80 notes de jaune

Eighty Days #1

by Vina Jackson

Enfermée dans une relation peu épanouissante, Summer trouve refuge dans la musique et joue Les Quatre Saisons de Vivaldi dans le métro londonien. Lorsque son violon est détruit, la jeune femme reçoit une offre étonnante: Dominik, séduisant professeur d’université à la sensualité débordante, se propose de lui offrir un nouveau violon en échange d’un concert privé. C’est le début d’une relation tumultueuse, placée sous le signe de la soumission. Summer a tôt fait de
découvrir de nouvelles formes de plaisir…

Genres: Erotica, BDSM, Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Erotic Romance, Fiction

444 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2012

About the author

Vina Jackson is the pseudonym for two established writers working together for the first time. One a successful author, the other a published writer who is also a city professional working in the Square Mile.

Reviews

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ain’t your Momma’s Fifty Shades.

This is another book that has that annoying ‘If you liked Fifty Shades, you’ll love this’ sticker on the cover. Fifty Shades, besides all the kinky f*ckery really was an idealistic, starry-eyed romance and this book truly is very different from that. To compare it, is detrimental. It will either put you off or you’ll be expecting a hearts and flowers romance and that’s not what you’re going to find here.

Unexpectedly, I very much enjoyed this book but it’s a darker, much more taboo and a fairly gritty exploration of domination and submission – there’s no young billionaire in a penthouse just a university lecturer and a violinist.

So we have Summer Zahova, a New Zealander by birth, making a living in London as a violinist. She’s struggling to make ends meet between occasional music jobs and waitressing and so she has a slot to busk at a Tube station. Dominik hears her playing one day and stops to stand and watch completely mesmerised by her. Summer, who totally escapes into the music with her eyes closed, is blissfully unaware of her audience. Several weeks later, Summer’s violin is destroyed when she is caught up in a scuffle between rival football fans and her story makes the news. Dominik hears about it and contacts her to offer her a new and expensive violin if she agrees to meet with him and discus ‘terms’. So the aptly named Dominik is a dom and he has several demands to make of Summer. Summer and Dominik see each other infrequently and are free to see other people so Summer, who is highly sexed, starts to explore the fetish lifestyle with her hedonistic friend Charlotte.

So, this is the story – Summer’s growing curiosity with the D/s world and her attempts to explore her sexuality further. Summer has a lot of acquaintances but never seems to emotionally connect with any of them. She becomes physically intimate with several people but manages to maintain that emotional detachment, escaping somewhere in her mind to remove herself from the situation. Submission is like a drug to Summer – she needs increasingly larger doses to give her the darkness she craves yet fears. She’s seeking out ever more senseless sex, degradation and humiliation to make her feel more alive than at any other time in her life, chasing sexual oblivion as a temptation as strong to her as a siren’s call. But she is teetering on the edge of a well of darkness – there’s a desperate loneliness to her that I felt on so many levels. Can she reach out to the one person who is beginning to care for her when she finds her situation spiralling out of control?

She’s really quite self-destructive – there’s a scene when Dominik’s actions are upsetting her and she chooses a course of action to hurt him but ultimately devastates herself. I almost cried with her as she curled up on the sofa and sobbed. She switches off constantly, not allowing the enormity of what she is doing to truly touch her and I wanted to shake her, to wake her up to embrace what was right in front of her. Dominik is not faultless either – he’s fairly cold, keeping his emotions locked below the surface but he is beginning to care for Summer but is it too late?

I’ve had a quick scan through the reviews for this book and they’re not brilliant (I did wonder if the publisher had been targeting the wrong reviewers) but, for me, it worked really well. It is fairly darkly erotic with some very risqué things going on – unsafe sex, ménage, f-m-f, s&m to mention but a few. It’s also fairly intense and atmospheric – London is brought vividly to life in all its dusty, bustling glory. I don’t get the title – Eighty Days Yellow. What does it mean? The final 2 parts in this instalment are Eighty Days Blue and Eighty Days Red. I still don’t see the significance.

So if you’re expecting a Fifty Shades style romance, you won’t find it here. If you like darkly erotic and emotional tales, this may well work for you.

4 stars dark erotic romance

ARC provided by Open Road Media via NetGalley

For more of my reviews, please visit my Sinfully Sexy Book Blog

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance Erotica/BDSM
Series: Book #1 in Eighty Days series
WARNING- This book and review is for persons 18yrs and older. It contains strong adult themes. Reader Discretion is Advised.

What you need to know as a reader of Eighty Days Yellow.
- First and foremost I want to state that this book is not for everyone. As warned it has strong dark sexual content/themes and is not for the faint of heart.
- Second though it has been listed in the same company as Fifty Shades it is NOT like the Fifty Shades Trilogy; it is far removed from it and has hardcore BDSM and Master/slave content.
- Third if you are not into Master/slave themes, humiliation, collars, menage, girl on girl, and Auto erotic Asphyxiation via flashback albeit however still there. Than this book is not for you.

Introductions
Summer
When we first meet Summer she is lying BUTT ASS NAKED on her boyfriend Darren's floor in his loft listening to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons is her favorite piece and has become a stress re-leaser through the years. Summer is a violinist she lives in a bedsit in London and currently makes her money playing at classical music shows in an orchestra. And in between gigs she is busking(plays for public) at a local train station. While out busking one day she gets run over by men fighting and her already damaged violin gets torn to unrepairable shreds. Since she is not in a position to buy a new violin she is unsure what to do. Down on her luck she receives an anonymous message and is offered a new violin.
Dominik
Dominik was on his way to his train when he sees the fiery redhead playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons. He is instantly intrigued, A month passes and he does not see her again. By chance he gets to know her name by reading an article in print. And once he knows her name he then makes his move. So, how does one find a person in a sea of bodies/faces in London. Facebook of course! Dominik makes her an offer she can't refuse. "Play for me" he says. He gives a time, place and musical piece to play all she has to do is show. Does she accept his offer? HELL YES!

Thoughts
When i first started this book i felt it was a bit slow. Then the story picked up in intervals leading me to think i would not like it. Very soon my feelings changed around 44%. The book took off leading me down a path of darkness with only a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel. The characters make this book a page turner from boring ass tidy pants Darren, the guy known as a friend Chris, the predator Victor, the seductress Claudia to the flashbacks of the sexy alluring Kathryn. The author challenges you with each person and their personal sexual limits. I very much enjoyed that.

DARKNESS with no limits...
'How far would i go before it was enough?' - Summer's inner monologue
Can you imagine having no sexual limits? Being asked to do something and even though you internally question it you still move forward and do it anyway? That's Summer.
Summer's sexual desires coupled with her ignorance was Darkness with no limits.*sighs* This girl did not have a stop button LITERALLY she continued to take it a step further each time. It truly scared the shit out of me. Summer has a strong sexual appetite. Which in turn made her continue to allow herself to be pushed into the deepest depths of darkness. And due to the fact she had strong dark sexual desires she somehow found no need to stop. Thinking this is how it should be... At one point i began to get hysterical at the choices she made. I screamed and shouted. And none of that of course mattered.. Seriously, I think i gave myself an ulcer.

LIGHT however just a sliver...
It takes a lot for Summer to finally find her limit. And when she did i was just about bald headed since i was pulling my hair out fist fulls at a time. Without giving away to much... Summer ends up in a Master/slave relationship that is no good for her. In fact it is full of coldness and cruelty.
I actually became teary eyed and slightly overcome with emotion when she uttered the word "NO." FINALLY i thought to myself, finally she said the word i was waiting for. The ending I LOVED IT! It was very reminiscent of the beginning of the book with Vivaldi The Four Seasons her favorite piece to play; her own way to release.

