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magpiewitch's review against another edition
2.0
I so wanted to like this book. The premise was right up my alley and the characters were decent. If you like erotic fiction involving lifestyle BDSM (as opposed to the occasional tryst), this might be for you. The immersion was great but I just do not like the way Anne Rice writes. I won't give any spoilers, but I felt like the story veered wildly off track and completely lost my interest about halfway through the book. It was like the whole thing went vanilla on me. I didn't want to stick it out because, knowing her, I knew it would be a while before we plodded back to the point. Try another author or her more to-the-point Sleeping Beauty series. This bored me.
summers7's review against another edition
5.0
I think her vampire books can be a little dry, but this is not at all.
cavalary's review
3.0
I had to struggle to read through the first half of the book. May be well written and I'm sure people into BDSM would love it, but such things put me off.
The second half is completely different and I found myself lost in it. Not actually lost in the story, but in some of the ideas behind it, when they were outlined... And in my own story, when it was just about the two of them...
So there I was, ten pages from the end, wondering whether it's worth four stars for just half a book, when she ruins it...
Ok, she did point out the real reason for marriage, when it's not done for money or other such interests: A voluntary confinement because the two know their commitment is not strong enough to keep the relationship going in the long run. Also, there is a hint about trying to mix their relationship and The Club in the future, but that's not covered in the book, so for all I know the author doesn't think it possible.
So say things are wrong, but do them anyway. No thank you; goodbye.
The second half is completely different and I found myself lost in it. Not actually lost in the story, but in some of the ideas behind it, when they were outlined... And in my own story, when it was just about the two of them...
So there I was, ten pages from the end, wondering whether it's worth four stars for just half a book, when she ruins it...
Spoiler
MARRIAGE!? WHAT THE FUCK!?Ok, she did point out the real reason for marriage, when it's not done for money or other such interests: A voluntary confinement because the two know their commitment is not strong enough to keep the relationship going in the long run. Also, there is a hint about trying to mix their relationship and The Club in the future, but that's not covered in the book, so for all I know the author doesn't think it possible.
So say things are wrong, but do them anyway. No thank you; goodbye.
kimia_hyperfocuser's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I would not read this book for titillation, even though has titillating sex scenes. What is great about it is the discussions of the philosophy and psychology of kink, which were deeper and more compelling than almost any other book I I've read on the subject. Anne Rice knows what she's talking about.
Although I do I wish we had spent more time at the Club, with Diana maybe, instead of Lisa moving away from kink.
Although I do I wish we had spent more time at the Club, with Diana maybe, instead of Lisa moving away from kink.
innae's review against another edition
3.0
Not as erotic as the Sleeping Beauty series, much more story. An investigation on "cracking" which while it happened to a dominatrix, it really can happen to any of us. Why are we doing what we do? Is it the 'right' thing? How much should we care about outside perceptions?
Much more involved than the movie was (which focused on a mystery and had FBI agents and everything...um, no -- none of that in the book) I enjoyed the story and felt for Lisa and Elliot -- I wanted them to figure out where they belonged.
Much more involved than the movie was (which focused on a mystery and had FBI agents and everything...um, no -- none of that in the book) I enjoyed the story and felt for Lisa and Elliot -- I wanted them to figure out where they belonged.
buckupcamper's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
most of the rating goes to the voice actors, especially gillian anderson
genxyogireader100's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely a more developed story line than Shades of Grey, though I was disappointed that there was less "action." I also had to think to much, which isn't something I want or expect from this kind of book.
desiree_zeuxis's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting read but I feel like it only gives you the tip of the iceberg before turning down other avenues which is fine but I'd love to find another tale just dealing in themes like seen in the beginning of the book.
Characters were relatable even though they were very well-off and highly cultured. The man was more fleshed out for me than the woman.
I wish I could rate at a 3.5. I'd be willing to read another like this by Rice.
Characters were relatable even though they were very well-off and highly cultured. The man was more fleshed out for me than the woman.
I wish I could rate at a 3.5. I'd be willing to read another like this by Rice.
hannan_laura's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
kokorobosoina's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5