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Pleasure Seekers
Ilene is a captivatingly beautiful supermodel, Faye is an award-winning advertising executive and Alana is a brilliant editor for today's hottest fashion magazine. Now all three women are caught in the whirlwind of the super rich and famous. They find themselves the objects of the desires of every man—from movie stars, politicians, CEOs and rock stars to European royalty—men for whom there are no limits, nothing is too expensive, nothing is forbidden. From Manhattan to Paris to Southampton, their new worlds are a torrent of sensual delights and unlimited luxuries. But ultimately they realize that there's only one thing more satisfying than money and power…love.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2006
57 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
220 books1,055 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 11, 2009
Since I got my Kindle I kinda let my audiobook consumption go down a bit. So it was no real my surprise when I realized I had amassed quite a back-log of Audible credits. I decided to give the Kindle a bit of a rest a go shopping. (The Kindle also allows download of audio content, but I prefer my Ipod for that).
Now for those who are not really into listening to audiobooks, let me tell you the narrator is as important as the author of the work. A bad narrator can make an excellent book almost un-listenable. A Great narrator can really transport a so-so book into really enjoyable territory.
So because I had no real idea in mind of what I wanted to listen I decide to browse by favorite narrator instead of by favorite author or genre.
Gabra Zackman did a wonderful job in her narration of Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study trilogy. I really, really loved her voice. So I decided to start with her.
When I came across Pleasure Seekers in her list of titles, I just wasn't very sure about this book. It seemed like a throwback to those glitzy 80s titles by Judith Krants and Jackie Collins. I loved those back in the day, but nowadays that sort of narrative seems all wrong to me. But, like I said, I had quite a few credits and this book had gotten some love on one of my GR groups here.
I am very glad I "read" this book. It is a little like the old Krantz or Collins books, but it is very modern and didn't have the same hedonistic quality those books tended to have. It is also unabashed romantic fantasy, which in some places you really need to allow yourself to just put aside some skepticism and go with it. But for all that I found myself really, really engaged especially with the major storyline involving Bart and Faye.
Pleasure Seekers tells the story of a woman, Enid, who has a business that -- for a price -- hooks up wealthy men with companions. Her companions are beautiful, intelligent, and well read. They are supposed to not only be a decorative asset on a man's arm, but will also be able to engage him in great conversation on a variety of subjects (I know, I know.... my inner feminist should be appalled but...just go with it). Sometimes they just are extra guests to give events and parties a little glamour. Enid stresses that this is not a prostitution ring and she is not a pimp. She even warns her girls against sleeping with the clients.
At any rate, Enid's business is going flat and, with the advice of her lover and business partner Marcus, she decides to include in her roster some women of color (up until now all of Enid's women were white). She overhears two women talking and decides to approach them with the idea of joining her group.
The two are skeptical but they each have reasons for needing the exorbitant amount of money they'd make. Faye needs it to hire a lawyer for her brother and Alanna, a magazine editor, wants to buy a house for when her dead-beat fiancee finally decides to marry her. A third woman, Ilene, a world renowned supermodel who hasn't been very smart with money and is on the decline in her business also joins the crew. What follows are the separate storylines of the three women and their experience with PS, Inc.
Of the four romantic storylines that unfold (Enid also has a storyline), Faye's is by far the best. It also gets the lion's share of attention. So much so, that the other players almost seem like supporting actors. This is fine with me because, like I said, I far and above enjoyed Faye's story the most. In fact, the book would have lost nothing by cutting out the surrounding plot of PS, Inc. and the other women and just making this a love story between Bart and Faye.
Bart is a rich entrepeneur who is immediately dazzled by Faye and proceeds to sweep her off her feet in grand fashion. The conflict, of course, is that as their relationship slowly morphs from "lady-on-his-arm" to "lady-in-his-bed" Faye is understandably squicked out by the implications of his paying Enid for her companionship while she is busily getting her swerve on. I do have to give Ms Alers credit, though. She actually allows Bart and Faye to act like adults. There is no stupid grand misunderstanding. There are no childish hoarding of secrets where simple conversations could clear the air. Faye and Bart actually do talk about their situation and the whole thing unfolds quite realistically and quite romantically. I'm not gonna lie, if I had a guy like Bart in my sights, I'd be all over him. He was quite the romantic hero. And their romance surprisingly had an old-fashioned Mills and Boon quality to it.
