You are cordially invited to Decadence, Las Vegas’s most talked about invitation-only Masquerade Ball. Come for the entertainment and stay for the erotic indulgence. We guarantee it’ll be a party that lives up to its name.
Passionate Pursuance by Ronica Black. Emory Bennet is overworked and overstressed. In Vegas to relax and meet Cadence, an incredibly sexy woman she’s been talking to online, Emory agrees when Cadence all but begs her to attend Decadence. With one secret Emory is the one who’s in control.
Redemption by Renee Roman. Max Woodbury regrets how her relationship ended. One terrible misunderstanding and Dee Talson refused to take her calls or respond to texts. Unable to let Dee walk away, Max enlists help to pull off the surprise of a lifetime at Decadence and win back Dee’s heart.
Exclusive Content by Piper Jordan. When reporter Addison Miller scores an invitation to Decadence, she hopes for an exclusive interview with Elizabeth Hathaway, the mysterious socialite behind the event. But as Addison soon discovers, there’s more to the story, and her gorgeous host, than she ever imagined.
Ronica Black is an award-winning author and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. Her books range from romance and erotica to mystery and intrigue, and she enjoys trying her hand at all. Ronica also enjoys drawing, painting, and sculpting. She lives in Glendale, Arizona, with her partner, where she relishes a rich family life and raising a menagerie of pets.
I'm not really into short stories, so I tend to avoid them. But, the cover and blurb captured my attention. The book, to my surprise, was really good! And steamy 😉
What can I say?.. Lots of sparks, lots of sex
I'm not going to go into detail about what each short story is about because in all honesty, you should just read them and make your own decision on which one you like the most.
One thing I would like to say to the authors. Please write a novel with Elizabeth Hathaway as the main character! I need to know more.
I don't read a lot of short stories but this definitely appealed to me when I read the blurb - three erotic tales set at an invitation-only Masquerade Ball. I was intrigued by the setting and how they'd all play out together. I thought the execution of this was really great. Hats off to all three authors.
My favourite of the three short erotic tales was definitely the first. However, that's not to say that they weren't all great. These are perfect for those evenings where you just want to disappear to another world for a bit. Plus, the steam level is ridiculously high. 🔥🔥🔥
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short story compilations run the risk of being generally variable in terms of the quality of their stories. But in this case, for me, the three stories have been of the same level, although all three are not very interesting. Not for reasons of prudishness on my part, I knew what I was going to find, but none of the three stories have surprised me, nor have they particularly stimulated me, they have left me quite indifferent. So overall, without going into details, it hasn't lived up to my expectations at all.
I hope others can find here what I couldn't.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Passionate Pursuance: Emory and Cadence have been chatting online but now they plan to meet at Decadence where things become hotter.
Redemption: Max and Dee were together but broken up over a misunderstanding. Max wants a second chance to explain and to get her back but Dee won’t give her the time of day so she enlist the help Decadence this novella was spicy and angsty my favorite of three I just love second chances.
Exclusive content: Addison finally got invited to Decadence to do a interview with Elizabeth whose organizer of all the events but she gets distracted by mysterious woman that have her participate in the festivities but at the end she didn’t get her interview but with a surprising twist she might.
I enjoy all three novella and look forward to more.
I’m not a fan of erotica. First story was good, second was ok, third was ok. The theme held within the three stories. The compilation sequence was also good, first story strong, middle story sandwiched then finish with a semi strong one. For an erotic novel this was much better than others I’ve read. The scenes were more plausible.
Loved everything about this book!! The three stories were so steamy, fun, and the best part was saved for last. They intertwined so well together keeping the same details of the mansion and masquerade.
Buckle up while I share a little bit about each, but I won’t share too much. To enjoy the full experience of Decadence, one must get an invitation 💌. So grab the book to be formally invited to your fantasy.
✨Passionate pursuance: Emory is a detective who works hard and never takes time for relationships. Cadence is a raved-over color specialist who focuses on her craft but wants love.
After 7 months of speaking to each other, they finally plan to meet up in Vegas but this won’t be a regular meet-up. They have decided to find each other at an exclusive, erotic, women-only masquerade party.
Little does Cade know that Emory has some surprises up her sleeve that ends with Cadence’s fantasy being granted.
That last letter did it for me!!! My heart smiled so much🥰🥰. The words got me blushing as well.
Fave quote: “You deserve the world, and I’m determined to show it to you, one moment at a time.”
✨Redemption: Deidre’s best friend Becca wants her to attend the masquerade. Deidre has been sad for a few months and missing Max.
