napqueeniereads's review
5.0
This was my very first foray into erotica. I had read many historical romances before, but never at this level. I highly enjoyed it. I liked that it wasn't just straight up sex. I enjoy some back story. My favorite parts were definitely the "stage plays" that "Maude" directed and participated in. I thought it added a lot of flavor to an otherwise graphic few scenes. I was not at all disappointed by my decision to delve into this genre.
arianappstrg's review
dark
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
kelli513's review
4.0
Book Review: The Gentlemen's Club ( Noire Series Book 1 )
Author: Emmanuelle de Maipassant
Four Stars
The Gentlemen's Club, written by author Emmanuelle de Maipassant, is a Victorian era erotic tale. I would almost say a romance novel however I am not sure how romantic this book is. This book really didn't draw me into the characters as individuals and the depth of them was really lacking for me. The descriptions of the clothing and the homes and businesses was very descriptive. I just wish we had gotten to know Lord McCaulay and Mademoiselle Noire more personally and found out more about why they were the way they were.
Lord McCaulay is a very sexual person. He owns and peruses pornographic materials and engages in sexual activites as he sees fit at a local club. He has developed a very strong attraction to Mademoiselle Noire.
This story is full of sexual encounters and should not be ready by anyone other than mature audiences. I did find myself drawn in to this book but you feel more like you are a voyeur and watching the performances that he ladies of the club put on each night along with the men in the room watching.
I wish there had been more of a connection to the characters. I will give this four stars though because as far as an erotic novella this one is definately that. It does have some very steamy scenes in it. But as far as connecting with the characters, I didn't get that drawn to any of them.
Kelli Harper
Author: Emmanuelle de Maipassant
Four Stars
The Gentlemen's Club, written by author Emmanuelle de Maipassant, is a Victorian era erotic tale. I would almost say a romance novel however I am not sure how romantic this book is. This book really didn't draw me into the characters as individuals and the depth of them was really lacking for me. The descriptions of the clothing and the homes and businesses was very descriptive. I just wish we had gotten to know Lord McCaulay and Mademoiselle Noire more personally and found out more about why they were the way they were.
Lord McCaulay is a very sexual person. He owns and peruses pornographic materials and engages in sexual activites as he sees fit at a local club. He has developed a very strong attraction to Mademoiselle Noire.
This story is full of sexual encounters and should not be ready by anyone other than mature audiences. I did find myself drawn in to this book but you feel more like you are a voyeur and watching the performances that he ladies of the club put on each night along with the men in the room watching.
I wish there had been more of a connection to the characters. I will give this four stars though because as far as an erotic novella this one is definately that. It does have some very steamy scenes in it. But as far as connecting with the characters, I didn't get that drawn to any of them.
Kelli Harper
arthistorygirl's review
4.0
The Gentlemen’s Club by author Emmanuelle de Maupassant is the first in the Noire Book Series. I grabbed this book to read because I am a sucker for Victorian era stories. The battle of the genders was very different than today in that women were supposed to keep to their place without question. This book opens a different world to the reader than the typical Victorian novel. The story is about Lord McCaulay who is humiliated in front of his peers by the hands of Mademoiselle Noire. He is not only upset with her but also deeply set on revenge. The plot twists at the hands of Mademoiselle Noire and the tangled web she draws Lord McCaulay into.
In his normal waking hours, he becomes acquainted with the young aristocrat Maud. She is determined to figure out how to fight the expectations that are set on her as a young woman. Maud is interesting because she is strong willed and determined to break these restraints of the domination of men in her life.
This was much more than a typical bodice ripper or period era story. This is also not for the younger reader. There are explicit sex scenes described in detail. Often, I skip over these sections but the author made them a part of the story when describing the performed tableaux. I felt at times they overtook the story and would have liked to see more of the story progressing. The characters are well described and have alluring personalities. If they had been hollow this would have been a disappointing read. I will be watching for the next book to see where the story goes.
In his normal waking hours, he becomes acquainted with the young aristocrat Maud. She is determined to figure out how to fight the expectations that are set on her as a young woman. Maud is interesting because she is strong willed and determined to break these restraints of the domination of men in her life.
This was much more than a typical bodice ripper or period era story. This is also not for the younger reader. There are explicit sex scenes described in detail. Often, I skip over these sections but the author made them a part of the story when describing the performed tableaux. I felt at times they overtook the story and would have liked to see more of the story progressing. The characters are well described and have alluring personalities. If they had been hollow this would have been a disappointing read. I will be watching for the next book to see where the story goes.
katie_83's review
4.0
The Gentlemen’s Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
4 stars
I think that this is the first time that I have read a book that has combined two of my favourite genres, erotica and historical erotic romance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has definitely got me wanting to read more from her in the future! The book was well written, the erotic scenes were well balanced and not too over the top. I admit I skimmed over some of the m/m scenes because that’s not particularly my thing to read about but from what I read they were again written about really well. I was pretty much enraptured with the writing of this book and I felt like I was there too. The writing within the story was very detailed. I loved that it was set in London during the Victorian era because that just added an edge to it – especially knowing how people in those times viewed these kinds of lifestyles and activities! The story is about Lord McCaulay who visits ‘The Club’ and finds himself becoming obsessed with Mademoiselle Noir. I did struggle with to make a connection with the characters but I still enjoyed reading about them. The scenes between them were pretty steamy (as expected with an erotic book!) I did find myself wondering about Mademoiselle Noir a bit more than Lord McCaulay – she was quite an intriguing character!
I have to say I’m not quite sure I was expecting that ending though!
Overall I thought it was a good read from a new to me author. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book and certainly more from her in the future.
4 stars
I think that this is the first time that I have read a book that has combined two of my favourite genres, erotica and historical erotic romance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has definitely got me wanting to read more from her in the future! The book was well written, the erotic scenes were well balanced and not too over the top. I admit I skimmed over some of the m/m scenes because that’s not particularly my thing to read about but from what I read they were again written about really well. I was pretty much enraptured with the writing of this book and I felt like I was there too. The writing within the story was very detailed. I loved that it was set in London during the Victorian era because that just added an edge to it – especially knowing how people in those times viewed these kinds of lifestyles and activities! The story is about Lord McCaulay who visits ‘The Club’ and finds himself becoming obsessed with Mademoiselle Noir. I did struggle with to make a connection with the characters but I still enjoyed reading about them. The scenes between them were pretty steamy (as expected with an erotic book!) I did find myself wondering about Mademoiselle Noir a bit more than Lord McCaulay – she was quite an intriguing character!
I have to say I’m not quite sure I was expecting that ending though!
Overall I thought it was a good read from a new to me author. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book and certainly more from her in the future.
bwagner's review
4.0
The Gentlemen's Club (Noire Series Book 1) by Emmanuelle de Maipassant is a dark erotica story that has a few twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat one minute and needing a fan and ice water the next. This is my first story by this author and I enjoyed her writing style and her creativity for characters. Her attention to detail for during this time era is great as well. It is during this era that men believe women to remain quiet until spoken too and do what they are told and when they are told. I enjoy this era for various reasons but the attitude about women is not the best. Her ability to relate the characters to this era is great. Her creativity for her characters are such that they will pull you into their world. They will make you feel like you are right there with them. You will enjoy how the pop right off the page after page. Find out what happens to these characters as they enter a business where their world that women have the control.
This story takes place during Victorian London 1898. At night, Lord McCaulay falls under the powers of Mademoiselle Noire. When she embarrasses him in front of his friends and peers, he is intent on revenge. But he is just drawn more into her web and entering into a dark obsession. By day, Lord McCaulay shows interest in Maud who is struggling to show her identity against the domination of men.
Lord McCaulay seems to be drawn to Mademoiselle Noire but she gets a delight in tormenting him. I don't think he realizes that she holds the power within the walls of her business. He is not use to that but honestly I think he enjoys it more then what is said. These two are great strong characters that have their own personality but the same attitude. They both know what they want and how to get it. In a way there is two different story lines going at the same time, one at night and the other by day. Maud is determined to prove that she is different then the other women. She is strong willed and stubborn and determined to fight expectations. Determined to fight for control. Then you have Mademoiselle Noire who has control within her walls, anyone who walks into her business knows that she is in control. Both equally strong then you throw Lord McCaulay into the mix and he is determined to get revenge one minute but the next he just can't help himself. I enjoy reading books during this time even though I don't always agree with their attitudes. This one takes Victorian books to a different scale that you won't want to miss. You have to find out what happens with these characters yourself!
This is my first book by Emmanuelle de Maipassant. I can't wait to see what she has for me next to dig into. Emmanuelle lives with her husband and their little haggis pudding terror She writes erotic, the Gothic, the comedic and the wry. You will enjoy how fast paced this story is. It is engaging and you will totally lose track of time while reading it. You won't even realize you are turning pages. You will need to see what happens on every page. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy what happens to these characters as much as I have.
This story takes place during Victorian London 1898. At night, Lord McCaulay falls under the powers of Mademoiselle Noire. When she embarrasses him in front of his friends and peers, he is intent on revenge. But he is just drawn more into her web and entering into a dark obsession. By day, Lord McCaulay shows interest in Maud who is struggling to show her identity against the domination of men.
Lord McCaulay seems to be drawn to Mademoiselle Noire but she gets a delight in tormenting him. I don't think he realizes that she holds the power within the walls of her business. He is not use to that but honestly I think he enjoys it more then what is said. These two are great strong characters that have their own personality but the same attitude. They both know what they want and how to get it. In a way there is two different story lines going at the same time, one at night and the other by day. Maud is determined to prove that she is different then the other women. She is strong willed and stubborn and determined to fight expectations. Determined to fight for control. Then you have Mademoiselle Noire who has control within her walls, anyone who walks into her business knows that she is in control. Both equally strong then you throw Lord McCaulay into the mix and he is determined to get revenge one minute but the next he just can't help himself. I enjoy reading books during this time even though I don't always agree with their attitudes. This one takes Victorian books to a different scale that you won't want to miss. You have to find out what happens with these characters yourself!
This is my first book by Emmanuelle de Maipassant. I can't wait to see what she has for me next to dig into. Emmanuelle lives with her husband and their little haggis pudding terror She writes erotic, the Gothic, the comedic and the wry. You will enjoy how fast paced this story is. It is engaging and you will totally lose track of time while reading it. You won't even realize you are turning pages. You will need to see what happens on every page. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy what happens to these characters as much as I have.
shannonlovesbooksandreading's review
4.0
The Gentleman’s Club is the first I’ve read by DeMaupassant. I was expecting something a little taboo and maybe erotic in nature. I would have to say this story was certainly that and more.
I related to Lord McCaulay while he was in his intimate but humiliating situations. He was extremely turned on by the situations that Mademoiselle Noire put him in but at the same time he was embarrassed that he was so turned on. Kind of like the saying “You can’t help who you love”, I guess you could say you can’t help the kink that you love.
I enjoyed this story since it kept me guessing, I wasn’t sure if there was going to be a happily ever after, I wasn’t sure how Maud and Lord McCaulay would become a part of each other’s lives. The era that this story was written in wasn’t really open to kinks of any kind so to read about a club where kink was not only allowed but encouraged made for an interesting read.
I definitely recommend this story to those over 18 with an open mind.
I related to Lord McCaulay while he was in his intimate but humiliating situations. He was extremely turned on by the situations that Mademoiselle Noire put him in but at the same time he was embarrassed that he was so turned on. Kind of like the saying “You can’t help who you love”, I guess you could say you can’t help the kink that you love.
