Let me preface my review by stating that as an avid reader/reviewer of many genres, I have read a LOT of BDSM themed novels and novellas. Most of the time I find myself either amused or disappointed at the lack of understanding of the lifestyle. Humor is great, don't get me wrong. But let's be frank -- one doesn't generally read erotica for it's amusement factor. As readers, we want to be thrilled... titillated... offered a glimpse into a world which may not be reflective of our own... given the chance to take a |
walk on the wild side and live vicariously through characters. Ms. Bradley certainly achieved those goals with "GIRL." Written in first-person view from the eyes of a female slave, we are taken along a dark and deliciously twisted path as she adjusts to life in the training house with her new Master and begins to come to terms with her own needs and desires. Her Master seems to be equally enthralled with his new slave. She quickly becomes one of his favorites. Aimee -- correction: GIRL -- has finally found her place, and the desires of her heart (and body). Or has she? The end of this story is a bit of a cliffhanger, and we are provided a glimpse into the next "Training House" book, "BOY" which piques further curiosity. I for one, cannot wait to read it! ★★★★★
0 Comments
Gideon is everything that Christian Grey is not. He is dominant without cruelty. He is flawed, but lovable. Rather than coming across as playing "head games" with Eva, it is very clear that his mistakes in the relationship stem from his own tragic past. He is only too willing to go the extra mile to see that his relationship with Eva works and that she is happy. As a reader, I can definitely appreciate the incredible physical chemistry between the characters; but what really sets this story apart from similar books, is the emotional connection and ensuing angst between Eva and Gideon as their relationship develops. I highly recommend this novel to both lovers and haters of the "50 Shades" books, as well as any other adult who enjoys the genre.
The plot swings back and forth with Erika (often times literally) being pulled in two opposite directions by her leading men. As the owner of a BDSM club called The Gate, Max gently introduces Erika into the lifestyle in the hopes that she is the woman who can fill the empty spot in his life and heart. Chris loathes the other man, and his anger causes a drastic change in his own behavior. While there are some explicit scenes, I felt that they were very tastefully written. The sexual content was not so much the focus of the story that the plot and characters became secondary, as is the case in other novels of similar genre. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. The Gate is Book 1 in The Dark Path Series, and I cannot wait to read Book 2!
*** Note: I received an e-copy of this book from the author/publisher via Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
|
Author Sites
April Kelley
B. B. Hamel Jenika Snow Jill Shalvis Jodi Picoult Kimberley Anne Laura Adrian Laurell K. Hamilton Lori Foster Sasha White Noteworthy
Author Sound Relations
Bookcrossing Bookmooch Fantastic Fiction FictFact Goodreads Listography NetGalley PaperBackSwap PayPal Custom Shipping Reading Alley Shelfari The Romance Studio Archives
April 2016
Categories
All
|