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Sapphire Blue
WARNING: DARK THEMES, EXPLICIT CONTENT
Has Mara lost control, or has it been taken from her?
Mara Cantor’s life is boring and uncomplicated, and she likes it that way. She has her internship at the museum—a job she shares with her roommate, Davis—and while it is low-paying and occasionally mind-numbing, it gives her all the free time she needs to finish her thesis. And that is just fine.
But when Argent Leeds, the internationally famous playboy and raconteur, visits Mara’s museum, he brings with him the most exciting archeological discovery in decades: the Pazuzu gemstones. Long assumed to be nothing more than a myth by most scholars, the gemstones are rumored to possess mystical powers.
Between Argent, his gemstones, and Davis, Mara’s boring life has suddenly gotten very complicated. Now she is caught up in a sexual adventure that is either the most exciting time of her life . . . or the most terrifying.
Has Mara lost control, or has it been taken from her?
Mara Cantor’s life is boring and uncomplicated, and she likes it that way. She has her internship at the museum—a job she shares with her roommate, Davis—and while it is low-paying and occasionally mind-numbing, it gives her all the free time she needs to finish her thesis. And that is just fine.
But when Argent Leeds, the internationally famous playboy and raconteur, visits Mara’s museum, he brings with him the most exciting archeological discovery in decades: the Pazuzu gemstones. Long assumed to be nothing more than a myth by most scholars, the gemstones are rumored to possess mystical powers.
Between Argent, his gemstones, and Davis, Mara’s boring life has suddenly gotten very complicated. Now she is caught up in a sexual adventure that is either the most exciting time of her life . . . or the most terrifying.
210 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2014
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 4, 2014
Explicit, dark, raw.... not for the faint of heart!
I have been rendered speechless many times after reading a book for a whole lot of reasons. This time, lost for words because I'm incredulously thunderstruck, I think I was even trembling while reading one memorable scene, it's bold, staggering but this is where the author shine. There are many wicked sinful scenes that might make some readers cringe, but to me, it just adds to the believability and depth to what the author is trying to achieve and it's brilliant! The impact of this story left me, was something I'll definitely remember for a longtime.
I was so afraid for both Mara and Argent but more for Mara. She was driven by this incredible unforeseen force and its purpose is to try to exorcise this curse-like power that seemed to have taken over her body, mind and soul. For whatever it is, it meant life or death, freedom for her or remain a prisoner forever of this malevolent but sexually gratifying spell she has no control of. Unfathomable great fear combined with deliriously excruciating sexual desire but nevertheless, an unwanted spell she's helplessly under.
The nightmare and the strength of this story is Argent Leeds, handsome, rich and famous, his discovery of the Pazuzu ancient gemstones brought him fame. But everything is not what they appear to be, it seems his talent is more in counterfeiting ancient artifacts than discovering them.
Full of youth and life, Mara, strong and beautiful, while attending the opening of Ardent's artifacts finds at the museum she works for, and while staring in awe at the ancient gemstone, she somehow realized they are fake, blurted it out loud. Amidst the gasping of the crowd, this earned the attention of Ardent Leeds hence the pursuit and chase began. There didn't seem to be anything out of ordinary, the thrill of being sought after by a well known internationally famous playboy is certainly a novelty. That is, until Mara fell under Argent's dark magic spell and she's powerless to fight it. The series of events that follow was dark, explicit raw sex that might make some recoil, wince or even stop reading....one thing for sure, it's compelling, it's an extra ordinary story, well written and one to remember. This no doubt is an absolute stupefying, mystifying tale I've read so far. This is not an ordinary tale by any means, its explicit scenes is raw, dark and not for the faint of heart.
*** an ARC was provided by NetGalley ***
I have been rendered speechless many times after reading a book for a whole lot of reasons. This time, lost for words because I'm incredulously thunderstruck, I think I was even trembling while reading one memorable scene, it's bold, staggering but this is where the author shine. There are many wicked sinful scenes that might make some readers cringe, but to me, it just adds to the believability and depth to what the author is trying to achieve and it's brilliant! The impact of this story left me, was something I'll definitely remember for a longtime.
I was so afraid for both Mara and Argent but more for Mara. She was driven by this incredible unforeseen force and its purpose is to try to exorcise this curse-like power that seemed to have taken over her body, mind and soul. For whatever it is, it meant life or death, freedom for her or remain a prisoner forever of this malevolent but sexually gratifying spell she has no control of. Unfathomable great fear combined with deliriously excruciating sexual desire but nevertheless, an unwanted spell she's helplessly under.
The nightmare and the strength of this story is Argent Leeds, handsome, rich and famous, his discovery of the Pazuzu ancient gemstones brought him fame. But everything is not what they appear to be, it seems his talent is more in counterfeiting ancient artifacts than discovering them.
Full of youth and life, Mara, strong and beautiful, while attending the opening of Ardent's artifacts finds at the museum she works for, and while staring in awe at the ancient gemstone, she somehow realized they are fake, blurted it out loud. Amidst the gasping of the crowd, this earned the attention of Ardent Leeds hence the pursuit and chase began. There didn't seem to be anything out of ordinary, the thrill of being sought after by a well known internationally famous playboy is certainly a novelty. That is, until Mara fell under Argent's dark magic spell and she's powerless to fight it. The series of events that follow was dark, explicit raw sex that might make some recoil, wince or even stop reading....one thing for sure, it's compelling, it's an extra ordinary story, well written and one to remember. This no doubt is an absolute stupefying, mystifying tale I've read so far. This is not an ordinary tale by any means, its explicit scenes is raw, dark and not for the faint of heart.
*** an ARC was provided by NetGalley ***
March 4, 2015
Sapphire Blue made me uncomfortable – and for that reason I think it is an amazing book that will stay with me for some time. A cross between Indiana Jones and Fifty Shades is how I have described it to people, although by the creepy end it almost felt like something by Stephen King.
Doucette has managed to get into the head of his female lead so thoroughly that, despite her unbelievable circumstances, the reader feels intensely for her. The last couple of chapters had me on the edge of my seat – they were confronting and frightening and painful.
Light relief is provided by Davis, who has some of the best lines. I loved him! My favourite line, though, belongs to his dad: “Never apologize if it was funny.”
This book is funny, sexy, scary and quite disturbing, and I highly recommend it.
Doucette has managed to get into the head of his female lead so thoroughly that, despite her unbelievable circumstances, the reader feels intensely for her. The last couple of chapters had me on the edge of my seat – they were confronting and frightening and painful.
Light relief is provided by Davis, who has some of the best lines. I loved him! My favourite line, though, belongs to his dad: “Never apologize if it was funny.”
This book is funny, sexy, scary and quite disturbing, and I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2016
I read one of G. Doucette’s previous novels, Fixer, and loved it, so when his publisher approached me to read Sapphire Blue I was thrilled. This is Mr. Doucette’s first foray into erotica. Sapphire Blue is an interesting brew of erotica, BDSM, paranormal, and horror.
From the blurb:
WARNING: DARK THEMES, EXPLICIT CONTENT
Has Mara lost control, or has it been taken from her?
Mara Cantor’s life is boring and uncomplicated, and she likes it that way. She has her internship at the museum—a job she shares with her roommate, Davis—and while it is low-paying and occasionally mind-numbing, it gives her all the free time she needs to finish her thesis. And that is just fine.
But when Argent Leeds, the internationally famous playboy and raconteur, visits Mara’s museum, he brings with him the most exciting archeological discovery in decades: the Pazuzu gemstones. Long assumed to be nothing more than a myth by most scholars, the gemstones are rumored to possess mystical powers.
Between Argent, his gemstones, and Davis, Mara’s boring life has suddenly gotten very complicated. Now she is caught up in a sexual adventure that is either the most exciting time of her life . . . or the most terrifying.
This sounds like the beginning of an erotic triangle. In some ways it is, but I found the blurb for this book a tad misleading. Mara’s roommate, Davis, is the underdeveloped point of this lopsided triangle, though the story has more to do with Argent Leeds doing unethical things using the influence of mythical gemstones. Argent draws the innocent, somewhat naïve Mara into his web of deceit, plying her with hot sex and his extravagant lifestyle.
Without going into too much detail, about two-thirds of the way into Sapphire Blue, the story went a bit off the rails for me. As the true extent of Argent’s deception became clear, events took a disturbing twist. The sex scenes morphed into a porn-like orgy with nonconsensual elements and violence that I found decidedly unsexy, even horror-like. In the end, there are answers of a sort, but I’d hoped for a deeper look into Argent’s motivations and background.
This is where things become difficult for me as a reviewer. I can’t fault Mr. Doucette’s writing; it’s flawless, intriguing, and descriptive. The direction this story took became unsettling, and I found myself peeking through my fingers—something I’d rather not do when reading erotica. Honestly, I’m not really sure what genre Sapphire Blue truly fits into.
I give the writing a 4, the storyline a 3, and round it to a 3.25. Mr. Doucette has such a way with words, I’m looking forward to reading future offerings—maybe not in the erotica category.
