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Curio (Curio #1)

by Cara McKenna (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 827 ratings · 146 reviews

Caroly Evardt never expected to find herself patronizing a male prostitute. Then again, she never expected to be weeks from her thirtieth birthday and still a virgin.

When a friend mentions that a gorgeous male model in Paris sells his body as well as his image, Caroly's intrigued. Finally, a chance to sample the gifts of a beautiful man—no strings, no stakes, no fear of re...more

ebook, 1st, 111 pages

Published September 28th 2011 by Ellora's Cave

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Aug 30, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2read2, favorites

Amazing! One of my top favorite reads of 2011. Ms. McKenna delivers authentic erotic prose in this beautifully raw and captivating story. The desire is palpable for both characters and you are taken on a journey of great anticipation, discovery and ultimately a satisfying and realistic ending of hope.

Wow, just wow! Many thanks to Cara McKenna for sharing her voice in two amazing characters.

"I realized something I never had before. Deep down, I want to be coveted and sought after. I want to be...more

7 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 BamaGal marked it as dont-think-so

This is another one of those dragging the stories out series of expensive novelettes to scam consumers out of their money; the Ellora's Cave version of this disgusting 'trend'.

This 1st book is $5 for 111 pages. The next 4 pamphlets are 48-50 pages each at $2.99 a pop. By the end of the 5th story listed in the series so far, the reader will have spent $17 for right at 311 pages, and no end in sight.

EDIT: A 6th novellette has been added. It's now @ $20 for 361 pages...

13 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2013 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of them books where even if you delete all sexual activities you can still feel both mc and it drags you in, Especially Didier... although he is an expert on his profession and popular to his clients, his vulnerability shows in the most inner way and you can't help but wanted to hold his hand and say that he can face the fear like other people, I'm glad Caroly's there with him..Now this book got some complication as both mc struggle in deciding what's next, if they'll continue their...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

3.5 stars

Definitely not what I expected. There was a surprising depth to this story that I couldn't truly appreciate until the little twist at the end. I spent most of the book trying to decide whether Didier was really as sweet and understanding as Caroly thought him to be or a prostitute as good at getting into his clients heads as he was in bed. Unfortunately, my doubt of his sincerity until the very end of the book affected my rating. However, once again Ms. McKenna has painted a very intri...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporany, erotic, romance, prostitution

Caroly loves beauty, in all things, so when she decides to get rid of her virginity she decides to go a male whore, who also is a model.

Cara McKenna is a clever writer, she manages to surprise the reader with her complex characters and their believable behaviour. This is an erotic novel, and, as such, delivers hot sex scenes, but it is also a beautiful story of two flawed yet lovable persons. I was moved by this book.

I didn't give it 5 stars because I feel that the story is too short, that the c...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, erotic, novella

I love Cara McKenna books. On release day, I pour a cup of coffee and the very next thing I do is go to Ellora’s Cave and download the book. I never know what to expect – and Curio is no exception. What I thought was just going to be a naughty erotic book, turned into something a little more…deep.

Caroly is an American, living in Paris and working at an art museum. She is just shy of thirty, and has never had sex. She has really never had any type of intimacy with a man. She has heard through he...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Rebekah Weatherspoon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, do-me-hero

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't know what to expect as this was my first Cara McKenna book and some times my tastes don't match up with what people recommend, but this was gooooood, one of the best pieces of erotica I've read actually.

I wanted to punch Caroly in the throat at first, but after the first few pages she starts to really open up and becomes a hugely likable character. Not the 30 year old virgin portion, but the whole fear of rejection and general uncertainty in lif...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 05, 2011 Taryn Elliott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-fave, hot, fangirl

I watched him for another minute or two. A strong, hard, pantingly horny man is a marvelous creature, everything the gender ought to be...yet so frequently isn't, in this day and age. This was how Didier looked when he was by himself. Who did he think of, when he did this?

His groans grew harsher, driving the bad thought away and drawing my attention back where it should be.

I stood and skirted the shade, intending simply to move it aside. But my fear was gone so I let my body lead me, and it led

...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Gitte - TotallyBookedBlog rated it 4 of 5 stars

I find it really hard to review this book. I felt so sad and emotional reading it and it wasn't until almost the end that I felt hope for these characters!! It is a very emotional, tender, sensual and intriguing read!

