Up to No Good (Black Lace)

Rating:
Summary: Up to no good at all, in fact
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!!! Must Read!
Review: 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!)

Rating:
Summary: "no good" was good for me!
Review: 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.