3.25 Stars
From the blurb:
WARNING: DARK THEMES, EXPLICIT CONTENT
Has Mara lost control, or has it been taken from her?
Mara Cantor’s life is boring and uncomplicated, and she likes it that way. She has her internship at the museum—a job she shares with her roommate, Davis—and while it is low-paying and occasionally mind-numbing, it gives her all the free time she needs to finish her thesis. And that is just fine.
But when Argent Leeds, the internationally famous playboy and raconteur, visits Mara’s museum, he brings with him the most exciting archeological discovery in decades: the Pazuzu gemstones. Long assumed to be nothing more than a myth by most scholars, the gemstones are rumored to possess mystical powers.
Between Argent, his gemstones, and Davis, Mara’s boring life has suddenly gotten very complicated. Now she is caught up in a sexual adventure that is either the most exciting time of her life . . . or the most terrifying.
This sounds like the beginning of an erotic triangle. In some ways it is, but I found the blurb for this book a tad misleading. Mara’s roommate, Davis, is the underdeveloped point of this lopsided triangle, though the story has more to do with Argent Leeds doing unethical things using the influence of mythical gemstones. Argent draws the innocent, somewhat naïve Mara into his web of deceit, plying her with hot sex and his extravagant lifestyle.
Without going into too much detail, about two-thirds of the way into Sapphire Blue, the story went a bit off the rails for me. As the true extent of Argent’s deception became clear, events took a disturbing twist. The sex scenes morphed into a porn-like orgy with nonconsensual elements and violence that I found decidedly unsexy, even horror-like. In the end, there are answers of a sort, but I’d hoped for a deeper look into Argent’s motivations and background.
This is where things become difficult for me as a reviewer. I can’t fault Mr. Doucette’s writing; it’s flawless, intriguing, and descriptive. The direction this story took became unsettling, and I found myself peeking through my fingers—something I’d rather not do when reading erotica. Honestly, I’m not really sure what genre Sapphire Blue truly fits into.
I give the writing a 4, the storyline a 3, and round it to a 3.25. Mr. Doucette has such a way with words, I’m looking forward to reading future offerings—maybe not in the erotica category.
3.25 Stars
February 14, 2014
**ARC provided by Smith Publicity via NetGalley for an honest review
Words that come to mind with this book: intriguing, unsettling, mind-fuck, raw, uncomfortable...
I’m all over the place with this book. I wasn’t sure if this was a sci-fi romance, BDSM or thriller/suspense… and spent the first few pages like this:
So to save anyone else that reaction: I think it’s important to note that this book is in no way a romance and it does have a sci-fi-esque theme. I don’t think that is easily distinguishable in the blurb above.
The book jumps and often times I asked myself, “wtf is this?” Most of the “wtf” moments were centered around the sexual relationship between Mara and Argent. It was... unsettling..and Argent was creepy!
I loved Davis and wished his character was move involved in the story.
Hold on for the ending though because…
It gets a little crazy.
A few things of note: After the first 40% I found myself skipping the sex scenes, this is unheard of for me! I just felt like they were... boring!
Words that come to mind with this book: intriguing, unsettling, mind-fuck, raw, uncomfortable...
I’m all over the place with this book. I wasn’t sure if this was a sci-fi romance, BDSM or thriller/suspense… and spent the first few pages like this:
So to save anyone else that reaction: I think it’s important to note that this book is in no way a romance and it does have a sci-fi-esque theme. I don’t think that is easily distinguishable in the blurb above.
The book jumps and often times I asked myself, “wtf is this?” Most of the “wtf” moments were centered around the sexual relationship between Mara and Argent. It was... unsettling..and Argent was creepy!
I loved Davis and wished his character was move involved in the story.
Hold on for the ending though because…
It gets a little crazy.
A few things of note: After the first 40% I found myself skipping the sex scenes, this is unheard of for me! I just felt like they were... boring!
May 22, 2014
This is one of the few books that after reading it - I am speechless (in the sense as I don't know how to review this book). I just cannot begin to tell you how dark and erotic this story is. The author does a great job in developing the story through many twists and captivating the audience. This was not the greatest book I have read, but it held my interest. This is definitely not a book for all and it is either a love it or hate it book.
July 6, 2015
I loved this book! I first read it as a short story and encouraged the author (as his publisher), to extend on it... Now an awesome full length novel. You should all read it.
…Now I just need to encourage the author to build a series.
C
…Now I just need to encourage the author to build a series.
C
March 14, 2014
I received this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
HOLY. FUCKING. MINDFUCK!!!
I have made it a habit to write my reviews immediately after I finish the book. I feel like it’s best when all my feelings and emotions are still fully engaged (or not, in some cases…). In instances such as this, with a book that is seriously the biggest mindfuck EVER, I struggle to even wrap my head around what I just got done reading. Sometimes, as in this case, it makes giving a book a star rating a bit tricky because I’m just not sure where I stand with it. Here goes nothing though… I do want to warn you that I may have to put some spoilers in here in order to get my point across, but it’s not like this book was a who-done-it or anything with a twist, so it won’t necessarily ruin the story. That said, if you are of the sort who doesn’t want to know anything about a story before you read it, then reading reviews probably isn’t wise anyway…
The gist: Mara works in a museum cataloging clay jars from various dig sights. (That’s essentially the extent of her job.) She lives with her best friend, Davis, who also works at the museum and they went to college together. Argent is a rich dude, who may or may not be into illegal activities to maintain his vast wealth, who finances archaeological digs for kicks and grins. So Argent has found these gemstones (sapphire, ruby, diamond, etc) that were before believed to just be a myth. So these stones have mystical powers. Argent meets Mara and there’s a mutual attraction. Mara, for whatever reason, reacts strongly to these gemstones, unlike anyone else who has been exposed to them. So these two have this odd sort of relationship that pretty much mostly consists of incredible sex. They attend sex parties where all manner of sex acts take place. (Okay, well, sex acts between people with or without the aid of toys, sexual equipment, and numerous partners. There’s A LOT of sex in this book, people, so if you have delicate sensibilities, then you should avoid this book…) Anyway, just like with any mystical thing (or power in general, really) power and control get WAY out of hand.
There was a disclaimer about dark themes, so I was expecting some torture, dubious consent, violence, something like that. I don’t usually read books with dark themes since my brain has a hard time contemplating those things. I was a tad apprehensive going into it, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared. The ‘dark themes’ present, from my perspective, weren’t black and white. See, since Argent is in control of these stones, he has some degree of mind control over those around him. Since Mara has actually touched the stones herself, he CAN have complete control over her like a puppet but he wasn’t a TOTAL sadist. In return, Mara has a certain degree of control over those around her also in the sense that when they’re all horny and stuff she can read their thoughts, feel their orgasms the way they feel them, etc. (It’s bizarre, yes, and a touch creepy but it’s not horrifying.) Up until like 85% of the way through the book, I didn’t really get any ‘dark themes’ vibes. Yes, the mind thing during sex was a stretch in itself, but it wasn’t really ‘dark’ per se. So anyway, around 85% or so is when the ‘dark themes’ vibe kind of started. But it wasn’t even THAT bad. Essentially, Mara didn’t want to do something but Argent told her she DID want to do it, so from that point on she was essentially under his ‘spell’ or whatever. But she didn’t FEEL like she was doing anything against her will. Yes, it was dubious consent and false imprisonment, but she didn’t realize it because she really thought she wanted to be there doing what she was doing. I’m not trying to make excuses for Argent. He was a sick fucker. But it wasn’t as bad as it COULD have been, if that makes sense. He had complete control over her. COMPLETE. He could have literally had her do ANYTHING but all he really had her do was have like a million orgasms per day. I mean, that’s not REALLY an awful kind of torture, right?
Okay, so let’s move on. This book really was a mindfuck. It tested all my sensibilities. I don’t tend to read sci-fi or paranormal stuff too often (although I HAVE and I SOMETIMES enjoy it, erotic or not…) because this fantasy type shit is just too hard for my brain to wrap around it. In this instance, it was essentially the concept of magical powers. I DID enjoy the story and it DID totally keep my attention and all that. It was just A LOT for me to try and process and I think the ‘weird’ factor mixed with the ‘wow’ factor is what has me tied up in knots about this one…
Mara was an alright character. She was sometimes a little too dense and naïve for me, but then she was also under the ‘control’ of these stones without really knowing she wasn’t completely in control of herself. I have mixed feelings about Argent as well. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a sick puppy, but I didn’t really realize HOW sick he was until about 85% of the way in. I just thought he was peculiar up to that point… I didn’t necessarily LIKE him, but I also didn’t HATE him. I didn’t wish for him ‘to get his’ or anything like that, even after the dark shit started. He was overly arrogant, which is always a turn off for me. But he was also a tad ‘damaged’ or something. Like he didn’t really understand how to relate to other human beings. He was awkward. I kind of felt A LITTLE bad for him because of THAT but… Davis was sweet and I liked him. He doesn’t admit his feelings for Mara until toward the end of the book, but you know from the get-go that he’s in love with her. I felt bad for him watching her change after she meets Argent. Diana was another character Mara met after Argent came into her life and I did like Diana.
