Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille

November 19, 2015December 4, 20154 Comments

mylittlebookblog (1)

Hiiiiiii readers, interesting post for you today and I’m just going to throw in a trigger warning here right at the beginning. I tend to avoid books where I would need to say approach with caution but I couldn’t not review this because it may just be the most shocking book I have ever had the chance to read. In the book there are numerous quite distressing sexual scenes, there is a lot of human feces flowing and it’s a bit much – so be careful.

Before you ask; why the hell were you reading this – it was T’s fault. He’s one of these readers who likes to read the stuff that everyone talks about but not always for the best of reasons. Normally classic fiction (he’s currently reading A Clockwork Orange) he also has a thing for weird books. We were reading in the garden on a sunny afternoon. I was reading a thriller and I looked over and couldn’t ignore what I saw there; right then I decided to read it the next time I had some book free time. Here I am today reviewing for you The Story of the Eye. It might not be pretty, it might not be sane, but it’s here either way.

In 1928, Georges Bataille published this first novel under a pseudonym, a legendary shocker that uncovers the dark side of the erotic by means of forbidden obsessive fantasies of excess and sexual extremes. A classic of pornographic literature, Story of the Eye finds the parallels in Sade and Nietzsche and in the investigations of contemporary psychology; it also forecasts Bataille’s own theories of ecstasy, death and transgression which he developed in later work.

The best way to explain this book is that is has been obviously written to shock; it’s an unabashed collection of disturbing eroticism, sadism, insanity, surrealism and violence. This book is really a series of sexual encounters – over and over again we are given story after story full of surreal sexual violence and attack. The short read simply revolves around a male’s desire and fascination with a friend Simone and a young girl names Marcelle. The three flirt and indulge in truly shocking games; in one particularly shocking episode Marcelle reacts terribly, coming out of her coquettish nature and loses her mind. Insitutionalised Simone and our male character break her out of said asylum. From here I think Bataille loses it and the plot loses control. I’m not going to say any more because it’s too difficult to write about and my mother reads my blog so I’m not going to go into too much detail but there’s a lot of unconstrained, very pornographic sex.

I was a little repulsed by this book; the amount of urine that is passed during the sexual encounters was not only difficult to read about but was terribly misogynistic. It’s animalistic, and Simone has a penchant for eggs; there are a good few pages where Simone throws said eggs into the toilet and there her obsession grows to an obscene amount. The final scene is an aggressive orgy event; here we see the three kill a man and use his dead body as part of the proceedings. So yes, that’s a thing.

Did I enjoy this? No? Am I glad I’ve read it, yes? (is that a weird thing to say?) I’ve never read something quite so out there and aggressive in nature. I’m not sure why it’s been written other than the author to say – right I’m just going write whatever the hell I want and see what people say about it. This is not necessarily a bad thing but there’s just no more too it really; it feels as like what is the worst thing I could put down on paper? The writing swells and fades but at times it takes a nature that is so truly warped it’s a little difficult to truly understand what is happening however that may be me and my difficulty to read what I was supposed to be reading. The characters aren’t fully formed – probably because that’s not the point on the book ie a story but it does create an even more surreal feel to the book as a whole.

Overall, I am very glad I’ve read this despite its truly shocking nature just for the sheer fact I have never and am unlikely to read anything like it ever again. Would I recommend it, no I’m not going to quite do that, but if any of my darling readers have read this let me know what you thought in le comments. That would be rather lovely.

Linkkkks

Unblocked: Episode One by Marni Mann

June 25, 2015November 25, 20152 Comments

Good afternoon readers and another hopefully interesting review for you. I’m currently working through my email inbox, deleting email I’ve sent myself, reviews I’ve drafted, book review requests and emails I’ve read and replied to; to say it’s a mammoth task is an understatement to say the least. Any bloggers who have any tips for keeping a clean and tidy inbox other than keeping on top of it and replying then deleting them as they come in let me know. Today’s review is one I found lingering in my inbox that I read a little while back but just never got round to typing it all up and posting it to mylittlebookblog. It’s another raunchy tale that I hope you’ll enjoy.