The weakest storyline is Alanna's. For a woman who is supposed to a brilliant magazine editor, she came off as quite young and naive. I wasn't really invested in her storyline at all. But since it was small in comparison to Faye/Bart I didn't really mind.
I do have to say that Gabra Zackman did yet another fine job in narrating this story. At first i was a little put off by what I can only think of a her trying to sound like a sista-girl for one of the voices, but that soon goes away and you're left with a great narrative flow.
I did have one quibble -- Enid continuously referred to Ilene, Faye and Alanna as her "Exotic Jewels." To me, that was just over the moon corny. Each time I hear the line I had to roll my eyes. Just....no.
But overall this was an indulgent, fun, romantic fantasy. I recommend it as a great guilty pleasure!
Now for those who are not really into listening to audiobooks, let me tell you the narrator is as important as the author of the work. A bad narrator can make an excellent book almost un-listenable. A Great narrator can really transport a so-so book into really enjoyable territory.
So because I had no real idea in mind of what I wanted to listen I decide to browse by favorite narrator instead of by favorite author or genre.
Gabra Zackman did a wonderful job in her narration of Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study trilogy. I really, really loved her voice. So I decided to start with her.
When I came across Pleasure Seekers in her list of titles, I just wasn't very sure about this book. It seemed like a throwback to those glitzy 80s titles by Judith Krants and Jackie Collins. I loved those back in the day, but nowadays that sort of narrative seems all wrong to me. But, like I said, I had quite a few credits and this book had gotten some love on one of my GR groups here.
I am very glad I "read" this book. It is a little like the old Krantz or Collins books, but it is very modern and didn't have the same hedonistic quality those books tended to have. It is also unabashed romantic fantasy, which in some places you really need to allow yourself to just put aside some skepticism and go with it. But for all that I found myself really, really engaged especially with the major storyline involving Bart and Faye.
Pleasure Seekers tells the story of a woman, Enid, who has a business that -- for a price -- hooks up wealthy men with companions. Her companions are beautiful, intelligent, and well read. They are supposed to not only be a decorative asset on a man's arm, but will also be able to engage him in great conversation on a variety of subjects (I know, I know.... my inner feminist should be appalled but...just go with it). Sometimes they just are extra guests to give events and parties a little glamour. Enid stresses that this is not a prostitution ring and she is not a pimp. She even warns her girls against sleeping with the clients.
At any rate, Enid's business is going flat and, with the advice of her lover and business partner Marcus, she decides to include in her roster some women of color (up until now all of Enid's women were white). She overhears two women talking and decides to approach them with the idea of joining her group.
The two are skeptical but they each have reasons for needing the exorbitant amount of money they'd make. Faye needs it to hire a lawyer for her brother and Alanna, a magazine editor, wants to buy a house for when her dead-beat fiancee finally decides to marry her. A third woman, Ilene, a world renowned supermodel who hasn't been very smart with money and is on the decline in her business also joins the crew. What follows are the separate storylines of the three women and their experience with PS, Inc.
Of the four romantic storylines that unfold (Enid also has a storyline), Faye's is by far the best. It also gets the lion's share of attention. So much so, that the other players almost seem like supporting actors. This is fine with me because, like I said, I far and above enjoyed Faye's story the most. In fact, the book would have lost nothing by cutting out the surrounding plot of PS, Inc. and the other women and just making this a love story between Bart and Faye.
