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House Of Pleasure #2
Simply Sinful
A WICKED PROPOSITION... Forced to wed at a young age, Abigail Beecham is tired of living in a sexless marriage. She longs to succumb to the delicious pleasures of pure carnal lust that she has only read about. And if her husband can't satisfy her erotic needs, she's ready to find a man who can...
A WILD PAST... Peter Howard is accustomed to unusual sexual requests. His ten years as a slave in a Turkish brothel left him skilled in sensual delights. But there is little that actually arouses him--until he meets Abigail. Now he longs to tease and torment her until she cries out with pleasure. Maybe then he'll finally experience that exquisite feeling of bliss he so desperately desires...
A WILD PAST... Peter Howard is accustomed to unusual sexual requests. His ten years as a slave in a Turkish brothel left him skilled in sensual delights. But there is little that actually arouses him--until he meets Abigail. Now he longs to tease and torment her until she cries out with pleasure. Maybe then he'll finally experience that exquisite feeling of bliss he so desperately desires...
314 pages, Trade Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
107 people are currently reading
1896 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
163 books1,844 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 12, 2008
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Great book; I loved it! It's a total sizzler and I would have given it five-stars if I hadn't been kind of annoyed by something near the end. But aside from that one thing, this was a really great erotic historical romance. Highly enjoyable.
Simply Sinful is the second book in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series. It focuses on a secondary character from book 1 (Simply Sensual), Peter Howard. Peter's had a rough life, having been kidnapped into sexual slavery at a young age and remaining there for many years. Because of that, his sexuality works in overdrive. For a long time, he's reveled in doing anything and everything. Lately, though, he's become a bit disenchanted. And he sees the happiness of his occasional bed partners Val and Sara and part of him yearns for something like that. Then his new lover, James Beecham, comes to Peter with a strange request - help James and his wife Abigail learn to satisfy each other in bed. Peter agrees. But what started out as a challenge becomes so much more as Peter gets to know Abigail. Soon, emotions are involved...Abigail is married to James, though. Neither is sure there is a way for them to find happiness together.
This book is definitely not one for everybody. Sexually, it's got a little bit of everything from straight up explicit sex, to male/male sex, to threesomes, toys, bondage and more. So it's not for the feint at heart.
Pearce does a fantastic job writing erotica, though, and makes each scene interesting and unique so that you're never bored or feeling like you're reading the same sex scene over and over. And this is definitely a cold shower-worthy book!
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book, and this series, is that it's an erotic historical romance that actually feels like a historical. I've read some others that come across more contemporary because of the dialogue, actions, and whatnot, but Pearce's writing makes this book feel more true to the period. The sex-language, though, is more modern...but I have no complaints on that. It makes the book more readable.
Aside from all that...I really enjoyed the character of Peter. He's definitely a unique guy, and mentally strong to have gone through what he did and managed to survive rather well. Abigail was great character as well. And the romance between the two was good. I thought this book had a more romantic feel to it than book 1 did. The love was a little more palpable. And the James-aspect definitely made things interesting!
My one big complaint on this book was with regards to the relationship between Peter and Valentin (book 1). The two have a very complex relationship as friends and sometimes lovers. Early in the book, Val tells Peter that he doesn't want Peter in his (Val's) and Sara's bed any longer. It creates a nasty conflict between the two. Then near the end, Val relents and says he misses him and wants Peter to come back to him and Sara. And it's just left like that. When I finished the book, I had no idea if Peter actually would still sleep with both Val and Sara...or how that would involve Abigail. And it annoyed the heck out of me! I really, really wanted to know how that was going to work out. I thought Peter should have talked to Abigail about him and Valentin. But it was just left very vague. I hate things like that! So that's why I couldn't give this book the full five-stars.
But otherwise, I'd highly recommend this book and this series for those of you who like erotic historical romance and who don't mind the various sexual themes.
Great book; I loved it! It's a total sizzler and I would have given it five-stars if I hadn't been kind of annoyed by something near the end. But aside from that one thing, this was a really great erotic historical romance. Highly enjoyable.
Simply Sinful is the second book in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series. It focuses on a secondary character from book 1 (Simply Sensual), Peter Howard. Peter's had a rough life, having been kidnapped into sexual slavery at a young age and remaining there for many years. Because of that, his sexuality works in overdrive. For a long time, he's reveled in doing anything and everything. Lately, though, he's become a bit disenchanted. And he sees the happiness of his occasional bed partners Val and Sara and part of him yearns for something like that. Then his new lover, James Beecham, comes to Peter with a strange request - help James and his wife Abigail learn to satisfy each other in bed. Peter agrees. But what started out as a challenge becomes so much more as Peter gets to know Abigail. Soon, emotions are involved...Abigail is married to James, though. Neither is sure there is a way for them to find happiness together.
This book is definitely not one for everybody. Sexually, it's got a little bit of everything from straight up explicit sex, to male/male sex, to threesomes, toys, bondage and more. So it's not for the feint at heart.
Pearce does a fantastic job writing erotica, though, and makes each scene interesting and unique so that you're never bored or feeling like you're reading the same sex scene over and over. And this is definitely a cold shower-worthy book!
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book, and this series, is that it's an erotic historical romance that actually feels like a historical. I've read some others that come across more contemporary because of the dialogue, actions, and whatnot, but Pearce's writing makes this book feel more true to the period. The sex-language, though, is more modern...but I have no complaints on that. It makes the book more readable.
Aside from all that...I really enjoyed the character of Peter. He's definitely a unique guy, and mentally strong to have gone through what he did and managed to survive rather well. Abigail was great character as well. And the romance between the two was good. I thought this book had a more romantic feel to it than book 1 did. The love was a little more palpable. And the James-aspect definitely made things interesting!
My one big complaint on this book was with regards to the relationship between Peter and Valentin (book 1). The two have a very complex relationship as friends and sometimes lovers. Early in the book, Val tells Peter that he doesn't want Peter in his (Val's) and Sara's bed any longer. It creates a nasty conflict between the two. Then near the end, Val relents and says he misses him and wants Peter to come back to him and Sara. And it's just left like that. When I finished the book, I had no idea if Peter actually would still sleep with both Val and Sara...or how that would involve Abigail. And it annoyed the heck out of me! I really, really wanted to know how that was going to work out. I thought Peter should have talked to Abigail about him and Valentin. But it was just left very vague. I hate things like that! So that's why I couldn't give this book the full five-stars.
But otherwise, I'd highly recommend this book and this series for those of you who like erotic historical romance and who don't mind the various sexual themes.
September 28, 2010
This erotic writing might cause readers to become hot, bothered and breathless.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This book is the sequel to Simply Sexual. Simply Sexual is the story about Val meeting and marrying Sara. Simply Sinful is about Peter and Abigail. I recommend reading Val’s story first and then Peter’s story soon after. I waited 30 days before reading Peter’s story and had some confusion trying to remember parts from the first book. For readers who liked the first book, this is more of the same. Read this for the erotica, not for the story. The characters were fine. The first book had some fresh and clever dialogue which I liked. I didn’t notice that as much in this book, but it was still good. There is a lot of gay sex (two men), ménage a trios (two men, one woman), rear door activity, bondage and sex toys.
STORY BRIEF:
Val and Peter were kidnapped and kept as sex slaves in a Turkish brothel for seven years. An Englishman discovered them, bought their freedom and brought them home to England. Peter is bisexual and is tired of his life of casual sex. When James was 18, his father discovered that James was gay. The father forced James to marry Abigail. James and Abigail are great friends but have lived apart for fifteen years. All of a sudden Abigail wants a child. Since James needs male influence to be able to perform, he asks Peter to have ménage a trois activity with him and his wife. The three end up in love in different ways with each other.
DATA:
Story length: 303 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 18. Length of sex scenes: 7 short scenes (less than 2 pages) and 11 long scenes (2.8 to 15.6 pages). Total number of sex scene pages: 89. Setting: 1817 England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Kate Pearce books, see my 4 star review of “Simply Sexual” posted 10/02/08.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This book is the sequel to Simply Sexual. Simply Sexual is the story about Val meeting and marrying Sara. Simply Sinful is about Peter and Abigail. I recommend reading Val’s story first and then Peter’s story soon after. I waited 30 days before reading Peter’s story and had some confusion trying to remember parts from the first book. For readers who liked the first book, this is more of the same. Read this for the erotica, not for the story. The characters were fine. The first book had some fresh and clever dialogue which I liked. I didn’t notice that as much in this book, but it was still good. There is a lot of gay sex (two men), ménage a trios (two men, one woman), rear door activity, bondage and sex toys.
STORY BRIEF:
Val and Peter were kidnapped and kept as sex slaves in a Turkish brothel for seven years. An Englishman discovered them, bought their freedom and brought them home to England. Peter is bisexual and is tired of his life of casual sex. When James was 18, his father discovered that James was gay. The father forced James to marry Abigail. James and Abigail are great friends but have lived apart for fifteen years. All of a sudden Abigail wants a child. Since James needs male influence to be able to perform, he asks Peter to have ménage a trois activity with him and his wife. The three end up in love in different ways with each other.
DATA:
Story length: 303 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 18. Length of sex scenes: 7 short scenes (less than 2 pages) and 11 long scenes (2.8 to 15.6 pages). Total number of sex scene pages: 89. Setting: 1817 England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Kate Pearce books, see my 4 star review of “Simply Sexual” posted 10/02/08.
June 26, 2019
3.5 stars
January 3, 2011
This one had a little bit of everything you could possibly crave in an erotic novel...ménage, BDSM, anal play, love triangle...better yet what's it called when there are 2 couples with a single caught in the middle? There was even a little vanilla sex thrown in for good measure!
Peter is, of course, a tortured and lost soul. He is bent on making himself suffer for a past in which he haas no control. When he meets the Beechams and becomes involved in a complicated romantic relationship with them, it is beautiful but tragic for all three involved. I was unsure how the outcome could possibly leave me feeling satisfied, but never fear! Pearce did an excellent job of a complicated situation.
______________________________________________________________________
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Peter is, of course, a tortured and lost soul. He is bent on making himself suffer for a past in which he haas no control. When he meets the Beechams and becomes involved in a complicated romantic relationship with them, it is beautiful but tragic for all three involved. I was unsure how the outcome could possibly leave me feeling satisfied, but never fear! Pearce did an excellent job of a complicated situation.
______________________________________________________________________
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
September 7, 2012
"Escravos da Paixão" é o segundo volume da série Casa do Prazer editado pela Quinta Essência.
Para os que não estão familiarizados com esta série, mas com os designios da editora, logo percebem que se trata de um romance direccionado para o público feminino. Mas, este romance tem uma particularidade, tal como o seu antecessor "Escravos do Amor", a vertente sexual é bem mais significativa do que a emocional, ou seja, sexo é uma constante, e de estória temos pouco.
Enquanto que o primeiro livro se foca em Valentin, este segundo tem como personagem principal Peter Howard, o amigo intímo (bem íntimo!) do Lorde Sokorvsky.
Dos dois ex-escravos sexuais, Peter é o mais atormentado e, talvez por isso, o mais interessante até agora.
Kate Pearce tem como imagem de marca o uso e abuso de cenas sexuais, deizando a parte estórica aquém, mas, mesmo mantendo o seu principal objectivo, a autora soube aproveitar o potencial deste personagem, dando ao leitor um pouco mais que algum divertimento momentâneo.
Mais uma vez temos um triângulo amoroso, mas bem diferente do primeiro, visto que se conhecem de forma completamente diferente e distinta.
Confesso que no íncio achei que James viria a ser o obstáculo ao casal Peter e Abby, mas depressa percebi que este personagem seria o elo de ligação, mas também uma mais valia, daí que achei que o seu final foi um pouco oportuno e conveniente de mais.
Abby encantou-me pela sua impulsividade e personalidade forte, contrastando com o carisma e relativa submissão de Peter.
Embora a vertente romântica esteja apenas relativamente desenvolvida, é perceptível e cativante para o leitor, que se deixa embrenhar nas tramas da acção fora e dentro da cama!
Kate Pearce alcança o seu objectivo de entreter o público mais atrevido e sem tabus com uma escrita fluente, acção e romance q.b. e, sexo, muito sexo sem preconceitos!
"Escravos da Paixão" é uma leitura que em nada inova, mas que suplanta o patamar do primeiro livro e que fascina o leitor pela sua explicitude.
Depois de Valentin e Peter, espero que o terceiro volume arrase!
Para os que não estão familiarizados com esta série, mas com os designios da editora, logo percebem que se trata de um romance direccionado para o público feminino. Mas, este romance tem uma particularidade, tal como o seu antecessor "Escravos do Amor", a vertente sexual é bem mais significativa do que a emocional, ou seja, sexo é uma constante, e de estória temos pouco.
Enquanto que o primeiro livro se foca em Valentin, este segundo tem como personagem principal Peter Howard, o amigo intímo (bem íntimo!) do Lorde Sokorvsky.
Dos dois ex-escravos sexuais, Peter é o mais atormentado e, talvez por isso, o mais interessante até agora.
Kate Pearce tem como imagem de marca o uso e abuso de cenas sexuais, deizando a parte estórica aquém, mas, mesmo mantendo o seu principal objectivo, a autora soube aproveitar o potencial deste personagem, dando ao leitor um pouco mais que algum divertimento momentâneo.
Mais uma vez temos um triângulo amoroso, mas bem diferente do primeiro, visto que se conhecem de forma completamente diferente e distinta.
Confesso que no íncio achei que James viria a ser o obstáculo ao casal Peter e Abby, mas depressa percebi que este personagem seria o elo de ligação, mas também uma mais valia, daí que achei que o seu final foi um pouco oportuno e conveniente de mais.
Abby encantou-me pela sua impulsividade e personalidade forte, contrastando com o carisma e relativa submissão de Peter.
Embora a vertente romântica esteja apenas relativamente desenvolvida, é perceptível e cativante para o leitor, que se deixa embrenhar nas tramas da acção fora e dentro da cama!
Kate Pearce alcança o seu objectivo de entreter o público mais atrevido e sem tabus com uma escrita fluente, acção e romance q.b. e, sexo, muito sexo sem preconceitos!
"Escravos da Paixão" é uma leitura que em nada inova, mas que suplanta o patamar do primeiro livro e que fascina o leitor pela sua explicitude.
Depois de Valentin e Peter, espero que o terceiro volume arrase!
April 16, 2011
I know I've been dragging this one for a ridiculously long time. I blame it on the sex. No, the sex wasn't bad, it was just...plentiful. Everywhere, Every position, Every variation.
The story starts off with Peter Howard, the third wheel from the previous book, reeling from his BFF/lover's rejection. He shacks in with James, a gay Peer with darker tastes and a near virginal wife who wants a baby. Abigail, James's wife, has a loving friendship with her husband, but sex has always been a failure on both sides. But after 16 years of marriage, Abigail wants more and she wants a baby. James arranges sexual lessons, for the lack of a better description, for him and his wife. In the meantime, he also wants to enjoy some gay loving. Peter and Abigail befriend each other and begin to understand each other in a level that one would not expect. They explore Abigail's blooming sexuality together, eventually graduating to the next level, adding James into the mix. But there is more than sex going on this story. Peter needs answers, about his family, which he has been running from for years. And his relationship with his BFF, Val, has also been thrown off kilter. He needs to learn to love himself, before he has a possibility of loving anybody. In his case, the special woman happens to be Abigail. His special man, I think, is Val. Anyway, Val and Peter don't get intimate in this book (though Val finally gets his feelings across). Back to the Peter-Abigail-James story. They start the fuckathon, basically exploring more possibilities. Until they begin Project Birthday surprise James, in which the discover the BDSM submissive tendencies that James has. More stuff happen, angst and, until they all decide that the best way to deal with all the love is to let James return to his master in Jamaica, and let Abigail and Peter live in sin, AFTER she gets pregnant with James's heir. See, another HEA, with a twist to the traditional.
I would actually rate this higher, if it didn't get wacky with the sex. Seriously, at one point, I was actually shocked to find that Ms. Pearce included vaginal dp. If you don't already know what that it, you don't want to know. And we're talking really well-endowed men.
Abigail was an interesting character. I liked her. As most HR, she was not very sexually aggressive, but whatevs. Peter was a bit too self-destructive, but he was a really good guy. I liked him and felt that his responses were natural. James was a little too...extreme for me. He seemed ok, I guess, but he was an uber guy, who didn't empathize well. Plus his tastes were highly disturbing to me. I can do light BDSM, but he's hardcore, pain is pleasure type. The relationship between Val and Peter was so dangerous, but I wanted so much more from their interactions. We got Peter's pov, but it wasn't until the end that we understood what Val was asking for. Val isn't really known for his social skills, so I should be more understanding.
Overall, a sexy read. Lots of angst and emotion, but I didn't really care about Peter's past, so that part didn't interest me. The way the extramarital relationship was handled, was definitely the defining moment of this book. It's definitely unique and nontraditional.
Warning: MM sexual encounters, MF sexual encounters, anal sex, sex toys, MFM sexual encounters, double penetration (both kinds - I won't get explicit with this one), female to male crossdressing, exhibition, voyeurism, and BDSM.