All in all, I’m giving this book 4 stars because a) the sex was HOT and b) I was fully engaged in the story and couldn’t wait to find out exactly what was going on. Also, it’ll be a bit before I stop THINKING about it! This isn’t Mr. Doucette’s first book, but it IS his first try at erotica and I think he nailed the erotic part of the story superbly!
HOLY. FUCKING. MINDFUCK!!!
I have made it a habit to write my reviews immediately after I finish the book. I feel like it’s best when all my feelings and emotions are still fully engaged (or not, in some cases…). In instances such as this, with a book that is seriously the biggest mindfuck EVER, I struggle to even wrap my head around what I just got done reading. Sometimes, as in this case, it makes giving a book a star rating a bit tricky because I’m just not sure where I stand with it. Here goes nothing though… I do want to warn you that I may have to put some spoilers in here in order to get my point across, but it’s not like this book was a who-done-it or anything with a twist, so it won’t necessarily ruin the story. That said, if you are of the sort who doesn’t want to know anything about a story before you read it, then reading reviews probably isn’t wise anyway…
The gist: Mara works in a museum cataloging clay jars from various dig sights. (That’s essentially the extent of her job.) She lives with her best friend, Davis, who also works at the museum and they went to college together. Argent is a rich dude, who may or may not be into illegal activities to maintain his vast wealth, who finances archaeological digs for kicks and grins. So Argent has found these gemstones (sapphire, ruby, diamond, etc) that were before believed to just be a myth. So these stones have mystical powers. Argent meets Mara and there’s a mutual attraction. Mara, for whatever reason, reacts strongly to these gemstones, unlike anyone else who has been exposed to them. So these two have this odd sort of relationship that pretty much mostly consists of incredible sex. They attend sex parties where all manner of sex acts take place. (Okay, well, sex acts between people with or without the aid of toys, sexual equipment, and numerous partners. There’s A LOT of sex in this book, people, so if you have delicate sensibilities, then you should avoid this book…) Anyway, just like with any mystical thing (or power in general, really) power and control get WAY out of hand.
There was a disclaimer about dark themes, so I was expecting some torture, dubious consent, violence, something like that. I don’t usually read books with dark themes since my brain has a hard time contemplating those things. I was a tad apprehensive going into it, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared. The ‘dark themes’ present, from my perspective, weren’t black and white. See, since Argent is in control of these stones, he has some degree of mind control over those around him. Since Mara has actually touched the stones herself, he CAN have complete control over her like a puppet but he wasn’t a TOTAL sadist. In return, Mara has a certain degree of control over those around her also in the sense that when they’re all horny and stuff she can read their thoughts, feel their orgasms the way they feel them, etc. (It’s bizarre, yes, and a touch creepy but it’s not horrifying.) Up until like 85% of the way through the book, I didn’t really get any ‘dark themes’ vibes. Yes, the mind thing during sex was a stretch in itself, but it wasn’t really ‘dark’ per se. So anyway, around 85% or so is when the ‘dark themes’ vibe kind of started. But it wasn’t even THAT bad. Essentially, Mara didn’t want to do something but Argent told her she DID want to do it, so from that point on she was essentially under his ‘spell’ or whatever. But she didn’t FEEL like she was doing anything against her will. Yes, it was dubious consent and false imprisonment, but she didn’t realize it because she really thought she wanted to be there doing what she was doing. I’m not trying to make excuses for Argent. He was a sick fucker. But it wasn’t as bad as it COULD have been, if that makes sense. He had complete control over her. COMPLETE. He could have literally had her do ANYTHING but all he really had her do was have like a million orgasms per day. I mean, that’s not REALLY an awful kind of torture, right?
Okay, so let’s move on. This book really was a mindfuck. It tested all my sensibilities. I don’t tend to read sci-fi or paranormal stuff too often (although I HAVE and I SOMETIMES enjoy it, erotic or not…) because this fantasy type shit is just too hard for my brain to wrap around it. In this instance, it was essentially the concept of magical powers. I DID enjoy the story and it DID totally keep my attention and all that. It was just A LOT for me to try and process and I think the ‘weird’ factor mixed with the ‘wow’ factor is what has me tied up in knots about this one…
Mara was an alright character. She was sometimes a little too dense and naïve for me, but then she was also under the ‘control’ of these stones without really knowing she wasn’t completely in control of herself. I have mixed feelings about Argent as well. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a sick puppy, but I didn’t really realize HOW sick he was until about 85% of the way in. I just thought he was peculiar up to that point… I didn’t necessarily LIKE him, but I also didn’t HATE him. I didn’t wish for him ‘to get his’ or anything like that, even after the dark shit started. He was overly arrogant, which is always a turn off for me. But he was also a tad ‘damaged’ or something. Like he didn’t really understand how to relate to other human beings. He was awkward. I kind of felt A LITTLE bad for him because of THAT but… Davis was sweet and I liked him. He doesn’t admit his feelings for Mara until toward the end of the book, but you know from the get-go that he’s in love with her. I felt bad for him watching her change after she meets Argent. Diana was another character Mara met after Argent came into her life and I did like Diana.
All in all, I’m giving this book 4 stars because a) the sex was HOT and b) I was fully engaged in the story and couldn’t wait to find out exactly what was going on. Also, it’ll be a bit before I stop THINKING about it! This isn’t Mr. Doucette’s first book, but it IS his first try at erotica and I think he nailed the erotic part of the story superbly!
March 24, 2014
Reviews on Passion for Pages
4.5 stars
I just have to start by saying I love Gene Doucette. I read and reviewed his three previous books so when this one came around I knew I had to get it as well. And the fact that it was erotica? Well that just intrigued me more since it was something new from him.
I admit though that part of the reason why I wanted to read this one so badly was because of the reviews. It seemed as a reader you either loved it or hated it. Okay, there were a few in the middle reviewers but mostly it’s black or white. Words like “uncomfortable” and “dark” were thrown around a lot and that just made me want it even more.
Was it uncomfortable? I was pretty cozy for the most part but I can definitely see how it would unsettle some readers. Was it dark? Um, yeah. But it was also Doucette that was writing it and his awesome style of storytelling flowed through the pages making it a fantastic read. Have I mentioned how much I love him?
I’m not going to recap the summary on this one or get into character detail. You want to know about the characters personality or what they do career wise pick up the book. I’m just going to get right into it.
There is a lot, and I mean a lot of talk about Argent being creepy. I didn’t find Argent creepy at first. He was written like any other wealthy male character: arrogant, cocky and a bit of a jackass. But that was my first impression, and like most when it comes to men I was wrong. Very wrong. He is creepy, but I think he needs to be in order for this to work. Let’s face it, a normal happy go lucky guy couldn’t pull this shit off. He needs to have the “ick” factor to him.
Some of the power he has over Mara is disturbing, and probably not the parts most have found odd. For example when they’re having dinner (and um lion steak??) and he asks if she’s warm, she says no, he comments on her blouse being all the way buttoned up and it being warm and suddenly she is and her blouse is off. And then the bra was off and she’s just sitting there like it’s completely normal to be talking business with this guy half nude. Maybe I’m a little odd, but just sitting there with her tits hanging out having dinner was one of the oddest things he had her do. The rest was dirty and gritty for sure, but that was just plain weird.
I always wonder just how much research authors do for their books—especially books like this one. Does one sit and Google “sex toys”? (Which I may or may not have done after reading the description of “the buzz saw”.) Or is it something a little more involved than just a web search? “Hey, honey, I’m writing some new erotic adventure. Wanna go toy shopping with me.” Hell yeah! “Maybe on the way home we can stop by Madame’s House of Pain for a little further research.” Ummm…let me think about that one, babe. C’mon, I really wanna know!
Mara’s reaction to finding out Argent had basically prostituted her out to find out if some myth was actually real was way milder than I would have expected. “You intentionally had me wear something that you knew was going to turn me into a whore and pimped me out to a houseful of people? Oh, all right. Should we have breakfast now?” What?! No! The appropriate response would have been to castrate the sick bastard and let him bleed out on the floor.
But with all the heat on Argent for being this wack job, Mara is no better. She’s just as insane. For example when she’s talking with Susan and is told about what Argent did to her, her response was, “I think I need to break up with him.” Dude! You were just told he held someone captive and you think you need to break up with him. I think you need mental help. You need to get the fuck outta there or else the next think he serves won’t be lion but Mara.
And all these people making excuses for him, even Susan. “He deserves to be happy.” “He’s not a bad person.” Yes, because all decent, normal people hold others against their will. Argh! I gotta say though, the ending was so worth it. Mara definitely got her dark and disturbed on with payback and it was brilliant.
For someone just dipping his toes in the erotic pool, this book is fantastic. I love the controversy that surrounds it. How some people see what Argent did as no better than rape, while others (like me) see the more bewitching side to it. Was it wrong? Fuck yes. Was it disturbed? You bet. Was it good? Oh so good.
4.5 stars
I just have to start by saying I love Gene Doucette. I read and reviewed his three previous books so when this one came around I knew I had to get it as well. And the fact that it was erotica? Well that just intrigued me more since it was something new from him.
I admit though that part of the reason why I wanted to read this one so badly was because of the reviews. It seemed as a reader you either loved it or hated it. Okay, there were a few in the middle reviewers but mostly it’s black or white. Words like “uncomfortable” and “dark” were thrown around a lot and that just made me want it even more.
Was it uncomfortable? I was pretty cozy for the most part but I can definitely see how it would unsettle some readers. Was it dark? Um, yeah. But it was also Doucette that was writing it and his awesome style of storytelling flowed through the pages making it a fantastic read. Have I mentioned how much I love him?
I’m not going to recap the summary on this one or get into character detail. You want to know about the characters personality or what they do career wise pick up the book. I’m just going to get right into it.
There is a lot, and I mean a lot of talk about Argent being creepy. I didn’t find Argent creepy at first. He was written like any other wealthy male character: arrogant, cocky and a bit of a jackass. But that was my first impression, and like most when it comes to men I was wrong. Very wrong. He is creepy, but I think he needs to be in order for this to work. Let’s face it, a normal happy go lucky guy couldn’t pull this shit off. He needs to have the “ick” factor to him.
Some of the power he has over Mara is disturbing, and probably not the parts most have found odd. For example when they’re having dinner (and um lion steak??) and he asks if she’s warm, she says no, he comments on her blouse being all the way buttoned up and it being warm and suddenly she is and her blouse is off. And then the bra was off and she’s just sitting there like it’s completely normal to be talking business with this guy half nude. Maybe I’m a little odd, but just sitting there with her tits hanging out having dinner was one of the oddest things he had her do. The rest was dirty and gritty for sure, but that was just plain weird.
I always wonder just how much research authors do for their books—especially books like this one. Does one sit and Google “sex toys”? (Which I may or may not have done after reading the description of “the buzz saw”.) Or is it something a little more involved than just a web search? “Hey, honey, I’m writing some new erotic adventure. Wanna go toy shopping with me.” Hell yeah! “Maybe on the way home we can stop by Madame’s House of Pain for a little further research.” Ummm…let me think about that one, babe. C’mon, I really wanna know!
Mara’s reaction to finding out Argent had basically prostituted her out to find out if some myth was actually real was way milder than I would have expected. “You intentionally had me wear something that you knew was going to turn me into a whore and pimped me out to a houseful of people? Oh, all right. Should we have breakfast now?” What?! No! The appropriate response would have been to castrate the sick bastard and let him bleed out on the floor.
But with all the heat on Argent for being this wack job, Mara is no better. She’s just as insane. For example when she’s talking with Susan and is told about what Argent did to her, her response was, “I think I need to break up with him.” Dude! You were just told he held someone captive and you think you need to break up with him. I think you need mental help. You need to get the fuck outta there or else the next think he serves won’t be lion but Mara.
And all these people making excuses for him, even Susan. “He deserves to be happy.” “He’s not a bad person.” Yes, because all decent, normal people hold others against their will. Argh! I gotta say though, the ending was so worth it. Mara definitely got her dark and disturbed on with payback and it was brilliant.
For someone just dipping his toes in the erotic pool, this book is fantastic. I love the controversy that surrounds it. How some people see what Argent did as no better than rape, while others (like me) see the more bewitching side to it. Was it wrong? Fuck yes. Was it disturbed? You bet. Was it good? Oh so good.
December 31, 2014
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2014/02/sapphire-blue-blog-tour-book-review.html
I want to say first and foremost the synopsis for this book isn't enough. There is soooo much more going on in this book, it is beyond insane. I was expecting a sexy, contemporary romance. I got more than that and I really liked it. I am really at a lost for words because I knew something was up, but man, I didn't see that coming. I am sort of dumbfounded right now. If this is what Doucette's work is like, I want more.
Mara is our leading lady and I really liked her. Her and her best friend/roommate, Davis, were a blast from the first page. I loved the dialogue between them. I wasn't expecting this book to be humorous and that was a really nice surprise. I am in love the erotic genre, but I wish there were more that weren't afraid to crack a joke every now and again. This book gave us that and more. It came off like conversations I would have with friends and I loved them. Mara and Davis have a seemingly boring job, they are archaeologists who work for a museum cataloging the latest findings. Things become a bit more exciting when Mara meets Argent Leeds. He was quite an interesting character. He was the dark, sexy, and rich type. He has eyes for Mara after a rather embarrassing incident takes place with one of his discoveries at the museum. She finds that one of his displays are fake and she pretty much lets the whole museum know it.
Mara and Argent get into it quite quickly in this book. It was sexy, for sure, but something is off. Argent owns this gemstones which are said to be mystical. But both Mara and Argent are scientists, so they immediately dismiss the motion. But not only is something off about the gemstones, specifically the sapphire that Argent has let Mara touch, something is off about Argent too. Then Mara starts changing as well, but she doesn't know the how or the why. Things maybe far worse than Mara imagined. This all was really surprising because, again, the synopsis doesn't clue you in to what you are in for, which is nice. The book has a bit of a paranormal edge to it which you know I love, but it isn't exactly what you would think. The paranormal bit in this book isn't something one would find fun. It is quite terrifying actually. The book can be very dark and disturbing for some and I mean really damn creepy. Hell, the sex scenes will be more than some can handle. Trust me, they don't pan out the way you expect them to, but there is a reason. Don't say I didn't warn you. But I do love that this book goes out of the box a bit though.
There really aren't enough words to describe this. It is really not the average BDSM/Erotic Romance I was expecting and for that, it makes me love it more. This book literally has everything. It goes from funny, suspenseful, mysterious, sexy, adventurous, and then downright creepy. If Stephen King were to ever write an Erotic Romance, I think this is how it would pan out (although, someone would have to die first though). No way he would give you what you are used to and that is amazing. Doucette has quite an imagination and I want to explore it more. He is used to writing science fiction and this is his first erotic romance. I never would have known. He really captured the characters so well and this story kept me at the edge of my seat especially those last few chapters. I am a fan. Highly recommended, but only if you have the heart for it. This will not be for everyone.
I want to say first and foremost the synopsis for this book isn't enough. There is soooo much more going on in this book, it is beyond insane. I was expecting a sexy, contemporary romance. I got more than that and I really liked it. I am really at a lost for words because I knew something was up, but man, I didn't see that coming. I am sort of dumbfounded right now. If this is what Doucette's work is like, I want more.
Mara is our leading lady and I really liked her. Her and her best friend/roommate, Davis, were a blast from the first page. I loved the dialogue between them. I wasn't expecting this book to be humorous and that was a really nice surprise. I am in love the erotic genre, but I wish there were more that weren't afraid to crack a joke every now and again. This book gave us that and more. It came off like conversations I would have with friends and I loved them. Mara and Davis have a seemingly boring job, they are archaeologists who work for a museum cataloging the latest findings. Things become a bit more exciting when Mara meets Argent Leeds. He was quite an interesting character. He was the dark, sexy, and rich type. He has eyes for Mara after a rather embarrassing incident takes place with one of his discoveries at the museum. She finds that one of his displays are fake and she pretty much lets the whole museum know it.
Mara and Argent get into it quite quickly in this book. It was sexy, for sure, but something is off. Argent owns this gemstones which are said to be mystical. But both Mara and Argent are scientists, so they immediately dismiss the motion. But not only is something off about the gemstones, specifically the sapphire that Argent has let Mara touch, something is off about Argent too. Then Mara starts changing as well, but she doesn't know the how or the why. Things maybe far worse than Mara imagined. This all was really surprising because, again, the synopsis doesn't clue you in to what you are in for, which is nice. The book has a bit of a paranormal edge to it which you know I love, but it isn't exactly what you would think. The paranormal bit in this book isn't something one would find fun. It is quite terrifying actually. The book can be very dark and disturbing for some and I mean really damn creepy. Hell, the sex scenes will be more than some can handle. Trust me, they don't pan out the way you expect them to, but there is a reason. Don't say I didn't warn you. But I do love that this book goes out of the box a bit though.
There really aren't enough words to describe this. It is really not the average BDSM/Erotic Romance I was expecting and for that, it makes me love it more. This book literally has everything. It goes from funny, suspenseful, mysterious, sexy, adventurous, and then downright creepy. If Stephen King were to ever write an Erotic Romance, I think this is how it would pan out (although, someone would have to die first though). No way he would give you what you are used to and that is amazing. Doucette has quite an imagination and I want to explore it more. He is used to writing science fiction and this is his first erotic romance. I never would have known. He really captured the characters so well and this story kept me at the edge of my seat especially those last few chapters. I am a fan. Highly recommended, but only if you have the heart for it. This will not be for everyone.
March 2, 2014
Sapphire Blue by G. Doucette
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3/5 stars
**ATTENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD**
Dear Reader,
I am a relatively weird individual which generally results in me liking all manner of weird things. However, there are those inevitable times in life when the weird crosses over to the wrong side of the line and becomes somewhat awkward and/or unconformable. This is, unfortunately where I found myself after finishing G. Doucette’s Sapphire Blue.
What I liked:
*The myth/legend of the Pazuzu gemstones: This part is just flat-out cool and I found myself wanting to know more about this myth/legend. In this instance, I was heartily rewarded. The gemstones, one ruby, sapphire, topaz, emerald and diamond were imbued with powers by an ancient Sumerian deity. According to the legend, when the right/chosen person handles the stones, he or she would be able to channel and wield the power within. That’s some pretty cool mythology right there! As the plot unfolds, more and more about this myth/legend is revealed and tied to the very contemporary characters who are involved with the stones.
*Mara’s outburst: Within the first few pages of the read, Mara Cantor an archaeology graduate student and museum employee commits career suicide when she announces to the large and very prestigious crowd that the Pazuzu gemstones on display are fakes! Even Mara is pretty shocked by her outburst but redeems herself completely by supporting her claim. In this moment, Mara’s strength, intelligence and, connection to the stones are very publically revealed.
What I didn’t like:
*Argent Leeds: This guy may be all kinds of wealthy and smokin’ hot but those two things sure don’t take away from the total creeper vibe he puts off right from the start. You know almost instantly that there is just something off about Leeds and that he is absolutely up to no good. Page after page only confirms your initial feelings about Leeds’ nature and, in fact, reveals just how evil he really is.
*The naughty bits: Having to write this is something that surprises even me as I am a fairly open-minded individual and generally very much enjoy the naughty parts of my reads. Believe it or not, all of the naughty bits are tied to one of the Pazuzu gemstones and in that respect it is pretty cool; and, don’t get me wrong, the naughty bits are varied and all kinds of hot but once you realize how and why all the naughty bits are occurring, all the steam, heat and sexy is wiped completely away. I am not a fan of non-consensual sex and in this way, the weird crosses the line into extremely awkward and uncomfortable and my open-mindedness is gone.
The Bottom Line: This erotic read has a great premise as far as the mythology of the Pazuzu gemstones goes but that is as far as I can reasonably go where the premise and plot are concerned. Additionally, I have left my star count at three only because there is a great deal of information about the mythology that is spread out over the course of the read. On the flip side, there are so many parts of this read that are uncomfortable and weird and illegal (you know, were this the real world) that I found myself having that skin crawling feeling. In fact, the way the plot unfolds left me with the feeling that any part of the characters (Mara alone, really) that I did initially like is wiped away by the ickiness of the naughty bits. Overall, I would find it very difficult to recommend this read.
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3/5 stars
**ATTENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD**
Dear Reader,
I am a relatively weird individual which generally results in me liking all manner of weird things. However, there are those inevitable times in life when the weird crosses over to the wrong side of the line and becomes somewhat awkward and/or unconformable. This is, unfortunately where I found myself after finishing G. Doucette’s Sapphire Blue.
What I liked:
*The myth/legend of the Pazuzu gemstones: This part is just flat-out cool and I found myself wanting to know more about this myth/legend. In this instance, I was heartily rewarded. The gemstones, one ruby, sapphire, topaz, emerald and diamond were imbued with powers by an ancient Sumerian deity. According to the legend, when the right/chosen person handles the stones, he or she would be able to channel and wield the power within. That’s some pretty cool mythology right there! As the plot unfolds, more and more about this myth/legend is revealed and tied to the very contemporary characters who are involved with the stones.
*Mara’s outburst: Within the first few pages of the read, Mara Cantor an archaeology graduate student and museum employee commits career suicide when she announces to the large and very prestigious crowd that the Pazuzu gemstones on display are fakes! Even Mara is pretty shocked by her outburst but redeems herself completely by supporting her claim. In this moment, Mara’s strength, intelligence and, connection to the stones are very publically revealed.
What I didn’t like:
*Argent Leeds: This guy may be all kinds of wealthy and smokin’ hot but those two things sure don’t take away from the total creeper vibe he puts off right from the start. You know almost instantly that there is just something off about Leeds and that he is absolutely up to no good. Page after page only confirms your initial feelings about Leeds’ nature and, in fact, reveals just how evil he really is.
*The naughty bits: Having to write this is something that surprises even me as I am a fairly open-minded individual and generally very much enjoy the naughty parts of my reads. Believe it or not, all of the naughty bits are tied to one of the Pazuzu gemstones and in that respect it is pretty cool; and, don’t get me wrong, the naughty bits are varied and all kinds of hot but once you realize how and why all the naughty bits are occurring, all the steam, heat and sexy is wiped completely away. I am not a fan of non-consensual sex and in this way, the weird crosses the line into extremely awkward and uncomfortable and my open-mindedness is gone.
The Bottom Line: This erotic read has a great premise as far as the mythology of the Pazuzu gemstones goes but that is as far as I can reasonably go where the premise and plot are concerned. Additionally, I have left my star count at three only because there is a great deal of information about the mythology that is spread out over the course of the read. On the flip side, there are so many parts of this read that are uncomfortable and weird and illegal (you know, were this the real world) that I found myself having that skin crawling feeling. In fact, the way the plot unfolds left me with the feeling that any part of the characters (Mara alone, really) that I did initially like is wiped away by the ickiness of the naughty bits. Overall, I would find it very difficult to recommend this read.
February 27, 2014
Sapphire Blue. G. Doucette.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I thought this book would be a typical erotic romance, but its not. It does have romance, and it has lots of sex; group sex, anal sex, female to female sex but it wasn't erotic to me. Its a strange book in a way, very different from what I expected and I still have mixed feelings about it. Its very well written, with characters that felt real – and when I began it Mara and Argent seemed headed for the typical billionaire playboy/naive young lady scenario. Then it gets deeper – they have sex on their first meeting, its not lovemaking, just a quick, hot, heavy burst of sex. Their relationship seems to consist of purely that and Mara is unsure of why. When she tries to ask Argent he's enigmatic ,and very clever at changing the subject til she's forgotten what she was asking...
Gradually she spends more and more time with him. I had a problem with Argent in that he was so ambiguous, so closed in his emotions that I felt I didn't really know him. His go-fer/chauffeur tells Mara he's a good person early on, but there seems to be this air of mystery about him that I never really got past to feel I knew the man behind it. I'd have liked to know a bit more about him and why he is as he is. I liked Mara, though at times I wanted her to assert herself, but it was cleverly done the way she attempts that and is deflected almost without her noticing by Argent. I was surprised when the main thrust of the story came to the fore, its something that made me feel uneasy, well written and described, and in a fantasy setting not unexpected but I didn't realise the story was going this way, and I’m not sure I liked it. I admire the way it was done – its just the actual storyline I had a problem with. Its quite dark at times, devolves from a simple romantic tale into a dark capture theme, with some sexual story-lines that border on non-consensual sex. Its difficult to explain without giving anything away and it was very well done – its just that I felt it wasn't really something I enjoy reading. I've read dark erotica in the past but in a setting where all comes right and with this novel it does come right, but at a price and in a way I really didn't expect.
So, if you want something that will surprise you in the story line, something unpredictable – well at least for me, I didn't see the story going that way – something very sexual but not in an emotional way, then this book is for you. For me : I need something with more passion, more emotion, more actual love than sex, I need to feel spirit, life, sensation within my characters and just didn't get it here. But as I’m always saying – we all want different things so what I want and what you want can be very opposite ends of the spectrum.
Stars: three – it was a well written book, its just not a storyline I enjoyed.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I thought this book would be a typical erotic romance, but its not. It does have romance, and it has lots of sex; group sex, anal sex, female to female sex but it wasn't erotic to me. Its a strange book in a way, very different from what I expected and I still have mixed feelings about it. Its very well written, with characters that felt real – and when I began it Mara and Argent seemed headed for the typical billionaire playboy/naive young lady scenario. Then it gets deeper – they have sex on their first meeting, its not lovemaking, just a quick, hot, heavy burst of sex. Their relationship seems to consist of purely that and Mara is unsure of why. When she tries to ask Argent he's enigmatic ,and very clever at changing the subject til she's forgotten what she was asking...
Gradually she spends more and more time with him. I had a problem with Argent in that he was so ambiguous, so closed in his emotions that I felt I didn't really know him. His go-fer/chauffeur tells Mara he's a good person early on, but there seems to be this air of mystery about him that I never really got past to feel I knew the man behind it. I'd have liked to know a bit more about him and why he is as he is. I liked Mara, though at times I wanted her to assert herself, but it was cleverly done the way she attempts that and is deflected almost without her noticing by Argent. I was surprised when the main thrust of the story came to the fore, its something that made me feel uneasy, well written and described, and in a fantasy setting not unexpected but I didn't realise the story was going this way, and I’m not sure I liked it. I admire the way it was done – its just the actual storyline I had a problem with. Its quite dark at times, devolves from a simple romantic tale into a dark capture theme, with some sexual story-lines that border on non-consensual sex. Its difficult to explain without giving anything away and it was very well done – its just that I felt it wasn't really something I enjoy reading. I've read dark erotica in the past but in a setting where all comes right and with this novel it does come right, but at a price and in a way I really didn't expect.