Bart is a rich entrepeneur who is immediately dazzled by Faye and proceeds to sweep her off her feet in grand fashion. The conflict, of course, is that as their relationship slowly morphs from "lady-on-his-arm" to "lady-in-his-bed" Faye is understandably squicked out by the implications of his paying Enid for her companionship while she is busily getting her swerve on. I do have to give Ms Alers credit, though. She actually allows Bart and Faye to act like adults. There is no stupid grand misunderstanding. There are no childish hoarding of secrets where simple conversations could clear the air. Faye and Bart actually do talk about their situation and the whole thing unfolds quite realistically and quite romantically. I'm not gonna lie, if I had a guy like Bart in my sights, I'd be all over him. He was quite the romantic hero. And their romance surprisingly had an old-fashioned Mills and Boon quality to it.
The weakest storyline is Alanna's. For a woman who is supposed to a brilliant magazine editor, she came off as quite young and naive. I wasn't really invested in her storyline at all. But since it was small in comparison to Faye/Bart I didn't really mind.
I do have to say that Gabra Zackman did yet another fine job in narrating this story. At first i was a little put off by what I can only think of a her trying to sound like a sista-girl for one of the voices, but that soon goes away and you're left with a great narrative flow.
I did have one quibble -- Enid continuously referred to Ilene, Faye and Alanna as her "Exotic Jewels." To me, that was just over the moon corny. Each time I hear the line I had to roll my eyes. Just....no.
But overall this was an indulgent, fun, romantic fantasy. I recommend it as a great guilty pleasure!
July 20, 2014
Another great book from Rochelle Alers!
This is not your typical romance novel. This book sucks you in and you just cannot put it down. I felt like I was one of their friends watching this story unfold. Alana, Ilene and Faye were very real people with issues and problems like everyone else. They all joined Pleasure Seekers for different reasons but all to address situations in their lives. The twists and turns were well placed and really interesting. I loved the back and forth between Enid and Marcus. Bart was a great character. He was so likeable and he and Faye were so good together. My least favorite character was Kris. There should have been some repercussions for his actions.
This is not your typical romance novel. This book sucks you in and you just cannot put it down. I felt like I was one of their friends watching this story unfold. Alana, Ilene and Faye were very real people with issues and problems like everyone else. They all joined Pleasure Seekers for different reasons but all to address situations in their lives. The twists and turns were well placed and really interesting. I loved the back and forth between Enid and Marcus. Bart was a great character. He was so likeable and he and Faye were so good together. My least favorite character was Kris. There should have been some repercussions for his actions.
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August 16, 2008Pleasure Seekers by Rochelle Alers (2007)
March 31, 2024
Lacking...Hard Copy is better!
The printed version of this book is so much better than than this version. I read the book years ago and passed the book on to someone else...books are meant to shared and discussed...I was disappointed to find that there is a difference. Back to hand held books. Alers is an awesome writer. Love her work. Please purchase the hard copy!! You will not ne disappointed!
The printed version of this book is so much better than than this version. I read the book years ago and passed the book on to someone else...books are meant to shared and discussed...I was disappointed to find that there is a difference. Back to hand held books. Alers is an awesome writer. Love her work. Please purchase the hard copy!! You will not ne disappointed!
April 30, 2020
Amazing!!!
I have had this book in my kindle library for 6 years now! Finally went back to it and I must say it was worth! I felt like I was living in the life and fairytales of Enid, Faye, Alana, and Ilene! Have read a few of Ms Alers books and she did not disappoint! A very fascinating read!
I have had this book in my kindle library for 6 years now! Finally went back to it and I must say it was worth! I felt like I was living in the life and fairytales of Enid, Faye, Alana, and Ilene! Have read a few of Ms Alers books and she did not disappoint! A very fascinating read!
May 21, 2017
The book starts slow with a lot of details and background. But about halfway through it picks up. I'm glad I read it!
May 9, 2024
Great read
I have always enjoyed reading Rochelle Alers and this one didn't disappoint. The characters were wonderful. Good job on this one
I have always enjoyed reading Rochelle Alers and this one didn't disappoint. The characters were wonderful. Good job on this one
December 13, 2016
Want to read a hot romance for the summer? If so, Pleasure Seekers by Rochelle Alers is a must read! This steamy story is about three women who join an exclusive escort service for very different reasons. Having already achieved their own successes in life, the reader is immediately curious to know what would make a supermodel, marketing executive and a fashion magazine editor consider escort work.
