Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Art of Mutual Pleasure

Rate this book
--- The path to debauchery is strewn with good intentions. ---

Benjamin Snowley is trapped in a most distressing predicament. He’s been feeling poorly and after having recently recovered from influenza, he knows that the fault for his declining health lies in a vice he wouldn’t dare mention in polite conversation.

Onanism, self-pollution, masturbation. All names for the same sinful affliction.

For Benjamin, it all started back at school, where he first encountered the immoral Frederick Cory. Ever since then, the man has been plaguing Benjamin’s dreams and causing most unnatural urges.

Now is the time for all the infatuation nonsense to stop. With the help of an unorthodox doctor and an indecent proposition to a young stablehand, Benjamin will rid himself of the vile addiction.

But can the experimental treatment be enough to make him forget his feelings for Frederick?

Warning: Contains a clueless young man on a futile quest for chastity and a libertine artist eager to rid him of that goal

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:

Themes: masturbation, historical attitudes to sexuality, medicine, doctor, guilt, unorthodox treatment, master/servant, groom, superstition, moral failure, enemies to lovers

Genre: M/M Regency romantic erotica

Erotic content: explicit language, inappropriate medical examination, cum swallowing, bareback, sex toys, body worship, multiple partners

Length: ~45,000 words

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2017

39 people are currently reading
549 people want to read

About the author

K.A. Merikan

130 books3,024 followers
(Goodreads profile run by Kat)

K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.

K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.

e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com

More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
148 (24%)
4 stars
224 (37%)
3 stars
153 (25%)
2 stars
53 (8%)
1 star
15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,942 followers
March 29, 2017
4.5 Stars.

Well,this was just delicious.






This is full of filthy goodness and extremely erotic....


Poor Benjamin is full of guilt over,what he considers,his dirty little secret.You see,Benjamin likes to Masterbate..a lot and he's absolutely mortified by it.From a young age he believed it was wrong but now,as an adult,he can't seem to stop himself-so much so,that he thinks his affliction is making him physically ill.


When he was young he knew other boys did it but refused to indulge until one night changed everything.Frederick is a few years older,very popular and Benjamin develops a kind of fascination with him,so when he watches Frederick with another boy the flood gates open....and his sexual awakening begins...

Years later,now 26,Benjamin decides he needs medical help to deal with his problem.
Without going into detail,he seeks the company of men...not for pleasure but for a very specific reason.(you'll just have to read it and find out!!)

When Frederick re enters his life he comes to learn that sex with men can be a pleasurable experience-an extremely pleasurable experience and he certainly doesn't hold back when he gets going!!

These Authors certainly know how to write sex scenes...this book is highly erotic and I absolutely loved it!!

An Arc of The Art of Mutual Pleasure was kindly provided by the Authors for an honest review.



This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,576 reviews1,115 followers
April 2, 2017
This book is a sexy, kinky romp filled with carnal pleasures and dirty secrets. It's also an account of one man's journey toward sexual and personal discovery.

The Merikans bring a tender, poignant edge to a story that could easily have sunk into the gutter.

Benjamin is uptight and naive, but his conservative clothes and prudish lectures hide a lustful heart. Benjamin is happiest on his knees playing the pretty whore.

Frederick wants to devour the beautiful Benjamin. An artist who follows Byron's ways, Frederick becomes Benjamin's lover, his mentor, his keeper.

If you're looking for a traditional love story, stay away. Benjamin has sex on page with several men before he's with Frederick, and Frederick doesn't mind sharing, as long as Benjamin wants it.

This book offers an alternative HEA, one that works for both men. Strangely, it worked for me too.
Profile Image for Dia.
534 reviews149 followers
March 27, 2017
4 really HOT stars!
*needs a bucket of ice to calm down*

This is definitely NOT a hearts and flowers, sweet and romantic book. If you've already read other books by K.A. Merikan (and if you haven't yet, you really have to!!!) well you kind of know what to expect: amazing writing, super HOT sex scenes, interesting characters and a lot of surprises.

This story is short, BUT oh SO very HOT! *sigh*

It's the story of Benjamin, a young man who in early 19th century finds himself in the position of hiding his vice, but he tries to find a cure.
His addiction is mentioned in the blurb, but until you read the book, you can't even imagine what really plagued his mind and what the cure might be.
A false doctor takes advantage of his honest heart and pure mind. He really trusts the doctor's unexpected advice and his life is changed forever.