I enjoyed this story since it kept me guessing, I wasn’t sure if there was going to be a happily ever after, I wasn’t sure how Maud and Lord McCaulay would become a part of each other’s lives. The era that this story was written in wasn’t really open to kinks of any kind so to read about a club where kink was not only allowed but encouraged made for an interesting read.
I definitely recommend this story to those over 18 with an open mind.
angelahayes's review
4.0
5 Stars
“We live in the wondrous here and now and it’s here that our flesh must take its pleasure. Your body is yours and yours alone, but not for long, and never long enough.”
Mademoiselle Noire
The Gentleman’s Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is a very erotic and risqué Victoriana story set in 1898 London. It is dark, graphic, raunchy, and quite different from a lot of other stories in this genre. The is a lot of sex happening in this book, which is kinky, often and varied- There are scenes with BDSM elements, humiliation, Multiple partners, m/m, m/m/f, and dirty talk (and more) …… so if you are offended by, or opposed to any or all of these subjects, then this probably isn’t the book for you!
“The nineteenth century was a time of prudery and hypocrisy. While it was expected that men would indulge their sexual impulses widely, regardless of marital status, it was unthinkable for a ‘genteel’ woman to admit even to enjoyment of her marriage bed.
For her to express undue interest in sexual matters was a sign of wantonness and questionable moral character. More ominously, it could inspire diagnosis of hysteria. In extreme cases, a woman might be referred to an asylum for treatment of this perversion. Engaging in sex outside of marriage made her a ‘fallen woman’.”
Lord MacCauley has the means and status to explore his sexual proclivities. His tastes are many and varied- he’s always on the lookout for the next experience or conquest. So it comes as no surprise to find he is a member of an exclusive ‘club’, a refuge of sorts for the high society gentlemen who frequented it. But if you pass through a certain doorway, you enter a world of pleasure and pain, with lovely ladies only too willing to enjoy some male company.
It is here that Lord MacCauley meets Mademoiselle Noire and succumbs to her incredible talents. His first experience in her theatre of sexual exhibitionism was humiliating, he was mortified by what had occurred, but couldn’t stop thinking about it. After avoiding the place, he finally gives in to his desire and seeks her out again. What starts off as an attempt at revenge ends up with him being drawn even further into her perverted web. His obsession grows and he can barely think of anything else. By day he wiles away his time in anticipation of the nights ‘entertainment’. Will she be his undoing? Or will she bring a clarity and freedom to his life that he didn’t know he was missing?
“Her power over him is a diabolic contagion. Yet, there is something else. He feels her exhibition of her basest animal impulses as a revelation: a miracle of honesty, against which the rest of his life stands in counterfeit. It is as if she has been sent to awaken him to his true self and to lead him on some previously unconsidered path.”
We also meet Maud, a progressive thinking and lovely young aristocrat who is desperately trying to gain some independence and establish her individuality, in the male dominated society of Victoriana London. She deals with the societal expectations of women and the frustrating double standards of the era. What happens when her path intersects with that of Lord MacCauley?
This story is very well written- even if the wording was a little ‘old fashioned’ for my tastes. At first I found it too flowery and a little jarring in places, but soon adapted to it and became more comfortable with it as the story progressed. The wording and dialogue is in keeping with the era, so I commend the author for extra authenticity.
Ms. de Maupassant’s scene setting was exquisite. Her attention to detail, and vivid descriptions transported me to Victoriana London- where I was pulled into the story and made a voyeur to all the kinkiness; as well as a witness to the journey of discovery that the characters embark on.
There is no cliff-hanger, but the story does continue in volume two- “Italian Sonata”, and I am curious to see what happens next.
Thank you Ms. de Maupassant!
“We live in the wondrous here and now and it’s here that our flesh must take its pleasure. Your body is yours and yours alone, but not for long, and never long enough.”
Mademoiselle Noire
The Gentleman’s Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is a very erotic and risqué Victoriana story set in 1898 London. It is dark, graphic, raunchy, and quite different from a lot of other stories in this genre. The is a lot of sex happening in this book, which is kinky, often and varied- There are scenes with BDSM elements, humiliation, Multiple partners, m/m, m/m/f, and dirty talk (and more) …… so if you are offended by, or opposed to any or all of these subjects, then this probably isn’t the book for you!
“The nineteenth century was a time of prudery and hypocrisy. While it was expected that men would indulge their sexual impulses widely, regardless of marital status, it was unthinkable for a ‘genteel’ woman to admit even to enjoyment of her marriage bed.
For her to express undue interest in sexual matters was a sign of wantonness and questionable moral character. More ominously, it could inspire diagnosis of hysteria. In extreme cases, a woman might be referred to an asylum for treatment of this perversion. Engaging in sex outside of marriage made her a ‘fallen woman’.”
Lord MacCauley has the means and status to explore his sexual proclivities. His tastes are many and varied- he’s always on the lookout for the next experience or conquest. So it comes as no surprise to find he is a member of an exclusive ‘club’, a refuge of sorts for the high society gentlemen who frequented it. But if you pass through a certain doorway, you enter a world of pleasure and pain, with lovely ladies only too willing to enjoy some male company.
It is here that Lord MacCauley meets Mademoiselle Noire and succumbs to her incredible talents. His first experience in her theatre of sexual exhibitionism was humiliating, he was mortified by what had occurred, but couldn’t stop thinking about it. After avoiding the place, he finally gives in to his desire and seeks her out again. What starts off as an attempt at revenge ends up with him being drawn even further into her perverted web. His obsession grows and he can barely think of anything else. By day he wiles away his time in anticipation of the nights ‘entertainment’. Will she be his undoing? Or will she bring a clarity and freedom to his life that he didn’t know he was missing?
“Her power over him is a diabolic contagion. Yet, there is something else. He feels her exhibition of her basest animal impulses as a revelation: a miracle of honesty, against which the rest of his life stands in counterfeit. It is as if she has been sent to awaken him to his true self and to lead him on some previously unconsidered path.”
We also meet Maud, a progressive thinking and lovely young aristocrat who is desperately trying to gain some independence and establish her individuality, in the male dominated society of Victoriana London. She deals with the societal expectations of women and the frustrating double standards of the era. What happens when her path intersects with that of Lord MacCauley?
This story is very well written- even if the wording was a little ‘old fashioned’ for my tastes. At first I found it too flowery and a little jarring in places, but soon adapted to it and became more comfortable with it as the story progressed. The wording and dialogue is in keeping with the era, so I commend the author for extra authenticity.
Ms. de Maupassant’s scene setting was exquisite. Her attention to detail, and vivid descriptions transported me to Victoriana London- where I was pulled into the story and made a voyeur to all the kinkiness; as well as a witness to the journey of discovery that the characters embark on.
There is no cliff-hanger, but the story does continue in volume two- “Italian Sonata”, and I am curious to see what happens next.
Thank you Ms. de Maupassant!
jennadb's review
4.0
The Gentlemen’s Club is the first book in the Noire Series by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. It is a very erotic story set in the Victorian times and is filled with mystery and intrigue and will lure you in looking at these dark secrets surrounding the exclusive club and these rich people and their unusual tastes. It is an illicit world where whatever their pleasure, it can be found at the club. Whatever their tastes, it can be found behind closed doors. This story is both erotic and sensual and both disturbing and thrilling and will make your heart beat a little faster.
If you have an open mind and looking for a Victorian erotica novella, then you have found it. I would recommend it to those over the age of 18.
If you have an open mind and looking for a Victorian erotica novella, then you have found it. I would recommend it to those over the age of 18.
hncald78's review
4.0
The author writes a solid book. This volume was not one I would normally read. It was well written but in the beginning I found the back and forth confusing. I knew it was necessary for character development purposes. And at the end it made much more sense from a plot perspective. It was effective in portraying the societal expectations for the Victorian age as assigned to your sex. Although this was outside my comfort zone, the author writes a solid book.