But Max wants her back and she’s willing to do anything to make that happen with the help of Elizabeth.
I like how they established a safe word. As that’s extremely important to have before starting anything.
Fave quote: “I believe the world needs to show its appreciation for women of every shape and size. My staff representative of that belief.”
✨Exclusive content: Addison is a reporter and has been trying to get an invitation to the exclusive party. Finally, her wish has been granted.
In her quest to locate Elizabeth for an interview. So is distracted and steps out of her shell. Sometimes what we want isn’t always what we need and she learns that.
Fave quote: “The pleasure is all mine.”
Thank you, NetGalley for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
An anthology of three separate novellas from three seperate authors. The common thread is that the stories all take place at an exclusive, invitation only event, the Decadence Masquerade Ball. It is hosted at the mansion of Elizabeth Hathaway, a mysterious socialite philanthropist. The parties are filled with no judgement, and invites you to explore your fantasies.
The first story is about Emory and Cadence who have only been talking online for seven months. They are going to use the party as their first time to meet each other in person.
The second story has Max who wants to get back with Dee. They’ve been together for a long time and split up over a misunderstanding. Dee is also self conscious about her appearance and a bit inhibited. The experience is very liberating and confidence boosting for her.
The third story is about Addison, an online reporter. She is hoping an exclusive story and interview with Elizabeth will give a boost to her career. She doesn’t plan on participating but of courses that changes once she is there. The surprise is predictable. But this was my favorite story.
All the stories are steamy and fun. All of the stories are by solid writers and I have read books by all of them previously. I really like the masquerade tying all of the stories together. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
If I had to describe this book in a single word, that word would definitely be decadent. Having never experienced this genre before, I came into this read with no expectations. However, after consuming this 242-page guilty pleasure, I must share what a deliciously tantalizing read it is. Anyone seeking a quick, steamy read will find themselves immersed in the delicious world of Decadence. Ronica Black, Renee Roman, and Piper Jordan have managed to create a collection that ignites the imagination, leaving this reader absolutely yearning for more. With its blend of titillating encounters and engaging plotlines, "Decadence Masquerade Ball" engages the sensual and gives the reader a fun experience that lives up to its title. Oh, how the spice lingers in the mind long after you finish. Bravo
What is Decadence? The Oxford Dictionary will tell you it’s a “moral or cultural decline, as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury” but, in the context of Decadence, it’s simply an “excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury,” no such moral judgement required (or desired).
More importantly, Decadence is the name of an invitation-only masquerade ball for women who love women, an evening of erotic encounters behind the literal mask of anonymity.
Passionate Pursuance by Ronica Black is a wonderful story of long-distance lovers meeting for the first time at the ball, hoping to find one another in the crowd. It’s a gloriously planned out story of seduction, exploration, voyeurism, and selfless loving that sees fantasies indulged and the flames of romance kindled. Emory and Cadence are an absolutely delicious couple, and their erotic through various women and into one another’s arms is breathtaking.
Redemption by Renee Roman leads us into the ball under very different circumstances as one half of an estranged couple seeks to escape into her fantasies while the other seeks to win back her love through those very say fantasies. There’s an element of tension to this story, some melancholy amid the arousal, but the more we learn about Max and Dee the more we desperately want to see them reunited.
Exclusive Content by Piper Jordan eschews the couples approach and slips a reporter named Addison into the ball, hoping to score an interview with the hostess, Elizabeth Hathaway. Without a relationship to be explored or mended, this story feels a little less emotionally charged than the other two, but it still makes for a wonderful story of erotic self-discovery.
As the title suggests, all three stories in Decadence are explicitly erotic, with every ounce of sexuality and sensuality explored on the page. It’s a story of beautiful women enjoying even more beautiful moments, proudly and openly, as nature intended.
The book is three stories that build upon each other. Each writer pulls you into their experience of Decadence. You will fall in love with either all of the stories or each individually. There are all types of kinks included and intimate experiences. The scene building and character development will draw you in and you'll wish for an event like that in the book.
I'm not going to rehash this book, many others have already done so...and that's what blurbs are for. With that said, if the blurb appeals to you, you're going to love what's between the pages and the sheets. Well, sheets isn't the right word as the action happens everywhere BUT in the bedroom.
Although the stories are short, they lacked for nothing. I enjoyed all three, and that feels good to say as when it comes to collections they can be hit and miss.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Decadence, Las Vegas's most exclusive and tantalizing invitation-only Masquerade Ball, promises an unforgettable experience of erotic indulgence. In this collection of three interconnected stories, authors Ronica Black, Renee Roman, and Piper Jordan immerse readers in a world where passion, desire, and hidden secrets intertwine.
"Passionate Pursuance" by Ronica Black introduces Emory Bennet, a woman desperately in need of a break from her demanding life. Eager to meet her alluring online connection, Cadence, Emory decides to attend Decadence. However, she sets one crucial condition: she wants to be in control. As the night unfolds, Emory discovers that surrendering to desire can be an exhilarating and liberating experience.
In "Redemption" by Renee Roman, Max Woodbury is haunted by a misunderstanding that led to the end of her relationship with Dee Talson. Determined to make amends and win Dee's heart back, Max seeks the help of others to stage a surprise at Decadence. This tale delves into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances, promising a passionate journey of redemption.
In the final story, "Exclusive Content" by Piper Jordan, reporter Addison Miller is thrilled to secure an invitation to Decadence, anticipating an exclusive interview with Elizabeth Hathaway, the enigmatic socialite behind the event. However, as Addison delves deeper into the story, she realizes that there is more to Elizabeth and her charming host than meets the eye. This intriguing narrative blends mystery, romance, and sensuality, leaving readers enthralled.
The trio of stories in this collection offers a diverse range of erotic encounters, exploring themes of control, redemption, and hidden desires. Each author brings their unique style and voice to the table, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that seamlessly connects the characters and their experiences. The setting of Decadence, with its air of opulence and secrecy, serves as a captivating backdrop for these tales of indulgence and self-discovery.
Readers seeking sensual and provocative stories will find themselves immersed in the passionate world of Decadence. Ronica Black, Renee Roman, and Piper Jordan have crafted a collection that ignites the imagination, leaving readers yearning for more. With its blend of steamy encounters, emotional depth, and captivating plotlines, "Decadence Masquerade Ball" promises an intoxicating reading experience that lives up to its name.
Three wonderful stories about secret fantasies, hidden and unsuspecting desires and finally liberated lust!
Passionate Pursuance is the one beautiful fantasy that comes to life. The two MC’s get to know each other really well over a period of seven months via phone calls and text messages and reveal many intimate things to each other. The best way to get to know someone is to take your time and these two are now at the point where they can finally meet and experience each other in person. However, this meeting is far from ordinary and full of surprises. It's one surprise after the next for Cadence, and that makes the longing for Emory soar. The whole location and setting is beautifully written. It's mysterious and extremely hot in so many ways. You want to be part of the envelopes, part of the surprises…
On to the next part of this sensual book!
The second part goes deeper. It is about a self-esteem suppressed in childhood that leads to the end of a loving relationship. Dee is sure Max is cheating on her. What she saw was just proof that she wasn't enough. Was never good enough. She is the ugly duckling among so many beautiful women. How can she be enough? Because of her mother's harsh words, she cannot break away from these dark and self-hating thoughts. Max is desperate without Dee. She would never cheat on her, never leave her or give her up. But she knows about Dee's inferiority complex and has been trying to win her over with her love for years. so far unsuccessful. The Decadence Masquerade Ball could be an opportunity. If Dee dropped, Max would be her salvation! Beautifully and passionately written! I cheered for Max from the start!
The last part was slow, agonizing bliss! I fevered with Addison the whole evening as she searches for Elisabeth, the hostess of this sinful event, at the Decadence Masked Ball. So many temptations come her way and it is so difficult to resist them. But she's determined to get her interview with the mysterious Elizabeth Hathaway. She must! What she doesn't know is that Elisabeth has had her eyes firmly on her since the invitation to the ball and is slowly seducing her into her cave of lust without revealing herself!
For everyone who likes it hot! Thanks to Bold Stroke Books and the Authors for the ARC!
So, obviously since this is a culmination of stories I’m going to rate each of the stories individually and write a review for all three. So, here goes.
Passionate Pursuance By: Ronica Black Story: 📖📖 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alright, this one was okay. Now, don’t get me wrong there were moments where the dialogue was a bit much or just got to be a bit cringy but the spice of the scenes made up for it. I will say if the dialogue in some of those scenes were shortened I’d definitely rate this one higher.
If you’re looking for a sexy cat and mouse chase it’s a fun read.
Redemption By: Renee Roman Story:📖📖📖📖 Spice:🌶️🌶️
I think everyone can relate to Dee and Max’s story. When it comes to Dee’s insecurities about her body I think everyone has been in that position where we don’t quite love ourselves as much as we could. And with Max, trying your best to fight for your love and win back your partner. When you can put yourself in the place of these characters it makes the story all the more captivating because you feel with and for them. While there is spice there isn’t quite as much as there was in Passionate Pursuance. But I enjoyed this one just a bit more.
Exclusive Content By: Piper Jordan Story: 📖📖📖📖 Spice: 🍓🍓🍓
Lols. Is all I can say. I think I’m going to steal a few tips and tricks from Lauren in this savvy little tale. This one was definitely fun. Unsuspecting and quite sexy.
I loved learning more about the masquerade itself and all the other activations Elizabeth offered during Decadence. Addison, our FMC, did a great job of waltzing us throughout the mansion.
Now I’m trying by to be fair with this rating since I’m essentially reviewing three different books. I did enjoy the stories so I’m averaging out my rating as best I can but all in all it’s a win!
OH! And yes I totally agree with some of the other reviewers should DEFINITELY have a standalone book for Ms. Elizabeth Hathaway.
Decadence Ronica Black Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. My reviews are my unbiased opinion. This book is composed of three short stories. Decadence is a Masquerade Ball in Las Vegas. This isn’t your normal ball; it is by invitation only. Passionate Pursuance, written by Ronica Black: Emory Bennet is in Las Vegas for some much-needed relaxation and to meet Cadence. He and the sexy woman have been talking online. Cadence invites Emory to Decadence. Redemption, written by Renee Roman: Max Woodbury and Dee Talson were in a relationship which ended badly. She wants Dee back in her life. With help Max surprises Dee at Decadence. Exclusive Content, written by Piper Jordan. Addison Miller receives an invitation to Decadence; she wants to interview Elizabeth Hathaway, the socialite that sponsors the ball. Addison learns the story behind to ball as she discovers more about Elizabeth. Often erotic books feel like sex is the focus of the book and nothing else is important. The authors in Decadence took this project seriously and did a superb job writing the book and fleshing out the characters. The plots are hot. Decadence is a sexy place for Cadence and Emory to meet. Decadence is the perfect location for Max and Dee to work things out. My favorite short story in this book was the first one but all three work well together. Hot, steamy, fun short stories, who could want more.
This collection of stories was called Decadence for a reason!
The six women in this story have a steamy, no spicy, no DECADENT night of erotic indulgence in this collection of connected tales.
Our first story starts with a couple who has never met in person choosing to meet for the first time at Decadence, a masquerade ball. Will Cadence be able to find Emory among all the beautiful women in attendance?
Our second tale follows Dee and Max who, due to a terrible misunderstanding, are no longer partners. Can Dee let go and find strength in her own wants and needs? Will Max be able to find Dee and win her back?
The final narrative follows Addison, a reporter who has tried and failed for months to get an invitation to the masquerade. When an invitation is delivered two hours before the start of the masquerade Addison quickly gets an ensemble together and arrives, hoping to get an exclusive interview with the elusive host Elizabeth. But on a night where exploring your passions and inner most desires is the point, will she follow her head and get the interview? Or will the atmosphere of Decadence, and the pull of the mysterious Lauren prove to be too much?
Fall in love…and lust with all these characters in this compelling collaboration written by the incredibly talented authors Ronica Black, Renee Roman and Piper Jordan.
I love reading anthologies because I end up discovering new authors (to me) and my reading pile gets to look spicier and more intriguing. Now this baby, when I saw masquerade and Ronica Black, I knew I had to read this one. I have read like 6 books by Ronica and I sort of knew what I wanted and she did deliver.
Renee's story was really sweet, I am all for redemption.
The kick though was in Piper Jordan's novella... like holy shit.. the strawberries and bathtub and hidden identities and ultimate QUEEN. Intoxicating. That final scene had WEAK... WEAK, I tel you. I am curious about Piper now. On BSB website it says Piper writes as Toni... so YES, I am going to binge... because I am so so curious, That stuff with... everything was DECADENCE.
FF Cadence (hair stylist) & Emory (detective) Masquerade first time meet up All female Sex club Voyerism
2. Redemption FF Deidre (salon owner) & Max (actress) Second chance romance Masquerade All female Sex club
3. Exclusive content
FF Unknown name (i didn’t see it)(Writer) & Elizabeth (the rich woman who throws the party at her house) Masquerade All female sex club Gave Fake names
This book was definitely entertaining. It’d be nice to have full stories on each of the couples in this story. It’s a very erotic book so check any triggers or warnings if there is anything you may not want to read.
I enjoyed reading FF which isn’t something I usually read. Thank you to all 3 authors, NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this!
