71 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Descriptive, Sultry, Disjointed, February 22, 2001
I have read quite a bit of Anne Rice/Anne Rampling before. This book marks both a departure from her thougtful, sexy horror fiction (e.g. "Lestat," "Inverview with a Vampire," "Mummy") and her fantasy-themed, erotic Beauty series (e.g. "The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty"). It kind of falls in between.
The book examines the relationship between an intelligent, conflicted, strong proprietor of a S&M-themed island (Female) and a passionate, creative photographer (Male). (As you may have already guessed, this is not a book for those with conservative sensibilities!)
The relationship/chemistry between the main characters is interesting, believable, and sexy. Rice makes you feel as if you know each of them -- and are in the same room with them. You feel their passion and understand their internal struggles.
My less-than-stellar rating speaks to the book as a whole -- the story arc, in particular.
"Exit to Eden" reads like two books:
Book 1: An interesting love story about a couple who's erotic pursuits help them tap into their feelings about each other, relationships (in general), and power.
Book 2: A story detailing the maintenance and baggage associated with being the proprietor of a S&M resort. (Think: "Fantasy Island" with velvet-covered handcuffs.)
Also, because Rice chose to set it in modern times, you have to have a *major* suspension of disbelief. You must believe that an island like this is legal, feasable, profitable, & enjoyable. I had a difficult time doing this.
Summary: If you enjoy Rice's books and are looking for a departure from her typical themes, read this.
However, if you're a person who would like to read your first Rice book, don't choose this one. I think you'll be disappointed.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice suprise, August 18, 2004
When I picked up this book and scanned the back I caught that it was a sex club and a romance type book. I am not into S&M at all and at first I was nervous to enter into that world. But I really loved this book and have read it multiple times. Some one said it is a romance novel for people who dont like romance novels and I totally agree with that. Nothing felt cheesey, it felt heart felt and honest in its characters. Its not too hard core. If your looking for that, look elsewhere. Its just an exciting story that basically says love can find you anywhere. I am a very satisfied reader. Thank Anne.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A romantic s&m book, April 13, 2001
I just need to say that this book started out quite s&m like. Full of exciting sexual happenings.... but ended up as being just a really good 'happily ever after' story. Theres nothing wrong in that, because mind you i loved the romantic side to the story, it was beautiful. But it would seem that after the first few chapters, the whole s&m or Master/slave aspects were just totally lost and gone. And if you've read the 'Beauty Series' by Anne Rice that is probably why you picked up this book. Well if you are hoping for something as satisfying as the Beauty series then you've chosen the wrong book. If you are into reading love stories and love to see happy endings where people run away and fall in love, then your in luck!
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