— The path to debauchery is strewn with good intentions. —Benjamin Snowley is trapped in a most distressing predicament. He’s been feeling poorly and after having recently recovered from influenza, he knows that the fault for his declining health lies in a vice he wouldn’t dare mention in polite conversation. Onanism, self-pollution, masturbation. All names for the same sinful affliction. For … All names for the same sinful affliction.
For Benjamin, it all started back at school, where he first encountered the immoral Frederick Cory. Ever since then, the man has been plaguing Benjamin’s dreams and causing most unnatural urges.
Now is the time for all the infatuation nonsense to stop. With the help of an unorthodox doctor and an indecent proposition to a young stablehand, Benjamin will rid himself of the vile addiction.
But can the experimental treatment be enough to make him forget his feelings for Frederick?
Warning: Contains a clueless young man on a futile quest for chastity and a libertine artist eager to rid him of that goal.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: masturbation, historical attitudes to sexuality, medicine, doctor, guilt, unorthodox treatment, master/servant, groom, superstition, moral failure, enemies to lovers
Genre: M/M Regency romance
Other content: explicit language, inappropriate medical examination, cum swallowing, bareback, sex toys, body worship, multiple partners
Length: ~45,000 wordsmore
The Art of Mutual Pleasure by K.A. Meridian – This book has the distinction of being my absolute favorite stroke book of possibly all time. Make of that what you will, but, believe me, a truly filthy and yet wonderful stroke book is hard to find. I, uh, have spent a lot of money and time in the endeavor, let me assure you. Ahem. So, yes, this one is delicious and dirty and I will probably read it again and again. Don’t expect a perfectly told love story. That’s not the point of this book, nor should it be, and therefore if you want that, you’ll be disappointed. If you want something that will be a wonderful one-handed read? THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
Audiobook review:
Overall – 4
Performance – 5
Story – 4
I liked this a lot, great audio performance.
I really enjoy historical MM romance and this one was really good. It’s the first book I’ve read by K.A. Merikan. It’s also the first audiobook that I’ve listened to by James Reilly. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has another name he narrates under as this was just too good to be his first audiobook. I really enjoyed his performance.
This was a different take on MM historical romance than what I’ve read before. It’s a little hard to believe that anyone could be as naïve as Benjamin but his predicament made for an entertaining and interesting story.
Benjamin’s quest for a cure for what “ails” him results in some super steamy encounters and eventually leads him to the man he once felt was not a friend.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Self pleasure is a dangerous activity for a young gentleman – this is a fact Benjamin Snowley knows is true. However, despite his best attempts, and his increasing anxiety, he cannot stop touching himself. It’s a moral crisis that’s sapping both his physical health and moral standing. He cannot continue like this for much longer before he is left a ruined husk of himself. So it is by pure good fortune that Benjamin is referred to a doctor who has just the solution for him: if Benjamin cannot stop spilling his seed from self pleasure, then he must replace the seed he spills with seed from willing donors. And with that fanciful “medical” solution, Benjamin embarks on one of the hottest, most arousing sexcapades I have ever read about.
This novella was a pure pleasure to devour. It was an indulgent chocolate lava cake with some sweet whip cream on top – just pure, unadulterated enjoyment. This novella was an overflowing cornucopia of sex and pleasure, but it still managed to have an intriguing, if simple, plot with delightful characters and a surprisingly tender romance. Benjamin stole my heart with his innocence, naivety, and pure delight in carnal pleasure (although he would deny it). Fredrick was the perfect foil to Benjamin, and was a wonderful mix of dominant and gentle.
This was the first book I’ve heard narrated by James Reilly and I was extremely impressed. He has a beautiful voice that I found very pleasing to listen to. He didn’t just narrate this book, but performed it—I could feel the nuanced emotions of the characters, especially in the more heated moments. I had no trouble following along since James did a fantastic job of differentiating his characters’ voices and keeping the each character’s voice consistent. I will definitely listen to another audiobook by James in a heartbeat.
Overall, I loved this book, although I wished it was longer. But, I will warn you, this book will not be everyone’s cup of tea, so make sure you read the warnings. However, if you are like me and enjoy some wonderful unique and kinky sex scenes, with adorably conflicted characters, and a warm romance, then this is definitely the book for you.