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Claudine
Maria Lantos is a post grad Yale student researching illicit 18th-century literature. She’s become exceptionally well-versed in the narratives of classic erotic fantasy.
She’s also Claudine, an in-demand escort specializing in sexual role play for an elite clientele. Anonymous. Satisfying. And discreet.
Until the tenuous separation between her worlds starts to crack. It begins with the murder of a stranger. Where it leads is to two men who will test Maria's limits of control and awaken her own sexual desires.
As her private nights bleed into day, Maria will discover the dangerous places that extend beyond the imagination, and secrets no longer consigned to the dark.
She’s also Claudine, an in-demand escort specializing in sexual role play for an elite clientele. Anonymous. Satisfying. And discreet.
Until the tenuous separation between her worlds starts to crack. It begins with the murder of a stranger. Where it leads is to two men who will test Maria's limits of control and awaken her own sexual desires.
As her private nights bleed into day, Maria will discover the dangerous places that extend beyond the imagination, and secrets no longer consigned to the dark.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
12 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Palmer
1 book16 followers I'm an established author but Claudine is my first erotic novel and I was very pleased it received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. Barbara Palmer is my pen name. The real Barbara Palmer, born Barbara Villiers, was a famous English courtesan, the Duchess of Cleveland. Mistress and confidant of King Charles II, she was called the shadow queen" because of her strong influence on the king.
I have a taste for the classics in erotic literature: Henry Fielding, John Cleland's Fanny Hill, Anais Ninn and especially Joseph Kessel, author of Belle de Jour. So naturally, I was intrigued when the opportunity to write Claudine came along but also aware of what a challenge it would be since erotic romance differs so much from my other novels.
I have a taste for the classics in erotic literature: Henry Fielding, John Cleland's Fanny Hill, Anais Ninn and especially Joseph Kessel, author of Belle de Jour. So naturally, I was intrigued when the opportunity to write Claudine came along but also aware of what a challenge it would be since erotic romance differs so much from my other novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 6, 2019
TW: Rape, Torture, Animal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Assault.
Honestly this book would be a hell of a lot better minus the smut.
I rate this book a high Yikes.
Where to start...where to start...
Maria felt shallow, so shallow that she was reduced to only resemble sex. Nothing more just sex. She had no personality other than to please and felt like and I'll be honest I thought a man wrote this at first based on the descriptions.
Her nub, rump, mound, sex, slit...about halfway through the book she showed some semblance of personality by referencing Tolkien but it quickly turned into sex.
She was literally studying erotica as a future career all while basing her side career on sex. Girl we get it but I'm sure you have other hobbies and some redeeming qualities. Her other qualities were not written in.
Maybe it was just me but literally every guy she came across including the guy we're supposed to view as the steamy Prince Charming, who is here to rescue the damsel in distress was a possessive, physically abusive douchecanoe.
Literally 👏🏻 Every 👏🏻 Dude 👏🏻Was👏🏻Obsessed 👏🏻With👏🏻Her. 🙄
I'm giving this two stars because even though this entire book felt like one never ending eye roll of sexism and predictability. I still flew through it and it's still somehow not the worst thing I have read. I enjoyed the thriller aspect of it but the erotica was not my jam.
Before people flip tables at me, I've read smut before. Some incredibly bad and others not this bad. To be honest most of it is usually supposed to be cringeworthy.
Honestly this book would be a hell of a lot better minus the smut.
I rate this book a high Yikes.
Where to start...where to start...
Maria felt shallow, so shallow that she was reduced to only resemble sex. Nothing more just sex. She had no personality other than to please and felt like and I'll be honest I thought a man wrote this at first based on the descriptions.
Her nub, rump, mound, sex, slit...about halfway through the book she showed some semblance of personality by referencing Tolkien but it quickly turned into sex.
She was literally studying erotica as a future career all while basing her side career on sex. Girl we get it but I'm sure you have other hobbies and some redeeming qualities. Her other qualities were not written in.
Maybe it was just me but literally every guy she came across including the guy we're supposed to view as the steamy Prince Charming, who is here to rescue the damsel in distress was a possessive, physically abusive douchecanoe.
Literally 👏🏻 Every 👏🏻 Dude 👏🏻Was👏🏻Obsessed 👏🏻With👏🏻Her. 🙄
I'm giving this two stars because even though this entire book felt like one never ending eye roll of sexism and predictability. I still flew through it and it's still somehow not the worst thing I have read. I enjoyed the thriller aspect of it but the erotica was not my jam.
Before people flip tables at me, I've read smut before. Some incredibly bad and others not this bad. To be honest most of it is usually supposed to be cringeworthy.
September 2, 2014
When I was first received the invitation from Penguin Canada to review this book, I was intrigued right away. Offering only a tiny glimpse at the cover, it was alluring and captured my interest. After reading the synopsis, I was hooked and could not wait to dive into the forbidden world of the illustrious Claudine. Claudine is the alter ego of Maria Lantos, the dark side of herself, the part of her that gives in to the desires of her very sexual nature. As the high priced courtesan, she is able to transform herself into any role her clients request of her. Offering herself for one night, and one night only, has helped her rise to almost celebrity status among her clientele. Not an easy feat when the competition in Claudine’s profession can be quite steep. By day, Maria is a postgrad student at Yale, working on her thesis, with her goal being to secure a position as a Professor. I found her studies in Erotic Literature to actually be extremely interesting, and I enjoyed the way the author tied both of her lives together with that connection. With her career solidly gaining international recognition and with her goals at Yale on track, everything seems perfect for both Maria and Claudine. Until one morning the police arrive on her doorstep…
Maria’s heritage is Romanian. As a child, her parents were brutally murdered, forcing her into an orphanage at the tender age of 6. The state of the orphanage is beyond anyone’s worst imaginations, children are neglected, tortured, some even abused - Maria included. A twist of luck has her being whisked away to America, adopted by a young lawyer with idealistic expectations of finding and molding the perfect child. When a young Romanian prostitute, who is eerily similar to Maria in appearance is murdered, the police land at her door, claiming that the only identification on her body is Maria’s. The two could pass as twins, right down to the feather tattoos on their wrists. Fearing that her identity as Claudine, an identity she works tirelessly to conceal, has been exposed, she reaches out for help. Long past estranged from her adoptive mother, the two people she trusts most in the world are her assistant Lillian, and her bodyguard/chauffeur, Andrei.
Barbara Palmer creates an intricate, complicated web of a tale. Deceit, intrigue, corruption and depravity fill the pages and at the center of it all is delicious pleasure. Claudine embodies the characteristics that deep down all women wish they had, sexual awareness, confidence, and an alluring persona. She is both untouchable and available, unattainable and within reach. Her aloofness and appeal are what draws the clients to her, each wanting more and more from her. The power she wields is intoxicating and it draws the reader in like a moth to the flame. I was fascinated the entire book with how the two sides of her both complimented who she is and at the same time threatened to ruin everything she could have.
As it becomes more and more apparent that there is an individual out there that wishes to cause Maria harm, Andrei fights to protect her, using all of his influence to convince her to give up this style of life. Deep down she knows he is right, but her stubborn nature refuses to let herself be bullied into pulling out of the game until she is ready. To further complicate matters, she begins to involve herself in a romantic entanglement with a professor from Yale, and the lines between professionalism and desire between her and Andrei begin to blur. When had she started to see him as more than a business associate?
Danger surrounds them all. Desire and passion call to them. What do you do when your secret life begins to shatter and seep into your everyday existence? How high of a price would you be willing to pay for success and fame? This book to me was fast-paced and intriguing. The writing style and the detail was phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery behind plot. The erotic scenes were steamy and sensual, and the fantasy performances added that extra level of excitement.
Claudine - step outside your reality and experience this book. You won’t be disappointed.
xo Cassia
deliciouslywickedbooks.com
Maria’s heritage is Romanian. As a child, her parents were brutally murdered, forcing her into an orphanage at the tender age of 6. The state of the orphanage is beyond anyone’s worst imaginations, children are neglected, tortured, some even abused - Maria included. A twist of luck has her being whisked away to America, adopted by a young lawyer with idealistic expectations of finding and molding the perfect child. When a young Romanian prostitute, who is eerily similar to Maria in appearance is murdered, the police land at her door, claiming that the only identification on her body is Maria’s. The two could pass as twins, right down to the feather tattoos on their wrists. Fearing that her identity as Claudine, an identity she works tirelessly to conceal, has been exposed, she reaches out for help. Long past estranged from her adoptive mother, the two people she trusts most in the world are her assistant Lillian, and her bodyguard/chauffeur, Andrei.
Barbara Palmer creates an intricate, complicated web of a tale. Deceit, intrigue, corruption and depravity fill the pages and at the center of it all is delicious pleasure. Claudine embodies the characteristics that deep down all women wish they had, sexual awareness, confidence, and an alluring persona. She is both untouchable and available, unattainable and within reach. Her aloofness and appeal are what draws the clients to her, each wanting more and more from her. The power she wields is intoxicating and it draws the reader in like a moth to the flame. I was fascinated the entire book with how the two sides of her both complimented who she is and at the same time threatened to ruin everything she could have.
As it becomes more and more apparent that there is an individual out there that wishes to cause Maria harm, Andrei fights to protect her, using all of his influence to convince her to give up this style of life. Deep down she knows he is right, but her stubborn nature refuses to let herself be bullied into pulling out of the game until she is ready. To further complicate matters, she begins to involve herself in a romantic entanglement with a professor from Yale, and the lines between professionalism and desire between her and Andrei begin to blur. When had she started to see him as more than a business associate?
Danger surrounds them all. Desire and passion call to them. What do you do when your secret life begins to shatter and seep into your everyday existence? How high of a price would you be willing to pay for success and fame? This book to me was fast-paced and intriguing. The writing style and the detail was phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery behind plot. The erotic scenes were steamy and sensual, and the fantasy performances added that extra level of excitement.
Claudine - step outside your reality and experience this book. You won’t be disappointed.
xo Cassia
deliciouslywickedbooks.com
October 13, 2017
There are some spoilers in this review
This was not a bad book, nor was it spectacular. I liked the idea of a high class escort, and I didn't hate the plot, but I also found it lacking.
The "bad guy" was extremely predictable, I knew who it would be from the first moment he was mentioned by Maria. It was a little too predictable for me.
Maria is not a character I felt anything for. I didn't love her, or hate her, I essentially felt nothing for her. Honestly the only character I even cared about a little was Andrei. When she broke his heart I was upset for him.
In the end though, everything resolved nicely and I was happy to see a happy ending where she stopped being a call girl, but I just personally didn't connect with any of the characters.
I'd been wanting to read this for a while though so I am definitely happy I did.
This was not a bad book, nor was it spectacular. I liked the idea of a high class escort, and I didn't hate the plot, but I also found it lacking.
The "bad guy" was extremely predictable, I knew who it would be from the first moment he was mentioned by Maria. It was a little too predictable for me.
Maria is not a character I felt anything for. I didn't love her, or hate her, I essentially felt nothing for her. Honestly the only character I even cared about a little was Andrei. When she broke his heart I was upset for him.
In the end though, everything resolved nicely and I was happy to see a happy ending where she stopped being a call girl, but I just personally didn't connect with any of the characters.
I'd been wanting to read this for a while though so I am definitely happy I did.
July 27, 2014
The synopsis is what made the decision for me to review the book. On occasion, I enjoy a little erotica in my books and I’m a sucker for suspense/thriller type reads so I had high hopes when I started Claudine. Unfortunately, as I worked my way through the story, I realized that the book was going to be a challenge.
Keeping the review spoiler free, I won’t go into specific details but I will say that often times, Maria’s internal dialogue felt clinical. This could be due to the fact that I didn’t like Maria’s character at all. It’s not the content of the book that I’m speaking of; it was coming to terms with the delivery of the story that soured the reading experience for me.
The story failed to evoke my emotions. I started the book with an open mind but the content never lit a spark of interest. There were a few instances when Maria revealed parts of her VERY horrible past that I felt sympathy for her, but her character was stoical making it difficult to relate to her.
I also wished there was more of an emphasis on the eighteenth–century literature aspect in the book; it seemed like more of an afterthought than an essential part of the story. The concept of the plot was promising but the story just didn’t do it for me.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
Keeping the review spoiler free, I won’t go into specific details but I will say that often times, Maria’s internal dialogue felt clinical. This could be due to the fact that I didn’t like Maria’s character at all. It’s not the content of the book that I’m speaking of; it was coming to terms with the delivery of the story that soured the reading experience for me.
The story failed to evoke my emotions. I started the book with an open mind but the content never lit a spark of interest. There were a few instances when Maria revealed parts of her VERY horrible past that I felt sympathy for her, but her character was stoical making it difficult to relate to her.
I also wished there was more of an emphasis on the eighteenth–century literature aspect in the book; it seemed like more of an afterthought than an essential part of the story. The concept of the plot was promising but the story just didn’t do it for me.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
August 23, 2014
This steaming hunk of garbage may eventually get a review.
did-not-finish
September 15, 201446% DNF
I really wanted to like Claudine. I was drawn by the summary and cover and the beginning started out really well.
Claudine is a high paid escort. Her body is like a temple and she takes her job very seriously. She plays into anyone’s fantasy for a price.
I love reading about escorts because it adds a nice steamy factor, however the one thing that didn’t work for me is that there is NO ROMANCE OR LOVE STORY. At least for the first half of the book.
Basically what I read was Claudine going client to client acting out various steamy scenes. The sub plot is that someone may be after her, which is an awesome sub plot, I need a Hero to back it up. Where’s the love interest?
I think this book could work out for those who aren’t really into the “romance” of the book because there’s plenty of interesting scenes, but like I said, it wasn’t for me.
AN ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
I really wanted to like Claudine. I was drawn by the summary and cover and the beginning started out really well.
Claudine is a high paid escort. Her body is like a temple and she takes her job very seriously. She plays into anyone’s fantasy for a price.
I love reading about escorts because it adds a nice steamy factor, however the one thing that didn’t work for me is that there is NO ROMANCE OR LOVE STORY. At least for the first half of the book.
Basically what I read was Claudine going client to client acting out various steamy scenes. The sub plot is that someone may be after her, which is an awesome sub plot, I need a Hero to back it up. Where’s the love interest?
I think this book could work out for those who aren’t really into the “romance” of the book because there’s plenty of interesting scenes, but like I said, it wasn’t for me.
AN ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2014
***received from goodreads firstreads with thanks***
Wow. If an erotic suspense is your drug of choice, then this is the book for you! It kept me reading from cover to cover!
Maria is studying erotic literature at Yale - by day. By night, she is Claudine. A high class prostitute.
Even with the background checks done by her security guard Andrei, someone has slipped through the cracks. Someone is stalking Claudine.
What follows is a novel full of very graphic erotic role playing, tortured pasts and impossible love.
I felt the author did a wonderful job bringing Claudine to life. Not only was she an unbelievably strong character, her emotional detachment to sex and her inability to culture normal relationships with family and peers was well presented. When Claudine's torments are revealed, everything makes perfect sense.
I would definitely recommend this to lovers of erotica who are looking for something fresh!
Wow. If an erotic suspense is your drug of choice, then this is the book for you! It kept me reading from cover to cover!
Maria is studying erotic literature at Yale - by day. By night, she is Claudine. A high class prostitute.
Even with the background checks done by her security guard Andrei, someone has slipped through the cracks. Someone is stalking Claudine.
What follows is a novel full of very graphic erotic role playing, tortured pasts and impossible love.
I felt the author did a wonderful job bringing Claudine to life. Not only was she an unbelievably strong character, her emotional detachment to sex and her inability to culture normal relationships with family and peers was well presented. When Claudine's torments are revealed, everything makes perfect sense.
I would definitely recommend this to lovers of erotica who are looking for something fresh!
October 24, 2014
I received this book as a Penguin giveaway through Twitter. I was curious to read it, since I do like erotic fiction. I have to admit that this book's writing was better than Fifty Shades of Grey. The style of writing was more literary. The book crossed together a murder plot with erotic fantasy. However, I have to admit that I found this book to be somewhat boring. It consisted of pages of description of erotic fantasy, which I actually found dull. I'm not quite sure why. I am sure this book could appeal to other readers, particularly people who liked Fifty Shades. It didn't really appeal to me.
THe author is apparently a well known, best selling Canadian novelist, writing under a pseudonym. I am so curious about who this could be!
Special note- I must admit that the word "slit" as a name for a vagina is a real turn-off to me. It's only a step up from "gash."
THe author is apparently a well known, best selling Canadian novelist, writing under a pseudonym. I am so curious about who this could be!
Special note- I must admit that the word "slit" as a name for a vagina is a real turn-off to me. It's only a step up from "gash."
August 16, 2015
Maria Lantos is a post grad Yale student researching illicit 18th-century literature. She’s become exceptionally well-versed in the narratives of classic erotic fantasy.
She’s also Claudine, an in-demand escort specializing in sexual role play for an elite clientele. Anonymous. Satisfying. And discreet.
Until the tenuous separation between her worlds starts to crack. It begins with the murder of a stranger. Where it leads is to two men who will test Maria's limits of control and awaken her own sexual desires.
As her private nights bleed into day, Maria will discover the dangerous places that extend beyond the imagination, and secrets no longer consigned to the dark.
This is my first review of an erotic thriller. Thanks to Penguin Canada for this opportunity.
Maria Lantos is a Yale postgrad student during the day, and a sexual role playing escort for the rich during the night. An elaborate one night stands costum to her customers fantasies and needs. A globe trotting young female who can spend one day on a yacht in Cannes another evening as a flesh and blood reproduction of La Grande Odalisque.
One man falls between the cracks and starts to shatter her life both personal and professional. He is obsessed with Maria and her alter ego Claudine. He knows a lot about her past and present. Her life in an orphanage in communist Romania and her being adopted by Jewel and Milne the ambitious young idealistic lawyers two decades ago.
Her business manager Andrei does his very best to protect Maria from her world collapsing on her. He acts as a guardian angel and a close friend.
The sex scenes are interesting and as I mentioned they are custom made. Each one is special and different. It reflects the taste and fantasies of each man or men. Some were theatrical, elaborate and very expensive and some were simple and everyday fantasies. They were graphic and vivid and highly erotic.
Claudine is a standalone novel. The reader gets a well written plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat or bed. It is well researched and realistic.
I enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to any one interested in this genre.
She’s also Claudine, an in-demand escort specializing in sexual role play for an elite clientele. Anonymous. Satisfying. And discreet.
Until the tenuous separation between her worlds starts to crack. It begins with the murder of a stranger. Where it leads is to two men who will test Maria's limits of control and awaken her own sexual desires.
As her private nights bleed into day, Maria will discover the dangerous places that extend beyond the imagination, and secrets no longer consigned to the dark.
This is my first review of an erotic thriller. Thanks to Penguin Canada for this opportunity.
Maria Lantos is a Yale postgrad student during the day, and a sexual role playing escort for the rich during the night. An elaborate one night stands costum to her customers fantasies and needs. A globe trotting young female who can spend one day on a yacht in Cannes another evening as a flesh and blood reproduction of La Grande Odalisque.
One man falls between the cracks and starts to shatter her life both personal and professional. He is obsessed with Maria and her alter ego Claudine. He knows a lot about her past and present. Her life in an orphanage in communist Romania and her being adopted by Jewel and Milne the ambitious young idealistic lawyers two decades ago.
Her business manager Andrei does his very best to protect Maria from her world collapsing on her. He acts as a guardian angel and a close friend.
The sex scenes are interesting and as I mentioned they are custom made. Each one is special and different. It reflects the taste and fantasies of each man or men. Some were theatrical, elaborate and very expensive and some were simple and everyday fantasies. They were graphic and vivid and highly erotic.
Claudine is a standalone novel. The reader gets a well written plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat or bed. It is well researched and realistic.
I enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to any one interested in this genre.
April 7, 2016
A finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Claudine starts off with such a sexy scene that I knew that I was reading a different book from what I usually read. The first chapter sets up the entire book nicely. Especially when we realize that it’s not your normal erotic romance. It’s a thriller as well because someone gets murdered who coincidentally is after Claudine. She’s our main character and from her point of view we’re dropped into her world.
I found Claudine to be incredibly hard on herself and her reasoning behind why she started her career. And the thing is, I couldn’t get inside her head. It was more of her daily life, and not about what she felt about it. Her past was only brought up by the end, and I didn’t so much care about it. She acts like she’s on stage, performing for an audience or her client, and that detracts from who she really is. I thought the secondary characters were a nice touch. Especially when I found out that her friend and stylist turned out to be a Filipina. There’s not many books where I can find someone of my own nationality in it, so it was quite refreshing and a surprise to me. Andrei was a nice touch, and sure it was a cliche romance, but I understood why it happened. The pacing was okay and finding out who was behind it all was what kept me throwing the book down and picking up another. Most scenes were very heavy on the sex, so make sure to remember that.
Overall, it was a good story filled with sexy scenes and a thrilling mystery that I couldn’t even figure out.
Claudine starts off with such a sexy scene that I knew that I was reading a different book from what I usually read. The first chapter sets up the entire book nicely. Especially when we realize that it’s not your normal erotic romance. It’s a thriller as well because someone gets murdered who coincidentally is after Claudine. She’s our main character and from her point of view we’re dropped into her world.
I found Claudine to be incredibly hard on herself and her reasoning behind why she started her career. And the thing is, I couldn’t get inside her head. It was more of her daily life, and not about what she felt about it. Her past was only brought up by the end, and I didn’t so much care about it. She acts like she’s on stage, performing for an audience or her client, and that detracts from who she really is. I thought the secondary characters were a nice touch. Especially when I found out that her friend and stylist turned out to be a Filipina. There’s not many books where I can find someone of my own nationality in it, so it was quite refreshing and a surprise to me. Andrei was a nice touch, and sure it was a cliche romance, but I understood why it happened. The pacing was okay and finding out who was behind it all was what kept me throwing the book down and picking up another. Most scenes were very heavy on the sex, so make sure to remember that.
Overall, it was a good story filled with sexy scenes and a thrilling mystery that I couldn’t even figure out.
January 22, 2015
You don't pick up a book tagged as erotica without expecting some graphic sex and "Claudine" definitely delivers. This includes scenes of exhibitionism and group sex with multiple men and women. Despite all these sexual variations, the hottest sex scene is the one between her and her love interest. I won't give anything away about who that might be! Claudine/Maria is a well developed character with a tragic childhood which she overcomes to become a smart and successful woman. Yes, her success is as a high class prostitute but she is also a graduate student and scholar. "Claudine" offer lots of sex but also has a compelling storyline about a murderous stalker. This book deals with child molestation and has two rather harrowing scenes of sexual assault so if you are sensitive to these issues you might want to skip this one. I thought that the plot was exciting and riveting and found myself really rooting for Maria and her love interest to get together. At the end everything is tied up with a nice little bow but I was completely satisfied with the resolution.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
September 22, 2016
Ok, this just didn't do it for me. The concept was good: a Yale grad student who has her own business as a high-price call girl. However, too much of it was just unbelievable. The mystery was interrupted too many times with out-of-tough scenarios. Oh, well, it was a needed break from my usual genre so for that it is a 2-star read.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
May 23, 2017
Holy crap, that was awful. Maria/Claudine was an absolute idiot. Her and everyone else was bland. I don't even care to describe everything that made this story horrible. I am hoping my brain erases it all from my memory.
eventual-reviews
July 7, 2015Got this one for review and it sounds really interesting. The cover is just horrid though. Would never have picked it up on my own :/
March 23, 2025
Wish it had trigger warnings of reliving trauma, BUT if it had I’d have never have read this and lived in it.
February 4, 2017
Pour une fille qui voulait débuter le style thriller dans l'espoir d'y trouver un roman coup de cœur, c'est raté ! Dès les premières pages, je me suis demandée : «C'est quoi ça?». J'avais mal lu le résumé du livre... J'avais lu escroc au lieu d'escort... Et oui, c'est ce que ça donne de mal lire un résumé ! Vous pouvez donc vous imaginer à quel point j'ai fait le saut en voyant une scène de sexe aussi détaillée. Je ne sais pas ce qui est passé par la tête de l'auteure, mais disons que ces scènes étaient plutôt brutales. De quoi faire sortir nos yeux de leurs orbites. x) Au moins, j'ai pu en apprendre sur le travail d'escort. (Ne vous inquiétez pas, je n'en deviendrai pas une !)
Claudine (ou Maria, c'est comme vous voulez)... Que dire d'elle à part qu'elle est une grosse tête dure qui préfère risquer sa vie en continuant son métier d'escort ? Non, mais elle m'a énervé ! Je comprends que c'est de cette façon qu'elle vit à cause de ce qui lui est arrivée dans son enfance, mais ce n'est pas une raison pour tourner le dos à toutes les personnes qui nous aiment. Je ne l'ai pas trop aimé à vrai dire, mais j'ai compati avec elle. Ça n'a vraiment pas dû être facile d'avoir une enfance comme elle l'a eu. Andrei, quant à lui, est quelqu'un de correct. Il fait des choses douteuses par moment, mais il est l'un des plus rationnels de cette histoire. Lilian est aussi correct. (Je n'ai pas d'autres mots pour les décrire, puisqu'ils ne feront jamais partis de mes personnages coup de cœur.) Elle a été là pour Maria quand elle en avait besoin et je crois que c'est ce qui compte.
Je n'ai pas vraiment aimé cette histoire, puisqu'elle était bourrée de scènes de sexe, mais j'ai quand même apprécié l'intrigue. Je ne m'attendais pas au tueur ! Ça a été une surprise de voir que c'était cette personne, puisque j'en soupçonnais d'autres. Je remercie les Éditions de l'Homme pour l'envoi ! Ça n'a pas été l'amour fou entre cette lecture et moi, mais j'ai pu découvrir le genre thriller/érotique. Je conseille ce roman à toutes les personnes âgées de 18 ans et plus. :)
Note globale : 4 / 10
Claudine (ou Maria, c'est comme vous voulez)... Que dire d'elle à part qu'elle est une grosse tête dure qui préfère risquer sa vie en continuant son métier d'escort ? Non, mais elle m'a énervé ! Je comprends que c'est de cette façon qu'elle vit à cause de ce qui lui est arrivée dans son enfance, mais ce n'est pas une raison pour tourner le dos à toutes les personnes qui nous aiment. Je ne l'ai pas trop aimé à vrai dire, mais j'ai compati avec elle. Ça n'a vraiment pas dû être facile d'avoir une enfance comme elle l'a eu. Andrei, quant à lui, est quelqu'un de correct. Il fait des choses douteuses par moment, mais il est l'un des plus rationnels de cette histoire. Lilian est aussi correct. (Je n'ai pas d'autres mots pour les décrire, puisqu'ils ne feront jamais partis de mes personnages coup de cœur.) Elle a été là pour Maria quand elle en avait besoin et je crois que c'est ce qui compte.
Je n'ai pas vraiment aimé cette histoire, puisqu'elle était bourrée de scènes de sexe, mais j'ai quand même apprécié l'intrigue. Je ne m'attendais pas au tueur ! Ça a été une surprise de voir que c'était cette personne, puisque j'en soupçonnais d'autres. Je remercie les Éditions de l'Homme pour l'envoi ! Ça n'a pas été l'amour fou entre cette lecture et moi, mais j'ai pu découvrir le genre thriller/érotique. Je conseille ce roman à toutes les personnes âgées de 18 ans et plus. :)
Note globale : 4 / 10
August 17, 2021
Claudine è il primo romanzo erotico di quest'autrice ed è singolo. La storia vede protagonista (unico punto di vista) Maria Lantos che di giorno è una studentessa che sogna di intraprendere una carriera accademica in Università mentre di notte è una spregiudicata escort di lusso che tutti bramano. Va tutto bene fino a quando qualcuno non attenta alla sua vita. Ad aiutarla ci sarà il suo manager e amico Andrei che non sembra così insensibile al fascino di Maria...
L'idea generale è molto intrigante anche se non è proprio originalissima l'idea della doppia vita. Avendo chiaro il lavoro che fa la protagonista, la trama è incentrata principalmente sui vari incontri con i suoi clienti e su tutti gli accorgimenti che una escort di lusso deve attuare per essere richiestissima come lei (per esempio si è fatta accorciare il dito mignolo del piede per non avere problemi con le scarpe col tacco). Dettagli che rendono molto bene l'idea del lavoro di una escort ma su qualcosa avrei proprio sorvolato. Tralasciando questo susseguirsi delle sue performance a pagamento (scene decisamente fredde), mi è piaciuta la svolta suspense che prende la trama (peccato che, secondo me, meritava più spazio all'interno del romanzo).
Devo ammettere che il personaggio di Claudine non provoca grande empatia perché rimane decisamente per gran parte del tempo imperturbabile nonostante il passato doloroso. E' una donna che sa quello che vuole e come ottenerlo. Le piace il suo lavoro di escort e non lo fa per bisogno di soldi (all'inizio forse). Vuole rispetto nonostante la professione che svolge. Anche davanti alla possibilità di essere uccisa, è convinta di poter continuare come se niente fosse successo.
Mi dispiace anche, che non sia stata dato più spazio allo sviluppo della storia d'amore tra Andrei e Maria.
Capisco che loro si conoscono da alcuni anni e quindi è normale che ne abbiano vissute parecchie insieme ma nel romanzo interagiscono davvero poco.
Non è scritto male infatti si riesce tranquillamente a concludere la lettura senza problemi. Bisognava lavorare di più sul resto invece che sulle abilità sessuali della protagonista.
L'idea generale è molto intrigante anche se non è proprio originalissima l'idea della doppia vita. Avendo chiaro il lavoro che fa la protagonista, la trama è incentrata principalmente sui vari incontri con i suoi clienti e su tutti gli accorgimenti che una escort di lusso deve attuare per essere richiestissima come lei (per esempio si è fatta accorciare il dito mignolo del piede per non avere problemi con le scarpe col tacco). Dettagli che rendono molto bene l'idea del lavoro di una escort ma su qualcosa avrei proprio sorvolato. Tralasciando questo susseguirsi delle sue performance a pagamento (scene decisamente fredde), mi è piaciuta la svolta suspense che prende la trama (peccato che, secondo me, meritava più spazio all'interno del romanzo).
Devo ammettere che il personaggio di Claudine non provoca grande empatia perché rimane decisamente per gran parte del tempo imperturbabile nonostante il passato doloroso. E' una donna che sa quello che vuole e come ottenerlo. Le piace il suo lavoro di escort e non lo fa per bisogno di soldi (all'inizio forse). Vuole rispetto nonostante la professione che svolge. Anche davanti alla possibilità di essere uccisa, è convinta di poter continuare come se niente fosse successo.
Mi dispiace anche, che non sia stata dato più spazio allo sviluppo della storia d'amore tra Andrei e Maria.
Capisco che loro si conoscono da alcuni anni e quindi è normale che ne abbiano vissute parecchie insieme ma nel romanzo interagiscono davvero poco.
Non è scritto male infatti si riesce tranquillamente a concludere la lettura senza problemi. Bisognava lavorare di più sul resto invece che sulle abilità sessuali della protagonista.
April 19, 2020
Yes, I'm giving this 4 Goodreads stars. It's really a 3.5, but it was better than I expected, given some of the reviews here.
This is erotica, it never claims to be anything more. so if you go into it expecting more, that's your problem.
And yet, it is a little more. There is an actual storyline. Maybe its bare bones aren't the most original, but it does have some glimmers of originality. I liked the idea of Maria as the postgraduate at Yale, studying erotic literature. I liked the alter ego, Claudine. I understood her impulses. I also liked the history with Ceausescu and the Romanian orphanage and the birds.
So shoot me - while I appreciate really fine literature and prose, I really only ask that my books entertain me. This one did.
This is erotica, it never claims to be anything more. so if you go into it expecting more, that's your problem.
And yet, it is a little more. There is an actual storyline. Maybe its bare bones aren't the most original, but it does have some glimmers of originality. I liked the idea of Maria as the postgraduate at Yale, studying erotic literature. I liked the alter ego, Claudine. I understood her impulses. I also liked the history with Ceausescu and the Romanian orphanage and the birds.
So shoot me - while I appreciate really fine literature and prose, I really only ask that my books entertain me. This one did.
March 9, 2018
About Maria/Claudine, who is a graduate student by day and a high-paid call girl by night. She only has two friends--Andrei, her security detail and Lillian, her make-up artist. Her biological parents died and she was adopted from a Romanian orphanage by Jewel, an American woman. The story has a lot of intriguing twists and turns. Graphic sex and some violent aspects. I don't care for the violent nature and the direction the story takes, but Claudine's life style is pretty risky to begin with, so I guess the violence should be expected.
September 26, 2017
Idk to tell you the truth, the plot had potential but it kinda faltered at the end. 'Twas good tho
April 18, 2024
BOOOOOOOOOO THIS SHIT SUCKED‼️‼️
August 26, 2024
not a book I would have picked it was handed to me by a member of my book club not a book club read the m0st intriguing thing is who was the well known author who wrote it.
September 2, 2014
Enter the world of Claudine, world famous courtesan, yours for “unique events—one night only.” Maria Lantos has constructed an elaborate world, a world where her alter ego, Claudine, takes centre stage, but when the lines between her personal and courtesan lives start to blur, will Maria know when to end it, before someone ends her?
This is a really interesting read for me. I like erotica, though lately I’ve found it to be incredibly derivative and, well, just pretty plain terrible. It’s gotten to the point where it’s been so commodified that people just pump them out with literally no though to quality, characterization, plot...anything. Which I guess is fine, if that’s what you’re looking for, but I most definitely am not. That’s where a story like Claudine comes in. Written by Canadian author Barbara Palmer (a pseudonym, obviously), it takes the whole erotica genre and gives it a little twist—and I was definitely pleased with the results.
Claudine was well plotted, expertly paced, and had some very interesting characters and character development. I felt like I was able to get into Maria’s world here, experience her life both inside and outside of her courtesan world, which was fantastic and gave a wonderful depth to the character that’s sorely lacking in many other erotica novels. Though both of Maria’s worlds are decidedly highbrow, I enjoyed the glimpse, but I can’t help but wonder whether or not Maria and Claudine live too far outside of the realm of many readers. There were times when it felt a little alienating—and very foreign, but I think if you’re looking for a fantasy life (both with Claudine and Maria) you’ll get exactly that in Claudine, right down to the very last expensive detail.
The mystery element was very strong throughout the entire story. I think some readers are going to almost forget that they’re reading erotica and be completely carried along by the mystery. That being said, the sex was vivid, real, and obviously well thought out. This is a woman who enjoys what she does—which was great to see. For me, I prefer if the sex is a little more attached (so inside of a relationship), but there was a great balance between Claudine’s sex work, and Maria’s sex life, so it felt like we were getting all avenues. That being said, the mystery element really kept me reading—who committed the murder? What’s really at stake here? Is there more going on than we know about? Definitely kept me turning pages until the very end.
What was also really enjoyable was the dynamic between Maria and her employees—Andrei and Lillian. The relationship between Lillian was closer to a mother daughter than an employer employee, and it was fun to get an objective opinion about Maria’s double life. But the real fun was with Andrei. Tall, handsome, and appealingly stoic—Andrei is Maria’s bodyguard, but there’s the slight impression that he’s wishing it could be more. As Maria well knows, courtesans have a short shelf life—what happens when that’s all over and done with? Who ends up as Maria’s prize?
I didn’t always like Maria/Claudine. Which is fine, it’s more interesting for me as a reader when I don’t always agree with the motivations and decisions of the main character—as long as it’s an interesting story, an Claudine absolutely is. I really liked that she had a life outside of the courtesan job—that she’s a postgrad at Yale. I also liked that the dialogue between Maria and the other characters was convincing, that I believed she was an educated student. It was also great that Maria had a complicated past that ties into her complicated present, but I don’t really like the insinuation that having a trouble childhood means you’re going to end up being a courtesan or some sort of a sex worker, as was the case with Maria. I don’t know if there are other readers out there that need to rationalize why someone would want to have sex for money, therefore the abusive childhood subplot, but I’m not one of those people. If people are comfortable (and in the position to choose for themselves—obviously not someone who’s been forced into having sex) with doing that for a profession, I’m definitely beyond caring. That being said, it wasn’t completely overt and it did tie into the overall mystery, which was great.
All in all, I think this was a fantastically crafted and deeply compelling read. I think readers who are looking for highbrow erotica, with some mystery elements, will be positively thrilled with Claudine. I can’t wait to see what Barbara Palmer comes out with next.
Barbara Palmer can be reached on twitter @barpalmer
Claudine is set for release September 2, 2014.
This is a really interesting read for me. I like erotica, though lately I’ve found it to be incredibly derivative and, well, just pretty plain terrible. It’s gotten to the point where it’s been so commodified that people just pump them out with literally no though to quality, characterization, plot...anything. Which I guess is fine, if that’s what you’re looking for, but I most definitely am not. That’s where a story like Claudine comes in. Written by Canadian author Barbara Palmer (a pseudonym, obviously), it takes the whole erotica genre and gives it a little twist—and I was definitely pleased with the results.
Claudine was well plotted, expertly paced, and had some very interesting characters and character development. I felt like I was able to get into Maria’s world here, experience her life both inside and outside of her courtesan world, which was fantastic and gave a wonderful depth to the character that’s sorely lacking in many other erotica novels. Though both of Maria’s worlds are decidedly highbrow, I enjoyed the glimpse, but I can’t help but wonder whether or not Maria and Claudine live too far outside of the realm of many readers. There were times when it felt a little alienating—and very foreign, but I think if you’re looking for a fantasy life (both with Claudine and Maria) you’ll get exactly that in Claudine, right down to the very last expensive detail.
The mystery element was very strong throughout the entire story. I think some readers are going to almost forget that they’re reading erotica and be completely carried along by the mystery. That being said, the sex was vivid, real, and obviously well thought out. This is a woman who enjoys what she does—which was great to see. For me, I prefer if the sex is a little more attached (so inside of a relationship), but there was a great balance between Claudine’s sex work, and Maria’s sex life, so it felt like we were getting all avenues. That being said, the mystery element really kept me reading—who committed the murder? What’s really at stake here? Is there more going on than we know about? Definitely kept me turning pages until the very end.
What was also really enjoyable was the dynamic between Maria and her employees—Andrei and Lillian. The relationship between Lillian was closer to a mother daughter than an employer employee, and it was fun to get an objective opinion about Maria’s double life. But the real fun was with Andrei. Tall, handsome, and appealingly stoic—Andrei is Maria’s bodyguard, but there’s the slight impression that he’s wishing it could be more. As Maria well knows, courtesans have a short shelf life—what happens when that’s all over and done with? Who ends up as Maria’s prize?