So, if you want something that will surprise you in the story line, something unpredictable – well at least for me, I didn't see the story going that way – something very sexual but not in an emotional way, then this book is for you. For me : I need something with more passion, more emotion, more actual love than sex, I need to feel spirit, life, sensation within my characters and just didn't get it here. But as I’m always saying – we all want different things so what I want and what you want can be very opposite ends of the spectrum.
Stars: three – it was a well written book, its just not a storyline I enjoyed.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
February 25, 2014
Wow... Sapphire Blue by G. Doucette certainly goes off on an unexpected tangent.
Have you ever dreamed of a looming catastrophe, where you are just an ordinary bystander watching the drama unfold around you? Imagine a train comes careening, too fast around a corner; you see the engine derail, leaving the tracks speeding to a place no train should go. Transfixed you watch, knowing disaster is coming. Knowing you have no hope of stopping the carriages with your bare hands and your shrill, panicked voice. And knowing all this, you still you cry out a warning and reach out in vain with arms that even if close enough would be able to push the barreling locomotive back on its course.
Sapphire Blue is like that. Argent is the train steadily loosing control; Mara is a passenger with no real inkling of her pending doom, and you the reader are the forever traumatised witness wishing desperately to push them both back on a course, towards something true and maybe a little safer.
Poor, poor Mara. Her life was so well ordered before the advent of Argent. At first, like so many relationships where a good girl meets a bad boy, the sex is all heat, excitement and raw passion. However Argent isn’t the hero of this tale, he’s not going mend his ways and become the man of Mara’s dreams. He is a sick @$&* with some supernatural shit in his corner, and Mara is the catalyst... the conductive material for a sexual experiment.
This book crosses into dark themes and scenes and the reader should be prepared.
For myself, I enjoyed the story. Yes, even the darkness and the controversy - though it did make me uncomfortable. Possession as a means of sexual exploitation is not a new concept in fiction. Dean Koontz has delved near to this topic on at least two occasions, using hypnotherapy in False Memory and chemical mind control in Night Chills. I would love to discuss this in a bookclub group one day. It would be interesting to analyse / philosophise / debate the difference between the act of giving consent, and supernatural possession creating the illusion of consent.
Read this book and tell me who is the victim and who is the perpetrator, in all the many situations where you can find such identities. It won’t be as simple as you think.
My Rating
❀❀❀❀
Disclaimer
I obtained an ARC from the publisher (via Netgalley) with a view to providing an honest review. The thoughts expressed above, are entirely my own. I don’t like the concept of rating novels as they are subjective to the moment. A five star book today, may be re-evaluated when compared to future novels.
Have you ever dreamed of a looming catastrophe, where you are just an ordinary bystander watching the drama unfold around you? Imagine a train comes careening, too fast around a corner; you see the engine derail, leaving the tracks speeding to a place no train should go. Transfixed you watch, knowing disaster is coming. Knowing you have no hope of stopping the carriages with your bare hands and your shrill, panicked voice. And knowing all this, you still you cry out a warning and reach out in vain with arms that even if close enough would be able to push the barreling locomotive back on its course.
Sapphire Blue is like that. Argent is the train steadily loosing control; Mara is a passenger with no real inkling of her pending doom, and you the reader are the forever traumatised witness wishing desperately to push them both back on a course, towards something true and maybe a little safer.
Poor, poor Mara. Her life was so well ordered before the advent of Argent. At first, like so many relationships where a good girl meets a bad boy, the sex is all heat, excitement and raw passion. However Argent isn’t the hero of this tale, he’s not going mend his ways and become the man of Mara’s dreams. He is a sick @$&* with some supernatural shit in his corner, and Mara is the catalyst... the conductive material for a sexual experiment.
This book crosses into dark themes and scenes and the reader should be prepared.
For myself, I enjoyed the story. Yes, even the darkness and the controversy - though it did make me uncomfortable. Possession as a means of sexual exploitation is not a new concept in fiction. Dean Koontz has delved near to this topic on at least two occasions, using hypnotherapy in False Memory and chemical mind control in Night Chills. I would love to discuss this in a bookclub group one day. It would be interesting to analyse / philosophise / debate the difference between the act of giving consent, and supernatural possession creating the illusion of consent.
Read this book and tell me who is the victim and who is the perpetrator, in all the many situations where you can find such identities. It won’t be as simple as you think.
My Rating
❀❀❀❀
Disclaimer
I obtained an ARC from the publisher (via Netgalley) with a view to providing an honest review. The thoughts expressed above, are entirely my own. I don’t like the concept of rating novels as they are subjective to the moment. A five star book today, may be re-evaluated when compared to future novels.
February 27, 2014
My first crush was Han Solo; therefore, my second crush was Indiana Jones. And so I was drawn to this book about naughty archaeologists, but didn't really know what I was getting into. Which I think is good. I like being surprised.
Not everyone does. Sometimes we have to adjust our expectations before reading. Sometimes we pick up a book expecting a certain experience, and when it delivers a very different but just as compelling one, we get annoyed. So, with that in mind, know that this is not a romance. In fact, it takes that stock billionaire/ingénue trope and goes to some very dark places. It's paranormal erotica, perhaps, which is kind of awesome, but it all means that after a standard erotic romance build-up you might be thrown a bit by the first encounter. I was. I was, like, Okay, so that's going there already? But it soon makes sense.
Mara is an intern at a museum where general rich-guy and sometime-archaeologist Argent Leeds is unveiling the legendary Pazuzu gemstones. Mara can tell right away that they're fakes, but she can't really figure out why she can tell. Argent's impressed and invites her over to show her the real thing. And that's where it gets interesting. Because these aren't just pretty gems. In the right hands, they're very powerful. Mara just happens to have a pair of those hands.
Mara's quickly swept up into Argent's debauched playboy lifestyle, much to the chagrin of her lovesick roommate and co-worker Davis. But strange things happen around Mara. Strange and very dirty things. And she has no control over them, or all the control, depending on how you look at it.
The writing in this book, when it's not fucking with your mind, is really witty. One of my favourite lines isn't particularly witty, per se, but it was one of those "Yes, that; I know that" moments: "Davis's first reaction [to Mira's new dress] was to invent a curse word. It was actually a combination of different words rammed together on top of each other and sounded approximately like 'Jesusfuchrishit...'" Just that week I'd been absent-mindedly scrolling through my timeline for pics of hot guys instead of working and had muttered something close to that word.
Taken for what it is -- which is paranormal erotica and horror and suspense -- Sapphire Blue is compelling and well-written and not a little disturbing. Really freaking disturbing at times. Made even more disturbing by the fact that Mara doesn't own a cellphone (Who are these strange creatures?!).
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by The Writer's Coffee Shop February 27, 2014.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com.
Not everyone does. Sometimes we have to adjust our expectations before reading. Sometimes we pick up a book expecting a certain experience, and when it delivers a very different but just as compelling one, we get annoyed. So, with that in mind, know that this is not a romance. In fact, it takes that stock billionaire/ingénue trope and goes to some very dark places. It's paranormal erotica, perhaps, which is kind of awesome, but it all means that after a standard erotic romance build-up you might be thrown a bit by the first encounter. I was. I was, like, Okay, so that's going there already? But it soon makes sense.
Mara is an intern at a museum where general rich-guy and sometime-archaeologist Argent Leeds is unveiling the legendary Pazuzu gemstones. Mara can tell right away that they're fakes, but she can't really figure out why she can tell. Argent's impressed and invites her over to show her the real thing. And that's where it gets interesting. Because these aren't just pretty gems. In the right hands, they're very powerful. Mara just happens to have a pair of those hands.
Mara's quickly swept up into Argent's debauched playboy lifestyle, much to the chagrin of her lovesick roommate and co-worker Davis. But strange things happen around Mara. Strange and very dirty things. And she has no control over them, or all the control, depending on how you look at it.
The writing in this book, when it's not fucking with your mind, is really witty. One of my favourite lines isn't particularly witty, per se, but it was one of those "Yes, that; I know that" moments: "Davis's first reaction [to Mira's new dress] was to invent a curse word. It was actually a combination of different words rammed together on top of each other and sounded approximately like 'Jesusfuchrishit...'" Just that week I'd been absent-mindedly scrolling through my timeline for pics of hot guys instead of working and had muttered something close to that word.
Taken for what it is -- which is paranormal erotica and horror and suspense -- Sapphire Blue is compelling and well-written and not a little disturbing. Really freaking disturbing at times. Made even more disturbing by the fact that Mara doesn't own a cellphone (Who are these strange creatures?!).
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by The Writer's Coffee Shop February 27, 2014.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com.
