What do you think?
The Secret Life of Girls
In this a fictionalized memoir of Bella, we meet the marvellously drawn 18 year old shortly after the death of her father. Her scheming mother remarries Simon Daviditz, a lawyer who secretly buys the manor house left in trust to Bella to pay off her father's debts. The betrayal cuts Bella to the core - the house is a part of her. She has nothing left - except she is beautiful, bold and unafraid to use sex to get revenge - as well as for her own pleasure.
"This is a work of erotic genius. I was gripped by this strong young protagonist who must find her way with no help from her aloof mother and lustful stepfather. The author beautifully captures the atmosphere of the English countryside...boarding schools run by nuns, and what it's like to be a gorgeous girl searching for her sexual identity, artistic success (she aspires to being a pop star), and, ultimately, revenge on her mother and stepfather for their betrayals." 5***** Katie Dylan, author of Cult of Beauty , Amazon.com
"...a potent blend of classic erotica, bubbling with modernity," Elizabeth Woodham, author of The Little Red Kilt
"This is a work of erotic genius. I was gripped by this strong young protagonist who must find her way with no help from her aloof mother and lustful stepfather. The author beautifully captures the atmosphere of the English countryside...boarding schools run by nuns, and what it's like to be a gorgeous girl searching for her sexual identity, artistic success (she aspires to being a pop star), and, ultimately, revenge on her mother and stepfather for their betrayals." 5***** Katie Dylan, author of Cult of Beauty , Amazon.com
"...a potent blend of classic erotica, bubbling with modernity," Elizabeth Woodham, author of The Little Red Kilt
- GenresErotica
238 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2010
About the author
Chloe Thurlow
30 books234 followersAfter uni, I started working in PR and got bored to tears. It was more fun being a waitress and writing in the dark silent hours from 2am to 6. I managed to complete a novel I called "Being A Girl" and fell over in the street after Nexus published it and the editor gave me a bottle of champagne I drank too quickly. Now, here we are, penning away night and day, five novels and three naughty-shorties on the shelf with a study of EL James called "The Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomena" just out.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 23, 2011
This is a great example of erotica at its best. There is a fairly good storyline, and a rich variety of characters. Neither the plot nor the character development go too deep, but such intensity would detract from the lightheartedness of the story-telling. It would spoil the book.
The style of writing is truly erotic. It is arousing in the extreme. For the first half of the book, I thought that I must be suffering from priapism. So much so, that I had to administer self-treatment for that condition as I read about the seduction of Bella di Millo by Sister Nuria in the catacombs. There are many equally super-charged sexy scenes in The Secret Life of Girls.
I cannot help thinking that the author, Chloe Thurlow, has enjoyed some of the action that she describes in her own, real life. However, this is fiction. It is unbelievable. It is pure fantasy. And that makes it a great read. I really enjoyed the escapism.
I recommend this book to all lovers of erotica, and I shall certainly be reading more of Chloe's books in the future.
The style of writing is truly erotic. It is arousing in the extreme. For the first half of the book, I thought that I must be suffering from priapism. So much so, that I had to administer self-treatment for that condition as I read about the seduction of Bella di Millo by Sister Nuria in the catacombs. There are many equally super-charged sexy scenes in The Secret Life of Girls.
I cannot help thinking that the author, Chloe Thurlow, has enjoyed some of the action that she describes in her own, real life. However, this is fiction. It is unbelievable. It is pure fantasy. And that makes it a great read. I really enjoyed the escapism.
I recommend this book to all lovers of erotica, and I shall certainly be reading more of Chloe's books in the future.
August 14, 2013
Coming of age erotica has never been this good! Packed with action, Chloe Thurlow draws us along with Bella- not a young woman to be trifled with- who has worked out at a very early age just what a powerful weapon sex can be- and how to use it- particularly against her gullible new step-father, Simon Daviditz...
On the death of her father, Bella is taken to the Convent of Saint Sebastian and the Holy Martyr finishing school, run by some of the least moralistic nuns I've ever read about. Oh how I'd like to meet Sister Nuria one day....
Bella has only been in her boarding room for a few moments, when she is being intimately examined by Jack (female), one of her new room mates. This situation could so easily be seen as contrived, or as adding sex for the sake of it, rather than to the furtherance of the story- but this is very much not the case. Clichés are neatly avoided, and every scene within the novel adds to Belle's complex journey as she learns to use her body- and more importantly- her quick brain- to advance her future, and stay one step ahead of her rival Tabby Van Deegan...
Although I wouldn't recommend The Secret Life of Girls to first timers to erotica (it plays close to the edge with age limits and incest)- lovers of the genre have to read this refreshingly well crafted book.
On the death of her father, Bella is taken to the Convent of Saint Sebastian and the Holy Martyr finishing school, run by some of the least moralistic nuns I've ever read about. Oh how I'd like to meet Sister Nuria one day....
Bella has only been in her boarding room for a few moments, when she is being intimately examined by Jack (female), one of her new room mates. This situation could so easily be seen as contrived, or as adding sex for the sake of it, rather than to the furtherance of the story- but this is very much not the case. Clichés are neatly avoided, and every scene within the novel adds to Belle's complex journey as she learns to use her body- and more importantly- her quick brain- to advance her future, and stay one step ahead of her rival Tabby Van Deegan...
Although I wouldn't recommend The Secret Life of Girls to first timers to erotica (it plays close to the edge with age limits and incest)- lovers of the genre have to read this refreshingly well crafted book.
August 31, 2013
"The Secret Life of Girls - full length erotic novel (Xcite Erotic Romance Novels)" by Chloe Thurlow was recommended to me by a friend and I must admit I was sceptical to read a full length erotic novel.
However, this is more than you average romance/ erotica. The main character is a very sexual and confident young woman with brains as well as sexual organs. Clear in what she wants she is much more a player than a victim of her sexual predators. She likes girls as well as boys, makes excursions to the local sex shops and experiences the commercial world of sex as well as the personal.
The book shows the ambiguity of youthful sexuality and the psychology of sexual trades incredibly well and to me it felt that the sex scenes were secondary to the original approach to the story and the impressive writing.
Being told from her perspective and written by a woman rather than a man the story has much more credibility and bite than other famous books in the genre. [I for one did not 'get' Lolita but I did 'get' this book].
The tension between Bella and her lovers is however very erotic, the sex scenes are equally well written with emphasis on the erotic rather than the explicit.
Thurlow is a gifted writer who I hope will branch out into other genres, too, or continue to bring her erotic stories into the literary fiction market.
However, this is more than you average romance/ erotica. The main character is a very sexual and confident young woman with brains as well as sexual organs. Clear in what she wants she is much more a player than a victim of her sexual predators. She likes girls as well as boys, makes excursions to the local sex shops and experiences the commercial world of sex as well as the personal.
The book shows the ambiguity of youthful sexuality and the psychology of sexual trades incredibly well and to me it felt that the sex scenes were secondary to the original approach to the story and the impressive writing.
Being told from her perspective and written by a woman rather than a man the story has much more credibility and bite than other famous books in the genre. [I for one did not 'get' Lolita but I did 'get' this book].
The tension between Bella and her lovers is however very erotic, the sex scenes are equally well written with emphasis on the erotic rather than the explicit.
Thurlow is a gifted writer who I hope will branch out into other genres, too, or continue to bring her erotic stories into the literary fiction market.
March 21, 2013
I found the book quite humourous as well as sexy. Chloe has a gift for description and the locations as well as the characters sprang to life for me as I read it. I loved the twins, the step father, the gardener, the nuns, ah, the nuns (the nuns at my school weren't like that!) and on and on...you need to read this and have a spanking good time. But don't read it if you are a prude...you'll have to pretend you don't like it as you devour page after page after page!
I'd love to see this book made into a cheeky film!The Secret Life of Girls
I'd love to see this book made into a cheeky film!The Secret Life of Girls
August 30, 2013
A racy coming of age erotica story. Young Bella is discovering sex for the first time and it leads her into the sleazy world of pornography. A world which promises to help her regain a lost family fortune. Written from an almost innocent point of view yet as raunchy as sin. A tale of sexual discovery and corruption that leaves you wondering just who was the victim and who was the perpetrator, as each party seem to seduce each other. Well written, strong characters and a plotline that I wouldn’t recommend to the prudish or fainthearted.
March 22, 2011
I am so lucky!!! I only said a couple of days ago that this book was on my wishlist, well the next day I was given a Kindle by my wife, with four novels on it, and the 'Secret Life of Girls' was one of those books. we have both enjoyed Chloe's previous offerings, so It was a pleasant surprise to find her latest book waiting for me. I ended up taking the Kindle to work, and snuck in a few pages at every opportunity. simply put, this is the best book of erotica I have ever read.
January 3, 2013
AMAZING - A work of erotic genius!!!
Chloe Thurlow's novel, The Secret Life of Girls, is a fictionalized memoir about Bella, an 18-year old who is sent to a finishing school on the English coast. Her father has passed away and her mother has remarried a man who is going to buy the manor house that was left in trust to Bella because her mother says she has no other means to pay off her father's debts. The betrayal cuts Bella to the core - the house is a part of her. She has nothing left. Except for one thing: she is beautiful, bold and unafraid to use sex to get her way as well as for her own pleasure.
I was gripped by this Lolita-type protagonist who must find her way with no help from her aloof mother and lustful step father. The author beautifully captures the atmosphere of the English country and boarding schools run by nuns, and what it's like to be a gorgeous girl, searching for her sexual identity, artistic success (she aspires to being a pop star), and ultimately, revenge on her mother and stepfather for their betrayals.
This was one of those amazing books that I did not want to end!! Reading this novel was like being on a blissful beach vacation that I just wanted to keep going on and on. I have read another of Chloe's books, A Girl's Adventure, that bowled me over because of her exquisite writing. She is a virtuosic writer, her metaphors are startling and beautiful, and her details about fashion and culture are amusing and spot on. But that book fell short of Secret Life of Girls because of too many easy coincidences and a very surreal ending that was too over the top to my taste. No such problems in this stunning and gripping novel. It is an erotic masterwork of the highest order, with delicious, cheeky and engaging characters, a strong plot driven by Bella's desperation to produce a hit pop record at any cost, and blazingly hot scenes of sexual experimentation and kink.
This might be the best erotic novel I have ever read, and for me, it puts Chloe in the same category as the greatest writers of erotica such as Anais Nin, Pauline Reage and Emmanuelle Arsan. It is not mainstream erotic romance and not for the faint of heart - it gets quite kinky and perverse. Bella is not prone to much angst despite her youth, and she is too self-possessed and ambitious to swoon over an alpha male. She takes her sexual pleasure where she finds it (with both men and women), sometimes using seduction to get what she needs, and at other times indulging her own desires when she's falling for someone, whether it's the beautiful nun, Sister Nuria, or Troy, the "townie" from the village next to her school.
The Secret Life of Girls gets my highest recommendation - would give it more than five stars if I could... Read it!
Chloe Thurlow's novel, The Secret Life of Girls, is a fictionalized memoir about Bella, an 18-year old who is sent to a finishing school on the English coast. Her father has passed away and her mother has remarried a man who is going to buy the manor house that was left in trust to Bella because her mother says she has no other means to pay off her father's debts. The betrayal cuts Bella to the core - the house is a part of her. She has nothing left. Except for one thing: she is beautiful, bold and unafraid to use sex to get her way as well as for her own pleasure.
I was gripped by this Lolita-type protagonist who must find her way with no help from her aloof mother and lustful step father. The author beautifully captures the atmosphere of the English country and boarding schools run by nuns, and what it's like to be a gorgeous girl, searching for her sexual identity, artistic success (she aspires to being a pop star), and ultimately, revenge on her mother and stepfather for their betrayals.
This was one of those amazing books that I did not want to end!! Reading this novel was like being on a blissful beach vacation that I just wanted to keep going on and on. I have read another of Chloe's books, A Girl's Adventure, that bowled me over because of her exquisite writing. She is a virtuosic writer, her metaphors are startling and beautiful, and her details about fashion and culture are amusing and spot on. But that book fell short of Secret Life of Girls because of too many easy coincidences and a very surreal ending that was too over the top to my taste. No such problems in this stunning and gripping novel. It is an erotic masterwork of the highest order, with delicious, cheeky and engaging characters, a strong plot driven by Bella's desperation to produce a hit pop record at any cost, and blazingly hot scenes of sexual experimentation and kink.
This might be the best erotic novel I have ever read, and for me, it puts Chloe in the same category as the greatest writers of erotica such as Anais Nin, Pauline Reage and Emmanuelle Arsan. It is not mainstream erotic romance and not for the faint of heart - it gets quite kinky and perverse. Bella is not prone to much angst despite her youth, and she is too self-possessed and ambitious to swoon over an alpha male. She takes her sexual pleasure where she finds it (with both men and women), sometimes using seduction to get what she needs, and at other times indulging her own desires when she's falling for someone, whether it's the beautiful nun, Sister Nuria, or Troy, the "townie" from the village next to her school.
The Secret Life of Girls gets my highest recommendation - would give it more than five stars if I could... Read it!
March 14, 2016
I am never disappointed when I read a Chloe Thurlow book. More than the story for me, it is the way Thurlow links sentences and words and images together that astound me. She creates vignettes and scenes that are literally alive with literary genius. I mean this sincerely. I find her to be one of the best contemporary writers of our day. And a champion for the sexual freedom of women at its best and most gritty.
In this case, it is a memoir-like story of the coming of age of Bella as she delves into all sorts of sexual taboos. It gives feminism a new leg to stand on as she discovers things about her body and being and self in such a way that both makes the reader cringe and rejoice at the same time. Being eighteen never looked so full of freedom. She is in touch with her sexuality at the very same time that she isn’t, discovering herself in a way I have still yet to discover (and not quite sure I’d want to!).
Thurlow masters first-person narrative. When the narrator states: “Pain could be pleasure and all pleasure would become pain…” and then in the same breath states that she realizes how profound that statement is and that she should probably write it down, it’s the exact feeling I get each time I read Thurlow’s work. I highlight and takes notes of little nuggets of truth or beauty to write down, remember, and savor. And that is what makes reading Chloe Thurlow a five-star read for me. Always.
In this case, it is a memoir-like story of the coming of age of Bella as she delves into all sorts of sexual taboos. It gives feminism a new leg to stand on as she discovers things about her body and being and self in such a way that both makes the reader cringe and rejoice at the same time. Being eighteen never looked so full of freedom. She is in touch with her sexuality at the very same time that she isn’t, discovering herself in a way I have still yet to discover (and not quite sure I’d want to!).
Thurlow masters first-person narrative. When the narrator states: “Pain could be pleasure and all pleasure would become pain…” and then in the same breath states that she realizes how profound that statement is and that she should probably write it down, it’s the exact feeling I get each time I read Thurlow’s work. I highlight and takes notes of little nuggets of truth or beauty to write down, remember, and savor. And that is what makes reading Chloe Thurlow a five-star read for me. Always.
October 11, 2012
I really wanted to love this book, but the most I can say is that it was ok. I rated it three stars because the sex scenes were hot, and I could read them again and again. For me, the rest of the story was lame. Girl with a high sex drive but little actual experience takes it upon herself to sexually dominate the other girls around her; she then fumbles her way through sexual expression with men who seem predator, if pathetic, and then she uses a sex tape/porno to become an overnight singing sensation? First, I was troubled by her sexual expression and empowerment, because more often than not it felt like she was being manipulated rather than the other way around. She seemed immature rather than the curious and in-control seductress. She learns from each experience, and maybe that's the point, but I just couldn't reconcile it with my own experience and beliefs. For the most part it seemed like the book was simply a recounting of a series of various sexual encounters intended to reach the broadest audience. The back story, which was interesting, was neither fully developed enough, in my opinion, nor meaningfully integrated with the progression of the erotica for me. The book just didn't flow well for me. I almost quit reading a couple of times, and I'm glad I stuck it out but I wouldn't recommend this book to a friend.
April 22, 2013
Let me start by saying I LOVED this book! Bella, who is completely believable as the headstrong teenage main character with the looks and lifestyle everyone wants (or wants to get their hands on), experiences a sexual awakening at the hands of the gardener. This is only the beginning of her erotic adventures though because once she realises how much pleasure is to be had as long as you're willing, there's no stopping her. She isn't limited by repressed morals, she's just a girl and wants to have fun. With this attitude she wields a whole lot of power over the men and even some women she comes across and she knows it!
As I've come to expect after reading more of her work, Chloe Thurlow's writing is again fresh, completely true to Bella's character and simply beautiful. I also adored the setting of the story, most of it at boarding school because it brings back memories of the sort of books I used to read growing up. Of course this one is a grown up version in which the sex (of which there is a lot!) blends effortlessly with the story in a most appealing way. It's an uncensored and so very entertaining coming of age tale which I must admit I was sad to finish and let go.
In my mind, there are two types of good books; those you read and enjoy and those you read, enjoy and read again. This one is the latter; I'll be keeping it on my Kindle for future re-reading.
As I've come to expect after reading more of her work, Chloe Thurlow's writing is again fresh, completely true to Bella's character and simply beautiful. I also adored the setting of the story, most of it at boarding school because it brings back memories of the sort of books I used to read growing up. Of course this one is a grown up version in which the sex (of which there is a lot!) blends effortlessly with the story in a most appealing way. It's an uncensored and so very entertaining coming of age tale which I must admit I was sad to finish and let go.
In my mind, there are two types of good books; those you read and enjoy and those you read, enjoy and read again. This one is the latter; I'll be keeping it on my Kindle for future re-reading.
January 24, 2013
An intriguing story of a girl who at first seems to be vulnerable. Isabella begins her story with an encounter with the gardener. It heralds a long list of sexual experiences with, nuns, girls in her boarding school, old and young men. The sex continues with Bella (Isabella) meeting and having sex with a rock star and her manager. The manager is to play a greater part in Bella’s life. Bella describes her sexual experiences in great detail down to even the taste and smell of her various partners, displaying almost a detached attitude to them, except that she does find great pleasure too. The author skillfully draws you into Bella’s story gradually, until you really want to know what’s going to happen next. It’s very satisfying that Bella takes revenge on the people who might have been protecting her, parents, and convent nun. I found this story to have humor and some tenderness in the relationship Bella forges with the boy Troy. In the end, you are cheering Bella on despite her dubious revenge methods using sex. The end is unexpected, and if you are looking for a book with elements of BDSM, different sexual encounters and yet a first class story, try this exceptionally well-written book. Five stars.
August 12, 2013
If you need a hot, smoky read and love erotica, then look no further! This book is loaded with tons of hot, flaming, steaming sex.
The main character's name is Bella. She is beautiful and flawed but I identified with her and felt like I was right there on her journey. Bella is seduced and she realizes how much she enjoyed her encounter. So she starts experimenting. Her sexual desires take her on an incredible journey with lots of partners and she discovers how much she loves having sex.
It was so sexy and hot and I couldn't stop turning the pages. This is a coming-of-age story and you will find yourself totally emerged. When Bella's world comes crashing down all around her, she fights to survive and uses what she knows best: Sex!
Bella covers every imaginable position and setting for an awesome sexual adventure. And I couldn't get enough. I'll be checking out what else she has written for sure. 5 out of 5 stars!
The main character's name is Bella. She is beautiful and flawed but I identified with her and felt like I was right there on her journey. Bella is seduced and she realizes how much she enjoyed her encounter. So she starts experimenting. Her sexual desires take her on an incredible journey with lots of partners and she discovers how much she loves having sex.
It was so sexy and hot and I couldn't stop turning the pages. This is a coming-of-age story and you will find yourself totally emerged. When Bella's world comes crashing down all around her, she fights to survive and uses what she knows best: Sex!
Bella covers every imaginable position and setting for an awesome sexual adventure. And I couldn't get enough. I'll be checking out what else she has written for sure. 5 out of 5 stars!
January 2, 2013
This was a well written book with great character development, plot and pacing. The reader follows Bella, who seems to know at an early age that she has a sexual power where others are concerned.
I enjoyed the well thought-out plot. Character development was thorough. Pacing of this long novel was also spot-on. The author did a great job putting sexual encounters in the story that served a purpose.
While the story was good, the only thing I struggled with was the ages of the characters involved in the sexual encounters. A mother of teenagers I just couldn’t enjoy it as I would any other erotica novel. This is the reason for 4 stars and not 5.
I enjoyed the well thought-out plot. Character development was thorough. Pacing of this long novel was also spot-on. The author did a great job putting sexual encounters in the story that served a purpose.
