The Art of Mutual Pleasure (M/M regency)

Benjamin Snowley a young gentleman in the midst of a physical and emotional crisis due to his need for self-pleasure and being aroused by certain deviant acts. Feeling as though his urges for onanism are against societal norms, and because he wants a wife and child in the future, Benjamin seeks medical intervention for his affliction. Committed to healing himself, Benjamin sets out to reinvigorate his body and calm his mind.As Benjamin learns his naivety has been harmful, he doesn’t want to be ashamed of the pleasure he experienced. With the help of an old friend, Benjamin is learns to accept who he is and embrace his sexual needs without guilt.What transpires in this novella is an incredibly hot journey of self-discovery. From the beginning, Benjamin is an endearing character who tries to do what’s expected of him but it simply doesn’t mesh with his desires. When he experiences such a low point, it’s felt and rooting for Benjamin is like second nature.The writing team of K.A. Merikan delivers a story of historical significance with a spin of filthy goodness. The Art of Mutual Pleasure would appeal to those looking for an unabashedly erotic and stimulating read with some heart.

From authors who brought us such a wild and somewhat violent Regency romance in "The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple," this one is so opposite in tone, but not necessarily in theme, that it took me by surprise and propelled me to read it in one satisfying gulp.No double-entendre pun intended.Benjamin gets snookered by what apparently is a historically correct fraud doctor who prescribes a certain "prescription" to young men whose self-control does not extend to masturbation. Frederick is a former schoolmate who is an acclaimed sculptor but also a libertine with a capital L.That Benjamin's personal abuse began when he accidentally discovered Frederick's assignation with another schoolmate in chapel is just one of the delicious "oh, please," set-ups in this total set-up of a novella.The plot is simply nutty but delightful, some of the characters are just perfect (hello ginger stable boy Tom), and the conclusion is totally off the wall and brilliantly handled.This one will sort of take your breath away--if your to tongue doesn't get stuck in your cheek.

What a joyful romp through history and society’s take on sex. It’s amazing to realize how much has changed in our current acceptance of sexual norms from what society dictated a century ago. I loved the historical backstory of this piece. The “cure” addressed in the story was a hoot to read. Once again, this writing duo brings us a great piece of escapism.

I’ve read this la few times now, and I keep coming back because it is so filthy but under all that it is a really lovely love story with a happy ending that you can cuddle up to like a warm blanket.

This kept me up reading all night. Delightful take on m/m regency romance. I questioned the idiocy of Ben on occasion, but still lived the story. The Dr. bit is hilarious!

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review (A VVivacious Review)Rating: 3.75 Stars out of 5Benjamin Snowley is very ill. He suffers from the sinful affliction of self-pollution or masturbation. His moral descent began the day he caught Frederick Cory kissing, among other things, another boy. Since then he has been unable to stop.Just as his health is taking a turn for the worse he comes across Dr. Tissot, an expert in treating this particular illness. But the unorthodox treatment he suggests might be a tad too overwhelming to follow through until a proposition to a stablehand sets Benjamin on the path of debauchery.Will this unorthodox treatment cure Benjamin of what ails him or will it bring with it a whole new set of ailments to deal with?This book is a fascinating read. It is intriguing how well the authors have managed to spin out the story for this book. I loved the premise of this book; it was bizarre enough to be completely believable. This book’s very well written and makes for a compelling read. This story is undoubtedly hot, but the added intrigue of their actions being forbidden makes it even hotter and somehow Benjamin’s misguided beliefs just give him permission to enjoy even the unlawful whole heartedly even if he might be unaware of it.I really liked the characters of this book because even the most trivial characters in this book left an impression. I especially came to really like Benjamin in all his innocence and wantonness. I felt like the character is very central to making this story work because there has to be this perfect mixture of character traits for the story to not feel or read like it’s completely ridiculous.While the sex in this book is beyond hot, I felt like it was heading into the border of too much of even a good thing can be bad. Because at one point I was like enough with this no-strings attached sex, I want feelings with my sex because at that point in this book I was really missing the kisses and the caresses. Thankfully it lasted for only a little while and the story headed into new terrain soon after.Another point of contention I have with this story is Tom. Tom is an amazing character and I felt like there was a lot of potential between him and Benjamin and the fact that Tom just up and left didn’t feel like a good enough explanation for why he wasn’t the significant other in Benjamin’s life because the scenes between Benjamin and Tom have way more chemistry between the characters than those featuring Frederick and Benjamin.Having said all that, I truly enjoyed the story as it is written. It is a hot, fascinating story that makes for a very enjoyable read

For me, this is precisely what KAM excel at. They've a real flair for taking the utterly ludicrous and downright eccentric, and moulding it into something sweet and oddly innocent, funny as hell, filthy-hot and unconventionally romantic, that furthermore, manages to enlighten the reader somewhat.This terrifically naughty novella is actually an extended version of the authors' previously titled, An Onanist’s Journey to Reclaiming His Seed, which has been, more of less, fully incorporated into this lengthier version. However, instead of leaving us with an almost HFN between lead protagonist, Benjamin Snowley, and hunky stable-hand, Tom, here Benjamin gets his very own brand of HEA with old school-frenemy, Frederick. I confess, I was a teensy bit gutted when I first read the blurb at the inclusion of Frederick’s character, as I loved the original short and enjoyed my assumption that Benjamin would find love with Tom – as I not only loved their startling polar opposite differences, but also thought there was a real vulnerability to their intimacy – so naturally I was apprehensive regarding Benjamin’s new love interest. Needless to say though, I found myself once again eagerly lapping up every page of the sweetly naïve Benjamin’s debauched and yet strangely charming story.And in actuality, Benjamin’s relationship with Frederick made perfect sense. As the men share not only the same sexual inclinations that neither were entirely aware of prior to one of Benjamin’s indiscretions (involving a hot as fook g/bang), but they're almost mirrored in class and backgrounds and their love of art, making their very close relationship easier to maintain in society...and keep secret. Regardless, this certainly wasn't a typical romance in the least anyway. In fact, I'd say this Regency romp definitely focused on Benjamin's sexual awakening, and more so his self-acceptance even. He's been so convinced for half his life that he's slowly wasting away due to his ‘affliction’….yep, you simply can’t read this without LOLing like crazy….that the burden that's lifted when Frederick lovingly explains how perfectly normal and freeing and..just damn great..sex (esp in a loving relationship) can be, is practically tangible. Seeing Benjamin finally happy, care-free and bold in his sexuality, and with like-minded others to boot, was beautiful, I felt.This couple do get their very own style of HEA that certainly works for them, although again, a traditional romance it ain't, as these guys have an unashamed open relationship. And as I've said countless times, I'm not crazy about this in my MM reads usually, however, it works in this instance. Unquestionably, I think, because Frederick (who's undoubtedly the more dominant of the two) doesn't partake, but instead thrills at the voyeuristic aspect and also in orchestrating his lover's sexcapades. All in all, a crazy-hot read, but also sweet and so much fun.

Extremely well written book, about a man coming to terms with his sexuality . Not really my cup of tea but thought I would read something different and quite glad I did.

Quando ho letto che KA Merikan avrebbero rivisitato un loro vecchio libro, che avevo letto tempo prima e che avevo trovato molto interessante per la sua diversità e unicità, non vedevo l'ora di leggerlo. Ora che ho potuto leggerlo, visto che sono state tanto gentili da regalare una copia ad un numero limitato di fan, devo dire che l'ho amato ancora di più. Grazie all'introduzione del personaggio di Frederick, che giocherà un ruolo importante nella vita del protagonista, Benjamin, fin dalla tenera età, il libro prende una piega diversa alla fine, mostrando un altro lato del protagonista, che grazie a questa persona scoprirà il vero se stesso, finalmente trovando la forza di accettarsi per quello che è, senza vergognarsene, anzi, abbracciando il suo vero io. Come l'opera originale, è un libro incentrato sull'erotismo, ma che tocca temi come l'amore, l'accettazione di se stessi e della propria sessualità. Se volete trascorrere una giornata leggendo di un ragazzo innocente, alla scoperta di se stesso e della propria sessualità, vi consiglio questo libro bellissimo.

More like 4.5* Wow! *fans self* Where do I start? I always learn something new with these ladies and this time it was about onanism, in particular a professed onanist named Benjamin, and his struggles with his affliction. Well, my eyes were damn well opened!Despite my frustration with the naivete of Benjamin's character I was entranced with his "therapy" and found myself looking around to make sure nobody was reading over my shoulder. I don't want to give too much away but the title work "The Art of Mutual Pleasure" is perfection.I received an ARC copy to prompt a review but I'll be buying a copy to support this wonderful writing team, who continue to delve into the little-know pleasures and bring them into the light for us to enjoy.