Review: Dark, Disturbing and Dirty
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
The first in a new series of paranormal erotica, this is Mark Henry’s latest in the darker side of the romance genre. And dark it is. I would liken it to being two parts Exit to Eden, one part American Beauty with a jigger of American Horror Story to keep the reader on edge. Which isn’t to say that it is all gore, because there isn’t any. The disturbing parts of this story are in the sexual misadventures that are strewn about Balustrade. And strewn is more of a description than a euphemism in this situation. In like they are draped across the landscape.We follow Hilary and Jack as they visit Balustrade in an effort to mend their failing marriage. The carnal therapy sessions in the oddly structured Balustrade brings an awakening to the both of them that is almost as shocking and disturbing to them as it is to the reader. It’s hard to say if the unease from the images comes from their more base nature, or just how deviously close they come to skirting real life. And that is where I think this novella really hits home.Everyone has had a stumbling relationship at one point or another. Which makes it all to easy to see yourself in the role of either Hilary, or Jack. Or both. We won’t judge. For me this has always been one of the strengths of Mark Henry – making the imagery difficult enough to disturb, but close enough to draw you in.It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (pun will become apparent to those who read it), but assuming you are a reader of erotica and are a fan of the disturbing paranormal stories, you will find a real gem here. Well worth the price of admission and will have you salivating for the next installment.I would normally use something other than a star rating for this. Like 1-5 nipple clamps, dildos or such, but I don’t want to get fired. So I will just give this one…5 Stars