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House Of Pleasure #4
Simply Wicked
Every sexual fantasy is indulged at Madame Helene's Pleasure House--a brothel in Regency England where passion is freely given--and taken. . .
An Insatiable Appetite. . .
Anthony Sokorvsky's only rule in life is not to have any, especially when pleasures of the flesh are involved. But his dark sexual pursuits have led him down a treacherous path that may cost him his fortune if he doesn't end his recklessness and wed. His salvation comes in the form of Marguerite Lockwood. Just one day in Marguerite's presence leaves Anthony lusting after her and fantasizing about all the ways he can bring her to new heights of delirious, scorching ecstasy. . .
The Ultimate Satisfaction. . .
When Anthony Sokorvsky offers to escort Marguerite around London, she's not sure what to make of the intriguing--yet very sensual--man. And when he wastes no time in seducing her, she finds herself thoroughly aroused. No man before has managed to ignite the wild desire she now feels deep within her. Surrendering completely to Anthony's expert caresses, Marguerite is ready to finally have her erotic needs met--and to fulfill her lover's most wicked longings. . .
An Insatiable Appetite. . .
Anthony Sokorvsky's only rule in life is not to have any, especially when pleasures of the flesh are involved. But his dark sexual pursuits have led him down a treacherous path that may cost him his fortune if he doesn't end his recklessness and wed. His salvation comes in the form of Marguerite Lockwood. Just one day in Marguerite's presence leaves Anthony lusting after her and fantasizing about all the ways he can bring her to new heights of delirious, scorching ecstasy. . .
The Ultimate Satisfaction. . .
When Anthony Sokorvsky offers to escort Marguerite around London, she's not sure what to make of the intriguing--yet very sensual--man. And when he wastes no time in seducing her, she finds herself thoroughly aroused. No man before has managed to ignite the wild desire she now feels deep within her. Surrendering completely to Anthony's expert caresses, Marguerite is ready to finally have her erotic needs met--and to fulfill her lover's most wicked longings. . .
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
139 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
164 books1,848 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 85 reviews
October 6, 2009
This one wasn't one of my favorites of the series - mainly for one reason I'll talk about below - but I still thought it was a pretty good book and a solid addition to the series.
Summary:
Anthony Sokorvsky hasn't been the same since he was held captive and raped several years ago by the same man who held his brother hostage a long time ago. The experience twisted his sexuality and set him on a path of sado-masochism and sexual slavery. He's allowed himself to be used and abused and has grown to crave the pain and humiliation. But then one day he wakes up and realizes he doesn't want to live that way anymore and wants to change. The big problem with that is separating himself from his pseudo-master, and getting everyone else to believe he is serious.
Just about the time he's made that decision, he's set up as an escort for Marguerite Lockwood, widowed daughter of Helene (Simply Shameless) who owns the House of Pleasure. Marguerite is still having trouble dealing with the death of her husband when the were only newlyweds, and with the secrets she kept about their relationship. But she agrees to go out with Anthony and is quickly drawn to him. Her hidden sexuality again comes to the forefront and she and Anthony engage in a torrid affair. Neither expected true feelings to develop, but first each will have to deal with the ghosts of their past before they can move on with each other.
Review:
Like all the rest of the books in this series, this one is meant for those who are open-minded and accepting of alternative relationships. Pearce's forte in this series is showing that not all relationships fit a monogamous one woman/one man role and that people can be perfectly happy with a more open type of relationship. I applaud her for taking the road less traveled and for giving those of us who believe that love doesn't fit a certain mold something good to read.
Now on to this book specifically. Like I said above, I thought this was a good book and a solid addition to the series, but it may actually be my least favorite so far. And that's not really a dig against the book but more a reflection of my personal preferences. Why? Because one of the main themes in this book is Anthony's more submissiveness nature and his need to be dominated. I have nothing at all against that - to each their own, right? - but at the same time, it's just not a kink that trips my switches. So that took away some of my overall enjoyment of the book because I'm just not into that scenario all that much.
Even saying that, I could appreciate the story being told and the situation Anthony was in. I thought Pearce did an excellent job telling Anthony's story and showing his emotional quandary over wanting to change his life yet not completely give up something he desired, as well as his need to discover his true self.
He and Marguerite fit well in that sense because both were a bit lost sexually. Marguerite had hidden herself away after the tragedy of her marriage and the secrets she kept about what went on between her, her husband Justin, and Justin's best friend Harry. Both her and Anthony had to face their true selves and accept who they were.
I did feel like the emotional connection between the two characters could have been a bit better conveyed. The relationship between them got a little bogged down by all the issues they were dealing with. But even so, I could still see an HEA relationship between them.
I have to give kudos to Pearce for clearing up one of my quibbles from books 1 & 2 (about whether Peter and Valentin continued their relationship and how that involved Peter's significant other, Abigail). Valentin's comments about that issue cleared up any lingering curiosity I had about what went on with those characters. So thanks for that, Kate!
On a last note...there's an excerpt at the end for the next book in the series, Simply Insatiable, and I have to say I was more than a little surprised to see that Lord Minshom will be the focus of the next book. Considering what a creep he was in this book, he was the last person I expected to get his own book. I was hoping for Captain David Gray to be next, and I'm more than a little wary of a book featuring Minshom. Pearce has her work cut out for on redeeming him and making readers accept him. But Pearce has done well with this series so far, so I'll give the book a chance.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, open relationships, anal sex, m/m sex, bondage, S&M, toys & sexual aids...I think that's all the major stuff
Summary:
Anthony Sokorvsky hasn't been the same since he was held captive and raped several years ago by the same man who held his brother hostage a long time ago. The experience twisted his sexuality and set him on a path of sado-masochism and sexual slavery. He's allowed himself to be used and abused and has grown to crave the pain and humiliation. But then one day he wakes up and realizes he doesn't want to live that way anymore and wants to change. The big problem with that is separating himself from his pseudo-master, and getting everyone else to believe he is serious.
Just about the time he's made that decision, he's set up as an escort for Marguerite Lockwood, widowed daughter of Helene (Simply Shameless) who owns the House of Pleasure. Marguerite is still having trouble dealing with the death of her husband when the were only newlyweds, and with the secrets she kept about their relationship. But she agrees to go out with Anthony and is quickly drawn to him. Her hidden sexuality again comes to the forefront and she and Anthony engage in a torrid affair. Neither expected true feelings to develop, but first each will have to deal with the ghosts of their past before they can move on with each other.
Review:
Like all the rest of the books in this series, this one is meant for those who are open-minded and accepting of alternative relationships. Pearce's forte in this series is showing that not all relationships fit a monogamous one woman/one man role and that people can be perfectly happy with a more open type of relationship. I applaud her for taking the road less traveled and for giving those of us who believe that love doesn't fit a certain mold something good to read.
Now on to this book specifically. Like I said above, I thought this was a good book and a solid addition to the series, but it may actually be my least favorite so far. And that's not really a dig against the book but more a reflection of my personal preferences. Why? Because one of the main themes in this book is Anthony's more submissiveness nature and his need to be dominated. I have nothing at all against that - to each their own, right? - but at the same time, it's just not a kink that trips my switches. So that took away some of my overall enjoyment of the book because I'm just not into that scenario all that much.
Even saying that, I could appreciate the story being told and the situation Anthony was in. I thought Pearce did an excellent job telling Anthony's story and showing his emotional quandary over wanting to change his life yet not completely give up something he desired, as well as his need to discover his true self.
He and Marguerite fit well in that sense because both were a bit lost sexually. Marguerite had hidden herself away after the tragedy of her marriage and the secrets she kept about what went on between her, her husband Justin, and Justin's best friend Harry. Both her and Anthony had to face their true selves and accept who they were.
I did feel like the emotional connection between the two characters could have been a bit better conveyed. The relationship between them got a little bogged down by all the issues they were dealing with. But even so, I could still see an HEA relationship between them.
I have to give kudos to Pearce for clearing up one of my quibbles from books 1 & 2 (about whether Peter and Valentin continued their relationship and how that involved Peter's significant other, Abigail). Valentin's comments about that issue cleared up any lingering curiosity I had about what went on with those characters. So thanks for that, Kate!
On a last note...there's an excerpt at the end for the next book in the series, Simply Insatiable, and I have to say I was more than a little surprised to see that Lord Minshom will be the focus of the next book. Considering what a creep he was in this book, he was the last person I expected to get his own book. I was hoping for Captain David Gray to be next, and I'm more than a little wary of a book featuring Minshom. Pearce has her work cut out for on redeeming him and making readers accept him. But Pearce has done well with this series so far, so I'll give the book a chance.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, open relationships, anal sex, m/m sex, bondage, S&M, toys & sexual aids...I think that's all the major stuff
September 17, 2020
Going to take a break from Kate Pearce and the diminishing returns of the House of Pleasure series. I absolutely loved Simply Sexual, the first book to the series, because it delivered in a big way. It was incredibly steamy with an original enough plot and it was also the first erotic regency I read that portrayed sexual fluidity. I was hoping as I continued on with the series for steamy scenes and inventive plots but so far it's been the same premise tweaked here and there.
The series has been rehashing the same themes without any emotional or sexual pay-off.
Anthony and Marguerite are both characters who are very unsure about who they want to be. Anthony has never had sex with a woman, has never really wanted to, until he meets Marguerite.
He has a complicated relationship with Lord Minshom in the House of Pleasure where Lord Minshom takes pleasure making Anthony submit to him. Anthony and Minshom honestly should have ended up together because every scene has so much angst and hate sex - it beats ANYTHING with Anthony and Marguerite.
Marguerite is a recent widow whose husband is rumoured to have had a close relationship with his best friend. Anthony and Marguerite must accept their sexualities before they find their happily ever after. Anthony and Marguerite are both characters that are underestimated by their respective families because there is a sense that they need protecting that then further reinforces the lack of agency they feel they have over their lives.
If you've read the series chronologically, Simply Wicked also feels a lot like Simply Sinful:
1. The hero who is usually interested in men is now attracted to a woman in a monogamous way, the heroine.
2. The hero is conflicted about his sexuality and he reacts to this tension around men he's attracted to.
3. The hero and the heroine, however, don't have any tension or angst, so it makes their eventual reconciliation fall flat.
I would also say that while I admired the economic and sparse writing style, I am finding it is working against the series now. It’s feeling a little flimsy, with standard steamy scenes, and recycled themes.
The series has been rehashing the same themes without any emotional or sexual pay-off.
Anthony and Marguerite are both characters who are very unsure about who they want to be. Anthony has never had sex with a woman, has never really wanted to, until he meets Marguerite.
He has a complicated relationship with Lord Minshom in the House of Pleasure where Lord Minshom takes pleasure making Anthony submit to him. Anthony and Minshom honestly should have ended up together because every scene has so much angst and hate sex - it beats ANYTHING with Anthony and Marguerite.
Marguerite is a recent widow whose husband is rumoured to have had a close relationship with his best friend. Anthony and Marguerite must accept their sexualities before they find their happily ever after. Anthony and Marguerite are both characters that are underestimated by their respective families because there is a sense that they need protecting that then further reinforces the lack of agency they feel they have over their lives.
If you've read the series chronologically, Simply Wicked also feels a lot like Simply Sinful:
1. The hero who is usually interested in men is now attracted to a woman in a monogamous way, the heroine.
2. The hero is conflicted about his sexuality and he reacts to this tension around men he's attracted to.
3. The hero and the heroine, however, don't have any tension or angst, so it makes their eventual reconciliation fall flat.
I would also say that while I admired the economic and sparse writing style, I am finding it is working against the series now. It’s feeling a little flimsy, with standard steamy scenes, and recycled themes.
August 24, 2016
Decididamente estes livros não são a minha praia. Nunca tinha lido um livro deste género literário mas gosto sempre de ler algo para poder decidir de gosto ou não. E tenho amigas minhas que adoram o género erótico, resolvi experimentar. Talvez não tenha escolhido bem, era um que tinha em e-book e não achei nada de especial. A história não é nada de especial, os personagens não são muito apelativos, algumas das cenas tórridas fazem corar um bocadinho... enfim, suponho que irei tentar mais uma vez este género, se me quiserem sugerir livros, estejam à vontade :)
February 4, 2015
I think I've become a tad addicted to Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series, but what's a gal to do!
I like how the reader is rewarded for reading the books in order as familiar faces keep popping up and we catch glimpses of secondary character who become the main protagonists in subsequent stories.
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The plots can be repetitive:
Can any of Pearce's lovebirds do without the tutelage of an experienced gay/bi addition to their bedroom?
![]()
Must all the characters have a traumatic/disturbing past that has created special needs in the boudoir?
![]()
I always say two penises are better than one, but how come having just a female lover is never enough?
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Despite obvious shortcomings (I was going to pun that, but resisted the urge to be vulgar...) the stories are enticing and will result in a severe lack of sleep as you end up ordering yourself to put the book down and catch at least a few hours of sleep.
![]()
I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series so...
![]()
I like how the reader is rewarded for reading the books in order as familiar faces keep popping up and we catch glimpses of secondary character who become the main protagonists in subsequent stories.
The plots can be repetitive:
Can any of Pearce's lovebirds do without the tutelage of an experienced gay/bi addition to their bedroom?
Must all the characters have a traumatic/disturbing past that has created special needs in the boudoir?
I always say two penises are better than one, but how come having just a female lover is never enough?
Despite obvious shortcomings (I was going to pun that, but resisted the urge to be vulgar...) the stories are enticing and will result in a severe lack of sleep as you end up ordering yourself to put the book down and catch at least a few hours of sleep.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series so...
August 26, 2010
This is an excellent portrayal of a damaged man attempting to free himself from past baggage.
Saying no is never enough, because no ever believes him. This is shown clearly. When he expresses himself stronger, he is deemed as inappropriate and over-reacting.
A damaged man has a lot to overcome and this author shows it well. Only with the help of a damaged woman does he have any chance of succeeding.
Well done.
8/26/10
I just re-read this book and enjoyed it even more the second time. A story of honesty and acceptance. The only problem I had occurred at the end when He can't accept her desire for two men at the same time. This seems like the typical male possession of women which I don't care for.
-Joe-
Saying no is never enough, because no ever believes him. This is shown clearly. When he expresses himself stronger, he is deemed as inappropriate and over-reacting.
A damaged man has a lot to overcome and this author shows it well. Only with the help of a damaged woman does he have any chance of succeeding.
Well done.
8/26/10
I just re-read this book and enjoyed it even more the second time. A story of honesty and acceptance. The only problem I had occurred at the end when He can't accept her desire for two men at the same time. This seems like the typical male possession of women which I don't care for.
-Joe-
September 25, 2009
This was a really good read. When I first got it, I couldn't put it down.
Simply Wicked picks up on Anthony. He's unhappy with the way his life is going and he wants to make a change. Of course no one really believes him.
Marguerite lost her husband during a dual. She's very lonely since her husband's death. Her half brother Christian hears Anthony say that he wanted to make a change, so they come up with the idea to have Anthony escort Marguerite around to help Marguerite move on with her life. At first Anthony doesn't want to, but then no one believes that he'll make a change, so he decides to prove them wrong. Sparks fly when these two meet!
As for the rest of the story, you'll just have to wait until the book comes out (sorry, I couldn't resist lol).