One taste was all it took…

Derek Block seeks revenge.

Frankie Jordan seeks professional dominance.

He wants her, she wants him.

Lines that can’t cross begin to blur.

A second erotic style book for you readers today; the blurb is a little vague so I’ll give you an idea of what’s in store. Frankie is a successful, ambitious and determined young woman working in real estate. Learning from her father, one day she hopes to take over the terribly successful Jordan International from her father. Step forward Derek Block one of the top designers in architecture he needs the best real estate agent to handle an exclusive listing of his project Timber Towers. Upon meeting the chemistry between the two begins to build but Derek has two rules: 1) not to sleep with any women he works with and 2) only sleep with the same woman once. Can the two deny their feeling for each other or will they end up breaking all the rules.

I thought that this book was a brilliant introduction to this new series from the author Mari Mann. I think it definitely set down the foundations for the oncoming books that will continue to document the relationship between our two main characters. This author really fleshes out her characters for us to discover; Derek is a to-hot-to-handle, wealthy and sumptuous character. A little rugged and coarse (checked flannel shirt and bearded kind of guy) I liked the contrast between what I expected him to be and what Mann gave to me in his character. No crisp suit here ladies.

I liked the way that he controlled his business and his aversion to mixing it with pleasure and his difficulty to stop restricting himself from the things he knows he wants. Frankie is a wonderful character confident and dynamic her focus is strong and undeniably attractive to our lovely Derek. I thought the toying from both the characters as to their feelings and whether they should control or give in to their desires was exciting and kept me strung to the authors every word. I also really liked that the author started the weaving of a number of side stories including previous relationships, family members and a little pinch of revenge.

Technically the writing is incredibly strong and impeccably put together. There is the perfect amount of description matched with witty dialogue and a real understanding of how to pull the reader in. The writing is quite obviously passionate and driven and this matched spotlessly with the controlling and powerful character profiles of the male and female protagonist. The narrative, although moves with pace, is steady and allows the reader to really understand what is going on and helps to add to the suspense. I liked that the author really played with me as a reader never quite giving enough away but leaving me wanting more. Over the years I have read a number of romance style books and it seems as though the characters fall for each other at almost first sight but here it’s moulded and worked with to give you more than a typical erotica. There are some saucy scenes that are written with vigour and desire but there’s also a story.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this first story from the Timber Towers series. As a book it gave me so much more than I thought it would and really played with the characters. My only wobble was I wonder how much can be played with within their relationship maybe it went too far in the first instalment but I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.

Links

Through His Lens by Anna Bayes

June 20, 2015November 25, 20151 Comment

Hellloooo readers. If you’re into erotic fiction then you’re in the right place to be because today I have a scorcher for you. This is blisteringly hot and mischievous. I don’t read a lot of erotic fiction, not because I don’t enjoy it, it’s just that I don’t tend to be sent as many review requests for said genre. I started reading erotic fiction around this time last year for the #sexmeupreadathon and I’ve dabbled in and out of the genre over the past year or so. This one dropped into my inbox and opening to read it at work I quickly had to shut the book, this is not one for work time reading but later I downloaded it onto my Kindle and well, it’s not one for the faint hearted. It won’t be for everyone but it’s definitely the sauciest erotic novel I’ve ever read.

Newly divorced and rediscovering her place in the world, Fiona found a strange solace in taking photos of herself. Next step: she hired a professional photographer to take her portraits. Modelling for him felt empowering. Would this be only a one-time thing or would she have the courage to pursue a relationship with Nathan, the photographer whose green eyes captivate and disarm her?

This novelette (A narrative work of prose fiction shorter than a novella and longer than a short story) follows Fiona as she signs and passes over the divorce papers to her newly separated husband. A little weary from the procedure she decides to take a new step and turn over a new leaf by hiring the professional photographer from her wedding to take a new set of images. Upon meeting Nathan at the studio and take part in a nude photoshoot *cough.* the two take things a step further in a hot and heady display of affection. Asking her to model for him in the future on her reproach of the idea, Nathan lashes out hurt by her use of him. Coming to her sense the two become friends, but the passion of the photoshoots still lies clear for both. Can they stop themselves straying from their decided friendship?

So, as I said this book is hot and heady. I must admit the plot is a little clichéd and stereotypical but I think it’s one of those books where you’re not really looking for a storyline so much it’s about the punchy, head-over-heels, raging sex scenes that are written with so much gusto it’s a little overwhelming. It is at times a little smutty and explicit and I would say if you’re looking for something that leaves it to the reader to formulate what’s actually happening then this isn’t one for you because we get the finer details which left me a little hot under the collar.

I thought the writing overall was lyrical and moved with understanding of how to pull the reader in. The problem I guess is because it is so short we get very little character profiling or their emotions or feelings really at all and other than Nathan’s piercing green eyes we get very little description. The plot is quite implausible and lacks the give and take I would have liked to see. Although we all like a little heat it needs to come from something. Make the reader question whether it’s going to happen, make a little mischievous, play with the readers emotions, enjoy it. I think made a little longer; (because it is so short) this could have been played with.

Overall in terms of the writing of the erotic scenes, although very graphic they were enjoyable to read and a big contrast to any of the books I’m reading at the moment (i.e.: 1q84 and To Kill a Mocking Bird.) I think the author could definitely have made the book a little longer and played with the relationship between the two but for me this was a quick read, took me very little time at all and was a lovely escape for an hour or so.

Links

Exposure by Annie Jocoby

May 4, 2015May 4, 2015Leave a comment

Afternoon readers, hope you’re all well and wonderful. I’ve been slowly, slowly whizzing my way through all the emails in my blogging inbox. It really is a mess in there but I’m trying to take it one review at a time and keep ploughing through them. I’m not sure whether fellow book bloggers feel this way but sometimes I wish I could just absorb books into my system through osmosis. There are just too many books to sit down and read and so many more waiting out there to discover. Today’s review is my first critical one for a little while now which is a little bit of a shame, it just wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but without further delay onto the review.

Photographer CJ Parker is a woman who has literally not gone outside for the past six months. She’s been hiding from the world, and from life, ever since an unimaginable tragedy forced her into seclusion. On the one day where she decides to finally venture outside, she meets the mysterious billionaire, Asher Sloane. Dark-headed, magnetic, and gorgeous, Asher drips sex and animal magnetism. He draws CJ out of her shell and into the world, while showing her things that she never knew existed. What CJ doesn’t know is that Asher has a dangerous past. Behind his beautiful blue eyes and confident demeanour lies dark secrets that, if they are brought to light, could mean the end of CJ and Asher’s relationship.

As a reviewer, even now after two years or so blogging, receiving books makes me so incredibly happy. I really appreciate the time that authors and publishers spend publicising their books, and being gifted with a copy is a really wonderful thing but I have to be honest.

Firstly, the blurb sounds wonderful; alpha dominant guy, a steamy romance, and CJ Parker a delicate female lured out by the racy billionaire. After a couple of weeks reading fantasy books almost exclusively, this really appealed but it doesn’t deliver; firstly the writing style is a little off kilter. It doesn’t flow and instead is quite stiff and robotic. This meant that it didn’t quite sit with me as a reader throughout. It’s technically correct in terms of grammar and spelling but the conversation doesn’t surge and give but instead feels forced. Additionally some of the writing is a little curious. It’s just a little badly written and quite pornographic in nature. It didn’t feel like the author meant it and it therefore didn’t feel like the characters meant it either. Their dialogue is also a little immature, it is rocky and at time vulgar which left me feeling a little stunned.

