A Free Steamy Romance (The Pearl Series Book 1) - Shades of Pearl

I enjoyed reading start to finish, as the writer kept me engaged, but I got to the end and wondered what the story was. I get cliffhangers and whatnot, but I don't feel like the story ever really developed enough to end. I enjoyed it enough to give the next book a shot, but not enough to pay extra yet

Arianne Richmonde's first book is absolutely wonderful and I am truly looking forward to reading more of her writing.
The two main characters are rich and believable. And I love the discussion between the two of them about the differences between French and American culture, especially as it relates to women and relationships.
This is a beautiful book and well worth the read.

I cackled out loud several times while reading this. I found I couldn't take it seriously. Also there were two inconsistencies I found hard to free my mind from. First, Alexandre emphasizes his respect for as animals. It's a requirement. Yet later he uses lambskin condoms and proceeds to eat almost every type of animal meat. Then later, Luke, the fumbling doorman at her apartment is supposedly fired yet at the end of the story he's there again . I felt like the story was stilted in various parts and honestly Pearl was kinda weak. I will not be reading on.

I've been looking for another series since 50 Shades, and am happy a friend told me about this series. Good story-I'm anxious to see how it evolves. I guess my only criticism would be, doesn't anyone proofread these Kindle books? Lots of grammatical mistakes and misspelled words!

Ok I like the book however it's a copy of fifty shades which is very annoying and unoriginal and it can't compare however I will read the series I think fifty author should sue next time don't copy be original

A great romance. It proves you don't have to be in your 20's to have an epic love affair. Pearl is a strong woman who ends up getting the young lover and the family she has always tried to have. I love the twists and turns the book takes.

I loved the passion Pearl and Alexandre shared, was fresh and passionate. I love a women who isn't scared and takes risks and has fun with sex!! Their story was took a minute to get going but, I couldn't stop reading it. He may be young but he was more of a man than you would think being 25, and he truly cared for Pearl. It was sweet.
I am anxiously waiting for the second one!

The first book of the Pearl Trilogy helps you to get to know Alexandre the co- owner of Hooked Up a multi-billion enterprise ran by the 25 yrs old and his Sister. Alexandre falls in lust with Pearl a 40 yrs old divorcee, who is beautiful, successful and independent but a little self conscious what happens when the two of then converge is the beginning of a great story! Read on and see how Alexandre and Pearl navigate through their steamy relationship

I haven't read many 'Cougar' Romances so I wanted to try this one our of curiosity.

The story starts when Pearl, a producer of documentary films goes to a IT conference for the sole purpose of getting an interview with a reclusive pair of siblings who have hit it big with their Twitter matchmaking service. Unfortunately, when she gets there the conference was moved up on the schedule and she just missed her opportunity. Her boss at the company is not that upset and cancels the project and tells her to find another subject. But as things go, no sooner does she get off the phone with her boss than she bumps into the pair in the coffee shop.

Pearl is instantly enamored by the young handsome Frenchman, Alexandre so foolishly decides to keep her past project plans to herself as she gets to know him. Pearl has been told by her friends that she looks great for her age and even has the appearance of a woman several years younger than herself, but she is insecure knowing that Alexandre is about fifteen years younger, charismatic, wealthy and talented. Alexandre has a mysterious quality to him, but seems genuinely into Pearl. He likes women who are older and more sophisticated- women more secure and sure of themselves.

Naturally, Pearl's lies come back to haunt her and if that was not enough other matters also come up to separate the two. The story is part of a trilogy so it ended on a high, but ominous point.

The plot had really good potential especially with the enigmatic Alexandre, but I have to say that once some of his secrets came out I found them a bit gothic and over the top. I also really couldn't see the insecure and 'cat in heat' Pearl who acted worse than a teenager very appealing to a suave, experienced entrepreneurial guy like him who claimed that he was attracted because he wanted an older self-possessed woman. And then there was the fact that the romance went from lust to dreaming of rings and babies too quickly for me. Yeah, I guess I just found it all just too over the top and far fetched with their words and actions not in-sync plus I really struggled to see Pearl as the successful forty year old documentary film producer that she was. Not to say that it was a horrible story, I found certain aspects of it rather good like Alexandre's personality and the idea of a young guy being a Renaissance Man who could appreciate an older woman. I also liked the background created for Pearl's life. The interference of Alexandre's sister was a good addition too.

Altogether it was an okay read for me.

I loved the book!!!!! It was a good read. If you liked 50 Shades of Grey you will enjoy this book but from a different angle. I'm glad the author choose the age group of the charaters I could actually relate to the female character. I fell in love with them both actually. I can't wait to read book 2 if there is one.

Great read after wanting more of 50 Shades. This book is from the female cougar's point of view. Characters come to life. Second book of the trilogy is great also. The first 2 books end with you wanting more.

Thsi book was an easy read but I wouldn't compare it to the fifty shades of grey books. I did enjoy this book! I wished Pearl was a little younger or the guy she fell for was a little older. It was a likable book but I wish there was more of a story and a better ending.

I love trilogies so when this came in the mail, I thought, cool, gotta start this tonight. This one seemed a bit slow in getting started. but once it did, it ran. I do not think they make men like that anymore.

I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, I didn't. Yes, Pearl was too childish and just didn't ring true, but more than that, the author failed to engage me in the duality of the book.

A talented author, even when writing in first person, makes sure the reader "sees" the hero through the heroine' s eyes and in this case, because Pearl was so self-involved, we never got to really experience Alexandre.

Why did he come to Pearl in the first place?
What did he find irresistible about her?

Seeing how childish she was it makes sense that a twenty-five year old would be drawn to her. There was no build up, no anticipation, nothing to savor. And once they were together, he became a caricature of a real Alpha male.

There were opportunities for real depth, but they, too, were trite. When Sophie called to tell Pearl how she viewed their relationship, it could have been a moment of insight and growth. Instead we were given a Lucy Ricardo antic, the five-minute conversation; if she'd spent 5 minutes talking instead of running the situation would have been resolved.

Now, anyone who knows me knows how much I adore I Love Lucy, and the other shows Pearl mentioned. When I write, Andy Griffith plays in the background. Still, I would not expect a woman of Pearl' s age not to be able to tell reality from fantasy. She would have never made it this far in life without reality, even if her best friend's father was her boss.

I won't be reading the rest but if this author continues to hone her craft, I will pick up future books by her.

Admittedly, I sometimes get concerned that too many of the books I read are, for lack of a better word, “obscure.” A good “obscurity” index to check are the number of other reviews at the store. Sometimes mine is the first, many others books that I read have less than a hundred reviews. How about “great literature,” that most educated people are at least familiar with the title? Swann's Way by Marcel Proust currently has less than 250 reviews; Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s classic on the dustbowl, The Grapes of Wrath has under 5000 reviews. Yet Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy (Fifty Shades of Grey Series), published less than four years ago, currently has almost 68,000 reviews. And all the lead ones are strongly NEGATIVE. It is just flat out bizarre. So… I thought I’d read “Fifty Shades”, to stay in touch with all those other folks, but the 514 page length was a bit off-putting.

Admittedly, also, I’m a sucker for pearls. That compelling hint of elegance. And at half the length of “Fifty Shades,” and based upon another review, of the 500 plus posted – far more than the median number of reviews for the books I read - which said it was much better than “Fifty Shades”, I punched the “one click” button and it magically appeared on my Kindle.

Arianne Richmonde has written a series of works, billed as “romantic erotica,” of which this is the first volume. The story is told in the first person, whose name, as the title suggests, is Pearl. She is 40 years old, divorced, no children, no constraints, wondering about life. Suddenly a 25 year old Frenchman, Alexandre Chevalier, enters her life. He is fabulously wealthy. Inherited wealth? No, he earned it, with an internet dating start-up company called “Hook-Up.” He has a penthouse apartment on Fifth Ave. in NYC, across from Central Park. He also has an extensive “mas” in Provence, you know, with the view of the lavender fields. And lots of hot cars. A rock hard…er…ah… stomach, that should never be referenced, somewhat vulgarly, as “six pack abs,” but is. He cooks brilliantly, but hey, he is French, right? He sends her a beautiful antique pearl choker that he purchased in one of the finest jewelry stores on the Place de Vendome. Most importantly, he is gloriously unattached, and is smitten by an older woman, his preference, and with the way he says her name: “My name suddenly sounded beautiful, not like a pseudonym a hooker might use, which I was relentlessly teased for in high school.” Hum!

As for the erotica parts, they are realistic, inspiring, hopeful, and well, the next best thing if one is not in the “laboratory” of real world experience.

Chevalier, and as Richmonde points out, the name does mean “Knight” in French… with the shining armor being implicit, does not have a reading of Proust’s magnum opus to his credit, or any other work of literature. Ah, but Richmonde does understand all too beautifully and well, various other touchstones of French culture: “…and select the most sensual song I can think of – a French song – “Je t’aime…moi non plus. I start slowly gyrating my hips to the rhythms of the music, the deep voice of Serge Gainsbourg, the breathy, ecstatic sighs of Jane Birkin – a love song if ever there was one.”

All too many decades ago I started that quest of trying to determine what women really want, as I said in my review of Mary McCarthy’s The Group, which I read at 18. The quest is still not truly fulfilled; Richmonde has provided one more facet to the answer, for those who prefer an impossible fantasy to a “chair et os” laboratory. Richmonde’s pearls and Gainsbourg – Birkin references earned her an extra star: overall, 3-stars.

This book was OK. I would not compare it to FSOG. Steamy sex scenes though. For some reason I really did not care for Pearl, as someone else stated, she seemed more like 20 years old not 40. I'm not sure if I will read part two, maybe the sample and go from there.

This was a pretty good novel and at only about 200 pages, it was a quick read.

Bad:
1) The main character is a 40 year old professional female dating a 25 year old man. The only real drama in the novel is based on her feelings of inadequacy about her age. I guess this could be realistic, but it felt like a little bit of a stretch to me. By the time most women are 40 and divorced, they've just about given up on caring about what other people think of them and have more natural confidence. It just seemed a little contrived that the young man was the assertive confident one and the older woman was a self-doubting mess.

2) I just am not a big fan of french men, so I wasn't in love with the male lead character.

3) The sex was not as scorching hot as other reviewers led me to believe. It was pretty vanilla - unless you think age difference alone is exciting.

Good:
1) Nice use of dialogue and it seemed like the characters actually built a relationship.

2) It was nice to have a mature female lead in a novel - despite my complaint that the author wrote her to be emotionally younger than is realistic.

This was a good read, and entertaining. But only because I kept making myself forget the protagonist was 40 years old. It is not that I mind that she is an older woman with a younger man, but quite frankly she is written to be very juvenile. I am 32 years old and I could not relate, she sounded younger. All the scenes where he is showing her things she never knew/experienced I am having a hard time buying it, and it honestly is a turn off for me to think of a 40 year old woman being called a "little girl" by her younger lover. Other than her worrying about her age sometimes, there is nothing else about her behavior that leads me to think she is a mature woman. So... not so hot from that perspective. I am not sure I will read the second book, maybe if I am really bored and want a quick read.

Richmonde writes with great verve, pacy and enjoyable. With her skillfully drawn main characters, Arianne steers you into a world charged with steamy sensuality, not leaving out any of the ingredients that feed an addiction you never new you had. This irresistible read keeps you turning the pages untill the small hours.
I loved this novel. It is a love story between two very interesting, tangible characters with real personalities. It was refreshing to read about a divorced, forty year-old protagonist who has given up on dating. I think a lot of women have been there and it really rang true to me. The plot focuses on Pearl Robinson who is a successful documentary producer in New York and who clings to work - it is her 'lifeline.' She doesn't have children and has given up on love. The last thing she expects to happen is that she'll fall in love with a younger man - twenty-five year old Alexandre Chevalier who is attracted to 'mature' women. (Pearl is obviously a very beautiful forty year old with a great body.) She becomes hooked on him and 'his magic wand' and falls totally under his spell.

Alexandre Chevalier is beyond gorgeous - a billionaire because he started a media website company called HookedUp with his sister which (like Twitter and Facebook), has taken the world by storm. Alexandre,(French, no less) is troubled yet insanely attractive and sophisticated for his years. I haven't fallen for a fictional character like this since Heathcliff. Watch out, girls, he'll have your heart beating with anticipation and have you tingling all over!

This novel is full of great dialogue, wonderful characters and a great plot while also being very sensual - some of the sex scenes will make you blush. Give this book to your husband to read - he might pick up a few tips! Literally, it could almost be used as a how-to manual - Alexandre Chevalier knows what gets a woman turned on. Reading Forty Shades of Pearl will give you butterflies.

Ok so I liked the premise of the 40 year old woman with the younger man, but no matter how much the author described Alexandre as being an old soul, etc, I just couldn't get it in my head that a 25 year old man acted that way. Just couldn't do it. Nor could I get behind the heroine, Pearl, as she was so childish. I was excited for a strong female character and thought she'd be this kick a$$ woman, but the author missed the mark with this one. I think the most I've ever been second-hand embarassed in a book is when she  decided to play hide and seek during a sex scene. What?! Why?! Just stop. Oh & the fireman scene too. Embarassed! 

It seemed very drawn out, not enough stimulation to keep your attention. There is not enough 'anticipation', as like in 50 shades of Grey, something mysterious in the characters, then something/drama/event was always popping up to grab your attention, not just their affection for each other.

Spoilers!

Boring really.
I found Pearl to be very immature. For a 'mature' woman who had once loved, gone through a divorce, suffered through miscarriages, and was still successful in business - you would assume she would act like a wise woman who had some life experience. Alexandre acted like the 40 year old, while Pearl acted like a 20 year old.
I found Alexandre extremly boring and cliche. He started out alright, the rock climbing was interesting beginning, then the never ending descriptions of food and scenery became so repetitive and cliche. Some parts made me want to roll my eyes. In hindsight... What on earth about Alexandre IS interesting? He talks a lot about what he likes about France and America, but aside from his brief rock climbing there's nothing else dimensional about his character. We touch so briefly on his past, it does nothing but make his Sister all the more interesting.
Also, his character is inconsistent. Why on earth would this uptight, stereotypical French man suddenly show up wearing a fire fighter get-up? Out of character. Was the author trying anything to keep it interesting?? If she kept up with Alexendres original character it would have been fun; however after the incessant stuck-up French men cliche, that had gone on and on in 3/4ths of the story, the fire fighter twist was down right odd for him.
Last but not least, I really disliked the whole Fifty Shades smack the characters were talking about.
1. If you don't like it, why make your book it's namesake?
2. It is Ignorant to trash another author's work inside of your own, and doing it so blatantly. BDSM is not a subject between two strangers. It was out of place and odd, for the characters to bring it up and discuss, so in depth how awful the lifestyle is upon one of their first meetings.
3. The irony of it is, he bounds her legs, (with TIES no less - hello Fifty Shades!) but its loosely done so that makes it better.... Right? He bounds her hands, but with fancy jewelry, so it's much classier.... Right? He says he is going to punish and spank her, (which she gets excited and even asks for) but its not with hands ;) so that's makes it less repulsive... Right?