The story starts off with Peter Howard, the third wheel from the previous book, reeling from his BFF/lover's rejection. He shacks in with James, a gay Peer with darker tastes and a near virginal wife who wants a baby. Abigail, James's wife, has a loving friendship with her husband, but sex has always been a failure on both sides. But after 16 years of marriage, Abigail wants more and she wants a baby. James arranges sexual lessons, for the lack of a better description, for him and his wife. In the meantime, he also wants to enjoy some gay loving. Peter and Abigail befriend each other and begin to understand each other in a level that one would not expect. They explore Abigail's blooming sexuality together, eventually graduating to the next level, adding James into the mix. But there is more than sex going on this story. Peter needs answers, about his family, which he has been running from for years. And his relationship with his BFF, Val, has also been thrown off kilter. He needs to learn to love himself, before he has a possibility of loving anybody. In his case, the special woman happens to be Abigail. His special man, I think, is Val. Anyway, Val and Peter don't get intimate in this book (though Val finally gets his feelings across). Back to the Peter-Abigail-James story. They start the fuckathon, basically exploring more possibilities. Until they begin Project Birthday surprise James, in which the discover the BDSM submissive tendencies that James has. More stuff happen, angst and, until they all decide that the best way to deal with all the love is to let James return to his master in Jamaica, and let Abigail and Peter live in sin, AFTER she gets pregnant with James's heir. See, another HEA, with a twist to the traditional.
I would actually rate this higher, if it didn't get wacky with the sex. Seriously, at one point, I was actually shocked to find that Ms. Pearce included vaginal dp. If you don't already know what that it, you don't want to know. And we're talking really well-endowed men.
Abigail was an interesting character. I liked her. As most HR, she was not very sexually aggressive, but whatevs. Peter was a bit too self-destructive, but he was a really good guy. I liked him and felt that his responses were natural. James was a little too...extreme for me. He seemed ok, I guess, but he was an uber guy, who didn't empathize well. Plus his tastes were highly disturbing to me. I can do light BDSM, but he's hardcore, pain is pleasure type. The relationship between Val and Peter was so dangerous, but I wanted so much more from their interactions. We got Peter's pov, but it wasn't until the end that we understood what Val was asking for. Val isn't really known for his social skills, so I should be more understanding.
Overall, a sexy read. Lots of angst and emotion, but I didn't really care about Peter's past, so that part didn't interest me. The way the extramarital relationship was handled, was definitely the defining moment of this book. It's definitely unique and nontraditional.
Warning: MM sexual encounters, MF sexual encounters, anal sex, sex toys, MFM sexual encounters, double penetration (both kinds - I won't get explicit with this one), female to male crossdressing, exhibition, voyeurism, and BDSM.
September 17, 2020
All the things to be praised about Simply Sexual can be said for Simply Sinful. Continuing on with the author's great erotic prose, pretty decent plots, thought out character dilemmas and general messaging about sexuality and relationships, Simply Sinful takes a look at Peter's chance for a happily ever after.
In Simply Sexual, Peter's main role was to illustrate Val's voracious sexual appetites that Val and Sara embrace head-on. In Simply Sinful, Peter once again is introduced to a couple that needs to resolve their intimacy issues, so his whole thing is that he does not want to be a third wheel anymore, albeit a very welcome third wheel. My main issue with Simply Sinful was that I honestly felt Peter had a stronger emotional connection to Val and James than to Abigail, who he ends up with in the end.
I really liked Abigail but I felt that Abigail didn't hold the room the way Val or James did. She was sweet but unlike Sara who embraced the House of Pleasures, she felt not exactly mousy but very agreeable - she was less dynamic as a character.
I just didn’t believe their chemistry.
If Peter loves Abigail because of her sweetness and the calm she brings him, Kate Pearce could have done more to play into the sweetness of a no fuss, no muss love that uplifts, rather than a love that is fiery and possessive passion.
But because I didn't really get sold on that but Peter's fight with Val and his initial tension with James, I was left wanting more. I also felt that the break between Peter and Val was a bit contrived, and it felt it was done so that Peter could explore his issues with a new couple.
Overall however I really have no complaints. Very spicy fun!
In Simply Sexual, Peter's main role was to illustrate Val's voracious sexual appetites that Val and Sara embrace head-on. In Simply Sinful, Peter once again is introduced to a couple that needs to resolve their intimacy issues, so his whole thing is that he does not want to be a third wheel anymore, albeit a very welcome third wheel. My main issue with Simply Sinful was that I honestly felt Peter had a stronger emotional connection to Val and James than to Abigail, who he ends up with in the end.
I really liked Abigail but I felt that Abigail didn't hold the room the way Val or James did. She was sweet but unlike Sara who embraced the House of Pleasures, she felt not exactly mousy but very agreeable - she was less dynamic as a character.
I just didn’t believe their chemistry.
If Peter loves Abigail because of her sweetness and the calm she brings him, Kate Pearce could have done more to play into the sweetness of a no fuss, no muss love that uplifts, rather than a love that is fiery and possessive passion.
But because I didn't really get sold on that but Peter's fight with Val and his initial tension with James, I was left wanting more. I also felt that the break between Peter and Val was a bit contrived, and it felt it was done so that Peter could explore his issues with a new couple.
Overall however I really have no complaints. Very spicy fun!
February 20, 2016
This book is dreadful. Did the author do any research at all? Does the author know anything at all about writing a story that is believable?
I wish there was a way to wash my eyeballs. The plot is not remotely possible. Yes, there were brothels in Regency England, and yes, there were places for men to get it on with men. But since sex with men was a hanging offence at the time, I sincerely doubt men would have been prancing around where others could see them, no matter how exclusive the membership list of the House of Pleasures is. There are other things I found completely unbelievable about the HofP.
The antics among the three main characters had no credibility. I really doubt that modistes stripped their female clientele in front of men, even their husbands, and especially not in front of a man not the woman’s husband. I also sincerely doubt a modiste, whose income was dependent upon reputation, would have allowed men to grope a client.
As for the things they got up to at home, has the author never heard of servants and servants’ gossip? Servants knew everything their employers were up to.
The resolution of the story is contrived. Nothing felt natural or remotely plausible. The gossip would have been outrageous and would have been the ruin of Valentin’s and Peter’s business.
OTOH, if all you care about is sex sex sex sex in as many varied ways as possible, and you don’t care about history, proper spacing after commas, a decent plot.
November 29, 2012
Aquando da leitura de Escravos do Amor, afirmei que provavelmente não leria mais nenhum livro desta série, excepto o do Peter. Apesar de não ter achado o primeiro volume nada de extraordinário, Peter intrigou-me. Quem leu o primeiro volume sabe que Peter não apresentava uma inclinação sexual mais forte por nenhum dos géneros, dormindo tanto com homens, como com mulheres. Por isso perguntava-me de que género seria a pessoa com que Peter iria assentar e essa é a razão principal que me levou a ler o livro.
Durante algum tempo achei o livro razoável. Era muito semelhante ao primeiro, com pouca história e muito sexo- a dois [homem-homem ou homem-mulher] ou a três, tudo descrito de forma muito crua e directa, como é característico de Kate Pearce- mas como já li o primeiro à meses, e este é um livro ligeiro [que é o que eu estava mesmo a precisar], relevei esse aspecto e tentei desfrutar a história, até porque mesmo sendo muito semelhante, apresentava algumas diferenças.
O pior é que, a partir de certo ponto, comecei a exasperar com Peter. Ele mudou de personalidade, ou melhor dizendo, deixou cair a máscara que apresentava à sociedade e em consequência disso tornou-se uma personagem deprimente, insegura, um pouco brusca e dramática. Ora, num dia normal eu conseguiria lidar bem com isso, mas hoje não em sinto particularmente generosa e não tenho paciência para lidar com drama queens: “Ai coitadinho de mim toda a gente me usa e abusa e depois me abandona.. Ninguém me ama. Será que um dia vou encontrar alguém que me ame? Não, claro que não! Eu não mereço ser amado” buah-ah-ah .. Peço desculpa se estou a ser insensível ou a magoar alguém, mas não há quem aguente. Só me apetecia abaná-lo e dizer “Deixa de ter peninha de ti próprio e faz-te à vida homem! Respeita-te e ama-te e eventualmente vais aceitar que tens pessoas que te amam.Arre porra! Seria de esperar que um homem que passou o que tu passaste soubesse lidar melhor com as situações, tivesse força de vontade e um respeito saudável por si próprio!”
Mas pronto, frustrações à parte, gostei mais do primeiro volume e fico-me definitivamente por aqui no que concerne a esta série. Já agora, o Peter envolveu-se com um casal. Ficou com o homem ou com a mulher? Terão de ler para saber a resposta *muahahah*
Livro lido no Club Blog Ring, cedido pela Mafi! Obrigada fofinha!
