jackiee's review
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mrsbatts610's review
4.0
Surprisingly, I think this is my favorite Katie Ashley book. Usually, the heroines in her books annoy me with their little miss perfect attitudes and bossiness, but here, it worked. The BDSM isn't close to Cherise Sinclair or Joey Hill, but it's there, and the scenes were good and hot. The twists were a bit predictable to me, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I thought she did a good job of portraying William as a sub without him losing his masculinity.
myownbookshelves's review
1.0
I really wanted to like this book. There are some fellow readers who absolutely loved the story. I couldn't for several reasons. The biggest stand out for me was lack of connection to either leads. For me to like or love a story, I have to have a connection. It didn't occur and I'm going to chalk this up to reader preference. Details in the spoilers on my personal thoughts.
There isn't anything I can complain about dual plot lines or editing. Clearly this story just wasn't meant for me to read. Not everything I choose will hit the cord with me. In this case, I found I couldn't connect. However, you may be able. Please read other reviews before you make a decision. This just wasn't the read I was looking for.
First, up to 46% into the book was the 'scenes' between Sophie and William. I will confess that female Domme stories are not my thing. But the reviews I read had me wondering if I'd change my mind. Nope. Still not my thing. The scenes weren't always appealing so I didn't enjoy. However, as long as we have a good relationship story, I can get past my preference. That's where the second plot line failed for me. I didn't feel like I had a good relationship story. Their time together felt rushed in a few paragraphs in order to get to the twist which I felt like was telegraphed and not new or different plot twist.
Surprise - William is Sophie's boss. Surprise - William and Sophie get outted as it is his 33rd birthday. And Surprise - Sophie pushes him away yet to regret it. I'm being a grade A smart ass. I wasn't surprised. None of the storyline plot twists caught me off guard. Sophie keeps talking like she isn't into the D/s lifestyle. However professional or lifestyle, some of it has to appeal to the character to be believable. Think about actors on the big screen. Yet, she likes the attentiveness of William's "s "behavior so she does D behaviors anyhow all the while protesting her need for the lifestyle. Confusing and not clear what she wants. No, he didn't come off as a submissive to me; he just came off as a really nice guy. I never really understood why he need the pain for pleasure. Maybe I'm supposed to not know. William came off as a doormat which I hate in any character. Then she pushes William aside to suddenly realize she loves him. Okay, she's closed off to EVERYONE in her life: Father, Brother and William. Am I surprised? Nope. She just came off as cold hearted person to me.
There you have it - the first half didn't appeal in the erotic nature and second half relationship left me cold.
There isn't anything I can complain about dual plot lines or editing. Clearly this story just wasn't meant for me to read. Not everything I choose will hit the cord with me. In this case, I found I couldn't connect. However, you may be able. Please read other reviews before you make a decision. This just wasn't the read I was looking for.
Spoiler
First, up to 46% into the book was the 'scenes' between Sophie and William. I will confess that female Domme stories are not my thing. But the reviews I read had me wondering if I'd change my mind. Nope. Still not my thing. The scenes weren't always appealing so I didn't enjoy. However, as long as we have a good relationship story, I can get past my preference. That's where the second plot line failed for me. I didn't feel like I had a good relationship story. Their time together felt rushed in a few paragraphs in order to get to the twist which I felt like was telegraphed and not new or different plot twist.
Surprise - William is Sophie's boss. Surprise - William and Sophie get outted as it is his 33rd birthday. And Surprise - Sophie pushes him away yet to regret it. I'm being a grade A smart ass. I wasn't surprised. None of the storyline plot twists caught me off guard. Sophie keeps talking like she isn't into the D/s lifestyle. However professional or lifestyle, some of it has to appeal to the character to be believable. Think about actors on the big screen. Yet, she likes the attentiveness of William's "s "behavior so she does D behaviors anyhow all the while protesting her need for the lifestyle. Confusing and not clear what she wants. No, he didn't come off as a submissive to me; he just came off as a really nice guy. I never really understood why he need the pain for pleasure. Maybe I'm supposed to not know. William came off as a doormat which I hate in any character. Then she pushes William aside to suddenly realize she loves him. Okay, she's closed off to EVERYONE in her life: Father, Brother and William. Am I surprised? Nope. She just came off as cold hearted person to me.
There you have it - the first half didn't appeal in the erotic nature and second half relationship left me cold.
Spoiler
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