; and the mystery threatening Simone. It teases the reader as one chapter ends and the next switches to the other plotline.

The only thing that I found somewhat jarring was the ideology behind sexual desires, genders and LGBT.
On the one hand, Mark and Lara live a very open and accepting life, they don't judge and they will participate in whatever feels good.
But on the other, I felt that everything was set into neat psychiatrist's boxes. People aren't bisexual - they're just afraid to come out as gay. Anyone that wants a kinky sex life has to have had a trauma to explain their abnormal behaviour. The one gay character is flamboyantly and cliche gay, and reminds us of this frequently.
It's only a small thing, but it just clashed against my beliefs of sexuality being a scale, instead of gay or straight, etc.

Anyways, overall I highly enjoyed this book, and it made me constantly run late this week as I wanted to read just one more chapter. I would definitely recommend picking it up!

[Susan Bissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a warning here this story is very sexually explicit. I strongly suggest for some people this book it is not for the faint of heart. This story is intriguing from the very beginning as Simone, a psychiatrist who specializes in sexual behavior, is giving a lecture in New York city when Carl, a defense attorney, approaches her to help his defense of a client who is accused in the death of a woman he was involved with, was it murder or an accidental death? The client was in a year long relationship with a woman who was into swinging and other sexual dysfunctional deviations. Carl wants Simone to analyze a text that his client wrote in great detail about his relationship with this woman for Simone for analysis. In the meanwhile, Simone clinical colleague who is a friend and research colleague that is working with the police to help catch a serial killer. The story will go back and forth as Simone reads the text (that reads like a sexy novel) and then back to her present life, so it is like getting two stories in one. As the story continues it will take you through Simone life with her sessions with her patients to her and her colleague as they research a new book together that takes them from swing houses in New York to Paris to her clinical partner killer who is trying to catch a serial killer before he kills again. Being that this book is the first in the series of Hidden Motives we can look forward to more interesting stories about Simone and her clinical partner solving more unusual sexual cases.

[Angela Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Door is a magnificent and disturbing tale that takes us to places beyond the boundaries of imagination. It throws us into the seductive arms of a world that most of us would never have the guts to visit. The story is gripping and the characters are real, with such depth, that I believe just about anyone would relate to them. The story is evocative, tragic, profoundly immoral and wickedly enticing. It grips you, holds you down and sets your mind on fire. Decency aside, it does not allow you to judge as it grabs your mind, twisting it in a thousand directions, as you try to comprehend the complexity and gravity of the tale. It is heart breaking, thought provoking, cleverly weaved and intelligently written. The pace is fast enough to keep you interested, but not too fast that you get lost as it carries you along on suggestive rapids, that come and go, between serious feelings and complicated relationships. A brilliant first Novel. I am so impressed and I absolutely loved it! In short, it is an sensual meander in the hands of a pro. Well Done!

[Edna Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read anything from this author but I am going to keep my eye on this author. This book pulled me right into
the story from the first time I opened the book til the end. When you first open the book you will meet a few characters.
the first character you will meet Simone and Carl.

Simone is a psychiatrist and she was specializing into paraphilias and this is about sexual behavior disorders. Many
men and women have sexual problems of all kinds that does see her to have her help them with their problems.
Carl did appeared into the middle of the presentation that she was given the society sex therapy and researched the
conference at the New York Academy of Sciences.

" But let me think, " Peter went on. I like you both. It would be good to bring you together. Water and Oil, Id say. But
opposites do always attact. Of course, afterwards the repel but by then, I don't know if we'll all still be alive. When was
the last time you went out with her"

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I cracked the cover on this thrilling and tantalizing read I was completely mesmerized, it was so addictive, I could not put it down! I read a few of the reviews beforehand, and thought I had the jest of what I would find between the pages, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for what I discovered. Simply put, it was thrilling, suspenseful, erotic, thought provoking and I am quite certain it will linger with me for a long while! The writing was impeccable, had a very realistic quality to it, and the character development was simply outstanding, definitely one of the best first reads I have settled down with in a long while!! Highly recommend this one, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title .

[Federica S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's very well written and the story it's easy to read. There are lots of interesting things happening in the book: starting with Simone and her patients, all different and all with particular problems and obsessions; then there is her relationship with her friend/coworker Edward who is following the case of a serial killer and finally Mark's journal. Mark and Lara's story is different and definitely full of sensual encounters.
Everything is so well described that you feel you are there in the story, lots of details but nothing vulgar.
While I was reading I was trying to guess what would happen next but I was always surprised.
A very engaging read that I would definitely recommend to whoever enjoyed a good suspense book mixed with erotica.
I received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adriana Gavazzoni has written a book Made for The Big Screen.
A suspenseful thriller, tantalizing, captivating, attention grabbing novel that I could not put down. Filled with unparalleled erotic sexual desires, romance and mystery that runs through your body as you turn the pages.
Each character holds your attention and you cannot wait for them to resurface and give you more of this deeply engaging story. It is not very often that a book comes along that is written like a script for a movie. One that will hold you on the edge of your seat as the mystery unfolds and engages you as if you were a part of each page in chapter.
Adriana has a unique ability and her writing skills, this is a must-read. that will take you out of yourself and into another world.
David E. McCauley Author