Durante algum tempo achei o livro razoável. Era muito semelhante ao primeiro, com pouca história e muito sexo- a dois [homem-homem ou homem-mulher] ou a três, tudo descrito de forma muito crua e directa, como é característico de Kate Pearce- mas como já li o primeiro à meses, e este é um livro ligeiro [que é o que eu estava mesmo a precisar], relevei esse aspecto e tentei desfrutar a história, até porque mesmo sendo muito semelhante, apresentava algumas diferenças.
O pior é que, a partir de certo ponto, comecei a exasperar com Peter. Ele mudou de personalidade, ou melhor dizendo, deixou cair a máscara que apresentava à sociedade e em consequência disso tornou-se uma personagem deprimente, insegura, um pouco brusca e dramática. Ora, num dia normal eu conseguiria lidar bem com isso, mas hoje não em sinto particularmente generosa e não tenho paciência para lidar com drama queens: “Ai coitadinho de mim toda a gente me usa e abusa e depois me abandona.. Ninguém me ama. Será que um dia vou encontrar alguém que me ame? Não, claro que não! Eu não mereço ser amado” buah-ah-ah .. Peço desculpa se estou a ser insensível ou a magoar alguém, mas não há quem aguente. Só me apetecia abaná-lo e dizer “Deixa de ter peninha de ti próprio e faz-te à vida homem! Respeita-te e ama-te e eventualmente vais aceitar que tens pessoas que te amam.
Mas pronto, frustrações à parte, gostei mais do primeiro volume e fico-me definitivamente por aqui no que concerne a esta série. Já agora, o Peter envolveu-se com um casal. Ficou com o homem ou com a mulher? Terão de ler para saber a resposta *muahahah*
Livro lido no Club Blog Ring, cedido pela Mafi! Obrigada fofinha!
August 18, 2011
This book is much better than the previous. Perhaps I didn't enjoy Valentin's hot-temper regardless that he is a beautiful man but Peter Howard, he is something. I loved and enjoyed every bits of this book. I started to like Peter for the very beginning his character being introduced. He's a man meant to be loved, to be desired and to be wanted. He is someone that makes you wanted him. He actually can make you wanted him.
In this book, there's James and Abigail. The Beechams. Though this book tells me that Peter is more interested in Abigail but I felt no chemistry, no such fireworks between them and that is so frustrating. Unlike Peter and Sara (in book 1), chemistry is there. And James, I don't know what to say about this man. Let's just say that he likes brutal and he's different. I tried to conclude what he is to Peter or otherwise but I just can't find the perfect word. Alright, that's all.
In this book, there's James and Abigail. The Beechams. Though this book tells me that Peter is more interested in Abigail but I felt no chemistry, no such fireworks between them and that is so frustrating. Unlike Peter and Sara (in book 1), chemistry is there. And James, I don't know what to say about this man. Let's just say that he likes brutal and he's different. I tried to conclude what he is to Peter or otherwise but I just can't find the perfect word. Alright, that's all.
February 27, 2022
no James = not good
March 5, 2018
Leí hace tiempo el primer libro de esta serie y me dejo que ni fu ni fa, la historia de Peter me ha gustado mucho más, escenas de alto voltaje que subirían colores a señores Grey y la importancia de quererse a uno mismo.
August 9, 2014
This is the second installment in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series & boy is it an angstfest! I like my fair share of angst but between Peter, Val, Sara & Abby, I felt I needed a drink & they needed a therapist. Sheesh. This is Peter's story & while he wasn't my favorite character from book 1, I appreciated the chance to get to know more about him & what made him tick.
I was glad to see Val/Sara again but their part in the story was more frustrating than enjoyable. Sara is pregnant & Val asks Peter not to join them in bed any longer, Peter gets really hurt & storms off without giving Val the chance to explain why he's requested that. Honestly, we never find out what Val meant really. It just turns into this angsty thread of the story of half-finished conversations, stilted letters, varying states of tantrums & more storming & flouncing about than adults should employ. And the resolution of that thread in the end made the whole thing feel like a complete contrivance & the sole reason for Val/Sara to be in the story. Personally, I'd rather have had only the mention of their expecting a child than be subjected to all that nonsense. Peter was well able to whip up the angst on a tissue of a comment & jumping to conclusions anyway. *sigh*
Now on to the point of this journey, Peter. I liked that we delved more into his past & are given a look at just how emotionally closed off he is. His self-loathing wears though, so you've got to have the fortitude to stick with him because he does come out on the other side of it. I didn't very much like that so often he turned his self-loathing into almost demonization of Val. It was so stark a contrast from what is presented in book 1 (& is actually true) that I found I was annoyed Peter was being so self-indulgent... repeatedly. Even considering all he'd been through, he was downright petulant. I quite loved the B-plot of him finding out about his origins. That made me happy because not having that information or connection so informed him. Kate Pearce seems to really write B-plots that engage me as much as the main.
I liked Abby for the most part. She's no Sara but she seemed so well suited to Peter (and he to her) that I forgave her for it (honestly, Peter's no Valentin either). She was a bit tedious when she was in town being outfitted in new clothes & still kept yammering on about her dowdiness & utter lack of appeal she inspires in men. It would have been annoying as false modesty but it's clear Abby is so simple in that way, she's not taken note of what's right in front of her or has been keeping her company in bed for weeks. It's still annoying because it made me begin to wonder if she were right & Peter had no reason to be falling for or desiring her. She seemed to stop all of that at some point so it's all for the better.
James was a selfish pain. I got the basic attraction between he & Peter but I never got to the "in love" part. James was far too self-involved to convince me that he wasn't selfish in bed, with his wife or Peter. I didn't get why Abby or Peter held anything but a passing physical interest in him. I wasn't all-in for the whole slave/master night at Madame Helene's (neither was Peter, btw) but it was interesting to find out what James craved, even if neither Abby nor Peter were able to go there with him. Still, I was happy for James returning to Jamaica to find his long lost one true love. It seemed the only relationship he'd had where he was truly satisfied & inclined to share, so I applaud it.
I sort of liked Peter/Abby's HEA but part of me did wish that Peter got to have a wife & child in name also. Their arrangement would have been a little more satisfying to me if family, legacy & progeny weren't made so important to Peter. He cared to know where & who he came from & it seemed a little odd that he would be fine with having a child who would never really be recognized as his or even know. But maybe that's just me. I imagine Anthony (Val's younger brother) in the time-out corner at Helene's will be explained in a subsequent book. I was definitely curious about what's going on with him.
There's just about every variation of coupling & tripling in this book & not surprisingly, it's well done. The final night at Helene's isn't for the faint of heart but if you're already this far into the series, you know what this is. This installment definitely didn't come across as high on romance to me but it was very much about love & acceptance & I very much loved that. While this has not surpassed my absolute love of the first book, I'll absolutely continue on with this series.
I was glad to see Val/Sara again but their part in the story was more frustrating than enjoyable. Sara is pregnant & Val asks Peter not to join them in bed any longer, Peter gets really hurt & storms off without giving Val the chance to explain why he's requested that. Honestly, we never find out what Val meant really. It just turns into this angsty thread of the story of half-finished conversations, stilted letters, varying states of tantrums & more storming & flouncing about than adults should employ. And the resolution of that thread in the end made the whole thing feel like a complete contrivance & the sole reason for Val/Sara to be in the story. Personally, I'd rather have had only the mention of their expecting a child than be subjected to all that nonsense. Peter was well able to whip up the angst on a tissue of a comment & jumping to conclusions anyway. *sigh*
Now on to the point of this journey, Peter. I liked that we delved more into his past & are given a look at just how emotionally closed off he is. His self-loathing wears though, so you've got to have the fortitude to stick with him because he does come out on the other side of it. I didn't very much like that so often he turned his self-loathing into almost demonization of Val. It was so stark a contrast from what is presented in book 1 (& is actually true) that I found I was annoyed Peter was being so self-indulgent... repeatedly. Even considering all he'd been through, he was downright petulant. I quite loved the B-plot of him finding out about his origins. That made me happy because not having that information or connection so informed him. Kate Pearce seems to really write B-plots that engage me as much as the main.
I liked Abby for the most part. She's no Sara but she seemed so well suited to Peter (and he to her) that I forgave her for it (honestly, Peter's no Valentin either). She was a bit tedious when she was in town being outfitted in new clothes & still kept yammering on about her dowdiness & utter lack of appeal she inspires in men. It would have been annoying as false modesty but it's clear Abby is so simple in that way, she's not taken note of what's right in front of her or has been keeping her company in bed for weeks. It's still annoying because it made me begin to wonder if she were right & Peter had no reason to be falling for or desiring her. She seemed to stop all of that at some point so it's all for the better.