I would imagine a mature woman who was wanting to experience a new and exciting sex life would be More fifty shades and less feathers and Nutella... if you catch my drift. Pearl's character doesn't match her age, or her character development created by her past, in my opinion.

Too boring for me. I'm flirting with the idea of reading the sequel to see if things get more interesting, but as of now I am not all that impressed.

Ordered the triology and going to send the rest back. I'm 1/2 way through the first book and get bored with it constrantly. Don't waste your money on this one. The writer is not very good at building the anticipation or describing the love making scenses.

After loving 50 Shades, Bared To You, Beautiful Disaster, Unleashed, Rock Me and more this felt like a cheap imitation. I did not like how the author made slight fun of 50 in the writing then went on to do some of the same things. It felt like an imitation. I really tried to like this book and read about half of it. It's the first book in a while that I could not finish. I moved onto the Fade Series - much better!

I didn't care for the way it just stopped. I thought it was kind of a cheesey story. I guess maybe if I read more of the books it might make more sense but They dropped the F-bomb quite a bit. I just thought it was a weird story.

There were so many things about this book that were a disappointment. First, you could never tell that Pearl was a forty year old with how immature she acted. To the point that I wished the book was written in third person so I wouldn't be subjected to her personal thoughts. Second, the author never gives Pearl and Alexandre enough time together for the reader to understand their strong feelings for each other. I thought the dialogue was horrible and found myself just skimming through most of the book. Even the sex scenes were corny. The whole feather thing...seriously....

The women giving this book a 4+ star review are obviously in their 40's like the character in this book and wish for a romance like this to distract themselves from their boring everyday life. I mean no disrespect but that is the truth. These people will give anything a 5 star rating.

Despite not veing in tgis age bracket, I decides to give this book a shot because I am a sucker for well written romance stories and even a little erotica.... But this... is neither. The relationship between the characters is rushed and not fleshed out at all. The dialogue is very unrealistic, no real person talks the way they do in these books. For example Alexandre is suppose to be French- therefore he has an accent. His accent is not described correctly and is even a little confusing. And the author gives no insight on why that is. The only thing she gives Alexandre that stands out about his character is a big manhood...

But what really made me throw the book down was that the orgasms and sex scenes were not well written.. Here are some lines from the book:

" My mind was entering a dark tunnel, flashing pink and red... My brain was turning into a marshmallow... I was going deeper and deeper into a place in my body I had never expirienced before until finally I implode..."

And those are the vague ridiculous lines describe s one of the best parts that are suppose to stand outin an erotica/romance novels. So yeah, it the plot sucks, the characters have no depth and even the sex scenes aren't written well... There is no reason for me to continue reading. I wouldn't recommend this story to anyone intrested in the genre and neither would I recommend the sequels.

This book didn't do it for me. I thought the sex scenes were boring. Not even close to FSOG. The part I found most disappointing was no build up to Pearl telling him she loved him. I almost quit reading at that point. I decided to finish it thinking it may get better after reading the reviews but in the end it was not much of a story and pretty much a waste of my time.

This book was ok. If your looking for a book with hot sex then you'll find it hear but the story line was not as good as others I have read recently. Some of my favorite lately have been
Beautiful disaster
My favorite mistake
Fall from grace and Saving grace
Providence trilogy

All much better reads then this one. Not interested in the second.

I really wanted to like this premise, about time a 40 year old got some great sex etc but the author made Pearl (stupid name) a whiny, immature, desperate and clingy character! What happened to the independent, strong, beautiful 40 year old with class? The only vulnerability she needed was perhaps her age compared to Alexandre's! The whole story needed a thorough edit. Too much irrelevant detail and Pearl's character was too full on and over the top. AND what's with Venus, Pearlette, and all the other stupid words?! The author needs to grow up and call a Venus - a Virgina for all our sakes!! What's with the title!! You had a great original premise but had to use the SHADES to get your book read.

I wanted to really like this book. I really did but I found it so hard to connect with the characters. I feel like it jumped way too fast into the love scenes before fully developing the characters and the setting. I probably won't be reading the rest of the trilogy unless I absolutely can't find anything else read. Just my opinion.

I really tried to read this book all the way through but just couldn't do it. Seemed like it could have been an interesting storyline. However, in my opinion, plot felt rushed and weak. Just an odd progression of the story. Could not connect with the characters. The descriptors used for male/female parts had me cringing. Pearl seemed more like a teenager than a 40 yo. Will not be reading the rest of the story.

I don't like criticizing authors because I know writing is not easy, and you cant please everyone. What one person finds sexy, another may find in poor taste. But I think anyone who reads this will have to agree that Pearl is a very immature, insecure 40 year old woman. And Alexandre bordered on mentally unstable at times. It's pretty hard to lose yourself in a story when you are constantly rolling your eyes at the character's stupidity. Some good sex scenes, but no BDSM, so it's not like Fifty Shades in that respect. it just read flat for me. And this might just be me, but I found it really a turn off when the author referred to the female genitalia as "her Venus" or her "little pearl". I actually kind of disliked Pearl by the end of the book.

The dialogue between the main characters ranged from a complete bore to just strange. I skimmed over many parts. Some of the sex scenes were pretty good, otherwise I really didn't like this book and am so shocked it has such good reviews.

Ebook: Fourty shades of Pearl

Author: Arianne Richmonde

Fiction, Erotica

This review may contain spoilers

I was given this by the author for an honest review

Summary: Documentary producer, Pearl Robinson, is a beautiful and smart forty year-old divorcee but has not had a date for over two years. When she hears about Alexandre Chevalier, a young French, Internet success story, she assumes he is a nerd. But when she bumps into him face to face she's stunned by his charm, beauty and sophistication, and startled by her strong feelings and desire for a man fifteen years her junior. His looks, wealth and worldwide triumph with his social media site, HookedUp, means he can get any woman he chooses, but there is something about Pearl he finds irresistible...
The couple begins a passionate affair and Pearl's body is awakened in ways she never imagined possible. She is consumed by him and his magical touch. But secrets, jealous family members and other external forces are threatening to pull them apart.
Erotic, humorous, and profoundly tender, Forty Shades of Pearl is a story that will stir your heart, rouse your emotions and touch your soul.

The Review
Ok, this was a great book, Pearl was such a great character, We all have traits about ourselves that we hate, but poor Pearl had so many more to cope with, that she won me over from the start. Alexandre was so perfect, loaded, gorgeous, body to die for and a god in the sack, what more could a girl ask for? OK maybe not a psychotic sister, but that just added to the story,The sex scenes were just how I like them, hot heavy and very sensual when the time was right, I loved the fairytale aspect to this book, the great hero, the female lead who had traits she did not like about herself, the evil family member, I would highly recommend this to all who love a great love story with Sex, that would be most of us then, 5/5

Not my kind of read. Can't relate to the female character....she is weak and fairly pathetic. The male character is simply unbelievable and not in a good way. I made myself finish this book and since I had already purchased the 2nd, read the first couple of chapters and gave up.

