foreverbeautifulbooks's review
5.0
Well, it would appear that my strange need for holiday reads has landed me yet another great BDSM read.
I was very worried about this one when I dove into it. It was walking on that turf with some domestic abuse, and the lead female needing some more intense play in the bedroom. When it was discovered that Rebeccah had all these desires while in her emotionally and verbally abusive relationship--I knew that I would be able to enjoy this story. I enjoyed it more because you weren't dealing with a man that as Dominant and uncaring. He didn't go balls to the walls and demand she get over her abuse with whips and chains. He literally baby steps her into it, even if she is annoyed by the baby steps, I was so proud of Jodie for doing this! I appreciated the story on so many levels for her not using the BDSM as a form of therapy.
The lead characters NEEDS it, she doesn't WANT it as a means to get over her abuse. That would have put me off.
And Jeremy... Oh, Jeremy how do I love thee!
Once you goes into Dom mode, I think my tummy bottomed out and my whole body got the tingles. Let me give you an example shall I?
I found that he was one of the most well written sugar kink doms. That could be because I got sick of all the same ole' same ole' pseudo Christian Grey mildly abusive doms that every woman swoons over.
Well, I swooened over Jeremy. Because once he was certain her could handle Becca with his full board doms hands--the games were on.
The book was sexy and had a ton of heart with is what I look for in Holiday reads. I believed that these two people were in love, and could last. Becca wasn't a push over. She owned herself and her sexuality even after the horrible marriage she had been stuck in for years.
I felt her struggles when she tried to ask Jeremy what she needed. I heart wept for her. It was honestly one of the best BDSM romance stories I have read. It was unique, sweet, and was able to be super sexy at the same time.
I was a touch disappointed with how easy the ex was handled. He was built up a bit and then ended up being just a big wimp with a whole lot of threats and not a lot of action. At the end of the day I recommend this to all my BDSM readers. Even if it ain't Christmas, this ebook is a deal at $2.51 on Amazon!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Carina Press via NetGalley*
I was very worried about this one when I dove into it. It was walking on that turf with some domestic abuse, and the lead female needing some more intense play in the bedroom. When it was discovered that Rebeccah had all these desires while in her emotionally and verbally abusive relationship--I knew that I would be able to enjoy this story. I enjoyed it more because you weren't dealing with a man that as Dominant and uncaring. He didn't go balls to the walls and demand she get over her abuse with whips and chains. He literally baby steps her into it, even if she is annoyed by the baby steps, I was so proud of Jodie for doing this! I appreciated the story on so many levels for her not using the BDSM as a form of therapy.
The lead characters NEEDS it, she doesn't WANT it as a means to get over her abuse. That would have put me off.
And Jeremy... Oh, Jeremy how do I love thee!
Once you goes into Dom mode, I think my tummy bottomed out and my whole body got the tingles. Let me give you an example shall I?
I found that he was one of the most well written sugar kink doms. That could be because I got sick of all the same ole' same ole' pseudo Christian Grey mildly abusive doms that every woman swoons over.
Well, I swooened over Jeremy. Because once he was certain her could handle Becca with his full board doms hands--the games were on.
The book was sexy and had a ton of heart with is what I look for in Holiday reads. I believed that these two people were in love, and could last. Becca wasn't a push over. She owned herself and her sexuality even after the horrible marriage she had been stuck in for years.
I felt her struggles when she tried to ask Jeremy what she needed. I heart wept for her. It was honestly one of the best BDSM romance stories I have read. It was unique, sweet, and was able to be super sexy at the same time.
I was a touch disappointed with how easy the ex was handled. He was built up a bit and then ended up being just a big wimp with a whole lot of threats and not a lot of action. At the end of the day I recommend this to all my BDSM readers. Even if it ain't Christmas, this ebook is a deal at $2.51 on Amazon!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Carina Press via NetGalley*
berls's review
2.0
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
My Initial Reaction…
Reading Matzoh and Mistletoe right after reading a really great Christmas Erotic Romance probably raised my expectations a bit too high, because I left it feeling underwhelmed. The characters just didn’t do it for me and the sexy moments kept leaving me unsatisfied, but there was a solid story and lots of potential.
The Characters…
Rebeccah had the potential to be a really fantastic character. There’s a lot about her that I really liked. When you first meet Rebeccah, she’s volunteering on Christmas at the local police department – something she does every Christmas and Easter. As a Jew, those days aren’t holidays for her, so she volunteers her time to let more of the police force and support staff be with their families. She’s also a teacher, which for me is generally a solid green light. She’s also just gotten out of a particularly bad marriage, but she’s looking ahead, determined to regain her confidence and her life. So what’s not to like? It was hard for me to figure out, but I think I finally realized that because we don’t get to see the strong, confident, giving woman side of her fleshed out, we’re left with the victim. Victim of spousal abuse who’s having an understandably conflicted time with a DOM/sub relationship. There’s enough there for you to get that she’s refuses to let herself be a victim, but it’s not how we really get to see her.
I think that’s in large part because we spend way too much time inside Jeremy’s head, and that’s exactly how he sees Rebeccah – as a victim. Jeremy, the police officer that Rebeccah has spent the past five years riding with on Christmas and Easter, has had a thing for her since he met her. So when he finds out she’s divorced, he wastes no time staking a claim. But then he finds out about why her marriage ended and he worries that Rebeccah won’t be able to handle his sexual preferences. I wanted to like Jeremy, because he really is considerate and caring with Rebeccah. But he got on my nerves, and I think it all circles around the fact that he wouldn’t stop looking at Rebeccah as a victim. Yes, slowly initiate her into this new-to-her sexual world, but don’t treat her like she’s breakable. It really hurt my impression of both characters, and unfortunately, also the sexual tension between them ended up falling pretty flat for me too.
The Story…
Matzoh and Mistletoe centers on the growing relationship between Jeremy and Rebeccah, who is exploring her sexuality after years in a sexual repressive, not to mention abusive, marriage. Rebeccah is jumping into the deep end with Jeremy, who is a DOM and wants her to be his sub. She struggles with what she wants sexually, though, because of her past experiences with her husband. So Jeremy and Rebeccah are constantly trying to negotiate that line and helping her to grow to a place where she’s more comfortable with her sexuality.
As I’ve already said above, the sexual tension between Rebeccah and Jeremy was strained for me because of the way they were weighed down by her uncertainties and Jeremy’s inability to see her as more than a victim. The story had serious potential, as her past experiences could have added so much, but for me it just dragged. And a good portion of the sex was cut, which isn’t exactly what you expect from an erotica. So I was left pretty unsatisfied on that count.
Concluding Sentiments…
Matzoh and Mistletoe was on of those books that, for me, had lots of potential but ultimately fell kind of flat. It kept me hoping it would deliver and there were moments where it did, but mostly, it just didn’t live up.
This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
My Initial Reaction…
Reading Matzoh and Mistletoe right after reading a really great Christmas Erotic Romance probably raised my expectations a bit too high, because I left it feeling underwhelmed. The characters just didn’t do it for me and the sexy moments kept leaving me unsatisfied, but there was a solid story and lots of potential.
The Characters…
Rebeccah had the potential to be a really fantastic character. There’s a lot about her that I really liked. When you first meet Rebeccah, she’s volunteering on Christmas at the local police department – something she does every Christmas and Easter. As a Jew, those days aren’t holidays for her, so she volunteers her time to let more of the police force and support staff be with their families. She’s also a teacher, which for me is generally a solid green light. She’s also just gotten out of a particularly bad marriage, but she’s looking ahead, determined to regain her confidence and her life. So what’s not to like? It was hard for me to figure out, but I think I finally realized that because we don’t get to see the strong, confident, giving woman side of her fleshed out, we’re left with the victim. Victim of spousal abuse who’s having an understandably conflicted time with a DOM/sub relationship. There’s enough there for you to get that she’s refuses to let herself be a victim, but it’s not how we really get to see her.
I think that’s in large part because we spend way too much time inside Jeremy’s head, and that’s exactly how he sees Rebeccah – as a victim. Jeremy, the police officer that Rebeccah has spent the past five years riding with on Christmas and Easter, has had a thing for her since he met her. So when he finds out she’s divorced, he wastes no time staking a claim. But then he finds out about why her marriage ended and he worries that Rebeccah won’t be able to handle his sexual preferences. I wanted to like Jeremy, because he really is considerate and caring with Rebeccah. But he got on my nerves, and I think it all circles around the fact that he wouldn’t stop looking at Rebeccah as a victim. Yes, slowly initiate her into this new-to-her sexual world, but don’t treat her like she’s breakable. It really hurt my impression of both characters, and unfortunately, also the sexual tension between them ended up falling pretty flat for me too.
The Story…
Matzoh and Mistletoe centers on the growing relationship between Jeremy and Rebeccah, who is exploring her sexuality after years in a sexual repressive, not to mention abusive, marriage. Rebeccah is jumping into the deep end with Jeremy, who is a DOM and wants her to be his sub. She struggles with what she wants sexually, though, because of her past experiences with her husband. So Jeremy and Rebeccah are constantly trying to negotiate that line and helping her to grow to a place where she’s more comfortable with her sexuality.
As I’ve already said above, the sexual tension between Rebeccah and Jeremy was strained for me because of the way they were weighed down by her uncertainties and Jeremy’s inability to see her as more than a victim. The story had serious potential, as her past experiences could have added so much, but for me it just dragged. And a good portion of the sex was cut, which isn’t exactly what you expect from an erotica. So I was left pretty unsatisfied on that count.
Concluding Sentiments…
Matzoh and Mistletoe was on of those books that, for me, had lots of potential but ultimately fell kind of flat. It kept me hoping it would deliver and there were moments where it did, but mostly, it just didn’t live up.
savviecake's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
litjrzygrl's review
4.0
I received an eBook copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
I have not always been a fan of BDSM stories, I feel that sometimes they are just too focused on sex, and I do enjoy a good story along with my hot and steamy. That wasn't a case with this novella. There was a great story and it balanced nicely with the hot and steamy. Also, I liked that the BDSM aspect wasn't so intense that I got turned off by the hot and steamy.
Rebeccah has been volunteering for years on Christmas and Easter so those who celebrate the holidays can be at home with their families. For the last five years, she's been partnered up with a police officer named Jeremy. They have both felt attracted towards the other, but because Rebeccah was married neither one acted on the feelings. This Christmas, however, Rebeccah is single.
Rebeccah left her husband because he was abusive, both mentally and physically. This sets up some interesting scenes in the novella since Jeremy is a sexual dominant. It's a story about trust, and following your heart. Rebeccah wants a relationship with Jeremy and is willing to try, but between his unwillingness to push and her unresolved feelings, it's not an easy journey.
It's not a long journey, I would have really loved to have seen this story stretched out into a full novel. Even saying that, I didn't think the story felt rushed at all, which I really liked.
Originally posted at Little Thoughts About Books.
I have not always been a fan of BDSM stories, I feel that sometimes they are just too focused on sex, and I do enjoy a good story along with my hot and steamy. That wasn't a case with this novella. There was a great story and it balanced nicely with the hot and steamy. Also, I liked that the BDSM aspect wasn't so intense that I got turned off by the hot and steamy.
Rebeccah has been volunteering for years on Christmas and Easter so those who celebrate the holidays can be at home with their families. For the last five years, she's been partnered up with a police officer named Jeremy. They have both felt attracted towards the other, but because Rebeccah was married neither one acted on the feelings. This Christmas, however, Rebeccah is single.
Rebeccah left her husband because he was abusive, both mentally and physically. This sets up some interesting scenes in the novella since Jeremy is a sexual dominant. It's a story about trust, and following your heart. Rebeccah wants a relationship with Jeremy and is willing to try, but between his unwillingness to push and her unresolved feelings, it's not an easy journey.
It's not a long journey, I would have really loved to have seen this story stretched out into a full novel. Even saying that, I didn't think the story felt rushed at all, which I really liked.
Originally posted at Little Thoughts About Books.
hlgarcia3's review
5.0
I was given an advanced copy of this from NetGalley for my honest review.
This was a great story on how you don’t have to be around someone all the time to realize there is a spark there that can ignite a forest. Rebeccah is learning to take things in stride since the ending of her marriage, but now that she is single for the first time since meeting Jeremy she doesn’t know what to do. She is insanely attracted to him and loves working with him but isn’t sure if she’s ready for something more.
Jeremy has had Rebeccah on his mind for the past 5 years. He may have only spent 10 working days with her in that time but she is all he thinks about and who he compares women he dates too. When he discovers that her and her husband have divorced he is beyond ready for his shift to be over so that they can continue the conversation from the hallway (which is hot).
Watching them discover new things about each other and themselves is fantastic. Jeremy is an amazingly sweet guy no matter what his preferences are in the bed room. Rebeccah is now on a journey to discover who is really is and what she really wants out of a relationship.
This erotic tale was done tastefully and was an extremely sexy read. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. 5/5
This was a great story on how you don’t have to be around someone all the time to realize there is a spark there that can ignite a forest. Rebeccah is learning to take things in stride since the ending of her marriage, but now that she is single for the first time since meeting Jeremy she doesn’t know what to do. She is insanely attracted to him and loves working with him but isn’t sure if she’s ready for something more.
Jeremy has had Rebeccah on his mind for the past 5 years. He may have only spent 10 working days with her in that time but she is all he thinks about and who he compares women he dates too. When he discovers that her and her husband have divorced he is beyond ready for his shift to be over so that they can continue the conversation from the hallway (which is hot).
Watching them discover new things about each other and themselves is fantastic. Jeremy is an amazingly sweet guy no matter what his preferences are in the bed room. Rebeccah is now on a journey to discover who is really is and what she really wants out of a relationship.
This erotic tale was done tastefully and was an extremely sexy read. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. 5/5
redhairedashreads's review
5.0
Rebecca Rickman spends every Christmas and Easter volunteering at the police department. She always partners up with the sexy Officer First Class Jeremy Kohler. This year though they are both single and the attraction won’t be held back, not even after she learns about his sexual preferences.
This book was so good. I loved Rebecca and Jeremy’s sexy relationship. They slowly work through all of Rebecca’s trust issues after being abused emotionally, and physically by her ex-husband. She really has problems in the beginning with the dom/sub lifestyle but the more she learns, the more she realizes it’s not abusive, it's actually caring. I loved how emotional those scenes were and how much Rebecca grows over this book. She goes from being a strong woman who is worn down, to reemerging as a confident woman who knows what she wants in the bedroom.
I do wish this was a little bit longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end.
____________________________________________
Romanceopoly 2020 - Moon - Winter
This book was so good. I loved Rebecca and Jeremy’s sexy relationship. They slowly work through all of Rebecca’s trust issues after being abused emotionally, and physically by her ex-husband. She really has problems in the beginning with the dom/sub lifestyle but the more she learns, the more she realizes it’s not abusive, it's actually caring. I loved how emotional those scenes were and how much Rebecca grows over this book. She goes from being a strong woman who is worn down, to reemerging as a confident woman who knows what she wants in the bedroom.
I do wish this was a little bit longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end.
____________________________________________
Romanceopoly 2020 - Moon - Winter
kerrikins's review
3.0
It’s no secret that with the introduction of Fifty Shades of Grey and other series, BDSM has moved closer to the forefront of the romance industry, attracting devoted readers of all ages. Sexy and intriguing, personally, I can see why people are so fascinated with this genre.
Matzoh and Mistletoe brings to us the store of Becca, a sweet Jewish woman who has recently divorced her abusive husband, and Jeremy, a cop with a secret dominant side. The two of them have always had sparks, but now that Becca is single again, they are free to finally explore the tension that exists between them.
The sexual tension between the two characters is well developed in the book, and we are given insights into how both of the characters feel, as well. Griffin writes from both perspectives, giving us an idea of how they both feel about the relationship between them, something I appreciated when it comes to the topic of BDSM.
There were a few areas that needed improvement, however. BDSM is a tricky, tricky subject, and I do give Griffin credit - she’s obviously done research into the lifestyle and it is much, much better than some BDSM out there. That said, I still felt as though it was far too rushed, especially considering Sam’s history. The book is rather short, coming in at around 183 pages, and it would have been nice to see more time spent slowly developing the relationship, the trust and the submission. It’s hard to build up a submissive relationship in a story, but it’s essential because it’s such a deep level of trust.
The lack of exploration of Becca’s recovery from divorcing her husband was another problematic matter for me, especially as it relates to BDSM. The story could have used some more exploration of her emotions and feelings - the attempt is definitely made, but it could have used more.
A quick and easy read, I can easily see this story appealing to those who just want a bit of sexy erotica to pass the time, especially with Christmas just a couple of months away. Those who are familiar with the BDSM lifestyle or who have had any experience with domestic violence may find the book lacking, however.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Matzoh and Mistletoe brings to us the store of Becca, a sweet Jewish woman who has recently divorced her abusive husband, and Jeremy, a cop with a secret dominant side. The two of them have always had sparks, but now that Becca is single again, they are free to finally explore the tension that exists between them.
The sexual tension between the two characters is well developed in the book, and we are given insights into how both of the characters feel, as well. Griffin writes from both perspectives, giving us an idea of how they both feel about the relationship between them, something I appreciated when it comes to the topic of BDSM.
There were a few areas that needed improvement, however. BDSM is a tricky, tricky subject, and I do give Griffin credit - she’s obviously done research into the lifestyle and it is much, much better than some BDSM out there. That said, I still felt as though it was far too rushed, especially considering Sam’s history. The book is rather short, coming in at around 183 pages, and it would have been nice to see more time spent slowly developing the relationship, the trust and the submission. It’s hard to build up a submissive relationship in a story, but it’s essential because it’s such a deep level of trust.
The lack of exploration of Becca’s recovery from divorcing her husband was another problematic matter for me, especially as it relates to BDSM. The story could have used some more exploration of her emotions and feelings - the attempt is definitely made, but it could have used more.
A quick and easy read, I can easily see this story appealing to those who just want a bit of sexy erotica to pass the time, especially with Christmas just a couple of months away. Those who are familiar with the BDSM lifestyle or who have had any experience with domestic violence may find the book lacking, however.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
katiefronk's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse