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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
scorchingnix's review
4.0
FTC: I requested this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review. I do love this author’s work and did request the book on the basis of her name.
This novel is a shorty but I liked it. Jeremy was, of course, a lovely Dom who was completely enamored by Becca. I enjoyed his realistic views on their relationship, his admittance that, as much as he liked her, if she wasn’t submissive it was not ever going to work as he couldn’t abandon a part of himself for her. I obviously enjoyed his kinky side but he wasn’t overbearing with it. He let her make up her mind without pushing her into any decisions and respecting her ability to run her own life; he was a nice guy Dom.
Becca was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand I adored her willingness to explore her sexuality with Jeremy. There was very little that she said no to and so she tried bondage, spanking, wax-play and mild masochism in the space of this little book. She was so eager to put the past behind her that she grabbed onto life with both hands. The issue I with her was the amount of times she compared Jeremy to her ex. He was abusive and that was still a fresh memory for her but I did feel sorry for Jeremy because her constant comparisons made him question his actions towards her. I felt maybe that she wasn’t ready for this type of relationship and that made me a little weary of the HFN. He was more than aware of what he was letting himself in for but I couldn’t help worry that his heart was drowning out some serious warning signs.
The sex was a constant theme throughout the book and it was very much fun. It all had a kinky edge and the chemistry between them was combustible; Jodie Griffin writes very hot sex scenes.
Overall, this was a very sexy novella that definitely had me reaching for the fans. With mild BDSM and lots of hot sex, this one is one for fans of erotic romance.
This novel is a shorty but I liked it. Jeremy was, of course, a lovely Dom who was completely enamored by Becca. I enjoyed his realistic views on their relationship, his admittance that, as much as he liked her, if she wasn’t submissive it was not ever going to work as he couldn’t abandon a part of himself for her. I obviously enjoyed his kinky side but he wasn’t overbearing with it. He let her make up her mind without pushing her into any decisions and respecting her ability to run her own life; he was a nice guy Dom.
Becca was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand I adored her willingness to explore her sexuality with Jeremy. There was very little that she said no to and so she tried bondage, spanking, wax-play and mild masochism in the space of this little book. She was so eager to put the past behind her that she grabbed onto life with both hands. The issue I with her was the amount of times she compared Jeremy to her ex. He was abusive and that was still a fresh memory for her but I did feel sorry for Jeremy because her constant comparisons made him question his actions towards her. I felt maybe that she wasn’t ready for this type of relationship and that made me a little weary of the HFN. He was more than aware of what he was letting himself in for but I couldn’t help worry that his heart was drowning out some serious warning signs.
The sex was a constant theme throughout the book and it was very much fun. It all had a kinky edge and the chemistry between them was combustible; Jodie Griffin writes very hot sex scenes.
Overall, this was a very sexy novella that definitely had me reaching for the fans. With mild BDSM and lots of hot sex, this one is one for fans of erotic romance.
kerribookhoarder'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.
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