Well, Pleasure Seekers is not just exclusive, it is respectable. Highly successful businessmen, politicians and celebrities pay top dollar for the company of classy women.
The owner of the escort business holds her ladies to a very high standard and more importantly, she only takes on clients who honor her code of conduct. Thus, no illicit relationships allowed. Knowing that they are protected, Ilene, Fay and Alana welcome the idea of exotic weekends in luxury locales for a few extra dollars.
Alers’ writing is phenomenal. It’s hard to read this book without becoming giddy like a crushed-out teenager as the women are pampered and fawned over by the most eligible bachelors in town. Even juicier is witnessing the unlikely romances that develop thereafter.
In all honesty, you could go from reading Pleasure Seekers and pick up any of Rochelle Alers romances and be equally as pleased. Her ability to write unique characters and pair them with bold romantic partners is what makes her romances so amazing. I would recommend Pleasure Seekers to anyone interested in a great romance that draws you in from page one.
Well, Pleasure Seekers is not just exclusive, it is respectable. Highly successful businessmen, politicians and celebrities pay top dollar for the company of classy women.
The owner of the escort business holds her ladies to a very high standard and more importantly, she only takes on clients who honor her code of conduct. Thus, no illicit relationships allowed. Knowing that they are protected, Ilene, Fay and Alana welcome the idea of exotic weekends in luxury locales for a few extra dollars.
Alers’ writing is phenomenal. It’s hard to read this book without becoming giddy like a crushed-out teenager as the women are pampered and fawned over by the most eligible bachelors in town. Even juicier is witnessing the unlikely romances that develop thereafter.
In all honesty, you could go from reading Pleasure Seekers and pick up any of Rochelle Alers romances and be equally as pleased. Her ability to write unique characters and pair them with bold romantic partners is what makes her romances so amazing. I would recommend Pleasure Seekers to anyone interested in a great romance that draws you in from page one.
September 11, 2016
Review up on banditbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 24, 2014
Reading this is romantic escapism at its finest. I was not a fan of the "escort service" piece of the plot, but the main characters were entertaining. It took several sittings to finish reading, but every time I picked up the book I regretted when I had to stop reading. Rochelle Alers is an excellent writer. She knows how to keep a reader's interest and I look forward to reading more of her work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2014
This book is a winner. The story grabs you at the beginning and keeps your attention throughout. Two small compliants: Bart was described as an Anderson Cooper look alike which did not work for me (not my cup of tea) but Sean Connery would have been fine, and eventhough I know who fathered Alana's child I wish he could have been held accountable for his crime.
June 24, 2015
Great read!!!
From start to finish I couldn't put this book down. The characters were very real and relatable. I loved the relationship that Faye had with Bart. I wish that we could've heard more from Alana.
From start to finish I couldn't put this book down. The characters were very real and relatable. I loved the relationship that Faye had with Bart. I wish that we could've heard more from Alana.
June 27, 2014
Ilene, supermodel, Faye, advertising executive, and Alana editor for a fashion magazine. These three women's lives change drastically by one simple encounter.
February 22, 2012
Truly enjoyed. Be careful to whom you lend this book--I loaned it to a friend who refused to give it back since she kept rereading parts of the book.
Want to read
April 21, 2012this is a good book i truly enjoyed the plot of it all.
November 18, 2014
I have to say this is one of my all time favorite hands down, a definite must read RA is everything! Oh and you'll love Bart & Renee, so amazing!
October 26, 2016
Bart and Faye, my favorite couple
I like reading about the couple. I can't get enough of them. The book in my opinion is good. There is an in-depth look at each chase.
I like reading about the couple. I can't get enough of them. The book in my opinion is good. There is an in-depth look at each chase.
January 18, 2017
I enjoyed the love they all had. I just wish there was more about Kana and her baby. And if she found out about the baby daddy.
February 5, 2014
I loved this book.
July 4, 2015
a little "clean" in how everything worked out.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews