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House Of Pleasure #0.5
Simply Pleasure
Experience the illicit passions of Regency England in Kate Pearce’s House of Pleasure series…
MASTER OF SEDUCTION
Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel have left Val Sokorvsky a master in the art of erotic seduction. But even as he offered his body, he never offered his heart. Now that he is returning home he wonders what kind of welcome he will find. Only one person understands his pain and Val is helpless to resist the passion he feels for Peter Howard, his English lover…
MASTER OF SUBMISSION
Peter learned to survive his years as a sex slave by coaxing and teasing his lovers to the heights of sexual ecstasy. But there is only one man he’s ever loved, one man he can never take as his own. Returning to England may save him from captivity but it may also take away Val, the one man to whom he’d willingly give his body and soul…
(19,500 Words)
MASTER OF SEDUCTION
Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel have left Val Sokorvsky a master in the art of erotic seduction. But even as he offered his body, he never offered his heart. Now that he is returning home he wonders what kind of welcome he will find. Only one person understands his pain and Val is helpless to resist the passion he feels for Peter Howard, his English lover…
MASTER OF SUBMISSION
Peter learned to survive his years as a sex slave by coaxing and teasing his lovers to the heights of sexual ecstasy. But there is only one man he’s ever loved, one man he can never take as his own. Returning to England may save him from captivity but it may also take away Val, the one man to whom he’d willingly give his body and soul…
(19,500 Words)
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
47 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
169 books1,851 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 8, 2020
4 'Pleasureable' stars
This novella was a great introduction to The House of Pleasure series. It starts with Valentine and Peter being rescued from the brothel and returned to England. I would recommend to read it before the first book Simply Sexual because I think it gives an important insight into the main characters' actions and development later on.
Most things that happen in this novella are mentioned in book 1 but seeing everything through Peter and Val's eyes is so much more tangible. We see their struggles with having a normal life outside of the brothel, especially Val, who is an aristocrat. It's incomprehensible for a marquis' son to be a former prostitute.
I can't say that Val and Peter are particularly likable characters. On more occasion than one, I wanted to throttle them or at least kick them in the balls. However, I don't think that the point of this novella was to make them likable but rather to show the reader what they went through and still manage to make something of their lives.
As for them being together... I think they have a very toxic relationship and that at the same time they bring the worst and the best in each other. They can't quite live without one another but together they are hurting. So don't expect a romantic love story here.
If you are interested in this series then this novella is a great place to start.
This novella was a great introduction to The House of Pleasure series. It starts with Valentine and Peter being rescued from the brothel and returned to England. I would recommend to read it before the first book Simply Sexual because I think it gives an important insight into the main characters' actions and development later on.
Most things that happen in this novella are mentioned in book 1 but seeing everything through Peter and Val's eyes is so much more tangible. We see their struggles with having a normal life outside of the brothel, especially Val, who is an aristocrat. It's incomprehensible for a marquis' son to be a former prostitute.
I can't say that Val and Peter are particularly likable characters. On more occasion than one, I wanted to throttle them or at least kick them in the balls. However, I don't think that the point of this novella was to make them likable but rather to show the reader what they went through and still manage to make something of their lives.
As for them being together... I think they have a very toxic relationship and that at the same time they bring the worst and the best in each other. They can't quite live without one another but together they are hurting. So don't expect a romantic love story here.
At this point in his existence, he was too scared to pull free of Val, and too weak to live without him.
He hesitated. “Please, Peter.”
“God, I hate you sometimes, Val.”
A faint smile was his reward. “I know.”
If you are interested in this series then this novella is a great place to start.
June 13, 2022
Trashy historically inaccurate m/m novella what more can I say
December 1, 2014
*****EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK**********
Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val (does a happy dance and sings)
I first met Val and Peter in book 1 of The House of Pleasure series, Simply Sexual (Val's HEA), but the love/hate relationship they shared was not truly depicted until book 2 of the series, Simply Sinful (Peter's HEA). And what I mean by love and hate is now perfectly explained in this 'prequel' to both their stories. If you read their stories or even just the blurb of the books, you know that Peter and Val both were taken from a ship as young children and sold to a Turkish brothel to be sex slaves for about 10 years until an Englishman found them and bought them back and took them home.
I read both their stories without this prequel and I didn't miss it. But I always wondered how they came to be at present day. Because their stories do not begin right when they get back home, they begin many years later. So there's a void of information that this prequel answers for you.
How did Peter and Val fair when thrust back into society? How was their relationship altered?
This story was so touching that I cried thru most of it. Because I already knew them, and knew of their struggles, my heart hurt so badly for Peter. The bond these two share is unbelievable. The love and trust and utter commitment they have for each other is unbreakable.
I hope you enjoy reading their journey to safety and to each other as much as I did.
ARC provided by Kensington Books for an honest review!
Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val, Peter & Val (does a happy dance and sings)
I first met Val and Peter in book 1 of The House of Pleasure series, Simply Sexual (Val's HEA), but the love/hate relationship they shared was not truly depicted until book 2 of the series, Simply Sinful (Peter's HEA). And what I mean by love and hate is now perfectly explained in this 'prequel' to both their stories. If you read their stories or even just the blurb of the books, you know that Peter and Val both were taken from a ship as young children and sold to a Turkish brothel to be sex slaves for about 10 years until an Englishman found them and bought them back and took them home.
I read both their stories without this prequel and I didn't miss it. But I always wondered how they came to be at present day. Because their stories do not begin right when they get back home, they begin many years later. So there's a void of information that this prequel answers for you.
How did Peter and Val fair when thrust back into society? How was their relationship altered?
This story was so touching that I cried thru most of it. Because I already knew them, and knew of their struggles, my heart hurt so badly for Peter. The bond these two share is unbelievable. The love and trust and utter commitment they have for each other is unbreakable.
I hope you enjoy reading their journey to safety and to each other as much as I did.
ARC provided by Kensington Books for an honest review!
June 23, 2019
3.5 stars
November 2, 2014
I was thrilled when I initially discovered this was a prequel to the House of Pleasure series that involved Val and Peter, a favorite coupling of mine from Simply Sexual; however, this fell short for me. I found the story to be thin and both of these characters were tiresome.
Simply Pleasure takes place shortly after Val and Peter have been rescued from Aliabad's brothel and I was almost immediately reminded of how obstinate Val can be. As much as I appreciate Ms. Pearce staying true to her characters I simply did not understand why he was so cross with his father. It didn't have enough explanation or, possibly, page time to develop. Then we have Peter who came across as milquetoast. He's incessantly waiting for Val to acknowledge him and their relationship all the while being passive aggressive about it as well as self-destructive and attention seeking.
I realize they've both been through a harrowing and long-lasting experience and they're rightly due their foibles, it just didn't make for a very rewarding reading experience. There was an abundance of medium hot sex which struck me as a crutch for an anemic storyline.
In short, it was a good thought that didn't get executed very well.
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Simply Pleasure takes place shortly after Val and Peter have been rescued from Aliabad's brothel and I was almost immediately reminded of how obstinate Val can be. As much as I appreciate Ms. Pearce staying true to her characters I simply did not understand why he was so cross with his father. It didn't have enough explanation or, possibly, page time to develop. Then we have Peter who came across as milquetoast. He's incessantly waiting for Val to acknowledge him and their relationship all the while being passive aggressive about it as well as self-destructive and attention seeking.
I realize they've both been through a harrowing and long-lasting experience and they're rightly due their foibles, it just didn't make for a very rewarding reading experience. There was an abundance of medium hot sex which struck me as a crutch for an anemic storyline.
In short, it was a good thought that didn't get executed very well.
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 3, 2014
I first met Val and Peter in book 1 of The House of Pleasure series, Simply Sexual and I fell in love them then. The love hate relationship between these two characters broke my heart here. Their HEA books one and two of the Simply Series are both terrific books. I recommend them if you have not yet read their books.
Peter and Val's relationship starts just after they are rescued from the harem. Val has a hard time finding his place within his family and he holds onto Peter for support but Peter does not feel wanted and acts out.
I thought much of this book was heart breaking but I understand the characters so much better now. Ms Pearce is a great story teller. This is a short book packed with emotions.
I was given a copy of this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Peter and Val's relationship starts just after they are rescued from the harem. Val has a hard time finding his place within his family and he holds onto Peter for support but Peter does not feel wanted and acts out.
I thought much of this book was heart breaking but I understand the characters so much better now. Ms Pearce is a great story teller. This is a short book packed with emotions.
I was given a copy of this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2014
Val and Peter were captured and enslaved in a Turkish brothel together from the time that they were just young boys being forced into sexual slavery. I was thankful that we didn't have to revisit their past, but instead begin at the point of their rescue when they are eighteen. Through their shared experiences, these two have formed a special bond that is unbreakable. Although neither of them is getting what they desire from their relationship (or lack there of), the dynamics change when one of them embarks on a path of sheer self destruction.
I think that these two had an unquestionable connection. Yes, aspects of the story were disturbing for me to think about, but I also understood that if had they not shared this similar past they would have never ended up together in a romantic sense either. I did have the distinct feeling that something was missing as I read, and I still can't quite put my finger on what exactly that was. I didn't end up with powerful feelings one way or another about their relationship, so that could have been the issue. Val was very push and pull about it all right up until the very end, and I just felt like that could have been explained more from his point of view. Overall, I liked the story but I didn't love it. I do know that Val has his own story in the next book in this series, and that this was just a prequel to a bigger picture where these characters reappear. I know that I enjoyed that one immensely, so I will definitely continue reading this series.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Check out this and more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
I think that these two had an unquestionable connection. Yes, aspects of the story were disturbing for me to think about, but I also understood that if had they not shared this similar past they would have never ended up together in a romantic sense either. I did have the distinct feeling that something was missing as I read, and I still can't quite put my finger on what exactly that was. I didn't end up with powerful feelings one way or another about their relationship, so that could have been the issue. Val was very push and pull about it all right up until the very end, and I just felt like that could have been explained more from his point of view. Overall, I liked the story but I didn't love it. I do know that Val has his own story in the next book in this series, and that this was just a prequel to a bigger picture where these characters reappear. I know that I enjoyed that one immensely, so I will definitely continue reading this series.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Check out this and more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
November 27, 2014
Simply Pleasure is a prequel novella to the House of Pleasure series and features Val and Peter. Ten years ago, their friendship began when they were mere boys...both slaves in a Turkish brothel. This tells the story of their journey home and acclimation to freedom. For ten years, all they’ve had were each other, and now they must find the balance between their sexual relationship and lasting friendship.