[Mary Jaimes-Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavazzoni has shown her brilliant mind in this book. She takes you into the world of Dr. Simone. Through this world you discover the turmoil that is the life of a mental health provider. The magnificent worlds of her patients are described in such detail as to place you next to them as they explain their stories.
Some of the scenes were more erotica than I had expected when starting this book. They added to the addiction and kept the mystery alive throughout. Just when I thought I had the answers, a shift made me think again. I would recommend this book. It takes you into a darker world and breaks many taboos.

[Annastew1144hotmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, an intelligent erotic romance that packs a powerful emotional punch. Compelling from the start the story evolves in the most unlikely ways and is both absorbing and inventive. I immediately warmed to Simone’s character and it was nice to read a story with a well-developed, albeit it complex female lead that came across as authentic. There’s also a gripping psychological element to the story which helps maintain the tension throughout the whole story. It’s certainly one of the best debut novels I’ve read this year.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book reading by this author. Was not sure what I was getting in to. I must say the writing was excellent that you were drawn into the story. The erotic of the story was written in a way that you could not believe what happen next. You will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions through the story. If you looking for a good suspenseful erotica book, then this is the one. Highly recommend this book today

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with lots of twists and turns. Very suspenseful read that will have you reading through and not wanting to put it down.
ARC provided for an honest review.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*

[M. S. Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written Novel! Impossible to forget this book. I’m in love with Lara and all the characters. Deep, tantalizing, funny, dark and sexy! I was sad when it was over! Just bought the sequel.
Unforgettable

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written with passion. I simply loved this book. Finished in in two days, hard to put down, strong characters and a very powerful story

[Jame De · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is exciting from the first pages , it is an intriguing and seductive book! i would certainly recommend!

[Tess Anstee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great book. Can't wait for next book.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Lara quite flighty, even though as you go on in the book; you start understanding why she is the way she is. I also wasn't a fan of the sort of things Mark was getting involved in; and I most certainly didn't anticipate the ending. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story within a story. Easy to follow which story was being conveyed. Shocking sexual details. The killer was a big surprise.

[Anneka Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally wild! Loved it!

I absolutely love this book!! It was a wild ride from start to finish and one I would highly recommend. I loved getting to know each of the characters and getting a psychological view on them was interesting too. The scenes were vivid and full of flavour whilst still reminding you there were murders still unsolved. I thought the pace of the plot was perfect and I kept wanting to know more. A real page Turner and a must read one more chapter book that has made the author a firm favourite of mine. I look forward to the sequel.

[Melinda Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Door by A. Gavazzoni is an erotic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is about a woman that is a psychiatrist for people with sexual disorders. She meets a man that is a lawyer and needs her help. The drama and suspense ensue from there. I enjoyed reading this book because Gavazzoni is a master of keeping you in suspense. She holds your interest from the first page. The main characters were thought out and brought to light little by little throughout the story. The plot was well written and held my interest the entire time.
The story starts out with the main character Simone giving a lecture at a conference when this man interrupts her to ask her questions. She seems peeved by this and tell him to wait until the end. They meet up after, and he asks for her help. She eventually agrees and reads the story of the man that he is defending. It is a back and forth with flashbacks of the story of what happened to the women in the journal and Simone’s life. Eventually, things start to go bad for Simone because she is helping this man. The story ends with a lot of conflict and drama that leads to a satisfying ending.
The thing I like the most about the story was the twist. I did not see that coming at all. I was pleasantly shocked. I also loved that Gavazzoni didn’t give us all the information about her characters all at once. She let us find out about them slowly. Revealing the characters slowly makes for a better read all around. Another thing I liked is how the story played out. The reader is dropped into this world of sexual behaviors and left to fend for themselves. Being dropped into this world makes the reader stop and thinks about what problems people have out there are serious. This world gives the reader an insight into what happens when a person is traumatized early in life.
The thing that I didn’t like about the story is that it was a little slow for my taste. It could have moved just a little bit faster to get to the end game. The only other thing that I didn’t like was the fact that the secondary characters were not as fleshed out as the main characters. Giving them a little bit of a backstory would have helped with the story. I believe that it would have helped the reader to understand some of the things that went on in the story, and gave them a better vision of why certain things were being done.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. The reason behind this rating is that the author gave us this fantastic book about sexual behaviors that keep you on the edge of your seat. A. Gavazzoni is an amazing author that delivers a great story and great characters. I would recommend this to anyone the is interested in this world. This is not a book for the faint of heart or the younger readers under 17. I can’t wait to start reading Lara’s Journal the second book by Gavazzoni.