James was a selfish pain. I got the basic attraction between he & Peter but I never got to the "in love" part. James was far too self-involved to convince me that he wasn't selfish in bed, with his wife or Peter. I didn't get why Abby or Peter held anything but a passing physical interest in him. I wasn't all-in for the whole slave/master night at Madame Helene's (neither was Peter, btw) but it was interesting to find out what James craved, even if neither Abby nor Peter were able to go there with him. Still, I was happy for James returning to Jamaica to find his long lost one true love. It seemed the only relationship he'd had where he was truly satisfied & inclined to share, so I applaud it.
I sort of liked Peter/Abby's HEA but part of me did wish that Peter got to have a wife & child in name also. Their arrangement would have been a little more satisfying to me if family, legacy & progeny weren't made so important to Peter. He cared to know where & who he came from & it seemed a little odd that he would be fine with having a child who would never really be recognized as his or even know. But maybe that's just me. I imagine Anthony (Val's younger brother) in the time-out corner at Helene's will be explained in a subsequent book. I was definitely curious about what's going on with him.
There's just about every variation of coupling & tripling in this book & not surprisingly, it's well done. The final night at Helene's isn't for the faint of heart but if you're already this far into the series, you know what this is. This installment definitely didn't come across as high on romance to me but it was very much about love & acceptance & I very much loved that. While this has not surpassed my absolute love of the first book, I'll absolutely continue on with this series.
September 23, 2012
"Escravos da Paixão" é o segundo volume da série "Casa do Prazer" editada pela Quinta Essência. Depois de no ano passado ter lido o primeiro volume "Escravos do Amor" confesso que vontade de ler este novo livro não era muita, pois não gostei muito do primeiro livro e certamente posso dizer que não adorei este.
Estes livros são romances eróticos no sentido mais puro da palavra. São livros recheados de práticas sexuais desde a primeira página até à última e que para o leitor que não se sente muito confortável com estes temas, pode tornar a leitura constrangedora. Tal como no primeiro volume, aqui há um pouco de tudo e para todos os gostos, desde sexo a três, sexo anal, brinquedos eróticos, sexo homossexual entre outros. Posso afirmar que não me choco com facilidade mas confesso que esta leitura foi esgotante, é que ler 341 páginas de pornografia é muito cansativo. Gosto pouco de livros em que seja só sexo e pouco conteúdo e apesar de este livro até ter história, ou pelo menos uma premissa tem (um bordel de escravos) a autora conseguiu anular o plot em prol das satisfações sexuais das personagens.
Falando em personagens vale a pena falar um pouco do trio que compõe o livro: Peter, que já nos tinha sido apresentado anteriormente, vê-se sozinho e isolado dos amigos Valentin que no primeiro livro, encontra o grande amor da sua vida e que soube compreender o seu passado negro. Desde que o melhor amigo de Peter se casa, este começa a pensar no seu próprio futuro, querendo alguém que compreenda tudo o que passou.
Depois das suas experiências como escravo, jurara nunca mais ser usado sexualmente, mas um encontro com James irá mudar tudo isso. James é homossexual mas vive um casamento de fachada com a doce Abby, considerada fria e inexperiente na cama. Esta, embora nunca tenha contacto íntimo com James, Abby anseia por um filho mas a proposta do seu marido, à primeira vista não lhe parece a mais correcta: receber um estranho na cama voluntariamente para que este os ajudasse no seu relacionamento sexual.
Esta proposta ousada irá revelar uma nova Abby nunca antes vista, sensual, sedutora e pronta para qualquer desejo dos de James e Peter, acabando por abandonar as convenções sociais que lhe foram impostas, começando pela prática de adultério.
Eu gostei das personagens mas não posso dizer que me identifique com estas o que é uma pena, pois se a autora se tivesse centrado um pouco mais na história de cada uma, o livro teria sido melhor, pois as personagens é que dão alma ao livro, mas quando nem estas criam qualquer impacto com o leitor, a leitura acaba por não ter o efeito pretendido.
Foi com alguma pena que vi o desentendimento entre Valentin e Peter ser pouco explorado, a autora podia ter desenvolvido melhor o afastamento entre os dois melhores amigos.
Como referi acima, o meu problema não é o livro ser só sexo, isso já eu sabia que seria assim, pois o primeiro livro segue este mesmo caminho, mas pensei que nesta sequência a autora pudesse incorporar mais história de modo a que o livro tivesse mais valor. Apesar de acção passar-se nas décadas de oitocentos, não há qualquer outra referência que este livro seja histórico.
O sexo é explorado em várias vertentes, recheando as páginas de relações sexuais cruas, onde o pecado carnal e os fetiches das personagens falam mais alto, abafando os sentimentos de amor e carinho que devem sempre estar lado a lado com o sexo. Há um apelo aos jogos de sedução e aos desejos mais profundos e psicológicos do ser humano. Não há qualquer tabu quanto ao que é praticado.
Concluindo, "Escravos da Paixão" é um romance digno de bolinha vermelha na capa e que deve ser lido de mente aberta e sem preconceitos. Segue a mesa estrutura do primeiro livro e como tal só aconselho a pessoas que estejam à vontade com os temas abordados referidos mais acima. A série “Casa do Prazer” já conta 8 livros publicados no estrangeiro e é ideal para apimentar outras leituras mais monótonas.
Estes livros são romances eróticos no sentido mais puro da palavra. São livros recheados de práticas sexuais desde a primeira página até à última e que para o leitor que não se sente muito confortável com estes temas, pode tornar a leitura constrangedora. Tal como no primeiro volume, aqui há um pouco de tudo e para todos os gostos, desde sexo a três, sexo anal, brinquedos eróticos, sexo homossexual entre outros. Posso afirmar que não me choco com facilidade mas confesso que esta leitura foi esgotante, é que ler 341 páginas de pornografia é muito cansativo. Gosto pouco de livros em que seja só sexo e pouco conteúdo e apesar de este livro até ter história, ou pelo menos uma premissa tem (um bordel de escravos) a autora conseguiu anular o plot em prol das satisfações sexuais das personagens.
Falando em personagens vale a pena falar um pouco do trio que compõe o livro: Peter, que já nos tinha sido apresentado anteriormente, vê-se sozinho e isolado dos amigos Valentin que no primeiro livro, encontra o grande amor da sua vida e que soube compreender o seu passado negro. Desde que o melhor amigo de Peter se casa, este começa a pensar no seu próprio futuro, querendo alguém que compreenda tudo o que passou.
Depois das suas experiências como escravo, jurara nunca mais ser usado sexualmente, mas um encontro com James irá mudar tudo isso. James é homossexual mas vive um casamento de fachada com a doce Abby, considerada fria e inexperiente na cama. Esta, embora nunca tenha contacto íntimo com James, Abby anseia por um filho mas a proposta do seu marido, à primeira vista não lhe parece a mais correcta: receber um estranho na cama voluntariamente para que este os ajudasse no seu relacionamento sexual.
Esta proposta ousada irá revelar uma nova Abby nunca antes vista, sensual, sedutora e pronta para qualquer desejo dos de James e Peter, acabando por abandonar as convenções sociais que lhe foram impostas, começando pela prática de adultério.
Eu gostei das personagens mas não posso dizer que me identifique com estas o que é uma pena, pois se a autora se tivesse centrado um pouco mais na história de cada uma, o livro teria sido melhor, pois as personagens é que dão alma ao livro, mas quando nem estas criam qualquer impacto com o leitor, a leitura acaba por não ter o efeito pretendido.
Foi com alguma pena que vi o desentendimento entre Valentin e Peter ser pouco explorado, a autora podia ter desenvolvido melhor o afastamento entre os dois melhores amigos.
Como referi acima, o meu problema não é o livro ser só sexo, isso já eu sabia que seria assim, pois o primeiro livro segue este mesmo caminho, mas pensei que nesta sequência a autora pudesse incorporar mais história de modo a que o livro tivesse mais valor. Apesar de acção passar-se nas décadas de oitocentos, não há qualquer outra referência que este livro seja histórico.
O sexo é explorado em várias vertentes, recheando as páginas de relações sexuais cruas, onde o pecado carnal e os fetiches das personagens falam mais alto, abafando os sentimentos de amor e carinho que devem sempre estar lado a lado com o sexo. Há um apelo aos jogos de sedução e aos desejos mais profundos e psicológicos do ser humano. Não há qualquer tabu quanto ao que é praticado.
Concluindo, "Escravos da Paixão" é um romance digno de bolinha vermelha na capa e que deve ser lido de mente aberta e sem preconceitos. Segue a mesa estrutura do primeiro livro e como tal só aconselho a pessoas que estejam à vontade com os temas abordados referidos mais acima. A série “Casa do Prazer” já conta 8 livros publicados no estrangeiro e é ideal para apimentar outras leituras mais monótonas.