Fredrick, a talented artist and a young man who dominated Benjamin's mind since boarding school, will appear again in his life and will help Benjamin embrace his sexuality.

This short book is hotter than I expected and well, I expected A LOT! The blurb already mentions many possible spoilers, but it still surprises you.
I'd like to say I've read this in one sitting and after finishing it I felt the need to grab a huge bucket of ice to steady my flushed skin.

Amazingly written. A very erotic story indeed.

ARC kindly provided to me by the authors in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for K.A. Merikan.
Author 130 books3,024 followers
Read
March 29, 2017
The Art of Mutual Pleasure

:) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVXF5JM

This baby is a heavily extended new edition of "An Onanist's Journey To Reclaiming His Seed". The story will still feature different sexual encounters and Benjamin Snowley's confusion with onanism, but going from 13k to almost 45k words, we've added a dirty (DIRTY) love story with a HEA that works for the characters.
Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
March 29, 2017

After reading this blurb, you might wonder "What is this fresh hell? What is K.A.Merikan up to this time?". You might even find it silly. I assure you, it is not. The whole idea behind "The Art of Mutual Pleasure" is based on Dr. Samuel-Auguste Tissot's theory that masturbation can lead to mental and physical illness. In Regency era, this was a very common perception of masturbation, which was treated as a debilitating disease by medicine in the two following centuries.

The reason I'm telling you all this (no, this isn't a history lesson on fapping) is because no matter how naive Benjamin is, his struggle with his "vice", his willingness to torture himself, the way he allowed himself to get deceived by the fake doctor, can be perfectly understood when judged by the era's standards.

What I loved the most about this story is that through his ordeal, Ben found his true self, and embraced not only his sexuality but his special tastes as well. And Frederick played such an integral role to it. Throughout the story I could tell that behind the sarcasm, Freddie was crushing so hard on Ben. In the epilogue, it's obvious that he doesn't only love him, but he's almost worshipping him.

I expected this to be scorching hot, but it's actually hotter than I thought. It's actually a volcano that goes off, and off, and BOOM! Exhibitionism, cum play, multiple partners, humiliation kink...you name it, it's here.

I consider the ending to be a strong HEA, very unique and fitting for the couple. It's the beginning of an amazing adventure. I'd definitely read more about these two.

*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
Profile Image for Nemo ☠️ (pagesandprozac).
952 reviews491 followers
August 12, 2019
i have come to a very important conclusion.

i haven't been that fond of k.a. merikan's earlier works, but fucking hell they just get better and better as time goes on. christ. i can't wait to see what they come out with next!!!

also, this is the best erotica novella you will ever read in your life. guaranteed.
Profile Image for Nazanin.
1,282 reviews837 followers
November 18, 2017
4 Stars

At the age of eleven, Benjamin was fascinated with Frederick who is seventeen. Every night he watched Frederick from afar, but one night he chased him to reveal his secret. That night Benjamin touched himself three times over.

"The gate to hell had been opened, and nothing would ever be the same again."

After that night Benjamin touched himself every night, he knew it was wrong but he couldn’t stop himself. At the age of twenty-six he thinks he’s physically ill because of his problem. So he was introduced to a doctor. This seemingly doctor suggests a really strange advice! So if you want to know that advice, you should read it yourself! This story was short but enjoyable and I liked it!
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,935 reviews279 followers
March 27, 2017
​The authors promised a filthy romp with The Art of Mutual Pleasure, and I know they always deliver, so this book was a must. And now that I've read it, I can tell you what we get is even more filthy dirty that I thought it would be! And it was delicious. So delicious. Especially that scene at the end. Oh, happy day!​

I had a good chuckle about the dangers on Onanism and a good belly laugh at what the unconventional doctor prescribed our Benjamin. OMG. And poor Benjamin bought it -- hook, line and sinker. On the other hand, it was then that he really got a huge taste of his sexuality, so all's well that ends well, right? And this is why I am happy to be alive now, instead of Victorian times, because at least there is hope that a person can find accurate information on human sexuality (as much as some folks try to bury it).

​I adored Benjamin Snowley​ even when he was being prudish and judgmental. ​​​He was scared of thoughts and feelings he was having that made him feel ashamed. Especially after sneaking out of his school dorm when he was 13 after Frederick Cory​, not even realizing the reason he was so taken with Mr. Cory. And what does he happen upon? Frederick with another boy. My, oh my, how that changed Benjamin.

