The feminist Fifty Shades of Grey, Becoming Venus is one woman’s journey of sexual self-discovery through Melbourne’s underground sex clubs. A debut novel from viral sensation Esmé Louise James (Kinky History creator with 3.5m+ followers).


Years after PhD student and literature tutor Rose thought she’d left Adrian in the past, an impulsive message pulls her back into his orbit. It reignites a spark long since buried beneath the weight of her carefully constructed life. Five years ago, their fleeting night together left her in a whirlwind of desire that continues to haunt her fantasies. Now, only a few weeks after ending her long-term relationship with financier Sebastian, Rose finds herself reaching out again.

Loosely inspired by the erotic classic Fanny Hill and set against the vibrant backdrop of Melbourne, Rose becomes drawn into a seductive underground of erotic clubs and play, leading her into new realms of sexual exploration and empowerment. It’s here she begins to redefine and understand her identity and boundaries. Exhilarated but terrified by this new world opening up to her, Rose begins to understand that what she wants is far more complex than she has ever allowed herself to believe.

Forced to confront the scars of her past, Rose redefines her understanding of intimacy, trust and what it means to truly know yourself and your desires.