From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Josie LittonWelcome to the Odalisque, the world’s most exclusive club intime. Kindly leave your inhibitions at the door (clothing is optional). If this is your first visit, a few words of explanation may be in order. The tall, lithely muscular and all-around stunningly handsome man lounging at the bar is the club’s founder and owner, Lucius … and owner, Lucius Belmont. “Luscious Lucius” some call him. Others are more inclined to mutter about his resemblance to Lucifer. A word to the wise, enjoy your visit but do nothing to vex him. Especially not now.
Lucius is pre-occupied with a problem unlike any he has encountered before. That rarest of creatures–a virgin–has wandered into his circle of debauchery. Natalia Bollinger is everything she should not be–exquisitely beautiful, unbearably arousing, and uncannily able to penetrate all his hard-won defenses. But Natalia is guarding secrets of her own that will pit her against Lucius in an epic showdown of vice versus virtue. Before your visit is over, limits will be tested, lines will be crossed, and all the rules will be broken. Take a seat. The show is about to begin!
Although inspired by my earlier work, “His Lordship’s Downfall”, also available on Amazon, “Tales of the Odalisque” is a standalone novel with no cliffhanger. You need not have read “His Lordship’s Downfall” to enjoy this story but of course, I hope that you will do so. Please be aware that while this story is M/F, monogamous and HEA, it contains intimate scenes that some may find disturbing. Read at your own discretion.
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Tales of the Odalisque is a steamy, entertaining, timeless sort of story. Although apparently set in the present, there are references that make this seem much like historical erotica. I like the contrast between it being set in the present, with things like technology and computer hacking, and the references to times of old like the costumes (snood).
Natalia is looking for her half sister. Her search for her has led her to the Abbey, a place where women’s virginities are auctioned off. Natalia is a virgin, surprisingly considering her otherwise seemingly very much worldly childhood and present occupation, and knows if she has any chance of finding her sister, she’ll need to get into the Abbey and auction herself off. It’s here she meets Lucius Belmont, the owner and director of the Odalisque, the club where the Abbey offers up its virgins for auction. Little does Natalia realize that soon she’ll catch Luscious’ (one of Lucius’ nicknames) attention, and that he’ll be the one “training” her for auction.
But, Lucius isn’t just after Natalia’s delectable body and the innocence he seems to crave. No, he wants to know the real reason she’s at the Abbey. He knows she’s hiding something, and he is determined to figure out what her secrets are, even if he has to torture her body with pleasure to get those secrets out of her. But will Natalia cave and allow Lucius to gain access to her heart and mind? Or will she only give up her body in order to get what she ultimately wants – to find her sister?
Although Tales of the Odalisque is a spin-off of His Lordship’s Downfall, you don’t need to have read it (although I recommend you do, because it’s a delicious tale) to understand Lucius and Natalia’s story. I liked seeing Adrian again, though, and the mentions of Jane. It’s good to know how well they’re doing.
Natalia and Lucius make an erotic, sexy, interesting duo, and I’d absolutely love to read more about them. There’s a sort of HFN ending, and I really want an HEA, so more would be much appreciated.
The storyline was simple, but fairly interesting although the romance between two characters is rather sudden, sexual and lust at first sight type. There are fair bit of graphic sex scenes which probably made the story and romance part a little simpler. Quick and easy read and interesting world that’s seemingly set in historical era but not.
Litton does it again Four Scorching Stars for Tales of the Odalisque
This was a bit tamer than some of Litton’s work but no less powerful !
Lucius is absolute sin on a stick – he wants what he wants and the devil to those who get in his way – I really liked his character and found myself a bit envious of Natalia at times
Ah Natalia our innocent virgin sacrifice – don’t worry she is far from the lamb being led to the lion – strong female lead witty yet a touch of vulnerability that is easy to connect with
The chemistry between the two is spot on and explosive
A little mystery and intrigue blended with a dash of romance for the perfect read
Currently available in kindle unlimited for your reading pleasure
Well written, great characters with the appropriate amount of sexy. The writing is so smooth and seamless that you don’t realize you’re at the end until you’re there. I love when characters are real and genuine and their actions and responses are appropriate and not only fit their backstory but their current situation. This is sexy, it takes place under sexy circumstance so you get the best of both worlds a great story and some sexy scenes.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Josie Litton does it again! What a great read! Works as a stand alone, but might be better if you read His Lordship’s Downfall first. The story is captivating with a taste of mystery and humor accompanied by an appropriate amount of steam and sex, all of which keep things interesting! No spoilers here, suffice it to say, if you are into contemporary romance, or even if this is your very first read in this genre, this is the book for you! The story absolutely works, it keeps your interest, the characters are well developed and the only thing left to say is READ THIS BOOK!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review