Its no surprise that this was a great read. Every book that I have picked up by Kate Pearce has been great. There is always a great emotional read with lots of steamy sex.
Simply Wicked picks up on Anthony. He's unhappy with the way his life is going and he wants to make a change. Of course no one really believes him.
Marguerite lost her husband during a dual. She's very lonely since her husband's death. Her half brother Christian hears Anthony say that he wanted to make a change, so they come up with the idea to have Anthony escort Marguerite around to help Marguerite move on with her life. At first Anthony doesn't want to, but then no one believes that he'll make a change, so he decides to prove them wrong. Sparks fly when these two meet!
As for the rest of the story, you'll just have to wait until the book comes out (sorry, I couldn't resist lol).
Its no surprise that this was a great read. Every book that I have picked up by Kate Pearce has been great. There is always a great emotional read with lots of steamy sex.
February 14, 2010
Kate Pearse delivers a smoking hot addition to the 'Simply' series. Her wounded hero, Anthony is one of my favorite, right next to his brother, Val. I'm looking forward to May for the next book.
4 1/5 Stars for this one, Kate.
4 1/5 Stars for this one, Kate.
July 14, 2013
Again....LOVE the story! Anthony's discovery of himself was fantastic ... but again I caution...If you cannot read a book with prejudice, then do not read this LOL ... there is A LOT of rough n tumble going on LOL
September 28, 2010
Characters were pretty good, but I needed better plot and reasons for conflict.
STORY BRIEF:
Marguerite was married for a short time when her husband had a duel with another and died. She never goes out. Her siblings ask Anthony to take her out occasionally for her own good. They know Anthony prefers men and would not be a threat. However, Anthony and Marguerite find themselves attracted to each other. She is the first woman he has ever desired. Anthony was raped by a man when he was 19. Since then he has had sex only with men who inflicted pain and humiliation. Now he wants to change, but his previous partner doesn’t want to lose him. Anthony and Marguerite tell each other about their past sexual desires and find the other accepting, understanding, and willing to accommodate. There are a lot of erotic sex scenes with bondage, sex toys, rear door activity and men with men.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I had trouble with the last third of the book. Prior to then Anthony and Marguerite had been open and honest with each other about embarrassing sexual history and desires. But during the last third of the book he thinks she’s disgusted with him, and she pushes him away for vague and illogical reasons. It didn’t work well as a story. For example, she wants to meet someone at night to get information about something, so she lies to Anthony, letting him think she no longer wants to be with him. Her purpose in lying was to keep him away for the night so she could sneak out. But he would have supported and helped her. That didn’t make sense. Later she is angry at Anthony – I have no idea why. After that she pushes him out of her life and tells her brother “I’m afraid to let him down, to prove unworthy of him.” Again, vague and illogical since they had such an open and accepting relationship – and his past was more scandalous and humiliating than hers. Why would she think this?
I also had trouble with the story about Marguerite’s dead husband. It wasn’t explained well enough. Motivations were vague.
The sex scenes were interesting and different, but I needed better story to go with them.
DATA:
Story length: 301 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 16. Approximate number of sex scene pages: 57. Setting: 1819 London. Copyright: 2009. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Kate Pearce books, see my 4 star review of “Simply Sexual” posted 10-02-08.
STORY BRIEF:
Marguerite was married for a short time when her husband had a duel with another and died. She never goes out. Her siblings ask Anthony to take her out occasionally for her own good. They know Anthony prefers men and would not be a threat. However, Anthony and Marguerite find themselves attracted to each other. She is the first woman he has ever desired. Anthony was raped by a man when he was 19. Since then he has had sex only with men who inflicted pain and humiliation. Now he wants to change, but his previous partner doesn’t want to lose him. Anthony and Marguerite tell each other about their past sexual desires and find the other accepting, understanding, and willing to accommodate. There are a lot of erotic sex scenes with bondage, sex toys, rear door activity and men with men.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I had trouble with the last third of the book. Prior to then Anthony and Marguerite had been open and honest with each other about embarrassing sexual history and desires. But during the last third of the book he thinks she’s disgusted with him, and she pushes him away for vague and illogical reasons. It didn’t work well as a story. For example, she wants to meet someone at night to get information about something, so she lies to Anthony, letting him think she no longer wants to be with him. Her purpose in lying was to keep him away for the night so she could sneak out. But he would have supported and helped her. That didn’t make sense. Later she is angry at Anthony – I have no idea why. After that she pushes him out of her life and tells her brother “I’m afraid to let him down, to prove unworthy of him.” Again, vague and illogical since they had such an open and accepting relationship – and his past was more scandalous and humiliating than hers. Why would she think this?
I also had trouble with the story about Marguerite’s dead husband. It wasn’t explained well enough. Motivations were vague.
The sex scenes were interesting and different, but I needed better story to go with them.
DATA:
Story length: 301 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 16. Approximate number of sex scene pages: 57. Setting: 1819 London. Copyright: 2009. Genre: erotic regency romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Kate Pearce books, see my 4 star review of “Simply Sexual” posted 10-02-08.
April 22, 2010
Marguerite Lockwood, daughter of the infamous owner of Madame Helene's House of Pleasure is now a recluse and a widow. Anthony Sokorvsky was raped years before and now gets his pleasure on the dark side with sexual punishment and pain, usually at the hands of Lord Minshom. Determined to change and leave the sexual violence behind him, he leaves Minshom and the world of bondage and dominance. When he is asked to act as social escort to Marguerite, he sees it as a distraction from a lifestyle that is destroying him. Marguerite misses her husband who was killed in a duel and has no intention of re-entering society, until her brother introduces her to the handsome and dark Anthony Sokorvsky. Minshom wont be disgarded by anyone and wants Anthony back. Anthony and Marguerite vow to be friends but lust soon rears its head followed by love.
I kinda felt sorry for Anthony that he felt nobody had any confidence in him and he was worthless, he was so lonely even when surrounded by people. I read a book with the Dom/Sub theme a while back and found it disturbing as the Dom/Sub was more about complete control rather than just sexual dominance. This book is much better done, the Dom/Sub is kept sexually .I felt the submission with Minshom was like a kind of addiction for Anthony?
When David Gray was in the room at the end with the H/H, just like in book 3 he left the bloody room again! I nearly wept, I so wanted him to stay.
Weirdly enough I loved Minshom, He was arrogant, selfish, and a dark evil sadist and made no excuses or apologys for it. I loved when he was trying to punish Anthony and Marg and stormed out cause he thought they were pathetic and beyond help. LOL, brilliant. Great characters with Hot steamy sex but as usual not for the fainthearted. Im hooked to this series now and cant wait to read Mad Minshom next.
I kinda felt sorry for Anthony that he felt nobody had any confidence in him and he was worthless, he was so lonely even when surrounded by people. I read a book with the Dom/Sub theme a while back and found it disturbing as the Dom/Sub was more about complete control rather than just sexual dominance. This book is much better done, the Dom/Sub is kept sexually .I felt the submission with Minshom was like a kind of addiction for Anthony?
When David Gray was in the room at the end with the H/H, just like in book 3 he left the bloody room again! I nearly wept, I so wanted him to stay.
Weirdly enough I loved Minshom, He was arrogant, selfish, and a dark evil sadist and made no excuses or apologys for it. I loved when he was trying to punish Anthony and Marg and stormed out cause he thought they were pathetic and beyond help. LOL, brilliant. Great characters with Hot steamy sex but as usual not for the fainthearted. Im hooked to this series now and cant wait to read Mad Minshom next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2015
This book wasn't what I expected, it was much more better than the previous ones so I was happy that this was really good. I was losing my connection with these series and no it's back, and in full force.
The connection between the daughter of the founder of the house of pleasure and one of it's clients, wow, fireworks!! It was completely wow!
There were sparks between them from the first moment on. I loved it how strong the woman in this book was. Those aren't really times you would think that there would be a lot of strong women, we thought wrong. Anthony was a strong guy, but sex makes him weak.
I love a guy who gets weak because of a woman.
These series are back baby!
4 stars for this one!
The connection between the daughter of the founder of the house of pleasure and one of it's clients, wow, fireworks!! It was completely wow!
There were sparks between them from the first moment on. I loved it how strong the woman in this book was. Those aren't really times you would think that there would be a lot of strong women, we thought wrong. Anthony was a strong guy, but sex makes him weak.
I love a guy who gets weak because of a woman.
These series are back baby!
4 stars for this one!
April 6, 2018
Better and better..
Well-written and exciting, this book continues to showcase Miss Pearce's skills as a storyteller. Complicated, yet simple, the story follows Marguerite and Anthony as thry struggle to understand their own sexuality as well as accept each other's. Wonderful addition to the series. Now on to book 5.
Well-written and exciting, this book continues to showcase Miss Pearce's skills as a storyteller. Complicated, yet simple, the story follows Marguerite and Anthony as thry struggle to understand their own sexuality as well as accept each other's. Wonderful addition to the series. Now on to book 5.
July 16, 2012
This is Anthony's book, and it's a doozy. Marguerite, Madame Helene's daughter, whom we met briefly in the previous book is our featured Heroine. And how the two get together is interesting... Marguerite's brother Christian (one of the twins) asks Anthony to squire the widowed Marguerite about town; she's been hiding away these past 2 years and needs to get out. Anthony has finally decided that he needs to face himself and his sexuality - that since Aliabad raped him in book 1 to get back at his half-brother Valentin, Anthony has tapped into his dark side, thinking that he needs to be forced and to have pain to enjoy sex.
Anthony has been the pet of Lord Minshom, spending most of his time on the 3rd floor of the Pleasure House - the floor of BDSM, where anything goes. Most of that time, he's been in the punishment corner, where chained, he agrees to willingly take whatever anyone dishes out to him, for as long as they wish or last. It's a dreadful way to live. We've seen Anthony still chained there or sleeping in that corner long after the sun's come up, discovered by Madame Helene. She's worried for him. Peter's worried for him. Even Val's worried for him. But Anthony won't talk to anyone about what's really bothering him. We have to suspect that some of his public school upbringing is part of Anthony's psyche, too. Seems as if rape used as power plays is or was common amongst the house boys and even the tutors/professors - and Anthony obviously saw his fair share of the bullying power plays and rape.
But Anthony has also had to deal with being the 2nd son of the 2nd wife. When his brother Valentin (11 years his senior) was taken from a ship and presumed dead, their father remarried after the tragedy killed his first wife. By the time Valentin (and Peter) were rescued from sexual slavery in a Turkish brothel and returned to England, their father had remarried and now had another son - Anthony. Anthony has always felt second-best. He's done his best to be whatever his father or his half-brother needed or wanted to try to earn their affection - to buffer between them. But no one seems to think that Anthony is capable of doing anything on his own. He feels as if he's always been an afterthought... subject to others' whims. And because of some conversations with Peter, Anthony is starting to question his own sexuality. Why does he return again and again to the vicious, sadistic Lord Minshom? Why does he allow himself to be so brutally used and abused? Does he deserve or require pain to get off?
Marguerite may be Helene's first child, but she's the product of her mother being given to the guards at the Bastille. Her aristocratic father bargained for her life, but the price was Helene's innocence. No one knows who Marguerite's father is. And growing up in a nunnery in France didn't help; everyone there knew of her heritage. Her mother left her there to get an education, thinking it was kinder and better for her than to bring her to England, where her mother eventually opened the Pleasure House. And Marguerite was able to "mother" her half-siblings, the twins. But as they grew up, she realized she was displaced, not only by their mother, but by the twins discovering their father Philip, now a titled member of the English aristocracy. Marguerite had nothing of her own. She's a bastard child, product of rape; what family wants her to marry their son? So when Lord Justin Lockwood wooed her, she fell in love with the idea of love - the idea of a family; except that Justin couldn't quite leave his BFF and lover, Harry, behind, going so far as to invite Harry on the honeymoon. But within a month, Justin and Harry took part in a duel over Marguerite, where Harry shot and killed Justin, then fled the country. Marguerite doesn't know the full truth of what happened or why, but she's got a secret guilt about how she acted during that time that still plagues her. She feels second-best, too, and as with Anthony, she's embraced it - felt it was a just punishment for her so-called crimes.
The aggravating part is that it takes so darn long in this story for us to really get anywhere. Anthony and Marguerite are attracted to one another right off, but neither is sure why. And both are afraid that it's not lasting. Lord Minshom doggedly pursues Anthony, shocked that he would dare to leave him (Minshom) and refuse to submit to his cruelty and domination - sexually and mentally. In fact, Minshom's taking a hit on his credibility, which is partly why he's doing his best to not only interfere, but exacerbate the issues, questions, and problems between Marguerite and Anthony. Because, you see, Minshom is distantly related to the Lockwood family, and he was familiar with Justin's and Harry's relationship; he also knows that Justin's family didn't know (or at least acknowledge) his sexual preferences or immaturity. And when Minshom realizes that Marguerite is desperate for answers from Lord Harry, he's got his trap set. Because the only Lockwood family member who doesn't treat Marguerite like dirt is Justin's younger brother, who has a bit of a crush on her. So Minshom ensures that she's invited to a country house party hosted by the younger brother and his wife; Marguerite believes that Minshom has found Harry and is arranging for her to see him to get her answers. But because she knows of his pursuit of Anthony and because he's already tried something on her, she doesn't trust him. And so she invites Anthony to accompany her - thumbing her nose at the Lockwoods and bringing protection against Minshom.
In a shocking series of events, Minshom returns home with his tail tucked between his legs; Anthony and Marguerite continue their sexual relationship, but neither thinks the other wants anything more than sex; and Marguerite finally confronts Harry and learns the truth. Can Anthony tell Marguerite the full truth of his sexual depravity? Can Marguerite confess what she thinks is her guilt and sexual depravity with her marriage? Will Minshom come back to exact revenge upon them both? Or will they both be exposed to the ton at large?
-------------
It seems as if these books are going to be painful... tough subjects, tough situations. And, per usual, the men are stuck in either gay or bi-sexual relationships, while the women despair of their man's love. While "double-standard" was practically invented in this era, the author seems to perpetuate that double-standard within her own writing. It's not that I object to men being bi-sexual, but I really thought that perhaps Anthony's experiences were more of a result of force and his guilt and confusion rather than a true sexual preference. And I have to say that I was more than a little disappointed to discover that the author fully intended to keep Anthony as a bi-sexual man - man who "couldn't deny" that part of his sexuality.
And the brief mentions of Peter are without Abigail (previous book, too), so that I wondered what happened. Until Val, trying to have a heart-to-heart with Anthony reveals that Peter still frequents his and Sara's bed... and sometimes Abigail, too. WHAT? That was a stunner. And left there, just like that.
I only give this book 4-stars because I was truly wrapped up in Anthony and Marguerite, and I truly hated Minshom. It was nice to see Major David Grey again, and he did help Anthony overcome his "addiction" to Minshom and provide some very interesting scenes with Marguerite and Anthony. But I was aggravated by the way the author painstakingly drew filling in the gaps of the story.
The next book is Minshom's, and I'm not sure that I care about his story; I sure can't see him as any sort of "hero", romantic or otherwise.
Anthony has been the pet of Lord Minshom, spending most of his time on the 3rd floor of the Pleasure House - the floor of BDSM, where anything goes. Most of that time, he's been in the punishment corner, where chained, he agrees to willingly take whatever anyone dishes out to him, for as long as they wish or last. It's a dreadful way to live. We've seen Anthony still chained there or sleeping in that corner long after the sun's come up, discovered by Madame Helene. She's worried for him. Peter's worried for him. Even Val's worried for him. But Anthony won't talk to anyone about what's really bothering him. We have to suspect that some of his public school upbringing is part of Anthony's psyche, too. Seems as if rape used as power plays is or was common amongst the house boys and even the tutors/professors - and Anthony obviously saw his fair share of the bullying power plays and rape.
But Anthony has also had to deal with being the 2nd son of the 2nd wife. When his brother Valentin (11 years his senior) was taken from a ship and presumed dead, their father remarried after the tragedy killed his first wife. By the time Valentin (and Peter) were rescued from sexual slavery in a Turkish brothel and returned to England, their father had remarried and now had another son - Anthony. Anthony has always felt second-best. He's done his best to be whatever his father or his half-brother needed or wanted to try to earn their affection - to buffer between them. But no one seems to think that Anthony is capable of doing anything on his own. He feels as if he's always been an afterthought... subject to others' whims. And because of some conversations with Peter, Anthony is starting to question his own sexuality. Why does he return again and again to the vicious, sadistic Lord Minshom? Why does he allow himself to be so brutally used and abused? Does he deserve or require pain to get off?
Marguerite may be Helene's first child, but she's the product of her mother being given to the guards at the Bastille. Her aristocratic father bargained for her life, but the price was Helene's innocence. No one knows who Marguerite's father is. And growing up in a nunnery in France didn't help; everyone there knew of her heritage. Her mother left her there to get an education, thinking it was kinder and better for her than to bring her to England, where her mother eventually opened the Pleasure House. And Marguerite was able to "mother" her half-siblings, the twins. But as they grew up, she realized she was displaced, not only by their mother, but by the twins discovering their father Philip, now a titled member of the English aristocracy. Marguerite had nothing of her own. She's a bastard child, product of rape; what family wants her to marry their son? So when Lord Justin Lockwood wooed her, she fell in love with the idea of love - the idea of a family; except that Justin couldn't quite leave his BFF and lover, Harry, behind, going so far as to invite Harry on the honeymoon. But within a month, Justin and Harry took part in a duel over Marguerite, where Harry shot and killed Justin, then fled the country. Marguerite doesn't know the full truth of what happened or why, but she's got a secret guilt about how she acted during that time that still plagues her. She feels second-best, too, and as with Anthony, she's embraced it - felt it was a just punishment for her so-called crimes.
The aggravating part is that it takes so darn long in this story for us to really get anywhere. Anthony and Marguerite are attracted to one another right off, but neither is sure why. And both are afraid that it's not lasting. Lord Minshom doggedly pursues Anthony, shocked that he would dare to leave him (Minshom) and refuse to submit to his cruelty and domination - sexually and mentally. In fact, Minshom's taking a hit on his credibility, which is partly why he's doing his best to not only interfere, but exacerbate the issues, questions, and problems between Marguerite and Anthony. Because, you see, Minshom is distantly related to the Lockwood family, and he was familiar with Justin's and Harry's relationship; he also knows that Justin's family didn't know (or at least acknowledge) his sexual preferences or immaturity. And when Minshom realizes that Marguerite is desperate for answers from Lord Harry, he's got his trap set. Because the only Lockwood family member who doesn't treat Marguerite like dirt is Justin's younger brother, who has a bit of a crush on her. So Minshom ensures that she's invited to a country house party hosted by the younger brother and his wife; Marguerite believes that Minshom has found Harry and is arranging for her to see him to get her answers. But because she knows of his pursuit of Anthony and because he's already tried something on her, she doesn't trust him. And so she invites Anthony to accompany her - thumbing her nose at the Lockwoods and bringing protection against Minshom.
In a shocking series of events, Minshom returns home with his tail tucked between his legs; Anthony and Marguerite continue their sexual relationship, but neither thinks the other wants anything more than sex; and Marguerite finally confronts Harry and learns the truth. Can Anthony tell Marguerite the full truth of his sexual depravity? Can Marguerite confess what she thinks is her guilt and sexual depravity with her marriage? Will Minshom come back to exact revenge upon them both? Or will they both be exposed to the ton at large?
-------------
It seems as if these books are going to be painful... tough subjects, tough situations. And, per usual, the men are stuck in either gay or bi-sexual relationships, while the women despair of their man's love. While "double-standard" was practically invented in this era, the author seems to perpetuate that double-standard within her own writing. It's not that I object to men being bi-sexual, but I really thought that perhaps Anthony's experiences were more of a result of force and his guilt and confusion rather than a true sexual preference. And I have to say that I was more than a little disappointed to discover that the author fully intended to keep Anthony as a bi-sexual man - man who "couldn't deny" that part of his sexuality.
And the brief mentions of Peter are without Abigail (previous book, too), so that I wondered what happened. Until Val, trying to have a heart-to-heart with Anthony reveals that Peter still frequents his and Sara's bed... and sometimes Abigail, too. WHAT? That was a stunner. And left there, just like that.
I only give this book 4-stars because I was truly wrapped up in Anthony and Marguerite, and I truly hated Minshom. It was nice to see Major David Grey again, and he did help Anthony overcome his "addiction" to Minshom and provide some very interesting scenes with Marguerite and Anthony. But I was aggravated by the way the author painstakingly drew filling in the gaps of the story.
The next book is Minshom's, and I'm not sure that I care about his story; I sure can't see him as any sort of "hero", romantic or otherwise.
July 5, 2021
3/5
No me atrapo.
Volvemos un poco al tono de la historia de Peter, esta vez tenemos a Anthony (Hermano Val – 1° libro) un protagonista lleno de culpa [En el 1° libro la autora nos cuenta un poco lo sucedido] quien a raíz de lo ocurrido toma el camino del castigo
Personalmente estos protagonistas no me gustan mucho y tengo que presionarme a continuar. Ellos piensan que los demás deciden sus vidas.
Por otro lado tenemos a nuestra protagonista femenina Marguerite (Hija mayor de Helene – Tenemos la introducción de su historia en el libro anterior), también con su pasado a cuestas; viuda temprana de un hombre conocido por su gusto y relación con otros hombres.
Ellos se conocen gracias a un – sin ningún sentido – plan de los gemelos. Quienes cuando ven que Anthony toma la decisión de seguir adelante con su vida, los junta para que se ayuden mutuamente. Él a darse una oportunidad con las mujeres y ella a dejar atrás su viudez.
En todo este transcurso se enamoran y se van destapando sus secretos. El amante anterior de Anthony se niega a dejarlo ir y les hace un poco la vida imposible.
Los dos tienen el pensamiento de ser los seres más miserables y sufridos del planeta tierra. Ella tiene una actitud desesperante y en ocasiones me desagrada. Por el contrario Anthony con el avance de la historia fue ganando más puntos.
Finamente después de numerosas discusiones por no aceptarse, no creerse suficiente para él; las cosas se aclararan y podrán avanzar.
Como se pudo notar este libro no es de mis favoritos.
Sin embargo puedo ver que los siguientes libros tienen historias de personajes interesantes.
No me atrapo.
Volvemos un poco al tono de la historia de Peter, esta vez tenemos a Anthony (Hermano Val – 1° libro) un protagonista lleno de culpa [En el 1° libro la autora nos cuenta un poco lo sucedido] quien a raíz de lo ocurrido toma el camino del castigo
Personalmente estos protagonistas no me gustan mucho y tengo que presionarme a continuar. Ellos piensan que los demás deciden sus vidas.
Por otro lado tenemos a nuestra protagonista femenina Marguerite (Hija mayor de Helene – Tenemos la introducción de su historia en el libro anterior), también con su pasado a cuestas; viuda temprana de un hombre conocido por su gusto y relación con otros hombres.
Ellos se conocen gracias a un – sin ningún sentido – plan de los gemelos. Quienes cuando ven que Anthony toma la decisión de seguir adelante con su vida, los junta para que se ayuden mutuamente. Él a darse una oportunidad con las mujeres y ella a dejar atrás su viudez.
En todo este transcurso se enamoran y se van destapando sus secretos. El amante anterior de Anthony se niega a dejarlo ir y les hace un poco la vida imposible.
Los dos tienen el pensamiento de ser los seres más miserables y sufridos del planeta tierra. Ella tiene una actitud desesperante y en ocasiones me desagrada. Por el contrario Anthony con el avance de la historia fue ganando más puntos.
Finamente después de numerosas discusiones por no aceptarse, no creerse suficiente para él; las cosas se aclararan y podrán avanzar.
Como se pudo notar este libro no es de mis favoritos.
Sin embargo puedo ver que los siguientes libros tienen historias de personajes interesantes.
July 31, 2019
Worst of all. Decided to be done with this series.
April 8, 2025
Interesting book with cute story plot between the couple. The spice level was more than I had expected especially the BDSM.
November 22, 2018
Lady Marguerite Lockwood, daughter of the infamous owner of Madame Helene’s House of Pleasure, has been living in self-imposed isolation. Her brief marriage ended when her husband was killed in a duel against his best friend, and the whispers are that the duel was over her. Marguerite has no intentions of reentering society, until her brother introduces her to the dark and devastatingly handsome Anthony Sokorvsky. Anthony awakens desires in her she never expected to feel so strongly, but she soon finds that a simple affair may not, in fact, be so simple.
Anthony Sokorvsky knows all-too-well the darker side of pleasure. But when he wakes up one morning riddled with bruises, he’s very aware that he has gotten too deep into the realm of sexual punishment and pain and has done so for the wrong reasons. When Christian Delornay asks Anthony to squire his sister Marguerite around town, Anthony takes the opportunity to step back from his reckless nights. And when he meets Lady Marguerite Lockwood, Anthony finds that there’s something about her that calls to him. For the first time in his life, Anthony has met someone he wants to seduce. But when lust turns into something more, a dangerous figure from Anthony’s not-too-distant past threatens his newfound happiness. Can Anthony and Marguerite’s relationship survive the machinations of someone who threatens to expose their deepest secrets?
Just when I think I’ve decided on an all-time favorite book of Kate Pearce’s, she delivers another gem. Simply Wicked is an erotic tour de force about love, acceptance, understanding, and passion. With Anthony and Marguerite, Ms. Pearce has created two wonderful protagonists, and the tenderness between them grabbed my heart while their love scenes burn with intensity – a double dose of bliss to readers like myself who like both heat and heart.
Anthony is a man who has grown accustomed to letting himself be sexually used and discarded by other men. He was abused in the past by another and though he thinks he has long since recovered, what was done to him left its mark. At the beginning of the story even Anthony is forced to see he is on a dangerous downslide. I cheered for Anthony when he made the decision to take a stand, to stop allowing others to dictate his sexuality, to explore what he truly desires, and to experience passion and joy rather than using pain and humiliation to bring about sexual release. It takes a strong woman to look Anthony’s past square in the face and not let it shake her; good thing Ms. Pearce is a master at creating strong heroines. Marguerite’s past contains tragedy of its own, and for a while she lets it get the better of her. She hides herself to avoid the cutting tongues of society, living a half-life of sorts. I was thrilled to see her come out of her shell, to finally start being the woman she truly is inside. When Simply Wicked begins, there is a broken innocence about both characters that only true love and acceptance will heal into something stronger and more powerful. Both Marguerite and Anthony learn to stand on their own, but they’re even better as a pair, which is why I was up late into the night reading Simply Wicked – once I started reading I could not stop.
Simply Wicked is the fourth book in Ms. Pearce’s phenomenal House of Pleasure series, but it can be read on its own. I will admit that some of the initial anticipation I had for reading Simply Wicked came from seeing what happened to Anthony in the first book in the series, Simply Sexual, and his subsequent decline over the following books (Simply Sinful and Simply Shameless) into a craving for pain during sex that he did not actually desire. However, this anticipation is only what led me to bite my nails waiting for Anthony and Marguerite’s story. The excitement I feel now is that of a reader well and truly satisfied by a great story, so new readers need not fear they’ll miss some of the joy of reading the book. I’m sure anyone new to the series will fall in love and rush back for the previous books, as they’re all sensual delights.
In Simply Wicked Ms. Pearce continues her tradition of creating unique heroes and heroines that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I fell in love with Anthony and Marguerite and their story was amazing. I cannot wait for the next two books in this series, Simply Insatiable and Simply Forbidden. Ms. Pearce will definitely have to work to make a believer out of me with Simply Insatiable, since the hero is the villain of Simply Wicked. I’m not too concerned, though, because if anyone can write a deeply complex and fascinating hero, it’s the clever, talented Ms. Pearce. It’s her marvelous brand of realistic complexity in her heroes and heroines which made me fall in love with Simply Wicked and will keep me avidly reading her books for many years to come. Joyfully Recommended!
Recommended Read. Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Anthony Sokorvsky knows all-too-well the darker side of pleasure. But when he wakes up one morning riddled with bruises, he’s very aware that he has gotten too deep into the realm of sexual punishment and pain and has done so for the wrong reasons. When Christian Delornay asks Anthony to squire his sister Marguerite around town, Anthony takes the opportunity to step back from his reckless nights. And when he meets Lady Marguerite Lockwood, Anthony finds that there’s something about her that calls to him. For the first time in his life, Anthony has met someone he wants to seduce. But when lust turns into something more, a dangerous figure from Anthony’s not-too-distant past threatens his newfound happiness. Can Anthony and Marguerite’s relationship survive the machinations of someone who threatens to expose their deepest secrets?
Just when I think I’ve decided on an all-time favorite book of Kate Pearce’s, she delivers another gem. Simply Wicked is an erotic tour de force about love, acceptance, understanding, and passion. With Anthony and Marguerite, Ms. Pearce has created two wonderful protagonists, and the tenderness between them grabbed my heart while their love scenes burn with intensity – a double dose of bliss to readers like myself who like both heat and heart.
Anthony is a man who has grown accustomed to letting himself be sexually used and discarded by other men. He was abused in the past by another and though he thinks he has long since recovered, what was done to him left its mark. At the beginning of the story even Anthony is forced to see he is on a dangerous downslide. I cheered for Anthony when he made the decision to take a stand, to stop allowing others to dictate his sexuality, to explore what he truly desires, and to experience passion and joy rather than using pain and humiliation to bring about sexual release. It takes a strong woman to look Anthony’s past square in the face and not let it shake her; good thing Ms. Pearce is a master at creating strong heroines. Marguerite’s past contains tragedy of its own, and for a while she lets it get the better of her. She hides herself to avoid the cutting tongues of society, living a half-life of sorts. I was thrilled to see her come out of her shell, to finally start being the woman she truly is inside. When Simply Wicked begins, there is a broken innocence about both characters that only true love and acceptance will heal into something stronger and more powerful. Both Marguerite and Anthony learn to stand on their own, but they’re even better as a pair, which is why I was up late into the night reading Simply Wicked – once I started reading I could not stop.
Simply Wicked is the fourth book in Ms. Pearce’s phenomenal House of Pleasure series, but it can be read on its own. I will admit that some of the initial anticipation I had for reading Simply Wicked came from seeing what happened to Anthony in the first book in the series, Simply Sexual, and his subsequent decline over the following books (Simply Sinful and Simply Shameless) into a craving for pain during sex that he did not actually desire. However, this anticipation is only what led me to bite my nails waiting for Anthony and Marguerite’s story. The excitement I feel now is that of a reader well and truly satisfied by a great story, so new readers need not fear they’ll miss some of the joy of reading the book. I’m sure anyone new to the series will fall in love and rush back for the previous books, as they’re all sensual delights.
In Simply Wicked Ms. Pearce continues her tradition of creating unique heroes and heroines that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I fell in love with Anthony and Marguerite and their story was amazing. I cannot wait for the next two books in this series, Simply Insatiable and Simply Forbidden. Ms. Pearce will definitely have to work to make a believer out of me with Simply Insatiable, since the hero is the villain of Simply Wicked. I’m not too concerned, though, because if anyone can write a deeply complex and fascinating hero, it’s the clever, talented Ms. Pearce. It’s her marvelous brand of realistic complexity in her heroes and heroines which made me fall in love with Simply Wicked and will keep me avidly reading her books for many years to come. Joyfully Recommended!
Recommended Read. Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
April 13, 2011
So, this wasn't really my favorite book of the series.....but I still enjoyed it enough. The 3.5 stars (I rounded up) are because I didn't really start to care about the characters until about halfway through the book.
The story focuses on Anthony Sokorvsky and Marguerite Lockwood. Anthony, half brother of Valentin (from book 1) and Marguerite, bastard daughter of Madame Helene (owner of the House of Pleasure).
So....Anthony. Poor thing. We see him at the beginning of the book, waking up on the 3rd (and most extreme) floor of the House of Pleasure. He is passed out/asleep - still in the punishment corner, covered in blood and several other body fluids that I won't name. His particular brand of sexual excitement involves beatings and humiliation - mostly at the hands of Lord Minshom, a sadistic asshole who is more than happy to beat the hell out of men for his own sick sexual pleasure.
Well, for whatever reason, when Anthony wakes up this time, he realizes that he has got to change. He is essentially killing himself - and he finally realizes it.
Sometime later, Madame Helene's son, Christian, invites Anthony to meet him and his twin sister for tea. At their meeting, Christian invites Anthony to escort his older sister, Marguerite around town. Marguerite, a young widow for two years, has rarely left the house.....and her family is desperate to get her out of mourning and bring some joy back into her life. Why they decide that Anthony is the person for the job....I'm not quite sure. Maybe they see who he is underneath it all.....and they want to help him out of his rut too.
Both Anthony and Marguerite are extremely damaged people - and even though they start out as just friends, they soon realize that they have stronger feelings for each other, feelings that they both try really hard to deny. Anthony is still troubled by the rape he experienced at 19 as well as his sexual need to be punished and dominated. Marguerite is still dealing with the loss of her husband as well as some secrets that she's keeping about her brief marriage.
MOST of the sex in this book was hot enough. While some of it (punishment, humiliation, master/slave, physical abuse) is not something I understand or enjoy.....I can see how that is something that Anthony would turn to as a result of his rape and his trying to come to terms with who he is sexually, versus what he is being told he his. I get all of that. And really - I can't pinpoint exactly what didn't work for me in this book except that I didn't feel much of an emotional attachment to the characters until the book was half over. Eventually, I wanted to see them reach their HEA.....but mostly, I was just meh.
Truthfully, I spent most of my time with this book hating Lord Minshom and wanting him to die a thousand horrible deaths at every possible turn.
The story focuses on Anthony Sokorvsky and Marguerite Lockwood. Anthony, half brother of Valentin (from book 1) and Marguerite, bastard daughter of Madame Helene (owner of the House of Pleasure).
So....Anthony. Poor thing. We see him at the beginning of the book, waking up on the 3rd (and most extreme) floor of the House of Pleasure. He is passed out/asleep - still in the punishment corner, covered in blood and several other body fluids that I won't name. His particular brand of sexual excitement involves beatings and humiliation - mostly at the hands of Lord Minshom, a sadistic asshole who is more than happy to beat the hell out of men for his own sick sexual pleasure.
Well, for whatever reason, when Anthony wakes up this time, he realizes that he has got to change. He is essentially killing himself - and he finally realizes it.
Sometime later, Madame Helene's son, Christian, invites Anthony to meet him and his twin sister for tea. At their meeting, Christian invites Anthony to escort his older sister, Marguerite around town. Marguerite, a young widow for two years, has rarely left the house.....and her family is desperate to get her out of mourning and bring some joy back into her life. Why they decide that Anthony is the person for the job....I'm not quite sure. Maybe they see who he is underneath it all.....and they want to help him out of his rut too.
Both Anthony and Marguerite are extremely damaged people - and even though they start out as just friends, they soon realize that they have stronger feelings for each other, feelings that they both try really hard to deny. Anthony is still troubled by the rape he experienced at 19 as well as his sexual need to be punished and dominated. Marguerite is still dealing with the loss of her husband as well as some secrets that she's keeping about her brief marriage.
MOST of the sex in this book was hot enough. While some of it (punishment, humiliation, master/slave, physical abuse) is not something I understand or enjoy.....I can see how that is something that Anthony would turn to as a result of his rape and his trying to come to terms with who he is sexually, versus what he is being told he his. I get all of that. And really - I can't pinpoint exactly what didn't work for me in this book except that I didn't feel much of an emotional attachment to the characters until the book was half over. Eventually, I wanted to see them reach their HEA.....but mostly, I was just meh.
Truthfully, I spent most of my time with this book hating Lord Minshom and wanting him to die a thousand horrible deaths at every possible turn.
July 11, 2021
La serie ha ido mejorando considerablemente. Sigue siendo muy ilustrativa e inspiradora desde el punto de vista lúbrico, pero la cuestión sexual se está encarando más correctamente, al menos desde mi punto de vista.
A Marguerite, hija de Helene la conocimos en el libro anterior. Se veía venir su drama y no hubo muchas sorpresas por ahí. Como personaje femenino, es bastante similar a las heroínas standar de las novelas de este genero. Anthony por su parte, ya nos había mostrado su hermosa cara en varios otros libros antes, como el hermano de Valentín. Le pasaron cosas muy feas y en los libros sucesivos lo vimos caer en picada. Pero como personaje masculino, en mi opinión, se salió bastante del estereotipo, xq no es un macho alfa escondiendose detras de su arrogancia y su título, demasiado asustado para enfrentar sus demonios. Al contrario me ha parecido un hombre honesto que tocó fondo y decide volver a la superficie.
Como pareja, ambos me gustaron mucho, porque han sido francos y abiertos en todo momento y me gustó particularmente el que no se hicieran grandes dramas en relación a las complicaciones sexuales q arrastran.
Sí creo que al final la autora complicó todo innecesariamente - desde mi punto de vista al menos - creo q creyó necesitar los niveles de drama, pero no lo logró de la forma correcta y el resultado final me ha parecido bastante soso.
Varios actores secundarios, los gemelos Delornay, sus padres - q creo nos dejaron debiendo algunas cosas en el libro anterior - los Sokorsky y Peter Howard. Lord Mishom - q no me cayó bien desde el principio - hace las veces de villano, pero al final queda bastante ridículo, pero como su historia es el siguiente libro, veamos q explicación nos da la autora.
Solo q veo q el siguiente libro resulta ser el de quien en éste, se ha portado bastante mal. Así q espero sinceramente q se justifique dejarnos un tanto en ascuas.