If you aren’t already familiar with this series, then you need to know that these two are not fated to have a conventional HEA with each other...I don’t think. I’ve only read Simply Sexual, the first book of the series, and I know that Val marries Sara and they live a somewhat happy and kinky life. Of course Val loves Peter, but prefers to have sex with women and it’s hard for Peter to accept that. And then Simply Sinful tells Peter’s story...which has suddenly jumped its way up on my TBR list after being buried for too many months!
Okay, back to this novella. Val and Peter have very complicated and twisted relationship...so don’t expect much to be resolved in under 20K words. No, this is simply a turning point in their lives...that gets further explored in at least two novel length books! (Dammit, now I need to know the rest of their story!)
Yes, there is quite a bit of sex. Yes, they have sex with other people. And honestly, I struggled with feeling a connection between Val and Peter during those scenes. Of course, Val was completely distant, as was his intention, but I know how hot these two can be...when there’s a woman included! (Gah, must read Simply Sinful asap! I’m curious to find out how a woman will be able to meet Peter’s needs!)
I think my favorite thing about this story was getting to see the vulnerabilities of both characters. Val’s a bit of a pompous arse most of the time and totally manipulative, but it’s that vulnerable side that makes me turn all mushy inside. And Peter is a walking disaster: pining over his best friend...using unrequited love as an excuse to binge himself on drugs and sex. Not what I typically want to see in a romance, but it fits with what I already knew of these characters. But then this isn’t a typical romance anyway! It’s about friendship and loyalty and being there for the friend you love no matter what...and letting go when it’s time to let go.
In the end, I think that in order to fully appreciate this story and to understand Val and Peter as characters, it would probably best to have at least read the first book in the House of Pleasure series...and maybe even the second.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
If you aren’t already familiar with this series, then you need to know that these two are not fated to have a conventional HEA with each other...I don’t think. I’ve only read Simply Sexual, the first book of the series, and I know that Val marries Sara and they live a somewhat happy and kinky life. Of course Val loves Peter, but prefers to have sex with women and it’s hard for Peter to accept that. And then Simply Sinful tells Peter’s story...which has suddenly jumped its way up on my TBR list after being buried for too many months!
Okay, back to this novella. Val and Peter have very complicated and twisted relationship...so don’t expect much to be resolved in under 20K words. No, this is simply a turning point in their lives...that gets further explored in at least two novel length books! (Dammit, now I need to know the rest of their story!)
Yes, there is quite a bit of sex. Yes, they have sex with other people. And honestly, I struggled with feeling a connection between Val and Peter during those scenes. Of course, Val was completely distant, as was his intention, but I know how hot these two can be...when there’s a woman included! (Gah, must read Simply Sinful asap! I’m curious to find out how a woman will be able to meet Peter’s needs!)
I think my favorite thing about this story was getting to see the vulnerabilities of both characters. Val’s a bit of a pompous arse most of the time and totally manipulative, but it’s that vulnerable side that makes me turn all mushy inside. And Peter is a walking disaster: pining over his best friend...using unrequited love as an excuse to binge himself on drugs and sex. Not what I typically want to see in a romance, but it fits with what I already knew of these characters. But then this isn’t a typical romance anyway! It’s about friendship and loyalty and being there for the friend you love no matter what...and letting go when it’s time to let go.
In the end, I think that in order to fully appreciate this story and to understand Val and Peter as characters, it would probably best to have at least read the first book in the House of Pleasure series...and maybe even the second.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
April 21, 2019
**** Brooding Val and tender Peter are adrift in life now that they have been rescued from a brothel. At about 18 yrs. old, they are going home aboard a ship, after 10 years in forced slavery. Val
Each wonders what will happen, or how they will survive back in London, so foreign to them now.
Val has family, but Peter has no one.
This tale is more serious than I expected. Yes, we see sexy scenes, but at the root of our men is a huge struggle.
We like Val and Peter and want them to overcome the obstacles.
A deeply emotion filled short story. ENJOY !
======
Each wonders what will happen, or how they will survive back in London, so foreign to them now.
Val has family, but Peter has no one.
This tale is more serious than I expected. Yes, we see sexy scenes, but at the root of our men is a huge struggle.
