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laurenjodi's review
3.0
Simply Sexual
3 Stars
Kidnapped as a child and sold into sexual slavery in a Turkish brothel, Valentin Sokorvsky has worked hard to establish himself both socially and financially. To repay his debt to the man who rescued him, Valentin marries Sara Harrison, an innocent young woman with little knowledge of sex but a great deal of curiosity. Will it be enough, however, for her to accept Valentin’s dark desires or will his past interfere with their budding romance?
Very dark and steamy, but the silly misunderstanding trope undermines the romance.
The first half of the book involving Sara and Valentin's developing relationship and their learning to trust one another sexually and emotionally (to a certain extent) is wonderful.
Unfortunately, it is undone in the second half where a third party's interference and a lack of communication leads to an annoying misunderstanding. The resolution of this conflict is the focus of the remainder of the book and involves Valentin coming to terms with his traumatic past with the help of Sara and his best friend, Peter. The menage á trois theme, which for me only serves to undermine the romance, does little to restore the emotion and passion evoked in the first part of the story.
Finally, the minor suspense plot has definite potential, but lacks any real tension mainly due to the fact that it takes a back seat to the sexcapades and is, therefore, underdeveloped.
Not sure I will be continuing with the series although Peter’s character is quite intriguing.
3 Stars
Kidnapped as a child and sold into sexual slavery in a Turkish brothel, Valentin Sokorvsky has worked hard to establish himself both socially and financially. To repay his debt to the man who rescued him, Valentin marries Sara Harrison, an innocent young woman with little knowledge of sex but a great deal of curiosity. Will it be enough, however, for her to accept Valentin’s dark desires or will his past interfere with their budding romance?
Very dark and steamy, but the silly misunderstanding trope undermines the romance.
The first half of the book involving Sara and Valentin's developing relationship and their learning to trust one another sexually and emotionally (to a certain extent) is wonderful.
Unfortunately, it is undone in the second half where a third party's interference and a lack of communication leads to an annoying misunderstanding. The resolution of this conflict is the focus of the remainder of the book and involves Valentin coming to terms with his traumatic past with the help of Sara and his best friend, Peter. The menage á trois theme, which for me only serves to undermine the romance, does little to restore the emotion and passion evoked in the first part of the story.
Finally, the minor suspense plot has definite potential, but lacks any real tension mainly due to the fact that it takes a back seat to the sexcapades and is, therefore, underdeveloped.
Not sure I will be continuing with the series although Peter’s character is quite intriguing.
filipaavmonteiro's review against another edition
3.0
É um livro com teor sexual muito explicito mas um livro que se lê muito bem.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
2.0
Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce started like an intense and erotic historical romance novel, I liked both Sara & Valentin. I especially liked Valentin's idea with The Red Book he presented to Sara, a book in which they could write their fantasies and fulfill them (if they both were interested). But, sadly, as the plot progressed sexual games between them became more and more debauched & obscene. I would have probably DNF-ed this book at about 50% but I needed it for a challenge so kept on reading. I highly doubt I will ever return to this series.
lassarina's review against another edition
2.0
I am of very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the sexy content is excellent and plentiful, and rather edgier than one often finds in mass market romances. I enjoyed that (including the threesome), and I also enjoyed that Sara specifically has her own desires and curiosity and that Valentin encourages her to explore what appeals to her and broaden her horizons.
On the other hand, I didn't feel like the mystery plot meaningfully connected with the romance plot in any way. I also didn't think Sara was much of an individual when it wasn't sexytimes--she was more of a useful prop for resolving Valentin's angst and Backstory Trauma. She didn't appear to go through any personal growth or transformation, and she existed largely as a target for Valentin's desires. That's frustrating to me because I think there was an excellent story to be told around the intersection of her feelings for him, her abilities (that come up only when plot relevant and are discarded otherwise, which contributes to her coming across as a cardboard cutout), and her growing relationships with the people around her.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if Sara is meant to be a blank slate so the (presumed female) reader can project herself into the story, but maybe that's me overthinking it.
On the other hand, I didn't feel like the mystery plot meaningfully connected with the romance plot in any way. I also didn't think Sara was much of an individual when it wasn't sexytimes--she was more of a useful prop for resolving Valentin's angst and Backstory Trauma. She didn't appear to go through any personal growth or transformation, and she existed largely as a target for Valentin's desires. That's frustrating to me because I think there was an excellent story to be told around the intersection of her feelings for him, her abilities (that come up only when plot relevant and are discarded otherwise, which contributes to her coming across as a cardboard cutout), and her growing relationships with the people around her.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if Sara is meant to be a blank slate so the (presumed female) reader can project herself into the story, but maybe that's me overthinking it.
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
4.0
Way better than what I thought it would be. HOT, HOT, HOT!!
Bigger review to come.
smuttty19's review against another edition
3.0
Simply series is spice.
Valentin was a sex slave and he falls for Sara, the daughter of the man who rescued him. He takes her to a pleasure house where they get to explore. He has a complicated relationship with the man he was a slave with.
If you are in it for the love story, this is not it. There is a good amount of plot for such a spicy book though. My first MMF book. Kink unlocked.
Overall book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice
Valentin was a sex slave and he falls for Sara, the daughter of the man who rescued him. He takes her to a pleasure house where they get to explore. He has a complicated relationship with the man he was a slave with.
If you are in it for the love story, this is not it. There is a good amount of plot for such a spicy book though. My first MMF book. Kink unlocked.
Overall book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice
perfectlymisaligned's review against another edition
2.0
This was....different.
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky is a wealthy bachelor preparing to marry the timid daughter of the man who rescued him from a 7 year existence as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel. That is until he meets the sister of the girl he is due to marry, and decides he has to have her instead.
First off, this book has a lot of sex. A. Lot. Not that I am complaining, since I do love my kinky erotica after all. And I mean, what can you expect reading a book called Simply Sexual. But, towards the end of this story I was a little bit worn out by it all. Not just the sex scenes (which Pearce does for the most part handle well), but by all the rampaging angst among the three main characters. Because yes, there is another player in this kink-fest. His name is Peter and he was also being held at the brothel and has been in love with Valentin for years.
I have no problem with M/F/M stories. Far from it. It just seemed as though this one was a bit forced. Valentin spends much of the story trying to convince Sara that Peter's love is unrequited, and Sara spends a lot of time trying not to be jealous. Which is part of the reason that the resolution...if that's what you can call it...came off as well...odd. I seem to be in the minority feeling this way, though.
So, this was enjoyable as far as a quick, sex-filled romp goes. But, not so much when you try and make sense of certain aspects of the plot.
My YT Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Bookgasmic
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
Lord Valentin Sokorvsky is a wealthy bachelor preparing to marry the timid daughter of the man who rescued him from a 7 year existence as a sex slave in a Turkish brothel. That is until he meets the sister of the girl he is due to marry, and decides he has to have her instead.
First off, this book has a lot of sex. A. Lot. Not that I am complaining, since I do love my kinky erotica after all. And I mean, what can you expect reading a book called Simply Sexual. But, towards the end of this story I was a little bit worn out by it all. Not just the sex scenes (which Pearce does for the most part handle well), but by all the rampaging angst among the three main characters. Because yes, there is another player in this kink-fest. His name is Peter and he was also being held at the brothel and has been in love with Valentin for years.
I have no problem with M/F/M stories. Far from it. It just seemed as though this one was a bit forced. Valentin spends much of the story trying to convince Sara that Peter's love is unrequited, and Sara spends a lot of time trying not to be jealous. Which is part of the reason that the resolution...if that's what you can call it...came off as well...odd. I seem to be in the minority feeling this way, though.
So, this was enjoyable as far as a quick, sex-filled romp goes. But, not so much when you try and make sense of certain aspects of the plot.
My YT Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Bookgasmic
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
nothingforpomegranted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Well-written erotica that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The allusions to Val’s history as a sex slave were powerful without overpowering the story, and Sara’s willingness to explore was incredibly sexy. Mostly, this was just porn without plot, and the slight references to plot just moved us from one bedroom scene to the next.
There were definitely a few moments that didn’t make sense if I thought about it enough, but there was no need for that in this fun, escapist read.
I loved the concept of Madame Helene and her house of please, and I am excited to read the rest of the series.
There were definitely a few moments that didn’t make sense if I thought about it enough, but there was no need for that in this fun, escapist read.
I loved the concept of Madame Helene and her house of please, and I am excited to read the rest of the series.
anna_lostinventureland's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know but this story seems a bit much for me, mm/mfm/mmfff etc. I know Valentin was a sex slave for 7 years and I should have have expected some of the sexual partners but I hard time with the idea that Sara (he daughter of a well off family, sheltered in her 26 years of life even with a senual side) would be so opened to mfm/ mmfff situations that quickly and SPOILER please stop reading now....
allow Peter to keep sharing their marriage bed if O_o When she becomes pregnant how will they explain this to the poor kid(s) who the father is cause those days DNA tests did not exist!
I don't know maybe I just like my nice and fluffy erotica with just two people.
allow Peter to keep sharing their marriage bed if O_o When she becomes pregnant how will they explain this to the poor kid(s) who the father is cause those days DNA tests did not exist!
I don't know maybe I just like my nice and fluffy erotica with just two people.
witandsin's review against another edition
5.0
Valentin Sokorvsky is not your typical English lord. As a child he was captured and sold to a Turkish brothel where he was kept as a sex slave. To all outward acquaintances, the intervening years since his rescue have healed him, though he possesses a rather insatiable appetite for sex. When Valentin discovers that the man who rescued him is in need of financial help, he offers to solve John Harrison’s financial problems and marry one of his daughters. Though Charlotte, the youngest, would be the perfect, biddable wife, it’s Sara, the eldest, who Valentin can’t get off his mind.
Sara is beautiful, intelligent, and, to Valentin’s delight, incredibly passionate. Their marriage brings both to unexplored levels of passion, but Valentin soon discovers someone is out to destroy his newfound happiness. An unknown enemy is determined to ruin Valentin’s marriage, business, and social standing, while spreading rumors of what transpired during his enslavement. As Valentin works to uncover his foe’s identity, he must decide if he can trust Sara, trust his own feelings enough to reveal the secrets of his past, or if he should close the door on love and keep his marriage simply sexual.
Sensuality reaches exquisite new heights in this phenomenal story by Kate Pearce. Simply Sexual raises the bar for eroticism mixed with romance in the first book of the sure-to-be-fantastic House of Pleasure series.
Valentin is an intriguing hero. He’s stunningly gorgeous, seemingly carefree, and, though titled, is also successful businessman. His easy manner covers the scars of his past. Though Valentin can trick even himself into believing his time as a pleasure slave doesn’t have an impact on who he is now, it is clear he self-medicates with avoidance and sex. I loved watching Sara break through his barriers to prove to him that he can trust her and her love for him. As for Sara herself, she immediately won me over. She’s smart, giving, honest, and a perfect fit for her husband, both in bed and out. I enjoyed watching her find the freedom to be who she truly is over the course of the story. Both Sara and Valentin grow and change over the course of the story. I delighted in this aspect of the story every bit as much as I did their heated encounters, which are hot enough to make you sweat.
I cannot write about Simply Sexual without mentioning Peter Howard, Valentin’s best friend. Having been captured and kept as a sex slave alongside Valentin, the two have an unbreakable bond which manifests itself in a variety of ways and is key to the tale. Ms. Pearce continues to amaze me with her talent for creating fascinating, complex characters and situations. I finished Simply Sexual eager for a whole host of characters to get their own stories, and Peter definitely topped the list. Luckily for me, I was able to read his story, Simply Sinful, as soon as I finished Valentin and Sara’s romance.
Captivating, tender, and divinely sensual, Simply Sexual entertains from the very first page to the very last. Simply marvelous!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Sara is beautiful, intelligent, and, to Valentin’s delight, incredibly passionate. Their marriage brings both to unexplored levels of passion, but Valentin soon discovers someone is out to destroy his newfound happiness. An unknown enemy is determined to ruin Valentin’s marriage, business, and social standing, while spreading rumors of what transpired during his enslavement. As Valentin works to uncover his foe’s identity, he must decide if he can trust Sara, trust his own feelings enough to reveal the secrets of his past, or if he should close the door on love and keep his marriage simply sexual.
Sensuality reaches exquisite new heights in this phenomenal story by Kate Pearce. Simply Sexual raises the bar for eroticism mixed with romance in the first book of the sure-to-be-fantastic House of Pleasure series.
Valentin is an intriguing hero. He’s stunningly gorgeous, seemingly carefree, and, though titled, is also successful businessman. His easy manner covers the scars of his past. Though Valentin can trick even himself into believing his time as a pleasure slave doesn’t have an impact on who he is now, it is clear he self-medicates with avoidance and sex. I loved watching Sara break through his barriers to prove to him that he can trust her and her love for him. As for Sara herself, she immediately won me over. She’s smart, giving, honest, and a perfect fit for her husband, both in bed and out. I enjoyed watching her find the freedom to be who she truly is over the course of the story. Both Sara and Valentin grow and change over the course of the story. I delighted in this aspect of the story every bit as much as I did their heated encounters, which are hot enough to make you sweat.
I cannot write about Simply Sexual without mentioning Peter Howard, Valentin’s best friend. Having been captured and kept as a sex slave alongside Valentin, the two have an unbreakable bond which manifests itself in a variety of ways and is key to the tale. Ms. Pearce continues to amaze me with her talent for creating fascinating, complex characters and situations. I finished Simply Sexual eager for a whole host of characters to get their own stories, and Peter definitely topped the list. Luckily for me, I was able to read his story, Simply Sinful, as soon as I finished Valentin and Sara’s romance.
Captivating, tender, and divinely sensual, Simply Sexual entertains from the very first page to the very last. Simply marvelous!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.