For years, after that, Benjamin is filled with shame because he cannot stop getting urges to masturbate (mostly while thinking about that night). And being as how ​​he was taught from a very young age that masturbating would cause health problems, he was convinced he would cause his own death! Oh, Benjamin. He never had Frederick's confidence, nor his charisma, but he could not stop thinking about Frederick, either.

​Frederick, after encountering Benjamin after they were both adults, was completely drawn to the younger man, even though Benjamin was completely a prude. ​Little does he know, at first, that Benjamin was like him.

What I loved most about this story was just how much Benjamin came to, not only accept himself, but embrace his desires. He's a dirty, dirty boy. He and Frederick really were two of a kind and them becoming friends was the best thing for them both. And did I mention filthy? Oh my, yes! And Benjamin gets off on exhibitionism and group play, too. Good thing Frederick does, too!

So, if you're in the mood for an extra dirty story with a historical setting, look no further. The Art of Mutual Pleasure is sure to deliver.

-------------------------
ARC of The Art of Mutual Pleasure was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,549 reviews2,237 followers
May 4, 2018
Genre: M/M Historical Erotica
Type: Standalone Novella
POV: Third Person
Rating:




Benjamin Snowley was plagued by an embarrassing affliction. His fondness for self pleasure brought him great distress and he believed it was the reason for the decline of his health. And it didn't help that Frederick Cory, a man from his past that started his problem kept challenging his will. But a consultation with a radical doctor brought him hope for a cure. Thus began his journey of self discovery that would either save him or bury him deeper than he was willing to go.



He had loved being but a vessel for a man’s seed.


If this is how hot historical erotica could be, I would have started reading the genre a long time ago. Regency era is not my thing, but I was pleasurably surprised how much I enjoyed this one. Well, the filth certainly helped tremendously lol!

It didn’t hurt to have a doctor’s finger up there but a prick? It would surely be a painful kind of therapy.


Benjamin's naivety was a constant source of amusement. He was so desperate for a cure that he would do anything if he believed it could help. I like Frederick's role in the story especially with his libertine ways and how he influenced Benjamin without actually pushing him.

Speaking became too difficult when every one of Frederick’s thrusts made Benjamin moan, and each time the cock brushed that spot inside of him that caused him so much pleasure, Benjamin writhed under his lover as if his body couldn’t wait to meet the prick again.


The sex scenes were plenty with various deliciously dirty situations. I'm proud of sweet young Benjamin who was actually daring and experimental.

Benjamin was on a road to hell, paved with wasted semen, so that even the back alleys of London didn’t pose that much of a threat any more.


The Art of Mutual Pleasure is a delightful tale of a man's journey of sexual awakening. It would appeal to readers looking for a lighthearted, short and sexy read.



💋 🍆 💋 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 💋 🍆 💋



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,765 followers
April 1, 2017
Everything started with that boy, Frederick Cory. Thirteen years old Benjamin was fascinated by him. When one night he followed him at the chapel and he saw what the seventeen years old Frederick did to seventeen years old George, Benjamin’s life changed forever.
Since then Benjamin became very ill and very weak.
And Frederick really was very cruel with Benjamin.

“Go. Go and say nothing. To anyone,” Frederick whispered. “Or I will make sure you suffer.”

10 years after, a “brilliant” doctor will “save” Benjamin. The “doctor” will explain to him that many males in his age are suffering from the same illness and he will suggest an innovative, world-shuttering “treatment”, which Benjamin will follow devotionally.

Honestly I could not help it feeling sorry for and laughing at the shy young man. Full of naivety and ignorance Benjamin believes the charlatan doctor and in a matter of weeks his morality, ethics and any hesitation goes out of the window.
On the other hand maybe it is the only way for him to embrace his true self.

Still Benjamin’s story is like a big, cruel joke.

Thankfully everything will end with that man, Frederick Cory. This time Frederick will be very gentle with Benjamin.

“If it was indeed my fault, time for me to take responsibility for my actions, isn’t it?”

So, there is a happy ending and Benjamin will never be ill or weak again.
Profile Image for chan ☆.
1,331 reviews60.4k followers
Read
January 3, 2019
smuttiest thing i've read in a while, for sure.

this was pretty twisted and definitely fetishy. lots of talk about "seed" and spilling it. so if that's your thing, maybe give this a go.

definitely not something i will personally be rereading but it wasn't bad per say. i don't rate smut but i'd say like 2 or 3 stars.
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
April 4, 2017
**4.5 stars** : what a HOT surprise !!!

As many readers stated, it’s deliciously filthy and as the authors indicated in their blurb, it’s a “dirty (DIRTY) love story with a HEA that works for the characters”.
But it’s also very funny (the self pollution, the fear of not being able to produce semen anymore, and let’s not talk about the unorthodox treatment), as well as refreshing (Benjamin’s naivety is a piece of art) and poignant (Benjamin’s struggle to admit his sexuality).

A must-read !!!
Profile Image for Trio.
3,609 reviews206 followers
April 4, 2017
Oh wow, that was even better than I could have hoped for. I read An Onanist's Journey to Reclaiming His Seed a few months ago and it was a really creative, fun story - my only complaint was I wanted more, more, more! In this rewrite the authors really develop Benjamin's character of a young man discovering his sexuality and learning to embrace it.

The introduction of Frederick was stellar, from Benjamin's awakening at 14, Freddy's character weaves in and out of the story and I couldn't wait for the scene when they would finally get together (and it was fantastic!).

One of my favorite parts about AOJtRHS was Tom's character. Tom shows Benjamin warmth and tenderness, even though he can't accept it yet. When Benjamin reflects on his unique experience with Tom it helps him put into perspective what he wants and needs in his life. I'm glad the authors kept this part and were able to incorporate it into the new story.

This new version of the story expands upon the original and adds some fantastic characters. It was a really great read!

a copy of this book was provided for my honest review
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews598 followers
August 1, 2018
I am flushing beet red trying to put my review into words, LOL. Seriously.

On the one hand I totally liked Benjamin and his extraordinary 'problem', on the other, his naivety was quite overwhelming and the way the story ended didn't sit right with me at all.

But first things first. Benjamin Snowly is a young gentleman living around 1811. His view on morale is - shall we say - super conservative. Sex before marriage? No go. Gambling? Never. Two men fornicating? They might as well jump down the gates of hell and save the church the trouble of condemning them. Masturbation? A good boy doesn't even think to go there.

In school, Benjamin watches an older student make out with another boy and the view inspires Benjamin to touch himself at night - a habit Benjamin is unable to shake for many years.

As an adult, Benjamin finds himself slowly wilting away, his eyesight getting worse and his pallor turning sickly. He is convinced that his habit of masturbation is the cause for his sorry state.

Thank god he finds a pamphlet advertising a doctor in London who is specialized in exactly that kind of malady. 



I did not really see that coming and while I do love character development in my stories, having a guy turn from prude conservative to a 
That's a bit much.

But I admit, the plot arc about the 'prescribed medication' was a real novelty, so I'm totally gonna rate this one

4 stars!
Profile Image for Vickie.
154 reviews9 followers
June 1, 2021
This book...
It was a fun ride but I was face palming a lot. Mostly because of the main character Ben. If you read my update I’m firmly on the “I want to hug him” side of the spectrum. Benjamin has a problem that involves his um little BenjaminHe sees his idol Frederick kissing another guy at the church off all places 😵 and freaks out. Basically he lectures them about it being a sin but since he’s 11 they don’t give a flip and threaten him. He gets turned on while he’s being threatened,cries, runs away, and goes back to his room to reacquaint his hand and his lil B. Fastfoward 15 years Ben is an art student ( I think? I skimmed a bit) and so is Frederick. This is set in the regency era so it’s a sin to masturbate, and Ben wholeheartedly agrees. He’s so ashamed to be doing but he can’t help himself. He has a run in with Frederick and friends and the tease him for being a prude and he gets upset and tells them they sub to save their seed for their wives, okay Ben. Anyways some rando on the streets tells him about a doctor that will help him with his little problem. He goes to the doctor and he sticks his fingers up Bens ass and jerks him off, all in the name of medicine. His diagnosis is that Ben needs to inject other seed because he is losing so much of his and it’s making him weak or some shit like that. Poor Ben believe this guys and goes skeins getting dicked down by anyone who’ll do it. His first is Tom, he was a servant and his moms house and took care of the horses. Tom was so cute and and super gentle with Ben. Their scene was very hot and sweet. The he goes to a brothel and let’s four men have his way him, still under the impression that he needs to inject their seed. Frederick finally breaks the news that what the doctor told him was BS and said doctor was a fake. Ben has a gay freak out but finally accepts that he’s a messy bench that loves drama (jk good pace reference) but he does accept that he’s a little sex monster. Him and Freddie start a relationship and travel all over the place. One the places being Italy where they meet a hot guy who fucks Ben while a bunch of people watch. Ben has sexy with like 7 guys in this book but it was fitting and super hot. Also there might be hypos but I’ll too lazy to go back and read this
Profile Image for Eugenia.
1,898 reviews319 followers
January 6, 2018
I loved this book!!!! Sure, the background was a bit hazy and it didn’t really feel historical, but who cares? Benjamin is a naive young man who masturbates too much (according to him). He seeks help from a quack of a doctor who advises him to collect seed from strong working class men, orally or anally. Ben takes to it like a fish to water. Man!!! Does he collect or what!!!!! It’s freaking awesome and hilarious!

