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Cavern of Pleasures #1
Mastering the Marchioness
The Marquess was also perfection, from the finely powdered hair, the elaborate
cravat tied at his throat, the rich velvet coat that flared from the hips, ...
cravat tied at his throat, the rich velvet coat that flared from the hips, ...
First published June 18, 2009
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About the author
Em Brown
169 books540 followersAfter accidentally flashing the audience with her knickers, Em Brown decided that writing was a safer activity. She enjoys writing romance, particularly erotic historicals. For more about her works, visit www.EroticHistoricals.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 6, 2021
True Romantic💕 Fantasy🐲
This is another book with a far fetched plot. In this historical bdsm erotic romance, Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪, a wealthy manwhore🍌, weds his late friends sister, Harrietta👰, in order to provide for her. It's a marriage of convenience, of duty. He spends no time with her and the marriage👰 is unconsummated.
He spends his 🌙nights with various courtesans💃, and she just sits at home.
One 🌙night Harrieta attends a dungeon party with her daring female friend. Intrigued by one of the masked masters🎭🍌🌋✋💪 there, she volunteers to be his submissive✋✋, even though she is an innocent and total unaware of the Lord's proclivities. Everyone wears a mask🎭, so identities are relatively unknown.
The masked🎭 man is her wandering husband, Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪, and he recognizes her by her necklace, a 🎁gift. He remains anonymous, and he does his best to treat her so badly and scare her so that she will never come back.
Of course, that plan backfires, and Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪 becomes intrigued with his own wife👰, making her into a wanton submissive💃💋, all the while keeping his identity secret from her.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
This 📚book's storyline is very well thought out and I could not put it down! It is an interesting view of over privileged debauchery by the English upper class.
This is another book with a far fetched plot. In this historical bdsm erotic romance, Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪, a wealthy manwhore🍌, weds his late friends sister, Harrietta👰, in order to provide for her. It's a marriage of convenience, of duty. He spends no time with her and the marriage👰 is unconsummated.
He spends his 🌙nights with various courtesans💃, and she just sits at home.
One 🌙night Harrieta attends a dungeon party with her daring female friend. Intrigued by one of the masked masters🎭🍌🌋✋💪 there, she volunteers to be his submissive✋✋, even though she is an innocent and total unaware of the Lord's proclivities. Everyone wears a mask🎭, so identities are relatively unknown.
The masked🎭 man is her wandering husband, Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪, and he recognizes her by her necklace, a 🎁gift. He remains anonymous, and he does his best to treat her so badly and scare her so that she will never come back.
Of course, that plan backfires, and Vale🐺🍌🌋✋💪 becomes intrigued with his own wife👰, making her into a wanton submissive💃💋, all the while keeping his identity secret from her.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
This 📚book's storyline is very well thought out and I could not put it down! It is an interesting view of over privileged debauchery by the English upper class.
September 26, 2011
Ok, I bought this off a whim, seemed totally interesting and naughty. I am so intrigued with reading historical erotic novels with BDSM. This one made me go WOW! I read it in a few hours which technically I probably should have gotten more sleep, but for me it was that good that I deprived myself of sleep to finish this most awesome story! I will be getting the rest of the books in this series!
January 6, 2018
First in the Cavern of Pleasures erotic historical romance revolving around said cavern. In this story, the focus is on Hetty and her lord.
My Take
A cute storyline, but omigod. Poor use of words, words confused, lack of articles, and Brown wasn't paying attention to some basics of the time period.
My Take
A cute storyline, but omigod. Poor use of words, words confused, lack of articles, and Brown wasn't paying attention to some basics of the time period.
July 26, 2018
Overall this book was a very quick read, and had the potential to be something more than what it was. I loved the banter, the premise of the cavern, the steamy bits... but the editing, and historical accuracy left something to be desired. Minor things to what really bothered me. This book had two glaring problems that I could not overlook to make it a stellar read:
1) The idea that Harrietta would not recognize her husband simply because he wore a masquerade mask covering his eyes is ridiculous. We are supposed to believe that she posses an intelligence, and yet she has no idea that Vale and ‘My lord’ are the same man, despite the increase of time she’s spent with them ‘both’.
2) The supposed beautiful, romantic sex scene full of love and whatnot happens almost immediately after Harrietta is nearly raped and tortured by another man. It was jarring, and incredibly uncomfortable to read so close in the timeline to her narrow escape of being sexually assaulted.
I did not enjoy the sexual predator aspect of this book in the character Elroy, seeing as its only purpose was to have Vale show up as a knight in shining armour, and focused solely on Vale’s feelings and not at all on the damage the situation caused Harrietta. There were plenty of other ways the author could have written the book without throwing a sexual predator into an erotica. Honestly? Not a very erotic thing to do.
And don’t get me started on the big reveal where Harrietta basically gets raped by her husband as My Lord because she tells him it’s over and wants to leave, but never mind she’s wet so she likes it!?
1) The idea that Harrietta would not recognize her husband simply because he wore a masquerade mask covering his eyes is ridiculous. We are supposed to believe that she posses an intelligence, and yet she has no idea that Vale and ‘My lord’ are the same man, despite the increase of time she’s spent with them ‘both’.
2) The supposed beautiful, romantic sex scene full of love and whatnot happens almost immediately after Harrietta is nearly raped and tortured by another man. It was jarring, and incredibly uncomfortable to read so close in the timeline to her narrow escape of being sexually assaulted.
I did not enjoy the sexual predator aspect of this book in the character Elroy, seeing as its only purpose was to have Vale show up as a knight in shining armour, and focused solely on Vale’s feelings and not at all on the damage the situation caused Harrietta. There were plenty of other ways the author could have written the book without throwing a sexual predator into an erotica. Honestly? Not a very erotic thing to do.
And don’t get me started on the big reveal where Harrietta basically gets raped by her husband as My Lord because she tells him it’s over and wants to leave, but never mind she’s wet so she likes it!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2017
This book got 2 stars because I did finish it. Half way through however, it was going to be given 1 star or less.
When reading a "historical" romance I want the book to be at least somewhat historical. The ONLY thing that lent to historical was that they rode in carriages and wore petticoats. Otherwise it was a modern BDSM. Which made this book a huge disappointment.
This book spent a lot of time with the hero engaging in homosexual acts. The other characters at well. This was a homosexual book with a sprinkle of a husband and wife story. I prefer my romances to be the other way around. This book was a huge disappointment. I will not continue this series.
When reading a "historical" romance I want the book to be at least somewhat historical. The ONLY thing that lent to historical was that they rode in carriages and wore petticoats. Otherwise it was a modern BDSM. Which made this book a huge disappointment.
This book spent a lot of time with the hero engaging in homosexual acts. The other characters at well. This was a homosexual book with a sprinkle of a husband and wife story. I prefer my romances to be the other way around. This book was a huge disappointment. I will not continue this series.
April 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this story of a husband and wife discovering how much they loved each other through their exploration of mutual desires. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ebook).
Want to read
September 28, 2017FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2017)!
June 10, 2019
Super hot! I loved it!
April 23, 2019
London, England. Madam Penelope Botreaux's (40+, BDSM master, former Army) Cavern of Pleasures. Vale Montressor Aubrey (34, husband, Marquess of Dunnesford) was entertaining his next female.
He was quite sure her parts were hot/wet.
Vale had no idea Harrietta Delaney (34, Vale’s wife, Marchioness of Dunnesford) was in the room or vice-versa.
Masks & costumes are provided.
Harrietta had become quite aroused & wanted to join in with Lord Lovell Elroy (master, Lady Falconet’s twin brother).
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (BDSM) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written erotic historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great erotic movie, or better yet a paid-per-view mini TV series. To be continued. It was as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Wind Color Press; BookRaider; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
He was quite sure her parts were hot/wet.
Vale had no idea Harrietta Delaney (34, Vale’s wife, Marchioness of Dunnesford) was in the room or vice-versa.
Masks & costumes are provided.
Harrietta had become quite aroused & wanted to join in with Lord Lovell Elroy (master, Lady Falconet’s twin brother).
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (BDSM) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written erotic historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great erotic movie, or better yet a paid-per-view mini TV series. To be continued. It was as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Wind Color Press; BookRaider; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 2, 2018
There is one pretty huge plot hole - she didn't recognise her husband because he was wearing a mask. Come on. Masks don't actually mask that much.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this - hot scenes, a female protagonist with actual agency and the ability to rescue herself, occasionally hilarious dialogue (maybe a bit more study on how the upper classes talked at that time is needed) and readable in one night.
Also actually pretty romantic.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this - hot scenes, a female protagonist with actual agency and the ability to rescue herself, occasionally hilarious dialogue (maybe a bit more study on how the upper classes talked at that time is needed) and readable in one night.
Also actually pretty romantic.
February 18, 2022
Let me 1st express I find it hard to read these novels. I'm not into BDSM forced sex. What is pleasure about that? I would have liked a bit more depth of the characters, instead of just secret feelings. This couple have just gotten married & Vale treats her as the sister he grew up with his best friend Harold. They BFF always promised if something happened to them the other would take care of Harold's sister. Which is why Vale marries but hasn't consummated the marriage yet.
Lady Henrietta realizes that the man she grew up with who she had a crush on is pretty much a gigolo. That he is into sextual escapdes that she is not allowed to know about. Lady Henrietta knows that Vale married her because of the promise he made to his BFF her brother Harold. Vale owed him his life & wanted to make sure that his sister was taken care of. She realizes that he only loves her as a sister. They both misunderstand the love they have for each other?
Vale Montressor Aubrey, husband (Marquess of Dunnesford) pretty much a gigolo at the Club Cavern. Vale doesn't seem to interested in being the Master Dom during his entertainment with his female Sub. While taking a break he notices his cousin walking into the club with a guest. From the body language & strut he knows that guest is his wife Harrietta Delaney
(Marchioness of Dunnesford). What is she doing in this establishment? She wants to find out about sexual innuendos that go on at the Cavern? What is she thinking? The scandal that it will cause if they are caught at this club.
Well I can understand why she would want to find her own satisfaction. But if she hears the gossip of the ton & believes the many mistress that Vale has. Why would she not think that her husband wouldn't be part of this club? Unfortunately when you're naive you don't hear all the facts of peoples behavior. So when Vale is being told that Lady Henrietta wants to have her experiences with Lord ElRoy. Everyone who knows Lord ElRoy knows he is a dangerous & abusive Dom. Vale is not going to let that man anywhere near his wife. If his cousin cannot convince her not to participate in this madness. Then he is going to be part of it & be in control of the situation. Vale Montressor Aubrey, husband (Marquess of Dunnesford) doesn't need to know his sextual appetite & then find out that his wife is there as well to get her needs fulfilled.
When Lady Henrietta steps forward to present herself as a submissive, Vale chooses her in order to protect her & hopes to convince her that she doesn't belong at this establishment. Vale at first in uncomfortable with being her Master. Since there appearance is disguised in masks & wigs for privacy & protection. Vale hopes that since she doesn't know it's him he can get her not to come back. But surprisingly she does come back at every opportunity her Master gives her. One to prove & a point, but mostly she's intrigued of what she feels. Vale doesn't have intercourse with her until almost the end of the book. But they have many intimate moments & escapades that bring out the passion, lust & Dom out of both of them. Vale realizes that he has always been in love with his wife. But didn't feel he was allowed to have those thoughts or feelings since it was Harold's sister. When these to finally make love & come together it's smoking HOT! Vale had always wanted a wife whom he could love & share his sextual interest. Now he finally found that with Henrietta.💓
I don't have to like or understand BDSM. But i do enjoyed this story of a husband and wife discovering how much they loved each other through their exploration of mutual desires.
I also enjoy that Vale is willing to protect his wife from scandal & being threatened by an abuser.
I find it a bit to provocative violent when dealing with the sextual escapades. But if you're into reading that, then his is the book.
Lady Henrietta realizes that the man she grew up with who she had a crush on is pretty much a gigolo. That he is into sextual escapdes that she is not allowed to know about. Lady Henrietta knows that Vale married her because of the promise he made to his BFF her brother Harold. Vale owed him his life & wanted to make sure that his sister was taken care of. She realizes that he only loves her as a sister. They both misunderstand the love they have for each other?
Vale Montressor Aubrey, husband (Marquess of Dunnesford) pretty much a gigolo at the Club Cavern. Vale doesn't seem to interested in being the Master Dom during his entertainment with his female Sub. While taking a break he notices his cousin walking into the club with a guest. From the body language & strut he knows that guest is his wife Harrietta Delaney
(Marchioness of Dunnesford). What is she doing in this establishment? She wants to find out about sexual innuendos that go on at the Cavern? What is she thinking? The scandal that it will cause if they are caught at this club.
Well I can understand why she would want to find her own satisfaction. But if she hears the gossip of the ton & believes the many mistress that Vale has. Why would she not think that her husband wouldn't be part of this club? Unfortunately when you're naive you don't hear all the facts of peoples behavior. So when Vale is being told that Lady Henrietta wants to have her experiences with Lord ElRoy. Everyone who knows Lord ElRoy knows he is a dangerous & abusive Dom. Vale is not going to let that man anywhere near his wife. If his cousin cannot convince her not to participate in this madness. Then he is going to be part of it & be in control of the situation. Vale Montressor Aubrey, husband (Marquess of Dunnesford) doesn't need to know his sextual appetite & then find out that his wife is there as well to get her needs fulfilled.
When Lady Henrietta steps forward to present herself as a submissive, Vale chooses her in order to protect her & hopes to convince her that she doesn't belong at this establishment. Vale at first in uncomfortable with being her Master. Since there appearance is disguised in masks & wigs for privacy & protection. Vale hopes that since she doesn't know it's him he can get her not to come back. But surprisingly she does come back at every opportunity her Master gives her. One to prove & a point, but mostly she's intrigued of what she feels. Vale doesn't have intercourse with her until almost the end of the book. But they have many intimate moments & escapades that bring out the passion, lust & Dom out of both of them. Vale realizes that he has always been in love with his wife. But didn't feel he was allowed to have those thoughts or feelings since it was Harold's sister. When these to finally make love & come together it's smoking HOT! Vale had always wanted a wife whom he could love & share his sextual interest. Now he finally found that with Henrietta.💓
I don't have to like or understand BDSM. But i do enjoyed this story of a husband and wife discovering how much they loved each other through their exploration of mutual desires.