Another issue was the relationship between CJ and Asher was unrealistic and confusing. At one point she’s spending large amounts of his money but refusing to let him know where she is? It made my feminist blood boil a little and not in a good way. I just didn’t get it and compared to the blurb on the back I felt a little let down. I think that the characters were the main problem for this book; they weren’t described strongly enough and given enough characteristics to make me want them to get together. I actually felt a lot of the time the two were using each other and that the connection between them was purely physical; for some readers they might enjoy this but for me it didn’t sit right and the constant almost bare to the bone account of their sexual relationship became tedious incredibly quickly. This created other issues including why Asher was fascinated in helping CJ in the very beginning and the fact that his character profile was a little abhorrent. His emotions reminded me of that of an adolescent teenage boy, a stud who wanted to use the main female character. Just, no. As many reviews have also included, the sentence that included the comment ‘I want to squirt between your legs,’ made me cringe and put the book down. I’m done from this point on.

Overall this book feels rushed and pushed to be finished. It lacks development of the characters, which leads to an underdevelopment of their relationship with one another. I have had a little look into the author and seen that she has written a number of books and I’m sure there are readers who will really enjoy this; I for one struggled to finish it.

Fifty Shades of Grey: E L James

March 16, 2015March 16, 20158 Comments

Evening readers, something a little different review wise for you today from mylittlebookblog. A number of weeks ago, around the Valentine’s Day weekend, I went to see the new fifty shades of grey movie with a number of close friends. We equally laughed, giggled and looked a little horrified throughout but the main question discussed after the film was, which was better the book or the movie? Although firstly deciding rather adamantly that the film was better (which isn’t saying much,) I went home and fished out the book from the top of my wardrobe and the place where books that need moving on go to lie. After re-reading a few of the chapters of the book a number of feelings came flooding back to me and I decided to pen a review. I know there have been many many reviews of this book but I thought it was my time to put my two pennies in.

So I guess the first thing to mention is that I’m not going to be suggesting that EL James is awarded any prizes for her writing style in terms of the quality despite her best-selling novelist status. The novel as most of you will know follows the 21 year old English student Anastasia Steele who finds herself caught up in a relationship with the mysterious and foreboding Christian Grey, a billionaire with some interesting relationship ideals including a penchant for bondage. We watch the two as Anastasia struggles with the constraints of their relationship (no pun intended) trying to break through to the broken Christian and prove that he can love her and that the two are meant to be together.

So, I guess the question is; if you haven’t already, is it worth getting hold of a copy and attempting to read the book dismissing everything you have already heard about it? The answer I would say is yes, but only if you’re ready to hit the clichéd wall of James’s writing. At times it is a little overwhelming with Gray looking at Anna with his steely grey eyes, or Steele’s ‘inner goddess’ who is often doing yoga positions, or backflips, or the fact that I’m surprised Anna has a bottom lip left after all that biting of it she does. Additionally the plot line lacks originality; vulnerable and receptive woman falls for deeply broken but domineering older man and tries to heal him. Its clichéd and although the BDSM parts of the novel add a different tone it didn’t save it from being a little tired.

In terms of characters both Anna and Christian although not completely unlikeable lack the qualities to really make you fall for them and I felt indifferently towards their relationship on the whole. She is so susceptible and easily influenced that you find you want to shake her a little. (I did feel she was played better in the movie than the book saying this.) Christian is a little better although his domineering side is so powerfully placed that you are a little terrified for Anastasia and I know that this is something that many have critiqued as not being a real portrayal of a safe or true BDSM relationship.

So, as like a number of readers I assume, fifty shades of grey was the first erotic style novel that I read and the world of BDSM was and still is incredibly new to me in terms of reading about it. I think what intrigued me was the unfamiliarity with this style of writing and since reading it I have read more from this genre of book. The sex scenes do not hold back and although many have critiqued it my friends and I had a lot of giggles reading different sections out to one another cringing at the language used. I think James deserves some credit for making this genre more accessible. When I first read the book this power play in terms of a sexual relationship was completely new to me and although I think in the film the idea that Anna is an equal of his is much better put across than in the book, it’s an opening to talk about the different types of sexual relationship that people have.

So, yes the writing is terrible. Both characters are neither likeable nor unlikeable but are both stiff in their portrayal (another unintended pun there.) Their dialogue is stilted and their relationship at times is both farcical and laughable. However, since Fifty shades burst into the literature scene we have seen a huge increase in the popularity and certainly the blogging about this genre which is great. For many of us it’s something new and although a little unfamiliar it’s nice to see the genre being seen in a different light; something I think the film has further helped to address. Erotica is not smutty or indecent and I think Fifty Shades has only helped to continue to expose the potential for brilliantly written erotic style books.

Making Friends: Anna Ellis

January 20, 20154 Comments

Happy Tuesday lovely readers, something a little naughty for a lazy evening in which I hope you really enjoy. Since last year when I took part in the ‘Sex Me Up Readathon I have received a number of requests for me to review more saucy natured novels. I have never really been into more erotic style books however I decided that I was missing out on this genre and missing on a potential reader base for mylittlebookblog. Since taking part in the readathon I haven’t really touched on the genre however after receiving a request to review a book from Anna Ellis I decided to give it a go. I read this about a week ago and wasn’t quite sure how to review it, but I’m going to give it a go and hopefully intrigue you lovely readers of mylittlebookblog into reading more; enjoy!

When happily married couple Jacey and Dominic move into their new neighbourhood, they’re surprised at how friendly everyone is. Jacey is quickly won over by the wives on the street, and intrigued by Joe, the resident handyman. When the neighbours invite Jacey and Dominic to one of their Saturday night parties, they learn just how very close-knit the group on Honeysuckle Court is. Do Jacey and Dominic really need extra excitement in their marriage? And Jacey can’t help but wonder – will Joe be there?

So it seems a little clichéd, however there was something rather naughty but interesting about this book. The story follows Jacey and Dominic who are a mischievous couple in their own right. With two children and having just moved from the bustling city they are finding very little time to ‘get it on’ so to speak. Quick sparks of passion created through coded sentences mean that the two are all too frequently reminded how their life used to be before the appearance of two tiny bundles of tiring joy. Upon the beginning of their new life in the suburbs, the two find themselves becoming the fascination of the neighbourhood clique. Intrigued by the interest of their new highly attractive neighbours the two find that the intrigue isn’t only a friendly one but a lusty one also. However Jacey has a secret; she finds herself weakening in the presence of the ever-helpful handyman to the neighbourhood Joe. Will he be at the gathering or will she find herself in the hands of another man from the neighbourhood?

Okay, so for starters, don’t get the wrong idea about this book. When I started getting into it I was worried it was going to become cheap and a little over the top but it’s handled incredibly well. It has a desperate housewives feel about it, the idea that you never know what could be happening behind the perfectly painted front doors and manicured front lawns of your friendly neighbourhood residents. Each perfectly happy with their own lives but secretly wanting something more. In terms of characterisation, despite it being a relatively short book, the characters are well built up and have a lot of characteristics to them. Jacey is considerate and thoughtful but harbours a mischievous and bold sexual desire. Dominic is a doting father and all round sweet and dependable male but given the chance he’s just as intrigued. The best way to explain it is that it is written incredibly well in a palatable way that doesn’t make it seem either sleazy or unbelievable.

I also liked the introduction of the relationship that began to grown between Jacey and Joe because her relationship with Dominic is so strong and honest that it was interesting to follow her feelings of being intrigued by the dishy male (and he sounds pretty hot.) It’s something I’m sure will be discussed in the books to come and I’m interested to see how it will play out. I also found it interesting how Jacey during the Saturday night ‘party’ (cough, cough, nudge, nudge, wink, wink,) is suddenly struck with such strong feelings of jealously when she sees her supposedly darling husband finding himself in the arms of another woman. It added a hypocritical aspect to Jacey’s supposed crush which helps to add more of an interweaving sub-plot to the short novel.

The only negatives I can really comment on are firstly the title of the book, it’s just not particularly exciting or intriguing and I like the stylised front covers and the way they change throughout the series but the titles don’t make me want to read them. The only second thing which I am sure will be discussed is more into the description of the ladies of the neighbourhood clique; I think they could have been described and given strong personality types but it’s a short book so maybe I’m expecting a little too much too early on. Overall I actually really enjoyed this; a little naughty and lusty but a perfect quick read for someone just starting or intrigued by erotically natured books.

How To Win a Guy in 10 Dates: Jane Linfoot

July 21, 2014July 21, 20142 Comments

Good Evening readers! Today is the first day of the #SexMeUpReadathon designed by the wonderful Laura from SheLovesToRead and the rest of the Gosling Girls. Now, if you saw last week, I read and reviewed the book ‘The Escort Next Door.’ Although technically before the readathon started I wanted to give you lot the chance to get involved and I hope you have! The readathon, if you didn’t see is trying to banish the stigma that seems to surround erotic literature on the grounds that it’s disgusting or filthy. So, all this week, everyone that has signed up to the readathon will be reading only erotic fiction and blogging about it! So here is my first official review!
The 10 Date Challenge. Take Ed: one loaded, bad boy, explosives expert, embarking on the impossible – a challenge to have ten dates with one woman. Add in Millie: a fiercely independent, feisty burlesque teacher who has sworn off men. She’s so not his type, he’s so not in her life-plan, but the heat is sizzling, and they’re fighting it all the way. And they both have issues they want to leave behind….is ten dates too long to keep the truth under wraps?

The premise to this book is a simple one; Ed Mitchum, a self-confessed commitment phobic has been set a challenge – to go on 10 dates with one woman. Pushed by his sister Cassie who has had enough of his commitment issues and his reputation for one night only encounters it’s not looking good for Ed. Until he meets the hostile and formidable Millie. Buxom, independent and a dancer of burlesque she is not one to be messed with, especially as she is officially sworn off men. These two should repel each other but there is a dazzling connection that neither can ignore. I was actually slightly surprised by this book; by the title I has assumed that it would be taken from a females perspective, however it turned this slightly on its head and instead focuses on the ways that the two connect with each other through the dates, focusing mainly on the male main character. It did take me by surprise for the first couple of chapters but I warmed to the premise of the book very quickly. I think what made this book connect with me so much was the extremely strong character profiles as both were brilliantly written. Millie is difficult and reluctant to commit but then she turns suddenly to vulnerable and naïve. Ed, however, is strong and sarcastic but turns to understanding and considerate. The depth that is written into the characters allows the author to play with their relationship changing it in a matter of paragraphs from appreciation to volatile anger. I also liked the way that both the characters have secrets to hide and the secrets are kept not only from each other but from the reader as well. It keeps the plot moving forward whilst also making the reader keep reading onwards. Additionally, I must admit that Ed is one of the sexiest characters I have ever met whilst reading. He screamed hot-mess and I would rather have liked him to jump on me!

The writing style was playful but straightforward; the characters are written so they come across as confident and self-assured which reflects the authors writing style. It doesn’t waver and it doesn’t drag out unnecessary details. Sometimes when reading a writer will pull around with the plot too much and it distracts the reader. This is avoided here and instead the writer just gets straight in, with no messing. In terms of the saucier scenes they are written with confidence and assurance. The scenes are raunchy but believable. Additionally the story focuses mainly on the relationship between the two, and only mentions the extra family members occasionally which lets the story really focus on the rising tension between Ed and Millie and I can tell you there is a lot of tension. The only problem for me was the clichéd ending I would have much rather it ended with a few ends not tied up but instead the ending is laced with cheese. It’s not the end of the world but for me it lacked a certain finesse.

Overall I really loved this book! If you’re new to erotic fiction it’s definitely one to give a go. It’s got passion, tension, sex and the discussion of a pretty interesting relationship. Definitely not one to miss! So off you go pleasure seekers!