This book is three passionate, steamy, erotic short stories. “Passionate Pursuance” by Ronica Black, “Redemption” by Renee Roman and “Exclusive Content” by Piper Jordan.
They are set in Decadence, Las Vegas's most exclusive and tantalizing invitation-only Masquerade Ball. It was intriguing to see how the setting and how they'd all play out together. I thought it was very well executed. I also think that this helped with the flow of the book, rather then it just cutting off into three abrupt endings of each story.
Anyone seeking a quick, steamy read will find themselves immersed in the delicious world of Decadence. With its blend of stimulating encounters and engaging plotlines, it engages the sensual and gives the reader a fun experience that it definitely lives up to and leaving the reader absolutely longing for more.
Three short stories. Each following a woman and her attendance at Decadence. A masquerade ball where women if all shapes & sizes are celebrated. A party to end all parties. We follow each woman and her experience at the party. I will say I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. The only story I actually enjoyed was the first one. The second was okay, but not my cup of tea. The third I couldn't even get into the beginning. I am not saying these stories were written poorly. They just were not for me. I can't pinpoint what it was about the stories that made me dislike it tho. I can't even say I disliked it. I just wasn't in to it. The spice is definitely there. I think for me it was just the overall theme of the book. 🤷♀️
I did receive a copy of this book as an ARC from netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for my honest review.
**Received ARC for this book** A sweet and spicy little anthology of short sapphic stories all involving a kinky masquerade ball hosted by Elizabeth Hathaway by three different authors. All three are cute and smutty stories with fun ass moderately kinky sex scenes and variously interesting characters (Max and Dee and Lauren to some level are the only ones that kind of stuck out to me). Tho as an NPC, Ruby sounded hella hot and I super wished she got a story NGL. But nevertheless it was exactly what I needed right now. My personal favorite was the second one with Max and Dee, coz my guilty pleasure is the miscommunication trope, plus I am always a sucker for fat characters getting all the love and intimacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m not really a fan of short stories but these three stories are worth checking out. All three stories take place at an invitation only masquerade party called Decadence. Decadence is a much talked about event and receiving an invitation to this party is sure to bring you an evening you won’t forget or regret. Of the three, my favorite is the last story, since this has a special character that has an appearance in the other two stories. I liked how all characters met (the first two stories had connections outside the event), interacted with others and each other and spent their masked evening. The steamy scenes are detailed and leaves you wanting more.. Many thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Decadence is a three part split book by Ronica Black, Renee Roman and Piper Jordan. They each wrote a novella based around this extravagant masquerade ball Elizabeth Hathaway throws every year.
I enjoyed the first book Passionate Pursuance, I thought it was sweet, I loved the erotic challenges that were done as part of a game.
The style of writing in Redemption and part three Exclusive Content simply didn’t gel with me, so I found it hard to finish the book.
While the second half of the book wasn’t for me, it might be for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital copy of Decadence for reviewing purposes.
Three interesting erotic novellas, all with descriptive sex scenes. My favorite of the three was Exclusive Content by Piper Jordan. It had more of a story and a mystery element that kept my attention to the end. Passionate Pursuance by Ronica Black was good as well. I, unfortunately, couldn’t get into Redemption by Renee Roman, and I abandoned it about halfway through. The sex scenes in Exclusive Content and Passionate Pursuance ran too long for my taste. They started out great, but toward the end, it felt like a chore to get through them. A special thanks to Bold Strokes Books for access to an advance copy of Decadence.
Decadence offers a quick and to-the-point erotic read that offers just enough storyline to keep you engaged and plenty of spice. As this book is a gathering of short stories there isn't a lot of fluff but for a down and dirty read its definitely one I would reach for.
All set at an invite only masquarage ball the story entertwine enough to make sense but are stand alone. Perfect for an evening where you want to settle in for a quick read.
Super Steamy. Perfectly Short. Worth the read when the time calls for this type of book.
Thank you, @netgalley and @boldstrokestudios, for an ARC of this book 💕
If you're looking for steamy, spicy, short stories to get you out of a reading slump, this is it. All three stories are centered around a Masquerade Party held in Vegas, and one you can attend with invitation only. My favorite was "Redemption" because it has two exes still pining for each other, and it had me hooked from beginning to end.
📚 Short Stories 📚 Masquerade Party 📚 FF Romances 📚 Spicy
Decadence is Las Vegas's hottest invitation only masquerade Ball. Anyone going will experience an erotic night of pleasure. The book tells three stories from the Ball. The book seamlessly flows between the stories and leads to tales of passion. One of the better erotica books I have read that actually has a story line to follow and not just sex. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC