Exit to Eden

Rating:
Summary: Atmospheric, kinky, memorable...
Review: ...and besides all that, the writing is gorgeous, and the New Orleans settings are so wonderful. Ann Rice is truly a writer of many talents - and many and diverse interests.
Kinky? Yes. Erotic? Yes? Fun? Yes. Should you read it? Yes.

Rating:
Summary: Erotica? No. Love story? Yes.
Review: As other reviewers have said, this book certainly doesn't compete with other erotic classics as the back cover claims. It starts out strong with some of the most tensely erotic scenes I have ever read in a book to date, with Anne Rice's usual amazing writing style, but quickly fades from erotica into a simple love story with many dimensions, as much of her work does.

While I must confess that this is certainly one of my favourite books that I have ever read, it does not support the claims that are made with regards to the work within the pages. It is not a 'modern day "Story of O," although Anne Rice has certainly done much work in examining the S/M scene.

Unfortunately, those who are experienced in this particular scene will notice a few glaring errors in the claims that she makes in the novel, and may very well cringe to see these mistakes made by such a profound author. While Rice certainly believes in her work with some great zeal, those with experience in their own lives will see that her own experiences perhaps do not match their own.

The books real saving grace does, however, come towards the end of the book, as we begin to follow Elliot and Lisa more closely, realizing the true sparks that have flown between them. The characters are intensely real and believable, so much so that the reader may feel as though they have entered into the very hearts of the characters about whom they are reading.

If you are looking for a good erotic read, then this probably isn't the book for you. If you are interested in the S/M scene and are hoping for more information and ideas, then this is also not the book for you. If, however, you are interested in getting deeper into Anne Rice's amazing world and love her writing, then this is a worthwhile read for any fan.

Rating:
Summary: Not Sleeping Beauty
Review: I bought this book because I thought it would be similar to her "Sleeping Beauty" series. It isn't even close. This is more romance novel than BDSM, and even then the romance is a little cheesy.

If you want a romance novel, go ahead and get this book. If you are looking for good BDSM, look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Not Sleeping Beauty
Review: I bought this book because I thought it would be similar to her "Sleeping Beauty" series. It isn't even close. This is more romance novel than BDSM, and even then the romance is a little cheesy.

If you want a romance novel, go ahead and get this book. If you are looking for good BDSM, look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: A disapointment
Review: I have read all of Anne Rice's books that were released under her real name and have thoroughly enjoyed every one. One day I decided to try one of her earlier works written under a pen name to see what it was like.

I was somewhat disappointed. I understand that this is early writing and it shows in that she has not yet developed her prose to the levels that you find in her vampire, witch, and other novels. I agree with one of the other reviewers that the novel reads more like a romance novel than erotica. I actually find some of her passages in her latter works that skirt with the subject of the erotic more exciting than this less veiled attempt.

In all honesty, I didn't finish the book. (By my own scale, I should have given it one start, but I'm cutting some slack here because it's Anne Rice.) The reason: boredom. There just wasn't enough here to hold my interest. I'm not particularly into bondage or S & M and the storey itself didn't interest me enough to continue on to the bitter end.

My star ratings:

One star - couldn't finish the book
Two stars - read the book, but did a lot of skipping or scanning. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection or search out other books by the author
Three stars - enjoyable read. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection. Would judge other books by the author individually.
Four stars - Liked the book. Would keep the book or would look for others by the same author.
Five start - One of my all time favorites. Will get a copy in hardback to keep and will actively search out others by the same author.


Rating:
Summary: Good - maybe not 5 stars but still good.
Review: I have read so much about Anne Rice - and finally managed to read one of her books - since I dislike anything with vampires thought I would give this a try. All I have to say is "where is the Club?" and where can I meet a man like Elliott?? wow! This is a very sensual tale about two people Lisa and Elliott who have enjoyed to the hilt such a heavy dose of an alternative s&m life style but when this couple finally meet - PASSION!! Much more powerful and intense for both of them than they have ever experienced. They both find themselves willing to risk anything to persue this opportunity with "love." Rice actually allows you to see them fall in love in their flight from the Club. This is a strong powerful book and I found it a page turner.

Rating:
Summary: Sexual outlaws
Review: I think Anne Rice started out writing one book and it just happened to turn into something else. I personally found this to be an interesting book and have loved it since it was published. Here's how I see it: Lisa is someone who has always been a little lost and out of touch with others. She is even more out of touch with herself. She seems to have no close friends, has uneasy relationships with her family and is basically an unhappy person. However, she finds something - BDSM - that excites her powerfully and makes her feel like she belongs at last. "Exotic" (described as such by Ms. Rice) seems like a revelation to her, and she immerses herself in it by creating a fantasy world that is highly successful for a lot of people. But utlimately it doesn't fulfill the need she has to love and be loved and to truly belong. In fact, there is always the part of her that remains ashamed of what she does and who she is, despite the fact that she knows very well that there is no real reason for it. Then she meets Elliot, who has similar issues apart from the shame, and they fall in love and run away together.

Mostly, it's about belonging, and not wanting to feel like an outsider or an outlaw.

Rating:
Summary: some books suffer from abridgement
Review: I was told that Anne Rice's Exit to Eden was similar to The Sleeping Beauty series. While there are various similarities between the two offerings, the eroticism and BDSM scenes are far more subtle in this one. The novel centers on how the romance between Lisa and Elliot flourish amidst painful and confusing pasts. Lisa is one of the mistresses at The Club -- an exotic and erotic getaway for bondage enthusiasts. Sadomasochism has always been the center of her life. But then Elliot comes along. An insubordinate photojournalist, Elliot is always searching for the next thrill ride. He takes a two-year training program in The Club to vent out some of his submissive fantasies. But life in The Club is far more hardcore than he had anticipated. To make matters worse, he falls for his beautiful trainer...

Anne Rice has once again showcased the psychological implications of the human heart. She delves into the aforementioned implications in a deeper level this time around. My only complaint is that Exit to Eden isn't as taboo and sexually charged as The Sleeping Beauty series. This book is more bodice-ripper than smoldering erotica. It's brilliant nevertheless. Even though her erotic novels aren't in the same caliber as Story of O, they have a profound sensuality all their own. Highly recommended...

Rating:
Summary: Fantasic
Review: The Book Exit to Eden was shipped to me in a timely manner. The book was in excellent condition. Thank you for such a speedy time frame. I received it faster than any express mailing.

Rating:
Summary: Nice suprise
Review: 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.