I very much wanted to love this book. Even to "like" it would have been nice. I've had it for about a month and just can't seem to finish it. I was unable to become engaged in the two main characters. The emotional aspect of a truly engaging story just wasn't there for me. I was hoping there would be at least a shade of "50 Shades" or of the Crossfire series, but this book isn't even in the same ballpark. I like to look forward to coming home after a long hard day at work and lose myself in a fantasy world.....I just don't get that with this book.

This book was not worth the time. The hero was not that compelling. He was a poor man's Christian Gray with none of Christian's interesting quirks, if you know what I mean. The heroine was not interesting either.

I have had my share of reading erotic novels, and there is no dearth of it. But this book is pure poetry. It is indeed erotic, quite descriptive of man-woman physical relationship and quite a bit of it. It is not just the content, it is the manner of presentation which makes this book UNIQUE.

Pearl, an American divorcee nearing forty meets Alexandre, French,in his mid-twenty, owning a successful venture. Pearl misses meeting Alexandre and his sister Sophie, but runs into them at a coffee shop. Pearl falls for Alexandre at the very first sight and it turns out the attraction was mutual.

It is to be expected that the relationship cannot reach a conclusion without some misunderstanding and temporary breaks but the end is satisfying to all.

The bedroom scenes are quite hot, and quite imaginative, but credit goes to the author for ensuring that the portrayal is poetical and never a moment of vulgarity or crudeness.

As I have read quite a bit of erotic literature, from classics to modern, I can certainly proclaim this book to be an excellent read.

Go ahead and read.... I am now planning to read the other books in the series!

Don't do it. Do not read this book. I hated it almost immediately then half way through I despised it. The main character is a forty year old woman who acts like she's fifteen. She falls in love with a twenty-four year old man who is utterly annoying with all his stupid little word-isms. Ugh. I usually always try to finish the book because there is always a chance it may redeem itself in the end. I had to fight myself to finish every step of the way and I still hate it. Just don't read this. Save yourself the few hours you would waste on this.

I did not like Pearl...there I said it! Alexandre was great, hot as usual and I loved the book that was written from his point of view. I am a 40 year old woman and I have also taken care of my body. But damn! Pearl came across to me like a 70 year old trapped in a 40 year old's body. Some of the things she would say sounded like it was coming from my mom and I found that very disconcerting.

"My dream is to run through lavender fields, taste the sun on my skin, and be loved forever and ever by this man's side; this man who has seduced me with his quirky sense of humor, with sex, and now his home-made food, and hints of what could be in the future."

A girl can dream...

A woman needs to make things happen. Pearl Robinson; a woman who is solely focused on her career, being that is the only thing she has these days. Middle-aged, divorced, and with no hope for the future of her love-life, but promising as a producer for independent films; it seems Pearl's life is destined to be a lonely one.
That is, until she accidentally meets the man of her dreams. Wait? He's fifteen years her junior, incredibly handsome, is part of a huge Social Media enterprise, and French! Pearl doesn't know what hits her when this man approaches her in the coffee shop not even an hour after she misses him (for a business meeting) at a local IT conference. Fate has better plans for Pearl and Alexandre than just a business encounter.

Alexandre is a different breed of man. He has lived more in his short 25 years than most men and women have, life experiences starting at a very young age, and hard-times making him into the man he is now. He has an appreciation for women, seasoned women; women who have lived...not a girl who does nothing but hang on his every word. Pearl is that woman, and what's more, she's American. The American woman who will change Alexandre in ways he never realized.

Oh, what a ride they are in for!

"What about French women? Do you see a difference there?"...He ponders this. "Not so much the women themselves, but people's attitudes towards them. In America, youth is worshipped. In France we love WOMEN. Girls are for boys. Women are for men. At least, I speak for myself. I am attracted to women, not girls."

I won't tell you there isn't a complication in this dynamic between a young man and older woman...but this story just works. Alexandre and Pearl share a connection despite outside influences and obstacles. Aside from the very comical names used for Pearl's "lady-parts", I enjoyed the story. I am looking forward to finding out the rest of the story...Alexandre is a prideful, strong, Frenchman. Pearl is a beautiful, insecure, American woman. Wondering if they can really get past all that stands in their way.

**3.5 Cougar-Lust Stars**

....then took a dive from there. I'm VERY surprised by all the good reviews. Look.... I love, steamy, passionate, hot sex scenes in my romance reads as much as the next lady, but I also want a good, well written, passionate love story. Like I said, it started out that way then the dialogue just got silly. The story over all got cheesy and many scenes felt rushed. I was giggling a lot reading this book during scenes that I doubt were meant to make one burst out in laughter. Yeah, I'll pass on the rest of this trilogy.

I was only able to read 2 chapters of this as I was bored out of my skull with it. I deleted it from my Kindle because it was so bad. This doesn't even come close to being as good as Fifty Shades of Grey (which was an excellent book by the way). The characters are dull and the way they just instantly meet and connect is really not believable. I'll pass on any future books by this author. And I want my $3 back for this one!

Pearl Robinson (yeah her name is Mrs Robinson) has been divorced for over two years and hasn't had a date and hasn't had a "proper" orgasm. Her ex-husband`s idea of foreplay was "rubbing her groin as if she were a horse" Rhythmic efficiency Pearl described it as . I was laughing out loud by this time and wondered what else was in store from this author.

I love stories about the older woman and the younger man. I was intrigued to find out if Arianne Richmonde would actually make this story work and..........for me it did.

There are a further two books in this trilogy and at last we have an author who provides a happy ending,did not leave the reader hanging on by cutting the final instalment short or make us wait for another 7 or 8 episodes to find out how it ends.

40 Shades of Pearl was a refreshing read with a different take on of a relationship. Alexandre and Pearl's relationship is intense considering that he is 25 and she is 40. There is no BDSM theme, no stalking Alpha male, just a good hot erotic book. Arianne Richmonde also provides the reader with twists and turns which keeps you turning the pages.

I also enjoyed the way she introduced a number of good musical tracks into the scenes e.g. Come to me High (Rummer), Under My Thumb (Rolling Stones) Crazy for You (Madonna) Is this Love (Bob Marley) you get the picture? This really worked for me and helped me visualize the scene which were very "tongue in cheek"

I look forward to the next 2 instalments of Pearl and Alexandre's passionate journey. I hope external forces and family members don't interfere too much and Arianne Richmonde does not make us wait too long for the next two parts of the trilogy.

THE PEARL TRILOGY by ARIANNE RICHMOND

If you loved FSOG then you will enjoy this book.
I was hooked when I read the synopsis and I said to myself that I will give it a shot. It did not disappoint, rather Arianne didn't disappoint. The characters she created are different and have personalities that somehow contradicting (for me) yet they so fit. I like how she wrote lines for each character especially Alexandre. His perspective about Dom/Sub relationship got me thinking and his opinions on things, the world and humanity is so mind-opening that it made me want to know what's going on inside his head. Arianne also created a female character that is so different from heroines I have been reading. A 40 year old beautiful and divorced woman who's living her single life, once again and exploring all the possibilities. She is funny and smart and I like that this story is also a May-December love affair. It's new to me and sounds exciting.

Let me just say that Arianne wrote a whole LOT of steamy, sexy and arousing scenes in this book and oh boy, you will feel it. *wink *wink Alexandre's sensual gestures are so arousing and very hot! Imagine a 25 year old with so much talent in the bedroom. He is old for his age but he owns it. DAMN!

I think in this book, the characters are introduced and the readers got a glimpse of what they would be like in book 2. There were no drama in this book, maybe less but for me it has more mystery than getting to know the characters. I personally question Alexandre's motives and his behavior. He is a bit elusive in this story and it's more about Pearl's discovering herself how to date again and at the same time, discovering who is Alexandre as a person.
I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the rest from this series. :)

** Also posted on my TUMBLR & GR account

I was slightly dubious when I first decided to read this book. Having read the "fifty" trilogy, I wasn't sure that any book could hold my attention as much as reading about Christian. How wrong could I be. Forty Shades of Pearl has been written to an exceptional standard, it captivates it's audience from the first page and keeps you entertained until the very end.

The characters are so well described, allowing images to run wild in your head. The story makes you laugh, scream and cry and leaves you wanting more.

I can't wait for the next book to come out!!

Review: 4.75-weapons of mass destruction-stars

I was hooked on this book from the first page. Hot, steamy, shocking, many WTF moments and oh have I mentioned the hot and sexy Alexandre! Holy smokes he is off the charts in soooo many ways!

Pearl is 40 and kind of lost and feeling alone. She works in a producer of documentaries and is given an assignment that brings face to face with Alexandre. The sparks between them were flying immediately. I found myself reading with a big smile on my face because their flirting and Pearl's inner thoughts were so funny. Pearl is just too much throughout the book. Between her nicknames, her antics and her intense emotions for Alexandre it was difficult to put this book down. I lost many hours of sleep because I would say "just one more chapter" and that chapter led to one more and another (you see how this goes) and before I knew it, it was 3am.

Now I have read A LOT of books and it is pretty hard to shock me and trick me but Arianne Richmonde you did this with The Pearl Trilogy. I had many *mouth hanging on the floor* moments and yelling WTF to no one in particular because I was just so surprised as to what I was reading. I swear you won't see it coming.

This book is filled with hot and steamy scenes but it is also filled with a great story that will have you rooting for Pearl and Alexandre as a couple. You learn some really important things about their pasts which shed some light on why they are the way they are.

This Trilogy was originally release as three separate books (40 Shades of Pearl; Shadows of Pearl; and Shimmers of Pearl). The release date on the store for both paperback and ebook is on the 23rd. Towards the end there was a bit of a lull but nothing that prevented me from not continuing on. I loved this book/series and recommend that you read it.

Omg what a waste of money I couldn't even read 100 pages...it's boring stupid ridiculous and I've never not . finished a book but this is the worse book. Ever! who writes this stuff. and who in their right mind can get through this book? I am so upset about not reading a sample and going on only the reveiws. it doesn't even deserve one star..ugh

The author fills the book with endless tirades about disparate subjects just to show her characters have strong opinions and meaningful interests (and maybe that she has done her homework researching the topics), the result is that I just jumped over these verbose parts trying to find something captivating. I couldn't find anything like that. I was annoyed by the continuous references to Fifty Shades of Gray. Annoyed by the attempts to belittle that novel when the author herself is clearly trying to get advantage of its tail, from the choice of the title to the highlighting of the domineering behavior of Alexandre. Definitely the novel is lacking the spark and originality that was in FSoG, at least in the first book. The story seems only a sorry attempt to embellish sex scenes, which are not at all evocative and heaved by a crude language.

I so wanted to like this book and even finished it hoping it would get/be better, then I went on to buy the second book...well it didn't get better and unfortunately it got worse and so I stopped reading it and went to my manage your kindle on the store to delete the books completely from my library.
It was too creepy and there was way too much negative life experiences to take, I was hoping for and was even fooled by other reviews that if I loved 50 Shades that this would be a good choice. It was not a erotic novel it was a let's relive my gang rape college experience and throw in a lesbian experience for good measure masked as an erotic novel.
It didn't flow or build a good story of the two main characters, so I gave up.

I think it's really interesting that this author took a negative swipe at 50 Shades of Gray but wasn't imaginative enough to come up with a title for her own book and ended up " swiping" this books title from the very book she dissed. So, c'mon how imaginative could this author be? Actually she also stole Mrs. Robinson from 50 Shades of Gray to name her book's heroine. She used Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher to relate to her May/ December romance between hero and heroine and we all know how that worked out. this book was just one faux pas after another...sadly...there will be two more of these books. I would STRONGLY suggest to future buyers to read the sample first...don't be fooled thinking you are reading anything close to 50 Shades if you're foolish enough to purchase this book.

Character Rating-4 Stars
Romance Rating-5 Stars
Heat Level-4 Stars
Overall Rating-4 Stars

Well, this book was really a surprise and I have to say that I liked it a LOT! It is written in first person narrative, using the heroine Pearl to tell the story. I have to confess, that I have not read very many books written in this format, but Arianne Richmonde pulled it off very well.

The story was one that kept me interested, because the heroine is a 40 year old woman who had been divorced for over 2 years and had not dated in all that time. Her ex-husband was not enthusiastic in the bed, leaving Pearl to believe that she can't have the big O with penetration.

Alexandre is the hero; he is French, 25 years old, very rich and absolutely gorgeous. Once he sees Pearl he has to have her. They start out with a date and have a wonderful time, and then it's over...or is it? He ends up sending her a beautiful antique pearl necklace that has so many different colors of pearls, hence the name of the book, Forty Shades of Pearl.

As the book moves along we get a very romantic story, and oh yes, the heat is on. The sex/love scenes in this book are extremely sensuous and well done. Of course Alexandre proves to Pearl that she can have the big O in many different ways and multiple times.

We also have some angst in this story, but everything works out fine and the ending is good. However, it's not quite finished. It looks like this will be a continuous series, as Arianne has plans for 2 more books. I hope we don't have a long wait, because I for one, plan on reading them when they are released.

I recommend this book for those who enjoy a wonderfully written first person narrative, romantic erotica, with lots of dialogue and plenty of well-done descriptive scenes. At a price of $2.99 you get a lot of book for the money, and it will for sure have you clicking at the store to get your copy :-)

**Thank you to Ann Richmonde for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

I actually LOVE this book and wish there was a 10 star rating. I'm so tired of the ladies in these books being 20 somethings with perfect bodies, Pearl is 40years old and insecure about being with a younger man...and he's French! Yep she has some baggage but who doesn't, at least her issues are real and completely understandable. The author did an amazing job building the characters and supporting staff in this book. The story line is excellent and really keeps you on your toes, it was actually hard to put down. Really, who needs sleep with a good book in their hand??? I downloaded book 1 and Shadows of Pearl (Book 2) just by reading the intro and did not regret one sentence.

Book 2 left me with such a cliff hanger that i couldn't sleep that night, the best hanger that I have ever read!!! I actually facebooked the author that night wondering when book 3 was available.

LADIES, THIS IS A MUST READ, DOWNLOAD IMMEDIATELY SERIES, BUT MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE DAY OR NIGHT TO DEVOTE TO IT, TAKE OUT DINNER FOR THE FAMILY ON SPEED DIAL READY, BECAUSE YOU WON'T PUT THIS ONE DOWN!!!

I was excited to find this book but it was a major let down. There seems to be a million books about 20ish virgins getting swept off their feet by slightly older rich/damaged guys and this one was different. It features a 40 year old divorced woman getting swept off her feet by a younger rich man. I, myself am in my 30s and recently divorced so I was happy to find this but it was just not good all around. I really disliked the main character, the love/lust was not convincing and the story was bland.

I read voraciously, but I HATE this book. I kept trying to get into the book, but after 28% completion, I have just given up. I truly do not see what people see in this book, but different people are attracted to different authors. This one is just not for me. I'm glad I only invested $.99 for the read!

Think nasty porn, but in print! Not much of a story line or character development.
The book starts off promising with plenty of detail and descriptive writing, but goes way off course. If you liked the Grey trilogy, this does not even come close! I loved the characters in E.L. James books b/c of the time she spent developing them in her writing. This book was all about sexual encounters, but the reader really has no idea who the characters are. I want to care about the characters and the story, not just read about sex!
Wish I could rate this zero stars & return it!

I was a little leery of Shades of Pearl at the beginning, because the title made me think it might be a bit...er...derivative. But my fears were misplaced. Richmonde has whipped up a mouthwatering (literally) book, a delicious confection studded with clever sex scenes, tight plotting, and compelling characters in Pearl and Alexandre. I loved the inversion of older woman/younger man, and was impressed by the astute observations about gender and culture Richmonde wove into story. There were moments when I wondered if the whole thing might be a parody or post modern literary exercise--"Pearl", the heroine's name, as a metaphor for clitoris is even hit on in the book, and some of the other "pet names" for the female genitals are a bit over the top--but that only slightly minimized my enjoyment. There is no denying that the story, like its heroine, skillfully melds sensuality and smarts.

If you haven't read this five-part series, you're in for a treat. Bored of reading cliche-styled writing? Bored of reading the same old cat and mouse plot with protagonists in their twenties? Fed up with heroes that think and act like a female fantasy cardboard cut-out characters that are unrealistic and nothing like real men?

Well I am. Anyone who likes good, descriptive writing, with characters who are different from the same-old, same-old, will appreciate this series. There is no repetition nor endless 'smouldering' cliches. Finally a series with a sense of place, with characters who develop little by little with real demons and fascinating pasts.

This review takes on board all the books because if you stop at the end of Shades (there isn't a cliffhanger) you'll miss such a great roller coaster, heart-wrenching read with the other four books in the series.

The first book, Shades of Pearl is a great introduction to the protagonists Pearl and Alexandre, an unlikely couple as she is 15 years older. But Pearl is not your typical 40-year-old...she is very youthful, stunning, although riddled with insecurities. I liked that, it made her more three dimensional than most romance heroines. And when you read the rest of the series everything makes sense. Alexandre is French, and although a billionaire, there is a good reason for him being one...he's a social media sensation (like Mark Zukerberg but sexy and sophisticated).

Book 2, Shadows of Pearl is a roller coaster ride and book 3, Shadows of Pearl, continues that ride, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Pearl and Belle Pearl are MUST READS, as we are introduced to new characters not known about in the trilogy and the ending of Belle Pearl will knock your socks off. You will feel every emotion, believe me.

For anyone wondering if this a 50 Shades rip-off because of the Shades in the title, no it isn't. There are plenty out there with 23-year-old virgins/over-possessive jealous males and this isn't one of them. There is no BDSM theme, either, and the writing style is light years away from 50. SO MUCH BETTER WRITTEN.The only thing they share in common is great sex and a fun sense of humor.

Really loved this series, you won't be disappointed if you are looking for something original and very well written with suspense.

Arianne Richmonde is my favorite author...she really delivers every time. I love her writing style which is more literary than other romance authors and in a league of its own.

This novel is for the intelligent reader because the writing is so good. Descriptive and imaginative with fabulous settings and unusual characters who will steal your heart.

I am so over all the degradation of women that seems to be so popular right now. Finally a book where the hero is SEXY AND a decent guy and who shows GENUINE love for the woman he loves but is a also dominant but without being a jerk. Don't get me wrong, Alexandre Chevalier has his issues and is a complex character (which you find out about in books 2-5). If you want a very hot book that isn't all about how many bruises the heroine ends up with, you'll LOVE this book.

There is AMAZING chemistry between Pearl and Alexandre and I so related to her because she is a real woman with insecurities just like the rest of us. Pearl is so three-dimensional and real but also has a self-depreciating sense of humour which I loved. I am British so I appreciated that off-beat sense of humour.

And for anyone who says that Pearl acts childishly isn't getting the point of this book. The reader is party to her inner- dialogue.... Bridget Jones meets Bared To You ( but better written) which I loved. I found this novel VERY ORIGINAL and a fun DIFFERENT read....I devoured all five books in the series.

Not that I consider FSOG great literature, it was an "interesting" read, for what it was. This, however, was so NOT! I got this in a collection of stories that was supposed to be Romantic Comedy, so I thought it had to be a spoof or something. Pearl claims to be American, but then makes so many word errors as to bring doubt to her character (windscreen instead of windshield, scoff instead of scarf, packet instead of bag, etc). She sounded more European to me.
Pearl was so terribly inconsistent. She was supposed to be a "mature" woman at 40 with many life experiences, but acted like an inexperienced teenager most of the time. Alexandre, the 25 y/o love interest, seemed more mature than Pearl! And since he proclaimed to love mature women, I kept wondering why on earth he was attracted to her then. I have read other stories with older women and younger men and liked them quite well, so I know that wasn't the issue.
Overall, the storyline was unbelievable, the characters were not consistent, except for Daisy and Anthony, the dialogue and sex scenes were kind of cheesy and unbelievable. And then I read that there are 5 books to this story!!! I don't think so!!! Maybe if you put the whole lot together and sold it for $.99, but otherwise skip this train wreck! The reason I gave it 2 stars is that there weren't the usual grammar and spelling errors that are so common in books today. I didn't have to spend half my time trying to figure out what was being said. But, that didn't make it good or worth reading.

I first read a Taste of Pearl and I was hooked. I was anxious to see what happened between Pearl and Alexandre and see if they could work out there problems. You could immediately see the chemistry and attraction between the both of them. Even though there is an age difference that really doesn't matter to Alexandre all he knows is that he wants Pearl. They do face some obstacles early on in their relationship. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to see where there relationships goes.

This story has zero plot. The main character, Pearl, is annoying and has endless thoughts on every subject. She becomes a weak doormat as soon as she meets Alexandre. Anything he says she does, no matter her own likes and dislikes. Everything is perfect, and except for two minor issues that get resolved almost immediately, NOTHING happens except unbelievable, mutual insta-love with a super rich, gorgeous, foreign man who's 15 years her junior.
The writing is redundant, and the dialogue is stiff and formal for all characters. Never mind that all the characters, like the story, have no depth.

WOW, and then WOW again! I just finished this book and went immediately to the store to order the other 4 books in this amazing series. I couldn't put this down and I bet the next 4 books in this series will be just as hot. Your an awesome writer and you captured me from the beginning. I would recommend this book with 10 stars!!! Can't wait to start book 2, and 3,4 & 5. I really love the character of Pearl and every woman needs her very own Alexandre! Whew...white HOT!!!

I loved this book, I really enjoyed how it was different then most millionaire business men meeting young executive or intern, I liked that Pearl was an older woman. Alexandre is hot, sexy, dominant, and in the end such a sweetheart. I cannot stand his sister and how she tried to cause them trouble. I was so happy what he did and said to prove to Pearl he loved her. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.

Love the premis of this book. I like the fact that Alexandre is French! All these hot heroes in the popular books lately have been from Great Britian. He is so sweet. Awesome character, we are just beginning to learn about him. Pearl is so normal. I like that. She has insecurities like all women but being with a man fifteen years her junior adds a bit more pressure. I think she is doing great so far. Alexandre help her find the strength and own her sexuality . Great book looking forward to the rest of the series.

One of the best written erotica books I have read, which was unfortunately let down by the weak story-line. Great escapism, but totally unrealistic.

I wanted a twist or something more towards the end, but it just got more erotic and to be honest I got bored.

Great female voice for the main character though, definitely one for fans of Chicklit erotica.

I love the idea of this book..forty year old woman snares twenty something man for some hot monkey sex. Being that I'm pushing that over the hill age myself this premise appealed to my inner cougar. But from the start the author's thought process just seemed to be all over the place..almost like she suffers from ADD or something. She'd be going along with a scenario or thought and completely change direction and digress to something unrelated, eventually getting back on track but frustrating me in the process . And I couldn't seem to embrace the characters they were both way too childish. Throwing a tantrum because she played hide and seek? Stating that being a bad swimmer would be a deal breaker for her? And him deciding to attempt to impregnate her without even discussing whether or not she even wants kids was just ridiculous. The sex was pretty hot though.

Shades of Pearl [The Pearl Trilogy]
If you are considering reading this book, you should know before you purchase it or spend $9.99 for the trilogy that they all end in cliffhangers. This ensures that you will be forced to buy them in succession if you want to know what happens next. In addition to the Trilogy, Books 4 and 5 follow as part of this same Series. I get frustrated when authors do this.
I wouldn’t mind as much if the novels are well written with a plausible storyline. A lot of them are, most of them are not. In this instance, it started off interesting and showed promise then the author bounced all over the place and it went downhill from there for me.
Synopsis
Pearl Robinson, is a 40 year old divorcee. Her love interest is a 25 year old Frenchman, Alexandre Chevalier. He’s a young, sexy billionaire (sound familiar) that made his money in IT. He created a website in France called HookedUp. The popular website takes off in Europe and the U.S. His sister Sophie is 35 and his business partner. She’s an astute business woman whose instincts have made them millions in other business ventures too. She’s described as very attractive, polished and classy. Then, Spoiler Alert: we later learn she was a prostitute in her younger years to support herself and Alexandre. She’s married to a man, but she is a Lesbian and also has a Lesbian lover. The storyline continued to bounce around in so many different directions it was ridiculous. Alexandre has major issues he’s hiding stemming from his childhood and a dark side (again, sounds familiar doesn’t it). For good measure, Pearl has issues in her past and numerous insecurities to the point of neurosis.
Pearl hints about experiencing a little BDSM with Alexandre. When he refuses, saying he could never do that to her or any woman, she tells him she also has had a fantasy of having sex with a female. Spoiler alert: Both her wishes come true.
I read other reviews that said this book wasn’t in any way reminiscent of 50 Shades of Grey. I disagree. The author even provides a “play list” of all of the songs that are mentioned being played in various scenes throughout the book. You decide.
I won’t be duped into buying the 4th and 5th novels in this Series that follows the Trilogy. Enough is enough.

OH MY GOSH!! What a wonderful well written book. The first time reading Afianne Richmonde. Ah! The characters. Pearl lacking in confidence in her sex appeal where Alexandre is all confident in everything. (It's One thing knowing what you want but having the confidence to do it). I loved her book, can't wait to get into the next book.

Shades of Pearl is nothing like 50 Shades. The Pearl Series is much BETTER than FSOG. Love a heroine that is older and experienced. This book definitely has the drama and emotional roller coaster ride for sure. Alexandre Chevalier is SEXY and DELICIOUS!! Talk about some panty dropping EROTIC scenes. Absolute MUST reading!! LOVE IT!! Check it out NOW.

After reading the, what I'll call the teaser, I had to continue on because I was thoroughly interested in seeing how the whole series played out. Needless to say, I am adding this book to my "TBR" as in "to be recommended" to my fellow book friends! Now onto book two. Yay!

Don't try to compare this to fifty shades of gray (FSOG) or expect the same type of book. If you want a good story,then read this book and enjoy! The book is adult so there are some adult words but the story would still be good without them. Romance with a little spice, I look forward to the next story!

This series needs to go on forever. I love Alexandre and Pearl. Every man should read these books and go act them out with the lady in their lives. This world would be a happier place if everyone was having their needs met. Alexandre is the ultimate fantasy. Arianne tells a fantastic story. I couldn't put the book down.

Being somewhat familiar with 50 Shade of Whatevers, I was pleasantly surprised by the character development and intriguing situations. Quite spicy. The characters have genuine affection for each other.

First of all I know the title is a little misleading but I am happy to report that this is nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey.

We first meet Pearl, a documentary producer, at an IT conference, waiting to meet Alexandre and Sophie, the owners of HookedUp.com. She misses their conference and her chance at talking to them about a documentary her company wants to make about them. When she is ordering a coffee a gorgeous guy behind her in line starts chatting with her. We soon learn this French handsome guy is no other than Alexandre.

Pearl and Alexandre feel attracted to each other instantly, the only problem is that she is 40 and he is 25. I don't usually read books where the heroine is older than the hero but in this case it worked out pretty nicely. Alexandre is young but mature for his age and I seriously didn't feel their age difference was a problem at all.

They soon embark in a sexual relationship that, let me tell you, was super hot! That Alexandre sure knows how to work it! After a while sex turns into love and ends with a happily ever after, or does it? Although there's no cliffhanger, this is the first book in a trilogy.

This was a sexy, fun read but not very emotionally deep. I did like it and plan on reading the next installments, but it didn't blow me away. The writing had some issues too. I recommend it as a light read in between books.

I wish there was someway to warn readers that a book was not a stand alone. Alexandre gets a phone call at the end, starts hurling accusations and abruptly leaves Pearl. The readers are left going huh? Was a really good book up until that point.

I LOVED this book! It is well written and the female is actually a women not a girl in her twenties with real life commitments and fears. It is great to read a romance I can relate to, plus there wasn't any abuse in it . I am looking forward to book 2…

Forty Shades of Pearl was a very good book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I was glad that the main character, Pearl, was such a real character. Forty years old, divorced and feeling insecure about relationships and her own sexuality. I instantly found a connection to her. Following her through her ups and downs, her hurt and happiness had me hooked. I hope Part 2 is just as good, and can't wait to get started!

Shades of Pearl was beautifully sensual and a game changer among all other erotic romances. In here, we have a 40-year old woman crossing the age barrier with a rich 25-year old tycoon! How will they manage? And when life tries to tear them apart, will their true shades get in the way to everlasting love? Or cause for heartbreaking doom?

Ladies, get ready to meet your new book boyfriend, Mr. Alexandre Chevalier!!

After reading a brilliant book called Weak at the Kneeswhich had a sexy erotic Frenchman called Olivier in it (my current penchant) I was recommended to read the Shades of Pearl trilogy - and I absolutely loved this too. I don't know what it is about French men - they are just so sexy and sensual and the perfect love interest to nestle up with my kindle for the night.

I totally agree, with everyone saying that the book is immature and there is no story line. I especially hate a book when all of a sudden the woman looks at the man and her brain shuts down. She can't think or even talk. My problem is even worse because I bought all 3 books and so now I have to read them all. But even worse I have it in audio version and the narrator sounds ridiculous with a French accent. I keep fast forwarding the book because I just can't wait till it's done and I can at least say I listened to it, even if it's torture.

Forty shades of Pearl is the 1st book of the trilogy! I absolutely loved it! You can't help but fall in love with Alexandre & Pearl. Although the title makes you think of "50", the book entirely different. No BDSM here! It's very sensual and exciting. Arianne Richmonde pulls you in with her fabulous writing skills and keeps the excitement going throughout the book. I read it in one day! READ THIS BOOK! You will not be disappointed!

Every time a rich man and a sweet, somewhat innocent woman are the lead characters in an erotic romance, that book is likened to Fifty Shades. This book doesn't come close. It's really rather weak. The sex scenes are okay, but the whole series is just an "okay" read.

Absolutely fell in love with Alexandre! I loved his outlook on life, love and woman! I am thinking I need to find my own sexy french man! I liked Pearl, but I hope that she finally stops running...

Wow loved this book. A great story of older American woman meets a very beautiful French man.

Found myself unable to put it down and can't wait for book 2.

Well done Arianne a great book !

I've read 50 shades of gray and I thought it was well written. This book I could say the same. It was a good read. I would like to know what happens to the main characters. I feel like this story is not done. I enjoyed it.

I couldn't put it down. I'm waiting for book 2 patiently. Hoping they have a baby and live happily together. Great book. I'm glad that they aren't letting anything or anybody stand in their way and that we she tried to give up on the relationship he came for her. Just a overall great book.

Most certainly written from a woman's point of view, this is truly erotic without needing to revert to BDSM.
The characters are believable and rounded, and the sex is approachable... We have all behaved like this from time to time!
I'm not usually a reader of this sort of work, but I enjoyed the book and it's attention to detail, whereas fifty shades left me completely cold. Buy the Ebook and have a read - its not expensive and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Reading this and the whole trilogy for the second time...can't put it down, just love the chemistry between Pearl and Alexandre. The Pearl Trilogy is a must read - great writing and so refreshing to read about a woman who is not in her twenties for a change. Pearl has such a great personality, Alexandre is to die for and I loved the humor in this book.

A must read!

Ever since ready FSOG trilogy... I am hooked on these types of books.. I was pleasantly surprised this book is really not a copy of FSOG but a really good story about Pearl. Great hot steamy scenes and still a good story line.

I enjoyed this book!! I had read the 50 shade series, silivia days crossfire series "bared to you" and was looking for something similar & this was perfect!!!!! I cannot wait for the next book :)

I loved this book! I have read the 50shades of grey books and I liked pearl so much better not as disturbing as Mr controlling grey pearl offers a beautiful change of pace. still very sexy amazing sex scenes even better! can't wait to read the others! if you enjoy an erotic romance pick this one up!

I read this book in one day! Could not put it down! This book was awesome! Steamy sex, romance, lust, adventure, love, suspense, excitement, all rolled up in one. A must read!! About to start part 2. Can't wait.

loved it, loved it, loved it. Passionate, romantic and darn right delicious!! I love the way it is wrote and the way it makes me feel so warm inside. I can't wait to read the second one. Welldone for writing such a wonderful story.

Absolutely riveting, the cliff hanger at the end of book 2 nearly broke my heart, desperately waiting for part 3. A must read for all lovers of 50 Shades, although in my humble opinion Pearl is better

Let me start by saying I was quite taken with the idea of an older woman falling for a younger man, I thought this would be different. My complaint, pearl might as well have been the twenty year old naive virgin. I can't fathom how such a sexually repressed individual becomes a wanton sexual deviant in a heartbeat. Then she is lith and beautiful, nothing sags or dimples her biggest complaint is her crows feet. Hello! I know these women exist but give me a break. I will say the sex between the two will have you squirming in your seat. I did think the whole fireman thing was rather ridiculous and rather stupid. In honesty I will probably read the next installment just for the laughs alone. My take on the sequel will have pearl pregnant, glowing and beautiful no doubt, giving birth via section surrounded in lavender,as not to mess up her perfectly primed v-8. Don't even get me started on the words used to describe her lady bits absurd comes to mind repeatedly. This is truly not a bad read, just not what I had anticipated.

A really raunchy read! A credible story line laden with unexpected moments and full of suspense that keeps you on tenderhooks! Certainly kept me glued from the beginning to the end! The main two characters are more than endearing...enough to make you feel jealous! Couldn't reccommended it more. Longing for the sequel.

After seeing so many great reviews and I was surely lured in by the synopsis, I bought it.

So, we have Pearl a Production Executive, attending an IT conference with the hopes of seeing and meeting the founders of hookedup.com, Alexandre and Sophie, and luring them into a highly sought after documentary on their young success. Unfortunately, she misses them altogether.

While waiting in line at the cafe across the street from the conference, she encounters a very enticing Frenchman who turns out to be none other than Alexandre .....the attraction is immediate.

Although, he is a very mature 25 year old man who prefers older woman such as our 40 year Pearl, they begin a very intense. (Sexual) relationship and that is just about where I fell off this "4" and "5"....or "3" star review bandwagon.

I could not get into the relationship of Pearl and Alexandre, it seemed the story did not give me enough depth to their relationship or characters. Without connecting and understanding who the characters were besides the one fact Alexandre like rock climbing....I was disconnected. And the strange Fireman on the balcony scene was not very..........sexy, because it was so...so..random and out of left field and strange. It could have been sexy but...it was not....disconnected.

And the sex scenes were....not very interesting, although, the idea of what was being said could have been interesting but something was lacking...like needing some wine with that cheese....or maybe it is because I do not like Nutella. I do not know but I do know this is no "Fifty Shades ", which I personally enjoyed.

Was Pearl really "40" or was Alexandre?

I read, I scanned, skipped and ultimately put it down a bit disappointed, I wanted to like it and I dislike negative reviews...but I had to.

I am really confused with high reviews on this so hopefully it was just a fluke on my part......maybe I missed it.

Ok so I get that the book needed French culture because he was French but it just got repetitive and boring so I skimmed it. The characters didn't have real personalities and it was hard to care about them. The sex was over the top and it just all got to be too much. Don't hate on Fifty Shades if you're going to try and mimic it.

REVIEW

I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review so here goes . Without being nasty I have given this one my first ever 1 star and please keep in mind these are my personal expressions only ( not every book is for every reader) . I found myself disappointed in a range of things starting with the synopsis "Erotic, humorous, and profoundly tender, Forty Shades of Pearl is a story that will stir your heart, rouse your emotions and touch your soul." none of these descriptions came to light for me as a reader . I found one particular part of the book extremely distasteful in the fact Ms Richmonde clearly trashes another authors work (without naming names it was quite clear who/what the reference was to) In my opinion this is very uncalled for and rude. Moving on to the plot and story line I didn't like the main characters their stories or the flow of the book, Pearl annoyed me to no end and Alexandre boring and stereotypically predictable ( again please understand I expressing my opinions) I found the erotica scenes more in the way of smut than anything and were quite distasteful and frankly strange .. can someone please tell me what is sexy about NUTELLA ? I am not in anyway aiming to be cruel I can only tell my followers what I personally thought and I hope the author can use my review as constructive criticism .

1 chocolate kiss star