I also enjoy that Vale is willing to protect his wife from scandal & being threatened by an abuser.
I find it a bit to provocative violent when dealing with the sextual escapades. But if you're into reading that, then his is the book.
August 30, 2018
After reading the blurb about this one I thought it was going to be about a couple that’s been married for years and are bored with each other. Hence why they separately go to this sex club place, the “Cavern of Pleasures”. Now I’m all for doing what feels right for you and your partner. But at the same time, you need to give it a good fair go before resorting to these methods I think.
The first surprise for me with this book is that this couple is newly married. Like REALLY newly married! And at that they are young, don’t have heirs and have known each other since childhood. Literally they only just got married and moved to London and yet they still haven’t consummated their marriage.
The thing that I found amusing about this book was that Harrietta didn’t know it was her husband Vale she was visiting, whereas he knew it was her. He’s trying to make sure that she trusts him, while at the same time doing something that is guaranteed to make her not trust him. Being as un-trusting as I am I don’t understand how this could ever work out in Vale’s favour. Surely when Harrietta finds out that Vale is her mysterious “my lord” she won’t be happy and will make his life misery?
So reading how Harrietta tries to remain independent while also having to rely on her husband really rings true for me. Like yes, I could survive and be fine without my partner. But do I want to? Will I enjoy the quality of life I enjoy now without him? No, I probably wouldn’t. Purely because two incomes working towards the same thing makes everything so much cheaper!
So Harrietta tries to do her independent woman act and ends up failing. Only to have Vale try to rescue her. Only he’s too late and she rescues herself. Kind of… (I’ll let you read it to find out what I mean by that) And yada yada yada. Typical regency romance story they figure things out and that’s the end of the story.
But what intrigues me about this is that it’s a series. And this is only the first book. Does the series change it’s character focus each book? Or does it continue to develop the characters in this book further? I look forward to reading the series. But that will have to wait.
https://proudbookreviews.com/2018/08/...
The first surprise for me with this book is that this couple is newly married. Like REALLY newly married! And at that they are young, don’t have heirs and have known each other since childhood. Literally they only just got married and moved to London and yet they still haven’t consummated their marriage.
The thing that I found amusing about this book was that Harrietta didn’t know it was her husband Vale she was visiting, whereas he knew it was her. He’s trying to make sure that she trusts him, while at the same time doing something that is guaranteed to make her not trust him. Being as un-trusting as I am I don’t understand how this could ever work out in Vale’s favour. Surely when Harrietta finds out that Vale is her mysterious “my lord” she won’t be happy and will make his life misery?
So reading how Harrietta tries to remain independent while also having to rely on her husband really rings true for me. Like yes, I could survive and be fine without my partner. But do I want to? Will I enjoy the quality of life I enjoy now without him? No, I probably wouldn’t. Purely because two incomes working towards the same thing makes everything so much cheaper!
So Harrietta tries to do her independent woman act and ends up failing. Only to have Vale try to rescue her. Only he’s too late and she rescues herself. Kind of… (I’ll let you read it to find out what I mean by that) And yada yada yada. Typical regency romance story they figure things out and that’s the end of the story.
But what intrigues me about this is that it’s a series. And this is only the first book. Does the series change it’s character focus each book? Or does it continue to develop the characters in this book further? I look forward to reading the series. But that will have to wait.
https://proudbookreviews.com/2018/08/...
August 17, 2021
it’s not that i didn’t enjoy this book, it’s just that there’s a lot wrong with it.
- which period of time is this even supposed to be? besides a few elements almost nothing indicates this is london georgian regency.
- barely any description or depth to characters and their backgrounds, reasonings and feelings
[SPOILERS ahead]
.
.
.
.
- what the heck was the storyline with adia supposed to be? i’m shocked no one here has commented on this plus that hard N word used to describe her… english is not my first language but i thought this would was not supposed to be used? anyways, just thought the character could’ve had a better storyline and deserved better. could’ve even just not go there.
- on that note: social issues were deal in a way that made me think it was about “saving face” more than for the plot itself. the little black girl (adia) is pointless to the story and ends up being employed more than adopted? i don’t get the thought process here. and the same sex scenes felt off, is the author implying all her characters are bi? is she just fetishizing same sex intercourse? the countess being with a woman and also with vale made me confused, i didn’t understand if it was just for show or if they actually did have a sexual relationship.
- “my lord” r*ped her. period. no excuses and the scene disgusted me. i thought vale was supposed to be against forced sex as he kept repeating this when talking about lord elroy and this wasn’t a dark romance story for me to just pretend this was “acceptable” for the storyline. no sense at all and got me thinking reading all of this was for nothing.
- which period of time is this even supposed to be? besides a few elements almost nothing indicates this is london georgian regency.
- barely any description or depth to characters and their backgrounds, reasonings and feelings
[SPOILERS ahead]
.
.
.
.
- what the heck was the storyline with adia supposed to be? i’m shocked no one here has commented on this plus that hard N word used to describe her… english is not my first language but i thought this would was not supposed to be used? anyways, just thought the character could’ve had a better storyline and deserved better. could’ve even just not go there.
- on that note: social issues were deal in a way that made me think it was about “saving face” more than for the plot itself. the little black girl (adia) is pointless to the story and ends up being employed more than adopted? i don’t get the thought process here. and the same sex scenes felt off, is the author implying all her characters are bi? is she just fetishizing same sex intercourse? the countess being with a woman and also with vale made me confused, i didn’t understand if it was just for show or if they actually did have a sexual relationship.
- “my lord” r*ped her. period. no excuses and the scene disgusted me. i thought vale was supposed to be against forced sex as he kept repeating this when talking about lord elroy and this wasn’t a dark romance story for me to just pretend this was “acceptable” for the storyline. no sense at all and got me thinking reading all of this was for nothing.
September 20, 2018
💞Smoking hot copulation!😉😍
This story starts with a BDSM scene between Vale and his submissive. We are shown his secret life. He is the senior Master at the Craven and has seen and done it all. He is not feeling the excitement that he used to feel when he masters a submissive. When he takes a break during one of his scenes, he is surprised to see his wife at the Craven. Vale and Henrietta's brother Harold, were best friends when they were younger and Harold made Vale promise that he will look after his sisters if anything happened to him, so when Harold passed away Vale's guilt ate at him, so he married Henrietta to ease his concious. Vale treats her as a sister and they haven't consummated the marriage yet. Henrietta is curious about the Craven and gets Vale's cousin to bring her there. When she steps forward to present herself as a submissive, Vale chooses her in order to protect her and tries everything as her Master ( she doesn't know it's him, as he wears a mask and wig ) to get her not to come back, but she does come back every time to prove a point and also because she can't help herself, she's intrigued.There is no penetration between them until nearly the end of the book, but when they do come together it's smoking HOT! Vale had always wanted a wife whom he could love and have a shared interest in his activities. And he finally found that with Henrietta.💓
This story starts with a BDSM scene between Vale and his submissive. We are shown his secret life. He is the senior Master at the Craven and has seen and done it all. He is not feeling the excitement that he used to feel when he masters a submissive. When he takes a break during one of his scenes, he is surprised to see his wife at the Craven. Vale and Henrietta's brother Harold, were best friends when they were younger and Harold made Vale promise that he will look after his sisters if anything happened to him, so when Harold passed away Vale's guilt ate at him, so he married Henrietta to ease his concious. Vale treats her as a sister and they haven't consummated the marriage yet. Henrietta is curious about the Craven and gets Vale's cousin to bring her there. When she steps forward to present herself as a submissive, Vale chooses her in order to protect her and tries everything as her Master ( she doesn't know it's him, as he wears a mask and wig ) to get her not to come back, but she does come back every time to prove a point and also because she can't help herself, she's intrigued.There is no penetration between them until nearly the end of the book, but when they do come together it's smoking HOT! Vale had always wanted a wife whom he could love and have a shared interest in his activities. And he finally found that with Henrietta.💓
November 20, 2021
I didn’t read the reviews prior to reading this book, which is not like me. I’m glad I didn’t. Look. I get it. Saying it’s a Georgian erotic romance makes you think of a certain time period, and this book is wildly historically inaccurate. But do you read e romance for historical accuracy? Or do you read it for spice? I went into this book looking for spicy and I got it. I didn’t care about the minor mentions of historically wrong things.
One review had a problem with the MM moments in this book, and said it was more MM with a side of MF. This is wrong. There are several mentions of MM moments and a few bits of MM banter. There is one specific MM scene involving the main character, Vale. It’s not graphic and if you really aren’t into it, easy to skip. It’s not a serious plot point. The main story is definitely MF.
The issues I had with the book were more personal to my tastes: Vale has known Hettie since she was a toddler and watched her grow up. That toddler scene mention weirds me out. There is an attempted r@pe at one point. The last scenes with the main characters do get a little too close to non-con for me personally, but again, pretty easy to skip over that bit.
All in all, I liked it. I finished it in one day. It was spicy from beginning to end and that’s what I was looking for. I do have 3 books in this series that I got for free at one point on bookbub, and I’ll continue reading the 3.
One review had a problem with the MM moments in this book, and said it was more MM with a side of MF. This is wrong. There are several mentions of MM moments and a few bits of MM banter. There is one specific MM scene involving the main character, Vale. It’s not graphic and if you really aren’t into it, easy to skip. It’s not a serious plot point. The main story is definitely MF.
The issues I had with the book were more personal to my tastes: Vale has known Hettie since she was a toddler and watched her grow up. That toddler scene mention weirds me out. There is an attempted r@pe at one point. The last scenes with the main characters do get a little too close to non-con for me personally, but again, pretty easy to skip over that bit.
All in all, I liked it. I finished it in one day. It was spicy from beginning to end and that’s what I was looking for. I do have 3 books in this series that I got for free at one point on bookbub, and I’ll continue reading the 3.
August 13, 2024
After I read Den of Vipers and Lilac, I thought maybe reverse harem wasn’t for me. That was until I read the Vicious Lost Boys series.
I’m hopeful this introduction to historical romance was something similar. I can hardly believe I managed to finish this.
Though at times entertaining, I couldn’t get behind the story. Yes, the reasoning behind the plot is okay, not unbelievable, but the progression of their relationship simply didn’t flow.
Because I could still find myself intrigued by one conversation or the other, I could give this book 2 stars, but some creepy descriptions have scarred me for life.
Things like him saying he wished she would look at him with the same admiration she did her older brother. Or when they had just messed around and she said he embraced her in an almost paternal manner??? Like, please, you can say caring. Finally, around the end (after a thinly veiled r*pe scene), he said “the universe knew from the moment they met, even though she was just a baby, that she would be special to him”??? You cannot convince me this is okay because “historical accuracy.”
I’m hopeful this introduction to historical romance was something similar. I can hardly believe I managed to finish this.
Though at times entertaining, I couldn’t get behind the story. Yes, the reasoning behind the plot is okay, not unbelievable, but the progression of their relationship simply didn’t flow.
Because I could still find myself intrigued by one conversation or the other, I could give this book 2 stars, but some creepy descriptions have scarred me for life.
Things like him saying he wished she would look at him with the same admiration she did her older brother. Or when they had just messed around and she said he embraced her in an almost paternal manner??? Like, please, you can say caring. Finally, around the end (after a thinly veiled r*pe scene), he said “the universe knew from the moment they met, even though she was just a baby, that she would be special to him”??? You cannot convince me this is okay because “historical accuracy.”
March 23, 2017
I love historical romances and have been reading them for thirty years. Combining BDSM elements is a newer twist and can be kind of hit or miss for me in regard to how well it works. I enjoyed the combination in this book.
You have a recently married woman who wants some excitement. She knows her husband has his own sexual interests and doesn't want to spend her time being alone. When her husband's cousin introduces her to a place where she can explore her sexuality with a Dom, she takes on the challenge. She doesn't know her husband is there as well.
It becomes a challenge to both of them. He wants to convince her to leave and she wants to show her mysterious Dom that she is strong enough to stay. It really causes him to look at her differently and make an investment in learning about her.
I liked that you get both their points of view. You understand more about their motivations and the choices they make. I would have liked to know more about her past romances. It feels like that piece was undeveloped. I did like that she was a strong woman who was not afraid to take risks. She also took responsibility for her choices.
The author does describe all kinds of sexual situations and there is M/M and F/F sexual situations.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
You have a recently married woman who wants some excitement. She knows her husband has his own sexual interests and doesn't want to spend her time being alone. When her husband's cousin introduces her to a place where she can explore her sexuality with a Dom, she takes on the challenge. She doesn't know her husband is there as well.
It becomes a challenge to both of them. He wants to convince her to leave and she wants to show her mysterious Dom that she is strong enough to stay. It really causes him to look at her differently and make an investment in learning about her.
I liked that you get both their points of view. You understand more about their motivations and the choices they make. I would have liked to know more about her past romances. It feels like that piece was undeveloped. I did like that she was a strong woman who was not afraid to take risks. She also took responsibility for her choices.
The author does describe all kinds of sexual situations and there is M/M and F/F sexual situations.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
August 24, 2020
Well.... (SPOILERS)
Well.... this book was different, the fact that technically she was with her husband the entire time, I just absolutely loved it. But I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I thought I would get in greater detail their ending.
Spoilers...
This book was really good as Vale worked at the Cavern and one night his wife of convenience comes in. He chooses her as a submissive and it seems they get a closebond but the ending they decided to end it on they had just discovered each other, I just assumed we would get maybe her explaining a little her reasoning or how she felt knowing that she was with the same man.
Why did I rate it 5 and not 4 for my distaste for the ending, I decided 5 because I was intriguiged the entire time with the book. I liked it too much to have given it any less.
Well.... this book was different, the fact that technically she was with her husband the entire time, I just absolutely loved it. But I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I thought I would get in greater detail their ending.
Spoilers...
This book was really good as Vale worked at the Cavern and one night his wife of convenience comes in. He chooses her as a submissive and it seems they get a closebond but the ending they decided to end it on they had just discovered each other, I just assumed we would get maybe her explaining a little her reasoning or how she felt knowing that she was with the same man.
Why did I rate it 5 and not 4 for my distaste for the ending, I decided 5 because I was intriguiged the entire time with the book. I liked it too much to have given it any less.
July 24, 2023
REVIEW
Score: 3/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: BDSM; hidden identity; brothers best friend;
Okay so I’ve definitely read this one before but I’m currently on the search for a certain book so I picked this up again to see if this was it. It most certainly was not but decided to just finish this reread. If you’re looking for some just straight up smut/spice that is historical romance then this will check that box. It’s almost super LGBTQ+ friendly. The MMC and FMC are both bisexual. Well the MMC definitely is. I’m unsure what the FMC what claim herself to be.
FMC is extremely naive yet not because I’m sorry but what naive person just straight up is like yeah but nipple clamps on my labia, lmao. Definitely not much plot to be found. Also big plot hole towards the end or bad writing. Not sure which.
I will probably eventually read the 2nd book.
3/5
Score: 3/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: BDSM; hidden identity; brothers best friend;
Okay so I’ve definitely read this one before but I’m currently on the search for a certain book so I picked this up again to see if this was it. It most certainly was not but decided to just finish this reread. If you’re looking for some just straight up smut/spice that is historical romance then this will check that box. It’s almost super LGBTQ+ friendly. The MMC and FMC are both bisexual. Well the MMC definitely is. I’m unsure what the FMC what claim herself to be.
FMC is extremely naive yet not because I’m sorry but what naive person just straight up is like yeah but nipple clamps on my labia, lmao. Definitely not much plot to be found. Also big plot hole towards the end or bad writing. Not sure which.
I will probably eventually read the 2nd book.
3/5
October 20, 2017
His best friends sister seemed to be the perfect solution to his need for a wife and her families need for financial security. A marriage in name only was his thought, but the sweet child her remembers has grown into a beautiful woman with desires and needs of her own.
I love a good historical romance. I also love a good bdsm erotic novel. This takes care of both delightfully! Wicked yet romantic and as sensual as it is sensitive. The characters are well rounded and interesting. The scenes in the Cavern were very well written. They went far beyond steamy. They were scorching hot! As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this one a full five hearts beating passionately!
I love a good historical romance. I also love a good bdsm erotic novel. This takes care of both delightfully! Wicked yet romantic and as sensual as it is sensitive. The characters are well rounded and interesting. The scenes in the Cavern were very well written. They went far beyond steamy. They were scorching hot! As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this one a full five hearts beating passionately!
November 22, 2017
I'm Really Surprised!
I purchased this book for free and was in doubt, but saw the high ratings and was curious. Once I read this novel it wss hard to put down. It had comical moments that were unexpected in this specific type of genre. The whole plot of the story revolved in how Vale didn't wanted his wife Harrietta to be a member of the Cavern of Pleasures. Vale is a patron, selects her with the purpose of frightening her, but gets surprised how determined she is in learning more about submission that she ends up going on every appointed day. You'll discover that the reason is that she feels unwanted and is angry at the thought of he having other lovers. At the end, everything is revealed.
I purchased this book for free and was in doubt, but saw the high ratings and was curious. Once I read this novel it wss hard to put down. It had comical moments that were unexpected in this specific type of genre. The whole plot of the story revolved in how Vale didn't wanted his wife Harrietta to be a member of the Cavern of Pleasures. Vale is a patron, selects her with the purpose of frightening her, but gets surprised how determined she is in learning more about submission that she ends up going on every appointed day. You'll discover that the reason is that she feels unwanted and is angry at the thought of he having other lovers. At the end, everything is revealed.
August 12, 2018
First - so glad this was free on Amazon. I’d be ticked if I paid money for this.
Second - this is one day I wished my mom had raised a quitter so I could DNF a book. I just kept thinking it would get better, but...nope.
Erotic romances are fine if the eroticism is part of a better story. This is not. I HATE cheating in a book and this one has it in spades. Male or female, the “hero” will have sex with either to satisfy himself. Dude - if you want your wife to stop coming to a sex club, then take care of her at home! This story makes no sense and had me shaking my head.
Spare yourself!
Second - this is one day I wished my mom had raised a quitter so I could DNF a book. I just kept thinking it would get better, but...nope.
Erotic romances are fine if the eroticism is part of a better story. This is not. I HATE cheating in a book and this one has it in spades. Male or female, the “hero” will have sex with either to satisfy himself. Dude - if you want your wife to stop coming to a sex club, then take care of her at home! This story makes no sense and had me shaking my head.
Spare yourself!
April 17, 2021
Well there is romance but a heck of a lot of outright sex! About a man who marries the sister of a good friend that has died and since the man in question had saved his life he wanted to do something for the friends family. Expecting a wedding of no romance he does not consumate the wedding but continues to go to the Cavern of Pleasure which is a place for Masters and Submisives. Little does he know that a close female friend of his takes his new wife there-- all wear masks but he is able to identify his wife and does what you would expect. Not for the faint of heart or prudish. An eye opening book to say the least!
April 3, 2022
was bored throughout the book!
i hate it when u have an obvious in your face villain!
before she befriends the villain, i cld easily predict the plot!
i skimmed through just to confirm!
the sex scenes were boring and at one point she was extremely uncomfortable and this idiot is not even paying attention! just because it was a girl on girl action! come on! you are her dom, u shld know when she is uncomfortable and when she is enjoying!
this is fictional! one wld think atleast fictional characters wld be written such way! but no! the author HAD to throw in that scene there!
1st and the last time reading this author!
i hate it when u have an obvious in your face villain!
before she befriends the villain, i cld easily predict the plot!
i skimmed through just to confirm!
the sex scenes were boring and at one point she was extremely uncomfortable and this idiot is not even paying attention! just because it was a girl on girl action! come on! you are her dom, u shld know when she is uncomfortable and when she is enjoying!
this is fictional! one wld think atleast fictional characters wld be written such way! but no! the author HAD to throw in that scene there!
1st and the last time reading this author!
October 6, 2017
I do not usually read historical romance but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Henrietta is married to the Marquess for appearances only as he has a mistress and is only doing his duty to his friend. When Vale the Marquess sees his wife at Madame Botreaux’s Cavern of Pleasure hiding behind a mask he takes her on as a submissive but boy is he surprised when she comes back. This book was written so it was easy to understand the expressions of those days and the secrets that go on
August 18, 2020
The Cavern of Pleasures, the product of Madame Botreaux's, is a fine place for the Marquess of Dunnesford to see his wife walk through. Harrietta is in a loveless marriage and wants to have her fun since her husband is having his so she finds herself in the Cavern and potentially at the mercy of an untrustworthy dominant called Elroy. In order to save her from him the Marquess takes her as a new submissive but learns a few things about his wife that he had never considered. Brilliant story.
July 9, 2018
Entertaining.
I almost didn't read this book because I thought it would be one badly written sex scene after another as many of these books are. However, my curiosity about BDSM in a historical romance got the best of me. There are very few but well written sex scenes. Sex isn't the main focus of this book. I liked the characters and the story. Although I don't understand why people is that particular lifestyle, this book is entertaining overall.
I almost didn't read this book because I thought it would be one badly written sex scene after another as many of these books are. However, my curiosity about BDSM in a historical romance got the best of me. There are very few but well written sex scenes. Sex isn't the main focus of this book. I liked the characters and the story. Although I don't understand why people is that particular lifestyle, this book is entertaining overall.
July 22, 2018
As this was a freebie I thought I would read it for kicks. It was okay, not really great or horrible... kind of right there in the murky waters. I have definitely read better in the BDSM department; however, I have also read some pretty terrible ones too. I think more work could have been done to make this better, like more historical accuracy/background. Again, decent for a freebie, but not a go-to for me.
April 10, 2019
Vale is enjoying an evening in the Cavern when he spots someone he recognises...and just can not believe he's seeing her there. She's not just another submissive though, she's his wife.
Knowing her husband has a mistress, Harrietta feels only the slightest bit of guilt by venturing out with his cousin to the Cavern for a night of pleasure.
Will they cross paths in their pursuits or will it divide their home?
Very well written with a rich story and complex characters.
Knowing her husband has a mistress, Harrietta feels only the slightest bit of guilt by venturing out with his cousin to the Cavern for a night of pleasure.
Will they cross paths in their pursuits or will it divide their home?
Very well written with a rich story and complex characters.
March 6, 2021
I’m totally fine with erotica. But when I expect a m/f erotic romance.. I don’t find it romantic for the hero to have sex with other men.
And the heroine is blind, dumb and stupid if she can’t figure out her lover is her own husband whom she’s known since childhood. His only disguise is a demi mask and a slight muffled voice. He doesn’t even hide his term of endearment between the two personalities. Smh.
And the heroine is blind, dumb and stupid if she can’t figure out her lover is her own husband whom she’s known since childhood. His only disguise is a demi mask and a slight muffled voice. He doesn’t even hide his term of endearment between the two personalities. Smh.
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