A Marguerite, hija de Helene la conocimos en el libro anterior. Se veía venir su drama y no hubo muchas sorpresas por ahí. Como personaje femenino, es bastante similar a las heroínas standar de las novelas de este genero. Anthony por su parte, ya nos había mostrado su hermosa cara en varios otros libros antes, como el hermano de Valentín. Le pasaron cosas muy feas y en los libros sucesivos lo vimos caer en picada. Pero como personaje masculino, en mi opinión, se salió bastante del estereotipo, xq no es un macho alfa escondiendose detras de su arrogancia y su título, demasiado asustado para enfrentar sus demonios. Al contrario me ha parecido un hombre honesto que tocó fondo y decide volver a la superficie.
Como pareja, ambos me gustaron mucho, porque han sido francos y abiertos en todo momento y me gustó particularmente el que no se hicieran grandes dramas en relación a las complicaciones sexuales q arrastran.
Sí creo que al final la autora complicó todo innecesariamente - desde mi punto de vista al menos - creo q creyó necesitar los niveles de drama, pero no lo logró de la forma correcta y el resultado final me ha parecido bastante soso.
Varios actores secundarios, los gemelos Delornay, sus padres - q creo nos dejaron debiendo algunas cosas en el libro anterior - los Sokorsky y Peter Howard. Lord Mishom - q no me cayó bien desde el principio - hace las veces de villano, pero al final queda bastante ridículo, pero como su historia es el siguiente libro, veamos q explicación nos da la autora.
Solo q veo q el siguiente libro resulta ser el de quien en éste, se ha portado bastante mal. Así q espero sinceramente q se justifique dejarnos un tanto en ascuas.
May 10, 2011
So this is Anthony and Marguerite's story. As we remember, Anthony is Valentin's younger half-brother and we first read about him in Simply Sexual, the first novel in the House of Pleasure series. Marguerite is Madame Helene's firstborn who is recently widowed.
Given Anthony's sexual preference, I found their first meeting awkward but I was convinced through the sequence of events that he's willing to change. There comes a point in one's life when one has had enough, and Anthony certainly reached that point. Thanks to the conniving twins, they saw how Anthony and Marguerite could be compatible.
I was touched how Anthony tried to learn how to please a woman, that alone showed how he doesn't want to mess up his first time with Marguerite. It's just unimaginable that he endured Minshom's domination. He and Marguerite both have deep and dark secrets and they accepted each other just as the other is. I hope that sounds right. It's unconditional love for both of them, they had a lot in common and both are tortured. The loose knots are tied and there's a lot of conflict here. I didn't enjoy it that much.
Given Anthony's sexual preference, I found their first meeting awkward but I was convinced through the sequence of events that he's willing to change. There comes a point in one's life when one has had enough, and Anthony certainly reached that point. Thanks to the conniving twins, they saw how Anthony and Marguerite could be compatible.
I was touched how Anthony tried to learn how to please a woman, that alone showed how he doesn't want to mess up his first time with Marguerite. It's just unimaginable that he endured Minshom's domination. He and Marguerite both have deep and dark secrets and they accepted each other just as the other is. I hope that sounds right. It's unconditional love for both of them, they had a lot in common and both are tortured. The loose knots are tied and there's a lot of conflict here. I didn't enjoy it that much.
September 10, 2015
This series seems to get worst with each book. I doubt that I'll be reading the next one.
Review; Anthony has a character was one I thought would be interesting. He was a rape victim who now enjoys pain, that itself is a great character in the making but it fell flat. Throughout the book, Anthony acted like a kid with all the self pity. We didn't get to see or even feel his pain from the rape. He also had no chemistry with Marg and it was plain obvious, so obvious that he actually prefers men to women. This was nothin but a forced coupling, like the second book.
Marg was annoying and very contradicting. Her past was hardly scandalous enough to make us feel sorry for her or even understand her. She really was the female version of Anthony with the self pity and woe is me act but even that couldn't give them chemistry. The sex fell flat like the rest of the book.
A real disappointment.
Review; Anthony has a character was one I thought would be interesting. He was a rape victim who now enjoys pain, that itself is a great character in the making but it fell flat. Throughout the book, Anthony acted like a kid with all the self pity. We didn't get to see or even feel his pain from the rape. He also had no chemistry with Marg and it was plain obvious, so obvious that he actually prefers men to women. This was nothin but a forced coupling, like the second book.
Marg was annoying and very contradicting. Her past was hardly scandalous enough to make us feel sorry for her or even understand her. She really was the female version of Anthony with the self pity and woe is me act but even that couldn't give them chemistry. The sex fell flat like the rest of the book.
A real disappointment.
September 12, 2011
Oh why this book unlike the previous one? The story is indeed wicked and rough. I'm not a fan of rough. It's just too gruesome. The main characters in this book is Valentin's brother, Anthony Sokorvsky and Helene's eldest daughter, Marguerite Delornay. These two are troubled people who seek for new discovery in their lives. They met and you know the rest.
Honestly, in my opinion, the major turn down is the involvement of the third party. However, I really liked the beginning of the story, though. It's just full of love. I loved a part where Anthony felt he wanted to tear/cry when he was handled by Marguerite with gentleness. Wow and awed.
Still, this series is an addiction and I loved it. Can't wait to start reading the next book!
Honestly, in my opinion, the major turn down is the involvement of the third party. However, I really liked the beginning of the story, though. It's just full of love. I loved a part where Anthony felt he wanted to tear/cry when he was handled by Marguerite with gentleness. Wow and awed.
Still, this series is an addiction and I loved it. Can't wait to start reading the next book!
June 8, 2014
Once again Ms. Pearce delivers a great story.
This one is about Anthony and his coming to terms with who he is and what he really wants. He showed great strength when it came to Lord Minshom. I thought Marguerite also showed great strength in dealing with everyone! She was getting bombarded from every side and somehow managed to come out stronger.
They both had their issues and were able to come together.
This one is about Anthony and his coming to terms with who he is and what he really wants. He showed great strength when it came to Lord Minshom. I thought Marguerite also showed great strength in dealing with everyone! She was getting bombarded from every side and somehow managed to come out stronger.
They both had their issues and were able to come together.
September 5, 2011
This series is a bit of a hit-and-miss. And this one is a miss.
I don't care for any of the characters because the hero and the heroine are so consume with self-pity that it's difficult for me to empathize with any of them. Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel the chemistry between them. If anything else, it seems their characters are force to be together due to their unfortunate past.
I don't care for any of the characters because the hero and the heroine are so consume with self-pity that it's difficult for me to empathize with any of them. Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel the chemistry between them. If anything else, it seems their characters are force to be together due to their unfortunate past.
November 7, 2017
En mi afán de continuar series que tenía olvidadas, decidí leer este libro y resultó ser demasiado fastidioso para mí, ninguno de los protagonistas logró simpatizarme, no disfruté nada de lo que leí, sin embargo creo que le daré una oportunidad al siguiente para ver si de plano le perdí el gusto a esta serie o solo fue este libro el que no me convenció.
March 18, 2019
This is a book for mature readers. When I coolly neglect the sexual parts of the book, I realize the story is extremely emotional. It is all about emotional honesty. Ms Pearce wrote elegantly about the self doubt, low self confidence, low self worth that the hero and heroin feel. As I said, this book is for mature readers, people who have been through a bit in life
June 4, 2018
Anthony's story about his sexuality, raped at 19, he had only been with men til the age of 26 when he met Marguerite. Both deal with not feeling good enough, but they find it together. Another good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
Unlikely pair
Not as exciting and tantalizing as previous three books but the story still kept me reading. This is a story of an unlikely pair, who think they are not redeemable but find what they need in each other. Fairly steamy and romantic in an interesting way.
Not as exciting and tantalizing as previous three books but the story still kept me reading. This is a story of an unlikely pair, who think they are not redeemable but find what they need in each other. Fairly steamy and romantic in an interesting way.
January 17, 2013
Loved it. Need more!
December 7, 2014
Muito fraco dado que nao gostei nada dos protagonistas.
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