This story is about Caroly and Didier. Caroly seeks out Didier who she has been admiring from photos and art he has modeled for. She knows Didier is a male prostitute and seeing as she is 30 and has never had a sexual experience she seeks him out to help her. She views him as a man...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star, read-in-2012, reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Good:
* Read in one night.
* I am unbelievably happy. Author, you did not let me down and I am glad. I was already in love with this book by the first few pages and I was so scared that I would be disappointed by the end of it, as seen by my status updates, but this was a wonderful book from beginning all the way to the end. I wanted to stop and profess my love more often, but then I would have had to stop reading. Loved it!
* Really enjoyed both Caroly and Didier. I fell in love with both of them....more
Good:
* Read in one night.
* I am unbelievably happy. Author, you did not let me down and I am glad. I was already in love with this book by the first few pages and I was so scared that I would be disappointed by the end of it, as seen by my status updates, but this was a wonderful book from beginning all the way to the end. I wanted to stop and profess my love more often, but then I would have had to stop reading. Loved it!
* Really enjoyed both Caroly and Didier. I fell in love with both of them. Like in Captive in the Dark, I'm surprised that only two characters were needed to carry the story. I loved Caroly, she was me. Caroly was the Every-Woman that had enough flaws not to be a Mary-Sue. Didier basically has Perfect-Man status for me right now and he's going to be hard to top. I love how patient he was, how he listened to her and how never pressured her into anything.
* The book was so sensual.
* The writing. So beautiful. Just the right amount of detail, just the right amount of words. This book really took me on a journey, using all five of my senses. I really dived right in to this one.
* Loved the 1st person POV. I felt so connected with both characters.
* I felt so many feelings when reading this: sadness, heartbreak, happiness, elation, etc. Such a good writer to make me feel all these emotions. At one point, I had tears in my eyes (and this was just supposed to be an erotic novel).
* This book was completely vanilla. I usually like a bit of BDSM in my books but if all vanilla books were like this, I could be converted.
* This is rare for me but I know one day, I will reread this novella.

Not So Good:
* This book was about a third the size of the regular novels I read. Why so short?
* Didier says he's agoraphobic, but I felt like he left his house way too quickly near the end. I would feel that it would take more than 3 days for a man to leave his house after being in it for more than 3 years. I don't think I would have minded if the book ended without the last Wednesday chapter. This book would have been perfect with the bittersweet ending. It's just slightly less than perfect with the Happily Ever After.
* This is more of a good thing, I suppose, but this book just raised the bar for me on what I considered a good erotic novel. I want all my erotic novels to be like this one.

I can't wait to read more from this author.(less)

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Dec 11, 2012 Cam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Piccola premessa: è vero quando si dice che non bisogna giudicare un libro dalla sua copertina.
Se mi fossi fermata davanti a quest'uomo affascinante e mezzo nudo, senza leggere le recensioni di coloro che mi avevano preceduta nella lettura, avrei probabilmente messo Curio da parte. Che enorme sbaglio sarebbe stato il mio!
Per fortuna, sapendo bene che molti libri di questo genere debbano avere copertine "invitanti", come se la dicitura "erotica" non fosse abbastanza, ho stabilito che avrei dato u...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-relationship-fiction

2 ½ stars. Not the kind of story I want to read, but I give the author credit for something different.

This is relationship fiction. Two people meet and get to know each other. There is a lot of explicit sex, but it did not turn me on. I was uncomfortable watching it. There was no passionate desire. It’s maybe 2/3 or half the length of a regular novel.

Caroly is a 29 year old virgin visiting a male prostitute. Her first few visits are Caroly telling Didier to do things like bathe and pleasure hims...more 2 ½ stars. Not the kind of story I want to read, but I give the author credit for something different.

This is relationship fiction. Two people meet and get to know each other. There is a lot of explicit sex, but it did not turn me on. I was uncomfortable watching it. There was no passionate desire. It’s maybe 2/3 or half the length of a regular novel.

Caroly is a 29 year old virgin visiting a male prostitute. Her first few visits are Caroly telling Didier to do things like bathe and pleasure himself while she watches. Her thoughts and ponderings are about how perfect and beautiful his body is. Later when she is ready to lose her virginity, she tells him to pretend he is her boyfriend. Instead of passionate sex, I felt like he was a Ken doll she was putting in various positions. It did not appeal to me.

I was also unsettled with how she took a sincere interest in him, talking about his interests and his life - as if she were not a client. She wanted a permanent loving relationship with him. He appeared accommodating, but it made me think of prostitutes who say what they think their clients want to hear. We are never in his head, so we don’t know if he’s acting or being honest. Although his action at the end implied something positive. I felt self-conscious and uncomfortable for her. I wanted to give her advice about finding someone else.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Caroly. Kindle count story length: 2857 (274 KB). Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: about 7. Setting: current day Paris, France. Copyright: 2011. Genre: erotic relationship fiction. Ending: happy-for-now, sort of.

OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Cara McKenna books. Dates are copyright dates.
4 ½ stars. Willing Victim 2010 (He and she like the following: she fights him, he overpowers her.)
3 stars. Skin Game 2011 (12 contestants participate in something similar to the TV show Survivor.)(less)

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Sep 12, 2012 Madame X rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: extra-clever-plotting, erotica, favorites, hero-is-a-softy, happy-tears, novella, romance-ends-with-hea-or-hfn

Curio is a little miracle of a book. It is, by far, the smartest take on the idea of a 'fantasy man' I've ever read - like a jazz riff or a roundel, iterating a seemingly-simple idea into something gloriously complex.

And surprisingly bittersweet.

The heroine, Caroly, is a 30 year old virgin. She's obsessed with beauty -- she's attracted to it, she's deeply insecure about her own lack of it, she's conflicted about being so superficial -- which is how she ends up hiring Didier, a gorgeous male mod...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Elisabeth Cole rated it 2 of 5 stars

At first the description of this book sounded really shallow - American woman living in Paris and about to turn 30 is a virgin and hires a former model-turned-male-prostitute to help her "join the club". (her words.) Then I read the review of another reader and it led me to believe there was a lot more to this story than I had thought so I gave it a shot. I did finish the whole thing but the female character (Caroly) was so bizarre I couldn't connect with her at all. She had some weird mind set...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Sassafrass rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, challenge-books-2012, src-sum12

So why a 4 and not a 5. I'm not sure. I think this may have been more of a 4.25--just not quite enough to bump it up to a five for me. I think because I was expecting it to be hotter. It wasn't even a regular Ellora's Cave book it was Exotica, so I go into that expecting something. Not to mention that, but the other books I've read by this author have been off the charts, steam coming out of my...ears, melt my kindle kind of hot. This one was quite tame. *pout* LMAO, that's horrible to say, but...more

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Jan 18, 2012 KatiD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

I'll bet y'all thought I was dead, didn't you? Nope, just uninspired. But I read a book last night that got me to thinking it required a review.

You might remember that at the beginning of this year, I read and reviewed Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, a book that really pushed my boundaries. While the subject matter of the book made me very uncomfortable, I quite liked Ms. McKenna's voice and I also like her alter ego, Meg Maguire, so when Mandi at Smexy Books recommended Curio, it was kind of a...more I'll bet y'all thought I was dead, didn't you? Nope, just uninspired. But I read a book last night that got me to thinking it required a review.

You might remember that at the beginning of this year, I read and reviewed Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, a book that really pushed my boundaries. While the subject matter of the book made me very uncomfortable, I quite liked Ms. McKenna's voice and I also like her alter ego, Meg Maguire, so when Mandi at Smexy Books recommended Curio, it was kind of a no brainer.

Curio features Caroly, an almost 30-year old woman who is an assistant curator at a museum in Paris. She's a quiet, prim woman, and also a virgin. But she's determined to be rid of her virginity once and for all. Her problem is that although she considers herself average looking, she only goes for extremely handsome men. Men who are "out of her league." One day, her friend Ania shows her a series of daguerreotypes that an artist recently shot of a preternaturally good looking man named Didier. It turns out that Didier has modeled for a number of artists, and Ania knows his work (and his form) quite well. Somehow (I was never quite clear about how), Caroly discovers that Didier is also a prostitute. She decides that he will be the one to take her virginity. She makes arrangements to meet him, and when she does, she's quite charmed. Sure, he's gorgeous, but he's also an interesting conversationalist, and is quite open with his "job" and how he is feeling. The result it that Caroly, who is quite naturally curious and fascinated by him, is allowed to ask him everything and anything. He's honest with her, and is also quite willing to make himself completely available to her. She begins a sexual exploration of his body, and more, of herself that is highly sensual to read.

Overall, this book fascinated me. It's very much about Caroly's evolution, and her discovery of her body's wants and needs. While yes, she does become emotionally attached to Didier, the best parts of the book are when he's helping her to fully understand her sensual side. The book is very erotic in nature, with sex scenes that are scorching to read, even though the sex is never "kinky". I really liked Caroly's internal monologue (which is good because the book is told in first person), but McKenna offers enough glimpses into Didier that I felt like I got to know him as well.

Where the book didn't work for me was two areas: first, we discover that Didier has a mental issue that came seemingly out of left field. I believe that his issue was intended to inform his character, but instead it just made me roll my eyes. I think this is because the author didn't delve far enough into the "why" of it. He just had this mental issue and it was stated, and then treated superficially. I found that the book didn't do justice to the issue that he had, and I felt like this was a missed opportunity for the author. My second issue is that at one point Caroly bypasses using a condom during oral sex. She opts to "trust" Didier that he is clean. Now, in the story he was, but Caroly was portrayed always as a smart, intelligent, reasoning woman. Why on EARTH would she bypass the simplest precautions when performing oral sex on a man who she knows without a doubt is a prostitute?! It was enough to make me want to chuck the book.

The book also ends on a hopeful note, one that I found myself dissatisfied with. I know as a romance reader, I'm supposed to crave the HEA or HFN, but instead, I almost wished that Caroly had moved on from her experience with Didier. That he'd more or less popped her cherry and she'd learned and moved on to a real relationship. Which is an odd predicament for someone who generally craves the Happily Ever After. But in this case, I found that I didn't want the heroine with Didier. Not due to anything wrong with Didier, I just felt like Caroly would have been a more interesting character, had she walked away.

It sounds like I didn't like the book, but honestly? I really did. I motored through it in about 2 hours, and found it a compelling, and smokin' hot read. My issues with the story mostly cropped up once I'd had time to reflect. But I do really enjoy Ms. McKenna's books. I like how they push my boundaries and really make me think. If you're looking for an erotic read with fascinating character development, I think Curio might be a great place to start.

Final grade: B-(less)

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Dec 30, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-f, erotic

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Author Cara McKenna’s Curio is an erotic romance of a different sort.

Told in first person point of view, the work is character driven, allowing you to delve into the mind of the heroine, Caroly. She’s a virgin who is ready to learn all the pleasures of being a woman. What better way than to hire a gorgeous male prostitute? Enter Didier, a model who is more than the beautiful specimen of man. As Caroly becomes acquainted with Didier,...more Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Author Cara McKenna’s Curio is an erotic romance of a different sort.

Told in first person point of view, the work is character driven, allowing you to delve into the mind of the heroine, Caroly. She’s a virgin who is ready to learn all the pleasures of being a woman. What better way than to hire a gorgeous male prostitute? Enter Didier, a model who is more than the beautiful specimen of man. As Caroly becomes acquainted with Didier, a connection is made. Caroly returns to learn more about the enigmatic man stealing his way into her heart. When their time together nears an end, can there be more between them? Or will their affair end when Caroly is no longer a client?

As always, Ms. McKenna delivers a story with a profound emotional impact. Caroly is an interesting character, if a bit grating a times. A virgin nearing thirty is bound to have issues to resolve, and her development over the course of the book is well done. A substantial amount of time is spent inside Caroly’s head, ensuring the reader understands her inside and out. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes the story so powerful also hinders it. Due to the first person narrative, readers are never allowed to truly know Didier. Every action he makes, every word he says, might or might not be genuine. Yes, a reader will undoubtedly want to believe Didier is more than sexy man-candy. His actions and tender manner with Caroly are swoon-worthy. Yet everything is told through Caroly’s eyes, creating questions as to his motives, his feelings, and his sincerity. The ending of the book, which I will not reveal, broadens the possibility of a happy future for the lovers, even if the final pages imply a happy for now.

On a positive note, the writing is lovely, the pace makes the story a page turner, the sex scenes are scorchers, and you can enjoy Curio in one sitting. If you’ve never experienced the work of Cara McKenna now is the perfect time to start.

(less)

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Dec 04, 2012 Jessi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: prostitutes-escorts

I wouldn't have thought a book about a male French prostitute would be remotely romantic. Sexy, yes. Dirty, yes. Hotter than the surface of the sun, yes. But romantic? Uh, no.

I was wrong.

Oh, Cara McKenna, how do you write such real, complex characters and make me care about them to the point of distraction? I adore you and envy you and will be reading much, much more of you.

In Curio Caroly is a virgin. Not a sexual novice--she's explored her own body plenty, but she's never been with a man becau...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Dreams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own-read, 4-5-star-reads, favorite-books, kindle-books

Purity: It's Such a Filthy Word -Lee Upton

I finally read this book based on the fact that two of my favorite authors gave it five star recommendations. I'd seen it around before but, the concept seemed somewhat cliche at first glance and up until now I passed on reading it.

I. Am. A. Fool.

This book is by far, the best book I have read by Cara McKenna and maybe one of my favorite books for this genre period.

A seemingly plain and simple story on the surface, however, once in its depths, it hold...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Colette rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are a lot of adjectives to describe this book.

Romantic. Candid. Moody. Elegant.

I found myself savoring the language, the intellect, the sensuality of the pages. It was not filthy or racy, but a clean novel that reminds you that sex in books is not always about the thrill of an erotic novel. It can reflect life, an opinions, sexuality. It took two complex characters and put them together without frivolous detail nor by rushing. Every detail was made to count, and I enjoyed the writing. I a...more There are a lot of adjectives to describe this book.

Romantic. Candid. Moody. Elegant.

I found myself savoring the language, the intellect, the sensuality of the pages. It was not filthy or racy, but a clean novel that reminds you that sex in books is not always about the thrill of an erotic novel. It can reflect life, an opinions, sexuality. It took two complex characters and put them together without frivolous detail nor by rushing. Every detail was made to count, and I enjoyed the writing. I actually found many passages that I highlighted within my Nook, too many for me to actually keep up with without turning the entire thing into highlights.

It is writing like this that restores my hope for solid literature and makes me all the more a critical reader. I've come across some poor to mediocre books, lacking in one way or several ways. Some of these books, regardless, become popular crazes and are sloshed in good reviews, paraded by obsessive fans. That is not obviously all popular books, or books in general, but truly-- some books are just not very well-written or don't have the complete package, despite the multitudes that claim it does.

But this book had all that IT needed to have. It was so honest in what it was that it felt like a true account, like an unraveling of a diary of a man and a woman. Even with the somewhat expected climax, it felt like the natural way for things to go if the book was, in fact, to end in that happy way people buy romance novels for. Though still, if it were a darker, gloomier ending, it would feel right to me, and I would be sullen, but still appreciate all that I'd read. The book didn't put up pretenses. It awakened our senses and didn't lather every detail with perfection...the scent of latex, male musk, sex, the awkward gawkiness of a woman never touched before. It was real and honest and something about it made me read it very tenderly, very slowly, because I didn't want this piece of fantasy-reality to end.

Besides the whole allure it had on me, it also turned me into a giddy girl as well. I felt like a man character, exposed and virgin and faced with this very beautiful man. I was scared with her, but probably more so, biting down my knuckles at particular actions, telling her "No, don't do that! Don't expose your heart!"

In other words, the book made me pause. reflect. Just as the characters gradually changed, it made me open my eyes a bit more as well, without erasing who I already am, if that makes sense. Just a new awareness to a unusual, new thing, while all the same, feeling very, very familiar.
(less)

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Feb 10, 2012 Duchess Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-pcs, genre-erotica, read-in-2012

This was a miss for me. It was okay, but it felt like the author was trying to be too blase' about the virgin's sexuality. She was way too comfortable with some things, and then ridiculously, annoyingly shy about others. It just didn't seem realistic. I kept wanting to say, "So, you're okay saying and doing THAT, but not this? Oh, come on!"

While the writing has a sophisticated feel, it was also vague at times. Though I do love how Cara McKenna can put so much emotion into a short period of time...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Ruthie Knox rated it 5 of 5 stars

Five Reasons to Read Curio

1. The hero is a male prostitute.
I don’t know about you, but that is a major, major plus in my book. Ever since I saw that horrible Spielberg movie, AI, in which Jude Law briefly plays a robotic male prostitute of the future, I’ve been fascinated with the whole idea. Curio‘s prostitute, Didier, is by no means a manbot. I mean, come on, he’s French. The French don’t make good bots. They do, however, make excellent male prostitutes. As you will soon learn when you buy the...more Five Reasons to Read Curio

1. The hero is a male prostitute.
I don’t know about you, but that is a major, major plus in my book. Ever since I saw that horrible Spielberg movie, AI, in which Jude Law briefly plays a robotic male prostitute of the future, I’ve been fascinated with the whole idea. Curio‘s prostitute, Didier, is by no means a manbot. I mean, come on, he’s French. The French don’t make good bots. They do, however, make excellent male prostitutes. As you will soon learn when you buy the book.

2. The heroine is a virgin.
I don’t even think I need to explain this one, but I will anyway. Caroly is an American living in Paris, working at a museum, and her virginity has become such a ridiculous burden to her that she decides The hell with it and hires Didier to put her out of her misery. I don’t know about you, but I like her already.

3. The sex is hot.
Of course it is. Cara McKenna wrote the book, and Cara McKenna knows how to write hot sex. Hot peopled sex, with great insight into what the characters are thinking and why they’re aroused and what’s going on in their odd little minds as they strip each other down and get busy. Lots of hot sex in this book. It is erotica, after all (not erotic romance — but it’s romantic erotica, as is often Cara’s way). Very smart, very sexy erotica.

4. The people are fascinating.
I submit that only Cara McKenna could convincingly write a male whore who doesn’t need to be rescued from himself (at least, not the way you might think). Only Cara McKenna could make the interactions between these two quirky, flawed, slightly broken people so damned interesting. If you’ve read her other books, you probably know this already. If you haven’t, for shame. (And also, I recommend Ruin Me and Willing Victim for your starter kit, along with Curio.)

5. The romance is small and memorable.
I’ve said before that I think Cara excels at writing tiny romantic moments that have great impact, and this is a tiny, romantic book with great impact. The focus is tight — it’s a novel set in the small space of Didier’s Paris flat, in the small space between Didier and Caroly, as they learn about each other and talk and screw around and fumble their way into romantic entanglement. Curio imprints in the most lovely, memorable way, so that you’ll want to revisit it again after you’ve finished reading it.(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Alana ~ The Book Pimp rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge, won-books, spicy-romance, series-r-us, owned-books, ebooks

Whew.... I need a cold shower after that book! HOT! HOT! HOT! Just on the steam factor alone, I very nearly bumped this up to a 5♥ rating... it was well done and organic. I did not hear any kind of *Bam*Chicka*Bow*Wow* background track while reading the book.

Didier was a little odd to get used to at first. A French male prostitute that is so beautiful he appears as a model in art galleries. A little daunting in his seeming perfection, but we get to see behind the visage shown to his regular clie...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Beate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica, favorites, romance

This is one of these books that I never want to end. As long as I'm reading, I'm in a very happy place, but once the last page is read, I feel lost and confused.

I wasn't happy with the ending, too much was left open-ended. I'm left with too many questions. I know this is officially classified as Erotica, but Curio is so much more! It's one of these books that makes you think. The characters have so much depth, it's almost painful. And the more you get to know these characters, the less you're wi...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Heather in FL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-i-own-it, elements-erotic-smut, mix-m-f, z-from-elloras-cave

This was totally not what I thought it would be (I've had several of those lately), but it was still really good! It's only semi-hot really. Maybe it should have been hotter to me, but maybe I'm ruined for reading about regular vanilla sex, lmao!

The man-whore was a well-known model. The girl, Caroly, is an American who is a curator in a French museum. She's a 29-year-old virgin who is tired of being a virgin, but because of how she grew up, she won't let her guard down long enough to find a man...more This was totally not what I thought it would be (I've had several of those lately), but it was still really good! It's only semi-hot really. Maybe it should have been hotter to me, but maybe I'm ruined for reading about regular vanilla sex, lmao!

The man-whore was a well-known model. The girl, Caroly, is an American who is a curator in a French museum. She's a 29-year-old virgin who is tired of being a virgin, but because of how she grew up, she won't let her guard down long enough to find a man. She grew up somewhat ostracized, partially because of how she looked, and partially because of how she acted in an effort to protect herself. She decided that if she believed they weren't good enough for her, they couldn't crush her when they turned her down. She never tried... she never had a boyfriend. She's barely even kissed anyone. She's an odd thing.

But she hires Didier (the man-whore model) to lose her virginity to. It doesn't happen the first time. She doesn't even touch him the first time. She asks him to masturbate for her, shower for her... and then she leaves. Not even a kiss (if I recall correctly). She goes back a few days later. They build this odd relationship, but of course she keeps remembering that she's paying him for his time.

She chose him because he was beautiful and she didn't think she'd be able to have a beautiful man without paying him. But she found that his entire being was beautiful. Sure, he had a pretty package, but she began to crave what was inside him more than how he looked. He said a lot of very insightful things to her and helped her learn about herself as well. He was so very patient and sweet and gentle with her, recognizing boundaries before she even voiced them. It was bizarre, but it was really an interesting story.

I wish it was steamier, but it was still a great story. I loved the end. Maybe I should have seen it coming, but it could have gone a different direction. How wonderful that she touched his soul as much as he touched hers. (less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Crystal Spears rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own-ebook, 5-star-reads, favorites

This review appears on Amazon and on my blog.

http://livesandbreathesbooks.blogspot...

Oh boy! Oi! How in the world am I suppose to dissect this incredible read?

First off, Cara Mckenna has a knack for drawing us readers in so very easily.

Didier is a male prostitute and suffers from Agoraphobia from witnessing a tragic accident years prior. He is a very handsome man who sells himself to woman. In my opinion he also does this because he is lonely, but that is just my opinion.
Caroly is a virgin ne...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Pam Godwin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star-erotica, 5-star-romance

Since I read the first two books in the Curio series together, I'm reviewing them together.

This plotline has a kind of sentimental precision. This ability to turn a few nights of seduction into a psychological case study is an exceptional gift, and CM gets full mileage out of it by offering it in stingy portions across six short overpriced novellas. Accumulated, this average length story will cost you $18.99 USD today. Feels like a bait and sucker-punch kind of move.

But if you can disregard th...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Karla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Karla by: Kris

Shelves: favorites, passionate, scorching-hot, sea-world-misting-fan-worthy, seat-squirmer, sensual, short-story, terrific-dialogue, thought-provoking, male-prostitute, virgin

Wow, did I enjoy this! It’s hard to explain how I felt about the book, let alone the characters, especially Didier. This was a very sensual, tender, loving and caring story.

Didier’s only concern is that Caroly experience what she is capable of handling sexually. He just gives her as much as she asks for, doesn’t push her, and slowly and gently eases her into her first sexual encounter. He accommodates her every need and desire with the utmost care and concern for her well being and pleasure. To...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book last week and there hasn't been one day since that I haven't thought of Caroly and Didier.

Erotica is always hit or miss for me. I'm not a prude when it comes to sex scenes but I need a relationship and plot not just hot sex.

On author Cara McKenna's Goodreads profile, her erotica is described as "A little dark, a little funny, always emotional."

I could not agree more. The story of Caroly and Dedier is so straightforward. A virgin visits the most well known male prostitute in Pa...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Claudia Mcdaniel rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story was very sensual even though it took them a while to get to the actual sex. I think that may have been what made it great! This story was short but we saw the H/h grow into the relationship in s short amount of time, all the talking helped get them to the heart of their fears. In traditional relationships it would probably take longer to get to the deep stuff because of the fear of driving the other away. Because of the setup of prostitute/patron, they were able to not worry about tha...more

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About Cara McKenna

Cara McKenna writes smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional. She also writes red-hot romance under the name Meg Maguire. Her wonderful publishers are Ellora's Cave, Harlequin Blaze, Loose-Id, Penguin / Intermix, and Samhain. She loves writing sexy, character-driven stories about strong-willed men and women who keep each other on their toes, and bring...more

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Quotes from Curio

“My soul had the flu.” — 13 people liked it

“I really need to get better at participating in my own fantasies.” — 9 people liked it

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