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The Art of Worship

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"Son, you are here to receive a precious gift. It is one that my father bestowed upon me, and that his father bestowed upon him—one I will pass on to you now and expect that you give to your own sons when it is time."

"You are a Whitney, and were therefore born with certain natural—endowments—that predispose you to success with women. But, there is a beauty in sex which, if you could only grow to appreciate it—an art which, if you could only commit to learning it—will bring you and the women in your life such divine fulfillment as most mortals never know. It is the art of worship, Reed, and it has very little to do with sex."

133 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2017

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About the author

Kilby Blades

33 books468 followers
Kilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).

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5 stars
38 (56%)
4 stars
16 (23%)
3 stars
11 (16%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for SuperWendy.
992 reviews257 followers
June 20, 2018
Well, here it is. The novella/short story that proves that even I can be a prude. Yes, the reader who rode the wave of the birth of erotic romance (as a marketing label) and still reads Black Lace - this one was a bridge too far for me. I don't want to read about high school seniors (yes, I KNOW they're 18) having explicit sex with each other. I don't want to read about the 18-year-old kid having frank discussions with his father on how to get his girlfriend to orgasm (ew, just so much no) or the 18-year-old girlfriend having discussions with her BOYFRIEND'S MOTHER about orgasms and oral sex.

No. So much no. A mountain of no.
Profile Image for E.M. Swift-Hook.
Author 48 books198 followers
October 31, 2017
Sex as it really is lived - for a YA audience.

“You are a Whitney, and were therefore born with certain natural—endowments—that predispose you to success with women.”

At 18 Reed Whitney is taken into his father’s study and entrusted with a family secret that goes back generations. he is at first embarrassed and appalled, but he soon learns to value and appreciate the gift of the Whitney heritage - and so does his girlfriend, Aubrey.

This is a book that maybe every 16-18 year-old considering or setting out on a sexual relationship should read. as the author herself explains at the end, it is the antidote to all the unrealistic porn young people have been exposed to from a very young age. It takes the reality of sex and it shows how that can and should work in a real and loving relationship. In this day and age when many men seem to lack the guidelines they need to understand consent, this is a way to make sure they get it right from the start.

“Your job isn’t to be the best sex she’s ever had. It’s to show her to expect nothing less from any man than the utmost respect,”

Schools that teach sex and Relationship lessons to their late teens might do well to look at this book for any ‘recommended reading’ list. But don’t get me wrong, it is not written as a textbook, it is well written in a warm and witty typically YA way (even in excruciating present tense which that generation seem to like but I abhor) which will break the ice of embarrassment and inform young people of the real facts of life - as they are lived out in a real relationship.

Aside the present tense and the fact that most over the age of 20 - and maybe some under it - might find it a bit too liberal in terms of the parent-child relationships and openness, it is hard to fault this for achieving the purpose it aims to achieve.
Profile Image for Ed Morawski.
Author 36 books46 followers
September 4, 2017
I pretty much knew this was going to get 5 stars from about page two. Although it is a sweet and touching kind of a love story about a family and their friends, this is also one of the sexiest books I’ve ever read. I would have to describe it as a sex manual disguised as a novel and it should be required reading for every teenage boy – and probably all teenage girls (so they know what to expect and demand and the way things should be between lovers).

The techniques (or rules) described herein are ones that I myself have believed and practiced over the years. Long ago I met a girl I was very fond of. I worked hard to get her attention and slowly build up her trust and interest and I wasn’t about to mess up our first sexual encounter. During our first extended foreplay I did almost exactly what the author writes here and at one point the girl whispered in my ear: “This is like one of my fantasies, but it’s real!” I was never so proud of myself. We remained lovers for many years. Not boasting, just saying this is how women want to be treated and loved, and it pays big dividends.

There’s not much else to say except it’s wonderfully written and right on the money. I can’t resist a minor criticism concerning a brief section where the Chief of police was handling a gun, a Walther PPK, alluding it was a powerful weapon, when in fact that model is a puny .32 caliber without real stopping power. (And for the record, modifying a gun’s trigger pull is not illegal anywhere as far as I know).

That aside I loved the book and will give a copy to my grandsons when they come of age... So, boys and men, listen to Kilby Blades and follow the Art of Worship, and you and your lovers will be very, very happy people.
Profile Image for Robin Peacock.
Author 17 books30 followers
September 3, 2017
What a delight! I read this book in one sitting and left it wanting more, much more. The writing style is light without being flaky, explicit without being even close to pornographic, and amusing without being frivolous. I found only one instance of the use of the passive voice in the whole book. The word, was, occurs once! Those of you who know my abhorrence of the passive voice in novels, any type of novel, know that this pleases me inordinately. To anyone who has difficulty writing in the active voice, I suggest you read this exquisite novel and see just how it can be done, and done so beautifully. (and see how sometimes, the passive voice works just fine!)
The story is of no real consequence to me since all I am interested in is the quality of the writing. If a novel is well-written, I will happily read anything. This novel is well-written. It revolves around a few excellent pieces of advice, traditionally handed down from father to son. This advice is all about how to please a woman, something many men fail to manage, however much experience they think they might have. This book should be required reading for every high-school student, of both sexes, any sex, come to that.
I have no hesitation in awarding this short but delightful treasure, 5 stars.
Profile Image for Ksandra.
581 reviews26 followers
August 12, 2017
5/5 Stars

If I could give more stars to this novella I would. That is how phenomenal this book is. In a previous review of Kilby's works, I used the word transcendent. And I find that word also fits this novel.

But this novel is more than just sex filled literature. It is a story, and a rather useful learning tool for those new (and even not new!) to sex. It revolves around the Whitney family, specifically the Whitney men. And for generations the men have passed along a set of Rules to their sons when it comes to women: The Art of Worship.

These rules let men know that they need to pay attention to all the signs a woman shows-not just the sexual ones. It discusses how to give and take, from both a male and female perspective. Honestly, this is one heck of a way to give a sex talk, but damn, it delivers.

I can't wait to see what Kilby has planned for her next novel.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 26 books233 followers
November 22, 2017
Recap: Reed Whitney is turning 18, time for his father to pass on the family wisdom about sex and how to please his partner.

Review: At first I felt slightly uncomfortable like I was a fly on the wall during a highly intimate conversation between father and son. But then I realised there were several important messages in this little book. It's important to be able to talk frankly with your parents about your sex life, that is a safe space, much better than getting into trouble with unwanted pregnancy, STDs and even worse non-consensual sex. It's also a good idea to have an inkling about what you're getting into, so to speak, the courage to talk with your partner about their likes and dislikes, rather than treating the whole event as a 30-second porno. The writing style is confident, the sex scenes are graphic but not needlessly so, the family relationships are actually kinda sweet and I'll admit I preferred reading the 'story' than the action. As a guidebook for YA's dipping their toe into sexual relations, I can see this book being more helpful than not.
Profile Image for Neil Carstairs.
Author 13 books43 followers
November 1, 2017
A short but enjoyable erotic romance following Reed as he learns about love and romance from his father. The lessons he learns are how to love properly, not just physically but with heart and emotion. The journey that he and girlfriend Aubrey go on will make any reader smile. The writing is nicely paced, keeping the story moving as well as giving the reader a feel for all of the characters. My only minor quibble is that each chapter is written from the first person point of view of the main characters, switching between Reed, Aubery, his dad and his mom. In such a short novel this didn't quite work for me.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,288 reviews
April 1, 2020
Freaking Amazing

This book is tremendous. Even short of 100 pages, it has all the sexual tension, creative encounters, and unique story that I wanted in an erotic romance novella. But it also has exceptional insight into all the non-clinical elements of sex: the connection, the learning curve, the different gender perspectives. It's really beautiful.

I intend this as a compliment: parts of this book should be included in the conversation of sex education. There's so much respect and openness. I was blown away. Wish someone had had those conversations with me (or anyone I ever slept with).

I absolutely, unequivocally recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
August 19, 2017
Reed is a senior in high school and his relationship with his girlfriend Aubrey is getting serious and they are thinking about have sex. Reed’s mother and father see the writing on the wall and they decide that his father needs to sit down and discuss the “rules” of pleasing a woman.

I loved this book as it is so different and the awkwardness and humor of their talks shine through. I also liked how Reed began to appreciate that once he tried a few of the rules he realized his father might actually know what he is talking about. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for David Tucker.
Author 1 book48 followers
September 18, 2017
Yep, this book ticked all the boxes and was a good all round read. It had a good plot, enjoyable characters I wanted to know more about and find what each person perspective would add.

I liked the way we flipped to new eyes as we explored each characters head space and I felt the perspective was a good change for me, as I read lots of novels talking from more omniscient eyes.

I would recommend this novel as a flight companion or read in a coffee shop, it’s not revolutionary but a well-constructed and thought out package that just works. I quite enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Limecello.
2,126 reviews30 followers
March 14, 2018
I ... this book had ... no ... real point?
Which ... I mean I am not its target audience.
I do NOT want to read erotic explicit sex scenes between 18 year olds.
N-CA

And then also the mom talking to her son's girlfriend about him giving her orgasms and her giving in blow jobs and just ... *shakes head* no ....

I did like the love and connection between the parents - really wish it had been a book about them, and if/when there were the kids they would've been the secondary focus.
Others might like it - or like [much] younger readers with a "this is what to hope for"?]

D-
331 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2017
The Art of Worship is a fun short read. This is about Preston passing on to his son, Reed the Whitney family wisdom. It's also about Reed and Aubrey's relationship. I absolutely loved this story and this family. The characters are wonderful, I loved the interactions between them. The writing is outstanding and just had me hooked from the beginning. The ending left me happy and with a smile. A very enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Erin Daniels.
Author 3 books73 followers
November 30, 2017
The Art of Worship proves Snapdragon was no fluke! This gem amazed me, captivated me and surprised me with how quietly brilliant it was. This is the novella Laura Kinsale would have written if she were remotely interested in the 21st century lol. The writing is precise, the story is light and momentous at the same time and the craftmanship of the sexual content was done with a scalpel as opposed to Thor's hammer. Sophisticated and substantial - an easy 5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Raquel.
378 reviews70 followers
January 29, 2019
First off, NEVER HAVE I EVER heard of parents talking this way to their children about sex. Like. Never. In fact, most of my (meager) knowledge about sex comes from books I've read, movies and tv shows I've seen, and the little research I've done myself.

I truly want this conversation to be taken for granted... as in something that everybody does. This book, while at times a little weird, was funny and approached sex with both an adult point of view and a young adult point of view. Now mind, they are eighteen so they are considered adults in America, but that shoudn't matter. The characters in this story are merely vessels that deliver a an important message: TALK ABOUT SEX WITH YOUR KIDS.

Kilby Blades made me laugh while simultaneously providing me with knowledge about sex. Which seemed impossible. I was actually really hesitant to read this book because of the subject matter and just everything about it. But honestly I'm glad I did. It kind o opened my eyes to the fact that perhaps more discussions should be had about sex and its permutations. And not just focus on the pro abstinence lessons being taught in public schools.

I forget where I heard it but a quote I quite like about sex goes something like this: I don't understand what is humans' obsession with sex. It's considered a taboo subject but then we put it everywhere and one can't hide from i.

i am a firm believer of taking away the mystery of anything. It makes whatever it is seem a thousand times less evil and less enticing. It takes away the forbidden-ness of it.

Maybe school districts should have this book on hold for everyone. I know I'm going to be referencing it for years to come.
13 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2018
This snappy page-turner is fascinating. Curiosity and clear lessons on the art of worshiping a lover should be read by parents who want to understand that honesty goes a long way in teaching lessons of love and sensuality. The passing down of traditions is common-place. But the passing down of the tradition of making art of worshipping one's lover takes the reader beyond erotica and into lessons on being vulnerable when revealing the secrets of the art AND worship of love and lovers. This is writing that the reader can actually see, hear, taste, smell, and FEEL. She killed it in this novella. Short and one that you can't put down. SIX STARS FOR ME!
Profile Image for Primrose Passage.
71 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2017
I loved this book. It's a short read, and very well-written. It's about Preston passing on the sexual rules of his ancestors to his son, Reed. He learns how to look past his own sexual desire in order to please his girlfriend, Aubrey. This book goes into much more detail that I refuse to spoil. Aubrey's father is worried about letting his daughter go but isn't naive to think she isn't coming into her own sexually. Kate and Preston guide those young teenagers, and it's definitely what I think most kids that age should be learning instead of warning against intercourse because they're just going to do it anyway. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. I look forward to reading more from this Author. (ARC)
Profile Image for L.N. Denison.
Author 5 books198 followers
September 12, 2017
What a superb little read this was. Throughout most of the book we are focussed on Reed Whitney, who's father, Preston has been instilling his wisdom on him, as regard to the ways of treating women (in this case, Aubrey) and the finer points of their sexual encounters. Explaining how he'd used the same techniques on Kate, his wife.

The story itself is told in the first person POV, and from five different perspectives. Each character bringing a little something to an already fantastic read. Everything about this story was well done, from the dialogue to the subtle description of each sexual encounter that Reed and Aubrey had.

This was an easy read for me, no hurdles to be jumped. Just a nice little page turner.

A full and deserved 5* given...outstanding!