I didn’t always like Maria/Claudine. Which is fine, it’s more interesting for me as a reader when I don’t always agree with the motivations and decisions of the main character—as long as it’s an interesting story, an Claudine absolutely is. I really liked that she had a life outside of the courtesan job—that she’s a postgrad at Yale. I also liked that the dialogue between Maria and the other characters was convincing, that I believed she was an educated student. It was also great that Maria had a complicated past that ties into her complicated present, but I don’t really like the insinuation that having a trouble childhood means you’re going to end up being a courtesan or some sort of a sex worker, as was the case with Maria. I don’t know if there are other readers out there that need to rationalize why someone would want to have sex for money, therefore the abusive childhood subplot, but I’m not one of those people. If people are comfortable (and in the position to choose for themselves—obviously not someone who’s been forced into having sex) with doing that for a profession, I’m definitely beyond caring. That being said, it wasn’t completely overt and it did tie into the overall mystery, which was great.
All in all, I think this was a fantastically crafted and deeply compelling read. I think readers who are looking for highbrow erotica, with some mystery elements, will be positively thrilled with Claudine. I can’t wait to see what Barbara Palmer comes out with next.
Barbara Palmer can be reached on twitter @barpalmer
Claudine is set for release September 2, 2014.
June 30, 2019
Im not sure what it was about this book, but i thoroughly enjoyed it.
The idea of a high class escort intrigued me. Very different from other books I have read about sex workers. Claudine enjoyed her work while others were forced. She fulfilled fantasies and became the fixation of a sick stalker.
All in all i recommend
The idea of a high class escort intrigued me. Very different from other books I have read about sex workers. Claudine enjoyed her work while others were forced. She fulfilled fantasies and became the fixation of a sick stalker.
All in all i recommend
September 9, 2014
Barbara Palmer brings readers a erotic tale of a young woman leading a double life. A Yale student by day and a courtesan by night. The name Barbara Palmer alone should give readers a clue as to the nature of this book, given it is inspired by a royal mistress from the 17th century. Palmer gives readers all of the passion and vibrancy of Claudine's role as an highbrow escort and balances it against Maria's intellectual life as a grad student. This is that something different that erotic readers are looking for. Suspenseful, elegant, heart pounding, passionate. An excellent addition to the genre.
What I liked:
What are you expecting when you pick up an erotic novel? Obviously, strong sexual content, vivid, exciting and passionate maybe and probably some romance. Unfortunately, of late the erotic genre has become somewhat predictable. Most of the books coming out under the title of 'erotic' are dominate/submissive stories that center around clubs or resort destinations. When I picked up Claudine, I was kind of expecting more of the same. Wow, was I wrong.
Barbara Palmer was aiming for something different with her book and she pulled it off with flying colors. There were times when I forgot this was an erotic novel. That's not to say that the erotic parts of the book were bad. There was just so much more to this one. It is first and foremost the story of one young woman living a double life. When her life as a courtesan starts to bleed into her everyday life and stalker becomes obsessed with her, the action starts to ramp up. This is a face paced novel that explores sexual fulfillment and what it means to different people, as well as, adding elements of danger and suspense to round out the story.
There wasn't exactly a lot of romance in this book, which I found surprising. Maria/Claudine is very comfortable with what she wants and needs sexually and it doesn't have to be about a steady monogamous relationship. I found that to be pretty realistic in some ways. The regular boy meets girl, falls in love and lives happily ever after scenario does not work for everyone. I liked that Palmer understood that and let the reader look at sexuality in a different way here.
The suspense aspects of the story were both intriguing and exciting. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the novel and that's not usually what I expect from a erotic book. When a body turns up with Maria/Claudine's identification, bearing a remarkable resemblance to her, right down to her feather tattoo on her wrist, I got the creeps and I'm sure the reader will too. This book will twist the reader in so many directions it might take a while to untangle oneself.
What I didn't like:
Maria's backstory may be a bit uncomfortable for some readers, though I think it essential to the plot of the novel. Abuse is not a subject to be taken lightly and I believe it has it's place here. I do not however believe that all children who face abuse grow up to be courtesan's, prostitute's or anything of the like. I thought Palmer did a great job of showing that this was Maria's story, not everyone's!
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a happy ever after, this is probably not the book for you. But if you are looking for erotica from a totally different perspective, this is just what the doctor ordered. This book is smart, it's creative, it's decadent and elegant. There are parts that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and there are parts that will make your heart hurt for the child that Maria was. This is good erotica, not the cookie cutter stuff we usually get. Read it.... it's that good!
What I liked:
What are you expecting when you pick up an erotic novel? Obviously, strong sexual content, vivid, exciting and passionate maybe and probably some romance. Unfortunately, of late the erotic genre has become somewhat predictable. Most of the books coming out under the title of 'erotic' are dominate/submissive stories that center around clubs or resort destinations. When I picked up Claudine, I was kind of expecting more of the same. Wow, was I wrong.
Barbara Palmer was aiming for something different with her book and she pulled it off with flying colors. There were times when I forgot this was an erotic novel. That's not to say that the erotic parts of the book were bad. There was just so much more to this one. It is first and foremost the story of one young woman living a double life. When her life as a courtesan starts to bleed into her everyday life and stalker becomes obsessed with her, the action starts to ramp up. This is a face paced novel that explores sexual fulfillment and what it means to different people, as well as, adding elements of danger and suspense to round out the story.
There wasn't exactly a lot of romance in this book, which I found surprising. Maria/Claudine is very comfortable with what she wants and needs sexually and it doesn't have to be about a steady monogamous relationship. I found that to be pretty realistic in some ways. The regular boy meets girl, falls in love and lives happily ever after scenario does not work for everyone. I liked that Palmer understood that and let the reader look at sexuality in a different way here.
The suspense aspects of the story were both intriguing and exciting. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the novel and that's not usually what I expect from a erotic book. When a body turns up with Maria/Claudine's identification, bearing a remarkable resemblance to her, right down to her feather tattoo on her wrist, I got the creeps and I'm sure the reader will too. This book will twist the reader in so many directions it might take a while to untangle oneself.
What I didn't like:
Maria's backstory may be a bit uncomfortable for some readers, though I think it essential to the plot of the novel. Abuse is not a subject to be taken lightly and I believe it has it's place here. I do not however believe that all children who face abuse grow up to be courtesan's, prostitute's or anything of the like. I thought Palmer did a great job of showing that this was Maria's story, not everyone's!
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a happy ever after, this is probably not the book for you. But if you are looking for erotica from a totally different perspective, this is just what the doctor ordered. This book is smart, it's creative, it's decadent and elegant. There are parts that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and there are parts that will make your heart hurt for the child that Maria was. This is good erotica, not the cookie cutter stuff we usually get. Read it.... it's that good!
December 15, 2014
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Voilà un roman qui démarre sur d’excellentes bases mais qui déçoit un peu tout de même , au fil de la lecture. Il a le mérite de présenter une histoire un peu différente de celle que l’on croise habituellement et de renouveler le cadre de la romance érotique.
Claudine est le nom qu’utilise Maria Lantos, une jeune call-girl de très haut vol. Cette étudiante de vingt-six ans a vite découvert qu’elle était belle, talentueuse au lit et que cela pouvait lui fournir une source de revenus. Accompagnée d’une maquilleuse et d’un garde du cops et chauffeur, elle sillonne le monde prête à créer les jeux sexuels exigés par ses clients. Elle est peut incarner n’importe quel rôle et entrer ainsi dans les fantasmes des hommes qu’elle n’accepte de rencontrer qu’une seule fois. Tout se passe très bien jusqu’à ce qu’on lui annonce qu’une jeune prostituée a été retrouvée assassinée. Elle lui ressemble, est d’origine roumaine et tout semble lier ce meurtre à sa personne.
Voilà une entrée en matière palpitante et intrigante. Notons aussi que Maria cache un enfance terrible. Elle fait partie des enfants élevés dans les horribles orphelinats de Roumanie que l’on a découvert à la fin du règne des Ceauscescu à la fin des années quatre-vingts. Inutile de dire que ce contexte est rarement évoqué et que cela donne une dimension dramatique à l’enfance de Maria. Elle a vu les pires horreurs avant d’être adopté par une Américaine. Cette dimension, la vie personnelle de Maria, ses rapports difficiles avec sa mère adoptive. Tout cela est encore une fois une bonne idée.
Le problème est que l’auteure canadienne de ce roman n’a pas vraiment le sens du suspense. Son intrigue policière est assez téléphonée et se résout assez vite. En quelques lignes, le suspense s’effondre et le problème est résolu. Dommage. Et puis, Maria est une call girl, nous la suivons logiquement dans ses voyages à travers le monde auprès de ses clients qui ont des goûts variés : cela peut obliger Maria à incarner l’Odalisque de Ingres ou une princesse de conte de fée pour le bon plaisir des hommes. Ces scènes froides et peu sympathiques plombent un peu le livre. Le roman est parsemé de références culturelles à la littérature, à l’art en général. Bien-sûr le prénom de Claudine a entre autres été suggéré par l’héroïne de Colette.
De plus, l’auteure hésite à se lancer dans une vraie romance qui avait pourtant du potentiel. Andreï, le garde du corps, chauffeur de la jeune femme est toujours à ses côtés et a visiblement des sentiments pour elle. Maria mettra longtemps à les découvrir et cet aspect est un peu vite bâcé lui aussi.
En fait, le roman semble hésiter longtemps entre le journal d’une call girl, le suspense et une romance érotique sans jamais aller totalement dans un de ces genres. Cela donne un roman qui n’a rien de déplaisant, original mais un peu moyen dans l’ensemble des domaines . L’auteure écrit bien, a du talent mais le roman laisse un peu sur sa faim.
Voilà un roman qui démarre sur d’excellentes bases mais qui déçoit un peu tout de même , au fil de la lecture. Il a le mérite de présenter une histoire un peu différente de celle que l’on croise habituellement et de renouveler le cadre de la romance érotique.
Claudine est le nom qu’utilise Maria Lantos, une jeune call-girl de très haut vol. Cette étudiante de vingt-six ans a vite découvert qu’elle était belle, talentueuse au lit et que cela pouvait lui fournir une source de revenus. Accompagnée d’une maquilleuse et d’un garde du cops et chauffeur, elle sillonne le monde prête à créer les jeux sexuels exigés par ses clients. Elle est peut incarner n’importe quel rôle et entrer ainsi dans les fantasmes des hommes qu’elle n’accepte de rencontrer qu’une seule fois. Tout se passe très bien jusqu’à ce qu’on lui annonce qu’une jeune prostituée a été retrouvée assassinée. Elle lui ressemble, est d’origine roumaine et tout semble lier ce meurtre à sa personne.
Voilà une entrée en matière palpitante et intrigante. Notons aussi que Maria cache un enfance terrible. Elle fait partie des enfants élevés dans les horribles orphelinats de Roumanie que l’on a découvert à la fin du règne des Ceauscescu à la fin des années quatre-vingts. Inutile de dire que ce contexte est rarement évoqué et que cela donne une dimension dramatique à l’enfance de Maria. Elle a vu les pires horreurs avant d’être adopté par une Américaine. Cette dimension, la vie personnelle de Maria, ses rapports difficiles avec sa mère adoptive. Tout cela est encore une fois une bonne idée.
Le problème est que l’auteure canadienne de ce roman n’a pas vraiment le sens du suspense. Son intrigue policière est assez téléphonée et se résout assez vite. En quelques lignes, le suspense s’effondre et le problème est résolu. Dommage. Et puis, Maria est une call girl, nous la suivons logiquement dans ses voyages à travers le monde auprès de ses clients qui ont des goûts variés : cela peut obliger Maria à incarner l’Odalisque de Ingres ou une princesse de conte de fée pour le bon plaisir des hommes. Ces scènes froides et peu sympathiques plombent un peu le livre. Le roman est parsemé de références culturelles à la littérature, à l’art en général. Bien-sûr le prénom de Claudine a entre autres été suggéré par l’héroïne de Colette.
De plus, l’auteure hésite à se lancer dans une vraie romance qui avait pourtant du potentiel. Andreï, le garde du corps, chauffeur de la jeune femme est toujours à ses côtés et a visiblement des sentiments pour elle. Maria mettra longtemps à les découvrir et cet aspect est un peu vite bâcé lui aussi.
En fait, le roman semble hésiter longtemps entre le journal d’une call girl, le suspense et une romance érotique sans jamais aller totalement dans un de ces genres. Cela donne un roman qui n’a rien de déplaisant, original mais un peu moyen dans l’ensemble des domaines . L’auteure écrit bien, a du talent mais le roman laisse un peu sur sa faim.
September 8, 2014
Claudine by Barbara Palmer (a pen name for an unknown established author) follows the story of a Yale post-grad student specializing in early erotica literature named Maria Lantos who lives a dual life as a professional courtesan/escort named Claudine. She is renowned for artistic performances and with the company of her personal assistant and her business manager, Andrei, she travels across the world for shows, private meetings and events. Maria tries very hard to keep her personal and professional lives separate, but when she begins to receive threatening text messages, she realizes her secret may be out. As her worlds converge, Maria finds herself on an increasingly dangerous path that is painted with murder, haunting truths from her past, and a threat that will unravel both of her lives.
There are some enjoyable things about this erotica-thriller. Palmer built an intricate and intriguing character profile for Maria by tracing her history all the way back to her childhood in an orphanage in Romania and presenting her as a strong, self-assured, and confident woman who is determined to build her life as she sees fit. She later incorporates such elements into the twisting mysteries that Maria becomes involved in. And yes, there are many steamy scenes, but there are also many references and homages to the genre which gives the story a sort of meta-feel. The tale often reads like a Dan Brown novel, with all the pieces of the mystery being drawn from history and slowly coming together to make one clear picture of Maria's personality and story.
Unfortunately, like a Dan Brown novel, there is a lack of depth in the narrative, a cliché/expected romance, and a somewhat predictable third act which makes Claudine an unsatisfying read. Although Palmer did build Maria's character history well and presented her as an empowered, liberalized individual, she also did not really do much to advance Maria's character development. This holds true to the romance aspect of the novel, which can be seen pretty much from the get-go of the book. Maria's life as a courtesan seems to be almost that of a celebrity, and given the level of her fame in her line of work, it makes it difficult to believe that she could really be successful at keeping her secret as safe as she wants. Even amidst all of the mysteries and threats, she appears stagnant (or stubborn, depending on your viewpoint.) While I appreciate Palmer's attempt at using this trait to demonstrate the strength and persistence in the face of a threat, it felt like Maria barely feared her situation, and that lack of development undermines Maria as a protagonist.
I received an ARC of this book from Penguin Canada in exchange for an honest review. It is now available for purchase.
December 2, 2014
This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read
This book is so far out of my comfort zone, but it just sounded so intriguing I thought I needed to try something different. I am very glad I got my hands on a copy of this story because it was intense but I loved every minute of my experience with this book. Maria Lantos is someone who is still growing up and learning about life experiences, but she has a secret life on the side to help her pay her way through school. When all of a sudden her secret is on the verge of coming out and Maria is being threatened by someone who knows more about her than they should.
What I absolutely adored about this book was how the mystery became so intense and there were so many suspects, you could not figure out what would come next. Palmer really knows how to draw her readers into the story, she breaks up the mystery and romance giving readers a good amount of both. I was very interested in Maria's life outside of her courtesan side. Maria is so used to this life that she has closed herself off to those people that want to get close to her, it is best for her not to get close because she has a troubled past.