OK, read this book. It’s funny. It’s full of sex. Dirty sex. Public sex. Just my kind of thing. Just don’t complain about it not being accurately “regency” okay?
Profile Image for Marion.
1,860 reviews42 followers
March 30, 2017
4.5 Stars!
The Art of Mutual Pleasure is a beautifully written and unique story that is insanely HOT and insanely entertaining! It is pure Merikan- every delicious, dirty word.
It gets the extra half star because I had to create a new category on my shelf just for this book: wet my panties.
Enough said.
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,680 reviews96 followers
April 4, 2017
Yes, it was hot, as promised. Very hot! K.A. Merikan certainly know how to turn on the heat.
And it was enjoyable as a whole.

But...

Benjamin's naivety was only cute and excusable until a certain point. After that it started to irritate me a bit. I had no problem buying his confusion about masturbation. Vilifying things like that was a thing of the time. I could even push myself (just) to believe that he would let himself be taken in by the doctor.
But finding him

I was having a hard time trying to understand him. Yes, he is lost and confused in a very bad way, that's true. However, here is a huge difference between And then STILL claim to have no idea he is gay?!? Sigh. That's pushing the boat out too far for me.

And I never really found out too much about Frederick - it's the bane of many novellas that there isn't enough 'time' to get to know the characters more intimately (well, we do get to know them 'intimately' enough here, but I felt Frederick remained a bit of an unknown quantity).
I am also sorry I could not feel a particular connection between the two men, at least not one that went beyond the carnal.

And that last scene - not my cup of tea.

I did enjoy this in general for what it was - a lot of well written, smouldering sex, but on the whole it felt that something was missing.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,994 reviews435 followers
March 27, 2017
All ends up brilliantly fulfilled. And that's just what shy, naive Benjamin gets when he sets off on his journey to enlightenment.

This is a very clever book, in that it looks at the Regency period when quacks peddling all kinds of ludicrous cures prayed on the folks of London and fleeced them of their hard earned coins.

It's also a highly erotic book, looking at one specific medical theorem which held that men only had so much semen in their bodies and spilling it by masturbating would weaken it.

After witnessing a teenage moment between two schoolboys while a boarder, Benjamin sets off down the road of self-pleasure but he's bedevilled with guilt and believes himself to be getting weaker each time he spills his seed.

At times its painful to read as his incredibly naivety puts him into dodgy situations and as he struggles with his feelings as he gets ever more debauched while still retaining his child like innocence.

Frederick was a gem and he's been keeping an eye out on Benjamin since the two men met up a decade or so after that incident at school. Once they got together things got even hotter and more erotic than they had been but they also brought a bundle of true emotions with them.

These two know how to write sex scenes that reach combustible levels and this story is no exception. Enjoy it, but keep a fan handy to cool yourself down because it's volcanic.

#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for River .
450 reviews73 followers
March 29, 2017
This is the story of Benjamin, a young man with a serious problem or so he thinks.
if you read the blurb you know he likes to masturbate, a lot, and he thinks this is getting him ill so he seeks for help, but the doctor takes advantage of this clueless boy and the cure he has is unexpected.

Frederick is someone that Benjamin met years ago in an incident with another boy, they are goint to meet again and Frederick is goingt to give Benjamin everything he needs.

This book is wow, the sex scenes are hot and it definitely shouldn't be read in public because when you giggle or blush people are going to look at you like you are crazy.
Benjamin is very naive and that gets him in crazy situations but at the end of the day he kept being a good guy at heart and his relationship with Frederick is perfect for the both of them. This is not the romance you might expect, this boys are all about exploring new things.

Kat and Agnes are great writers, they make this crazy stories that you don't expect, they get you out of your comfort zone and in the end is totally worth it.



**ARC given by authors in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for CC.
1,252 reviews730 followers
May 5, 2018
4.5 Stars!



Benjamin Snowley a young gentleman in the midst of a physical and emotional crisis due to his need for self-pleasure and being aroused by certain deviant acts. Feeling as though his urges for onanism are against societal norms, and because he wants a wife and child in the future, Benjamin seeks medical intervention for his affliction. Committed to healing himself, Benjamin sets out to reinvigorate his body and calm his mind.

“How can the same man be so graceful yet so debauched at the same time?”

As Benjamin learns his naivety has been harmful, he doesn’t want to be ashamed of the pleasure he experienced. With the help of an old friend, Benjamin is learns to accept who he is and embrace his sexual needs without guilt.

“If you were one of those men,” Benjamin said, losing all inhibition, “not only would your cock be inside of me, but also rub against another at the same time. I would squeeze you both so tightly.”

What transpires in this novella is an incredibly hot journey of self-discovery. From the beginning, Benjamin is an endearing character who tries to do what’s expected of him but it simply doesn’t mesh with his desires. When he experiences such a low point, it’s felt and rooting for Benjamin is like second nature.

“I am my own master, and my vices are my own."

The writing team of K.A. Merikan delivers a story of historical significance with a spin of filthy goodness. The Art of Mutual Pleasure would appeal to those looking for an unabashedly erotic and stimulating read with some heart.



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

description
description
Profile Image for Rachel.
753 reviews124 followers
March 30, 2017
This story is unique.

I wish I could quote Elle's review verbatim or, just have my review state: “What Elle said,” but I will do my best to offer a few original thoughts.

Although this tale has elements of romance, it reads more to me like a character’s journey of self-discovery and self-actualization. My inner child wanted to make a joke about self-love, but I will try to resist…I will, however, use a lot of “self” phrases in this review (FYI).

Benjamin Snowley is a quiet, inhibited, scholarly young man who begins the story in emotional tumult because he believes he is plagued by the unhealthy vice of self-pleasure. Due to some erroneous medical theories of the time, Benjamin believes that masturbation is responsible for mental and physical ill-health. He is filled with self-loathing and self-recriminations, and my heart hurt to see him suffer.

Benjamin lacks a caring support system; he is described over and over as “naïve,” and is easily persuaded to follow a course of medical treatment that is, to put it mildly, OTT. Because of this, it was upsetting for me to see Benjamin being taken advantage of in some scenes. And yet, what could be viewed as debasing and degrading actually allows Benjamin the opportunity to fully discover his sexual desires and proclivities. However, it isn’t until Benjamin forms a connection with a former adversary that he is fully empowered to embrace his sexual wants and needs.

The quibble I have with this story is that so much of the story revolves around Benjamin’s development, and not enough time is spent developing a romance. When the two former adversaries finally become lovers and discover their personal blend of sex and romance, I was intrigued, but unfortunately it was at the end of the story, and felt like too little, too late, for me.

I find it ironic that Benjamin is described as naïve, but it is I, the reader, who should wear that moniker. Benjamin’s path to self-discovery is strewn with a lot of different lovers. And . That just isn’t my cuppa romance. I am a jealous reader who (unrealistically) wants my MCs to be devoted solely to each other. At the end of this story, Benjamin and his lover are devoted to each other; they just have their own way of expressing this devotion.

I love that K.A. Merikan take chances with their stories. They write about the unique, the bizarre, the unusual, and I admire that. For adventurous readers who enjoy sexually adventurous MCs, this story is for you.

**ARC given by authors in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for BobbyH.
831 reviews37 followers
November 5, 2019
Beautifully written

Extremely well written book, about a man coming to terms with his sexuality . Not really my cup of tea but thought I would read something different and quite glad I did.
Profile Image for Rielle.
569 reviews68 followers
July 14, 2021
A naive young man finds love and his love of voyeurism.

This is an erotic novella. It’s erotic. There’s some plot. It’s mostly just loosely woven together sex scenes. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Adam.
611 reviews374 followers
June 4, 2017
Buddy review with Chelsea!

3.75 stars


I’ll acknowledge the obvious first: the premise of this book is silly and very unrealistic. But the authors were going for a light-hearted and sexy read, and they definitely accomplished that.

This book tells the story of Benjamin Snowley, an upper-class English gentleman who struggles with a major health concern - masturbation. He’s convinced that this his daily practice of “self-pollution” has resulted in his ailing health.

Benjamin consults a doctor with unorthodox methods. The doctor has a simple solution: in order to compensate for the vital fluids the Benjamin loses by masturbating, he’ll need to consume the stronger fluids of working-class men.

Benjamin struggles with this advice, but he soon finds a compelling reason to go through with it - the captivating stable boy on his country estate.

And so begins Benjamin’s descent into debauchery.

Benjamin takes to man-on-man action like a fish to water. He’s eager to try new things, and he soon finds that he prefers being on his knees and making his “donors” happy.

description

There’s a lot of sex in this book, which could easily have become stale or repetitive. But that wasn’t at all the case. Each sex scene was incredibly hot.

The romantic relationship doesn’t really come into play until the second half of the book. Benjamin’s love interest is Frederick Cory, a libertine who Benjamin went to school with, and who Benjamin blames for his health predicament.

But Frederick slowly brings Benjamin around, convincing him that sex is something pleasurable and acceptable on its own. It takes a while, but with Frederick’s support Benjamin finally learns to accept his desires and kinks.

I’d say this book is more so about Benjamin’s self-discovery than about a romantic relationship, but I still found the romance to be sweet, and the HEA was perfect for these two.

This book takes a lot of suspension of disbelief to enjoy. Benjamin’s naive belief in the “remedy” can get annoying at times. But even so, I ended up really liking this book.

If you’re looking for a sexy MM historical read and are willing to go with the flow, give ‘The Art of Mutual Pleasure’ a try!



Profile Image for Trio.
3,609 reviews206 followers
June 20, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much when I read it three years ago that I jumped at the chance to listen to K.A. Merikan’s The Art of Mutual Pleasure in audio, and I’m so glad I did!

New to me narrator James Reily does a marvelous job. What a variety of voices he comes up with for this varied cast of characters. Tom’s tenderness, Frederick’s teasing and his affection, the gruff working class men, every one is unique and spot on. Best of all, he absolutely gets Benjamin’s transformation. From innocent schoolboy, to stuffy, buttoned up prude, then finally blossoming into the wanton man he was meant to be. Listening to Benjamin gradually coming undone is truly a pleasure.

Read it, listen to it, either way The Art of Mutual Pleasure is fantastic.


an audiobook copy of The Art of Mutual Pleasure was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Profile Image for the kevin (vaguely alive).
969 reviews177 followers
April 29, 2022
Hilarious, hot, and somehow emotionally touching - really, all the hallmarks of a Merikan novel. The setup was funny from the start, and Benjamin was endearingly dingdong about everything, such a precious babby. And a kinky horny one, jeez. His journey to figuring himself out was surprisingly sweet, especially with Frederick there to help him. I felt so bad for him during parts of his realizations...so sad but he gets his HEA in the end.

All around a fun read!

HRT-signature-3

Read this review and more on my blog: 
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Chelsea.
978 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2017
4.5 hearts Buddy read with Adam!!!

That was so much better than I was expecting! I didn’t have high expectations for this one, I don’t know why, I love K.A Merikan and I’m glad they proved me wrong and reminded me why I should always trust their writing!



This is more of a self-discovery story than a romance, but it ends romantically, or happily? I don’t know if you can call orgies romantic? Either way I totally loved it!

Poor Benjamin lives in a time where masterbation or ‘self-abuse’ is the cause of many illness and even death, who knew right?!? It all started when he was 13 and witnessed an older schoolmate making out with another boy?! Oh the scandal! He couldn’t help but indulge in a little ‘self-abuse’ after that. Despite this he doesn’t understand his provilicaties lean towards the same sex until much much later in the book. So be prepared to watch Benjamin struggle with a huge amount of self-loathing.

This book had me shaking my head in disgust, my eyes popping out of my head and absolutely praying for Benjamin to get a clue!! but I loved watching the process of his self- awareness developing. My heart did break for him when he felt so isolated, It was nice when he finally found some freedom. That's what I love about the Merikan’s they so easily involve so many different emotions into their stories.


See the rest of my review here,


Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.