While the story was good, the only thing I struggled with was the ages of the characters involved in the sexual encounters. A mother of teenagers I just couldn’t enjoy it as I would any other erotica novel. This is the reason for 4 stars and not 5.
March 25, 2013
A novel destined to become a classic in erotica. Chloe is one of those few writers who can pen beauty to paper. This story of a young womans coming of age is filled with twists and turns. The excitement and adventures will keep you turning the pages. Bella is half Italian and a true Mediterranean honey in every sense and taste of the word. The escapades she leads at her Catholic boarding school will fog up your kindle. But don't worry finishing school is just the start of something big for our little honey. An excellent read and well written by a rare lady who knows how to raise a pulse or two...Chloe Thurlow.
April 27, 2014
An amazingly sexy 5*****
The Secret Life of Girls - full length erotic novel (Xcite Erotic Romance Novels) by Chloe Thurlow
Bella is a clever girl that loves to explore the many facets of life and her journey is breathtaking.
Sex is very open to her and every doorway seems to lead to yet another encounter - she just can't help it - it is in her blood. Boys, girls, men and women get pulled into Bella's world and it will never be the same again. Smouldering hot and with no inhibitions Bella handles others well, very well!
Get ready for an erotically charged adventure created by this wonderful author.
An amazingly sexy 5*****
The Secret Life of Girls - full length erotic novel (Xcite Erotic Romance Novels) by Chloe Thurlow
Bella is a clever girl that loves to explore the many facets of life and her journey is breathtaking.
Sex is very open to her and every doorway seems to lead to yet another encounter - she just can't help it - it is in her blood. Boys, girls, men and women get pulled into Bella's world and it will never be the same again. Smouldering hot and with no inhibitions Bella handles others well, very well!
Get ready for an erotically charged adventure created by this wonderful author.
An amazingly sexy 5*****
February 11, 2021
The Secret Life of Girls - full length erotic novel (Xcite Erotic Romance Novels Book 7)
Not quite what I expected and found it quite boring.
I hope the rest of the series is better. Fingers crossed.Many
Not quite what I expected and found it quite boring.
I hope the rest of the series is better. Fingers crossed.Many
February 21, 2013
This book is obviously high on smut value and kink, but it kind of transcends that. Bella as a character is quite entertaining to read, and brings a certain levity to the story.
Even though she is sexually aggressive, manipulative, and at times even predatory in her escapades, there is still something kind of weirdly wholesome about her. While the reader might be shocked at her actions, and see the taboo she's breaking, she approaches things with such sincere amusement and lack of inhibition that somehow it takes the edge off. She is 17 (I think) when the novel starts, and as you are reading along, she really *sounds* like 17 year old (minus the self-loathing). Many novels tend make young people sound more precocious than they are, but Bella really truly reads like a girl who is on the verge becoming a bit more worldly, but still gets most of her world-view from the pages of Cosmo. Typical of her age, she is simultaneously smarter and dumber than you expect.
Even though she is sexually aggressive, manipulative, and at times even predatory in her escapades, there is still something kind of weirdly wholesome about her. While the reader might be shocked at her actions, and see the taboo she's breaking, she approaches things with such sincere amusement and lack of inhibition that somehow it takes the edge off. She is 17 (I think) when the novel starts, and as you are reading along, she really *sounds* like 17 year old (minus the self-loathing). Many novels tend make young people sound more precocious than they are, but Bella really truly reads like a girl who is on the verge becoming a bit more worldly, but still gets most of her world-view from the pages of Cosmo. Typical of her age, she is simultaneously smarter and dumber than you expect.
October 8, 2013
In The Secret Life of Girls (a full length erotic novel) author Chloe Thurlow proves once again why she is one of the best writers in this genre. With just the right mix of plot, tease, erotic lust and amusing characters, Thurlow lures us into young Bella’s playful world. But Bella is more than beautiful and less than naïve, and that is where this book finds its strength . . . it’s not just another erotic tale. Be assured there are plenty of extra steamy scenes and there is even an audio version available, but I would not advise people to listen while they’re driving! Have fun. Recommended 5-glowing stars.
August 18, 2013
It has it good parts but on the whole I found the characters shallow and unpleasant. I didn't really understand the ending either.
Read
January 13, 2017If you would like to know what life is like in a boarding school, read this book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews