What happens when a man does the unthinkable?

In this modern and magically profound debut novel, Alexander Helas delivers a masterful, thought-provoking vision on the struggle of free will at the hands of society's quest for progress. Christian Matters is a neurotic architect living in Chicago, but thrown off his routine by a bizarre episode he blames the whiskey on, he abandons his promising career, girlfriend, and home for a life-changing journey to California.

There, he meets a cavalier aristocrat named Lester Rothschild and the extravagant musician Ella Athens. Mysterious and insane, Lester takes Christian on his adventure to open Société, the most luxurious entertainment complex at the heart of the world's richest city.

But, with the chance meeting of an unlikely visitor and the sudden death of a lover, colliding events lead him to unravel the true ambitions behind the greatly anticipated opening of Société, where he discovers the fate of something much greater is at stake.

Amatore's Restaurant: The international cast of the Recreative Theatre Company meet for their end-of-season dinner at Ristorante Amatore. As the evening progresses, each guest recalls a past liaison, an encounter which has made an impression in their life: narratives of love and tales of deceit.

Will Prudence ever discover the identity of the elusive stranger she meets on a train? Just how much of a con-man is Monsieur Raul? Has Cordelia's unconventional approach to men proved to be a success? A common theme begins to unfold: hidden truths behind the motives for seduction.

As the evening draws to a close, emotions rise to the surface. Declarations of love are expressed, jealousies and resentments run deep. Who will think back to the evening as a success and who will regard it as nothing more than a disaster?

Intriguing, erotic, insightful and perceptive. This novel explores the relationship between characters with a refreshing approach to the theme of seduction.

Part Two: Sensual Desires - Another seven episodes from Amatore's Restaurant. New characters come into play: The imaginative wife Samantha, the mysterious Frau Eisler, and the psychopathic Nicole, each manipulating the situation to suit their own purpose.

From the stormy atmosphere of Spain to the exotic forests of Brazil and the rolling countryside of Brittany; evocative settings which provide a perfect background for these engrossing characters.

Note: This book contains adult content; there are passages which describe sex explicitly.