As a phone sex operator, Annette Waincott knows how to tease to get what she wants. That is, until she teases the wrong man at a club, claiming kinky fantasies she doesn’t really have. It must have been too much vodka and his tantalizing Russian accent. Too bad he believes her.When the Russian accidentally kidnaps her twin sister as part of an ill-fated sex game, things quickly get real. In a … desperate bid to free her twin, Annette offers herself to him in trade. He both terrifies and excites her, but she knows she can never trust him. The things he wants will push her to her limits and beyond. And this time, she can’t tell pretty lies and run away.
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I loved this story from the very first page. It was like going back into time, to the very beginning of the Pleasure House world. It is the story of Anton and Annette, and what a journey they had. It was fun to meet the four masters again and it brought back their stories as well. I now want to start over and reread them all. As always, Kitty made me believe. Believe in the story, in the characters and in their feelings. It all felt so very real. Through the many missteps in their relationship, you could still feel their deep down connection to each other. And although this is the last book in the Pleasure House world, and could technically be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend you read all the books. It will give you an even better understanding of the different players in their world.
TL:DR version – I really enjoyed this book, even the bits that I hated had purpose, meaning, reason and built into the story, allowing character growth, self discovery and a truly consensual, loving relationship to emerge. You just have to wade through the sewers to get there!
Anton and Annette’s story was incredibly compelling but also quite difficult at times. This was truly the darkest of the five books, though it never really went beyond dubious consent. At the end of the day, whilst Annette had chosen to be at the Pleasure House, it wasn’t of the same free choice that others had been given.
At one point Annette tells her sister it was a game gone wrong, and actually this reason could very easily have been used at the beginning, rather than the crazy “I’ll have to keep you forever” scenario. However at no point whilst the story played out did I roll my eyes or feel it wasn’t a possible outcome.
Actually there was one thing, I even made a note on my kindle that said “this is just too much!”. It was regarding a scene with Sergio under the stairs at the ballet. Two or three days in, for a girl with a very limited sexual history, well it pushed MY boundaries. The sex scene, for me, was quite chilling, it made me feel uncomfortable, angry rather than lustful. I thought Kitty Thomas had got it badly wrong and gone too far.
Turns out I was both right AND wrong. The author had written it perfectly because it had gone to far. I’m not sure if I was meant to enjoy the scene or not, but the fact that my emotions fed perfectly into the next part of the story blew my mind! In fact the story played out perfectly – even if Anton did need a punch in the balls for the Brian threat. What a dick move given the horrific incident that had just taken place. Still he did suffer for it, so I did forgive him.
I’m glad I read it last – only I could have started with the final book first – as it meant I’d had plenty of time to see their relationship in action, and how much they truly adored one another. I wouldn’t suggest reading this first, even though it is first chronologically. I personally feel you need to know these characters, their situation, the whole set up, first in order to really appreciate their story.
I really, really liked Annette – even if she was slightly crazy and far too impulsive. At the end of the day she knew when enough was enough and she stuck to her guns. Like Gabe, Anton had felt like a halfway decent guy in the other books. On more than one occasion his moral compass slipped so far from North that I found myself wanting Annette to somehow leave him. However unlike Gabe he realised his errors – well most of them – and worked hard to make Annette a content slave. And much as I hated what Brian did, we needed that pivotal event as the fall out from it allowed the relationship to become what they both wanted and needed.
We know how they relationship between Anton and Annette is after a few years, but how did it begin?
It shows how a relationship evolves over time and how thin the line between lies and truths sometimes is.
When the man of your dreams turns out to be the man of your dreams?