November 30, 2012
Na verdade a sinopse engana pois tudo o que Abigail quer é que o marido lhe dê um filho uma vez que mais nada na sua relação funciona, a não ser uma boa amizade. James tem gostos sexuais que Abby nunca conseguiu entender e nem sequer sabe por onde começar para poder aprender a satisfazê-lo. James adora Abby que mais que sua esposa é sua amiga de muitos anos e cresceu vendo-a como a uma irmã, contudo quando ela lhe pede um filho, não sabe o que fazer pois James prefere homens. Ainda assim, tenta encontrar Peter que já conhecia pela sua fama e pede-lhe ajuda. James quer aprender a dar prazer à sua esposa, conseguir entendimento sexual e consequentemente dar-lhe um filho. Abby aceita este acordo pois nem sequer sabe como começar um relacionamento sexual, tudo o que conhece é o que fez com James que deixou ambos constrangidos. Com o marido regressado a Londres, Abigail fica sozinha em casa com Peter que com paciência vai-lhe ensinando os prazeres do sexo, mas a sua curiosidade leva-a mais longe e os três envolvem-se em várias tropelias sexuais, numa escalada entre o prazer e o conhecimento.
No meio destes acontecimentos também Peter tem conhecimento de parte do seu passado antes de ter sido raptado e levado para o bordel, fica a saber quem era a sua mãe, de onde veio e conhece o seu avô.
Kate Pearce trás-nos o segundo livro da saga Casa do Prazer e mostra-nos que a sua imaginação sexual é gigantesca, contudo tenho pena que a personagem principal seja o próprio sexo e não as personagens. Gosto de um bom romance erótico mas aqui o sexo assume um papel demasiado importante. Acho as descrições demasiado gráficas a roçar a pornografia com um enredo um pouco fraco que poderia ser mais explorado. Contudo a escrita de Kate Pearce é fácil, rápida. Tendo em conta a quantidade de sexo que o livro tem não achei a linguagem ordinária pelo contrário, tendo em conta a explosão sexual as descrições e os diálogos até são bastante contidos.
No meio destes acontecimentos também Peter tem conhecimento de parte do seu passado antes de ter sido raptado e levado para o bordel, fica a saber quem era a sua mãe, de onde veio e conhece o seu avô.
Kate Pearce trás-nos o segundo livro da saga Casa do Prazer e mostra-nos que a sua imaginação sexual é gigantesca, contudo tenho pena que a personagem principal seja o próprio sexo e não as personagens. Gosto de um bom romance erótico mas aqui o sexo assume um papel demasiado importante. Acho as descrições demasiado gráficas a roçar a pornografia com um enredo um pouco fraco que poderia ser mais explorado. Contudo a escrita de Kate Pearce é fácil, rápida. Tendo em conta a quantidade de sexo que o livro tem não achei a linguagem ordinária pelo contrário, tendo em conta a explosão sexual as descrições e os diálogos até são bastante contidos.
September 22, 2012
Another great read by Kate Pearson. Wow. This book is chucked full of erotic romance not for the faint at heart. Ménage a trois and M-M. This author has a fantastic ability to take seriously erotic and sometimes disturbing stuff and make you squirm in your seat. Crazy. So much erotica is downright poorly written but this book does not disappoint. It's book 2 featuring Peter. Again, it's worth the read as long as you are not prudish, homophobic, or seriously straight laced. I read stuff in this book I never thought was physically possible........ Draw your own conclusions. I am just thankful there's at least 5 more books in this series.....
November 15, 2013
If I thought I was a Kate Pearce fan before, I am definitely one now! I loved this story and I love, love, love the era. I was worried for a while on how Peter would fare in the threesome and I thought he was a bit whiney with Valentin, but in the end I was totally pleased with the turn around he made. Great and extremely hot love story :)
A great sequel to Simply Sexual!!!!
A great sequel to Simply Sexual!!!!
March 13, 2016
9/29/11 ETA - I've reread this one several times. I think that says it all.
April 12, 2016
PUBLISHING INFO: Aphrodisia, 5/2014
ORIGINAL PUB: Aphrodisia, 2008
GENRE: Fiction/Erotic Historical Romance
SETTING: England, 1817
SERIES: House of Pleasure, #2
PURCHASE: link
AUTHOR SITE: link
MY GRADE: A
Boy, did I enjoy this story, which is book two in the series. This story begins two years after the previous book ended and spans 2 1/2 years. It was about Peter and Abby's husband James more than it was about Peter and Abby. This was a bit unusual too as in it's a ménage situation that stays intact throughout the story. It's not a marriage that turns into a threesome situation that goes back to being about Peter and Abby with James not in the picture via death or divorce. He gets the girl in the end, sort of.
There are at least 16 different sex scenes with five being strictly m/m. Those are always my favorite.
Thirty-four year old brown-haired and brown-eyed James is clearly more into men than he is women, specifically his own wife of sixteen years, whom he was forced to wed at 18. She was 16. They rarely have sex together and have no children. James has trouble being sexual with his wife so he invites Peter into their bedroom to help both him and Abby find some sexual enjoyment together.
Abby has very short dark hair and is built like a 'boy', which I find to be a total turnoff for a heroine. I find her to be kinda bland too, a 'go with the flow' type of person, too agreeable.
Peter first appeared in book one, Simply Sexual , as the heroes close friend. He has blond hair and blue eyes. I think he's about 32, same age as Valentin. In this story his relationship with Valentin and Sara, from book one, continues to be rocky. Val helps him learn about his mother and his past before he was abducted and forced to work in a brothel when he was eleven. That info doesn't help his low self-esteem much. I don't normally like when past characters reappear in later books in the series but I did like hearing from Val.
Overall I really liked two of the three main characters and the entire story except right near the end when James went to search for a man from his past. I friggin' love this series.
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2010
This isn't the first Kate Pearce book I've read, but it is the first "Simply" book. I chose to read this one before the first in the series after receiving a recommendation from a friend.
The book is an erotic romance with a heavy erotic/sexual content (I'd estimate roughly 75% of the page count is sex). There is a fair amount of m/m sexual contact, particularly in the beginning, as well as some mild BDSM. The HEA is unconventional but I felt it worked for the characters.
I picked up this novel because I was curious to see how the author handled the m/m sex in the context of a historical romance. In addition, I was very intrigued to see how she'd wrap it up in the end, to provide the HEA a romance reader would expect.
Some minor issues that didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story but nagged at me slightly:
First, by the time I'd read half of the book, I was beginning to feel the early gay sex scenes were, while titillating, superfluous and unnecessary to the overall romance story arc. I felt this way because those earlier chapters show more interaction between Peter, the story's hero, and James, the heroine's gay husband. Then, the story takes an abrupt turn and focuses on Abigail's sexual exploration with Peter. James’ character, and the relationship that was established in the beginning, fades into the background. Now that I’ve read the whole book, I am still not convinced those earlier scenes accomplished their purpose.
Second, in those early scenes, there was only minor mention of James' submissive tendencies. It seems, despite the fact that Peter is not sexually dominant and has no interest in fulfilling those needs in James, they find their sexual encounters mutually satisfying. Later, however, it's contended James needs a partner who is dominant in order to be happy--thus the reason why the relationship between Peter and James will ultimately fail. While I was convinced the relationship wasn’t meant to last by that point (this issue comes to the forefront very late in the book), I wasn’t convinced it wouldn’t work because of James’ need to be dominated.
Overall, I found this book to be a delightful story of a woman’s sexual exploration. Peter’s background, as a former slave in a Turkish brothel, allowed him to be a very skillful and patient lover, exactly the kind of man she needed after her unfortunate first experience with James. After finishing this book, I have purchased Simply Sexual. Because of the issues Peter faces with Val in Simply Sinful, I do want to go back and read his story.
The book is an erotic romance with a heavy erotic/sexual content (I'd estimate roughly 75% of the page count is sex). There is a fair amount of m/m sexual contact, particularly in the beginning, as well as some mild BDSM. The HEA is unconventional but I felt it worked for the characters.
I picked up this novel because I was curious to see how the author handled the m/m sex in the context of a historical romance. In addition, I was very intrigued to see how she'd wrap it up in the end, to provide the HEA a romance reader would expect.
Some minor issues that didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story but nagged at me slightly:
First, by the time I'd read half of the book, I was beginning to feel the early gay sex scenes were, while titillating, superfluous and unnecessary to the overall romance story arc. I felt this way because those earlier chapters show more interaction between Peter, the story's hero, and James, the heroine's gay husband. Then, the story takes an abrupt turn and focuses on Abigail's sexual exploration with Peter. James’ character, and the relationship that was established in the beginning, fades into the background. Now that I’ve read the whole book, I am still not convinced those earlier scenes accomplished their purpose.
Second, in those early scenes, there was only minor mention of James' submissive tendencies. It seems, despite the fact that Peter is not sexually dominant and has no interest in fulfilling those needs in James, they find their sexual encounters mutually satisfying. Later, however, it's contended James needs a partner who is dominant in order to be happy--thus the reason why the relationship between Peter and James will ultimately fail. While I was convinced the relationship wasn’t meant to last by that point (this issue comes to the forefront very late in the book), I wasn’t convinced it wouldn’t work because of James’ need to be dominated.
Overall, I found this book to be a delightful story of a woman’s sexual exploration. Peter’s background, as a former slave in a Turkish brothel, allowed him to be a very skillful and patient lover, exactly the kind of man she needed after her unfortunate first experience with James. After finishing this book, I have purchased Simply Sexual. Because of the issues Peter faces with Val in Simply Sinful, I do want to go back and read his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2011
For the second book in the House of Pleasure series - it was almost a 5 star book for me. Almost.
This one focused on Peter Howard, who we met in book 1. He was also a sex slave in a Turkish bordello, along with Lord Val (from the previous book). At the end of book 1, we see Peter, Val, and his wife Sara involved in occasional threesomes - and all parties are ok with that. While in the bordello, Val was often violent when he was forced to be with male customers, and many times, Peter would step in and take over Val's duties....since Peter had no problem sleeping with men.
So anyway - this book starts with Val telling Peter that Sara is pregnant and he is requesting that Peter stop coming to their bed during this time. Peter takes this to mean that Val and Sara no longer want him, so he storms off without giving Val a chance really explain his request. Shortly after, Peter ends up at the House of Pleasure when he is introduced to Lord Beecham. And they soon have a quick tumble in the sheets and the men part ways. Later on we find out that Lord Beecham is married to sweet Abigail Beecham, and although they have never really had a sexual relationship - she now wants a child. Lord Beecham, knowing of Peter's relationship with Val & Sara, decides that Peter should join him and his wife in bed.....and help the couple come together sexually.
Pretty soon, it's clear that Lord Beecham is falling for Peter - and so is Abigail. On the other hand....Peter finds himself falling for Abigail and Lord Beecham as well. (Though, later on, his feelings do tend to go more to Abigail.)
One of the things I love about this author and this series is that even though it takes place in pre-Victorian England, the language for sexual acts, body parts, etc, and strictly modern. I respect the author's choice to go head first into anachronism-land. I think it's a bold choice for an author to make who is writing a historical romance novel.
The only reason I'm giving this book less than 5 stars is because of this one whole scene/chapter that is all about the sexual slave/master relationship. Granted, it was well written, but it was just a hair outside of my comfort zone. But that being said, the character that is the master does it for a very particular reason - that makes the HEA happen.
All in all - I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. Now....on to book 3.
This one focused on Peter Howard, who we met in book 1. He was also a sex slave in a Turkish bordello, along with Lord Val (from the previous book). At the end of book 1, we see Peter, Val, and his wife Sara involved in occasional threesomes - and all parties are ok with that. While in the bordello, Val was often violent when he was forced to be with male customers, and many times, Peter would step in and take over Val's duties....since Peter had no problem sleeping with men.
So anyway - this book starts with Val telling Peter that Sara is pregnant and he is requesting that Peter stop coming to their bed during this time. Peter takes this to mean that Val and Sara no longer want him, so he storms off without giving Val a chance really explain his request. Shortly after, Peter ends up at the House of Pleasure when he is introduced to Lord Beecham. And they soon have a quick tumble in the sheets and the men part ways. Later on we find out that Lord Beecham is married to sweet Abigail Beecham, and although they have never really had a sexual relationship - she now wants a child. Lord Beecham, knowing of Peter's relationship with Val & Sara, decides that Peter should join him and his wife in bed.....and help the couple come together sexually.
Pretty soon, it's clear that Lord Beecham is falling for Peter - and so is Abigail. On the other hand....Peter finds himself falling for Abigail and Lord Beecham as well. (Though, later on, his feelings do tend to go more to Abigail.)
One of the things I love about this author and this series is that even though it takes place in pre-Victorian England, the language for sexual acts, body parts, etc, and strictly modern. I respect the author's choice to go head first into anachronism-land. I think it's a bold choice for an author to make who is writing a historical romance novel.
The only reason I'm giving this book less than 5 stars is because of this one whole scene/chapter that is all about the sexual slave/master relationship. Granted, it was well written, but it was just a hair outside of my comfort zone. But that being said, the character that is the master does it for a very particular reason - that makes the HEA happen.
All in all - I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. Now....on to book 3.
June 1, 2010
Surprisingly good historical romance with a heaping does of erotic content.
I say 'surprising' not because I expected it to be bad or anything. Indeed this is a brand new author to me so I really didn't have any expectations of the writing. But sometimes the marriage of traditional historical romance and erotica can be uneasy. In some cases the sex scenes just feel incredibly incongruous with the main story or sometimes it feels as if the author is trying too hard or sometimes the prose goes sexual supernova in the purple spectrum *cough*lisa valdez*cough*.
This book was very nicely done. Reminds me very much of a Robin Schone or Sylvia Day.
It is the second book in a series. I did not read the first one, but got enough from context (not from info dumps!) to make me feel as if I had been filled in on the pertinent background.
In this book, a returning character from the previous book, Peter Howard, is approached by a young nobleman to help him with a very delicate problem. James Beecham was forced to marry his wife, Abigail, when they were very young. James' father forced the two to wed and also ensured the consummation in order to hide James' own sexual proclivities. As a result, while James and Abby are great friends, they have an abysmal sex life. James has taken to carousing in London to hide his true nature, while Abby languishes in the country unable to truly express her own sexual desire.
But the detente is over because Abby wants a child and demand that James present himself to get the job done. So James approaches Peter (whose sexual past makes him perfect for this) to act a bridge between him and his wife.
What follows is a surprisingly sweet story of sexual discovery. And despite the heavily erotic element (that include m/m, some very light BDSM and threesomes) it still follows a traditional romance novel trajectory. Abby and Peter, who are the book's H/H get a satisfying, albeit unconventional, HEA in the end.
I say 'surprising' not because I expected it to be bad or anything. Indeed this is a brand new author to me so I really didn't have any expectations of the writing. But sometimes the marriage of traditional historical romance and erotica can be uneasy. In some cases the sex scenes just feel incredibly incongruous with the main story or sometimes it feels as if the author is trying too hard or sometimes the prose goes sexual supernova in the purple spectrum *cough*lisa valdez*cough*.
This book was very nicely done. Reminds me very much of a Robin Schone or Sylvia Day.
It is the second book in a series. I did not read the first one, but got enough from context (not from info dumps!) to make me feel as if I had been filled in on the pertinent background.
In this book, a returning character from the previous book, Peter Howard, is approached by a young nobleman to help him with a very delicate problem. James Beecham was forced to marry his wife, Abigail, when they were very young. James' father forced the two to wed and also ensured the consummation in order to hide James' own sexual proclivities. As a result, while James and Abby are great friends, they have an abysmal sex life. James has taken to carousing in London to hide his true nature, while Abby languishes in the country unable to truly express her own sexual desire.
But the detente is over because Abby wants a child and demand that James present himself to get the job done. So James approaches Peter (whose sexual past makes him perfect for this) to act a bridge between him and his wife.
What follows is a surprisingly sweet story of sexual discovery. And despite the heavily erotic element (that include m/m, some very light BDSM and threesomes) it still follows a traditional romance novel trajectory. Abby and Peter, who are the book's H/H get a satisfying, albeit unconventional, HEA in the end.
December 8, 2009
(Crosspost from my blog, where I discuss "pen envy"--books by other authors we wish we had written, http://ohgetagrip.blogspot.com/2009/1...)
Peter is a young man made jaded before his time by his childhood capture at sea and subsequent service in a middle eastern brothel. When he is approached by Lord James Beecham to help him save his marriage, the request intrigues him and sets the three into an intimate dance.
Under the radar of the main storyline of Peter's interaction and eventual relationship with Abigail, come the raw and deeply felt needs of James. He had been initiated into manlove by a sexual dominant and sadist, and now craves domination, by a man, to a point where he cannot perform in his marriage bed. Abigail means the world to him and her request for him to father a child on her forces him to try to overcome his natural inclinations with Peter's help.
The first meeting between Peter and James is one of the most powerful scenes I've ever read. Well before the reader is made aware of his masochistic need to submit, you can feel the undercurrents as James tries to alternately force and tempt Peter into helping him, eventually using the ruse of calling in a gambling win and Peter's own strong sense of honor against him.
It was my first ever exposure to m/m sexual interaction, and that blowjob literally blew my mind. Reading on, I had no idea how it was all going to come to a happy ending, especially when Peter's affinity for James' wife and his inability to give James the domination he craves became clear. The eventual resolution was inventive and emotional, and I was hooked. All the subtexts and angles to the story, including Peter's complex relationship with his best friend and fellow prisoner in the brothel, Valentin, flat wrung me out.
Fabulous read on so many levels!
Peter is a young man made jaded before his time by his childhood capture at sea and subsequent service in a middle eastern brothel. When he is approached by Lord James Beecham to help him save his marriage, the request intrigues him and sets the three into an intimate dance.
Under the radar of the main storyline of Peter's interaction and eventual relationship with Abigail, come the raw and deeply felt needs of James. He had been initiated into manlove by a sexual dominant and sadist, and now craves domination, by a man, to a point where he cannot perform in his marriage bed. Abigail means the world to him and her request for him to father a child on her forces him to try to overcome his natural inclinations with Peter's help.
The first meeting between Peter and James is one of the most powerful scenes I've ever read. Well before the reader is made aware of his masochistic need to submit, you can feel the undercurrents as James tries to alternately force and tempt Peter into helping him, eventually using the ruse of calling in a gambling win and Peter's own strong sense of honor against him.
It was my first ever exposure to m/m sexual interaction, and that blowjob literally blew my mind. Reading on, I had no idea how it was all going to come to a happy ending, especially when Peter's affinity for James' wife and his inability to give James the domination he craves became clear. The eventual resolution was inventive and emotional, and I was hooked. All the subtexts and angles to the story, including Peter's complex relationship with his best friend and fellow prisoner in the brothel, Valentin, flat wrung me out.
Fabulous read on so many levels!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2012
Este foi um dos livros pelo qual esperei com muita ansiedade durante todo o ano. Quando li o livro anterior, Peter foi uma personagem que me despertou muito a atenção, havia algo nele que me fazia questionar acerca das suas origens e do seu futuro. Finalmente o dia chegou em que pude desvendar todos os seus segredos. Este é um livro puramente sexual, com um alto teor descritivo das relações sexuais no mesmo e que nos deixa alguns vislumbres de conteúdos BDSM, mesmo assim não pude de deixar de gostar de o ler. Vou ser sincera, ainda não consegui compreender os sentimentos que envolviam algumas personagens, principalmente Valentin, Sara e Peter, mas mesmo assim gostei do que li. Peter é um homem complexo, com os seus demónios próprios, mas que mesmo assim consegue demonstrar àqueles que realmente ama a sua verdadeira face. Abigail, que no início pensamos que é uma doce inocente no meio de mentes pervertidas, mostra-se uma mulher com uma mentalidade muito avançada no seu tempo e também o seu marido Lord Beecham, que esconde de todos os seus gostos sexuais por trás da uma aparência esperada de um aristocrata inglês.
Este é um romance de época erótico que mais uma vez nos mostra uma face mais sombria de uma sociedade que vive de aparências.
Kate Pearce tem um modo de escrita muito próprio, que pode até afectar as mentes um pouco mais conservadoras, mas transporta-nos de uma forma muito peculiar para o mundo da Casa do Prazer e só nos deixa escapar quando terminamos a leitura dos seus livros. Claro que com isto tudo quero dizer que, mais uma vez fiquei cativada por toda a historia e que não irei perder o próximo volume da serie Casa do Prazer.
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
Este é um romance de época erótico que mais uma vez nos mostra uma face mais sombria de uma sociedade que vive de aparências.
Kate Pearce tem um modo de escrita muito próprio, que pode até afectar as mentes um pouco mais conservadoras, mas transporta-nos de uma forma muito peculiar para o mundo da Casa do Prazer e só nos deixa escapar quando terminamos a leitura dos seus livros. Claro que com isto tudo quero dizer que, mais uma vez fiquei cativada por toda a historia e que não irei perder o próximo volume da serie Casa do Prazer.
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
April 19, 2019
I cannot remember when it was that I read this series or why I failed to write any reviews. Overall the first three books (which I was able to borrow from the library as a set: Kate Pearce Bundle: Simply Sexual, Simply Sinful and Simply Shameless) were fairly good bundle of entertainment. I would say 3.5/5 on average.
The background on Lord Valentin Sokorvsky of Simply Sexualand his friend Peter Howard whose story is Simply Sinful, is fairly dark. Their stories were fairly engaging, though the story that I reflect on the most often is Simply Shameless. There is something about Helene Delornay's story that has always stuck with me. It is haunting what a person will do to survive and how those choices might stay with them.
These books are highly graphic and high on the kink-o-meter. Kate Pearce is one of the most talented erotic literature writers I have read. Given the scope covered and the balance of depth and smut, for those who enjoy these types of books they should definitely take the time to read one of her series.
The background on Lord Valentin Sokorvsky of Simply Sexualand his friend Peter Howard whose story is Simply Sinful, is fairly dark. Their stories were fairly engaging, though the story that I reflect on the most often is Simply Shameless. There is something about Helene Delornay's story that has always stuck with me. It is haunting what a person will do to survive and how those choices might stay with them.
These books are highly graphic and high on the kink-o-meter. Kate Pearce is one of the most talented erotic literature writers I have read. Given the scope covered and the balance of depth and smut, for those who enjoy these types of books they should definitely take the time to read one of her series.
March 28, 2010
Peter Howard has little knowledge of his life before his imprisonment in a Turkish brothel as a sex slave. He is feeling empty and restless lately so when Lord James Beecham approaches him with an unusual offer he accepts. James was forced to marry Abigail when they were both in their teens and even though they are best friends their sex life is bad. James prefers men and knowing that Peter likes both men and women he asks him to tutor both of them in bed. The threesome find out the delights of sex together.
I prefered the first book of the series and thought Peter one of the better characters, so I had great hopes for this book. After reading "Simply sexual" and knowing Peters relationship with sara and val i found it hard to believe val would have just cut him out from their bedroom(which was never fully explained). The sex scenes are hot and plenty of them and no complaints there. I loved the fact that James was as important in the story as the H/H. My real complaint was that the end was abrupt with a lot of unanswered questions. Oh well, I will have to buy the next book to find out, as I am sure that was the point.
I prefered the first book of the series and thought Peter one of the better characters, so I had great hopes for this book. After reading "Simply sexual" and knowing Peters relationship with sara and val i found it hard to believe val would have just cut him out from their bedroom(which was never fully explained). The sex scenes are hot and plenty of them and no complaints there. I loved the fact that James was as important in the story as the H/H. My real complaint was that the end was abrupt with a lot of unanswered questions. Oh well, I will have to buy the next book to find out, as I am sure that was the point.
July 17, 2011
Very unconventional characters and story. My problem is I don't like the hero and heroine as a couple. I think Peter has more chemistry with Sara who is the heroine in Book 1 and is now happily married (and pregnant). I don't feel the connection and the chemistry between Peter and Abby. And for them to suddenly fell in love is unrealistic because throughout the entire story, Peter came off as more gay than hetero.
March 3, 2012
We met Peter in Ms. Pearce's Simply Sexual, and he's an intriguing hero with a past that haunts him and threatens his future. I love the way Ms. Pearce can bring such vivid emotion and marry it with scorching love scenes that will more than curl your toes. Peter's unique talents bring out Abigail's passionate nature and show her that she is allowed to desire and live her life passionately. Peter and Abigail so deserve their HEA.
July 12, 2013
Once again, I am HIGHLY impressed with this love story! But WARNING: If you cannot read a book without judgment or prejudice for your own likes and/or dislikes, this is not a series for you.
The ONLY negative thing I can say is that there were WAY too many instances when I wanted to grab Peter by the back of the head and smash him into a wall....whine, boohoo me and jump to conclusions MUCH?!?!?!? lol
The ONLY negative thing I can say is that there were WAY too many instances when I wanted to grab Peter by the back of the head and smash him into a wall....whine, boohoo me and jump to conclusions MUCH?!?!?!? lol
September 19, 2012
amei, a história dos personagens tal como as cenas de sexo explícitas estavam muito bem construídos...
adorei que no livro houvesse sexo entre 2 homens, não lá muito comum um livro que fale sobre isso, e soube bem o "ar fresco"...
estou ansiosa para ler o 1º xD, e para continuar depois a colecção, resumindo e concluindo, mais uma colecção para diminuir o meu dinheiro na carteira
adorei que no livro houvesse sexo entre 2 homens, não lá muito comum um livro que fale sobre isso, e soube bem o "ar fresco"...
estou ansiosa para ler o 1º xD, e para continuar depois a colecção, resumindo e concluindo, mais uma colecção para diminuir o meu dinheiro na carteira
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