FAVE LINES
"Summer, would you look at yourself! You've turned into a fucking freak! Your lucky I'm just going to let the lot of you get on with your sick little games and not call the police." - Chris
"Wow, and that's why you shouldn't invite vanillas to perv parties." - Random party goer

LOVABLE INTERNAL MONOLOGUE- from Summer
'I had been slightly disappointed when he hadn't tied me up, suspended me from the ceiling or buckled me up to some piece of equipment that i thought he might have lying around the house.'

'I don't like champagne, but i drank it anyway, because he was tall and attractive and the closest thing I'd ever had to a bona fide groupie.'

FAVE SCENE(one of many)
Scene setup: Spent after there first sexual encounter Dominik says
" I can see my come dripping out of you, down the inside of your thighs, dotting your pubic hair, painting your skin shiny... It's the most exhilarating of visions.
"Isn't it obscene?" Summer ventured
"On the contrary, it's beautiful. I will never forget it. If I had a camera right now, I would photograph it."

My Ratings
Characters- Appealing
Writing Style- Raw, Honest and at times Intense
Plot/Storylines- Savory, Intense, Dark and Only for those who prefer it
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!!!!!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!

ARC provided by Open Road Media via NetGalley

[KatLynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eighty Days Yellow is an exploration into the dark, sexual yearnings of Summer Zahova and the reader is taken along into “each stage in her exploration of perversity.” If you’re seeking romance or intimate connections, you won’t find it here. What I found was loneliness and a self destructive path that soon spirals out of control.

The book opens giving us a very good description of Summer, her love of music along with the powerful effects she receives while playing the violin. The author did a great job conferring Summer’s musical passion while giving us a glimpse into her cravings and also gave excellent background into her childhood and how this all began.

The setting is London and we find Summer dissatisfied with the relationship she is currently involved in with a man completely wrong for her. Opposite in every way, Darren’s OCD behavior along with his cleanliness and vanilla sexual preferences leaves much to be desired. With Darren, everything is scheduled and his routine is boring. Nakedness offends him and what he wants in a woman, Summer will never be. Deep down inside, she craves more.

The next part of this journey leads us into the life of Dominik, the elusive professor with his powerful desires. He’s enthralled and sexually turned on by the beauty of Summer as she loses herself in the music. When her beloved violin is broken, he gifts her with a replacement on the condition that she conduct for him a solo performance. The detailed planning along with the conditions lets you know right off who’s in charge. Summer willingly submits to his demands and finds herself liking the results. We are given information into Dominik’s past along with his present activities and get a good taste of his sexual appetites and pleasures.

While they continue to explore their D/s relationship, Summer is determined to delve into all areas to get what she wants. There’s no exclusivity to this relationship. As they each engage in sexual activity with each other and other partners, no lasting friendships or any type relationships are formed. It’s all about sexual gratification. Dominik’s excitement fuels him as he realizes there could be more between them than a “man full of lust and a young woman with a flexible attitude to morality.” He investigates further areas to engage their D/s arena and becomes quite inventive.

The sexual propensity of all the characters carries the reader along into the sexcapades of not only Summer and Dominik, but the secondary characters as well. There are quite a few fetish parties, the orgies with their wild sexual adventures; sharing, open nakedness and fondling, voyeurism, unprotected sex, cheating, the Dom/sub explorations along with the Dom/slave perversities. So much going on here!

There are also lots of Latex clothing, a scene where surgical gloves are used, Summer and another female with strap-ons and one male slave. Oh, and lots of lube! One thing you can say about Summer is she is ready to try anything in her sexual quest. When asked to bring ice cream to her friend, she watches in awe....This is a scene with Summer’s wild friend, Charlotte, who is performing fellatio with another female, with the use of ice cream, all the while a male takes her from behind. Now all these experiences comes before we get to the Dom/slave “perversities.”

In the midst of all the sex, I found myself wanting a deeper relationship to develop between Dominik and Summer. The indication is there between these two and deep down I feel this is what Summer longs for. I don't recall her having an orgasm in all the sexual acts except when she was with Dominik. She mentally detaches herself from many of the experiences to escape what's being done to her. Before they have a chance of discovering where this could possibly be heading, it all falls apart and comes to a quick and painful end. Summer leaves London and it isn’t long before she meets a stranger that will pull her into his dark world causing more heartache. As she plunges head long into the secret world of Dom/slave, I found myself anxious for her to stop the madness.

Summer really is quite self-destructive. I felt the painful barbs as her “Master” demeans her in every way. While submitting, it's evident she's not enjoying this aspect of her sexual journey. One example is when Her Master takes her to an orgy party where she performs oral sex on a man smelling like urine (“ick” factor 101 for me) and he comes in her mouth! She nearly vomited and I gagged myself reading this! Immediately, she has quick sex with Master followed by more oral sex with unknown men. In the days/weeks following, there’s more fetish orgy parties where Summer is rode hard, used and discarded. After one such encounter, we are given these thoughts by Summer, … “Another stage in my exploration of perversity had been completed. I was still here, still unfulfilled, relatively unruffled, all things considered. How far would I go before it was enough?”

How far indeed?! Even knowing Summer could have stopped this at any time, my heart broke for her. I never felt she was truly enjoying all the sexual acts. I wanted her to find the fulfillment she was searching for. There’s a scene where her Master wrote on her naked skin with lipstick. “SLUT” was written above her genitalia area; “SLAVE” was written on her rear and from back to front, “MASTER’S PROPERTY” was written and then she was paraded around for all to see. Summer NOW feels sick! All I can say is it’s about damn time!! At this point, her Master is wanting to make her his official slave by registering her online. She will get a tattoo and barcode! He will teach her everything in the ways of submission. Here, I could sense her brokenness. I wanted to help her and held my breath as more choices are made. There is a somewhat satisfying conclusion and the reader is left wanting more details and needing to know how this relationship will develop.

This is the first installment in the Eighty Trilogy. I understand it is already a huge success in England, and I congratulate the authors. Vina Jackson is the pseudonym of two established writers working together for the first time. One is a successful author, the other a published writer who is also a financial professional in London. The result of combining these two talents is a book that is well written and gives us a set of complex characters and a story that is unpredictable.

I would add here this is another book flaunting the statement, “if you loved Fifty Shades, you’ll love this one.” I didn’t find this true at all and there’s a world of difference between the two. This is Adult Erotic Fiction rather than Romance. Nothing at all wrong with that, but, unfortunately for me, it didn’t work. While there’s lots of sex, I felt it mechanical rather than stimulating; more in line of porn-sex. There’s no intimacy, no connection, and at times I found it tiring to read.

I think including the “FSoG” statement leads to comparison and is a disservice to Eighty Days Yellow. These are two totally different genres and are incomparable. Even though my rating/review may not be the most popular, I feel this book will stand on its own and be greatly received. I wish all the best for the authors.

To be released in 2012 will be the next two installments, Eighty Days Blue along with the conclusion Eighty Days Red.

Note: Everything in italics is a direct quote taken from the book.

My rating: 2/5 Stars

My Sincerest Thank You is given to Open Road Media for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[La-Lionne · Rating 1 out of 5]

(Review finished August 3, 2012)

I don't even know where to begin. I have to say that cover caught my eye. Black and white picture, woman looked mysterious. It didn't bother me that book didn't had any reviews, it was brand new. There have been a whole bunch of new and amazing writers this year, so I desidet to give it a chance.

As I started reading I found story mysterious. I thought it was interesting that she was so consumed by her music that at times it felt like she wasn't even there. Like she was having out of body experience. She is in a unfolfilling relationship, where she feels like she can't be herself. Even though she is talking about wanting more out of it, she says that his appartament is one of the reasons she is with him. His sterio system is another reason. She likes lieng on the floor and listen to music turned to the max (???).
And then there is the guy. She caught his eye, or his ear in this case, when she was playing her violin one day on the street. He got intrigued and decided to pursue her. But she never returned to that spot again.
And it was ok up until the point where he found an article in a newspaper. That's where things went south in my opinion. First of all, why the story about a girl who's violen got broken even be in a news papers, with her full name?

And then there were one bizarre episode after another. According to my kindle it started some time after I passed 13%. As strange as his proposal sounded, I couldn't blame it on a dude, he came across as a kinky bastard. But the thing that trew me off was how easily she accepted it. And then, she was questioning her self all the way through the book "why am I doing this". I felt like author failed to explain her behavior.
Then there were whole bunch of other characters, like her and his friends, who didn't helped the story one bit. Doing things, that I'm not gonna go in to the details explaining, for the sake of doing. It just grossed me out.

I felt like there were no story line. There was the beginning and that's it. After that all I got was one weird scene after another, with no relevance to the story. Or maybe it was the whole point. I don't know. And the half way through the book I was so grossed out and confused that I didn't care much. I was trying to find the main point in the story, but I never did. I don't even think that story had one.

The girl have been screwed by one guy, then by her friend and the friend of her friend, AND by the friend of the first guy, who introduced her to the whole bunch of other weirdos. All that time, while she was being past from one to another, she was wondering "Do I like it? Maybe not. I think I do. No I don't.". And then, at the very end, she decides to go back to the first guy, who started the whole thing in a first place. Who, by the way, was screwing her friend. I realize that my review makes little sense, but that's how I felt when I was reading this book. It just didn't make any sense.

Yes, this is erotica, but I still believe that there has to be some kind of story. And the fact that is written by two authors kind of makes it even worse. Two people thought it was alright to publish such a blah book. Write a book that makes readers to fall in love with YOUR work, make YOUR OWN fan base. I think that tag "if u liked fifty shades u will love..." is just a poor attempt in trying to attract the fans of fifty shades.
Word erotica comes from one of the Greek words for love "Eros", which by definition means passionate love with sensual desire and longing. I found none of those things in this book. More than anything it left me totally grossed out.

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eighty Days Yellow is a very unique story which is rare to find in the Erotica and BDSM genre. Before your read my review, know that I rarely give bad 1 or 2 star reviews.

I found the lead male (and the other males) to be cold, unfeeling and controlling. The lead female is self-destructive and likes to be degraded. She will try anything. Naivety and stupidity are two different things and I don't tolerate women that put themselves in abusive situations.

There is no physical contact until you get halfway through the book. Once they have sex, it's one-sided, distant and cold. The sex is not sexy, good or intimate. There is no warmth between the characters. Her orgasms are almost non-existent.

To make matters even worst, I was really surprised at how reckless and unhygienic the sex was for these supposedly intelligent, well educated characters: no condoms, no STD testing or questions before they have sex, no cleanup or washing after sex or before oral sex, no sexual exclusivity, urine odor(!), etc. Disgusting. Disturbing. Yuck.

This book showed me that literary BDSM has different levels: romantic BDSM, high class fetish clubs with sexy Doms, therapeutic BDSM used for healing, sexual trafficking non-consensual BDSM, and finally, Eighty Days Yellow BDSM: mediocre frigid kink with characters that are sexually careless, confused and emotionally disconnected.

I gave it two stars because of the unique, unpredictable storyline and because It was interesting enough to finish.

This book was provided to me by the author, publisher and Net Galley for an honest review.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: F’ing Hot
Thumbs Up: 3.8
Overall: Really good at first but by the end I was at a total loss
Characters: Solid
Plot: A perverse trip done the spiraling tunnel of a messed up adventure
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Absolutely
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Dominik

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

This book was brought to my attention as comparable to Fifty Shades of Grey. So I leaped on it. Let me just say that this book is more like Fifty Shades of Fucked Up pardon my language. Anyway, still I’m compelled to read more and soon if possible.

(P.S. I was so conflicted about my feelings on this book, I had to use formulas to come up with a rating. My “ratar” was like a roller coaster everything from a 5 to a 1 while reading.)

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Kharis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to page 110. This is utter rubbish. The writing is poor, I do not like the characters - nor can i relate to them in anyway. This reads without a hint of personality - as if someone has just documented what they did diary style. It's also a mixture of third person and first person - which not many can get away with - least of all these poor writers. The 'story' not that there is much of one - is full of gaps. Hate the main character Summer - she has no redeeming qualities. To say if you liked fifty shades you'll like this - is well plainly misleading. The trouble is now of course we end up with lots of people trying to jump on the band wagon - clearly those who say such things didn't get the genius behind fifty shades. It wasn't rubbish and nonsense like this. I urge you to give this trilogy a miss. I certainly shall not be reading the rest. What a shame i wasted 7.99 on it.........

[Athena ღ · Rating 2 out of 5]

▪️1,5▪️
Τι διάβασα μόλις?!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a story which left me puzzled. Many of my friends have raved about this awesome love story and the great BDSM in here. What I found instead was a travesty in how BDSM is displayed. If this is what people believe occurs in a BDSM lifestyle, then it's no wonder those who are just getting their kink on, are getting hurt. In addition to protocols being violated through outed in public, there is a distinct lack of communication and trust. All of this is unappealing and leaves me a bit disgusted.

Summer is a foolish little bohemian with nary a thought in her head other than her obsession for playing the violin. Through a couple of unrelated events, it combines into a gateway into the BDSM world. Her introduction is through Dominik. Dominik is some kind of well-off professor at a university in London. If the story was just the dynamic between Dominik and Summer, it may have rated a two star - just okay. The last fifth of the book brought in Victor and the story morphed into a lingering bitter aftertaste. It's almost as if someone else was writing the last bit and not conferring with the writer of the early parts.

Switching from first person to third person is not a technique I recommend in writing. It's a bit jarring. It's worse than switching points of view in third person. Perhaps it is because there are two authors writing together that this lack of synergy shows through the flipping between first and third person.

The characters in this story are disengaging. Summer started out interesting. When Dominik enters the scene and they start their D/s, it was pretty hot. From there it went into a tailspin. Summer made several poor choices and started to come across as immature and petty. This is not the type of protagonist I enjoy reading.

There were several incidences in this story demonstrating exactly what BDSM lifestylers warn against and try to prevent. The first one is outing Summer at her work. The situation there is appalling. Perhaps this does happen in London. It wouldn't fly here in my local BDSM community. People are very discrete and it's repeated at every event I've attended, even just the educational classes, never out someone in public or private. The second oddity was dragging in Summer's friend Chris to a BDSM party. It's as if he wasn't informed before he attended. I'm not sure the intent of the authors for this point. One of the rules I was taught early on - don't force your kink onto others. To bring a Vanilla person into a BDSM party and then when he is offended and storms off, make fun of him? What kind of BDSM group is this that Summer's friend Charlotte possesses? It's definitely not the crowd I'd hang around. This was a total party foul and it shows the lack of maturity from Charlotte and her cronies. Her character goes from slutty stripper to just vile and petty. Lastly, the whole slave thing with Victor was bizarre. Yes,there are slave registries. Yes, people do receive piercings or tattoos as a sign of their slavery. This mockery of a M/s relationship is revolting. This book is not recommended as an example of good BDSM. It is a good example of bad BDSM dynamics.

As a love story between Summer and Dominik, this tale would have been just fine. To add the kinky scenes increased the spice to this story. The extra threads of Charlotte and Victor brought this book down. Instead of a dark erotica, it became a story with opposing directions. Is it a love story or is it a too stupid to live female falling down a non-con rabbit hole? Pick one or the other. Mixing the two leaves a BDSM reader dissatisfied.

*provided by NetGalley

[Sarah Cartwright · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd give this .5 of a star if I could. What a dreadful, dreadful story. How this is supposed to appeal to fans of Fifty I'll never know. The reason I loved Fifty was because of the romance that made up 95% of the story. Yes there was a lot of sex but that's what couples do when they meet and fall in love. This, on the other hand is abuse. Dominick watches Summer have sex with another man with cold detachment. Something Christian would never do. Fifty shades was accused of giving people the wrong impression of BDSM but I think this is far worse. Summer is used and abused by a multitude of men, some of whom have paid for for the privilege. Anastasia may be able to climax at the drop of a hat but I don't think Summer has a single orgasm for most of the book. In fact, for most of the sexual encounters she mentally detaches herself from the experience to escape what's happening and has no connection to what's being done to her. I'd have been able to tolerate the sex if she had been able to embrace and enjoy her new sex life.
I could continue to pick this apart but to be honest it's making my blood boil thinking about it. If you like Fifty because of the romance and (slightly) kinky fuckery then DON'T buy this. Visit your local bookstore where I'm sure the staff will help you choose something more suitable.

[Georgana ~ Valentine PR & Literary Managment · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should not even be in the same book shelf as 50 shades of Grey.

For anyone who wants a closer book to 50 read Bared to You or Naked....this book - to me - was a modern day Story of O and a bad knock off at that. The only thing that propelled me through this book was the fact I wanted to see what happened between Summer and Dominik, and they didn't even have a true romance per se. If they had no made references to it being in 2012, I seriously would have thought this story was decades old.

So disappointed because I had high hopes for this book.

[Kel · Rating 1 out of 5]

An absolute terrible book that's poorly written. What was this author thinking?

I couldn't even make my way through the whole book. Stopped half way!

Don't waste your time reading this unless you like reading trash.

[Sláinte Wanderlust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover & Title - 5 out of 5.
Favorite Line - "I found it jerky and monotonous, but for a classical slot on a real stage, albeit a small stage, i would have played Justin Bieber and found a way to look as though i was enjoying myself"
Favorite Character - Summer

I found this story very interesting. I wasn't sure whether I would like this book as I read quite a few bad reviews before i started. I honestly think a lot of these bad reviews are because the book is not suited to the reviewer. I do not think it would be rated so low if people who are into this style of book read it. I thought the story was well written and totally captivating.
I have read that people have linked this book to 50 shades but even in essence the book is not like 50 shades. This is a far better book, a far darker book & the sex in this book is far more erotic.

I caught my breath. Abandoned like a rag doll in a toy house.

I must say that around 80% i started to freak out as the book figuratively speaking started tumbling down the rabbit hole for me. I was pretty worried how it was going to work out. Thankfully in the end I was satisfied and calmed by how it was resolved.

I would recommend this book & I look forward to reading the rest in the series.

Click here for more of my reviews

[Emma-Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of books out there being compared at the moment to Fifty Shades. So this one may slip under the radar in favour of some of the bigger titles, but believe me when I say this one is not to be missed. I'm not a big erotic fiction fan but I really enjoyed Eighty Days. The main problem I had with Fifty Shades of Grey were the disappointing characters but I almost instantly fell in love with Summer Zahova, a feisty violinist from New Zeland who catches the eye of Dominik, a University professor with a vast experience of women. She's feisty, strong, knows what she likes and isn't afraid to experiment or to say no. Sex is a major part of the book, but its varied and interesting, no two scenes are alike. The only niggle I had with it was the alternating between POVs which at first was a little jarring, but you soon get used to it and it was great to get inside both the main character's heads.

If you're looking for something to read after Fifty Shades then give this one a go, you may be pleasantly surprised.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story went south for me when the Domme came into the picture. If you want a detailed explanation of why I made this book a DNF at 63%, please check out Her Majesty's review.

Sorry I didn't listen to you! Happy now? :P

[Michele ~ la Smoocherina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

As reviewed for

Read OurLips! Book Blogt

This book is a beautifully written, enjoyable mindfuck. The prose was amazing. My favorite was "Steadying the rhythm of his pelvic assualt." Eighty Days Yellow is not usual BDSM by any stretch of the imagination. Summer is a starving artist, Kiwi-transplant to London, violin player.  She has a hearty sexual appetite that has been left on low heat for far too long due to her overly hygienic boyfriend.  Once she gives him up, Dominick enters her life through a series of chance encounters and random relating of information.

Dominick is a college professor in his mid forties, also with a sexual appetite, that has explored his Dom side with only one other lover.  When Summer's violin gets smashed when she gets in the middle of some drunks having an altercation, Dominick contacts her anonymously, asking if she'd be willing to play for him, the payment being a new violin.

Slowly through a series of "scenes", they become connected.  The acts they perform are kinky, intimate and at times, tender.  I loved Dominick's protectiveness over Summer.  He didn't require her exclusivity and didn't practice (or should I say practise? It's a Brit book.)  exclusivity himself, though both Summer and Dominick long for the other and picture each other in their minds, even when fucking other people.

The scenes Dominick sets up in the beginning are amazing.  I really loved them. I don't want to give too much away, but Dominick never really enters the realm of humiliation with Summer, in my opinion.  He wants to control her, control where they meet, how she dresses, what she will play for him when she sees him, but never does he seek to ensnare her.  She's always her own person, giving over her power to him, trusting him to keep her safe, she can say no.  There is no "Sir" or "Master" required from Dominick, because her compliance and willingness to submit is all that he desires.  He's never wanted to possess a woman as much as he does Summer, yet he doesn't require it. It's BDSM on a more primal level.  That's the only way for me to describe it.

Then an encounter between the two goes terribly awry and they decide to break from one another for a time.  But in this time, a somewhat-trusted advisor to Dominick,  named Victor, swoops in and fills the void that Dominick left in Summers life.  Only Victor has no heart.  He is about a game of humiliation that was at times very difficult for me to read through because of it's incredibly dark and sinister tone.  Yet, I felt as though Summer had to take those steps to come through the other end.  It came so close to lack of consent, but Summer always consented.  Victor had no respect for her or the submission she had to offer.  She was a pawn in his game and used by him and his acquaintances to the extreme.

The twists and turns and general kinkiness of the books really make for an interesting read.  I gave it four stars instead of five because of the ending.  The scene I was most interest in seeing,  (the reunion of Summer and Dominick.  What was said?  What was the sex like?  Instead we get this hindsight reminiscing that paints a blurry picture at best) was glazed over, so that you have an idea of what happened but not the intimate details of all the scenes before it.  I felt cheated! Yes, they may put it in the sequel, but it really stunk that I didn't get that pay off.

The last thing I will say is that it's a shame that the book is named Eighty Days of Yellow.  It seems so blatantly obvious that they're trying to capitalize on FSoG, when this is clearly a book that could stand on it's own. 

[Madeleine Knutsson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Murra är inget sexigt ord. HAHAHAHAH

[Breann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers are introduced to Summer as she is lying naked on the floor of her boyfriend’s home blaring Vivaldi on the stereo. Having found her in the provocative position her boyfriend is not too happy, to say the least. He’s an uptight man who has no patience for Summer and her sometimes unconventional behavior. Ugh. Luckily, he didn’t last for long. Girl should not be having to ensure her own pleasure during sex. Ever. A newly single Summer -- not that what she had before could really have been called a relationship -- is struggling to make it by. She is a violinist and when she is playing her music encompasses her whole being. Her music is everything to her. When her violin is irrevocably damaged she is desperate to find a replacement.

Dominik is a man of dark desires and never lacks a companion to help sate them. He is a professor at a University and while walking through the city he sees a woman playing the violin. He notices how completely consumed she is by her music. Her eyes are closed and she has stopped noticing the foot traffic that surrounds her. He’s completely taken by her but leaves before he learns who she is. He hears of a story about a violinist named Summer who’s violin has been broken. He instantly recognizes her as the woman from the street and offers her a deal that she can’t refuse.

Summer and Dominik have reached an agreement with one another. Dominik has agreed to replace her violin as long as she performs for him. Not only is she giving private performances but she is playing in the nude. As their relationship progresses, she finds herself obeying his every command. Even though her head is telling her “no” her body continues to betray her. Summer has always been, admittedly, somewhat promiscuous. She has desires that she feels she can’t share with the people in her life, except for her friend, Charlotte. Charlotte takes Summer to a fetish club and Summer realizes that, yes, she is a submissive. Of course, Dominik could have told her that! Summer and Dominik continue to explore a Dom/sub relationship with no strings attached. Which never really works out for anybody, so predictably, everything falls to shambles.

This book is quite a ride. I felt a variety of mixed emotions. I was hopeful, frustrated, all swoony, angry, bitter and then back to hopeful again. I loved the progression of their relationship. Dominik was able to show Summer who she was and led her through her discovery of her own sexuality. This is my favorite type of BDSM story. There aren’t any scenes, equipment or formal protocol to follow. Everything they did together was natural and in the moment. Dominik didn’t need those fetish toys to be the Dom that Summer needed. As much as I did love these two together -- when they actually were together -- some of their decisions drove me into craziness. They are so obviously good together, why not embrace that? Why push it away? Why the jealousy when it was stated no strings attached? When they were, inevitably, pushed apart by their mutual stubbornness this is when the story kind of lost me. I was completely captivated by their tale before this. I understand why they needed the time apart and why it happened but too much time was spent there. I found myself not caring about Summers “relationship” (which is a completely different WTF issue I had, but I will not spoil) during this time and I didn’t care to read about Dominik and his current lover. I am a romantic at heart and only want the H/h to want each other. No looking no touching. Which is unrealistic in any form, but it’s the happy rainbows and unicorns world I love to live in.

But, for the majority of the story I was completely engrossed and could.not.put.it.down. I am invested in Summer and Domink’s story and you will see me reading Eighty Days Blue when it's released.


Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EIGHTY DAYS YELLOW is an erotically dark and at times frustrating tale of Domination and submission.

A native of New Zealand, Summer is now living in London and aspiring to play the beautiful music she creates with her treasured violin. Lately, she has to make do with waiting tables and busking on the streets to make ends meet. In addition to the less than stellar career, her love life is also suffering as she is in a repressive relationship with vanilla man – though she cannot put her finger on what is missing, she knows their sex life is void of the dark passion she longs for.

On one fateful night, Summer finds herself in the wrong place at the right time when a fight breaks out and her treasured violin is damaged beyond repair. In the depths of despair, Summer contemplates her options; none of which are appealing and in the end comes up with nothing.

Dominik, the handsome university professor, is enamored by the music created by the crimson-haired beauty he encounters on the street. When he learns of her troubles, he hatches a plan to solve both their problems – her need to create music and his need to fulfill his darker desires. In an effort to lure her in without scaring her away, he starts out with a simple solution to her problem: he will replace her violin if she will play for him in a private concert. Well, of course, you know neither can stop there…

The undeniable spark between the two quickly turns into a full out blaze as they explore the tastes of the dark side of loving. As with all great stories, there are many obstacles the lovers are forced to overcome – namely the seemingly never-ending string of conniving “friends” in their lives. Who do you trust when your trusted friends are working against you?

Can they overcome their fears enough to fall in love or will they forever stuck in between their desires and what society deems as a normal loving relationship?

On several occasions, I thought I knew where the story was going, only to be surprised with the path author, Vina Jackson chose. I loved the uncertainty I felt as a reader regarding the motivations and final destinations of the characters. At times, I felt rage on Summer’s behalf and anger with her for putting herself through the torment she endured.

Though I was satisfied with the ending, I feel like there is more to the story and hope the author gives us eighty more days of yellow. Darkness, domination, submission and a medium amount of humiliation – if you enjoy this type of kink, then you will enjoy the passion and drama captured within the pages of EIGHTY DAYS OF YELLOW.


✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.


✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews


___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!

Menage Readers

Erotic Enchants

Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group

[Emily Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a great read.

The first thing to say about this is that the only similarity between this and 50 Shades of Grey is the title, which I suspect was selected for commercial reasons, and I can't blame the publishers nor the authors for wanting to sell books, though I hope they have made the right decision here, as some of the other reviews show that fans of FSOG may find this not to their taste. It's erotica more than it is romance, in that this is a story which explores desire and sexuality as part of the human experience. This is not a cheesy love story.

I think that people who didn't like FSOG, but want to try the erotic genre, or people who thought FSOG was okay but poorly written will enjoy this.

Both the characters of Summer and Dominik are realistically flawed and have depth. I found it refreshing to see a female heroine who is not a total walk over, and a hero who expresses some self doubt.

I have had zero exposure to the BDSM scene so I can't say for sure whether the writers have done their research (interestingly, there's two writers, though after the first few chapters I couldn't really tell), however the BDSM elements came across as realistic in this whereas I felt that they don't in FSOG.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading an erotic story which investigates the sexual dynamics between two people (who are supposedly dominant and submissive, but not stereotypically so).

I do not recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of fluff, unless you like your sex scenes on the hard core side in which case you're likely to enjoy it.

My only criticism of this book is that it felt rushed at the end, and I thought that the last few chapters in terms of plot were stretching the realism, I would have preferred something more subtle.

[Francesca · Rating 1 out of 5]

J'aimerais mettre 0 étoile si c'était possible.
Première partie classique, deuxième partie juste immonde, j'ai du zappé des passages tellement c'est à vomir. C'est un livre porno, pas érotique et encore moins romance vu qu'il n'y en a pas. J'ai limite besoin d'une douche pour me débarrasser de cette impression.

[Merve Akıncı · Rating 1 out of 5]

Manasız.

[Χρύσα Βασιλείου · Rating 2 out of 5]

Θα θεωρώ για πάντα τις "50 αποχρώσεις του γκρι" μία από τις πιο κακογραμμένες και υπερεκτιμημένες τριλογίες ever, από κάθε άποψη. Αυτό όμως δεν σημαίνει πως δεν υπάρχουν κι άλλες, ίδιες ή χειρότερες.

Είχα ακούσει για την τριλογία των "80 ημερών", δεν είχα διαβάσει όμως σχόλια. Όταν είδα διπλά και τριπλά αστέρια, άρχισα να υποψιάζομαι πως κάτι δεν πάει καλά. Τελειώνοντας το βιβλίο, το κατάλαβα.
Το erotica είναι ένα είδος που μπορεί να απογειώσει ή να καταποντίσει έναν/μία συγγραφέα, ανάλογα με το πώς θα επιλέξει εκείνος/η να το χειριστεί. Εδώ, βλέπουμε μια ιστορία πιο ρηχή κι από λακούβα νερού σε λεία άσφαλτο - χωρίς βάθος στους χαρακτήρες, χωρίς αιτιολογία στις πράξεις, χωρίς προοπτική. Ούτε οι ίδοι δεν ξέρουν πού πατάνε και πού βρίσκονται. Προσωπικά, μου είναι και οι δύο αδιάφοροι και δεν σκοτίζομαι ούτε για το αν θα τους πατήσει φορτηγό! Ειδικά η Σάμερ, που μπορώ να πω πως τα θέλει ο...απαυτός της! Όχι γιατί είναι σεξομανής, αλλά γιατί είναι αναποφάσιστη και στερείται χαρακτήρα. Οπότε, καταλαβαίνετε πως το να μην με νοιάζει τι θα απογίνουν οι ήρωες, λέει από μόνο του πολλά για τον αντίκτυπο που μου έκανε το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο. Για τον αντίκτυπο οποιουδήποτε βιβλίου σε οποιονδήποτε αναγνώστη, αν δεν τον άγγιξε καθόλου η σχέση των ηρώων.
Όσο για το στόρυ, το 'ψαξα μα δεν το βρήκα. Κάπου αχνοφαινόταν, ανάμεσα σε υπερβολικά χυδαίες περιγραφές με ερωτικά τρίγωνα, τετράγωνα και οχτάγωνα, που προφανώς έχουν σκοπό να σοκάρουν και να ανάψουν (;) τον αναγνώστη. Αν ναι, κούνια που την κούναγε την αγαπητή κα. Jackson. Με την πληθώρα των βιβλίων του είδους που έχει πλημμυρίσει την αγορά, θεωρεί πως το δικό της θα περάσει για αριστούργημα;! Είτε το πάρεις συγκριτικά με κάποιο άλλο του είδους, είτε ως μεμονωμένο στόρυ, δεν κερδίζει σε κανένα σημείο. Αντίθετα, "μπάζει" από παντού.

Ξέρω πως θα χάσω τον χρόνο μου, αλλά θα διαβάσω και τα άλλα δύο βιβλία της ιστορίας, επειδή εγώ είμαι μαζόχα ως προς αυτό: δεν μπορώ να αφήσω σειρά βιβλίων (και γενικά, ένα βιβλίο) στη μέση! Μάλλον τα θέλει κι εμένα ο οργανισμός μου. Περαστικά μου...

[Γιώτα Παπαδημακοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Είναι γνωστό της πάση, ότι η ερωτική λογοτεχνία, έπειτα από αρκετά χρόνια που βρισκόταν στον πάγο, έχει πάρει τα πάνω της. Την αρχή έκαναν οι εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο, επανεκδίδοντας μερικά από τα αριστουργήματα του είδους. Ακολούθησαν οι εκδόσεις Πατάκη, που με το "Πενήντα Αποχρώσεις Του Γκρι", έκαναν την επιτυχία της χρονιάς που φεύγει, για να ολοκληρώσουν τον κύκλο οι εκδόσεις Τουλίπα και η τριλογία "Crossfire". Και ενώ όλοι οι υπόλοιποι εκδοτικοί αναζητούν το βιβλίο εκείνο που θα μπορέσει να κάνει την διαφορά και να ξεχωρίσει, ώστε να γίνει το απόλυτο αναγνωστικό φετίχ, οι εκδόσεις Λιβάνη έρχονται με τη σειρά τους να μας παρουσιάσουν το πρώτο βιβλίο της τριλογίας "Ογδόντα Ημέρες", δημιούργημα δύο πολύ διάσημων όπως λέγεται συγγραφέων, οι οποίοι κρύβουν την ταυτότητα και τις συνδυασμένες τους προσπάθειες, πίσω από το καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο, Vina Jackson.

Η ιστορία περιστρέφεται γύρω από την ζωή της Σάμερ Ζάχοβα ή για να είμαστε πιο ακριβείς, γύρω από την σεξουαλική της ζωή και ταυτότητα, σε μια προσπάθεια να ανακαλύψει, ποια πραγματικά είναι και τι είναι αυτό που αποζητά, ώστε να αισθανθεί ολοκληρωμένη. Η σχέση της με τον Ντάρεν, δεν είναι σε καμία περίπτωση αυτό που χρειάζεται και έτσι, αποφασίζει να τον αφήσει. Αυτό που δεν εγκαταλείπει όμως ποτέ, είναι το βιολί της και η μουσική που βγαίνει από αυτό, κάτι που την φέρνει στην έκταση εκείνη που θα ήθελε να την οδηγήσει και μια ερωτική σχέση. Τότε είναι που εμφανίζεται ο Ντόμινικ, ένας γοητευτικός άντρας που έχει τις δικές του εμμονές και ανάγκες, ο οποίος γοητεύεται από την Σάμερ που του γίνεται εμμονή. Όταν το βιολί της Σάμερ καταστρέφεται, ο Ντόμινικ, προσφέρεται να το αντικαταστήσει με αντάλλαγμα, ένα κονσέρτο μόνο για εκείνον, κάτι που η Σάμερ δέχεται χωρίς σκέψη. Τότε είναι που ανάμεσά τους ξεκινά ένα επικίνδυνο παιχνίδι που μπορεί να τους οδηγήσει αμφότερους στα άκρα καθώς, η απόλαυση και η ικανοποίηση, δεν έρχονται χωρίς κόστος στην τόσο παράξενη και ιδιόμορφη σχέση τους.

Πριν πω περισσότερα, θα πρέπει να τονίσω ότι το "Ογδόντα Ημέρες", δεν είναι ένα ανάγνωσμα για όλους. Η αισθητική και η φιλοσοφία του, παραπέμπουν σε εκείνη του Μαρκήσιου Ντε Σαντ γι' αυτό, όσοι τον έχετε διαβάσει και σοκαριστήκατε από την γραφή του, καλύτερα να επιλέξετε κάτι άλλο. Το ίδιο ισχύει και για τους υπέρμετρα ρομαντικούς που δεν μπορούν να δεχτούν την σκοτεινή πλευρά της σεξουαλικής φύσης του ανθρώπου, δεν την κατανοούν και δεν την καταλαβαίνουν, όχι απλά γιατί δεν τους ταιριάζει αλλά, γιατί αρνούνται να δεχτούν ότι για μερικούς ανθρώπους, αυτή είναι η αλήθεια της καθημερινότητάς τους. Κακά τα ψέματα... το βιβλίο μιλάει για τον φετιχισμό και τον ορισμό της υποταγής και άσχετα από το ότι, όσον αφορά το περιγραφικό σκέλος, δεν καταφεύγει σε προκλητικές ακρότητες, είναι σε θέση να σοκάρει έναν πιο συντηρητικό αναγνώστη. Προς θεού, δεν εννοώ ότι πρέπει να είσαι χαλαρών ηθών για να σου αρέσει αλλά, όπως και να το κάνουμε, πρέπει να είσαι αυτό που λένε, open mind.

Η σχέση της Σάμερ και τον Ντόμινικ, κάθε άλλο παρά συμβατική είναι. Άλλωστε, σκοπός των συγγραφέων δεν είναι να εξερευνήσουν τόσο τα συναισθηματικά κίνητρα κι ερεθίσματά τους αλλά, την σκοτεινή μεριά της ανθρώπινης φύσης και σεξουαλικότητας, μάρτυρας των οποίων είναι και οι ίδιοι. Και οι δυο τους, κυριεύονται από ένστικτα τα οποία είναι πάνω από αυτούς αναζητώντας μια μορφή ηδονής που είναι άρρηκτα συνδεδεμένη με την υποταγή αλλά και τον πόνο. Αλλά όσον αφορά το μεταξύ τους παιχνίδι, η σχέση τους, είναι δούνε και λαβείν, μέχρι την στιγμή τουλάχιστον που το να προκαλέσουν ο ένας τον άλλον οδηγώντας τον στα άκρα, τους κατευθύνει σταδιακά στο χείλος του γκρεμού. Όμως στο επίκεντρο βρίσκεται κατ' εξοχήν η Σάμερ, η οποία είναι λιγότερο συνειδητοποιημένη από τον Ντόμινικ, πιο πρόθυμη να φτάσει στα άκρα, ρισκάροντας ακόμα και την ίδια την πνευματικότητά της και την ψυχική της ισορροπία. Φτάνει στα όριά της και δεν διστάζει να τα ξεπεράσει μάλιστα, στην προσπάθειά της να κατανοήσει ποια πραγματικά είναι και τελικά αναρωτιέμαι... αυτό οφείλεται στην αδυναμία της να ελέγξει τα πάθη της ή στην αστείρευτη τόλμη της που ασυνείδητα την οδηγεί στο να δοκιμάσει τα πάντα, προκειμένου να απορρίψει ότι δεν της ταιριάζει;

Κατά την ανάγνωση του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου, προσπαθούσα να αποφασίσω αν τελικά, μου άρεσε ή όχι. Ολοκληρώνοντάς το κατέληξα στο συμπέρασμα πως ναι, μου άρεσε και μάλιστα ιδιαιτέρως, για πολύ συγκεκριμένους λόγους. Το ψυχολογικό προφίλ των κεντρικών χαρακτήρων αν και ακραίο, δεν είναι μη ρεαλιστικό, όσο κι αν θέλουμε να πιστεύουμε πως ζούμε σε έναν ιδανικό κόσμο. Υπάρχουν άνθρωποι των οποίων η καθημερινότητα, είναι ίδια με τη δική τους και δεν μπορούμε να τους ακυρώνουμε. Από την άλλη, η αφήγηση γίνεται με τέτοιον τρόπο που έχουμε τη δυνατότητα, σε ένα πρωτοπρόσωπο επίπεδο αφήγησης να δούμε, τόσο την οπτική της ίδιας της Σάμερ, κατανοώντας σε βάθος τα συναισθήματά της και τους λόγους των αποφάσεών της, όσο και ένα τριτοπρόσωπο επίπεδο, που μας επιτρέπει να έχουμε μια πιο σφαιρική εικόνα των γεγονότων, πως αντιλαμβάνονται τις εξελίξεις οι περιφερειακοί χαρακτήρες, ο ίδιος ο Ντόμινικ και οι απλοί παρατηρητές, βλέποντας ουσιαστικά την ίδια κατάσταση, μέσα από διαφορετικά και πολλαπλά πρίσματα, όπως ακριβώς στην πραγματική ζωή.

Η ροή της αφήγησης είναι σταθερά ανοδική, με σημεία κορύφωσης και χαλάρωσης, εξισορροπώντας έτσι το σύνολο ώστε να διατηρεί μεν κάποια στοιχεία προκλητικότητας, χωρίς ωστόσο να αγγίζει τα όρια του πρόστυχου, προκαλώντας τα όρια του αναγνώστη, σεβόμενη προφανώς το γεγονός ότι δεν θα είναι όλοι όσοι πέσει στα χέρια τους εξίσου ανοιχτόμυαλοι. Η γραφή των συγγραφέων διακρίνεται από μια αδιαμφισβήτητη δυναμική, που συναρπάζει και σε καθηλώνει από την πρώτη, μέχρι και την τελευταία γραμμή. Η παθιασμένη με την μουσική Σάμερ και ο τρόπος που αυτή την κυριεύει και κατευθύνει τα βαθύτερα ένστικτά της, είναι τουλάχιστον γοητευτικός, όπως και ο τρόπος και τα μέσα που χρησιμοποιούνται για να αναδυθεί η σκοτεινή πλευρά του καταλυτικού πάθους και της ανάγκης μερικές φορές, ορισμένων ανθρώπων, να κάνουν την ηθική, συναισθηματική και σεξουαλική υπέρβαση, προκειμένου να φτάσουν στα όρια της απόλαυσης, έστω κι αν ρισκάρουν ακροβατώντας πάνω σε μια πολύ λεπτή και ακαθόριστη διαχωριστή γραμμή. Αν μη τι άλλο, ένα μυθιστόρημα έκπληξη.

[Yelania Nightwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reseña cortesía de Book's Minon

ADVERTENCIA: este libro tiene escenas de BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, lenguaje gráfico y situaciones que algunos lectores podrían considerar desagradables.

Summer Zhova es una violinista neozelandesa que vive en Londres y tiene trabajos a tiempo parcial. Su violín remendado es todo lo que realmente le importa en la vida. Cuando lo toca, todo el mundo desaparece y sólo están ella y la música.

Una tarde, mientras toca Las Cuatro Estaciones de Vivaldi, en la estación del metro, inconsciente de su espectador y la fuerte impresión que ha causado en él, es recompensada con una muy buena donación. Semanas después, queda atrapada en una riña entre aficionados del deporte y su violín es destrozado durante el caos que se armó. Sin su instrumento de trabajo, Summer está perdida.

Dominik sigue buscando a la violinista callejera que lo cautivó por completo. Han sido días y días de una búsqueda infructuosa en los andenes de la estación. Hasta que recibe el boletín de noticias del metro y descubre que Summer ha perdido su violín. Decidido a encontrarla la busca en Facebook y le envía una nota:

Me gustaría regalarte un violín nuevo.
¿Estarías dispuesta a aceptar mi reto y mis condiciones?
Como es de esperarse, Summer acepta conocer a Dominik. A partir de ahí, sus encuentros están llenos de desafíos que ella debe de aceptar. Y los acepta, de buena gana. Los acepta porque sin saber por qué, desea complacerle. Es una necesidad tan fuerte como la que siente por tocar su violín.

Ochenta Melodías de Pasión en Amarillo es una novela erótica cruda, donde se muestran los deseos más oscuros de la especie humana. Como le decía a María del Carmen @Libros sin Tinta, hace unos días en facebook. Este libro es fuerte y perverso, pero creo que refleja bien el mundo fetichista y de BDSM como pocos libros lo hacen. Siento que el hecho de estar escrito por personas que son parte de ese mundo, ayuda mucho.

No es un libro meloso y los protagonistas, en un principio, están juntos sólo por el sexo y por completar sus necesidades básicas, no por amor. El amor, un tipo de afecto diría yo, surge entre ellos después, pero no se darán cuenta de esa conexión que hay entre ellos hasta después de haberla regado completamente. Separado sus caminos y perdido todo contacto.

Como el libro está narrado por ambos protagonistas y hay también una narración en tercera persona, algo que me ha encantado, se nos permite conocer las dos caras de la moneda y todas las situaciones que se van generando a partir de sus decisiones equivocadas. Sin embargo, es un libro muy crudo, no creo que sea para todo tipo de lectores, ni siquiera para los que gustan de romance erótico.

Summer puede llegar a cansar al lector, pensar que se "deja", que no siente respeto por sí misma, por las cosas que le han de pasar a la largo del libro pero creo que he entendido el por qué de su comportamiento. Ella tiene necesidades, tiene temores y deseos. Es humana. Su indecisión, su falta de fuerza para rechazar ciertas escenas me angustiaban, me daban ganas de decirle que lo estaba fastidiando todo y llegó un momento en que pensé que no iba a gustarme lo que pasaría, pero ¡vaya final! Los autores bajo el seudónimo de Vina Jackson han creado una historia perversamente sensual, bellamente escrita y apasionantemente reveladora de los deseos que pocos se atreven a expresar.

Una novela erótica que vale la pena leer pero siempre con la mente abierta. Si te has quedado intrigado y quieres una probadita, puedes ir al siguiente y Hojear el Libro.

*Ochenta Melodías de Pasión en Amarillo fue enviado por la editorial a cambio de una reseña honesta. Nuestros comentarios se basan únicamente en nuestra lectura, no percibimos ningún tipo de remuneración por ellas.

[Maja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm finally done with this one. This is not what I expected to be. This book is just not for me.

[Sofia Teixeira · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Cor do Desejo é o livro que inicia a série 80 Dias da escritora Vina Jackson. Apesar de uma capa muito bonita e de uma premissa interessante, a verdade é que é preciso ser artista para conseguir conjuntar romance, erotismo, voyeurismo e ainda BDSM sem comprometer a qualidade da história e penso que nem sempre a autora o conseguiu.

Há quem goste de romances bem apimentados, há quem prefira os de época mais recatados, eu gosto dos dois. O único requisito essencial é que o enredo acabe por me dizer alguma coisa, que haja algum tipo de ligação ou empatia com as personagens. Na primeira metade da obra, parecia que isso estava na iminência de acontecer com Summer, mas no fim ficou algum sentimento de vazio. Dominik acabou por ser a personagem por quem estive mais próxima de tal.

Summer é uma personagem que anda à procura do seu eu, da sua libertação e da sua desinibição. Com uma amiga extravagante e com Dominik na sua vida, a cada experiência ela vai explorando mais a sua sexualidade, os seus fetiches e o prazer que tem na exposição de si mesma a terceiros. Para mim, enquanto leitora, nada disto me chocou ou aborreceu. O menos agradável foi quando, no último terço do livro, a história pareceu quebrar com algumas opções tomadas por Summer, tornando-se desconexa e sem muito sentido.

É um livro com uma forte componente sexual e fetichista, com cenas fortes de BDSM. Gostava imenso que a história de amor entre Summer e Dominik tivesse tido outros contornos, mas o fim parece prometer um próximo volume mais centrado nos dois. Confesso que fui pesquisar os próximos livros e fiquei curiosa sobre a continuação. As suas cotações também são superiores a este que ainda assim se lê bem e certamente será de extremo agrado para quem gosta de experiências novas, em cenários diversos, e mais físicas do que emocionais.

[Brook41913 · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmmmm i had never heard of this book before. i had gone into the shop to get another book and saw that there was a deal on this one and it was cheaper to get it all together. ok here it goes

i didn't find this book romantic in anyway. instead i found it so hard to finish it. i had to force myself to read all of the book cuz i had already started it and couldn't stop half way. this book is an interesting read but VERY disturbing. i didn't understand the reason why any woman will want to be used in such demurring manner and enjoy it. the main character to me was very cold and very much controlling in a strange way. and the female seemed to know no boundaries and had no problems doing things that will normally not be tolerable. the BDSM was very dark and extreme. the parties were disturbing and had to read. the female character made women appear weak and wanton. i totally understand that she was exploring but i seriously doubt any normal female will volunteer to go that far for anything. i do not think it was anything close to fifty shades of grey. i now find it hard to get the continuation for this book. truth be told im not even sure i want to know what happened next. when reading this one i was so lost, angry and very annoyed at the female character and at the representation of women and the way they were used for pleasure. she does some really extreme things which i rather find disturbing than pleasurable and for me i think its all i can handle.
maybe at some point i might decide to get the rest but for now i don't think i could stand it.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this novel as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, so here goes:

Eighty days Yellow was… interesting. The beginning had me hooked and I loved how it started. I really liked Summer in the beginning of the novel. I also found her passion for playing the violin to be very unique. As the story went on however, I just wasn’t feeling it anymore. I am not opposed to reading dark erotica, in fact these have been some of my favorite books, but i just didn’t enjoy this one.

The only thing I liked about this book was the cover.

The main thing that really bugged me about this novel was the transition between scenes. The scenes didn’t flow very easily and there were lots of gaps. The novel would jump from scene to scene and I would often times get confused about what was happening while reading.

Overall, Eighty days yellow wasn’t my favorite. This book is advertised as a must read if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey. I say, if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you should stick with that series. This book was nothing like Fifty and not nearly as enjoyable. I give this book 1 star and will not read the next installment in this series.

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4 Stars

These were the moments he lived for. The quiet before the storm. The ritual of unveiling. Knowing the point of no return had been reached, breached, and the fuck was now inevitable.

The above line from the book has got to be one of the most sexiest quotes ever. I don’t know what it is about it, but to me it held a certain type of promise. It describes the rawness, the carnality and the anticipation of what’s coming. The images that start to form in my mind are disturbing, yet breathtaking. I’m left speechless.

I honestly don’t know what to say about this story. I don’t know where to begin. As one of my GR friends stated, “this book should be in its own category.” I, one hundred percent, wholeheartedly agree with her. This is not for everyone!! First off, I’m not really sure if Fifty fans will automatically love, or even like, this book. Aside from the obvious kink and the title having a number & a color (lol), there are no real other similarities.

This book is dark, yes, but it also had its own certain feel. I can’t really describe it. It’s difficult to put into words. I felt like a voyeur, if I can be honest. It was like watching Eyes Wide Shut, but without Tom and Nicole. It was just an overall strange, tantalizing story that I couldn’t help but be intrigued by it. Does that make any sense?

“Dear Summer Zahova,
I was most sorry to hear of your ordeal. I am a great admirer of your musicianship, and to ensure you are able to continue your practice, I am willing to gift you with a new violin.
Are you willing to accept my challenge and my terms?” ~ D

So it begins. Summer’s journey into the abyss, as I like to think of it. There was always something peculiar about Summer. She’s a brilliant violinist, but there’s a darker, kinkier side of her. It comes out occasionally, but once she meets Dominik, she slowly starts to spiral out of control. With each and every game they play, little by little, she starts to question, “what is happening to me?”

Dominik was instantly taken in by Summer. After hearing her play her violin in the Tube, he will do anything to find out more about her. He reads about the incident regarding her violin, locates her on Facebook and sends the message. Dominik’s character was at times, cold, but you could easily gather that there is more to him. Once they meet and agree to his terms, Summer couldn’t help but be captivated by him. He constantly pushes her limits, testing her. He starts to think about her relentlessly, but makes it clear that they are not in a relationship. They remain unattached, but how far is too far? How much longer can they deny there is more between them?

There are a lot of things that go on in this story that might make readers uncomfortable. There is a constant flow of mind games and not just between Summer and Dominik, but with their “friends” and “colleagues.” There is also the explicit nature of the story. Master/slave, BDSM, voyeurism, humiliation, ménage, including F/M/F, as well as sex involving multiple partners; the list of situations knew no bounds in this story. There are hardcore things that occur, so be aware before diving in. Also, be patient. The pace really didn’t pick up until 48-50% in. After that, things really started to heat up. Nevertheless, I must reiterate that this is NOT for everyone. However for those willing to give it a chance, come with an open mind. I know it more than intrigued me and I’m highly looking forward to the next two installments.

Many thanks to Open Road Media for providing me with this ARC.