Annette met Anton at a club and drank too much. She left him behind, but he is on her mind the next morning. She told him everything he wanted to hear, because that is what Annette does. To support herself and her medical school going twin sister, she delivers the fantasy as a phone sex operator. When Anton mistakes her sister for her, her fantasy world just became reality, and it isn’t safe at all
Anton believed Annette when she whispered the things she wanted. He figured he was lucky, because he wanted all those depraved things as well. Finding out he’d been lied to, well, he doesn’t take that well at all. Ever. At any time. It triggers his inner monster, and he finds out, he likes that monster to come to the surface sometimes. Suave and smooth most of the time, cranky Anton needs to be let loose. Anton never really let him out before, so learning to control him takes a bit
Anton and Annette seem perfect together, then they don’t. They comfort each other, then they do their best to hurt the other. They seem to be in sync, then it goes horribly awry. In the end, they are discovering the other side of themselves, and eventually, that the both sides of Anton fit really nicely with both sides of Annette. The clash comes when the non-fitting sides connect, but they realize they can make that work too
Not for the faint of heart, because, *sigh*, Brian is here. Brian truly is evil, mean, and vicious, and wants to murder everyone, though he doesn’t. A sadist to the core, he is too much for most people. He is essential to the dynamic of this group of men, and plays his part so well. Gabe is the sweet and gentle peacemaker, but not really. Lindsay is the predator in a suit, seeking out the weak, and offering them for remolding for the men’s needs. The dynamics of the men are all over the story, and they are important in creating and maintaining Anton and Annette’s relationship
The relationship between Annette, and her twin Janette, is just as important. It even tends to amaze Anton that they so willingly put themselves in danger for the good of the other. All these supporting characters transform as well in their thoughts on Annette and Anton. None wanted it to work, and then they all realized it was the only choice, and finally, they all saw much Anton and Annette needed each other
In the end, Annette and Anton fit together because they figure out what they need, and the other gives them that. They know what the other wants, and they give that to them. Their needs align, and they adjust and delight in letting the other have what they want, because it is what they want as well.
Kitty Thomas has written another MUST READ. This was kinky and hot as hell. Be prepared with a dry pair of panties on standby.
First off, I know I’ve read the other books In this series and enjoyed each of them individually. It’s been quite a while so reading it was like visiting an old friend with a new story. I thought I knew what was going on, what was going to happen, what was next, and I was entirely wrong.
This is the prequel to the Pleasure House World. In those three stories, which can all be read as standalone books, Anton and Annette are already a couple. This explains how the Pleasure House was started as a game four friends went from joking about one night that turned into reality. It also sheds more detail into the backgrounds of the four main male characters in the series and explores more of their behaviors. The characters are well developed and the storyline was well crafted. The Author does a great job of weaving the secondary characters into the main story in such a way that makes you eager for more in the series. There’s also more than just the usual alpha Dom/kidnapping story. You get to know Annette and how even though she’s a pretty, little, liar who is a phone sex operator. She’s only been intimate with two men in her life. She never knew her self well enough to know what her desires or needs were, because of the string of lies and fantasies she role plays over the telephone all day, she is a blank canvas for others desires. When she meets Anton, the dark, dominating, Russian at the nightclub, the chemistry is so strong it’s on her mind even with the massive hangover the next day. When Anton mistakingly kidnaps the wrong twin and Annette shows up for a trade (sister for sister) that is an offer Anton cannot turn down. We get to see the strong, fierce, willing to sacrifice herself no matter the cost loyalty Annette has and you also see the scared, unsure, woman with self-esteem issues. Throughout the story she continues to evolve as the Dom/sub relationship between the two intensifies. By the end she has found her happy place where desire, love, and strength have blossomed from her trust and submission. The submission she will only give to one man, Anton. As far as the rest of the men in the house, she stands up and tries to protect the other women even at her own peril. You also see the evolution of Anton and how his character grows from not just the domineering, controlling, intense Russian but to the man who will do anything to protect the woman he loves an cherishes.
That was just an overview of the main plot, do not forget this is Kitty Thomas we are reading, so of course there are lies and deception, darkness that threatens to destroy the trust built between her Master and his kiska, twists and turns that had me holding my breath and flipping each page like a mad woman.
Thank you Kitty Thomas for making sure this was available. It is a Art to be able to write this dark with understanding.
I’ve read a handful of Kitty Thomas’ other books and found I enjoyed how deeply she delved into the psychological aspects of her characters. It’s not a thing every author does, but given how dark the story can go, or how extreme, the internal workings of these people she’s creating is more important to see. It’s something she’s very good at.
Pretty Lies is no exception. I can honestly say that while I’ve read some of her books, I came to Pretty Lies without having read any of the others in her Guilty Pleasures story lines. Given it’s more of a prequel that didn’t seem to deter my enjoyment of the book, and I brought a fresh eye to it then others might, others who’ve already read about these characters in other books. For others like me, it’s easy to delve into this story and I don’t feel like I was struggling to understand any of the people or events that occurred. I will be curious to read some of the books which come after it now and then go back to see what I might have missed, but all in all, it stood alone well and I don’t feel I was lost or confused.
The characters were interesting, a realistic mix of flaws and virtues, and a nice, heady chemistry that I was curious about from the summary before I read this book, and was glad to see I liked how it developed. I don’t think I ever considered the mindset or work of a phone sex operator before and how that might affect their personal lives outside of work, so that was a new aspect. I liked Annette’s character. She didn’t feel forced or flat in the writing. Her motivations were understandable. Her actions made sense. her development through the story was intriguing to read. Anton was more complex in some ways… is he bad… is he good… more like a bit of both, that I enjoyed watching develop as well.
By the end of the book I wanted more, and I anted to roll it back to page one and go for another time through, which is always a good hallmark of a book for me. I’m also more curious now about the other secondary characters. What wil Shannon do in the future? How deep do Brian’s issues run? I’m curious about Lindsay, who wasn’t as present in the book, and I would love to read more on Ivan or Katya… but given there are other books already out, I shall go looking to see if my questions are already answered by Kitty.
For new readers and experienced fans, this book is worth a read if you enjoy darker stories or psychological themes.
This is the story I’ve been waiting for since I first read the books in this world. Anton and Annette had this wonderful, warm, settled relationship. You could tell how much they loved each other and how devoted to each other they were. Plus, I always wondered how the house got started, so that’s awesome too. You never really think about what it takes to get an operation like that running smoothly, especially if you’ve only seen it running smoothly.
It was nice to see Anton, who always seemed to have things so together, falter in places and try to figure out what he was doing. We don’t always see the Alpha types faltering and screwing up that way, so seeing it here was very nice. Just because they are the boss doesn’t mean that they are perfect or know what they are doing all the time, especially in a new setting like the house is now.
I love the title. It fits so well with Annette’s job. Pretty lies to make everyone happy and they don’t hurt anyone, right? Except, sometimes they do. Annette finds that out first-hand when some of her pretty lies come back and bite her in the rear end.
I just need to say, for the record, that I don’t like Lindsay and never have. Brian is still my favorite, even if he doesn’t necessarily come off all that well in this one. He’s always going to be my fave, but Anton has always been a very, very close second, and this book brought him even closer to a tie with Brian. So very, very, very close.
This was wonderful to go back and hear the beginning of how Pleasure House came to be and how Anton and Annette’s journey began.
Anton is a hot Russian who oozes charisma and confidence. Annette plays a dangerous game when they meet and she lies and paints herself as someone she definitely is not. And those lies are very punishable.
I loved hearing how Phyllis and Shannon came to be in the house.
This is another brilliant story by Kitty Thomas, Pretty Lies is set in the Guilty Pleasures world as a kind of prequel and tells the story of Anton and Annette
Anton and Annette’s story is unconventional and a tad twisted but the connection between two characters really sucks you into the story. Twisted, interesting, suspensful, dirty, sexy and at times packed with emotion, this story captures your attention from the start and is a really great read. I loved that we got to see a some of the characters from the previous books and having read the other books it was great to learn Anton and Annette’s story and also get given some more info on the house.
I will admit I think that having read the other books in this series made this book a bit more special for me but you could definitely read it as a standalone or read it before the other as it is a fantastic story and one that I would definitely recommend reading.
As crazy as this sounds, I don’t read blurbs for most of my 1-click authors. I know there’s no point because honestly, they could write a menu and I still would read it. So, when Kitty Thomas has a book coming out, you are absolutely correct I will 1CTB and go into the book blind. Okay, not totally blind. I knew Pretty Lies was Anton and Annette story. I just didn’t know how much of a treat was waiting for me.
Holy crow! This is the beginning. Like beginning, beginning. I mean literally, how the men in this series start up the Pleasure House. Wow! I am floored. I knew this was a prequel, but I had no idea how far back it would go. It was quite fascinating discovering the origins. I know Ms. Thomas likes to say each book is a stand-alone and can be read in any order. Blah-blah-blah! Take it from a longtime fan, to get the full effect of the books in the Pleasure House world, they NEED TO BE READ in the order they were written: Guilty Pleasures, Broken Dolls, Surrender and now Pretty Lies. The layers that each previous book offers up is important because, without it, you may not get the full WOW! Factor that I have come to experience.
Now onto Annette and Anton. Oh my! I’ve always loved Anton in the series but if it is possible, I love him even more. I’ve always thought Annette was just one of the girls they’ve brought to The House to train and he fell for her. Nope! There’s so much more than that. A twin sister, a trade, a sacrifice. In fact, I feel their story can border almost on a love story. Okay…well, there are a few things that occur that you wouldn’t find in most love stories here but hey, this is Kitty we’re talking.
I’m kind of sad to know this is the last book I will get to experience in the Pleasure House world. Knowing that Ms. Thomas does not write series makes all four books that much more special. For quite some time Broken Dolls was my favorite, that is until this little gem came along. I personally would like to thank Kitty for giving us the one thing I have yet to discover in any of her other books that Pretty Lies gives. Closure.
DISCLAIMER – This book was “technically” written out of order. If you’ve read the series prior to this, consider it a bonus book. If this is your first time picking up this series, I would recommend you reading this first and then the series. Or not. To each his own and all that…LOL
Annette is a phone sex operator who’s lied so many times, it’s become second nature. She lies so much that she’s even lying about the littlest of things, unnecessarily so. And these lies catch up to her. While meeting a mysterious man in a bar, she talked a big talk, forgetting that she was speaking to someone in person and not over the phone (we’ll blame the alcohol). And although she ends up going home alone that night, her lies cause a chain reaction that will forever change many lives.
Anton is the owner of a spa. Ok, he’s also extremely rich, gorgeous, Russian and loves the kink. So much so that he and his friends have started a new business. What’s the business? If you’re read the series, then you know. If you haven’t, well…let’s just say it’s a training facility… of sorts. After meeting Annette in the bar and listening to all of her kinky thoughts, he was surprised to see her “show up” at his spa considering he never told her where he worked. And so the game begins…
Since I’ve read the series and this is a bonus book for me, I really loved diving back in to these characters. Seeing how it all began for Annette and Anton was a treat. Totally not what I expected considering how “obedient” she is in the other books. But that’s what makes this so good. I was also reminded just how much I love/hate some of the other men (cough cough, Brian). But I digress.
Loved this addition. Gosh I’ve missed these dark reads from Kitty. So glad to have her back!!!
I loved this book. I have wanted to get into the Pleasure House series for a little while now but never got around to doing it. When I saw this prequel to the other books was coming out, I had to check it out and see if I wanted to read any of the others. I am so happy that I am in Kitty’s ARC list, so that I had the chance to read and review because Kitty did not let me down! I finished the book in three days, many sleepless moments and just being enraptured with this read. I love any form of dramatization and how Kitty always seems to make it real. As if I can see what is happening as though someone is showing me a movie or playing back their memory in real time. If you have read the Pleasure House series or haven’t yet gotten into it, you’ll like this prequel.
Anton and Annette. I love them and their relationship. Beautiful, dark and so sexy.
“And what would you do?”
“I could kidnap you. I could take you away to my castle and make you my pleasure slave. I would take very good care of you. You’d be my pet. Would you like that, kiska?”
Being a phone sex operator, Annette has become accustomed to using her voice and sexy talk to give men what they desire. But when a drunken night of telling her pretty lies to a dominant Russian leads to the kidnapping of her beloved twin, Annette is faced with going down the rabbit hole in order to save her sister and follow through with the lies she told. Anton’s world is not Wonderland, and Annette discovers there is a darkness that lies within the walls of his domain. But when the darkness threatens to destroy the trust built between Anton and Annette, they are both left questioning their feelings for each other and what the future holds for them.
In Kitty Thomas’ Pretty Lies, we revisit the world she created in her books Guilty Pleasures, Broken Dolls, and Surrender. With this being a prequel to those, you do not need to have read those stories to enjoy this one. Highly recommend this book or any of Kitty’s other stories! If you are a fan of darker erotica, Kitty Thomas should be on your one-click list!
Pretty Lies is an extraordinarily original, suspenseful, twisty page-turner that takes place in the Guilty Pleasure world, and you won’t want to miss.
Gripping, brilliantly well written, heartwarming, heart-wrenching, chilling and hypnotically suspenseful at times. Well-built characters that are very convincing, likeable and hateful at times.
This is Anton and Annette’s story. It was fascinating learning about their beginnings, as well as the origins of the house and the rest of the characters we all got to love or hate in the other books.
I just loved the chemistry and connection between Anton and Annette and the insane attraction they felt for one another. Their story is very convincing, intriguing and entertaining.
This book grabbed me right from the beginning, and kept me hooked until the end. You cannot fail to be captivated by this or any of Author Kitty Thomas fabulous stories!!
I highly recommend it!!
(It contains dark and sensitive subject matter. Not for the faint of heart.)