We like Val and Peter and want them to overcome the obstacles.
A deeply emotion filled short story. ENJOY !
======
May 7, 2015
* ARC provided by author/publisher via NetGalley *
*happy dance*
_________
OH... MY... GAWD...!!!
And I gave up on ever getting any prequel-esque story re: Val & Peter. :D
*happy dance*
_________
OH... MY... GAWD...!!!
And I gave up on ever getting any prequel-esque story re: Val & Peter. :D
October 16, 2014
“The light and the dark, the pleaser and the fighter...”
Simple Pleasure is simply one hell of a treat. Don’t mistake my words, though. It isn’t sweet, nor is it light. This is a tough tale of two sex slaves. Their voyage across the seas to reunite with a country they once knew as home, and the journey to rediscovery who they are.
Val Sokorvsky and Peter Howard (maybe) have spent ten years as sex slaves in a Turkey brothel, doing what they must do in order to survive. The only thing keeping each other sane and from the brink of madness is each other.
Returning to England gives them their freedom, but is it enough to uncage them from the beasts of the past, and the pain they suffered in captivity?
“The brothel had scarred him too deeply to allow him to accept that he could truly love another man.”
The story is thrusted in the middle of the passage from Turkey to England. No elaboration on who this two men are, what they are to each other, what they suffered how they became lovers, nothing. Wordlessly, or rather, in its small details, the reader can feel and sense the hardship this two men endured. And, that’s the thing Val and Peter, weren’t full-fledge men, merely 18 on the trip back to their once upon a time home. Yet, when they spoke and thought they appeared older than they truly were, obviously from being taken away that chance at a childhood, adolescence. It was heartbreaking, and I was glad at not getting the full, graphic details. Just reading how Peter thought of himself, and of the ways to survive was just heart-wrenching.
“His love was a peculiar thing that had flourished in the most parched soil and insisted on surviving.”
Peter has and is in love with Val. But, Val has his own demons. Things that were taken and never given back to him, whilst in captivity.
“There was one certainty in his unorthodox life. Valentin Sokorvsky always manages to make him cry in the end...”
I gobbled this book. Truly, I did. I found myself rooting for this two, stomach twisting at some of the things they went through. Continued to go through.
“It felt right to be traveling it with Val, side by side, hand in hand, two halves of the same coin.”
When I first started something felt missing. As if I was getting just half of the story, and come to find out, I was. Seems like this is part of a series. Will I be read the series? No. In my rainbow filled imagination Val and Peter live happily ever after.
Seeing as how this is part of a series, and I don’t intend on reading it I can’t rate it merely on my thoughts on the length, and lack of character details.
**copy received from publisher, via NetGalley.
November 27, 2014
Simply Pleasure is a prequel to books one and two in Kate Pearce's deliciously carnal House of Pleasure series. This novella provides readers with the back story of Valentin "Val" Sokorvsky and Peter Howard who were kidnapped and held as sex slaves in a Turkish brothel until their rescue at age eighteen. The story opens while the men are on their way back to England and it is at times unbearably heartbreaking, poignant and ultimately hopeful as Val and Peter try to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
It is impossible for Val and Peter not to be forever scarred their experiences and the men have very different ways of coping with their ordeal. Val is hardened, resentful and deliberately hurtful to everyone around him. Peter is placating and gentle in the beginning, but eventually turns to unhealthy means of coping with his life. When Peter's life spirals out of control, will he welcome Val's attempts to help save him?
Peter has no memories of his life or family before the kidnapping but Val remembers exactly who he is and he wants no part of the life waiting for him. However, Val agrees to remain with his family in exchange for gaining access to his inheritance when he turns twenty-one. His other stipulation is that Peter is to be allowed to stay as well. The story fast forwards to just before Val's birthday and while he has used the intervening years to his advantage, sadly Peter has fallen into a pit of despair. Val is determined to save the man who unselfishly helped him keep his demons at bay during their captivity, but will Peter accept what Val is willing to offer?
Simply Pleasure is not a romance but it is full of strong emotions. It is a beautiful story of new beginnings for both men as they try to put their past behind them while maintaining the bond that ties them together. Like the other books in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series, there are plenty of scorching hot sex scenes but it is the last one of the story is most meaningful.
It is impossible for Val and Peter not to be forever scarred their experiences and the men have very different ways of coping with their ordeal. Val is hardened, resentful and deliberately hurtful to everyone around him. Peter is placating and gentle in the beginning, but eventually turns to unhealthy means of coping with his life. When Peter's life spirals out of control, will he welcome Val's attempts to help save him?
Peter has no memories of his life or family before the kidnapping but Val remembers exactly who he is and he wants no part of the life waiting for him. However, Val agrees to remain with his family in exchange for gaining access to his inheritance when he turns twenty-one. His other stipulation is that Peter is to be allowed to stay as well. The story fast forwards to just before Val's birthday and while he has used the intervening years to his advantage, sadly Peter has fallen into a pit of despair. Val is determined to save the man who unselfishly helped him keep his demons at bay during their captivity, but will Peter accept what Val is willing to offer?
Simply Pleasure is not a romance but it is full of strong emotions. It is a beautiful story of new beginnings for both men as they try to put their past behind them while maintaining the bond that ties them together. Like the other books in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series, there are plenty of scorching hot sex scenes but it is the last one of the story is most meaningful.
November 30, 2014
Leigh‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I love erotica and I love historical romance. Put them together and I didn’t realize what I was missing! Simply Pleasure was simply an erotic treat.
Val and Peter, English by birth, have just been rescued from a Turkish brothel where they have grown up in slavery. Beginning on their journey home, Simply Pleasure chronicles the obstacles they face returning to society, respectively, as the son of a nobleman and a man who doesn’t remember his past. Having come to rely on the strengths of one another to balance out their own weaknesses, Val insists that Peter stay with him. But as they grow and try to make their way in the world, it becomes clear between the friends and lovers that things cannot always stay the same.
Watching the relationship between the two men who both battled their own inner demons was touching and sad and sexually charged at the same time. These people who had come to depend on one another during the worst time in their lives now needed to figure out a way to live with their pasts while at the same time, forging a future. It is clear that Peter loves Val and is willing to demonstrate this at any opportunity. Val, for his part, loves Peter in return, but battles against his desires and his emotions for feeling the way he does. He is loathe to admit his need for Peter, but even more reluctant to live without him.
It wasn’t until after I started reading the book that I realized this was actually a prequel to a series that is well underway. Both Peter and Val get their own stories and HEA’s, as well as an entirely new cast of characters and some we have met before. I am so excited to have found a new series to sink into, combining the chivalry of regency England, and the eroticism that Ms. Pearce brings to her stories. If they are anything like this book, then I am already in love.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I love erotica and I love historical romance. Put them together and I didn’t realize what I was missing! Simply Pleasure was simply an erotic treat.
Val and Peter, English by birth, have just been rescued from a Turkish brothel where they have grown up in slavery. Beginning on their journey home, Simply Pleasure chronicles the obstacles they face returning to society, respectively, as the son of a nobleman and a man who doesn’t remember his past. Having come to rely on the strengths of one another to balance out their own weaknesses, Val insists that Peter stay with him. But as they grow and try to make their way in the world, it becomes clear between the friends and lovers that things cannot always stay the same.
Watching the relationship between the two men who both battled their own inner demons was touching and sad and sexually charged at the same time. These people who had come to depend on one another during the worst time in their lives now needed to figure out a way to live with their pasts while at the same time, forging a future. It is clear that Peter loves Val and is willing to demonstrate this at any opportunity. Val, for his part, loves Peter in return, but battles against his desires and his emotions for feeling the way he does. He is loathe to admit his need for Peter, but even more reluctant to live without him.
It wasn’t until after I started reading the book that I realized this was actually a prequel to a series that is well underway. Both Peter and Val get their own stories and HEA’s, as well as an entirely new cast of characters and some we have met before. I am so excited to have found a new series to sink into, combining the chivalry of regency England, and the eroticism that Ms. Pearce brings to her stories. If they are anything like this book, then I am already in love.
November 7, 2014
What attracted me to this book? In this case, though it doesn’t happen often, it was the cover. Isn’t that a HOT cover? I thought so. Then I check out the blurb and well, interest totally piqued.
This story was not only as HOT as the cover indicated, it had a rather poignant story going on too. Just how are a couple of guys going to recover from being sex slaves for ten years? To even consider answering that question, also know they aren’t even twenty years old yet, so that means they started their indenture at the tender age of nine or ten. How terribly traumatic just thinking about it.
Simply Pleasure is the story of that survival and recovery. It isn’t an easy road. There is anger, resentment, feelings of abandonment and betrayal, all those nasty little things that most people prefer to ignore but have a profound effect on one’s life.
For a short read, this was an emotional roller coaster. I caution anyone with triggers of sexual abuse and addictions. Although handled with a certain discretion, they are in the story. That being said, their survival of the worst that life could throw at them, and then how they learned to survive their rescue, was well done. A lovely story about finding self and moving forward.
As you see, this is a prequel to a series – House of Pleasure. Being a prequel I wasn’t too concerned about whether I knew the series, but the book was good enough that I checked it out. OMG. The entire series is on my ereader and has been for what appears to be about two years. This prequel was a long time in coming.
But do not worry. It has a very nice ending and does not leave you hanging. Things are resolved quite satisfactorily. But, since I have it and I liked the characters and I would like to refresh my memory on how they are doing, so I will be (re)reading the series. I need to go read now.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story was not only as HOT as the cover indicated, it had a rather poignant story going on too. Just how are a couple of guys going to recover from being sex slaves for ten years? To even consider answering that question, also know they aren’t even twenty years old yet, so that means they started their indenture at the tender age of nine or ten. How terribly traumatic just thinking about it.
Simply Pleasure is the story of that survival and recovery. It isn’t an easy road. There is anger, resentment, feelings of abandonment and betrayal, all those nasty little things that most people prefer to ignore but have a profound effect on one’s life.
For a short read, this was an emotional roller coaster. I caution anyone with triggers of sexual abuse and addictions. Although handled with a certain discretion, they are in the story. That being said, their survival of the worst that life could throw at them, and then how they learned to survive their rescue, was well done. A lovely story about finding self and moving forward.
As you see, this is a prequel to a series – House of Pleasure. Being a prequel I wasn’t too concerned about whether I knew the series, but the book was good enough that I checked it out. OMG. The entire series is on my ereader and has been for what appears to be about two years. This prequel was a long time in coming.
But do not worry. It has a very nice ending and does not leave you hanging. Things are resolved quite satisfactorily. But, since I have it and I liked the characters and I would like to refresh my memory on how they are doing, so I will be (re)reading the series. I need to go read now.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2014
I admit it I fell in love with Peter and Val years ago when I first read Simply Sexual. This story takes you back to when they were rescued from the Turkish brothel and returning home. Feeling as if they only had each other to rely on and what would happen upon their return to England. The connection between these two men run deep and knowing what the future holds for them made it more poignant. Val saves Peter from himself and sets them both on a path for their future. An erotic, emotional story of how these two boys became the men we see later on. Loved It!!
October 16, 2014
As far as I could tell, from the one small line uttered by the ship captain, Val & Peter were eighteen years old when they were finally rescued from ten years of enslavement. It doesn’t go into detail what was done to them but figuring they were only eight when taken, it makes the below sentences a little creepy.
*Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel have left Val Sokorvsky a master in the art of erotic seduction.
*Peter learned to survive his years as a sex slave by coaxing and teasing his lovers to the heights of sexual ecstasy.
Maybe they weren't used as sex slaves until they were older, sixteen perhaps? But I have no clue, as mentioned above, the story does not go into their time in captivity.
Moving on, the captain of a ship rescues both boys, and returns them home. Val is reunited with his father. Something one would think would be a heart rending moment, but very little emotion is shown, and the reunion is almost a non-event. Val is a total ass and doesn’t want to stay, but his father insists. We are ‘told’ he makes everyone’s life hell and then the story fast forwards three years. From there the plots takes a few twists and turns and was interesting enough to keep me reading to the end.
The reason I haven’t rated this story higher is that I found it hard to connect to any of the characters. I knew little about any of the characters physical attributes, so was unable to form an image of them. All I knew of the main characters was their hair and eye colour, and one was heavier built than the other, but that meant little to me, as I didn't know if they were, lean, fat or in-between. Nor did I know if they were tall or short. A step-mother and half-brother enter the mix. I have no clue what either of them looked like. I actually read the book twice thinking perhaps I missed something, but no.
The story did have a good balance of plot and loving, but again some of the sex scenes felt stilted, to me, almost awkward. I’m not sure what was missing, other than that I felt no connection.
While pondering this review I got to thinking maybe there was too much ‘tell’ and not enough ‘show’ but that’s not so, as many parts of the story were very descriptive and well written. All in all it wasn't a bad story, it just lacked that bit of something that would have made a good story a great story.
On a final note, it was a pleasure to read a book that has been extremely well edited. I think I came across one error in the entire story, and that for me is a true joy.
**copy received from publisher, via NetGalley.
*Ten years as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel have left Val Sokorvsky a master in the art of erotic seduction.
*Peter learned to survive his years as a sex slave by coaxing and teasing his lovers to the heights of sexual ecstasy.
Maybe they weren't used as sex slaves until they were older, sixteen perhaps? But I have no clue, as mentioned above, the story does not go into their time in captivity.
Moving on, the captain of a ship rescues both boys, and returns them home. Val is reunited with his father. Something one would think would be a heart rending moment, but very little emotion is shown, and the reunion is almost a non-event. Val is a total ass and doesn’t want to stay, but his father insists. We are ‘told’ he makes everyone’s life hell and then the story fast forwards three years. From there the plots takes a few twists and turns and was interesting enough to keep me reading to the end.
The reason I haven’t rated this story higher is that I found it hard to connect to any of the characters. I knew little about any of the characters physical attributes, so was unable to form an image of them. All I knew of the main characters was their hair and eye colour, and one was heavier built than the other, but that meant little to me, as I didn't know if they were, lean, fat or in-between. Nor did I know if they were tall or short. A step-mother and half-brother enter the mix. I have no clue what either of them looked like. I actually read the book twice thinking perhaps I missed something, but no.
The story did have a good balance of plot and loving, but again some of the sex scenes felt stilted, to me, almost awkward. I’m not sure what was missing, other than that I felt no connection.
While pondering this review I got to thinking maybe there was too much ‘tell’ and not enough ‘show’ but that’s not so, as many parts of the story were very descriptive and well written. All in all it wasn't a bad story, it just lacked that bit of something that would have made a good story a great story.
On a final note, it was a pleasure to read a book that has been extremely well edited. I think I came across one error in the entire story, and that for me is a true joy.
**copy received from publisher, via NetGalley.
December 18, 2014
An unbreakable bond forged in the bowels of a hell visited on two young boys, Val and Peter were kidnapped and held as sex slaves in a Turkish brothel. Far from being a story that ‘relives’ those horrific experiences, this story attempts to give us a look into the bond between two very broken young men, on their way to a new life.
Val’s reaction to his past is hidden behind a brash arrogance, laced with a manipulative streak that keeps those around him either doing his bidding or waiting for his approval. Peter hides his pain of not being brave enough, or feeling loved enough by his best friend, that he retreats in drugs, alcohol and cold, meaningless sex.
What a rollercoaster ride Pearce packed into this novella: neither character is completely ‘lovable’ in any sense of the word, but their bond, and their brokenness is both well-described and presented. I can’t begin to say that I ‘know’ either character well, but as a prequel to the series there is background information and interactions that will help in understanding them in the further instalments of the story. Pearce managed to combine some serious steam, an awful start, and two very broken characters and come out with a ‘must read’ series for me.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
Val’s reaction to his past is hidden behind a brash arrogance, laced with a manipulative streak that keeps those around him either doing his bidding or waiting for his approval. Peter hides his pain of not being brave enough, or feeling loved enough by his best friend, that he retreats in drugs, alcohol and cold, meaningless sex.
What a rollercoaster ride Pearce packed into this novella: neither character is completely ‘lovable’ in any sense of the word, but their bond, and their brokenness is both well-described and presented. I can’t begin to say that I ‘know’ either character well, but as a prequel to the series there is background information and interactions that will help in understanding them in the further instalments of the story. Pearce managed to combine some serious steam, an awful start, and two very broken characters and come out with a ‘must read’ series for me.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
June 18, 2025
Read 2018, 2020 & 2021
Added 2025: This was read during a time when I liked hot sex scenes. Now that I'm past that phase, this is no longer of interest (but will be remembered fondly).
When I read the first book in the series, I was so captivated by Valentin and Peter, that I was happy to find out a prequel had been written solely about them.
Simply Pleasure is a prequel to the historical "House of Pleasure" series, telling the story of Valentin and Peter—captured and forced to endure ten years in a Turkish brothel. Having survived together, they’re now returning home to England, thanks to an English man who finds and helps them.
The men struggle to return to and settle into their old lives. Valentin, for some reason, cannot find happiness with his family and uses Peter to get back at his father. Meanwhile, Peter who loves Valentin, has a drug addiction. Both men sleep around. While it ends HFN, their continuing journey to a HEA is painful to read.
* While this is a m/m story, the Pleasure series is not.
Ultimately, these men end up married to women. The series contains m/m and ménage scenes, but are primarily m/f books. Part of me wishes that Valentin and Peter had stayed together, but Valentin really does prefer women over men, and he wouldn't have been satisfied being only with a man. The MCs do eventually get their unconventional HEAs.
Book 1 at the time of this review, is free on KU.
Added 2025: This was read during a time when I liked hot sex scenes. Now that I'm past that phase, this is no longer of interest (but will be remembered fondly).
When I read the first book in the series, I was so captivated by Valentin and Peter, that I was happy to find out a prequel had been written solely about them.
Simply Pleasure is a prequel to the historical "House of Pleasure" series, telling the story of Valentin and Peter—captured and forced to endure ten years in a Turkish brothel. Having survived together, they’re now returning home to England, thanks to an English man who finds and helps them.
The men struggle to return to and settle into their old lives. Valentin, for some reason, cannot find happiness with his family and uses Peter to get back at his father. Meanwhile, Peter who loves Valentin, has a drug addiction. Both men sleep around. While it ends HFN, their continuing journey to a HEA is painful to read.
* While this is a m/m story, the Pleasure series is not.
Ultimately, these men end up married to women. The series contains m/m and ménage scenes, but are primarily m/f books. Part of me wishes that Valentin and Peter had stayed together, but Valentin really does prefer women over men, and he wouldn't have been satisfied being only with a man. The MCs do eventually get their unconventional HEAs.
Book 1 at the time of this review, is free on KU.
November 7, 2014
Enjoyed delving into the histories of Val and Peter.
December 25, 2014
Not just five but ten stars. I absolutely loved this one.
January 4, 2015
Thanks Kate, I enjoyed this filler - Val and Peter are my favourite characters from the House of Pleasure series and it was interesting to read their story.
January 5, 2015
Short story of how Valentin and Peter returned to England and began their shipping business. Fun to read!
January 26, 2015
An excellent introduction to the series and a great way to know the characters involved in it.
March 9, 2019
Short and thankfully, free.
March 3, 2021
Well this is a first, as in my first gay male erotic novel. Of course, it is written by someone who I imagine to be a straight woman, so perhaps it doesn't really count as such. Either way, a pretty sexy expansion of my erotica bibliography. This book is on the cusp of lady porn territory, i.e. having slightly more plot than your average such novel, and introduces us to characters who show up again and again in later novels. Short and enjoyable.
May 2, 2018
If I could give more stars, I would
Beautifully written... This book gives such depth to the characters. Val and Peter have survived such hardship together, how could they not love each other. The extent of their love in other books in the series is hinted at. In this story, it shines brilliantly. Thank you Miss Pearce for this story, thank you!
Beautifully written... This book gives such depth to the characters. Val and Peter have survived such hardship together, how could they not love each other. The extent of their love in other books in the series is hinted at. In this story, it shines brilliantly. Thank you Miss Pearce for this story, thank you!
November 23, 2014
I did not like this story at all. There was no substance to it in my opinion. Val and and Peter were just sexual no real emotional connection.
October 21, 2019
Great story
A compelling story that helps you feel the heart of each character. There is depth and complexity as well as action.
A compelling story that helps you feel the heart of each character. There is depth and complexity as well as action.
May 20, 2023
I didn't know Simply Sexual has a prequel. Had I known it before, I think I might enjoy more of Val's story with Sara and perhaps a different perception of how the world evolves around Valentin, Peter, and Sara.
Reading this book filled in some plot holes in the sequel and helped me understand more of Val's character as a broken, dark, unique hero who's unable to express love, affection, and care toward his loved ones. He loves in his own way, and no matter how independent and difficult he might be, he's still a fragile man inside and has the ability to feel emotions such as fear, love, and empathy.
I love Val and Peter with all of my heart as they had experienced a rough path in life and survived even so. Not to mention that they found peace and safe haven in each other helped a lot in the situation they had gone through. Val and Peter are an anchor, partner, lover, best friend, and everything in between for one another.
Here, I got to see how Val learned to express love for Peter. Val tried his best not to let Peter float away in the oblivion of opium, never letting go of his hand as he stayed there with him the whole time. In his own way, of course, but the message is there nonetheless. Val and Peter are inextricable as they already have an unbreakable and indescribable bond. They always stick together through ups and downs, damn the circumstances.
I cried several times even as my heart ached for Val and Peter because the things they went through shaped who they are. They deserve the whole world. Oh, the urge to reread Simply Sexual.
Reading this book filled in some plot holes in the sequel and helped me understand more of Val's character as a broken, dark, unique hero who's unable to express love, affection, and care toward his loved ones. He loves in his own way, and no matter how independent and difficult he might be, he's still a fragile man inside and has the ability to feel emotions such as fear, love, and empathy.
I love Val and Peter with all of my heart as they had experienced a rough path in life and survived even so. Not to mention that they found peace and safe haven in each other helped a lot in the situation they had gone through. Val and Peter are an anchor, partner, lover, best friend, and everything in between for one another.
Here, I got to see how Val learned to express love for Peter. Val tried his best not to let Peter float away in the oblivion of opium, never letting go of his hand as he stayed there with him the whole time. In his own way, of course, but the message is there nonetheless. Val and Peter are inextricable as they already have an unbreakable and indescribable bond. They always stick together through ups and downs, damn the circumstances.
I cried several times even as my heart ached for Val and Peter because the things they went through shaped who they are. They deserve the whole world. Oh, the urge to reread Simply Sexual.
February 14, 2019
Ho preso questo romanzo per il mio Kindle perché era gratis. Ho cominciato a leggerlo convinta che l'avrei presto buttato via come ciarpame, e invece ho dovuto apprezzare l'idea originale, la tensione che pervade la trama dall'inizio alla fine, la compattezza e l'equilibrio della narrazione. I protagonisti del racconto (che si svolge in periodo Regency) sono due giovani che, catturati da pirati turchi, hanno avuto un lungo passato da schiavi in un bordello di Istanbul, prima di essere riscattati e ricondotti in patria da un capitano inglese. L'autrice si dedica a mettere in luce le implicazioni del legame sessuale, oltre che d'amicizia, che si è stabilito tra loro, e contiene naturalmente scene erotiche abbastanza hard. Si tratta, però di una buona storia, non banalmente pornografica, ma con una certa finezza di analisi psicologica.
Colpita, ho letto subito un altro romanzo della stessa scrittrice ('Educating Elizabeth', primo di una diversa serie) ma sono rimasta completamente delusa: l'ho trovato confuso, inutilmente ingarbugliato, costellato di superflue scene di sesso e pieno di contraddizioni. Ho perciò depositato per ora la Pearce nello scaffale delle scrittrici-trabocchetto.
Colpita, ho letto subito un altro romanzo della stessa scrittrice ('Educating Elizabeth', primo di una diversa serie) ma sono rimasta completamente delusa: l'ho trovato confuso, inutilmente ingarbugliato, costellato di superflue scene di sesso e pieno di contraddizioni. Ho perciò depositato per ora la Pearce nello scaffale delle scrittrici-trabocchetto.
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