1,806 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2019
This author hit it out of the park with this one. Such a wonderful, unusual premise and how much better would couples’ love lives be if this happened for real. When a young man wants to initiate a sexual relationship with his girlfriend he goes to his father for advice. And oh boy does he get it. All the sensual secrets to making a woman sexual satisfied is passed along from father to son(s) for generations. Reed sees how happy his parents are and he wants the same with his future wife. What transpires is so sexy and steamy. Reed takes good notes and it’s hot! Just terrific!
Profile Image for Sue Ouellet-Cofsky.
2,229 reviews30 followers
March 15, 2018
I was absolutely pleasantly surprised at how good this book was. I've never read Kilby Blades before, but I am thrilled to have found her now. This book should be read by all men before they ever have any kind of sex because it could truly be the best "help" they'd ever have in learning what a woman needs before they just plow ahead. I loved the relationships here, between Reed and Aubrey, Preston and Kate, as well as Preston and Reed. The honesty to make sure that their women come first (in several different ways) was refreshing. I'm already gifting this one to friends, I loved it so much!
Profile Image for T. Rosado.
1,786 reviews59 followers
October 12, 2021
I'm fairly certain this wasn't written to be completely realistic, but it definitely has merit. If our older children (males even more) had the education that Reed experiences, there would be many more respectful young women and men in the world. Although the book was explicit, there was a message beyond just sexual instruction. I loved the ultimate message in another well-written book by this author.
6,505 reviews30 followers
August 11, 2017
Lord! What a read. This is a well-written book. A fantastic plot and characters. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
49 reviews13 followers
August 16, 2017
Just wanted to say this was and is a very fun read. The embarrassment of the teens and how forward the parents are. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Mary aka scooby.
250 reviews
August 16, 2017
a must read. what a different concept for a book. I really enjoyed the parent ,teen relationship. i loved the fumbles and embarrassment ,the emotions.
Profile Image for Bklover08-Valerie.
99 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2017
Steamy young love

So, who wouldn't want to have a lover whose greatest desire is to please you? Father teaches his son "the rules" about love and women and satisfaction. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Shannon Combs.
43 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2017
Awesome. If only all parents were like this. There would be a lot less adultery lol hilarious. Sexy Hot. All you need for a good mites dream.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,383 reviews373 followers
August 5, 2018
I like this final version of the story just as much as when it was: “You are a Cullen, and were therefore born with certain natural—endowments—that predispose you to success with women.”
Profile Image for Amy Dickinson.
1,389 reviews39 followers
January 31, 2019
I found Kilby Blades with her Snapdragon duet. There was something innately beautiful about that story, and her style mesmerized me. I gobbled those two books up quickly. Then, I received a notification for an ARC for The Art of Worship, and I agreed wholeheartedly to read the ARC for an honest review. And I was not disappointed.

For one, this book is more novella. It isn't a long story, so it is easy to read. I read it in one sitting because (1) it isn't very long and (2) it presents an interesting idea. The idea is the second reason that I love this book. The story follows Preston, his son, Reed, his son's girlfriend, Aubrey, and Preston's wife, Kate. Yes, there are multiple viewpoints with this story. It tells the story of a familial tradition of teaching a young man the finer art of sex (with the need to worship the woman). Yes, Preston and his 18-year old son discuss this topic, but it is done in such a way that it respects women. It focuses on this act in the realm of a committed relationship, and it holds this relationship in high regards. The lessons that Preston give his son are heartfelt, and they show a mature, caring father-son relationship. To offer insight into the female reception of these lessons, we are given the points of view of Aubrey and Kate. Their POVs offer a balance to the men's discussion.

Again, I have not come across the perspective of this book, so it makes for an exciting read. All of the characters are consenting, of an adult age, so this isn't awkward. Instead, this book offers a perspective on a difficult discussion that gives one hope for their experiences as a parent granting wisdom to one's child. Read this book...
3,226 reviews33 followers
January 28, 2019
Behind the study door a wealth of whiskey and wisdom awaits!😋
January 27, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🔥💏
Interesting coming of age concept, executed with a stream of🔥 hot clinches and heart to heart talks between the generations. As teenage Reed's father and mother pass on their wisdom about how to ace a relationship, Reed and girlfriend Aubrey take the advice to heart. And even pop Preston and mom Kate have their intense private moments! The result is outright steamy and yet endearingly awkward and romantic as well.

This is only the second work by this author I've read and, of the two, I preferred Friended, which focuses on the highs and lows of teenage romance but is done in a sweeter strain with a great playlist that parallels the story.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,586 reviews63 followers
February 1, 2019
Kilby Blades’ The Art of Worship should be filed under fantasy - as it’s a fantasy that dada and sons would have these sort of frank conversations. Having said that, it’s a lovely fantasy and a really enjoyable book. It’s definitely how the world should be and would save all sorts of awkwardness in the YA years. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband (who has been rolling his eyes at me while typing) from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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