Type: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica, New Adult, 18+, Adult Themes, Playing Out Your Fantasies..
About the Book: Graduate student Vivienne Charles is afraid of her own desires—ashamed to admit that she fantasizes about being taken by force, by a man who will claim her completely and without mercy. When the magnetic, mysterious Jonah Marks learns her secret, he makes an offer that stuns her: they will remain near-strangers to each other, and meet in secret so that he can fulfill her fantasy.
Their arrangement is twisted. The sex is incredible. And—despite their attempts to stay apart—soon their emotions are bound together as tightly as the rope around Vivienne’s wrists. But the secrets in their pasts threaten to turn their affair even darker...Reader Advisory: Asking for It deals explicitly with fantasies of non-consensual sex. Readers sensitive to portrayals of non-consensual sex should be advised. [Description from Goodreads.com]
My Review: So when I saw this book reviewed in a magazine, I was fascinated. Really? An erotic novel featuring a girl acting out her rape fantasies? To be honest, I jumped at the chance to review it because I wanted to read something so controversial. But you know what? This was done incredibly well. Not only are the characters well developed and easy to fall in love with, but the tough topic itself - rape - is handled incredibly well. Vivienne is in therapy, and even discusses her budding relationship with the therapist. They talk about what is and isn't safe. Vivienne leaves fail safes for herself in case something goes wrong, and they work through their issues together. And the biggest thing that stuck out to me - aftercare. Even after a rough "play session" (as they call it), Jonah is kind to her and makes sure she is well taken care of - something missing from a lot of erotic novels I've seen.
I didn't know what to think of this book at first, but about 20% in, I realized I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to see how events would play out. I was worried the book would focus too much on the rape aspect, but author Lilah Pace writes a genuinely good story outside of what's going on in their sexual relationship. Thank goodness I have the second book because I need it after finishing "Asking For It."
This book isn't for the casual erotica reader. And it definitely comes with some major trigger warnings. But I honestly feel parts of this book might help people come to terms with their own fantasies, or maybe even their own sexual history.
Cover Lovin': It both looks odd, and looks perfect. I don't know what to think.
Recommendation: Definitely for 18+, and not for the faint of heart. But all the same, it deals with Vivienne's fantasies and needs in a healthy way.
Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! So intense, so good, so... whoa!
Get your copy of "Asking For It" from Amazon.com today! Also check out the recently release sequel, "Begging For It."
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for review. Thanks, Netgalley!
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