December 28, 2014
Like other reviewers, I find myself at a loss as to what to say about Sapphire Blue. Unlike others, however, I witnessed the first flash of blue as well as the ultimate version and the transformation was remarkable. This isn't a romance novel. Neither is it a Fifty Shades knock off. For starters, it has a plot and characters that are, if not always likable, at least understandable. There is a lot of sex. Some of it is very good. Some of it is...disturbing, mostly because it fits the plot so perfectly.
Any expectations a reader brings to this book are going to be shattered. It's never quite what it seems, which is part of the pleasure of reading it. You aren't going to guess what happens when you turn the page. After you put it down you're going to have weird dreams and your thoughts will wander in odd directions. And that, maybe, is the best thing about this book. It jolts you out of your comfort zone and shreds those boxes and labels we love to shove things into. In doing so it affects how you see things from pleasure to personality and from love to free will. And that, IMHO, is a priceless gem indeed.
This was a swift read, taking me just a day once I really got into it. Unfortunately it took me a few starts and stops to find the pace. Although some of it made me uncomfortable on a variety of levels, once I was into it, I didn't put it down until the ride was over. Despite being a quick read, I wouldn't recommend it for the beach or travel. This is something you need to read over a long weekend when you're home alone so you have time and space to process it. Pacing helps too. So might a shower, especially if it was one like the one in Argent's guest room. Now THAT is something to dream about.
Any expectations a reader brings to this book are going to be shattered. It's never quite what it seems, which is part of the pleasure of reading it. You aren't going to guess what happens when you turn the page. After you put it down you're going to have weird dreams and your thoughts will wander in odd directions. And that, maybe, is the best thing about this book. It jolts you out of your comfort zone and shreds those boxes and labels we love to shove things into. In doing so it affects how you see things from pleasure to personality and from love to free will. And that, IMHO, is a priceless gem indeed.
This was a swift read, taking me just a day once I really got into it. Unfortunately it took me a few starts and stops to find the pace. Although some of it made me uncomfortable on a variety of levels, once I was into it, I didn't put it down until the ride was over. Despite being a quick read, I wouldn't recommend it for the beach or travel. This is something you need to read over a long weekend when you're home alone so you have time and space to process it. Pacing helps too. So might a shower, especially if it was one like the one in Argent's guest room. Now THAT is something to dream about.
January 7, 2015
The audience sits in stunned silence. The sound of crickets is heard. No one know hows to react. Should they applaud...should they boo and hiss? This is the reaction I had as I finished reading this book. On the one hand, I found the concept of the story creative. A set of ancient gems that can manipulate the emotions of someone sensitive to them is a fascinating idea. In the story, the main character, Mara, is that type of person. She even goes so far as to be almost a "conduit" to others around her. However, I think it was taken to too far of a stretch as to what all and who all she could affect. I think there could have been a better way for the gems to have been found. In fact, I found Argent as a character to be completely repugnant. There was no justified reason why Mara should have been even remotely interested in him outside of pure lustful attraction. I can understand why he was interested in her once she had said that the gems in the display were fakes. He had found someone that he could twist and use to have his way with. All in all I found the characters to be very lacking in personality and detail. I think that if the author had taken as much time in working on the characters as he had on the sex scenes, they would have been more interesting. Speaking of the sex scenes; at first they were edgy and creative, then about halfway through the book they become repetitive and excessively long. I am certainly glad that I had received this as part of the GoodReads First Read giveaway, rather than having paid for it.
September 16, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
This book was good, certainly keeping my interest (and the suspense) throughout. Mara is a likeable character, trying hard to succeed in a quiet but fairly important job in a museum, in the archeology section. She and her roommate work there together, maintaining their platonic personal relationship as well as keeping their friendship strong. When a sexy, handsome, and famous archeologist visits the museum and seeks out Mara, she is flattered and starts a love affair with him. What complicates the relationship is his ownership of some historical jewels, one of which (the sapphire) was supposedly used in ancient fertility rites. When she touches it, her eyes change to blue and she becomes a sexual aggressor and slave at the same time. Her visits to Argent's home and to parties he's involved in, all become sexual orgies, because of the sapphire. Things become particularly intense at the end, going over the top a little for me. The sex scenes are exciting and hot, and the romance is as well. The mystery of the stones is maintained all the way until the very end. The book is fascinating in a creepy and horrifying way.
This book was good, certainly keeping my interest (and the suspense) throughout. Mara is a likeable character, trying hard to succeed in a quiet but fairly important job in a museum, in the archeology section. She and her roommate work there together, maintaining their platonic personal relationship as well as keeping their friendship strong. When a sexy, handsome, and famous archeologist visits the museum and seeks out Mara, she is flattered and starts a love affair with him. What complicates the relationship is his ownership of some historical jewels, one of which (the sapphire) was supposedly used in ancient fertility rites. When she touches it, her eyes change to blue and she becomes a sexual aggressor and slave at the same time. Her visits to Argent's home and to parties he's involved in, all become sexual orgies, because of the sapphire. Things become particularly intense at the end, going over the top a little for me. The sex scenes are exciting and hot, and the romance is as well. The mystery of the stones is maintained all the way until the very end. The book is fascinating in a creepy and horrifying way.
April 1, 2014
Hmmmm, how to describe this book? Unique, erotic, and surprising. Yep, that about sums it up for me. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'd have to say the further I got into the book, the more surprised I became. I think it was the paranormal aspect that drew me in, although initially I was leery of it. I'm not usually much of a paranormal enthusiast, but something about the Pazuzu gemstones was really creepy-cool.
From the start, I could tell something was up with Argent. He had some sort of hold and power over Mara, where he could coerce her into doing things she normally wouldn't even think of doing - Argent would just suggest something and Mara would go along with it as if in a trance. The beginning third of the book was a bit slow, but it seemed to be laying the foundation. Once I got through the preliminary groundwork, thing picked up and I just HAD to find out how - or if - Mara was going to get out of this warped relationship.
For G. Doucette's first foray into the erotica genre, I think he did a great job. I would definitely be interested in reading more along this line from him.
From the start, I could tell something was up with Argent. He had some sort of hold and power over Mara, where he could coerce her into doing things she normally wouldn't even think of doing - Argent would just suggest something and Mara would go along with it as if in a trance. The beginning third of the book was a bit slow, but it seemed to be laying the foundation. Once I got through the preliminary groundwork, thing picked up and I just HAD to find out how - or if - Mara was going to get out of this warped relationship.
For G. Doucette's first foray into the erotica genre, I think he did a great job. I would definitely be interested in reading more along this line from him.
December 27, 2013
This book will make you uncomfortable especially towards the end. I was on edge for the last couple of chapters.
The story is quite disturbing, but it's also entertaining, funny, hot, mystical, suspenseful and interesting.
The archeology parts of the book could have sent me to sleep but the author didn't drag out unnecessary details.
It reads kind of like Fifty Shades. Poor girl, rich intriguing guy etc etc but it's also different from it. There's a stronger plot and better characters.
Argent is creepy. Very very creepy. I didn't like him from the beginning. Mara is adorable but annoying sometimes.
It is well written and properly thought out.
There's a lot of interesting twists especially at the end.
It's a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes erotica.
The story is quite disturbing, but it's also entertaining, funny, hot, mystical, suspenseful and interesting.
The archeology parts of the book could have sent me to sleep but the author didn't drag out unnecessary details.
It reads kind of like Fifty Shades. Poor girl, rich intriguing guy etc etc but it's also different from it. There's a stronger plot and better characters.
Argent is creepy. Very very creepy. I didn't like him from the beginning. Mara is adorable but annoying sometimes.
It is well written and properly thought out.
There's a lot of interesting twists especially at the end.
It's a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes erotica.
February 14, 2014
Sapphire Blue is a very well written novel. It's hard to categorize this book since it contains elements of erotica, paranormal, mystery, suspense and romance.
Mara and her best friend, Davis, are low level archeology employees, working at a museum while they work on their thesis. At a showing of privately owned archeological finds Mara meets their owner, Argent, a wealthy businessman, playboy and famous archeologist. She is particularly attracted to the Pazuzu gems and soon the sapphire in the gem collection, and Argent, begin to take over her life much to the dismay of Davis.
The author created original, well developed characters and a plot that kept me engaged. The main drawback to this novel is that the erotica devolved into pornography at around 75%. It began to distract from the main story.
If you enjoy books that have a decidedly dark side (with a satisfying HEA), you will enjoy this one.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
Mara and her best friend, Davis, are low level archeology employees, working at a museum while they work on their thesis. At a showing of privately owned archeological finds Mara meets their owner, Argent, a wealthy businessman, playboy and famous archeologist. She is particularly attracted to the Pazuzu gems and soon the sapphire in the gem collection, and Argent, begin to take over her life much to the dismay of Davis.
The author created original, well developed characters and a plot that kept me engaged. The main drawback to this novel is that the erotica devolved into pornography at around 75%. It began to distract from the main story.
If you enjoy books that have a decidedly dark side (with a satisfying HEA), you will enjoy this one.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
March 26, 2014
CLICK HERE TO READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW!!
Rating: 2 Stars
*ARC was provided by Netgalley*
What I Loved: Even though I was not crazy about this book, it was well-written. Also, I love the premise of this story- I think the author has a good storyline with the myth of the Pazuzu gemstones but unfortunately, it just didn't produce.
Not So Much: I struggled with this book as you can tell with the two star rating. I found the plot to be all over the place with unnecessary scenes that dragged. There were too many moments when I had to stop and question what the author was trying to get at. For me, there was no catch to this book. The initial "Warning: Dark Themes, Explicit Content" on Goodreads obviously drew me in immediately but there is no need for this warning. It never kept my interest so I kept putting off reading it. This was just not my cup of tea.
Rating: 2 Stars
*ARC was provided by Netgalley*
What I Loved: Even though I was not crazy about this book, it was well-written. Also, I love the premise of this story- I think the author has a good storyline with the myth of the Pazuzu gemstones but unfortunately, it just didn't produce.
Not So Much: I struggled with this book as you can tell with the two star rating. I found the plot to be all over the place with unnecessary scenes that dragged. There were too many moments when I had to stop and question what the author was trying to get at. For me, there was no catch to this book. The initial "Warning: Dark Themes, Explicit Content" on Goodreads obviously drew me in immediately but there is no need for this warning. It never kept my interest so I kept putting off reading it. This was just not my cup of tea.
January 1, 2014
This is one of those books that goes from Point A to Point B to Point W(tf). What I thought this book was going to be from the blurbs and what it seemed to be for the first half as compared to what it was in the last half was so different as to be laughable. This story goes from erotica with fantasy elements to BDSM with horror elements.
I really wasn't even sure who I was supposed to like the entire book. Davis is cute but you never see him. Mara is a bit ditzy and the fact that she didn't question some of the things happening around her made her a bit TSTL. And don't get me started on how creaptastic Argent is.
TLDR: Not sure when I slipped down the rabbit hole, but I'm leaving now.
Copy courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wasn't even sure who I was supposed to like the entire book. Davis is cute but you never see him. Mara is a bit ditzy and the fact that she didn't question some of the things happening around her made her a bit TSTL. And don't get me started on how creaptastic Argent is.
TLDR: Not sure when I slipped down the rabbit hole, but I'm leaving now.
Copy courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
There is no doubt that the nature of the relationship between Mara and Argent is disturbing, on many levels. It's for this reason that I chose to read it, even after having been "warned". I like work that challenges me, and this book certainly does.
As usual, I enjoyed Doucette's prose and his voice. The characterization is strong, as always, with one glaring exception. Although I have warm feelings for Mara and Davis, I walked away from this story feeling as if I knew nothing more about Argent Leeds than I did when we are introduced to him. Perhaps it was the author's choice to leave him, and his life/lifestyle, shrouded in mystery. If so, bravo.
Overall, the imagery, writing and characterization (with that one exception) make it well worth reading. But yeah, it is disturbing. Consider yourself warned.
As usual, I enjoyed Doucette's prose and his voice. The characterization is strong, as always, with one glaring exception. Although I have warm feelings for Mara and Davis, I walked away from this story feeling as if I knew nothing more about Argent Leeds than I did when we are introduced to him. Perhaps it was the author's choice to leave him, and his life/lifestyle, shrouded in mystery. If so, bravo.
Overall, the imagery, writing and characterization (with that one exception) make it well worth reading. But yeah, it is disturbing. Consider yourself warned.
March 8, 2014
This started out as quite a wordy museum mystery, I was intrigued, then it just got plain weird. I kept deciding to quit the book, but for some reason kept going. It's a weird story, and personally I didn't enjoy the twists that it took. I finished it as I felt obliged to, but I can't say I enjoyed it after the first 20%. I wouldn't call it erotic as much as depraved, it's just too much in places. The further into the book I went, the more weird the story became. I'm sure some readers will love this book, it just wasn't the right fit for me, and I'm not sure I could think of a friend who'd enjoy it either.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading about kinky sex, but this book had such a far fetched and fantastical story it went beyond what I find enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading about kinky sex, but this book had such a far fetched and fantastical story it went beyond what I find enjoyable.
July 13, 2014
Dark, Raw, Explicit, Incomprehensible, all of it makes for a read that is out of this world. Mara Cantor’s life is just the way she wants it to be or so she believes that it is. Argent Leeds is the man every other man seems to want to be rich, handsome, and famous. Or is this all just a facade.
The story here is intriguing to a point and disturbing on other levels. After the spell is cast and things star to play out it becomes very intense and overwhelming. The faint of heart, weak minded, or stomach, close minded should not pick this up. You will be upset with yourself. I do recommend to any and all those that love a great dark, intriguing, compelling, raw erotic romance.
Net Galley ARC read.
The story here is intriguing to a point and disturbing on other levels. After the spell is cast and things star to play out it becomes very intense and overwhelming. The faint of heart, weak minded, or stomach, close minded should not pick this up. You will be upset with yourself. I do recommend to any and all those that love a great dark, intriguing, compelling, raw erotic romance.
Net Galley ARC read.
March 5, 2014
I gave this book 4 stars because it captured my attention and didn't let go. I have a hard time selecting what genre it falls into, however. There are fantasy elements, romance I suppose, menage,, F/F, BDSM, lots and lots of sex, science fiction and fantasy. The story twists and turns so many times I had whiplash! The characters are well drawn, if a bit unsettling. The situations are well set, if again unsettling. The story, though complicated , was well written. I definitely wouldn't call it a romance. I really wish I had someone to discuss the book with because of the many shocking moments, not the least of which was the ending......
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange fro an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange fro an honest review.
February 18, 2014
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for an honest review**
This book leads you along quite nicely and you think its a fairly pleasant ride until two thirds of the way through. The book then abruptly turns into a dark WTF.
Certainly not for the faint-hearted but as i said the whole thing twists on its head the the darker uglier side comes out to play.
There is an erotic aspect to this book along with a thriller and paranormal aspect and it starts out as an ordinary erotic romance.
This book wont suit those who like generic romance books, but will those who like a bit of grit.
This book leads you along quite nicely and you think its a fairly pleasant ride until two thirds of the way through. The book then abruptly turns into a dark WTF.
Certainly not for the faint-hearted but as i said the whole thing twists on its head the the darker uglier side comes out to play.
There is an erotic aspect to this book along with a thriller and paranormal aspect and it starts out as an ordinary erotic romance.
This book wont suit those who like generic romance books, but will those who like a bit of grit.
March 7, 2014
Arc received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover :- 5 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 4 stars
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :-4.25 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review read
Why I chose this book?
The title and blurb caught my eye.
What I liked about this book.
*An original idea.
*The writing flowed well
* Some parts of the the story were really good and I got sucked in those parts.
What I didn't like about this book.
*It got a little boring in the middle.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
Cover :- 5 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 4 stars
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :-4.25 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review read
Why I chose this book?
The title and blurb caught my eye.
What I liked about this book.
*An original idea.
*The writing flowed well
* Some parts of the the story were really good and I got sucked in those parts.
What I didn't like about this book.
*It got a little boring in the middle.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
January 10, 2014
Received as an ARC for an honest review.
The story's premise - mystical nature of the gems - has a lot of potential but the lack of character and story development left the reader wanting. The sex is hot but I find myself skipping through them especially after the first half of the book and they become repetitive rather than erotic. The ending was rushed and no insights were given into Argent Leed's psychological nature. While I understand life is such that one might not understanding everything, but this left an incomplete story.
The story's premise - mystical nature of the gems - has a lot of potential but the lack of character and story development left the reader wanting. The sex is hot but I find myself skipping through them especially after the first half of the book and they become repetitive rather than erotic. The ending was rushed and no insights were given into Argent Leed's psychological nature. While I understand life is such that one might not understanding everything, but this left an incomplete story.
January 29, 2014
Although I like the writing and really liked the author's previous books, Immortal and Hellenic Immortal, I had a real and insurmountable problem with this book. Specifically, I did not like the non-consensual nature of much of the relationship between the main characters. This was physical and psychological rape and more, and it made me deeply uncomfortable. I was severely creeped out by this and it destroyed any enjoyment I got from any other aspect of the book. Seriously not sexy or erotic or something I'd be happy giving to anyone else to read.
April 28, 2014
I love the premise of the story: a mysterious set of gems said to be part of an ancient cult are dug up at an archeological dig and find their way to the USA.
Argent was suitably creepy right from the start and Mara a fun heroine with Davis, the ultimate wonderful lover-waiting-in-the-wings. Wonderful pacing and a serious build-up of creepy.
However, there was too much sex in the middle of the story. I skipped bits because it was just too much. Also, the wrap-up was a bit abrupt. All in all though, I’d like to read more of Doucette.
Argent was suitably creepy right from the start and Mara a fun heroine with Davis, the ultimate wonderful lover-waiting-in-the-wings. Wonderful pacing and a serious build-up of creepy.
However, there was too much sex in the middle of the story. I skipped bits because it was just too much. Also, the wrap-up was a bit abrupt. All in all though, I’d like to read more of Doucette.
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