I don't want to go into too much detail because it would give things away about this book, but Barbara Palmer definitely knows how to write scenes that will creep you out and go into a scene a few pages later that is hot and very sexy. This is a story about a woman who is learning more about herself and learning to let go of certain parts of her life. Maria lets two men truly test her ability to not only truly love herself but to let someone else love her. This was a beautiful story that I'm glad has taken me out of my comfort zone and I really hope this book opens me up to discover new authors in a genre I have been previously hesitant to pick up.
Don't let the romance aspect of this book fool you, it is a beautiful book with a thrilling mystery added in. I believe that people will be talking about this book for awhile.
This book is so far out of my comfort zone, but it just sounded so intriguing I thought I needed to try something different. I am very glad I got my hands on a copy of this story because it was intense but I loved every minute of my experience with this book. Maria Lantos is someone who is still growing up and learning about life experiences, but she has a secret life on the side to help her pay her way through school. When all of a sudden her secret is on the verge of coming out and Maria is being threatened by someone who knows more about her than they should.
What I absolutely adored about this book was how the mystery became so intense and there were so many suspects, you could not figure out what would come next. Palmer really knows how to draw her readers into the story, she breaks up the mystery and romance giving readers a good amount of both. I was very interested in Maria's life outside of her courtesan side. Maria is so used to this life that she has closed herself off to those people that want to get close to her, it is best for her not to get close because she has a troubled past.
I don't want to go into too much detail because it would give things away about this book, but Barbara Palmer definitely knows how to write scenes that will creep you out and go into a scene a few pages later that is hot and very sexy. This is a story about a woman who is learning more about herself and learning to let go of certain parts of her life. Maria lets two men truly test her ability to not only truly love herself but to let someone else love her. This was a beautiful story that I'm glad has taken me out of my comfort zone and I really hope this book opens me up to discover new authors in a genre I have been previously hesitant to pick up.
Don't let the romance aspect of this book fool you, it is a beautiful book with a thrilling mystery added in. I believe that people will be talking about this book for awhile.
September 5, 2014
Review: Claudine by Barbara Palmer
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Reviewed by: Ashleigh, Editor – Nerdprobs.com
Review Link: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
Rated: 4 Stars
Let me first start off by saying that I am not one who likes to read from the romance section of the book store, but when I was offered the chance to review this novel written under a pen name by a famous but mysterious Canadian author I jumped at the chance.
Perhaps I haven’t given the genre enough attention because from the first half of the first chapter I was hooked! I usually associate romance novels with cheesy storylines strung together clumsily by scandalous and over detailed encounters. This was absolutely not the case with Claudine. Palmer creates a immediately intriguing and thrilling story. It all starts with Maria, a post-graduate student studying at Yale, who happens to leave a double life as a high-class escort named Claudine. Everything is going well for the first little bit until a stalker begins to harass her. There is the always exciting love triangle between Maria, her professor Reed Whitman and her bodyguard Andrei Baranov.
Claudine is so much more than merely a romance novel. I enjoyed the different perspective that Palmer takes on the escort industry, Maria often defends her profession and takes offense when others put it down (if you enjoyed Paying for It by Chester Brown – another interesting perspective on the escort industry – then you are sure to enjoy this read). This novel has so much more than mere romance, it is exciting, mysterious, full of deceit, mystery, thrilling action, corruption and tantalizing encounters that will make it impossible to put the book down. Give this novel a try, even you don’t like the romance genre, you won’t be sorry you did!
*Review copy provided by Penguin Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Reviewed by: Ashleigh, Editor – Nerdprobs.com
Review Link: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
Rated: 4 Stars
Let me first start off by saying that I am not one who likes to read from the romance section of the book store, but when I was offered the chance to review this novel written under a pen name by a famous but mysterious Canadian author I jumped at the chance.
Perhaps I haven’t given the genre enough attention because from the first half of the first chapter I was hooked! I usually associate romance novels with cheesy storylines strung together clumsily by scandalous and over detailed encounters. This was absolutely not the case with Claudine. Palmer creates a immediately intriguing and thrilling story. It all starts with Maria, a post-graduate student studying at Yale, who happens to leave a double life as a high-class escort named Claudine. Everything is going well for the first little bit until a stalker begins to harass her. There is the always exciting love triangle between Maria, her professor Reed Whitman and her bodyguard Andrei Baranov.
Claudine is so much more than merely a romance novel. I enjoyed the different perspective that Palmer takes on the escort industry, Maria often defends her profession and takes offense when others put it down (if you enjoyed Paying for It by Chester Brown – another interesting perspective on the escort industry – then you are sure to enjoy this read). This novel has so much more than mere romance, it is exciting, mysterious, full of deceit, mystery, thrilling action, corruption and tantalizing encounters that will make it impossible to put the book down. Give this novel a try, even you don’t like the romance genre, you won’t be sorry you did!
*Review copy provided by Penguin Canada in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2014
I was sent this book by Penguin Canada after a chat we had on Twitter about not having read erotica.
So... Ok. I've avoided reading 50 Shades because I'm told the writing will drive me bonkers. The writing of Claudine did not drive me bonkers in the slightest. It's well-written, that's for sure.
Just seems I may not be a fan of the genre. Throughout the book, I kept thinking, "Hm. All this sex that adds little to nothing to the plot sure distracts from the story." Which I suppose is the definition of gratuitous sex.
I didn't have a prudish reaction to the book. If anything, I was all, "Gee, I think this book would be better with, like, two or three really involved sex scenes instead of a dozen or more of bland description." Which led me to conclude that I wish this story had been written more as a straight-up crime novel than an erotic one. I'd have liked more and better character development, especially of the love-interest character(s), one of whom was described as both solid and lanky, which reinforced my impression that he was more a trope than a man.
The main character, herself, was confusing to me as well. On the one hand, I applaud the feminist aspect of her sexual freedom, etc. On the other, she was damn clueless about a lot of things very smart people would not be clueless about, and that undermined the strength of her character because it seemed like if she was the character being portrayed, she wouldn't be so dumb.
Anyway. I'm glad I read the book. It makes me wonder if there are others in the genre that involve deeper characters and plotlines tied into the sex rather than interrupted by it. (Yeah, I know I'm saying that the sex in a book about a courtesan is gratuitous and irrelevant to the plot – if the book were about the different kinds of sex the protagonist had as a courtesan, I wouldn't say that. But this novel was clearly intended to revolve around the crime plot and characters, and the sex really did just get in the way.)
So... Ok. I've avoided reading 50 Shades because I'm told the writing will drive me bonkers. The writing of Claudine did not drive me bonkers in the slightest. It's well-written, that's for sure.
Just seems I may not be a fan of the genre. Throughout the book, I kept thinking, "Hm. All this sex that adds little to nothing to the plot sure distracts from the story." Which I suppose is the definition of gratuitous sex.
I didn't have a prudish reaction to the book. If anything, I was all, "Gee, I think this book would be better with, like, two or three really involved sex scenes instead of a dozen or more of bland description." Which led me to conclude that I wish this story had been written more as a straight-up crime novel than an erotic one. I'd have liked more and better character development, especially of the love-interest character(s), one of whom was described as both solid and lanky, which reinforced my impression that he was more a trope than a man.
The main character, herself, was confusing to me as well. On the one hand, I applaud the feminist aspect of her sexual freedom, etc. On the other, she was damn clueless about a lot of things very smart people would not be clueless about, and that undermined the strength of her character because it seemed like if she was the character being portrayed, she wouldn't be so dumb.
Anyway. I'm glad I read the book. It makes me wonder if there are others in the genre that involve deeper characters and plotlines tied into the sex rather than interrupted by it. (Yeah, I know I'm saying that the sex in a book about a courtesan is gratuitous and irrelevant to the plot – if the book were about the different kinds of sex the protagonist had as a courtesan, I wouldn't say that. But this novel was clearly intended to revolve around the crime plot and characters, and the sex really did just get in the way.)
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