Customer Reviews

Up to No Good (Black Lace)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read many Black Lace books and out of all of the these (nearly 40) I have only found a handful of writers that inspired me to become a faithful and devoted fan, Karen Smith is one of those rare jewels in the erotic industry. I truly enjoy a novel that is layered with both erotica and intimacy and Up To No Good encompasses this. The writer manages to pack in tons of sex in varieties of ways that will sometimes shock someone that is not a true erotica fan, but she does this while simultaneously creating lovable and deep characters that find a rare and intense love for each other. This book made me laugh and even tear up in some of the sweet scenes. Smith's main character Emma is an adventerous and fun character though not shallow like many of the black lace characters I have read before, and the leading man is sexy, vulnerable and strong all at the same time. If you are new to erotica, I would suggest you read this with the understanding that this is not a romance novel, and be prepared for more graphic and fetish type sex; If you are well versed in erotica then I know you will love this. Karen Smith's writing style reminds me of an Emma Holly in the making, and I cannot wait to read more of her! (If you are into erotica you must know who Emma Holly is, and if you want a top notch intro into erotic go pick up anything written by her and you will definitly be hooked!)

unlike the other reviewers, i greatly enjoyed "up to no good". the book offers a delightfully encyclopedic variety of sex acts/positions/partners, and relates the protagonist's sensations in satisfying detail. i found several other black lace books less well-written (esp. the abysmal "drawn together"), as well as irritatingly vague and sexually unimaginative, faults "up to no good" can not be described as sharing.

If you like to read erotica with variety then this is the book for you. There is a lot of sex in this book and each scene is very different. Up To No Good includes m/f, f/f, threesomes with m/m/f and f/f/m, voyeurism, stranger sex, a gang bang, and much more. Somehow throughout all of this there is real love between Emma and Kit. Granted it's not the average love, but their affection for each other is obvious throughout the book.

Some reviewers complained that the sex was degrading, but I don't agree. Kit does call the shots some of the time, telling Emma to have sex with many other men and watching while she does it. However, Emma is a very willing participant. She initiates the acts almost as often as he does. There are a few words I wouldn't want to hear that are cried out in the throws of passion, but they are far and few between and can also be found in most other books of this genre. Basically if you like many different types of erotica you'll love this book. If you're unsure about what you like this is a good book to help you figure it out as it has a little bit of everything.

Although the promiscuously inclined protagonist finds her HEA, romance takes a back seat to eroticism in this novel. Fortunately she falls for a man who hasn't a single jealous bone in his body and is as intrigued by sexual experimentation as is the heroine.

Each chapter is centered upon a sexual adventure, and the adventures become more recklessly hedonistic as the book progresses. Sexually speaking, Emma is a heroine who will try ANYTHING once (at least).

I cannot agree with the reviewer who compares this author to the supremely talented Emma Holly. Although equally explicit, her sex scenes do not convey the sense of uncertainty and joy that Emma Holly achieves.
Be forewarned: the novel includes not only M/F and F/F, but also anal, some M/M, an anonymous gangbang and more.

"Ms. Smith has created a dynamic and highly entertaining erotica story that is filled with raw, passionate sex, and a sense of intimacy that is enthralling. The plot revolves around the sexual journey as well as the relationship between two people as they each satisfy their desires while giving pleasure to their dreams. The sexual exploits are shocking, riveting, and spellbinding as Kit and Emma embark on a carnal journey by using a variety of sexual positions, partners, and sex acts to pleasure each other. Yet even as the sex heats up the author subtly demonstrates time and time again the love that Kit and Emma have for each other. Emma is an adventurous, free-spirited beauty with an extreme emotional depth that will grab the reader's attention. Kit is also an adventurous, but strong-willed character with a touch of vulnerability that readers will find endearing. The love these two find is real, intense, and true to their needs, desires and spirit. Readers should be aware this book is erotica -- plain and simple, not a romance. The sex is graphic, edgy with a no-holds-barred intensity that is kinky and sinfully decadent. If you are a fan of erotica you don't want to miss Up to No Good!" - Shannon

after reading a number of reviews on black lace books i chanced upon UP TO NO GOOD at the bookstore and thought i'd try it out....it was okay....the sex scenes were definately steamy...but i'm not into degradation so a lot of the book was just reading for me (as opposed to literary voyuerism)....my girlfriend read it and is looking forward to reading other black lace books...i just hope there isn't the issue of self-degradation....otherwise, it was a pretty good read...

Although it says this is erotica by women for women, it reads more like something written by a freshman horn-dog for his frat brothers. It's hard to believe a woman got anywhere near this book. It's not just that the sex is degrading, or unrealistic for a woman, or that the writing is so bad ... more that the writer doesn't leave any space in the scene for you to participate as a reader. The whole sensuous, erotic, passionate element is missing. Try elsewhere.